by Richard Uhlhorn
City Administrator Wade Farris introduced Richard Castro (Facilities Specialist) who has been hired to help with City facilities. Farris said they had several quality candidates but that Castro, who was already working at Public Works was the best pick for the job.
Budget Hearing:
Chelan Finance Director Jackie Tupling reported to City Council during Tuesday evening’s Public Hearing on the final budget that it was $25,169,460. She stated that it was $2+ million less than 2023. Council will ratify the 2024 budget at its meeting on December 12.
She stated that costs were up across the board including Liability Insurance. The City will be adding one new position; a Code Enforcement Officer. This position will be filled by a retired and certified law enforcement officer.
Councilman John Olson asked when that position will be filled and City Administrator replied that there isn’t a definite timeline, but hopes by the time the tourist season begins.
Sheriff Mike Morrison also commented that a final contract has not been completed and that those involved have been going back and forth on what the contract will look like. “We need to get back to the prosecutors and commissioners,” said Morrison. “We do have a candidate,” he added.
Olson then brought up the Feral Cat Project who have asked the City for $5,000+ to help. “They are not a 501 (c)3,” said Olson who added that the Chelan Senior Center is taking the project under it umbrella. “There is a lot of interest in that project.”
The project traps feral cats and then has them neutered before returning them to their habitat. An unaltered female with a lifespan of 2-8 years can become pregnant as early as four to five months old and produce 2 to 3 litters each year during her life span. Without spay/neuter programs for feral cats each female can produce up to 200 kittens during her lifetime.
Sheriff’s update:
Sheriff Mike Morrison was on hand to give an update on the Sheriff’s Department. He started his presentation on the County wide Marine Patrol program that was on probation but is now off. “I want to see our program grow,” said Morrison. “Lake Chelan is our primary focus.”
Regarding Traffic Enforcement, Morrison stated that the department doesn’t have the staffing it needs and has been operating with three deputies. Despite being understaffed, the department made 4,048 traffic stops so far in 2023, which is more than has ever been made in the County.
The Sheriff’s Department is the only agency that does not have body cameras. “We are working hard at getting them and have applied for a $100,000 grant for technology upgrades.” Those upgrades will include a $10,000 drone system.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked if the department would do more foot patrols and whether or not foot patrols are practical or useful. He mentioned the bridge jumping issue.
Morrison replied that he would like to see more foot patrols to build relationships with the community. “I believe it is important to get out there.”
All Things Lake Chelan 