by Richard Uhlhorn
The City of Chelan moved into a new era of governance last night, Tuesday, January 2, when Erin McCardle and three new councilmen plus Mark Ericks were sworn in.
Mayor McCardle and the council assumed their seats and McCardle immediately got to the business of the Mayor Pro-Tem position. “Usually the most senior member of the council is selected as Mayor Pro Tem,” stated McCardle. “Tim Hollingsworth is the most senior.” Councilman Mark Ericks made the motion to approve Hollingsworth and the council voted for the motion.
Once the three new councilmembers: Terry Sanders, Brad Chitty and Jon Higgins were seated the workshop went into its business of the day.
Aviation Fuel Tax diversion:
First on the agenda was the “Diversion of Aviation Fuel Taxes” and the request for the city to join the coalition suing the State for diverting fuel taxes to other state uses. The amount of money diverted according to City Administrator Wade Farris amounts to an estimated $21 million per year that is under FAA rules supposed to be for aeronautical purposes only. “It turns out they’ve been doing other things,” said Farris.
Apparently whe00n called on this issue, the Airport authorities received no response from the state so the Chelan/Douglas Regional Port Authority decided to go through legal proceedings to help the coalition to rectify the issue.
“They are asking the City for S1,000,” said Farris. “They may come back for more. It is something we want to get going as soon as possible.”
Farris reported that the Port of Chelan County is giving $7,500.00 to the effort with Sea-Tac providing $25,000.00 and Spokane $10,000.00.
The Council approved a $1,000 contribution to the effort.
Council Liaison Positions:
Every year Council members are asked which liaison positions they would like to assume. McCardle began the discussion with the Council based on a spreadsheet they were provided.
Council members indicate their interest to liaise with the following agencies:
Cascadia Conservation District; Chelan County Sheriff’s Department Oversight Committee; CC Solid Waste Council; CC Fire District 7; Chelan Valley Housing Trust; Chelan/Douglas Transportation Council; Emergency Management Program; Historic Downtown Chelan Association; Lake Chelan Arts Council; Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce Board; Lake Chelan Research Institute; Lake Chelan Watershed Planning Unit; LEOFF Retirement Board; Link Transit Board; NCW Economic Development District; Parks Board; Planning Commission; Port of Chelan County; Public Facilities District; Chelan County PUD; and the Lake Chelan School District. What should be added is a person to liaise with the Hospital District.
“We have had good representation at the Port and it is definitely important.”
Tim Hollingsworth said he would continue to serve the Watershed Planning Unit and the Public Facilities District (Town Toyota). Referring to the Watershed Planning Unit, Hollingsworth stated that John Olson had been attending the meetings this past year. “It is an important group dealing with water rights and lake quality,” said Hollingsworth.
Hollingsworth also said it was important to stay engaged with the Chelan/Douglas County Housing District. “Having a voice at the regional level is important.”
Terry Sanders stated he was interested in serving as a liaison with the Parks Board and the Chamber of Commerce. Mark Ericks indicated that he would like to continue on the Sheriff’s Oversight Committee. He comes with a lot of law enforcement background.
Jon Higgins indicated he was interested in serving as a liaison with the Fire District and the School District. Brad Chitty is interested in serving on the Parks Board also.
Tim Hollingsworth added that he would continue as the City’s liaison with Town Toyota Center.
The Council will digest the information they have and address the final liaisons at the next Council meeting on January 9.
Mayor McCardle has created a “real” simple reporting sheet for City Liaisons to report on their positions at Council’s second meeting of the month.
Open Council Seat:
McCardle’s council seat is currently open. Interested applicants had until January 2 to apply for the position. According to Farris, the City has received eight applications. The Council will hear each applicants reason for wanting to fill the seat at the January 9 council meeting. The sitting Council will retire in executive session to determine who will take over McCardle’s old seat.
Council 2024 Priorities:
Farris reported on Council priorities for 2024 which include the East Water Project (TIF) and the City’s efforts to seek State and Federal funding to help pay for that project which hopefully will diminish the Junior Taxing District’s contributions.
The City has retained a Federal Lobbyist to help with the funding issue on a federal level. The City’s grant writer/funding consultant will work the State for other funding options.
Number two on the list of priorities is Affordable Housing. “We need to take advantage of the legislative appropriations for the State,” said Farris. A legislative priority list will be presented at the January 26th Council meeting.
Farris said the priority list will be narrowed down to three to five projects that will have a major impact on the community.
Public Works agenda:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren gave a quick synopsis of the department’s $4.8 million in projects under contract. He also remarked that Storm Water is an interesting issue with the City. “We don’t have enough allocations for storm water, but have applied for a $250,000 grant from the Department of Ecology (DOE) to address storm water,” said Youngren.
He also brought up the proposed Northshore Pathway and how Chelan has the most favorable chance of securing federal funding for that project. He mentioned the ongoing Imagine Downtown project with the HDCA which is pegged at $4 million to bring to fruition.
Parks:
Paul Horne reported that the Parks Department is looking at bringing the RV Park up to today’s standards. He also mentioned the Athletic Fields and the proposed community park project along with the Golf Course irrigation project. “There are long term plans to finance these projects,” said Horne.
Housekeeping:
City Clerk Peri Gallucci told the new councilmembers that she would be setting up secure emails for them.
Mayor McCardle thanked everyone for participating in the workshop and adjourned the meeting.
All Things Lake Chelan 