by Richard Uhlhorn
SHORT TERM RENTALS:
“There are a lot of people out there operating (STRs) without a license,” said Manson Community Council’s chair, Kari Sorenson.
The discussion, a part of the Council’s Tuesday evening agenda, was a part of the ongoing issues with Short Term Rentals in the County and particularly in Manson. Brian Patterson, reported to the Council that the County has revisited its STR code and said the cap on STRs is at 6%. However, in the Manson UGA (Urban Growth Area) the cap is at 9%.
This does not include Wapato Point’s condominiums and/or private homes on the point.
The Council is asking the County to only allow a STR license to transfer to one home buyer after which, if the home is resold again, the new owners would be required to re-up its license to operate.
“It has taken a few years to revisit the code,” said Sorenson.
GRANGE HALL:
Phyliss Kollmeyer, a representative of the Grange Hall’s Capital Improvement committee visited with the Council about its Capital Improvement Project for the 70 year old building.
The building has been a community center for a number of organizations from agencies to non-profits. It was the meeting place for the Manson Kiwanis for many years. Each year, the Apple Blossom event uses the Grange for its early morning breakfast and for the Quilt Guild show.
“We have partnered with Manson Parks,” said Kollmeyer. She mentioned that a pickle ball court has been added to the events along with its Zumba Toning and Line Dancing events. “The goal is to make it affordable.”
The first phase of the improvement project is the downstairs bathrooms. The entire revitalization project will cost an estimated $500,000. The proposed phases are listed below.
Phase 1 – Basement Restrooms. Renovate the two existing bathrooms and modify for universally accessible access – $45,000
- Phase 2 – New HVAC System. Replace basement furnace/AC, basement windows, and upstairs heat pump – $37,900
- Phase 3 – Accessible Ramp Roof. Construct a roof over the accessible ramp – $47,600
- Phase 4 – Accessible Ramp. Construct two hundred feet of accessible ramps to provide accessibility to each floor – $187,000
- Phase 5 – Upstairs Restrooms. Enlarge and replace the existing bathroom and add an additional bathroom – $38,600
- Phase 6 – Interior Finishes. Refinish upstairs wood floor, replace basement carpet, refinish wood trim and wainscoting – $66,100
- Phase 7 – Front Entry Updates. Remove barriers to entry, improve lighting, install handrails and paint exterior – $50,000
The committee is seeking tax-deductible donations from the community, businesses and organizations. Checks under $500 can be made out to Manson Grange #796, P.O. Box 306, Manson, WA. 98831. Checks over $500 should be made out to the Washington State Grange Foundation.
“We are going to start visiting businesses and organizations,” said Kollmeyer. “It’s such a part of our community,” she said. John Olson encouraged her to contact the Senior Center.
FEBRUARY MEETING:
There will be a community meeting at the Grange Hall on Thursday, February 29 beginning at 7 p.m. to discuss community development, one-way streets in the downtown core and angle parking options.
CASINO:
No public announcement yet regarding the proposed casino/hotel. According to Chris Willoughby, Fire District 5 has seen some preliminary plans which includes a five story building.
The Colville’s did ask the City of Chelan for a Letter of Support, but the City Council requested a presentation of the planned development before putting the City’s support behind it. The Casino, when developed will be non-smoking.
The rumor has it being developed adjacent to Hwy. 150.
BLUEWATER TERRACE:
With the Hearing Examiner denying the developer’s proposal to build 20 home stays, Brian Patterson told the Council that there is no word about an appeal.
WINERIES ETC IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS:
Kari Sorenson is still concerned about the ability of wineries, distilleries and/or cider house being allowed in residential areas. Currently, the County allows them as long as they are 1,500 sq. ft. or smaller.
Mike Kirk suggested that the County should put limits on the number of licenses on these types of developments. Willoughby also stated that there is a big difference between urban residential and rural residential. “The downtown commercial district brings a lot of safety issues,” said Willoughby.
This brought up the point that wineries and tasting rooms are reaching a saturation point in Manson which has the largest per capita saturation which is leading some of these establishments to close down or go up for sale.
Sorenson proposed working on the County to keep these kind of establishments out of residential areas.
All Things Lake Chelan 