Chelan County gives update

by Richard Uhlhorn

Wednesday, March 13, Chelan County department heads and Commissioner Gering brought their quarterly District meeting to Gering’s district No. 3 for an update on Chelan County operations and to answer any questions residents might have.

The meeting was well attended and took place in Chelan’s Council Chambers.

Sheriff Mike Morrison:
Sheriff Morrison reported that since taking over as Sheriff, he and his staff have completely revamped the Marine Patrol unit; refocused the School Resource Officers; purchased two new side-by-sides for search and rescue efforts; bringing in new armed vehicles; and seeking funding for body cameras for its officers.

                Marine Patrol – According to a report by Chelan’s Sgt. Huddleston, Chelan’s marine patrol conducted 585 vessel inspections and warnings to boat operators, 87 percent of whom were to people boating from out of the area.
                Sheriff Morrison reported that because of the marine patrols efforts, Marine Patrol Deputy Garett Churchill was named Marine Enforcement Deputy of the Year in the State.
                School Resource Program – Sheriff Morrison stated that the School Resource Program officers no longer have to serve patrol duties but can concentrate on student interactions.
                Search & Rescue – The department has purchased two new side-by-sides to help with the increasing search and rescue efforts in the County. Sheriff Morrison told the audience that the County is working with other agencies like the Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources. 87% of Chelan County is controlled by State and Federal agencies.
                Armored Vehicle acquisition – The department is obtaining some new armored vehicles for use if needed. “We want to make sure the community knows what equipment we are using and why,” said Morrison.
                Body Cameras – “At this point, we do not have body cameras,” said Morrison. “That is unacceptable.” NOTE: The department was just notified that it will receive approximately $700,000 to purchase body cameras for its deputies. The word of the Federal grant came from Representative Kim Schier’s office

The question for Sheriff Morrison was about the current noise ordinance. Morrison said he has had conversations with the County Prosecutor about this which seems to be an STR and Winery issue.

The Department now has three full-time code enforcers to serve each area. The Lake Chelan Valley has Sean Duke, a retired Chelan County Deputy who has come back to work with enforcement issues. “It is one of the challenges I’ve taken on,” said Morrison. “I’d like to see us solve the problem.”

Morrison also said that the department deputies spend a lot of time at the Casino in Manson “attending to people who don’t want t follow the law.” Mill Bay Casino is an Indian owned property within their sovereign nation, so it doesn’t pay normal taxes like other businesses. The County has to rely on the Colville’s being generous enough to contribute funds to the department.

County Jail report
Chris Sharp, Regional Justice Center director, stated that the County is beginning the process to find funding to build a new jail complex. “There has been a lot going on over the past five years,” said Sharp. The jail complex has added cameras in cells and has two jail dogs available. “The dogs don’t make mistakes.” The also have the ability to monitor an inmate’s heart rate and breathing. The also check every cell every hour on the hour with four full time deputies. “We have a lot of great things going on.”

Chelan County Natural Resources Department:
Director Mike Kaputa said the department has a lot work going on from Stehekin to the Clockum. “We are working on a Stehekin Community Plan,” stated Kaputa. He also mentioned the work on the proposed North Shore Trail between Manson and Chelan; water quality issues; water supply and working with other agencies.

County economics:
Ron Cridlebaugh, the County’s Economic Services Director, stated that his department is working on the County’s homeless situation, affordable housing, economic development, emergency management and tourism. “Tourism is one of the largest economic drivers in the County,” said Cridlebaugh.

He explained that the three percent lodging tax money collected by the County is also dispersed throughout the county. This is accomplished with the help of a Lodging Tax Advisory Board. Organizations interested in sharing in the County’s lodging tax money are offered the opportunity to apply for funding twice a year; once in February and then again in October.

Sixteen percent and 14 percent of the County’s collection are sent to Chelan and Leavenworth’s Chambers while only four percent is given out to the Manson Chamber of Commerce.

The department is working on a Tourism Impact Study so the County can understand the economic impact throughout the County.

                Questions and Comments – What accountability does the County require from recipients of its Lodging Tax dollars? Leavenworth has provided a two-page report on exactly how they spent the entirety of its collection and the County’s contribution. Chelan apparently has never reported to the County.

Commissioner Gering replied that the County hasn’t had any reporting criteria in place but that they were going to write criteria for each recipient of County Lodging Taxes for reporting. “We are looking at the framework and are coming up with a better plan,” said Gering. “Currently we have no criteria.”

Public Works:
County Engineer Eric Pierson stated that his department oversees roadways, storm water, and the solid waste program. “Eighty percent of our work is handled in house,” he said.

Sthe Manson schools. At an estimated cost of $9 million the work will include sidewalks, intersection work, bike lanes and stormwater work. “We have received one $2 million dollar grant to do the lower section,” said Pierson.

Community Development:
Director Deanna Walter remarked that Community Development has hired a consulting firm to monitor Short Term Rentals. This company is searching social media platforms for STRs that are not in compliance and/or are renting without a County license to do so.

Regarding County building permits, Walter stated that the 2021 Energy Code is in play as of March 8. “A nything that does not require the energy code (in its bldg. application) goes on the back burner,” she stated.

She warned residents who want to build a rock wall to get a permit. “Some of these walls (build without a permit) are beautiful, but need a permit and design,” said Walter.

Walter also stated that she has begun an enterprise fund to build up some reserves for the department.

“We do need to address wineries,” she said. “We are drafting a letter for F1 and F2 restaurant operations at wineries and are telling them we will not renew their license next year.”

She also said that ag-tourism is on her priority list. Wineries under 1500 sq. ft. do not need a permit other than their building permit. “The Manson Community Council has been very vocal about this. State agencies have not been helping the situation at all.” Apparently, the County has denied a winery, but the Liquor Control Board issued a liquor license anyway.

Manson’s community council doesn’t like the idea of wineries, distilleries and/or cider houses being built and operated in residential areas.

The Noise Ordinance is another on-going issue in the County, particularly at wineries and STRs.

                Questions and concerns – Manson Community Councilman Mike Kirk complemented the Sheriff’s Department for their work. He also commented on the four percent contribution of lodging tax dollars from the County and said that the Council was working on obtaining 501 (C)3 status so it could seek grant funding.

He and Councilman Chris Willoughby brought up the intersection at Wapato Lake Road and Hwy. 150 and the need for a roundabout there. Both commented on the Colville Confederated Tribes plans to build a 100-room hotel/casino adjacent Hwy. 150. Walter’s replied that the County has no authority over the Indian land. “They can do what they want.

Commissioner Tiffany Gering reported that the County was seeking to make the bus stop at that intersection safer.