By Richard Uhlhorn
Last weeks City Council meeting (3.26.24) probably will go down as the quickest City Council meeting ever. It lasted approximately 30 minutes.
HR/Communications position:
The big news out of the meeting was the unanimous decision to hire a Human Resources/Communications Director at an estimated cost of approximately $100,000+ per year.
The new position is not budgeted and will require a budget amendment.
City Administrator Wade Farris explained that the City has operated without a HR position but that as the political climate, laws and regulations have become more complex the City cannot afford to not fill that position for its staff.
The new position will also include City communications in what the City sees as a more complex media world. “Getting information to and from our citizens has become more difficult and more important,” Farris wrote in his descriptive needs.
“We will go out in the local and region market and see what we get,” said Farris.
Councilman Mark Ericks asked it there was a potential pool of applicants out there? Farris replied that he doesn’t know. “If we don’t have anyone local, we will have to reach out further.” He added that the position description is not finished yet. The position will be advertised in the middle of April.
Youth Baseball League:
Paul Horne, Parks director brought forth a proposal from the Chelan Youth Baseball League to use the PUD Athletic Fields (Chelan Gorge Park) for the 2024 season beginning in March though June.
This is an extension of an agreement that has been in place for many years. The facilities agreement includes the League’s requirements to perform maintenance on the fields as needed to support their activities.
The maintenance by the League will waive fees to offset maintenance costs by the city. The agreement also supports local youth recreation, i.e. T-Ball programs.
“We have a pretty robust program this year,” said Horne. The agreement was passed unanimously.
Berger Professional Services Agreement:
The City Parks Department received a $100,000 grant from Chelan County PUD to develop a master plan and redevelopment of the Chelan athletic fields now called Chelan Gorge Community Park.
The Parks Department has utilized the services of Berger Consulting in the past and Horne stated that Berger is on board and have an aggressive timeline to work within.
Berger is familiar with Chelan Parks and is currently working on the Lakeside Park Project.
The Parks Department proposed renewing Berger’s PSA that expired on March 12, 2023 which the Council unanimously approved.
Councilman Bob Goedde stated that he doesn’t like the name Chelan Gorge Park and would prefer
Imagine Downtown Chelan:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren stated that the project has been an interesting. Process. Now that Phase One is completed the City is soliciting qualified candidates to continue the project.
“We have has public outreach and are now working towards a contract that will be executed on April 9.
Mayor/Council Comments:
Jake Youngren said he appreciated the the public’s patience during the Hwy. 150 night time sewer crossing work.
Peri Gallucci, who was out during the week on personal business said she appreciated all the work that her staff had done.
Brad Chitty thanked the Vets for their service over the years. (See Below)
Marc Ericks said that whenever a person visits Washington D.C., they should make an effort to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. “It is extremely quiet and respectful.”
Mayor Erin McCardle she was very encouraged by the reception she and Wade Farris received when visiting our representatives in the Capital. “Senator Murray was impressed with the Northshore Pathway and Water Project,” said McCardle.
McCardle said that Representative Schier’s staff assistant was touring the proposed projects. “Senator Cantwell’s assistant will tour on Monday and Senator Murray’s after that.
McCardle also spoke about the defining the Community’s Core Values with Shane Collins, Amy Sheridan and John Ajax.
Proclamations:
Mayor Erin McCarfle deferred to Councilman Bob Goedde to read into the record, the National Vietnam War Veterans Day Proclamation. Goedde is an veteran of that conflict.
Mayor McCardle read the Proclamation for Community Development Week.
All Things Lake Chelan 