by Richard Uhlhorn
Community comments:
At last week’s Chelan City Council meeting, past councilman John Olson encouraged the council members to reach out to Community Development Director John Ajax as he struggles with the complex amendment issue of Agritourism. Olson remarked that growers are seeing lower profits it any for their efforts. “I know of one orchard in the Valley that made no money from their efforts,” said Olson
Motion Considerations:
LinkTransit:
The Council unanimously approved a request from Link Transit for a letter of Support for its 2024 FTA Low No Grant application to the Federal Transit Administration’s 5339 Low or No Emission Grant Program.
Park Street Project:
Parks Director Paul Horne stated he was excited about the upcoming construction of the Park Street Project. “We selected Pipkin Construction as the low bidder at $137,000,” Horne said. “They have done similar projects.” Councilman Tim Hollingsworth moved to accept the bid and said, “It looks like we came within the budget on this project.” The council unanimously approved the motion.
Administrative reports:
Airport upgrades:
City Administrator Wade Farris reported that a meeting was held with Federal Aviation Administration officials the prior week with Mayor McCardle, Bob Goedde, Farris and the consultants attending. “We came out with a good way forward,” said Farris.
Tim Ike, JUB Project Engineer, reported that the longer runway has shifted and rotated but would stay at 3,500 linear feet and 75 feet wide. “This will help with the new FAA standards,” Ike said.
Ike added that they were still in the Environmental Assessment process. “We were in the middle of that process when we ran into trouble with the FAA.” Those issues that arose have been met to
Bob Goedde, who as Mayor, began the process, stated that the FAA was assertive to begin with, but are moving forward. “We are seven years short of 100 years,” said Goedde.
The land acquisition process will begin with resident and farmer meetings. The Wenatchee Airport appraisal process will be shared with them. “We will be bringing some of the orchardists from Pangborn to go through how their property valuations went,” said Goedde.
Parks Pros Plan update:
Paul Horne updated the Council on the six year Parks Open Space Plan and stated in his report that he would be meeting with stakeholders in the later half of April with the hopes of delivering the plan for Council approval at its May 7th workshop.
“People care about our parks,” said Horne. “Recreation is vital to the community.” He continues to build partnerships with the PUD, School District and County.
He talked about the parks fiscal sustainability and operational sustainability. Staffing is a big part of the park’s operations, but the top priority for Horne is to get an Assistant Director hired as a fulltime recreation coordinator. “We need to spread the load,” said Horne. “Our crew is going above and beyond and I’m worried about burnout.”
Financial Report:
Finance Director Jacki Tupling provided the Council with her first quarter financial report.
- Sales tax revenues were down $82,879 from 2023s first quarter report, totaling $503,421.
- Lodging taxes also decreased by $44,772 over 2023 for a total of $96,231.
- Community Development fees were up due to the new energy code that went into effect on March 15. This spurred a rush of permit applications and totaled $179,158.
- General facilities fees came in at $59,250.
- Parks and Recreation was up from 2023s $286,000 to $435,087 this year.
Budget amendments:
Tupling brought forward a number of carry overs from 2023 and told the Councilmembers that if they had any questions to please call her or visit.
Farris told the Council that the Chelan County Commissioners will not support Chelan’s Code Enforcement Officer.
The City has interviewed two candidates for the new HR/Communications Director.
Mayor McCardle said the May workshop will be very interesting. She also commented on the Agritourism issue and said, “We need to hear from the landowners and farmers to understand what they foresee in the future,” said McCardle. “I hate for us to make decisions about their land.”
TBD (Transportation Benefit District):
Wade Farris said, “This is a very important issue. You’ve established a district and now you have to figure out how to fund it.” The TIB District has a number of options from instigating a councilmatic .01 percent tax or going to the public for a vote on a .02% or 0.3% tax. A .03% tax would raise a projected $900,000 per year of which 75% would come from tourists.
“It’s pretty significant and can only be used for transportation projects,” said Farris.
Mayor McCardle asked the Council to bring any comments they may hear in the community to the city.
Farris added that the citizens are the ones who will have to decide on what level of taxation for the TBD is reasonable.
Proclamations:
Mayor Erin McCardle read two proclamations into the record. Arbor Day was officially on April 26.
Whereas, In 1872 Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and
Whereas, the holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with more than a million trees in Nebraska, and
Whereas, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and
Whereas, trees and reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, lower our heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife, and
Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products and
Whereas, trees in the City of Chelan increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community, and
Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,
NOW THEREFORE, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor do hereby proclaim April 26, 2024 as Arbor Day in Chelan, and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and I urge all citizens to plant and care for trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.
The second proclamation was the Professional Municipal Clerks Week which will begin on May 5 and last through May 11. After reading the proclamation, McCardle said, “I do not think we would be able to run this city without Peri or Calli. Thank you!”
Proclamation
55th ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK
May 5 – 11, 2024
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government exists throughout the world, and
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants, and
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels, and
Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all.
Whereas, The Professional Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community.
Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county and international professional organizations.
Whereas, It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk.
Now, Therefore, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor of the City of Chelan, Washington, do recognize the week of May 5th through May 11th, 2024, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and further extend appreciation to all Professional Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.
A City Council Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 at 4 p.m.
All Things Lake Chelan 