by Richard Uhlhorn
July 1, 2024
Last week was busy in the Valley as the U.S. Open for Paragliding competition continued each day, Chelan City Council heard from the Boys and Girls Club guy and the Humane Society gave a presentation to the Council.
On Friday evening and all day Saturday the Battle of the Butte River Surfing competition went on.
So I’m just now getting to the City Council report. The Battle will be reported on separately.
City Council meeting – 6.25.24
Consulting agreement:
The Council approved a $20,000 amendment at $155 per hour for Tower Consulting to continue helping the City with grants and funding applications.
On a ZOOM meeting, Analise Noble went through the grants and funding applications that were funded, denied, or pending. These applications are listed below.
2023 FUNDING –
Awarded – RCO LPM | $100K | Chelan Parks Surface Maintenance of Parking Lots –
Awarded – ECY CWSRF | $222K | Stormwater Management Action Plan –
Awarded – ECY CWSRF | $5.41M | Sewer Collection Improvements 2024 FUNDING March –
Pending – Rep. Schrier CDS | $2.8M | Lake Chelan Shared-Use Community Connector Pathway – Not Awarded – Chelan Co. LTAC | $50K | Chelan Gorge Park Improvements April –
Pending – Senator Cantwell CDS | $2.8M | Lake Chelan Shared-Use Community Connector Pathway – Pending – Senator Murray CDS | $2.5M | East Chelan Water Reservoir Project –
Pending – DOT SS4A | $177K | Transportation Safety Action Plan –
Not awarded – RCO COAF | $840K | Chelan Gorge Baseball Diamond Improvements May –
Pending – WSDOT PBP | $2.2M | Apple Blossom Multiuse Trail Project June –
Pending – WSDOT SRTS | $267K | Farnham-Webster Pedestrian Safety Project –
Pending – Chelan Co. CPIF | $300K | Washington St. Water Booster Pump Station Capacity
Summer 2024 –
Anticipated – US ACE | $TBD | TBD (Water System Improvements) –
Anticipated – Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation | $TBD | TBD (Baseball Recreational Improvements) – Anticipated – TIB | $TBD | TBD (Transportation Improvements)
Fulcrum Management Solutions – AI data management:
This issue was brought down from the consent agenda due to concerns by several city council members.
Tim Hollingsworth was mostly concerned with using a new application platform to gather community input. He was worried about how the data collected would be used and that the City might be prone to just accept the data. “It is expensive,” he said. “There is a more human process fr a city our size,” Hollingsworth added. “I’m not opposed to new technology.”
Mark Ericks said he shared some of the same concerns. “I’m in favor of technology,” said Ericks, who thought there was a broader range of options. Brad Chitty stated that he was aligned with the platform, but wanted to review it for cost.
Mayor McCardle remarked that it was only a one-year contract and was more than willing to address the council’s concerns. “This type of platform opens the door with the community.”
McCardle added that the program does not make the decisions for the City. “We need to use it to do more with less,” stated McCardle. Hollingsworth said, “As long as we have our eyes open.” Bob Goedde worried about older residents dealing with new technology.
Terry Sanders said the school district is using AI and that it is a great tool. “It is not necessarily a decision making tool,” said Sanders.
The consultant explains that the AI ThoughtExchange platform is an engagement and research tool that deepens engagement and helps to provide faster, easier analysis and actions.
The AI platform will hopefully all the City Staff to create more robust engagement strategies with the residents and enable internal feedback amongst employees. The cost for the one-year contract is $25,000 which will be split amongst the different departments.
The first year breakdown is as follows:
- 30% administration
- Community Development and Public Works will pay $7,500 each.
- Parks and Finance will pay $1,250 each.
The council unanimously approved the contract.
Boys and Girls Club:
Executive Director Bill Tsoukalas of the Snohomish Boys and Girls Club gave a major presentation to City Council in an effort to secure the remaining $230,000+ dollars left in the City’s ARPA fund (American Rescue Plan Act).
The Club has expanded to eastern Washington and Tsoukalas sees Chelan as one missing piece of the franchise. The Club is located in Tri-Cities, Spokane and Moses Lake. “You have a great asset here,” said Tsoualas. The Club will be renting 7,000 sq. ft. of space the Center and will also be in charge of managing the building.
One of the major concerns the Council has is the Club competing with organizations like Thrive which is already serving a segment of the communities youth population.
“We don’t want to compete. We want to fill the gap and give kids multiple choices.” Tsoukalas added that he had a great meeting with Thrive on how they can work together. He told the Council that the real gap in the community is the three to five year old population. “This is what we want to fill,” he added.
The Club would be open before and after school for parents who have to work, and during non-school days, they would be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The influx of capital ARPA funds would help the Club kick-start its occupation of the Community Center with desks to computers. “It is a one time investment you would make.” He stated that the rest of the $450,000 needed would come from other sources.
The other issue is getting the Community Center licensed with the State. “We don’t restrict anybody,” he said. “It is a financial risk for us.”
Brad Chitty stated he had worked with the Boys and Girls Club in the past, but was concerned at how fast the Council was rolling this out. He asked about computers and Tsoukalas replied that the club got into technology more than they used too.
Chitty said, “There are things that cost a lot of money.” He suggested looking for a computer donation solution when a company upgrades. Chitty was also trying to separate the Community Center and the Boys and Girls Club. “I’m confused… you need to pay the rent for five years up front?”
Tsoukalas replied that the rent was taken care of. Asked about employment, Tsoukalas replied that up to five would be employed; one to two full-time and the rest half-time plus volunteers.
Mark Ericks, who has been involved with the Boys and Girls club in the past said, “I’ve witnessed the benefits. No question about that.” Ericks concern was diluting the work of other organizations and stated that the City needs to continue supporting them. Tsoukalas replied that the organization would not be competing for donations from the City. “Our revenue streams will be generated by activities.”
He continued… “We have the means to raise money. We are not going to come back to the City and say we need help. The investment you are making is a one time investment.”
Shari Dietrich asked about transportation. Tsoukalis replied that had to be figured out. Possibly the use of school buses or LINK. “We prefer not to be in the transportation business because of the liability. It will be a challenge to figure that out.”
Terry Sanders stated that the community works closely with Thrive. “It is one organization that can’t fill all the gaps. My question is what are those lines?”
Dietrich asked if a local person(s) would be employed? “We don’t have anybody identified yet.” Every potential employee would have to go through a background check.
Mayor McCardle ended the conversation with the fact that Chelan has a large youth population. “There are kids that don’t play sports. Where do they go?” McCardle says the community is extremely lucky to have the Boys and Girls Club looking at the community.
McCardle added that the organization would be a huge youth benefit. “We are open to have more conversations with you.”
While the decision to use the remaining ARPA funds hasn’t been made, the Council will continue to discuss and make a decision soon.
Humane Society:
Humane Society representatives gave the Council and update on their activities in the Chelan area. While they work mostly with dogs and cats, other animals, domestic and wild are also a part of their work.
Mark Ericks asked what response time can be expected? The representative replied that they always have an officer in the area, so response times should be short.
The Society is working with the private group trapping feral cats. Veternarians are also a part of the system to spay and neuter animals. The cost is $45.
The annual report can be viewed here: Wenatchee Valley Humane Society- City of Chelan (civicweb.net).
Administrative reports:
City Administrator Wade Farris told the Council that efforts to find an Airport Manager are ongoing. He directed anyone looking for employment with the City to visit the City’s website for current positions open. News Flash • Now Hiring | Multiple Positions Open (cityofchelan.us) .
Parks Director Paul Horne said the department is putting the finishing touches on the Park Street Micro Park with a library. “We will have an opening ceremony soon.”
Mayor/Council Comments:
Mark Ericks asked about the different marina rental agreements. City Clerk Peri Gallucci replied that the difference in marina rentals is day rentals versus year leases
Jon Higgins also asked about parking enforcement. Horne said the first person hired didn’t work out. Higgins agreed that it is a tough job. “We are having trouble filling that position,” said Horne.
Brad Chitty wants more information on ARPA funds. “We need more time to hash that out.”
Terry Sanders mentioned the Boys and Girls Club and how the City can get the most bang for their buck and not have to dip into the general fund.
Mayor McCardle remarked that the $9 million dollar request for the East Chelan Water System has made it through to the next federal legislative step .
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. The Public is encouraged to attend.
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