by Richard Uhlhorn
It was a busy City Council meeting Tuesday, August 13 and several issues of interest were presented.
House moves $9 million request to the Senate:
After the official agenda was complete, Mayor Erin McCardle announced during Mayor/Council comments that the $9 million dollar bill for the East Chelan Water/Reservoir Project had passed out of the House and onto the Senate for approval.
This funding request, if approved by the Senate, will be a great relief to the Junior Taxing Districts that have had a heart attack over the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) proposal that would help pay for the project.
2024 Sheriff’s update:
Sheriff Mike Morrison gave a presentation on the 2023 annual report and told the council that the department conducted 15,799 hours of patrol within the City limits in 2023. So far in 2024, the deputies have conducted 7,523 hours of patrol through June under the City/Sheriff contract and another 188 hours of foot patrol.
He mentioned bike patrols and said, “I don’t know if you bikes are even in working order.” To instigate a bike patrol, however, the deputies would be required to take ‘bike school certification.’ “We have not been providing bike hours.”
“When I took office, we had one marine patrol officer and we currently have four,” said Morrison.
The department’s Behavioral Health Unit responded to 840 referrals in Chelan alone in 2023.
“Overall the agency has done pretty well,” said Morrison.”We are one of the top producing agencies in the state.”
The department had 200 hours of overtime in July and Morrison lauded the help from the Washington State Patrol. “We have been pretty successful at meeting the needs of our contract cities.”
Councilwoman Sheri Deitrich asked Morrison where the foot patrols are taking place. Morrison replied that they have mostly been in the downtown corridor. “I know they are trying to make the effort to get out there.”
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth brought up the bridge jumping issue and said it is getting dangerous. “The level of activity is growing,” said Hollingsworth who admitted that putting a deputy there full time was not an option.
Mayor McCardle thanked Morrison and stated that the traffic enforcement was outstanding. “We will work out the situation at Lakeside Park for a longer term,” said McCardle. She promised that the issues would be discussed during the City’s strategic planning.
Morrison added that the Sheriff’s Department is getting pulled in a lot of different directions.
Marine 2 funding request:
Sgt. Rob Huddleston started his request with a recent bridge jumping story. One of his Marine Patrol deputies confronted a teenager standing on the old bridge railing and was told to get off. The kid told the deputy to F-Off, then jumped and swam over to the Campbell’s dock. When the deputy tried to find him the kid took off running. “I don’t know where the lack of respect comes from,” said Huddleston.
Huddleston once again requested monetary help in refurbishing the department’s Marine 2 boat. The total cost of refurbishing the vessel is approximately $156,000 to make it like new.
“It would cost $400,000 to replace that boat,” said Huddleston. The refurbishment would bring Marine 2 up to new condition including two new 200 hp Yamaha outboards. The end of October is the kill date on the marine companies $156,000 refurbishing offer.
Huddleston said the boat primarily works in the lower basin. “We contact a lot of tourists and historically that is within the city limits.”
Huddleston requested that the City provide $100,000 towards the work and said the County would pick up the rest of the cost.
Councilman Bob Goedde asked if there were some grants that could be applied for. Huddleston replied that there are not many out there for that purpose.
Councilman Mark Ericks asked if the department couldn’t incorporate some of that capital replacement into the contract. Sheriff Morrison replied that that was a reasonable request and the challenge would be the county commission.
City Administrator Wade Farris stated that the City would look into finding the funding. Hollingsworth stated that the vessel was important to unincorporated areas also.
Public Works:
The department is working with a robust GIS platform to develop locations within the city where Americans with Disability Act () sidewalk transitions are needed.
City Engineer Travis Denham stated that a public survey was conducted with the community to find out where they felt ADA access needs to be.
Farris remarked that the City has been out of State ADA compliance for a long, long time.
Chelan Valley Housing Trust MOU:
Jake Youngren, public works director, said they were working on a Memorandum of Understanding between the Housing Trust and City for the Anderson Road project. Hollingsworth said, “I want to make sure the City is committed to building that sewer line.” Mayor McCardle stated that the City was committed to get that sewer line built, but not necessarily with ARPA funds.
Mayor/Council comments:
HR/Communications Director Chad Coltman said the recent community survey came up with 600 suggestions for the city to consider.
Chad Coltman
He also reported that the AgTourism campaign would be finished this week.
He stated that the city has received applications for the Assistant Parks Director and the Chelan Airport Manager positions and that interviews will begin next week. “We are continuing to work on finding a Community Development Director.”
Jake Youngren stated that it is a challenge to keep the waste management operation going. “Insurance is working with us and we are soliciting services for (recycle) design. We hope to have a planning contract this fall.”
John Ajax stated that planning department is looking at two grant funding opportunities that have a climate change element to them.
Wade Farris stated that the city has had a pretty successful season so far.
Tim Hollingsworth said that the traffic study is complete and that “everyone wants the bridge returned to two-way traffic. The devil is in the details.”
Brad Chitty said he’s please that there is more community outreach on city issues.
Terry Sanders stated that the Johnson Avenue/Bradley Street crossing project is being worked on and it will be good that students will only have to cross one street instead of two between the community gym and MOE. Sanders would also like to see funding for the Sheriff’s Marine 2 boat.
Mayor McCardle reported that a number of Colville Tribe board members were visiting Chelan on Wednesday for a tour of several projects including the Community Center where they enjoyed an Apple Cup lunch.
All Things Lake Chelan 