by Richard Uhlhorn
Chris Willoughby, Manson Community Council, opened the October 15 Community Forum telling the 40 attendees that the Council will be looking for several new council members this year. “It is a lot of work for a volunteer position,” said Willoughby.
Manson School District report:
Superintendent Tabitha Mires, told the audience that Manson’s School District face a financial crisis, but have overcome the issue and have now balanced the budget.
She came into the district from Waterville on July 1 and helped balance the budget. Stating that the district’s financial path was not sustainable and the school faced the possibility of state oversight which was unacceptable to her.
The district is working on a five year strategic plan that will keep the financial issues in the positive. “We have a lot of exciting work ahead. We will be reaching out to the community,” she said.
The biggest issue facing the district is declining enrollment because of a lack of affordable housing. “It has a big impact on Manson Schools.”
Northshore Pathway:
Riley Shewak from the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council gave a brief overview of the proposed Northshore Pathway from Manson to Chelan.
Shewak stated that the council was in the process of identifying 10 member board to set regional transportation policies. “Think of us as the facilitators,” he said. “We are trying to identify pathways on four different corridors.
The council will be focusing on the pathway from Rocky Point west to Manson. The pathway to the east from Rocky Point will be handled by the City of Chelan.
A recent survey had 250 respondents, but there will be public engagement meetings to explore pathway options which might include alternative routes to get around Rocky Point. “We are early in the process.”
An attendee asked if the County would use eminent domain and was told that eminent domain will not be used.
Another resident asked if there were federal funds available and was told there was.
Northshore Pathway History:
The Northshore Pathway was a priority project for the Lake Chelan Trails Association. JAO Consultants, led by Jennifer Olson, prepared a detailed feasibility study that is currently in the hands of Chelan City Public Works and Chelan County’s Natural Resources Department.
Chelan County Public Works report:
Eric Pierson, PE, updated the community on ongoing projects. Pierson informed the residents that the Totem Pole Road project was still on the books, but that the estimated cost of $5 million has increased to $8 or $9 million and that the department was seeking the funding to do the project.
“We are hoping to secure a grant from the transportation council,” said Pierson. The project will be done in two phases with the first phase starting in 2026. The County will be holding an open house to give more detail to the public.
Pierson also mentioned a bicycle paths project in hopes of getting residents out of their vehicles. “The roads in Manson are narrow.”
Washington State Department of Transportation:
The two representatives from the Wenatchee Department of Transportation didn’t have much to report. They are apparently looking at left hand turn lanes on the Manson highway and other safety concerns between Manson and Chelan.
At the end of the meeting, Willoughby asked those in attendance if they would like to see the forums continue. Everyone replied in the positive. Willoughby said the Manson Community Council was looking at holding three forums a year.
Manson Community Council holds its meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at the Manson Parks Building at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
All Things Lake Chelan 