by Richard Uhlhorn
Fire Department
Chelan Fire and Rescue wants to add two more career firefighters to their roster. “It doesn’t effect our budget if we were to hire two more firefighters,” Chief Brandon Asher said. He added that the department has more funds expected to come in.
Commissioner Russ Jones said he would rather wait one year before adding those firefighters, but both Commissioners Mark Donnell and Karyl Oules stated they would like to see the additional firefighters on staff in 2025. “I would like to see them hired in 2025,” said Donnell. “It’s the cost of doing business.”
Chief Asher added that they would be able to help the department yearround. Donnell’s argument for the hires was the ability to provide the necessary fire service. “We also need to get them into the Fire Academy,” said Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman. Asher reiterated that the additions would provide service to the community and that it would reduce overtime hours being paid out.
Commissioner Karyl Oules said she would like to see the department move forward with the hiring.
Jones reminded them that a final decision on the budget was not made yet.
Fire chief report:
- 10/5/24 – Brush fire
- 10/9/24 – Structure fire in Manson
- 10/13/24 – Third alarm call for a brush fire in Squlchuck
- 10/14/24 – Motor vehicle rollover south side of Tunnel
- 10/19/24 – Brush fire in Manson
Asher reported that the Chelan Fire Protection Plan was still being updated. “It will open up high dollar grant opportunities,” said Asher.
Assistant chief report:
Chief Sherman reported that the Apple Cup burn on November 9 had just under 50 people involved. “It was a huge effort.” Sherman and Rayner Baker, Manson’s Training Officer work in conjunction to make sure the effort was successful. He thanked the commissioners for their support.
Asher remarked that a lot of residents came out to watch the event and Oules said she had talked to a lot of residents watching. “People were really positive,” she said. “It was a winner.”
Sherman recognized Belcher as his Incident Commander during the fire. “He performed admirably in that role,” said Sherman.
The two districts are looking to add a Volunteer Coordinator position. “I’ve had a meeting with Chief Baker and Rayner. We both have needs.” The volunteer coordinator position would open up a better level of training for the two districts.
“My goal is to open the door for what’s going to happen in the next several years,” said Sherman. “The doors not slammed shut with District 5 anymore.”
Firefighters Association:
Ron Simmons stated that the association raised $500 for the VFW from the burn. “Right now, we are
Unfinished business:
The Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) war between the fire district and city continues to be an issue. “What we are going to need is the ability to handle calls,” said Asher. The most recent mitigation proposal has the fire department amortizing calls to the TIF area for the past 25 years.
Jones asked if the property tax base would go back to the one percent at the end of the TIF. It was noted in the discussion that no one has put a legal challenge to a TIF. “I don’t want to see it get to that point,” said Asher.
The city would like to see the number of calls into the TIF area. “We have no information on this year, but it was about 20 over the past few years.”
All Things Lake Chelan 