by Richard Uhlhorn
Closing the Books on 2024:
Chelan City Council closed its books on 2024 and approved both the Airport 2025 budget and 2025 City budget after they were pulled from the large Consent Agenda. Finance Director Jackie Tupling stated, “There are no changes from the workshop and the budgets are ready for adoption. Both were adopted unanimously.
Branding services contract
454 Creative Services was on the Consent Agenda and was pulled from the agenda for discussion. 454 Creative Services will provide graphic design services for the Mayor’s newsletter template, business cards, and social media designs at a cost of $17,000.
Councilman Terry Sanders asked HR/Communications Director Chad Coltman if he could share with the council how 454 Creative was selected for this service contract.
Coltman said he had worked for the firm as a creative director and that they were an excellent design firm that he hoped would develop into a good working relationship with the City.
No other solicitations by Coltman were requested for these services.
Motion Considerations:
RH2 Professional Services Agreement:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren told the council that RH2 does a lot of work on city facilities. “We have been satisfied with their work over the years,” said Youngren.
MMEC Architects:
City Council voted unanimously to approve a $219,000 time and materials Professional Services Agreement for a Facilities Conditions and Needs Assessment. This assessment will look at all of the city’s facilities, and in particular the aging city hall and the golf course clubhouse. “They will receive a more thorough examination than other facilities,” said Youngren.
MMEC Architects:
The Council also approved a separate $246,000 agreement to design a new Chelan Recycle Center. This is also a time and materials service. The old Recycle center burned down in July of 2024. Youngren stated that many discussions and evaluation needs had taken place since then. The City’s insurance company will be paying for the new center.
Legal Services:
The Council unanimously approved a new agreement with Kottkamp, Yedinak and Esworthy, PLLC for Indigent Criminal Defendants. City Attorney Quinn Batjer said the price for these services have increased to $113,000 from the past amount of $75,000 in 2024. “Typically public defenders are overworked,” said Batjer. “It is a considerable increase over last year.” Finance Director Tupling added that the agreement would be amended in 2025.
In addition to the increase, Batjer stated that the Washington Supreme Court is redoing the until 2026.”
TIF (Tax Increment Area):
Council agreed to remove the end of year deadline which allows for a more flexible approach to evaluating property tax allocations and potential mitigation requests when new construction occurs. This extended timeline will enable the City to assess the potential impacts of future development on critical public services, including levels of service for the Fire District and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Aligning the mitigation requirements with RCW 39.114.020 ensures compliance with state law while allowing for informed decision-making,” said Community Development Director John Ajax. “We need a little more time and the Fire District is working with us.”
During the Mayor/Council Comments, Councilman Bob Goedde said that there is a rumor that Chelan County is getting ready to introduce a TBD (Transportation Benefit District) within the county.
All of the Council members wished everyone a happy holiday season and a Merry Christmas.
Mayor ProTem Tim Hollingsworth thanked the staff for all their hard work and remarked that the City will be facing a number of challenges in 2026.
All Things Lake Chelan 