by Richard Uhlhorn
Chamber contract discussion:
Two major issues were discussed at the Chelan City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 25. The meeting was presented over ZOOM because of ongoing construction work in council chambers.
Last year, Mayor McCardle appointed a committee to rewrite a contract between the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commere and the city. For a number of years, there has been little to no public accountability by the chamber on how it spends the $700,000 allocated from lodging funds collected at local motels, resorts and AirBnbs.
City Administrator Wade Farris opened the discussion on Tuesday stating that Chelan’s economy depends on tourism. “Without the tourism dollars we would have a hard time maintaining our parks, said Farris. He stated that the city was in the process of restructuring the Chamber’s contract and turned the discussion over to Finance Director Jackie Tupling to go over the details.
Tupling stated that the committee is looking at a one year nine month contract with the Chamber starting in April and ending December 31, 2026.
The criteria the Chamber will have to abide by is regular reporting monthly with a performance report each December on marketing results. “They will have to report what they are spending their money on monthly,” said Tupling.
Mayor McCardle thanked the committee for their work on the issue. It will be coming forward for more detailed discussion on Tuesday, April 8th’s City Workshop.
Card Rooms:
Community Development Director John Ajax told the council that a number of residents have been inquiring about the potential to establish a card room in the city. “In 1999 this was a hot topic,” said Ajax.
Councilman Bob Goedde remarked that there are about 10 people who want to play. “What they want to do is recreation… some will sit all day long and play.”
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth stated that it would be a social card room with up to 15 tables and if allowed, subject to issues we apply. “There would be restrictions in place to keep people from becoming a nuisance.”
Hollingsworth was in line with Goedde, but Sgt. Rob Huddleston has reservations. Huddleston said that card rooms or casinos tend to attract a certain element. “The casino generates plenty of calls for the sheriff.” Huddleston said the department went undercover for one day and made nine drug related arrests. Goedde replied that he didn’t think a card room would develop those kinds of issues.
Councilman Jon Higgins stated that a card room would have the potential for bringing in a group of people to specifically play cards. “I don’t think it is a bad thing. With this group (the one’s requesting) in particular I don’t see a problem.”
Hollingsworth stated that a card room established in the city would have to be licensed by another agency who would enforce the rules and restrictions of operation.
It was suggested that the City of Wenatchee’s rooms be researched.
City Attorney Quentin Batjer stated that zoning would be an issue and that it would be regulated at a state level.
Hollingsworth said, “I would support giving it a try. I understand the Sheriff’s position and if it created problems, we could shut it down.”
Mayor McCardle said she would like to see community input on the issue. Councilman Mark Eriks, who comes from a law enforcement background, said he sides with Huddleston and that gambling brings its own kind of issues.
Hollingsworth added that he would be interested in community input and Goedde felt that everyone was exaggerating the issues.
Chelan River resolution:
During the community input period at the council meeting, members of the Water Front Access Group requested that the council adopt a letter of support for their proposed project that would have floating docks installed on the river side of Woodin Avenue Bridge and at the current PUD dock on the lakeside.
“It is a simple request,” said Ron Foster. Greg Peterson, another member of the group said, “We are only asking for a letter of support.” Peterson remarked that it was a proposal for an enhanced water front that would allow boaters access to the downtown commercial area.
The council discussed the river and a proposed resolution to cover activities on the river. Currently, the river can be used by motorized watercraft and non-motorized paddleboards, kayaks and swimmers.
Mayor McCardle told the council that the city is in a partnership with the PUD. “We have had a meeting with the Campbells and their group. There has been a lot of discussion around additional docking locations,” said McCardle.
There are also discussions with the PUD on landscape improvements, upgrading the current bathrooms and other opportunities at Riverwalk Park.
Councilman Brad Chitty says he has concerns about swimmers out in the waterway mixing with motorized water craft. Councilman Mark Eriks remarked that he supports prioritizing the river for non-motorized traffic.
The river already is designated as a No Wake Zone and has watercraft transiting from the PUD launch to the lake and back. Sgt. Huddleston has concerns about opening up the river to more watercraft. “Our patrol boats can’t access the river because of the bridge,” he said. “The river is a great place for recreational use.” He stated that rental boats with renters unfamiliar with boat operations accessing the river is a major concern for him.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “I fully support expanding the docks at Woodin Avenue. He agrees with Sgt. Huddleston and said, “Citizens spend a lot of time at Riverwalk recreating. He added that he can’t support adding docks for motorized boats in the river.
“We need to look at safety and define a channel for boats transitioning out or in the river,” said Hollingsworth. Councilman Jon Higgins added that swimmers and boats do not mix. “It is not a good,” said Higgins. He also supports additional docks at the end of East Woodin and would support a new dock at Emerson St. for paddleboarders and kayak ingress and egress. “Safety is a huge issue,” added Higgins.
Councilman Terry Sanders stated that a lot of work has been down by the Waterfront Access Group but that safety is a priority. Councilman Bob Goedde stated that the river is a PUD right of way. Mayor McCardle replied that the PUD has been very clear with these issues.
No action was taken at the council meeting, but will be discussed in detail at the next Council Workshop on April 8 which begins a 5:15 p.m.
All Things Lake Chelan 