by Richard Uhlhorn
Riverwalk Park resolution:
“Good job finding our priorities for that area,” said Councilman Tim Hollingsworth. His comment was echoed by Councilwoman Sheri Dietrich. Councilman Terry Sanders mentioned Sgt. Huddleston’s concerns about safety on the rive and agreed with the tenants of the resolution. The Council unanimously passed it
Popularity with paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming has grown in the river. The resolution was arrived at through a series of meetings between city leadership, Chelan County PUD (park owner), community stakeholders, and the public in general.
With the exception of boats transitioning to the lake and from the lake to the PUD boat launch, motorized traffic on the river has been eliminated. This includes the efforts by the Lake Chelan Waterfront Dock Advocacy Group to install docks in the river up-lake from the Pavillion.
The resolution is in favor of expanding dock space on the west side of the Woodin Avenue Bridge to accommodate motorized watercraft users to access the downtown area for shopping and eating.
The city will work on developing a five year strategy with its PUD partners to:
- Increase non-motorized and ADA water access points on the north side of the river.
- Upgrade the existing bathrooms to increase safety, accessibility suitable for all visitors.
- Make the pavilion usable year-round.
- Expand modest boat docking amenities on the up-lake side of Woodin Avenue Bridge.
- Improve the picnic shelter area
- Improve power accessibility in upper park areas to provide reliable power for events.
- Develop interactive sculptures or water features to attract visitors.
- Update streetlights for compliance with the NightSky code.
- Install EV charging stations in parking lots to support eco-friendly travel.
County-wide hazard plan:
John Ajax presented the County-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan as it relates to Chelan. “This is an update from the 2023 plan,” said Ajax.
The 2023 planning effort was a process to update the 2019 Chelan County multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to help prepare the region for and to lessen impacts from potential natural hazards and technological hazards.
This plan also includes a wildfire plan. The 15 member planning partnership involved updates for the county, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Chelan, Entiat and Cashmere along with nine special purpose districts.
Archaeological & Cultural monitoring:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren brought an amendment for approval of archaeological and cultural monitoring at a cost of $88,320 on the 2025 Downtown Water and Sewer Improvement Project.
Councilman Terry Sanders asked about the cost of this amendment to the project. Youngren replied that the last monitoring of this type only cost $35,000, but that the funds were available for the 2025 project. Councilman Tim Hollingsworth stated that it was a lot of money. He feels that agencies are being taken advantage of, particularly since the construction site has been developed over the last 130 years.
Youngren replied that he appreciated Hollingsworth’s remarks, but that the city has to respect the process for preserving the potential archaeology .
Airport update:
City Administrator Wade Farris reported on discussions between the Port and City regarding the status of the Chelan Airport Joint Operating Agreement.
The Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority (CDRPA) is proposing three courses of action going forward.
- Renew the current agreement with some changes
- City of Chelan takes over complete ownership
- CDRPA assumes ownership
Mayor McCardle said, “I guess we will see what the Port comes back with. Farris stated that there has been no joint meeting. “We need to have a joint meeting, but I’m not sure when that will happen,” stated Farris.
Hollingsworth said it was getting more and more difficult for the city to provide the necessary oversight of the airport. “I’m not saying anything against the staff,” said Hollingsworth. He, however, has been the one dissenting voice on the council on airport issues. Hollingworth has asked why the airport is an asset to Chelan? The answer might well be the battle to get water to the airport which will spur development.
The City and the Port do not share 50/50. The port, according to Jackie Tupling, City Finance Director pays $60,000 per year while the City has to make up any differences which amounts to $74,000.
According to Tupling, the city does not receive any sales taxes. The State Legislature apparently snatches up airport gas taxes and uses those funds for their agenda, however, it has been determined to be illegal because those tax funds, by law, are supposed to be returned to airport operations.
The Port and City do share capital projects 50/50. Any other revenue generated is used for airport operations and maintenance.
Climate impact survey:
Three hundred and fifty six participated in the Climate Impact Survey. Community Development Director John Ajax stated that the study is a part of the GMA updates. Communications Director Chad Coltman stated that wildfire and smoke was mentioned 70% of the time and the climate 30% of the time. “There was a range of opinions from residents,” said Coltman. “The had a desire for more education.”
Ajax also stated that residents want to know what the City can do when we have wildfires and smoke.
Sports fields and Court use agreements:
“This agreement will define responsibilities of users and the park,” reported Parks Director Paul Horne.
Previously, to 2025, use fees were waived for groups who provided maintenance. Horne states that ongoing maintenance costs will necessitate fee collections going forward, but this year new fees will not be imposed on groups without sufficient time to plan for them.
Baseball and softball leagues will not be charged fees this year, but have been notified that fees will begin next year.
Beach volleyball already has an established fee system with the Parks Department. There rates have been adjusted to accommodate an additional 25 days of play. The adjusted rate remains below the daily use fee outlined in the rate resolution and will be increased gradually.
Hollingsworth stated that the baseball/softball fields are in bad shape and some capital improvements are needed.
Boys & Girls Club:
The Parks Department and the Boys and Girls Club are entering into a Memorandum of Understanding of their roles and responsibilities. “They had a successful basketball season this winter,” said Horne. “They have scheduled football for this spring,” added Horne.
Moving reimbursement policy:
Chad Coltman reported that the moving reimbursement policy has been studied and gives the city an opportunity to offer up to $10,000 to potential employees to move to Chelan. “This does not apply to every offer we make,” said Coltman. He hopes it helps to relocate talent to the city.
Brad Chitty asked if that included temporary lodging costs. Coltman replied that it did.
Coltman also stated that the search is on for a new Finance Director when Tupling retires at the end of the year. “We have a number of applicants starting to apply,” he said.
Peri Gallucci:
Councilmembers congratulated Gallucci on her recent elevation to President Elect of the Washington Municipal Clerks Association (WWMCA) at a recent clerks conference.
Mayor McCardle echoed all who congratulated her and said, “What Peri has accomplished has taken passion, time and effort. Congratulations.”
All Things Lake Chelan 