By Richard Uhlhorn
It was a quick City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 27
Dust Control:
Of importance to the residents is the alley way Dust Control program that Council approved for the third year in a row. Lyman Dust Control, Inc. will be applying its road binder to all of the alleyways in the community. “It’s a good public relations campaign,” said Tim Hollingsworth.
Citizen comments:
Janet, a Lakeside resident and member of the Friends of Lakeside group, thanked the City Council and Parks Board for actions taken to help manage the use of Lakeside Park. “We enjoyed a quiet Memorial Day weekend with only a few instances of non-compliance, most of which were addressed by the security team or after their departure, by Sheriff’s deputies.
The City and its staff went out of its way this past winter to address a number of concerns that came from overcrowding at Lakeside Park that made living in the community miserable last summer.
She requested that the City extend the security companies hours be increased to cover afternoons and possibly into the evenings.
Barry DePaoli, another Lakeside resident, remarked that the new signage is great and the new security measures excellent. “Overall, the weekend was an improvement,” said DePaoli. “Change is always difficult.”
Transit month:
Mayor Erin McCardle read a Proclamation Declaring June as “Ride Transit Month”
She thanked LINK for what they have done for transportation issues in the Valley. The CEO encouraged residents to visit LINK’s website for information on its services.
Proclamation
WHEREAS, public transportation plays a vital role in connecting people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and essential services, ensuring that all members of our community have access to opportunity; and
WHEREAS, riding transit helps reduce traffic congestion, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable environment; and
WHEREAS, the Link Transit system is powered by dedicated drivers, operators, maintenance staff, and planners who work tirelessly to keep our community moving safely and efficiently; and
WHEREAS, increasing transit ridership supports economic development, fosters equitable access, and strengthens the social fabric of our neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the month of June marks the start of summer, a perfect time to encourage residents to try transit for commuting, recreation, and daily travel; and
WHEREAS, “Ride Transit Month” offers an opportunity to celebrate public transit, recognize its benefits, and invite our community to explore new ways of getting around;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor of the City of Chelan, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2025 as Ride Transit Month in the City of Chelan, and I encourage all residents, businesses, and visitors to support and participate in this initiative by choosing transit and celebrating its many benefits for our community and our future.
Weekend Sheriff’s Report:
Sgt. Rob Huddleston reported that there were 37 incidents over the weekend with six arrests, three DUI’s, and three suspended license issues.
Out on the water, Huddleston reported that the Marine Patrol conducted 50 vessel inspections and had two assist incidents. “It was a much different weekend from 16 to 20 years ago,” said Huddleston.
Huddleston also thanked the City and council for its contribution to retrofitting Marine II to its current new condition. “We have trained all of our deputies on the vessel’s operation. It is a huge change and it responds so much better.”
After the meeting I asked Sgt. Huddleston about motor vessels using the Chelan River to anchor in when the City specifically wrote an ordinance banning them from the river. Huddleston clarified the issue. “We can’t stop them from using the river. It is a navigable waterway and the State allows them.”
So, the river will remain open to motorized watercraft despite the City’s new ordinance.
Motion Considerations of Note:
The Port of Chelan County and City have extended the deadline for a decision on the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) for the Lake Chelan Airport to July 31. The Port’s board of directors have also agreed to this extension.
The current Lake Chelan Airport JOA expires on September 30, 2025. The extension allows agreed that a notice of non-renewal on or before July 31, 2025 shall result in the termination of the JOA effective September 30,2025.
Administrative Reports:
Finance Director Jackie Tupling presented a Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce report for January through May 25, 2025.
So far the Chamber has spent $238,948.70 of its allotted $700,000 of which $398,000 has been spent on advertising the Valley. Another $242,000 went to Chamber wages.
Lakeside Trail report:
Travis Denham, PE – Public Works, updated the council on the Lakeside Trail Project. This project is slated to begin on the Monday following the July 4th weekend and completed by October 16, 2025. “We don’t know how much construction is going to cost,” said Dunham.
If it goes over the estimated $4,126,782, Dunham said they might use an interfund loan from the Water Fund. Jackie Tupling remarked that there is money in the budget and that an interfund loan is an option. “There are a lot of bids coming in less than the estimate,” she added.
The multi-use Lakeside Trail will be constructed from the Woodin Avenue Bridge to Lakeside Park. The construction estimate is $3,679,782. The Transportation Improvement Board is contributing $500,000 to the project. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) contribution is $2,516,566, and LINK Transit is contributing $251,686. The City has budgeted $250,000 to the project and will provide additional funding if necessary.
Mayor/Council comments:
Terry Sanders said he appreciated the on-going dialogue with the Lakeside residents. He also would like to Public Works to take a serious look at the blind corner coming off the Dan Gordon Bridge. “We need to be proactive on this.”
Jon Higgins said that Memorial Day visitation was down. “We will see what July 4 brings.”
Mayor McCardle thanked the Friends of Lakeside and hopes that everyone has a good and safe summer. She added that it was nice to have a full council in attendance. “It’s going to e a busy two months.”
All Things Lake Chelan 