New District Ranger:
Holly Krate, Chelan/Entiat District Ranger, visited with the Chelan City Council on June 10. She explained what the district is doing in preparation for wildfire potential in July, August and September. “We are almost fully staffed,” she said. That staffing includes a hotshot crew and 75 available for fire staffing.
Most of those individuals are engaged in support services, but Krate added that each one carries wildland card. If a fire breaks out, she stated it would have an impact on recreation services.
Mark Ericks remarked that after a couple of years of wildfire up-lake with smoke issues, he would prefer that the fires be put out. “Can you tell us a little bit about fire policy,” Ericks asked. Krate replied that the district will be managing fires aggressively.
“We are prioritizing health and safety,” she said. “There are miles of trails we might not be able to get to this year.”
Tim Hollingsworth asked about up-lake dock facilities and how many are open. Krate replied that there is a new dock at Domke Falls campground. Jon Higgins asked about Safety Harbor and was told it was on the district’s list. “We recognize the importance of that dock,” she said.
Krate has replaced Paul Willard who retired last month. She has worked in Wenatchee over the past 10 years.
2025 six-year transportation plan:
City Council held a public hearing on passing Resolution 2025-1463 on the six-year Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) required by the State and Federal government to qualify for funding.
Chelan has established a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) which will provide a dependable revenue source to held the Public Works Department financially plan and organize transportation projects. TBD funds can only be used on projects that are included in the six-year STIP.
A total of $32,152,152 has been identified in the STIP over the next six years. These projects include $8 million for the Woodin Avenue Bridge change to two-way traffic requested by a majority of Chelan residents; $3.5 million for a roundabout at the intersection of Woodin and Sanders; and $9 million for the Northshore Pathway.
There was no public comment and the Council unanimously approved the resolution.
Grant & Funding progress:
Annalise Noble of Noble Strategies LLC has been helping the City secure grant and low cost loan funding for specific projects within the city. Wade Farris remarked that Noble has been helping the city since 2023. “We have a lot of activity this year,” said Farris.
A large part of her work is with the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers who are holding the $9 million secured from Congress to build a one-million gallon reservoir as a part of the East Chelan Water Project. “We have requested funding for the entire project,” Farris said. That is estimated at $18 million dollars. “Since that request we have been working closely with the Army staff.”
“They really like the project,” said Noble who attended the meeting on Zoom. “We are really hopeful that it works out.” Mayor McCardle remarked that she appreciates all the work Noble has been doing on behalf of the city.
City Administer position:
With current city administrator Wade Farris retiring at the end of the October, the search is on for a new administrator to take control of the city’s daily operations. The administrator also provides leadership and support to all city departments and is a key advisor to the mayor.
Council was give a draft of administrator requirements. Farris said, “We got job descriptions from three similar cities. We believe this is a pretty good job description.”
Mayor McCardle said she had pulled other municipal and remarked that the draft city council had in their hands needs “much more detail on this role.”
Normal requirements include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration with extensive work experience in city administration or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. The job requires experience managing cross-departmental initiatives, public infrastructure projects and labor relations.
It is preferred that the new administrator has a strong understanding of municipal operations, public budgeting and intergovernmental relations with an ICMA Credentialed Manager certification.
There will be one more detailed look at the qualifications before any decision is made to advertise the position or hire within. Hollingsworth asked where the city will find a new administrator.
In other business:
The council unanimously approved SCJ Alliance for a professional services agreement for construction management of the Lakeside Trail Project. In an effort for reduce the financial burden of construction management services, the city will be performing a portion of the construction management tasks with its new Capital Projects Manager who will serve as the primary point of contact for the contractor.
The Chelan Parks department rejected all bids on its Lakeside Park Renovation Project that included restroom and playground renovations, new concrete walkways, beach improvements, landscaping and other park enhancements.
Five contractors attended a pre-bid meeting on May 1. Two bids were received and opened on May 15.
The engineers estimate was $1,516,520. Total bids came in at $1,787,000 which exceeded the project budget. Staff is working with Berger Consultants to revise the project plans and bid documents to lower costs with an attempt to re-advertise the project in July. Construction is planned to begin after Labor Day.
Paul Horne, Parks Director said the Dock Company is working with the department to lower its costs. “We are looking at cutting some of the sidewalk and beach work,” said Horne.
Mayor McCardle recognized Jake Youngren for thinking outside of the box on pushing through the hiring of a Capital Projects Manager. She thanked the council for supporting the new position and said, “That position will cover the cost of her salary.”
The next City Council meeting will be on June 25, beginning at 5:15 p.m. in council chambers.
All Things Lake Chelan 