by Richard Uhlhorn
Bridge Jumping:
Bridge jumping was at the forefront of Tuesday’s, July 8, City Council meeting when an agitated Lynda Sydloski addressed the issue. “I’ve watched them climb up a light pole and hang off the light,” she said. Sydloski brought up the unfortunate 2005 Memorial Day accident at Don Morse Park that left the victim paralyzed and eventually cost the City millions in a lawsuit.
Sydloski said the City is at risk for another accident waiting to happen and needs to address the issue. City Administrator Wade Farris stated that bridge jumping is a persistent issue for the city but is hard to stop.
Bridge jumping has become a popular activity and a ‘right of passage’ with many juveniles and even parents who encourage the activity. It has been an activity that has evolved over the years to include visiting juveniles also, and so far, no accidents have occurred.
Special presentations:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren introduced his newest staff member, Rox Hoskins. She has the title of Capital Project Manager and will be overseeing the construction of the Lakeside Trial amongst other duties tied to the public works extensive project list.
Mayor McCardle welcomed her to the community.
Mayor McCardle read a Proclamation in Support of Parks & Recreation Professionals Week which takes place during the week of July 20. McCardle thanked the parks department for their professionalism. “Thanks for a great job.” She said.
Public Hearings:
John Ajax, community planning director, conducted a public hearing on Unit Lot Subdivision Codes. “This code will allow Unit Lot Subdivisions on a larger lot,” said Ajax. “This has been to the Planning Commission already.”
The state has decreed that all cities, towns and counties will include procedures for unit lot subdivisions to allow the division of a parent lot into separately owned unit lots. This is a type of land division where an individual lots are created within a larger “parent lot” to allow separate sale and ownership of individual structures.
Lynette Grandy brought up the complex housing issues facing the city. She said the City of Chelan has an initiative to enhance livability by providing a wide range of housing choices that would cater to all income levels and meet the diverse needs of the city.
She would like to see the city implement the intent of the comprehensive plan and the housing action plan to further community goals by providing housing for local workers and families.
“The city needs to use every opportunity to be assertive and get their housing objectives known for affordable permanent housing for people who work in Chelan. Let’s make it easier for Director Ajax and his staff to provide direct information about improving housing affordability for locals.”
Tim Hollingsworth asked about parking and Mark Ericks asked what the difference was between the unit lot subdivision and a boundary line adjustment. Ajax replied that parking would be provided and that boundary line adjustments don’t fit this scenario.
Apple Blossom Center amendment:
John Ajax opened the public hearing on Apple Blossom Center Holdings request for a second amendment to its development agreement. The amendment, if approved, would add two new multifamily definitions; 450 sq. ft. micro-units and cottages to provide smaller, more cost efficient housing choices.
This would allow for roughly 80 micro-units on the Weidner parcel and 64 micro-units or cottages on the remaining Apple Blossom Center Holdings land.
Ajax stated that the developer will provide $700,000 to be used to offset improvements. Weidner is proposing to build up to 720 units total over the next five years. All building will be done in phases with 284 apartment units constructed initially. The second phase would be completed by 2030 for a total of 420 units.
Mark Ericks asked about traffic mitigation. “I’m thinking more about the impact to the hospital,” said Ericks. Ajax replied that at some point a roundabout would be provided at developer cost. Brad Chitty stated that he is worried about the density of this development and what it will mean to the community.
Tim Hollingsworth also remarked that there would be an “ultimate traffic impact.” He also asked about parking at the micro-units and Ajax stated that parking needed to be provided.
The Weidner apartments will be constructed just west of WalMart.
Nick Nowotarski, development director for Weidner, addressed the council and said, “We are currently working on our design. We will build 246 initially.” Nowotarski added that the first phase would consist of studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments. “We are looking forward to partnering with you,” he told the city.
The amendment request will be brought back to the council for approval at a later date.
Administrative reports:
Beckwith Consulting presented a report on the progress of the Imagine Downtown Project.
Beckwith reported that they have added some motorcycle parking to the plan and offered schematics of new light standards “We are able to put brackets on these standards for flags and banners,” he stated.
Beckwith showed several versions of benches that the community prefers. Bicycle racks will also be placed in the downtown area.
“There is strong sentiment downtown that there be no bricks. They do not want bricks.” Instead he suggested aggregate that will look good.
Administrative recruitment:
Wade Farris reported that the city will retain GMP consultants at a cost of $3,500 to help assess the qualifications of an internal candidate for the city administer position.
GMP will meet with Mayor McCardle and Farris to define the evaluation process and to help the consultant understand the desired qualifications and challenges of the administrator role.
The internal candidate will be required to submit a cover letter, resume, application and respond to two essay questions. When the virtual interview process is completed, GMP will provide the city with a written summary of the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses and offer a recommendation.
Brad Chitty recommended that the city open up the search with the Association of Washington Cities for more applicants to apply for the position. Bob Goedde remarked that the city doesn’t know what’s out there unless you ask. Tim Hollingsworth stated that it is difficult to attract people to “our small town.”
The internal applicant is presumed to be Chad Coltman, the current HR/Communications Director. It is also assumed that Mayor McCardle is pushing for Coltman as her administrator. The mayor has that authority to choose who the city administrator will be. Will the council approve?
Airport update:
Wade Farris reported that the city and the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority wish to extend the date for the Chelan Airport Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) to July 31. This extension will allow both parties to consider three options for the JOA to move forward.
Those options include:
Option 1 – revise the current JOA with a hold harmless agreement and more robust insurance but otherwise the same. This could also morph into an agreement to form a joint airport board made up of some members of the Chelan City Council and staff, some members of the CDRPA and others to be determined.
Option 2 – transfer ownership to the City of Chelan with CDPRA making some financial contributions, amount to be determined.
Option 3 – transfer all responsibility of managing the Airport to the CDPRA with the City making some financial contribution, also to be determined.
Farris reported that conversations with staff and Jim Kuntz, CDRPA CEO, that Option 2 would be best for the City and the Lake Chelan Airport.
The city, its attorney and staff will develop an agreement to present for approval which is tentatively schedule for the July 22, City Council meeting.
Administrative reports:
City Clerk Peri Gallucci reported that assistant city clerk Cailey Couch has been certified as a city clerk. Couch has been instrumental in helping the city go from paper records to digital records.
Wade Farris stated that it is going to be an incredibly busy summer.
Paul Horne remarked that the Parks Department survived the July 4 weekend. “It was pretty calm,” he said.
Mayor/Council comments:
Jon Higgins commented that the kids and others on the Woodin Avenue bridge are leaving garbage and open containers. He suggested that a garbage can be placed nearby so garbage could be disposed of properly. Regarding the bridge jumping, Higgins said, “The Sheriff’s Department have a hard time policing this.”
Mark Ericks remarked that the bridge issue is a ‘right of passage’ for most of these jumpers.
Tim Hollingsworth stated that people like to jump off the bridge but that the cycle needs to be broken. “I don’t know how to do that.” He also said he visited Lakeside Park and it was busy.
Mayor McCardle said people were respecting parks rules and told when they were violating them. Also that there were limited issues in the surrounding neighborhoods. “Congratulations to Paul and his staff. We had a safe fourth.”
All Things Lake Chelan 