Manson Community Council

by Richard Uhlhorn

Manson Community Council had Chelan County PUD representatives Edrie Risdon – Customer Outreach Specialist and Abra O’Leary, – a Project Manager on board at their Tuesday, August 19 meeting to report on the PUD’s plans to add new substations.

The PUD begins the process of searching for and building a new substation to take increased load from development when the current substation reaches 80 percent of its capacity.

Risdon explained that the PUD is looking at a 50 year plan to continue providing resilient and reliable power for its owners, and encouraged people check out PUD’s website for information.

Over the next 10 years the PUD plans on adding 15 new substations to meet its increasing energy demands.

O’Leary explained that the PUD is addressing the future needs in Manson and starting the process to build a new substation near Roses Lake. This process includes looking at alternative solutions along with obtaining property and land rights for a new substation through 2026. From 2027 to 2028 the PUD will design and build a new substation and power lines.

Currently, they are collecting feedback from stakeholders. In the design phase, the PUD will listen to the stakeholders and address any concerns.

An Open House will be held on September 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Manson Fire Hall to discuss the PUD’s plans.

For more information visit chelanpud.org/MansonAreaCapacity or email customeroutreach@chelanpud.org.

In other business:
The Council discussed splitting up agency and organization meetings between the members of the board. This would include a board member attending the Lake Chelan Reclamation District board meeting, Chelan City Council, Chelan County Watershed Meetings and Link Transit meetings.

Timi Starkweather reported that One Voice would be holding a public meeting on September 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. and September 12 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Manson Grange Hall.

Dom Amore reported that a council meeting with the Colville Business Council has been scheduled for December 4. Amore stated that it would be an introductory meeting with the council to find out how Manson Community Council and they can fit together. “It will be up to their council to discuss the Casino Project with us.”

Mike Kirk said he had mentioned a roundabout at Hwy 150 and Wapato Lake Road with the Chelan/Douglas Transportation Council.

With traffic becoming increasingly busy between Manson and Chelan, reducing traffic conflicts becomes extremely important.

The council is working on getting the Manson School District and the Chelan Boys & Girls Club on their schedule.

The council has applied for status with the North Central Washington Foundation for potential grant opportunities. Amore stated that it takes up to two months for applications to be approved.

Jeff Conwell reported that he was having difficulty getting sales tax information from the county. “The don’t seem to be able to break it down,” said Conwell. He had a meeting with the City of Entiat and remarked that they are excited to work with Manson on these issues. “We are trying to get the financial picture solidified,” he added.

There was a short discussion about Dark Skies in Manson.