by Richard Uhlhorn
City Hall:
Chelan’s September 2 Workshop brought up a wrinkle in the city’s effort to remodel its current facility… the possibility of building a new $20 million city hall.
The workshop was the first time the council had heard this idea. Communications Director Chad Coltman remarked that MMEC Architecture consultants had identified a number of issues with the city’s current buildings.
At issue, of course, would be the cost which has been estimated at $20 million. The council’s issue is whether or not a new city hall is even needed versus a remodel of the existing building. Another issue is where a new City Hall would be built.
Mayor McCardle remarked that the current city hall is outgrowing itself and there will be a lack of space in the next nine years. “The problems are not going away,” said McCardle. “It’s like putting a finger into a dam,” she added.
McCardle told the Council that they need to consider coming up with a plan the city can start budgeting for. “Nothing is getting cheaper. We need to sit down and have a hard conversation,” said McCardle adding that the need is there within the next five to seven years.
Mark Ericks asked about remodeling the current facility. Terry Sanders stated that selling a $20 million dollar bond would be tough. Shari Deitrich said she doesn’t get real excited about adding a third floor. Tim Hollingsworth said the city needs to come up with a plan fr the Sheriff’s office. “We need a hard look at what they need here in Chelan,” Hollingsworth said.
During the Mayor/Council comment period at the end of the meeting, Mayor McCardle said, “You guys have to make the hard decisions on a new building.” She added that now is the right time to be thinking about this project. “It’s not going to happen tomorrow or even in four years but we need to be engaged.” She asked the council to continue to strategize and to keep the conversation going. “Let’s keep this positive.”
Note: Since the September 2 workshop a number of council members have remarked that there is a number of alternatives to building a new city hall. One of the top alternatives is to build an annex at Public Works for the Planning Department which would free up approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of space at City Hall.
Joint Operating Agreement – Airport.
meeting. “Their proposal contribution includes a three-year agreement. In a nutshell that’s the progress we’ve made.”
Currently, the contribution is $50,000 for Operations and Maintenance. The proposal follows:
Year 1 – O&M $80,000; Capital Equipment Match – $15,000
Year 2 – O&M $95,000; Capital Equipment Match – $15,000
Year 3 – O&M $100,000; Capital Equipment Match – $15,000
The two year increases are subject to completion of the airport waterline and expanded Airport Development District (UGA) prior to December 31, 2026.
The Regional Port payments would be made quarterly.
The City will continue to provide monthly income and expense reports and a yearly financial summary.
Interlocal Law Enforcement Services Agreement – 2026-2029
Coltman stated that the proposed agreement revolves around the cost per deputy. Under the agreement, the department has three deputies on patrol 24/7. Currently the department has 12 officers on board. “We pay for six deputies and the new rate is $270,952 per deputy.
Mayor McCardle said, “We can’t absorb a15% increase.”
The City will pay the County the following amounts for base services to 2029
2026 – $1,72,900; 2027 – $1,793896; 2028 -$1,865,651; and 2029 – $1,940,278.
Chelan will also be required to pay for discretionary overtime.
The County will pay rent on that 1,200 sq. ft. portion of City Hall formerly the police station.
The agreement was approved unanimously by the City Council at its Tuesday, September 9 council meeting.
All Things Lake Chelan 