by Richard Uhlhorn
Capital Path LLC – lobbyist
City Administrator Wade Farris stated that John Culton has done an exceptional job as the City’s lobbyist. “It has been well worth it,” stated Farris.
The motion was to accept a new contract with Culton under his new name, Capital Path LLC at a monetary figure of $4,000 per month. Culton’s job as a lobbyist has been to facilitate contacts and relationships with senators, congresswomen and their staffers, hopefull leading to significant grant opportunities in the near and far future.
Tim Hollingsworth asked if the city’s grant consultant, Ms. Noble was doing the same job. Farris replied that Culton works on a federal level while Noble works with the state legislative body. “Just making sure we are not double-dipping,” said Hollingsworth.
Chelan County Sheriff’s agreement:
Farris reported that the City and Chelan County have negotiated a new Interlocal Law Enforcement Agreement starting on January 1, 2026 and lasting until December 31, 2029.
Under this agreement, the Sheriff’s Office will serve as the City’s law enforcement department providing 24/7 patrol coverage with a minimum of 6.33 full-time deputies, This agreement includes marine patrol duties during the summer months, 208 hours of foot patrol, investigative and special operations support, dispatch through RiverCom and annual planning for city priorities.
The cost of these services are, $1.72 million in 2026, increasing to $1.94 million in 2029 plus RiverCom costs. The City continues to rent office space to the Sheriff’s department at a cost of $14,800 to $16,700 over the three year term.
Construction management – Sewer Lift Station No. 3:
KRCI, LLC has been awarded the construction contract for the Sewer Lift Station No. 3 and has requested that RH2 Engineering provide them a scope of work. RH2 will also be providing construction management services for this project at a cost of $40,000.
Sanders Street Pedestrian Improvements:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren reported that the local agency agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOT) has been updated to reflect actual expenditures and more detailed cost estimates before going to bid. The three project phases include design, right-of-way and construction.
Youngren told the council that the project costs have increased. The City originally committed to a contribution of $82,000. It has now bloomed to approximately $ $200,000 with additional funding from the Transportation Improvement Board – $100,000 and $66,000 from Link Transit. The additional city funds will be added as a part of the 2025 Budget Amendment No 2.
Youngren stated that the project includes additional stormwater work.
Temporary Construction Permit – Lakeside Trail Project:
City Council unanimously approved Temporary Construction Easements for the Lakeside Trail Project with Bulandet Properties, LLC and Sunniford Properties, LLC. The City, in coordination with its legal counsel and Tierra Right-of-Way Servies have secured temporary easement rights for two Woodin Avenue properties at 1228 W. Woodin and 1230 W Woodin at a cost of $7,200 and $9,600 respectively. “The reason this is important is the differences in elevation between the properties and the project,” Youngren stated.
In other business:
Administrative reports:
The Finance Department reported that additional funds were added to:
Administration for City Admin Recruitment and CivicPlus Media/Agenda
Management software
Finance for ClearGov renewal; additional training expenses for incoming
Finance Director and final 2022 & 2023 Audit Costs
Legal Services for City Attorney and Conflict Counsel Reserve
Wellness Physical Fitness Reimbursements
Human Resources Benefits adjusted to reflect actuals
Facilities were adjusted to reflect reallocation of staff and repairs &
maintenance of facilities|
Communications subscription for Placer.AI
Public Safety Services to reflect 2025 contract|
Community Development had increases for Comp plan and reallocation of
funds between Building and Planning departments
Parks Operating revenues were adjusted to reflect increase in parking fines,
insurance reimbursements, and golf course fees
Additional expenses related to the irrigation pump failure such as wages, overtime and pump parts
Development deposits beginning fund balance was redistributed to individual accounts
Capital Improvement received funds from City Hall Facility Professional
Services-Audit & Assessment
Parks Capital moved money from Lakeside Park Golf Maintenance Other Improvements Irrigation System
Recycle Insurance Recovery for Recycle Center
Reductions were made in the following areas:
City Hall Facility Audit & Assessment funds were moved to Capital improvement Facility Projects to cover unforeseen repairs and maintenance of the city facilities
Public Safety contracts funds were removed from old contracts that have not been utilized
Parks Capital Lakeside Park funds were moved to Golf Maintenance Other Improvements Irrigation System
Water & Sewer Capital funds were adjusted to reflect project costs and/or updated estimates
ADU Code Update:
Community Development Director John Ajax gave the council a brief overview of the new state requirements regarding Additional Dwelling Units that are being added to the City’s comprehensive plan.
The plan allows for up to two ADUs on a residential lot of 1,000 sq. ft., however, Ajax said the City will bump that square footage to 1,200 sq. ft. “We continue to work on Chelan housing issues,” said Ajax. For complete information on this issue go to the city’s code at Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) Chelan Municipal Code (CMC) Update – AB AB 2025-063
Tim Hollingsworth asked Ajax if it was possible to limit ADUs under the code for STRs. Ajax said the city would work around that issue.
PUD/Chelan Interlocal Agreements:
Jake Youngren reported on agreements being sought with Chelan County PUD for Fish Hatchery Discharges to the Sewer Treatment Plant and the PUDs contribution to the Lift Station #1 Project Contribution.
“We are working with the PUD on a couple of different projects,” said Youngren. He reported that the city is working on the $750,000 Lift Station project with the PUD. “We want them to be very involved in this project.”
As for the fish hatchery discharge, Youngren explained that an agreement would only be for several months during hatchery operations and would only involve about 200 gallons per day. He said the City would charge a one-time fee of $3,000.
Other entities would be charged 1.5 times the going rate for the Lake Chelan Reclamation District and South Shore Sewer District, both of which have a long standing agreement to discharge their effluent to the sewer treatment plant.
HDCA funding agreement:
The City and the Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) have developed a funding agreement to support the placement of sixteen (16) Big Belly garbage cans in downtown Chelan.
The City will purchase, own, and operate the units. HDCA will reimburse the City for the full purchase cost upon invoice, ensuring no net cost to the City.
Key Terms:
· Purchase & Ownership: The City will procure and maintain the garbage cans
· Funding: HDCA will reimburse the City for 100% of the cost following invoicing
· Branding: HDCA may add its logo to the units at their own expense
· Agreement: Establishes the partnership and outlines the responsibilities of both parties
Link Transit agreements:
Youngren reported on an agreement with Link Transit for related improvements regarding Link’s contribution to the following city projects:
1. Lakeside Trial Project – $296,853
2. Sanders Street Pedestrian Improvements Project – $66,297.50
3. Woodin Avenue and Center Street Pedestrian Improvements Project – $94,340.94
City Department Reports:
Finance Director Jacki Tupling reported that the department is getting ready for the fall budget hearings
Parks Director Paul Horne reported that the department is working on its rate resolution for the September 23 City Council meeting.
Community Development Director John Ajax reported that his department is looking at Short Term Rentals. “We have a number of those but there is nothing extraordinary.” He also said the department is working with the County on STRs.
City Administrator Wade Farris told the Council that advertisements went out in search or potential city administrator applicants. “We will choose who we want to interview by the third or fourth of October.
The next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 23 beginning at 5:15. The public is encouraged to attend.
All Things Lake Chelan 