by Richard Uhlhorn
Chelan City Council’s ‘Citizen’s Comment’ period is an opportunity for residents to speak their mind about issues that concern them.
Marina security issue:
At the September 23rd meeting, Mr. Craig Timothy remarked that he was surprised that the Lake Chelan Marina has no security cameras in place.
He told the council that this is his second year of mooring his boat at the marina. “I’m surprised that there aren’t security cameras monitoring the marina,” he said. “There are a lot of high end boats moored there.” He went on to report that five teenagers were breaking into a boat when he confronted them. Apparently they allegedly assaulted him.
His boat also had its cabin door kicked in at the beginning of the summer season. “It cost a few thousand dollars and another police report,” he said. “It’s time for cameras at the marina.”
Mayor McCardle thanked him and said the issue would be brought up at the next meeting.
Special presentation:
Marci Volmer, CEO of the Snohomish Boys and Girls Club was on hand to address City Council about the Chelan facility that is currently operating under the Snohomish organization.
“We are already seeing huge success,” Volmer said. The club has four priorities which include academics, life and citizenship activities. So far the club has spent $673,000 on the Chelan facility at the Community Center. “That includes the building and staffing,” she said.
Angela Collins, director at the Chelan club told council members that if they haven’t visited the facility to please come and see it. “We are all about families and children.”
Currently Chelan’s club is the 27 club associated with the Snohomish organization.
Collins was hired one year ago and her first job was to begin the club’s sports activities. They began its basketball activity which drew 220 kids. “We didn’t know what to do with all those kids,” said Collins. In the end, they held basketball training and games. “It was fantastic fun… recreational fun.”
Since the initial basketball program, the club had 35 kids turn out from Manson and Chelan for Flag Football. During this summer, they have held summer camps that have included a sports camp, water safety course and art.
“We are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Both Chelan and Manson School Districts are working on transportation with the club. “We need to get more kids signed up,” Collins said.
They are in the process of building a library with the help of the Chelan Rotary Club and individual donors. One resident has donated all of her birthday supplies she had previously used for birthdays. This includes toys, crayons, pencils, paper and etc.
One of the activities the club is working on is helping kids with their homework assignments. “If they don’t have homework, we will find something for them to do.
A Winter Camp is in the plans also.
Collins introduced Rick Chavez, the club’s Athletic Director. The club conducted its first golf activity for five to 13 year olds. Chavez said, “It’s been awesome. Both Chelan and Manson were involved. We are excited to continue the golf program next year.” He is getting ready to start this year’s basketball program.
Volmer told the council that no one is turned away. Currently the club charges $25 per day per child, but if a parent can’t afford it, there is DSHS funding available to cover the cost through the State. They also have grants in place to help. The club also has monthly rates for families.
Councilman Terry Sanders asked if there are a lot of kids joining. Collins replied that it is beginning to happen, but there is a lot of things that need to happen.
Mayor McCardle, who has visited the club several times said, “It is amazing to see how many kids are there and also how supervised they are.”
Motion considerations:
Airport Joint Operating Agreement:
City Administrator Wade Farris reported that the negotiations with the Port on a JOA is ongoing. “You guys are well aware of what’s going on,” said Farris. “We have agreed on some issues,but are still figuring out how much the Port is going to pay us.”
Farris went on to say that the end of September was the drop dead time, but both parties have agreed to extend the negotiation period to October 31.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said he hopes the city can work something out. “I would like to see a better formula. We haven’t seen any kind of development plan. We need to take a hard look at those things.” Hollingsworth said he has some concerns. “I don’t want to keep kicking the can down the road.”
Councilman Brad Chitty said he is very encouraged by the meetings at the Port. “They seem to be willing to step up.”
Councilman Bob Goedde said, “It’s our airport, We need to take the lead and use their expertise.”
Housing Trust & infrastructure:
Communications Director Chad Coltman reported that a Community Housing Infrastructure Program (CHIP) grant application was ready to submit in partnership with the Chelan Valley Housing Trust.
Analise Noble has been working on the application which is estimated at $350,860 in water improvements and $837,888 in sanitary sewer improvement for the Chelan River Heights affordable housing development adjacent to Anderson Road. C hitty encouraged the City to move forward on this application. Council unanimously approved the Mayor to finalize the application.
Parks Rate and Fee rates:
Assistant Parks Director Audrey Cooper reported that the Parks Department is already receiving reservations for 2026. The department is proposing an early adjustment to its rates and fees to support both customer service and internal financial efficiencies.
This amendment will separate taxes from the parks rates in customer transactions and provide transparency to customers and streamline the city’s financial accounting process. In addition, it will allow the Parks Department to update its point of sale software prior to the 2026 season.
These adjustments will also support long-term sustainability of Parks commercial operations.
Sanderson asked about golf rates. Cooper replied, “On average it will be a 10% increase.” Councilwoman Shari Dietrich asked about rounding out taxes to the nearest dollar so the department wouldn’t have to deal with cents. “Will customers know its coming,” Cooper replied, “Yes.”
City/Link Interlocal Agreement:
The City and Link Transit are formalizing Link’s participation on current and future transportation capital projects that are adjacent to Link’s bus stops. These projects currently include the Lakeside Trail Project; Sanders Street Pedestrian Improvements; and the Woodin Avenue and Center Street Pedestrian Improvement Project.
USDOT grant for safe streets:
The City was awarded this grant in early 2025 and has finalized the funding agreement with the DOT for the planning document. Total project cost is estimatedat $177,700 and requires a $35,540 city match.
Staff will seek Statements of Qualifications from qualified engineering companies.
Staff reports:
Audrey Cooper reported that the parks had a well-staffed summer. She also stated that construction renovations have started at Lakeside Park.
All Things Lake Chelan 