Chelan to investigate options for a new city hall.

By Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan’s monthly workshop on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 opened with Councilman Tim Hollingsworth (entering his third term) and incoming Councilman Shane Collins taking the oath of office from City Clerk Peri Gallucci.

Mayor Erin McCardle introduced Chelan’s new City Administrator Laura McAloon to the staff and council.

Motion Considerations:
The Interlocal Agreement for Fire Protection between Chelan 7 and the City was removed from the agenda for further review.

Library Addendum No. 1 – water damage
During the remodel of the Library, significant water infiltration was found coming through the walls and into the floor Joists at the perimeter of the building. According to Chad Coltman, the City is currently working with the architect to scope out the problem. “When we have the full scope, we will put together a package for bid,” stated Coltman. The City estimates a $20,000 fix.

“This agreement (addendum) allows us to get the ball rolling,” said Coltman. City Administrator Laura McAloon recommended that the council move the motion forward. Tim Hollingsworth remarked that the City doesn’t want to hold up the library remodel. The motion was passed unanimously.

Capital Projects:
Mayor McCardle opened up the discussion of upcoming capital projects and their impact on the City. Public Works Director Jake Youngren replied that they would talk about what the have coming down the pike. City Engineer Travis Denham explained the details of various project and a new Public Works website that is supposed to be live on Friday, January 9.

These projects, many of which will begin this spring will affect the community. The waterline project to the airport is being monitored by the DOT and Denham said, “The are asking how they want us to protect their infrastructure. They have all the authority to tell us what to do and how to do it.”

Other projects looming on the horizon include the Reservoir project, pump station upgrades, new waterlines, the redesign of the River Walk Park pump station which is a combined City/PUD project and Lakeside Trail punch lists.

Work continues to proceed on the Apple Blossom Trail and what the final route will look like. Youngren added that it will probably be another 12 foot wide trail like the Lakeside Trail. This trail will access Apple Blossom Center, Walmart and the hospital from its start point at the Les Schwab intersection

Facilites
The discussion once again ramped up the need to do some long term planning towards building a new city hall based on the 2025 report that the current building is an outdated facility with issues.

Planning Director John Ajax told the council that he took the opportunity to lay out all of the city’s capital facilities. “We have $110 million worth of buildings right now.”

Communications Director Chad Coltman remarked that there is more time and energy spent on the older buildings. “A lot of the facilities are old,” said Coltman. He remarked that the new public works building was designed to be added on to. He recommended that the city plan for a long range funding strategy for the next five to 10 years.

The facilities report outlined different options from remodeling to new construction at costs ranging from $7 million to $13 million depending on what option is chosen.

Administration is/was looking for Council’s willingness to pursue city hall replacement over the next five to 10 years. Once Council has provided that commitment, staff could actively being a long-range funding strategy.

Councilman Brad Chitty asked for more input and other ideas to the future building issues. Mayor McCardle stated that she didn’t know what the other options are. Chitty replied that funding and thinking outside the box was important.

Mark Ericks (on ZOOM) said, “I would like to see us brainstorming about the direction we are going in.” He stated that the current generation is working in a digital world instead of a brick and motar world. Definitely an interesting concept because City Hall isn’t a public place with the exception of the front reception and the Planning Department.

McCardle suggested that an Ad-Hoc committee or a sub-committee be set up to explore all options. “People don’t understand what goes on in here,” she said. “This is truly a long-range plan.”

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said that it would be prudent to take a couple of months. “This is the time to think outside of the box.” He also stated that he feels it important to keep a relationship with the Sheriff’s Department.

Councilman Agustin Benagas remarked that it would be a long process. “My opinion is that it is worth exploring options.”

At the end of the meeting Chelan’s new administrator, Laura McAloon said, “I have been just blown away by the work ethic here. My goal is to help clear people’s plates.”