by Richard Uhlhorn
Chelan Fire and Rescue’s Fire Chief Brandon Asher swore in Jim Edinger as its new fire commissioner. Edinger was one of three who applied to take over the commissioner seat vacated by Ron Simmons.
According to both Russ Jones and Mark Donnell, Simmons has never given a reason for his sudden departure. “You know as much as we do,” said Donnell who had asked if I had reached out.
In a telephone conversation with Russ Jones to get a better understanding of the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) issue, Jones said the department had three equally qualified candidates for Simmon’s seat; Jim Edinger, Dave Reinhart and John Gordon. “It was nice to have some really good candidates to choose from,” said Jones.
Asked what Edinger’s experience was, Jones stated that his management experience was what impressed the department. “We felt his management experience can help us.” Edinger has no experience with fire.
In addition to Edinger, the department has retained long time volunteer, Kari Desser to administer the SAFER grant.
SAFER grants fund fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations directly to help increase fire safety capacity in their communities.
Reports:
Funding has been reallocated by the Legislature for homeowners fuel reduction.
Chief’s report:
Chief Brandon Asher reported that the average response time from Station 71 is 2.24 seconds for the chief and 3.30 for fire trucks.
Financials:
Year ending financials were not ready to report. However, Asher told the commission that the department was 3.6% over budget. Overtime was normal at about $7,000.
Donnell asked Asher to find out which districts haven’t been reimbursed yet for their participation in the state mobilization program. “Let’s see where it stands.”
Chelan Fire and Rescue has not been reimbursed for their work on the 2024 Pioneer Fire. “We’ve already been paid for our mobilization on the December floods and the Pomas fire.”
TIF issues:
Russ Jones reported that the department has to write a check to the city for $30,000. In the telephone conversation with Jones to better understand the TIF, he stated that the assessor informed the department that it had to pay the $30,000. “Last Friday was the first time we heard we would be writing a check,” Jones said.
Two years ago, the city had told the department that no harm would come to the Fire Department and Hospital District. “The TIF is difficult to understand,” said Jones. “It all boils down to my current understanding until something changes.”
The ongoing battle over the Malaga TIF is still in negotiation. Jones reported that the Wenatchee Fire Department has proposed that the TIF not take any money from its department from new construction and that if they have a levy lid lift, that increase would also not go to the Port.
Jones reported that $330 million dollars in new construction over the next five+ years will cost the district approximately $250,000 to TIF. “We have to spend more time with the city,” said Jones.
MAPPING:
A mapping draft will be released by April 1. The department is working on agreements with both Grant and Okanogan counties for fire response. “We just want everyone to come,” said Asher.
Assistant Chief report:
Shaun Sherman reported that Chelan 7 has 11 recruits attending the current fire academy.
The department has four new candidates and has had no loss of volunteer membership.
Seasonal hires:
Each year the department hires seasonal firefighters to augment the busy season. “We are getting people in line earlier this year,” said Asher. Jones added that having seasonals on board cuts down on overtime. Asher added that the major purpose of seasonal hires is to cover the department during wildfire season.
“Last year the seasonals made the department $28,000,” Asher reported. The department is seeking to hire four additional personnel this season.
All Things Lake Chelan 