by Richard Uhlhorn
Citizen Comments:
Kyle Burns thanked the City for the Lakeside Trail and also thanked City Administrator Laura McAloon for responding to his concerns regarding the Center Street/Woodin Avenue crosswalk. He stated that his wife, carrying their four month old child and holding a green crossing flag had to wait for several vehicles to pass by before crossing safely.
“I respectfully ask the council to make pedestrian safety a priority,” said Burns. He feels that better signage would help. (The city council approved a motion for RH2 Engineering to perform project design on this issue.)
Joleen Moore and Jane McMullen also addressed council during Citizen’s Comments. The Council members remarked during Mayor/Council comment that they appreciate public input.
Motion considerations:
Community Benefit Grant awards. City Administrator Laura McAloon told council that all 13 applications to the city for a share of the $120,000 available had been looked at and discussed. “We had one applicant withdraw,” said McAloon.
Eight non-profits were awarded as follows:
- Lake Chelan Thrive $35,000
- Chelan Valley Hope $35,000
- Special Olympics $ 5,000
- Lake Chelan Food Bank $15,000
- Chelan Valley Nurse $ 8,000
- Meals on Wheels $ 9,000
- Only 7 Seconds $12,500*
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth amended the motion to increase the benefit to both Thrive and Chelan Valley Hope from $33,000 to $35,000 and reducing Only 7 Seconds benefit amount by $4,000. “Only 7 Seconds has other opportunities for funding,” said Hollingsworth. Councilman Terry Sanders agreed with Hollingsworth.
Center St./Woodin Avenue pedestrian improvements. City Council approved an amendment for RH2 Engineering Inc. for design services for sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. “This project has been in the works for several years,” said Public Works Director Jake Youngren. “We are in a partnership with the DOT.”
Sanders Street Pedestrian Improvement project. This project in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Transportation will improve pedestrian safety at both Okanogan and Wapato Avenues on Hwy. 97A (Sanders Street). This project includes bumpouts, ADA ramps, stormwater improvements, lighting and striping improvements. “We hope to have this completed by summer 2026,” stated Youngren. The project is funded by a Federal Transportation Alternative Program grant.
Interwest Communications project. Council approved a $214,515.00 professional services contract with Interwest Communications for the installation of cameras throughout City properties including the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Water Treatment Plant, Public Works Building, Lake Chelan Marina, Don Morse RV Park, Parks Restrooms and at City Hall.
Administrative Reports:
Fire District Airport Lease. Council approved a new lease for Lot No. 2 at the Chelan Airport for Chelan County Fire District 7 at $2,761,51 per month.
FAA Grant Application. The council approved processing a grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration for the Design Phase of the airport’s runway rehabilitation project.
City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday’s of the month beginning at 5:15 p.m. in council chambers. The public is encouraged to attend and address the council during the Citizen’s Comment session at the beginning of the meeting.
All Things Lake Chelan 