by Richard Uhlhorn
At the Tuesday, March 24 City Council meeting, there were a number of items on the agenda that are of interest to the general public.
Home Occupancy Code:
Based on public testimony at an earlier meeting, Community Development Director John Ajax heeded the testimony and council’s direction to relook at several criteria in the Home Occupancy Code.
By state law the Farm Produce Exemption does not require a city permit or license. “In home selling of agricultural products will still apply,” said Ajax.
The other issue was the number of vehicle visits per day a home business can have. The initial criteria was for only 10 vehicles per day. The Planning Department increased that number to 16 vehicles per day or 8 customers. Ajax stated that it was based on an average one hour visit that would cover an eight hour day.
Tim Hollingsworth said, “That gives a little more flexibility to folks. It we do see a number of complaints, we can revise vehicle trips per day.” Terry Sanders agreed and said he appreciated the flexibility. “It will take some of the burden off the folks who came to talk to us.”
Construction Management Agreement”
Public Works Director Jake Youngren brought forth an agreement for hiring Ardurra Group to help manage the SR 150 Sewer Mainline Replacement Project. “They will provide technical engineering support that come up during construction,” said Youngren. He told council that Public Works has plugged in 257 hours but said it could be as little as 10 hours depending on actual services accomplished.
The city is also required to provide archeological monitoring services during the construction for the project. This will cost an estimated $66,000. Material testing will cost an estimated $ $26,000.
Youngren said the archeological requirement is considered a high risk area, but added that since the work is being done in an existing trench line, he doesn’t consider it high risk and would like to see a lower risk profile for the project.
Construction Noise:
The SR 150 project has addressed the potential noise issue with during the construction phase. “We landed at a solid solution to get this built the fastest way possible,” stated Youngren. The plan is to maintain 2-way traffic and work at night because of the heavily traveled corridor which Youngren estimates at 8,000 vehicle trips per day.
“Our recommended action finds that the public benefit outweighs the short term impact of such construction activities at night,” said Youngren who added that the contractor and city have agreed to no additional expense to the city for night work. He also said there will be minimal day work.
Summer Park Security:
The council approved the hiring of Phoenix Protective Corporation to provide security services in the city’s parks. Parks Director Audrey Cooper told the council that Phoenix’s bid was the only one received. They are the same company who provided services last year.
Cooper added that the park’s internal parking staff will help with regulating parking areas and that she has been in conversations with the Sheriff’s Department for additional help.
The agreement with Phoenix covers Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. “We are in the process of negotiating the agreement and will have the contract ready for the April workshop,” said Cooper.
The company will be required to submit daily reports this year. The security services are budgeted. Both Lakeside and Don Morse Park’s will have two security officers working.
“Maybe some day we won’t have to have additional security at our parks,” said
.
Large Woody Debris:
According to City Administrator Laura McAloon, the city is submitting a claim to its Insurance provider for removal of woody debris that has drifted down lake that has inundated the city shorelines.
The woody debris event was caused by the December atmospheric flood event in the North Cascades that saw major mudslides carrying downed wood from wildfire events in the upper lake area. This debris is washing up on the city park beaches.
“We will be tracking our hours and cost of disposal,” said McAloon.
In other business:
Council approved the lease agreement with Chelan Fire and Rescue for Lot 2 at the Chelan Airport. McAloon stated that the lower lease was due to the benefit of having the fire department on site at the airport.
Council approved the FAA Grant Application for the design phase of the runway rehabilitation.
Council approved the $1.3 million Washington State Department of Commerce Capital Agreement for the housing and infrastructure project at Anderson Road.
Chad Coltman, HR-Communications Director, is reviewing all job descriptions for all the city’s directors and city clerk. “It is an opportunity to list what the duties of each director is. There will be no changes in the wage scale, Coltman added. Coltman added that 22 of the
Mayor/Council comments:
Jon Higgins encouraged anyone boating to have some orange flags to tie to drifting deadheads. “We used to tie life vests to them,” said Higgins.
Terry Sanders asked about SR150 notifications to residents/businesses along the construction route. Youngren replied that emails were going out to everyone within the construction route.
Mayor Erin McCardle honored Madam President Peri Gallucci for her ascension to the presidency of the Washington Municipal Clerks Association and Cailey Couches nomination as the association’s trail blazer.
Chelan’s next meeting is on April 7 in a workshop form at 5:15 p.m.
All Things Lake Chelan 