by Richard Uhlhorn
SBA Loans:
Todd Broadman, the regional representative for the Small Business Administration (SBA) was on hand at last week’s City Council meeting to inform the council that the SBA has a number of loan options for individuals and businesses that may have suffered losses during the Atmospheric Storm Event that devastated numerous areas leading to economic hardships.
“Homeowners and businesses in Chelan County are eligible for loans,” said Broadman. “Non-Profits are also eligible.” Loans up to $2 million dollars are available at 3.6% interest.
Mayor Erin McCardle asked if there were any requirements. Broadman replied that any tourism destination that was affected by the storm event was eligible. “I expect some were affected by that storm.” He also stated that there is a 12 month grace period before the first loan payment is due.
Water use & efficiency goals – Public Hearing:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren reported that the city is required to adopt an efficiency goal of 10% or less water leakage. “There are a lot of places in this country that have real issues around water,” said Youngren. “We’ve not been subject to penalties and our leakage is less than a 5% loss.” No one from the public responded. A three person household is allowed 400 gallons per day.
Motion considerations:
The Public Works Department had five amendment motions before the Council including the following:
Ardurra Group additional services addendum No. 2 for Lift Station No. 1 upgrades project. “They ran into some unanticipated issues of contaminated soils on the site,” said Youngren. Some of the mitigation has been funded by the Department of Ecology. The total cost is $42,000.
RH2 Engineering, Inc. Amendment No. 1 for the Washington Booster Pump Station Improvements. This project is under design out by Apple Blossom Center and the amendment is for an additional $47,516 that includes an expanded scope. The city’s share is 25%. “The expenses are covered by Economic Development money,” said Youngren.
Bayley Construction, LP Change Order No. 1 for the contractor agreementij for the City’s Recycling Center Replacement Project. This change order is to bring in trades including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors to support the design and development costs for a total of $387,162. “We have received $1 million and expect a $3 million dollar project,” said Youngren
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth requested that Public Works update the public in their utility bills about the progress of the recycling project.
Ardurra Group Additional Services Addendum No. 4 on the SR150 Sewer Replacement Project. Apparently, during the Cultural Resources Survey, the project was shut down for one day because an artifact was found. The survey was funded by Ecology for $73,000 ($134,120 now). The project requires a full-time archaeologist.
WSDOT agreement for the proposed Apple Blossom Trail to Chelan. Design funding is pegged at $147,875 on a secured grant of $200,000 which is subject to a board decision in June.
Administrative Reports:
Six-year Transportation Improvement Plan. Public Works Director reported that they are close to finalizing the mandated six-year plan that includes projects to relieve traffic congestion in the city, increase pedestrian safety, sidewalk expansion and the proposed change to a two-way bridge .
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth mentioned the Northshore Pathway which he said is creating a lot of concern. Youngren replied that they are considering a portion of the trail from the roundabout to the Lake Chelan Community Center as a cost effective extension.
Short Term Rental Cap – Planning department response to Residents Coalition of Chelan County who want STRs totally capped. John Ajax, Community Development Director, refutes their request based on a number of factors, the biggest being that land zoned Tourist Accommodation are in areas where affordable housing would not be built. He also mentioned that most of Chelan’s STRs are in specific locations like the Lookout.
The County has capped its STR growth at six percent, but Ajax said, “We have different zoning and it is fundamentally different than the county having a lower rural density.”
Lynette Grandy, a Chelan resident and public advocate, brought a poster outlining different zoning areas in Chelan proper including DMU (downtown mixed use) and TMU (tourist mixed use). Grandy stated that it was time for the city to discuss remedies for humanity, i.e. traffic congestion, parking, wildfire prevention, and STRs and second homes. “Things citizens are deeply concerned about.”
Brian Patterson, representing the Residents Coalition of Chelan County, said, “I will continue to disagree on the city’s position on STRs.” He stated that the coalition is communicating with residents and encouraging the public to have its voice heard or to say how they would like to see Chelan grow. “Is this really the type of housing that residents want to see dominate the new housing market for the next 20 years,” he asked and added that it was a resounding No. “A broader dialogue is yet to come,” said Patterson.
Tim Hollingsworth replied that all residents concerned about congestion and affordability has not convinced him that an STR rental cap will solve those problems. “Given the nature of our economy, it’s important that we spend sometime evaluating.”
Councilman Shane Collins asked what kind of density is available for building. John Ajax replied that 8.7units are allowed per acre and added, “This is incredibly complex stuff.” Councilman Cesar Vargas said people would be directly affected if the city caps it and mentioned service people.
Mayor McCardle shut the discussion down and said the STR cap issue is on the June 2 City workshop and additional questions could be discussed there.
Administrative reports:
City Administrator Laura McAloon reported that two different property owners are interested in partnering with the city for the development of a hockey rink/ice skating rink. “Do you have an interest in pursuing that,” she asked council. She added that there is not enough detail yet, but suggested pursuing a discussion with the two property owners.
Councilman Shane Collins said he wants to learn more about it. Hollinsworth was curious about how this would integrate with their other programs. McAloon replied that the city will reach back out to the property owners.
Parks & Recreation Director Audrey Cooper said the parks were certainly used over the Memorial Day weekend but were not at capacity. “Lakeside is fully open now,” she reported and added that a ribbon cutting would take place on June 15 at 6 p.m. She also reported that the parks department has received a renewed Clear Vessel Grant.
Jake Youngren reported that the sidewalk program was on-going.
Sgt. Rob Huddleston said he worked his 27th Memorial Day weekend that began with a major shooting incident on Friday night, but otherwise was mostly a family weekend. “Twenty seven years ago it was common to see 15 boys carrying cases of beer. It was amazing this year.” He stated he spend a lot of time over the weekend in the parks.
Mayor/Council comments:
Terry Sanders reported that a number of high school students were in the audience .Other commissioners all thanked the staff for their hard work. Hollingsworth added that he and family really enjoyed using the Lakeside Trail over the weekend.
Mayor McCardle finished the meeting by remarking that the social media comments from the last council meeting undermine the credibility of the council. “Some of them were pretty outrageous conspiracy theories that has spread on-line.”
All Things Lake Chelan 