CITY COUNCIL – June 9

Citizen Comments:
Jared Higgins told the Council that it was becoming harder to live in Chelan because of the STRs like the Lookout. “Residents fall further and further behind,” he stated.” He mentioned the incessant marketing efforts that continue to market tourism interests. “To often the city adopts these efforts and people stop believing in Government.” Then he asked, “What have you done for working families?”

Special Presentations:
Mayor Erin McCardle read the America 250 Proclamation. On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate the Semiquincentennial which is the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You can read the proclamation here:
2026 America 250 Proclamation.pdf

The next proclamation was in honor of past Finance Director Jackie Tupling who served the city beginning in 2015. The City’s proclamation stated that Tupling faithfully served the residents, staff and leadership of the City since 2016, holding multiple roles including serving as the City’s Finance Director. During her tenure, Tupling demonstrated professionalism, dedication and a deep commitment to the success of the City organization. You can read the entire proclamation here: 2026 Retirement of Outgoing Finance Director Proclamation (1).pdf

Sheriff’s annual report:
Sgt. Rob Huddleston preceded Sheriff Mike Morrison and told the council that the department was conducting marine training on the lake. He added that with school out, there were added challenges to the department. The department has contacted a whole lot of kids about Manson and to be careful on the lake.

Sheriff Morrison apologized to the council about the county’s difficulties since malware got into the computer system and effectively shut the county down. “Our phone system is up and running.” he said. In added that RiverCom was also up and running. “We are still working cases.” Morrison stated that the annual report was not out yet due to the difficulties.

Morrison reported that the department was fully staffed with 59 employees and that the biggest challenge was funding the Drug Task Force. “The county commissioners have agreed to fund the task force,” said Morrison.

Funding for the SWAT team has been secured. The department now has drones and is partnered with the FBI. “Our SWAT team is well trained and well equipped,” said Morrison. “We have exceeded minimum standards.”

He reported that the department is dedicated to helping the Manson Swim Program and that Marine II boat is back in operation, thanks to the City of Chelan’s financial help. “We have increased our numbers out on the lake,” said Morrison.

He also brought up the city and school concerns about electric bikes and motorcycles which are becoming an increasing safety problem. Morrison said the department will be pushing hard to keep the electric situation under control. “They are certainly fun to ride,” he said, adding that deputies would be in contact with riders.

“I think we are on the right path at the Sheriff’s Office,” Morrison said. He reported partnerships with the Forest Service and other agencies. Morrison reported that deputy response time is down to three minutes in most situations.

Morrison promised to share its annual report as soon as possible. “I want you to see the work we do,” he said.

Boys and Girls Club:
Ricardo Chavez, Athletic Director of the Boys and Girls Club, presented the club’s seasonal update.

Chavez stated that the club membership has grown from 147 last year to 199 kids this year. “We have played 79 games and worked with 402 volunteers.” The club has had access to the Chelan Community Gymnasium for basketball. They played both Bridgeport and Mansfield.

Flag football has 137 kids on 19 teams and they played 58 games. “Next year I’m hoping to have T-Ball in a partnership with the schools,” he reported. Asked if Brewster was involved, Chavez stated that Brewster has its own league. “My goal is to expand our program.”

Mayor McCardle asked about summer programs when school is out. Chavez replied that there are a number of weekly programs scheduled. “During the summer we have different camps and in the fall, we will continue with our golf program”

Councilman Cesar Vargas asked if the club could offer boxing. Chavez replied that the kids participate in sports they like. Councilman Terry Sanders asked about after school program and Chavez replied that the club’s after school numbers are growing. “We are thinking outside the box.” Councilman Agustin Benegas asked about fees, and Chavez replied that there are fees but if a family couldn’t afford it, they have ways to accommodate the child.

Boys & Girls Club Seasonal Update Slides.pdf

Forest Service update:
Holly Krake, Chelan/Entiat District Ranger, gave an update on the district. She started her presentation by talking about the damage the two 2025 atmospheric river storms had done to the district.

She reported that Shady Pass had both sustained considerable damages. “We have submitted for funding,” she said and added that any damage reports should be made to Matt Maher at matthew.maher@usda.gov. She said the funding window closes nine months post event (August/September). Krake asked recreational users and campers on forest land to report any road damage with all the details they can.

Krake announced that all campgrounds are open but that the Lakeshore Trail had been heavily damaged by the storms. The district only has two employees assigned to trail work this season and that there is heavy blowdown throughout the district.

On the recreation front, Krake reported that boaters seeking dock permits need to pay by ePay. The district is not accepting cash.

The district has installed a new dock in May at Domke Falls. New docks for Safety Harbor are currently under construction in Idaho at a cost of $500,000 and Krake said they would be installed this summer pending on favorable lake levels. The District began a 10-year strategic plan assessment for all 11 Forest Service docks in May.

Permits for cutting firewood are also available by ePay.

The District accomplished a 467-acre prescribed burn on Bear Mountain. Krake also reported that the District’s Forest Management program will be conducting prescribed fire and non-commercial thinning on 30 thousand acres on the North Shore of Lake Chelan.

This project is to create a large protection buffer for Wapato, Manson and Chelan. A 15-day comment period will begin this summer. “It will create an incredible buffer zone,” she said.

The Wildfire Outlook will be extreme this season. The low snowpack has pushed fire season a good three to five weeks ahead of normal. Krake also stated that higher temperatures are expected again this summer. “Summer lightning, temperatures and moisture matter most,” she said.

The two districts have 35 rappelers on hand along with: • 4 helicopters; tankers at Moses Lake Air Base • 30 smokejumpers • 5 20-person initial attacks crews • 1 13-person special ops crew • 9 engines • 25 hotshots but Krake also stated that some of these resources could be deployed to other fires.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked if Grade Creek Road would be open to get to the South Navarre Trailhead for hikes into the Sawtooth Wilderness. Krake replied that she would check.

Motion Considerations:
After a number of workshops and council meetings Public Works Director Jake Youngren brough the reworked Six Year Transportation Improvement Program to council for approval. This plan outlines $50+ million worth of infrastructure work on the books. These plans are required to be updated every year by the State.

Laura McAloon, city administrator, remarked that the plan has to be consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan.

It includes Phase I and Phase II of the Northshore Pathway, both of which are estimated to cost $8million each. Pam Van Gerpan, an opponent of Phase II of the trail plan is concerned at how Chelan Hills Park would be affected. “I’m asking for a clear map so residents can be provided with it’s end point.”

The council unanimously approved both the Six-Year plan and the Chelan Parks request approval to go after grants being offered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO).

In other action, the council approved an amendment of its Interlocal Agreement for Inmate Housing. Had a policy discussion on housing grant funding and then launched into a discussion on the Lakeside parking issue which will be covered in a separate article.

Next meeting:
The city has cancelled its council meeting for June 23, but will meet on Thursday, June 18 in a special meeting with the Parks Department Advisory Board to discuss the final report on the Golf Course by the National Golf Foundation consultant beginning at 5:15 in council chambers.