by Richard Uhlhorn
On June 16, the Manson Community Council hosted County Planning Director Deanne Walters and Senior Planner Susan Dretke to update the County’s Comprehensive Plan process. Dretke stated that the county is “shooting for the second week in December” to complete a new county website.. The state requires the comp. plan to be updated every 10 years.
Dretke said the state has passed new legislation that must be addressed. One element being addressed county wide is affordable housing for all income levels. The other is a transportation element. “Another big part is Climate Resilency,” said Dretke. Flooding and wildfire are also being addressed. Dretke said, “It’s how we can be better prepared.”
Asked about the Climate Resilency, Dretke remarked that the county’s Department of Natural Resources has hired a consultant to help with that element.
Another aspect of the plan is to address multimodal transportation which has raised many questions and concerns over the plans to construct the Northshore Pathway between Manson and Chelan, particularly with Emergency Services.
If any agency required to update their comp. plan fails to do so, the state will step in and do it for them.
Deanna Walter remarked that the county needs to update its plan every 10 years and said, “We are only going to do what is mandated by the law. We are only going to do the minimal updates.”
She went on to say that Manson and Peshastin, and Malaga if it does become a Urban Growth Area (UGA( are unique because they are unincorporated communities.
Before the plan is finalized there will be an opportunity for the public to comment. “There will be multiple opportunities to comment,” said Dretke. Walter added that there are both House and Senate bills to address. “We have to figure out how to incorporate them into the Comprehensive Plan.”
The draft Comprehensive Plan is on-line at County of Chelan, Washington.
In other council business:
Northshore Pathway – Rene Commons reported that there is no plan to move forward on the Manson side of the trail. “If Manson wants to movOne forward we need to advocate for them (Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council).”
PUD – Dom Amor reported that the PUD is looking for more property to situate a new Substation. The PUD tabled it for discussion at their next meeting. Two community members have requested to see any property before voting on it as acceptable. “They are open to other options.. “The testimony (PUD Commission Meeting) was pretty vocal and against it at that property proposed.” Gerry Ustanik asked the public to bring suggestions back to the council. “They just don’t want it, they need to love it somewhere.”
One Voice Coalition – There was a discussion about having a council member sit on the board of the coalition. Mike Kirk asked Chris Willoughby if he thought they could appoint. Willoughby replied that the original bylaws would allow it if the meetings were public. Amor stated that the council has engaged with other organizations.
Amor said, “What is it we are trying to do?” Ustanik replied that the council never hears about what they are doing. Amor said remarked that One Voice requires more openness. Commons said, “One Voice is a step forward, but I talk to people who don’t even know about One Voice.” No decision was made until further research is accomplished.
Future speakers – Chelan Fire District No. 5 commissioner Fred Weiss and the district’s Deputy Fire Chief Mike Williams will be on the agenda at the next meeting. Chris Willoughby, a planning commissioner with the county and a Fire District commissioner said he would be happy to join if time permits.
Incorporation – Ustanik said there was still a lot to incorporation. Kirk replied that the council has requested funding for a feasibility study. Incorporation has been a subject of interest over the years and has never been found to be feasible. However, with the population increase in the UGA, it might be possible.
The next meeting is on July 21,at the Manson Grange Hall beginning at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
All Things Lake Chelan 