by Richard Uhlhorn
Outdoor alcohol restrictions looked at:
John Ajax, Community Development Director brought a Historic Downtown Chelan Association (HDCA) idea to allow alcohol to be served outside the current and mandatory railings imposed several years ago. Under the program, alcohol would be allowed up to five feet from a business serving alcohol.
After reviewing the idea, Ajax will bring it back to council at their July 28 meeting. “It would allow for alcohol to be sold outside businesses without barriers,” Ajax told council.
Councilman Jon Higgins is skeptical of the idea and stated that customers would take advantage of the program. Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “I think it is worth looking at.”
According to Ajax, the idea is to relieve some of the sidewalk congestion in the downtown corridor.
Grant sought for economic strategy study:
The city is seeking a grant from the Washington State Department of Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to develop an economic diversification strategy for Chelan that goes beyond the current agricultural and tourism economy.
According to City Administrator Laura McAloon, the $50,000 grant would allow the city to identify economic strengths, weaknesses and potential opportunities. She also told council that the city has budgeted $60,000 for this study as a match for the grant if obtained.
She noted that staff is working on the CERB application and is asking for $50,000 with the Mayor to approve it. “It will offer opportunities for growth,” she said.
Hollingsworth asked who would pick the consultant to perform the study. McAloon stated that the city would retain all control and hire a consultant through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
Cascadia Conservation District presentation:
Ryan Williams, executive director of the district presented the district’s programs. Cascadia Conservation District works with landowners to provide technical assistance on land issues. There are 45 districts in Washington since 1947 with $5 million in funding and are finalizing district’s 2027 budget.
One of the major programs and concerns is helping landowners prepare for wildfire. It also offers cost share programs with landowners, offers salmon safe certification and its featured project is the Chelan Community Garden.
Community outreach and engagement is a big part of the district along with youth education programs. They continue to work towards farmland preservation and keeping farmland in production. Riparian and stream habitat work is also a large part of Cascadia’s mission.
Cascadia still offers a wood chipper service. Check out its website at Cascadia.org or give them a call at 509-436-1601.
CHELAN COUNT REGIONAL JUSTICE CENTER DIRECTOR SHARP
43 year old building … Risks and solutions … cameras in every cell … “We have all of these things in place with 56 inmate capacity,” He said. The jail has a new contract with all agencies. He invited the Council to take a tour of the facility. Sharp is in his 26th year with two more to go before retirement.
HWY 97 TRAIL:
Jake Youngren stated that it is a State DOT project but the DOT wants the city to connect their project for the three blocks of downtown Lakeside to it at a cost of $60,000.
Ted Snodgrass, DOT representative told the council that the trail would be 10 foot wide with a four foot shoulder along with room for Emergency vehicles. “Emergency services will have plenty of room along the corridor state Snodgrass.
DOT plans to begin the project in September and possibly lower the speed limit from Pat and Mikes to 35 mph into Chelan.
“We’ve had requests from residents to slow things down. EMS will have plenty of room
The three block area in Lakeside from where the Lakeside Trail turns down on Water Street would in essence be continued as a bike path along Hwy 97A. a would include adding a bike lane next to the sidewalk.
MOTIONS:
CERB application was approved to move forward.
Parks and Recreatation application for a Washington State. Military Department Public Assistance Grant Agreement. Parks Director Audrey Cooper told council that she is working on a request for federal funding through that agency which would be routed through the state.
Heidi Evans stated that the Finance Department is working on the 2027 budget process that will include the budget workshops. “It is relatively straightforward,” she said.
GMA Update:
John Ajax reported that the Planning Department is well into the first two chapters and that an overview is on the website.
STAFF REPORTS:
Cooper stated that parks visitation is down. “We are down a little from last year,” said Cooper. She also stated that the fourth of July weekend was very busy.
Cooper said that volunteer hours can be used as a part of the city’s 25% match requirement for debris removal on a FEMA grant.
SHERIFF’S REPORT:
Rob Huddleston reported that the department had 231 calls for service with 73 of them for fireworks violations. He also mentioned the drowning on the south shore and the Chelan Hills Fire. Rob also stated that there were no problems with neighborhood parking during the Fourth of July weekend.
LAKESIDE PARKING:
McAloon reported that the city is considering Lakeside Lodges & Suites request for overnight parking on Johnson Street. “We are not ready to bring it back to you. There is no free parking.” She stated.
Laura McAloon
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Hollingsworth stated that he is skeptical of the proposed speed limit change to 35 mph. Terry echoed Tim’s concern about speed limit change.
Jon remarked that the old bridge had a lot of garbage on it on the fourth, but that the Parks staff cleaned it up.
All Things Lake Chelan 