by Richard Uhlhorn
A lot of water has gone over the bridge since I last posted any substantial news of interest to the general public. Following is a short but concise listing of issues that have come up since August.
City Council notes:
This coming Tuesday evening, City Council will consider and choose a new council member to take Terry Sanders spot. Sanders vacated the position because he moved out of the city.
Each candidate will be give up to eight minutes to introduce him or herself after which the council and Mayor will retire into executive session to discuss the merits of each candidate. The council will then return to open session to vote for their choice.
List of Applicants — in alphabetical order, by first name (Mayor McCardle)
• Dan Boon
• Jim Edinger
• William Jensen
Council Position No. 1 currently has approximately fourteen (14) months remaining in the term; however, under state law, this appointment will expire upon certification of the November 2, 2027 election. To serve the remainder of the term, the appointed individual will need to run for office in the November 2027 general election
Golf Course issues:
The Chelan Golf Course is the current hot topic in the valley. Many people are concerned about its sustainability. According to course financials, it isn’t generating enough revenue to fund both its operating costs and long term capital improvements.
The Parks Department and golf course personnel recently wrote a detailed business plan to turn the course’s financials around. The city, on the other hand, is looking at the possibility of hiring a professional management team to come in and run the course. The city would retain the capital replacement needs which currently is estimated at around $5 million+.
Rumor has it that five management companies have responded to the Request for Proposals which are due by Monday, September 20.
From what I’m hearing on the ground is that most people (golfers and non-golfers) want the course to remain in city control.
Valley economic problems:
Wine industry:
On August 24, the Lake Chelan Wine Alliance hosted the Chelan County Commissioners with a strong message that the county really needs to easing up on its zoning regulations.
Ben Williams, Lake Chelan Winery, reminded the commissioners about the investments the valley has made in the wine industry. This includes not only the cost of planting and maintaining vineyards, but also the cost of producing a product and then selling it.
He asked how Chelan County is investing in the modern hospitality industry. “You need to protect this industry. Listen and engage. Let’s identify some concrete steps for long term viability,” said Williams. “What we hope for is that you recognize what we bring back to the community.”
Chelan Mayor Erin McCardle remarked that Chelan is down significantly in revenues and told the commissioners that it all comes together in ag-tourism. “We need to build our off-season,” she said. “Tourism is not a side benefit… it is a core economic pillar.” She added that the city Is looking at ways to diversify its economy.
A number of other winery owners also spoke. Chad Steiner, owner of Chelan Farms told the commission that he is a first generation farmer in the Valley. “We wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for ag-tourism,” said Steiner. “We host over 1,000 people per year.” The farm has five acres of apples and other fruits along with a winery. The farm offers a variety of experiences for visitors. “Our vision is to connect families to farming,” he said. “We need to stop focusing on the short term.”
Mike Steele, chamber director and state representative, gave a short talk and asked, “How do we get that balance right?”
The commissioners, Brad Hawkins, Shon Smith and Kevin Overbay, said that they want business to succeed, but reminded the winery owners and stakeholders that were in attendance that they have limitations also. “Commissioners don’t have a magic finger,” said Shon Smth. Hawkins added that they only have so much flexibility to make changes in county policy.
Overall the meeting was the beginning of a good dialogue with the county who is also seeing a downturn in revenue.
Chelan City Council:
The very next night, business owners made a series of comments during the Citizen Comment period and all asked for the City Council to increase its marketing budget. This request came after the Little Giant Fire’s smoke effectively shut down Chelan for the entire month of August creating a 30 to 70 percent drop in business during the city’s most important revenue month.
“We need your help,” stated Tom Campbell. Adam Rynd, Coldwell Banker and business owner, stated that it was a challenging year so far. He said that marketing is an investment into local business. “We need the council to support the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce.”
Fire update:
The Little Giant Fire is all but finished its 172,828 acres with 81% containment. However, the fire continues to pour some smoke into the Valley during morning hours depending on wind direction.
There has been minor fire growth and there are only 724 personnel on the ground, mostly patrolling and monitoring the fire perimeter. This fire, the largest in Chelan County history has cost $167 million dollars so far this year.
The Sisi Fire in the Stehekin drainage continues to burn towards the community. It is currently 3,992 acres with 15% containment. Firefighters continue to improve and reinforce primary containment lines along the Stehekin Valley Road.
Woody debris:
The woody debris issue on Lake Chelan is an ongoing one, but not since 1970-71 have we seen such an influx of wood into the lake.
This year’s issue became a major economic disaster for those lake related businesses and recreational boaters. Manson Bay and Don Morse Park were hit hard with debris inundating the shorelines. The PUD micro park next to the Chelan Ranger District was also effected.
The major problem to removal came from regulations. The Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife considers woody debris as habitat for fish. Debris that has washed ashore can only be removed by hand, but only after the appropriate permits are acquired.
The issue became a hot topic in the valley and county to such a point that Chelan County has received a $130,000 grant from the State to study the problem. The funding will be utilized by the Lake Chelan Collaborative to study it, but most people posting on social media think it is a waste of taxpayer money and would rather see the problem solved by funding to remove it using mechanical means.
I’m not sure what a study will provide. Every spring woody debris enters the lake and whlle not a large problem, this year’s influx was an economic disaster. For example, the Lake Chelan HydroFest has been cancelled on the lake and moved to Brewster. Watercraft rental businesses saw their business down by at least 40% if not more.
Upcoming events:
One Voice Coalition in Manson will hold Community Forum on Thursday, September 24 at the Manson Grange Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. The community is encouraged to attend and listen to local organizations give updates on their activities.
Chelan County Commissioner meeting will be on Thursday, October 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chelan Fire Hall. Brad Hawkins will be bringing an entourage of department heads with him to give details of their department’s work. There are no ZOOM options available for this meeting.
