Author: allthingslakechelan

by Richard Uhlhorn

After one and one-half hours of negative discourse and Chelan City Council comments concerning the proposed TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) area, Councilwoman Erin McCardle made a motion to approve the TIA with six of the seven council members voting for its inclusion in the City’s plans to potentially implement the financing program.

The meeting began with the public voicing its concerns about the program with most comments coming from Lake Chelan Health representatives. Russ Jones – fire commission and Mayoral candidate Stan Morse also weighing in with their concerns.

Morse remarked that the proposed TIF was nothing more than a gift to the Campbell’s and Weidner Apartment developers. “What are you going to say Councilman McCardle when a Microsoft millionaire might want to build another TIF,” remarked Morse, who warned that it might bring in that developer’s attorneys.

Hospital Commissioner Mary Signorelli was the only conciliatory person commenting on the TIF. She remarked that she was a strong supporter of the Chelan City Council and the City, “and am still a strong supporter.” Signorelli stated that the City and Junior Taxing Districts should be working together on all things going forward. “June 1st (the deadline for setting the TIF into motion) is not a magic number. Let’s deliberate a little and continue to work together.”

Most of the comments by other Hospital staff and administration was not conciliatory, but accusatory. Hospital Commissioner Jordana LaPorte said, “Politicians are nickel and diming us one small cut at a time.” She stated that the TIF program was not the right answer or the right time to implement.

Others called the City’s proposal short sighted and diverting much needed revenues from the Hospital and EMS efforts to get out from under their financial issues.

Fire Commissioner Russ Jones, who earlier in the week stated that the TIF wasn’t as concerning as he thought, stated that he doesn’t believe the City’s consultant on the matter. “The first time I saw the ‘Added Value’ was last week,” said Jones. “As a Junior Taxing District, it is very difficult to get good answers. There are too many questions, bad data and legal premises.” Jones went on to say he is concerned about the City’s ability to repay its bonds.

City Administrator Wade Farris told the crowded Council Chamber that the City has been looking at the TIF for quite a while. “This is only to establish an area,” said Farris. “This will give Council a range of options. We will look at future opportunities.”

Public Works Director Jake Youngren stated that there were five projects included in the proposal. The first, and most important is the construction of the one million gallon reservoir to meet maximum demand and serve the many residents in the City limits. There are pump station upgrades and new larger water transmission lines in the proposed infrastructure upgrades.

Consultant Bob Stowe weight in and stated that the TIF is not a new tax. He reiterated that the proposal is a No Harm program to Junior Taxing Districts. “The TIA will exist for a period of time and the City cannot add to it after approval.”

Councilwoman Erin McCardle remarked that the City still has until the end of the year and asked if the ordinance was repealed, would there be any impact if expired? No, but discussions can continue.

Councilman Peter Jamtgaard stated that there is a lot of misinformation being spread around, and it is hard for the City to support growth with aging infrastructure. “This is a chance to get ahead of the game.”

Mayor Goedde stated that the TIF (which is only 2% of each taxing districts revenue stream) is a small amount in order to pay for improvement. Jamtgaard added that the TIF is not subsidizing new development. “There is not enough water… too much demand and this is the best way forward,” said Jamtgaard.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked if there were late comer agreements associated with the TIF. Youngren replied that there are provisions for late comer agreements.

Mayor Goedde stated that if the Council decides not to adopt the ordinance and wait until June 1 of 2024, that whatever development takes place up to that time, the City will not be able to revenue off those new developments.

McCardle stated that there was no impact to the Junior Taxing Districts. “I hope that is cleared up,” she said. “The JTDs get everything coming to them.” She also agreed that the TIF should not be the first line of funding. “I agree with that. It is (just) one of the many things that can be used to fund this project.”

McCardle continued, “We have seven months to come up with a very detailed mitigation agreement with the Junior Taxing Districts by the end of the year.” According to her, the TIF is only one piece of a larger tool box.

Councilman Chris Baker said he cannot support the TIF because if it fails the City will potentially have (legal) claims against it.

Councilman John Olson read a prepared statement that supported the ordinance passage. His statement included what could happen if water availability was lacking.

Olson’s written statement stated that new developments could have permits denied including the Apple Blossom Center West Phase 1, 2 and 3, including affordable housing could be put on hold. The Hospital expansion and EMS relocation would need to be closely analyzed to assure water availability before being permitted.

Mayor Goedde also brought up the potential move of Chelan High School to their east Chelan location. “I think this is more emotional that it needs to be.”

Councilman Mark Ericks asked the hospital CEO how much money they would lose if the TIF went forward. The hospital’s CFO Brant Truman replied that he couldn’t give an answer to that question because it depends on if the assessed value in the entire district goes down.

“It’s common knowledge that the water system has been cobbled together for 100 years,” said Ericks. “The decision to fix it has definitely been punted down the road. We can punt again or we can try t do what should have been done long ago.” He added that the City has to make sure that it doesn’t harm anyone. “We have only two options, borrow and secure a bond or raise utility rates. What we don’t know is how much rates would have to be raised.” 

Ericks also remarked that someone paid to have anonymous calls made to Council phones. “I’m offended by that,” Ericks said. He then added that the Council is there to do the best for the community. “I’m not in favor of punting this for the next generation to address.”

Councilman Tim Hollingworth added that after five years on the Council, he has nothing but respect for Public Works and John Ajax. “I’m no influenced by big developers. “I’m convinced that the reservoir and water lines are very important.” He added that water is critical to both the hospital and fire district but is still skeptical of the TIF. “We are at a juncture where we have to examine all options available.”

McCardle ended the meeting with a motion to approve the TIF area and recognized that there is a lot of angst and concern. “I would add a deadline for us to have a detailed mitigation agreement by December 1.

With the approval, this gives the City and Junior Taxing Districts to move forward on the TIF program to the satisfaction of each organization. It also gives the City time to explore all other funding avenues available.

By Richard Uhlhorn

At last week’s City Council meeting (May 9) the City Council approved the new Council Rules of Procedure. “This has long been on the to do list,” stated City attorney Quentin Batjer. “All the (pertinent) issues were raised at workshops.”

The Council authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute the KRCI LLC, Parks Maintenance Building Stormwater Infrastructure Agreement. Public Works Director Jake Youngren told the Council that paving for the Maintenance building would be done by May 22 and that KRCI would install the stormwater system. An ample contingency fund of $34,000 was noted.

The Council Chambers was full of residents interested in any discussion on the proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) issue. City Administrator Wade Farris gave an update of what the City Staff has been doing.

The City’s TIF consultant Bob Stowe has reached out to each of the Junior Taxing Districts. Farris implored people to visit the City’s new website for more information on the proposal. “A page has been created on the website and is up and running,” said Farris.

TIF (Tax Increment Financing Proposal)

Tomorrow, Thursday, May 18, the City will host the Junior Taxing Districts in hopes of having a good discussion on the necessity of proceeding with the TIF.

The Council approved the necessity to move forward with the TIF, but will not approve the actual ordinance until after their Special meeting on May 24. Once approved the City as five years to enact the TIF and if not implemented any taxes collected goes back to the districts and the TIF goes away.

The State would be auditing the process very closely.

Update:

The City of Chelan sent out a letter and detailed information to the Junior Taxing Districts on May 16 detailing the additional work done to help them understand what is being proposed.

The Executive Summary outlines the information as follows:

• TIFs are not a new tax, but simply uses the existing tax levies that are in place
• The City plans on issuing bonds to construct a new water reservoir, a new booster pump and subsequent watermains that would be paid back from the taxes generated by new development within the TIF designated area over 25 years or when the bonds are paid off, whichever is sooner.
• In addition, the City will be pursuing all grant opportunities to assist paying off the bonds.

The TIF, when implemented, would help fund a portion of the cost of further developing the City’s water utility infrastructure. This includes construction of a Reservoir, Booster Pump Station and four watermain extensions for the surrounding neighborhoods.

The estimated costs of these public improvements is $25,059,100. Up to $16 million is planned to be supported by collected TIF revenues.

The City will issue two series of bonds; one in 224 for $9 million and another in 2028 for $7 million.

The Need

These infrastructure upgrades are not optional, but critical and necessary for the City’s future development.

Editor’s opinion: For years, the City has not only neglected its aging infrastructure, but has battled low fire flow in all of the upper reaches of its community. The need is critical, because water is now at a premium. In other words, the entire Valley is draining the last reserves of acre feet remaining as development continues at a rapid pace.

Chelan Fire and Rescue, while concerned about losing some tax revenue that will allow it to grow, also recognizes the need to fix the City’s water system so it has fire flow when needed.

Lake Chelan Health needs a reliable source of water for years to come. If the City runs out and is unable to supply water reliably, what solutions are available to the hospital.

These are issues that will hopefully be rectified at the Thursday meeting so the Council can move forward with its special meeting on May 24 to implement the TIF.

The Junior Taxing Districts also need to understand that the TIA (Tax Incremental Area) is a very, miniscule portion of their overall tax revenue generating districts.

In Conclusion:

All of the affected taxing districts will continue to receive:

• All property taxes generated outside the TIA
• Property taxes associated with the base value within the TIA
• New construction add-on values generated for all property inside and outside of the TIA in addition to the 101 percent increase each year in property tax.

For more information go to the City’s website: https://cityofchelan.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=30

by Richard Uhlhorn

Psst… Learn to play Pickleball
Monday, May 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Darnell’s Resort
It’s FREE

Thwack… thwack…. thwack…. the sound of a plastic pickleball being hit by opponents on a pickleball court is becoming common place in the Lake Chelan Valley.

The Lake Chelan Pickleball Club, now estimated to be around 120 individual players has become the fastest recreational outlet in the Lake Chelan Valley.

It all began in 2015 when four women began playing at the Lookout and eventually were instrumental in taping courts at Don Morse Park and Chelan High School’s tennis courts. As new player became active, Marilyn Raines converted the two tennis courts at Darnell’s Resort to six pickleball courts for the community.

“Pickleball is a great way to make friends,” said Pickleball board member and secretary Mici Tromburg. “When I joined I didn’t know anybody in town.”

Club President Rod Anderson added, “This is a great sport… a great way to get exercise. It is also a great social thing.”

Pickleball requires quick reflexes and builds aerobic fitness along with being fun, social and friendly with simple rules and easy to learn.

It all began in 2015 when four women began playing at the Lookout and eventually were instrumental in taping courts at Don Morse Park and Chelan High School’s tennis courts. As new player became active, Marilyn Raines converted the two tennis courts at Darnell’s Resort to six pickleball courts for the community.

“Canadians come down to play,” said Anderson, adding, “There is a group from Camino Island that comes to play also.”

Pickleball was invented by some bored guys on Bainbridge Island way back in 1965. Today, the sport is the fastest growing recreational activity in United States ranking third behind bicycling and running, but gaining popularity quickly. In 2022 it grew as a sport by 187 percent.

This Spring, the Club officially formed as a LLC and became a USAPickleball Association member which has insurance benefits for players. Club membership is $20 with $5 being used for player insurance. Dropin costs are $5 for club members and $10 for non members. A Summer Season pass is $200.

The 2023 hours of play are as follows
Monday thru Saturday – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Tuesday and Thursday – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Club has a new website with tons of information: http://www.lakechelanpickleballclub.com

There will also be a presence on Facebook and Instagram

by Richard Uhlhorn

Funding opportunities:

City Council and Staff received an update on grant funding progress from both City Administrator Wade Farris and funding specialist Annalisa Noble at its Workshop on Tuesday afternoon, May 2.

“There is a lot of ground work to be done,” said Farris. “That’s what we are going to talk about.” He mentioned that the City still doesn’t have a grant. Noble said, “We have been meeting, researching and making phone calls.”

Noble has been meeting monthly since January with Farris and others to discuss upcoming funding opportunities.

In February Farris, Councilwoman Erin McCardle and Noble met with the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to discuss potential economic development projects, but the City wasn’t eligible at that time.

In March, she completed the Loop Coalition Trail funding research and coordination, but did not apply for a grant because the cost benefit analysis and strategic objectives did not align with City needs.

In April, Annalisa initiated funding assistance for proposed City Hall Renovation project. She has been meeting with Chelan Public Works regarding water, wastewater and transportation funding.

On April 19, Noble met with the Community Development Block Grant staff on the Anderson Road Sewer Extension Project. “The City is eligible for that grant,” said Noble. “It was good to meet with the CDBG staff,” added Noble. However the timing to apply is too early. “There is a potential to get grants or a loan you don’t have to pay back,” explained Noble.

CDBG grants are due in June for affordable housing. The Anderson Road Sewer Extension Project will be on the City’s top list to secure funding.

She has also been  coordinating with various funding agencies and City Staff in April.

May:

Noble planned on coordinating with Luis Gonzalez in the Planning Department, but was informed at the meeting that Gonzalez has left the City for a position at Chelan County.

She met with the staff of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund that has grants available for priority water projects in the Fall of 2023. There are also Department of Ecology Grants for water and wastewater projects due in the Fall.

She plans on meeting with CHIP staff on the Anderson Road Sewer Extension Project. Public Works Director Jake Youngren said they would be applying for an entire CHIP grant. Noble replied that CHIP funds are not a 100 percent grant, but could cover 60 to 70 percent of the intended purpose which is to pay for waived connection fees.

Noble will be attending Public Works Board webinars on May 10 and 11. PWB funding applications are due for infrastructure grants and loans by July 8.

Funding applications for SS4A (Safe Streets and Roads for All) are due by July 15. In order to obtain a grant from this program the City needs a Safety Program. “If you don’t have a safety program, make one,” said Noble.

Mayor Goedde remarked that private planner Susan Driver had researched crosswalks at Center St. and Saunders and Johnson. “Is that money still out there,” he asked? Noble replied that it was. “It is currently closed but will open again next year, typically in March and April.”

“There are other funding programs we can watch for,” said Noble. Councilman Marc Ericks asked about USDA grants and Noble said she would look into those.

Farris stated that a lot of groundwork has been accomplished. “This is most of what we are trying to do. We are getting there,” said Farris.

In other workshop business:

City Attorney went over the new City Council Rules of Procedure with the Council on what they can and cannot do.

Jake Youngren announced that the City has received funding approval to complete the Lakeside Trail. “We are just waiting for the award letter,” said Youngren. The grant is for $3 million dollars with a $700,000 City match.

by Richard Uhlhorn

TIF NEWS 5-2-2023

At its workshop on May 2, the Council and Staff received an update from City Administrator Wade Farris regarding the issues surrounding the City’s proposed Tax Increment Financing program.

“John (Ajax) has been working on the TIF issue,” said Farris. He encouraged everyone to go to the new City website where there is an incredible amount of information on Tax Increment Financing. https://cityofchelan.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=30.

Farris stated that even though the City has gone through all of the necessary legal rules and procedures to pass a TIF ordinance to be on the safe side of the issue, Farris said he was taking the issue off of the May 9th agenda.

There will be a Special meeting on TIF on Wednesday, May 24 where the Council could approve the program. “You are not approving the District and we have five years to consider it. It gives us another opportunity for another meeting with the Junior Taxing Districts,” said Farris.

The City has been up against a barrage of negative rhetoric regarding the proposed program. The new meetings will look at the impact of the program on Citizens. “We need to put the fear to rest,” said Farris. “They are still not going to be happy.” The impact will be assessed and the program adjusted.

Councilman Marc Ericks suggested that the affected parties be told the ramifications if the TIF isn’t passed. The public has been actively trying to derail the plan.

“Our vote on the 24th will not approve a loan,” said Farris. “The Council has the next five years to move forward. We are working really hard with the Dept. of Revenue to make the right decision for the community.”

Tax Increment Financing:

The battle lines have been drawn! The City of Chelan and local taxing districts are in a battle over whether or not to implement a Tax Increment Financing district (TIF).

The City has proposed financing the construction of a new water reservoir and water delivery system on the north eastern side of Chelan. The new reservoir and water lines would facilitate planned growth in the area.

The designated area or TIA (Tax Increment Area) would enable the City to capture a portion of property tax revenue generate from new construction within its boundary. The City would issue bonds to construct a new water reservoir which would be paid back from the taxes generated by new construction over a period of 25 years or when the bonds are paid off. While the reservoir and booster pump station are primary, the planned four water main extensions from the reservoir to surrounding neighborhoods will allow the City to meet the demands of private development and provide redundancy during emergency shortages.

The Junior Taxing Districts that would be most affected by a TIF are the fire district, hospital and Emergency Medical Services.

New developments within the TIA would have their property taxes tied directly to the proposed TIF and a portion of the property tax revenue from future new construction would be allocated to the City instead of the taxing districts until the TIF is paid off.

Fire, hospital and EMS services would continue to receive property taxes generated from assessed valuation that existed prior to the private development. If the TIF is activated, the taxing districts would lose any additional property taxes over what is currently being collected until the TIF is paid off.

At the April 25 Council meeting, Hospital CEO Aaron Edwards asked the Council to consider having another meeting on the proposal for a better understanding of its implications.

Edwards wrote a white paper on the implications of a TIF for the Hospital District. Lake Chelan Health has struggled financially and is currently has an operating loss of $837,096, but is $147,000 on the positive side financially because of grants and tax revenue.

“We depend on growing property values to grow with our service areas to protect and serve the public,” wrote Edwards.

Chelan Fire and Rescue Commissioner Russ Jones is equally concerned at the potential loss of new development revenue and said that the construction of some 800 new housing units could very well increase the departments call out by 30 percent.

Jones stated at a recent Fire Commission meeting that, “There was a lot of inaccurate information. For instance, the City’s consultant used old tax rates for his presentation. That there is no negative impact is absolutely not the case.”

Since that request, the City has held separate meetings with each Junior Taxing District and is currently making adjustments to the numbers associated with the proposal. City Administrator Wade Farris said, “There is a lot of misinformation being put out there. We are trying to do the best for the community.”

by Richard Uhlhorn

Speeding:

A resident living adjacent to Hwy 97A west of Lakeside Park and at the entrance to the City addressed the City Council about traffic on the highway that wasn’t slowing down to the posted 35 mph as they entered Lakeside. He asked if the City had any plans to address that situation. Mayor Goedde said they would look into the issue again and try to come up with a solution to slow traffic to the posted limit.

Hospital CEO Aaron Edwards addressed the Council regarding the proposed TIF (Tax Incremental Financing program) and asked if the Council would consider having another meeting on the proposal so the Hospital could gain a better understanding of the potential water shortages.

The Hospital has received $11 million dollars from the State Legislature to help it move its business offices and EMS to the new hospital location.

Jane Jebwabney, a Hospital employee, also addressed the TIF that would effect local taxing districts and said, if passed, it would be taxation without representation. She asked if it was possible to look at it in an incremental way. “What you get out of a TIF is going to be a risk.”

Resident Travis Sweeney was on hand to address the youth in Chelan who depend on having ball fields to play on. “I played on these fields, coached teams, served as a tournament director and am now a parent,” said Sweeney. “Our youth are using these fields,”

Sweeney remarked that the fields are not underutilized but are in disrepair. “If we get together, I think we can come to a happy medium and upgrade them.”

Dan Crandall, Chelan Arts Council president, told the Council that the Council supports all different kinds of art in the Valley. He remarked that the Council is responsible for coordinating the upcoming Arts Festival in Riverwalk Park. He also told the Council that the Arts Council is still raising money to bring Jerry McKellar’s Tsilly – the Lake Dragon to town as its newest sculpture.

Mayor Goedde read into the record a proclamation designating April 30 to May 6 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week. He thanked City Clerk Peri Gallucci and her staff for all of the work they do.

Solid Waste representative Brenda Blanchfield requested that the City Council adopt the Chelan County Solid Waste Management Plan for another five years. Blanchfield told the Council that the current landfill has another 86 years of life. “We have been recognized by the State for our solid waste management,” she said. The program manages recycling, solid waste and hazardous waste. “We are now encouraging multi-family recycling,” she said. “We have accomplished a lot. I think we are in really good shape.”

Emergency Moritorium:
John Ajax, Community Development Director, requested the Council to pass a six month moratorium on Boundary Line Adjustments (BLA).

The Council unanimously approved the Ordinance at its meeting on Tuesday, April 25. Ajax said the ordinance will allow the Planning Department to upgrade its code regarding BLAs.

RCW36.70A.390 and RCW35A.63.220 authorizes the City Council to adopt a moratorium for a period of up to six (6) months if a public hearing on the proposal is held within at least 60 days of its adoption.

According to Ajax, there are inconsistencies in the current code criteria which could result in circumventing a subdivision, short subdivision, or plat review process.

“This review of our BLA code will begin with the Chelan Planning Commission,” said Ajax. “It is definitely a workshop issue too.”

There have only been two BLAs approved in recent years including a recent one on Chelan Butte. The Moritorium will stop requests for the next six months until the City Planning Department can revise and get approval of its code.

“BLAs are supposed to be minor,” said Ajax. The Butte BLA is the largest one ever approved in the City.

Ajax stated that the moment people saw dirt being moved on the Butte (the existing road was cleaned up and will be a major firebreak) he began to receive telephone calls. “I’ve bee getting a ton of heat. I’ve had a number of calls about the work up there.”

Ajax went on to say it is really unfortunate, but the road clean-up set a tone. “Residents are saying the City is disregarding concerns from the public and doing what we want to do.”

The private property on the Butte is under contract for the next two years and planning is underway to develop that property as a rural development with up to 70 percent becoming Trust Land and Open Space with two public trails and a tie into the Elephant Head trail which crosses private property at one point.

The Chelan Basin Conservancy continues its efforts to keep the Butte free of any development except for recreational use. There is also State Legislative $125,000 funding to conduct an environmental and critical lands study on the Butte.

Chelan Youth Baseball:
The Chelan Youth Baseball League requested that the City adopt a facility lease agreement for the 2023 April-May season.The Council unanimously approved and authorized the Mayor to sign off on the agreement.

The league will complete repairs to the dugout fences in the coming weeks in lieu of fees.  

Parks Director Paul Horne told the Council that the league has its insurance in place. Councilmen John Olson and Chris Baker commented; Olson said in 1952 the field was nothing but rocks. “There were no lights, no restroom, just bushes.” Baker remarked that keeping the fields in that location is an important asset for the City.

Traffic studies:
Council unanimously approved a motion to finalize and execute the RH2 Engineering Traffic Analysis Task. “There have been numerous traffic data taken,” said Jake Youngren. “RH2 is fully capable and qualified to estimate the level of service needed.”

The studies will look at all seasons and also the new one-way configuration of the old Woodin Avenue Bridge. “How does the City want to address the level of services,” asked Youngren.

Mayor Goedde stated that 400 people replied to KOZI about the bridge. “We owe it to the community to at least look at the project. We need to know where we are at.” Youngren stated the study would be unbiased

Peter Jamtgaard stated that the City needs to know all of its options.

Administration Reports:
City Administrator Wade Farris told the Council that the compensation levels for the Mayor and Councilmembers appears to be pretty much in line with other municipalities. Jamtgaard, who is not seeking re-election, replied that his study showed compensations all over the board. He stated that he is not opposed to a 20 percent increase.

John Olson stated that the amount of time worked needs to be digested. “How many hours are spent,” he asked. Mayor Goedde said it was hard to calculate. Tim Hollingsworth remarked that Mayor Goedde spends a lot of time working at the job and attending meetings.

Councilman Marc Ericks stated that he supports an increase. “I’m familiar with a number of jurisdictions.”

Hollingsworth said he didn’t want potential councilmembers to not apply for a position because they can’t afford to. “It’s important for the upcoming election to raise salaries.”

Erick’s stated that it was important that the Council and Mayor not vote on salaries. Chris Baker also mentioned per diem for attending liaison meetings.

City Attorney Quentin Batjer said a resolution would be necessary for salary changes. Hollingsworth made a motion that staff consider a 20% raise across the board starting on January 1, 2024.

Sanders Street crosswalk project:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren updated the council on the proposed Sanders Street crosswalk project that could be funded by the Chelan/Douglas County Transportation Council. The Council has $8.3 million dollars available to fund projects and said that the crosswalk project would be a competitive project to go after some of that funding. He also stated that the City would have to match the proposed $800,000 dollar project with 30% city funds.

This project would include a bulb out and crosswalks at the intersections of Sanders with Trow, Okanogan Avenue and Wapato Street.

Art Donations:
Paul Horne told the City Council that the Parks Department has been offered a donation of two art pieces by Internationally known artist Bernard Hosey (deceased) who was one of the founders of the Twisp Works. His work is exhibited in the Museum of Contemporary Art Crafts in Manhattan, the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian and other international venues.

The cost to transport these two sculptures would be in the neighborhood of $5,000.

Council stated they need more information and were not too supportive of the offer.

Mayor/Council comments:

Sheri Dietrich thanked Travis Sweeney for his comments to the Council concerning the ball fields. “I’ve played  there, my husband has played there. We need to get this park right.”

Tim Hollingsworth said the $125,000 from the State for the Butte acquisition needs to be applied to that project.

Marc Ericks called the Housing Trust’s newest building venture across the street from his home is a wonderful project.

John Olson commented on the proposed TIF. He stated that the TIF is for a major upgrade to Chelan’s water system for domestic use and fire protection. He mentioned several ways the upgrade could be financed including Water Rate Increases, A Local Improvement District, Impact Fees, a TIF, or some combination of these methods.

He named a number of beneficiaries from Chelan Hills to the Airport and said if the improvements go forward everyone in the City would have improved water flow. “The community needs to come together on this.”

Mayor Goedde agreed with Olson that the water issue isn’t about a TIF but that the water issue needs to be upgraded.

Workshop Tuesday, May 2 beginning at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers.
The public is welcome to attend but will not be allowed to speak unless authorized by the Mayor.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Potential Tax grab:

TIF – Tax Incremental Financing was a big topic at Chelan Fire & Rescue’s commission meeting on Wednesday, April 19.

If approved, the proposed TIF revenues would be used to pay back bond issues to construct a large reservoir and a water delivery system that would help the TIFs boundary’s with potential water needs. In addition, it would insure that new developers have water.

“We need to do our homework,” said Chief Brandon Asher. “We don’t know how successful it’s (TIFs) working.”

Commissioner Russ Jones replied that he’s been thinking non-stop about the potential issues with a TIF to the Fire District. He proposed drafting a letter to the City or State Treasurer and ask them to redo the (informational) meeting on TIFs.

“There was a lot of inaccurate information,” stated Jones. For instance, the City’s consultant used old tax rates for his presentation. “That there is no negative impact is absolutely not the case.”

Chief Asher said, “We are the only taxing district with an increase in services.”

Jone’s called the program a corporate welfare plan. “It’s pretty convoluted. It would become the City’s backup water supply.”

Chief Asher recognizes the need for additional water supply. Commissioner Karyl Oules said a letter needs to be written to the City regarding the district’s concerns. Jones replied that the information given at the TIF meeting on Wednesday, April 12 was not valid.

Chief Asher’s report:

Asher reported that the district’s budget is right on target.

The department responded to 77 calls, which were, with the exception of one call, all EMS related with 14 individuals transported with Advanced Life Support, 26 transported with Basic Life Support and 15 that didn’t require transport. To date (end of March) the department and EMS have responded to 153 calls.

“We are receiving more back to back calls,” stated Asher.

He thanked the City for helping the District with insurance. He also visited with Chief Arnold Baker – District 5 and said they had a positive conversation.

Asher stated that the new Emergency Reporting System will cost $8,200 per year. “It is a more efficient system.”

Staffing:

Asher reported that four seasonal firefighters have started. “They give us a lot more flexibility,” Asher said.

District employees have completed a Hazmat training program and have received $50,000 in new equipment.

It was reported that the City is working on an Emergency Response Plan.

The False Alarm program with the City is in place. Asher stated that a business is trying to fix their false alarm problem.

Assistant Chief report

Shaun Sherman said the department has three new members finishing the Fire Academy.

He also remarked that a 16 hour in depth large training exercise in auto extraction has been completed with five firefighters including one career firefighter taking part.

He also stated that live fire training would take place on Saturday, April 22. This training was conducted successfully as the department and other district’s took part in burning two old residential structures. Sherman said the Forest Service and DNR were on hand to contain any fire outside of the structure boundaries.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Incorporation… it’s been discussed by various Manson Community Council’s over the years and has never raised to the level of serious consideration by any of the preceding councils.

The current Manson Community Council is once again looking at the possibility, but isn’t sure who is pushing discussion. Councilman John Frokler stated that the Council still needs to have a public forum on the issue to determine if incorporation is something that the community wishes to explore.

“I know my opinion and I’m not for it,” said Frokler. The argument for incorporation has been the possibility of self determination if  the Manson becomes an incorporated city.

Manson resident Brain Patterson produced a white paper four to five years ago. Councilman Chris Willoughby stated that in order to move ahead, if in fact the community wants to incorporate, they would have to find the funding for a study to be conducted.

Frokler said, “There won’t be any funding from the County.” Willoughby replied that the Council could petition the State for funding. “The first step is determining how many people in the Urban Growth Area want to incorporate,” said Willoughby. “Chelan is growing around the lake and their city limit is now at Rocky Point,” he added.

Chelan City Councilman John Olson also pointed out that the City’s UGA is also all the way out to Pat & Mikes. “It has been projected that 1,000 homes per year will be built in the next 10 years.”

Mike Kirk, a Manson resident, stated that he likes small town Manson. “I would like to keep what we have here instead of the County telling us.” Kirk was the originator of the current idea to study incorporation.

Willoughby replied, “We don’t really need to reinvent the wheel.” It was stated very clearly that if Manson were to incorporate, they would still have to contract with the Sherrif’s Department, Chelan County Public works and others to make it work. “It is a serious decision to make,” he said.

Incorporation is about local control, but it creates another layer of government. “I like grass roots. We can, as a community push the County (to act on our behalf),” said Frokler.

Frokler continued, “Where is the group asking for this and willing to set up a hearing.”

Willoughby added that a lot of hurdles would have to be surmounted to see if the Council and community can ever make it happen.

Manson Boulevard speeding:

Manson resident Pat Hautenne once again spoke about the speeding issue on Manson Blvd. “Vehicles coming out of Manson are traveling at 40 mph when they hit my house,” said Hautenne. However, he added that the Sheriff’s Department was ticketing drivers for approximately six hours one day and, “he was writing a ticket once every eight to 12 minutes.” He also brought up the idea of placing speed humps on Manson Blvd. which the county engineer has already said No too.

Willoughby also brought up the alley parking issue that was discussed at a previous meeting. “I had about six inches of clearance with a fire truck. There shouldn’t be any parking in the alleys.

Shoreline permit:

The Council approved a shoreline permit. It was for an existing dock replacement. Forkler said it would be an improvement over what exists there now.

Homestead rules:

Both Willoughby and Frokler attended the County Development Task Force meeting that has representatives from Leavenworth, Manson, Peshastin and Malaga along with developers, contractors, real estate and agriculure.

The issue at the meeting was closing the current loopholes that allow residential lots to be divided and re-divided. A final draft of the decisions from the committee will be sent to the County Commissioners for approval.

“There were some good recommendations for R 2, 5 and 10 throughout the unincorporated county. “We talked about zone options and focused on flexibility and the Homestead act,” said Frokler.

The Homestead Act allows farmers to cut out their homes from their orchards if they lose the orchard or sell it. There are 6,700 substandard parcels in Chelan County. Anything under 2.5 acres is considered a substandard parcel. The task force corrected the loopholes in the RR codes.

The Manson Community Council meets every third Tuesday in the Manson Park Building beginning at 6 p.m. They encourage residents to attend because the more people in the room the more power the Council has to make changes within the County.

Update on Incorporation:

The Manson Community Council prepared a letter addressing incorporation and their role in the issue. It is apparent that unless a group of Manson residents request a study, that once again, the idea of Manson incorporating has died a silent death.

The letter:

It became apparent after our last Council Meeting that the Manson Community Council needs to clarify their stance on the subject of the possible incorporation of Manson.

At no time has the Manson Community Council been the leader of any discussion of incorporation. We were previously asked by community members to host the discussion during a couple of our meetings, which is the only reason the subject ever has appeared on our agenda. It became evidently clear during our last meeting that community members present at the meeting were assuming that the MCC was placing forth and leading this discussion by the fact that the Council was asked to “make a list of pros and cons for incorporation.” If we appeared flummoxed by the request – we were. To do so would be an unbelievable undertaking of time and resources. As a reminder, we are an elected board of community members that serve a 3-year term. We are not paid and are solely volunteering our time without compensation, and at our own personal expense at times as we have no funding. Additionally, each of us also has full time jobs outside of the Council. 

If anyone wishes to make a presentation at a future Council meeting regarding this or any other subject, please email your desire to communitycouncilmanson@gmail.com in order to be considered on our agenda.

All that being said, as promised, attached is the “White Paper” Brian Patterson put together in 2016 regarding potential incorporation at that time. Please peruse and if you have any questions or comments, Brian Patterson’s email is listed above as the Council really isn’t in a position to answer any questions on this subject.

Thank you for attending our meeting and showing interest in our community. We look forward to having you with us again next month at the Manson Parks Department, as always, at 6 pm on the third Tuesday of the month — which is May 16, 2023. Please mark your calendars.

Sincerely,

Kari Sorensen

Chairperson

Manson Community Council

A white paper on incorporating Manson was researched and prepared by Manson resident Brian Patterson four to five years ago. It has a lot of relevant data of interest to any individual or group interested in pursuing incorporation. It can be seen here: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox?projector=1

by Richard Uhlhorn

“This project is going to change lives,” Ben Williams, Seven Acres Foundation board president, told donors who toured the Community Center project on Saturday afternoon. “It will impact the entire community.”

What currently looks like a giant erector set will end up becoming Chelan’s new Community Center.

On Saturday, April 15, the Seven Acres Foundation hosted VIPs who have been extremely generous with their donations for a private facility tour.

The Center has benefited financially from a $700,000 American Rescue Plan donation from the Chelan County Commissioners. Commissioner Tiffany Gearing was present for the tour as well as Raquel Crowley representing Senator Murray’s office. The Center received a $900,000 grant from a 2022 $1.5 Trillion dollar bipartisan, omnibus spending package backed by Senator Murray for rural communities.

What began as a 26,000 square foot building has grown to 46,000 sq. feet which includes an 10,000 sq. ft. auditorium/gymnasium that combines a variety of court configurations from a full-sized basketball court, two practice courts or three volleyball courts, four indoor pickleball courts and a community meeting space with a stage. The auditorium has a potential to host up to 1,400 people for conferences and/or large events.

The Center’s entry will have a coffee shop, quiet mother’s room, play room and restrooms surrounding the lobby area. There will be a multi-purpose event room and commercial kitchen on the main level building one. The multi-purpose room will have three large roll-up doors that give patrons indoor/outdoor access for up to 146 people depending on the event. The coffee shop will also have access to outdoor seating areas.

The multipurpose room and commercial kitchen along with the coffeeshop, mother’s quiet room and playroom will be available to patrons at both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

The commercial kitchen will be available for events and/or for rent to individuals needing commercial kitchen space.

Executive Director Ray Evans and Director of Operations Maribel Cruz are at the forefront of getting information out to the public about the Center’s operations. Center – Attendees got a tour through the office spaces that will be available for use.

The Center also has nine office spaces which will be for lease, a workspace center with six to eight workstations, a conference room and six multi-purpose rooms with the capacity to host 30 to 60 people. These rooms can also be combined into one large room.

There is a large upstairs space that can also be used for a variety of events.

Brooke Issac introduced the VIPs and said she likes the definition of patrons as people who give financial support to others. “You are all patrons that are very important to our mission, vision and success,'” she said.

Williams told those in attendance that currently the Foundation has at least $1.2 million in the ‘likely to fund’ category. There is a current shortfall of $4.5 million dollars which, when raised, will be used to complete the gym, parking lot, retaining walls, landscaping and electric car charging stations. He appealed to their largeness by asking how big their imagination is for what is possible. “Is there more that you can do to wrap even more love around these walls,” he asked.

At the end of the tour, everyone toasted the progress to date. The facility is about 60 percent completed and expected to be finished this fall.

The mission of the Community Center at Lake Chelan is to connect people with the resources they need and with each other in order to enhance the quality of life in the Lake Chelan Valley and surrounding communities.

Individuals, organizations and businesses can donate by visiting the Center’s website at: http://www.ccatlakechelan.org. If you have questions, contact maribel@ccatlakechelan.org.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Redesign of Athletic Fields:

The Chelan Parks Department was awarded a $100,000 grant from Chelan County PUD to redesign the old Athletic Fields into a Community Park.

Paul Horne, Parks director, remarked that one of the criteria’s laid out by the PUD was that a dog park and pickle ball courts be a part of the park.

Councilman Chris Baker said he had talked to Ryan Baker at the PUD and that no dog park or pickle ball courts were required. “The PUD doesn’t include dog parks in their parks for many reasons, but mostly because of liability reasons” said Baker.

Horne replied that the correspondence he had from the PUD required those two items. “The citizens want a dog park and pickle ball courts,” said Horne. (Horne has subsequently found out the requirement for a dog park and pickle ball courts are not a part of the agreement. “The PUD representative I talked to apologized to me and said he would apologize to the Council for any misunderstanding.”)

Councilman Peter Jamtgaard said he walks around Rivewalk Park and every other individual he comes across is walking a dog. He then brought up the Skate Park as a priority.

McCardle said the PUD agreement for the grant needs to be clear before accepting it. Horne replied that selecting a MOU includes that. Mayor Goedde remarked that the Skate Park needs to be located there.

Councilman Mark Ericks asked what terminology is being used for a dog park; off lease? “What is the definition of a dog park,” he asked. He said the proposed park should be a mixed use area but that a skate park was a priority.

Horne added that the Park’s Department is just starting the process of designing the park. “We really don’t know and need to ask the community what they want.”

This grant will help design the renovation of the underutilized Chelan County PUD Athletic Fields into a welcoming Community Park according to Horne.

A substantive public input process will help the Parks Department and Council determine the ultimate combination of park amenities and features. The final amenities that could be included in the Community Park design could be a Perimeter Walking Path • Inclusive Playground • Skatepark/ Pump track • Parking Lot Enhancements • Reconfiguration of Ball Fields, perhaps one would be a multi-use field • Water Fountains • Picnic Shelters/ Benches • Open Space & Shade Trees • Multigenerational Focused Spaces/ amenities • ADA Upgrades • Ecological enhancements • LED Lighting/ Dark Sky Compliant • Community Garden Space.

Natural stakeholders would include the: • Chelan Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, • Little League and other users of the current ball fields, • Senior Citizens and Senior Center representatives, • Surrounding Residents • Any PUD Advisory Groups.

The Master Planning Process will take 3 – 4 months after hiring a Design Team. The Construction Drawings and Documents would take an additional three (3) months.

SkatePark discussion:

As a part of the Community Park discussion the  proposed Skate Park in Don Morse Park became a major topic.

Erin McCardle stated that the Skate Park needs to be scaled down, moved out of the preferred location at Don Morse Park and over to the proposed Community Park. She claimed that the parents were clear about the Skate Park being for the local skaters.

Horne stated that he wasn’t sure how he and the Council proceed on the agenda item.

City Administrator Wade Farris suggested that the entire issue of the Skate Park and park issues be moved to the next workshop for a deeper discussion. McCardle replied that community input is also needed.

(Editors opinion: The Chelan Skate Park issue has a 28 year history. It, unfortunately, has been through many iterations and heartbreak for the skaters who raised substantial amounts of money back in 1996 to match the City’s pledge of $15,000. Throughout the process, an architect was hired to design Chelan’s Skate Park, but in the end, the Chelan City Council nixed the park because it might ruin the view to the lake even though the planned park was in a bowl.

Today, 28 years later, and after the public weighed in at public event in Don Morse the overwhelming choice was to have the park located in Don Morse Park.

Erin McCardle wants to throw a rock into the planned location by urging the Parks Director and Council to redraw, scale down and move the location to the proposed Community Park at the current ball fields.

Her and several others on the Council are in agreement that the Skate Park needs to be built for the local skaters. At a cost of $100s of thousands dollars to build a Skate Park, the question that enters my mind is just how many kids in Chelan actually use the existing park, and what’s wrong with having a quality venue for visitors to enjoy?

There are always pros and cons to locating a Skate Park. But after 28 years, it’s time to move forward and locate the park at Don Morse Park for all users, not just the locals. It will be interesting to see what the residents want.)

Seven Acres Foundation request:

Maribel Cruz gave an update on the Community Center and reiterated the need for additional funding to help build a play area at the Center that will be free for all to use. The Foundation is requesting funds from the City’s American Rescue Plan. The City has funds remaining in the $1.2 million dollars received for use at its discretion. “Our needs remain the same,” said Cruz. “We appreciate the difficulties the City faces with funding its many projects,” she added.

The Foundation is requesting $185,000 from the ARP fund. Wade Farris replied that the City didn’t have lot to add to the Anderson Road infrastructure project and if they funded the Foundation’s request and overran on the Anderson Road project they would be required to fund from the Sewer and Water fund.

Public Works Director added that nothing has changed on the project since the last time the Foundation requested funding.

Ty Witt, a Community Center Board Member and ex-city council member asked what had changed in the four years since he was on the Council. “We do have a funding gap,” said Witt. “but we also don’t want to be in debt. The Center will be available for everybody based on their ability to pay.”

The Center is slated to be completed latter this year at a cost of $23 million dollars. Witt stated that the County is on board, but that the City has not contributed to the Center. “We could really use the help.”

Mayor Goedde remarked that the City has had to borrow $3 million dollars to help build the Parks Maintenance Building and cover other escalating city costs. With a 15 year payoff on the loan at four percent, Goedde isn’t in favor of using the remaining portion of the ARP funds for the Center’s needs.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle asked how many tenants and contracts the Center has signed up. Witt replied that the Foundation has Memorandum of Understanding’s from future tenants but do not have a single signed contract. However, he stated that the three anchor tenants who have signed a MOU are the Root School, Real Life Church and a gym. McCardle asked if they have a contingency plan if one or more back out. Witt replied that rental space is available and the Foundation is keeping the pricing reasonable.

Special Counsel agreement:

City Council authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute a Special Councel Agreement with Thompson, Gidner & Associates to help evaluate the sufficiency of a contractor’s Performance Bond.

City Employee Wellness Program

Council also approved and reaffirmed the City’s Employee Wellness Incentive Program. Originally implemented through the Association of Washington Cities in 1991, employees were reimbursed at $10 per month. The Council approved a request from the Wellness Committee to increase the reimbursement amount to $25.00 per month

ParksMaintenanceBuilding change order No. 2:

Council approved a $17,709 change order that addresses changes to the public restroom. It will include a longer stainless steel trough type sink.

Downtown Revitalization:

The Beckwith Consulting Team has completed their initial site assessment for the Downtown Revitalization Project and presented their findings with City Council.

Tom Beckworth told the Council that his team had completed two days of field work and three sessions with the Public Works Department.

Crosswalks were a topic that was the most difficult to downtown people. “It’s difficult to move people to crosswalks,” said Beckwith. Most people on Woodin just cross the avenue without using the crosswalks.

Sidewalks are an issue with people having to move around planters, benches, trees and streetlights. Outdoor cafe’s and sandwich boards also restricts effective walkways to only four feet. Widening the sidewalks is an option that has become quite controversial.

Beckwith loves the murals around town and told the Council that they need to be retained and maintained.

Trees are also an issue on Woodin Avenue according to Beckwith. Canopy trees, if used need to be pruned high enough that people can walk under them. “They are pruned too low and not doing what a canopy tree is supposed to do,” he said.

Beckwith said the alleys are basically work alleys, but need modifications to be conducive to truck deliveries. Street lights need to be replaced with fixtures that provide services in a new power service grid.

Beckwith said they would be coming back to City Council with reports on progress for the next several months.

Jake Youngren said that Public Works has conducted a business survey. McCardle remarked that it was nice to have responses from people who are downtown. Beckwith stated that his team is in the middle of the process.

“The more people who participate the better the outcome,” said Beckwith. Mark Ericks asked about changing the alleys to one-way and Beckwith replied that the team was going to give the Council a lot of alternatives. “We will come back next month and for the next three months.”

Earth Day – April 22

Mayor Bob Goedde read the 2023 April 22 Earth Day Proclamation into the record at Tuesday evenings City Council meeting. Chelan’s annual Earth Day Fair will take place this Saturday, April 15, at Riverwalk Park from 10 a..m. to 4 p.m. with music, art and crafts, educational displays and activities.

EARTH DAY PROCLAMATIONWHEREAS, Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, founded Earth Day with the goal of staging “a nationwide demonstration of concern for the environment so large that it would shake the political establishment out of its lethargy and, finally, force this issue permanently onto the national political agenda”; and WHEREAS, twenty million people took part in the first Earth Day event on April 22, 1970, beginning a new era in environmental politics, an era that saw the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act; and WHEREAS, Earth Day has gone global, lifting environmental issues onto the world stage; andWHEREAS, the 53^rd Anniversary of Earth Day will be April 22, 2023, and organizers are calling for government action to protect and preserve the environment.