Author: allthingslakechelan

by Richard Uhlhorn

City request for airport support:

Mayor Bob Goedde and City Administrator Wade Ferris attended the Wednesday, August 17 Fire Commission meeting to request support from the District in the City’s efforts to get a water line (fire flow) constructed from town to the airport.

Mayor Goedde told the District that Chelan County is on board with the project and in obtaining support for the waterline, he asked himself why the Fire District hadn’t been contacted for support.

Ferris told the Commission that it wasn’t just about fire flow, but that there is a strong demand for development of the airport by both the City and Port of Chelan County. “We are working with the FAA on an airport master plan. In the next eight to 10 years we will have a first class airport,” said Ferris. He added that in July there were 950 landings at the airport.

“We need improvements to accommodate jets. It is not safe now.” Ferris also mentioned inquiries from commercial airlines to use the airport. “Kenmore Air is interested in serving the Chelan community but we can’t do anything unless we get fire flow.”

Ferris asked the District to look into grants and would like at least a Letter-of-Support from Chelan Fire. Chief Asher said that getting fire flow out there would be a huge benefit to the District and community. “I’m excited to hear about this.”

Ferris added what he called a little story telling. “The FAA will put up $22, $4 Million. They pay 90% of the project.”

Fire Chief Report:

Chief Brandon Asher informed the commission that the District was on track financially. “The seasonal firefighters are helping to decrease out overtime,” said Asher.

In July, the District responded to 147 emergency calls including eight calls for fires. “This is the most calls we’ve ever had,” said Asher. “Marine calls are up this year. The total amount of people here is increasing our call volume.”

Asher specifically mentioned the Stayman Flats fire on July 18. “We got every aircraft helping us out,” said Asher. This included the DC-9 and other larger aircraft.

“We’ve had a pretty late start to wildfire season,” said Asher. The District has responded to two Statewide Mobilizations but said they were minor. “We haven’t had the five to nine day assignments.” He did mention that the District was receiving 50% more for Brush Trucks than last year. “It comes out to $1,100 a day.” The M-73 truck, which carries 1,000 gallons of water is bringing in $2,000 a day when mobilized. “It is the perfect truck for bad roads with moon dust. It is so nice to have that much water available.”

The District and Forest Service are discussing leasing a part of Station 74 to the Chelan Ranger district.

Assistant Chief report:

Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman told the commissioners that two high school students have indicated an interest in fire services and stated that the District will fire up the school age program again.

He also mentioned a long meeting with Dave Clouse in the First Creek Drainage discussing the one way in/one way out situation in First Creek. They are planning on starting a fire wise program like Union Valley’s.

Commissioner Russ Jones asked what they could do about the one way in and out situation? Sherman said would enact an early evacuation order if a fire threatens the drainage

The District has hired one new career fire fighter from its ranks which means that three fire fighters are on duty 24-7. Several other volunteers are attending the Wenatchee Fire Academy.

Unfinished Business:

Ladder 71 which has been undergoing a complete overhaul had a transmission failure and it will cost $25,000 to fix. The company working on the truck dropped $10,000 from the overall bill and will rebuild the EBS4000 transmission. “We will have a brand new truck when it arrives,” said Asher.

 “We are predicting a pretty long summer,” said Asher. Be careful out there.

by Richard Uhlhorn

There is only one agenda item on the upcoming Chelan City Council meeting August 23. Council members will consider the Hearing Examiner’s June 17, 2022 recommendation to approve the Preliminary Development Plan for the Apple Blossom Center Planned Development District major amendment to change the district’s zoning to allow residential development.

Hearing Examiner Andy Kottkamp held a public hearing on June 14 to hear public testimony regarding the zoning change. There were, and still are, a number of community concerns with the possibility of 720 apartment units being built at Apple Blossom Center.

Those public concerns included water pressure issues, traffic issues, increased law enforcement activity and sewer treatment capacity.

The Council has four possible alternatives to the Hearing Examiner’s recommendation as follows:

1. The Council can adopt the Hearing Examiner’s findings, conclusions and recommendations as the Council’s decision.
2. They can modify the examiner’s finding and conclusions based on the closed record from the hearing and then adopt the recommendation.
3. Council can reject the examiner’s recommendations and adopt other findings and conclusions and enter their own decision.
4. Council can remand the matter back to the Hearing Examiner with written instructions to make further recommendations on specific issues identified by the Council.

The Council has had in its hands a number of talking points concerning the Hearing Examiner’s

Primary among those talking points are:

1. Approval of the zoning amendment does not approve any construction projects, and currently, there are no applications to build the proposed 720 apartment units.
2. If the Council approves the zoning change (amendment), any future building permits still need to be applied for. This would require additional public and agency review/comments.
3. Weidner owns 10 acres of property within the Planned Development but is not the applicant for the PDD amendment; Apple Blossom Center Holdings is the applicant.

If the Council approves the HE recommendations, the required next step is to amend the existing project Development Agreement (DA) at a later date.

The DA is where specific items including different types of housing and project timing can be negotiated.

With this recommendation for approval being the only agenda item on Tuesday evening’s Council meeting, it will be interesting to hear the Council comments before they vote.

No public input will be allowed. The Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, 8.22.22.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Manson-8.16.22

Manson Community Council held its regularly scheduled meeting after taking a hiatus in July because of a lack of forum. This meeting was not well attended and the Council didn’t have much on the agenda.

The Council discussed a date to host a Candidate’s Forum for those candidates that are being challenged. Kathy Blum said the forum should be held in Chelan which could draw voters from Entiat, Manson and Chelan. “It needs to be in Chelan in October,” she said. It would be held prior to ballots being mailed to registered voters.

The Sheriff’s, County Clerk, and County Commission races are contested along with several state and national races. Ballots are mailed out on October 21. The Council is looking at the Performing Arts Center at Chelan High School depending on costs and maybe the Riverwalk Park Pavilion where a past, successful forum was held. This would depend on weather.

The date and time will be posted when details are worked out.

Chelan County Interim Community Development Director, Deanna Walter was on hand to discuss the County Development Codes.

Walter said that developers, real estate companies are using the Boundary Line Adjustment rules to divide parcels into more lots than were originally plotted. “They can do this without going through SEPA and other normal criteria in the code,” she said. “They don’t have to do a traffic study, mitigations and no review by the department.”

Walter said that Boundary Line Adjustments are administrative with no notifications to surrounding residents required. “We can’t reverse what’s been done, but we can look at changing the regulations for the future.”

The 10 lot parcels are reduced to minimum of 2.5 acre lot sizes in the County Code. She gave a short history of how the Code has been used and said, “the Code has to be changed.”

Walter said a Task Force was being set-up to investigate, amend and make recommendations to change the codes. It will include seven individuals from different backgrounds from agriculture to real estate, but Walter stated each industry would only have one representative allowed on the Task Force. “There will be no loading or bias on the committee.” She will attend these meetings, but stated that her role was not to direct or influence the outcome. “I will just be there to be a part of the process.”

“The task force needs to have an active farmer on it,” said Walter. Burke Consulting will be hired to facilitate the meetings. Past Manson Community Council chair, Chris Willoughby offered to be on the task force as an active farmer.

The timeline to finish the Task Force input is the end of 2022.

Brian Patterson asked if the Task Force would be open to the public. Walter said “Yes.”

Walter told the Council that they need to engage with their commissioners who are very active and have the ultimate decision making on any amendments that come forward. “Developers and applicants know the code better than I do,” said Walter. She also told the Council that anything requiring a comment period, they should receive.

“Not everyone is happy with my decisions, but I am consistent and fair,” said Walter.

After the meeting County Commissioner Tiffany Gearing’s inability to engage with or attend Council meetings came up in a separate discussion. While Gearing is not up for re-election in the near future, her lack of engaging with her constituents through the Council prompted Council Chairman Kari Sorenson to commit to running for Gearing’s commission seat. “I’m running unless somebody better than me steps up,” said Sorenson. “She made promises she have not followed up on.”

by Richard Uhlhorn

Tuesday’s City Council meeting was light on agenda items, but there were interesting public comments before the agenda was tackled.

John Zimmerman, a Lakeside resident, thanked the City for its efforts in stopping parking along Hwy 97A and said, “There were police vehicles there twice a day during the weekend. No one parked along the highway over the weekend.” A great solution to an ongoing problem.

Zimmerman’s other comments concerned the speed limits coming in and out of Lakeside along the highway. “Speed has increased coming in and out of Lakeside,” said Zimmerman. He added that the hill leading out of town by Lakeside Lodges & Suites has become a ski hill for vehicles. “Their afterburners are on. It’s irritating and dangerous.”

Coming into town at Lakeside the speed limit is 35 mph, but according to Zimmerman, the sign is too close to the residential area. “Is there anyone addressing this situation,” he asked? Mayor Goedde said the City should move the Speed Limit sign farther out and he would look into that. John Olson commented that cars are not slowing down.

Zimmerman remarked that he appreciates all the city has done. “I commend you for that.”

Paul Rodgers, a Chelan Hills resident, remarked about the July 12 flooding issues from the three storms that passed through. Councilman Servando Robledo asked what is being done about the flooding issue. He has been getting calls and asked, “What should I tell them? What has been done?”

City Administrator Wade Ferris replied that the flooding issue is complicated. Tim Hollingsworth remarked that council members shouldn’t get into a dialogue with residents over the issue and should refer them to staff.

Agenda motions:

Council approved a Supplemental Engineering Agreement with J-U-B Engineers, Inc. for the Lake Chelan Airport Runway and Taxiway Relocation Environmental Assessment.

Council also approved Steven Thornton’s Retirement Agreement with the City. Ferris told the Council that Steve would be transitioning out towards the end of the year. The city is seeking his replacement and Ferris will bring a contract to the next meeting to begin the search process for Thornton’s replacement.

Council authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute the Contract and Contract addendum with Mason Roofing and Construction for reparis to the roof over the Chelan County Sheriff’s section of City Hall. This contract is for $37,687.00.

Council authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute the Final Plat of Legacy Ridge Phase 3.

Council authorized the Mayor to execute Changer Order #2 for the Public Works Administration Building Project.

Mayor/Council Comments:

John Olson remarked that Council would be making a decision at the August 28 Council meeting regarding the Apple Blossom Center zoning change to residential. “I’m getting a ton of questions,” said Olson. “I would like to see maps of the changes made public if possible. There is not enough information getting out and I’m getting to a point where I’m uncomfortable.”

Chris Baker asked about the required Legacy Ridge intersection at Hwy 150. “I’m curious if there will be a cross walk for residents to get to the marina,” he said.

Tim Hollingsworth brought up the issue of kids jumping from the old bridge and, what he termed as lawlessness in town. “We used to have our own police department. The town has changed and I’m thinking about our relationship with law enforcement.”

He questioned the City’s priorities for the Sheriff’s Department including the Marine Patrol. “They say they can’t do this and they can’t do that.” He added that hotrods were muscling around town at will. “I hear comment after comment. There needs to be a presence. We need to stress what is important to us to the Sheriff.”

Hollingsworth also mentioned Chelan Hills and said he had been thinking about it being a development that was substandard and accepted by the City. “What is the City’s responsibility here,” he asked. “We need to come up with a solution.” (Editor’s note: In the 90s, residents in Chelan Hills were given an opportunity to have a Local Improvement District – LID – but turned that effort to upgrade the community down.)

Hollingsworth said he was glad that Steve Thornton was retiring to go on an enjoy life. Thornton, the City’s Finance Director, underwent heart surgery recently and is recovering well.

Mayor Goedde remarked that he has been a resident in Chelan for 70 some years and that Chelan is a lot less lawless now than it was in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. “Society changes and I have all the faith in the world about the Sheriff’s Department. They do a wonderful job,” stated Goedde who added, “The City of Chelan Police Department had more problems, especially in its last two year, than the Sheriff’s Department.”

Parks Director Paul Horne thanked Tim Hollingsworth’s surveying job at the Park Street street ending. “We now have a topographic map of the area.”

Lewis Gonzalez, the City’s interim community director, reported to the Council, the city’s efforts at licensing STRs. “In 2020 it took off,” said Gonzalez. “There were more than we thought. We have issued 433 licenses.” In 2020, 290 licenses were issued, another 84 in 2021 and another 59 so far this year.

“There are 368 active licenses out there. We are trying to be more proactive with this,” he said. “We are trying to keep a really good handle on the program,” Gonzalez added that the City has been receiving good feedback from the owners and tenants. “They are liking what we are doing so far.”

Peri Gallucci reported that the City was hoping to have its new website up by January, but it is looking at March or April now. “We are having in-house meetings and I’m asking for ideas on what you would like to see on the website,” she said.

Wade Ferris finished the meeting off thanking the staff for all their hard work during the busy summer months. “If you need to see me, step into my office.”

The Council went into an executive session to discuss matters of potential litigation with no action taken.

Council meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Funding… non-profits are always looking for funding options and were in force at last Tuesday’s, August 2 City Workshop where staff and council discussed options on how to spend the Government’s $1,183,905.00 Coronovirus Fiscal Recovery Funds that are available.

City Administrator stated that the drawback to these funds is that it is Federal money that requires certain criteria and requirements recipients have to follow.

City staff was seeking guidance whether Pandemic relief fund could be used for funding City projects.

Three non-profits were also on hand to make requests for some of this funding.

Chelan Housing Trust

Rachael Goldie, executive director of the Chelan Valley Housing Trust, requested that the Council consider giving the Trust $750,000 to get water and sewer to the 9.5 acres of land they own off Anderson Road. The plan is to build 39 affordable homes for those in the mid-income levels. They also plan on selling several lots at market rates. The Trust’s total budget for this project is $23 million dollars including the installation of sewer and water lines. “It would help us further subsidize and put a lot of energy into the community,” said Goldie.

Councilmember John Olson asked if there was an opportunity for the $750,000 to be used as a revolving fund that would be paid back to the City. Goldie replied, “I wouldn’t say No right away. I don’t know how that would work.”

Tim Hollingsworth, a councilman and Trust board member remarked that he didn’t know how a late comers agreement would work with other developments.

Erin McCardle remarked that any infrastructure would be public. Hollingsworth replied that the Trust could pay a portion of the infrastructure costs.

Chelan Food Bank/Hope

Jim Baldor requested that the City consider a grant of $200,000 for development of plans including engineering, architectural consultation and drawings, permits and other soft costs towards building a second floor on their existing structure.

“Our biggest need is more space,” said Baldor. “We’ve been operating for 40 years without a home… we would like to have one.” The Food Bank is feeding between 157 and 200 people each week. “Our numbers continue to go up.” The Food Bank currently has no room for a freezer or storage. “We’ve had to turndown food,” he said.

The estimated costs of building a second floor to the current building is $2 million. Hollingsworth asked if they were applying for grants and conducting fund raisers? Olson asked what the square footage was. Baldor answered 2,926 sq. feet, and that the basement was unusable. “We have plans to make the basement usable and would end up with three floors.” Chelan Valley Hope would occupy the second floor. Olson said he would like to see some documentation between the Food Bank and Chelan Valley Hope.

Maribel Cruz, Seven Acres Foundation, requested the Council consider a $100,000 influx to fund and build an indoor play area at the Community Center that would be “free and open to the public.” The play area would be at the entrance and visible from the coffee shop.

Councilman Chris Baker asked if they had received a $3.5 million dollar gift. Cruz looked over at Raye Evans, executive director of the Seven Acres Foundaton, who nodded in the affirmative. Cruz then told the council that they had indeed received a $3.5 million dollar gift from one of their donors which is allowing the construction to continue. “Our contractor is committed to proceed,” she said.

Mayor Bob Goedde ponders the issue of giving non-profits funding when the City itself is in need of funding for a variety of projects on the books.

In addition to Federal Pandemic money, the City is considering obtaining a $2.5 million dollar loan to supplement projects on the books that includes:

• The Parks Maintenance Building… This project came in with a bid of $2.8 million which was rejected. The City will re-bid the project in the future in hopes that it will be lower. Parks Director Paul Horne stated that he could reduce the costs of construction by about a half million by cutting out proposed parking spaces and the possibility of cutting the public restrooms.
  
  Hollingsworth stated that the restrooms were a big part of the infrastructure. Sheri Dietrict replied that it was all a level of importance to the park. Mayor Goedde reminded the Council that they had turned down a bid of $600,000. Councilman Servando Robledo stated that waiting might cost more than the estimated $2.5 million.
• Lakeside Trail Project… The Lakeside Trail Grant will be awarded or not by the State through a competitive process. At some point, the City will need to commit to grant match funding to remain competitive in the process. This is similar to the recently awarded Lakeside Park Improvements grant. Public Works Director Jake Youngren said it was a large ask. “It’s a significant amount of money.”
• Airport Waterline Extension… the Airport Waterline Extension cost share amount is contingent upon contributions from the Port District and County (still under discussion), as well as the State grant which has been awarded.

In addition to these projects, the City is looking at building a new Skate Park, renovating the Golf Course and replacing the HVAC system at the Library.

Heritage Heights (HH) is requesting financial support to fund the facilities remodel and conversion project. They were awarded $1 million from the Washington State Department of Commerce through a behavioral health facilities grant to remodel and convert 11 of their 30 assisted living units to memory care. Chelan County Commissioners awarded HH $250,000 through SHB 1406 and HH is asking the City to commit $50,000 from the same funding source.

With all of that being said, if the consensus of City Council is that the projects are all in the best interest of the City, staff will need to incorporate the Financial aspects into development of the 2023-2026 CIP and 2023 Budget.

The funding requests will become a part of the City’s 2023 budget and won’t be announced until the budget is finalized.

by Richard Uhlhorn

There are fruit stands and then there are FRUIT STANDS!

Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso is a great example of what happens when dedicated owners and employess take their fruit stand to the next level of serving their customers.

If you are looking for fresh fruit and vegetables, Lone Pine has its own orchards and also brings in fresh vegetables from North Central Washington farms like Quincy sweet corn from the famous Kallstrom Farms (coming soon).

Currently, Lone Pine has fresh, and absolutely delicious, peaches, apricots, raspberries, blueberries, jumbo onions, celery and carrots, not to mention fresh rhubarb, California grown lemons and limes. They also have 2021 crop apples.

Over the years, Lone Pine morphed into a general store and restaurant after battling Chelan County all the way to the State Capital for highway access to the business. “The game was on at that point,” says Jenny Robelia, Lone Pines general manger. “It was push, push, push until we got access.”

Today, Lone Pine caters to travelers on Hwy 97 from Okanogan County who are traveling to and from Wenatchee, but would love to see more customers from the Chelan area. “We have struggled to pull Chelan customers down. Travelers from Okanogan and the Methow are more regular, stopping in on their trips to Wenatchee to shop or go to the doctor.”

“A lot of customers call in for coffee or our lunch specials on their trips,” said Jenny. “We have a new lunch special everyday.”

In addition to the menu, Lone Pine offers up the best milkshakes in the region, all made from hard ice cream. They also offer blended coffee drinks, espresso, smoothies and Italian sodas.

Lone Pine also carries local wines ranging in price from $10 to $50 per bottle depending on the winery. They have hard ciders and beer on tap and regularly fill growlers for customers.

They now carry flash frozen meat from Ephrata and Jenny says the pricing is lower than Costco’s meat products. “This meat is perfect for travel,” said Jenny. They also carry fresh farm eggs and milk.

“We also represent a lot local artists.” The art and crafts ranges from cards to handcrafted art and books.

Lone Pine Fruit and Espresso had its first beginings when Jim Walker, whose parents were migrant workers following the fruit harvests, purchased the orchard property in 1998 which also had a building that housed workers. “Tiny’s Fruit Stand was one of his biggest memories,” said Robelia. He wanted to build a fruit stand like Tiny’s.

Jenny joined the company one month after Walker purchased the orchard and that’s when the building was turned into a fruit stand. After solving their battles with the county, they planted peaches, apples, and apricot trees.

Over the years, there have been a lot of changes. Lone Pine hosted the first ever Lake Chelan Wine Festival and sells seasonal fruits and vegetables. “We follow the harvest and look forward to harvesting season.”

Lone Pine is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and orders can be made over the telephone at 509-682-1514.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Four Peaks Environmental Services conducted an invasive aquatic species survey on Lake Chelan and found 520 acres of Eurasian Milfoil and Curley Leaf Pondweed along the shoreline of Wapato Basin and stretching into the lower regions of the Lucerne Basin where there is heavy recreational boat use.

This increase of invasive species over the past eight years has increased concerns on how to manage the invasion. The Lake Chelan Research Institute (LCRI) began looking at methods of managing this issue and settled on DASH (Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting) as the preferred method of removing the invasive species from the lake bottom.

With $25,000 of private funding the LCRI hired Lake Defense Force to conduct a sample test of two areas over a six day period… Key Bay and Minneapolis Beach. This test will help determine an Integrated Aquatic Management Plan for the lake.

The airlift used by the team pulls invasive species up by the roots. Once captured, it is bagged for removal. According to Alex Garry, Lake Defense Force General Manager, the dive team can suck up between 1,500 and 5,000 square feet per day.

DASH is an alternative to using chemical applications to remove milfoil and pond weed. The use of chemical herbicides is not a preferred method in Lake Chelan.

The diving company comes back to a treated area and removes any recurring bloom on the bottom by hand. “We have, over time eradicated invasive species from lakes,” said Garry.

Because Lake Chelan is a reservoir which is lowered in the winter for power production, much of the invasive species is killed by freezing. This year’s cold spring has delayed the growth of invasive plants in Lake Chelan. Much of the plants removed were thought to have sprouted on the bottom within the last several weeks.

LCRI executive director, Phil Long, stated that the test was extremely successful and will help determine a management plan and financial resources needed to implement it. “We hit high use areas which confirmed the continued spread of invasive aquatic plant species in Lake Chelan,” stated Long. “It’s interesting that a lot of the plants are blooming under anchored boats.”

Over the five and half days Lake Defense Force operated, they removed 900 pounds (20 bags) of milfoil and pond weed, most of which was removed from Minneapolis Beach.

Lake Chelan Research Institute conducts monthly water quality research on the lake and is partially funded by local government entities. Organizations and individuals can donate money and time as volunteers to help keep the lake quality at its optimum. Visit https://lakechelanresearchinstitute.com/ for more information.

Another group helping educate the public about Lake Chelan is the Keep It Blue Program at https://www.keepitbluelakechelan.org/.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Citizen’s advocate Tom Clark shared a situation occuring at the public lake access point at Green Dock on Water Street during Chelan City Council’s Citizen Comment period on Tuesday evening, July 26.

The homeowners on Water Street and Terrace Avenue are allegedly blocking public access on City right-of-way by placing park benches and boat trailers to stop the public from parking. “The rights of the public has been taken away from them,” said Clark.

Water Street and Terrace Avenue are a part of the of the Lakeside Trail system that the City is trying to complete. Green Dock is a popular small local swimming beach that is becoming more crowded as more and more people discover it.

After speaking for six minutes, City Administrator Wade Ferris shut Clark down and Mayor Bob Goedde thanked Clark for the information and said he’d make sure the City looked into the situation.

It isn’t the first time there has been difficulty between home owners and beach goers at Green Dock. Years ago, the homeowners were upset when the PUD began charging market rates for their private docks and a local group asked the PUD to install a large public dock at the corner of Water St. and Terrace Ave. This resulted in a meeting and a compromise was made to move the potential public dock adjacent to Hwy. 97A just west of the west finger. Unfortunately that never happened, but the request for a public dock to gain more public access to Lake Chelan could rise up again.

The PUD owns all the underwater land off Water Street and Terrace Avenue.

The City plans on looking into illegal parking on public right-of-way throughout Chelan.

In other Business:

Potential computer breach

Just before the July 4th weekend, a city employee noticed a potential breach on a staff member’s computer. The City’s technology service provider was notified immediately and they advised the City to shut down all computers and disconnect the server as a precautionary measure.

The City opened a claim with the Washington State Insurance Authority and the City also entered into a contract with a law firm and an information security firm on July 6.

City Administrator Wade Ferris gave an update to the council on Tuesday and said the potential breach was a pretty good scare. “As soon as the staff member saw it he probably saved the City any damages. We still have some way to go and it will cost us upwards of $80,000.”

Dust Control

Public Works entered into a contract with Lyman Dust Control to mitigate dust issues and improve surface stabilization. The company applies a LIGNO Road Binder in the alleys. The product is petroleum free and 100 percent biodegradable.

The program is not to exceed $25,000 and will be executed under the 2022 Annual Road Preservation and Small Project Street Capital Budget.

Councilman John Olson said his alley is in the best condition has ever been in. Public Works Director Jake Youngren said he is getting lots of public feedback on the program.

The rest of the council meeting was taken up withy Maintenance bonds for water system improvements and easements for City access.

Mayor/Council comments:

Only Olson made a comment bringing up the feedback on the alley improvements and whether or not the jumper off the Dan Gordon Bridge was found.  He also mentioned the parking on 97A out at Lakeside Park.

Mayor Goedde said he and Ferris attended a meeting on funding water to the airport. He also told the council that the upcoming traffic study would take in 97A, Hwy 150, Body District and the Manson area.

Ferris stated that the Sheriff’s office is short of manpower and can’t give tickets.

City Clerk Peri Gallucci invited council members to get involved in the City’s new website design. Peter Jamtgaard said he would like to review it for its appearance, themes, look and function.

City Council meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month at 6 p.m.

by Richard Uhlhorn

On Friday, July 15, I toured the new hospital with the Chelan Hospital Foundation. While there has been considerable angst about the necessities of downsizing the facility to stay within the $44.5 million dollar budget, I was impressed with, not only the layout, but the generous utilization of the space allocated for the new facility. Everything inside flows efficiently.

Today, the Critical Access downsized version is 52,250 square feet with room for future expansion and includes 12 patient rooms, two expanded Operating Rooms with the possibility of a third if needed and ample parking for patients and staff.

The total cost to build is $28,483,000 not including the $2.3 million in Washington State taxes.

The public in the Hospital District approved a bond of $20 million dollars. The rest of the build out comes from a $2 million grant from the Lake Chelan Health & Wellness Foundation. The remaining $6 million will be covered by hospital debt capacity, grants and reserves.

Our guide for the tour was Hospital Director of Operations Shawn Ottley. Shawn knows every inch of the new hospital and described each aspect of what clients and patients can expect when visiting the new facility from emergencies to elective surgery.

After the tour I asked the new CEO, Aaron Edwards about hospital revenue. “Revenue is trending up,” he stated. He also said he has interviewed more MDs since taking his new position than have ever been interviewed in the last six years. “Housing is still a major issue,” he added.

The hospital has two OR rooms for conducting surgeries along with another room for outpatient joint injections, etc. A third OR room could be available if necessary.

We began the tour at the Emergency entrance and continued through to Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum rooms. Following is a visual tour of the hospital which will have its Grand Opening on October 15, 2022.

If interested, Lake Chelan Now will conduct a live streaming tour at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 22.

by Richard Uhlhorn

The July 3 torrential rain storm was a major topic during Citizen’s Comments at Chelan’s City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 12.

Some are calling the torrential downpour a 100 year storm which caused damage throughout the valley forcing Chelan Public Works into overtime to correct some of the City’s issues. However, out in Chelan Hills, flooding created major issues for some residents.

Charles Cronenweth – 115 Riveria Pl., told the Council that the June 3 storm flooded his downstairs with six inches of water and then again during the July 3 storm, another nine inches of water filled his garage. Cronenweth said he hired a stormwater consultant to investigate. The consultant’s report recommended the City trench the north side of Rivera Pl. and construct a culvert with another ditch at the other end of the culvert to help divert stormwater in case of another major rain event.

He also hired a contractor to work on his driveway and install a French drain in hopes of alleviating is problems. “The volume of water was so great that it overwhelmed the system,” said Cronenweth. “I don’t know when it is going to rain again. I’m asking the City for help.” 

Mayor Goedde remarked that Cronenweth was not the only resident to suffer water damage. “We need to figure out what to do and I’m sorry about your flooding.”

Next up was Chelan Hills resident Paul Rodgers – 303 Eldorado Way, who said, “It is pretty apparent there is a need for further (City) action.” Rodgers told the Council that 3/4s of the land on Eldorado is privately held and that impermeable concrete and asphalt driveways and streets contributed to the flooding. “There was significant mud and debris runoff across 150 into the lake,” he said. Rodgers said he was looking forward to the City’s response to the issue.

Lori Billard, another Chelan Hills resident was angry and stated she had $200,000 worth of damage and said, “It is your responsibility. Boyd Road is eroding and the guard rails are hanging.. There has to be something done and I want to know what you are going to do.”

Her home was built in 1971 and the Billard’s purchase the property in 2017. She stated that she had requested public records, but that the 101 Boyd Road records have not been provided. “I’m holding the City liable for damage to my property,” said.

Mayor Goedde stated that the City will have to decide what they are going to do. “We will not make everybody happy,” said Goedde.

Lisa Garvich shared the residents concerns. “We need to limit impervious paving. We’ve never had water in our yards.”

During Mayor/Council comments, Public Works Director Jake Youngren said his crews spend most of June cleaning up after that storm. “I don’t have any solution or answers right now,” said Youngren. It (Chelan Hills) is an older infrastructure area.”

Councilman Peter Jamtgaard remarked that his mother’s basement was also flooded and that he was still working on the cleanup. Councilman Chris Baker also remarked that his basement was flooded and that he had clogged drain.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle remarked that these storms were considered 100 year events within one week of each other. “We could get more of these occurrences.” Councilman Tim Hollingsworth thanked the residents for coming in. “We need to think hard about how to address these things. Public Works have had their hands full.”  He added that the Council needs to work with administration and staff on these issues.

Councilwoman Sheri Dietrich added that the Council hears them. “There were a bunch of people who have had problems,” she said.

Mayor Goedde told the residents to keep the City in line, but was informed that the storms were an “Act of God.”

In other business:

The Council unanimously accepted the Lake Chelan Airport Runway and Taxiway Relocation Environmental Assessment Grant offer from the FAA which carries a $11,000 match requirement by the City.

They also unanimously accepted a WSDOT (Washington State Dept. of Transportation) Grant offer for the same project.

Council unanimously authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute an authorization with RH2 Engineering for design services for the Anderson Road Infrastructure Project. Youngren told the Council that sewer and water would be looked at along with a fire flow analysis by the end of August. The cost will be reimbursed by the Chelan Valley Housing Trust.

More Mayor Council Comments:

Youngren said Public Works is looking for a sweet spot on garbage pickup on downtown Chelan. “Most of the garbage comes from food products.”

Luis Gonzalez reported on the Planning Department’s activity. He said the department has 43 active applications. “We have hired an associate planner who will be working directly with customers,” said Gonzalez. “We are very, very busy and are working on a two week turnaround on permits. “It is challenging to build in Chelan because of the topography. We understand what is going on out there.”

City Attorney Quentin Batjer told the Council that Hearing Examiner’s finding of fact that will allow residential building at Apple Blossom Center will come before the Council to make a recommendation to either Adopt, Reject or Remand the decision to change the zoning. “Your decision is based on that record (of facts).” Batjer stated that extraneous comments from constituents have no bearing on the issue anymore because the record has been closed.

However, there are plenty of feelings about the possibility of 720 apartments being build on the Apple Blossom Center property and its effects on the community. Councilman John Olson told his fellow council people that there decision to approve or not approve a zoning change for 30 acres of Apple Blossom Center will have wide effects.

The original application by Weidner Apartments was for 284 apartment. That changed to 720 when the apartments in Leavenworth filled up before they were even finished.

According to Olson, approving the zoning change could change the nature of Chelan forever. This could result, according to Olson, a 50 percent increase in usage of the streets, post office, school, parks and stores. Olson wonders if the City has the capacity to handle that growth.

Olson concludes:

• the property owners have the right to develop;
• apartments are desperately needed in Chelan;
• Apple Blossom Center is likely the best place to locate apartments;
• Denial of the zoning change could be risky for the City; and
• the scale is overwhelming.

The Planning Department approved the zoning change as did the Hearing Examiner (HE). A number of residents testified at an open Public Hearing by the HE, and all but one of the testifying public were concerned on a number of levels at the density of this project and its effects on the community.