Author: allthingslakechelan

Chelan, WA – Saving lives when seconds count is all in a day’s work for Lake Chelan Hospital’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) caregivers. The team’s hard work and dedication to the community was celebrated at the annual EMS banquet Feb. 2 at the Chelan Senior Center. “Tonight we celebrate where we have been and get excited about where we are going,” said EMS director Ray Eickmeyer.

Local EMS service started in 1972, after the spouse of Great Griffith, Chelan, was killed a tragic motor vehicle accident. Griffith and a group of volunteers started EMS classes and helped form the Lake Chelan Valley Ambulance system, which is now part of the local hospital.

In 2018, LCCHC EMS answered a record number of response calls, almost 1,500, said Eickmeyer. “We have become a better team,” he continued, “more compassionate and community focused. The proof? We have received more thank you letters and phone calls of appreciation than in the last five years combined.”

Brad Hankins, RN, Lake Chelan Clinic administrator, and Jill Thompson, RN, received the 2018 Edward J. Armbruster Award for their foresight and vision to make a healthier community, from integrated behavior / mental health to the soon-to-be-launched community paramedicine program. Only one percent of the nation has access to this type of service, explained Eickmeyer. Hankins was one of the early EMTs in the valley and has worked in local healthcare for almost 30 years.

Steve Patonai, LCCHC CEO, awarded the 2018 Administrator’s Award to Raynor Baker for constant dedication and service. Raynor has been a full time employee for 11 years, taking on the major role of CPR program coordinator. Raynor is a senior EMT instructor and has served with great passion and performance, said Eickmeyer.

The Director’s Award for sacrifices above and beyond the call of duty was presented to Dr. Lance Jobe. Jobe has served over 20 years, said Eickmeyer, and has unified over 23 different organizations in Chelan and Douglas counties to regionally provide the best out-of-hospital cardiac arrest rates in the country.

Rachel McCall was chosen by her EMS peers and recognized as the 2018 Personnel of the Year. McCall was described as “the hardest worker with the best attitude,” “the most encouraging co-worker I know,” “team player,” and “outstanding addition to the team.”

Eleven providers received save pins for CPR saves of patients. Five caregivers were recognized for delivering babies. Rachel McCall, Mark Schram, Greg Moser and Brandon Fogelson were recognized with first-year pins, Jared Eygabroad received his 10-year pin, and James Ashmore, Rinita Cook, Christina

Eickmeyer and Ken Young earned 20-year pins. Mark Courtney of Stehekin was honored for 34 years of service as an EMT, most often as a volunteer. He is the only EMT in Stehekin.

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At the conclusion of the banquet, Eickmeyer looked to the future. The ambulance organization was born out a need for rescue, and while there is still that need in 2019, he said, there is also a need for prevention and proactivity. “My vision is to show the community that they can have an EMS system that responds to them in a new, meaningful way, both as rescuers and as partners in prevention.”

Quoting Margaret Mead, he continued, “‘Never doubt that a small group of committed, thoughtful people can change the world, indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.’”

by Richard Uhlhorn

The website, http://www.onlyinyourstate.com, has reported that some of Washington State’s wineries also have amazing restaurants and have listed their top 10 on Twitter.

No. 1 is Sorrento’s Ristorante at Tsillan Cellars;
No. 4 is 18 Brix at Karma Vineyards;
No. 5 is Vin du Lac Winery; and
No. 9 is the BBQ a Lake Chelan Winery

You can find out the rest in Washington by visiting their website along with plenty of other delightful attractions, dining, food, nature and other things to see and do here.

An aerial view of Karma Winery and Vineyards on the south shore of Lake Chelan.

18 Brix at Karma Vineyards garnered the No. 4 position.

The four restaurants they have selected in the Lake Chelan Valley are a great representation of what is being offered as local dining options. I have had the pleasure of eating at all four and can say without reservation that, while not inexpensive, the food is worth the price you pay.

Vin do Lac was named the No. 5 best winery restaurant in the State.

Sorrento’s has some of the best prime rib I’ve ever had. 18 Brix serves up incredibly delicious lunches with outdoor seating. Larry at Vin du Lac has turned his bistro into a wonderful “farm to table” restaurant and is open for both lunch and dinner. The BBQ at Lake Chelan Winery has been noted for some of the best barbeque ribs this side of Texas.

Fall colors at Tsillan Cellars vineyard on the southshore of Lake Chelan.

Lake Chelan Winery’s BBQ settled in at No. 9 best in the State. It is only open during the late Spring through Fall.

All offer great wines to pair with your choice on the menus.

Pretty incredible that four of the 10 best would be located in the Lake Chelan Valley.

Congratulations to each bistro, restaurant and winery.

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RECENT POSTS

• Phyllis Gleasman takes over chairmanship of the Hospital BoardJanuary 25, 2019
• Fire agencies discuss need for rescue boatJanuary 14, 2019
• Patonai takes over to help lead hospital into the futureJanuary 7, 2019
• City Council cleans year end issuesDecember 28, 2018

Local attorney Stan Morse announces his candidacy for Mayor of Chelan in the next election.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan attorney and ex-city council member Stan Morse quashed a rumor that he would be running for Mayor of Chelan in the next election cycle by announcing his candidacy at the City of Chelan City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 22.

Stan Morse

Saying he was concerned with how Chelan has evolved, Morse told the Council that his primary focus during the campaign would be on issues he has spoken about in the past; fire and fuel loads, housing options, water rights and the arsenic and lead issues.

“I’m a good talker, but a better listener,” said Morse. “I’m just hoping for a brighter future for Chelan.”

Rumor has it that his opponents might well be Councilwoman Erin McCardle and ex-councilman Skip Morehouse.

DUI arrests and speeding tickets are up substantially.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office quarterly report

Jason Reinfeld, Chief of Special Operations for the Sheriff’s Office, gave a statistic’s report to the Council for the 2018 calendar year. There were some significant changes over 2017.

Jason Reinfeld

If you are in the habit of drinking, you need to be very careful of your consumption before driving. In 2017 there were 44 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests made. That number jumped to 92 in 2018 in Chelan. Reinfeld’s comment was that there are a number of newer and eager deputies on patrol in Chelan. “They are out there finding DUI drivers,” said Reinfeld.

Over the course of 2018, DUIs arrests are up in Chelan and Douglas Counties. In 2017 Wenatchee Police Department, East Wenatchee Police Department, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office made a total of 496 arrests. In 2018, that number jumped to 685 arrests with 289 of them by Chelan County Sheriff’s deputies.

It would be interesting to find out how the wine industry may have affected the newer, higher numbers. Whatever the reason, if you are drinking and driving, make sure you stay under the limit or have a designated driver on hand. A DUI is worth about $10,000 these days when you consider fines, loss of driver’s license, insurance increases and attorney’s fees.

Reinfeld also said there was a significant increase in speeding tickets also. These went up from 98 in 2017 to 167 in 2018.

Domestic violence, assaults and criminal trespass were all down in 2018, but thefts were up. He also stated that there was no significant uptick in drugs.

Mayor Cooney asked what the department is doing with immigration issues. Reinfeld said it doesn’t come up that frequently. “We partner with Homeland Security and work with them on investigations.” However, he said the department is not out specifically looking for immigration problems.

Councilman Ty Witt said it was nice to see the deputies around and working hard.

Brian Moody – Marine Patrol lead

After Reinfeld was finished, Marine Patrol deputy Brian Moody took the podium and gave a short presentation about the County’s Marine Patrol. Moody told the Council that the department had five active volunteers and 20 deputies on the marine patrol.

The County’s coverage includes Lake Chelan, Wapato Lake and 70 miles of the Columbia River which is all covered with only three boats. “Ninety five percent of our patrol work is on Lake Chelan,” said Moody. The full year included 415 boat hours. Moody said 330 written inspections were conducted and of those 155 failed the inspection process.

During the season the County assisted 32 boats that had lower level issues and were not in any peril. There were six reported boat accidents that required hospitalization or had over $2,000 damage to the vessel. “Most rental companies won’t report accidents,” said Moody.

Mayor Cooney asked Moody if the addition of the proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue boat would be a help or hindrance to their operation. “I think it would be a help,” replied Moody. “They have a long road to hoe.”

Moody talked about how boats get into trouble on the lake. He stated that people who don’t know that lake will think that because the weather is calm in the Wapato Basin that they can just boat on up to Stehekin. “They get around the corner and find four to five foot swells,” he said and added that the boating accidents on the lake normally involve rental boats.

Councilman Ty Witt said that the Marine Patrol is not on the lake more than one third of the time. “Is there any way to get more money for more hours on the water,” he asked? “That’s a better question for the Sheriff,” replied Moody. “One half of our money comes from boat registrations.”

Councilmen Ty Witt and Ray Dobbs

Councilman Ray Dobbs who had been listening in on the phone remarked that in the past the Sheriff’s Department had up to 70 volunteers for marine patrol duties. “I think a lot of people would be interested,” he said. Moody replied that there was a liability aspect involved.

Dobbs then asked if it would be possible for a non-profit organization of volunteers could help? Moody replied that definitely could be a part of the conversation.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth stated that his particular concern was paddleboards and kayakers who are vulnerable to motorized vessels. “I think we need to keep looking at ways to get them (motorized users) to calm down,” said Hollingsworth.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth

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Lake Chelan Water Quality Monitoring Program:

Mike Kaputa, Director of the Chelan County Natural Resource Department and Dr. Phil Long, Director of the Lake Chelan Research Institute were on hand to give a report on ongoing water quality monitoring effort on the lake

Dr. Phil Long 

Long told the Council that the program “very much appreciated the $20,000 the City has committed too.” The City committed to giving $20,000 for five years to help the ongoing efforts to monitor lake quality that includes Secchi disk measurements, mulitiparameter probe collections and fiber optic temperature measurements.  “All of us can get our heads around that we want clear, clean water in Lake Chelan,” said Long.

The monitoring program costs an estimated $50,000 per year with the Lake Chelan Reclamation District and Chelan County each putting in $10,000 and Cascadia Conservation District and Chelan Public Utility District putting in $5,000 each. The Department of Ecology will also contribute $5,000.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is contributing $10,000 in-kind work for lab sampling services and Oregon State University is also contributing $10,000 in-kind for installation of a fiber optic cable to monitor temperature data.

Long presented the Secchi Disk data that had been collected over the years and in 2018 which showed a slight deviation of water clarity in the lake. Councilwoman Erin McCardle asked what was causing this decline and Long replied that the Cougar Mountain fire contributed a lot of ash to the lake last year. He also remarked that a lot of fire material is from past fires on Lake Chelan is still entering the lake from runoff.

He reported that the Manson High School Drone Club would be taking drone footage of the color of the lake at different periods. “They are applying for a grant,” said Long.

He added that the Research Institute was developing a strategic plan to begin a University on the Lake like Dr. Charles Goldman did in Lake Tahoe.

Mayor Cooney asked Long if he saw the Research Institute creating jobs in the future? Long replied that was the goal.

Mike Kaputa – Director of Chelan County Natural Resources Department.

Mike Kaputa gave a short report on water supply and said that State Representative Michael Steele was working with them to secure a water supply program which would alleviate some of the backlog of water applications. The program is a domestic water supply plan that would allow small requests to be adjudicated. “When we get a response, will know if that program is available,” said Kaputa.

Hollingsworth remarked that there was a huge backlog of applications. Mayor Cooney asked how much water people actually use. Hollingsworth said the program would use the water from the Stehekin River and other tributaries.

By Richard Uhlhorn

The Lake Chelan Community Hospital held its regularly scheduled commission meeting on Tuesday afternoon, January 22, in the hospital board room.

On the agenda was a changing of the guard with Mary Signorelli stepping down and Phyllis Gleasman taking the helm as chairman of the board.

Phyllis Gleasman accepted the position of Chairman for 2019 on the Lake Chelan Community Hospital Board of Commissioners.

Signorelli stated that her tenure was a labor of love and said, “I’ve learned an awful lot and am grateful for the opportunity and challenges.”

Mary Signorelli told the board that her tenure as Chairman has been a Labor of Love and that she was grateful for the opportunity.

Mary Murphy was nominated and elected as the new Vice Chairman and Fred Miller took over the position of Secretary.

Committee assignments are as follows:
Mary Signorelli – Facilities and Community Outreach
Phyllis Gleasman – Facilities and Affiliations
Fred Miller – Finance and Retirement Plans
Mary Murphy – Affiliation and Quality Care
Jordana LaPorte – Finance and Community Outreach.

Finance Director Vickie Bodie and CEO Steve Patonai gave a financial report that included a Year-to-Date report that had the hospital operating on a net revenue of $26,762,211 with a net income of ($198,000). Of concern to the board is the Debt and Charity Care balance that was reported to be $2,114,000 for 2018, up from 2017 at $1,715,000.

Finance Director Vickie Bodie explained that the hospital has to accept all patients in the Emergency Room regardless of their status.

Signorelli asked if a lot of these patients who are not paying are repeat patients. Bodie replied, “They know they can come to the ER (Emergency Room) and they will not be denied.”

Dr. Ty Witt asked if those monies were uncollectible or “does some of that come back to us.” Bodie replied that some comes back after it goes to collection because it affects a person’s credit score. Signorelli asked if there was a line item for recovery and Bodie replied that there was.

Gleasman asked if these patients who are not paying could be put on a watch list and Patonai replied that there was nothing that the hospital can do.

“The Health Industry is a tough industry right now,” said Patonai “We are being hammered.”

The board approved a business plan at its retreat and Patonai stated that he will give an update on that plan at next month’s meeting. “I will give an update on each pillar of where we are at achieving our goals.”

Brad Hankins, Clinic Director stated that the Clinic has moved to 100 percent electronic billing. He also stated that the Clinic is working with a focused population dealing with chronic pain. “The diabetes program is up and running,” he said. He also told the board that the ACH payment processing has reached 99 percent at the Clinic. “Some of this stuff has happened over the course of January,” said Hankins. “It is the result of a lot of hard work over the past months by a lot of people.”

Dr. Ty Witt resigned as of February 1 as the Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, but will remain on staff as a physician.

Dr. Witt announced his resignation as the Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer at the end of January. “I’ll still be here working as a doctor,” he stated. He added that there is no replacement yet.

One other concern brought up by Mary Murphy and Jordana LaPorte was the status of the new hospital. They were told it is still in the planning phase. “We’ve met with the architects,” said Patonai. The challenge is to somehow fit the clinic into the original footprint. Murphy said, “It would be really helpful as a board member to understand what is going on.” Patonai replied that two board members are on the facilities committee and will be coming back to the full board with recommendations.

CEO Steve Patonai explained the process going forward with the architects on the new hospital plan to the board and that the Facilities Committee would be giving a full report on that process soon.

Patonai said during his CEO report that it is important to the community that the hospital/clinic strive for high standards.

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RECENT POSTS

• Fire agencies discuss need for rescue boatJanuary 14, 2019Patonai takes over to help lead hospital into the futureJanuary 7, 2019
• City Council cleans year end issuesDecember 28, 2018
• Board releases statement on hospital… asks for community inputDecember 28, 2018
• TO WATER RESCUE OR NOT…December 26, 2018

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by Richard Uhlhorn

Last Monday, January 7, Chelan Fire Commission Chair, Russ Jones, invited a group of individuals and agency representatives together to find out what their interest might be in Chelan Fire and Rescue’s (CFR) new, but not paid for, acquisition… a 25 foot Defender that Jones and others hope to put into service on Lake Chelan as a rescue swimmer platform and potential fire boat.

This Defender Class boat can be purchased for $5,500 and made operational for Chelan Fire and Rescue. It would primarily be a vessel to transport the District Rescue Swimmers when needed on the Lake.

The boat is a Coast Guard surplus vessel that Jones found for $5,500. The Defender class boat, also called a Response boat was introduced in 2002 by the U.S. Coast Guard and as such, serves a variety of missions including search and rescue, law enforcement and fire fighting.

A number of agency representatives joined Commissioner Russ Jones to discuss the interest in purchasing and putting into the District’s tool bag for on-water rescue and other operations if needed.

The design length of the hull is 25 feet and is normally powered by twin 225 horsepower outboards and are capable of speeds in excess of 46 knots. It can carry up to 10 individuals and is trailerable.

The deal is that if CFR purchases the boat, it must make it operational within 12 months and keep it for 18 months under the auspices of the District.

Firefighters and Agency Representatives got their first look at the Defender after the Monday meeting. 

Jones put together an estimate to make the boat fully operational. He has found two 225 hp outboards at $4,000 each or $8,000 with only 200 hours on them. Installation would cost another $1,000. Batteries would add $567 to the total and a Fire Department radio would cost $1,615.

The vessel comes with full electronics including radar. Total cost to make the vessel operational would be approximately $17,800.00.

Annual operating costs are estimated at $3,970. “We have been offered maintenance by a local marine shop,” said Jones. In addition, Sunset Marina has offered dock space for the boat.

Most of those attending the meeting were positive about CFR acquiring and putting the vessel to work. Chief Asher (CFR) said, “In the long term the versatility it gives us is pretty hard to pass up.”

Chelan County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol representative said he was on hand to find out what the District wanted to do and to go from there. “We want some insight into whatever it is you want to accomplish,” said Moody.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Department has the responsibility to patrol the waters of Chelan County including Lake Chelan for the purpose of preventing crime and enforcing the law. Currently the department has 10 Marine Patrol Volunteers that help during the busy boating season.

“I think a boat is a good investment because in the summertime we have tourists … incidents we can’t get to,” said Cody Evans. He is a volunteer rescue swimmer and SCUBA diver. “I think it is a good investment for Chelan Fire and Rescue.”

Chelan County Fire District 5 Chief, Arnold Baker said, “We need capabilities for rescue. Yes, I like it, but don’t set your expectations too high. Set your goals and cooperate. I’m very interested.”

Douglas County Fire District Chief Jim Oatey stated that he is very interested at what’s going on, but added that river rescue is way different. “By the time we get there, it is all played out. When things go bad on the river they go really bad fast.”

Volunteer firefighter Robert Taegu said he was interested in a support role on the boat. His only concern is that it can’t make it under the old Woodin Avenue Bridge during high water.”Maybe it could be modified, but having a boat on the water ready to go in the only way to do it. It is important to be able to get out there without having to launch it.”

Volunteer Cynthia Raines is also interested in a support role on the vessel. “Having high rescue capabilities is pretty important. Accidents are going up.”

Chief Tim Lemon put together a Memo sheet for information for the group which also included on water incidents from 2005 to 2018. Most incidents involved personal watercraft accidents, drowning incidents and near drowning incidents.

One of his bigger concerns, based on other incidents around the state, is the potential for a Marina fire. Lemon wrote that there are no agencies on Lake Chelan set up or equipped to fight a marina fire from the lake.

Lemon listed a number of operational considerations for the boat include:

• A response for drowning situations;
• Marine rescue for boat/jet ski accidents that require an on water response;
• Marine fire suppression response for both boat fires and potential marina fires;
• Up-lake fire support operations;
• As an up-lake boat ambulance if needed;
• Standby for marine events;
• Boater assistance; and
• Salvage responses.

All of these operations would have to be approved by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office because they have the jurisdiction for any marine operations on Lake Chelan.

The department will be looking at a number of areas to help fund the boat’s operation including apparatus, equipment, training, operational costs, repairs and maintenance.

Jones stated at the end of the meeting that there are a number of small grants the District can go after to help fund the boat. The $5,500 purchase is offset by the selling of the District’s old boat for $3,000. “I hope to see a little more buy-in by the other commissioners,” said Jones. Neither Commissioners Jay Witherbee or Phil Moller were too excited about the funding aspects of the vessel.

If purchased, made operational and it doesn’t work out, the boat would be worth somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000 after the 18 months, which according to Jones, is a win-win situation.

by Richard Uhlhorn

After eight long months of seeking to replace Kevin Abel at the Lake Chelan Community Hospital & Clinic, the Hospital Commission offered Interim CEO Steve Patonai the job, and he accepted.

The Lake Chelan Community Hospital Board took an unusual step and hired its Interim CEO as the new permanent CEO.

“My wife asked me if I was going to be satisfied being retired,” said Patonai during a recent one-on-one interview. “I think she was concerned that I was going to be at home and driving her crazy,” he added.

Patonai left his job at a hospital in Houston the same day that Abel tendered his resignation on December 31, 2016. “My plan was to be the interim,” said Patonai. He figured he would be in place for six months and help with a new CEO selection. “We had four very strong candidates. I finally came to the realization I wasn’t ready to retire yet.”

“The board has a strong vision of where they want to be in 10 years and I agree with where they want to go for the future of the hospital and clinic,” explained Patonai.

He said he can’t respond to the board process of hiring him, but added that he hadn’t gone through a formal interview process like the four other candidate. “I had already been here eight months and the board made their decision based on that.”

While Patonai couldn’t talk about recent personnel changes, he understands that the staff is probably concerned with their positions. “I guess it is hard when a new CEO comes in. A new CEO has their own personality and experience, and approach things differently.”

His difficulty has been being the Interim for the last nine months. “It’s hard. You can’t do certain things… you can only take things so far.” He added that there is a ton of opportunity at the hospital and it needed a stable CEO. “I have to approach it differently now because I’m the permanent now. Things I couldn’t do, I can do now.”

Asked about the new hospital, Patonai stated that they are going through the process of a design change now to include the Clinic at the hospital. When initially voted on, the public didn’t include the Clinic as a part of the $44.5 million project. “We are looking, based on the Board Retreat that the vision is primary care,” said Patonai. “The focus for the future of any hospital is primary care. The Clinic and ER, are recipients of patients, and is the centerpiece for outpatient services with the hospital around it.”

According to Patonai, the Clinic will be located at the new hospital, but they are required to stay within the $44.5 million that was voted on. “We are still trying to stay focused on where health care is going to be.”

The plan is to break ground for the new hospital in the fall of 2019 with completion in 18 months. Patonai commented on the built in inflation factor and how tariffs are affecting commodities. “There are a lot of question marks out there.”

The 2019 goals it to implement a comprehensive Community Communications Plan which includes Community wellness and education offerings. Patonai mentioned the well attended Diabetes program that started last year.

The Community committee includes Patonai, board members Mary Murphy and Jordana LaPorte, Clinic Administrator Brad Hankins, Augustine and Marketing Specialist Celeste Thomas. “We meet once a month and are just getting ourselves organized. They want to communicate quarterly.”

Patonai will now be focusing on getting everyone moving in the same direction… administration, leadership and staff. “We have a strong staff of great people with a lot of enthusiasm,” he said.

“The Board has set a high bar with their vision elements,’’ said Patonai. “They’ve owned this which is helpful for me. I know where they want to be and my job is to help get there.”

Steve and his wife, Sharon, love the lake and fishing, but Steve also likes to golf, workout and run. “We like to do outdoor things,” he said. “When we bought our property we planted a couple of acres of grapes and fruit trees. We like to do those kinds of things.”

They are involved in their church and Steve said, “We’ve been blessed on our life so we want to give back to the community.”

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RECENT POSTS

• Board releases statement on hospital… asks for community inputDecember 28, 2018
• TO WATER RESCUE OR NOT…December 26, 2018
• WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE AND NOT A DROP TO SPAREDecember 21, 2018
• Affordable housing debated at workshopDecember 17, 2018

by Richard Uhlhorn

Mayor Cooney recognized Mark Tesch and his wife Michelle Jerome at the final City Council meeting of the year. Mark, who has been a steady volunteer in the City of Chelan for a number of years and his nurse wife are moving the Methow Valley. Mark is well known for his work over the years with Chelan Valley Players, Earth Day, Bach Fest and other organizations. 

The December 18 City Council meeting cleaned up a number of motion considerations to end 2018 business in front of the council. Only a few items generated any concern or conversation amongst the Council members.

The biggest item is also the most controversial item addressed by council this past year and Mayor Cooney moved it up to the front of the agenda because there were a number of developer/builders on hand in the audience.

The 2019 Rate & Fee Resolution which includes all fees charged by the City for services also includes the new GFC charges (General Facilities Charges) and Installation Charges that are required before the issuance of a building permit.

The Council unanimously approved the maximum allowable amount from the 2018 GFC study. Each Equivalent Residential Unit GFC for new water service will be $11,926 and each new sewer service is $5,531. In addition a Reservoir Impact Fee of $1,750 will be charged to all new services within the area formerly known as the Chelan River Isenhart Domestic Water System.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle was not happy with a charge being applied to new homes in Lord Acres that hadn’t been discussed prior to the final Council meeting. “I don’t like things at the 24th hour,” she said.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle brought up another fee being applied to new homes in the Lord Acres area. This is a $1,970 charge that will cover the cost of the new sewer lift station installation there. McCardle was uncomfortable with this charge on the agenda bill. “I don’t like things put on at the last minute,” said McCardle. The Lord Acres Local Facility Charge Area Fee had never been discussed and the City’s consultant, Andy Baker apologized to McCardle and the Council. “I don’t like things at the 24^th hour,” replied McCardle.

The City looks to raise approximately $14 million on sewer/water hookup fees with increases on a year to year basis until 2027 when the City anticipates upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant and Sewer Plant.

Mayor Cooney stated that at some time a future council will have to address these issues. “I think the Council is doing the right thing.”

Once approved by the Council, John Walcker, a local developer wishing to build a 36 unit affordable apartment house on 2.5 acres above and east of the football field, said as he left the meeting, “It costs more to hook up sewer and water than it does to buy the property.” Walcker has also noted that Chelan has the highest hookup fees in the State.

Prosecuting Attorney Mike Shea was on hand to answer City Council questions regarding his office and request for an increase in funding.

Prosecuting Attorney Mike Shea was on hand to answer Council questions regarding the new proposed Prosecution Services Agreement. Chelan has contracted with the Prosecutors Office since 2004 and the new proposal is identical to previous versions with the exception of price.

Since 2012, the City has paid $44,100 and the new agreement asks for an increase to $50,000 and for a one year term. Past contracts have been for a two year period.

Shea stated that other Cities that the office contracts with pay $250 per case and that Chelan is the only City with a flat fee agreement. He added that based on a per case basis, Chelan would be paying approximately $70,000.

He suggested that the City pay $50,000 and then $60,000 in the second year raising the two year average to $55,000 to bring the costs to parity with other cities in the County.

“What I propose,” said Shea, “Is to charge $50,000 flat rate billed out four times a year.” The Prosecuting Attorney’s office prosecutes local cases like DUIs, etc. “The City of Leavenworth has reduced their numbers,” said Shea. “Each 911 all is expensive.”

Councilman Ty Witt asked where the money goes that is awarded in court cases.

Councilman Ty Witt asked where the money goes when the prosecutor wins and the guilty has to pay a fine. “Where does that money go,” he asked. Shea replied that a lot of that money goes back to the court for operational expenses. “We don’t get a kick back.”

Mayor Cooney commented that the City has a pretty big jump in Sheriff’s Department costs between 2017 and 2018. “I’d welcome a meeting with the Sheriff and others to discuss how policing is done in our town,” commented Cooney.

Shea replied, “I think that is a good idea. Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said it makes sense to get billed on a per case basis, but is concerned that the Council hasn’t seen representatives from the Sheriff’s Department on a regular basis. “We are responsible of how we are being policed.” He also stated that the City needs a discussion on water safety.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth remarked that the City needs to be responsible for the policing wihin the City.

Also on the agenda items was a Legal Services Extension with Davis Arnell Law Firm. Davis Arnell has provided legal services with the City since 2004 and asked for a retainer increase from $1,750 to $1,900 per month, and an increase from $180 to $190 per hour. This is the first rate increase requested since 2017.

“They have provided outstanding services,” said City Administrator Mike Jackson. “Not just in litigation, but also avoiding litigation,” he added.

City Attorney Quentin Batjer that if the Council would like to talk about the increase request, he was more than willing to do that. Witt asked if there was a competitive bidding process for the services. Batjer said there could be if that is what the City Council wanted to do.

Mayor Cooney stated that Batjer’s nature is to be conservative and steady without looking for ways to make more money.

The Council unanimously approved another year of services with Davis-Arnell.

A number of other agenda items were also passed including the new 2019 City Budget; the 2019 Airport Budget; a new Rally Alley Concession Agreement; CJs Concession at Don Morse Park; Kahiau Volleyball Sand Court Use Agreement Renewal.

The next City Council meeting is on Tuesday, January 8. The public is encouraged to attend.

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by Richard Uhlhorn

On Friday, December 21, the Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinic released a Press Release naming Interim CEO Steve Patonai as its new permanent CEO. This highly unusual move came after seven months of working with B.E. Smith, a national recruitment firm, to find a new CEO.

After interviewing six candidates over the seven month period, the Board offered the job to Patonai. What is interesting about this move is that when Patonai took the interim job, he specifically stated that he was neither a candidate or interested in becoming a permanent CEO.

I have an interview with Mr. Patonai coming up next week. If there are any concerns or questions you would like asked, let me know and I will ask.

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Hospital Board of Commissioners

Following is a statement to the Community from the Board of Commissioners:

December 20, 2018

Dear Lake Chelan community,

Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics (LCCHC) Board of Commissioners has been working on your behalf on three major activities which will impact health care in our community for many years to come.  These are to:

1)  enhance the health and wellness of residents and visitors,

  2)  improve quality of care to the highest standards, and

  3)  lower health care costs.

We want you to know what we are focused on, and how you can help.

What is the Board doing to prepare for our healthcare future? Our LCCHC Board and key hospital and clinic leaders met for two days in August to develop a Ten Year Vision for LCCHC. This is the most far-reaching strategic plan we have ever developed. It will be updated every year as new information emerges, but we already know enough about the rapidly-changing U.S. health care system to be able to predict numerous local effects.  Many of you are already experiencing these changes. The Board’s Ten Year Vision will safeguard LCCHC’s ability to financially thrive in the years ahead and ensure high-care quality to our community.

LCCHC is now focused on six key areas of Performance Excellence in our Vision: People, Service, Quality & Safety, Growth & Innovation, Finance, and Community.  Excellence in all six of these areas are interrelated and necessary to be successful long-term.  LCCHC employees in all areas are working to achieve measurable results. Progress will be monitored to assure that you have satisfying experiences each and every time you encounter LCCHC.

When will the Board hire a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)? For the last 7 months, the Board has worked with B.E. Smith, a national recruitment firm, to help identify highly-skilled CEO candidates who would love to work in a small but growing rural community. We have taken the necessary time to make sure that the CEO will be the best match to help LCCHC achieve our vision and become a respected leader in our community. Our standards are high, because community expectations are high. All candidates interviewed were very qualified to fill the CEO position but did not “fit” our overall needs.

LCCHC CEO Steve Patonai

The Board has offered the CEO position to our Interim CEO, Steve Patonai. During his tenure at LCCHC we have directed Steve to make the necessary improvements to move LCCHC thoughtfully and strategically towards our Vision. As the new CEO Steve will continue these improvements. During this time of significant challenges and changes, we especially appreciate LCCHC leaders and employees working cooperatively, together, in pursuit of excellence on all levels of our organization. The Board is very confident and supportive of the direction in which we are headed under the leadership of Steve Patonai.  He is the best fit for our organization to guide us to the level needed for achievement of our goals and Vision.

When will the Board break ground for the new Health Care Facility? Thanks to the community-approved local levy in 2017 and the USDA guaranteed loan in October 2018, funding is now in place. We must now refine and finalize a detailed building plan to be sure that every detail and space will support the health needs of our community (the new Ten Year Vision).  We anticipate breaking ground in the Fall of 2019 with construction being completed in early 2021. The Board’s goal is to provide a facility built within the $44.5 million budget, in the right size and design to support innovation of the highest quality experience for all, long into the future.

What does the Board need from the community in order to succeed?  LCCHC is your local health care organization for emergency and outpatient medical services, primary and wellness care, specialty care, and a long list of health and education services. We need your support as we move forward.  Your vision of community health care needs is very important to the Board.  The merging of the Community Vision with the Board’s Ten Year Vision will provide  quality health care for everyone in the community  now and in the future. Feedback about your health care experiences will help us to continuously improve care. Please let us know how the Lake Chelan Community Hospital and Clinics can best serve you.

For a healthy Chelan Valley,

Board of Commissioners: Mary Signorelli, Phyllis Gleasman, Fred Miller, Jordana LaPorte, Mary Murphy

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by Richard Uhlhorn

At the Chelan Fire Commission meeting on December 12, an issue concerning the need for and purchase of a 25 foot Defender boat surplused by the U.S. Coast Guard for $5,000 came into question.

The boat in question is sitting in the Fire Department’s parking lot, albeit, it is not paid for yet, but Commission Chair Russ Jones was given approval to spend $5,000 on a boat for Chelan Fire and Rescue by the previous commissioners.

$5,000 plus two new power plants and this Defender could be fully operational and ready to help with any water emergency on Lake Chelan in any type of weather, but two commissioners are not happy with this potentially life saving addition to Chelan Fire and Rescue.

The boat in question was originally built for Homeland Security purposes and was recently put on the Coast Guard’s surplus list without engines. “This is a boat that can deliver a rescue-swimmer in any kind of weather on this lake,” said Jones.

Chairman Russ Jones has been a major proponent for Chelan Fire and Rescue to have an operational boat on Lake Chelan for its rescue-swimmer program and any other function it could be used for.

It needs two high power outboard engines that would cost the District somewhere between $7,000 and $9,000 and a part of the Coast Guard’s deal is that the purchased make the boat operational and keep it for 18 months. As it sits, this boat, which is decked out with electronics and cabin chairs amongst other amenities, is worth about $30,000 + on the open market.

Commissioner Phil Moller is against the District adding a boat to its rescue operation calling it a bucket with a hole in it.

Commissioner Phil Moller called the purchase of a boat for Chelan Fire and Rescue nothing but a money pit. “I don’t know why we are looking for a boat,” said Moller. He also didn’t see any money set aside for a boat and/or the need for it.

Chelan Fire and Rescue has a rescue-swimmer program, but no method to transport them to an emergency scene. “We would have one year to make this boat operational,” said Jones. “As a fully operational craft, the Defender would be worth between $110,000 and $150,000. Our obligation is to make it operational.”

Jones also stated that EMS and District 5 are interested in partnering with Chelan on the boat. “It will cost us some money to get it operational, but it is a pretty decent opportunity.”

Chief Donnell stated that there were a number of issues to consider like its impact on the budget, its operational status and the amount of training to get the pilot up to competency, but also stated that it would be another tool in the tool box

Phil Moller stated that he sees the capabilities but is concerned about the maintenance issues.

Russ Jones said saving even one life on the lake in 10 years would more than pay for the boat.

In addition, the current situation with the Sheriff’s boat is that it takes at least 1.5 hours to become operational and on site of a boat accident, and that the Sheriff’s Department can only use sergeants to operate their boat.

Jones added, “I think it is a no brainer.”

Moller replied that is isn’t in the long range plan and couldn’t support purchasing the boat especially when the District is replacing its ladder truck at a cost of $175,000.

Commissioner Jay Witherbee also doesn’t support the purchase of this boat and said, while he understands Jones’ passion for it, the District can’t be expected to save everybody, every time.

Commissioner Jay Witherbee said he didn’t see a risk of getting the District’s money back and if there was a long range plan, the District could go after grant money. “I understand the passion for it, but we can’t save everybody, every time,” said Witherbee.

Jones asked to table the conversation and decision until the next meeting. Moller continued to state his objection and is concerned about the cost of making the boat operational.

The discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The District is in the process of purchasing a new (used) Ladder Truck. The current ladder truck has ladder issues that cannot be remedied without actually manufacturing parts.

A ladder truck has been found in Alabama for an asking price of $195,000. “They are willing to accept $175,000,” said John Goyne, the District mechanic. “It has better ladder hydraulics.”

Chief Asher chimed in and said the truck has a 2,000 gpm pump, an ITI ladder, comes with a lot of pullout trays, a basket holder and includes a vertical standpipe with a 2.5 inch discharge. “We can actually pump right through the truck,” said Asher. It also includes an on-board generator. “It’s got a lot of good things and would serve us well,” added Asher.

The selling company will go through the process of certification and the truck also has a one-year warranty. Chief Donnell added that this will be a very good unit for the District.

The District flew both Goyne and Asher to Alabama prior to Christmas to check out the unit. No information has been forthcoming from that visit yet.

Entiat, Orondo and Chelan are getting 97 Scott air bottles under a new grant. These larger bottles offer a safety zone and work off of a high pressure air system.

Mayor Cooney spoke at the Commission meeting about an effort to conduct a fire prevention program for the safety of Chelan. “This would mainly be driven by the Fire Department and City,” said Cooney. “We just need to figure out  the best way to do that.”

Fire Chief Tim Lemon reported that the District has received $584,000 in property tax receipts, $52,000 for a solar grant and $25,000 for a illegal burn fine. “Our expenses are a little higher because of our staff buyout program.” The District has lost several full-time firefighters off the Safer Grant.

Chief Tim Lemon gave a Chief’s Report.

The State’s L&I rates are expected to be around $16,000 in 2019. “The lower the experience factor, the high the L&I rate,” said Lemon. “It’s up there in the thousands. It ran to $34,000 through October. It is a dramatic change when you get into high risk activities”

Last month the District had for working fires; three within the District and one outside in Orondo. They also responded to 54 calls in November. This is five percent increase over last year.

Chief Donnell reported that it is slowing down for the winter months, but is working on how the District will manage its operation going forward with the loss of Safer grant employees.

He also reported that an in-house EMT class will begin in January.

Chief Asher and Donnell (right) both gave reports on the District’s operations.

Chief Asher reported that recruitment has been steady and they are now up to 17 volunteers; nine in-house, six in Entiat and two in Orondo. Asher is paid through a Safer grant to increase volunteers in all three districts. “We lost one long-term volunteer this month.”

The District has two stipend positions open for January with a lot of open spaces in the 24 hour cycle to fill.

Dan Crandall said the Firefighter Association is ending 2018 with $30,653. “We took in less than we spend,” said Crandall. “Most of our expenditures were for victims of fire or accidents plus a department purchase.” The Association purchased emergency airbags at a cost of $8,000 and Crandall reported that they were on hand.

The Association also gave $1,000 to the Food Bank and $1,000 to Chelan Valley Hope.

Crandall also reported that he will be returning as the President of the Association in 2019.

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by Richard Uhlhorn

In 1925 Chelan Public Utility District received water rights to Lake Chelan for the purposes of using it to generate power. In 1992 a memorandum of understanding agreement was made between the PUD and Department of Ecology for 65,000 acre feet of water for existing and future domestic and irrigation uses.

All that remains of the 65,000 afy of the Lake Chelan Reserve is 5,243 acre feet. However, 13,144 acre feet have been applied for.

The Lake Chelan Watershed Planning Unit and the Department of Ecology are looking for solutions to fulfill the remaining requests which will include batch processing of water right applications by a state approved contractor at a cost of $5,000 to $15,000 per water right depending on the number of acre feet requested. The costs would be shared by the applicants to keep the costs down with no guarantees of future water availability.

Water right applications, by law, are processed in the order they are received. Water right applications have been sitting in Ecology’s office for a number of years with no funding to process. Enter the Lake Chelan Watershed Planning Unit who have been working diligently with Ecology to come up with a plan to begin processing these applications.

Venessa Brinkhuis, Water Resources Specialist with the Department of Ecology game the Lake Chelan Watershed Planning Unit a detailed presentation on Lake Chelan Water Supply Solutions at the Unit’s meeting on December 12.

Vanessa Brinkhuis, Water Resources Program Contracts and Grant Specialist, at Ecology’s Watershed Planning Unit, presented the newest iterations on the plan which includes restarting the Lake Chelan Coordinated Cost reimbursement Program in 10-application phases 2019.

Ecology and Chelan County will also be rolling out a new pilot, and novel, program to for small domestic uses which will cover the Lake Chelan drainage basin. This program will be called a General Permit Process and will offer a less expensive option for domestic users requiring less than 1 acre foot of water for a domestic connection and 3.5 afy for each irrigated acre. “Everything that drains into the lake would fall under this program,” said Brinkhuis. “Domestic uses are pretty small,” she added.

The County and Ecology also recognize that there are a number of illegal users pumping water out of the lake without a permit. “They will be required to obtain a permit,” said Brinkhuis. “It’s a pretty unique program and a great place to pilot this and move forward.”

Mike Kaputa, Chelan County Water Resources Director remarked how difficult water rights issues are in the Lake Chelan Basin.

Mike Kaputa added that the agencies are trying to figure out the details of a General Permit Process.

Ecology and County will also be looking at several other options to add to the 5,243 acre feet per year remaining on reserve. This could come through repurposing or purchasing existing water rights not being used.

The average daily water use as calculated by the City of Chelan is 335 gallons per day. Bear Mountain Water District has a combined domestic and irrigation use of 433 gallons per day and Manson is similar to Chelan.

The current water duty for Irrigation includes 3.33 afy for lawns; 1.90 afy for grapes; 2.91 to 3.15 afy for tree fruit. Lake Chelan Reclamation District manager Rod Anderson remarked that the district pumped 80 percent of their water right this year. “That is pretty similar to last year,” he said.

Kaputa remarked that these are tools with some potential but, “We need to recognize how difficult these issues are.”

LAKE CHELAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM

Steve Nelson, RH2 Engineering, gave an overview of the ongoing Lake Chelan Water Quality Monitoring Program.

Steve Nelson, RH2 Engineering, recapped the last two years of water quality monitoring in Lake Chelan. “We have focused on the Wapato Basin,” said Nelson. They have done some monitoring in the southern part of the Lucerne Basin also.

“We have been looking at a profile at 1 meter, 10 meters and 20 meters down in the water column,” Nelson stated. The program is being conducted by the Lake Chelan Research Institute on a monthly basis. The monitoring sites are in the lower, middle and upper regions of Wapato Basin. Monitoring is taking place between May and September.

LCRI is also taking samples out of the Stehekin River and Railroad Creek in the upper basin. Both are the major drainages flowing into the lake. They are also monitoring water at the Chelan Dam.

Phil Long (PhD) updated the group on Secchi Disk measurements that have been taken over the years. 

The monitoring also includes Secchi Disk visibility. Phil Long, director of the LCRI, stated that visibility has been monitored in the spring, summer and fall. He explained that visibility is less in the spring when glacial sediment flows into the lake. It is also affected by plankton blooms and becomes better as the year goes on.

The monitoring is an important aspect to keeping an eye on the ecological health of the lake.

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