Author: allthingslakechelan

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan County Fire District # 7 Fire Commissioners came under direct fire from retired firefighters from outside the area wanting the failed levy to be put back on the ballot for November to retain the six career firefighters who will lose their jobs when grant money ends.

Chelan County Fire District 7 (Chelan Fire & Rescue) commissioners came under direct fire at the regularly scheduled Fire Commission meeting on Wednesday evening, July 11 by a number of retired fire fighters and several concerned residents who accused them of playing politics with the public safety of the community because they weren’t putting the recent lid levy lift back on the ballot for November.

The Levy which was put in front of Chelan residents on April 24, 2018, failed by 60 t0 40 percent. The primary purpose of the levy was to retain six career firefighters who are currently being paid through a grant that ends at the end of this year. The cost to retain these firefighters was $860,000 per year. The voters, tired of new tax increases, voted overwhelmingly No.

At Wednesday’s meeting, a number of retired firefighters and a few concerned citizens showed up to show support for putting the measure back on the ballot for November.

Mike Cavanaugh, a retired firefighter from the Redmond area stated during the public comment period that losing half of the staff did not make him very excited. He told the commissioners that he had emailed them and the chief, but that only the chief replied. He accused the district of not educating the public about the importance of having a full staff to protect the public.

He asked them to find a funding source and said, “I am holding you accountable by November.” He also stated that he was not asked to be at the meeting. “Not a single union member asked me to be here.” He asked that the department not go backwards. “Step up to the plate… educate the community.”

Another retired firefighter said he supported what previous speakers stated. “It’s on you,” he told the commissioners. “We need you people to run this again. I would like to see it backout. Two hundred people need to be educated.”

Jacklyn Dalton, a local resident told the commissioners that Chief Lemon always responds to her emails, but that they, the commissioners, do not. She read some letters she had collected from the community reiterating the need to retain full staffing. One wrote, “Without your current staffing the entire community is put at risk.” She remarked that the 2-in 2-out law made it impossible on a reduced full time staff. “Put this back on the ballot… if they vote it down (again) I’ll back off,” she said.

Larry Peabody, another retired firefighter with 38 years service in Kirkland, told the commissioners that Chelan was now his home and his future. He stated that he had nothing against volunteers and said he started out as a volunteer, but volunteerism is facing severe challenges across the nation. “We will support you as you support us,” he said. “Educate the public. Your PR machine is broken.”

John Carbon, who is currently building a home in Chelan and retired with 30 years in the Woodinville Fire Department, said that the District, even with current staffing levels, is understaffed. “I mean no disrespect for any volunteer… I started as a volunteer,” said Carbon. “This department is out of balance. A little bit of education goes a long way.”

After the citizen comment period, Dan Crandall, President of the Firefighter’s Association said that the Association board had discussed about what, as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, they could do or not do, decided to remain neutral to protect “our non-profit status.”

Commissioner Jay Witherbee, Phil Moller and Chairman Russ Jones were the subjects of a discussion about the failed April 24 levy and the lack of public education to the need to keep current staffing despite the public voting 60 to 40 percent to not approve the levy lid lift. The arguments to put the measure back on the ballot did not work.

During the Commissioner’s comment period, it became clear that they were not pleased. Phil Moller stated that he felt blindsided. “I’m always looking for input from the community,” he said.

Russ Jones said, “As commissioners, we can’t advocate… we are here to represent the community and I don’t see a climate change out there (for a new ballot measure).”

Jones remarked at the number of times the hospital had to run a bond issue to get a new hospital. “Our failure is only two months ago. I haven’t seen any change (in attitudes). The last campaign was force. There is not the support to do that (again),” he said.

Commissioner Jay Witherbee said, “I believe Chelan County Fire District 7 needs more money. Today, I would have to say No (to a new ballot measure).”

In the end, it was a disappointing evening for the proponents of putting the measure back on the ballot. The commissioners did not seem to rule out another levy in the future, but at this time are totally against any levy in this atmosphere.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Fireworks on this coming Saturday night will begin at approximately 10 p.m.

July is month full of annual events in the Lake Chelan Valley, starting with the Fourth of July celebration with fireworks in Manson on the Fourth with a subsequent fireworks show put on by the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Town Toyota Center on Saturday evening at approximately 10 p.m.

There are plenty of areas around the lower end of the lake to watch the fireworks from. One of the best is the grounds at the Chelan Ranger District, or if you want to be closer, try Don Morse Memorial Park. Both are excellent viewing spots. Lakeside Park and the hills around the lower lake also provide nice vantage points.

Music on the Vine began July 5, but really gets underway on Saturday, July 7 with an Evening of Jazz at the Vogue beginning at 8 p.m.

Music will reverberate throughout the Valley from July 6 to July 14 as the annual Bach Fest takes over the Valley.

For those interested in attending the Festival String Quartet at the Lake Chelan Wineries, the following venues will be hosting the quartet:

Friday, July 6 at 7 p.m. – Tunnel Hill Winery
Monday, July 9 at 8 p.m. – Tsillan Cellars
Tuesday, July 10 at 6 p.m. – Karma Vineyards
Wednesday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. – Hard Row to Hoe Vinyards
Thursday, July 12 t 7:30 p.m. – Rio Vista Winery

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, July 9, 11 & 13, there is a Courtyard Concert Series in the courtyard at St. Andrew’s Church in downtown Chelan.

Monday and Friday the Noon Concert Series will take place at the United Methodist Church.

On Tuesday and Thursday, July 10 & 12 there is an Interactive Program for Children at the Chelan Library.

On Thursday, July 12, the United Methodist Church will host a noon concert of Bach and on Friday, July 13, St. Francis Catholic Church in Chelan will host a Classics Concert.

On Saturday, July 14, the FREE Pops in the Park Concert will take place at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the Bach Fest visit their website at www.bachfest.org or call 509.682.8475.

In addition to the Bach Fest, the U.S. Open (Pre-World) Paragliding Competition will begin on Sunday, July 8, with paraglider pilots from around the world competing against each other in a three dimensional world of free flying.

Paraglider pilots will take to world famous Chelan air when the 2018 U.S. Open Paragliding Competiton begins on Sunday, July 8. This is a Pre-World event and Chelan will be in the running to host a World Competition in 2020.

Each day of the seven day competition, the pilots will be given a flying task and will be scored on who finishes these tasks first.

This is an event that is fun to watch get underway as pilots launch into the thermal rich air above Chelan Butte and climb to cloudbase which is between 7,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level. They then cross the Columbia River and fly their given task.

Chelan Butte can be accessed by dirt road to the top. You can access the Butte Road in Lakeside just before Lakeside Lodges. Please drive carefully if you do go up (low slung cars probably will not make it). NO SMOKING ON THE BUTTE PERIOD. Take plenty of water because it is hot up there.

Another place to watch these pilots is at the landing zone at Chelan Falls Park usually later in the afternoon or evening as they return from their designated tasks.

The annual Chelanman Multisport Weekend takes place on July 21 and 22.

On July 21 and 22, the annual Chelanman takes place with approximately 2,500 athletes entering this Multisport weekend that includes Triathlons, Marathons and a Kids Triathlon. It is a fun filled event that is fun to watch. Parking is a problem however, so catch a bus at the high school or ball fields or walk in.

Chelanman is a locally run event with all net proceeds going into the Lake Chelan Multisport Foundation whose mission is to embrace healthy lifestyles through support of arts, literature, science, and wellness programs for youth in the Chelan Valley.

by Richard Uhlhorn

The Hamilton’s Hmett is a monstrous expedition truck converted to an RV. 

It came thundering around the corner into the upper parking lot at Echo Ridge last Sunday. A bunch of us had just finished eating our Sunday brats and were still drinking a beer after another successful mountain bike ride. Our jaws dropped, our eyes popped as this huge vehicle, called a ‘Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck’ or Hemtt, rolled into the parking lot. In the cab were two smiling faces with headphones on.

Of course, curiosity got the best of us as everyone pulled out their phones and cameras and started taking photos as we walked towards this monstrosity of an RV. Built by Oshkosh, this monster is now being purchased by private owners throughout world. “These are a lot more popular in Europe than here,” stated Kevin Hamilton, who with his wife, Ronda, are giving the HEMTT a rigorous shakedown cruise throughout the Pacific Northwest before eventually shipping it to Africa for Overland Expeditions. “We needed to find out what works for us and what doesn’t,” said Kevin.

Kevin and Rhonda Hamilton are exploring the Northwest in their recently acquired Hmett Expedition Truck that carries everything from the most basic necessities of life to all the toys one can think of .

iThe couple, who currently live in London where Kevin is a managing director with Berkeley Research Group (BRG), where he leads the Global Health and Global Applied Technology teams. He also owns a consulting firm working in business intelligence with clients in Australia and the Middle East.

His wife, Rhonda, has worked extensively with Starbucks Corporation as a contract employee but left in April to travel with Kevin.  Her bio says, “I’m not sure where life will lead me but I am willing to follow the path where ever it leads. Probably drinking a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte on the way.”

Both Kevin and Rhonda are engaging individuals who have left the work-a-day rat race after 20 years and now are able to afford and work independently. “I’ll call Starbucks Corporate and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to be in Capetown… you need anything done there? and they will say,’Sure… do this and that,’ ” says Rhonda.

They also have real estate interests in Seattle and own four Airbnbs which they rent out over the Internet. The HEMTT has a series of hot spots so they can connect to the Internet from almost anywhere. “We also have phone numbers from multiple countries,” said Kevin. They also carry a satellite telephone.

So why are they traveling around in a monster Memtt converted into a huge RV. “My father passed away at 59 from cancer and we decided that we weren’t going to wait until retirement to travel,” Kevin said. “My father had travel plans too.”

The Hamilton’s Hemtt is totally a totally self contained home for the backroads of America and eventually Africa where it will be used for Overland Expeditions.

“The Hemtt’s are more popular in Europe and we found one at the Abenteuer & Ahrad show in Germany,” Kevin said. “But the paperwork was too much to overcome.” Then this one came on the market and the two jumped on it. “We got a really good deal,” said Kevin.

Since purchasing the RV, they have been traveling the west coast and working through the vehicles systems, trying to figure out what needed changing and what could remain.

They get five miles to the gallon on the road, but that drops to four and lower when going up steep hills. With a highway speed of 60 mph it takes a little longer to get somewhere, but they are not in a hurry anyway. “If it takes us longer to get somewhere… so what.”

They arrived in Chelan after spending several days at the annual N.W. Overland Rally in Plain, Washington. They have traveled to Olympia and into the backcountry. One of their favorite backcountry trips was Mt. St. Helens. “It was so beautiful up there that we stayed an extra two days.”

Rhonda’s dog, Little Bear, travels with the couple throughout the world.

One of their experiences on Mt. St. Helens was up a narrow road where they came up to a locked gate and had to back down. Not an easy task in this vehicle.

On Monday afternoon, they left Echo Ridge for an overland trip over Grade Creek to South Navarre and down into to the Methow Valley via Black Canyon or Gold Creek. Then it is back to Seattle by July 5^th for a flight to Amsterdam and home to London where Kevin will go back to his job.

For those interested in just the vehicle…

It weighs 42,500 pounds;
Carries 155 gallons of diesel fuel
Has a 300 mile range
A highway speed of 62 mph
Power assisted steering
Eight-wheel drive when needed
Can climb 60 percent grades
Can fjord water up to 48 inches deep
Has 550 horsepower
Has been produced since 1982 by Oshkosh

Mansion on a go anywhere wheel base.

Looking for a home in the Lake Chelan Valley… call Mary

Kevin and Rhonda’s Hemtt has been retrofitted with an RV capsule that serves as a home with all the amenities while on the road from a full service kitchen to shower and lots of capacity to carry stuff. The Hamilton’s are outdoor adventure travelers and have all the necessities for outdoor adventures from a large rubber raft that can be lifted off the top of the vehicle with a small crane, room for mountain bikes, climbing gear and other gear.

To follow their adventure on the road, you can check them out on Facebook and Instagram @hermtthemtt.

RECENT ARTICLES:

• Chelan Fire discusses current issuesJune 22, 2018
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• Chelan Fire Commission back to threeJune 19, 2018
• Try Sailing Day this coming SundayJune 19, 2018
• Woodin Avenue Bridge project on trackJune 18, 2018

by Richard Uhlhorn

Over the years the most often asked question by visitors at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce was, “Where can I go for a hike?”

The problem wasn’t that there weren’t some nice hikes in the Valley, but most of them, outside of Riverwalk Park, required drive time.

On Monday, June 25, the PUD Commissioner meeting, the staff outlined plans to permit the Lake Chelan Trails Alliance to build 2.3 miles of new trail above the Chelan River that will run off the existing trail that was built as a part of the FERC Relicensing requirement.

The two new trail loops in Chelan River Reach 1 will be done in Phases. The red line will be Phase 1 and constructed in 2019 and the yellow line is Phase 2 which is slated to be constructed in 2020. 

It has taken a long time to reach this agreement. Hiking and biking trails were requested in the Chelan River Reach during relicensing efforts as a part of the Recreation component by the Recreation Forum.

Guy Evans of the Lake Chelan Trails Alliance and Mayor Mike Cooney entered into agreements with the Chelan County PUD regarding trail construction, trail maintenance and liability.

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Lake Chelan Trails Alliance and the City of Chelan, along with the staff at the Chelan County PUD for recognizing the importance of providing new trail opportunities close to town.

Mayor Mike Cooney stated that the PUD staff made a presentation to the PUD commission, giving a history of the Chelan River Reach and the hurdles that had been put up in the past. PUD CEO Steve Wright asked for a presentation to keep the Commission in the loop.

Phase 1 of the Reach 1 extension off the existing trail will run along the river giving hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers a new opportunity closer to Chelan.

“Basically, the Trails Alliance will maintain the trails and the City will take on the liability and maintenance agreement,” said Cooney. One of Cooney’s arguments is that visitors to the Lake Chelan community are looking for trails and trail maps. “This is a start,” added Cooney. The group is still working on an Elephant’s Head loop that would connect to the Reach Trails.

Phase One (outlined in Red on the Map) will begin in 2019 with Phase Two (Yellow Loop) coming in 2020, however, there are still some hoops to go through.

“We need about $10,000 and will be looking for donations,” said Cooney who plans on donating to the work.

Guy Evans, who has been diligent in pushing forward on this vision said, “It was kind of expected… a bit of a formality. Steve Wright (PUD CEO) wanted to bring the board in.”

The Phase 1 trail will travel adjacent to , but no closer than
20 feet from the Chelan River
.

Evans said a lot of work is ahead before the trail can even begin to be constructed. The Trails Alliance and City will receive a conditional use permit from the PUD as soon as they have conducted a SEPA review, a Chelan County Shoreline Review and a Cultural Resources review by a qualified archaeologist. “There is a lot of work ahead of us,” said Evans.

When constructed, the two loops will be open to hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers.

The Trails Alliance will be required to provide trail signage and will be responsible trail construction typical of the trail construction at the Echo Ridge Recreation area utilizing a mini excavator and manual volunteer labor.

Interested in getting involved?  Email the Trails Alliance at: info@lakechelantrails.org.

• Chelan Fire discusses current issuesJune 22, 2018
• Rotary Club’s Century Ride this SaturdayJune 22, 2018
• Chelan Fire Commission back to threeJune 19, 2018
• Try Sailing Day this coming SundayJune 19, 2018
• Woodin Avenue Bridge project on trackJune 18, 2018

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan County Fire District 7 held a special Commissioner workshop on Wednesday, June 20, to go over a draft budget and discuss issues facing the department.

Fire Chief Tim Lemon outlined and went through the 2019 proposed Chelan Fire District 7 budget for the commissioners during a special workshop on Wednesday, June 20. 

“Tonight we will look a what our budget is going to look like,” chief Lemon told the Commissioners. “What will it look like if we do this… what will it look like if we do that.” He added that the numbers will change throughout the year depending on the District’s activities.

He is looking at a one percent increase allowed by law which will add approximately $20,000 to the revenue side of the

This year’s proposed budget is $2,290,652.24 based on an assessed valuation of $2,157,628,040.00. The new construction valuation is reported as an estimated $55 million. Chief Lemon has Department expenses at $2,296,003.56 or $5,351.32 more than the proposed budget. He expects the miscellaneous revenue to be an estimated 476,650.00.

The commissioners went through the line item budget that touched on financial changes in the district. 

There is also the possibility of running an election in 2019. Assistant Chief Mark Donnell explained during a telephone conversation that if the citizen’s petition to add two commissioners to the three already seated and Jay Witherbee’s seat also coming open in 2020, the District would have to run an election Would this include a levy lid lift… big question mark. Donnell stated that the cost would be around $16,500.

The District is going to try to retain at least one of the six career firefighters after the grant money runs ot to fill out the department’s need of on call permanent firefighters.

“What is the staffing model we want,” asked Donnell? “It’s best to have four on call, but we can manage with three and it rarely drops to two.”

Assistant Fire Chief Mark Donnell went through the volunteer issues and the need to discuss merging the fire service with the EMS service.

The District just graduated a number of firefighters. It’s too early to tell if the low participation in training will affect the volunteer services. New regulations for firefighters require 240 to 250 hours to attain Firefighter I status. It takes a total of 400 hours to attain Firefighter II satus. “They can get those hours at a 13 week training class,” said Donnell.

Currently the Department is offering 22 hours of training for its volunteers per month. Volunteers are on average 46 years old. Out of the 19 recruits only six have met all the requirements. “We need to get the rest up to speed,” Donnell said.

The state puts a lot of mandates on fire services for training. “It is tough meeting those requirements. It is a huge commitment,” said Donnell. What he hears from a number of volunteers is that the time it takes is way more than they expected. “We need to find a balance.” Getting volunteers to training sessions has also been hard reported Donnell.

Commissioner Witherbee said, “I’d have called them the next day.”

Donnell replied, “They are volunteers. It’s very clear what that responsibility is. We have to have people we can depend on.”

Commissioner Jones said it is a cultural disconnect from what the volunteer service used to be. Donnell stated that it is not the same as it was before. “It has changed dramatically.” We can’t fix something we are not aware of.

Commissioner Russ Jones brought up the cultural difference between the old volunteer fire service versus the new service which requires a huge commitment on the part of volunteers. 

“Well, this is a good introduction to what we are looking at,” said Jones. He then went on to say there were a couple of issues he wanted to get on the table. One was the issue of fire units responding to every EMS call. Chief Lemon said, “I think it would be a huge mistake to back away from that.”

Commissioner Moller stated that he hears it from constituents all the time. “There has to be some options out there.”

Chief Lemon said, “The big picture is to get the EMS into the Fire Service. We’ve had no luck with the hospital sitting down to talk to us.” The hospital has not responded to any contact. “We can’t even get the players to the table,” said Lemon.

Witherbee replied that the community is very protective of Emergency Management Services.

Jones said he was trying to put out things he hears from the community. Donnell replied that he understands constituents talking to commissioners, but added, “They don’t talk to me. My door is open and I’m right inside the front door. I think it would be wrong to not have that conversation. What is it going to take to start that conversation?”

Moller added that in a round about way, the Department is asking to save money and gain efficiency, but Witherbee stated that it might take town hall meetings, and added “it isn’t going to be pretty.”

Donnell added that he felt it was the perfect opportunity to move forward before a catastrophic event happened. “We would like to be ahead of that curve.”

Witherbee replied that any attempt to merge the services will be dead on arrival. “I’ve had these discussions. It is not going to be positive,” he said.

Commissioner Jay Witherbee said it would be difficult to get the community to buy into a merger between the Fire Service and EMS. 

The department is also looking at funding for apparatus replacement, but Chief Lemon said, “We have a pretty strong fleet… we just need to keep it healthy.”

A new 4-wheel drive off-road crewcab rig with a 1,500 gallon water tank runs between $285,000 and $350,000 depending on the supplier.

It was also noted that the Department is down one staff vehicle and it is costing an estimated $1,400 a month for reimbursement on a private vehicle. “This discussion needs to happen sooner than later,” said Donnell. The cost for a new staff crew cab pickup would run approximately $40,000.

Witherbee asked if it was budgeted. Chief Lemon said it was.

Moller asked if it could be rigged with a snowplow, but Jones stated that the plow needs to be discussed a little bit more. It is costing the District around $1,300 for snow removal services.

Commissioner Phil Moller would like to see a discussion about a merger with EMS.

In final comments, the Chief said the next workshop topics should include what the department’s staffing was going to look like and the impacts on the fire service. “These are viable things to discuss,” said Lemon.

Jones said it was unusual to not have the conversation with the hospital. “We have to find ways.” Witherbee added, “We need to sit down… I’m ok to sit down with them and look at the Fire/EMS model.”

Jones also suggested that if there were ways to move volunteers into a career position that would provide additional incentive.

The other issue is how to educate the public about the Fire Service. “We don’t have the funding to hire a PR person but maybe we could establish a position for a volunteer for that purpose,” said Jones.

Witherbee stated that the executive summary that came out of the task force was good. “They said they love the service but didn’t want to pay for it. It was voted down (last levy lid lift) and they don’t see the consequences… or the direct impact. They are going to see (eventually) the difference. They are going to see a drop in the level of service.”

The next Commission meeting in on July 11 at 5:30 p.m. and the next workshop is on July 18 at 9 a.m. and is scheduled for a half day.

by Richard Uhlhorn

There will be a lot of bike traffic on Lake Chelan Valley roads this weekend, so be careful out there when driving.

Be careful on the road out there on Saturday, June 23. It’s that time of the year for the Lake Chelan Rotary Club’s Century Ride  and Cycle de Vine. This means that the highways and byways in the Lake Chelan Valley and the McNeil Canyon Road will be full of energetic bicyclists challenging the Century’s 100 mile course or the Cycle de Vine’s 23.2 mile loop that includes a ferry boat ride from the South or North shore of Chelan

There is nothing quite as exciting as making it to the top of McNeil Canyon.

It all begins tomorrow morning, Saturday, June 23, at Don Morse Memorial Park.

Every year Team Mang shows up to ride the Century.

The view from McNeil Canyon is worth a photo.

Cycle de Vine Riders get a boat ride from either Manson to State Park or from State Park to Manson depending on which side of the course they ride first.

The first loop on the Century course this year is the McNeil Canyon loop. They have reversed the course and are running it counterclockwise from last year, which means that riders will be descending Hwy 150 to the Beebe Bridge and up McNeil and then back to 97 and up 97A to the rest of the ride.

So be watchful and careful out there. Make this a super Chelan event with no accidents.

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by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan Fire & Rescue
Commissioner Workshop
Wednesday, June 20
6 p.m.
at Station 71
Long Range Planning Discussion

At last week’s Chelan Fire & Rescue Commission meeting, Jay Weatherbee was sworn in as Tom Peter’s replacement. The commission is back to a full three members, but Jerry Isenhart and Mike Stowe were on hand to let the commission know that a petition was being circulated to increase the commission from three members to five members.

Administrative Assistant Carol Kibler swore Jay Witherbee in as the new fire commissioner to replace Tom Peters.

Jerry Isenhart (left) and Mike Stowe (right) were on hand at the meeting to inform the commission that a petition was being circulated to increase the commission from three to five.

Isenhart told the commissioners that he wasn’t there to create an issue, but that moving to five commissioners would be good for the community and give better representation for the fire district.

“My purpose is to advise you about the petition campaign so you don’t hear it on the street,” Isenhart told the commissioners. “It isn’t being done with any animosity but rather as an action to help the District improve its governance by having a broader base of community representation.”

Isenhart explained that he researched the issue (RCW 52.14.015) and found that based on 1650 voters that voted in the last lid levy lift election that the petitioners would only have to collect 165 valid signatures. He thought that over 100 signatures had already been collected.

Isenhart remarked that a special election would cost the District money but thought that the timing of putting it on the ballot could be orchestrated with other election issues to minimize costs.

“I believe that an enlarged Commission membership would give the District more tentacles into the community… and give it better relations with the many areas of the expansive District 7.”

Buck Garton, Karyl Oules, Mike Stowe and past Mayor Bob Goedde are collecting signatures.

Mike Stowe also spoke in favor of the Commission going to five members. Stowe, who served as an officer on the volunteer force for 27 years agreed with Isenhart’s comments. “It’s about getting the community more involved,” said Stowe.

In Fire Commission Business:

Chief Lemon reported that the District had received $63,000 from California for sending an engine and three men to fires in December. The District had also received $59,326 for October services to California fires.

He stated that there were 111 calls in April which was an all time high. “We’ve had a number of brush fires this year,” said Lemon. He said that the cause of the brush fire in Chelan Hills from Hwy. 150 was still under investigation, but that it could have been a cigarette or other external heat source that started it. “Most homes up there have a pretty good fire break,” said Lemon. “The firefighters got right where they needed to go.”

He also reported on the fire in Apple Acres. “It was fully involved when we got there but the firefighters kept it from spreading.”

Assistant Chief Donnell stated that Memorial Day was very busy. He also stated that all the firefighters have had their red card training and are operational. The District has 27 volunteers; 20 in Chelan, 5 in Entiat and 1 in Orondo and 1 in Chelan Falls.

The Chelan Fire District # 7 Firefighters Association reported that it had given the victims of the Apple Acres fire a $1,500 dollar check and a $500 gift card from Wal-Mart to help them get back on their feet. “These are high priority gifts,” said the director. Accident victims receive $1,000 from the association. The association also gave $500 to the Chelan Food Bank and helps Chelan Valley Hope when needed.

Adam Jones was named firefighter of the year.

Commissioner Russ Jones wants the District to consider purchasing an old 25 foot Coast Guard boat so the District has a presence on the water for search and rescue operations.

Commissioner Russ Jones said there had been a couple of instances on the water. “We need to adequately gauge the need. We have to be ready to respond (to emergencies).” Jones feels that the solution to the marine patrol situation is to revive the old and successful volunteer program. The Sheriff’s Department has only one unit on the lake covering Chelan to uplake areas.

Jones said that a 25 foot Coast Guard boat is available for $40,000. “It is a $250,000 vessel that can carry a pump and personnel. The top priority is to get rescue swimmers on the lake.” The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team do not go below the surface, whereas Chelan 7’s swimmers can free dive to 30 feet. “It is not a lot of money, but we need a tool.”

The Fire Commission will discuss strategic planning at a meeting this Wednesday at 6 p.m.

• Woodin Avenue Bridge project on trackJune 18, 2018
• Hospital Board approves an affiliation agreement with U. of W. residency programJune 13, 2018
• City Council accepts Bridge bidJune 13, 2018
• Recreation activities loomed large in the Valley this past weekendJune 12, 2018

by Richard Uhlhorn

There is nothing quite like moving across the water under sail and this coming Sunday, June 24, the Lake Chelan Sailing Association will hold its annual “Try Sailing Day” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Club members will be on hand to offer free sailboat rides to the public. Life jackets are provided, but child size life jackets are limited, so if you have child and a life jacket for that child, bring it.

This event is subject to weather conditions, but the outlook for Sunday is sunny and warm, so give it a try and go experience the joy and peace of sailing. The event will take place out of the City Marina across the highway from Chelan Market.

For more information, contact Harriet Hargrove at 2-8307747 or Jimmy Martin at 360-536-1014.

For more information on the Lake Chelan Sailing Association and its programs, go to the website at http://sailchelan.com/about-lcsa/

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• Woodin Avenue Bridge project on trackJune 18, 2018
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• Recreation activities loomed large in the Valley this past weekendJune 12, 2018
• CHELAN POWER HOUSE PARK TO CLOSE FOR THE SUMMERJune 9, 2018

by Richard Uhlhorn

Last week, June 11-16, was a marathon of meetings and events in the Lake Chelan Valley.

On Tuesday, Chelan City Council met in its regularly scheduled council meeting and the major topic of discussion was how to fund the additional $870,000 on the Woodin Avenue Bridge Project that was awarded to Selland Construction.

At a special City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 5, the Council voted to award the Woodin Avenue One Lane Configuration Project to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, which happened to be the only bidder. Selland bid $3,159,528.08.

The project includes the rehabilitation of and modification to the roadway configuration of the Woodin Avenue Bridge from two lanes to one-lane of vehicle traffic with increased sidewalk widths and a bike lane.

Street and intersection improvements will be made to adjoining streets as well as the improvement of the Woodin Avenue Landing Park. It also includes the replacement of approximately 1,200 lineal feet of water main underneath the bridge structure.

Finance Director Cheryl Grant went over funding options on the Woodin Avenue Bridge Project that was over the Engineers Estimate by $900,000.

City Finance Director Cheryl Grant brought forth several funding options, but is looking at extending a bonding option to $1.6 million dollars for a period of 12 years. “These are all ideas at this time,” she said. “I was uncomfortable going 15 years because it could affect our interest rate.”

She told Councilman Ray Dobbs that the City’s Bond Reserve Fund is in place to help pay the bond debt if the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) doesn’t provide the enough funds to pay the debt. “It anything comes crashing down, it will the housing market,” said Grant. “We’ve got some backup to pay that debt. We are in great shape.”

A final recommendation will be brought back with the ordinance for approval at the July 10 Council meeting. If the Council authorizes the Mayor to execute and finalize the proposed agreement, the City will notify Selland Construction of the contract award in writing whereupon Selland will have 14 days to return a signed contract. Notice to proceed will be issued afer the bonds and evidence of insurance have been approved and filed by the Contracting Agency. The Contract time will begin seven days after Notice to Proceed has been issued.

Grant also reminded the Council that the Project was a $3.9 million dollar project.

In other business:

Public Works Director Jake Youngren asked for approval of the Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan. “It is very much a living document,” said Youngren. Each year, the City revisits its transportation plan.

Public Works Director Jake Youngren explained the six year transportation plan along with other Public Works issues. 

Councilman Ray Dobbs asked if there had been any discussion about widening Boyd Road and constructing sidewalks and putting in sewer. Youngren replied that he has heard nothing he is aware of.

The council approved the Resolution unanimously.

City Clerk Peri Gallucci brought forth the Rate and Fee Resolution. The only thing that has changed is the charge for electronic records. “Everybody will be able to log into public records. It is a straight forward policy,” said Gallucci.

There were a number of Sewer Lift Station, construction management agreements and booster pump motions on the agenda which the Council unanimously approved.

The Higgs Booster Pump Station was closed out, but Councilman Ray Dobbs asked about water pressure in that neighborhood. He said that out of curiosity he went to the neighborhood and was told they were still having problems with water pressure. Youngren replied that the problem is on Public Works radar. Dobbs said, “That’s a tough spot because of the elevation.” Youngren said that there were pressure fluctuations and that they were looking at different alternatives to the problem.

The Council approved an auxiliary generator for the Darnell’s Booster Station in case of another fire that knocks out electricity. “We want to quickly hookup if a loss of power happens again,” said Youngren.

Sgt Chris Foreman presented the first quarter’s Sheriff’s Report to the Council as required by the City’s contract with the Sheriff’s Department. 

Sgt. Chris Foreman was on hand to give a quarterly Sheriff’s report for Chelan. “It has been pretty slow,” said Foreman. “It’s changing now that we are into summer.”

Councilwoman Erin McCardle asked about the policy regarding Sheriff’s cars careening through Woodin Avenue on the way to a call. Foreman said that when a code call comes in the Deputies will use the direct route to the issue. “It is not a normal affair,” he added.

Mayor Cooney asked about unmuffled cars and Foreman said that was an enforceable action, but when Dobbs asked about Harley Davidson motorcycle and how loud they were, Foreman said they had to prove they were over the decibel level.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth complained about young people driving very fast in South Chelan. Foreman said if his deputies don’t know about it they can’t respond to the problem. “Tell us where and we will work on it”

The next City Council meeting is on July 10

Press release by Celeste Thomas

Chelan, WA – Lake Chelan Community Hospital (LCCH) will become the state’s sixth host hospital and training site for a Family Medicine Residency Rural Program, the hospital Board voted at a special meeting Thursday, June 7. Beginning in August 2020, physician residents from the University of Washington’s residency program will practice at LCCH in partnership with Columbia Valley Community Health (CVCH). There will be two physicians in Chelan the first year, followed by another two in 2021, for a total of four in the valley.

The residency doctors will spend two years in Chelan and practice primarily at CVCH, spending about a third of their time at LCCH. Each resident will have a panel of patients at CVCH and work in the hospital’s emergency room, medical / surgical unit and Sanctuary addiction recovery unit. They will also deliver babies and spend a small portion of time at Confluence Health in Wenatchee finishing neurology, nephrology, cardiology and dermatology rotations.

“This program is a natural outgrowth of our two agencies’ deep commitment to Chelan and to people who choose not to live in big cities,” said Dr. Malcolm Butler, CVCH Chief Medical Officer. “It is a testimony to cooperation between CVCH and LCCHC that our medical community can win such a coveted training program.”

“What an opportunity for Lake Chelan Hospital,” said Steve Patonai, LCCHC interim CEO. “The community will benefit from this affiliation in many ways. Physician residents will bring new ideas, and it will raise the bar for all caregivers in the hospital, as well as improve patient access. It will also be a valuable recruiting tool.”

Interim CEO Steve Patonai says the community will benefit from this program.

Seventy percent of residents stay within 30 miles of where they trained, explained Dr. Keri Bergeson, who will serve as the program’s rural site director. Bergeson, a family physician at CVCH, developed and championed Chelan’s affiliation with UW’s residency rural program. She has practiced in the valley for four years and worked tirelessly on the residency project since 2015

Dr. Kari Bergeson was the main proponent for pushing Chelan’s affiliation with the University of Washington’s rural shared residency program.

“Our biggest goal is to increase the number of physicians we have working the valley,” said Bergeson.  “We are facing a critical shortage of family care providers and hope this become a solution to that problem.”

Chelan’s program will provide residents, new doctors who have graduated from medical school, with the necessary clinical skills and community engagement training to make a difference in the health of their local community, said Bergeson. When they finish their residency, two more will join the program, keeping a continual flow of new physicians in the valley. Other Family Medicine Residency Rural Programs in Washington state include Cle Elum, Chehalis, Colville, Ellensburg and Port Angeles.

“We are thrilled with the hospital Board’s decision to partner with us,” said Bergeson, who explained that a residency program in Chelan is a great fit because of the many diverse services offered here. While developing the program, CVCH engaged three nationally recognized consultants, all of whom agreed Chelan is the perfect spot for such a program.

“Practicing in a town like Chelan is night and day different than practicing in Seattle or Spokane, and the best way to train doctors for this lifestyle and practice style is to train them right here,” said Butler. “Dr. Bergeson is wonderful. She brought a university to town!”

Hospital Board Chair Mary Signorelli is excited about the prospects of working with the University of Washington’s rural residency program along with the hospital’s joint partner, Chelan Valley Community Health.

Mary Signorelli, LCCHC Board Chair expressed enthusiasm about the project. “With our Board moving forward with the UW and CVCH on this agreement, a brand-new day is dawning. All of us in the Chelan valley will, for many years, see an added dynamic to the future of medicine right here at home. This is truly an historic time for us.”

In other business, the LCCHC Board also voted to approve the CEO executive position overview presented by B.E. Smith.