Author: allthingslakechelan

I have been a journalist, photojournalist and reporter in the Lake Chelan Valley since 1988; first with the Wenatchee World, then 15 years at the Lake Chelan Mirror and another 12 years at GoLakeChelan. Currently, I am semi-retired but can't give up the media gig which is why I started All Things Lake Chelan blog. I also have two social media platforms; allthingslakechelan/facebook and lakechelansportsandrecration/facebook. I am also a professional photographer with many credits with major outlets around the world.

Chelan council ready to approve balanced budget after last workshop

by Richard Uhlhorn

CITY COUNCIL HOLDS LAST BUDGET WORKSHOP

City Budget:
Chelan City Council and Chelan staff held a final budget workshop on Tuesday, December 3.

The meeting was a quick review of the budgeting process that has been taking place since October 1 through November 12. The budget is balanced and ready for adoption at the council’s December 10 council meeting.

**Chelan Finance Director Jackie Tupling.**

The council had no questions regarding the Lake Chelan Airport 2024 year end Budget Amendments.

Mayor McCardle called for any final questions regarding the budgets. “My expectations are that all discussions and questions have been asked,” she said.

Facility Conditions and Needs Assessment:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren told council that the City put out a request for qualifications for the city’s facility conditions and needs assessment.

MMEC Architecture and Interiors responded to the request with a $219,000 proposal. This work consists of four phases designed to evaluate, plan and propose improvements for the city’s facilities including City Hall; Kelly Allen Insurance Bldg; Chelan Library; Lake Chelan Golf Course Club House and Maintenance Bldg. the Park Department’s Maintenance and Administrative Bldg’s; and the Public Works Administration Bldg.

Recylcling Center update:
MMEC also responded to a request from Public Works for a proposal to provide architectural/engineering services on a Recyle Center replacement after the original center burned down last July.

MMEC bid $256,400 to do the work beginning this month with construction beginning in late spring of 2025. Jake Youngren, public works director, commented that the price proposed reflects the construction world “we live in. Billing rates are high.”

Youngren said that a third party reviewed the proposal, made a few adjustments and then approved it. Insurance is paying for the new center and also hired a third party consultant to review MMEC’s proposal and also approved it. “Every day we wait, it gets more expensive,” said Youngren.

The new center will cover the same square footage, but Youngren isn’t sure where it will be situated.

Until the new center is build, all recycled materials are being dumped at the regional landfill. “We tried to find alternatives, but they were all too expensive,” stated Youngren.

City extends Chamber contract three month… loans $150,000 to Chamber for festival events like Winterfest

by Richard Uhlhorn

Community comments:
Linda Sydloski informed the City Council that she is considering running for a council seat in the future. She has been a regular at council meetings for a number of months. “Thank you for what you do,” she told the council.

Final Budget public hearing:
Jackie Tupling presented the council with her budget details that will be discussed for any changes at the next council workshop on December 3.

The required public hearing on November 26 covered the following items:

Proposed revenues and expenditures for all budgeted funds, beginning and ending projected cash balances.
2. Summary and explanation of changes in expenditures for operating funds.
3. Summary of major revenues history and proposed 2025 budget amounts.
4. Detail of agency and community organization funding requests and budgeted amounts.
5. Detail of proposed payroll changes.

Chamber lodging tax extension
City Administrator Wade Farris asked the council to approve a three-month extension for the contract committee to complete revisions to a new Chamber contract agreement. “The goal is to live with the new agreement and be happy with it,” said Farris.

Finance Officer Jackie Tupling added that the new agreement will require the Chamber to give a monthly overview to the council of how they have spent lodging tax funds. “This way everyone will be able to see where those funds are being spent.”

Councilman Bob Goedde remarked that the committee is moving in the right direction. The Chamber has been operating on an extension to their old agreement for the past two years.

Chamber Festival Support:
The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce had requested an additional $150,000 from Chelan County several months ago. The request was turned down by the County’s lodging tax advisory committee.

The Chamber has requested the same amount from the City which have agreed to a $150,000 loan for Festival Support to help fund January’s Winterfest event. This support is not to exceed $150,000 annually. It is called the Chamber Festival Reserve Fund to help support weather dependent events.

Tupling stated that the loan must be paid in full by the end of the year.

Biosolids Contract:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren told council that the biosolids agreement is between Boulder Park, Inc., King County and the city. It has been in place since 1998. The contract allows the City to dispose of biosolids from the sewer treatment plant to the Mansfield flats. The four year contract ends on December 31.

**Jake Youngren, Paul Horne and Jackie Tupling**

Youngren told the council that the biosolids are applied for nutrients for agriculture purposes. “We are kind of small fish in a big pond,” said Youngren. Under the contract, the city provides 125 tons of biosolids each year at a cost of approximately $500.

The new contract will have a term of five years.

Emergency Management
Wade Farris introduced the new contract proposal from the Chelan County Department of Emergency Management and told the council that the contract amount went up considerably. “Their role is to do everything they need to do during an emergency,” stated Farris.

The City has contracted with Emergency Management since 2002. The City contracts with the Sheriff’s Office for these emergency services and costs are assessed on a per capital basis. In 2024 the rate was assessed at $3.08 per capita and the 2025 rate has gone up to $3.75 per capita. The financial implications are $4,282.30 per quarter or $17,129.20.

Rate and Fee Resolution:
Farris remarked that the council had a good discussion on the amended Rate and Fee changes. Tim Hollingsworth wanted to make sure that the Chelan resident and Valley resident parking fees at Chelan Parks remained at $25 and $45 respectively. City Clerk Peri Gallucci replied that those parking fees have not increased for 2025.

Hollingsworth also said his business was being charged 1.5 ERUs. Youngren replied that he wants to have a conversation about the sewer/water rates. “It’s not quite equitable in all situations. We need to have a conversation about it in 2025.”

Resolution No. 2024-1444 Rate and Fee (Amending Rate and Fee Resolution No. 2024-1440) – AB AB 2024-002D

Administrative Reports:
Finance Director Tupling gave a proposed operating budget amendment to the council.

City Clerk Peri Gallucci reported on the continuation of the Just FOIA Master Services Agreement for the Public Records Portal.

A Library Advisory Board update was given.

Jake Youngren told the council that the Transportation Benefit District finally passed by a mere five votes and was now certified. He also stated that funding raised from the district will be used for very specific projects with the help of the community and council. “They will come up with a game plan.”

Paul Horne said that the Parks Board had a walkabout on November 20 which took in the Lakeside Park neighborhood.

Jackie Tupling reported on the final review of the City’s 2022 State Audit and will be getting a report back on the audit in December.

John Ajax reported the Planning Department is taking a strategic look at climate resiliency with the County. “We are looking at the general scope of work.”

Mayor/Council comments:
Brad Chitty remarked that 2024/2025 was his first budget. “I appreciate all the hard work.”

Terry Sanders reiterated Chitty’s remarks and said, “I appreciate the detailed work done by staff.”

Mayor McCardle called out the individuals who always attend council meetings. “We have regulars and I am glad you are here.”

She also reported that she has been nominated to be on the board of the Chelan/Douglas Transportation Council.

McCardle also noted that on January 30 she would have a State of the City Report on what was accomplished in 2024 and plans for 2025.

The City will hold a workshop on December 3 beginning at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend but will not be allowed to speak unless approved by Mayor McCardle.

Airport Board:
Council approved the airport 2025 budget.

Apple Cup Cafe continues turkey day tradition with free turkey dinner

by Richard Uhlhorn

Ryan and Erin Petersen plus all of their sponsors and helpers are getting ready for the annual Apple Cup Café turkey dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Chelan Community Center.

The Petersen’s have gone through a rough year but continue to give back to the community they are members of.

**Apple Cup Cafe owners, Ryan and Erin Petersen.**

This year’s dinner will be served out of the Community Center’s banquet room. “There will be plenty of seating,” said Ryan Petersen. They will also deliver turkey dinners to those who can’t make it to the Community Center.

For those who want to enjoy dinner at the center, Petersen says to come to the front door where greeters will guide you to the banquet room. There is also a play area for little kids that will be available.

Vine Coffee owners Holly and Ryan Moody will also be open to serve guests. “It’s going to be weird but kinda cool too,” said Petersen

Preparing for the dinner is also a busy time. When I talked to Ryan, he was at Chelan High School slicing turkeys. “The Culinary Arts Director asked if we wanted to use his kitchen,” said Petersen. “I was able to bake 36 turkeys at a time. At the Eagles I was only able to bake 10 at a time.”

The Eagles was still involved in the preparation of the day by allowing the Petersen’s to keep the frozen turkey breasts in their freezer. “They continue to be a major contributor to this effort.”

The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the space at the Community Center and Franz Bakery is supplying the dinner rolls.

Of course it couldn’t happen without staff and volunteers. “Our staff is awesome,” Petersen said. Volunteers signed up on-line and that also worked well. “If someone wants to volunteer, just show and we will find a place for them.”

For dinner deliveries call 682-5000.

Chelan City Council approves one percent property tax hike

By Richard Uhlhorn

At its last current meeting, city council unanimously agreed to raise its property tax level by one percent as allowed by State law.

The increase represents an increase to $1,926,707 for the 2025 collection year. Resident Linda Sydowski asked if the city had ever considered freezing property tax increases for tow years like Chelan County. Finance director replied that the city is only allowed to raise its property tax rate by one percent per year.

MG Consulting – Records Management:
City Clerk Peri Gallucci introduced Megen Gregor who provided the city council with an update on the city’s efforts to digitize its public records and get rid of non-essential paper records. “We are up to speed on retention,” said Gregor.

The staff and Gregor have gone through 400 boxes of records so far, retained 22 boxes as historical keepers. The work has been accomplished with a $40,000 grant from the Washington State Archives organization. The city is going after another grant to continue the work.

“This city is amazing,” said Gregor. “Everyone Is so supportive to help make this happen.”

The city will continue to retain Gregor to assist each department with the organization’s digitization, transfer and disposition of paper and electronic records along with record management training.

Lakeside Park Grant:
“We are ready to accept this grant,” said Paul Horne, parks director. The Lakeside Park improvement grant has been in abeyance since 2020 when the rules for these grants changed at the federal level.

Jason Henry, principal with the Berger Partnership presented the major components of the grant which include a New Dock – Park Signage/Kiosks – New Playground – ADA trail enhancements – and Beach enhancements. The grant will also help with a new restroom.

“We are looking at getting into the permitting,” said Henry. The timeframe for this project is to wrap up permitting and Construction Drawings, bid and let the project this winter, with a spring of 2025 construction window of approximately six months.

The city’s match was $600,000 of the $1.4 million project. The RCO added another $100,000 to bring the match to $700,000.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked about the construction timeline. Horne replied that construction will take place starting this spring and running through the summer months, but added, “We have a plan for operating the park during construction.”

Prosecution Services:
The council unanimously approved the 2025 Chelan County Prosecution Services Agreement.

This agreement will increase from $275 per case to $300 per case or an estimated cost of $41,400 for the 2025 year. City Attorney Quentin Batjer reported that the new contract amount is roughly equivalent to what the City was paying 10 years ago.

Administrative Reports:
City Administrator Wade Farris brought the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society request to the council saying, “How much would it cost us. I don’t think we can afford it.” The Humane Society proposal for the next three years are for contracted costs through 2025 to 2027 as follows:

2025 – S64,600, 2026 – $66,538, and 2027 – $68534.

The interim director explained that the increase were due to inflation and additional safety measures for their animal control officers.

The Feral Cat Project had requested $10,000 from the city, but the staff recommended that the city treat the project as a service contract for the next three years at $5,000 per year. “Because their work covers the entire valley, the $5,000 can cover the work they do in the City.” The funding would come from the City’s General Fund.

The Lake Chelan Chamber Contract was discussed. Farris stated that the contract had been pushed out and requested that another three months were needed to bring the contract issue to a close.

The Chamber has been operating without a new contract for the past two years. The council has extended the old contract until the end of 2024 with the chamber having access to $700,000 each year for marketing purposes. In the past the city has given the chamber five year contracts. However, the chamber has not lived up to the contract criteria of giving specific accountability of how these dollars have been spent and where.

The city has created a Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce committee to review the upcoming Lodging Tax Fund agreement.

In addition to the contract negotiations, the Chamber has requested an additional $150,000 from the City for special events like Winterfest. Farris said the city needs to be more transparent with how these funds are used. Finance Director Jackie Tupling said the $150,000 would be a line item to be paid back in full by December 31. “They also have to provide to council how they are spending that money,” said Tupling.

Questions from the council continued the discussion. Terry Sanders asked how the $150,000 request compared to last year’s expenditure. “It’s hard to maintain.” McCardle replied that Leavenworth spent $1 million on their October Fest event. “It’s not a cheap venture. Tim Hollingsworth asked, “Is that what it costs? I’m curious to why the city will fund it as an event.” He added that it all seemed convoluted.

Hollingsworth went on to say, “What kind of advertising are they actually doing?” He wants to see a detailed report every quarter from the Chamber.

The City Council will be making decisions on the Chamber Lodging Tax Funding Agreement Extension and the Lodging Tax Fun Festival Support Memorandum of Understanding at its Tuesday, November 26 City Council meeting.

Agenda Bill No. 2012-073E

Agenda Bill No. 2012-073F

TIF (Tax Increment Financing) update:
Community Development Director John Ajax stated that the TIF district has gone up in value but that no significant construction has taken place. He also mentioned that the city continues to look for alternative funding sources for the East Chelan Water System project that includes a one million gallon reservoir that would provide secure water to the east Chelan area.

Ajax said the City has one more year after which the Planning Department will bring the issue back

The City continues negotiations with Emergency Service Providers to allow additional time to evaluate the potential impacts on service levels within the Tax Increment Area.

Facility conditions and needs assessment:
Chad Coltman, communications director, reported to the council that the City’s Facilities Assessment Project will evaluate and plan improvements to city owned buildings. A Request for Qualifications has been extended so the City can identify a firm to perform the assessments.

Rate and Fee Schedule updates:
Wade Farris notified the council that the City updates its rate and fee schedules to conform with inflation.

Both Public Works Director Jake Youngren and Parks Director Paul Horne went over their proposed increases. These increases can be reviewed at the following city web location:

Resolution No. 2024-14XX Rate and Fee (Amending Rate and Fee Resolution No. 2024-1440) – AB AB 2024-002C

Chelan Fire and Rescue looking to hire two more firefighters

by Richard Uhlhorn

Fire Department
Chelan Fire and Rescue wants to add two more career firefighters to their roster. “It doesn’t effect our budget if we were to hire two more firefighters,” Chief Brandon Asher said. He added that the department has more funds expected to come in.

**Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman and Fire Chief Brandon Asher requested that the commissioners approve the hiring of two new career firefighters at a cost of $300,000.**

Commissioner Russ Jones said he would rather wait one year before adding those firefighters, but both Commissioners Mark Donnell and Karyl Oules stated they would like to see the additional firefighters on staff in 2025. “I would like to see them hired in 2025,” said Donnell. “It’s the cost of doing business.”

**Commissioner Russ Jones wanted to delay the hiring until 2026 but both Mark Donnell and Karyl Oules want them to be hired in 2025.**

Chief Asher added that they would be able to help the department yearround. Donnell’s argument for the hires was the ability to provide the necessary fire service. “We also need to get them into the Fire Academy,” said Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman. Asher reiterated that the additions would provide service to the community and that it would reduce overtime hours being paid out.

Commissioner Karyl Oules said she would like to see the department move forward with the hiring.

Jones reminded them that a final decision on the budget was not made yet.

Fire chief report:

10/5/24 – Brush fire
10/9/24 – Structure fire in Manson
10/13/24 – Third alarm call for a brush fire in Squlchuck
10/14/24 – Motor vehicle rollover south side of Tunnel
10/19/24 – Brush fire in Manson

Asher reported that the Chelan Fire Protection Plan was still being updated. “It will open up high dollar grant opportunities,” said Asher.

Assistant chief report:
Chief Sherman reported that the Apple Cup burn on November 9 had just under 50 people involved. “It was a huge effort.” Sherman and Rayner Baker, Manson’s Training Officer work in conjunction to make sure the effort was successful. He thanked the commissioners for their support.

**Forty seven firefighters participated in the Apple Cup training burn on November 11.**

Asher remarked that a lot of residents came out to watch the event and Oules said she had talked to a lot of residents watching. “People were really positive,” she said. “It was a winner.”

Sherman recognized Belcher as his Incident Commander during the fire. “He performed admirably in that role,” said Sherman.

The two districts are looking to add a Volunteer Coordinator position. “I’ve had a meeting with Chief Baker and Rayner. We both have needs.” The volunteer coordinator position would open up a better level of training for the two districts.

“My goal is to open the door for what’s going to happen in the next several years,” said Sherman. “The doors not slammed shut with District 5 anymore.”

Firefighters Association:
Ron Simmons stated that the association raised $500 for the VFW from the burn. “Right now, we are

Unfinished business:
The Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) war between the fire district and city continues to be an issue. “What we are going to need is the ability to handle calls,” said Asher. The most recent mitigation proposal has the fire department amortizing calls to the TIF area for the past 25 years.

Jones asked if the property tax base would go back to the one percent at the end of the TIF. It was noted in the discussion that no one has put a legal challenge to a TIF. “I don’t want to see it get to that point,” said Asher.

The city would like to see the number of calls into the TIF area. “We have no information on this year, but it was about 20 over the past few years.”

MANSON COMMUNITY COUNCIL FILES FOR 501(c) 3 STATUS

by Richard Uhlhorn

At its monthly meeting the Manson Community Council members voted to move forward with securing 501 (c) 3 statue which will allow the council to seek grants and donations.

The council has struggled financially for years and obtaining 501(c) 3 status will be a major move forward. In conjunction with the decision for non-profit status the council also changed its bylaws.

The council currently has two open positions and individuals interested in serving have until November 30 to file applications of interest. The election will be held on Tuesday, December 17. “Currently we have two individuals interested in serving but we haven’t received their packets yet,” said Councilman Mike Kirk.

**Councilman Mike Kirk has been working with Vice Chair Chris Willoughby on the possibility of incorporation.**

“We also agreed to invite newly elected officials to our December meeting to discuss incorporation and hiring of a consultant,” said Kirk.

Manson community member Brian Patterson reported on a recent County Planning Commission meeting and its discussions regarding Short Term Rentals (STRs). Patterson told the council that a 9% cap on STRs is still in effect within the Manson Urban Growth Boundary and 6% is in effect outside the UGA in the communities zip code.

Currently the Council has three sitting members:
Chris Willoughby – Vice Chairman; Pam Calhoun – Secretary; and Mike Kirk.

The council members can be reached by Email at CommunityCouncilManson@gmail.com

A BITTERSWEET DAY AS ICONIC APPLE CUP BURNT TO THE GROUND

by Richard Uhlhorn

**Ryan Petersen, owner of the Apple Cup Cafe, comforts his Mother Diane Petersen as they watch the final moments of the old Apple Cup building destroyed along with many memories.**

Saturday’s controlled burn of the iconic Apple Cup building was a bittersweet day for the Petersen family.

“It was our first home in Chelan,” said a sad Diane Petersen. Larry and Diane purchased the building in 1996 and settled in to becoming restaurant owners, living in an apartment in the back of the building.

Over the years, the Apple Cup Café has served thousands of hungry customers and formed a loyal following, many of whom turned out to watch Chelan Fire and Rescue conduct a training session for firefighters from Chelan, Manson, Orondo, Entiat and Waterville. “It is an important training ground for us,” said Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman.

**Lt. Jones- left, Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman, Fire Chief Brandon Asher and Apple Cup owner Ryan Petersen confer during the training exercise.**

Chelan Fire Chief Brandon Asher said, “Shawn did an outstanding job conducting this training. He had help from Manson’s Training Officer, Ranor Baker,” stated Baker. Asher said he told Sherman that the operation was all his to conduct.

Firefighters drag charged fire hose into the building while a firefighting team wait their turn at fighting an interior fire..

Firefighters spent several days preparing for the burn, installing over 200 pallets to help. Firefighters went inside and started fires in each of nine areas for training purposes until Sherman handed Ryan Petersen a lit flare to throw into building starting the final burn.

**Inside firefighters were confronted with real fire to learn new skills. Photo by Firefighter**

As the fire began to rage, firefighters used various water hoses to keep the surrounding area cool and to prevent the fire from spreading beyond the building’s footprint

**Ryan Petersen threw the last fire stick into the burning building.**

Learning the ins-and-outs of battling structure fires is an important function for firefighters to learn. The Petersen’s donation of the building provided regional districts an actual structure within close proximity to other structures gain knowledge for battling future events.

**Over 45 personnel took part in this training exercise.**

**Ryan Petersen joined the firefighters for an official photograph.**

Over 45 personnel were involved in this training and hundred’s of residents turned out to watch the iconic building go down in flames to be resurrected as a new café in approximately one year.

After the burn was completed, the Petersen’s fired up the BBQ and fed all the firefighters and others who wished to eat hamburgers and hotdogs with chips and drinks.

In the meantime, the Apple Cup Café lives at the Lake Chelan Community Center on Bighorn Way. They are open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. serving up customer’s favorite dishes. “We aren’t making any money, but we are keeping staff employed,” said Petersen in an earlier interview.

The Petersen’s also plan on continuing the annual Thanksgiving Day feast they have become famous for. More information on that event will be forthcoming.

Up in flames… the iconic Apple Cup building burns to the ground Saturday

by Richard Uhlhorn

Apple Cup Café building burn:
A piece of Chelan History will burn to the ground beginning Saturday morning, November 8 and like Phoenix rising, a new Café will rise in its place by late 2025 to early 2026.

**The Apple Cup Cafe building will become a major training ground for Chelan and other regional firefighters on Saturday morning, November 8.**

The Apple Cup Café has been an iconic stop for residents and travelers since 1957. Renamed from the original Snack Shack, the Apple Cup name is in honor of the Apple Cup Hydroplane Races that took place in Chelan in 1957 to 1960.

The Petersen family have owned the café since 1996 and is now in the hands of Ryan and Erin Petersen.

A March 2024 fire destroyed the back end of the building, but the smoke damage was significant throughout the building. It was determined that rebuilding the original site was not advised, so the Petersen’s hired and architect to design a new building.

“I wanted to go big,” laughed Ryan. “I wanted to seat up to 300 people, but then I came to my senses.” The new building will be similar to the old footprint.

Throughout this week, the building has been prepared for a Chelan Fire and Rescue training fire which will give the district’s and other district firefighters a valuable education in fighting structural fires.

**The iconic Apple Cup sign has been removed and will be stored until it can be re-installed when the new building is constructed.**

“People only wanted two things saved from the old building site… the mural and sign,” said Ryan. The mural was chopped out of the building in pieces on Wednesday and the sign was taken down on Thursday.

Petersen said the mural will become a series of art pieces for the new building and the sign will be back in its spot when the new building is ready.

Saturday Fire

Chelan Fire and Rescue will be on scene at 7:30 a.m. in preparation for the fire

The first lighting will be around 8:30 a.m. according to Ryan Petersen. The second lighting to finish off the building will be between 10 and 11 a.m.

There will be designated areas to watch and the Apple Cup will offer free/donation hamburgers during the event.

The Washington State Patrol or other designated traffic control will route vehicle traffic around the site.

“I think we will be pretty overwhelmed,” said Petersen

Non-profits request $312,320 from city

by Richard Uhlhorn

The city invited other non-profit organizations who didn’t make the initial cut for Community Benefit Funds to present their needs for 2025. With benefit funds of $111,000 already allocated for the 2025 budget, these requests, if approved, would be funded out of either the Housing Fund or Tourism dollars.

Currently the city’s housing fund only has $170,000 and the Tourism Fund is at $5 million plus.

**Jackie Tupling**
**Chelan Finance Director**

When added up, the requests equal $312,320 as follows:

Chelan Valley Feral Cat Project $ 10,000
Chelan Valley Housing Trust $100,000
Heritage Heights $ 16,400
Lake Chelan School District $ 30,000
Lake Chelan Habitat for Humanity $105,920
911 Glass Rescue $ 50,000

Jackie Tupling said that Chelan has received only $15,000 from the State for housing.

Erin McCardle stated that those funds could also be used for capital projects. “It takes a very long time to fill that fund back up. That’s something to think about.”

Tupling stated that the Lookout provides $1,000 for every new home sold to the city’s housing fund.

Feral Cat Project:
April Leaf and Wendy Isenhart presented the case for continued funding for the feral cat project. The project has been successful in trapping feral cats and Leaf reported that 286 cats have been helped.

**Feral cat director April Leaf and volunteer Wendy Isenhart**

The $10,000 requested is $5,000 more than the city granted the project for 2024. The project has received $7,496 in private donations. This year $12,000 has been spent on veterinarian services and another $320 on administrative services. It costs $450 to neuter a male cat and $200 to spay a female cat.

Communications Director Chad Coltman asked how many cats have been helped specifically in Chelan and whether or not Chelan County provides any funding for the project. Leaf replied that the cats are trapped throughout the valley and that the county doesn’t provide any funding.

Housing Trust:
Executive Director Scott Meyers of the Chelan Valley Housing Trust stated that the city has provided funding in the past and he wants to see those grants continue. “Our goal is to build homes for wage earners,” said Meyers

The request for $100,000 would help support the organization’s operational costs, landscaping costs at Harbor Meadows and $20,000 for its operations budget.

Heritage Heights:
Heritage Heights requested $16,400 from the city for WiFi connections, telephone system, purchase of computers and printers and three new wireless access points in the facility.

**Heritage Heights Melissa Robbins and the new CEO, Joel.**

Melissa Robbins explained that the non-profit has an all-volunteer board. “The city has been a contributor to this project in the past. Our building is old and has bad WiFi. We have a lot of things that are not normal,” said Robbins.

Lake Chelan School District:
Superintendent Brad Wilson and the district are requesting $30,000 to improve ballfields and gymnasium surfaces. Wilson remarked that the softball and baseball fields are used for tournaments before Memorial Day and after Labor Day and provide a number of overnight stays by parents and teams.

**Chelan School Superintenent Brad Wilson**

These programs denote overnight stays; Chelan youth wrestling, youth fastpitch; Kahiau Volleyball Club; baseball; basketball; Babe Ruth baseball and Bachfest. Other programs supported by the district include FC youth soccer; Valleywinds Musicians; Adult pickleball and tennis and Thrive.

Mayor McCardle asked if this request was a one-off request or a recurring one. Wilson replied that if they can get the community fields in shape it would result in a lot less requests from the city. She asked about the gymnasiums and Wilson said the funding would help pay for resurfacing of the Community Gym.

Habitat for Humanity:
Michelle Fanton, executive director of Habitat, is requesting $105,920 to continue providing homes for families who qualify. “We have served 17 families with homes. These homes fall within 30% of their incomes,” she said. All prospective families must be from Chelan.

**Michelle Fanton – Habitat executive director**

The organization is highly dependent on volunteer labor and the funding is also provided by the Habitat store. City funding would help Habitat keep neighborhoods clean and revitalized, expand homeowner education, staff time to develop other sources of funding, help pay for infrastructure reimbursements to offset the costs of development at Pumpkin Lane in Chelan.

911 Glass Rescue:
Julie McCoy said the $50,000 requested would help the glass recycling get back into operation by early 2025.

**911 Glass Rescue representative**
**Julie McCoy**

Mayor McCardle stated that the request might have to wait until the 2026 budget process. McCoy stated that the organization needed to have it considered in the 2025 budget so the program could move forward.

Chelan lost its glass recycling when the recycling center burned down.

Requests:
All of the above requests will be discussed and decided on prior to the final budget hearings.

Manson community forum offers new insights to potential projects

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chris Willoughby, Manson Community Council, opened the October 15 Community Forum telling the 40 attendees that the Council will be looking for several new council members this year. “It is a lot of work for a volunteer position,” said Willoughby.

**Chris Willoughby – vice chair of the Manson Community Council introduced the forum’s topics.**

Manson School District report:
Superintendent Tabitha Mires, told the audience that Manson’s School District face a financial crisis, but have overcome the issue and have now balanced the budget.

**Manson School Superintendent Tabitha Mires**

She came into the district from Waterville on July 1 and helped balance the budget. Stating that the district’s financial path was not sustainable and the school faced the possibility of state oversight which was unacceptable to her.

The district is working on a five year strategic plan that will keep the financial issues in the positive. “We have a lot of exciting work ahead. We will be reaching out to the community,” she said.

The biggest issue facing the district is declining enrollment because of a lack of affordable housing. “It has a big impact on Manson Schools.”

For Chelan County Commissioner

Northshore Pathway:
Riley Shewak from the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council gave a brief overview of the proposed Northshore Pathway from Manson to Chelan.

**Riley Shewak – Chelan/Douglas Transportation Council updated Northshore Pathway news.**

Shewak stated that the council was in the process of identifying 10 member board to set regional transportation policies. “Think of us as the facilitators,” he said. “We are trying to identify pathways on four different corridors.

The council will be focusing on the pathway from Rocky Point west to Manson. The pathway to the east from Rocky Point will be handled by the City of Chelan.

A recent survey had 250 respondents, but there will be public engagement meetings to explore pathway options which might include alternative routes to get around Rocky Point. “We are early in the process.”

An attendee asked if the County would use eminent domain and was told that eminent domain will not be used.

Another resident asked if there were federal funds available and was told there was.

Northshore Pathway History:
The Northshore Pathway was a priority project for the Lake Chelan Trails Association. JAO Consultants, led by Jennifer Olson, prepared a detailed feasibility study that is currently in the hands of Chelan City Public Works and Chelan County’s Natural Resources Department.

Chelan County Public Works report:
Eric Pierson, PE, updated the community on ongoing projects. Pierson informed the residents that the Totem Pole Road project was still on the books, but that the estimated cost of $5 million has increased to $8 or $9 million and that the department was seeking the funding to do the project.

“We are hoping to secure a grant from the transportation council,” said Pierson. The project will be done in two phases with the first phase starting in 2026. The County will be holding an open house to give more detail to the public.

**Chelan County Engineer Eric Pierson.**

Pierson also mentioned a bicycle paths project in hopes of getting residents out of their vehicles. “The roads in Manson are narrow.”

Washington State Department of Transportation:
The two representatives from the Wenatchee Department of Transportation didn’t have much to report. They are apparently looking at left hand turn lanes on the Manson highway and other safety concerns between Manson and Chelan.

At the end of the meeting, Willoughby asked those in attendance if they would like to see the forums continue. Everyone replied in the positive. Willoughby said the Manson Community Council was looking at holding three forums a year.

Manson Community Council holds its meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at the Manson Parks Building at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.