Out of the disastrous March 24 fire that damaged one of Chelan’s iconic restaurants, the Apple Cup Café, a new Apple Cup is emerging, albeit in a different location for the time being.
Ryan Peterson and his wife Erin have entered into a rental agreement with the Community Center for a takeout food service. “Seventy percent of this effort is to keep my staff employed,” said Ryan. “The other 30 percent is so I can have my chicken fried steak.”
The Peterson’s hope the new takeout Café will thrive until they are able to rebuild the new Apple Cup Café at its old location on upper Woodin Avenue.
The Peterson’s used the Community Center’s commercial kitchen to conduct a pancake feed for the graduating class at Chelan High School which led to an agreement with the board of directors and Maribel Cruz, the executive director to rent the kitchen for business.
This coming Friday morning, the new Apple Cup will be open for on-line and telephone orders from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. According to Ryan, the menu will be limited, but he is in hopes that his loyal customers and others will take advantage of this new enterprise.
“It’s new for us. We will be doing just takeout from the Center. We will play it by ear.”
Customers will be able to call in or order OnLine, and then pick up their meal on the way to work or eat it outside at some picnic tables. “There will be no service,” said Ryan.
“Our No. 1 priority is customer service. It is going to be interesting,” Ryan added. “We have no expectations going in.” His kitchen staff will provide breakfast and lunch items. “We have plans on introducing some new items when we get up and running.” One new item an Apple Cup Smash Burger. A smash burger is where the meat is smashed on a hot grill searing the outside and locking the flavor and juices inside.
The breakfast menu will have fresh orange juice. “We mostly use Navel oranges, but when they are not available, we switch to Valencia oranges,” said Ryan.
Peterson’s goal is to stay at the Community Center until the new restaurant is open for business.
The Peterson’s, based on advice from contractors who have looked at refurbishing the old building, decided it would be less expensive to level the old and build a new diner. “With all the new codes and regulations, restoring the old building doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
They are already working with an architect in Wenatchee and promise that the new restaurant will retain the diner feel.
“We are hoping to get some work on the new building this fall,” said Ryan.
In the meantime, the new Apple Cup will operate from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday. To order, call 509-682-5000 or go online at applecupcafe.com.
A number of projects were highlighted at the Manson Community Forum held at the Grange Hall on Tuesday, June 18. Ninety three people were in attendance to hear from the Manson Chamber of Commerce, Manson Parks Department, Manson Community Council and Chelan County Fire District No. 5.
Ninety three Manson residents attended the Manson Community Forum on June 18.
Manson Community Council Vice Chairman Chris Willoughby moderated the Forum. Willoughby is also a District 5 Fire Commissioner and a candidate for the open County Commission seat.
Chris Willoughby, moderator for the evening and vice chairman of the Manson Community Council told those in attendance, “I hope this meeting works for you.” He added that there would be another community meeting in the Fall.
As a candidate for Chelan County Commissioner, Chirs Willoughby graciously gave his three opponents an opportunity to talk.
Brant Cappell, a former staff assistant for Representative Keith Goehner is also a candidate for Chelan County Commissioner.
First up was Brandt Cappell. Cappell has been Representative Keith Goehner’s staff assistant told the audience that he wants to make sure that “we have good representation with the county.”
Retired developer Flint Hartwig stated that he wants to get the County’s essential services done. “I want to get stuff done… get stuff built… fix the potholes… roads, the essential services of Government. “I am very heartened to see you all showing up,” said Hartwig. “I mean that.”
Senator Brad Hawkins said he will bring a lot of experience to the table. “I want a balanced budget and reduced wildfire risk,” said Hawkins. He also stated that it was awesome that Chris Willoughby allowed them some time to speak.
Flint Hartwig is a retired developer running to Chelan County Commission.
Senator Brad Hawkins, is also a candidate for Chelan County Commissioner.
Chris Willoughby informed the audience that he grew up as a farm kid and is stlll an apple orchardist. “I’m community first,” said Willoughby. He added that it is important to confront the issues at hand like the failing agriculture business in the Valley.
Chris Willoughby, a Manson Apple Grower and community advocate is also running for the Commission seat.
Fire District No. 5: Chief Arnold Baker stated that the Pioneer Fire currently burning up lake is a little bit concerning. He mentioned that the Incident Command has heavy equipment reinforcing Grade Creek and opening up old fire breaks from Coyote Ridge all the way down to Lake Chelan. “This fire is going to be here all summer,” said Baker. His concern is a wind event that spots the fire towards Manson.
“In 2002 we had the Deer Point Fire and in 2001 the Rex Creek Fire.” The Deer Point Fire threatened Manson and Rex Creek Fire where the Pioneer fire is currently burning, burnt 60,000 acres.
The 2001 Rex Creek Fire where the Pioneer Fire is currently burning, burnt 60,000 acres before winter set in. The Pioneer Fire is burning deadfall from that fire. Photo by Richard Uhlhorn from Junior Point.
“My job is to plan for the worst,” said Baker. “We are in the planning phase.” Baker went on to say later in the presentation that Manson has lost its green belt to housing developments.
2024 Levy: Baker told the audience that the 2014 Levy is expiring at the end of the year. Property owners are paying $.89 per Thousand and that with the increase in Manson’s property values, the District will be asking for $.75/$1000.
Manson’s fire district is completely volunteer based with only three paid positions. “We are not going to stop recruiting,” said Baker. Six to seven volunteers are still in training to become certified. The District also has some younger volunteers who are interested in Fire as a Career Path.
Fire Chief Arnold Baker
The District is in the process of building an 8,000 sq. ft. Training Facility which will include a residency program. “We’ve already got districts wanting to be a part of the residency program.”
Foundation permit applications are in to the County and Baker hopes to begin construction next spring. The training center will train firefighters how to fight structural fires and wildland fires. Baker also remarked that Chelan and Manson are training together. “The good old days are back when we can work together.”
The District and Hospital/EMS provide Advanced Life Support and the fire department is certified to transport victims
The new Levy will be on the August ballot. The levy that is retiring was a 10-year levy, but Baker said the new levy will be permanent. “I can’t tell you how to vote,” said Baker, but a loss at the polls would cost the District approximately $400,000. “That is going to hurt.”
Manson Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber is operating with nine board members and is looking for more volunteers to carry out their mission.
The Manson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Executive Director Timi Starkweather.
Executive Director Timi Starkweather stated that she is excited about how the Chamber is going to grow. Projects the Chamber is working on includes
Painting the downtown light posts
Developing pocket parks
“We’ve partnered with Wapato Point for pickleball,” said Bill Swayne. “We really want to build that into a National event.” The last event had 160 to 200 players but the Chamber is hoping to build the event to 300 to 500.
More information is available at https//mansonchamber.com. The Chamber is open from 9 to 5, Monday through Friday and then from 8 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday.
Manson Parks: Robin Pittman, director of Manson Parks began her presentation with weekly events that take place. The department has an AAU program for baseball, basketball, T-Ball and soccer.
Manson Park Director Robin PIttman.
Pittman detailed the department’s big upcoming projects which include the new bathroom at Willow Point, the Dog Park at the Old Swim Hole which is fully funded. This project will also include a non-motorized dock for kayaks and canoes and a board walk from Park to Park. “This is funded through the Public Power Benefit Fund,” said Pittman. The cost is $1.3 million dollars. This project has to be completed by 2025.
The department has brought back lifeguards at the Manson Bay Park. “We are the only swimming area that has lifeguards in the Lake Chelan Valley.
The Chelan Swim Foundation offers free swimming lessons because of generous donations from the public. “It’s brought to you by you guys,” stated Pittman.
Leffler Field was jointly purchased by Manson Parks and the Manson School District. “We are looking at buying the School District out,” said Pittman. “That will free us up for more grants,” She added. The cost for the buyout is $575,000.
The field has a lead/arsenic which will be capped. Two development plans were offered at the meeting for attendees to participate by putting colored dots on what they liked. LINK Transit has proposed building a transit center at the property.
Old Mill Park “We are working with the PUD on several projects at Old Mill Park,” Pittman said. One of those projects is the development of a swimming area. Pittman noted that they can’t keep people out.
Wapato Lake Campground: The department also takes care of the campground at Wapato Lake.
Pittman thanked everyone for passing the Park’s levy. “It’s the barebones things that are important,” she said.
Homeowner Insurance Issues: Chelan Fire & Rescue followed up on the suggestion from the State Insurance Commissioner’s office that the only way to change criteria on the way home owners insurance ratings are accomplished was to go through a legislative process.
Homeowners throughout the State are suffering from either cancellation or large increases in their home owners insurance
The District commissioners and administration immediately set up a meeting with State Representatives Michael Steele and Keith Goehner along with State Senator Brad Hawkins.
Commissioner Russ Jones opened the meeting by telling the State Representatives, “We need a lot of help from you guys.”
The issue is how the current insurance companies are approaching wildfire risk assessments that include wholesale Zip Code exclusions on whether or not to cancel and/or increase a home owner’s policy. Jone’s stated that both Chelan 7 and District 5 would like to see the insurance companies assess individual properties for risk. Jones told the them if legislation was crafted right, it could be beneficial.
Many home owners have expressed concern about the ability to even sell their property when no insurance is available for the buyer.
Hawkins replied that passing any kind of legislation is hard. “We can pre-file new bills as early as December so they are ready to go in January.”
Senator Brad Hawkins
Representative Keith Goehner
Goehner stated that the issue is very troubling to him. He talked about insurance companies risk assessing properties in one batch from Leavenworth to Stevens Pass. “There is a wide variety of properties where the risk isn’t that great,” said Goehner. “What is the real level of risk,” he asked?
Goehner went on to state that insurance companies have had some huge payouts. (the 2014 Carlton Complex had 365 homes destroyed.). “Any legislation pretty much has to be statewide. Representatives will be sensitive to their own area. We are going to have to have a more in depth conversation.”
Representative Michael Steele
“There are a lot of different insurance companies,” stated Steele. He brought up risk maps and wondered what a risk map of the entire state would look like. “We have a motivation…. There has been a giant swing in costs.” Steele added that the representatives have a lot of work to do to prepare a draft bill by December.
Jones said he was aware of the consequences. “I know that this isn’t going to happen overnight, but we have the obligation to try.”
Goehner asked about other states. Fire Chief Brandon Asher replied that he didn’t have all the details but there is a rumor that Oregon is preventing insurance companies from using a map.
Hawkins said bringing a bill forward sometimes results in positive things happening. “The insurance lobbyists are powerful,” said Hankins, adding that insurance companies try to recoup their costs the only way they can.
Goehner stated that the only way insurance companies can identify risk is be hardening. Asher replied that Chelan Fire & Rescue is always available for home inspections. He brought up the work that has been completed in Union Valley to keep fire from structures like homes.
Commissioner Mark Donnell said Union Valley where he lives has followed the DNR Fire Wise program but said they weren’t getting recognized. “What is hard… we are not being recognized,” he stated. “I’m doing all I can. Whatever insurance companies want, we would do,” he added.
Goehner said that Fire Wise was considered not effective and is not recognized.
Jones said the district was three weeks into this issue and that the items the representatives brought up were helpful. Asher said the current wildland map was way off. “We are coming up with a way more detailed map,” said Asher. He added that wildland/urban interface fire fighting capabilities is being evaluated.
Lisa Garvich asked how banks reacted when a home owners insurance is cancelled. Jones replied that the State has to satisfy insurance with banks, so homeowners are covered.
Goehner said the legislative staff has to immediately begin to work on what needs to be in the draft legislation.
Hawkins suggested that the Fire Districts ask the candidates running for Insurance Commissioner the questions. “Ask them the questions.” Steele added that they should be a part of the conversation.
The insurance issue will continue to be a hot topic amongst property owners and agencies responsible for protecting that property. Fire District No. 6 and No. 5 will continue to address the issue and try to force some reasonable changes to the criteria insurance companies use to assess fire risks with home owners.
The Pioneer Fire looking up-lake on June 16..
In other business: Chelan Fire and Rescue responded to 88 calls in May. They have also sent personnel out on State Mobilizations. The District’s fire and rescue boat is deployed to the Pioneer Fire.
Backup in the lower Wapato Basin for any on water emergency will be handled by the Sheriff’s Department. Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman has put his personal boat into service with rescue gear on board.
Tuesday – 6.18.24 The visiting Paraglider pilots competing in the OZONE Chelan Open through Friday will continue to fly a variety of aerial tasks starting from the top of Chelan Butte. Look to the sky between noon and 1 p.m. to see the gaggle form above the Butte before the start of each day’s task set forth by the organizer.
At 6 p.m. there will be a major meeting of organizations and agencies at Manson’s Grange Hall. This community forum will include representatives from the Manson Community Council, Manson Parks, Manson Chamber of Commerce and Chelan County Fire District No. 5. The hope is that the community will be able to come together and have more of a say in what happens. Councilmember and Fire Commissioner Chris Willoughby (candidate for Chelan County Commissioner Position 3) will moderate.
A public meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday June 18 at the North Cascades National Park Golden West Visitor Center near Stehekin to discuss and update the community on the Pioneer Fire burning south of the community.
A great place to grab a beer and food.
Paddle boards are available from Lakerider Sports in Don Morse Park
Wednesday – 6.19.24 A major meeting concerning the disturbing increase and, in some cases, cancellation of homeowners insurance will take place at the Chelan Fire Hall beginning at 3 p.m. This meeting brings State Representatives Michael Steele and Keith Goehner to discuss how the State Legislature can bring change to the way the insurers decide on massive rate increases and/or cancellations.
Thursday – 6.20.24 It is Ladies Night at Lakeside Surf. Lakeside Surf General Information. Spectators are always free. It is a great spot to get an early morning coffee from the Vine Coffee Kiosk and watch the dawn patrol surf the largest standing wave in the United States. Lunch is available at the Taco Truck and Two-Can Jenny’s offers soft drinks and beer. No Cash accepted…only Cards.
Ladies night a Lakeside Surf
Friday – 6.21.24 The annual Lake Chelan Art Show begins in Riverwalk Park and will continue through Sunday, June 23. The OZONE Chelan Open Paragliding Competition ends.
Saturday – 6.22.24 The U.S. Open of Paragliding begins with a practice day on Saturday with the professional competition beginning on Sunday, June 23 through Friday, June 28. This year’s annual competition has 128 pilots confirmed from 24 different countries. US Open of Paragliding – 2024 (airtribune.com)
Cycle Chelan begins at 8 a.m. from Don Morse Park as bicyclist ride out to their chosen ride.
The annual Rotary event, Cycle Chelan begins at 8 a.m. as hundreds of cyclists hit the roads in and around Chelan, Manson and the South Shore. Be aware and careful while driving.
Other fun stuff: Just visiting Chelan for some well earned vacation time. Check out these amenities that make memories while you visit:
State Representative’s Michale Steele and Keith Goehner will be attending the Chelan Fire Commission meeting on Wednesday, June 19 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Chelan Fire Hall.
They will be discussing the next steps in the Homeowner’s Insurance Issue.
In a conversation with Commissioner Russ Jones on Thursday, Jone’s said most of the attendees of the meeting held last Tuesday had either had their home insurance cancelled and/or the price increased substantially. “It seems the insurers have been cancelling by Zip Code,” said Jones.
What Jones and homeowners would like to see changed in the Washington State Insurance Codes is a requirement for insurers to individually assess a homeowner’s risk to wildfire before raising fees and/or cancelling a homeowner’s policy outright.
Insurance companies had to pay out millions of dollars in the aftermath of the 2014 Carleton Wildfire risk is on their risk assessment agenda.
Wildfire risk is also on the public’s agenda and major impetus is being placed by Fire agencies to make sure homeowner’s are prepared and Fire Safe.
PIONEER FIRE UPDATE – 6.14.24 The Pioneer Fire has grown to 1,756 acres as of today.
Firefighter access difficulties in the steep, rugged terrain on the north shore of Lake Chelan, 31 miles north of Chelan continue to challenge the 186 firefighting personnel battling the blaze.
Firefighters are maintaining handlines and sprinkler systems to protect both private and public structures from Rex Creek to Pioneer Creek. Six aircraft are assigned to support the firefighting efforts.
Wind and a cold front with low humidity has been a major contributor to the fire’s growth.
The Incident Commander has stated that this fire will be an on-going battle into the distant future.
It is burning well within the confines of the old July, 2001 Rex Creek fire that consumed 60,000 acres and left plenty of dry logs and fuel to reburn.
2001 Rex Creek Fire
Some are now saying it will burn until the first snow in November.
Chelan County Emergency Management has expanded its evacuation levels as follows:
Level 3 – Rex Creek to just north of Moore Point.
Level 2 – To include Flick Creek
Backpackers still wishing to hike the Lakeshore Trail can access the trail at Moore Point.
More information as it the fire situation becomes available.
Pioneer Fire update -June 12 The Pioneer Fire 31 miles up-lake from Chelan grew to 1,172 acres after a cold front moved in and contributed to its rapid growth.
Four aircraft and 164 personnel are now assigned to the blaze in steep, rugged land that has dry, dead and downed logs from old fires. According to the incident team, this fire may burn for a long time into the future. NOTE: In July 2001, the Rex Creek Fire burned 60,000 acres.
The incident team is working with private and federal stakeholders to protect assets. Handlines are being cut along the Lakeshore Trail which is closed from Prince Creek to Moore Point. Backpackers can access the trail at Moore Point for the hike into Stehekin.
Home Insurance cancellations: David Forte, a senior policy advisor with Legislative Affairs Division of the Washington State Insurance Commision, told a large group attending a meeting held at both District 6 and District 5 Fire Stations and on ZOOM, that insurers look a fire load and the structural content of the outside of each building. “They are looking at how likely the home is to ignite,” Forte told the crowd assembled at District 6. “They are looking at both the load and structure fire risks to determine if they want to cover the property or not,” he added.
A number of concerned citizens attended a meeting at Chelan Fire District to hear from a representative of the Washington State Insurance Commission.
Brandt Cappell, a candidate for Tiffany Gearing’s County Commission seat, told the audience that the insurance issue is a statewide issue.
One homeowner said, “Can you imagine trying to sell your house and can’t because insurers won’t insure it. This issue is so important to all of us.”
At this juncture, it looks like any relief from insurers will have to go through the Washington State Legislative path.
Chelan City Council discusses use of remaining ARPA funds: City Administrator Wade Farris opened a second discussion concerning the use of the remaining $233,000 of ARPA funds for the Boys and Girls Club at the Lake Chelan Community Center.
City Administrator explained the need to allocate the remaining ARPA funds before the end of the year. Once allocated to a project, the City has up to two years to implement.
Finance Director Jackie Tupling said that $225,000 to the Boys and Girls Club, if approved by Council at its next Council meeting, could only be used for tangible items. “None of those funds ar obligated,” she said. However, she added that the rest of the ARPA funds need to be obligated by the end of 2024.
The Boys and Girls Club have become the Community Center’s anchor client and will pay $8,000 per month ($96,000 per year) on their lease of 10,000 sq. ft. at the Center.
Councilman Brad Chitty, who has worked with the Boys & Girls Club in the past, stated that he feels the funds should come out of the General Fund and initially only be for $100,000 to get them started and that they should look for corporate sponsors. Any funds approved by the Council will be on a reimbursement basis. Chitty said, “I am 100 percent behind the Boys & Girls Club,” said Chitty. “It is a great thing for the community.”
Farris replied to Chitty’s remarks saying that the ARPA funds are available on a reimbursement basis and that this is a great way “for us to support the Community Center.”
Farris added that this funding would help serve a large portion of the community by giving parents a place to take their children before and after school while they were still at work.
Mayor McCardle added it was a way for the City to help the Community Center organization get started. She mentioned ARPA funds that have been used by the Food Bank.
Councilman Mark Ericks asked what the redirection of those funds would mean to the Anderson Road Project. Farris replied that the $200,000 ARPA funding attached to the Anderson Road project was there just in case the project ran over the dedicated $700,000.
Councilman Bob Goedde stated he was all for helping the underprivileged children in the Valley and this would better serve them.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “I don’t want the City on the hook for $96,000 a year. The more we know about it the better. It is a lot of money.”
Adam Rynd spoke to Hollingsworth’s concerns. “I sit on the board at the Community Center and we have already secured private donations.” Rynd stated the Center will continue to seek more funding through private donations and grants.
Ericks stated that he is a big supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs but is concerned about on-going expenses. “Somebody has to talk about on-going expenses,” said Ericks. “How are they going to sustain it.”
Watershed meeting: Water rights for Lake Chelan are still being processed. Nine more water right applications have been released. It is apparently taking a month to process each water right.
Mike Kaputa stated that when Chelan’s, the Reclamation’s and County’s applications come up for review they will all be fighting for the scraps. As soon as Ecology is finished in the Chelan basin, Kaputa hopes they will jump on to the Entiat watershed. “I would like to see them focus on Entiat. It is the third largest watershed in the County,” said Kaputa.
The Lake Chelan Research Institute under Phil Long continues to perform water monitoring, particularly on the near shore. The LCRI has been funded by the PUD for three years for these monitoring efforts.
Residents living on the lake continually ask Long how they get rid of the algae growing on their docks and bulkheads. Long suggested power washing and scrapping. A test site has apparently been scrapped and will be monitored to see if the algae re-grows.
The Eurasian Milfoil invasion has grown from a measly 12 acres several years ago to 400 acres now. Methods to remove it include DASH (diver assisted airlift process) which has been estimated at up to $9 million dollars to remove the milfoil and Curly Pond Weed.
Long explained to the group that the PUD only lowered the water level to 1089 feet above sea level this year which didn’t expose the invasive milfoil and curly pond weed to freezing. “We need a management plan to get funding,” said Long.
Lake Chelan’s DDT Levels are the highest in the nation and more work on this issue is needed. The DDT levels in Lake Trout have that species listed at risk for consumption.
Boat inspections continue to be conducted at Lake Chelan’s five boat launch areas; Mill Bay, Chelan, PUD Launch, State Park and 25-Mile Creek. Steven Lasky is managing that program and Kaputa told him he appreciated the way he is handling the job. The program has six inspectors working.
Bull Trout: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service are apparently working on their final draft regarding the re-introduction of Bull Trout to Lake Chelan tributaries.
Kaputa is following up on this major issue. Bull Trout are an endangered species and if re-introduced to the tributaries, it will forever change the sport fishery on Lake Chelan. Some local fishing guides say it would kill sport fishing in the Valley.
Townhall meeting will take place in Manson on Tuesday, June 18 at the Grange Hall in Manson. This meeting will bring together Manson Community Council, Manson Chamber of Commerce, Manson Park’s District and District 5 Fire District to get input from the community on how they can all work together to get Manson issues resolved.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with Council member Chris Willoughby modertating.
The rolling hills of the Lake Chelan Valley used to be full of apple orchards. Today, as growers fail due to increasing growing costs, regulations and other forces, the orchards are taken out and replaced with subdivisions, vineyards and wineries.
by Richard Uhlhorn
AGRITOURISM “The apple industry has been in trouble in the Lake Chelan Valley for the past several years,” said real estate broker, Bob Knauss of New Horizon’s Real Estate. “The problem is that everyone is getting a paycheck except for the grower.”
Several growers in the Manson Project that I’ve talked to have either received a bill from their warehouse or just haven’t made any money from their crops over the past several years.
All of this can be attributed to rising labor costs, declining returns on investment, more regulations like overtime requirement for ag. workers, and a declining environment for small scale operations.
This raises the obvious question; Is farming, as in growing apples, sustainable in the Lake Chelan Valley and can agritourism be the savoir of what remains of what once was one of the World’s best apple growing regions? The answer is probably not!
paid advertisement
The City of Chelan has been struggling to update its Agritourism Code to allow growers to remain in business.
The entire subject of Chelan’s agritourism code came up when developer Tim McDonald’s Bluewater Terrace application to develop 20 homestays, an event center and winery with production facilities on family property utilizing the City’s current agritourism code.
McDonald, who claims that he was led to believe over the past seven years that his application would be approved had the rug pulled out from under him when the Chelan County Hearing Examiner ruled that his 20-homestay proposal on his application would not be allowed, but that he would be allowed to construct his winery and event center.
The proposed 20 homestay units was the monetary grease that would allow McDonald to move forward with the project. However, the old orchard land which was annexed into the City as a potential residential subdivision has no current agriculture on it. McDonald wanted to plant five acres of grapes to meet the agritourism code.
In meetings that has included the public, Planning Commission and City Council, John Ajax, current Community Development Director, has been seeking input to help rewrite the agritourism code in hopes of retaining agriculture in the City.
The input has not been helpful. Having discussed the issue with several old orchardists, one current grower, a Planning Commissioner, a past City Councilmember and John Ajax, himself, a code change allowing a more agreeable code to help preserve orchards is probably a non-starter to helping preserve small orchard plots, particularly when the land, according to Olson is much more valuable as real estate.
The retired growers, Mark Gores and Harold Schell, both stated that it costs upwards of $250+ per bin of apples delivered to a warehouse. If the variety being delivered is not making money, the grower comes away from a year of expenses without anything in his/her pocket.
The reality is that within the confines of the City and UGA, there are only 300 acres of orchard left and depending on what variety the grower is producing, these orchards may disappear in favor of the real estate value of the land.
Regardless of what the Planning Department does, they have until the Comprehensive Plan update to consider killing it, writing a new code for agritourism, or just leaving the current code alone.
Artificial Intelligence: “Our priority is getting more engagement from the Community,” said Mayor McCardle. “This platform will make it easier to go out to the community.”
She introduced the representative from Fulcrum Management Solutions who made a presentation to the Council and staff at last week’s workshop meeting on an AI engagement and research platform called the ThoughtExchange.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform will supposedly help the City engage with its residents in a more meaningful way through its data driven open ended survey capabilities. “It is more solution based on what’s working and what’s not working,” said the representative Jasmine.
Councilman Bob Goedde mentioned that many residents in Chelan are older and don’t have the necessary smart phones or computers to engage. “I don’t have a smart phone,” remarked Goedde.
McCardle told the Council that there are many AI applications the City could use. “We would own it, but it comes with an account manager,” said McCardle during a telephone conversation.
The $25,000 cost would be split between each department.
It will be discussed at this Tuesday evening’s Council meeting but no decision will be made at this point.
American Rescue Plan Act Funds: The City has $233,000 ARPA funds remaining to be spent by the end of the year. These funds were allocated to the Anderson Road Project, but the Council was informed by City Administrator Wade Farris that the City was approached by the Chelan Community Center about supporting the Boys ;
Maribel Cruz, executive director, told the Council and staff at the June 4 workshop that the Lake Chelan Community Center has secured a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to provide 10,000 sq. ft of space at the Center.
She provided a game plan for school age kids to use the space as a fun and safe place.
According to Mayor McCardle, the remaining ARPA funds would be used by the Boys and Girls Club for tangible items like computers etc. The City is also considering entering into a 15 year lease of the space at a cost of approximately $16,000 per year for the maintenance and operations.
PUD Park Prioritization: The Council was also given a list of Riverwalk Park improvements that the HDCA (Historic Downtown Chelan Association) would like to see. The improvements they would like the City to consider includes:
Making the pavilion more usable year-round;
Make power more accessible throughout the upper areas of the park;
Improve the restrooms;
Improve the picnic shelter area
Add some interactive sculptures or waer features in the upper park area; and
Provide public restrooms on the south side of the park across the river from the Chelan side.
These improvements would require some City funding, but since Riverwalk Park is a PUD Park, it would make sense to enter into a collaborative effort to undertake some of the improvements suggested by the HCDA.
In other business: The Waterfront Advocacy Group consisting of Art Campbell, Ron Foster and Greg Petersen, proposed an expansion of dock space in Riverwalk Park near the pavilion. The group expressed a need for a more expansive lakefront access to the downtown area.
This proposal is a moderate 40 t0 60 foot extension to the existing PUD dock beside the original bridge which could be designed to minimize any obstruction to the main Chelan River passing under the bridge. The group would also like to see a floating day use dock and access ramp installed just west of the pavilion.
These issues will be discussed at the Tuesday, June 11 City Council meeting which begins at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. Comments can be made by the public at the beginning of the meeting, or if it is an agenda item, made at that time.
PROS Plan adopted Chelan Parks Director Paul Horne’s Parks & Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan was adopted by Chelan City Council at its Tuesday evening regular council meeting. The plan is available for reading on the Chelan Parks website: Parks Planning | Chelan, WA (cityofchelan.us).
Background The Parks & Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan provides a long-range planning framework for developing and managing our park and recreation system. Renewing our Parks Plan every six (6) years is necessary for us to remain eligible for Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Grants, which are a major funding source for parks capital projects across the state. The adoption of this plan will allow the City to be eligible for RCO grants in this year’s grant cycle.
The 300 page document provides for a multitude of public functions as follows:
Recreation
Economic Development
Neighborhood Gathering Spaces
Civic & Cultural Infrastructure
Protection of Natural Resources
“Suffice to say, I think you will be very pleased,” Horne told the Council. “We had over 2,000 interactions with the public. We heard what they said. Parks are important to them.” He added that a one-on-one discussion with the community will be ongoing.
The vote was six to adopt with Bob Goedde abstaining who said he has issues with some of the plan.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth stated that a lot of work went into the PROS Plan and asked, “What are some of the things you learned,” Horne replied that restrooms and trails were big on the public’s mind. “We need clean, modern restrooms.”
Councilman Terry Sanders complimented Horne on a job well done. “I think we are all on the same page. I appreciate the effort.”
Councilwoman Shari Dietrich said she’d heard a rumor from a resident that the Don Morse Park would be renamed. Horne said that wasn’t true. “We will continue to call the marina Lake Shore Marina and the park, Don Morse Park. He added that Don Morse had a tremendous impact on 1000s of kids years ago. “We don’t ever want to take that away.” Dietrich replied that the resident who raised the question was in panic mode.
Horne will request that an overview of the plan be scheduled with the Council at a later date.
In Other Business: Public Works Director Jake Youngren had the restj of the agenda tied up with Motion Consderations.
Chelan Highlands LLC. An agreement for improvements to Existing Water Services with the Highland Farms Development. COUNCIL APPROVED
RH2 Engineering, Inc. Boyd Road and Pinnacle Booster Pump Station Evaluation. COUNCIL APPROVED
3, 4, & 5 Andurra Group Professional Services Agreement for Supplemental Engineering Tasks. ALL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
Personnel: City Administrator Wade Farris reported that the City has still not been able to attract a replacement for John Ajax’s Community Development Director role. Ajax has resigned that position to move back to a Senior Planner position.
Farris reported to the Council that the City was going to rely on local resources and hire Monica Libbey-Ajax in a Senior Planner role. Libbey will be working under the direction of Farris, not Ajax to alleviate any concerns of nepotism. Libbey is a very qualified planner. “We will continue our search for a replacement for John,” said Farris. “He will remain as director until we find someone to replace him.”
Mayor/Council Comments: Terry Sanders said he appreciated all the work Paul Horne put into his PROS plan Bob Goedde remarked how nice it was to see all the families and kids having a good time in Chelan over the Memorial Day Weekend. Brad Chitty thanked the staff for their work and commended Paul Horne on his PROS Plan. “I’m looking forward to community involvement,” said Chitty. Tim Hollingsworth said he was looking forward to reviewing the entire PROS Plan. He also mentioned that Chelan had two Memorial Day Parades and was hoping it could be narrowed to one which would be held on Memorial Day. Shari Dietrich remarked that the RV Park is beautifu. “It is a huge visual upgrade,” she said. Mayor McCardle said there were only 33 law enforcement calls over the Memorial Day weekend which is a huge change from last year’s 300 calls. She also mentioned that the Our Valley Our Future would be kicking off its program next week. She’s looking forward to the community’s input on the Chelan Gorge Park
Airport meeting: Wade Farris reported that a meeting was held with the landowners affected by the Chelan Airport upgrades. He stated that the Pangborn director brought an attorney to the airport meeting . “I hope it made a difference,” said Farris. He added that he thought it was a good meeting with the landowners.
Mayor McCardle added that the City is not trying to hide anything. “We are doing our best to communicate,”
Upcoming workshop: Tuesday, June 7 beginning at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Manson Community Forum: Instead of sending out a Community Survey, the Manson Community Council in association with the Manson Chamber of Commerce, Fire District and Parks Department will hold a live Community Forum at the Grange Hall on June 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. “We need to bring the community together,” said Kari Sorenson.
Street Parking Issues: Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gearing told the Council that Chelan County has placed survey markers along Pedoi Street designating County right of way. Many of the residents have infringed on the County right of way and Gearing said, “Letters are being sent out to the property owners.”
The letters are asking the residents to remove any improvements they may have made within the right of way, and if they don’t comply, the County will come through and do it. The residents have until June 3 to comply.
The right of way will be turned into parking. One issue that came up was the residence across the street from the Parks Building that have installed a retaining wall in the right of way. Asked if it would be removed, Gearing said she wasn’t sure.
Gearing was also asked where does the county stop writing notices of right of way violations. Gearing replied, “If it is not causing a problem, we don’t enforce.”
She was asked if the County was considering the Botske problem all the way up. “If they would pull that Island out so trucks can make that turn it would stop them from using Wapato Way,” said one resident. Gearing replied she would look into that.
Sorenson added that she would like to see no boats, boat trailers or overnight parking on Pedoi. “Is that something Manson can get added to the code,” asked Sorenson.
Colville Tribe Plans: Gearing said she and other county officials took a field trip with the Colville Tribes. “They were great to work with and told us the Casion/Hotel plan was on hold indefinitely.”
“We realize they don’t have to share, but we need to plan around what they are doing,” she stated.
Bob Goedde, Chelan liaison with the Council remarked that the tribe is currently looking at building a casino complex in Tri-Cities where there are 250,000 residents. “They asked us for a letter of support for the Manson casino,” said Goedde. “We asked for more information, but never got more information.”
Gearing also reported that Chelan County was trying to bring back a lumber mill. “The goal is to promote forest health,” said Gearing who added that the DNR, Forest Service and Representative Schier’s office are all on board with the plan.
STR regulations: Gearing was asked if there had been any changes to the County’s Short Term Rental codes? “Nothing has happened yet,” she said. She said solutions to the code have been discussed and getting rid of some of the irrelevant language in the code. The proposed changes will go to the County Planning Commission in July or August along with a public comment period on any changes proposed.
Stehekin Master Plan: Gearing also reported that the County was working with the National Park Service, PUD and residents of Stehekin on a Master Plan for the area. “There are so many interest groups making it difficult to manage,” she said.
Chelan liaison: Chelan Councilman and Manson Community Council liasion Bob Goedde reported on several issues currently on the City’s agenda.
He mentioned the City Parks PROS plan that will be released soon and can be read on the Parks website. The Six Year Transportation plan and the Transportation Benefit District being proposed to the City’s residents.
Agritourism with wineries being allowed to have homestay units or not.
Goedde also mentioned the current Our Valley Our Future program and suggested that the Manson Council appoint someone to the committee.
Regarding Goedde’s efforts to make the old Woodin Avenue Bridge two-way again, Goedde said the difference in Chelan’s transportation woes would be changed dramatically if the bridge was turned back to a 2-way bridge. “It would reduce traffic flow on Johnson and Saunders from 600 vehicles to 400 vehicles.”
Manson resident John Olson however, shot back that idea and explained the entire public process that turned the bridge into a one-way into town. “Eventually someone would be killed which would be a City liability if turned back,” explained Olson. He added that there were engineering reports and council approval to change the bridge to a one-way when Mike Cooney was mayor.
Agritourism: Brian Patterson brought up the Bluewater Terrace proposal to construct 20 homestay units on land that is not currently in agriculture. He said that the developer, Tim McDonald was led to believe the City code supported his proposal, but that the Hearing Examiner denied the homestay proposal.
Wine grapes and apple orchards still dot the landscape in Manson.
The Bluewater Terrace development has led the City planners and Planning Commission to try and rewrite the agritourism code so it will accommodate a much broader development plan. “Hopefully, there is a compromise (code) without completely destroying agriculture,” said Patterson.
Sorenson stated that her family received a bill from Manson Growers after delivering their crop to the warehouse. “Even our blueberries. We can’t sell our blueberries.”
This view of Blueberry Hills blooming blueberries with apple orchards and new homes dotting the horizon creates an entire new look to the Manson district’s landscape.
Gearing remarked that the couple who started Chelan Valley Farms came to the Valley to start an agritourism business. “They figured out how to make it work,” she said.
Olson replied that it is going to take some smart thinking. “Every farmer is just hanging on.”
One visitor remarked that people want to keep the trees. “People are going to lose the very reason they are coming here.”
Orchardists are being forced to make hard decisions. Should they keep farming, or should they pull their trees and turn the acreage into housing lots. A new agritourism code that allows reasonable expansion of homestay may be the only alternative for them to stay in the farming business.
Sorenson added, “I don’t know whether we still qualify as a rural village anymore.”
The Manson Community Council meets on the third Wednesday of each month and the community is encouraged to attend. The meetings are held in the Parks Meeting room beginning at 6 p.m.
All Things Lake Chelan 