Chelan resident addresses council about fire danger: Last night’s City Council meeting got off to a bang when Stan Morse rolled up to the microphone to speak during the Citizen Comment section.
Chelan resident Stan Morse addressed Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting about the dangers of wildfire in 2024.
Morse, a lifelong Chelan resident, has been before the council with his wildfire message a number of times and last night’s rant took on a more serious slant.
“My home insurance was cancelled,” he said. The reason stated was the danger of wildfire raging through the community. He said he was able to replace his home insurance from $1,200 to $2,500 and added that he was sure other homeowners were facing the same situation.
Morse brought up the devastating 2015 Chelan Complex that almost erased southeast Chelan from the community and took down warehouses at Chelan Fruit causing millions of dollars in damage. “That fire is going to come back and back again,” he stated.
A fire plane attacks the 2015 Chelan Butte fire before it blows up.A lightning strike on Chelan Butte blew up into a major wildfire that caused millions of dollars in damage.
His concern is the brush, woody debri and other burnable materials that clog the neighborhoods and could be the difference between an out of control wildfire or one that is containable.
In September, 1991, a man made wildfire on Chelan Butte burned most of the Butte.
As an example of the dangers, Morse brought up the Paradise Camp that killed 85 and burned 18,000 homes and the Medical Lake fire which destroyed homes and killed two.
In 2014, the Carlton Complex Fire burned 256,108 acres and destroyed 353 homes.
He blamed the City for not helping cleanup burnable material within its jurisdiction. “The City has said it’s the Fire Department’s responsibility. It is not the Fire Department’s responsibility.”
That claim has been refuted by a city mayor who states it is up to the fire department to clean up burnable debris.
He added, “It’s different from when I was a kid,” said Morse. “Whether it’s climate change or something else, it is the reality we live with.”
Editor’s note: Most of us remember the 2015 fire. Many new people have bought and moved to the Chelan area since that time without any context of how dangerous our wildfire situation can be. All it would take is a large wind event and fire to sweep through the area to wipe out many homes from Manson to Chelan and on the south shore just like the 2015 fires did.
The reality of Washington’s fire danger is this:
As of 2019, it was estimated that 951,000 homes sit near forests threatened by wildfire that includes a swath from Spokane southwest to the Columbia River and running north past Wenatchee into the Methow Valley. In all, 25 communities are exposed.
Since 2019, the number of threatened homes has grown as people from other areas move into eastern Washington to escape the overcrowded urban areas.
A large warehouse destroyed in the 2014 Carlton Complex.
Free Yard Waste Disposal: On April 20th (Earth Day,) and April 27, residents can dispose of vegetation to help reduce wildfire risk and decrease impacts to air quality from outdoor burning.
The Chelan Transfer Station will accept trees and limbs less than 8 feet long and 12 inches wide. Not accepted are rocks, plastic, bags, grass clippings, sod, root wads, and weeds.
This is an opportunity for home owners and the City to help reduce the risk.
This issue has been a long running one with Stan Morse and he should be thanked for keeping it in front of the City and Community.
Earth Day: This year’s Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 20, will focus on wildfire dangers. Chelan Fire and Rescue, the Forest Service, Cascadia Conservation District along with students from Chelan High School’s Biology Class taught by April Slagle will be on hand to answer questions, handout information and warn people the need to reduce fire danger from around their homes.
Scott Beaton, one of the driving forces behind Chelan’s first Earth Day celebrations, has been the individual who has orchestrated this year’s Wildfire information.
One of the ideas behind bringing in the biology class is an opportunity to map the areas around the Valley that could contribute to a massive wildfire. “There are all kinds of ravines in the valley full of fuels that have never burned,” said Beaton. “We would like to map some of those areas.”
In addition, Beaton said the Forest Service came up with really good questions of which one was how Chelan residents view fire danger versus the agency. Beaton stated the 70% of homeowners surveyed felt they had done a good job of protecting their homes while only 28% of fire personnel agree.
This coming fire season is predicted to be one of the driest seasons in years and everyone is encouraged to be very careful.
Chelan Butte is a visible icon in the Lake Chelan Valley and is currently under option for rural residential developmentsimilar to Hawks Meadow. The Trust for Public Lands are conducting a feasibility study to see if the Butte property can’t be purchased and owned by an agency.
Chelan Butte Feasibility Study:On Thursday evening, April 4, an estimated 100 Lake Chelan Valley residents crowed into the Chelan Senior Center to learn about a feasibility study being conducted by the Trust for Public Lands on Chelan Butte.
Over 100 residents in interested people crammed into the Chelan Senior Center to attend a meeting on Chelan Butte.
Peter Dykstra, an environmental attorney and Diane Taylor, a TPL employee/volunteer, were on hand to conduct the meeting.
Attorney Peter Dkystra is the principal investigator trying to determine if a public entity like the City of Chelan would assume ownership and the operations and management of the land if it were to be purchased.
The study will provide a vision for public use of the butte; try to determine a feasible ownership structure; and identify potential financing options for both the purchase and ongoing maintenance of an open space area on the Butte.
The 900 acres under the ownership of Golden Gate Ventures has been optioned to Raja Venugopal for potential residential development and is not, at this time, for sale. If enough funding became available to purchase the property, negotiations would have to be entered into to arrive at a final price. Considering that Golden Gate Ventures paid $10 to $12 million for the property, it will be or would be interesting to see what the final number would be.
The east end of the property is zoned Rural Residential and has 109 acres available for development of worker force housing.
Dykstra told the audience, “The TPL is engaged with CBC trying to develop options for long term ownership.” Having worked with the Wenatchee Foothills acquisition, Dykstra stated that the TPL is engaging with the landowner and developer to create a vision and a pathway to ownership. “We do not own land,” he said. “It is not an easy parcel to put together,” he added.
Finding a funding source and an entity that would take on the ownership are just two of the issues and then convincing the owner that he can achieve an economic return and not develop the land.
“We can’t purchase the property for what the landowner wants,” said Dykstra. There would be an appraisal and Dykstra added, “They are not going to get what their asking price is.”
There are several alternatives to landownership including having the land taken over by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or Chelan County PUD, but Dykstra said the agencies would have to look at surrounding ownership before considering that alternative.
One other potential alternative would to be to secure a portion of the property and look at potential development options for the developer.
Ex Chelan Mayor asked if it was common for municipalities to assume ownership? Dykstra replied that the Operations and Maintenance that comes with owning the property is a hard thing to do.
One person in the audience asked if the Colville Confederated Tribes might be a potential owner. Dykstra replied that the Colville’s are incompatible to recreation.
Another person asked about water access for the developers. Water is a large issue, but the property is in the City limits and therefore, the City would be obligated to supply water. However it was noted that only 5,200 acres of water remains for development.
Joanie Bankson remarked that there was already too much development in the Valley and would like to see the Butte remain undeveloped. Lynette Grandy added that the Butte was the second most important part of Chelan with the first being the lake.
Steve Milner, an ex-board member of the Chelan/Douglas Land Trust, remarked that other areas have put their money into land trust efforts including Wenatchee and Leavenworth.
The other question to the audience was whether or not they would accept some development on the Butte. Some in the audience didn’t see that as a problem depending on where it would occur.
It was also stated that 109 acres on the east end of the property is zone Rural Residential and available for development of worker force (affordable) housing.
Mike Cooney told the audience that he had talked to both the owner and developer prior to the meeting and stated that they are listening, but that it is private. “You don’t see the City taking your home,” Cooney said. “It’s his property to develop.”
Cooney went on to say that he would like to see developer Raja Venugopal involved in the feasibility process.
The next meeting on the feasibility study will take place on May 9 at the Chelan Senior Center beginning at 7 p.m.
Mike Steele, executive director of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, presented an overview of the Chamber’s business to the City Council and Chelan staff at the City’s workshop on Tuesday, April 2.
Mike Steele, Chamber director, presented the Chelan councilmembers and staff statistics from 2023.
Steele told the workshop that the Chamber operates as a non-profit organization 501(c)3. He described how the Chamber utilizes lodging taxes (3% lodging tax for every head that hits a bed in Chelan) With a 1,000 hotel rooms in the Valley (not including STRS which also pay the 3% lodging tax) and the funding he receives from Chelan County’s 3% tax), Steele said, “This funding is designed to attract tourists.”
Currently, the Chamber is working for the second year in a row without a contract with the City. The City Council, which had one year to create a new contract with new criteria, authorized $700,000 for the Chamber to use this year. Another $±400,000 comes from the County’s 3% fund.
“Our visitor profile is pretty robust,” said Steele. “We see 8,000 to 9,000 people per day.”
His presentation entitled the Economic & Visitor Profile for 2024 included all the statistics for 2023 as follows:
The Chamber serves over 400 members
5.3 million visitors to the Valley in 2023
4.1 million visitors came to the City
1.3 million visitors visited Manson
The City’s service and accommodation workforce is 26% of the population. (Many travel from other communities to work in Chelan.)
There are 1,075 hotel rooms in the Valley. STRs are not included in this number,
$2.1 million dollars is generated from lodging taxes inside the City Limits.
The Chamber generated 15,302,710 reach on all of its platforms and website as follows: 1. – Facebook, 42,000 followers 2 – Instagram, 15,600 3 – TikTok, 709 4 – X (the old Twitter, 4,000 5 – Subscribers, 45,907 6 – Website generated 144,501 page views in 2023.
The Chamber spent $400,000 on marketing efforts last year and another $150,000 on staff.
July and August are the two highest visitor months in the Valley.
The Chamber distributes thousands of visitor guides, local maps and business brochures and manages local ticket sales for local non-profit fundraisers and events.
The Chamber distributes opt-in visitor guides across the United States and Canada. It assists with school projects and internships. Hosts community and non-profit events. Offers free conference room space for its members.
For more information on the Lake Chelan Valley visit the Chamber website at Lakechelan.com.
Last weeks City Council meeting (3.26.24) probably will go down as the quickest City Council meeting ever. It lasted approximately 30 minutes.
HR/Communications position: The big news out of the meeting was the unanimous decision to hire a Human Resources/Communications Director at an estimated cost of approximately $100,000+ per year.
City Administrator Wade Farris explained to the Council why the City needed to hire a HR/Communications Director.
The new position is not budgeted and will require a budget amendment.
City Administrator Wade Farris explained that the City has operated without a HR position but that as the political climate, laws and regulations have become more complex the City cannot afford to not fill that position for its staff.
The new position will also include City communications in what the City sees as a more complex media world. “Getting information to and from our citizens has become more difficult and more important,” Farris wrote in his descriptive needs.
“We will go out in the local and region market and see what we get,” said Farris.
Councilman Mark Ericks
Councilman Mark Ericks asked it there was a potential pool of applicants out there? Farris replied that he doesn’t know. “If we don’t have anyone local, we will have to reach out further.” He added that the position description is not finished yet. The position will be advertised in the middle of April.
Youth Baseball League: Paul Horne, Parks director brought forth a proposal from the Chelan Youth Baseball League to use the PUD Athletic Fields (Chelan Gorge Park) for the 2024 season beginning in March though June.
Parks Director Paul Horne.
This is an extension of an agreement that has been in place for many years. The facilities agreement includes the League’s requirements to perform maintenance on the fields as needed to support their activities.
The maintenance by the League will waive fees to offset maintenance costs by the city. The agreement also supports local youth recreation, i.e. T-Ball programs.
“We have a pretty robust program this year,” said Horne. The agreement was passed unanimously.
Berger Professional Services Agreement: The City Parks Department received a $100,000 grant from Chelan County PUD to develop a master plan and redevelopment of the Chelan athletic fields now called Chelan Gorge Community Park.
The Parks Department has utilized the services of Berger Consulting in the past and Horne stated that Berger is on board and have an aggressive timeline to work within.
Berger is familiar with Chelan Parks and is currently working on the Lakeside Park Project.
The Parks Department proposed renewing Berger’s PSA that expired on March 12, 2023 which the Council unanimously approved.
Councilman Bob Goedde stated that he doesn’t like the name Chelan Gorge Park and would prefer
Imagine Downtown Chelan: Public Works Director Jake Youngren stated that the project has been an interesting. Process. Now that Phase One is completed the City is soliciting qualified candidates to continue the project.
“We have has public outreach and are now working towards a contract that will be executed on April 9.
Mayor/Council Comments: Jake Youngren said he appreciated the the public’s patience during the Hwy. 150 night time sewer crossing work. Peri Gallucci, who was out during the week on personal business said she appreciated all the work that her staff had done. Brad Chitty thanked the Vets for their service over the years. (See Below) Marc Ericks said that whenever a person visits Washington D.C., they should make an effort to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. “It is extremely quiet and respectful.” Mayor Erin McCardle she was very encouraged by the reception she and Wade Farris received when visiting our representatives in the Capital. “Senator Murray was impressed with the Northshore Pathway and Water Project,” said McCardle.
Mayor Erin McCardle
McCardle said that Representative Schier’s staff assistant was touring the proposed projects. “Senator Cantwell’s assistant will tour on Monday and Senator Murray’s after that.
McCardle also spoke about the defining the Community’s Core Values with Shane Collins, Amy Sheridan and John Ajax.
Proclamations: Mayor Erin McCarfle deferred to Councilman Bob Goedde to read into the record, the National Vietnam War Veterans Day Proclamation. Goedde is an veteran of that conflict.
Vietnam veteran Bob Goedde read the Vietnam War Veterans Day Proclamation.
Mayor McCardle read the Proclamation for Community Development Week.
IN THE NEWS: In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 23, Chelan Fire and Rescue firefighters responded to a call that smoke was coming from the rear of the Apple Cup Café. Arriving at the scene just after 2:30 a.m., the fire crews found a fire in a storage area behind the restaurant.
The fire was reaching into the attic area a second and eventually third alarm was sent to other districts. Manson, Orondo, Wenatchee and Entiat all responded to the scene. The fire was put out, but unfortunately, the smoke and soot damage will keep the popular restaurant closed into the near future… possibly until Fall.
The quick response by Chelan Fire probably saved the entire building. Owner Ryan Peterson and his wife Erin were overwhelmed by the response of the fire department and the residents who reached out to them offering help.
A quick response by Chelan Fire and other districts saved the Apple Cup Cafe building, but smoke and soot damage will keep the popular restaurant closed into the near future.
MARCH 20 FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Put April 13 on your calendar to see Chelan Fire’s newest fire truck.
Chief’s Report: Chief Brandon Asher told his commissioners that the district will be holding off on all major purchases until April.
Chief Brandon Asher told the fire commission that the department responded to 73 calls in February.
The department responded to 73 calls in February with one vehicle fire on February 23 in McNeil Canyon. There were no insurance losses.
The new reporting system from River Com are finally coming in.
The District narrowed down the list of potential replacement for Carol Kibler’s job. She retired at the end of April. They offered the job to a Misty Fifield who has the past experience at the Entiat (District 8) Fire Department matches the experience needed to fill Chelan’s Administrative Assistant slot.
“We have received another public records request from Ben Laughlin,” said Asher.
Hazard Mitigation Plan: The district will be rehashing its Hazard Mitigation Plan it put together in 2019. “It opens up major grant opportunities,” said Asher. “We will be meeting every other Thursday for the next three to four months.”
East Chelan Reservoir (TIF Area): Asher reported that both Mayor Erin McCardle and City Administrator Wade Farris traveled to Washington D.C. to meet face to face with the area’s senators and representatives to seek financial support for the East Chelan Water and Reservoir Project.
“We are supporting their ever effort to secure financing for this project,” said Asher. He also stated that there was an upcoming meeting with Representative Schrier on March 21.
Seasonal Firefighters: The district has been interviewing potential seasonal firefighters and has selected one local, one from Entiat and two from Wenatchee to fill the seasonal slots. “We will see how the interviews shake out,” said Asher. The seasonals firefighters will begin on April 3. Asher also said that these individuals do not have EMT status.
Looking for a summer job. Contact Shoreline Watercraft & Boat Rentals for work on the lake.
Generator: Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman told the commissioners that the department decided to replace the motor in the generator that will run the department if power was compromised. “It is more beneficial to retrofit,” said Sherman.
It was also reported that Representative Michael Steele told the department staff that no funding was available from this session’s go around. Chelan Fire will continue to seek the grant opportunities.
Recruitment: The department has six volunteer firefighters training at the Fire Academy. One former volunteer told Sherman that he was too busy to volunteer, but if push came to shove, and the department needed him, he’ll come back.
Training: Sherman asked the commissioners if it was viable for the District to run a Wildland Fire Academy at the beginning of next year. “We are going to need a strong wildland/interface workforce,” said Sherman. He feels that if a training program was in place, it would be accepted by the region fire districts.
In other business: Asher reported that this year’s snowpack and water content is the lowest it has been since the 90s. The PUD produced a good video at the measuring site. “We are obviously drying out.”
Commissioner Karyl Oules stated that it was nice to see all the firetrucks parked outside the building. Asher replied that they get a lot of people stopping by.
The Thursday evening meeting on March 28 was cancelled!
Councilman Mike Kirk stated that he wasn’t uncomfortable with the survey, but wanted to add several more questions and get the approval from the rest of the council.
It was Kari Sorenson who remarked that the council continued to kick the can down the road, not Kirk.
Ex-councilmember John Frolker suggested that he would support a public forum with the Community to discuss the issues.
Councilmember Chris Willoughby said the Council needs to find out the general direction of the community. Kirk stated that the survey is a tool that could be used by the Council in the future.
It was thought that the survey results could form a data base that can be used by the Council.
Kirk stated that people’s lives and property values are affected by STRs. Currently the County Codes require STRs to be separated by a minimum of 200 feet.
Kirk informed me that he cancelled his presense at KOZI because the Thursday evening meeting was cancelled and that was why he was going.
My sincere apologies to Mike Kirk and anyone else on the council for a poor representation of what took place at the meeting. I hope this update corrects the poor reporting on the issues.
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Last week’s Manson Community Council meeting evolved in more talk with little movement toward any achievable action.
Chair Kari Sorenson is frustrated with the Council’s inabilty to decide on action.
Community Survey: Chairman Kari Sorenson, after listening to new Councilmember, Mike Kirk, state that he was uncomfortable with the Community Survey he has been preparing to send out, but “The Council keeps kicking this and other stuff down the road.”
Mike Kirk
Kirk seems to be worried at how the Community would react with the current survey questionnaire. “I’m not sure how it’s going to be viewed,” said Kirk.
Ex-councilmember John Frolker suggested that he would support a public forum with the Community at large to figure out what their issues are, however, he also said, “We elected you to be that body, said Frokler.”
Councilmember Chris Willoughby said the Council needs to find out the general direction of the community. Kirk stated that the survey could be used by the Council in the future.
It was suggested that they get member lists from the Chamber and that Kirk go on KOZI with Bob Goedde on Wednesday, which he agreed to do and then cancelled.
CANCELLED -They decided to hold a public meeting at the Manson Parks Building on Thursday, March 28 beginning at 6 p.m. CANCELLED
Chelan/Douglas County Task Force: John Frolker reported that the Chelan/Douglas County Task Force came up with numerous recommendations for Code Changes during the upcoming 2026 Amendments to the County’s Comprehensive Planning efforts.
Ex-Manson Councilmember John Frolker
County’s Task Force’s main focus was to look at County building codes and how to revise them. After meeting over a several month period, the Task Force which included members from agriculture, real estate, developers and business leaders, approved their findings. Frolker stated that none of the amendments approved will become effective until the 2026 Comprehensive Plan.
STRs There was a discussion about what percentage of Short-Term Rentals should be allowed in the Manson UGA except for Wapato Point.
Brian Patterson reported that the percentage was well below the six percent allowed. It is currently four percent.
Mike Kirk stated that people’s lives and property values are affected by STRs and the current code states they must be at least 200 feet apart.
John Frolker said he would support a six percent limit. He also stated that STR owners can’t afford to convert to long term rentals. “The County wants to know what we want to do.”
The Council decided that they want a six percent cap on STRs even though the County wants the cap at nine percent.
The Council will write a letter to the County and inform them of their wishes.
Parking: The community is still dealing with parking issues, particularly on Pedoi Street.
It was brought up that LINK would be constructing a new Park & Ride at Leffler Field which will include restrooms and public parking which should, when built, take the pressure off parking issues in the community.
In other Business: Brian Patterson reported that Dave McDonald visited with the Chelan Planning Commission and asked what he could do to make his Bluewater Terrace project move forward.
The Chelan County Hearing Examiner denied McDonald’s plans to include 20 homestays (STRs) in his application to the City as a part of his ag-tourism development. This effectively shut down his ability to make Bluewater Terrace into a viable project.
The issue of agritourism was on the Planning Commission’s agenda, and will be discussed at the next City of Chelan Workshop in April.
Patterson also reported that Tsillian Cellars is considering applying for Homestay units within its 90 acre property in the vineyards.
The big question is whether or not wineries and vineyards are considered agriculture.
Townhall meeting: There will be a Lake Chelan AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) meeting on Wednesday, March 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chelan Fire Hall. If you are interested in maintaning Lake Chelan’s quality, please mark the above date and attend.
Biomass event: It was revealed at the March 13 Watershed Planning Unit meeting that the Lake Chelan ecosystem has undergone an unexpected biomass change with an algae bloom never seen before.
LCRL director Phil Long described a biomass event that appeared on rocks in Lake Chelan.
Periphyton biomass
Lake Chelan Research Institute’s director Phil Long stated that this biomass event is an order of magnitude more than the 1987 event. “This is the largest biomass density we have ever seen” reported Long.
It is thought that there are a number of factors contributing to this event which include the following:
The Lake level has not been lowered to previous levels due to the low snowpack this year.
The lake level hasn’t changed much over a two week period.
Lake temperatures are a few degrees higher than normal.
There has been very few wind events.
There appears to be nutrient sources adjacent to the dense biomass areas.
This biomass requires a rock substrate to grow. It does not adhere or grow on sand. According to Long it extends from Crystal View Estates to Old Mill Bay, but is also present on the South Shore.
“We hope this doesn’t persist,” Long said. He added that Lake Tahoe’s water is still clear but a similar biomass covers the bottom.
Sub-bottom investigation: The Institute is preparing to update the Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle to dive deeper for more underwater investigations. “We are excited about doing a lot of (ROV) things,” said Long. “We will prioritize our undewater work looking at landslides.”
Long also reported that the U.S. Geological Survey continues to conduct analysis of its bathymetry and core sample work. “Once they are finished with their preliminary work, they will release the data.”
Restore the Shore II: This year’s beach cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 13. People interested in participating can go online and pick an area where they would like to work. Go to the Keep It Blue website to sign up here –Event Link . This event will take place from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m.
Townhall meeting: There will be a Lake Chelan AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) meeting on Wednesday, March 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chelan Fire Hall. This meeting will be an effort to educate people on the threat of invasive species like mussels being introduced to Lake Chelan. It will also introduce a new “Citizen Science Early Detection and Monitoring Program.”
Lisa Dowling and Stephen Lasky
Keep It Blue is inviting the public to participate in this Town Hall to learn about how we can prevent the introduction of AIS through watercraft inspections and how citizens can help reduce the risk by participating in an early detection and monitoring program to identify invasive mussels in their early ‘treatable’ stages and together we can protect the pristine waters that characterize Lake Chelan.
The County is in the process of hiring four to five individuals as AIS Watercraft Inspectors who will rotate through five marinas each weekend from May to September. To apply visit: www.co.chelan.wa.us/humanresources/jobs.
“It’s one of those opportunities where we can have more eyes on the lake,” said Lisa Dowling.
Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) With 29,000 acres of agriculture land and another 40,000 acres of range land in Chelan County, the VSP program is initiative based approach to protecting critical areas and maintaining agriculture sustainability. The Farm to Table Community is a part of this initiative. Funding, albeit small, is available to help farmers maintain their viability.
The Chelan VSP Work Group is seeking new members to attend quarterly meetings with an occasional special meeting thrown in. This is an opportunity to help Chelan County promote agricultural viability.
If Interested in joining this important group, contact Stephen Lesky at 509-670-8094 or by email at: Stephen.lesky@co.chelan.wa.us.
Stephen Lasky -Chelan County Natural Resources Department
Chelan County
Questions: Rod Anderson, Lake Chelan Reclamation District, asked if anyone has looked at Manson’s three lakes. “There is a lot of plant growth in those lakes,” Anderson said. “Whatever is in those lakes goes into Lake Chelan.”
“That could be a connection with the Periphyton biomass event,” added Phil Long.
Wednesday, March 13, Chelan County department heads and Commissioner Gering brought their quarterly District meeting to Gering’s district No. 3 for an update on Chelan County operations and to answer any questions residents might have.
The meeting was well attended and took place in Chelan’s Council Chambers.
Sheriff Mike Morrison: Sheriff Morrison reported that since taking over as Sheriff, he and his staff have completely revamped the Marine Patrol unit; refocused the School Resource Officers; purchased two new side-by-sides for search and rescue efforts; bringing in new armed vehicles; and seeking funding for body cameras for its officers.
Sheriff Mike Morrison
Marine Patrol – According to a report by Chelan’s Sgt. Huddleston, Chelan’s marine patrol conducted 585 vessel inspections and warnings to boat operators, 87 percent of whom were to people boating from out of the area. Sheriff Morrison reported that because of the marine patrols efforts, Marine Patrol Deputy Garett Churchill was named Marine Enforcement Deputy of the Year in the State. School Resource Program – Sheriff Morrison stated that the School Resource Program officers no longer have to serve patrol duties but can concentrate on student interactions. Search & Rescue – The department has purchased two new side-by-sides to help with the increasing search and rescue efforts in the County. Sheriff Morrison told the audience that the County is working with other agencies like the Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources. 87% of Chelan County is controlled by State and Federal agencies. Armored Vehicle acquisition – The department is obtaining some new armored vehicles for use if needed. “We want to make sure the community knows what equipment we are using and why,” said Morrison. Body Cameras – “At this point, we do not have body cameras,” said Morrison. “That is unacceptable.” NOTE: The department was just notified that it will receive approximately $700,000 to purchase body cameras for its deputies. The word of the Federal grant came from Representative Kim Schier’s office
The question for Sheriff Morrison was about the current noise ordinance. Morrison said he has had conversations with the County Prosecutor about this which seems to be an STR and Winery issue.
The Department now has three full-time code enforcers to serve each area. The Lake Chelan Valley has Sean Duke, a retired Chelan County Deputy who has come back to work with enforcement issues. “It is one of the challenges I’ve taken on,” said Morrison. “I’d like to see us solve the problem.”
Morrison also said that the department deputies spend a lot of time at the Casino in Manson “attending to people who don’t want t follow the law.” Mill Bay Casino is an Indian owned property within their sovereign nation, so it doesn’t pay normal taxes like other businesses. The County has to rely on the Colville’s being generous enough to contribute funds to the department.
County Jail report Chris Sharp, Regional Justice Center director, stated that the County is beginning the process to find funding to build a new jail complex. “There has been a lot going on over the past five years,” said Sharp. The jail complex has added cameras in cells and has two jail dogs available. “The dogs don’t make mistakes.” The also have the ability to monitor an inmate’s heart rate and breathing. The also check every cell every hour on the hour with four full time deputies. “We have a lot of great things going on.”
Justice Center Director Chris Sharp
Chelan County Natural Resources Department: Director Mike Kaputa said the department has a lot work going on from Stehekin to the Clockum. “We are working on a Stehekin Community Plan,” stated Kaputa. He also mentioned the work on the proposed North Shore Trail between Manson and Chelan; water quality issues; water supply and working with other agencies.
Natural Resources Director Mike Kaputa
County economics: Ron Cridlebaugh, the County’s Economic Services Director, stated that his department is working on the County’s homeless situation, affordable housing, economic development, emergency management and tourism. “Tourism is one of the largest economic drivers in the County,” said Cridlebaugh.
Economic Services Director Ron Cridlebaugh
He explained that the three percent lodging tax money collected by the County is also dispersed throughout the county. This is accomplished with the help of a Lodging Tax Advisory Board. Organizations interested in sharing in the County’s lodging tax money are offered the opportunity to apply for funding twice a year; once in February and then again in October.
Sixteen percent and 14 percent of the County’s collection are sent to Chelan and Leavenworth’s Chambers while only four percent is given out to the Manson Chamber of Commerce.
The department is working on a Tourism Impact Study so the County can understand the economic impact throughout the County.
Questions and Comments – What accountability does the County require from recipients of its Lodging Tax dollars? Leavenworth has provided a two-page report on exactly how they spent the entirety of its collection and the County’s contribution. Chelan apparently has never reported to the County.
Commissioner Gering replied that the County hasn’t had any reporting criteria in place but that they were going to write criteria for each recipient of County Lodging Taxes for reporting. “We are looking at the framework and are coming up with a better plan,” said Gering. “Currently we have no criteria.”
Public Works: County Engineer Eric Pierson stated that his department oversees roadways, storm water, and the solid waste program. “Eighty percent of our work is handled in house,” he said.
Public Works Director Eric Pierson
Sthe Manson schools. At an estimated cost of $9 million the work will include sidewalks, intersection work, bike lanes and stormwater work. “We have received one $2 million dollar grant to do the lower section,” said Pierson.
Community Development: Director Deanna Walter remarked that Community Development has hired a consulting firm to monitor Short Term Rentals. This company is searching social media platforms for STRs that are not in compliance and/or are renting without a County license to do so.
Community Development Director Deanna Walter
Regarding County building permits, Walter stated that the 2021 Energy Code is in play as of March 8. “A nything that does not require the energy code (in its bldg. application) goes on the back burner,” she stated.
She warned residents who want to build a rock wall to get a permit. “Some of these walls (build without a permit) are beautiful, but need a permit and design,” said Walter.
Walter also stated that she has begun an enterprise fund to build up some reserves for the department.
“We do need to address wineries,” she said. “We are drafting a letter for F1 and F2 restaurant operations at wineries and are telling them we will not renew their license next year.”
She also said that ag-tourism is on her priority list. Wineries under 1500 sq. ft. do not need a permit other than their building permit. “The Manson Community Council has been very vocal about this. State agencies have not been helping the situation at all.” Apparently, the County has denied a winery, but the Liquor Control Board issued a liquor license anyway.
Manson’s community council doesn’t like the idea of wineries, distilleries and/or cider houses being built and operated in residential areas.
The Noise Ordinance is another on-going issue in the County, particularly at wineries and STRs.
Questions and concerns – Manson Community Councilman Mike Kirk complemented the Sheriff’s Department for their work. He also commented on the four percent contribution of lodging tax dollars from the County and said that the Council was working on obtaining 501 (C)3 status so it could seek grant funding.
He and Councilman Chris Willoughby brought up the intersection at Wapato Lake Road and Hwy. 150 and the need for a roundabout there. Both commented on the Colville Confederated Tribes plans to build a 100-room hotel/casino adjacent Hwy. 150. Walter’s replied that the County has no authority over the Indian land. “They can do what they want.
Commissioner Tiffany Gering reported that the County was seeking to make the bus stop at that intersection safer.
Sgt. Rob Huddleston told the City Council at its Tuesday, March 12 council meeting that the department’s Behavioral Health Unit is the biggest advancement in law enforcement he has seen in 28 years. “We were never prepared for mental crisis which caught us off guard,” said Huddleston. “We would just handcuff them and take them to jail. I’m fully on board with this.”
He introduced Erica Hamilton and Sheriff’s Deputy Roux to the Council.
Erica Hamilton and Deputy Roux presented the work being conducted by the Behavior Health Unit attached to the Chelan Count Sheriff’s Office.
“We are here to help law enforcement with mental health issues,” said Deputy Roux. “We also help with a lot of other things like out patient services.” Other services include school visits. He stated that the unit was an addition to other department units like traffic and drug intervention. “There are so many issues and the unit is specialized and trained to respond to crisis situations.”
Hamilton added that the unit allows law enforcement can focus on law enforcement duties. With the Behavioral Health Unit, people with mental health issues are not falling through the cracks.
The unit is currently averaging 250 contacts per month and Hamilton said the numbers are jumping.
City Clerk Peri Gallucci meets the Behavioral Health Unit’s therapy dog.
The unit is also using a therapy dog, which she brought along to show the Council and those in attendance. She said they were visiting schools and the Resource Officers. “We want the students to be comfortable when we show up,” she said.
Councilman Bob Goedde asked if she ever felt insecure or at risk. Hamilton replied that she wears a vest and said, “I don’t typically feel unsafe.” Deputy Roux added that they undergo special training and she is generally accompanied by a deputy. “A violent individual may not be fit for that program.”
Goedde asked if the unit was interacting with a lot of individuals that had been through the program.Roux replied that it was not uncommon for people to call Rivercom and specifically request the Behavior Unit.
Marine 2 Funding Request: Chelan County Sheriff’s Marine 2 patrol boat has served 25 years on Lake Chelan and is beginning to show its age. Sgt. Huddleston explained that the department would like to get Marine 2 refurbished.
The company, Safe Boats International built the boat in 1999 and is still in business. Huddleston contacted them and received a bid of $156,000 to completely refurbish with all new equipment. “The hull is still solid,” said Huddleston. “But the electronics and other components need attention. A new boat would cost $400,000.”
Lake Chelan is becoming a busy boating mecca and Huddleston reported that Marine 2 has spent 75 percent of its time in the lower basin. Last year, the marine patrol performed 585 vessel inspections and warnings. Eighty two percent of these contacts were from people outside of the area.
“Last year we led the state in boating contacts,” stated Huddleston. He also remarked that Lake Chelan has the largest rental fleet in the State.
“Is the City willing to help the department with refurbishing the vessel,” asked Huddleston. While he wasn’t looking for an answer at the Tuesday meeting he told the Council that Safe Boat International is holding a build spot at their facility with a promise to have it refurbished and back in Chelan before the boating season.
Councilman Mark Eriks asked if it would have all new equipment on it. Huddleston replied that it would and that the new equipment is much better than the equipment on the vessel now. “It just needs to be redone.”
Goedde asked if 3 percent lodging tax could be accessed for the job? Tim Hollingsworth remarked that the Sheriff’s Department has a generous contract with the City. Huddleston replied that the department has never had a scheduled replacement program in place.
He also stated that the department was in contact with the County Commissioners.
Mayor McCardle said they would bring the issue back for a vote quickly.
by Richard Uhlhorn – Lake Chelan Sports & Recreation
The 2023 Volleyball team from Chelan notched their fourth State Volleyball Championship at the Yakima Sundome last fall. The teams success at the game goes way beyond volleyball fundamentals.The Manson Trojans won their first ever State Championship in 2023.
DIG, PASS, SET, KILL… VOLLEYBALL FUNDAMENTALS, BUT WHAT is it that makes a team become championship material? In Chelan’s, Manson’s and Wenatchee’s volleyball world it is great coaching and extremely talented athletes.
The passion, love, and dedication for the game needed to excel beyond the norm comes from committed coaches and the opportunity to play year round.
Desiree Phelps has been the motivating factor in the development of these athletes through her Kahiau Volleyball Club/KBeach affiliation.
Desiree Phelps, Kahaiu VBVC /KBeach VBC has dedicated her life to forging young athletes into great citizens through volleyball.
Kira Sandoval, a Chelan alumni said it best. “It’s all about the mental part of the game. Dez and the other coaches have a different attitude and are focused on community.”
Kira Sandoval, a Chelan alumni, was just one of the outstanding players to help the team win the State Championship in 2019 and 2021 under Coach Jenifer Rainville. Sandoval now plays beach at Southern Oregon University.
Sandoval is playing beach at Southern Oregon University and was a part of the 2019 and 2021 championship team.
VOLLEYBALL has become the fastest growing participatory sport at both the high school and college level. A professional volleyball league debuted in January with seven teams located around the United States and more expected to field professional teams. A number of state high schools are also introducing male volleyball teams to their athletic programs.
The Manson Lady Trojans celebrate a third place finish at the State Championships in 2021. Manson finished third for two years running before finally gaining the State Championship in 2023. Dez Phelps predicted that 2023 would be their year. All of them are KBeach Players who began their high school volleyball careers at a young age.
A TRIFECTA: The local 2023 Volleyball season ended with a trifecta in North Central Washington; first, the Manson Lady Trojans rolled through their competition at the Yakima Sundome and captured Manson High School’s first ever team state championship. Next up, it was defending State Champions Chelan who won their fourth straight Championship. Chelan’s championship was followed by 4A Wenatchee Panther’s capturing a State Championship title after a 40 year hiatus.
Taking nothing away from the coaching at each school, there is a bond created with many of these athletes beginning their volleyball careers at a young age at the club level.
Coach Abby Lewellen, Dez’s daughter, shares a learning moment with young KBeach kids.
The Kahiau Volleyball Club and KBeach organization is a 501 (C)3 non-profit started by Desiree Phelps in Chelan in 2014. Phelps, the principal owner of the Kahiau VBC began the club after spending hours of driving time to the Tri-Cities with four elite players including her daughter Abby to compete in the Columbia Juniors program. “I felt we could better serve our kids here in Chelan,” said Phelps.
Phelps started the Kahiau VBC with only 27 indoor players and 15 beach players. In 2023, the club grew to 110 court players and 150 beach players. “A lot of kids enjoy playing because it is fun,” said Phelps. However, there are serious beach players in the club who travel to tournaments throughout the United States. “We have about 50 kids who compete in tournaments around the State and as many as 20 kids who travel out of State.
A group KBeach members get instruction from a coach.
It is unprecedented for three high school teams in one county to rise to a State Championship in the same year. So unprecedented that the Chelan County Commissioners proclaimed December 15 to be Volleyball State Champions Day.
THE BOND:
The players on all three teams have a common bond; Kahiau Volleyball Club and KBeach Volleyball. Many of them begin learning their volleyball skills at an early age. As an example: Brynn Hughbanks, a superb outside hitter for Chelan’s high school squad, began her training in the third grade. “She loves the game,” said Camisha Hughbanks, one of the many KBeach and Kahiau Volleyball Club’s coaches with collegiate experience. “Beach volleyball is her primary focus,” added Hughbanks.
Brynn Hughbanks loves volleyball, but is dedicated to beach and has been recognized as a national level player even though she is only a sophomore in high school.
Sophomore outside hitter Brynn Hughbanks on the offensive attack at the 2023 State Championships.
All three teams had and have players associated with the KBeach program. Several years ago, Phelps said that if a player isn’t playing club ball, the chances of making a local varsity squad is small.
The KBeach program not only teaches volleyball fundamentals, but is also heavy on teaching the mental aspects of the game. “I like to mentally and emotionally train them,” said Phelps. “
“The tipping point to excellence is to become mentally calm and know what to do next in a game.” The other important aspect of the club experience is that it gives players more touches. Phelps says to become proficient a player needs 10,000 hours of playing and practice time.
Most of the KBeach players began their volleyball careers at an early age, some as young as the third grade. By the time they have reached the high school level, they are extremely proficient.
Fundamentals of the game are taught at an early age.
HISTORY:
My love for the game came in 1989 when I traveled to Spokane for the State B Championships. That was when Ritzville was a volleyball powerhouse. From that point on, Volleyball has become my favorite sport to cover.
Throughout the 90s to 2023, both Chelan and Manson have grown into volleyball powerhouses.
Sue Cullen was one of Chelan’s early pioneer coaches in the Chelan program.
Manson’s Lady Trojans placed third at the WIAA 2B State Championships two years in a row before capturing the school’s first state team championship in 2023.
Manson Coach Hayli Thompson
Manson took two third place wins at State before ascending to the championship.
Chelan has a more storied history on the volleyball court starting with a series of coaches who have guided the teams to the state playoffs in numerous years.
In 2010, after placing second two years in a row, Coach Donene Hendricks guided the Lady Goats to its first State Championship. She was assisted by Connie Poyer.
When Donene retired to follow her children through their high school athletic programs, Jenifer Rainville took over and led the Lady Goats to two State Championships, including one in 2019 where the team was down two sets in the championship game against Kings, going on to winning an incredible three straight sets to claim the championship.
Rainville said she doesn’t really remember what she told the team when they were down two games except that their “story wasn’t complete and to just go out and have fun on the State’s biggest stage.” Much to King’s dismay, the Goats pulled together an amazing three sets.
In 2021 the Goats successfully defended their 2019 championship (no state games were played in 2020 because of COVID) with only two players returning from the 2019 team; Morgyn Harrison and Olivia Strandberg, both of whom are now playing collegiate volleyball, Harrison in Montana and Strandberg on Florida State Atlantic University’s beach team.
Kahaui Volleyball Club owner and director, Dez Phelps, has, over the past three years at the State Championships,given expert commentary to Dennis Rahm’s livestream audio broadcasts.
After the 2021 win, Phelps, who added expert commentary to Dennis Rahm’s live stream, said, “I’m so proud of these ladies. Only two have played at this level before.”
Coach Rainville decided to retire from coaching when her father fell ill. “I wanted to spend time with him,” She contacted Abby Phelps (now Abby Lewellen) to see if she would be interested in returning to Chelan to teach and coach. “If you can see yourself here, it is a good fit,” Rainville told Abby. Phelps had just graduated from Western Washington University.
Phelps asked her husband to be if he’d buy in on moving to Chelan, and he agreed. They both are now employed at in the district and both are coaching; Abby – Volleyball and Byron – JV Basketball. “We took a deep leap of faith,” said Abby. “We are definitely blessed.”
Chelan Coach Abby (Phelps) Lewellen coaching from the sidelines during the teams 2023 championship.
Lewellen has a huge history with Valley sports. “My entire childhood was watching sports,” she said. She played on the Columbia Juniors Volleyball Club’s U-18 team as a sophomore and junior which led her to a position on the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship team.
Her high school athletic career included Cross-Country, Volleyball, Basketball and Softball, but it was volleyball that became her favorite sport which led to being recruited by Western Washington University where she excelled.
Abby played volleyball at Western for five years before graduating with a degree in education. During her collegiate career, she became the fourth player in GNAC history to join the 1,000 kill/dig club.
Under her coaching leadership, Abby has led the team to two more state championships.
Coach Abby Lewellen told her team when they were behind Freeman in set two of the 2023 championship gamenot look at the scoreboard, but to just go out and play their game.
“Honestly, for me, I think they (her team) are 100 percent capable… that’s my push.” She added that the players have to believe they are champions. “Being a good person first is the glue to success. They have the opportunity to manage pressure expectations and that is a lot for 15 to 17 year olds to carry,” stated Abby.
When these five Chelan seniors graduated everyone wondered how the upcoming young Chelan Goat team would fare at the State Championships.
In 2023, after losing five outstanding seniors, the returning players came in not believing. “I told them to go prove that they are champions and if we don’t do it again, “you are still champions.”
Coaches Camisha Hughbanks and Dez Phelps share a common goal of teaching young athletes the proper mindset to become champions.
Camisha Hughbanks stated that the right mindset is the most important aspect of the game, and “We teach that to our young athletes from the beginning in both programs and that is a huge contributing factor to Chelan’s, Manson’s, and Wenatchee’s success.”
The right mindset was not a problem for Chelan, Manson and Wenatchee this past year. They will all be back on the State’s biggest stage in 2024 to take on the 16 top teams, some of whom are eager to push all three squads off the top.
COLLEGE:
Chelan has had a number of players recruited to the college level including:
· AJ Gueller – Played for Bellevue Community College
· Kate Rainville – Lewis and Clark College
· Elly Collins – Grand Canyon University’s Beach Volleyball Program
· Lexie Gleasman – Eastern Washington University and Carroll College
· Josephine Thompson – a Manson graduate is at Whitworth College
· Olivia Strandberg – Florida Atlantic University Beach Volleyball Program
Olivia Strandberg
· Kira Sandoval – Southern Oregon University Beach Volleyball Program
· Morgyn Harrison – University of Montana Volleyball Program
· Emma McLaren – Cal Poly Beach Program (retired due to head injury)
· Jaicee Harris – Washington State University
Wenatchee’s Keira Deminjian, a 2024 Senior at Wenatchee High School has signed to play beach volleyball at Boise State University.
THE FUTURE:
CHELAN LADY GOATS Chelan’s 2023 Championship Team will lose only two seniors. Returning to the court next season will be Seniors Kenzie Avery and Lydia Peterson; Juniors Brynn Hughbanks, Gracie Gilsoul, Marley Williams, Jacci Simmons and Jayden Simmons; Sophomores Brooklyn Foyle, Alison Horner, Grace Roberts and Esther Petersen.
MANSON LADY TROJANS Manson 2023 Championship Team lost two seniors and will return Seniors Genesis Torres, Stella Petersen, Camillie Hutton and Brynn Williams; Juniors Kayden Koth and Karly Naranjo; Sophomore Bailey Evans.
WENATCHEE PANTHERS The Panthers have 10 returning players for the 2024 season of which eight have been involved with the Kahaiu KBeach program. Returning players include Seniors Keira Deminjian, Ava Berry, Maren Stuber and Emma Tucker; Juniors Rylee Jones; and Sophomores Claire Demirjian and Journey Jelsing. They are joined by Senior Nicolette Reed and Sophomores Breven Luinstra and Sienna Knell who were not KBeachers.
The future, with all of these returning championship players looks bright for these three North Central Washington teams.
All of these players will likely be back on the beach volleyball schedule this coming summer. The KBeach program will host several tournaments throughout the summer and has gained enough recognition throughout the Nation of beach volleyball that the program also hosts a College Coaches Clinic.
Beach Volleyball coaches from around the United States travel to Chelan every summer for a Coaches Clinic.
This Coaches Clinic typically brings Coaches from around the United States to help develop young talent.
All Things Lake Chelan 