By Richard Uhlhorn

The meeting on Thursday evening at the Manson Grange to gather community input and concerns about Manson’s traffic issues was well attended but quite bizarre.

Pedoi Street issues:
Chelan County’s Commissioner Tiffany Gearing and Chelan County Engineer Eric Pierson hosted this meeting to address traffic congestion on Pedoi Street. The question to the public was whether or not to turn Pedoi Street into a one way to the east from Manson Bay Park at Manson Blvd. to Harris Avenue to allow easier travel for Link Transit and emergency services.

The problem with Pedoi Street is that it is narrow, and during the summer, it becomes jammed with parked cars, pickups and trailers making it difficult for the Link bus to negotiate and the potential blockage of emergency vehicles.

“We know that Manson gets a lot of visitors in the summer which means a lot of congestion that makes it difficult to get through,” said Pierson. “We are here to look at different options.”

He brought up the possibility of angle parking or even back-up angle parking if the street was converted to one-way. Pedoi has a 20 foot wide lane.

One of the questions raised about turning Pedoi into a one way was the Manson Park boat launch and how trucks and trailers would get out.

Tiffany Gearing told those assemble that the County wasn’t there to tell them what they were going to do, but to gather information on what the Community would like to see.

“There is not enough room for parking on both sides of the street,” she said.

Fire Chief Arnold Baker said, “I need emergency access around town.” He added that legally the fire department could go against the flow of traffic.

“What we are really talking about is the six weeks in the summer,” said Pierson which brought laughter from the crowd. “There is going to be conflict.” The six weeks Pierson alluded to is actually from May through October.

A number of ideas were floated but in the end the Community who attended the meeting overwhelmingly voted to leave Pedoi two-way.

Boetzke and Manson Blvd:
The next issue was whether or not to make Boetzke Avenue a one-way going west and Manson Blvd. going east to relieve some transportation issues.

Residents living on Manson Blvd. asked if the County was suggesting that they would have to drive up Boztke and back down Manson Blvd. to reach their homes.

Gearing stated that the major complaints that she has heard is the speeding on Manson Blvd. Trucking issues were also brought up.  “This is a plan that will take a long time and we need to know if it is dead on arrival,” asked Pierson.

Gearing also remarked that the Sheriff’s Department has written a lot of speeding tickets on Manson Blvd. It was also noted that there is 10 times the traffic on Manson Blvd. then on Boetzke.

Manson Community Council chair, Kari Sorenson stated that there is no room for two traveling opposite directions on Boetzke and wondered if the Island at the west end of Boetzke and Manson Blvd. couldn’t be removed and that intersection enlarged to allow trucks the ability to turn onto Boetzke instead of traveling down Manson Blvd. and through town.

“The idea,” said Gearing, “is to help solve some of these issues.”

One resident asked if Photo Enforcement wasn’t a possibility? Pierson replied that photo enforcement is only allowed in certain areas.

Gearing asked Pierson if the County couldn’t make the Boetzke/Manson Blvd. intersection easier for trucks? Pierson replied, “How much money do you have?”

Gearing told the community that they could email their comments to publicworks@co.chelan.wa.us. to continue the discussion.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Community Development Director position open:
“Finding a Community Development Director is going to be extremely difficult,” stated City administrator Wade Farris. He asked the Council at its Tuesday, February 27 meeting to authorize the Mayor to finalize and execute a consulting services agreement for recruitment of a new director. GMP Consulting LLC will charge $15,000 for recruitment services.

Current Director John Ajax has tendered his resignation from the position and will return to being a Senior Planner when a new director is hired. Ajax will remain in the director’s job until that time.

Farris said, “As you all know, it is a very important job.” Councilman Mark Ericks remarked that he felt Ajax has done an excellent job in the position. Ajax’s decision to vacate the position is personal family issues.

County Emergency Management Update:
Farris told the Council that the County has asked the City to contribute $3,000 towards updating the Chelan County Multi-jurisdiction Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

FEMA has funded the update with $200,000 with the various agencies and municipalities contributing to the effort. Fire departments throughout the County are being asked to contribute $750 each. The $3,000 is not in the City’s 2024 budget.

QUESTION: A number of residents are questioning the expense of updating a mitigation plan/wildfire protection plan that is already in place. Exactly how will that money be spent and who will receive it… a consultant or will the County update the plan?

2024 Comp Plan updates:
Community Development Director John Ajax presented the Council with the upcoming 2024 Planning Commission docket’s comprehensive plan amendment package.

Ajax said there were two separate elements proposed by the Planning Commission to be amended this year. Councilman Mark Ericks asked if the Council had any weigh-in to the process. Ajax replied that there would be a “number of workshops and work sessions.”

“One option,” said Ajax, “is a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. Obviously there will be a tremendous amount of public input.”

Eriks asked if Ajax if there would be consideration to building height restrictions. “Do you see that as being an issue,” asked Ericks. Ajax stated that the docket will consider Zoning Code amendments for this year. “The Planning Commission is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.”

Being considered this year:
This proposed amendment package includes anticipated updates to the Streets Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP), aiming to integrate recent transportation improvement projects into the Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, the Sewer Comprehensive Plan has been updated and is set to be included in the Comprehensive Plan by reference, addressing both current and future sewer management and infrastructure needs. The Capital Facilities Plan will also receive its annual update to ensure the City’s six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan’s Capital Facilities Element. Moreover, the Parks Plan is being updated to align with the city’s recreational and environmental goals. Each of these components, led by respective city departments such as Public Works, Finance, and Parks, is intended for adoption into the 2024 Comprehensive Plan after thorough review and approval processes.

Park Street Road End Park update:
“This project is moving forward,” Parks Director Paul Horne told the Council. He requested that the Council approve Geyer Coburn Hutchins LLC to provide bid documents for the project and to administer the construction of the project for $30,000.

“We are still looking for construction to begin this spring,” said Horne.

Administrative Reports:
Administrator Wade Farris told the Council that a number of changes have been requested in the Rate and Fee resolution.

One big change under review is the Building Permit Fees which haven’t been changed since 2013. “The costs haven gone up,” stated Ajax. “We are not charging market value.”

A permit for a $300,000 home in 2013 was  $3,498 and it is being raised to $4,004. That is just an example of proposed changes. For more information on Rates and Fees visit:

Rate and Fee Resolution No. 2024-14XX (Amending Rate and Fee Resolution No. 2023-1439) – AB AB 2024-002A (civicweb.net)

Parks & Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan Update:
Parks Director Paul Horne gave a quick update on the PROS plan being produced by SCJ Alliance. The plan will be completed by May. “It is a very important plan,” said Horne.

Upcoming Issues:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren updated the Council on upcoming road closures that will affect traffic along Hwy 150 and No-See-Um Road beginning on March 5 and continuing to the middle of April. This work will take place between the two roundabouts to upgrade the waterline. “We have notified all the homeowners.”

On March 11, a new sewerline will be installed at Hwy. 150. The construction will take place between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for three nights. “We will have full blown traffic control in place,” said Youngren.

Finance Director Jackie Tupling reported that the 2022 audit was coming to a close and that everything looked good.

Farris reported that the March 5 City Workshop has been cancelled.

Mayor / Council Comments:
Terry Sanders said he appreciated LINK’s presentation.
Brad Chitty reported on Chelan Valley Housing Trust’s Emerson Harbor project’s construction which is moving right along. “As soon as that is finished they will move to the Anderson Road project,” said Chitty.
Jon Higgins asked Paul Horne when the Golf Course would be opening? Horne replied that he hopes to see it open by mid-March. Jake Youngren remarked that he would be coordinating with his project and the Parks Department.
Tim Hollingsworth said he enjoyed the LINK presentation and thanked John Ajax for stepping up to the director’s job. “You’ve done an outstanding job,” said Hollingsworth.

Hollingsworth also noted that the National Parks Servive had decided not to hire staff rangers at Stehekin this summer season. “Stehekin is a special part of the world,” said Hollingsworth. He stated that the Parks Service is not fulfilling their responsibilities. “I would like the Council to consider how we might respond to that.”
The next City Council meeting will be on March 12. The public is encouraged to attend.

by Richard Uhlhorn

LINK CEO Nick Covey gave a detailed presentation to Chelan City Council at its Tuesday evening council meeting. He outlined LINK’s future plans.

LINK’s CEO Nick Covey attended Chelan City Council’s meeting on Tuesday evening and gave a LINK Transit update. Covey replaced Richard DeRock last July, but was the agencies CFO and Chief of Staff before being elevated to CEO.

LINK’S 2024 Projected Revenue is $36.7 million dollars against its Expenses of $27.9 million. It plans on spending $22.7 million on Capital Projects including $20 million on a 41,250 sq. ft. enclosed bus barn and updates on the Entiat, Rock Island and Leavenworth Park and Rides and Roundabout. Manson will be getting a large Park and Ride at Leffler Field. “We have 11 Park and Rides,” said Covey.

LINK is also projected to spend $2.4 million on four new purpose ready buses for Mission Ridge and Waterville. “We have 23 EV Buses and will receive nine new ones next year.” The system also has wireless individual charging stations. Currently the EV buses can travel 130 miles on a charge, but the new ones coming in next year will be able to travel 225 miles before recharging.

History:
Covey explained to the new council that LINK began service in North Central Washington in 1991 with a 15 member board; Bob Goedde served on that board for 19 years and that liaison has gone to Mayor Erin McCardle.

“We now have the largest transit system in the State,” said Covey. Its primary bus services are Chelan and Leavenworth. “In 2023, we topped one million riders. “We see strong potential for continued growth,” he added.

Currently Chelan’s bus service begins at 4:25 a.m. with the last bus leaving at 8:25 p.m.

The agency also runs the free Chelan DART system that is available to residents seven days a week; Monday through Friday – 7:30a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LINK will be adding DART’s ‘Dial a Ride’ services to Chelan Falls and Apple Acres and is in touch with the hospital for Paratransit services.

The ever expanding transit system is offering tremendous services to the community and plans on continuing its growth in the future.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chief Brandon Asher reported that the district will have to pay $17,000 sales tax on its newest acquisition, a new brush truck. This truck has been delivered and is undergoing some additional work at Station 74. “This truck is awesome,” said Asher. The sales tax will be paid out of the district’s capital investment fund.

The two new trucks under construction at Spartan’s headquarters in South Dakota will be delivered in the first week of March and first week of April at a cost of $750,000,” reported Asher. The district is paying four percent interest on its $131,000 lease/purchase option payment from 2024 to 2032. Both trucks were purchased at the same time at a discount, which Asher says the district saved the taxpayers significantly.

In addition to the new apparatus the District asked the commissioners to approve an outdoor concrete pad at Station 74 at an estimated cost of $27,000. This pad will be used to wash down apparatus and other equipment. The commissioners unanimously approved this request.

Currently there is $473,000 in the district’s apparatus fund.

Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman reported that the district will be hooking up two surplus generators from the City. “They are only 200 amps and we need 400 amps to run the station.”

Volunteer status:
Sherman reported that the district hoped to have four new volunteer recruits but ended up with six who are all undergoing training through the academy. Two of these new volunteers are also EMT certified. “They are all super enthusiastic,” said Sherman.

The district is restarting its stipend program for the upcoming spring/summer/fall months. Individuals signing up for this program will work 48 hour shifts.

“Our goal is an effort for the volunteers to increase ownership in the district. “This has been missing with the combination of career staff and volunteers,” said Sherman. He added that initially the career staff had been undervaluing the volunteers. “A lot of volunteers have stepped up and are helping us with training and instruction.”

Seasonal employees:
Asher reported that the district was in the process of hiring its Seasonal Firefighters, three of which will be internal hires and one open slot. “They will fill in for Chelan or Manson. Our priority is to hire those with EMT certifications.” The start date for the Seasonals will be April 4.

Commissioner Russ Jones added that the Seasonal program is a business venture that has worked out well. “Seasonals become career firefighters.”

Strategic Planning:
Asher reported that the district is planning on making the Strategic Plan a little more goal oriented. He gave each Commissioner a draft plan outlining the goals to the commissioners. These will be released for the public as soon as they are approved.

TIF ISSUES:
The Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) program has been a contentious issue between the City of Chelan and both the Fire District and Hospital who have been concerned about the amount of funding they would forfeit if the program were to go forward.

Asher reported that new amendments are in front of the Legislature on wording regarding both districts. “If mitigation can’t be done the issue will go to arbitration,” said Asher. He added that the help.”

Commissioner Mark Donnell added that both the House and Senate are both working on legislation. “It is still alive and moving forward. There were a lot of unknowns we weren’t aware of.” He added that the legislation is pretty important.

Asher added that the House numbers are up in the air and that the Department of Revenue is still researching. “We hope to have something (news) soon.”

John Olson told the commissioners and administrators that both the City Administrator and Mayor are traveling to Washington D.C. to meet with Washington’s senators and congressmen to lobby face to face for federal funding for the East Chelan Water/Reservoir Project. He also reported that the Association of Washington Cities is seeking to raise property tax levels from one percent per year to three percent per year.

Asher said, “I appreciate the City looking at other options. Jones replied that he hopes the City is successful.

Other business:
Asher reported that the District responded to 92 calls of which 48 were EMS calls. “We had one trash can fire at Campbell’s Lodge,” Asher said. The other calls included the following:

• 5-Fire calls
• 6 – Hazardous conditions calls
• 3 – Service calls
• 16 Good Iintent calls
• 14 False Alarm calls

by Richard Uhlhorn

SHORT TERM RENTALS:
“There are a lot of people out there operating (STRs) without a license,” said Manson Community Council’s chair, Kari Sorenson.

The discussion, a part of the Council’s Tuesday evening agenda, was a part of the ongoing issues with Short Term Rentals in the County and particularly in Manson. Brian Patterson, reported to the Council that the County has revisited its STR code and said the cap on STRs is at 6%. However, in the Manson UGA (Urban Growth Area) the cap is at 9%.

This does not include Wapato Point’s condominiums and/or private homes on the point.

The Council is asking the County to only allow a STR license to transfer to one home buyer after which, if the home is resold again, the new owners would be required to re-up its license to operate.

“It has taken a few years to revisit the code,” said Sorenson.

GRANGE HALL:
Phyliss Kollmeyer, a representative of the Grange Hall’s Capital Improvement committee visited with the Council about its Capital Improvement Project for the 70 year old building.

The building has been a community center for a number of organizations from agencies to non-profits. It was the meeting place for the Manson Kiwanis for many years. Each year, the Apple Blossom event uses the Grange for its early morning breakfast and for the Quilt Guild show.

“We have partnered with Manson Parks,” said Kollmeyer. She mentioned that a pickle ball court has been added to the events along with its Zumba Toning and Line Dancing events. “The goal is to make it affordable.”

The first phase of the improvement project is the downstairs bathrooms. The entire revitalization project will cost an estimated $500,000. The proposed phases are listed below.

 Phase 1 – Basement Restrooms. Renovate the two existing bathrooms and modify for universally accessible access – $45,000

• Phase 2 – New HVAC System. Replace basement furnace/AC, basement windows, and upstairs heat pump – $37,900
• Phase 3 – Accessible Ramp Roof. Construct a roof over the accessible ramp – $47,600
• Phase 4 – Accessible Ramp. Construct two hundred feet of accessible ramps to provide accessibility to each floor – $187,000
• Phase 5 – Upstairs Restrooms. Enlarge and replace the existing bathroom and add an additional bathroom – $38,600
• Phase 6 – Interior Finishes. Refinish upstairs wood floor, replace basement carpet, refinish wood trim and wainscoting – $66,100
• Phase 7 – Front Entry Updates. Remove barriers to entry, improve lighting, install handrails and paint exterior – $50,000

The committee is seeking tax-deductible donations from the community, businesses and organizations. Checks under $500 can be made out to Manson Grange #796, P.O. Box 306, Manson, WA. 98831. Checks over $500 should be made out to the Washington State Grange Foundation.

“We are going to start visiting businesses and organizations,” said Kollmeyer. “It’s such a part of our community,” she said. John Olson encouraged her to contact the Senior Center.

FEBRUARY MEETING:
There will be a community meeting at the Grange Hall on Thursday, February 29 beginning at 7 p.m. to discuss community development, one-way streets in the downtown core and angle parking options.

CASINO:
No public announcement yet regarding the proposed casino/hotel. According to Chris Willoughby, Fire District 5 has seen some preliminary plans which includes a five story building.

The Colville’s did ask the City of Chelan for a Letter of Support, but the City Council requested a presentation of the planned development before putting the City’s support behind it. The Casino, when developed will be non-smoking.

The rumor has it being developed adjacent to Hwy. 150.

BLUEWATER TERRACE:

With the Hearing Examiner denying the developer’s proposal to build 20 home stays, Brian Patterson told the Council that there is no word about an appeal.

WINERIES ETC IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS:
Kari Sorenson is still concerned about the ability of wineries, distilleries and/or cider house being allowed in residential areas. Currently, the County allows them as long as they are 1,500 sq. ft. or smaller.

Mike Kirk suggested that the County should put limits on the number of licenses on these types of developments. Willoughby also stated that there is a big difference between urban residential and rural residential. “The downtown commercial district brings a lot of safety issues,” said Willoughby.

This brought up the point that wineries and tasting rooms are reaching a saturation point in Manson which has the largest per capita saturation which is leading some of these establishments to close down or go up for sale.

Sorenson proposed working on the County to keep these kind of establishments out of residential areas.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan Parks Board met Thursday, February 15 and went over the Park Department’s Annual Workplan.

There are a number of exciting things on the horizon for Chelan Parks.

Parks Director Paul Horne provided a 2024 Parks Capital Projects Overview.

Pocket Parks:
One of the major issues with residents in Chelan is more access to the lake and the Parks Department is moving forward with the Road End Pocket Park at Park Street. This project has been on the Parks agenda for well over a year and is now scheduled to be bid and constructed by the end of May. “We will have the project out to bid in March and built this spring,” Horne to the board.

The next pocket park project is the old Howe Sound Mining Dock area between the Boat Company and Sunset Marina. The Park’s Department will be going out for consultant proposals for design work this month.

Another exciting project that will be worked on this spring is Chelan County PUD’s popular swimming hole at the Southeastern side of the Woodin Avenue Bridge.

Lakeside Park’s improvements are scheduled to be accomplished in early 2025. The project has $800,000 and design work is 60% completed with permitting yet to come. “Its taken a long time to go through all the agencies. We are extremely close for the design to be completed,” said Horne.

The $100,000 grant from the PUD to build a community park at Stinky Field is undergoing its design phase. This work will begin in March and be completed by the end of May.

One of the ideas is to build a walking path around the perimeter of the property. It was also suggested that the PUD might entertain opening a walkway across the Chelan Dam that would connect Riverwalk Park with the trail on the south side of the dam.

The Parks Department is hoping to do an economic impact study for the Parks similar to the study done for the Golf Course. This study would be for Don Morse Park and Lakeside RV Park. John Olson remarked that the Golf Course study was impactful and asked if Earth Economics would conduct this study. Horne replied that Earth Economics would be willing to work with the department. “We need a firm that has done it all the time,” said Horne. “The investment in the parks will pay for itself.”

Don Morse Park, the RV Park and Marina Parking lot will all receive new asphalt this Spring as soon as the weather permits.

Regarding the athletic fields, Horne stated that once they start putting information on a map they will have a good consensus of where they are.

Recreation software and a parks website will be operational by early May.

The department is also seeking ‘Branding’ ideas, i.e. logos, signage, etc.

The department is planning to overhaul and modernize its irrigation system. “The design work has been done,” Horne told the board. They are now seeking the required permits. The two ponds will be filled as soon as the lake refills to its pump site. “We want to put the pump further into the lake,” said Horne. “We are looking at March 16. The pond serves as a reservoir for the irrigation system.”

Horne stated that the department will be hiring a deputy director (project manager) which is something that was in Horne’s original contract. It has been approved at the administrative level and Horne stated that would be using a head hunter for that position. He also has the authority to hire a full-time Office Lead, an Assistant Golf Superintendent and Parks Maintenance People.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan Hills residents should be happy with Chelan’s Public Works Department. After a devastating 100 year storm produced thousands of dollars in damage to private property, residents began visiting City Council asking the City for help with stormwater issues in the community.

Public Works Director Jake Youngren announced at Tuesday’s City Council meeting that they have been successful in getting a $248,900.00 grant for developing a comprehensive storm water plan for the City. “There will still be some administrative steps to take to have access to those funds to begin executing that plan,” said Youngren.

Public Works was un-successful in obtaining a Capital Sewer Infrastructure grant, but was offered a loan for that work. Youngren thanked Public Works Engineer Travis Denham and Annalise Noble for their work on these grants.

Councilman Bob Goedde asked if the stormwater grant was for the entire City or just Chelan Hills? Youngren replied that it was a city wide planning effort.

Tower Consulting:

Annalise Noble has left Andura Consulting to start her own consulting business and the City of Chelan entered into a new contract with her for helping the City secure grants and funding. The new company is Noble Strategies LLC dba as Tower Consulting.

City Administrator Wade Farris told the Council that Annalise will continue to go after grants for the City under the same terms as her old employer.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked about the City’s relationship with Adura. Farris replied that the City had a 30-day opt out clause in its contract and that there are no hard feelings between Noble and Adura. The Council unanimously approved the new contract at $155.00 per hour not to exceed $20,000.00.

Trespass ordinance:

The City will amend Chapter 9.04 of the Chelan Municipal Code which will establish new procedures for trespass on City owned parks.

Sgt. Rob Huddleston said, “It allows us to contact people. It gives us another tool to deal with after hours and other issues.”

Councilman Jon Higgins asked if the new ordinance change will include all parks within the City Limits like the ball fields. Huddleston replied that he wasn’t sure but would check.

Municipal Code Update:

The City Council approved a professional services agreement with CivicPlus Professional Services for a Municode Legal Review of Chelan’s Municipal Code. CivicPlus will provide a legal review of the City’s codes to make sure they comply with state statues.

DocuSign Professional Services:

Council approved a one year $2760.00 contract renewal for an electronic signature agreement with DocuSign.

GMA Population Allocations:

City Council unanimously approved the Mayor to finalize and execute the projected housing needs for Chelan County Commissioners. Chelan County, in collaboration with its cities, is responsible for setting population allocations for UGAs based on projections from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM), which offers low, medium, and high growth scenarios.

John Ajax reported that the projections do not include second home ownership or tourists, but just full time residents.

Lynette Grandy, a resident and public advocate remarked on the GMA allocations. She said in her comments to the Council and Mayor that these allocations carry an enormous responsibility for the City administration and staff.

“How do we know who needs housing, or is doubling up in a household, or is cost burdened in a rental situation,” she said. In addition, she mentioned the second home market that has taken year round rentals away from the residential population.

In 2017, the level of growth projections in Chelan changed from high to medium, and Grandy wonders if that level of growth projection shouldn’t be further reduced from medium to low.

She ended her comments asking to be included in the comp. plan amendments. “I hope to participate,” she said.

Council comments:

Bob Goedde remarked that he has attended a Port meeting regarding economic development.

Tim Hollingsworth reported that he attended the Chelan County meeting in Chelan on the upcoming recreational plan in its comprehensive plan. “Anybody interested in recreation should take the survey,” he said.

Hollingsworth also reported on the Toyota Center meeting for which he is the City’s liaison. He would also like the Council to have more discussion on the Chelan Airport and worries about the proper management being in place during the expansion and afterwards.

Mayor McCardle reported that the PUD would like to see a prioritized list from the Council on its $100,000 grant towards recreation facilities on its Chelan Gorge property. “We need a discussion around the ballfields and what opportunities there are.”

She mentioned a direct appropriation process with Senators on a variety of projects. McCardle mentioned shovel ready projects like the Chelan Reservoir as a top priority, but she also mentioned the Northshore Trail project and the possible pocket parks along that trail.

Wade Farris said the City is moving forward with the airport expansion and the impacts to land owners. “We’ve had productive meetings with land owners,” said Farris. “We have a meeting scheduled with the FAA in April.”

The next regularly scheduled city council meeting is on Tuesday, February 27.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Do you recreate in Chelan County. The county encompasses a large area taking in U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Department of Natural Resources, North Cascades National Park and Recreation area, and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife lands.

Chelan County is currently in the process of updating its Recreation Element of its Comprehensive Plan. This is done every seven years to ensure eligibility for grant funding opportunities.

The Public Engagement process is almost complete. The County held two public meetings; one in Chelan and another in Wenatchee to gather in-person input. They are also encouraging residents and others to fill out an on-line survey to gather further input from the community regarding recreational potential and opportunities.

The link below is for the survey and is open until Friday, February 16 for community input. It only takes several minutes to complete and will help guide the County in its recreational decisions for the next seven years.

Link to 2024 Chelan County Comprehensive Plan Recreation Element Update Survey

Take a moment and let your voice be heard in this important endeavor. Recreationists spend $650 million dollars each year to come and play in the County whether it be just visiting one of the many parks, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking or paragliding. Chelan County offers many opportunities.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Transportation Benefit Districts:
The City of Chelan held a workshop on February 6, to educate its new council members on TBDs (Transportation Benefit Districts).

The City is considering going to the voters to form a TBD and increase its sales tax by 0.3% which would raise additional funds for its transportation improvements such as roads, sidewalk construction, maintenance, and operations. These funds can not be used for non-transportation purposes.

Once established and the City Council assumes board responsibilities, they can vote to either charge a local vehicle licensing fee or establish a local councilmatic sales tax of 0.1% (non-voter approved) or up to 0.3% by voter approval.

The council had an active discussion on the issue.

Mayor Erin McCardle began the discussion asking how the Council gets through the required public information piece of the ballot measure.

Community Development Director John Ajax stated that the large influx of tourists contribute the most money to sales taxes. “All of them go shopping in Chelan,” said Ajax.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “I fully believe we should go to the voters.” He wanted to make sure the entire council was on board with that request. Councilman Mark Ericks agreed that the City should go for the 0.3% sales tax increase.

Ajax reiterated, “We are asking people to implement a sales tax increase.”

Councilman Bob Goedde remarked that there is a benefit of what the tax increase does.

The schedule towards the ballot measure follows:

• 2/24/24 – Recruitment of “For” and “Against” Committees
• Development of a talent bank application
• Develop clear committee responsibilities and timelines by 3/2/24
  
  
• 4/8/24 – Advertise opening of committees and solicit engagement from community
  
  
• 5/14/24 – Appoint members of each committee

From that point the City will launch a project website: a FAQ, Information, Outreach Calendar and then execute the outreach calendar by April 8. Along with monitoring the community’s concerns and misconceptions, the website will be updated to address those issues by April 8.

On June 24 through August 1, the committee will evaluate public support for the Council to vote on which direction the City will go.

By September there will be an Outreach Push to the community up to election day on November 4.

GENERAL TBD INFORMATION:

As of December 2022 there were 111 established TBDs in Washington; 34 of which are located in eastern Washington; 15 implemented a 0.2% voter approved sales tax. The State Legislature approved TBD sales tax authority from 0.2% to 0.3% with renewals of up to 10 years with voter approval.

by Richard Uhlhorn

The Bluewater Terrace’s development application issues will come to fruition in the next five to seven days as Andy Kottkamp, Chelan County Hearing Examiner, reviews all of the material he has been provided from the City Staff, Developer and the concerned public.

At a hearing on Thursday morning, Kottkamp remarked that over 50 written comments on the proposed development had been received. He informed the crowded council chambers that his decision would be final and conclusive. The decision he makes can be appealed within 21 days of his decision.

Bluewater Terrace has created a number of concerns in the Community. The proposal is for a resort style winery/tasting room and vineyard with wine production on site including 20 homestay units and an event center for up to 120 people.

The proposal is for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under the guise of the City’s agritourism code. The ag tourism code was initially developed so that working farms could have a homestay on site to add to the farms sustainability.

Bluewater Terrace has no agricultural use at this time. The plan is to circumvent that issue by building a winery and tasting room with production facilities. One of the questions is whether or not wineries, producing or not, are considered agriculture.

During his staff report, John Ajax, community development director, stated that staff had reviewed the CUP review criteria and said, “The applicant is proposing new agriculture on this site. They are providing vineyard and a production winery as an agri-business.”

Issues with the proposal have been forthcoming via written testimony for months. One of the most prevalent is access to the highway for which the applicant (Tim McDonald) has proposed moving the existing road farther east and build it to City street standards. This, according to his representative, Adam Haynie, will increase safety at the intersection of Hwy. 150 and Bluewater Road (the name they will call the new road).

The Haynie stated that the private access currently in use to serve nine residential properties is a private matter since the City doesn’t recognize Lenore Road as a city owned road. “We will coordinate with them,” said Haynie

Another issue that the community is concerned with is the addition of 20 homestay units (STRs) on the property. Haynie, stated buildout for the resort will take 10 years, also stated that the property is no longer feasible to use as an orchard. He also said that the income from the winery must be more than the homestay.

Kottkamp asked Haynie who long it would take for the vineyard plantings to produce wine grapes? Haynie deferred to McDonald who said it would take three years for the vineyard to produce wine grapes and that production facility would also need to purchase grapes from outside the area.

Kottkamp also asked how the 20 homestay units would support the winery? Haynie replied that the presentations on how wine is produced.

Public Comments:

Mike Cooney was mayor when the property was annexed into the city with idea that it would be built out as a residential neighborhood. He remarked that the move from a single family residential development to an ag-tourism resort was responsible. “Think about that,” Cooney said.

Brian Patterson said the proposed development was inappropriate for 20 homestay units. Stating that the development would not reach full capacity for the next five years, Patterson wondered why it was even being talked about at this stage. “It might support one or two homestay units,” said Patterson.

He had also written a 15 page comment for his testimony outlining all of the issue he sees with the development application.

Kari Sorenson, Manson business owner, stated that she has been a STR and Long Term rental owner and remarked that the applicant’s estimated use of STRs at the development was very understated. “We need to figure out what we are looking at,” she said. Haynie estimated homestays at three and one-half weeks. Sorenson said it was more like four months based on her rentals in Manson. “At $600 a night average,” she stated.

Julie McCoy said she was very concerned about the poor municipal code on agritourism. “I feel this is a very poor municipal code,” she said. She added that homestays would be the primary profit center. “Ag-tourism use does not support even one home stay. The applicant is hard pressed regarding primary income. It is the tail wagging the dog.”

After the public hearing was closed, Kottkamp stated that he was not taking the testimony lightly. “There are issues that need to be resolved,” he said. “I appreciate all comments and the lack of emotion,” stated Kottkamp.

He said he would apply the findings of fact and make his decision as it applies to the law.

Kottkamp told the audience to pay attention to the City and Planning Commission to stay informed. “You all add a degree of legitimacy to the process.