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.

By Richard Uhlhorn

Manson Community Council Meeting Agenda
 | January 16, 2024
Manson Parks Department @ 6 pm

This meeting will be available on Zoom. If you can’t make it to the actual meeting, Zoom in:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89306676637

Meeting ID: 893 0667 6637•

There are several issues on the agenda of interest to the Manson community. The newest member of the council is proposing that a Community Survey be conducted and the council is asking for community input and delivery methods to reach the community. In the past, surveys have been delivered via Chelan County PUD bills.

The proposed Northshore Pathway has generated a lot of interest and while it’s a little early to be discussing ideas until a consultant has been hired to professionally look at the route, it certainly doesn’t hurt to get the communities concerns. The County will be reaching out in February or March with a forum to discuss the proposed pathway.

This project will be a collaboration between Chelan County and the City of Chelan.

On Thursday, January 18, Chelan County Hearing Examiner will hold a public hearing on the Bluewater Terrace development. There are a number of issues surrounding this development that are of concern to the Manson Community even though it is a City of Chelan development.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Manson Parks Conference Room.

 CALL TO ORDER Kari Sorensen | Cindy Smith | Chris Willoughby | Pam Calhoun | Michael Kirk •
 FLAG SALUTE •
TREASURER’S REPORT •
APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 2023 & December 2023

NEW BUSINESS:
1. Board appointment. (MOTION)
2. Nominations & voting for 2024 MCC Board positions. (MOTIONS)
3. Banking – Revisitation of signatories & address for statements. (MOTION)
4. Proposed “Community Survey” (Michael Kirk). (Delivery method? Mail? Email? Questions to ask?)
5. Proposal by Chelan County for around $40 million “North Shore Pathway” bike/walking path between Chelan & Manson: * Ideas on how to re-route & alleviate pinch point at Rocky Point & cabanas along the lake. * Location options for agreed upon upcoming community forum in Feb or March with County.
6. Chelan County discussing bringing one-way streets to Manson to help with parking issues. Thoughts? (Why don’t we suggest that Chelan County buy Manson School District’s half of Leifler Field to assist with District’s budgetary crisis?)
7. Brian Patterson to give update on Bluewater Terrace’s proposed project of 20 short term rentals (40 cars), winery, spa (cars cars) & event center for 120 attendees (cars) between Chelan & Manson at the long existing school bus turnaround just the Chelan side of Rocky Point. THIS VOLUME OF TRAFFIC WILL VASTLY AFFECT TRAFFIC ALONG HIGHWAY 150 AND WILL ADDITIONALLY SLOW TRAVEL BETWEEN CHELAN & MANSON.

This final hearing for this project is scheduled with the Hearing Examiner on Thursday January 18th at 10 am at Chelan City Hall.

PLEASE BE AT THIS HEARING. A SHOW OF COMMUNITY INTEREST IS VERY IMPORTANT!
The City of Chelan’s Planning Department has issued a recommendation of approval for this project, but final approval must come from the Hearing Examiner.

Also, there is still time to comment on this project. Address your comments to: “Andy Kottkamp, Hearing Examiner” and email them directly to John Ajax at: jajax@cityofchelan.us.

PUBLIC COMMENT | GOOD OF THE ORDER MEETING ADJOURNED

NEXT MEETING: February 20, 2024 @ 6:00 PM @ Manson Parks Department.

by Richard Uhlhorn

After hearing from eight City Council applicants, sitting councilmembers went into executive session to determine which applicant would be best to fill Mayor Erin McCardle’s vacant council seat.

After 30 minutes of deliberation, the Council returned and named ex-Mayor Bob Goedde as their choice to fill McCardle’s seat. Goedde, who has served the community for close to 30 years as a councilman and mayor, was the obvious choice because experience in municipal affairs and relationships with organizations and agencies.

It was obvious for those waiting to hear the council’s choice that other candidates were also being considered. Initially, the executive session was supposed to last 15 minutes, but got extended twice.

Goedde, who has been deeply involved in a number of ongoing city projects as the mayor, will give the new council some added experience and will be a welcome addition to the ongoing issues. “I want to assist Erin,” said Goedde. “There are a lot of things going on.”

He stated that he wants to work closely with the council and said he is not there to be a second mayor. “I’ve got two more years and then I’m done,” said Goedde.

Goedde was among the eight candidates, all of whom were quality applicants wishing to give back to the community they love.

Each applicant was given the opportunity to introduce themselves and answer a series of five questions which were:

1. What motivated you to apply?
2. What would be your three top priorities?
3. Should tourism be increased?
4. How would you address affordable housing?
5. Do you think the City should pay for downtown improvements?

Each candidate expressed their love of the community and their desire to give back.

Infrastructure, transportation issues, affordable housing, development, economic development and addressing the needs of Chelan residents was a thread through the answers.

Shane Collins remarked that affordable housing was the largest issue facing Chelan. When asked about tourism, Collins stated that there are a lot of ways tourism dollars could be spent.

Minda Gogal remarked that getting a handle on tourism and the need for infrastructure upgrades was high on her list of priorities. “We need to have a vision to find a balance with tourism,” said Gogal. She also stated that it is the City’s responsibility to fund downtown improvements.

Todd Higley would like to see more citizen feedback on issues facing the community and would like to see the tourism issues calmed down.

John Olson, who lost his seat on the council when he ran for mayor said he was still interested in in contributing to the council with his four years of experience. “I understand the issues and the great deal of work that needs to be done.” Housing, infrastructure and transportation were on top of his list of priorities.

Mary Signorelli said that the City’s water issues, airport expansion and affordable housing were the top priorities. “The City needs to get behind infrastructure issues,” said Signorelli. She also said the downtown Chelan should be a place that the community is proud of. She used Manson and its beautiful Christmas decorations as an example of what needs to be done. “We need a place we can all be proud of,” She said.

After Goedde’s appointment was announced, Mayor McCardle thanked all of the applicants and said that open positions in the City were coming up and hoped that the candidates would apply.

IN OTHER BUSINESS:

Rate & Fee Structure for Chelan Parks:

Parks Director Paul Horne got a little push back from Council on his proposed parking fee increase for local residents from Councilman Tim Hollingsworth. The proposed rate increase was from $25 per year to $35 per year. Hollingsworth said, “It does not bring significant revenue to the parks and it’s going to come off wrong with the residents. Personally I would like to see it remain at $25.” Councilman Terry Sanders agreed with Hollingsworth.

For non-Chelan Residents living in the Valley, the fee increased to $45 per year.

Councilman Mark Ericks was concerned that Parks was double charging those who pay a moorage fee for parking. “I would like to see no parking fees to those who pay a moorage fee,” said Ericks.

Lynette Grandy, a Chelan resident, spoke to the proposed increases in the Park’s AAU programs. She wondered why Parks wanted to increase fees to resident tax payers. “Families with more than one child could cost up to $200. AAU has far reaching benefits to the community,” she said.

Horne replied that AAU cards have gone up to $20 from $17 and that the Parks Department doesn’t make money off of AAU. “We are not opposed to keeping rates as low as we can,” said Horne. “We still offer incredible value.” He added that the new rate proposals are an effort to balance the Park’s budget.

Golfers will see an increase in greens fees from $38 to $44 in the off-season and $59 to $70 in the peak season. “Our fees offer an incredible value,” said Horne. “We have a pretty good sense of where we fit in the market.”

Single annual passes went from $900 to $975; Family annual passes from $1,500 to $1,600; Single Twilight passes from $500 to $550; Family Twilight passes from $700 to $800.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:

General Sewer Plan update:

Public Works Director Jake Youngren told the Council that the last sewer plan was updated in 2008 and needed to be updated again. “We asked Ecology for approval of the document and we did receive their approval letter on December 13.” Youngren said he now needs the Council to approve the plan which is over 400 pages. He introduced Eric Smith, RH2’s engineer to present an update.

Eric  told the Council that RH2 Engineering went over the plan and that it anticipates a 30 percent increase in population over the next 20 years. “You have a rather complex collection system,” he said.

According to Smith the treatment plant is getting closer to the 85 percent threshold when it will require planning and expansion. “We are not seeing that yet,” said Smith.

The City has surveyed all of its manholes and the mainline on Hwy. 150 is in need of replacement. “We are securing the funding for that project.”

Youngren added that the City has long term agreements in place with the Lake Chelan Reclamation District and South Shore Sewer District. “They are substantial funding partners,” he said.

Hollingsworth asked if the sewer lines could be replaced in sections. Smith replied that the City will have to maintain flow in service.

In addition to the aging sewer lines, the lift station on the north side of the old Woodin Avenue Bridge needs to be upgraded. “It is in a real critical location,” said Smith. Youngren added that design is comint to the Council in the next several months for approval. “There are many challenges that we are facing that still exist,” stated Youngren.

Smith also said the City would have to look at the sewer plant’s biological treatment system in the next five years.

Most of the above infrastructure upgrades are in the Capital Improvement Plans for action within the next six years.

Council Priorities:

City Administrator Wade Farris brought up the subject of the Council’s priorities. It was getting late into the meeting and Hollingsworth asked if the Council needed to go over it or hold off. Farris said, “Yes we do.”

Farris then reminded the Council that the City hired a federal lobbyist to look into federal help with the East Chelan water project. He also mentioned that the City is looking to Representative Mike Steele for a state appropriation for the project.

Mayor McCardle added that the East Water project is moving forward and the City still doesn’t have funding for it. “These are things we can’t kick down the road,” said McCardle.

Another issue is City Hall. Farris stated that several months ago, the City hired an individual to help deal with problems in the aging building. “He found some serious issues,” said Farris.

Youngren announced that the City has a grant to plan the stormwater system with a projection of stormwater construction two to three years in the future.

He also mentioned the Northshore Trail which he admitted wasn’t a perfect fit for the City’s priorities, but that funding is potentially available.

The Imagine Downtown is winding down its planning and the City is looking for funding from both the Feds and State to begin construction on the downtown improvements in the next one to three years.

Youngren stated that funding was available for Community ADA access and is currently in the planning phase with construction soon based on State funding sources.

Council Committee Assignments:

Council committee assignments not filled in at the earlier workshop were completed at this Council meeting. Shari Dietrich will liaise with Cascada Conservation District and the Chelan Planning Commission which she served on for five years. Councilman Brad Chitty will sit in as an alternate when Dietrich is not available.

Councilman Bob Goedde will liaise with the Port of Chelan and Douglas County, a position he held when he was the Mayor.

McCardle will liaise with Chelan County PUD.

2024 Council Committee Liaison Assignment Selection – AB AB 2024-001A (civicweb.net)

Mayor/Council comments:

It was announced that the Bluewater Terrace development would be heard by the Hearing Examiner on January 18 at 10 a.m. in Council Chambers.

Everyone on the Council thanked those that applied for McCardle’s position. Goedde said, “I’m glad to be back. It will give me the opportunity to help move issues I worked on forward.” Goedde has met with and promoted the East Chelan Water Project with Representative Schrier and will continue to work with her and McCardle to secure federal funding for the project.

McCardle encouraged all of the Council applicants to consider running for council positions and to apply for other positions within the City like the Planning Commission (one empty seat) and the Parks Board.

City meeting information:

City Council meets every second and fourth Tuesday in chambers beginning at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.