TIF – Tax Incremental Financing was a big topic at Chelan Fire & Rescue’s commission meeting on Wednesday, April 19.
If approved, the proposed TIF revenues would be used to pay back bond issues to construct a large reservoir and a water delivery system that would help the TIFs boundary’s with potential water needs. In addition, it would insure that new developers have water.
“We need to do our homework,” said Chief Brandon Asher. “We don’t know how successful it’s (TIFs) working.”
Commissioner Russ Jones replied that he’s been thinking non-stop about the potential issues with a TIF to the Fire District. He proposed drafting a letter to the City or State Treasurer and ask them to redo the (informational) meeting on TIFs.
Commissioner Russ Jones was extremely unhappy with the City’s consultant’s presentation on Tax Incremental Financing saying that a lot of inaccurate information was disseminated.
“There was a lot of inaccurate information,” stated Jones. For instance, the City’s consultant used old tax rates for his presentation. “That there is no negative impact is absolutely not the case.”
Chief Asher said, “We are the only taxing district with an increase in services.”
Jone’s called the program a corporate welfare plan. “It’s pretty convoluted. It would become the City’s backup water supply.”
Chief Asher recognizes the need for additional water supply. Commissioner Karyl Oules said a letter needs to be written to the City regarding the district’s concerns. Jones replied that the information given at the TIF meeting on Wednesday, April 12 was not valid.
Chief Asher’s report:
Asher reported that the district’s budget is right on target.
The department responded to 77 calls, which were, with the exception of one call, all EMS related with 14 individuals transported with Advanced Life Support, 26 transported with Basic Life Support and 15 that didn’t require transport. To date (end of March) the department and EMS have responded to 153 calls.
“We are receiving more back to back calls,” stated Asher.
He thanked the City for helping the District with insurance. He also visited with Chief Arnold Baker – District 5 and said they had a positive conversation.
Asher stated that the new Emergency Reporting System will cost $8,200 per year. “It is a more efficient system.”
Staffing:
Asher reported that four seasonal firefighters have started. “They give us a lot more flexibility,” Asher said.
District employees have completed a Hazmat training program and have received $50,000 in new equipment.
It was reported that the City is working on an Emergency Response Plan.
The False Alarm program with the City is in place. Asher stated that a business is trying to fix their false alarm problem.
Assistant Chief report
Shaun Sherman said the department has three new members finishing the Fire Academy.
He also remarked that a 16 hour in depth large training exercise in auto extraction has been completed with five firefighters including one career firefighter taking part.
He also stated that live fire training would take place on Saturday, April 22. This training was conducted successfully as the department and other district’s took part in burning two old residential structures. Sherman said the Forest Service and DNR were on hand to contain any fire outside of the structure boundaries.
Incorporation… it’s been discussed by various Manson Community Council’s over the years and has never raised to the level of serious consideration by any of the preceding councils.
The current Manson Community Council is once again looking at the possibility, but isn’t sure who is pushing discussion. Councilman John Frokler stated that the Council still needs to have a public forum on the issue to determine if incorporation is something that the community wishes to explore.
“I know my opinion and I’m not for it,” said Frokler. The argument for incorporation has been the possibility of self determination if the Manson becomes an incorporated city.
Manson Council member John Frokler is against incorporation.
Manson resident Brain Patterson produced a white paper four to five years ago. Councilman Chris Willoughby stated that in order to move ahead, if in fact the community wants to incorporate, they would have to find the funding for a study to be conducted.
Frokler said, “There won’t be any funding from the County.” Willoughby replied that the Council could petition the State for funding. “The first step is determining how many people in the Urban Growth Area want to incorporate,” said Willoughby. “Chelan is growing around the lake and their city limit is now at Rocky Point,” he added.
Manson Council member Chris Willoughby stated that the County wouldn’t fund a study for incorporation, but the State might.
Chelan City Councilman John Olson also pointed out that the City’s UGA is also all the way out to Pat & Mikes. “It has been projected that 1,000 homes per year will be built in the next 10 years.”
Mike Kirk, a Manson resident, stated that he likes small town Manson. “I would like to keep what we have here instead of the County telling us.” Kirk was the originator of the current idea to study incorporation.
Willoughby replied, “We don’t really need to reinvent the wheel.” It was stated very clearly that if Manson were to incorporate, they would still have to contract with the Sherrif’s Department, Chelan County Public works and others to make it work. “It is a serious decision to make,” he said.
Incorporation is about local control, but it creates another layer of government. “I like grass roots. We can, as a community push the County (to act on our behalf),” said Frokler.
Frokler continued, “Where is the group asking for this and willing to set up a hearing.”
Willoughby added that a lot of hurdles would have to be surmounted to see if the Council and community can ever make it happen.
Manson Boulevard speeding:
Manson resident Pat Hautenne once again spoke about the speeding issue on Manson Blvd. “Vehicles coming out of Manson are traveling at 40 mph when they hit my house,” said Hautenne. However, he added that the Sheriff’s Department was ticketing drivers for approximately six hours one day and, “he was writing a ticket once every eight to 12 minutes.” He also brought up the idea of placing speed humps on Manson Blvd. which the county engineer has already said No too.
Willoughby also brought up the alley parking issue that was discussed at a previous meeting. “I had about six inches of clearance with a fire truck. There shouldn’t be any parking in the alleys.
Shoreline permit:
The Council approved a shoreline permit. It was for an existing dock replacement. Forkler said it would be an improvement over what exists there now.
Homestead rules:
Both Willoughby and Frokler attended the County Development Task Force meeting that has representatives from Leavenworth, Manson, Peshastin and Malaga along with developers, contractors, real estate and agriculure.
The issue at the meeting was closing the current loopholes that allow residential lots to be divided and re-divided. A final draft of the decisions from the committee will be sent to the County Commissioners for approval.
“There were some good recommendations for R 2, 5 and 10 throughout the unincorporated county. “We talked about zone options and focused on flexibility and the Homestead act,” said Frokler.
The Homestead Act allows farmers to cut out their homes from their orchards if they lose the orchard or sell it. There are 6,700 substandard parcels in Chelan County. Anything under 2.5 acres is considered a substandard parcel. The task force corrected the loopholes in the RR codes.
The Manson Community Council meets every third Tuesday in the Manson Park Building beginning at 6 p.m. They encourage residents to attend because the more people in the room the more power the Council has to make changes within the County.
Update on Incorporation:
The Manson Community Council prepared a letter addressing incorporation and their role in the issue. It is apparent that unless a group of Manson residents request a study, that once again, the idea of Manson incorporating has died a silent death.
The letter:
Manson Community Council chairperson, Kari Sorenson sent the following letter out to resident who signed in at the Tuesday meeting.
It became apparent after our last Council Meeting that the Manson Community Council needs to clarify their stance on the subject of the possible incorporation of Manson.
At no time has the Manson Community Council been the leader of any discussion of incorporation. We were previously asked by community members to host the discussion during a couple of our meetings, which is the only reason the subject ever has appeared on our agenda. It became evidently clear during our last meeting that community members present at the meeting were assuming that the MCC was placing forth and leading this discussion by the fact that the Council was asked to “make a list of pros and cons for incorporation.” If we appeared flummoxed by the request – we were. To do so would be an unbelievable undertaking of time and resources. As a reminder, we are an elected board of community members that serve a 3-year term. We are not paid and are solely volunteering our time without compensation, and at our own personal expense at times as we have no funding. Additionally, each of us also has full time jobs outside of the Council.
If anyone wishes to make a presentation at a future Council meeting regarding this or any other subject, please email your desire to communitycouncilmanson@gmail.com in order to be considered on our agenda.
All that being said, as promised, attached is the “White Paper” Brian Patterson put together in 2016 regarding potential incorporation at that time. Please peruse and if you have any questions or comments, Brian Patterson’s email is listed above as the Council really isn’t in a position to answer any questions on this subject.
Thank you for attending our meeting and showing interest in our community. We look forward to having you with us again next month at the Manson Parks Department, as always, at 6 pm on the third Tuesday of the month — which is May 16, 2023. Please mark your calendars.
Sincerely,
Kari Sorensen
Chairperson
Manson Community Council
A white paper on incorporating Manson was researched and prepared by Manson resident Brian Patterson four to five years ago. It has a lot of relevant data of interest to any individual or group interested in pursuing incorporation. It can be seen here: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox?projector=1
The Community Center at Lake Chelan is moving towards completion.
“This project is going to change lives,” Ben Williams, Seven Acres Foundation board president, told donors who toured the Community Center project on Saturday afternoon. “It will impact the entire community.”
Ben Williams – President of the board at Seven Acres Foundation, has been one of the prime movers at securing funding and getting the Community Center constructed.
What currently looks like a giant erector set will end up becoming Chelan’s new Community Center.
On Saturday, April 15, the Seven Acres Foundation hosted VIPs who have been extremely generous with their donations for a private facility tour.
Brook Issac, board VP, addressed the attendees at the Community Center before the groups given a tour of the new facility. She said that each and every one of them are important to the Foundation’s vision and mission to provide an important resource to the Lake Chelan Community at large.
Vice President Brooke Issac
The Center has benefited financially from a $700,000 American Rescue Plan donation from the Chelan County Commissioners. Commissioner Tiffany Gearing was present for the tour as well as Raquel Crowley representing Senator Murray’s office. The Center received a $900,000 grant from a 2022 $1.5 Trillion dollar bipartisan, omnibus spending package backed by Senator Murray for rural communities.
Dave Nichols – Construction Committee, Raye Evans – Executive Director of the Seven Acres Foundation, Donor Ryan Peterson – Apple Cup Cafe, Raquel Crawley – Senator Patty Murray’s representative, Tiffany Gearing – Chelan County Commissioner, and Erin Peterson – Apple Cup all lined up for a photograph. Ryan Peterson and his wife Erin have pledged $100,000 to the effort, Senator Murray helped the Foundation receive $900,000 from the government’s spending package for rural communities, and Tiffany Gearing and the Chelan County Commission granting the project %700,000 from the County’s American Rescue Plan funds.
What began as a 26,000 square foot building has grown to 46,000 sq. feet which includes an 10,000 sq. ft. auditorium/gymnasium that combines a variety of court configurations from a full-sized basketball court, two practice courts or three volleyball courts, four indoor pickleball courts and a community meeting space with a stage. The auditorium has a potential to host up to 1,400 people for conferences and/or large events.
The 10,000 sq. ft. auditorium/gymnasium will be able to host up to 4,000 people along with basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts.
The Center’s entry will have a coffee shop, quiet mother’s room, play room and restrooms surrounding the lobby area. There will be a multi-purpose event room and commercial kitchen on the main level building one. The multi-purpose room will have three large roll-up doors that give patrons indoor/outdoor access for up to 146 people depending on the event. The coffee shop will also have access to outdoor seating areas.
The multipurpose room and commercial kitchen along with the coffeeshop, mother’s quiet room and playroom will be available to patrons at both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The commercial kitchen will be available for events and/or for rent to individuals needing commercial kitchen space.
Executive Director Ray Evans and Director of Operations Maribel Cruz are at the forefront of getting information out to the public about the Center’s operations. Center – Attendees got a tour through the office spaces that will be available for use.
The Center also has nine office spaces which will be for lease, a workspace center with six to eight workstations, a conference room and six multi-purpose rooms with the capacity to host 30 to 60 people. These rooms can also be combined into one large room.
There is a large upstairs space that can also be used for a variety of events.
The second floor space will also be available for private events.
Brooke Issac introduced the VIPs and said she likes the definition of patrons as people who give financial support to others. “You are all patrons that are very important to our mission, vision and success,'” she said.
Williams told those in attendance that currently the Foundation has at least $1.2 million in the ‘likely to fund’ category. There is a current shortfall of $4.5 million dollars which, when raised, will be used to complete the gym, parking lot, retaining walls, landscaping and electric car charging stations. He appealed to their largeness by asking how big their imagination is for what is possible. “Is there more that you can do to wrap even more love around these walls,” he asked.
At the end of the tour through the 46,000 sq. ft. facility, everyone attending posed for a photograph
At the end of the tour, everyone toasted the progress to date. The facility is about 60 percent completed and expected to be finished this fall.
The mission of the Community Center at Lake Chelan is to connect people with the resources they need and with each other in order to enhance the quality of life in the Lake Chelan Valley and surrounding communities.
Chelan County PUD has granted $100,000 to the Chelan Parks Department to develop and design a new Community Park at the old ball fields.
The Chelan Parks Department was awarded a $100,000 grant from Chelan County PUD to redesign the old Athletic Fields into a Community Park.
Paul Horne, Parks director, remarked that one of the criteria’s laid out by the PUD was that a dog park and pickle ball courts be a part of the park.
Councilman Chris Baker said he had talked to Ryan Baker at the PUD and that no dog park or pickle ball courts were required. “The PUD doesn’t include dog parks in their parks for many reasons, but mostly because of liability reasons” said Baker.
Chris Baker threw Parks Director Paul Horne under the bus regarding the proposed dog park and pickle ball courts being required at the proposed Community Park. Horne replied that he had it in writing from the PUD, however in a conversation the next day, the PUD apologized to Horne and said those wouldn’t be a requirement.
Horne replied that the correspondence he had from the PUD required those two items. “The citizens want a dog park and pickle ball courts,” said Horne. (Horne has subsequently found out the requirement for a dog park and pickle ball courts are not a part of the agreement. “The PUD representative I talked to apologized to me and said he would apologize to the Council for any misunderstanding.”)
Paul Horne, Chelan Parks Director
Councilman Peter Jamtgaard said he walks around Rivewalk Park and every other individual he comes across is walking a dog. He then brought up the Skate Park as a priority.
McCardle said the PUD agreement for the grant needs to be clear before accepting it. Horne replied that selecting a MOU includes that. Mayor Goedde remarked that the Skate Park needs to be located there.
Councilman Mark Ericks asked what terminology is being used for a dog park; off lease? “What is the definition of a dog park,” he asked. He said the proposed park should be a mixed use area but that a skate park was a priority.
Horne added that the Park’s Department is just starting the process of designing the park. “We really don’t know and need to ask the community what they want.”
This grant will help design the renovation of the underutilized Chelan County PUD Athletic Fields into a welcoming Community Park according to Horne.
A substantive public input process will help the Parks Department and Council determine the ultimate combination of park amenities and features. The final amenities that could be included in the Community Park design could be a Perimeter Walking Path • Inclusive Playground • Skatepark/ Pump track • Parking Lot Enhancements • Reconfiguration of Ball Fields, perhaps one would be a multi-use field • Water Fountains • Picnic Shelters/ Benches • Open Space & Shade Trees • Multigenerational Focused Spaces/ amenities • ADA Upgrades • Ecological enhancements • LED Lighting/ Dark Sky Compliant • Community Garden Space.
Natural stakeholders would include the: • Chelan Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, • Little League and other users of the current ball fields, • Senior Citizens and Senior Center representatives, • Surrounding Residents • Any PUD Advisory Groups.
The Master Planning Process will take 3 – 4 months after hiring a Design Team. The Construction Drawings and Documents would take an additional three (3) months.
SkatePark discussion:
Like this young girls, its not just skateboarders who use the local skate park. Many local kids and visitors enjoy the current skate park on skateboards, scooters and bicycles.
As a part of the Community Park discussion the proposed Skate Park in Don Morse Park became a major topic.
Erin McCardle stated that the Skate Park needs to be downsized and located at the proposed Community Park because its for locals, not tourists. She made no mention of other recreation amenities at Don Morse Park like sand volleyball or basketball courts.
Erin McCardle stated that the Skate Park needs to be scaled down, moved out of the preferred location at Don Morse Park and over to the proposed Community Park. She claimed that the parents were clear about the Skate Park being for the local skaters.
Horne stated that he wasn’t sure how he and the Council proceed on the agenda item.
City Administrator Wade Farris suggested that the entire issue of the Skate Park and park issues be moved to the next workshop for a deeper discussion. McCardle replied that community input is also needed.
(Editors opinion: The Chelan Skate Park issue has a 28 year history. It, unfortunately, has been through many iterations and heartbreak for the skaters who raised substantial amounts of money back in 1996 to match the City’s pledge of $15,000. Throughout the process, an architect was hired to design Chelan’s Skate Park, but in the end, the Chelan City Council nixed the park because it might ruin the view to the lake even though the planned park was in a bowl.
The Don Morse Skate Park location would be located in this underused area of the park and would be open to all users, not just locals.
Today, 28 years later, and after the public weighed in at public event in Don Morse the overwhelming choice was to have the park located in Don Morse Park.
Erin McCardle wants to throw a rock into the planned location by urging the Parks Director and Council to redraw, scale down and move the location to the proposed Community Park at the current ball fields.
Her and several others on the Council are in agreement that the Skate Park needs to be built for the local skaters. At a cost of $100s of thousands dollars to build a Skate Park, the question that enters my mind is just how many kids in Chelan actually use the existing park, and what’s wrong with having a quality venue for visitors to enjoy?
There are always pros and cons to locating a Skate Park. But after 28 years, it’s time to move forward and locate the park at Don Morse Park for all users, not just the locals. It will be interesting to see what the residents want.)
Seven Acres Foundation request:
Maribel Cruz gave an update on the Community Center and reiterated the need for additional funding to help build a play area at the Center that will be free for all to use. The Foundation is requesting funds from the City’s American Rescue Plan. The City has funds remaining in the $1.2 million dollars received for use at its discretion. “Our needs remain the same,” said Cruz. “We appreciate the difficulties the City faces with funding its many projects,” she added.
The Foundation is requesting $185,000 from the ARP fund. Wade Farris replied that the City didn’t have lot to add to the Anderson Road infrastructure project and if they funded the Foundation’s request and overran on the Anderson Road project they would be required to fund from the Sewer and Water fund.
Public Works Director added that nothing has changed on the project since the last time the Foundation requested funding.
Ty Witt and Maribel Cruz encouraged the City to get on board as a contributor to the new Community Center that will be completed this fall.
Ty Witt, a Community Center Board Member and ex-city council member asked what had changed in the four years since he was on the Council. “We do have a funding gap,” said Witt. “but we also don’t want to be in debt. The Center will be available for everybody based on their ability to pay.”
The Center is slated to be completed latter this year at a cost of $23 million dollars. Witt stated that the County is on board, but that the City has not contributed to the Center. “We could really use the help.”
Mayor Goedde remarked that the City has had to borrow $3 million dollars to help build the Parks Maintenance Building and cover other escalating city costs. With a 15 year payoff on the loan at four percent, Goedde isn’t in favor of using the remaining portion of the ARP funds for the Center’s needs.
Councilwoman Erin McCardle asked how many tenants and contracts the Center has signed up. Witt replied that the Foundation has Memorandum of Understanding’s from future tenants but do not have a single signed contract. However, he stated that the three anchor tenants who have signed a MOU are the Root School, Real Life Church and a gym. McCardle asked if they have a contingency plan if one or more back out. Witt replied that rental space is available and the Foundation is keeping the pricing reasonable.
Special Counsel agreement:
City Council authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute a Special Councel Agreement with Thompson, Gidner & Associates to help evaluate the sufficiency of a contractor’s Performance Bond.
City Employee Wellness Program
Council also approved and reaffirmed the City’s Employee Wellness Incentive Program. Originally implemented through the Association of Washington Cities in 1991, employees were reimbursed at $10 per month. The Council approved a request from the Wellness Committee to increase the reimbursement amount to $25.00 per month
The new $3 million dollar Parks Maintenance Building is quickly taking shape. It will include new bathrooms for visitors and residents.
ParksMaintenanceBuilding change order No. 2:
Council approved a $17,709 change order that addresses changes to the public restroom. It will include a longer stainless steel trough type sink.
Downtown Revitalization:
Tom Beckwith, Beckwith Consulting, presented the City Council with a report on his team’s initial site assessment in downtown Chelan.
The Beckwith Consulting Team has completed their initial site assessment for the Downtown Revitalization Project and presented their findings with City Council.
Tom Beckworth told the Council that his team had completed two days of field work and three sessions with the Public Works Department.
Crosswalks were a topic that was the most difficult to downtown people. “It’s difficult to move people to crosswalks,” said Beckwith. Most people on Woodin just cross the avenue without using the crosswalks.
Sidewalks are an issue with people having to move around planters, benches, trees and streetlights. Outdoor cafe’s and sandwich boards also restricts effective walkways to only four feet. Widening the sidewalks is an option that has become quite controversial.
Beckwith loves the murals around town and told the Council that they need to be retained and maintained.
Trees are also an issue on Woodin Avenue according to Beckwith. Canopy trees, if used need to be pruned high enough that people can walk under them. “They are pruned too low and not doing what a canopy tree is supposed to do,” he said.
Beckwith said the alleys are basically work alleys, but need modifications to be conducive to truck deliveries. Street lights need to be replaced with fixtures that provide services in a new power service grid.
Beckwith said they would be coming back to City Council with reports on progress for the next several months.
Jake Youngren said that Public Works has conducted a business survey. McCardle remarked that it was nice to have responses from people who are downtown. Beckwith stated that his team is in the middle of the process.
“The more people who participate the better the outcome,” said Beckwith. Mark Ericks asked about changing the alleys to one-way and Beckwith replied that the team was going to give the Council a lot of alternatives. “We will come back next month and for the next three months.”
Earth Day – April 22
Mayor Bob Goedde read the 2023 April 22 Earth Day Proclamation into the record at Tuesday evenings City Council meeting. Chelan’s annual Earth Day Fair will take place this Saturday, April 15, at Riverwalk Park from 10 a..m. to 4 p.m. with music, art and crafts, educational displays and activities.
EARTH DAY PROCLAMATIONWHEREAS, Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, founded Earth Day with the goal of staging “a nationwide demonstration of concern for the environment so large that it would shake the political establishment out of its lethargy and, finally, force this issue permanently onto the national political agenda”; and WHEREAS, twenty million people took part in the first Earth Day event on April 22, 1970, beginning a new era in environmental politics, an era that saw the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act; and WHEREAS, Earth Day has gone global, lifting environmental issues onto the world stage; andWHEREAS, the 53rd Anniversary of Earth Day will be April 22, 2023, and organizers are calling for government action to protect and preserve the environment.
Lone Pine Fruit and Espresso on Hwy 97 five miles south of the Beebe Bridge is you key to inflation busting. Fruit, Vegetables, Meat and more at reasonable prices.
by Richard Uhlhorn
The Chelan Valley Housing Trust is under new leadership. Scott Meyers has taken over the executive director role from outgoing Rachael Goldie.
Scott Meyers is the new Executive Director of the Chelan Valley Housing Trust and is looking forward to leading the organization into the future of affordable housing in the Valley.
Meyers and his wife, Stacy, returned to Valley after three years in Arizona. Meyers and Stacy were the owners of the Lake Chelan Cheese Company which was sold to Lake Chelan Winery.
“We looked all over the country for an area with water and agriculture that was sustainable.” The Meyer’s return to Chelan was not a hard decision, but once here Scott realized he had to become involved in something. “We could barely afford to come back,” he said.
Meyers, who has a degree in business from PLU and an accounting degree from the University of Washington, is a perfect fit to lead the Housing Trust into the future. “I’ve bounced around working with developers and in the medical field,” said Myers
Meyers saw that the Housing Trust was seeking a new director and applied. “I felt that my perspective and education fit the needs of the organization.” The Housing Trust’s board felt the same way and hired Meyers to move the organization forward.
Emerson Village is the first completed project for the Housing Trust.
Currently, the Chelan Housing Trust has several upcoming projects which will be available to potential buyers this Fall.
Six more townhouses will be built on Emerson Street and two solo homes on Iowa Street that will sell for $300,000 to $350,000.
Six more townhouses will soon be constructed on this corner on Emerson Street. The house will be moved to a new location sometime in April.
The Anderson Road Project (Chelan River Heights) is currently going through planning for infrastructure with a possible easement from Miller Street. Chelan Fruit wants Anderson Road left alone because of business disruptions.
Chelan River Heights will eventually be a mixed income community on 9.15 acres with 40 homes, seven of which will be market rate homes. The profits from these will help subsidize the remainder of the project.
“We are currently Chelan centric,” said Meyers. “The Housing Trust is looking to get more going in Manson. We want to be more diverse and have Hispanic involvement.”
“With our program, a buyer will pay around $1,200 per month plus a $100 monthly maintenance fee. You don’t lose,” said Meyers. “It’s easy to buy and when potential buyers get a real look at what’s possible they’re more willing to buy into the program.”
Chelan Valley Housing Trust is always seeking volunteers, donations and gift property. The office is located on Johnson Avenue in the KOZI building. They can be reached by telephone – 509-508-1183 or through its website at http://www.chelanvalleyhousing.org.
Chelan City Council had a lot on its plate last Tuesday, March 28
False Fire Alarm Ordinance:
The City of Chelan City Council approved a False Fire Alarm ordinance at its Tuesday, March 28 meeting after seeing a presentation by Chelan Fire & Rescue’s Chief Brandon Asher on the district’s long term strategy.
One of the issues Chelan Fire has been dealing with are false alarms with one business being the major culprit.
“I think this ordinance will help us out and enable property owners to maintain their property,” said Chelan Building official Luis Rodriquez. The ordinance is in place to promote functioning and compliant alarm systems and discourage repeated violations.
For every false alarm that Chelan Fire responds too, the department will issue a warning notice with a copy provided to the City’s Building Department’s Fire Officer for record keeping.
Councilman Peter Jamtgaard complained that the fees associated with the ordinance are too small. The fee structure calls for a $100, $250 and $500 fines from the first through third violation.
Jamtgaard said, “How much does it cost for a (fire) truck and crew to go out. I think it is substantially more than the fines in the ordinance.”
Rodriquez stated that the City Council can change the amounts of they want and said, “I don’t know how much it costs for a truck and crew.” The fee schedule was derived from research of other districts and communities. “There were some fees that were really high.”
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked, “How many individuals have had false alarms.” Rodriquez said there had been up to 38 calls. Hollingsworth said, “Hopefully people will get the message.”
The Council approved the amendment to the Rate & Fee resolution. Jamtgaard reiterated his concern. “I don’t think the numbers are anywhere near the costs.”
Chelan Records Project:
Council approved a $11,913 contract with Cities Digital for 55 hours of consulting services for “
Main Zone Capacity Improvement Project:
Pipkin Construction bid $755,535.21 on the above project. The City’s estimate was $900,000. Public Works Director Jake Youngren said all bidders were within 10% of each other. “It is a nice change in (bidding) trends we’ve been seeing,” said Youngren.
The $300,000 in savings will be used as contingency funding for the project.
The project includes the Darnell’s Booster Pump Station Improvements Project and the Main Zone (water/sewer) Capacity Project. The Booster Pump Station Improvements are slated to take place this summer/fall.
DonMorsePark satellite food concession:
Park’s Director Paul Horne stated that after the first year Mack Restaurants (Lakeview Drivein) operated its satellite concession to deliver food and drink to park visitors he requested that the Council extend that agreement. “I was really impressed with their performance last year,” said Horne. “It’s a tough place to do a concession and transport foot to that outpost.”
Amy Mack, operator of the Lakeview concession was able to put an electric bike to transport food back and forth with great success. Hollingsworth stated he had heard good things about the satellite concession.
Council approved the concession request.
Golf Course Clubhouse painting:
City Council approved a bid to prepare and then paint the Lake Chelan Golf Course Clubhouse to JMC Painting of Manson for $14,458.14. The Parks Department received four bids on this project. “This is the first paint job in a decade,” said Horne. “It will be a much needed improvement to the clubhouse.”
Council also approved a HVAC improvement at the Clubhouse to Cascade Mechanical for $21,904.38. Over the last two summers, the current HVAC system was unable to keep the clubhouse cool during high heat days.
Administrative Report:
The Chelan/Douglas County Transportation Council is calling for project proposals from the area’s agencies and organizations.
Youngren stated that Public Works will request $800,000 for the Sanders Street Crosswalk Project. He told Councilmembers that there was a 13% match requirement.
Mayor/Council Comments
Councilman John Olson asked if the City is requiring or making improvements to No-See-Um Road now that the Highland project was approved by the Hearings Examiner. John Ajax replied that improvements are in the works.
Councilman Chris Baker remarked that there were 10 sites with offensive graffiti and wondered if the City and PUD were aware of, and taking care of this. “I don’t know what the solution is but the longer it is left, the worse it gets. It is a real problem and a horrible look for visitors.”
Wade Farris asked Sgt. Huddleston if it was a gang or a bunch of wannabees doing the graffiti? Huddleston replied it was wannabees because, as far as he knew, there were no actual gangs in the area. “We don’t have a huge problem (with gangs),” said Huddleston.
The City is moving forward with removal of graffiti on City property.
Mayor Goedde said there are discussions regarding boundary changes at the old City ballfields which might be increased. In addition the PUD is determing what can be installed on their property in South Chelan which might end up being a park or soccer field for AAU players.
Goedde also mentioned the potential installation of an electric car charging station at the Intersection of Emerson and Trow. “Tesla is now offering an adapter so cars other than Tesla’s can use their charging stations.
Jackie Tupling said she has sent out letters to City customers regarding monthly on-line payments with debit cards.
City Administrator Wade Farris said the Representative Michael Steele will put the City in for the $1 million dollars the City is shy of for the water system to the airport, and that the City can move forward with the construction this year. Steele will be putting the $1 million dollars into next year’s budget.
The City’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 11 beginning at 6 p.m. Residents and visitors are invited to attend.
The first annual Beach Cleanup in the Wapato Basin was a huge success. The 35 students from the Chelan Project and the estimated 30+ adult residents who turned out to pick up garbage on the beaches from Lakeside Park to the Lookout Marina and from the east side of Wapato Point toward the Mill Bay launch. Also a crew picked up garbage from the east side of Rocky Point and the CVE Marina to the first Chelan Hills dock.
At the rendezvous point in Lake Chelan Marina, both Phil Long – Lake Chelan Research Institute and Maleigha Peterson – Chelan Project leader both instructed the participants on where and what they would be doing.
Maleigha Peterson – Chelan Project and Phil Long – Lake Chelan Research Institute presented volunteer participants with information on the beach cleanup process.
Long introduced other leaders like Lisa Dowling from Chelan County Resources and the Keep It Blue program (keepitbluelakechelan.org) and encouraged people to call him at the Research Institute with questions or interest in volunteering (509-531-2987).
Chelan Project leader April Slagle
A Chelan Project Crew finishing up scouring the Chelan River for debris.
He and Peterson told participants to not only pick up trash, but if they find any invasive aquatic weed fragments to pick them up also to help stop the spread of invasive milfoil and pond weed.
Campbell’s Lodge opened its doors to participants after the event and served hot chocolate. “They opened up a ballroom for us,” said Long. “It was filled with a third students and adult volunteers after the clean-up.” The City of Chelan and the Planning Association of Washington also participated. Unfortunately, Pilgrim Lake Services was unable to help due to a conflict.
Long said that Clayton Watkins is building a database so people can sign-up and select what parts of the beach they want to cover at next year’s Restore the Beach event.
Speed kills! That is a major concern of residents and downtown businesses adjacent to Manson Blvd from Lake Chelan Building Supply through the downtown corridor and up to the intersection of Manson Blvd. and Boetske Avenue.
The topic of vehicles speeding through that corridor at speeds above the posted 25 miles per hour speed limit has elevated the topic for the Manson Community Council seeking solutions to slow traffic down on this highly used section of road.
The Council requested that Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gearing, Eric Pierson – County Public Works Engineer and County law enforcement representatives attend the Council meeting on Tuesday, March 21 to discuss the speeding issue.
There have been several accidents and one person killed during a hit-and-run. “There is a lot of pedestrian traffic and we need to see if we can work something out,” said one resident.
Eric Pierson – Chelan County Public Works Engineer
Engineer Eric Pierson stated that there were a lot of things to look at. He suggested what he called a “pie in the Eye” solution of making Boetske and Manson Blvd. into one way corridors. Commissioner Gearing suggested narrowing the corridor down to help slow traffic.
Chief of Patrol S Buhler
The most productive ideas were education and law enforcement of the speed limits, however, the Chief of Patrol Buhler said that while tickets have already been written, the Sheriff’s department can’t be there full time. “Regardless of speed signs, people drive at what they feel comfortable at,” he said.
Soft Speed Bumps came up as a solution but Pierson said snow plowing, water runoff and bicycles and motorcycles might have problems. Mayor Goedde stated that they can also be a liability.
Councilman Chris Willoughby asked about flashing speed signs.
Councilmember Chris Willoughby
Gearing suggested increased law enforcement presence. “The new Sheriff has increased patrols and that pressure has definitely helped,” said Gearing. She added that she made a whole list and will meet with Pierson to discuss solutions and to try and fund it. She told the Council that she would get back to them the following week.
On Saturday, March 25, there will be a beach cleanup from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. beginning at Lake ChelanMarina. Anyone interested in keeping our lake bottom clean of garbage and milfoil are invited to join the students from April Slagle’s Chelan Project to help in this endeavor.
SEE YOU ALL THERE
Mayor/Council comments:
During the Mayor/Council comments at last Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Councilwoman Erin McCardle came out with a strong rebuttal to Councilman John Olson’s recent comments regarding what he feels is a Conflict of Interest between Michael Steele’s executive directorship of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce and his role as the Republican ranking member on the State Legislature’s Finance Committee. According to McCardle, Steele is the ranking member on the State’s Capital Budget committee.
Olson had stated that visitors to Chelan contribute to Chelan’s aging infrastructure and public services, and asked if it was reasonable to pass on those costs to local residents.
Councilwoman Erin McCardleCouncilman John Olson
McCardle pointed out different ways visitors contribute to replacement of the City’s infrastructure including the 2% Lodging tax which can and is used for capital projects like the upgrades at the Golf Course and RV Park
She mentioned Sales Tax, of which she claims 50 to 60% is generated through tourism dollars. She remarked that Real Estate taxes from new homeowners also contribute to funding many capital projects such as the acquisition of the Library Building, the Parks Building currently under construction, matching funds for the Lakeside Trail grant and Chelan Airport waterline funding.
Property taxes from second home owners also provide revenue allocated to street upgrades and Utility charges generated by second home owners who pay utility fees for the entire year.
McCardle also said she recognizes the need to find a balance between visitors and residents. “It is our job as councilmembers to be stewards across the board.”
There has been discussions within the State on the diversification of lodging tax dollars usage. McCardle stated that Olson’s comment that Steele’s two positions were in conflict was irresponsible and potentially damaging to the City’s relationship with Steele.
“Please recognize that we have a long list of infrastructure needs and he (Steele) is our key to securing state funding for these projects,” said McCardle.
She brought up that Representative Steele has helped procure over $11 million in funding for specific projects and is working on $16 million in funding for 2023.
No one is denying that Representative Michael Steele has done a great job, not only in increasing tourism in Chelan, but bringing in State money for specific projects. It is appreciated.
John Olson and Erin McCardle have differing opinions on the subject of tourism and that is one of the things that makes our City Council vibrant and engaged. No one wants a Council that agrees on every issue.
Olson’s contention and many in the community feel that Chelan has more tourists and visitors than it can reasonably serve well. McCardle’s contention is that more tourism is needed for the revenues it drives.
Since both of them have indicated that they will be running for Mayor against Mayor Bob Goedde, the upcoming 2024 local election season will be quite interesting.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth
Tim Hollingsworth brought up the possibility of raising the pay for Mayor Goedde four years ago and felt it is a good time to re-address this issue. “I believe this is somewhat in line,” said Hollingsworth. He would like to see a 20% raise for the mayor. “Mayor Goedde puts in a lot of time and it is important to recognize the work that goes into being there,” added Hollingsworth. He would like the rest of the council members to consider the pay raise.
John Olson noted the donation of the Boat Cleaning Station that will be located at the marina. He brought up rough estimates of damage if either Zebra or Gardia mussels were ever allowed to become established in the watershed. “It would cost each dam at least a million dollars a year in maintenance,” he said.
Mayor Bob Goedde
Mayor Goedde said he met with the Chelan County Commissioners and the Boyd Road property is off the board, but that the County offered the City the 20 acres above the Beebe Springs Trailhead on Hwy 150. This property was obtained by the County from the Wa. St. Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Jake Youngren stated that Public Works was contracting with Cascadia for another brush cleanup this spring.
Paul Horne said the late, cold spring weather has delayed the opening of the Golf Course. He also said the Albatross owners are working on building upgrades at the Golf Course.
Wade Farras added that Julie Pittsinger, owner of the Albatross Restuarant is in the process of having the bathrooms and downstairs area remodeled to make it more user friendly.
Self Contained Boat Cleaning Station donated:
Parks Director Paul Horne
Paul Horne, parks director, reported to the Council that Wildlife Forever has donated free of charge a Self Contained Boat Cleaning Station that will be located at the Lake Chelan Marina.
“I worked with Lisa Dowling at Chelan County Natural Resources Department on this acquisition,” said Horne. “There is no match requirement for the donation and no strings attached to the unit,” he added.
There will be periodic maintenance costs associated with the unit from cleaning and/or repairing or replacing components as necessary.
There is an optional lease for software to track usage of the unit and to indicate when the tanks are 80% full. This fee is included for the first year with no obligation to continue the software’s use after that despite the importance of continuing that service.
City Council meets in regular session every second and fourth Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m. Residents and others are encouraged to attend.
Last week’s Watershed Planning Unit meeting had some good news, challenging new and potentially bad news.
The bad news is the potential re-introduction of Bull Trout into the Lake Chelan tributary system. Bull trout have been extinct in the lake since sometimes in the fifties. No one knows what killed off the species that were the backbone of a thriving commercial fishery on the lake.
The decision will probably not be made until next year.
Resident Russ Jones remarked that one possibility of the trout’s disappearance was the introduction of a virus from a hatchery planting of Chinook salmon. “Has anyone even looked to see if a virus is still present in the lake,” he asked.
Phil Long – Lake Chelan Research Institute, told the researchers that they should talk to local fishing guide Joe Heinlen. Heinlen is a local expert on fish and its history on Lake Chelan.
Twelve tributaries are being investigated with tributaries feeding the Stehekin River and Prince Creek amongst the potential areas.
Joe Benjamin -U.S. Geological Survey, is the primary investigator in the potential re-introduction of Bull trout to Lake Chelan tributaries. The project is being funded by the National Park Service and the National Resources Preservation Program. “This should be transparent and affected by decisions,” said Benjamin. “We are looking at how species fit together.”
Mike Kaputa -Chelan County Natural Resources director, said, “There is a lot of interest in this. We all want an open and transparent process.”
Long added that Heinlen has strong opinions about fisheries on the lake. “He makes his living fishing on the lake,” Long. Heinlen has been vocal about Bull trout in the past and has said that any introduction of the species in the Lake Chelan Valley’s tributaries would ruin current recreational fishing in those streams. He also worries about potential migration to the lake.
“There are a lot of unknowns,” said Benjamin. Kaputa remarked that the proposed Grizzly bear reintroduction has a lot of opposition. Bull trout are an endangered species and Kaputa said, “There would be a lot of regulations regarding their introduction and a lot of concern about it.”
Kaputa went on and asked Benjamin to describe what the future program would look like. Benjamin replied that the question is whether they want to reintroduce Bull trout or not.
Benjamin stated that they are looking at impacts on other fish populations. “It is a three year project and we are pretty close to finalizing where to put Bull trout. The final results will be available next year,” he said. He also remarked that that impacts on landowners are also being considered regarding adding a predator to the system.
Other watershed news of note:
Department of Ecology’s Candis Graff announced her retirement from Ecology May 25. Graff has been at the forefront of water permitting and the new program to process them efficiently. She was not sure who would be replacing her.
Chelan County Resources director Mike Kaputa said the new water code was going very smoothly and that they are close to finishing a grant on water banking. “It will give us more tools to move water around,” said Kaputa. “We are continuing to explore how to provide water across the county.”
Phil Long, director of the Lake Chelan Research Institute brought up the subject of River Otters in the Lake Chelan Watershed. “They seem to be everywhere in the lake,” he said. The otters food chain includes freshwater mussels (maybe Asian clams), fish, crayfish, amphibians, aquatic beetles, birds, bird eggs, fish eggs and small mammals.
Two River Otters were playing on a snow covered dock in Manson Bay this winter. Photo by Vicki Downey
The Institute began water sampling this week for phosphorus and chlorophyll In addition the Institute will be taking near shore surface water temperatures.
The Institute is conducting a “goose poop” study with $600 that has been donated for that purpose from Campbell’s, the Lookout and Lakeside Lodge and Suites. Goose poop is not only a messy onshore situation, but is thought to be one of the main contributors to algae growth along the lake shore along with phosphorus loading from lawn fertilizers.
Long mentioned the Woodin Avenue stormwater drain which needs to be filtered to keep stormwater runoff from entering the Chelan River just west of Chelan’s water intake.
The sand barrier on the west side of the Three Fingers is also of concern. Geese and ducks are using the area and polluting the trapped water with leavings. The question is whether or not to mitigate the issue by modifying it or removing the spit altogether.
Another issue on the Lake is personal watercraft wakes that are creating erosion of the shoreline. According to Long this issue needs to be monitored.
Kaputa mentioned the DDT project in Lake Chelan and said the EPA is looking at a bigger picture with a Columbia River Restoration Working Group. The group is collecting data on toxins such as DDT and PCBs. “They are sampling 440 miles up river,” said Kaputa. “They are finding toxin levels 10 times lower than downstream.”
Lake Chelan has a DDT issue also and studies will be conducted on Stinky Creek at Harmony Meadows. DDT seems to be coming out of orchard drains.
Lisa Dowling reported that water craft inspections will be taking place from May to October. “We are in the process of recruiting four AIS watercraft inspectors,” said Dowling. The program will rotate mobile trailers between high use marinas. Neighborhood inspections will also be offered for local boaters.
Dowling also stated that the City of Chelan is getting a waterless wash station at its Lakeshore Marina. “The county will help the marina where it is situated. It is a top of the line unit and will be free of operational expenses for its first year of operation.”
As the Lake Chelan Research Institute expands water quality research on Lake Chelan, there are funding gaps that need to be addressed.
On Saturday, March 25 there will be a beach cleanup starting at Chelan’s Lakeshore Marina from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The effort will include weeding aquatic invasive species for removal from the lake bottom.
If you have questions and/or are interested in becoming involved in the efforts to keep Lake Chelan Blue, the above contact information is current.
The removal of Woody Debris will be studied and the County will be looking at sites for removal.
All Things Lake Chelan 