by Richard Uhlhorn

At Wednesday, February 16th Chelan County Fire District No. 7’s, commission meeting, Chief Brandon Asher brought the commission up on issues facing the District.

One of the largest issues facing the department is a two person request for all emails for one commissioner and three administrators. “This is going to require a lot of staff time,” said Administrative Clerk Carol Kibler. “We have reached out to our attorney,” she added.

Commissioner Phil Moller asked it there was anything the commissioners could do to help alleviate this issue. Chief Asher replied that the department has made every attempt to address the issue with the requester and is confident that they won’t find anything derogatory to the District.

Commissioner Karyl Oules asked how much this process is likely to cost the requester? Kibler replied that it will cost them nothing. The files are too large for a PDF and would need to be printed. “Can’t we charge them for our time and the attorney’s time,” asked Oules. (Note: the City of Chelan charges for printing public records requests.)

Asher said, “We will produce what they are asking for.” Commissioner Russ Jones added that these individuals never come to meetings and ask questions. Moller suggested hiring a part-time person, but Kibler replied that the District would have to go through each email anyway to make sure nothing classified is released. She added that the request will cost the District several thousand dollars.

Fire Chief’s report:

Asher reported that the District is expecting another $123,000+ dollars for last year’s mobilization call outs and that they received another $48,000 that morning from the Oregon call out.

He told the commission that the 2022 budget has been amended and that the district’s attorney suggested that the District not create a separate line item for the additional tax money that will be collected. He suggested that they put those funds into a interest bearing reserve account until it was needed.

The District responded to 68 call outs which was the second highest January on record. There were 46 EMS calls with 11 Advanced Life Support, 24 Basic Life Support and 11 No Transfers.

Asher said the District was the first to respond to the Chevron for a 53 year old heart attack victim (Marty Wason) where a bystander had already started CPR. “It was an outstanding performance. We arrived first within minutes and he was fighting for his life,” said Asher. “It shows how important it is to get people on scene quickly.” EMS arrived shortly after Russ Jones and several EMT firefighters arrived on the scene.

Asher reported that the District responded to a fire in Swanson Gulch where there were no fire hydrants to draw water from. Orondo also responded with its water truck. “We were down to 100 gallons and used that water to keep other structures and an RV from catching fire.”

The Swanson Gulch fire was a $79,582 building loss and an estimated $220,000 content loss. “We were able to safe a 40 foot RV,” said Asher.

Asher reported that everyone was off COVID protocol and they are back to being fully staffed.

Before official fire season begins, Chelan Fire and Rescue will host a kickoff ZOOM meeting to include all fire departments, the DNR and Forest Service. “Hillary Franz and the media will be attending.”

A recruit academy that began on February 4th  in Wenatchee is full of very motivated individuals,” said Asher. “We are happy with how that is going.”

Due to COVID, Asher is hopefully confident that the District will be able to extend its SAFER grant contract to use up remaining funds.

Unfinished Business:

The District went out for bids to replace the Fire Station’s roof and were shocked to receive one bid for $197,000 for complete replacement and $142,000 for an overlay. The District had estimated the cost at $125,000.

“It was significantly higher than we expected,” said Asher. A walk through has been requested. They were assured that an overlay would last for 30 years if the City would allow it. “We are reaching out to another roofer to see if he wants to re-bid the project,”

Asher explained. “We don’t have to take the first bid.”

The District has received two applications so far for the Assistant Fire Chief position that it would like to fill before the wildfire season begins. “I expect a few more before the March deadline,” said Asher.

The Department has received two letters of interest in the request to hire seasonal firefighters for the year.

A final draft of the City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract is in hand, but the City has several individuals on extended medical leave and can’t complete the MOU currently.

The Apparatus Planning Team has reported that the cost of new fire rigs is up dramatically; three 4% increase in 2021 and an 8% increase in January. A Type 1 apparatus will now cost $725,000 instead of $550,00. “We are in new economic times,” said Asher. He suggested that the department either hold several workshops on the issue or include the issue in its Strategic Planning sessions. The commissioners prefer the workshop option. “We have a lot of options out there and hope we can make it happen.”

by Richard Uhlhorn

An estimated 48 people attended a Manson Community Council (MCC) meeting on Tuesday evening, February 15 to listen to and/or comment on Bluewater Legacy Estates LLC application for a Conditional Use Permit for an Agricultural Tourism Short Term Rental development that would include up to 20 casita units, planted grape vines, a swimming pool and pool house, and a tasting room with retail wine sales.

The developer is also proposing a future component for an event center that would include up to 120 parking spaces which was the focus of the Community Council’s concerns.

The developer has only one (at this time) ingress/egress point which is just prior to Rocky Point, and this has created a major discussion on how SR-150 would be affected, not only for increased traffic, but the safety of visitors staying at the development crossing the highway to the proposed marina.

Kari Sorenson, chairman of the MCC, opened the discussion by saying, “This is going to affect everyone and anybody using the highway!”

David Kieninger, a traffic engineer with WSDOT, attended the meeting to answer questions. He explained immediately that the DOT is reviewing the application and will be providing comments to the City of Chelan’s Planning Department. “It looks like this is right at the edge of City limits,” he said.

Sorenson said the Council is concerned with foot traffic at the intersection and asked if the DOT could do something to mitigate the perceived issues. Kieninger replied that SR-150 is a local connector and not a high priority with the DOT. “We are interested in keeping freight moving (orchard traffic) and that road safe,” said Kieninger. “We are looking at lower speed limits.” He added that SR-150 is a multimodal road that also accommodates bicycles and pedestrians. “It’s definitely a balance we are trying to achieve.”

Councilwoman Cindy said, “There are no shoulders there and the entrance (to the proposed development) is right there. It gets challenging in the summertime.” Sorenson added, “Kinda scary!”

Kieninger also said that the DOT faces numerous challenges with all the access points along the highway. “It’s a lot better to control access points… the full meal deal would be a roundabout, but that comes at a significant expense.”

He added that building a right and left hand turn lane might be the answer, but that the City of Chelan is responsible for dictating what happens and the State only provides comments on the SEPA questionaire.

Sorenson asked what the tipping point is for traffic on SR-150. Kieninger replied that the DOT doesn’t have a number for that, but as traffic builds up, people have to make an adjustment. “There is capacity on the highway,” he said. “It will definitely be slower to get to Manson.”

When asked about the DOT building an alternative route, Kieninger stated that the DOT doesn’t build new highways, they just manage old ones. He added that any alternate route from Manson to Chelan would have to be undertaken by the County and City.

City Councilman John Olson told the Council that the Public Comment period ends on March 4 and encouraged the council and public to send in comments on the proposed project. Sorenson added, “It is important to write letters.”

Sorenson asked Olson if the Manson Community Council had a voice with the Chelan City Council. Olson replied that the current Council is receptive to public comment. “Everything that happens in Manson affects Chelan and vice versa.”

Written comments can be submitted to the Chelan Planning Department by March 4, 2022 to:

City of Chelan

Department of Planning and Community Development

P.O. Box 1669

Chelan, WA 98816

or by email to:

mlibbey@cityofchelan.us

The City of Chelan’s next Council meeting in on Tuesday, February 22, and offers a chance for the public to be heard at the beginning of its meetings.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Every year on the fourth Tuesday of February, World Spay Day is recognized in almost 70 countries in support of the positive aspects of spaying and neutering animals. In the United States alone there is an estimated 70 million stray cats and dogs. In six years, one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies. In seven years, one female cat and her babies can have a staggering 370,000 kittens.

Somewhere around 6.7 million cats and dogs enter shelters in the United States every year. The sad statistic is that with inexpensive spaying and neutering programs, up to 16,000 potential pets are euthanized every day (every 1.5 seconds) because they don’t have a home.

For six years, Peri Gallucci has been a major advocate in North Central Washington as a Humane Policy Volunteer Advocate for HSUS (Humane Society of the United States), and every year, Gallucci brings a World Spay Day Proclamation  to City Council in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of animals not so lucky to have a “Forever Home.”

Mayor Bob Goedde read the proclamation into the record at the Tuesday, February 8 City Council meeting wherein he read the entire proclamation and proclaimed February 22, 2022, to Chelan’s World Spay Day, and call upon the people of Chelan to observe the day by having their own pets spayed or neutered or by sponsoring the spaying or neutering of a pet in need.

PROCLAMATION:

WHEREAS, pets provide companionship to 67% of U.S. households which is approximately 85 million families; and

WHEREAS, 2.4 million healthy and adoptable cats and dogs are put down in animal shelters each year due to a lack of critical resources and public awareness; and

WHEREAS, nearly 90% of pets living in poverty, and 98% of community (feral and stray) cats are unaltered; and

WHEREAS spaying and neutering is especially vital as shelters across the country are being inundated with animals showing an increase of 100,000 more animals in shelters in January 2022 than in January 2021; and

WHEREAS, spaying and neutering has been shown to dramatically reduce the number of animals who are euthanized in animal shelters; and

WHEREAS, programs exist to assist with the cost of spaying or neutering pets living in poverty and community cats; and

WHEREAS, the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society performed 2,928 Spay/Neuter surgeries in 2021, currently dedicates one full a day a week for Spay/Neuter surgeries to the public, opened a brand new, state of the art, veterinary clinic which will be able to drastically expand offerings to the public and provide high quality spay/new services for income qualified clients; and

WHEREAS, veterinarians, national and local animal protection organizations, and private citizens worked together to advocate the spaying and neutering of pets and community cats through “World Spay Day” in the United States and throughout the world in 2022; and

WHEREAS, veterinarians, national and local animal protection organizations, and private citizens have joined together again to advocate the spaying or neutering of pets and community cats on “World Spay Day 2022”:

NOW THEREFORE, I, Robert Goedde, Mayor of the City of Chelan, do hereby proclaim February 22 , 2022 to be in our City, “World Spay Day” and call upon the people of Chelan to observe the day by having their own pets spayed or neutered or by sponsoring the spaying or neutering of a pet in need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereby set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Chelan to be affixed on this 8^th day of February 22, 2022.

Taylor Sharp, executive director of the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society was on ZOOM at the Council meeting and told them that the Society performed 2,928 Spay/Neuter surgeries in 2021 which has cut down the number of animals that had to be euthanized.

The Wenatchee Humane Society has a special spay and neutering program in place. Visit their website at https://www.wenatcheehumane.org/ for more information.

“I forgot to give my example that the University of Florida did an 11 year study on TNR (Trap, Neuter and Return) and after four years, there were no more kittens born – it really shows how fixing the feral population reduces it,” Gallucci stated in a separate email.

The following website shares helpful information on feral and stray cats.

https://www.alleycat.org/resources/feral-and-stray-cats-an-important-difference/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAmKiQBhClARIsAKtSj-k3laysyRR9WGhTFgo7s4lQZyC2heM2xc7XTH7nLqbC-dP_Y7ulIlkaAlv_EALw_wcB

by Richard Uhlhorn

City Council approved a number of motions at its regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 8. Following is a short description of those items.

A. Budget Amendment

            City Council approved a budget amendment that rolls forward project balances to complete contracted engineering tasks approved by City Council in 2021. It transfers funds for the downtown Alleyway Project between Columbia Street and Sanders Street.

B. Rate and Fee Resolution for Lakeshore RV Park Rates.

            Parks Director Paul Horne stated that there was a little confusion on the proposed rate increases surrounding tent camping. “We still offer hikers and bicyclists tent camping at $10 a night,” said Horne.

            Councilwoman Sheri Dietrich initially had concerns about how large the rate hike was, but subsequently met with Horne to discuss in detail why those rate hikes were needed and concurred that they were necessary.

            Profits from the RV Park, Golf Course, and other park enterprises fund all maintenance and operations for the entire City park system, which allows residents free use of those parks instead of being taxed. In addition, revenues from park operations also pay for downtown beautification, tree care and sidewalk snow removal in City parking lots and other designated areas. Revenues also funds some other governmental functions.

Councilman Peter Jamtgaard remarked that council had talked about flexible rates. “I do think we need to be talking about flexible rates for the early birds that come in and do as they always have done,” said Jamtgaard.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle thanked Horne for the context he supplied to the Council. “It’s nice to know where the funds are going and where funds will be directed,” she said.

C. Asset Management.

            “I’m very excited to bring this to you,” said Public Works Director Jake Youngren. “We interviewed six companies and Cartegraph was the best.” Youngren told the Council that the software was pretty powerful. “It can be integrated with our utility mapping, cloudbase, and it is easy to use in the field.” The initial cost is $17,000 and $11,000 a year there after. “We have adequate funds to cover this. The program will pay for itself within a few months.” Council approved the motion to authorize the Mayor to finalize and execute the Professional Services Agreement with Cartegraph.

D. RH2 Engineers Task Authorization:

            The Chelan asked RH2 Engineering to analyze a portion of the water main pressure issues that feeds the Darnell and Highlands Booster Pump Stations to determine causes of low flow pressures experienced in that zone.

The findings identified two separate projects; 1,200 feet of waterline replacement and incorporating an additinal pump in the Darnell’s Booster Pump Station to help alleviate low water pressures within that zone.

The Council unanimously approved the request that RH2 Engineers complete the Main Zone Capacity Improvements Design.

E. Pedestrian Infrastructure Replacement Project:

            When the City received a Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant funding for $150,000 which is required to be fully obligated by March 2022 for ADA compliance projects. The City will be using the funds to develop a Pedestrian Access Route that meets ADA on North Cedar Street and Columbia Street in the vacinity of Bayshore Courts and the Safeway Grocery Store.

“We had three bids,” said Youngren. The low bid was by Rudnick & Sons LLCfor $162,479.00 followed by two higher bids of $275,000 and $330,000.  The City will add $60,000 that is budgeted for sidewalk replacement and $200,00 for the annual street overlay projects.

The Council approved the motion along with another motion for SCJ Alliance for construction services at a not-to-exceed $34,976.

Mayor/Council Comments:

Tim Hollingsworth reported that he attended a Town Toyota Center board meeting as the City’s liaison and said the Government Vaccine Mandate to attend indoor events has hurt the Center. “They had 2,100 people attend an event prior to the mandate and only 300 after the mandate requiring proof of vaccination,” said Hollingsworth.

Hollingsworth said the mandate continues to hamper the Center but its finances are in good shape and that the Youth Hockey Program is strong.

John Olson thanked Paul Horne for this press release on the RV Parks Rate and Fee Resolution.

Jake Youngren stated that the Alleyway project is now underway between the 100-200 block between Columbia and Saunders. “Everything will have to go perfectly for us to finish this project before June,” stated Youngren. “We don’t want to get caught in June just half done.” He added that the department will communicate frequently with the public on the progress.

Paul Horne stated that a good turnout was achieved at the recent meeting to release and discuss the survey results by the Park’s consultants on the Parks needs.

Wade Ferris, city administrator, reported that the Washington State Department of Transportation will be conducting more rock scaling work on 97A and that there would be some closures on SR 971. He also said that the DOT plans on doing some work on the Beebe Bridge.

The Chelan Planning Commission meets on February 16 and the Council reconvenes at its regularly scheduled Council meeting on Tuesday, February 22 at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

by Richard Uhlhorn

• Chelan residents and others from outside the city limits are very interested in the findings of Chelan’s consultants who are working on a five year master plan and conceptual design for Don Morse Park.

The Parks and Consultants held a public meeting on Wednesday, February 2, with an estimated 20 people in attendance.

Art Thatcher – a manager at Berry Dunn’s park and recreation group, told those in attendance that they would be present the results of the community survey conducted through the City billing process and over an open link internet connection. They received 435 surveys by mail and another 710 people took the survey on the City’s open link for a total of 1145 respondents. “The response was much higher than 10 percent which is the norm,” said Thatcher.

Females responded 2:1 over males and 85 percent who responded by mail are permanent residents and 82 percent on the Open Link were also permanent residents.

“The importance falls along the line of users,” Thatcher said.

In order of importance to Chelan residents, public access to Lake Chelan was No. 1 followed by more trails and pathways, Don Morse Park, and Lakeside Park.

Dave Peterson, a member of the team said, “One of our tasks was to go out and look at the parks.” He also stated that they looked at other local amenities like the PUD Parks.

Peterson went on to say that Restrooms are very important to people. “It makes their visit more comfortable.”

All three City Parks Playgrounds scored very low. A Destination Playground along with a Splash Pad was high on the list. Dog parks were also high on the list of needs by residents. The Skate Park would be moved and rebuilt as an actual park with a Pump Track added.

The Putting Course which brought in $60,000 in revenues before COVID would be removed to open the park up for other amenities. The Go Kart Concession would also be gone, but could relocate to a new location.

Julia Culp, a Bernardo/Willis Architect principal, said the team was also looking at the community waterfront. “We want it to be ADA accessible.” She also mentioned larger playgrounds, opening up lake views by getting rid of trees that block views. She also mentioned an open lawn space that would replace the basketball courts and picnic area. It could be used for a Farmers Market, concerts and other events.

Following are some of the survey results:

Improvements desired:

• More Public Access to the Lake
• More Trails and Bike Paths
• Winter Activities

Improvements over the next 5 to 10 years:

• A Community Farmers Market
• Additional Youth Sports Opportunities
• Enrichment Classes
• Senior Programs

Future Needs:

• Public access to the lake
• More trails and bike paths
• Dog parks

By Richard Uhlhorn

“I think that’s too high,” stated Shari Dietrich at her first in-person City Council meeting during discussions about proposed rate hikes at the Lakeshore RV Park. “They will freak out at that price. I caution you to going that high.”

Dietrich comes from RV rental experience since she and her husband Darren run a RV Rental service. Her other concern was showing loyalty to longtime RV people who have been camping in Chelan for 40 years.

Parks Director Paul Horne replied that the Parks Department values the loyalty of past visitors. “We looked at the competition,” said Horne. He added that amenities like proximity to the lake, downtown and the park make Lakeshore RV Park a tremendous asset for the City. “This is a real gem,” said Horne.

Currently, because of the COVID pandemic, RV trends have spiked with many people actually working remotely from their RVs.

“We are proposing a 49 percent increase for 2023,” stated Horne. “We can command that rate if we are a resort destination.”

John Olson asked if this was a recommendation of staff. Horne replied that the staff conducted an informal market rate analysis of the RV Park and but felt that the proposed increase was sustainable. “If you think it is too high, we will go with the direction of the Council.”

City Administrator Wade Ferris reminded the Council that they wanted to raise rates. Tim Hollingsworth added that the City has a responsibility “to get what we can.” However, he said that he was squeamish about raising the rates to quickly and suggested a gradual rate increase over two to three years.

Chris Baker felt the proposed rate changes for RVs were ok, but felt that the tent rates were a bit high.

Lakeshore RV Park is so popular with RV owners that it is nearly fully booked nine months in advance. The park operations pull in approximately $40,000 in 3% lodging taxes.

In order to accommodate larger (65 foot) motor homes, the Parks Board recommends the Park setting up a reinvestment fund to help it remain an attractive asset. Needs include:

• Electrical upgrades;
• Extension of asphalt pads up to 60 feet, crack sealing and sealcoating of its existing roads;
• Upgraded wayfinding signage; and
• Selective tree pruning and tree replacement by arborists.
• Electrical upgrades;
• Extension of asphalt pads up to 60 feet, crack sealing and sealcoating of its existing roads;
• Upgraded wayfinding signage; and
• Selective tree pruning and tree replacement by arborists.

Another idea si to provide niche glamping or park model rentals which would provide year round appeal.

The proposed 49 percent increase from the 2021 $67 a night to $98 a night in 2023 and $104 in 2024 is considered to still be an attractive price compared to local hotels.

The proposals will continue to be discussed. 2022 is already mostly booked in advance of the upcoming season.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Legislative Priorities:
City Council approved its 2022-23 Legislative Priorities after a lengthy discussion concerning amendments proffered by Councilman Tim Hollingsworth (also board member of the Chelan Housing Trust) on Affordable Housing.

Hollingsworth was not able to attend the Tuesday, January 25, meeting but was on a Zoom Call to the Council. His letter requesting amendments to the language was based on the fact that a lot of communities are struggling with affordable housing needs. “I don’t think we should ask for an additional tax on Short Term Rentals,” said Hollingsworth who felt it would become a divisive issue.

Councilman Chris Baker asked what it would be. Hollingsworth replied that it was based on a proposal by Senator Hawkins to utilize 1 percent of the 3 percent bed tax. John Olson said the entire county has been behind on affordable housing needs. “I’m personally not opposed to a new tax on STRs,” said Olson. He stated Mayor Goedde’s remarks that an additional 1 percent on a $300 a night room at Campbell’s or elsewhere would not upset any renter because it would only added $3 to the bill.

Mayor Goedde added that he didn’t want this tax, if approved, to affect the residents.

STRs pay the same 3 percent tax that the hotel/resorts pay. Planning Director Craig Gildroy stated that if you are a registered and licensed STR, you pay the 3 percent.

It was pointed out that if the City wanted to have a new 1 percent tax on STRs they have no authority to do so.

Hollingswoth’s amendments include:

• Broadening eligibility requirements to allow for a larger range of incomes to purchase affordable homes;
• Legislation to give local jurisdictions more flexibility to implement possible solutions to include land donation and use of local tax revenues;
• Use a housing affordability index rather than median income as a basis for funding eligibility;
• Impose an additional tax on short term rentals (this was removed from the list); and
• Allow more local control of building and planning codes to make it easier to construct dormitories and short-term rentals for additional worker housing availability.

With affordable housing being a major issue within the City, it supports the efforts of non-profit organizations like the Chelan Valley Housing Trust and Habitat for Humanity. It also will support proposals that assist in creating rural residential housing for communities like Chelan, including the efforts of Representative Mike Steele and Senator Brad Hawkins.

Lake Chelan:

Lake Chelan is one of the finest bodies of fresh water on Earth that attracts visitors from around the State and the World. The Chelan Valley economy is based on tourism and agriculture; both are dependent upon the lake. Visitors don’t come here for major professional sporting events, or fine museums and art galleries, they come here for the lake!

To keep the Lake the unique, valuable asset it is, the City Council supports legislative funding for the following:

1. Increased/improved waterfront access. This includes existing park improvements and development of new public access areas (Road ends projects within the City).
2. Enhanced safety on the Lake (More marine patrols, buoys, etc.)
3. Water quality monitoring, including the efforts of Lake Chelan Research Institute.

Youth support:

Support for Chelan’s Youth The Chelan City Council strongly supports providing opportunities for our young people to engage in outdoor activities and securing funding for the following:

1. New, improved skate park
2.  Ice rink for winter activities
3. More outdoor basketball courts
4. A pump track
5. Support for the new community center (under construction)

Traffic & Pedestrian Safety:

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety City Council strongly believes that Chelan needs improvements to both its traffic and pedestrian safety. To accomplish this, funding is needed for the following:

1. Adding well marked and visible crosswalks (rapid flashing beacons, etc.) on Woodin Ave and Saunders between the bridge and Woodin, as well as in front of our schools.
2. Building round abouts at busy intersections (Johnson and Saunders, Woodin and Saunders) to improve traffic flow and safety.
3. Upgrading sidewalks and crossings to meet ADA requirements.
4. Strategic Planning Priorities Improved traffic flow/safety Support for youth activities/development Improved downtown parking

by Richard Uhlhorn

Brian Patterson, the new president of the Chelan Basin Conservancy (CBC) and Lisa Garvich, vice president, addressed Chelan City Council about the CBC’s new and more focused direction.

CBC is most recognized for its efforts to have the Three Fingers removed from Lake Chelan. It eventually lost its case in Washington State’s Supreme Court and the fingers are now being developed. They also were active in trying to stop any development on Chelan Butte.

Patterson told the Council that the CDC is looking to partner with public and private organizations and that “the City of Chelan is an important part of that.”

The CBC is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit and currently has 25 members, but is hoping to grow that membership. Patterson introduced Garvich and Tony Crosetto as the Treasurer and Mary Bider as Secretary.

The CBC’s vision for the Valley is to have ample open space, public lake access and a clean and safe environment for future generations of residents and visitors to enjoy.

Its focus will include Aquatic Invasive Species, public access to the lake, orchard soil contamination and its remediation, and the old Save the Butte campaign.

Patterson stated that the organization would be working on public access and said, “I’m pleased to see the City has embraced this idea.”

Patterson, a retired environmental engineer, was at the forefront of the efforts to convincing the Department of Ecology to address soil contamination on old orchard lands that were subject to contamination from lead arsenic and other chemicals. Each development will now be required to hire a consultant to oversee the initial dirt work and getting clean topsoil.

Garvich told the Council that she has high hopes the organization can develop outstanding relationships and build on those alliances.

She said they would be strategically recruiting and identifying people who can bring diverse attitudes and ideas. “We are encouraging people to get involved,” she said. “We feel strongly that projects need to be looked at globally.” To that the CBC wants to partner with others on how they can protect the environment. “We feel strongly that the public needs to be engaged.”

She stated that lake quality is at the top of the list when it comes to the environment. “We are lucky to have Phil Long (Lake Chelan Research Institute) and the CBC will continue to help “Keep it Blue.”

Garvich mentioned that the CBC continues its efforts to Save the Butte and would lie to see the public purchase that land. She said they are talking with the Trust for Public Lands and the Chelan Land Trust along with the State Legislature. “It’s a part of Chelan’s small town feel,” she said, but noted that the Butte Property is under a contract for potential development at this time.

The City, under Mayor Mike Cooney, had the Butte on its Legislative Priority list and wanted the purchase the 900 acres currently privately held. The purchase price, if it becomes available again, is approximately $8 million dollars.

Chelan Basin Conservancy’s website is at http://www.chelanbasinconservancy.org.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan Fire and Rescue (Chelan County Fire District #7) has a new fire chief. Brandon Asher was sworn in as the district’s new chief by outgoing chairman Phil Moller who is being replaced by Russ Jones after Karyl Oules declined the opportunity to chair the commission.

During the Public Comment period, retired Fire Commissioner Rick Nedrow congratulated Brandon Asher on his ascendancy to the Chief’s position. “The board needs to let the Chief find his place and the Chief needs to allow the same for the board,” said Nedrow. “You have made the right choice.”

Also recognized and sworn in was Firefighter/EMT Brandon Fogelson and the promotion of Recruit Firefighter/LT Ron Simmons who has also assumed the presidency of the Firefighter’s Association.

During Simmons’ report, he stated that a number of people showed up at an Association’s meeting asking how they could become involved. “We are looking for people with an interest in helping the association out,” said Simmons. “There is a lot being done, but I’m still learning about what has been done (in the past).”

Simmons told the Commission that there were no activities planned in the next month or so, so there would be nothing to report, however, he added that if there was information the Commission wanted, he would certainly provide it.

The Firefighters Association has been a conduit between the public, district administration and district needs for several years. Examples of the association’s community service are donations to residents who have suffered fire losses, and to the department, most notably funding for Marine 71, the Coast Guard vessel acquired by the District through Jones and the commission’s efforts.

The Department’s parade vehicle is maintained and operated by members of the Association.

Fire Chief’s Report:
Chief Asher reported that the District’s expenditures were at 95% and that the District received $114,000+ from State Mobilization in 2020 and is expecting another $121,183 in State Mob funding for 2021 in 2022.

The District responded to 1023 Calls-for-Service in 2021. In December, there were 86 Calls-for-Service; 10 were for Advanced Life Support, 25 for Basic Life Support, and 20 for no ambulance transport.

Firefighters were busy during the extreme cold weather helping with multiple water pipe breaks. “The crews were out helping secure water lines,” said Asher.

Asher said RiverCom has a grant that will sync all the Radio Systems in their region. “It is a pretty good program,’ said Asher.

Regarding volunteer recruitment, Asher stated that there was still funding available in the SAFER grant and the District is looking at extending the grant for another 30 to 60 days to expend all the funding available under the grant. “It’ a matter of being equitable with all three districts,” said Asher.

“We got a lot out of this grant over the four years,” said Asher. That included 81 recruits going to the Fire Academy. “A lot of them finished the academy,” he stated.Asher reported that the District has one Hazmat certified indiviual, six Rope-Rescue, four PADI Water Rescue and all have Red Cards for wildland fire fighting.

Currently, the District has seven Career, four Seasonal and 33 Volunteers who are combat qualified. “We dropped a little, but are getting a real solid group.”

Assistant Fire Chief position:
“We’ve had quite a bit of interest in this position, but only one application so far,’ said Asher. The deadline for applications is February 28, interviews will take place on March 14/15 and then the Commissioners will interview the top listed candidates on March 21.

City of Chelan Fire Protection:
Chief Asher said he has received a draft copy of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and District. “I had only one question,” said Asher. “We should have a final draft real soon.”

District 5/EMS collaboration talks:
He reported that Lake Chelan Health is pretty content with their system and that he had a three hour meeting with Chief Baker. “We were able to change District 5’s drill night to Tuesday’s. I think that is a good start.”

Jones added that he has also discussed the EMS system with a few Hospital Board members. “They are pretty well integrated into the Hospital system,” said Jones. “In talking with some Hospital commissioners, they are not interested.”

Phil Moller said, “We just wanted to house them.” Asher replied, “That is something to talk about.” Ex-Chief Mark Donnell entered the conversation and said, “It’s all about efficiencies. What can we do to be more efficient.” He added that it wasn’t a takeover or merger that was being asked for. Jones stated that the bottom line is cooperation between EMS, District 5 and the rest of the fire services.

LongRange Strategic Planning:
Asher told the Commission that with the passage of the Levy Lid Lift, the time was to begin thinking about long range planning. The Commission agreed to  meet on February 21 to discuss the strategic planning steps.

Seasonal Firefighters:
Asher told the Commission that there was a lot of competition for seasonal hiring from the Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources. The District would like to have seasonal employees on by April, prior to the fire season.

Capital expenditures:
Asher told the Commission that the District is looking at purchasing a new, compact 4-wheel drive structural truck that can access the narrow driveways on the South Shore. He stated that there would be no payments for a year. “It would be functional for us.”

Jones said, “With more mob money coming in we will have (up to) $300,000 plus (any) 2022 mob money to help purchase.

Commissioner comments:

Karyl Oules said that there were a lot of things to look at in depth within the District.

Jones brought up an individual’s false narrative on his participation with the community committee that discussed the Levy. Jones said he checked with the State and County and said as a commissioner he was free to interact and to support the committee and levy as long as he didn’t use District facilities, etc.

“It is unfortunate that people use Social Media instead of calling appropriate people.”

Executive Session:
The Commissioners moved into executive session to receive and evaluate complaints or charges brought against a public officer or employee. No action was taken afterwards.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Legislative Priorities:

City Council was handed an incomplete Legislative Priority list to discuss and give City staff some direction to develop the final 2022-2023 document for approval at the January 25, 2022 City Council meeting.

The first item up for discussion was Affordable Housing. Chelan, like many Washington communities is struggling with a lack of housing options which makes it too expensive for many local workers to live in the community.

The City supports Senator Hawkins proposal to utilize one percent of the three percent tourism tax to help fund affordable housing projects in the region. One percent of the three percent tax taken in by Chelan is approximately $300,000 a year.

The City also supports the creation of a tax on Short Term Rentals that would also be dedicated to funding affordable housing.

Erin McCardle opened the discussion with concerns of imposing a tax on Short Term Rentals (STRs) with no opportunity to talk to the STR community. “I’m concerned about the unintended consequences,” she said. “We need a more in-depth discussion about this.”

Chris Baker agreed with McCardle’s points. Mayor Goedde remarked that such a tax would be an easy way to generate money for affordable housing. He supports Senator Hawkins proposal but said, “This is a good opportunity to do it.”

Tim Hollingsworth said, “In general I support Senator Hawkins proposal.” However, he would like to see the priority simplified. “Make it brief bullet points of specific things we would like to address… highlighting specific thing we are asking for.”

Hollingsworth also liked the one percent STR proposal, but said the Council would need to figure out how to apply a lodging tax. “The money coming in is impacting our town.”

John Olson said that the Senator Hawkins legislation proposal would be awesome.

Water Safety:

Erin McCardle segued away from affordable housing to water safety issues. “We’ve been pushing the can down the road with people on the water that shouldn’t be driving a boat.” The Parks Department’s ‘white sheet’ has allocated $400,000 to this issue which would include new swim lines with larger buoys delineating authorized swim areas in Lakeside Park and Don Morse Park.

To Erin’s comment, water safety is more than swimmer safety as pointed out in Park Director Paul Horne’s white page. Safety on the lake has become an increasingly big issue. The Sheriff’s Department only has so much funding to provide on-water law enforcement. However, with an ever increasing presence of visitors on the water, the City needs to seek ways of securing more funding for on-water law enforcement.

She brought up the “Keep It Blue” campaign and would like to see a larger emphasis on educating the public and getting more buy-in.

Phil Long, director of the Lake Chelan Research Institute told the Council that there was an interest in doing this. He stated that no body of water in the State has the highest level of protection, but felt that the upper Lucerne Basin could qualify because of its federal status. “It would be a hard lift for the lower end of the lake,” said Long.

he was asked why there wasn’t more activity by the Department of Ecology on the lake? Long said that would be a legislative matter.

Chris Baker segued away from the lake issue and remarked that the building of a skate park/pump track would be a good thing. “We need the City to support youth,” said Baker. “COVID 19 has affected our youth greatly,” he added.

Trifecta:

Councilman John Olson read a prepared statement during the Council comment period and stated that Chelan was currently experiencing “negative” trifecta. His statement called out the aging and failing infrastructure (roads, water and sewer systems) and all the other services the City is responsible for.

“For years, the City has not kept up with repairs and/or upgrades to these services; it was far easier to push those expenses down the road when another council would have to make the decisions and another generation would have to pay the costs,” wrote Olson.

He mentioned failed sewer and water lines and the escalating costs of repairing or renewing City infrastructure. This is along with the highest growth rate in the history of Chelan.

Olson stated that it was time for the City to buckle down and begin looking for solutions. He pointed out Chelan County PUD’s strategic planning project titled, “Funding Growth.” The PUD has a plan to establish system impact fees assessed to new customers to help recover the costs for new infrastructure. (www.chelanpud.org/fundinggrowth).

The PUD expects to spend $15 million annually to support growth in the County and Chelan’s Public Works Department expects the City expenditures to exceed $5 million annually for its infrastructure needs.

Olson stated that it is neither reasonable nor equitable for the current City residents to pay for new growth and it should initiate its own impact fee structure. “A simple 1% impact fee on a $600,000 home with 200+/- new homes in the valley each year would result in over $1 million to help meet the City’s needs,” wrote Olson. “I therefore challenge our administration to investigate this (potential) new source of revenue to meet the future.”

Citizen Comments: Lisa Garvich requested that the City’s Public Works department will flag the City’s fire hydrants so snow removal equipment won’t bury them. Both Mayor Goedde and Public Works Director Jake Youngren thought this was an excellent idea.

Motion Considerations:

The City unanimously extended the Interlocal Agreement between the Lake Chelan Research Institute and the City of Chelan for one year so the Research Institute can use the remaining $15,000 on lake research.

Council unanimously approved a motion to allow City Administrator Wade Ferris to sign and execute a $32,000 funding grant for the Lake Chelan Airport. The funds will be used to help with airport operations.

Council unanimously agreed to an easement for the installation of the proposed storm water infrastructure for the Downtown Alley Utility Project. It involves the relocation of primary Chelan County PUD power conduits.

City Council agreed to a new air space lease with Crystal View Estates which was needed to marina infrastructure being constructed within public right-if-way that is needed to provide access to the marina. The term length of the agreement is for 10 years and can be automatically renewed annually for up to 10 years unless terminated by either party. The rent is $839.85 per year plus $107.84 in excise tax.