by Richard Uhlhorn

When an expensive item is lost overboard in deep water, the chances of recovery diminish based on a number of factors; location, bottom conditions, currents, sediments and the equipment used to search and recover.

On May 11 the Lake Chelan Research Institute was conducting a lake quality monitoring operation when its $15,000 multiparameter probe separated due to an undetected line defect. The probe ended up in 400+ feet of water between State Park and Willow Point Park.

The location was noted on GPS so recovery efforts could take place close, and hopefully, in the vicinity of where the 11 pound probe ended up on the bottom.

Recovery efforts have included dragging the bottom to no avail. Dr. Phil Long was interested in utilizing an underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle) to add in the recovery of the instrument array. Long began researching rentals and other potential options to get an ROV on the lake.

He got the help he needed from Aaron Burnett, an outreach specialist with the Washington Sea Grant program at the UW. Burnett had Long call Celina Ladyga, Lt. Commander in charge of Maritime Safety & Security Team in Seattle.

Ladyga approved sending two ROV technicians to Chelan with an Underwater ROV. On Monday morning, August 2, the Coast Guard technicians; Alaric Grecius and Tedd Meinersmeen met Long, Tim Sullivan and Ian Blevins, a Manson High School graduate with an interest in ROVs.

Shaun Sherman and I were in his boat with the job of keeping vacationing boaters away from the work area.

Even on the lake, the day was blistering hot. When the GPS location of where the instrument was lost was reached, Sullivan, a retired Coast Guardsman, set up his trolling motor with an anchor lock to keep the boat on the GPS coordinates.

Grecius and Meinersimenn ran their first dive, taking sonar readings in hopes of locating the array. This didn’t work, so they brought the ROV back to the surface to attach its grappling arm and submerge once more to conduct a much broader back and fourth search pattern.

Unfortunately, as so often happens on operations involving underwater work, a software glitch cropped up and the operation was suspended until the next day. 

On Tuesday morning, with the glitch fixed, the ROV was placed on the bottom of Lake Chelan and the Coast Guard technicians conducted a search pattern over the bottom in hopes of finding the scientific array or the 400 feet of cable that broke and sent the $15,000 package to a watery grave… at this point. Despite the search pattern, it is like hunting for a needle in a haystack.

Since the ROV’s side and front scanning sonar doesn’t penetrate the sediment. the hunt was called off.

Joe Heinlen, a local fishing guide and boat operator for the Institute is going to re-rig a dragging system and try to hook the array that way in the near future.

In light of all the recovery efforts, Dr. Long told Chelan City Council that the monitoring probe was reaching its five year life span, so replacement of the probe was high on the Institute’s list of needs.

The Institute, which had a $2,000 replacement fund and had already raised $5,300.00 towards the probe’s replacement from private donations and Chelan County PUD, Long requested financial help in replacing the probe. He asked the Council to approve financial assistance of $6,460.10.

Long told the Council that oxygen levels are the same as from 1987 and 1998. We know that year after year the lake is stable over time,” said Long. “Now we are losing 2021.”

Long added that one of the bigger concerns is the algae growth near shore. “There are more boats on the lake and we need to educate people to fertilizer their lawns a lot less.”

Peter Jamtgaard asked Long what would prevent losing a new probe in the future. Long explained that the new line they were using on the probe didn’t have a safety core in it and they didn’t know that. He said the Institute would be using a 1000 lb. test safety line to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“Your track record shows good stewardship of City and County money,” said Time Hollingsworth. “It is essential that we collect that data. I move to approve the $6,460.00.

The Council unanimously approved the expenditure and Long has ordered a new probe and is still in hopes that old probe can still be recovered.

Other issues facing lake quality are listed by the Institute in no particular order:

• Leaking septic systems uplake from Minneapolis Beach on the South Shore;
• Waterfowl feces (ducks, geese and seagulls);
• Agricultural drains and creeks that drain agricultural lands, particularly in the Manson Agricultural area;
• Over fertilization of lawns and orchards near the lake even if no ag drains exist.
• Atmospheric deposition including wind blown dust from construction sites and ash from wildfires;
• Re-suspension and erosion of sediments by wave action;
• Decomposition of near shore aquatic plants;
• Internal loading from bottom sediments; and
• Runoff from drainages with recent wildfires.

by Richard Uhlhorn

An estimated crowd of 100 residents attended last night’s Chelan Town Hall by the Chelan County Sheriff’s leadership staff. Sheriff Burnett was not in attendance, but Chief of Patrol Captain Musgrove and Sgt’s. McCue and Frank presented information on law enforcement policy changes from the 2021 Washington State Legislative Session.

All Things Lake Chelan wrote an extensive article on these changes from the Wenatchee meeting that attracted 1,100 people and around 3,000 listeners online.

Captain Musgrove opened the meeting by telling those in attendance that the new policies guiding law enforcement were unprecedented.

As of July 25, when these changes became law, Sgt. McCue said, “I can’t stop a suspect from leaving (a scene) without probable cause.”

“This is not the job I signed up for,” said Sgt. Frank. “We cannot provide the service we signed up for. We feel sorry for you.”

In a letter signed by Sheriff Brian Burnett – Chelan County, Sheriff Kevin Morris – Douglas County, Chief Steve Crown – East Wenatchee Police Dept., and Chief Rick Johnson – Wenatchee Police Department, it was stated that the “new laws touch on many historically-effective methods of policing in the state.”

They impact how law enforcement agencies and staff respond to search and seizure, use of force, vehicle pursuits, drug enforcement, mental health detentions, criminal investigations, tactics and available tools for de-escalation of public safety and health situations.

The letter further states that if no crime has been committed and no imminent threat of harm to others exists, officers and deputies may not respond or if they do respond, may leave the scene.

Some examples of calls for service that may be effected include:

• Welfare Checks – requests to check on a person in public, a private place, or who has not been heard from for an unusual amount of time.
• Mental Health – calls for service of any tpe where there is information or potential that the involved subject suffers from a mental health condition.
• Civil Calls – non-criminal calls for service.

One worried parent who has a special needs child living on his/her own is very concerned and worried. She told Sgt. Frank that this child is registered at the Sheriff’s Department as a special needs individual which Sgt. Frank replied, “Registering is extremely important. It triggers us to know that there might be behavior issues when responding.

Sgt. Frank also stated that law enforcement has received a “black eye” in the Court of Public Opinion. “People who feel that way can be assured that when they dial 911 we are still coming.”

Brigitte Sztab, a concerned resident asked, “What can we do to help?” Captain Musgrove replied that residents can reach out to their legislators and “express how you feel about these changes… that’s the key to success (in changing the laws).

“Your voices need to be heard,” he added. “There are only 11,000 of us (law enforcement personnel), so we are like a speck of sand,” said Sgt. Frank.

Sgt. Frank told the crowd that in the first two weeks of being in Chelan County he heard more “Thank You for your Service” from residents than 10 years serving in the King County Sheriff’s Department.

Mayor Bob Goedde commented that the City’s insurance rates are going through the roof with all these new changes. “We need a grassroots effort to help change this,” he stated.

WASPC (WA. Assn. of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs) is working with legislators and supports follow-up legislation to address unintended consequences, ambiguities, and conflicting provisions of the new laws. WASPC and its members will continue to work in good faith to improve the public service of law enforcement and embrace the sanctity of human life.

For more detailed information on the current issues, check these statements from the Washington Assn. of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs:

Click to access WASPC%20Statement%20on%20Police%20Reforms%20-%208-10-21.pdf

Click to access WASPC%20Statement%20-%20Police%20Reform%20Legislation%20impact%20on%20policing%207-21-21.pdf

On Sunday, August 15, Sheriff Burnett will also appear in Manson for an evening presentation in the community center at North Shore Bible Church.

The Sheriff will go over the recent legislative changes and will also discuss his recent visit to the Arizona-Mexico border. The Manson meeting will run from 6-8 pm.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Campbell Resort’s latest development iteration for its property located above Riverwalk Park calls for a 24 unit motel with a swimming pool to be built. This plan came under attack at the Tuesday evening City Council meeting on August 10 when several residents of the neighborhood voiced their concerns to City Council members.

Christy Nielsen, a long time resident of Chelan told Council members that the entire neighborhood would be severely impacted by Campbell’s development. Citing the neighborhood as one of Chelan’s oldest, Nielsen said, “Twenty-four units is inappropriate and will impact water, sewer and traffic. The only access to this property is through the neighborhood.”

She also mentioned the traffic issues with the middle school/high school with parents, teachers, students and buses. “It also will impact Riverwalk Park,” she added. “It will erode the quality of life in the neighborhood.”

Nielsen remarked that she is not against responsible development and cited the new apartment complex along 97A that hasn’t impacted the neighborhood. “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should,” Nielsen stated.

Planning Director Craig Gildroy urged Nieslen to write a letter to the Planning Department as a part of their record. “There will be a public hearing on this development in the future,” said Gildroy.

Lisa Garvich, another resident of the neighborhood and an active opponent of Campbell’s proposed development stated she shared the same concerns as Christy Nielsen. She told the council that the development would affect the entire community.

She accused the Planning Department of doing the bare minimum to notify residents and citing that residents within 300 feet of the proposed development are the only ones who receive notification letters. “It doesn’t take in the entire neighborhood.”

She would like to prompt more notification of developments on the City’s website, Facebook page and not have it buried where it is hard to find. A public reader board has been proposed to notify citizens of issues in the community. Mayor Goedde remarked that a reader board would cost $25,000.

Garvich stated that Friends of Chelan believe the city has not done enough to inform the community about this project. Many residents are unaware and therefore are not being afforded the opportunity to participate in the public comment period, which addresses all concerns relative to the environmental impacts a project of this size will have on our community writes Garvich.

We do not feel these minimum requirements adequately help to make the community aware and despite our efforts to ask the city to do more, time is running out for residents to participate in the process if they desire to. 

A spokesman for the Earley family said they were not opposed to development, but were opposed to the Campbell proposal. He said that the City should take into consideration the entire residential community being effected. “I cannot fathom a motel in our neighborhood,” he said. His frustration is that the neighborhood is one of the treasures within the city.

Mayor Goedde remarked that the City is run by codes and mentioned the 280 apartments planned out by Walmart.

The public comment period for the Campbell development ends on Friday August 27, 2021. Comments should be sent to the City of Chelan Planning Department.

by Richard Uhlhorn

“We think the lake is protected,” said Russ Shropshire, a project manager with Leidos, the technology company retained by RELLC (Resource Environmental) to examine and address the release of petroleum products in the downtown Chelan area.

First documented in 1987 when a leak was discovered from a gasoline underground storage tank at the Chevron Service Station located at the corner of Sanders and Woodin Avenue, Chevron entered into an agreement with the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to complete remedial investigations.

A summary and status of the environmental investigation activities at the Chelan Chevron Site were shared with Chelan City Council at its August 3 City Workshop.

The Chevron site is approximately 10 acres in size in the downtown area and is being conducted under the direction of Ecology which has been an open Cleanup Site within Ecology’s Toxic Cleanup Program.

Fifty groundwater monitoring wells have been installed over the years and 36 currently exist to evaluate soil conditions for on-going assessment of groundwater conditions up to 75 feet below the surface.

The investigation has also determined the existence of diesel fuel or #2 heating oil in the vicinity of the property at 136 E. Johnson Avenue. Other possibilities included abandoned heating oil tanks or other undocumented underground storage tanks.

Frontier Communications has additionally been named as a potential liable person for the site.

There are two aquifers that lie under the surface. the first is a perched aquifer with contaminated water. Called a Perched Aquifer (Groundwater that is separated from the underlying main body of groundwater (aquifer) by unsaturated rock (aquiclude). Also known as perched groundwater, perched water table.). This aquifer sits on top of a glacial deposit which is dry in its upper portion. This aquifer is heavily impacted b dissolved-phase petroleum consitituents and LNAPL (A Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) is a groundwater contaminant such as petroleum oil, gasoline or diesel fuel that is less dense than water and is not very soluble in water.).

This water bearing zone is pinched out and wells installed to the left of this termination have historically been dry.

The second aquifer is much deeper and occurs in a sand-silt-gravel zone with a depth to water at 62 to 92 feet below the surface. This is a regional water table which flows southeast towards Chelan Falls and appears to be contaminant free which is why the investigation has concluded that contaminants are not reaching the lake or river.

“Everything that will leak has leaked,” said Shropshire.

Mayor Bob Goedde reminded the everyone that over the years there were a number of gas stations, old grocery stores and other businesses that had heating oil tanks.

Shropshire stated that they wanted public participation and whatever clean-up activities that take place are done without negative impact to the community.

• On-going work will include:
  Continued LNAPI gauging and groundwater monitoring;
  
  Further investigation of diesel/heating oil sources in the work vicinity:
  
  Preliminary development of potential cleanup alternatives this year and next year;
  
  Development of a soil management plan:
  
  Underground storage tank and soil removal action at 221 E. Woodin Avenue in 2022; and
  
  Feasibility studies for future testing, selection of cleanup options and implementation of future cleanup remedies.

Restoration timeframe for the site is expected to be on the order of 50 or more years to achieve final cleanup goals.

by Richard Uhlhorn

“Polley is far exceeding expectations at this point,” said Councilman Ty Witt explaining the total success so far with the Chelan Rotary’s Glass Recycling Project that was partially funded with $50,000 from City coffers.

Yes… the Rotary has named the machine ‘Polley” and so far, according to Witt’s report at last night’s Council meeting, Polley has already crushed 8 tons of glass. This past Saturday, which was the grand opening, the machine ground through 1.5 tons of glass and on the previous Saturday, 2 tons.

Witt stated that Wenatchee has asked if they can bring glass to Chelan for crushing. “It’s becoming a true operation and generating funds,” said Witt. “The machine has more capacity than we would ever use.”

Mayor Goedde suggested that it might be time to place a bottle tax on all wineries. Witt replied that several wineries have donated up to $15,000 towards the project. “Some even pay their workers to work on the machine.” He also mentioned that Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow donated $20,000 towards the project and that Bob Jankleson has also donated towards the forklift.

Special Presentation:

City Administrator Wade Ferris introduced representatives from the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society who gave a special presentation on Animal Control. Executive Director Taylor Sharp ran through some of the issues facing Animal Control including an increased call volume.

The City contracts with the Humane Society for animal control within the City limits, and so far, in 2021, there have been 36 Chelan cases, mostly “Dogs at Large,” said Sharp. In 2019 and 2020, Animal Control responded to 113 and 96 calls for service respectively. “We are 33 percent over 2019 and 2020 calls,” said Sharp.

The program recently lost two trained officers and are trying to recruit new officers. Some of the issues she reported were a Loss of Trust in the Badge; officers being confronted and threatened with a firearm or knife. “In order to attract and retain quality officers we need competitive wages,” said Sharp.

Pet licensing revenue is on track to equal or exceed 2020’s $2,318 and currently is at $1070 to date.

“We are looking for a 10 to 12 percent increase and will bring an official proposal when the CPI is out. We are asking to continue on a three year contract.

Mayor Goedde used his seat to ask for assistance in corralling or finding the owners of a group of chickens that are running loose in his neighborhood. “Two have already been killed which proves the chicken shouldn’t cross the road,” said Goedde. Sgt. Mallory said he would investigate the chicken incident.

Motion Considerations:

Craig Gildroy, City planner, asked the Council to approve the Mayor to finalize and execute an agreement with Berk Consulting to help with the Planning Department’s permitting overloads.  This was passed unanimously.

Jake Youngren, Public Works Director, brought the Lake Chelan Sewer Agreement to the Council for approval. This agreement was discussed at the previous Council meeting and met with the ire of Councilman Peter Jamtgaard who flat stated he wouldn’t vote for it.

The 40 year agreement has been negotiated to meet the following requirements:

• Sewage shall meet all requirements of City’s current NPDES permit and all other State and Federal laws for sewage;

• City to provide facilities, labor, services, and equipmet required to treat and dispose of sewage;

• City shall transport sewage from District Boundary (Lakeside Park Area) to WWTP;

• Volume of flow from District measured at last District sewer pump station Operation of District System;

• City to operate and maintain District sewer system. The District sewer system includes the sewer forcemain, District lift station 1 through 6 and all other District sewer lines located within a recorded easement;

• District to reimburse City for the actual cost of all repairs and maintenance provided by the City on District system Payment for Use of Sewage Treatment Plant;

• Payment prorated based on total operating costs multiplied by percent of District Flow;

• Percent flow determined by dividing total monthly volume of sewage treated at the treatment plant into the volume of sewage passing into the treatment plant as indicated by the District flow meter. Payment for Use of Joint Facilities (Collection System);

• Cost recovery for use of collection system facilities between District and City WWTP;

• Payment prorated based on total operating costs multiplied by percent of District flow Payment for Administrative Costs;

• Prorated based on City’s “administration” costs multiplied by the percent use of the District Payment for Capital Improvements; and the

• District to reimburse City for Capital Improvements on a percent of use basis

“We don’t plan on executing it until (the sewer district) it defines its boundaries a little more clearly,” said Youngren.

John Olson stated that two or three years ago the Sewer District asked the City to take ownership, but that the City refused. “This agreement sounds like ownership,” said Olson.

Youngren said the 40 year term is normal for this type of agreement. “The Lake Chelan Recreation District has a 30 year agreement with us. It can be amended as needed,” explained Youngren.

Servando Robledo asked if the City was liable for the repairs and Youngren replied that the District has its own insurance to cover 100 percent of City services.

Jamtgaard stated he has a lot of concerns about the agreements on both the South and North shores. His major concern is the lack of control or say in either sewer district discharges its waste water into Chelan’s system for that period of time. “I’m going to vote No,” said Jamtgaard. “It needs more study of what we do to plan for the future of the Valley.”

Youngren replied that the agreements are equitable across the board. City Attorney Quentin Batjer stated that these long term agreements comes with leverage in the City’s position.

Tim Hollingsworth stated that his biggest issue is to have all of the South shore hooked into a sewer to protect the lake. “We need to review it every five years.”

The Council voted 5-1 with Jamtgaard voting No. Erin McCardle has an excused absence.

Amendment to Comprehensive Water Plan:

The City has been awarded money for an extension of water to the Airport. Youngren asked the Council to approve an amendment for the Water System Plan by RH2 Engineers.

This also would include the construction of a water reservoir at the east end of Chelan to improve fire flow.

Youngren asked how the City wants to address fire suppression in Chelan and suggested that a larger reservoir at a high elevation would achieve a greater volume of water. “I’m not comfortable with only one pump station serving that area,” said Youngren. He suggested that a ULID by the property owners might be appropriate.

John Olson stated he had heard rumors of water to the airport and Youngren replied that he couldn’t speak to status of funding for that project. Mayor Goedde said that State Legislator Mick Steele said he was coming up with the money which is reportedly $5.7 million to get water to the airport.

Tim Hollingsworth stated that project didn’t seem to be  of the highest priority, but Mayor Goedde replied that the money isn’t City money and that it would generate the potential construction of 20 to 30 hangers at the airport which would drive a much larger economic status at the airport. Kenmore Air would like to begin daily service between Seattle and Chelan in the near future.

Three Fingers:

With a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit and preliminary plat approval in hand for the three fingers will require a number of conditions to be met that requires the applicant to improve public lake access, construction of the Lakeside Trail, the installation of viewing platforms at each canal, and the planting of native plants and grass within the walking easement which will be 10 feet wide.

The City will be responsible for the handling of garbage, providing water and snow plowing.

Parking kiosks:

Parks Director Paul Horne told the Council that the Parks’ user interface to pay for parking is out of date. The Parks Department wants to replace the old system with a more intuitive new system on the same pedestals. Hollingsworth asked how long it would take to pay for them. Horne replied, “One weekend.”

The City Council and staff will be holding a workshop on Tuesday, August 6.

By Richard Uhlhorn

The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce hosted a Candidate’s Forum for the upcoming August primary in Manson High School’s Commons on Monday evening, July 19.

Mike Steele, executive director of the Chamber told the assembled Valley residents that each candidate would have two minutes to give an introduction to their candidacy and one minute to answer any written questions and 30 seconds to rebut any challenges to their statements.

The MHS Commons unfortunately has, at least for this journalist, poor acoustics which made it very difficult to understand some of the candidates issues.

School Board candidates:

• 

• 

Both Chelan and Manson had a number of candidates running for positions on each school’s respective school board. Chelan has seven candidates representing three districts within the School District. They include: Jerry W. Lopez and Erik Nelson – District 3; Stephanie Fuller and Cole Soreano – District 1; and Kristi Collins and Barb Polley – District 2.

Manson has a number of candidates vying for the At Large District 4 position being vacated by Jama England who has served the board for many years. They include: Jennifer Pittman, Catherine Willard, Allan Torgesen, Blanca Lehman and Susie Miller Fox. Greg Neff and Janel Lyman are opposing each other for the District 5 seat.

Since I couldn’t catch all of their introductory comments, suffice it to say that all of these candidates want more transparency. Some running for both the Chelan and Manson boards feel that parents are not being heard and that communication from the board to the parents is crucial to move forward. Kristi Collins running for a Chelan position echoed a lot of what was stated by the candidates. “The school board needs to be responsive and receptive to dialogue. The community has a right to be heard.”

One major issue some parents of both districts have is student masking. The candidates, for the most part agreed that the issue is a tough one but that most of it is state required protocol.  Catherine Willard said, “There are two sides to this issue. We need to get the facts out.” Her fear is that non-compliance with state health regulations the school might have to go back to remote learning.

City Council candidates:

Sheri Dietrich who has served on the Chelan Planning Commission for the past five years is running unopposed. She told the audience that she has learned a lot on the Planning Commission and feels she is ready to serve on the City Council. “We have to protect the Valley and I consider it an honor to serve.”

Madonna Konshuk is running against incumbent Chris Baker who was appointed to Position 3 last year when Ray Dobbs moved out of the City. Konshuk is currently a special education teacher at the Lake Chelan School District, but said she has extensive experience in the construction and development industry which she would like to bring to the Council position.

Before being appointed to Dobb’s council seat, Chris Baker served on the Parks Board for eight months. He owns and operates his own house painting and security company in theValley. His vision is to make sure that growth in the valley is responsible.

Fire Commission:

Fire Commissioner Russ Jones is being challenged by two candidates; Ben Laughlin and Brogan Kelly. Jones has not only served on the commission as board chair, but has been instrumental in helping to bring Marine 71 to the district. Jones just became a Nationally certified EMT and said, “I would like to continue to help more the district forward.”

Laughlin was not present at the forum, but submitted a letter indicating his concerns and issues with Jones. Laughlin, sat on the recent committee discussing the future of the district. If elected, Laughlin would work towards combining both District 7 and 5 together under one fire chief. He would also like to see the communities EMS services moved to the fire district and would also like to rebuild the volunteer base and not hire more career firefighters.

Hospital Commission:

Incumbent Fred Miller, who has now served 30 years on the hospital commission, is being challenged by two candidates: Shannon Motley and Lori Withrow.

Miller, who is an experience commissioner, told the audience that he would like to continue on the commission until the new hospital is completed while Shannon Motley, a self-employed business woman, wants to bring her expertise to the table with new technology and new options for the hospital. “We need a new hospital.”

Withrow, who is actively campaigning in the Valley feels that she would bring her professional background in construction and business management to the table. She told those in attendance that she wants to make Lake Chelan Health a strong institution for the future.

At the end of the forum, Mike Steele reiterated that the Chamber would be holding another candidate’s forum in the fall prior to the general election.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Citizens for Chelan Fire and Rescue held a kickoff meeting for the upcoming Proposition 1 Levy Lid Lift for the District in November at the Chelan Library on Wednesday, July 14.

Steve Clark, a Chelan resident who became involved in the District’s ad hoc committee to discuss and learn about the District’s needs, told the 25+ people in attendance that the meeting is not about politics, but a sharing of information to potential influencers about the levy.

Clark related his feelings that the community within the District is at risk for fire which is one reason he became involved.

Bill Bassett stated that the Lid Lift was for an increase of $.30 per thousand. “It will not be higher than $1.10 per $1000 of assessed value,” said Bassett. “As members of the committee we got a two month crash course in our fire department,” said Bassett. “Demand for services are outstripping our ability to serve. The department has had a 21 percent increase serving its 120 square mile district.”

Currently, the District collects $.80 cents/$1000. “If we don’t pass this levy, the level of service won’t be there.”

John Corbin, who is a retired 31 year veteran of the fire services, said, “We are not adequately protected. We need appropriate staffing.” Relating his year’s of fire experience, Corbin added, “When you see guys like us getting involved, it’s like a shot across the bow.” At the present level of service, Corbin said that the demand is not sustainable. “We are playing with fire right now, pun not intended.”

Corbin said he has always hated scare tactics and never votes for initiatives that ask for money, but strongly stated that this District needs to increase staffing to stay sustainable for the residents. “We want your support as influencers,” said Corbin.

The Levy Lid Lift proposition, if passed by the voters, will carry the Fire District for the next 10 years.

The funds generated by the levy increase will be used to:

• Make sure there is an appropriate balance of firefighting and emergency staff, including career, stipend, seasonal, and volunteer personnel.
• Keep the current equipment and fire vehicles in good condition to deliver rapid responses to emergencies.
• Support the long-term plan to replace aging equipment and fire vehicles in a fiscally conservative manner.
• Fund other capital and operational expenses needed over the next decade.

So what does that increase mean to the property owner in actual dollars.

A property value of $250,000 would see an increase of $6.29 per month or $275 per year;

$350,000 would see an increase of $8.80 per month or $385 total per year; $450,000, $11.33 per month/$495 per year; $500,000, $12.58 per month/$550.00 per year; and $650,000, $16.36 per month/$715.00 per year.

The Citizens of Chelan Fire and Rescue are just beginning to get started on a campaign to get Proposition 1 passed on November 2. They will be holding or conducting presentations up until the election. If you have a question or are interested in becoming involved, email crfCitizens4.21@gmail.com

by Richard Uhlhorn

City Council balked at a suggested motion to hire Phoenix Protective Corporation for weekend access control at both Lakeside and Don Morse Parks through Labor Day weekend.

City Attorney Quentin Batjar stated that without COVID restrictions in place, the City didn’t have a legal standing to implement restrictions to its parks this July Fourth. “There are constitutional issues at play here.” He stated that the First Amendment comes into play. Batjar went on to say the City could limit access to the parks if it had solid ground that the public’s safety was an issue.

City Administrator Wade Ferris said a lot of tickets were written over the weekend, mostly to vehicles that were double parked all the way up to the hospital. “We semi-alleviated the parking issues.”

Ferris said he needed to hear from the Council regarding the park overcrowding. Councilman Peter Jamtgaard stated that he witnessed people parking along Hwy 97A and walking to Lakeside Park. It is not a safe situation,” said Jamtgaard. He noted that Riverwalk Park is being used more often. “If people can’t go to one place, they will find other places.”

John Olson asked where the $18,000 was coming from? Ferris replied that the City would find the money to do it. “We can’t use COVID money.”

Erin McCardle sees the City kicking the can down the road and not solving any of the issues with security. “I have a hard time saying families can’t come in to our parks.” Her other issue is residential parking. “The neighborhoods filling up is also a problem,” she said.

Apparently the bathrooms broke down and the City couldn’t get any porta potties; plus the staff was understaffed. “We are not delivering a level of service,” said McCardle. She asked what the security would be doing for its $18,000.

Ty Witt also commented that parking was a huge issue. He said on Gibson “that people just don’t know where to go.” He suggested ticket writers might be the answer. Parks Director Paul Horne said, “Right now the Sheriff is responsible for ticketing.” Witt replied that the City could hire a meter maid for ticketing. “I think somebody like that could be hired.”

Chris Baker stated that it is just a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured on the highway.

Jamtgaard said, “I’m totally in support of expanding parking at Don Morse.” He wants to see a kinder, gentler way to handle the problem of parking and the park issues and is opposed to ticketing visitors.

Servando Robledo said he would like to see the Council take a look at solutions for next year. “It is not positive for families. Maybe we are a little too late this year. I would like to figure out how to handle it next year.”

Tim Hollingsworth said the City has the responsibility to keep the parks open. “I spent a couple of hours at Lakeside and Don Morse and nothing I saw was a life or health issue.”

Witt said neighborhood parking is an issue and he brought up the illegal parking on Farnham by the PUD boat launch. He also worries about Hwy 97A and the potential for an accident there.

Mayor Bob Goedde offered a solution for illegal parking. “Let’s put out a bid for three tow trucks (to operate in Chelan) and give them a impound yard.” He also stated that visitors could be given directions or information of other places to go when the parks are full. He asked the Council to come up with ideas and potential solutions for the August 3 City Workshop.

Servando suggested that the Council come up with a long term solution to parking in Chelan.

Peter mad a motion to contract with the security firm through September and it was approved by a vote of 4-3.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Lake Chelan Health is moving forward despite carrying a $1,572,727 net loss for the year. In an unaudited financial report ending on May 31, the hospital came in $768,000 under its budget.

It was noted at the Tuesday, June 29, board meeting that the facility will be hiring an experienced biller in July and adding a second biller shortly thereafter which, according to CEO George Rohrich, “will make a huge difference in our Accounts/Receivable.” Rohrich expects these hirings to cut the receivables in half which will affect the bottom line.

At the end of May, the revenue projections were $1.9 million under budget. CFO Cheryl Cornwell reported that the restricted $3 million plus cash reserves from the CARES act is still sitting in the bank, with the hospital waiting to hear if some or all of it will have to be returned to government coffers. Those funds would, if released, put the hospital in a positive financial position moving forward.

There are a lot of connotations to moving forward. According to Rohrich a Master Facility Plan is being prepared. “We will be reporting back to the board in July on what we propose for the Clinic (new location) and who is in the new hospital.” Rohrich will also give the board an auditing report and costs at the next meeting.

Chairman Mary Murphy said, “People are anxious about where they will be located.” Rohrich added that the potential of getting rid of leases is paramount. The Clinic will be moving out of its current location and will probably be relocated at the existing facility as well as the administrative staff. “We will see what space is left over,” said Rohrich. “We might be able to put a daycare here.”

The cost of physically moving the hospital to its new location will be available prior to the 2022 budget.

Hybrid meetings:

A number of community members have been asking when in-person meetings will begin again. Rohrich stated that the hospital is considering an in-person hybrid model which would include in-person attendance and ZOOM.

Rohrich stated he has received confusing information from the Governor’s office about in-person meetings, but hopes to have in-person meetings beginning with the July board meeting. “If we continue at the hospital, we will have to wear masks so we can listen to everyone mumble.”

Potential locations mentioned outside the hospital facility included the Senior Center, Fire Station conference room, City Hall (which has the audio infrastructure for ZOOM meetings) and the Lake Chelan School District.

HeritageHeights update:

The Hospital, which leases the property Heritage Heights sits on, is working on an amendment to extend its lease. “Timing is significant and we will have an amendment ready for your review and consideration for the next meeting,” said Rohrich.

Rohrich stated that there were two items of importance which includes the length of the lease and a clarification to the access road which goes through the hospital’s property. The hospital is researching and getting a legal opinion on the requests. “We need to get this moving along with what they have to do,” said Rohrich. “We may need a special meeting when an amendment is ready to discuss.”

Surgeon status:

The hospital is losing its surgeon, Dr. Joshua Schronowski, to Alaska at the end of September and Rohrich told the board that the search is on for a good orthopedic doctor who might be able to work on major joints. “We are interviewing candidates,” he said.

Strategic Planning:

The hospital is planning its Strategic Planning meeting which will take place sometime in September. Two proposals for moderators are currently being considered. Jody Corona who has moderated hospital strategic planning meetings in the past and Heron Company. Both parties cost about the same with the price tag somewhere between $15,000 and $25,000.

The next strategic planning meeting will include a survey of what community members would like to see going into the future. The planning effort will cover the hospital’s service area, market share, population census data and survey considerations.

The hospital holds its board meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month beginning at 1:30 p.m. Beginning in July, there is a possibility that the meeting will be held as an in-person meeting with the ZOOM option available.

by Richard Uhlhorn

GLASS RECYCLING:

Public Works Director Jake Youngren announced that the City and 911 Glass Rescue have “come up with an operating agreement” for the glass recycling program. “We feel like we are at the finish line,” said Youngren.

The recycling program will run on weekends and will not be in conflict the City’s other ongoing recycling program. Only authorized personnel will be allowed to work with the glass recycling program.

City Attorney Quentin Batjar told the Council that paragraph four of the agreement gives the City a lot of leeway. “It has been a pleasure working with 911 Glass Rescue,” said Batjar. Councilman Ty Witt, one of the Rotary proponents said he was impressed with the efforts by the City.

The glass crusher machine is on site and being set up with July 24 set as the Grand Opening of the program. “We need to get the word out so we have glass to process,” said Witt. “It’s up to the public to bring it to us to make the program successful.”

CHELAN WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN UPDATE:

Park’s Director Paul Horne brought forth cost estimates for the seven sites designated as having the best potential for public waterfront access. The City has put aside $150,000 in the budget to help fund improvements as directed by the City Council.

The sites that have been designated as having the most potential out of the 17 sites researched were:

• Lake Chelan Shores – A long beach area between Willow Park and Lake Chelan Shores that is in the public domain would be improved with a boardwalk that would allow access to the lake as well as becoming a part of the proposed North Shore Pathway. The cost to improve this area is estimated to cost $320,626.00.
• Dietrich Road Street End – This location is at the lake at the end of Dietrich Road and improvements were estimated to cost $298,374.29.
• Chelan Riverwalk Park – This site would be constructed on the southwest side of the Woodin Avenue by the Grandview at an estimated cost of $149188.35.
• Peterson’s N. Park Street – This site is adjacent to Peterson’s Waterfront Resort and is currently being used by the Chelan residents as a place to escape too. Under the proposed improvement, it is estimated to cost $94,915.65
• Sunset Marina/Lake Chelan Boat Company – This area is between the Boat Company and Sunset Marina where the old Howe Sound Mining Dock was. It is already a perfect beach area. Improvements are estimated to cost $161,754.86.
• W. Main Avenue – Estimated improvement at this location are $132,945.58.
• Green Dock Micro Park – This park is in use, but the consultant has included an over the lake viewing dock at the corner of Water Street and Terrace Avenue at a cost of $327,450.28.
• Two alternate sites have been included at the end of the seven sites selected for improvement. they include the following:
  1. West of the western finger at Three Fingers for a lake access dock and several swimming docks adjacent to the Lakeside Trail and 97A. This project would be an excellent collaboration between the City and PUD. All the underwater land is owned by the PUD at this location.
  2. Spader Bay Water Access – It has been suggested that the City make use of the Spader Bay acquisition with several floating docks that would accommodate paddle boarders and kayakers to help disburse water use from the Chelan River.

The Three Finger and Spader Bay alternatives will be discussed at Chelan’s next Council Workshop.

SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM UPDATE:

Craig Gildroy, planning director, updated the City Council on the required Shoreline Master Program that is required to be submitted to the State by June 30.

The amendments include a number of comments from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife which was the only agency making a comment. Most of its recommendations were changes in the language used in the updates including references to accessible ramps and docks, and the hydraulic code.

Gildroy told the Council that he would be bringing back a resolution for council to approve at the next Council meeting. A representative of the WDFW told the Council via ZOOM that “some of the recommended changes are unique to Lake Chelan, some of which are required by the Department of Ecology and some that were not.

Public Works Director Jake Youngren requested approval of a Change Order with KRCI for the Lift Station No. 5 Improvement and Force Main Replacement Project for a total of $9,252.34 which will be reimbursed to the City by Ziply Fiber.

The request for a change order was derived from KRCI discovering an unknown/unlocated fiber conduit near the intersection of 97A and Waterslide Drive. This fiber conduit is owned by Ziply Fiber and was identified as a part of their main service line for the region.

The conduit was installed directly above the City’s 10 inch gravity sewer line that is being replaced. “It was unfortunate that the unlocated fiber line was on top of our sewer line that is being replaced,” said Youngren. “To keep the project moving we came up with a plan to relocate the line.”

Youngren also reported that the City received two bids for a Chelan Traffic Improvements Project. The low bid was submitted by Specialized Pavement Marking, Inc. in the amount of $45,166.15. The engineers estimate was $66,279.00. “This project was funded through the legislature,” said Youngren. “We have more than adequate funds.”

The project is a proposed short term channelization project in lieu of the proposed traffic signal control project identified at the intersection of Johnson Avenue and Sanders Street.

The City Council approved a Construction Management Agreement with SCJ Alliance for the Chelan Traffic Improvement Project not to exceed $11,500.00.

Youngren added that SCJ Alliance will be putting an effort in to make the public aware of the project.

Councilman John Olson asked if the ultimate solution would be forthcoming in the next five to six years. Youngren replied that was the plan.

This began a discussion about truck traffic turning at the corner of Woodin by MOE and driving through the elementary school’s area. Councilman Chris Baker suggested that the City should talk to the school administration about the traffic situation. “It’s an all day long issue.”

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