by Richard Uhlhorn

Bridge Jumping:
Bridge jumping was at the forefront of Tuesday’s, July 8, City Council meeting when an agitated Lynda Sydloski addressed the issue. “I’ve watched them climb up a light pole and hang off the light,” she said. Sydloski brought up the unfortunate 2005 Memorial Day accident at Don Morse Park that left the victim paralyzed and eventually cost the City millions in a lawsuit.

Sydloski said the City is at risk for another accident waiting to happen and needs to address the issue. City Administrator Wade Farris stated that bridge jumping is a persistent issue for the city but is hard to stop.

Bridge jumping has become a popular activity and a ‘right of passage’ with many juveniles and even parents who encourage the activity. It has been an activity that has evolved over the years to include visiting juveniles also, and so far, no accidents have occurred.

Special presentations:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren introduced his newest staff member, Rox Hoskins. She has the title of Capital Project Manager and will be overseeing the construction of the Lakeside Trial amongst other duties tied to the public works extensive project list.

Mayor McCardle welcomed her to the community.

Mayor McCardle read a Proclamation in Support of Parks & Recreation Professionals Week which takes place during the week of July 20. McCardle thanked the parks department for their professionalism. “Thanks for a great job.” She said.

Public Hearings:
John Ajax, community planning director, conducted a public hearing on Unit Lot Subdivision Codes. “This code will allow Unit Lot Subdivisions on a larger lot,” said Ajax. “This has been to the Planning Commission already.”

The state has decreed that all cities, towns and counties will include procedures for unit lot subdivisions to allow the division of a parent lot into separately owned unit lots. This is a type of land division where an individual lots are created within a larger “parent lot” to allow separate sale and ownership of individual structures.

Lynette Grandy brought up the complex housing issues facing the city. She said the City of Chelan has an initiative to enhance livability by providing a wide range of housing choices that would cater to all income levels and meet the diverse needs of the city.

She would like to see the city implement the intent of the comprehensive plan and the housing action plan to further community goals by providing housing for local workers and families.

“The city needs to use every opportunity to be assertive and get their housing objectives known for affordable permanent housing for people who work in Chelan. Let’s make it easier for Director Ajax and his staff to provide direct information about improving housing affordability for locals.”

Tim Hollingsworth asked about parking and Mark Ericks asked what the difference was between the unit lot subdivision and a boundary line adjustment. Ajax replied that parking would be provided and that boundary line adjustments don’t fit this scenario.

Apple Blossom Center amendment:
John Ajax opened the public hearing on Apple Blossom Center Holdings request for a second amendment to its development agreement. The amendment, if approved, would add two new multifamily definitions; 450 sq. ft. micro-units and cottages to provide smaller, more cost efficient housing choices.

This would allow for roughly 80 micro-units on the Weidner parcel and 64 micro-units or cottages on the remaining Apple Blossom Center Holdings land.

Ajax stated that the developer will provide $700,000 to be used to offset improvements. Weidner is proposing to build up to 720 units total over the next five years. All building will be done in phases with 284 apartment units constructed initially. The second phase would be completed by 2030 for a total of 420 units.

Mark Ericks asked about traffic mitigation. “I’m thinking more about the impact to the hospital,” said Ericks. Ajax replied that at some point a roundabout would be provided at developer cost. Brad Chitty stated that he is worried about the density of this development and what it will mean to the community.

Tim Hollingsworth also remarked that there would be an “ultimate traffic impact.” He also asked about parking at the micro-units and Ajax stated that parking needed to be provided.

The Weidner apartments will be constructed just west of WalMart.

Nick Nowotarski, development director for Weidner, addressed the council and said, “We are currently working on our design. We will build 246 initially.” Nowotarski added that the first phase would consist of studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments. “We are looking forward to partnering with you,” he told the city.

The amendment request will be brought back to the council for approval at a later date.

Administrative reports:
Beckwith Consulting presented a report on the progress of the Imagine Downtown Project.

Beckwith reported that they have added some motorcycle parking to the plan and offered schematics of new light standards “We are able to put brackets on these standards for flags and banners,” he stated.
Beckwith showed several versions of benches that the community prefers. Bicycle racks will also be placed in the downtown area.
“There is strong sentiment downtown that there be no bricks. They do not want bricks.” Instead he suggested aggregate that will look good.

Administrative recruitment:
Wade Farris reported that the city will retain GMP consultants at a cost of $3,500 to help assess the qualifications of an internal candidate for the city administer position.

GMP will meet with Mayor McCardle and Farris to define the evaluation process and to help the consultant understand the desired qualifications and challenges of the administrator role.

The internal candidate will be required to submit a cover letter, resume, application and respond to two essay questions. When the virtual interview process is completed, GMP will provide the city with a written summary of the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses and offer a recommendation.

Brad Chitty recommended that the city open up the search with the Association of Washington Cities for more applicants to apply for the position. Bob Goedde remarked that the city doesn’t know what’s out there unless you ask. Tim Hollingsworth stated that it is difficult to attract people to “our small town.”

The internal applicant is presumed to be Chad Coltman, the current HR/Communications Director. It is also assumed that Mayor McCardle is pushing for Coltman as her administrator. The mayor has that authority to choose who the city administrator will be. Will the council approve?

Airport update:
Wade Farris reported that the city and the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority wish to extend the date for the Chelan Airport Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) to July 31. This extension will allow both parties to consider three options for the JOA to move forward.

Those options include:

                Option 1 – revise the current JOA with a hold harmless agreement and more robust insurance but otherwise the same. This could also morph into an agreement to form a joint airport board made up of some members of the Chelan City Council and staff, some members of the CDRPA and others to be determined.

                Option 2 – transfer ownership to the City of Chelan with CDPRA making some financial contributions, amount to be determined.

                Option 3 – transfer all responsibility of managing the Airport to the CDPRA with the City making some financial contribution, also to be determined.

Farris reported that conversations with staff and Jim Kuntz, CDRPA CEO, that Option 2 would be best for the City and the Lake Chelan Airport.

The city, its attorney and staff will develop an agreement to present for approval which is tentatively schedule for the July 22, City Council meeting.

Administrative reports:
City Clerk Peri Gallucci reported that assistant city clerk Cailey Couch has been certified as a city clerk. Couch has been instrumental in helping the city go from paper records to digital records.

Wade Farris stated that it is going to be an incredibly busy summer.

Paul Horne remarked that the Parks Department survived the July 4 weekend. “It was pretty calm,” he said.

Mayor/Council comments:
Jon Higgins commented that the kids and others on the Woodin Avenue bridge are leaving garbage and open containers. He suggested that a garbage can be placed nearby so garbage could be disposed of properly. Regarding the bridge jumping, Higgins said, “The Sheriff’s Department have a hard time policing this.”

Mark Ericks remarked that the bridge issue is a ‘right of passage’ for most of these jumpers.

Tim Hollingsworth stated that people like to jump off the bridge but that the cycle needs to be broken. “I don’t know how to do that.” He also said he visited Lakeside Park and it was busy.

Mayor McCardle said people were respecting parks rules and told when they were violating them. Also that there were limited issues in the surrounding neighborhoods. “Congratulations to Paul and his staff. We had a safe fourth.”

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan Parks:
Chelan has one of the most unique city park systems in the State. It is the only system that is not funded by a tax levy. The park’s funding comes from its own for profit enterprises.

At the last park meeting in June, it was reported that more locals are using the parks and less foreigners (i.e. Canadian) are accessing the system. “Its been a quirky season so far,” said Paul Horne, Park’s Director.

The good news is that overall park operations are up so far this year; golf course -26%, putting course – 7.2%, Marina – 10.8% and RV Park.. The increase at the putting course is due to consistent hours. “We are working with the Chamber to get the word out,” stated Assistant Director Audrey Cooper.

Rounds at the Golf Course were also up 16% (3,815 – 18 hole rounds).

Vice Chair of the Parks Advisory Board, Linda Reister requested that someone from the Golf Course provide the board with some kind of report. Chairman Shane Collins added that four times per year should be sufficient. Horne stated that they are busy, but also felt it was a good idea.

Enforcement:
The department shifted the enforcement group to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They had been showing up much earlier, but the new rules have stopped the early morning drop off of BBQs and tents. “Things aren’t happening at Lakeside until 9 a.m.,” said Cooper.

Financial sustainability:

At an earlier meeting in April, Horne presented the plan for the Ad Hoc Finance Committee who are charged with determining 3-5 solutions for long term financial sustainability for the park system by July. These solutions will be used when planning for the 2026 budget planning begins.

There will not be a Parks Board Advisory Committee meeting in July.

After the meeting the board visited one of the shelters to see the new barbecue in Don Morse Park and also had a chance to inspect the new metal park benches that will be installed at various locations in both Lakeside and Don Morse Parks.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Turning Manson into an exceptional destination is the goal of Manson’s One Voice Coalition. The coalition held its second community forum on Thursday, June 5 with an estimated 25 in attendance.

Dan Eermisser, the coalition’s consultant directed the meeting and said, “People have a lot of different opinions. We are trying to define that ideal and move toward some consensus.”

A part of the ongoing effort is to build a collaborative effort with Chelan. Kim Ustanik remarked that it is important to cooperate and collaborate with the City of Chelan who are also in the throws of defining their future priorities.

Both tourists and residents or a combination of both is considered important. “The front door is tourism… the end game is becoming a resident,” Eermisser said. “I think you have a delightful downtown strip that needs to be highlighted.”

A part of making the village exceptional will collaboration with 12 Tribes, maintaining a great park system and highlighting the recreational opportunities.

The village prides itself on its natural beauty of the lake and surrounding agricultural lands and mountains. Its strengths include a wide variety of recreational destinations. With world class Wapato Point adding numerous out-of-area visitors to the community throughout the year, Manson becomes a ready made visitor ship attraction.

Wineries and other agricultural amenities like Manson Grower’s Cider Press, Rootwood Cidery and Rootwood Cidery along with Chelan Valley Farms.

Future opportunities:
The coalition is looking at restoring Manson as a stop off location for the Lady of the Lake. Developing a relationship with the City of Chelan and 12 Tribes. Developing agritourism events in the off-season around Manson’s agriculture.

One major effort is to secure a decent share of Lake Chelan’s/Chelan County lodging tax fund. Manson is a major contributor to the County’s lodging tax receipts.

As with any effort, losing momentum and community support could lead to failure by the coalition to realize the opportunities available to make Manson an exceptional destination.

A little history:
Manson, the Village on the Bay, didn’t used to be a wine destination and tourism onclave. It used to be a working town with 6,500 acres of world class apples that were exported to world markets, mostly Mexico and the far East.

It had that small town feel with several gas stations, a hardware store, a feed store, a meat storage locker and several store fronts catering to the local community. As kids, we worked in the orchards, thinning, pruning, propping and picking apples during harvest. In those days in the late 50s, there wasn’t much tourism.

Things began to change when Howard S. Wright Construction Co. received a 99 year lease from the Wapato’s to develop Wapato Point into the world class resort it is today. Eventually, the Colville Confederated Tribe added to Manson’s allure with the current casino.

In the late 90s, when the Asian economic crisis hit, banks were hard pressed to give farmers growing loans and many went bankrupt. This opened up land development opportunities.

It was a time when the valley was looking for a new way forward. In 1998, the first grapes were planted and the Kludts were the only apple/cherry producers to buy into the winery idea and opened up the popular Lake Chelan Winery in 2001.

From that point on, Manson changed from a strictly agricultural community to a tourist town at the end of the road. The downtown area of Manson began to change with more tourist type activities.

Fast forward to 2025 and Manson, that Village by the Bay, now attracts visitors and tourists to come and enjoy its wineries and other amenities,along with recreational opportunities.

It is still an apple and cherry producing area but much of the apple producing land has been turned into vineyards or residential developments.

Managing growth is of paramount importance to the Manson community.

by Richard Uhlhorn

At last Wednesday’s Chelan Fire and Rescue commissioner meeting, the district received a surprise gift from the Undercover Quilt Club. A group of the membership got together and created a quilt specific to the Chelan’s department.

Chief Brandon Asher swore in the district’s newest firefighter, Chad Cohen.

Commissioner’s reports:
Russ Jones reported that the Chelan Fire and Rescue boat has been repaired and is ready for summer service.

Mark Donnell remarked that upcoming increases in taxes will probably impact the Fire district.

Fire Chief report:
Chief Brandon Asher reported that the budget is on track and that the district has received the new boat at a cost of $20,000 of which $10,000 for its acquisition was from the Firefighter’s Association. “The money spent on the vessel was for its electronics,” said Asher. The boat was free.”

Windemere Real Estate donated approximately $1,600 to the district from its Shredding Program.

Asher reported that in April alone, the District responded to seven brush fires. The recent May brush fire in Washington Creek was handled quickly. “We got lucky,” Asher remarked at the Saturday Pancake Breakfast. “It got into a bowl and just swirled around. We would have still gotten it if it had escaped.”

The fire season has descended on the area and it is important to inform the community and visitors of the danger. With another hot summer coming, the fuels will be extremely dry.

The department applies for all relevant grants it can and Asher reported that they have a CWDG (Community Wildfire Defense Grant) pending consideration at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that would fund the district for five years and amount to $2.5 million dollars.

In addition, another grant application is in for $25,000 for personal fire gear.

RiverCom is currently installing radio equipment on Slide Ridge which will help increase the District’s current radio communications.

Chelan is also updating the old Orondo Fire District response plan which is outdated and will help RiverCom dispatch proper equipment during emergencies.

The WSRB, is  company who helps insurance companies, their customers evaluate data for properties to help establish fire insurance premiums. “There is a lot of momentum now to extend the boundaries from five to seven miles,” said Asher.

Volunteer recruitment coordinator:
Mark Donnell stated that the districts are looking for a regional coordinator. “We have a better chance at a regional position,” said Donnell.

Ron Simmons added that a training coordinator is an important position which he would like to see continued after the three year grant expires.

Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman remarked that the District subscribes to the MRSC which is a statewide resource providing general legal and policy guidance for local government entities.

The District has a goal to celebrate its 100 year history next April.

The District needs to find out who the contact is at the Forest Service. “They’ve had so much turnover. We need to follow up on who has the position.”

Assistant Fire Chief report:
Sherman reported that they would be sitting down with District 5 Chief Arnold Baker to discuss operational planning.

TIF:
Russ Jones stated that he won’t be convinced about TIF numbers until he walks through the numbers the City has provided and assesses the increase in property values. Asher replied that the District counterparts around the Northwest are also studying TIF structures.

In other business:
The District is considering hiring a second mechanic. “Not sure whether it would be full-time or part-time.” Apparently Chelan EMS has talked about sharing that position for their mechanical needs.

By Richard Uhlhorn

It was a quick City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 27

Dust Control:
Of importance to the residents is the alley way Dust Control program that Council approved for the third year in a row. Lyman Dust Control, Inc. will be applying its road binder to all of the alleyways in the community. “It’s a good public relations campaign,” said Tim Hollingsworth.

Citizen comments:
Janet, a Lakeside resident and member of the Friends of Lakeside group, thanked the City Council and Parks Board for actions taken to help manage the use of Lakeside Park. “We enjoyed a quiet Memorial Day weekend with only a few instances of non-compliance, most of which were addressed by the security team or after their departure, by Sheriff’s deputies.

The City and its staff went out of its way this past winter to address a number of concerns that came from overcrowding at Lakeside Park that made living in the community miserable last summer.

She requested that the City extend the security companies hours be increased to cover afternoons and possibly into the evenings.

Barry DePaoli, another Lakeside resident, remarked that the new signage is great and the new security measures excellent. “Overall, the weekend was an improvement,” said DePaoli. “Change is always difficult.”

Transit month:
Mayor Erin McCardle read a Proclamation Declaring June as “Ride Transit Month”

She thanked LINK for what they have done for transportation issues in the Valley. The CEO encouraged residents to visit LINK’s website for information on its services.

Proclamation

WHEREAS, public transportation plays a vital role in connecting people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and essential services, ensuring that all members of our community have access to opportunity; and

WHEREAS, riding transit helps reduce traffic congestion, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable environment; and

WHEREAS, the Link Transit system is powered by dedicated drivers, operators, maintenance staff, and planners who work tirelessly to keep our community moving safely and efficiently; and

WHEREAS, increasing transit ridership supports economic development, fosters equitable access, and strengthens the social fabric of our neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the month of June marks the start of summer, a perfect time to encourage residents to try transit for commuting, recreation, and daily travel; and

WHEREAS, “Ride Transit Month” offers an opportunity to celebrate public transit, recognize its benefits, and invite our community to explore new ways of getting around;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor of the City of Chelan, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2025 as Ride Transit Month in the City of Chelan, and I encourage all residents, businesses, and visitors to support and participate in this initiative by choosing transit and celebrating its many benefits for our community and our future.

Weekend Sheriff’s Report:
Sgt. Rob Huddleston reported that there were 37 incidents over the weekend with six arrests, three DUI’s, and three suspended license issues.

Out on the water, Huddleston reported that the Marine Patrol conducted 50 vessel inspections and had two assist incidents. “It was a much different weekend from 16 to 20 years ago,” said Huddleston.

Huddleston also thanked the City and council for its contribution to retrofitting Marine II to its current new condition. “We have trained all of our deputies on the vessel’s operation. It is a huge change and it responds so much better.”

After the meeting I asked Sgt. Huddleston about motor vessels using the Chelan River to anchor in when the City specifically wrote an ordinance banning them from the river. Huddleston clarified the issue. “We can’t stop them from using the river. It is a navigable waterway and the State allows them.”

So, the river will remain open to motorized watercraft despite the City’s new ordinance.

Motion Considerations of Note:
The Port of Chelan County and City have extended the deadline for a decision on the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) for the Lake Chelan Airport  to July 31. The Port’s board of directors have also agreed to this extension.

The current Lake Chelan Airport JOA expires on September 30, 2025. The extension allows agreed that a notice of non-renewal on or before July 31, 2025 shall result in the termination of the JOA effective September 30,2025.

Administrative Reports:
Finance Director Jackie Tupling presented a Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce report for January through May 25, 2025.

So far the Chamber has spent $238,948.70 of its allotted $700,000 of which $398,000 has been spent on advertising the Valley. Another $242,000 went to Chamber wages.

Lakeside Trail report:
Travis Denham, PE – Public Works, updated the council on the Lakeside Trail Project. This project is slated to begin on the Monday following the July 4^th weekend and completed by October 16, 2025. “We don’t know how much construction is going to cost,” said Dunham.

If it goes over the estimated $4,126,782, Dunham said they might use an interfund loan from the Water Fund. Jackie Tupling remarked that there is money in the budget and that an interfund loan is an option. “There are a lot of bids coming in less than the estimate,” she added.

The multi-use Lakeside Trail will be constructed from the Woodin Avenue Bridge to Lakeside Park. The construction estimate is $3,679,782. The Transportation Improvement Board is contributing $500,000 to the project. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) contribution is $2,516,566, and LINK Transit is contributing $251,686. The City has budgeted $250,000 to the project and will provide additional funding if necessary.

Mayor/Council comments:
Terry Sanders said he appreciated the on-going dialogue with the Lakeside residents. He also would like to Public Works to take a serious look at the blind corner coming off the Dan Gordon Bridge. “We need to be proactive on this.”

Jon Higgins said that Memorial Day visitation was down. “We will see what July 4 brings.”

Mayor McCardle thanked the Friends of Lakeside and hopes that everyone has a good and safe summer. She added that it was nice to have a full council in attendance. “It’s going to e a busy two months.”

By Richard Uhlhorn

Public Works Week
Next week is National Public Works Week and Mayor Erin McCardle honored Public Works Director Jake Youngren and his staff of 29 employees that keep the city running. “He consistently puts out excellent work,” stated McCardle. McCardle read a proclamation about the celebration that began in 1960 to honor the hard work by public works staff.

The Public Works Week begins on May 19 and ends on May 23 when students from the Lake Chelan School District will have a chance to meet with public works staff and see some of the machinery used to keep Chelan’s infrastructure running smoothly.

Council Rules:
City Council approved its Rules of Procedure which includes new criteria. Council members will be allowed to miss three meetings unless otherwise approved by the Council.

This decision to change when a council member may be absent has essentially removed Shari Dietrich from her Position No. 7 because she is absent for most of the winter months, but always attends via ZOOM.

Councilman Brad Chitty remarked that if a person is absent, but stays involved via ZOOM should be given some latitude for his/her absences. Jon Higgins agreed with Chitty. Bob Goedde abstained from the vote approving the agenda bill.

Airport Land Acquisition:
Tim Ike, JUB Engineers gave a brief report on the proposed land acquisition of the 17 acre Orchard Heights property at the airport. “This is a draft acquisition application,” said Ike. “There will be an update draft with final numbers as soon as the draft is submitted,” he added.

The 17 acres will allow for protection of the airport’s Runway Protection Zone and approach surfaces of the existing runway. The land acquisition is also needed for the proposed runway realignment which will would bring the airport up to current standards.

Currently the financial implications of this acquisition is $1,789,000 of which the Federal Aviation Administration will pay 90% leaving WSDOT and the owners, Chelan and Port each payjng an additional 5%… the city and Port will be responsible for 2.5% each as co-owners.

Councilwoman Sheri Dietrich asked Ike how they arrived at the $1.8 million number? Ike replied that JUB’s estimate was developed from the master plan from similar acquisitions, “particularly the one in Wenatchee” for the Pangborn Airport expansion.

Wade Farris, city administrator, said that the $1.8 million estimate is just that. “We don’t go in with an offer (land owners) until we have an appraisal.” Ike replied that if the appraisal comes in higher they will need to revisit the council.

This brought up more questions. Terry Sanders asked if there was a lot of engagement with property owners. Farris replied that a number of engagement meetings were held. Jon Higgins asked if there was a purchase and sales agreement in place. Farris said they are working on that.

Mark Ericks asked about condemnation if necessary. Ike replied, “If it all falls apart we would go for condemnation.”

Grant writer/funding:
Annalise Noble has been working on acquiring grants and funding sources for the City of Chelan since 2024 under her Noble Strategies LLC. She is assisting the City  with grant and funding applications. She will continue providing services under her existing Master Services Agreement with an amended contract amount of $60,000 from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Woodin Avenue Bridge:
The elephant in the room Tuesday evening was the Woodin Avenue Bridge dilemma. During a city survey, 72% of the respondents wanted to see the bridge reverted to two-way traffic again. That presented a huge, and potentially expensive problem for the City who wants to appease their residents.

Public Works Director Jake Youngren said that the department’s first order of business is to take a hard look at the bridge. “It would be appropriate to have a low end and high end bid.” The department is looking at a 44 foot cross section to get an order of magnitude on “how we want to tackle this.”

The feasibility of reconfiguring the bridge back to accommodate two-way traffic is identified in the city’s Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan.

A prior study developed an assumed cross section consisting of two 11-foot travel lanes, two foot shoulders and two five foot sidewalks for a total of 36 feet.

An updated concept level construction cost estimate is needed to provide an order of magnitude understanding of potential costs.

City staff recommended authorizing KPFF, Inc. Consulting Engineers (KPFF) to prepare this concept-level estimate based on the previously assumed crosssection. The scope of work includes a plan sheet showing the assumed retrofit concept, a memo summarizing key assumptions and the estimating approach, and a detailed construction cost estimate.

KPFF will be required to deliver a draft of their findings within six weeks of receiving notice to proceed. Final deliverables would be submitted two weeks after receiving City comments on the draft.

The work will be billed on a time and material basis not to exceed $10,000. It is the intent that Transportation Benefit District (TBD) revenue will be utilized for this effort.

 Council members commented on the motion. Tim Hollingsworth remarked that some hard information was needed. “I think it’s the elephant in the room.”

Mark Ericks stated that pedestrian safety was important and Bob Goedde, one of the main proponents of returning the bridge to two-way traffic said, “We had 10 foot lanes for 90 years without an accident. Ten foot lanes would save a lot of money.”

Youngren told the council that he would do whatever they want. His concern is how current codes would affect the effort.

Summer communication plans:
Chad Coltman, communications director, reported that the city was preparing for the Memorial Day weekend crowds with new signs that are easier to understand. “That’s all happening this weekend,” he said. “We are also taking advantage of social media with what we want to get across about the changes in our parks.”

The City has also dropped off informative postcards at the local resorts and community organizations have been informed of the changes.

Administrative reports:
The City will be holding a community meeting at the PAC to go over the upcoming Comprehensive Plan updates that will be worked on this year.

Coltman also reported that interviews for the upcoming Finance Director position will be held.

Jake Youngren reported that the Lakeside Trail construction was coming up.

Wade Farris reported that the contract for Memorial Day security is in place. “We are also working with law enforcement. He also said that Sgt. Huddleston reported that Marine II will be back on the water.

Mayor/Council:
Bob Goedde remarked that the City used to have 100 law enforcement officers in town for Memorial Day and it wasn’t unusual for 1,000 arrests to be made.

Jon Higgins asked about parking enforcement and how that was working out.

Tim Hollingsworth said he was looking forward to the Fourth of July. He also mentioned that the community has a new District Ranger and that the community needs to figure out about ways we can help under the current political situation where so many federal employees have lost their jobs. “At some point we need to talk about the district and what is going on.”

Mayor McCardle remarked that the City needs to have something out in the public for visitors who don’t know about our fire danger.

The next City Council meeting is on Tuesday, May 27 beginning at 5:15.