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Chelan is also updating the old Orondo Fire District response plan which is outdated and will help RiverCom dispatch proper equipment during emergencies.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

by Richard Uhlhorn

New council member:
Manson Community Council’s Mike Kirk swore Rene Commons as the latest council member to join. Commons replaces Chris Willoughby who left the council to join the Chelan County Planning Commission, a position he can use to help the Manson community with its issues.

“We are looking for one more councilperson,” said Kirk.

Finance report:
Dom Amor reported that the council has $417.78 in the bank and that they have filed a 501 (3) application with the Secretary of State. A federal filing will be applied for soon. “We have only one check left,” said Amor.

The council will seek a grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington to help with financial needs. “We don’t need a lot of money,” stated Kirk.

Incorportation:
Kirk mentioned that the council would like to engage the community to discuss the pros and cons of incorporating the community. Incorporation can only be done within the Urban Growth Boundary. Kirk says there are 1500 residents in the UGA.

Councilman Jeff Conwell would like to see a feasibility study or public survey done on the subject. “There’s a lot of good reasons and a lot of bad reasons to incorporate,” he said. “It would be a good exercise for us.”

Kirk mentioned that the yearly required GMA comprehensive update is coming up. The council needs to be involved in the process. Willoughby would be a good source of what updates are being considered.

Northshore Pathway:
The Northshore Pathway is being considered once again under the auspices of the Chelan Douglas Transportation Council. Kirk reported that the council considered moving the multi-use trail off Hwy150 but right-of-way issues emerged.

They are looking at moving some of the trail to the north side of 150 but still considering the southside along the lake on the 150 corridor. “They are meeting with the cabana owners tomorrow,” said Kirk.

Cost of the trail has swelled to $18 million on both sides of Rocky Point, but someone came up with a $50 million dollar estimate to negotiate around Rocky Point. More current information can be found at the www.chelannorthshoretrail.com

Amor asked if the trail could be done in segments.

Some insights – Residents in Chelan Hills have been asking the City of Chelan to extend the trail from the Roaundabout to Chelan Hills. Another segment that could be constructed from Manson to Rocky Point which would open up a number of residents and visitors to a multi-use system.

Northshore Pathway history:
The Northshore Pathway is and was initially a long term planning effort by the Lake Chelan Trails Association (501 (c) 3) which was an offshoot of the Lake Chelan Recreation Association. It was just one of the many trails outlined in the Lake Chelan Comprehensive Trails Plan which is still in use by agencies and municipalities today.

The Northshore trail feasibility study was undertaken by the Lake Chelan Trails Association with JAO Consultants (Jennifer Olson). When it was finished, the City of Chelan contributed $10,000 to the effort. Chelan County contributed another $30,000 from their Paths and Trails fund and the Department of Natural Resources gave the trails group a $225,000 ALEA grant to begin construction in 1995. These funds were too early in the process and the AlEA grant was returned.

During the Chelan Hydro-Electric Relicensing, a Chelan Legacy group put together a $11.25 million dollar endowment fund for five projects including the Northshore Pathway and Lakeside Trail project from downtown to Lakeside which will be built this year for an estimated $3 million dollars.

The PUD flatly turned down the Legacy Groups request and the proposed trail systems collected dust until the federal government designated trail systems as important projects to fund.

The funding is available. The Northshore Trail needs to be completed even if only in segments.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Riverwalk Park resolution:
“Good job finding our priorities for that area,” said Councilman Tim Hollingsworth. His comment was echoed by Councilwoman Sheri Dietrich. Councilman Terry Sanders mentioned Sgt. Huddleston’s concerns about safety on the rive and agreed with the tenants of the resolution. The Council unanimously passed it

Popularity with paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming has grown in the river. The resolution was arrived at through a series of meetings between city leadership, Chelan County PUD (park owner), community stakeholders, and the public in general.

With the exception of boats transitioning to the lake and from the lake to the PUD boat launch, motorized traffic on the river has been eliminated. This includes the efforts by the Lake Chelan Waterfront Dock Advocacy Group to install docks in the river up-lake from the Pavillion.

The resolution is in favor of expanding dock space on the west side of the Woodin Avenue Bridge to accommodate motorized watercraft users to access the downtown area for shopping and eating.

The city will work on developing a five year strategy with its PUD partners to:

• Increase non-motorized and ADA water access points on the north side of the river.
• Upgrade the existing bathrooms to increase safety, accessibility suitable for all visitors.
• Make the pavilion usable year-round.
• Expand modest boat docking amenities on the up-lake side of Woodin Avenue Bridge.
• Improve the picnic shelter area
• Improve power accessibility in upper park areas to provide reliable power for events.
• Develop interactive sculptures or water features to attract visitors.
• Update streetlights for compliance with the NightSky code.
• Install EV charging stations in parking lots to support eco-friendly travel.

County-wide hazard plan:
John Ajax presented the County-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan as it relates to Chelan. “This is an update from the 2023 plan,” said Ajax.

The 2023 planning effort was a process to update the 2019 Chelan County multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to help prepare the region for and to lessen impacts from potential natural hazards and technological hazards.

This plan also includes a wildfire plan. The 15 member planning partnership involved updates for the county, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Chelan, Entiat and Cashmere along with nine special purpose districts.

Archaeological & Cultural monitoring:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren brought an amendment for approval of archaeological and cultural monitoring at a cost of $88,320 on the 2025 Downtown Water and Sewer Improvement Project.

Councilman Terry Sanders asked about the cost of this amendment to the project. Youngren replied that the last monitoring of this type only cost $35,000, but that the funds were available for the 2025 project. Councilman Tim Hollingsworth stated that it was a lot of money. He feels that agencies are being taken advantage of, particularly since the construction site has been developed over the last 130 years.

Youngren replied that he appreciated Hollingsworth’s remarks, but that the city has to respect the process for preserving the potential archaeology .

Airport update:
City Administrator Wade Farris reported on discussions between the Port and City regarding the status of the Chelan Airport Joint Operating Agreement.

The Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority (CDRPA) is proposing three courses of action going forward.

• Renew the current agreement with some changes
• City of Chelan takes over complete ownership
• CDRPA assumes ownership

Mayor McCardle said, “I guess we will see what the Port comes back with. Farris stated that there has been no joint meeting. “We need to have a joint meeting, but I’m not sure when that will happen,” stated Farris.

Hollingsworth said it was getting more and more difficult for the city to provide the necessary oversight of the airport. “I’m not saying anything against the staff,” said Hollingsworth. He, however, has been the one dissenting voice on the council on airport issues. Hollingworth has asked why the airport is an asset to Chelan? The answer might well be the battle to get water to the airport which will spur development.

The City and the Port do not share 50/50. The port, according to Jackie Tupling, City Finance Director pays $60,000 per year while the City has to make up any differences which amounts to $74,000.

According to Tupling, the city does not receive any sales taxes. The State Legislature apparently snatches up airport gas taxes and uses those funds for their agenda, however, it has been determined to be illegal because those tax funds, by law, are supposed to be returned to airport operations.

The Port and City do share capital projects 50/50. Any other revenue generated is used for airport operations and maintenance.

Climate impact survey:
Three hundred and fifty six participated in the Climate Impact Survey. Community Development Director John Ajax stated that the study is a part of the GMA updates. Communications Director Chad Coltman stated that wildfire and smoke was mentioned 70% of the time and the climate 30% of the time. “There was a range of opinions from residents,” said Coltman. “The had a desire for more education.”

Ajax also stated that residents want to know what the City can do when we have wildfires and smoke.

Sports fields and Court use agreements:
“This agreement will define responsibilities of users and the park,” reported Parks Director Paul Horne.

Previously, to 2025, use fees were waived for groups who provided maintenance. Horne states that ongoing maintenance costs will necessitate fee collections going forward, but this year new fees will not be imposed on groups without sufficient time to plan for them.

Baseball and softball leagues will not be charged fees this year, but have been notified that fees will begin next year.

Beach volleyball already has an established fee system with the Parks Department. There rates have been adjusted to accommodate an additional 25 days of play. The adjusted rate remains below the daily use fee outlined in the rate resolution and will be increased gradually.

Hollingsworth stated that the baseball/softball fields are in bad shape and some capital improvements are needed.

Boys & Girls Club:
The Parks Department and the Boys and Girls Club are entering into a Memorandum of Understanding of their roles and responsibilities. “They had a successful basketball season this winter,” said Horne. “They have scheduled football for this spring,” added Horne.

Moving reimbursement policy:
Chad Coltman reported that the moving reimbursement policy has been studied and gives the city an opportunity to offer up to $10,000 to potential employees to move to Chelan. “This does not apply to every offer we make,” said Coltman. He hopes it helps to relocate talent to the city.

Brad Chitty asked if that included temporary lodging costs. Coltman replied that it did.

Coltman also stated that the search is on for a new Finance Director when Tupling retires at the end of the year. “We have a number of applicants starting to apply,” he said.

Peri Gallucci:
Councilmembers congratulated Gallucci on her recent elevation to President Elect of the Washington Municipal Clerks Association (WWMCA) at a recent clerks conference.

Mayor McCardle echoed all who congratulated her and said, “What Peri has accomplished has taken passion, time and effort. Congratulations.”