by Richard Uhlhorn

Tax Increment Financing issue:
The City of Chelan’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) plan continues to concern Chelan Fire and Rescue. At the department’s Wednesday, July 16 fire commission meeting it was brought up during commissioner comments.

Commissioner Russ Jones remarked that after attending an AWC (Association of Washington Cities) meeting where TIFs were on the agenda said, “I now know for sure much less. The problem is that nobody understands it.”

Jones stated that no one really knows how it will work and how it will be calculated. “We need more answers,” stated Jones.

Fire Chief Brandon Asher remarked that it is up to the Washington State Department of Revenue to determine how it works. Commissioner Mark Donnell asked if anyone is currently implementing a TIF? Asher replied that the DoR will have to come up with a concrete way to implement. Commissioner Simmons asked who the DoR is taking directions from? “Great question,” said Asher.

Jones added that pressure needs to be kept on the DoR to figure out how it really works.j “That did not happen.” Donnell said he would talk to Representative Mike Steele.

The TIF district in question only covers two percent of the total Fire district, but it includes

The taxing districts continue to receive property taxes based on a base assessment within the TIF district, but any increase in property tax revenue generated from higher property values is diverted to a special fund for the TIF project.

Chelan is in the process of planning for and funding the East Chelan Water Project which includes a one million gallon reservoir and a much needed water system to serve that portion of Chelan. The city has accrued a $9 million dollar grant from the federal government to build the reservoir.

Boat 72
Chelan Fire and Rescue’s newest acquisition, Boat 72, has been put to good use. Moored in Manson Bay the boat was used to transport 2,000 pounds of fire hose and fire equipment to Lucerne in support of the Pomas Fire.

IBHS certification:
Commissioner Mark Donnell reported that he attended a fire resilience meeting recently. “I didn’t know what I got into,” he said. The meeting covered a program that is recognized by California called IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety). “Homeowners can get certified,” said Donnell. “The state is considering adopting it.”

BHS certification refers to improvements to a building’s resilience to severe weather. It involves specific construction practices and design standards that go beyond standard building codes. The aim is to create stronger, more storm resistant structures making them better prepared to withstand events like hurricanes, high winds and wildfires.

“The research and models they use are incredible,” said Donnell. “It’s different than the risk map. There are three more meetings.” The team working on this program is 35 strong and will begin formulating the program next.

Fire Chief’s report:
Chief Asher reported that the department responded to 62 calls in June. “We had an effective work force turn out. I’m happy. We had a great turnout for the wildfire.” The department provided initial attack on the Apple Acres Fire.

State mobilization was called for the Kettle Falls and Omak fires. “River-Com called agencies from around the state to mobilize.”

River-Com is still working on Slide Ridge radio apparatus.                                                      

Asher said the department is waiting on $5 million in grants. “We hope we will get some of them.”

Asher also reported that the Fourth of July was safe with only three illegal pops during the week. “We didn’t have people lighting off fireworks.”

Assistant Chief’s report:
Shaun Sherman reported that the department has five volunteers on rotation between the hours of 7a.m. and 5 p.m.

On July 24, those members who have attended the Fire Academy graduate. Sherman invited the commissioners and staff to attend the graduation.

Fire Association:
Commissioner Ron Simmons remarked that the association is trying to figure out how to bring people back in. The association does a number of events throughout the year in conjunction with the department. Fund raisers are one of the primary effort which have benefited the department with funds to expand.

SOG:
The commission discussed the department’s standard operating guidelines (SOG). Simmons wants to separate department policies from its standard operating procedures.

The board will move forward with SOG discussions.

It was reported that the department has received an $8,900 bid from Interwest to install security cameras. The bid covers camera coverage outside and in the department’s hallway. “We haven’t had a large problem,” said Sherman who added that the doors to the department are open 24 hours seven days a week.

Hillary Franz – special guest:
Past Commissioner of Public Lands Hillary Franz was invited to the department’s commission meeting by Chief Brandon Asher. She presented a slide show on wildfire resilience on the west coast.

“We’ve made incredible progress on wildfire,” she said. “We still have a lot of work to do.” Franz’s leadership over her eight years as commissioner helped change the entire framework of how the state Department of Natural Resources deals with wildfires and wildfire risk.

After eight years, under Franz’s leadership the DNR and other fire agencies have developed a rapid response to all wildfires which includes initial attack and immediate aerial attach. “The local fire departments have been incredible,” said Franz.

This rapid response has helped keep Washington State’s fire damage under 300,000 acres as compared to Oregon’s three million acres burned with the same number of fires.. “We’ve been so successful. This is 100 percent leadership at all levels,” exclaimed Franz.

“When a fire starts in a local district, we don’t have to wait 24 hours for a response.”

Currently, there is also an effort to treat the wildlands. “We are building containment lines,” she stated. The DNR is also encouraging homeowners within the wildland/urban interface to accomplish landscape modeling. “Communities need to be doing this. It gives the highest rate of return for safety.”

Increasing community engagement keeps Franz up at night. “It hasn’t gone as fast and far as I want,” she said. “4,100 homes are affected by wildfire (potential) in the Chelan – Manson area. Adapting to wildfire is not easy.”

Franz would like to see more home assessments. Chelan Fire and Rescue and Manson District 5 Fire Department offer home assessments for free.

Commissioner Russ Jones said Washington is the only state that doesn’t recognize hardening. Commissioner Mark Donnell added that many home owners in the area are either losing home insurance coverage or seeing their insurance rates go up. “It’s a real challenge,” said Donnell who said he didn’t know how to get insurance companies together to address the issues.

NOTE: Just in – Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) reported that the government is releasing $280 million to states for firefighter training and new equipment. Washington DNR will receive $20 million of those dollars which may also be used for forest management and restoration.

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.