by Richard Uhlhorn

Commission meeting on Tuesday, November 27.

Mary Ann Warren and Vicki Nedrow presented the Commission with a check for $2,646 for the Pediatrics Division and then surprised the Commission with another check for $22,000 as a down payment for a Post Partum room in the new hospital.

Vicki Nedrow and Mary Ann Warren presented Hospital Commission Chair Mary Signorelli with a check for $22,000 from Guild B as a down payment for a Post Partum room at the new hospital.

Commission Chair Mary Signorelli accepted the checks and said, “We have a room halfway built.”

After a photo op, Signorelli announced that the Commission was going into executive session to discuss its CEO recruitment selection. “We expect to be in session for one hour. If it is longer, we will let you know,” stated Signorelli.

The Lake Chelan Community Hospital Board has still not selected a new CEO to administer the hospital’s business. The search for a new CEO began in January, 2018 and 11 months later, the board continues to interview and discuss their selections. In the meantime, Steve Padonai continues to work as the Interim CEO.

After the one hour executive session, Signorelli said, “We have met and interviewed four applicants here at the hospital. We are continuing to negotiate.”

The rest of the meeting was taken up with new business on the agenda including such topics as a Levy Limit and EMS Levy

The Board will hold a Budget Workshop on December 18 and then adopt its budget at its regularly scheduled meeting on December 20.

by Richard Uhlhorn

City Council will be looking at a long night on Tuesday, November 27 as they consider a number of resolutions, amendments and hold several public hearings, including a public hearing on the 2019 Proposed Budget and the use of private roads serving agriculture tourism uses.

The City recognized its front line staff at the November 13 Council meeting including Debbie Girvin, Heather Hill, Jackie Tupling, Patty Michajla and Missi Anderson. In the Building and Planning Department, Linda Jo Williams and Carolyn Cockrum were recognized.

Ag-Tourism recommendation:
A public hearing will be held to consider the Chelan Planning Commission’s recommendation to revise current development standards to allow private roads to serve agriculture tourism uses.

This proposed text amendment would allow private roads to serve agriculture tourism uses such as tourism activities on a working farm that include farm sales, tours, home stays (cabins or guest house), and cottage wineries & wineries. Private roads serving agriculture tourism uses may be considered a driveway but as they may serve multiple uses of a working farm that provides agriculture tourism uses.

Council will be asked to approve the Development Standard revisions for ag-tourism on private roads as presented. If approved by Council, the City Attorney will prepare the adopting ordinance.

2019 Proposed Budget presentation:
City staff will give a brief presentation on the 2019 proposed budget followed by a Public Hearing and a City Council discussion, and proposed amendments to the budget. A Power Point Presentation will be provided. No action will be taken on the budget at this time.

GFC rate reduction:
City Council will also be asked to amend and approve the rates, charges and fees for water and sewer services by the City. Council believes the application of the amended charges is in the best interest of the City and its rate payers.

This resolution will impact approximately 15 – 20 properties depending upon the total number of permits issued. The City anticipated that the rate resolution will result in refunds of $70,000 or about $11,000 per property affected.

This is a temporary resolution that will be in effect until the 2019 Rate Resolution is adopted by City Council. The intent is to provide water and sewer GFC’s at the 1 ERU rate for properties requiring a 3/4″ or smaller meter size.

The net effect is to reduce the higher charges for residential properties requiring a 3/4″ meter. The Uniform Plumbing Code – which the City complies with – bases meter size on “fixture count.”

Application of this code resulted in immediate and unanticipated increases to residential development. The proposed 2019 Water and Sewer GFC charges will recognize 3/4″ as a more “standard” size for modern residential development.

Short Term Rental Asssessment:
The City retained Berk Consulting to perform a Short Term Rental Situational Assessment and to draft regulations for short term rentals within the City boundaries.

Berk will be presenting their assessment findings for the City and discuss them with the City Council in hopes of finalizing the regulations.

No action will be taken on this issue at the meeting.

Other news of importance to City Residents:

During Citizen’s Comments at the November 13 Council meeting, John Olson thanked the City and Public Works Department for the
work on the new parking lot at the Chelan Senior Center. 

John Fragnito Jr. told the Council that his water bill for the old apartment house that was torn down last year has risen to $17,000 despite the fact he hasn’t used one gallon of water since the demolition of the building. “I can’t continue to incure these types of expenses,” he told the Council. Mayor Mike Cooney promised Fragnito that the issue would be handled by staff.

At its November 13 City Council meeting the Council unanimously adopted a new Property Tax Levy.

Prior to adoption of the Property Tax Levy Ordinance for the 2019 budget, Council held a public hearing on revenue sources for the coming year, including consideration of possible increases in property tax revenues (RCW 84.55).

As a reminder, property taxes are currently, and have for many years, been split between the General Fund at 25% and the Street Fund at 75%. At this time there is no recommendation from staff to change that formula.

Staff is recommending council continue to support the 1% increase over 2018 taxes, which would total $13,791.73, based on the 2018 levy of $1,379,172.67. This will be in addition to the levy for new construction, which is $40,568.83, annexation revenue of $119,034.93 and a refunded amount of $2,638.63.

New construction is based on adding $28,952,834 and annexation is based upon adding $91,038,375 to the City’s valuation at $1.4012 per $1,000. If approved, the total estimated increase will be $176,034.12, of which the General Fund would receive $44,008.53 and the Street Fund would receive $132,025.59.

The Board of Directors of the Chelan Valley Trust joined the Council meeting and saw an Affordable Housing presentation by Rachel Goldie.

The Board of Directors of Chelan Valley Trust joined the Council for a presentation by Rachel Goldie on Affordable Housing.

Rachel Goldie

Goldie thanked the City for being a true partner with the Trust. “People are concerned with how our quality of life is changing,” said Goldie. She also stated that the fund raising has generated approximately $70,000 of the $250,000 goal for operational funding.

The biggest donation is a $2 million dollar construction loan from NCWB at a prime rate. “That will definitely get us up to 20 homes on the ground,” she stated. She was pleased that the Board was on hand to support affordable housing.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth noted that a lot of people in the community are steping up and pledging funds. “We are in partnership with a lot of good people,” said Hollingsworth.

GOLF COURSE LOSSES:

With a projected loss of $98,000 this year and a projected loss of $130,000 next year, the Chelan Golf Course was the topic of a heated conversation at the City’s November 6 Workshop.

Erin McCardle said it was mindboggling to her that the City is budgeting to lose money. “We can’t keep losing that much money,” said McCardle. “It is unacceptable to me to be budgeting for a loss.”

Councilwoman Erin McCardle

City Administrator Mike Jackson said the simple way to handle the situation is have a break even or have a net gain at the course by 2020.

“Or what,” asked McCardle. “The discussion has always caused a lot of uproar in the local golf community. We can’t keep losing that much money.”

It was suggested that the City might want to look at the Parks as a whole instead of one element of that operation. Tim Hollingsworth asked if the city is suggesting that they retain those losses in the budget. McCardle added that was robbing Peter to pay Paul.

The City might be looking at farming out the golf course operation to a private management team. This is a discussion that will continue until the 2019 budget is adopted.

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan’s Lady Goat Volleyball season came to an end at Yakima’s Sundome on Saturday afternoon when they played for the 7^th or 8^th place trophy against Lakeside.

The Lady Goats won 11 solid games at the State Volleyball Championships and lost only two games to the eventual State Champions, Lynden Christian. The Goats brought home the seventh place trophy. 

The girls won that match handily in three games 25-15, 25-23,25-11. Seventh place is not how they wanted to end their season, but because of bracketing, the Lady Goats faced the Lynden Christian Lyncs on Friday morning, losing in five hard, hard fought games, 20-25, 25-21, 26-24, 24-26, 7-15.

Sophomore Katie Rainville had 10 blocks during the tournament.

They had a chance to win the fourth game when they went from a 16-16 tie to a 19-16 lead. Lynden Christian came back to trail by only one point, 24-23, but Chelan couldn’t close it out and the Lyncs won 26-24 putting Chelan into a fifth game which didn’t go well for them at all and they lost 7-15.

Emma McLaren,#2 and Lexie Gleasman, #3 had a combined total of 133 kills during the State Tournament. Click on the images for a larger view.

This was considered by many to be the championship game. The complaint by many, including WIAA officials on the floor, reporters, parents, coaches and other fans, was why would two potential State Champions be pitted against each other in the first match of the tournament.

The loss in their first outing put Chelan in the consolation bracket with the only possible outcome being 7^th or 8^th place.

Freshman  Libero Morgyn Harrison was 71/2 at the service line and dug out 27 balls during the tournament.

As disappointed as they were, the Lady Goats worked their way out of their disappointment and came back to defeat each team they faced in three games. First it was Kiona Benton who went down 25-15, 25-12, 25-19.

Bellevue Christian was a little tougher match but Chelan closed them out in three also 25-19, 25-18, 25-12 which placed them in the final trophy round for that 7^th place which they succeeded in capturing 25-15, 25-23, 25-11. Lakeside was a very well disciplined team, but Chelan, who had defeated them earlier in the season, only had one game where they were challenged.

Sophomore Xitali Cruz combined for 72 assists  and 23 digs during the tournament and had only one missed serve.

Senior Lexie Gleasman finished up her high school volleyball career 64 kills and 49 digs over the tournament play. In game one against the eventual State Champion Lynden Christian, she had 21 digs.

Lexie’s leadership throughout the season has led to the tremendous success this team has had in her senior year. The rest of the team are juniors, sophomores and freshmen along with Sierra Shively as the other senior on the team.

Tough on hitters at the line. From left to right are Katie Rainville, Lexie Gleasman and Elly Collins.

Emma McLaren, Elly Collins, Morgyn Harrison, Katie Rainville, Gracie Benrud, Leanna Garfoot, Xitlali Cruz, Casey Simpson, Bella Gatzemeier, AJGueller and Ally Williams will all be returning next year.

Leanna Garfoot #7, had a great tournament,
setting the ball for the team’s hitters 84 times

For the most part, these girls have been playing volleyball together since they were youngsters, and with the advent of Club ball and Sand Volleyball, they have all nailed down the fundamentals of the game from the front row to the backrow.

As Chelan (Coach of the Year) Coach Jenifer Rainville says. “We will return next year.” As a team, the Lady Goats ended the season with a 19-2 record. “We faceda very tough first round team,” said Rainville.

Chelan and Lynden Christian played what was arguably the best match of the entire tournament. Chelan lost two of the five games and went on to win every match from that point on in three games.

While the loss put Chelan into the consolation bracket, Lynden Christian went on to win the State Title. “We were the only team able to take any sets from the Lyncs,” said Coach Rainville.

“I want to thank the players for a great season, the parents and the community for all their support and our awesome green zone that continued to cheer us on all season,” said Coach Rainville.

Statistics

vs Lynden Christian – 20-25, 25-21, 26-24, 24-26, 7-15
Lexie Gleasman 16 kills, 1 block, 17/17 serving with 2 aces and 21 digs
Emma McLaren 28 kills, 17/18 serving with 1 ace and 16 digs
Elly Collins 10 kills, 1 assist, 14/14 serving and 17 digs
Katie Rainville 4 kills, 3 blocks and 1 dig
Gracie Benrud 2 kills and 2 digs
AJ Gueller 1 assist and 1 block
Leanna Garfoot 24 assists, 20/21 serving with 1 ace and 12 digs
Xitlali Cruz 23 assists, 15/15 serving and 15 digs
Morgyn Harrison 16/16 serving and 6 digs

vs Kiona Benton – 25-15, 25-12, 25-19.
Lexie Gleasman 12 kills, 1 block, 9/9 serving and 9 digs
Emma McLaren 8 kills, 12/12 serving with 1 ace and 4 digs
Elly Collins 4 kills, 5/7 serving and 1 dig
Katie Rainville 3 kills, 1 block and 1 dig
Gracie Benrud 1 kill
AJ Gueller 1 kill
Leanna Garfoot 19 assists, 14/14 serving with 2 aces and 3 digs
Xitlali Cruz 9 assists, 7/7 serving and 1 dig
Morgyn Harrison 23/23 serving with 4 aces and 8 digs
Casey Simpson 1 dig

vs Bellevue Christian – 25-19, 25-18, 25-12
Lexie Gleasman 19 kills, 15/15 serving and 11 digs
Emma McLaren 18 kills, 9/10 serving and 13 digs
Elly Collins 4 kills, 1 assist, 9/11 serving with 2 aces and 7 digs
Katie Rainville 2 kills, 2 blocks and 1 dig
Gracie Benrud 6 kills and 2 blocks
AJ Gueller 2 kills, 1 assist and 1 block
Leanna Garfoot 18 assists, 9/9 serving and 2 digs
Xitlali Cruz 21 assists, 13/13 serving and 5 digs
Morgyn Harrison 1 assist, 13/15 serving with 2 aces and 8 digs
Casey Simpson 1/1 serving and 1 dig

vs Lakeside – 25-15, 25-23, 25-11
Lexie Gleasman  17 kills 11/11 serving and 8 digs
Emma McLaren 15 kills, 1 block, 14/14 serving and 2 aces and 9 digs
Elly Collins 8 kills, 8/8 serving and 4 digs
Katie Rainville 3 kills, 4 blocks and 1 dig
Gracie Benrud 1 kill and 2 blocks
Leanna Garfoot 23 assists, 10/10 serving and 4 digs
Xitlali Cruz 19 assists, 8/9  serving and 2 digs
Morgyn Harrison 1 assist, 19/19 serving and 5 digs

Zuluaga Electric

A big thank you to all of All Lake Chelan’s sponsors. Without your support, we couldn’t have covered this State Tournament. 

Zualaga Electric and VIP Insurance Agency – Chelan
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All Things Lake Chelan State Volleyball Sponsors.

by Richard Uhlhorn

The Lady Goat Volleyball Team ended its regular season with an 8-0 league record and then went on to win both the District Championship and Regional Cross-Over game for the right to compete for the State Championship.

Chelan’s Lady Goats are headed back to the WIAA State Volleyball Tournament with an eye of taking home the State Championship this year.

The Goats are entering the State Championships ranked No 1 in 1A volleyball with a 8-0 League Record and 16-1 overall record, losing only one match to Freeman 1 game to 3.

Chelan is a young team with only two senior players, one of which is the Captain and leader. Senior Lexie Gleasman was named Player of the Year and will lead the Goats as the team’s premiere outside hitter.

However, Lexie is not the only player making this team shine on the court. “We are able to spread the play out across the net,” said Coach of the Year Jenifer Rainville. Junior Emma McLaren serves as the team’s other outside hitter and Sophmore Elly Collins has proven to be an effective hitter from the opposite side of the net.

Other threats include Sophomores Katie Rainville and Gracie Benrud. Leanna Garfoot and Xitlali Cruz set the ball well which is important to the hitters on the team. Freshman Labero Morgyn Harrison has proven herself over and over in the back court.

The Goats face off at 3:15 on Friday afternoon against a tough Lynden Christian team that is coming in ranked No. 2 in the State with a 12-1 League Record and a 15-3 overall record.

These two teams battled it out for third and fourth place at the State Tournament last year with Lynden Christian victorious.

The Lady Goats will be out to avenge that loss on Friday and continue towards a State Championship.

 

RECENT POSTS

• City passes resolution supporting acquisition of Chelan Butte propertyOctober 29, 2018
• Polio Day and Cancer Month proclaimed by City of ChelanOctober 23, 2018
• Chelan, Entiat and Orondo Fire Departments seeking more volunteersOctober 19, 2018
• CITY SEEKING HELP FROM THE STATE TO PURCHASE 900 ACRES ON CHELAN BUTTEOctober 15, 2018

by Richard Uhlhorn

A public hearing was held at the Tuesday, October 23 City Council Meeting to consider the Chelan Planning Commission’s revisions for Accessory Dwelling Units.

Planning Director Craig Gildroy opened the public hearing, telling the Council that three workshops had been held along with a public hearing on the proposed revision which will allow attached and detached accessory dwelling units. Since 2010, only attached units were allowed.

“These units cannot be used for short term vacation rentals,” Gildroy told the Council. The provisions proposed are for the Single Family, Multi-Family and Tourist Accomodatino Districts.

Under the recommendations, they can be up to 720 square feet or 40 percent of the resident’s home square footage. This sparked a discussion between the Council members and Gildroy.

Councilman Ty Witt was confused about how the Planning Commission came up with a 720 sq. ft. model for Accessory Dwelling Units.

Councilman Ty Witt asked why 720 sq. ft. was the limit? “720 seemed small… where did this come from,” he asked?

Gildroy replied that revisions will allow for a little larger unit. He stated that the 720 sq. ft. size falls in line with tiny homes.

Councilman Ray Dobbs asked what could be built into a 720 sq. ft. dwelling unit.

Councilman Ray Dobbs asked what you can get in a 720 sq. ft. home… two bedrooms? Gildroy said it was possible to build two bedrooms in that size. However, Gildroy also commented that many people who came to the Planning Department’s counter wanted something larger.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said he was concerned with
how restrictive 720 sq. ft. could be.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said he was a little concerned with the size. “720 sq. feet seems a little restrictive.” He felt that the size requirements needed to be a little more robust like 850 sq. feet.

Dobbs said that 1,000 sq. ft. was difficult, but 850 sq. ft. sounded good. “People aren’t looking to move into a studio.”

Witt said that the 40 percent of the homes size allows flexibility, but Councilwoman Erin McCardle stated she would not like to see an open ended size.

Dobbs asked if the new revision would make it any easier for residents. Gildroy said that it should be easier, but that an accessory dwelling unit would require one additional parking space.

In the end, Witt moved to increase the minimum ADU size from 720 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft. with Isenhart seconding the motion. Dobbs, however stated he would like to have the Planning Department have another go at the size issue.

The Council passed the motion to revise the size up to 1,200 sq. feet or 40 percent of a home’s size depending on what is less. It passed with a 6 to 1 vote.

The Council held a public hearing on text amendments concerning cryptocurrency mining in the City. These amendments concerned date mining and high demand electricity users. The language states that no building, structure, real property or premises in any land use district shall be sued for high demand load electric computing for the purpose of crypto-currency currency mining operations, data mining or similar high demand load electric computing.

This was passed unanimously without any of the public commenting.

by Richard Uhlhorn

RECENT POSTS:

• Polio Day and Cancer Month proclaimed by City of ChelanOctober 23, 2018
• Chelan, Entiat and Orondo Fire Departments seeking more volunteersOctober 19, 2018
• CITY SEEKING HELP FROM THE STATE TO PURCHASE 900 ACRES ON CHELAN BUTTEOctober 15, 2018
• 900 acres on Chelan Butte is for sale… will the valley pitch in to purchaseOctober 12, 2018

The property outline in red is the property the City is interested in acquiring.

“You are going to end up with exactly what the people in this community don’t want,” said Stan Morse in his comments against the City partnering with the Public Land Trust and the community to purchase approximately 900 acres on Chelan Butte to keep it from being developed.

Local attorney Stan Morse is opposed to the City acquiring Chelan Butte.

Morse’s argument centered around the fact that once the City brings water, streets and sidewalks to the 40 acres Mayor Cooney says will be set aside for affordable housing, other developers will come in and develop adjacent private property holdings like the Lafferty Property.

“There is no one in this room that doesn’t want to see the Butte remain the way it is,” said Morse. “You will be opening Pandora’s box.”

Despite Morse’s arguments against the City’s interest in purchasing the 900 acres, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution at its October 23 City Council meeting supporting the acquisition of the acreage.

The only real question going forward is how much money to ask the State Legislature to consider giving the City for the acquisition. The Legislative Priority List is asking the State Legislature to set aside $4 million towards the acquisition of the $7 million dollar parcel.

During Council remarks, Erin McCardle stated that the Council has never discussed the $4 million number. “We haven’t had any discussion and I have trouble with that,” she said. “Is $4 million the right number?”

Councilwoman Erin McCardle wants to have a Council discussion on the amount of funding the City should request from the State Legislature towards the purchase of Butte property.

Mayor Cooney said he hadn’t proofread the document and didn’t realize the $4 million number was still in it. “We will bring it back to the Council (at the next meeting),” said Cooney. “We are buying it to protect it for future generations.”

Councilman Ray Dobbs is concerned that if the City doesn’t acquire the Butte property, another development like the Lookout could be built.

The hope is that the Public Land Trust will partner with the City. Ray Dobbs said, “If we don’t get it, look at what could happen… another Lookout. Is there a way to preserve that property without buying it?”

Mayor Cooney said, “There is someone kicking the tires on that property right now.”

Mayor Cooney is concerned that developers are already looking at the Butte’s potential for development.

Tim Hollingsworth, a proponent for purchasing the property said, “We need to move forward and show good faith (to the owner). It (the property) has been kicked around for 20 years.” He says it is important to show the good faith and sell the entire concept to the community.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth feels the City needs to move forward on the Butte property to keep it in the hands of the community and undeveloped.

There have been numerous attempts to develop the Butte property beginning with John Walcker and Rick Bowle’s SnoCreek Ski Resort project. After that died, Jim Urness and a group of investors began working on the Daybreak Project that would have been developed into a gated community and golf course. That also failed and an attempt to auction the property also failed.

The Daybreak project was able to annex the property into the City of Chelan which means that anyone who purchases the property outside of the City’s goal would face huge infrastructure costs to bring in water, sewer, streets, curbs and sidewalks to the property.

Keeping it in its current undeveloped condition is in the interest of the City and a community that is overwhelmed with current development within the City limits.

 

By Richard Uhlhorn

There were two proclamations entered at the Chelan City Council meeting on October 9.

The first was a proclamation for the City of Chelan World Polio Day on Wednesday, October 24. Councilman Dr. Ty Witt read the proclamation into the record.

Councilman Dr. Ty Witt read a proclamation at the October 9 City Council meeting proclaiming Wednesday, October 24 as World Polio Day. Through the efforts of Rotary International, the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, UNICEF and the Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation, Polio has almost been eradicated.

Rotary International, which was founded in 1905, encourages members to provide humanitarian service, and to promote good will and peace in the world, launched PolioPlus in 1985 and spearheaded the Global Polio Eradication Initiative which today includes the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to immunize the children of the world against polio.

Since that time, Polio cases have dropped by 99.9 percent and the world stands on the threshold of eradicating the disease.

Rotary Clubs around the world have contributed more than 1.8 billion dollars and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two and a half billion children in 122 countries.

Rotary is currently working to raise an additional $50 million per year, which would be further leveraged for maximum impact by an additional $100 million annually from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Rotary has played a major role in decisions by donor governments to contribute more than $8 billion to the effort. There are over 2600 Rotary Club members in more than 58 clubs throughout this multi-district area of BC/WA of District 5060 sponsoring service projects to address critical issues such as poverty, health, hunger, illiteracy and the environment in their local communities, and abroad.

The proclamation, signed on October 9 by Mayor Cooney, was entered into the public record to note that October 24, 2018 as World Polio Day in the City of Chelan.

In addition to the World Polio Day, Mayor Cooney entered a proclamation dedicating the Month of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer with national public service organizations, professional associations, and government agencies, who work together to ensure that the NBCAM message is heard by thousands of women and their families

October 19 is National Mammography Day and women are encouraged to make a mammography appoint throughout the month. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. The chance of developing breast cancer at some time in a woman’s life is 1 in 8.

On average a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes, and one will die of the disease every 13 minutes. Men are also afflicted and although breast cancer in men in rare it is estimated that 2,470 men will be diagnosed and approximately 460 will die each year.

Death rates from breast cancer have been declining as a result of earlier detection, increased awareness and improved treatment.

Mayor Cooney read a proclamation making the Month of October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mayor Cooney proclaimed the month of October 2018 as NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH in the City of Chelan and ask all employees and citizens to join in this worthwhile cause, to celebrate successes and memorialize lost battles.

Dr. Ty Witt, a local Rotary Club member, introduced cancer survivors at the October 20 Chelan Chase which had 179 participants this year. The proceeds help with cancer research and free and reduced cost mammograms for women who can’t afford them.

On Saturday, October 20, 179 people participated in the 22^nd annual Chelan Chase which has been Chelan’s way of raising money for breast cancer research and to give women who cannot afford it, free mammograms at the Lake Chelan Community Hospital.

RECENT POSTS

• 900 acres on Chelan Butte is for sale… will the valley pitch in to purchase
• October 12, 2018
• 9th annual Mahogany & Merlot roars to life on Saturday and SundayOctober 4, 2018
• Hospital moves forward on new strategiesOctober 2, 2018
• Affordable housing consultant Julie Brunner gives City Council an Housing Study update

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan Fire & Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Asher was at the Vogue from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning in hopes of answering some questions regarding volunteerism at the Chelan, Entiat, and Orondo Fire Departments.

Chelan Fire & Rescue Assistant Chief Brandon Asher is at the Vogue on Wednesday mornings between 9 and 10 a.m. to answer residents questions about Chelan’s Fire Service and Volunteer opportunities.

Asher, who is the son of long time Entiat Fire Department Chief Mike Asher, is the Volunteer Recruit and Retention Coordinator that has been funded for four years under a FEMA Regional SAFER Grant. His job is to primarily find and sign up and retain volunteers for all three Departments.

“It’s a challenge for me to find volunteers,” said Asher. As a part of that effort, he has 17 new banners that will be placed at all of the Districts Fire Stations inviting men and women interested in serving their communities through the fire service to volunteer.

He has positions available in Structural Firefighting, Wildland Firefighting, EMS and support services. Volunteers can sign up for just structure fire fighting, wildland firefighting or for support services.

Volunteers with Chelan, Entiat and Orondo Fire Departments not only learn how to fight fire, but also skills that lead to an EMS certification. (File Photo – Richard Uhlhorn)

Asher said that volunteers meet every Tuesday night in Chelan and less at the Entiat and Orondo for training. “We meet for two hours from 7 to 9 p.m. We are the only fire department that meets every week.”

If you are interested in a fire service career, volunteering will get you on the right track to full time. “Your chances are a lot better if you have had training and volunteered,” said Asher. “If that’s what you want to do, it’s a great way to begin.”

Wildfire, like the fire that almost destroyed S. Chelan in 2015 and caused close to $100 million in damage to structures, is becoming an ever constant threat from early spring to late fall. Assistant Chief Brandon Asher says the need for more wildland firefighters is growing each year. If you are interested in becoming a wildland firefighter, visit Brandon at the Vogue on Wednesday mornings or call him at the Fire Station at 682-4476. File Photo – Richard Uhlhorn

Training will eventually get you to Fire Fighter 1 status. “The test is huge, but we send our volunteers to any fire department that is hosting a Fire Fighter 1 Test.”

Many of the current volunteers are not physically capable for structural fire fighting anymore but are wildland certified, which can also be physically demanding. Asher currently has 50 volunteers at Chelan. Volunteers are compensated $20 per training session and per call out. “We also have one stipend position per day,” said Asher. That pays $65 per 12 hour shift and can run a full 24 hours for $130. Volunteers are also offered a free physical examination.

So, if you are interested in serving your community as a volunteer firefighter, or are seeking the fire service as a full-time career, volunteering is a great way to start.

Interagency cooperation is night and day from even five years ago according to Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Asher. He stated that Unified Command training has made things much easier during a fire. The new air support protocol is also helping to quickly contain wild fires when they breakout.

Fire fighting is an exciting and rewarding way to serve the community you live in. Opportunities exist in Chelan, Entiat and Orondo.

Assistant Chief Brandon Asher or other administration chiefs will be at the Vogue on Wednesday, Oct. 24 between 9 and 10 a.m. to answer any questions regarding the District or volunteerism.

Contact Assistant Chief Brandon Asher at (509)682-4476 for more information

 

RECENT POSTS

• 900 acres on Chelan Butte is for sale… will the valley pitch in to purchase
• October 12, 2018
• 9th annual Mahogany & Merlot roars to life on Saturday and SundayOctober 4, 2018
• Hospital moves forward on new strategiesOctober 2, 2018
• Affordable housing consultant Julie Brunner gives City Council an Housing Study update

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan City Council was given a draft resolution to approve the City’s request for $4 million dollars from the Washington State Legislature to help purchase the 900 acres on Chelan Butte.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle wants to see an approved Legislative Priorities List before making any decision on how much to ask the Legislature for.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle said, “We haven’t approved the Legislative Agenda yet. I would like to wait until that is approved.”

City Administrator Mike Jackson said he would bring a new priority list
to the 23rd Council meeting for the Council to discuss and consider.

City Administrator Mike Jackson replied that proposed Legislative Agenda would be back at the October 23 Council meeting.

Councilman Ray Dobbs wants the public to weigh in on
the potential purchase of Chelan Butte.

Councilman Ray Dobbs stated that he had attended the recent Town Hall meeting and was pleased to see the support of those in attendance, but said, “I want to see this thing be more publicized. I want to get it out in the media before we move forward.” He added that he felt there was broad support for the idea.

Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart felt that requesting
$4 million dollars for Chelan Butte was a big ask.

Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart thought that $4 million was a big ask for the Legislators to swallow. “Is it necessary to be so specific,” asked Isenhart.

Jackson replied that the document can be reworded. “I’ll talk to them (Gordon Thomas Honeywell) about the amount.”

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth added that the City needs to
show community support for the purchase of property on Chelan Butte.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth added that the City needs to show community support for the purchase of the 900 acres. “We are looking for acquisition and protection of that property,” said Hollingsworth. “We don’t want to delay this too long.”

Asked how much the land was being sold for, Mayor Cooney replied, “North of $6 million and South of $7 million.” It will be appraised by the Trust for Public Lands.

The Legislative Priority List had other items listed also.

Affordable Housing: The City is supporting all actions that will enhance or increase affordable housing. While the City has taken its own steps to address this problem, the creation of a Community Land Trust is underway.

Lakeside Park Improvements: The City is asking the Legislature to ensure funding for the Lakeside Park Improvements or allocate $667,000 in capital budget funding. The new master plan to renovate and improve the park will accommodate more users and includes relocation of the dock; increasing swim safety and accessibility improvements; enhancing the non-motorized boat launch; replenishing beach sand; replacing the restrooms and increasing the parking area.

Chelan Pedestrian Safety Project: The City is requesting the Legislature for $700,000 in transportation funding for 21 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons to provide safe crosswalks along Highway 97A and Hwy.150. The City views this request as crucial to pedestrian safety.

Bike & Pedestrian Transportation Funding: The City is also looking for funding to meet its goal of completing the Lakeshore Trail.

Wildfire Prevention and Suppression: The City supports funding and legislative solutions for wildfire prevention and suppression. Negative impacts from wildfires has negatively impacted the City’s economy.

Support for Regional Transportation Projects: The City supports the Chelan/Douglas Transportation Council (CDTC) and its Regional Transportation Plan.

Local Authority:  The City supports policies that respect City local authority regarding revenue, taxes, licensing, and home rule. City officials are elected to their positions by the constituents and must have the authority to solve local challenges.

The Council unanimously authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute the Consulting Agreement with Gordon Thomas Honeywell for a total of $36,000 annually. The consultant is a lobbying group that helped the City obtain $300,000 from the Legislature last year for the Woodin Avenue Bridge.

These agenda items will be discussed at the next City Council meeting on October 24.

In other business:

The Council unanimously approved the 2019 Emergency Management Services Agreement with Chelan County. The 2019 cost is assessed on a per capita basis and the rate has increased by 2 cents or $2.74 per capita.

They also approved a contract with KRCI for a total of $989,922.88 for Lakeshore RV Park Electrical work, and Irrigation and Potable Water Projects. The project was awarded in September but needed the Council’s approval to more forward.

Councilman Ray Dobbs questioned the bid amount. “It is below the engineers estimate because the project was scaled back. Is that right,” Asked Dobbs. Parks Director Karen Sargeant replied that he was right, that KRCI would be proceeding with the electrical upgrades.

Councilman Ty Witt asked how much higher the bid was and Sargeant replied that was 22 percent higher. Witt stated that the City Council is trying to keep a tab on the difference between engineer estimates and actual bids.

Citizen Comments:

Stan Morse, past councilmember and resident, angrily told the Council that it was time for them to begin enforcing City Code 8.15 regarding fire hazards. “Things have changed in this Valley,” said Morse. “People who don’t live here don’t’ understand.”

He stated that the City seemed to have all the money it needed to construct roundabouts, fix the Woodin Avenue Bridge and do other projects, but not enough money for a code enforcement officer to go out and enforce the code.

He added that a fast moving lightning storm with wind could take out half of the town or more. He mentioned that if the DC10 hadn’t helped during the 2015 fire half of south Chelan would have been lost. “You have to pick up the ball on this,” he said.

Mayor/Council Comments:

Ray Dobbs attended a Port of Chelan County board meeting and reported that the Port is offering a contract to Jim Kuntz to become the Port’s Administrator.

He also said the Port has been asked to support an expansion of 720 acres at Mission Ridge.

The Port of Chelan and Port of Douglas County share 70/30 in the operation of Pangborn Airport, but Dobbs reported that Douglas County says it hasn’t got the funding. The two ports are looking at solutions.

Councilman Ty Witt reported that the bids to finish the Solid Waste Collection Center were $150,000 over the engineers estimate.

Ty Witt reported that he attended the Solid Waste Council meeting and remarked that Chelan County was trying to finish construction on the project that would accept hazardous materials like paint and other chemicals from residents on a year round basis.

Witt stated that when the bids to finish the construction came out, they were $150,000 higher than the funding in place. To take care of the shortfall, it is likely that the County will request that Cities share in the construction based on population. “It might cost us $20,000 or less,” said Witt. “Wenatchee would be paying the most based on their population.”

However, Witt posed the question that Douglas County should be a part of the short fall also. “They can’t get Douglas County to commit.”

Chelan County Waste Management will give a presentation to the whole Council.

Mayor Cooney reported that he is trying to allow
City residents to burn yard waste again.

Mayor Cooney said that the Community Land Trust is moving forward.

He also said the Stan Morse’s comments were slightly off base. Planning Director Craig Gildroy stated that there is money in the budget to address the issue of fire hazards but City personnel can’t just go on private property. “We have to send a letter,” said Gildroy. Witt stated the it isn’t that the City has done nothing. Gildroy replied that the City did a lot of fire abatement in the right-of-ways.

The City is asking the Department of Ecology about the possibility to allow burning of waste yard material in the City Limits, but Mayor Cooney said the material will still be collected at the Transfer Station and chipped.

The next City Council meeting is on October 23. Citizens are encouraged to attend.

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by Richard Uhlhorn

The City of Chelan
is interested in
purchasing 900 acres
on Chelan Butte
to preserve it for the Valley
in its natural condition

If you are interested in the purchase of this land
send your comments to
mcooney@cityofchelan.us

From any angle Chelan Butte offers an imposing and beautiful view from Lake Chelan. The City is interested in preserving the Butte’s natual beauty by heading up an effort to purchase the 900 acres in private hands.

The City of Chelan and the newly formed Chelan Valley Trust would like to have the ability to purchase 900 acres on Chelan Butte. Called a part of the Open Space Vision, the purchase would have two major objectives; one to slice off 40 acres for affordable housing with the remaining 860 acres remaining undeveloped and kept open for recreational purposes.

Chelan Butte is an iconic low elevation peak on the south side of Chelan. It is considered by many as one of Chelan’s most cherished mountains. It’s beauty under different light is what the City would like to preserve.

The 900 acres sits on what is called the half Butte and has over the years been subjected to several real estate developers, but all efforts to develop the property have failed. The first major development considered was SnoCreek which would have been developed into a resort like setting with a ski-in facility from the top of the Butte to the property. John Walcker and Rick Bowles were the original entrepreneurs looking to develop the land.

When this development failed, Walcker continued his involvement with Real Estate Developer Jim Urness and a host of investors. Under this iteration, the half Butte would have become a resort community with a championship golf course, a gondola to a ridge top restaurant along with other amenities including a trail system. It also failed, leaving the half Butte undeveloped, but for sale by the land owner, Golden Gate Properties out of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The asking price for the 900 acres is alleged to be $7 million, but Mayor Cooney, who has discussed his idea of taking the half-Butte of Golden Gate’s tax rolls with the owners, made the idea of purchasing the land to keep it in its natural state (with exception of the 40 acres) a goal for the entire Valley.

The City’s Town Hall meeting on the purchase of the Butte was well attended and received.

he City held a well attended Town Hall meeting at the Senior Center on Monday, September 27^th. Most people who attended this meeting were in favor of trying to purchase the land. Others worried that it would open up more development.

Mayor Cooney said, “This is not about making money… this is spiritual to the people in Chelan.”

Mayor Mike Cooney called a Town Hall meeting to see what kind of interest there would be in purchasing the private property on the Butte.

Mayor Cooney introduced Guy Evans who used Google Earth to introduce the possibilities that lie within the 900 acre parcel. “I’ve walked, hiked or run on the Butte,” said Evans, who is currently at the forefront of the Lake Chelan Trails Alliance. “Open Space is all about the vision as it relates to trails. It is a critical time in the evolution of this valley.”

 

Guy Evans introduced some Google Earth images to show where the 900 acres are located.

This is a Google Earth view of the property that is for sale.

He described five potential hikes on the Butte and beyond to Bear Mountain and perhaps all the way to Stormy Mountain. “Visitors and residents would have a new hike every day. It is breathtaking.”

He also described the long standing efforts to open up more PUD land down by the river. “It is a small example of what the Alliance is working on now.”

“Why are we doing this,” Mayor Cooney asked? He described a parcel of land open to hiking and mountain biking. “The City can’t buy it,” he said. So he and others are looking for capital investment similar to what Wenatchee did in the Foothills system.

He’s hopeful that the Conservation District will be interested in investing along with people; not just residents of the Valley who want to preserve the Butte in its natural form, but others from outside the area that also want more recreational opportunities close to town and would be willing to donate some capital.

Stan Morse, a past Council member and local attorney, suggested that the City could devalue that 900 acres by de-annexing it. The last development group had the acreage annexed into the city. “That would bring the value down,” said Morse who was a major opponent to any real estate development on the Butte.

He also suggested that the Washington State Fish & Wildlife or some such agency might be interested in purchasing the property.

Mayor Cooney replied to Morse’s de-annexation proposal by saying he appreciated his thoughts, but “I’m not going to take the guy’s property.”

Meg Polley remarked that there is real value to the land. “Trails last forever as long as they are used.”

Councilwoman Kelly Allen suggested that the City’s hired lobbying group take the idea to the State Legislature and try to get a down payment on the property to tie it up for a year while the Valley fine tunes the financing of the purchase.

Cooney also assured those in attendance and others that the City is not and will not propose a property tax. “We are not going to do that.”

Another suggestion was to explore the possibility of a Recreational Taxing District in the Valley to help pay for the property along with other recreational opportunities.

Allen’s suggestion did make it to the Draft 2019-2021 Legislative Priorities as the No. 2 item on the City’s list. It asks that the Legislature provide $4 million in capital budget funding for the conservation of 890 acres of Chelan Butte.

It was brought up as a part of the City Council’s workshop on priority issues with Josh Weiss and Traver Justin of Gordon Thomas Honeywell. Josh Weiss told the Council and staff that while the state has more money coming in, there are a lot of requests for that money.

Josh Weiss and Traver Justin represent the City in Olympia and will be taking a final approved Legislative Priority List to the State Capital.

“The Legislators have a billion things coming at them,” said Weiss. He suggested the City par its list down to 3, 4 or 5 priorities. He felt that a $4 million ask for the Butte purchase was probably too big a request.

At the last City Council meeting on October 9, the Butte priority was discussed.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle wants to see an approved 2019-2021Legislative Priority List before adopting a resolution approving it.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle was uncomfortable with the list. “We haven’t even approved the Legislative agenda yet.

City Administrator Mike Jackson said the priority list would be back on the agenda on the 23^rd

Councilman Ray Dobbs wants to see the public more engaged in the potential Butte land purchase.

Councilman Ray Dobbs said he had attended the Town Hall meeting, but wants to see Butte purchase idea brought to more of the public. “Get it out in the media before we go forward,” said Dobbs. “I think there was pretty broad support,” he added.

Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart stated that $4 million was a huge ask. “Is is necessary to be so specific,” she asked? Jackson replied that the verbiage can be revised. “I’ll talk to them (the lobbyist) about the amount.”

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth 

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said that the purpose of the draft resolution in front of the Council was to show that that the City is supporting acquiring the property. “We are looking for acquisition and protection of that property.

State Senator Brad Hawkins was at the Town Hall meeting and emailed Mayor Cooney his thoughts which in part stated: “I would characterize the response by the people at the meeting as very supportive. The more challenging question is what percentage is in favor of the City purchasing and preserving the Butte. Or securing the Butte by providing a 50 percent local match.”

He also suggested that the City should announce that it will be accepting public comments on the draft resolution.

The Resolution will be coming back in front of the Council on October 23 beginning at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. However, if you would like to comment on the potential purchase of the Chelan Butte property, Email your comments to Mayor Cooney at mcooney@cityofchelan.us.