budget – Page 2 – All Things Lake Chelan

City extends Chamber contract three month… loans $150,000 to Chamber for festival events like Winterfest

by Richard Uhlhorn

Community comments:
Linda Sydloski informed the City Council that she is considering running for a council seat in the future. She has been a regular at council meetings for a number of months. “Thank you for what you do,” she told the council.

Final Budget public hearing:
Jackie Tupling presented the council with her budget details that will be discussed for any changes at the next council workshop on December 3.

The required public hearing on November 26 covered the following items:

Proposed revenues and expenditures for all budgeted funds, beginning and ending projected cash balances.
2. Summary and explanation of changes in expenditures for operating funds.
3. Summary of major revenues history and proposed 2025 budget amounts.
4. Detail of agency and community organization funding requests and budgeted amounts.
5. Detail of proposed payroll changes.

Chamber lodging tax extension
City Administrator Wade Farris asked the council to approve a three-month extension for the contract committee to complete revisions to a new Chamber contract agreement. “The goal is to live with the new agreement and be happy with it,” said Farris.

Finance Officer Jackie Tupling added that the new agreement will require the Chamber to give a monthly overview to the council of how they have spent lodging tax funds. “This way everyone will be able to see where those funds are being spent.”

Councilman Bob Goedde remarked that the committee is moving in the right direction. The Chamber has been operating on an extension to their old agreement for the past two years.

Chamber Festival Support:
The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce had requested an additional $150,000 from Chelan County several months ago. The request was turned down by the County’s lodging tax advisory committee.

The Chamber has requested the same amount from the City which have agreed to a $150,000 loan for Festival Support to help fund January’s Winterfest event. This support is not to exceed $150,000 annually. It is called the Chamber Festival Reserve Fund to help support weather dependent events.

Tupling stated that the loan must be paid in full by the end of the year.

Biosolids Contract:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren told council that the biosolids agreement is between Boulder Park, Inc., King County and the city. It has been in place since 1998. The contract allows the City to dispose of biosolids from the sewer treatment plant to the Mansfield flats. The four year contract ends on December 31.

**Jake Youngren, Paul Horne and Jackie Tupling**

Youngren told the council that the biosolids are applied for nutrients for agriculture purposes. “We are kind of small fish in a big pond,” said Youngren. Under the contract, the city provides 125 tons of biosolids each year at a cost of approximately $500.

The new contract will have a term of five years.

Emergency Management
Wade Farris introduced the new contract proposal from the Chelan County Department of Emergency Management and told the council that the contract amount went up considerably. “Their role is to do everything they need to do during an emergency,” stated Farris.

The City has contracted with Emergency Management since 2002. The City contracts with the Sheriff’s Office for these emergency services and costs are assessed on a per capital basis. In 2024 the rate was assessed at $3.08 per capita and the 2025 rate has gone up to $3.75 per capita. The financial implications are $4,282.30 per quarter or $17,129.20.

Rate and Fee Resolution:
Farris remarked that the council had a good discussion on the amended Rate and Fee changes. Tim Hollingsworth wanted to make sure that the Chelan resident and Valley resident parking fees at Chelan Parks remained at $25 and $45 respectively. City Clerk Peri Gallucci replied that those parking fees have not increased for 2025.

Hollingsworth also said his business was being charged 1.5 ERUs. Youngren replied that he wants to have a conversation about the sewer/water rates. “It’s not quite equitable in all situations. We need to have a conversation about it in 2025.”

Resolution No. 2024-1444 Rate and Fee (Amending Rate and Fee Resolution No. 2024-1440) – AB AB 2024-002D

Administrative Reports:
Finance Director Tupling gave a proposed operating budget amendment to the council.

City Clerk Peri Gallucci reported on the continuation of the Just FOIA Master Services Agreement for the Public Records Portal.

A Library Advisory Board update was given.

Jake Youngren told the council that the Transportation Benefit District finally passed by a mere five votes and was now certified. He also stated that funding raised from the district will be used for very specific projects with the help of the community and council. “They will come up with a game plan.”

Paul Horne said that the Parks Board had a walkabout on November 20 which took in the Lakeside Park neighborhood.

Jackie Tupling reported on the final review of the City’s 2022 State Audit and will be getting a report back on the audit in December.

John Ajax reported the Planning Department is taking a strategic look at climate resiliency with the County. “We are looking at the general scope of work.”

Mayor/Council comments:
Brad Chitty remarked that 2024/2025 was his first budget. “I appreciate all the hard work.”

Terry Sanders reiterated Chitty’s remarks and said, “I appreciate the detailed work done by staff.”

Mayor McCardle called out the individuals who always attend council meetings. “We have regulars and I am glad you are here.”

She also reported that she has been nominated to be on the board of the Chelan/Douglas Transportation Council.

McCardle also noted that on January 30 she would have a State of the City Report on what was accomplished in 2024 and plans for 2025.

The City will hold a workshop on December 3 beginning at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend but will not be allowed to speak unless approved by Mayor McCardle.

Airport Board:
Council approved the airport 2025 budget.

Non-profits request $312,320 from city

by Richard Uhlhorn

The city invited other non-profit organizations who didn’t make the initial cut for Community Benefit Funds to present their needs for 2025. With benefit funds of $111,000 already allocated for the 2025 budget, these requests, if approved, would be funded out of either the Housing Fund or Tourism dollars.

Currently the city’s housing fund only has $170,000 and the Tourism Fund is at $5 million plus.

**Jackie Tupling**
**Chelan Finance Director**

When added up, the requests equal $312,320 as follows:

Chelan Valley Feral Cat Project $ 10,000
Chelan Valley Housing Trust $100,000
Heritage Heights $ 16,400
Lake Chelan School District $ 30,000
Lake Chelan Habitat for Humanity $105,920
911 Glass Rescue $ 50,000

Jackie Tupling said that Chelan has received only $15,000 from the State for housing.

Erin McCardle stated that those funds could also be used for capital projects. “It takes a very long time to fill that fund back up. That’s something to think about.”

Tupling stated that the Lookout provides $1,000 for every new home sold to the city’s housing fund.

Feral Cat Project:
April Leaf and Wendy Isenhart presented the case for continued funding for the feral cat project. The project has been successful in trapping feral cats and Leaf reported that 286 cats have been helped.

**Feral cat director April Leaf and volunteer Wendy Isenhart**

The $10,000 requested is $5,000 more than the city granted the project for 2024. The project has received $7,496 in private donations. This year $12,000 has been spent on veterinarian services and another $320 on administrative services. It costs $450 to neuter a male cat and $200 to spay a female cat.

Communications Director Chad Coltman asked how many cats have been helped specifically in Chelan and whether or not Chelan County provides any funding for the project. Leaf replied that the cats are trapped throughout the valley and that the county doesn’t provide any funding.

Housing Trust:
Executive Director Scott Meyers of the Chelan Valley Housing Trust stated that the city has provided funding in the past and he wants to see those grants continue. “Our goal is to build homes for wage earners,” said Meyers

The request for $100,000 would help support the organization’s operational costs, landscaping costs at Harbor Meadows and $20,000 for its operations budget.

Heritage Heights:
Heritage Heights requested $16,400 from the city for WiFi connections, telephone system, purchase of computers and printers and three new wireless access points in the facility.

**Heritage Heights Melissa Robbins and the new CEO, Joel.**

Melissa Robbins explained that the non-profit has an all-volunteer board. “The city has been a contributor to this project in the past. Our building is old and has bad WiFi. We have a lot of things that are not normal,” said Robbins.

Lake Chelan School District:
Superintendent Brad Wilson and the district are requesting $30,000 to improve ballfields and gymnasium surfaces. Wilson remarked that the softball and baseball fields are used for tournaments before Memorial Day and after Labor Day and provide a number of overnight stays by parents and teams.

**Chelan School Superintenent Brad Wilson**

These programs denote overnight stays; Chelan youth wrestling, youth fastpitch; Kahiau Volleyball Club; baseball; basketball; Babe Ruth baseball and Bachfest. Other programs supported by the district include FC youth soccer; Valleywinds Musicians; Adult pickleball and tennis and Thrive.

Mayor McCardle asked if this request was a one-off request or a recurring one. Wilson replied that if they can get the community fields in shape it would result in a lot less requests from the city. She asked about the gymnasiums and Wilson said the funding would help pay for resurfacing of the Community Gym.

Habitat for Humanity:
Michelle Fanton, executive director of Habitat, is requesting $105,920 to continue providing homes for families who qualify. “We have served 17 families with homes. These homes fall within 30% of their incomes,” she said. All prospective families must be from Chelan.

**Michelle Fanton – Habitat executive director**

The organization is highly dependent on volunteer labor and the funding is also provided by the Habitat store. City funding would help Habitat keep neighborhoods clean and revitalized, expand homeowner education, staff time to develop other sources of funding, help pay for infrastructure reimbursements to offset the costs of development at Pumpkin Lane in Chelan.

911 Glass Rescue:
Julie McCoy said the $50,000 requested would help the glass recycling get back into operation by early 2025.

**911 Glass Rescue representative**
**Julie McCoy**

Mayor McCardle stated that the request might have to wait until the 2026 budget process. McCoy stated that the organization needed to have it considered in the 2025 budget so the program could move forward.

Chelan lost its glass recycling when the recycling center burned down.

Requests:
All of the above requests will be discussed and decided on prior to the final budget hearings.

City considering next allocations of ARPA funds

by Richard Uhlhorn

ARPA (American Recovery Plan Act):
City Administrator Wade Farris updated the Council on the looming requirement for the City’s remaining ARPA funds (American Rescue Plan Act) to be allocated by December 31, 2024, with the requirement to spend those allocated funds by December 31, 2026, with a final report due on April, 2027

Farris remarked that the city allocated $200,000 to the Chelan Food Bank and said, “That was money spent wisely.”

The city is looking at its option for allocating the rest of the $233,905 before the end of the year.

The City already has a request for those funds by the Boys and Girls Club that will be taking over a large space at the Lake Chelan Community Center. If awarded to the Boys and Girls Club, the funds would be used to purchase equipment, toys, computers and other needed supplies.

$750,000 has been allocated to the Anderson Road project but Chelan Finance Director Jackie Tupling said those obligated funds might be re-allocated to the East Chelan Water Reservoir project.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked if the Anderson Road project had a bid ready to go. Denham replied that public works could look at the cost estimate and rush to get a bid out the door.

The ARPA topic will be back in front of Council at its first August meeting. Allocation of those funds will be discussed at the Council/Staff workshop on August 6.

Culton Consulting agreement:
City Council unanimously approved a change of contract for its Legislative consultant, John Culton. Culton who had been employed by Desimone Consulting and retained by the City to facilitate contracts and relationships with federal senators and congresswomen along with their staffers, has formed his own consulting firm and asked to continue working on Chelan’s behalf.

Councilman Brad Chitty remarked that Culton has been doing a pretty good job. Mayor McCardle added that Culton was successful in getting Congress to pass a $9 million funding request for the East Water System and Reservoir out of committee.

This funding request is being worked on by Representative Schrier.

City Administrator Wade Farris stated that his work will lead to significant grant opportunities for the City in the near and long term.

Administrative Reports:
Public Works Engineer Travis Denham requested that Council consider retaining Jim Burbery as a consultant to the new Sewer Treatment Plant Operator.

Burbery would assist the new plant operator with the operation and maintenance of the City’s sewer collection and treatment system as needed. He would also help with budget preparation and expenditure control.

The agreement includes a $500 retainer fee and an hourly rate of $75 per hour when he is working. The agreement runs through the end of 2025 or until Burbery’s expertise is no longer needed.

Denham reported that Public Works expects Burbery would consult in the five to 10 hours per month.

The agreement will be brought back for finalization at the next Council meeting.

Assistant Parks Director:
The hiring of an Assistant Parks Director was approved on last Tuesday’s consent agenda. Human Resources/Communications Director Chad Coltman stated that a search for an assistant parks director would begin immediately.

**HR/Communications Director Chad Coltman**

Farris added that the City is still searching for an airport manager.

Farris also asked Parks Director Paul Horne how the department is perform\ing so far this summer. Horne replied that smoke and heat has taken its toll but that the mini-golf is still ahead in rounds played but that July was down.

Mayor/Council comments:
Terry Sanders encouraged everyone to take the time to read and educate themselves on the upcoming primary election and to get out and vote.

Mayor McCardle said that a successful meeting was held with farmers about agriculture. “There were 16 folks and it was a sobering conversation.

Ninety two percent of the people taking the Our Valley-Our Future Survey were primary residents.

Liaison reports of interest:
Terry Sanders – Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Sanders reported that the Chamber’s major concern was the potential impact to the Valley’s economics if Stehekin went to a Level 2 evacuation (Its at Level 3 and shut down to all tourism).

The fear is that with Stehekin shut down because of the Pioneer Fire that it will signify that the greater Lake Chelan Valley is closed to outside visitation.

Sanders reported that the Valley is seeing decreased revenues due to low Short Term Rentals.

It was also reported that the 2024 Winterfest suffered a huge loss because of inclement weather.

Jon Higgins – Chelan Valley Housing Trust

Higgins reported that the Trust is seeking additional subsidy funding to help lower the per unit cost at Emerson Harbor from $335,000 to the $265 to $285,000 range to help with qualifying potential buyers.

Boys & Girls Club executive director presented the club’s needs for Chelan

by Richard Uhlhorn

July 1, 2024

Last week was busy in the Valley as the U.S. Open for Paragliding competition continued each day, Chelan City Council heard from the Boys and Girls Club guy and the Humane Society gave a presentation to the Council.

On Friday evening and all day Saturday the Battle of the Butte River Surfing competition went on.

So I’m just now getting to the City Council report. The Battle will be reported on separately.

City Council meeting – 6.25.24
Consulting agreement:
The Council approved a $20,000 amendment at $155 per hour for Tower Consulting to continue helping the City with grants and funding applications.

On a ZOOM meeting, Analise Noble went through the grants and funding applications that were funded, denied, or pending. These applications are listed below.

2023 FUNDING –
Awarded – RCO LPM | $100K | Chelan Parks Surface Maintenance of Parking Lots –
Awarded – ECY CWSRF | $222K | Stormwater Management Action Plan –
Awarded – ECY CWSRF | $5.41M | Sewer Collection Improvements 2024 FUNDING March –
Pending – Rep. Schrier CDS | $2.8M | Lake Chelan Shared-Use Community Connector Pathway – Not Awarded – Chelan Co. LTAC | $50K | Chelan Gorge Park Improvements April –
Pending – Senator Cantwell CDS | $2.8M | Lake Chelan Shared-Use Community Connector Pathway – Pending – Senator Murray CDS | $2.5M | East Chelan Water Reservoir Project –
Pending – DOT SS4A | $177K | Transportation Safety Action Plan –
Not awarded – RCO COAF | $840K | Chelan Gorge Baseball Diamond Improvements May –
Pending – WSDOT PBP | $2.2M | Apple Blossom Multiuse Trail Project June –
Pending – WSDOT SRTS | $267K | Farnham-Webster Pedestrian Safety Project –
Pending – Chelan Co. CPIF | $300K | Washington St. Water Booster Pump Station Capacity
Summer 2024 –
Anticipated – US ACE | $TBD | TBD (Water System Improvements) –
Anticipated – Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation | $TBD | TBD (Baseball Recreational Improvements) – Anticipated – TIB | $TBD | TBD (Transportation Improvements)

Fulcrum Management Solutions – AI data management:
This issue was brought down from the consent agenda due to concerns by several city council members.

Tim Hollingsworth was mostly concerned with using a new application platform to gather community input. He was worried about how the data collected would be used and that the City might be prone to just accept the data. “It is expensive,” he said. “There is a more human process fr a city our size,” Hollingsworth added. “I’m not opposed to new technology.”

Mark Ericks said he shared some of the same concerns. “I’m in favor of technology,” said Ericks, who thought there was a broader range of options. Brad Chitty stated that he was aligned with the platform, but wanted to review it for cost.

Mayor McCardle remarked that it was only a one-year contract and was more than willing to address the council’s concerns. “This type of platform opens the door with the community.”

McCardle added that the program does not make the decisions for the City. “We need to use it to do more with less,” stated McCardle. Hollingsworth said, “As long as we have our eyes open.” Bob Goedde worried about older residents dealing with new technology.

Terry Sanders said the school district is using AI and that it is a great tool. “It is not necessarily a decision making tool,” said Sanders.

The consultant explains that the AI ThoughtExchange platform is an engagement and research tool that deepens engagement and helps to provide faster, easier analysis and actions.

The AI platform will hopefully all the City Staff to create more robust engagement strategies with the residents and enable internal feedback amongst employees. The cost for the one-year contract is $25,000 which will be split amongst the different departments.

The first year breakdown is as follows:

30% administration
Community Development and Public Works will pay $7,500 each.
Parks and Finance will pay $1,250 each.

The council unanimously approved the contract.

Boys and Girls Club:
Executive Director Bill Tsoukalas of the Snohomish Boys and Girls Club gave a major presentation to City Council in an effort to secure the remaining $230,000+ dollars left in the City’s ARPA fund (American Rescue Plan Act).

The Club has expanded to eastern Washington and Tsoukalas sees Chelan as one missing piece of the franchise. The Club is located in Tri-Cities, Spokane and Moses Lake. “You have a great asset here,” said Tsoualas. The Club will be renting 7,000 sq. ft. of space the Center and will also be in charge of managing the building.

One of the major concerns the Council has is the Club competing with organizations like Thrive which is already serving a segment of the communities youth population.

“We don’t want to compete. We want to fill the gap and give kids multiple choices.” Tsoukalas added that he had a great meeting with Thrive on how they can work together. He told the Council that the real gap in the community is the three to five year old population. “This is what we want to fill,” he added.

The Club would be open before and after school for parents who have to work, and during non-school days, they would be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The influx of capital ARPA funds would help the Club kick-start its occupation of the Community Center with desks to computers. “It is a one time investment you would make.” He stated that the rest of the $450,000 needed would come from other sources.

The other issue is getting the Community Center licensed with the State. “We don’t restrict anybody,” he said. “It is a financial risk for us.”

Brad Chitty stated he had worked with the Boys and Girls Club in the past, but was concerned at how fast the Council was rolling this out. He asked about computers and Tsoukalas replied that the club got into technology more than they used too.

Chitty said, “There are things that cost a lot of money.” He suggested looking for a computer donation solution when a company upgrades. Chitty was also trying to separate the Community Center and the Boys and Girls Club. “I’m confused… you need to pay the rent for five years up front?”

Tsoukalas replied that the rent was taken care of. Asked about employment, Tsoukalas replied that up to five would be employed; one to two full-time and the rest half-time plus volunteers.

Mark Ericks, who has been involved with the Boys and Girls club in the past said, “I’ve witnessed the benefits. No question about that.” Ericks concern was diluting the work of other organizations and stated that the City needs to continue supporting them. Tsoukalas replied that the organization would not be competing for donations from the City. “Our revenue streams will be generated by activities.”

He continued… “We have the means to raise money. We are not going to come back to the City and say we need help. The investment you are making is a one time investment.”

Shari Dietrich asked about transportation. Tsoukalis replied that had to be figured out. Possibly the use of school buses or LINK. “We prefer not to be in the transportation business because of the liability. It will be a challenge to figure that out.”

Terry Sanders stated that the community works closely with Thrive. “It is one organization that can’t fill all the gaps. My question is what are those lines?”

Dietrich asked if a local person(s) would be employed? “We don’t have anybody identified yet.” Every potential employee would have to go through a background check.

Mayor McCardle ended the conversation with the fact that Chelan has a large youth population. “There are kids that don’t play sports. Where do they go?” McCardle says the community is extremely lucky to have the Boys and Girls Club looking at the community.

McCardle added that the organization would be a huge youth benefit. “We are open to have more conversations with you.”

While the decision to use the remaining ARPA funds hasn’t been made, the Council will continue to discuss and make a decision soon.

Humane Society:
Humane Society representatives gave the Council and update on their activities in the Chelan area. While they work mostly with dogs and cats, other animals, domestic and wild are also a part of their work.

Mark Ericks asked what response time can be expected? The representative replied that they always have an officer in the area, so response times should be short.

The Society is working with the private group trapping feral cats. Veternarians are also a part of the system to spay and neuter animals. The cost is $45.

The annual report can be viewed here: Wenatchee Valley Humane Society- City of Chelan (civicweb.net).

Administrative reports:
City Administrator Wade Farris told the Council that efforts to find an Airport Manager are ongoing. He directed anyone looking for employment with the City to visit the City’s website for current positions open. News Flash • Now Hiring | Multiple Positions Open (cityofchelan.us) .

Parks Director Paul Horne said the department is putting the finishing touches on the Park Street Micro Park with a library. “We will have an opening ceremony soon.”

Mayor/Council Comments:
Mark Ericks asked about the different marina rental agreements. City Clerk Peri Gallucci replied that the difference in marina rentals is day rentals versus year leases

Jon Higgins also asked about parking enforcement. Horne said the first person hired didn’t work out. Higgins agreed that it is a tough job. “We are having trouble filling that position,” said Horne.

Brad Chitty wants more information on ARPA funds. “We need more time to hash that out.”

Terry Sanders mentioned the Boys and Girls Club and how the City can get the most bang for their buck and not have to dip into the general fund.

Mayor McCardle remarked that the $9 million dollar request for the East Chelan Water System has made it through to the next federal legislative step .

The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. The Public is encouraged to attend.

Pioneer fire, home insurance issues, City ARPA funds, Watershed meeting

by Richard Uhlhorn

IN THE NEWS – JUNE 13, 2024

Pioneer Fire update -June 12
The Pioneer Fire 31 miles up-lake from Chelan grew to 1,172 acres after a cold front moved in and contributed to its rapid growth.

Four aircraft and 164 personnel are now assigned to the blaze in steep, rugged land that has dry, dead and downed logs from old fires. According to the incident team, this fire may burn for a long time into the future. NOTE: In July 2001, the Rex Creek Fire burned 60,000 acres.

The incident team is working with private and federal stakeholders to protect assets. Handlines are being cut along the Lakeshore Trail which is closed from Prince Creek to Moore Point. Backpackers can access the trail at Moore Point for the hike into Stehekin.

Home Insurance cancellations:
David Forte, a senior policy advisor with Legislative Affairs Division of the Washington State Insurance Commision, told a large group attending a meeting held at both District 6 and District 5 Fire Stations and on ZOOM, that insurers look a fire load and the structural content of the outside of each building. “They are looking at how likely the home is to ignite,” Forte told the crowd assembled at District 6. “They are looking at both the load and structure fire risks to determine if they want to cover the property or not,” he added.

**A number of concerned citizens attended a meeting at Chelan Fire District to hear from a representative of the**
**Washington State Insurance Commission.**

Brandt Cappell, a candidate for Tiffany Gearing’s County Commission seat, told the audience that the insurance issue is a statewide issue.

One homeowner said, “Can you imagine trying to sell your house and can’t because insurers won’t insure it. This issue is so important to all of us.”

At this juncture, it looks like any relief from insurers will have to go through the Washington State Legislative path.

Chelan City Council discusses use of remaining ARPA funds:
City Administrator Wade Farris opened a second discussion concerning the use of the remaining $233,000 of ARPA funds for the Boys and Girls Club at the Lake Chelan Community Center.

**City Administrator explained the need to allocate the remaining ARPA funds before the end of the year. Once allocated to a project, the City has up to two years to implement.**

Finance Director Jackie Tupling said that $225,000 to the Boys and Girls Club, if approved by Council at its next Council meeting, could only be used for tangible items. “None of those funds ar obligated,” she said. However, she added that the rest of the ARPA funds need to be obligated by the end of 2024.

The Boys and Girls Club have become the Community Center’s anchor client and will pay $8,000 per month ($96,000 per year) on their lease of 10,000 sq. ft. at the Center.

Councilman Brad Chitty, who has worked with the Boys & Girls Club in the past, stated that he feels the funds should come out of the General Fund and initially only be for $100,000 to get them started and that they should look for corporate sponsors. Any funds approved by the Council will be on a reimbursement basis. Chitty said, “I am 100 percent behind the Boys & Girls Club,” said Chitty. “It is a great thing for the community.”

Farris replied to Chitty’s remarks saying that the ARPA funds are available on a reimbursement basis and that this is a great way “for us to support the Community Center.”

Farris added that this funding would help serve a large portion of the community by giving parents a place to take their children before and after school while they were still at work.

Mayor McCardle added it was a way for the City to help the Community Center organization get started. She mentioned ARPA funds that have been used by the Food Bank.

Councilman Mark Ericks asked what the redirection of those funds would mean to the Anderson Road Project. Farris replied that the $200,000 ARPA funding attached to the Anderson Road project was there just in case the project ran over the dedicated $700,000.

Councilman Bob Goedde stated he was all for helping the underprivileged children in the Valley and this would better serve them.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “I don’t want the City on the hook for $96,000 a year. The more we know about it the better. It is a lot of money.”

Adam Rynd spoke to Hollingsworth’s concerns. “I sit on the board at the Community Center and we have already secured private donations.” Rynd stated the Center will continue to seek more funding through private donations and grants.

Ericks stated that he is a big supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs but is concerned about on-going expenses. “Somebody has to talk about on-going expenses,” said Ericks. “How are they going to sustain it.”

Watershed meeting:
Water rights for Lake Chelan are still being processed. Nine more water right applications have been released. It is apparently taking a month to process each water right.

Mike Kaputa stated that when Chelan’s, the Reclamation’s and County’s applications come up for review they will all be fighting for the scraps. As soon as Ecology is finished in the Chelan basin, Kaputa hopes they will jump on to the Entiat watershed. “I would like to see them focus on Entiat. It is the third largest watershed in the County,” said Kaputa.

The Lake Chelan Research Institute under Phil Long continues to perform water monitoring, particularly on the near shore. The LCRI has been funded by the PUD for three years for these monitoring efforts.

Residents living on the lake continually ask Long how they get rid of the algae growing on their docks and bulkheads. Long suggested power washing and scrapping. A test site has apparently been scrapped and will be monitored to see if the algae re-grows.

The Eurasian Milfoil invasion has grown from a measly 12 acres several years ago to 400 acres now. Methods to remove it include DASH (diver assisted airlift process) which has been estimated at up to $9 million dollars to remove the milfoil and Curly Pond Weed.

Long explained to the group that the PUD only lowered the water level to 1089 feet above sea level this year which didn’t expose the invasive milfoil and curly pond weed to freezing. “We need a management plan to get funding,” said Long.

Lake Chelan’s DDT Levels are the highest in the nation and more work on this issue is needed. The DDT levels in Lake Trout have that species listed at risk for consumption.

Boat inspections continue to be conducted at Lake Chelan’s five boat launch areas; Mill Bay, Chelan, PUD Launch, State Park and 25-Mile Creek. Steven Lasky is managing that program and Kaputa told him he appreciated the way he is handling the job. The program has six inspectors working.

Bull Trout: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service are apparently working on their final draft regarding the re-introduction of Bull Trout to Lake Chelan tributaries.

Kaputa is following up on this major issue. Bull Trout are an endangered species and if re-introduced to the tributaries, it will forever change the sport fishery on Lake Chelan. Some local fishing guides say it would kill sport fishing in the Valley.

Townhall meeting will take place in Manson on Tuesday, June 18 at the Grange Hall in Manson. This meeting will bring together Manson Community Council, Manson Chamber of Commerce, Manson Park’s District and District 5 Fire District to get input from the community on how they can all work together to get Manson issues resolved.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with Council member Chris Willoughby modertating.

City workshop discusses finances

by Richard Uhlhorn

Transportation Plan

Public Works Director Jake Youngren told council members and other staff members that any decision on the proposed sales tax increase to form a TBD (Transportation Benefit District) in the City that any funds generated would have to be only used for transportation projects.

Youngren said that the City is making a dent in capital projects and remarked that there would be community input meetings. “What does the community want,” he asked?

Mayor Erin McCardle stated that the City has $4.5 million in City funding but stated, “If we wantto make progress we will need additional revenues.”

Budget Amendments

Jackie Tupling states that the primary purpose of budget amendments is to roll forward funding balances for capital projects approved by the City Council from prior years.

City Administrator Wade Farris said that Finance Director Jackie Tupling has worked hard on the City’s funding. “It is smaller than we thought,” said Farris. Tupling replied that for every $100 of property taxes collected, the City receives $12.26.

How your 2023 Property Tax is Allocated for every $100 collected
Property inside the City of Chelan:

                Hospital District                                             $2.11
                Port General                                                     $2.30
                Hospital No. 2 Bond                                      $2.83
                Hospital No. 2 EMS                                        $3.87
                Library District                                                 $3.93
                Chelan County                                                $10.21
                City of Chelan general fund                       $12.26
                Fire District #7                                                 $12.44
                Schools                                                               $47.82
                Others:
                Veteran’s Relief                                               $0.17
                Mental Health                                                  $0.24
                Cemetery No. 4                                               $0.48
                County Flood Control                                   $0.57
                Lake Chelan Sewer District 129              $0.77

City of Chelan Tax Revenue 2023:
                Property Tax                                                      $2,895,964
                Sales Tax                                                            $1,767,704
                Utility Tax                                                           $1,143,616

Tupling stated that property taxes haven’t moved that much so far this year. Councilman Brad Chitty said that he thinks the estimated revenue is on the conservative side. Tupling replied that the City’s Capital Funds are considerably down and is very volatile. She presented the Council with 2024 budget amendments and said she asked department heads what their priorities are.

Six year Transportation Plan

Youngren commented that the Public Works construction projects never line up with their fiscal revenues. “We over estimate our projects and are carrying over $12,658,089,” said Youngren who added, “We are seeing more competition in our bids.”

The Public Works Department has a number of projects on the books that they have secured grants for including the following:

                WSDOT Lakeside Trail Grant                                                                    $3,001,931 secured
                TIB Lakeside Trail Grant                                                                               $    500,000 secured
                CDTC/STBG Sanders St. Pedestrian Improvements                      $    709,092 secured
                TIB Sanders St. Improvements Grant                                                   $    100,000 secured
                Ecology Stormwater Management Plan Grant                                 $    248,000 secured
                TIB Bradley St. Pedestrian Improvements                                          $    163,800 secured
                TIB Pavement Preservation grant                                                           $      41,687 secured
                GRAND TOTAL                                                                                                 $4,764,510

Public Works projects that will be accomplished this year include:

                The Apple Blossom Pedestrian Trail from Sargent Field to Apple Blossom Drive
                Farnham/Webster Intersection Pedestrian Improvements
                Bradley Street Pedestrian Crossing

Other workshop subjects:

The other subjects on the workshop agenda included the Parks Pros Plan and a discussion on AgriTourism. These will be written about separately.