Closing the Books on 2024: Chelan City Council closed its books on 2024 and approved both the Airport 2025 budget and 2025 City budget after they were pulled from the large Consent Agenda. Finance Director Jackie Tupling stated, “There are no changes from the workshop and the budgets are ready for adoption. Both were adopted unanimously.
Branding services contract 454 Creative Services was on the Consent Agenda and was pulled from the agenda for discussion. 454 Creative Services will provide graphic design services for the Mayor’s newsletter template, business cards, and social media designs at a cost of $17,000.
Councilman Terry Sanders
Councilman Terry Sanders asked HR/Communications Director Chad Coltman if he could share with the council how 454 Creative was selected for this service contract.
Coltman said he had worked for the firm as a creative director and that they were an excellent design firm that he hoped would develop into a good working relationship with the City.
Communications Director Chad Coltman
No other solicitations by Coltman were requested for these services.
Motion Considerations: RH2 Professional Services Agreement: Public Works Director Jake Youngren told the council that RH2 does a lot of work on city facilities. “We have been satisfied with their work over the years,” said Youngren.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren
MMEC Architects: City Council voted unanimously to approve a $219,000 time and materials Professional Services Agreement for a Facilities Conditions and Needs Assessment. This assessment will look at all of the city’s facilities, and in particular the aging city hall and the golf course clubhouse. “They will receive a more thorough examination than other facilities,” said Youngren.
MMEC Architects: The Council also approved a separate $246,000 agreement to design a new Chelan Recycle Center. This is also a time and materials service. The old Recycle center burned down in July of 2024. Youngren stated that many discussions and evaluation needs had taken place since then. The City’s insurance company will be paying for the new center.
Legal Services: The Council unanimously approved a new agreement with Kottkamp, Yedinak and Esworthy, PLLC for Indigent Criminal Defendants. City Attorney Quinn Batjer said the price for these services have increased to $113,000 from the past amount of $75,000 in 2024. “Typically public defenders are overworked,” said Batjer. “It is a considerable increase over last year.” Finance Director Tupling added that the agreement would be amended in 2025.
City Attorney Quinn Batjer
In addition to the increase, Batjer stated that the Washington Supreme Court is redoing the until 2026.”
TIF (Tax Increment Area): Council agreed to remove the end of year deadline which allows for a more flexible approach to evaluating property tax allocations and potential mitigation requests when new construction occurs. This extended timeline will enable the City to assess the potential impacts of future development on critical public services, including levels of service for the Fire District and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Aligning the mitigation requirements with RCW 39.114.020 ensures compliance with state law while allowing for informed decision-making,” said Community Development Director John Ajax. “We need a little more time and the Fire District is working with us.”
During the Mayor/Council Comments, Councilman Bob Goedde said that there is a rumor that Chelan County is getting ready to introduce a TBD (Transportation Benefit District) within the county.
All of the Council members wished everyone a happy holiday season and a Merry Christmas.
Mayor ProTem Tim Hollingsworth thanked the staff for all their hard work and remarked that the City will be facing a number of challenges in 2026.
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.
Linda Sydloski
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.
Finance Director Jackie Tupling
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.
City Administrator Wade 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.”
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.
Peri Gallucci
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.
Fire Department Chelan Fire and Rescue wants to add two more career firefighters to their roster. “It doesn’t effect our budget if we were to hire two more firefighters,” Chief Brandon Asher said. He added that the department has more funds expected to come in.
Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman and Fire Chief Brandon Asher requested that the commissioners approve the hiring of two new career firefighters at a cost of $300,000.
Commissioner Russ Jones said he would rather wait one year before adding those firefighters, but both Commissioners Mark Donnell and Karyl Oules stated they would like to see the additional firefighters on staff in 2025. “I would like to see them hired in 2025,” said Donnell. “It’s the cost of doing business.”
Commissioner Russ Jones wanted to delay the hiring until 2026 but both Mark Donnell and Karyl Oules want them to be hired in 2025.
Chief Asher added that they would be able to help the department yearround. Donnell’s argument for the hires was the ability to provide the necessary fire service. “We also need to get them into the Fire Academy,” said Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman. Asher reiterated that the additions would provide service to the community and that it would reduce overtime hours being paid out.
Commissioner Karyl Oules said she would like to see the department move forward with the hiring.
Jones reminded them that a final decision on the budget was not made yet.
Fire chief report:
10/5/24 – Brush fire
10/9/24 – Structure fire in Manson
10/13/24 – Third alarm call for a brush fire in Squlchuck
10/14/24 – Motor vehicle rollover south side of Tunnel
10/19/24 – Brush fire in Manson
Asher reported that the Chelan Fire Protection Plan was still being updated. “It will open up high dollar grant opportunities,” said Asher.
Assistant chief report: Chief Sherman reported that the Apple Cup burn on November 9 had just under 50 people involved. “It was a huge effort.” Sherman and Rayner Baker, Manson’s Training Officer work in conjunction to make sure the effort was successful. He thanked the commissioners for their support.
Forty seven firefighters participated in the Apple Cup training burn on November 11.
Asher remarked that a lot of residents came out to watch the event and Oules said she had talked to a lot of residents watching. “People were really positive,” she said. “It was a winner.”
Sherman recognized Belcher as his Incident Commander during the fire. “He performed admirably in that role,” said Sherman.
The two districts are looking to add a Volunteer Coordinator position. “I’ve had a meeting with Chief Baker and Rayner. We both have needs.” The volunteer coordinator position would open up a better level of training for the two districts.
“My goal is to open the door for what’s going to happen in the next several years,” said Sherman. “The doors not slammed shut with District 5 anymore.”
Firefighters Association: Ron Simmons stated that the association raised $500 for the VFW from the burn. “Right now, we are
Unfinished business: The Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) war between the fire district and city continues to be an issue. “What we are going to need is the ability to handle calls,” said Asher. The most recent mitigation proposal has the fire department amortizing calls to the TIF area for the past 25 years.
Jones asked if the property tax base would go back to the one percent at the end of the TIF. It was noted in the discussion that no one has put a legal challenge to a TIF. “I don’t want to see it get to that point,” said Asher.
The city would like to see the number of calls into the TIF area. “We have no information on this year, but it was about 20 over the past few years.”
Ryan Petersen, owner of the Apple Cup Cafe, comforts his Mother Diane Petersen as they watch the final moments of the old Apple Cup building destroyed along with many memories.
Saturday’s controlled burn of the iconic Apple Cup building was a bittersweet day for the Petersen family.
“It was our first home in Chelan,” said a sad Diane Petersen. Larry and Diane purchased the building in 1996 and settled in to becoming restaurant owners, living in an apartment in the back of the building.
Over the years, the Apple Cup Café has served thousands of hungry customers and formed a loyal following, many of whom turned out to watch Chelan Fire and Rescue conduct a training session for firefighters from Chelan, Manson, Orondo, Entiat and Waterville. “It is an important training ground for us,” said Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman.
Lt. Jones- left, Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman, Fire Chief Brandon Asher and Apple Cup owner Ryan Petersen confer during the training exercise.
Chelan Fire Chief Brandon Asher said, “Shawn did an outstanding job conducting this training. He had help from Manson’s Training Officer, Ranor Baker,” stated Baker. Asher said he told Sherman that the operation was all his to conduct.
Firefighters drag charged fire hose into the building while a firefighting team wait their turn at fighting an interior fire..
Firefighters spent several days preparing for the burn, installing over 200 pallets to help. Firefighters went inside and started fires in each of nine areas for training purposes until Sherman handed Ryan Petersen a lit flare to throw into building starting the final burn.
Inside firefighters were confronted with real fire to learn new skills. Photo by Firefighter
As the fire began to rage, firefighters used various water hoses to keep the surrounding area cool and to prevent the fire from spreading beyond the building’s footprint
Ryan Petersen threw the last fire stick into the burning building.
Learning the ins-and-outs of battling structure fires is an important function for firefighters to learn. The Petersen’s donation of the building provided regional districts an actual structure within close proximity to other structures gain knowledge for battling future events.
Over 45 personnel took part in this training exercise.
Ryan Petersen joined the firefighters for an official photograph.
Over 45 personnel were involved in this training and hundred’s of residents turned out to watch the iconic building go down in flames to be resurrected as a new café in approximately one year.
After the burn was completed, the Petersen’s fired up the BBQ and fed all the firefighters and others who wished to eat hamburgers and hotdogs with chips and drinks.
In the meantime, the Apple Cup Café lives at the Lake Chelan Community Center on Bighorn Way. They are open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. serving up customer’s favorite dishes. “We aren’t making any money, but we are keeping staff employed,” said Petersen in an earlier interview.
The Petersen’s also plan on continuing the annual Thanksgiving Day feast they have become famous for. More information on that event will be forthcoming.
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
Housing Trust executive director Scott 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.
Anytime you walk into Chelan’s council chambers and it is full of people, you know something is up. Tuesday night’s council meeting had a number of Lakeside residents on hand to speak during the “Citizen Comments” period. Their concerns, of course, was Lakeside Park overcrowding, parking, safety issues and a request for some resolution to the problems.
Lakeside Park and community has become an overcrowding issue with its residents.
Lakeside Park overcrowding and parking along other issues has reached a boiling point with Lakeside residents and they were at Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting in force.
Twelve residents signed up to voice their concerns over the lack of any enforcement at the park. “All day long people were desperately looking for parking. Cars all day long,” stated Tammy Haig. “There was a feeling of tension in the air. At one point, I thought something might explode.”
Tammy Haig
Haig asked if the city was going to create a baseline with the Lakeside Trail and street ends in hopes that it might disperse recreation. “It (July 4) was a very intense day.”
Stan Morse remarked that visitors were parking across the street from his house leaving no room for emergency vehicles to get by in case of fire. “My hillside is ripe for wildfire. We live in a one road in and one road out of town with 2,000 to 3,000 people.”
Stan Morse
Another resident, Janet, said she didn’t feel comfortable taking her granddaughter to the park. “Lakeside Park has been overcrowded since 2020,” she stated. “People start arriving at 5 a.m. Vehicles are going round and round all day long. I counted 107 vehicles per hour.”
She added that she is asking for the city to limit capacity at the park. “Visitors are also at risk.”
Another resident requested discourse immediately with the city to see what the resolution to the issues might be.
Barry De Paoli told the council that he has lived in Lakeside for 22 years. “We have a town of 4,700 versus 5,500 visiting Lakeside on a weekend. Imagine what it looks like, 2,500 to 3,500 people per day.” De Paoli said the issue is at a breaking point. He mentioned overuse of alcohol, poor signage, and zero enforcement. “Residents can no longer sit back and watch the problem.
Barry De Paoli
“We are asking to be included in the process going forward. A meeting in October with the Mayor and others. We need a healthy balance. I know we can achieve a positive outcome.
Other comments mirrored those above and several asked if requiring reservations to get into the park might be a solution. It was also stated that the city needs to pay for monitoring the situation and enforcing the parking.
Don Morse Park might provide some relief for Lakeside residents. It’s much larger and can handle more traffic, but is also busy during the summer months.
Our Valley Our Future update: Steve Maher was on hand at the city council meeting to give an update and summary of the outreach results from the Lake Chelan Vision Project.
He provided survey results and feedback gathered since June, 2023 during individual and group listening sessions.
“We had an excellent response,” said Maher. 550 responses were gathered between June and August which included eight listening sessions with 142 people participating and 10 or 11 interviews with stakeholders. “We struggled to get younger folks to participate,” said Maher.
Some results: Housing was the number one issue by far stated Maher. “Families have to move away because of housing. It’s the biggest challenge,”
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The rapid growth is one of the biggest challenges. There were calls to manage growth better. There is a desire to maintain the smalltown feel. The respondents remarked that the valley was going away from growing apples to growing grapes and housing.
Increasing traffic and traffic congestion was another issue along with Short Term Rentals adding to the traffic congestion.
The positive things is the new hospital and Wal Mart according to some.
Wildfire and smoke was another issue on the respondents minds.
Maher stated that the next step will be developing community values from what was gathered and would be delivered by the first week in October. “Things are going really, really well,” Maher said.
This information will serve as the foundation for the core values framework in the 2026 Comprehensive Plan update, which is currently in its early stages.
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City 2025 Legislative Agendas: East Chelan Reservoir Project: The city is seeking $7 million from the State t complete the design and construction of the East Chelan Reservoir Project.
Current funding sources include a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program initiated by the City. Another $9 million is making its way through the Senate in Washington D.C. after passing through Congress. These funds would come from the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) if approved by the Senate.
Regional Transportation Study – $$??: The city is seeking increased state funding to its regional transportation MPO, so the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council can conduct a transportation study to solve critical safety issues.
With over 650,000 tourists visiting the valley each year, the regional transportation system experiences localized failure. Chelan is the center of all transportation in the valley.
Funding would be used in partnership with the CDTC, Chelan County, the Colville Confederated Tribe, WSDOT and the community of Chelan to conduct a regional transportation plan to better evaluate interconnectedness in the Lake Chelan Valley.
Downtown Revitalization – $3 million: The city and the Historic Downtown Chelan Assn. is seeking $3 million to invest in construction of Phase 1 of the downtown revitalization project which will upgrade failing infrastructure, enhance the downtown business core and create welcoming public spaces.
Northshore Pathway – $2.8 million The Northshore trail would solve critical safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists along the lakeshore connecting Manson and Chelan.
Other top issues: Housing
Environmental sustainability
Planning and infrastructure
Fiscal sustainability.
Transportation Improvement Program Survey Findings: “What are we going to do about it,” asked Communications Director Chad Coltman. Traffic congestion was the big issue respondents felt the city needs to address. Seventy two percent of the respondents would like to see the Woodin Avenue Bridge returned to two way traffic in hopes that it would alleviate downtown congestion and open a secondary evacuation route.
Seventy two percent of Chelan’s residents who responded to a survey requested that the Woodin Avenue Bridge be returned to two-way traffic.
The other option was to reverse the direction on the bridge to move traffic out of town. My opinion: I would like to see the traffic on the bridge reversed for an actual traffic study done during the high season to ascertain if it would actually help relieve traffic congestion on Johnson Avenue and Sanders Street to the light.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren said, “Regarding the return to a two-way bridge we will invest some time and effort to what that (process) looks like.” Mayor McCardle replied that hard cost numbers need to be assessed.
Councilman Bob Goedde has been a proponent of making the bridge two-way and reiterated his desire to see it returned. Youngren replied that the city has to be careful.
Councilman Brad Chitty stated that it was a hot topic and suggested that taking the foot traffic off the bridge might be an option. “There are other options out there.
Mayor McCardle stated that the most respected traffic consultants in the nation have provided actual traffic data for May through August.
Residents responding to the survey and attending the transportation meeting also want to see better walking/biking paths on both the south shore (in the works for construction in 2025) and north shore to ensure pedestrian safety.
Other issues that the public would like to see include:
Dedicated Parking areas
Better walking and biking paths
Improving intersections
Enhancing public transportation options
Safer access to schools
Mayor McCardle stated that the city has the tools to move forward and have identified which projects to move forward with in the next two years.
HR/Communications: Chad Coltman remarked that offers are out on the three major job opportunities within the city and that he is excited about the pool of talent that wants to work with the city.
Chad Coltman
Mayor/Council comments: Jon Higgens warned the council and staff that when “You step on toes and go in a different direction, people will stop engaging.”
Terry Sanders said the city has a good start on the issues. “Huge thank you to the Lakeside residents. I’m looking forward to common sense solutions”
Mayor McCardle talked about the valley’s tourism impact study which addresses the many impacts tourism has on the community. She also remarked on how much work it takes to run the city. Mentioned the upcoming Transportation Benefit District that is on the ballot in November and raises the sales tax a mere .03% (or 30 cents on every $100 spent on taxable goods. She wants the community to know that the city council is responsible for spending taxpayer dollars.
The next council meeting is on October 8. The community is welcome to attend.
Apple growers in the Lake Chelan Valley applied 80,000 kilograms of DDT to their orchards from the 40s to 70s. It is now leaching into the lake from drains, groundwater and streams.
by Richard Uhlhorn
DDT LOADING STUDY: Clay Patmont, Anchor QEA, LLC, told the Watershed Planning Committee that Lake Chelan still has the highest concentration of DDT in the nation.
DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane), developed as the first of the modern synthetic insecticides in the 1940s, was used extensively in Lake Chelan Valley orchards from the 1940s to 70s. An estimated 80,000 kilograms (140,800 ibs.) of DDT was applied to some 12,000 acres over the years. “There was a lot of DDT applied,” said Patmont.
The Toxics Control Demonstration study in 2010 and 2021 found no DDT levels declining. The study sampled lake trout for DDT levels which was used to determine the level of DDT in the lake.
Sources of this contamination comes from ongoing leaching of the material in orchard soils to the lake from orchard drains, groundwater and creek drainages.
Patmont stated that natural recovery would not achieve risk reduction goals for at least 100 years, but directing drainages through wetlands (Dry Lake) could substantially reduce DDT loading by 70 to 95 percent.
With a $1.3 million dollar grant from the Department of Ecology, the plan is to 1. – characterize current DDT loading into the lake in 2025; construct a one to two acre prototype wetland in 2026; monitor the wetland’s effectiveness in 2027 and 2028; and if successful; expand wetland treatments in the entire basin where it was applied.
Quagga/Zebra Mussel concerns: “It has never been more important for people to stay alert,” said Stephen Lesky. This comment came during a report on Quagga mussels being detected in the Columbia River Basin and the potential of this invasive species being introduced in Lake Chelan.
Multiple occurrences have been noted in the Twin Falls, Idaho area where 375 miles of river dumps into the Columbia River.
Quagga and Zebra mussels are species that can cause millions of dollar’s worth of damage if allowed to attach and grow in water passage ways, irrigation canals, dams and fish hatcheries. The economic impact is estimated at $100 million per year.
The Washington State Fish and Wildlife Service has five primary boat inspection stations for vessels crossing into the state. “We are trying to protect Washington waters,” said Bush.
Currently the state is free of quagga mussels. “When we find an occurrence there will be a rapid response.”
Stephen Lesky, manager of Lake Chelan’s boat inspection program, said, “We are seeing an increase on boats on Lake Chelan.” The Lake Chelan Boat Inspection Program is in its second year on a grant from the National Park Service. “People appreciate what we are doing with the program.”
The economic risk of quagga or zebra mussels entering Washington waters is huge.
“We are excited about what you are doing,” said Bush.
Bush described another major concern with zebra mussels that are showing up in moss balls being sold to pet stores. “There are 22 wholesalers that have received contaminated products in Washington. Ultimately, we know it is an ongoing problem.”
Fish and Wildlife has received $1.8 million in State funding and another $1.83 million in Federal funding to combat the potential influx of invasive species to Washington waterways. The WDFW Response Team has met with 27 retailers and are taking significant steps to stop the importation of zebra mussels in moss balls to pet stores. “We are planning for the worst case scenario.”
Water Quality – Phil Long
Phil Long – Lake Chelan Research Institute
“We had a busy summer,” said Long. “Things look fairly normal.” However there is ongoing concern with the algae growth on rocks and docks in the near shore areas of the Wapato Basin. The Lake Chelan Research Institute is hoping to identify the different species that are present.
Phil Long captured this photo of periphyton growing in the Wapato Basin.
Long stated that the Institute is in the second year of a three year study funded by the PUD. “This is not what you want growing on our shores and docks,” said Long.
Water rights: Ecology continues to work with RH2 Engineers on water right applications and reported that seven more property owners have received their certificates. “We are moving forward.”
Round Table:
Mike Kaputa – Chelan County Resources Department director.
Fishery Forum… PUD will give an update in December
NPS is conducting temperature monitoring and creel surveys.
Mike Kaputa reported that the committee should have a report on the reintroduction of bull trout December. A draft manuscript has been circulated for peer review amongst the committee members.
While 600+ people took advantage of the City’s Transportation Survey, only an estimated 40 residents took the time to attend the Transportation Public meeting on Thursday evening, September 12. Despite the lack of attendance, the meeting was well received by those who joined in.
SEVENTY TWO PERCENT of those who answered the survey want the Woodin Avenue Bridge back to two-way traffic followed by Traffic Congestion, Pedestrian Safety, the Lakeside neighborhood parking issue during the peak summer season and Parking availability.
Most survey respondents feel that turning the bridge back to two-way traffic or just reversed so traffic can flow out of town would help alleviate much of the summertime traffic congestion that has been clogging up Johnson Avenue and Sanders Street to the stoplight. “We definitely heard throughout the survey what can we do about congestion,” said Communications Director Chad Coltman.
The City’s new communications director Chad Coltman told the audience at last Thursday’s Transportation meeting that a big part of his job is to how the city can make the community better.
It is thought that it would also help the congestion on Hwy. 97A by the Middle/High School.
However, according to Public Works, the potential cost of turning the bridge back to two-way would cost upwards of $8 million. Reversing the flow was estimated to cost $1.2 million.
I asked Public Works Director Jake Youngren how they came up with those numbers? Youngren replied that the were from the hip and not based on engineering study of the issue. It should also be noted that a traffic survey of the bridge stated that reversal wouldn’t have that much affect overall on traffic congestion.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren explained how his department works.
When the Woodin Avenue Bridge was reworked to its current status, the cost was $3.19 million with the city putting in $1.56 million for the one-way conversion and another $800,000 on structural rehabilitation and $830,000 on waterline replacement under the bridge from grant funding.
Other issues that ranked high in the survey included Pedestrian Safety, the Lakeside Park neighborhood parking issue, and Parking availability in the community.
Public Works education facts: Chelan’s Public Works department has $24 million capital infrastructure projects on their STIP (Six Year Traffic Improvement Plan). In 2024 the department is working with $1,501,486 to take care the city’s 42 miles of paved roads. This includes Road Maintenance – Line Striping – Weed Control – Street Cleaning – Alley Maintenance – Traffic Signs – Storm Drains – Snow and Ice Control – Sidewalk Repair – Sidewalk Cleaning – Street Light Repair
Seventy five percent of Sales Tax Revenues goes to Public Works. Another five percent is from gas taxes.
Only $12 ($9 to public works) out of every $100 of property taxes collected comes to the city. “It’s not a large amount going to streets,” said Youngren.
TBD (Tax Benefit District) This November, the city is asking its voters for a 0.03% sales tax increase ($.30 more on every $100 spent) to the current sales tax. The extra funds can only be used in the newly created Tax Benefit District. It is estimated that this increase in sales tax would raise approximately $1 million annually. This stable funding source is considered essential for maintaining Chelan’s transportation system.
“TBD allows for long term investment in our city’s infrastructure,” said Mayor McCardle “Passage of the TBD opens the grant door.”
Mayor Erin McCardle explained the upcoming request for a sales tax increase to help fund Chelan’s infrastructure.
Jake explained that both Hwy 97A and 150 are State highways and the state has total control between the fog lines. Anything outside the fog lines falls to the city for its infrastructure, i.e. sewer/water/storm. “We have responsibility beyond the fog line for sewer and stormwater maintenance, but the DOT has to approve any work along the highway.”
Attendees at the Transportation meeting had a chance to select projects they felt should be a priority for the city to pursue.
Other potential projects of interest: The Northshore Pathway from Manson to Chelan was of interest to a number of people responding to the survey. Multi-Modal Pathways in the region are now under the Chelan/Douglas Transportation Council. There will be public meetings in the near future to discuss the Northshore Pathway.
A Bypass Route has been discussed to help relieve traffic congestion coming from Manson. Currently all traffic flows through Chelan which has helped to create traffic congestion within the city.
Development in Manson has added to Chelan’s transportation issues. What used to be a community surrounded by orchards is now a community with multiple residential developents.
The Bypass Route proposal has been renamed an Evacuation Route due to potential wildfire danger in the community of Manson. This proposed project would probably cost billions of dollars to make happen, but it is a project that should be looked at seriously.
Question and Answer period: One attendee asked how park revenues are used. Mayor McCardle replied that all revenues from park operations go back into funding the park’s system. “We are one of the few parks in the state that is totally self -funded.”
Another person asked what the city’s relationship is with Manson? “That’s a good question,” replied McCardle. “We need a larger transportation plan that takes in the entire area,” she added. “Everyone comes through Chelan.”
The City of Chelan is holding a public meeting Thursday evening beginning at 6 p.m. at Chelan High School’s Performing Arts Center. The city will be reviewing the findings from its Transportation Survey; discussing its six year transportation plan and allowing residents to “vote with their dollars” in a fun interactive exercise.
Mayor McCardle is asking residents to attend Thursday’s transportation meeting at Chelan High School beginning at 6 p.m.
“This is an important open house,” said Mayor Erin McCardle. “It will give the community a chance to tell us what to prioritize.”
Chelan has numerous traffic and transportation issues. The city is asking residents and stakeholders to attend Thursday, September 12 meeting to help decide what transportation projects need prioritization.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and share their input and priorities on the future of transportation in the community.
Citizens will be asked to vote on the November 2024 ballot on the newly formed Transportation Benefit District which is also asking for a .3% increase in sales tax (8.4% to 8.7%) to help fund the districts transportation projects.
The Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) will be presented to City Council for adoption in early 2025. Only projects identified on the STIP are eligible for grants or TBD funding.
This meeting will allow residents to present what their priorities are regarding Chelan’s transportation issues including roadways, public transportation, pedestrian pathways, and the Woodin Avenue Bridge.
Resident Input will be officially recorded and carefully considered in drafting the STIP. By participating, residents are helping to shape a transportation plan that reflects the needs, priorities and aspirations of the Lake Chelan community. We encourage all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to take part in this important meeting
Bridge Jumping: Bridge jumping wasn’t on Tuesday’s workshop agenda but was brought up during the final comment period at the City of Chelan Workshop.
Bridge jumping has been a right of passage for many local kids, and now it has become a major concern as bridge jumpers include tourists and parents taking photos of their youngsters jumping. The City is looking for a way to shut it down before someone is seriously injured or even killed.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth who walks across the bridge frequently brought the topic up. “It’s becoming a free for all on the old bridge,” said Hollingsworth. “Somehow we need to come down hard on it.”
Jumping from the Woodin Avenue Bridge has become a ‘Right of Passage’ for many of the kids who defy the law. Signage clearly states that no bridge jumping is allowed, but even parents are encouraging the children to jump while taking photos. There is a $500.00 fine if an individual is ticketed, but the Sheriff’s deputies don’t have the time to monitor this activity.
What began as six to eight local kids jumping has morphed into a dangerous situation where people are spread almost halfway across the bridge.
A j;umper does a flip off the west side of the Woodin Avenue Bridge.
The concern, of course, is that someone is going to jump and land on a boat or other watercraft passing under the structure, seriously injuring or killing someone.
Mayor McCardle asked the Council for some helpful ideas on how to address the issue.
Parking enforcement: Another issue facing Chelan and in particular, Lakeside Park is the lack of any parking enforcement. The city has had no luck in attracting an individual to fill that summertime position since the last parking enforcement officer left early in the year.
People are taking up parking spaces for well over the three hour limit in downtown and all day at Lakeside Park.
Recycle Center: Public Works Director Jake Youngren reported that a lot of discussion has ensued since the Recycle Center burned down. “I don’t have much to report on what is happening,” said Youngren. He added that the department is looking to select a consulting team to help explore options to continue to recycle.
The City is looking into a variety of alternatives for the fire destroyed recycling center, but will continue to pick up recyclable materials.
The recycle truck will continue to pick up recycling material while the city looks for an alternative. Also, the 911 Glass Recycling unit was severely damaged in the fire and the Rotary is looking into that issue.
City Clerk Peri Galluccci stated that an insurance adjuster and an investigator are working with the department.
Water and Sewer Rate Fee Study: Youngren said that the latest rate study for water and sewer has an infinite number of scenarios. He said that Waterville went from a $50 per month charge to $250 per month in one fell swoop. “We are trying to avoid that.”
Public Works Director Jake Youngren
Currently, residents (a family of four) are allowed 7,000 gallons per month which, according to Youngren is pretty generous.
Mark Ericks asked about residents who are just on Social Security. Bob Goedde replied that there is a senior level bracket.
Water and Sewer Rate Study project manager Brooke Tacia of FCS Group updated the Council on the study.
The study, conducted by Project Manager Brooke Tacia of FCS Group, centered around significant changes since the last study in 2018. These changes included increased inflation and delay of large capital projects for both water and sewer treatment plants.
Upcoming revenue requirements include operations and maintenance, debt service and capital costs.
The study is developing a rate plan to balance the city’s financial needs and to minimize customer impacts. The study period covers 2025 to 2029 using the 2024 budget as a baseline.
From 2024 to 2037 the city has $57.4 million in capital projects.
Lakeside Trail update: City engineer Travis Denham updated the council on the Lakeside Trail between downtown and Lakeside Park. “We are in the permitting process with WSDOT right now,” explained Denham.
City engineer Travis Denham
The planning phase will be 60 percent complete by the end of August, and the biggest development on the corridor is a proposed speed limit change from 30 mph to 25 mph from the Boat Company to the high school. The planners need to get approval from the State Traffic Engineer. “We understand that people will drive at what they feel comfortable with,” said DOT’s David Kieninger
Two proposed inline bus stops just south of the Boat Company raised some concerns about blocking traffic and the potential for rear end accidents. “It could cause additional congestion. There is a lot going on there,” said Kieninger.
The third issue discussed was the buffer zone landscaping alternatives. Denham stated that the vertical element was being discussed to give a sense of safety to trail users. Hollingsworth thought that the low density alternative was the best. Similar to what’s in place on the trail down to town from the roundabout.
Bob Goedde said, “Let’s not get to crazy building guard rails.” McCardle felt there should be a little more than the low density plantings.
The Lakeside trail project will hopefully begin construction next spring.
Clear Gov: Finance Director Jackie Tuppling gave an overview of the city’s new website section that is being built with Artificial Intelligence. “This is user friendly way to see the city’s budget expenditures,” she said. “It shows everything and how it is spent.” The system will be available to the public.
All Things Lake Chelan 