There is always a cry from the public about new taxes, but the City of Chelan will be asking Chelan residents within its described Tax Benefit Area (TBD) to add .03% to the local sales tax to help Chelan’s Public Works Department continue working on its six-year transportation program.
Chelan Public Works has approximately $26 million infrastructure projects it needs to work on to keep the city’s roads, streets, water and sewer systems up to date. The good news is the new tax only represents 3 cents added to every dollar a customer spends in the TBD.
If passed, this new tax will bring in approximately $900,000 each year. The good news for the Chelan residents, because it is added to sales tax, is that most of those proceeds will come from visitors to the Valley. City administration estimates that visitors and tourists will contribute 75 percent of that tax.
Funds raised from the TBD can only be spent on infrastructure projects within the TBD defined area which is the City of Chelan.
At the Washington State Transportation Council meeting that took place in Chelan Thursday and Friday, Mayor Erin McCardle’s welcoming presentation included the City’s upcoming TBD. “The TBD opens up opportunity for a revenue source of which 75% will be supported by the visitors,” she said.
Mayor Erin McCardle
Transportation Council’s executive director, Reema Griffith asked McCardle how the funds received would be used. McCardle replied that they would be used to leverage into grants and bond issues.
At the City’s City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 22, the Council approved Resolution No. 2024T-001 to add the TBD to the November Ballot.
Residents will have an opportunity to voice their concerns at a few public meetings and possibly a Community meeting in the near future.
Chief Brandon Asher reported that the department responded to 128 calls In June and that July was on a record pace.
“We had multiple fires which really tasked both Chelan and Douglas Counties,” said Asher. “So it was a busy June and we had a lot of help from everyone.”
Asher reported that Mayor McCardle said the meeting in Washington D.C. seeking funds from the Senate didn’t work out but she was hopeful that Representative Schier would secure some funding for the East Chelan Water Project.
Fire Chief Brandon Asher
Pioneer Fire activity: Asher said, “We are not an official member of the team, but we are cooperating and helping out where we can.”
The Chelan Fire and Rescue’s Boat 71 is still attached to the Pioneer Fire and is 31 days in. “People are getting comfortable. Starting now, the boat will be working 24 hours a day.” Commissioner Russ Jones is captioning the boat on the night shift this week.
Brush Truck 73 is assigned to a Department of Natural Resources Strike Team. “It’s all local people on the team,” said Asher. The team is helping with structural assessments all around Manson. “We basically have a strike team in town.” Manson is providing one firefighter on Brush Truck No. 73.
Assistant Chief Report: Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman reported that the department has gained one new volunteer and that over the month of June there were no retention losses.
Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Sherman.
He also reported that that the department will be holding a training drill next month with Manson at the Chelan location with a dinner afterwards.
August primary ballots will be in the mail on July 15. There are two major issues on the District 3 ballot including Chelan County Fire District 5 Replacement Levy and a choice of four candidates to fill the Chelan County Commission seat being vacated by Tiffany Gearing.
The four candidates vying for her seat on the commission include Senator Brad Hawkins; Representative Keith Goehner’s staff assistant, Brandt Cappell; Manson Fire Commissioner Chris Willoughby and Wenatchee developer Flint Hartwig.
Following is a brief description of each candidate and what they feel is the most important priority facing Chelan Count over the next four years.
Brad Hawkins: “My primary focus, if elected, will be to help diversify the County’s economy,” said Hawkins. He also wants to maintain a balanced budget and mitigate the growing property tax issues. “If we continue to grow and get Malaga (Microsoft development) onto the tax rolls, that should help to moderate some property taxes.”
Senator Brad Hawkins
Hawkins has a long and successful public service record and is currently a Washington State Senator. He is vacating that position to be closer to family. The recent redistricting would have had him constantly on the road.
“My knowledge and relationships (at the state level) will help bring resources to the County,” More information about Hawkins is available at www.bradhawkins.org. He can also be reached at 509.393.3231.
Brandt Cappell: Cappell, who is currently Representative Keith Goehner’s Legislative Assistant stated that he has been focusing on issues in the Chelan/Manson area. Over the past several months he has attended many Chelan and Manson meetings to learn what issues are foremost”. “I’m trying to get the lay of the land,” he said.
Brandt Cappell
Cappell, if elected plans on opening an office in Chelan to be close to District 3 constituents and the Valley’s emerging issues. He is interested in getting in front of what is happening in the local agriculture industry.
Chris Willoughby: Willoughby’s primary focus, if elected, will be the County’s infrastructure. “Our infrastructure is at the center of everything that goes on,” said Willoughby who added that Entiat’s sewer systems is at capacity and will have to stop development. “Leavenworth and Plain also have infrastructure issues as does Manson.”
Chris Willoughby
Willoughby has been involved in Manson and the County’s politics since 1999 when he first served on the Manson Community Council until 2011. He is also the vice-chairman of Fire District 5s board of commissioners where he has served as a firefighter and EMT since 1988 and 2003 respectively.
He claims that he is not a “politician” and does not believe in them. “I am a long time public servant who represents the communities I serve.” He is also the only candidate who lives in the heart of the 3rd District.
Flint Hartwig Hartwig is the only candidate running for the 3rd District position who has no experience in politics. He is a Wenatchee businessman and developer who wants to streamline the County bureaucracy.
Flint Hartwig
His voters pamphlet promise is to make sure the County is only spending money on the essential roles of government.
“I’m good at getting things done,” said Hartwig. His primary focus if elected would be agriculture, tourism and affordable housing. “I want to fight for you,” he added.
The District 3 Commission seat is an important position for those who live in the Chelan and Manson area. It is incumbent on voters to educate themselves on each candidate running for the position and vote for the one candidate voters will best represent them.
Manson Fire Department Levy request: Manson Fire District No. 5 will be asking eligible Manson voters to pass a new replacement levy to replace the retiring 10-year levy that currently collects $0.89/1000. The district is asking the voters to pass a $0.75/$1000 which is less than the current rate.
The smoke plume of the Pioneer Fire 25 miles up lake from Manson.
Manson Fire District is a successful volunteer department with 40 volunteers, 25 of which are active in both fire fighting and Emergency Services. With only three paid staff, the district is hoping to expand its personnel, offer full-time training for personnel to gain full certifications to meet the needs of the growing Manson Community.
The district is in the process of building a training facility which would be used by all firefighting agencies for training purposes. Fire Chief Arnold Baker reported at a community meeting that other district’s and the Forest Service have contacted him about training and trainee housing at the facility.
The district would also use some of their budget along with grants to replace a 30 year old fire truck along with other equipment needs.
Operational expenses are used for fuel, overall maintenance needs and a hedge against current inflation increases.
Responding to over 100 fire-related calls and 500 Emergency Management calls per year underscores the increasing demand for trained personnel in a growing community.
A levy failure would be disastrous to the district. Budget cuts and reducing volunteers by half would leave Manson without the required safety net for the community.
The Chelan Valley Republican Women held a Republican Candidates Forum Thursday evening, July 11 at Wine Girl Wines featuring all candidates running for elective office on the upcoming August Primary.
It was a nice crowd of interested voters at the Chelan Valley Republican Women’s Republican Candidate Forum on Thursday, July 11 at Wine Girl Wines.
The County will be mailing the primary ballots on July 15.
Fire District 5 replacement levy: Prior to each candidate speaking to the large audience, Arnold Baker, Fire Chief of Manson’s Fire District 5 explained the importance of the upcoming Replacement Levy.
Fire Chief Arnold Baker
The expiring 10-year levy has been collecting 89 cents per $1,000, but with the tremendous growth and increased property tax revenues in Manson, the amount has dropped to 41 cents/$1000. “We are asking for 75 cents per thousand,” said Baker. “It is a lot of money. I understand that,” said Baker.
He added that Manson has more volunteers than it has ever had. The levy, if passed, would help the district up its training, build a training complex, purchase a new fire truck and move a half-time position to full time.
He initially explained that the district is working with the Incident Management Team to protect Manson from the Pioneer Fire if it actually makes it to the community.
“In 2002 during the Deer Point Fire we protected 60 homes with no losses,” said Baker, who was the fire chief at that point also. “Today there are 160 to 200 homes on the same footprint.”
“The Incident Management Team is doing a very good job and are hoping the contingency lines hold. We hope for the best but are planning for the worst.”
Someone in the audience asked why retardant isn’t being used on the fire. Baker explained that there were environmental reasons and the fact that each drop cost $25,000. “I’m thankful for the suppression efforts taking place for our community.” He finished by encouraging the registered voters to vote for the levy.
Speakers: Dave Reichert, Republican candidate for Governor was first up to address the attendees. Reichert told the audience that he sees three major issues facing the State.
Dave Reichert
The Criminal Justice System throughout the State.
Homelessness and the substance abuse and mental illness associated with it.
The Economy and taxes.
Regarding the tax issue, Reichert said the Legislature wanted to raise the property cap from 1% to 3% and that the Legislature tried to put a 15 cent increase on all ammunition sold.
He then brought up the gorilla in the building… the Carbon Gas Tax that is costing vehicle owners up to 50 cents more per gallon. “Inslee could have hit pause on this,” said Reichert. Instead, he said there is a movement to increase the Carbon Gas Tax to 80 or 90% in the coming months.
Reichert also said the State has a $4.1 billion surplus. “Inslee says if we vote No on the increases, there will not be enough money to do all the things that need done.” He also said that $1 billion is missing from Government COVID funding.
He also stated that the Democrats have a tracker on him and are recording everything he says. “We are going to win this race,” Reichert who added, “You need to get out and vote and veto the gas tax bills. We have to get the Democrats to vote for us also.”
Bob Hagglund
Reichert decried the fact that traditionally, only 30 percent of the registered voters actually vote. “We need to get 60 to 80 percent voting.”
Bob Hagglund – Lt. Governor Hagglund said that the Lt. Governor is the President of the State Legislature. He talked about housing affordability and the causes of homelessness including mental illness. “It is time for a new direction,” said Hagglund. “Event the Seattle liberals are getting it. It’s (state government) is not working.”
Sharon Hanek
Sharon Hanek – State Treasurer Hanek told the audience that she has been a CPA for 25; years doing taxes and said she wants to take her experience into the State Treasurers office. “I want to review this system,” she said and asked for their vote.
Brian Burnett – running for State Representative Position 1 (Representative Goehner’s seat). Burnett who has 25 years of experience in law enforcement; 12 years as Chelan County Sheriff, said he has put 3,000 miles on his car visiting District 12 communities. “I have been meeting with amazing people,” said Burnett. “They ask what changes he would make and he replied that constituents need a team that can work as team. “If you don’t get out and vote that is an end game.”
Brian Burnett
Mike Steele – District 12 Position 2 seeking relection. Steele mentioned the $20 million he has brought to the district and that as the minority leader he said he was very excited to represent the district.
Mike Steele
Serving on the Education Committee, Steele remarked that the state is spending $35 billion on education alone. “I want to give the power back to the parents,” said Steele. “We need to change our focus and are one vote away from the Super Majority.” He added that as the minority they are not even invited into the room.” He stated that it is an interesting job and he is proud to do it.
Chelan County Commission: There are four candidates for Tiffaney Gearing’s District 3 commission seat. All are qualified to hold the seat and the voters will have to make a hard decision on who they want to represent them for the next four years when Gearing leaves the office.
Brad Hawkins
Brad Hawkins Hawkins told the audience that he is looking forward to bring his experience to the 3rd District. His issues he wants to address include the economy of Chelan County, the budget and growing tax burden on property owners, wildfire reduction and the affordable housing situation. He also wants to extend the County’s grant opportunities.
Hawkins is an experienced politician who has served in a multitude of public positions including as a State Representative and State Senator which he is currently.
Brandt Cappell Cappell told the voters that he comes to this position with a new life perspective. He has had a heart transplant and spent 84 days in the University of Washington ICU. Cappell works for Representative Keith Goehner as his assistant and says he knows how to navigate the issues.
Brant Cappell
Cappell said he has been attending meetings throughout the 3rd District to get to know the issues and if elected he would open an office in the Lake Chelan Valley to serve his constituency. He also stated that there is $20 million available to build a new substance abuse clinic and that a new location needs to be found.
Flint Hartwig Hartwig said, “I’ve never been a politician.” He is a developer and owner of the Rock gym in Wenatchee. He sees a massive problem in affordable housing and sets that as one of his major issues to work on if elected.
Flint Hartwig
Hartwig also wants to address the future of farming and tourism in the district without stepping on any toes. “I have real life experiences I want to bring to the commission,” he stated.
Chris Willoughby Willoughby, a Manson resident grew up on a farm and is still an apple grower. With orchards being replaced by developments, Willoughby wants to work on balancing the changes. He has been a public servant all his life and is proud to say, “I am not a politician.”
Chris Willoughby
Willoughby says he looks at issues and asks “What is the solution!” Looking for solutions to the many issues facing the district and County is his promise if elected to the seat. Issues he would like to address include infrastructure, affordable housing and tourism. “We have local people who can’t support themselves here and are moving elsewhere.”
As an orchardist, he sees farming becoming almost impossible as a sustainable business. “This (apple industry) was the industry that helped to build Chelan County and it is disappearing.”
“I want to be your voice. Be informed of who you are voting for.”
Judge Alan Blackman was given a few minutes to address the voters and encouraged them to get the vote out.
The next meeting of the Chelan Valley Republican Women will take place at Radiance Winery on August 8 with Candidate Dave Olson – Superintendent of Public Instruction and School Board Member Susie Metzger as guests.
On Tuesday evening, July 9, Chelan’s Council Chambers filled with unhappy residents over the Fourth of July parking and fireworks issues.
The July 4 Fire on Chelan Butte was handled quickly by Chelan Fire & Rescue.
Citizens Comments: Many of these residents live on Chelan Butte or in the Lakeside community. Margie Lynch, a longtime Butte resident summed up the parking issue by telling the Council that the Butte Road had cars, not only parked on both sides of the road, but double parked. “It became increasingly difficult for emergency vehicles to access the area,” she said. She added that she visited both the Sheriff’s Department and Fire Station where she was told to call RiverCom with her issues. “There was just enough room for my car to drive between the parked cars all the way to the switchback.”
Another resident stated that Lakeside Park is full at 7 a.m. “How do we monitor the parks,” she asked. She also mentioned that vehicles were driving up the Butte Road to Daybreak to watch the fireworks. She, along with others, are concerned about fire.
Another resident told the Council the Sheriff’s Department deputies told her they didn’t have time to write tickets and who would show up in court over a $30 ticket anyway. Her bigger concern was fire risk and the homeowner insurance companies view of that fire risk which is raising insurance or cancelling it.
Another resident addressed the fireworks issue with not enough resources to deal with illegal fireworks. “When the Butte fire started, there were still fireworks going off. We are all losing fire insurance for our homes.”
Mayor McCardle replied to the Citizens that the city needs to work on tougher long-term solutions.
Linda Sydloski brought up safety concerns on the Union Valley Road. “It is so treacherous with the fire traffic and dump trucks. There are no curbs… no guardrails and the dump trucks speed down the road.” She thought it would be good to put speed bumps in to slow traffic.
Parks & Recreation Professional Day Proclamation: This proclamation couldn’t have come on a better day,” said Mayor McCardle. “All of our parks were full this past week. Thank you very much Paul.” She then read the proclamation and entered it into the record.
Mayor McCardle
Parks Proclamation: WHEREAS, the City Council of Chelan recognizes that the citizens of Chelan desire to enjoy the benefits of modern, safe, and well-designed parks and facilities that enhance their quality of life, positively impact their health, foster community cohesion, drive economic activity, and protect our environment; and
WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that tourism is a primary economic sector for Chelan, that tourists visit to enjoy our lake, and that almost all the publicly accessible lakefront is stewarded by the Chelan Parks Department, with visitors’ impressions of the parks significantly influencing their opinions and memories of our community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the operations of Chelan’s Parks Department receive no taxpayer funding and that the Parks Department contributes to downtown beautification, supports other City departments, and benefits our taxpayers at large; and
WHEREAS, the City Council commends Chelan’s park professionals for their dedication to serving the public, providing exemplary customer service, and enriching our community through their work in managing commercial enterprises, maintaining facilities, and developing a strategic plan for the continuous improvement of the parks system into the future; NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor of Chelan, do hereby proclaim July 19, 2024, as “Park and Recreation Professionals Day” in Chelan Washington. Dated this 9th day of July 2024.
Assistant Parks Director: City Council is considering the hiring of an Assistant Parks and Recreation Director who’s position will have an emphasis on Capital Planning and Management of the $24 million dollars of capital projects the Chelan Parks department has on its PROS plan schedule.
“This is to alert the Council to a position that has been discussed for a long time,” Parks Director Paul Horne told the Council at its Tuesday evening, July 9 meeting. “The positions focus will be on capital projects.”
The search for this position will be done in-house and by the new Human Resource Director Chad Coltman who stated that once the job description is finished and approved, the search for the new director would be handled internally through the National Parks Recreation Association. “This will be a full time, non-represented position,” said Coltman. “There are sufficient funds to pay for it,” he added. The position would also be added to the upcoming 2025 budget.
Chad Coltman is the City’s new Human Resources and Communications Director. He will be heading up the search for the new Assistant Parks Director once the position is approved by Council.
Horne asked that the position be put on the next Council meeting’s Consent Agenda.
Mark Ericks asked about the delta funding for this new position description. Coltman replied that it is around $20,000, which takes into account the expanded scope of the new position.
Mayor McCardle added that the position has been in discussion for several months which included whether the position should be union or administrative. “We should have been hiring for this position much earlier,” said Mayor McCardle.
While the primary function of the job will be to assist on capital planning and management, the new employee will also assist in overall Parks operations and, when necessary, stand in for the director when he is unavailable or out of office.
In other City business: City Council unanimously approved a $110,105 bid by Rudnick and Sons, LLC for the Bradley Street and Johnson Avenue Intersection improvements. This work will be accomplished before the school year begins and will allow teachers and school kids to cross from the Community Gym to MOE safely. The project is 90 percent grant funded.
Council also approved a General Services Agreement for on-call survey work with Erlandsen, Inc.
Council approved a Task Order No. 1 – 2024 for Right of Way Dedication Utility Easement No. 1, and Utility Easement No. 2 for the Anderson Road Project. “We have a memorandum agreement with Chelan Fruit for a utility easement through their property,” said Jake Youngren, public works director.
Mayor/Council Comments: Terry Sanders said he appreciated the public comment regarding fires, fireworks and parking issues.
Bob Goedde said Chelan had a totally different crowd over the Fourth of July. “Traffic was terrible and there was fireworks going off all night long… I guess you can’t fix stupid,” said a disgusted Goedde.
Brad Chitty echoed Goedde’s comments. “I remember when we had police here from Seattle to help.”
Jon Higgins thanked the firefighters for all of their work to keep the community safe. He also agrees that parking has become a major issue in the downtown area.
Mark Ericks brought up the fireworks issue and said, “I don’t get it. We had a fire up on the Butte. We need to come up with a game plan.”
Tim Hollingsworth said people need to take personal responsibility for their actions. Regarding parking, Hollingsworth said there has been considerable discussion in the past. “We don’t have the capacity. The parks are abused and overcrowded,” said Hollingsworth.
Mayor McCardle echoed all the comments regarding the issues during the Fourth of July week. “A lot of things happened this weekend. We had incidents on the water. We are sitting here on Tuesday discussing parking issues, but there are so many other issues to consider.”
She added that the City has to get on top of the parking and fireworks issues.
City Council meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The Public is encouraged to attend.
At the last update on July 7, the Pioneer Fire has grown to almost 10,000 acres and Level 3 evacuations have been extended to Safety Harbor. UPDATE: 4 p.m., 7.8.24 – The Incident Command Team is taking over Manson’s Singleton Park as its next fire encampment.
Chelan Fire and Rescue Commissioner Russ Jones has been driving the Fire & Rescue boat in support of personnel working the fire. In a telephone conversation, Jones stated that a back burn operation went well until the down lake wind came up at 7 p.m. on Saturday evening. “It was one hell of a night,” stated Jones who was evacuating fire fighters from the Prince Creek and Canoe Creek locations. “You can’t really see the shoreline at night and then there is all the wood,” he added.
The Pioneer Fire downsloped to the lake at Prince Creek. Photo by Stephanie Prehim – Chelan Fire and Rescue.
Jones said he was really happy when the rescue evacuation operation was over at 1 a.m. “I’m really impressed with the firefighters,” Jones said. “They are dealing with heat, dust and smoke, but are really courteous and nice.”
Firefighters watch the Pioneer Fire burn along the shores of Lake Chelan after being evacuated by Chelan Fire & Rescue personnel. Photo by Stephanie Prehim
The lower valley should prepare itself for the next week of extreme heat. Jones said that this coming Wednesday afternoon there will be another down lake wind coming out of the west reaching up to 20 mph gusts.
The high temperatures and relatively low humidity will continue to be a contributing factor to increased fire behavior. Fire fighting crews continue to work on protecting structures, both private and public.
Crews continue to bolster the old 2001 Deer Pt. fire breaks all the way to the lake.
Manson Fire Chief Arnold Baker said the down lake wind the other night really screwed things up and he’s not optimistic about the next week. “As I said at the Manson Community meeting, my job is to plan for the worstcase scenario. I still think that’s where we are headed.”
“If the fire jumps the Coyote Ridge breaks it will jump all the others,” stated Baker. He went on to say the Incident Team is really supporting the efforts to protect Manson. “The are doing real legitimate work. We are integrated into the team efforts,” added Baker. “We are preparing to protect Manson.”
District 5 and District 7 are working together. “Brandon and I just finished a meeting with the team here at District 7.”
Smoke has become a regular occurrence in the Lake Chelan Valley, which could help keep daily temperatures a little lower, but not by much.
It is predicted that excessive temperatures will drive fire behavior and continue to grow the Pioneer Fire until the snow falls in November. The fire is currently burning in the old Rex Creek Fire boundary which has a lot of old deadfall, grasses, bushes and other flammable material. The Rex Creek Fire burned over 60,000 acres back in 2001.
Further south of the Rex Creek Fire boundary there is the remains of the Deer Point Fire which took place in 2002 and actually threatened the northern reaches of Manson.
Work is being undertaken to strengthen and open up the old fire breaks on the Grade Creek Road north and along Coyote Ridge to the lake.
Currently, there are 604 personnel on this fire with only 14% containment. Aerial water drops are also continuing non-stop during the daylight hours.
All Things Lake Chelan will continue to stay on top of this emerging story and keep its followers updated as more information comes in.
Out of the disastrous March 24 fire that damaged one of Chelan’s iconic restaurants, the Apple Cup Café, a new Apple Cup is emerging, albeit in a different location for the time being.
Ryan Peterson and his wife Erin have entered into a rental agreement with the Community Center for a takeout food service. “Seventy percent of this effort is to keep my staff employed,” said Ryan. “The other 30 percent is so I can have my chicken fried steak.”
The Peterson’s hope the new takeout Café will thrive until they are able to rebuild the new Apple Cup Café at its old location on upper Woodin Avenue.
The Peterson’s used the Community Center’s commercial kitchen to conduct a pancake feed for the graduating class at Chelan High School which led to an agreement with the board of directors and Maribel Cruz, the executive director to rent the kitchen for business.
This coming Friday morning, the new Apple Cup will be open for on-line and telephone orders from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. According to Ryan, the menu will be limited, but he is in hopes that his loyal customers and others will take advantage of this new enterprise.
“It’s new for us. We will be doing just takeout from the Center. We will play it by ear.”
Customers will be able to call in or order OnLine, and then pick up their meal on the way to work or eat it outside at some picnic tables. “There will be no service,” said Ryan.
“Our No. 1 priority is customer service. It is going to be interesting,” Ryan added. “We have no expectations going in.” His kitchen staff will provide breakfast and lunch items. “We have plans on introducing some new items when we get up and running.” One new item an Apple Cup Smash Burger. A smash burger is where the meat is smashed on a hot grill searing the outside and locking the flavor and juices inside.
The breakfast menu will have fresh orange juice. “We mostly use Navel oranges, but when they are not available, we switch to Valencia oranges,” said Ryan.
Peterson’s goal is to stay at the Community Center until the new restaurant is open for business.
The Peterson’s, based on advice from contractors who have looked at refurbishing the old building, decided it would be less expensive to level the old and build a new diner. “With all the new codes and regulations, restoring the old building doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
They are already working with an architect in Wenatchee and promise that the new restaurant will retain the diner feel.
“We are hoping to get some work on the new building this fall,” said Ryan.
In the meantime, the new Apple Cup will operate from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday. To order, call 509-682-5000 or go online at applecupcafe.com.
Homeowner Insurance Issues: Chelan Fire & Rescue followed up on the suggestion from the State Insurance Commissioner’s office that the only way to change criteria on the way home owners insurance ratings are accomplished was to go through a legislative process.
Homeowners throughout the State are suffering from either cancellation or large increases in their home owners insurance
The District commissioners and administration immediately set up a meeting with State Representatives Michael Steele and Keith Goehner along with State Senator Brad Hawkins.
Commissioner Russ Jones opened the meeting by telling the State Representatives, “We need a lot of help from you guys.”
The issue is how the current insurance companies are approaching wildfire risk assessments that include wholesale Zip Code exclusions on whether or not to cancel and/or increase a home owner’s policy. Jone’s stated that both Chelan 7 and District 5 would like to see the insurance companies assess individual properties for risk. Jones told the them if legislation was crafted right, it could be beneficial.
Many home owners have expressed concern about the ability to even sell their property when no insurance is available for the buyer.
Hawkins replied that passing any kind of legislation is hard. “We can pre-file new bills as early as December so they are ready to go in January.”
Senator Brad Hawkins
Representative Keith Goehner
Goehner stated that the issue is very troubling to him. He talked about insurance companies risk assessing properties in one batch from Leavenworth to Stevens Pass. “There is a wide variety of properties where the risk isn’t that great,” said Goehner. “What is the real level of risk,” he asked?
Goehner went on to state that insurance companies have had some huge payouts. (the 2014 Carlton Complex had 365 homes destroyed.). “Any legislation pretty much has to be statewide. Representatives will be sensitive to their own area. We are going to have to have a more in depth conversation.”
Representative Michael Steele
“There are a lot of different insurance companies,” stated Steele. He brought up risk maps and wondered what a risk map of the entire state would look like. “We have a motivation…. There has been a giant swing in costs.” Steele added that the representatives have a lot of work to do to prepare a draft bill by December.
Jones said he was aware of the consequences. “I know that this isn’t going to happen overnight, but we have the obligation to try.”
Goehner asked about other states. Fire Chief Brandon Asher replied that he didn’t have all the details but there is a rumor that Oregon is preventing insurance companies from using a map.
Hawkins said bringing a bill forward sometimes results in positive things happening. “The insurance lobbyists are powerful,” said Hankins, adding that insurance companies try to recoup their costs the only way they can.
Goehner stated that the only way insurance companies can identify risk is be hardening. Asher replied that Chelan Fire & Rescue is always available for home inspections. He brought up the work that has been completed in Union Valley to keep fire from structures like homes.
Commissioner Mark Donnell said Union Valley where he lives has followed the DNR Fire Wise program but said they weren’t getting recognized. “What is hard… we are not being recognized,” he stated. “I’m doing all I can. Whatever insurance companies want, we would do,” he added.
Goehner said that Fire Wise was considered not effective and is not recognized.
Jones said the district was three weeks into this issue and that the items the representatives brought up were helpful. Asher said the current wildland map was way off. “We are coming up with a way more detailed map,” said Asher. He added that wildland/urban interface fire fighting capabilities is being evaluated.
Lisa Garvich asked how banks reacted when a home owners insurance is cancelled. Jones replied that the State has to satisfy insurance with banks, so homeowners are covered.
Goehner said the legislative staff has to immediately begin to work on what needs to be in the draft legislation.
Hawkins suggested that the Fire Districts ask the candidates running for Insurance Commissioner the questions. “Ask them the questions.” Steele added that they should be a part of the conversation.
The insurance issue will continue to be a hot topic amongst property owners and agencies responsible for protecting that property. Fire District No. 6 and No. 5 will continue to address the issue and try to force some reasonable changes to the criteria insurance companies use to assess fire risks with home owners.
The Pioneer Fire looking up-lake on June 16..
In other business: Chelan Fire and Rescue responded to 88 calls in May. They have also sent personnel out on State Mobilizations. The District’s fire and rescue boat is deployed to the Pioneer Fire.
Backup in the lower Wapato Basin for any on water emergency will be handled by the Sheriff’s Department. Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman has put his personal boat into service with rescue gear on board.
Tuesday – 6.18.24 The visiting Paraglider pilots competing in the OZONE Chelan Open through Friday will continue to fly a variety of aerial tasks starting from the top of Chelan Butte. Look to the sky between noon and 1 p.m. to see the gaggle form above the Butte before the start of each day’s task set forth by the organizer.
At 6 p.m. there will be a major meeting of organizations and agencies at Manson’s Grange Hall. This community forum will include representatives from the Manson Community Council, Manson Parks, Manson Chamber of Commerce and Chelan County Fire District No. 5. The hope is that the community will be able to come together and have more of a say in what happens. Councilmember and Fire Commissioner Chris Willoughby (candidate for Chelan County Commissioner Position 3) will moderate.
A public meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday June 18 at the North Cascades National Park Golden West Visitor Center near Stehekin to discuss and update the community on the Pioneer Fire burning south of the community.
A great place to grab a beer and food.
Paddle boards are available from Lakerider Sports in Don Morse Park
Wednesday – 6.19.24 A major meeting concerning the disturbing increase and, in some cases, cancellation of homeowners insurance will take place at the Chelan Fire Hall beginning at 3 p.m. This meeting brings State Representatives Michael Steele and Keith Goehner to discuss how the State Legislature can bring change to the way the insurers decide on massive rate increases and/or cancellations.
Thursday – 6.20.24 It is Ladies Night at Lakeside Surf. Lakeside Surf General Information. Spectators are always free. It is a great spot to get an early morning coffee from the Vine Coffee Kiosk and watch the dawn patrol surf the largest standing wave in the United States. Lunch is available at the Taco Truck and Two-Can Jenny’s offers soft drinks and beer. No Cash accepted…only Cards.
Ladies night a Lakeside Surf
Friday – 6.21.24 The annual Lake Chelan Art Show begins in Riverwalk Park and will continue through Sunday, June 23. The OZONE Chelan Open Paragliding Competition ends.
Saturday – 6.22.24 The U.S. Open of Paragliding begins with a practice day on Saturday with the professional competition beginning on Sunday, June 23 through Friday, June 28. This year’s annual competition has 128 pilots confirmed from 24 different countries. US Open of Paragliding – 2024 (airtribune.com)
Cycle Chelan begins at 8 a.m. from Don Morse Park as bicyclist ride out to their chosen ride.
The annual Rotary event, Cycle Chelan begins at 8 a.m. as hundreds of cyclists hit the roads in and around Chelan, Manson and the South Shore. Be aware and careful while driving.
Other fun stuff: Just visiting Chelan for some well earned vacation time. Check out these amenities that make memories while you visit:
The rolling hills of the Lake Chelan Valley used to be full of apple orchards. Today, as growers fail due to increasing growing costs, regulations and other forces, the orchards are taken out and replaced with subdivisions, vineyards and wineries.
by Richard Uhlhorn
AGRITOURISM “The apple industry has been in trouble in the Lake Chelan Valley for the past several years,” said real estate broker, Bob Knauss of New Horizon’s Real Estate. “The problem is that everyone is getting a paycheck except for the grower.”
Several growers in the Manson Project that I’ve talked to have either received a bill from their warehouse or just haven’t made any money from their crops over the past several years.
All of this can be attributed to rising labor costs, declining returns on investment, more regulations like overtime requirement for ag. workers, and a declining environment for small scale operations.
This raises the obvious question; Is farming, as in growing apples, sustainable in the Lake Chelan Valley and can agritourism be the savoir of what remains of what once was one of the World’s best apple growing regions? The answer is probably not!
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The City of Chelan has been struggling to update its Agritourism Code to allow growers to remain in business.
The entire subject of Chelan’s agritourism code came up when developer Tim McDonald’s Bluewater Terrace application to develop 20 homestays, an event center and winery with production facilities on family property utilizing the City’s current agritourism code.
McDonald, who claims that he was led to believe over the past seven years that his application would be approved had the rug pulled out from under him when the Chelan County Hearing Examiner ruled that his 20-homestay proposal on his application would not be allowed, but that he would be allowed to construct his winery and event center.
The proposed 20 homestay units was the monetary grease that would allow McDonald to move forward with the project. However, the old orchard land which was annexed into the City as a potential residential subdivision has no current agriculture on it. McDonald wanted to plant five acres of grapes to meet the agritourism code.
In meetings that has included the public, Planning Commission and City Council, John Ajax, current Community Development Director, has been seeking input to help rewrite the agritourism code in hopes of retaining agriculture in the City.
The input has not been helpful. Having discussed the issue with several old orchardists, one current grower, a Planning Commissioner, a past City Councilmember and John Ajax, himself, a code change allowing a more agreeable code to help preserve orchards is probably a non-starter to helping preserve small orchard plots, particularly when the land, according to Olson is much more valuable as real estate.
The retired growers, Mark Gores and Harold Schell, both stated that it costs upwards of $250+ per bin of apples delivered to a warehouse. If the variety being delivered is not making money, the grower comes away from a year of expenses without anything in his/her pocket.
The reality is that within the confines of the City and UGA, there are only 300 acres of orchard left and depending on what variety the grower is producing, these orchards may disappear in favor of the real estate value of the land.
Regardless of what the Planning Department does, they have until the Comprehensive Plan update to consider killing it, writing a new code for agritourism, or just leaving the current code alone.
All Things Lake Chelan 