education – All Things Lake Chelan

November election is important VOTE

by Richard Uhlhornj

The ballots for the upcoming November 2 election have been delivered. If you haven’t taken the time to fill out your ballots and drop them off behind City Hall, please vote.

There are number of seats up for grabs in both Manson and Chelan along with the Lake Chelan School District bond issue.

Lake Chelan School District – Proposition No. 1
Morgan Owings Elementary building is 77 years old and while the building’s structure is sound, its infrastructure is failing. If passed, this $73 million dollar Proposition (bond issue) would allow the district to build a new elementary school, update its metal and woodshop at the Middle/High School along with providing ADA access to its weight room, and redo the out of compliance track field so track meets could be held in Chelan and construct restrooms or changing areas at Mt. Goat Field for soccer players along with adding 300 more parking spots at Mt. Goat Field. The cost to the taxpayer, if passed, will be $.091 cents per thousand of assessed values. In addition, many home and property owners do not vote in Chelan elections, but their property taxes will pay for 51% of the bond issue.

**The water in the elementary school is not healthy.**

Chelan City Council:
Chelan has two viable candidates looking to take over Shari Dietrich’s seat on the City Council; Shane Collins and Ben Laughlin. Both are long time residents of the city, but both have different ideas of how the council should govern.

Shane Collins
Collins is a lifelong resident of the Lake Chelan Valley having grown up on a 50-acre apple orchard and currently working in viticulture and enology. He is a member of the Chelan Parks Department’s advisory committee. He is on the board of the Washington Winegrowers Association (2015 to present).

Collins has attended City Council meetings since 2019 and says these roles have helped him understand the city’s current needs from infrastructure, transportation issues, and park issues. “I am running for City Council to advocate for thoughtful growth, to support local families and businesses.” He also wants to ensure Chelan’s agricultural heritage.

Ben Laughlin:
Laughlin is a 29-year resident of Chelan and feels that the local citizens have been pushed aside in deference to chasing tourism dollars. “I am running for council to represent the wishes and needs of the citizens of Chelan as a whole. I will listen to what the citizens want, respect majority consensus, and cast my council vote accordingly even if I personally disagree.”

Transportation issues are high on Laughlin’s list of concerns. He would like to see the Woodin Avenue Bridge put back to a two-way giving Chelan a second exit out of town.

He also feels that tourism is out of control with $750,000 being spent on attracting visitors. “Let tourism take care of itself,” he said. He would like to see the Chamber of Commerce funds cut and the funds put towards improving the city’s parks.

Hospital Commission:
Jordana LaPorte:
LaPorte has served on the Chelan Hospital’s board of commissioners since 2018. As a CPA and business owner LaPorte brings considerable experience to the board in its financial management.

In today’s political climate, LaPorte hopes to continue help in improving the hospital’s financial health and quality of care . She feels her experience in financial management is essential in guiding the hospital’s strategic direction.

Erin Peterson:
Peterson is co-owner with her husband, Ryan, at the Apple Cup Café and wants to use her perspective and familiarity with the community to serve as a new hospital commissioner.

Peterson wants to preserve access to the hospital’s maternity and newborn services, continue the hospital’s hands on, real time education opportunities for its physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, to continue extending its serviced to all populations and demographics in the district, and to allow current health care professionals to care for their patients every step of the way from clinic visits to hospital stays.

“I am proud to have a hospital that can provide so many excellent services to the community. As a board member, I will strive to listen to all stakeholders and make decisions that prioritize long-term health and safety of all our community members.”

Chelan Fire Commission:
Ron Simmons:
Incumbent Ron Simmons has 44 years of experience in fire service and says he knows what it takes to meet the Chelan Fire District needs from an emergency standpoint and as a public educator. He served as the Fire Chief of Snohomish County Fire District from 1985 to 2020 before moving to Chelan.

Simmons believes in utilizing tax money to provide what the community needs, not what would be nice to have.

**A firefighter checks conditions in Union Valley after a major human caused blaze burned hundreds of acres.**

David Rinehart:
Rinehart has been a resident of the Chelan Valley since 1982 and served the community in law enforcement for the past 30 years before retiring. He has worked with District 7, the Department of Natural Resources and Forest Service during a variety of wildfires that have threatened the community since the 1994 Tyee Complex Fire.

“I believe in honesty, speaking the truth and transparency and will bring those standards to the commissioner position if elected.”

Manson:
Manson has numerous individuals running for school board and parks board. Information is available on these important positions in your Voters Pamphlet.

VOTE… IT IS SO EASY TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD.

THE CANCER WITHIN…

by Richard Uhlhorn

I, along with other members of the local media, was invited to tour Morgan Owens Elementary School (MOE) with Maintenance Director Rosie Burkhard on August 25, 2025.

**Chelan School Superintendent Brad Wilson and Maintenance Director Rosie Burkhard welcomed the local media for a tour of the Morgan Owens Elementary School in August.**

The Lake Chelan School District is asking the voters in its district to pass a $73 million dollar bond issue, primarily to build a new elementary school for its 450± students.

MOE, while structurally sound, was built in 1948 and has major infrastructure issues the district must deal with each year. Last year alone, according to School Superintendent Brad Wilson, the district paid out $97,000 in plumbing and electrical repairs.

THAT IS WHERE THE CANCER COMES IN… Rosie Burkhard was carrying a length of copper pipe and when we came to a bathroom that had been taped off, she explained that section of pipe had a pinhole in it that flooded the ceiling and bathroom which was getting repaired.

**Burkhard explains the issues with the buildings plumbing and electrical systems.**

**Students and teachers are faced with issues like leaking plumbing and electrical HVAC shutdowns on a regular basis.**

Unfortunately, once old copper pipe begins to experience failure, it continues to fail until the system needs total replacement.

We were also invited into a classroom where the teacher was running water in her sink. The water coming out was brown, another serious indication that plumbing failures were right around the corner.

**This is apparently the issue with water within the building. There are only two drinking fountains in the building.**

In addition, the building has no fire sprinkler system or fire suppression system in place. Fire exits are on the main floor, but one classroom has windows high up towards the ceiling as a possible escape route.

The building’s HVAC system would cost the district $5.2 million dollars to replace. “It just shuts down by itself,” said Burkhard. “We are definitely on our last legs here.”

The district is stuck with an aging kitchen system that won’t allow the kitchen staff to do anything beyond basic food services. Despite this, the school serves the majority of students breakfast and lunch, and sometimes snacks in the buildings gymnasium. “We can’t use the gym because it serves as a dining room most of the time,” said Burkhard.

The building has 97 single pane windows that contribute to a major heat loss during the winter months. The cost to replace them is estimated at $2.2 million to replace. Other classrooms have no windows at all.

In addition to aging building issues, at least 250 students have to cross Bradley Street twice a day for PE at the Community Gym. This takes a minimum of 20 minutes of learning time away.

Also, Bradley Street has become a major semi-truck route off Hwy. 97A.

**Hwy. 97 to Bradley Street has become a major semi-truck turn point to navigate Chelan.**

Students in the School of Innovation and Chelan Digital classes are situated in a building across the street from MOE and Pre-School students are also located in a building separated by the elementary school. All of this would, according to District plans, be eliminated with a new school building.

The district wants to replace the 1948 school with a new elementary building that will last well into the future. The decision to run a $73 million dollar bond issue came from a long line of Capital Facility committee meetings.

If passed by the voters, the funds would be used to build a new elementary school on district property behind the Community Gym at a cost of $54,74 million. In addition, Chelan School District’s Middle/High School would have its metal shop and wood shop remodeled to meet industry standards. A new ADA accessible weight room would also be added. The Middle/High School remodels and additions would cost $8.81 million.

Out at the Mt. Goat Field Complex, additional bleachers, parking for up 300 vehicles and a new eight lane all weather track, locker rooms, concession stand and restrooms would be added at a cost of $9.45 million.

The district has two tour opportunities in September for the public to be more informed about the need for a new school. These two tours will take place on:

September 10 @ 6 p.m and September 24 @ 6 p.m.

If you can attend, please RSVP Rosie at burkhardr@chelanschools.org.

School superintendent presents potential bond issue to city council

by Richard Uhlhorn

Lake Chelan School District Superintendent Brad Wilson made a special presentation to the City Council on the potential $70 million dollar bond issue that will be presented to the district’s voters in November.

**Lake Chelan School Superintendent Brad Wilson**

“We are in the pre-bond phase right now,” said Wilson. “There is no official bond issue yet.”

The district has been exploring the process leading to an eventual recommendation for the bond to be issued in November. “Bonds are challenging,” stated Wilson. “They require a 60% approval.” The district has no other bond issues currently.

The district began the process back in October, 2022 with a community/staff listening session and then a student listening session in November 2022.

In February, April, May and September of 2023 and then in March, April and September of 2024, the district worked with an 18 member Facilities Advisory Team to continue the process.

An OSPI grant was used for a study and survey completed by ALSC Architects of Spokane.

New elementary building:
The largest portion of the proposed bond issue is the construction of a new elementary building. MOE (Morgan Owens Elementary) was built in 1948 and has been rated as 30 percent effective for drainage, roofing, ceilings, plumbing, HVAC systems, fire protection, and electrical systems. OSPI rates the building at 50.30 out of 100.

The building is located adjacent to Hwy.97A which adds to safety concerns of the students.

“We got a good rounded view of what we need to do to our facilities,” Wilson stated.

The estimated costs to replace the elementary school and add Pre-Kindergarten is $54,740,000 with OSPI matching funding of $4,044,314 (only if bond passes).

Middle/High School:
The middle/high school has been rated only 30 percent effective (poor) for its roof, doors and windows, interior construction, ceilings, HVAC systems, electrical systems, audio communications, and electronic security & integrated automation systems.

The building is not up to industry standards for CTE learning. The bond issue would remode the metal and wood shop, move floor-weight room next to art room on the main floor and the mezzanine would become the wrestling room for an estimated cost of $9,550,000.

Mt. Goat Fields:
The field modernizations would include a track field with lights, more parking, locker rooms and two concession/bathroom buildings for $9,850,000.

Other issues:
It would cost an estimated $50 million to remodel the existing MOE building of which up to $6 million would be required to provide portable buildings while the remodel was being accomplished.

The proposed location for the new elementary building would be on the northwest end of the Community gymnasium property.

The overall cost to district property owners is estimated at $0.86/$1,000 of assessed value for a 20 year bond. A $500,000 home would cost the property owner $1.18 per day. Or $430.70 per year.

Presentation:
Brad Wilson can be reached at 509-682-3515 or by email at wilsonb@chelanschools.org.

Wilson’s presentation to the City Council can be seen here:
Facilities plan for April 9 community mtg.pdf

Manson school district seeking three year replacement levies

by Richard Uhlhorn

Tabitha Mires, Manson Schools superintendent, visited the Manson Community Council on Tuesday evening, January 21, to inform them of the upcoming February 11 Replacement Levies.

**Manson School District Superintendent Tabitha Mires**

The district will have two propositions on the ballot.

Proposition 1 is for the replacement of Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O). This levy supports the school’s Art and Music programs, Athletics, Counseling and Individual Student support, Early Learning, Extracurriculars, Food Services, Library Programs, Small Class Sizes, and Student Transportation.
Proposition 2 is a Replacement Capital Levy to improve school safety, security, technology, and facilities. This levy includes Building and Classroom Repairs, HVAC Systems, Plumbing and Electrical Systems, Outdoor Facility Repairs and Upgrades, Technology Infrastructure and Systems, and Student and Staff Instructional Equipment.

“Rates are difficult to project,” said Mires. “They should be less because of an increase in (real estate) valuations.”

“These levies are to fund programs underfunded by the State… not to add programs, but to continue them.” Mires stated that the district’s buildings are well maintained but aging and in need of repairs and technology upgrades.

She told the council and meeting attendees that Manson was one of the first to get kids back into the classroom after COVID. She also added that six year levies can be a challenge which is why the district decided on a three year duration which will allow the district to come back to the community. “Manson has been supportive of schools and the students are performing exceptionally well,” Mires said.

“There are a lot of great things happening at the school.” The district currently has 647 students with classroom sizes as small as 12 students. However, the district has lost students because of the ongoing affordable housing crisis. She mentioned that many families moved to Entiat where that district saw an increase in its population.

She also mentioned that in increased valuations come from second home owners who do not vote in the district but help with the rates being asked on the propositions.

Estimated levy rates:
Maximum EP&O rate Maximum Capital

2026 $1.14 – $2.2 million $0.55 – $1.03 million
2027 $1.13 – $225 million $0.55 – $1.03 million
2028 $1.12 – $2.3 million $0.55 – $1.03 million

Currently the Manson School District is collecting a total of $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Learn more at www.manson.org/levies

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.

Meet the candidates

by Richard Uhlhorn

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.

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.

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.”

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 – 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.”

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.

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
Hawkins told the audience that he is looking forward to bring his experience to the 3^rd 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.

Cappell said he has been attending meetings throughout the 3^rd 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.

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.”

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.

Manson Parks and School District gather input for developing Leffler Field

By Richard Uhlhorn

Manson Parks and Manson School District held a public meeting on Monday, May 13, in Manson’s Elementary School Library to gather input towards determining the top project priorities for Leffler Field. The Parks department and school district are joint owners of the property.

There were approximately 20 people in attendance.

In 2021 the Parks District received a State $574,000 and is working with the School District to better position themselves to get more grants. “We want the best use for our community,” said Parks Director Robin Pittman.

In 2022, they received an Ecology grant for $200,000 to remedy the lead/arsenic in the soils on the old orchard land. “We are held responsible for public use and want to make sure the soil is healthy.”

Eric Maise, an engineer with Aspect Consulting stated that they conducted a sampling of the property and found that the lead/arsenic contamination of the soil extended on average down to four feet.

**Eric Maise, Project Engineer with Aspect Consulting**

Using the Ecology cookbook, there are four remedies available including:

Total Excavation – “This is very expensive.”
Soil mixing – “This is a potential solution.”
Consolidation and Capping – This the proposed remedy using Ecology guidelines where a barrier fabric would be laid down with 6 inches of clean material covering the ground in non-used areas and 12 inches of material covering the playground and ballfields. That will keep the costs down and address human health issues. “That is a snapshot of the environmental steps,” said Maise.

Pittman said that mailers will be mailed out to every resident in Manson asking what everyone wants to see. “There is no timeline or funding right now. We will be applying for grants,” said Pittman.

Ryan Browniee, a civil engineer with Pacific Engineering said, “It’s (lead/arsenic remedy) not something we have funding for. It is a long term project.”

**Approximately 20 residents attended the meeting.**

The overall plan for Leffler Field is a LINK Park and Ride with parking and a year-round restroom. In addition the school district and parks department are planning, based on the community’s input the following amenities have been proposed:

Pickleball courts
Playground
Community Garden
Outdoor Exercise Equipment
Open Green Space
Volleyball courts and
Year-round restrooms

Doug England asked how the area would be monitored? Pittman replied that there have been no discussions on that issue yet, but added that in the summertime months there would be “big time security.”

The primary priority now is to find funding to move ahead with the community’s desired outcome.