fire – All Things Lake Chelan

Chelan Fire responds to local house fire

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan House Fire:
Chelan Fire and Rescue firefighters responded to the house fire on Woodin Avenue last Thursday morning within 4 minutes of the alarm going off. The fire, which is still under investigation by the ATF, became a 3-Alarm fire in fear that it could spread to other buildings in the neighborhood. “It might be a couple of weeks before they (ATF) release something,” said Fire Chief Brandon Asher.

There are many rumors about the cause of this fire, but until the ATF releases its final report, no one has a true picture of what actually started it.

There were two fatalities and several injured during the fire. One of the injured was transferred to Harborview’s Burn Center.

Asher went on to say that if fire had started during the day, the department could have lost several buildings. “We were lucky it started at 5 a.m.”

**Chelan Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a fully ingulfed house fire on Thursday morning August 21.**

Responding to the third alarm was Manson Fire District #5, Orondo and Wenatchee Fire Districts. Wenatchee brought up a ladder truck to compliment apparatus the Chelan and other agencies had on site.

All Things Lake Chelan will update information as soon as it becomes available.

Chelan Fire Commission:
Chelan Fire and Rescue held its monthly commission meeting on Wednesday, August 20 one day prior to the house fire that destroyed the home on Woodin Avenue.

During the Fire Chief’s report Asher reported that the department responded to 148 calls which is the second highest in the department’s history. “We are having a busy August. Our average is 136 calls.”

**Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman and Fire Chief Brandon Asher both give reports to the commission on department activities and issues at its monthly meetings.**

Asher went on to say they had no significant fire loss and no wildfires that got out of control. They responded to a second alarm for a fire at Grand Coulee, recovered a body from Lake Chelan, and responded to a small brush fire at Chelan Shores. Chelan Fire did send units to Winthrop’s fire.

Asher reported that he called the U.S. Department of Agriculture on grant programs and stated that fully funded grants are almost non-existent.

There was an unfortunate issue with reimbursements from State Mobilizations. “If we go to help, we get paid 100 percent for out time and apparatus,” stated Asher. “It won’t happen again.”

TIF news:
Commissioner Russ Jones reported that the district still has a lot of questions and is seeking feedback. “It’s a matter of knowing which questions to ask.” The City of Chelan has implemented a Tax Increment Financing District for the East Chelan Water Project. The TIF affects the amount of tax revenue each Junior Taxing District receives during the project.

**Commissioner Russ Jones reported on ZOOM and remarked that the audio from the Zoom feed was better than the microphones the department uses.**

New Business:
There was a discussion on obtaining a Utility Vehicle from a grant. Commissioner Ron Simmons remarked that the department needs to “make sure we are talking about obtaining the right apparatus.”

Moving to a five man commission:
There was a discussion regarding changing the commission from three members to five. “I don’t know if this is the right opportunity or time to do this,” said Commissioner Mark Donnell. “We need to have a discussion about the cost. It is a discussion worth having.”

**Commissioner Mark Donnell brought up the possibility of going from a three member commission to a five person commission.**

Chief Asher stated that a five man commission would allow the department to have committees without worrying about quorams.

Simmons stated that he didn’t feel the department was large enough for a five man commission. “It would add two more bureaucrats. Do we need to do that.”

Jones stated that it would be worth looking at the cost, but added that the current three member commission was working pretty well. “It is always good to look at things though,” stated Jones.

Special meeting:
The department is planning on holding a special meeting to discuss the Board of Commissioners and Fire Chief Relations, along with Board and Staff Relations.

School Bond Issue:
Superintendent of the Chelan School District, Brad Wilson, was on hand at the beginning of the meeting to inform the fire district of the $73 million dollar bond issue on the November ballot.

Wilson said the ballot measure includes a new elementary school to replace MOE which has serious infrastructure issues, new ventilation for the middle/high school, construction of a ground level weight room, Mountain Goat All Weather Track facility that would allow the school to hold track events, adding 300 parking spots at Mt. Goat Field, along with restrooms and grandstands at Mt. Goat Field.

Wilson remarked that the OSPI’s Facilities Rating System has rated the elementary school at scale of 50.3/100 and the middle/high school at 57/100.

Chelan Fire gets another boat

By Richard Uhlhorn

Fire Chief report:
Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman gave the report in Chief Asher’s absence. He reported that there were only 40 calls in February of which 72 percent were EMS calls. “There were no major incidents,” said Sherman.

Sherman stated that pre-fire planning was ongoing. “We are working out the bugs and getting positive reports back.” He added that all of the department’s airtanks (bottles) were undergoing hydrostatic testing.

New boat acquisition:
Sherman reported that the new work boat from the Pasco Fire Department couldn’t be delivered until a clear title is obtained. Apparently Pasco FD is applying for a lost title.

Sherman stated that he and Jason (?) would be traveling to Pasco to test the new boat.

Commissioners report:
Simmons brought up the district’s dropbox process and stated that the commission can’t be signing vouchers without proper review. Commissioner Mark Donnell added that all the commissioners need to be on the same page.

Station 71 generator update:
Apparently the controller on the generator broke, but an alternative has been found. This generator will eventually supply power to the station in the event that PUD power is lost.

California mobilization:
Commissioner Russ Jones asked how the California mobilization billing was going and Administrative Manager Misty Fifield said the final billing has been submitted.

SOG – 226 – Marine Emergency Responses:
Simmons asked Sherman if six hours, including night training, on boat operations was attainable? Sherman replied that it was. “We are lucky to have Russ Jones and Tim Sullivan to help. Boating is a dangerous activity,” Sherman stated. “I hear your concerns.”

Simmons added that his concern is if someone not quite trained takes the boat out on a call and gets in trouble… Sherman replied that it all comes down to training plus evaluation of the trainee. “If he doesn’t pass than more training is required.” He added that there is an elevated risk on the water.

There is also the element of trailering the boat. “We’ve never had trailer training.” Jones suggested a trailer class.

Strategic Plan:
The department will audit the policies that apply and if needed, correct them.

Firefighter medicals:
Donnell stated that medical examinations need to be done right. He remarked that volunteers over 60 have to be looked at differently than a young volunteers. Simmons replied, “We need to be real careful how we go about this. I agree with you,” he told Donnell.

Sherman told the commissioners that the department has a physical requirement depending on each position a firefighter fills. He also stated that there is a mental component to the process.

Donnell highly recommended yearly physicals for fire personnel.

Annual Report:
Simmons suggested leaving the 2024 annual report as is but said he would like discuss what the department does in the future.

Summer seasonals:
The department administration wants to hire three summer seasonals. Jones asked if that would add $35,000 to the budget? He was told it would.

Donnell said he didn’t even know where the department was going to get its seasonals. Sherman said they want to bring seasonals on by April 24. “If you are asking for a third seasonal, we want more information,” said Donnell.

Community input:
A Union Valley resident and past fire fighter told the commissioners and administrators that he has put four 1,000 gallon tanks on his property all connected to a heavy duty sprinkler system for fire protection of his property. He also has a fire truck on site. “There are 90 families living in Union Valley. I would like to get some support.”

John Olson, a communjty advocate remarked that when he ran the Re-Runs truck that there were a number of south shore residents whose homes were not accessible. He said he would like to see the department investigate those access roads to see what could be accessed.

Donnell replied that they would attempt to access fire situations where and if it was safe.

Simmons said he was concerned with political rhetoric on KOZI.

Simmons also stated that he isn’t sure that sending firefighters out on State Mobilizations is in the best interest of the department. “We are not a for profit agency,” he added.

Firefighter Chris Burchman, who was sent to California, said he ran into a California firefighter who thanked Chelan for coming down and helping out. He told Burchman that he was sent to the Pioneer Fire last summer and truly appreciated Chelan for sending crews.

Chelan Fire and Rescue looking to hire two more firefighters

by Richard Uhlhorn

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.”

A BITTERSWEET DAY AS ICONIC APPLE CUP BURNT TO THE GROUND

by Richard Uhlhorn

**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.

Chelan Fire & Rescue has busy month

by Richard Uhlhorn

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.

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.

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.

**It is super dry out there. Please be careful.**

Poll results from Community forum indicate issues most important to Manson residents

by Richard Uhlhorn

Community Forum results:
Chris Willoughby, vice-chair of the Manson Community Council, reported to his colleagues at Tuesday’s council meeting, that the Manson Community Forum was extremely successful.

“I’ve been getting feedback and most people want to continue to do this,” said Willoughby. “It worked really well.”

The Community Forum held at the Grange in Manson, had 93 people in attendance to get information from each agency and organization operating in the community. They heard reports of on-going project activity from the council; Manson Chamber of Commerce; Manson Parks Department and Fire District No. 5.

**Chris Willoughby, vice chairman of the Council reported the results of the poll taken after the recent Community Forum that was attended by 93 residents and interested individuals.**

In addition to the meeting, a poll was available for the public to rank issues based on community importance. Willoughby’s written report to the Council stated the forum was a great way to get information out to a larger group who didn’t have the time to attend each groups meetings.

Following are the survey results from the Manson Community Forum ranked in order of importance:

Traffic flow into and out of Manson on Highway 150. (This is also a major transportation issue in Chelan.).
Affordable housing. (Affordable Housing is another major issue in the Valley. No affordable housing for local residents is forcing them to relocate).
Protecting Agriculture lands and ag based opportunities. (Small family farms are finding it increasingly tough to stay in business because of regulations, increasing costs and low or not profits off the ag products. This is forcing many struggling to farm to sell their land which then becomes developed sub-divisions.}.
Rising property taxes and assessments. (Many residents in the valley are complaining about rising property taxes.)
Creating ag business opportunities. (agritourism, adding value added products to the farms or other means to increase sustainability of the valley’s agricultural base.).In
Youth activities during non-school hours.

Several other issues lower on the scale of importance included Incorporation of Manson, Lake Chelan Water Quality, Downtown business diversity, Crime and Drug concerns and Transit expansion into more remote areas of the community.

It was suggested that the Council hold a Community Forum quarterly. A date for that meeting will be decided on in the near future.

Colville Tribe Project:
It was reported that the proposed Coville Casino/Resort project has grown to a one-quarter of a billion dollar facility with a conference center. “We should ask them to come and address us,” said Kari Sorenson. “The project keeps getting larger.”

Bob Goedde, Chelan City Council liaison with Manson, said that there was a conference meeting with the Colville’s last week and that Mayor Erin McCardle reported to the Council that the project was on hold indefinitely until the Tribe’s Tri Cities project was completed.

In other business:
Kari Sorenson brought up the right-of-way issue on Pedoi Street. “I still have an issue of the wall in the middle of the right-of-way,” she said. Mike Kirk suggested she ask the county engineer about it. Willoughby replied that neighbors down the street were asking why they were being affected but not the property owners who have the wall.

Right of Way infringement on Pedoi Street is being addressed by Chelan County. One major issue is the home with a concrete wall built over the right of way and residents are wondering what the County plans on doing about it.

“There are some things there that need to be addressed,” said Willoughby

**Kari Sorenson and Chris Willoughby were confronted by the home owner about parking in front of their home despite the fact that is on Community property and open to parking.**

NOTE: After the council meeting an altercation between the homeowner, Sorenson and Willoughby took place in front of his home. Since his property is on a public street, vehicles are allowed to park adjacent to the illegal wall. The issue is probably going to heat up in the future.

Candidate forum:
It was suggested that the council host a Candidate Forum in September with those candidates still in the November race for elected positions. Locations being considered are the Performing Arts Center or Riverwalk Park. “Let’s put it up to the candidates and if they can’t show, they can’t show,” said Sorenson. The date for the forum was set for Thursday, September 17 with a time and venue to be announced later.

Our Valley – Our Future:
John Olson brought up the on-going Lake Chelan Vision Project and asked everyone to take the community survey. Goedde said the Council needs to ask Mayor McCardle to include them. “It’s more of a ‘What works now and what worked when you were younger… more of a philosophical event,” said Goedde.

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Northshore Pathway update:
Apparently, the Northshore Pathway project has been taken over by the Chelan/Douglas County Transportation Council. The next meeting of the transportation council will be in August. “At some point I’d like to see them open it to the public,” stated Willoughby.

Mike Kirk brought up the need for the Manson Community Council to live stream its meetings. Sorenson stated they had tried in the past but couldn’t get it to work. “It needs someone more technologically advanced than I am,” she said. “I’m out of it.”

Kirk also stated that the Council needs some sort of website where a database and email functions can be used. Willoughby added that a website would help to get community members on board. He suggested that they look at IONOS as a domain and website possibility.

Manson Fire preparation:
Willoughby said that strike teams have been going through the Manson neighborhoods and looking at structural integrity and risks. “They have been evaluating the area for fire”

**Singleton Park in Manson is now the home of firefighters working the Pioneer Fire.**

Evacuation protocols were also being explored because of the one road in and one road out. “It would not be viable with resources coming and residents trying to get out. Most fire management types feel that Manson residents would be safe at the high school or other downtown locations from any fire that might enter north Manson.

City Council gets an earful

by Richard Uhlhorn

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.

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.

Manson Community Forum attracts 93

By Richard Uhlhorn – June 24

A number of projects were highlighted at the Manson Community Forum held at the Grange Hall on Tuesday, June 18. Ninety three people were in attendance to hear from the Manson Chamber of Commerce, Manson Parks Department, Manson Community Council and Chelan County Fire District No. 5.

**Ninety three Manson residents attended the Manson Community Forum on June 18.**

**Manson Community Council Vice Chairman Chris Willoughby moderated the Forum. Willoughby is also a District 5 Fire Commissioner and a candidate for the open County Commission seat.**

Chris Willoughby, moderator for the evening and vice chairman of the Manson Community Council told those in attendance, “I hope this meeting works for you.” He added that there would be another community meeting in the Fall.

As a candidate for Chelan County Commissioner, Chirs Willoughby graciously gave his three opponents an opportunity to talk.

**Brant Cappell, a former staff assistant for Representative Keith Goehner is also a candidate for Chelan County Commissioner.**

First up was Brandt Cappell. Cappell has been Representative Keith Goehner’s staff assistant told the audience that he wants to make sure that “we have good representation with the county.”

Retired developer Flint Hartwig stated that he wants to get the County’s essential services done. “I want to get stuff done… get stuff built… fix the potholes… roads, the essential services of Government. “I am very heartened to see you all showing up,” said Hartwig. “I mean that.”

Senator Brad Hawkins said he will bring a lot of experience to the table. “I want a balanced budget and reduced wildfire risk,” said Hawkins. He also stated that it was awesome that Chris Willoughby allowed them some time to speak.

**Flint Hartwig is a retired developer running to Chelan County Commission**.

**Senator Brad Hawkins, is also a candidate for Chelan County Commissioner.**

Chris Willoughby informed the audience that he grew up as a farm kid and is stlll an apple orchardist. “I’m community first,” said Willoughby. He added that it is important to confront the issues at hand like the failing agriculture business in the Valley.

**Chris Willoughby, a Manson Apple Grower and community advocate is also running for the Commission seat.**

Fire District No. 5:
Chief Arnold Baker stated that the Pioneer Fire currently burning up lake is a little bit concerning. He mentioned that the Incident Command has heavy equipment reinforcing Grade Creek and opening up old fire breaks from Coyote Ridge all the way down to Lake Chelan. “This fire is going to be here all summer,” said Baker. His concern is a wind event that spots the fire towards Manson.

“In 2002 we had the Deer Point Fire and in 2001 the Rex Creek Fire.” The Deer Point Fire threatened Manson and Rex Creek Fire where the Pioneer fire is currently burning, burnt 60,000 acres.

The 2001 Rex Creek Fire where the Pioneer Fire is currently burning, burnt 60,000 acres before winter set in. The Pioneer Fire is burning deadfall from that fire. Photo by Richard Uhlhorn from Junior Point.

“My job is to plan for the worst,” said Baker. “We are in the planning phase.” Baker went on to say later in the presentation that Manson has lost its green belt to housing developments.

2024 Levy:
Baker told the audience that the 2014 Levy is expiring at the end of the year. Property owners are paying $.89 per Thousand and that with the increase in Manson’s property values, the District will be asking for $.75/$1000.

Manson’s fire district is completely volunteer based with only three paid positions. “We are not going to stop recruiting,” said Baker. Six to seven volunteers are still in training to become certified. The District also has some younger volunteers who are interested in Fire as a Career Path.

The District is in the process of building an 8,000 sq. ft. Training Facility which will include a residency program. “We’ve already got districts wanting to be a part of the residency program.”

Foundation permit applications are in to the County and Baker hopes to begin construction next spring. The training center will train firefighters how to fight structural fires and wildland fires. Baker also remarked that Chelan and Manson are training together. “The good old days are back when we can work together.”

The District and Hospital/EMS provide Advanced Life Support and the fire department is certified to transport victims

The new Levy will be on the August ballot. The levy that is retiring was a 10-year levy, but Baker said the new levy will be permanent. “I can’t tell you how to vote,” said Baker, but a loss at the polls would cost the District approximately $400,000. “That is going to hurt.”

Manson Chamber of Commerce:
The Chamber is operating with nine board members and is looking for more volunteers to carry out their mission.

**The Manson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Executive Director Timi Starkweather.**

Executive Director Timi Starkweather stated that she is excited about how the Chamber is going to grow. Projects the Chamber is working on includes

Painting the downtown light posts
Developing pocket parks

“We’ve partnered with Wapato Point for pickleball,” said Bill Swayne. “We really want to build that into a National event.” The last event had 160 to 200 players but the Chamber is hoping to build the event to 300 to 500.

More information is available at https//mansonchamber.com. The Chamber is open from 9 to 5, Monday through Friday and then from 8 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday.

Manson Parks:
Robin Pittman, director of Manson Parks began her presentation with weekly events that take place. The department has an AAU program for baseball, basketball, T-Ball and soccer.

Pittman detailed the department’s big upcoming projects which include the new bathroom at Willow Point, the Dog Park at the Old Swim Hole which is fully funded. This project will also include a non-motorized dock for kayaks and canoes and a board walk from Park to Park. “This is funded through the Public Power Benefit Fund,” said Pittman. The cost is $1.3 million dollars. This project has to be completed by 2025.

The department has brought back lifeguards at the Manson Bay Park. “We are the only swimming area that has lifeguards in the Lake Chelan Valley.

The Chelan Swim Foundation offers free swimming lessons because of generous donations from the public. “It’s brought to you by you guys,” stated Pittman.

Leffler Field was jointly purchased by Manson Parks and the Manson School District. “We are looking at buying the School District out,” said Pittman. “That will free us up for more grants,” She added. The cost for the buyout is $575,000.

The field has a lead/arsenic which will be capped. Two development plans were offered at the meeting for attendees to participate by putting colored dots on what they liked. LINK Transit has proposed building a transit center at the property.

Old Mill Park
“We are working with the PUD on several projects at Old Mill Park,” Pittman said. One of those projects is the development of a swimming area. Pittman noted that they can’t keep people out.

Wapato Lake Campground:
The department also takes care of the campground at Wapato Lake.

Pittman thanked everyone for passing the Park’s levy. “It’s the barebones things that are important,” she said.