housing – All Things Lake Chelan

CITY COUNCIL HEARS CITIZEN CONCERNS WITH BUTTE DEVELOPMENT

by Richard Uhlhorn

**Bob Goedde (center) got a huge send off from staff and council after 30 years of public service to the community as both a councilman and mayor.**

Community concerns:
Tuesday’s November 25 City Council meeting opened up with a number of citizens voicing their concerns over any developments occurring on the Butte. Their primary concern was that any development on the Butte be required to hook up to the City’s wastewater system.

Lynnette Grandy told the Council that the City needs to follow its 2008 policy that says in part that all new developments are required to hook up to the Chelan Sewer system.

She was followed by Mary Ann Patton who called the Butte an iconic landmark and needs to remain as such. She also said that no STRs should be allowed on private land without hooking up to the sewer system. She warned the city that not requiring it is a violation of the City’s code and that the City should uphold its standards.

Paul Elias, parttime resident remarked that the community as a whole does not want this development and that there is a need to protect ground water.

Tammy Hauge brought up a three house development application and stated that all development projects on the Butte should be looked at as whole. She also mentioned the proposed roundabout at the Peterson intersection with Hwy. 97A and its potential impact. Hauge said she would like to see a moratorium on any Butte development until it is completely studied by the City.

Public Hearing in 2026 budget:
The City held a public hearing on its upcoming 2026 final budget. Finance Director Heidi Evans told the council that the budget is online for the public to view.. “I welcome any public feedback,” Evans said.

Councilman Brad Chitty is concerned about saving funds for different projects. He specifically mentioned the Parks budget and asked, “How do we get through those services between departments.” He went on to say that the City seems to have too many moving parts. “We need to slow down. I’m not saying the staff isn’t doing a good job, but I don’t see adding jobs as a solution.”

**Councilman Brad Chitty is concerned about budget issues.**

Councilman Terry Sanders stated that there is a massive effort on this budget. “With the perceived slowing of tourist dollars we need to see how we can be more efficient,” Sanders said.

Public Works Director Jake Youngren told the Council that inspection services cost an estimated seven to eight percent of a project’s construction costs. He stated that the hiring of an inspector is saving the city approximately $200,000 a year.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked how that position was being funded? Youngren replied she was being paid through the Public Works Enterprise Fund.

Councilman Chitty said the City needs to look at employees in the entire City. “Are we being as efficient as we can be,” he asked. Chitty stated that the more educated he becomes about City business, the more he begins to understand all the complexities. “We still haven’t solved the parks (financial) issue,”

With an 11% population growth versus 25% staff growth Sanders asked, “When do we stop adding new positions and look at combining operations?”

MOTION CONSIDERATIONS:

City Council approved a motion to reduce the speed from 45 mph to 35 mph on a 0.17 mile (900 feet) stretch of Hwy 150 west of No See Um Road towards Bighorn way to improve safety concerns.

Administration reports:

Jake Youngren reported that the HDCA has offered to donate 16 Big Belly garbage cans for use in the downtown area. This donation is valued at approximately $100,000. “We will pick up less frequently in the downtown area. These are quite simple to handle.” Public Works picks up garbage on a daily basis but these units have more capacity than the current garbage cans. The city will assume full ownership of the units and will be responsible for their operation and maintenance as a part of the City’s solid waste management program. The Council approved the donation.

It was reported that Public Works staff will assign three tasks to the Transpo Group to help provide decision making data related to its Six-Year Improvement Program and the Woodin Avenue Bridge.

Youngren told Council that a study would be conducted to determine travel times from Safeway to Webster. “How long does it take,” asked Youngren. They will also look at travel on the Woodin Avenue Bridge going one way out of town and other alternatives to what is current.

In addition, the City has received a $317,000 grant for pedestrian safety projects at the high school and Farnham intersection with Hwy. 97A.

Interim City Administrator Chad Coltman reported that the required Airport Environmental Assessment is almost complete and is currently under legal review. Once completed the EA will be released for public comment which will include hard copies for stakeholders and the consultant will host an in-person open house to provide an overview of its findings and answer any questions. This will occur in January and remain open for 30 days. Once the 30 days are up, all comments will be compiled and forwarded to the FAA for review and final determination.

Audrey Cooper reported that a lot of good progress has been made on the lakeside Park improvements.

John Ajax told the Council that there was a packed house at the recent Planning Commission meeting on the proposed Butte corridor road to Hwy. 97A at Peterson Place intersection.

**Public Works Director Jake Youngren.**

MAYOR/COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Tim Hollingsworth remarked that a draft housing report on the Anderson property is forthcoming. “Hopefully that will keep that project affordable.” Hollingsworth also mentioned ice hockey in the Methow and at Toyota Center and mused whether Chelan should look into building an ice rink.

Brad Chitty thanked the staff for their hard work on the 2026 budget. He also mentioned his ability to express his concerns as a councilmember.

Agustin Benegas remarked that it was his first council meeting and that he plans on learning a lot more about the City’s workings.

**Agustin Benegas was sworn in to Bob Goedde’s old council seat and participated in his first council meeting.**

Terry Sanders said he appreciated the citizens coming forward with their comments and concerns.

Mayor McCardle remarked that the 11% growth figure does not include second homes. On the budget, she stated that the City will not be adding more staff. She also warned council that discussions in executive session are private and not to be shared on social media. “There is a $500 penalty for anyone sharing executive session information.”

McCardle also mentioned that she attended the recent Parks Board meeting and said it was very informative.

In addition, McCardle announced that a contract has been signed for the Post Office to move to the Spirals Building on a six month temporary basis. She thanked Representative Schier for her help in moving this along.

COMING UP:
On Tuesday, December 2, the City will hold its workshop at 5:15 in Council Chambers. While it is a public meeting, the public is not allowed to speak unless approved by the Mayor.

Council approves higher density at Apple Blossom Center

By Richard Uhlhorn

Apple Blossom Development changes:
What is affordable in the housing market? That has been an ongoing debate. We all know that the Weidner apartments will rent at market rate prices.

At the Chelan City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 12, the council passed Ordinance No. 2025-1640 Amendment No. 1 to the Apple Blossom Center Development Agreement.

This agreement will increase the density of the development from the assumed number of 720 units to an estimated 828 units. Chelan Apartments might develop up to 64 cottage units while Weidner and Chelan Apartments will add no more than 80 450 sq. ft. micro units.

Initially, Weidner plans on constructing 250 apartment building and increasing that to 450 if their initial investment is rented.

It was rumored that the micro units might rent for approximately $1,500 per month which in many minds is not affordable. I reached out to Weidner’s Development Director, Nick Nowotarski about micro unit and cottage rents. He replied that the Leavenworth micro units were renting for $1,000 per month. “As market rate housing, the rents for the micros will be determined by what people are willing to pay.” Weidner is not planning on building any cottage units.

Chelan Community Development Director, John Ajax, stated in his opening report that the micro units are about the ability to provide affordable units.

Council members all have concerns with the increased density, parking and increased traffic. Ajax addressed the potential traffic issues by reporting that currently there are no plans to alter traffic flow. “There might be a roundabout at the Walmart intersection,” said Ajax. “Weidner would be making some contribution to that intersection.”

Terry Sanders is concerned with proper infrastructure being in place along with serious concerns about traffic, etc.

“Traffic is something we are going to have to address,” said Brad Chitty. Mark Ericks added that potential traffic problems need to be addressed before they arise.

Both Sanders and Jon Higgins voted No on the amendment due to their concerns.

With the Ordinance in place, Weidner and Chelan Apartments have a clear road to increasing the density of the development.

Unit Lot Subdivisions:
City Council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing Unit Lot Subdivisions as required by a state law passed in 2023. This law required short plat regulations for all cities, towns and counties.

The law allows the division of a parent lot into separately owned unit lots. Portions of the parent lot not subdivided will be owned by the owners of the individual lots or by the homeowners association.

**These four units are an example of subdividing a parent lot into four individual lots.**

Jon Higgins asked where these lots would be allowed. Ajax replied parent lots could be subdivided everywhere in the city. Tim Hollingsworth asked about covenents.

Lynette Grandy is concerned tht building heights will ruin iconic views within the city and buildings that don’t represent the communities small town historic architecture. “The look like shipping containers,” she remarked.

**Lynette Grandy and friend addressed city council regarding the new law allowing parent lots being subdivided.**

Grandy would like to hear more public testimony on the subject.

Downtown Sewer/Water project:
City Staff requested its consultant, Ardurra Group Inc., to provide an Additional Services Addendum (ASA) for the Lift Station No. 1 Improvements Project.

Jake Youngren, public works director, told the council that the work encompasses all the requirements by the Department of Ecology. The city is working with Chelan County PUD on the lift station remodel that will become a main feature of the Riverwalk Park property.

Youngren reported that adequate funds are available. The PUD is estimated to pay $85,100 as their portion of the work. The total additional services amount is $241,842.

**The pumphouse located at the northwest end of Riverwalk Park will be removed and remodeled.**

The design ASA includes the following additional work:

Coordination with Chelan County PUD regarding the landscape architecture components and park features to be installed as part of the lift station project.
2) Geotechnical support to understand and mitigate potential soil contamination as well as soil mechanics.
3) Completion of environmental permitting requirements established by the Department of Ecology as part of the funding agreement.
4) Inclusion of gravity sewer design elements for a gravity sewer pipeline upgrade along Columbia Street between Johnson Avenue and Lift Station No. 1.

The council unanimously passed this ordinance.

Lakeside Park bid award:
Chelan Parks Department, after rejecting its first bids on the Lakeside Park project, rebid the project after working with Berger Associates to revise the project plans, accepted the rebid by Cascade Central Construction. The new base bid was $1,279,299.21. The original scope of work included restroom and playground renovations, a new ADA compliant walkway, beach improvements and other park enhancements.

During the community comment period at the beginning of the council meeting, Lakeside resident Barry DePaoli told the council that there has been some improvement at the park but that he has seen multiple violations of the new rules without consequences and that the security team has no backup from the Sheriff’s Department. He also told the council that he is disappointed that he was told to stop providing feedback in the collaboration process. “We want to be a part of the process,” he stated.

The work has been scaled back resulting in reducing the cost of the base bid by $234,000. Cost-reduction efforts in the revised bid included reducing finishes within the restroom building, square footage of beach enhancement, square footage of concrete pathways, and some site furnishings.

The project will begin in early September.

In addition:
The in-water work for the Lakeside Park Renovation Project was bid separately for the installation of a new T-dock and beach enhancements to the designated swimming area.

The Dock Company bid $ 231,748.60 for the work. The total project exceeds the budgeted amount by $250,000 and the Parks Department is seeking approval to reallocate funds from its shoreline access and road-end parks funds which has $379.115 available. This will require a budget amendment.

Tim Hollingsworth asked it the department is sure the city needs to have docks at Lakeside. He cited potential conflicts with watercraft users and the swimmers. “We need to think outside the box on Lakeside.”

**The existing docks at Lakeside Park are heavily used**

Parks Director Paul Horne replied that Hollingsworth’s question was a valid one but that the docks are constantly in use by people. Horne feels that the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol can help with inappropriate watercraft use at the docks.

Lakeside resident Tammy Haig told the council that she encourages the city to pursue its pocket parks. She also mentioned that the Butte developer is now asking for a booster pump for water and warned the council that 1300 acres could potentially be developed under its TA zoning.

Administrative reports:
Communications Director Chad Coltman recognized several employees for outstanding work and in particular, Deputy City Clerk Cailey Couch who has taken all the classes necessary to become a full-fledge certified clerk. “Her understanding of the profession is an important aspect of the job.”

City Administrator Wade Farris said, “The city clerk is extremely important and having a backup is helpful.”

Jake Youngren reported that his department had to put divers into the lake to help seal a sewer leak.

Paul Horne remarked that the City’s parks are a lot more family friendly this season.

Farris remarked that crowds were overwhelming at times and that there were still some problems. “We still have lots of work to do,” said Farris. He added that the Sheriff’s Department is stretched thin.

Mayor/Council comments:
Terry Sanders stated that Lakeside Park “is a work in progress.” He would like to see increased signage at the park.

Brad Chitty said he appreciates public input. “It’s how we get things done.”

Tim Hollingsworth stated that he doesn’t want to lose the pocket park projects.

Mayor McCardle remarked that hundreds of hours of staff time have been devoted to the Lakeside Park issues. “You will find a much more family friendly park at Lakeside,” she said. McCardle said that not listening to the residents is a bit frustrating.

City Council would like a joint session with the Port over ownership

By Richard Uhlhorn

Airport:
City Administrator Wade Farris reported that he has been working “really hard” with the Port of Chelan/Douglas County on Option 2. This option transfers ownership of the Chelan Airport to the City with the Port making some financial contributions to its operation. “They don’t like that,” said Farris.

The City and Port are in negotiations over how the Chelan Airport will be managed and or owned in the future. They have extended their negotiations until September 30 with a possible joint session to discuss the issues.

Both parties have requested to extend the time frame for providing the notice of non-renewal until September 30. “My goal is to have an agreement by the end of August,” said Farris.

Tim Hollingsworth said he thought it would be useful to have a joint session with the Port. Farris replied that a joint session would happen in August.

Airsports is just one of the many businesess that work out of hangers at the airport. Airsports is a name change from SkyDive Chelan to take in all of its services offered.

Hollingsworth is a skeptic about the City being the lead agency of the airport in particular since the Port and City are looking at the largest infrastructure project in the region. “I would like to hear their arguments.”

Airport Environmental Impact Survey:
In preparation for moving ahead with the airport expansion project, Tim Ike, JUB Engineering, reported that they have been working on the EIS for some time. “We are three years into the project and should be wrapping up soon.” Ike stated that JUB hopes to be done by spring of next year.

Chelan Valley Housing/City MOU:
Chad Coltman reported on the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Chelan Valley Housing Trust regarding a CHIP Grant application seeking approximately $2 million for infrastructure costs for the Anderson Road housing project.

Coltman reminded the council that the City has put $200,000 in the Sewer Capital Fund to contribute as needed with project design and engineering costs for the Anderson Road sewer line improvements.

QTR 2 Financial Report:
Finance Director Jackie Tupling reported that Quarter 1 financials were slow, but Quarter 2 has made up the difference. Her report stated the City is on track to meet its revenue goals of the adopted 2025 budget.

The City has collected a total of $978,705 in sales tax so far this year which is a decrease of $90,162 over last year. “We are on pace for $2,517,811 this year,” she said in her report.

Overall lodging tax receipts are on track for the $800,000 budgeted.

Parks revenue to date is up over prior years across general parks and its commercial enterprises.

To date Parks has received $1,675,075 over its operations.

Parks rules:
Parks Director Paul Horne reported that implementation and enforcement of park ruls this season has so far brought the attention for further refinement of the Code (CMC 9.22.020 – Parks Prohibited Acts) to ensure consistency, clarity and public safety. These revisions have been developed in consultation with the City Attorney.

Mark Ericks said that service dogs can provide emotional support. The current code is pretty broad and Quinten Bajar, city attorney, said he would take another look at it.

Bob Goedde asked about BBQs outside of the parks perimeter. Horne said that was outside of their jurisdiction.

Tim Hollingsworth said he was concerned about the variety of electric vehicles operating at a high rate of speed in the parks. Shari Dietrich asked what the City’s liability inside the parks were. Horne replied that the staff would look at those issues. “We are trying to balance that,” he said.

City administer/department reports:
Wade Farris remarked that the 2026 budget process was beginning and said, “Hats off to Chad.” Jackie Tupling that anyone who had a question concerning the city’s finances to give her a call. Jake Youngren said the Lakeside Trail project was underway and drivers could expect some traffic delays.

Mayor/Council comments:
Mayor McCardle reported that Representative Kim Schier was in town and she would be meeting with her to discuss the water project.

She also brought up a potential new road all the way to Union Valley Road as an alternative to Hwy. 150 and needs to be considered. “There was a grant application that was pulled back. I hope it comes back.” The road, if constructed would be an emergency access road.

The City will hold its monthly Workshop on Tuesday, August 5.

Manson Community Council visits numerous issues facing community

by Richard Uhlhorn

Manson Community Forum:
Instead of sending out a Community Survey, the Manson Community Council in association with the Manson Chamber of Commerce, Fire District and Parks Department will hold a live Community Forum at the Grange Hall on June 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. “We need to bring the community together,” said Kari Sorenson.

Street Parking Issues:
Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gearing told the Council that Chelan County has placed survey markers along Pedoi Street designating County right of way. Many of the residents have infringed on the County right of way and Gearing said, “Letters are being sent out to the property owners.”

The letters are asking the residents to remove any improvements they may have made within the right of way, and if they don’t comply, the County will come through and do it. The residents have until June 3 to comply.

The right of way will be turned into parking. One issue that came up was the residence across the street from the Parks Building that have installed a retaining wall in the right of way. Asked if it would be removed, Gearing said she wasn’t sure.

Gearing was also asked where does the county stop writing notices of right of way violations. Gearing replied, “If it is not causing a problem, we don’t enforce.”

She was asked if the County was considering the Botske problem all the way up. “If they would pull that Island out so trucks can make that turn it would stop them from using Wapato Way,” said one resident. Gearing replied she would look into that.

Sorenson added that she would like to see no boats, boat trailers or overnight parking on Pedoi. “Is that something Manson can get added to the code,” asked Sorenson.

Colville Tribe Plans:
Gearing said she and other county officials took a field trip with the Colville Tribes. “They were great to work with and told us the Casion/Hotel plan was on hold indefinitely.”

“We realize they don’t have to share, but we need to plan around what they are doing,” she stated.

Bob Goedde, Chelan liaison with the Council remarked that the tribe is currently looking at building a casino complex in Tri-Cities where there are 250,000 residents. “They asked us for a letter of support for the Manson casino,” said Goedde. “We asked for more information, but never got more information.”

Gearing also reported that Chelan County was trying to bring back a lumber mill. “The goal is to promote forest health,” said Gearing who added that the DNR, Forest Service and Representative Schier’s office are all on board with the plan.

STR regulations:
Gearing was asked if there had been any changes to the County’s Short Term Rental codes? “Nothing has happened yet,” she said. She said solutions to the code have been discussed and getting rid of some of the irrelevant language in the code. The proposed changes will go to the County Planning Commission in July or August along with a public comment period on any changes proposed.

Stehekin Master Plan:
Gearing also reported that the County was working with the National Park Service, PUD and residents of Stehekin on a Master Plan for the area. “There are so many interest groups making it difficult to manage,” she said.

Chelan liaison:
Chelan Councilman and Manson Community Council liasion Bob Goedde reported on several issues currently on the City’s agenda.

He mentioned the City Parks PROS plan that will be released soon and can be read on the Parks website. The Six Year Transportation plan and the Transportation Benefit District being proposed to the City’s residents.

Agritourism with wineries being allowed to have homestay units or not.

Goedde also mentioned the current Our Valley Our Future program and suggested that the Manson Council appoint someone to the committee.

Regarding Goedde’s efforts to make the old Woodin Avenue Bridge two-way again, Goedde said the difference in Chelan’s transportation woes would be changed dramatically if the bridge was turned back to a 2-way bridge. “It would reduce traffic flow on Johnson and Saunders from 600 vehicles to 400 vehicles.”

Manson resident John Olson however, shot back that idea and explained the entire public process that turned the bridge into a one-way into town. “Eventually someone would be killed which would be a City liability if turned back,” explained Olson. He added that there were engineering reports and council approval to change the bridge to a one-way when Mike Cooney was mayor.

Agritourism:
Brian Patterson brought up the Bluewater Terrace proposal to construct 20 homestay units on land that is not currently in agriculture. He said that the developer, Tim McDonald was led to believe the City code supported his proposal, but that the Hearing Examiner denied the homestay proposal.

**Wine grapes and apple orchards still dot the landscape in Manson.**

The Bluewater Terrace development has led the City planners and Planning Commission to try and rewrite the agritourism code so it will accommodate a much broader development plan. “Hopefully, there is a compromise (code) without completely destroying agriculture,” said Patterson.

Sorenson stated that her family received a bill from Manson Growers after delivering their crop to the warehouse. “Even our blueberries. We can’t sell our blueberries.”

**This view of Blueberry Hills blooming blueberries with apple orchards and new homes dotting the horizon creates an entire new look to the Manson district’s landscape.**

Gearing remarked that the couple who started Chelan Valley Farms came to the Valley to start an agritourism business. “They figured out how to make it work,” she said.

Olson replied that it is going to take some smart thinking. “Every farmer is just hanging on.”

One visitor remarked that people want to keep the trees. “People are going to lose the very reason they are coming here.”

Orchardists are being forced to make hard decisions. Should they keep farming, or should they pull their trees and turn the acreage into housing lots. A new agritourism code that allows reasonable expansion of homestay may be the only alternative for them to stay in the farming business.

Sorenson added, “I don’t know whether we still qualify as a rural village anymore.”

The Manson Community Council meets on the third Wednesday of each month and the community is encouraged to attend. The meetings are held in the Parks Meeting room beginning at 6 p.m.