by Richard Uhlhorn
Community comments:
Linda Sydloski informed the City Council that she is considering running for a council seat in the future. She has been a regular at council meetings for a number of months. “Thank you for what you do,” she told the council.
Final Budget public hearing:
Jackie Tupling presented the council with her budget details that will be discussed for any changes at the next council workshop on December 3.
The required public hearing on November 26 covered the following items:
Proposed revenues and expenditures for all budgeted funds, beginning and ending projected cash balances.
2. Summary and explanation of changes in expenditures for operating funds.
3. Summary of major revenues history and proposed 2025 budget amounts.
4. Detail of agency and community organization funding requests and budgeted amounts.
5. Detail of proposed payroll changes.
Chamber lodging tax extension
City Administrator Wade Farris asked the council to approve a three-month extension for the contract committee to complete revisions to a new Chamber contract agreement. “The goal is to live with the new agreement and be happy with it,” said Farris.
Finance Officer Jackie Tupling added that the new agreement will require the Chamber to give a monthly overview to the council of how they have spent lodging tax funds. “This way everyone will be able to see where those funds are being spent.”
Councilman Bob Goedde remarked that the committee is moving in the right direction. The Chamber has been operating on an extension to their old agreement for the past two years.
Chamber Festival Support:
The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce had requested an additional $150,000 from Chelan County several months ago. The request was turned down by the County’s lodging tax advisory committee.
The Chamber has requested the same amount from the City which have agreed to a $150,000 loan for Festival Support to help fund January’s Winterfest event. This support is not to exceed $150,000 annually. It is called the Chamber Festival Reserve Fund to help support weather dependent events.
Tupling stated that the loan must be paid in full by the end of the year.
Biosolids Contract:
Public Works Director Jake Youngren told council that the biosolids agreement is between Boulder Park, Inc., King County and the city. It has been in place since 1998. The contract allows the City to dispose of biosolids from the sewer treatment plant to the Mansfield flats. The four year contract ends on December 31.
Youngren told the council that the biosolids are applied for nutrients for agriculture purposes. “We are kind of small fish in a big pond,” said Youngren. Under the contract, the city provides 125 tons of biosolids each year at a cost of approximately $500.
The new contract will have a term of five years.
Emergency Management
Wade Farris introduced the new contract proposal from the Chelan County Department of Emergency Management and told the council that the contract amount went up considerably. “Their role is to do everything they need to do during an emergency,” stated Farris.
The City has contracted with Emergency Management since 2002. The City contracts with the Sheriff’s Office for these emergency services and costs are assessed on a per capital basis. In 2024 the rate was assessed at $3.08 per capita and the 2025 rate has gone up to $3.75 per capita. The financial implications are $4,282.30 per quarter or $17,129.20.
Rate and Fee Resolution:
Farris remarked that the council had a good discussion on the amended Rate and Fee changes. Tim Hollingsworth wanted to make sure that the Chelan resident and Valley resident parking fees at Chelan Parks remained at $25 and $45 respectively. City Clerk Peri Gallucci replied that those parking fees have not increased for 2025.
Hollingsworth also said his business was being charged 1.5 ERUs. Youngren replied that he wants to have a conversation about the sewer/water rates. “It’s not quite equitable in all situations. We need to have a conversation about it in 2025.”
Administrative Reports:
Finance Director Tupling gave a proposed operating budget amendment to the council.
City Clerk Peri Gallucci reported on the continuation of the Just FOIA Master Services Agreement for the Public Records Portal.
A Library Advisory Board update was given.
Jake Youngren told the council that the Transportation Benefit District finally passed by a mere five votes and was now certified. He also stated that funding raised from the district will be used for very specific projects with the help of the community and council. “They will come up with a game plan.”
Paul Horne said that the Parks Board had a walkabout on November 20 which took in the Lakeside Park neighborhood.
Jackie Tupling reported on the final review of the City’s 2022 State Audit and will be getting a report back on the audit in December.
John Ajax reported the Planning Department is taking a strategic look at climate resiliency with the County. “We are looking at the general scope of work.”
Mayor/Council comments:
Brad Chitty remarked that 2024/2025 was his first budget. “I appreciate all the hard work.”
Terry Sanders reiterated Chitty’s remarks and said, “I appreciate the detailed work done by staff.”
Mayor McCardle called out the individuals who always attend council meetings. “We have regulars and I am glad you are here.”
She also reported that she has been nominated to be on the board of the Chelan/Douglas Transportation Council.
McCardle also noted that on January 30 she would have a State of the City Report on what was accomplished in 2024 and plans for 2025.
The City will hold a workshop on December 3 beginning at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend but will not be allowed to speak unless approved by Mayor McCardle.
Airport Board:
Council approved the airport 2025 budget.
All Things Lake Chelan 