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.
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.
Assistant Fire Chief Shaun 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.
Commissioner Russ Jones
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.”
Commissioner Ron Simmons
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.
Commissioner Mark 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.
Agritourism code amendments: After months of debate and discussion the Chelan City Council unanimously approved the Agriculture Based Short Term Rental Code ordinance.
Community Development Director John Ajax has been working with the Chelan Planning Commission for a number of months to pass a new agritourism code that will help property owners monitize their property.
The proposed code changes went through an arduous process by the Planning Commission who reviewed the proposed udates to the Agricultural Tourism Code at meetings on April 17, May 15, July 17, August 21, September 25, October 16 and November 20, 2024.
A public hearing was held on November 20 to receive public input on the code amendment. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendments including the retention of a five-acre minimum lot size. On February 25, 2025, the City Council held one more public hearing on the amendments.
The recommended amendments can be read in the following chapters of the Chelan Municipal Code
Chapter 17.46 – Special Use District Chapter
17.47 – Agricultural Tourism Chapter
17.77 – Short-Term Rentals Chapter
17.56 – Conditional Use Requirements (introducing new provisions for agriculturally based rentals)
The new amendments to the code will permit small scale, agricultural based short-term rentals within the SUD (Special Use District), providing the property meets the following criteria: a minimum lot size of 5-acres with at least 51 percent of the property used for agriculture.
GMA 2025 docket: City Council unanimously approved the 2025 Growth Management Act Comprehensive Plan Docket along with several other amendments.
City Attorney Quentin Batjer
Each year the City updates its annual work plan under the GMA. This year the docket includes work on climate resiliency, housing affordability, zoning code refinements and infrastructure planning. In addition, there are several development regulation amendments that remain in the docket.
Most interesting is the Housing Action Plan which will focus on alternative housing types, density incentives, and accessory dwelling unit flexibility.
Interlocal agreement for legal services: City Administrator Wade Farris reported that the Chelan/Douglas Regional Port Authority was requesting an additional $1,000 from the City to continue its legal efforts against the state to contain the illegal diversion fuel taxes for the purposes. “They have been diverting these funds illegally,” said Farris. The City authorized $1,000 last year towards the effort.
The Council approved this expenditure.
Indigent Criminal Defendant legal services: City Attorney Quentin Batjer reported that Kottkamp, Yedinak & Esworthy, PLLC defense of indigents arrested in Chelan has exceeded the Primary Attorney’s quarterly caseload limit and needs to assign overflow to Hankins, Tibbits Law Firm who has agreed to accept the excess caseload at a cost of $600 per case.
Apparently the overflow is due to an increase of property theft at WalMart.
Ecology funding for sewer project: Chelan Public Works completed a funding application in the fall of 2023 for a sewer main replacement project from Don Morse Park to Columbia Street from SR150 to Lift Station No. 1. The City’s application was approved and awarded in 2024.
Public Works Diretor Jake Youngren
The City staff is working with the Department of Ecology (DOE) on the scope of work, grant and loan administration, design and construction, construction management and change order allowances.
The $5,411,000 funding amount is on a 20 year repayment plan at 1.2% interest.
The Council approved the motion to finalize the agreement with DOE.
Administration reports: Public Works Director Jake Youngren reported that Public Works opened six proposals for the downtown water and sewer pipe replacement project and has accepted Selland Construction’s bid of $2,468364.92. Selland Construction was the second lowest bidder n the project. Ascent Foundation and Moore bid $2,420,103.37, but had several anomalies on their bid which led to the City rejecting it.
Interestingly, the bids came in below the Engineers Estimate.
Landscape architecture for lift station 1 is something the Public Works Department has been working on. Lift Station 1 is located at the northeast corner of the Woodin Avenue Bridge at the entrance to Riverwalk Park.
The above ground structure will be removed and the lift station will go underground with landscaping to help disguise it. “We are collaborating with the PUD,” said Youngren. “We are amending the current landscape element to what their goals are for landscaping and our needs,” he added.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked if Youngren had any concerns about groundwater table. Youngren replied, “We are confident we will be able to construct subsurface without a problem.”
Speed limit reduction on Hwy 97A. Youngren stated that Public Works is looking at reducing the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph from city limits to SR 97A mile post 231and from mile post 231 to 232.88 to 35 mph. From there to mile post 233.66 to 30 miles per hour and from there to 25 mph t mile pst 234.49 before the speed limit resumes to higher speeds.
“It is kind of a confusing ordinance,” said Youngren. “I will come back to you. We’ve been working with all the property owners.”:
Wayfinding signs. Community Development Director John Ajax told the council that the planning department has been working on the wayfinding signage for 10 years. “The signs are waiting to be installed. We didn’t know that we were going to have a Lakeside Trail,” said Ajax. “We need to repurpose the signs with the Lakeside Trail.”
The signage will go from Lakeside all the way to the Lookout. Youngren stated that downlake winds could be problematic and they were looking at brackets to withstand high winds. Mayor McCardle asked what the next step was? Ajax said he has to get together with the city engineer.
Proposed 2025 budget amendment No. 1. Finance Director Jackie Tupling presented the Council with the first budget amendment of the 2025 fiscal year.
City Council will reconvene on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
World Spay Day Mayor Erin McCardle read a proclamation for World Spay Day which was initiated in 1995 and has been adopted by 74 countries.
The Chelan Valley Feral Cat Project was formed by concerned citizens with the help of veterinarian Dr. Barb Fehr and other valley vets. Since its inception in 2023, the project trapped, neuter and released 113 cats and rehomed 35 kittens. In 2024 the group trapped, neutered and released another 299 cats and rehomed 65 kittens.
A feral neighborhood cat.
“Great work”, said McCardle. “Those are very impressive numbers.” She proclaimed February 25 as World Spay Day 2025.
Revised Park Regulations: Assistant Park Director Audrey Cooper told city council that changes to the city’s parks regulations came from a highly collaborative effort. “These insure that our parks are safe,” she said.
Audrey Cooper, Chelan’s new Assistant Parks Director. She will be taking over a variety of Park Projects.
Regulation changes came from issues brought by residents at Lakeside Park. Cooper stated that there are three modifications and two added regulations.
Lakeside Park’s popularity during the summer months has led to a problem of day camping and overcrowding. Reports from July, 2024 had over 5,000 people crowding into the park.
During council discussion, Councilman Bob Goedde said, “Enforcement will be the big issue.” The City is hiring an outside firm to help with enforcement issues at both Lakeside and Don Morse on weekends.
Councilman Terry Sanders remarked that getting the information on the changes out to the public was imperative.
Jacci De Paoli, a Lakeside resident thanked the city for its work and said, “I appreciate the progress.” She went on to say that the Lakeside community was at a breaking point last summer. “We wouldn’t be here without Erin McCardle’s efforts. Collaboration is not always easy.”
De Paoli continued, saying she is encouraged with the updates to the policies, but that they don’t T
Barry De Paoli also thanked the city for its efforts in addressing the issues at Lakeside. “We’ve come a long way since September,” he said. “Day camping is challenging.” He stated that the residents would like to see fencing and gates to limit entry points to the park along with the enforcement.
The council unanimously passed the new ordinance.
Ag based STR code amendment: Community Development Director John Ajax gave an overview of the Planning Commission’s recommendations for the proposed Agriculture Based Short Term Rental Code Amendment. “As you know, we have been wrestling around with this code amendment.”
Community Development Director John Ajax
One recommendation for a 10 acre lot would be one home and one ADU located in the NW/SW Gateway or Lord Acres with 5.1 acres being in active agriculture. There are other scenarios being considered and Ajax stated that the code changes are undergoing agency review. “We are focusing on urban and UGA densities. The State mandates that we should be increasing density.”
Mayor McCardle stated that there has been a lot of public input. “Any changes being proposed may or may not have been in front of the community.” Ajax added that a public hearing and notification of neighbors will be done before the approval of changes.
He presented several different scenarios and said, “We want to provide a mechanism for home owners to have an incentive to make money.
Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan: “We have an actual plan on what measures we could take,” said Ajax. The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is a strategic document developed and updated every five years by Chelan County and jurisdictions within the county.
Mitigation work on the south end of last summer’s Pioneer Fire in anticipation of stopping the fire if it escaped and headed for Manson.
The plan is intended to reduce the impact of natural disasters before they occur. It identifies the city’s most significant hazards—such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and severe weather—and outlines specific actions to reduce risks to people, property, and infrastructure.
The plan is part of a county-wide effort and follows federal and state guidelines, making the city eligible for funding under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program. By assessing risks in advance, the city can better prepare emergency services, ensuring faster and more effective responses to disasters.
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Mitigation actions like floodplain management, wildland-urban interface zones, and seismic retrofitting help the city adapt to climate change and other evolving risks over time. Without an approved plan, Chelan would not qualify for FEMA disaster mitigation grants, limiting its ability to prepare for and recover from future hazards.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth stated that it is an interesting document. Ajax said the city is working with the Climate Resiliency Group. “We are looking at specific climate related issues.”
Lift Station No. 4 Electrical Improvements: City Engineer Travis Dunham reported that Lift Station No. 4 and its related electrical components including two poles will be shifted to the south of Hwy. 97A as a part of the Lakeside Trail project. “We are working with the PUD and DOT.” The project will be out for bid by mid March.
Washington State Department of Ecology Wastewater Grant Loan: This is a 2023 Public Works wastewater sewer project being funded with a 20 year DOE loan at 1.2% interest and no penalty for an early payoff. Dunham said 50% was a grant and the other 50% was loan. “We get reimbursed when we work on the project.”
Administrative Reports: Chad Coltman reported that the city has 49 positions to fill for the Parks Summer season. “We are getting the word out for hiring staff,” he said. “We have 110 applicants for the 49 positions!”
Denham added that Public Works has more capital projects in the works.
Audrey Cooper reported that the Lakeside use agreement is being reviewed.
Finance Director Jackie Tupling reported that the 2023 State financial audit was complete and good.
She also mentioned the $500,000 set aside for Chelan Butte needs to be addressed since the City is coming up on its stated Sunset Clause. “We also need to do some long term planning for the Parks. Some strategy session moving forward.”
Mayor Council comments: Most of the council were happy with the Lakeside Park regulations issue and the hard work by both the city and Friends of Lakeside. Hollingsworth stated that the city has to be creative with getting the changes to park regulations out to the public. “We have duo languages to deal with. Enforcement is going to be a real issue.”
Mayor McCardle stated that the city was lucky to have the staff and council working so efficiently. She also mentioned changing the time for City Workshops from its current 4 p.m. slot to 5, 5:15 or even 6 p.m.
McCardle mentioned the benefits of having public records digitally available. Jackie Tupling added that it made a huge time difference during the audit in finding records the auditors needed.
McCardle reported that she and Chad Coltman were working on a strategic planning retreat.
Chelan Park 2025 regulations: Chelan City Workshops give Chelan’s department heads an opportunity to interact with council members on the various issues facing the city. At the Tuesday, February 4 workshop the big issue the council will be considering at its Tuesday, February 11 council meeting is a new ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-1629) on City Park regulations.
Shade tents and umbrellas will be allowed as long as they provide visibility.
This ordinance, if passed by the city council will implement new regulations covering five new policies that will help control park issues that became unmanageable last year.
Working with the Friends of Lakeside, a neighborhood advocacy group since last September, the city came up with policies to help make the parks more family friendly.
It is hoped that Chelan Parks will have these policies in place by Memorial Day. They include enforcement and infrastructure elements.
The workshop on February 4 provided direction for staff to draft the required revisions to the existing Code of Ordinances, particularly Chapter 9.22 PARKS – Prohibited Acts. They include:
Dogs – are permitted in the parks during the off-season between Labor Day and Memorial Day as long as they are on a leash no longer than eight feet. Dogs and other animals are not permitted during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Glass Containers – New… glass containers will not be allowed in Chelan Parks.
Tents & Canopies -Tents with flooring will not be permitted except for Chelan permitted special events. 10X10 tents will be allowed as long visibility is not obstructed. Beach umbrellas will be allowed to protect park visitors from the sun, but no pitching or maintaining a tent or canopy or other improvised structures.
Fire & BBQs – not permitted unless provided by the Park.
Alcohol & Smoking – Prohibited.
Hollingsworth noted that getting the word out to public is going to be hard. “We need to make a reasonable effort,” he said. The Parks Department will be hiring enforcement for the weekends during the summer months.
2024 Finance progress: Finance Director Jackie Tupling shared the major and significant revenue numbers for each department at its Tuesday, February workshop. “The ending balances was better than expected,” said Tupling. The Parks ended up $600,000 in the hole. The Golf Course broke even and the department is receiving a $702,000 grant.”
The $700,000 grant is for planned improvements at Lakeside Park.
Tupling reported in writing that:
Sales tax receipts decreased by $29,309 in the fourth quarter bringing the amount to $775,189. Total to date is $2,757,532
Lodging tax, 2% and 3% came in slightly higher than last year’s 4th quarter by $25,802. Total 2% capital funds collected in the fourth quarter was $298,645. Total for the year was $813,710. Three percent collections in the fourth quarter was$47,149 and $1,223,562 for the year.
Real Estate Excise Tax IREET) added up to $175,913 or $522,549 for the year. Tupling reported that REET collections were up $53,327 dollars and $140,420 to date.
Building fees are slightly higher compared to 2023
General facilities charges are down
Receipts in Parks and Recreation are higher in General Parks, the Marina and Golf Course, but down in the RV Park, Putting Course and Recreation/Youth Sports.
Chelan Butte: Tupling reported that the $500,000 set aside for Chelan Butte’s potential purchase has reached its sunset clause. “You guys can be thinking about those funds when they drop off.”
Chelan Butte from Lake Chelan Marina.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked where the city is at concerning the Butte and the Trust for Public Lands. Tupling said it was time to move forward. There is no potential buyout purchaser for the privately held land and it is still available for development.
Chelan/Chelan County PUD partnership: Mayor Erin McCardle reported on the City/PUD partnership. “Going back to last summer and looking at the community requests we came out with four projects,” stated McCardle. They were:
Connecting a wastewater line from the PUD’s Fish Rearing Facility to the City Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Chelan Gorge Park Revitalization. Building a multi-use four plex for baseball, softball and soccer along with other improvements.
Imagine Downtown – modernize infrastructure, enhance public spaces, and integration of innovative technologies like Wi-Fi for all.
South Chelan vacant property to potentially be developed into an additional community park.
One of the big issues with the public has been protecting the Chelan River from the east side of the Woodin Avenue Bridge to the dam from motorized traffic with the exception of boats transiting to and from the Chelan PUD boat launch.
The Chelan River has become a favorite paddleboarding and kayaking place.
The city has prepared a proposed resolution to keep the river free of motorized traffic including a proposal by a local consortium that would like to develop a docking area along the north side of the river west of the pavilion. The proposed resolution recognizes the increasing demand for expanded motorized access to downtown and supports such access west of the Woodin Avenue Bridge
The community wants more access to the water and a proposal to add access points for non-motorized craft and swimming areas.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth remarked that “There is a tremendous amount of non-motorized use in the river. We need to recognize the popularity of that corridor. Mayor McCardle added, “We don’t want to encourage additional boat traffic.”
January 28 City Council highlights: Council member Brad Chitty received his certificate and recognition for completing training in five competency areas of local government.
These competency areas include 1.- Effective local leadership; 2. – Community planning and development; 3. – Public sector resource management; 4. – Roles, responsibilities and legal requirements; and Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Congratulations to Mr. Chitty. Since becoming a councilmember he has attended almost all outside meetings held on the City’s behalf.
Lakeside Trail The Lakeside Trail project is nearing design completion and moving towards the Right-of-Way phase. During this phase the City’s consultant (SCJ Alliance) and its subconsultant (Tierra) will, negotiate with property owners and finalize agreements related to impacts caused by this $3.5 million dollar project. “We have to follow the DOT’s guidelines closely,” said Public Works Director Jake Youngren.
Residents look at proposed Lakeside Trail drawings at Sunset Marina
The project is slated to be in the construction phase this spring.
Stormwater Management Plan The Washington State Department of Ecology awarded Chelan a $262,000 grant to produce a Stormwater Management Action Plan. In July, 2024, the City and Ecology entered negotiations and with the scope and fee, general project description, special terms and conditions, the grant is ready for execution.
The City’s 5% match comes to only $13,000 and Ecology will cover the remaining $248,900.
City Park regulation update The Parks Advisory Board, parks administration and residents living adjacent to Lakeside Park have been working toward improvements at both Lakeside and Don Morse Parks.
Each year the beach at Don Morse is plowed.
At Tuesday’s, February 4, Chelan City workshop, the council will have a dialogue about the recommendations that have been discussed over the past several months.
Last summer, Lakeside Park had a number of serious issues that have since been discussed. “We need to build a board consensus for the entire community,” stated Parks Director Paul Horne.
This year, if City Council agrees, there will be enhanced parking enforcement, dog restrictions after Memorial Day, a tobacco prohibition, no glass containers near the beach areas, no day camping, tents or canopies unless permitted for special events like the beach volleyball tournaments, and no BBQs except where allowed.
Tents and canopies have been a controversial topic for residents. This coming summer, they may only be allowed during special events.
“Law enforcement needs to be engaged for our efforts to be successful,” said Horne.
Councilman Bob Goedde said, “You are going to have a lot of fun enforcing those requirements.”
Mayor McCardle remarked that a lot of communication needs to take place with the community. Horne said, “We certainly don’t want to target one population.” Councilman Terry Sanders asked Horne to check with the PUD on their rules for Riverwalk Park. McCardle said it has taken a lot of work to arrive at the proposed solutions.
Other items for workshop
Mayor McCardle will report on the City’s Chelan County PUD partnership
Jake Youngren will discuss Public Works Project Status updates
The Council will discuss these potential solutions at its Tuesday, February Workshop which begins at 4 p.m. at City Hall.
The State of Chelan function Thursday night, January 30, at the Community Center drew well over 150 people who are interested in their community and the direction it is headed in 2025.
The Community Center meeting room was full of Valley residents interested in the State of the City.
After Chelan Communications Director Chad Coltman got it all started by thanking the crowd for showing up and introducing the partners and staff for showing up.
Mayor Erin McCardle took the stage and “We want to bring more citizens into what we are doing.” She went through the number of residents (4,580) and visitors (650,000) that Chelan serves during the year. “The 4,580 population does not include second home owners,” stated McCardle. “We are much more than a small community.”
Mayor Erin McCardle presented the State of Chelan to approximately 150 attendees.
McCardle told the attendees that the city employs 63 staff and another 47 seasonal staff during the summer months. The city provides numerous services for the community including
Water and sewer – sanitation services – recycling – Manson and Lake Chelan Sewer Districts wastewater – Utility billing -Parks Department (not taxed) -RV Park – Golf Course – Marina – Putting Green – Code Enforcement -Zoning and Planning – Public Records – and the Lake Chelan Airport.
“Not many communities have so many services,” said McCardle. “We are running a complex, but balanced budget. This year’s budget is estimate at $22.5 million with an operating budget of $23.1 million.
McCardle invited Steve Maher, Our Valley – Our Future coordinator to speak about that program that the City has helped budget for the past two years. This program coordinates with communities in the region to develop a shared long-range vision and a strategic action plan to achieve it.
Our Valley – Our Future coordinator Steve Maher reported on the progress of the program.
This program collaborates with communities to develop a shared, long range vision and a strategic action plan to achieve it.
Maher remarked that it has been 20 to 25 years since Chelan conducted this kind of outreach. “We enlisted 20 organizations to gather information. “They were a part of our success,” said Maher.
He held listening sessions with local non-profits, City Hall staff, Educators and families, traditionalists, seniors and young adults. “These sessions were very interesting,” he stated.
Maher also conducted a community survey with the key question being, What do you value most about your Valley? Over 800 people responded to the survey and Maher stated that “people here care. We will see where we go from here,” he said.
McCardle took over the presentation and talked about the community’s ‘core values.’ “These are our starting points of planning for our future,” said McCardle. These core values include not just Chelan, but the entire valley including Chelan Falls.
Community Values:
Treasure Lake Chelan as the heart of our community;
Embrace a small town way of life
Cherish the community’s deep connection to the Valley’s natural beauty
Take pride in the community’s agricultural heritage
Recognize locally owned businesses as the pride of our economy
Keep a sense of safety and support.
“We feel really strong about our plan moving forward,” said McCardle who added that the community’s guiding principles will help move the city forward.
McCardle stated that she wants a vibrant, well connected city where the citizens feel connected.
2024 highlights:
The city has been hard at work on its strategic plan. McCardle stated that the city has hired a number of new employees and that John Ajax has accepted the full-time position as the city’s Community Development Director. The City hired an Airport Manager and a Parks Assistant Director.
The city worked with Representative Kim Schier to obtain a $9 million dollar grant for the East Chelan Water Project’s one-million gallon reservoir. This grant was signed by President Biden after clearing both the house and senate in a bi-partisan manner.
“This project is really important for the city,” stated McCardle. The city was also able to pass its Transportation Benefit District (TBD) which McCardle told the attendees would secure the city’s ability to handle its transportation issues for the next 10 years.
The East Chelan Booster Pump Station will be up-graded which will help deliver water to the hospital and upcoming housing projects.
The Boys and Girls Club is already operating and also beginning their tenant improvements at the Community Center. The City gave the Boys and Girls Club $230,000 to help secure the seven thousand square foot space they will occupy. One of the Club’s plans is to offer before and after school care.
The Parks Department is moving forward to developing Pocket Parks for more lake access. The City has received a $3.5 million dollar grant to build the Lakeside Trail from downtown to Lakeside Park beginning this spring. The Parks Department will also be improving Lakeside Park this summer with a new bathroom facility, beach improvements and parking improvements.
With a PUD grant, the Chelan Parks Department is working on developing and improving the ball fields at Chelan Gorge Park.
In conjunction with Chelan Valley Hope a cold weather warming facility will be opened. The city funded local non-profit organizations to a tune of $112,000.
The Public Works Department concluded an ADA transition plan walking every sidewalk in the community. “This was a huge undertaking,” stated McCardle. The city is also working at getting allof its public records on-line. City Clerk Peri Gallucci obtained a $50,000 grant to make this a reality.
2025-2026 Initiatives:
The City through its outreach efforts has heard a number of concerns from the community including: Affordable Housing, the Cost of Living in the valley in general which is a concern that is driving people to move, wildfire concern, traffic congestion which is a big one and declining trust in local leadership.
The initiatives include:
Managing Growth
Diversifying Housing Options
Modernizing Resources
Enhancing Youth and Family Well-Being
Establishing a long-range Economic Strategy
Increasing Community Engagement
Strengthen Strategic Partnerships
Chelan is helping develop a Regional Transportation Plan with the Chelan/Douglas County Transportation Council, Chelan County, the Port of Chelan County and others to address the growing transportation issues in Chelan and Douglas Counties.
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.
Its been a busy several weeks in the Lake Chelan Valley with many issues being brought to light as the New Year begins.
Let’s start with a recap of the most exciting news to hit the Valley in the past several weeks:
Manson Community Council – January 21 meeting: Casino –It was announced that 12 Tribes (Colville Confederated Tribes) will break ground this coming spring with their new Casino complex which will include a 100 room hotel, conference center, ballroom and several restaurants.
On the lakefront side 20 new RV Spots are also in the works.
Jeff Conwell and Dom Amor were sworn in as new Manson Community Council members by Chairman Chris Willoughby.
Water Taxi – It was reported that the Lake Chelan Boat Company is considering a water taxi for the lower Lake Chelan (Wapato Basin) this coming summer. This taxi would likely serve Manson, State
One voice – Timi Starkweather, director of the Manson Chamber of Commerce, reported that all of Manson’s organizations were coming together to have “One Voice” with other regional organizations like the Chelan County Commissioners and its Planning Commission.
Timi Starkweather – Director of the Manson Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m really excited,” she stated. “For the first time in a long time, Manson is going to have one voice.”
Manson Community Council elected Chris Willoughby as its next chairman, Mike Kirk as vice-chair, Pam Calhoun as secretary and Dom Amor as treasurer. Both Amor and Jeff Conwell were sworn in as new members to the council
Chelan City news – Mayor Erin McCardle will be back in Washington D.C. on Monday, January 27 to visit with our representatives and discuss further potential funding for the East Chelan Water Project. She will be back to give an update on her trip to City Council this coming Tuesday, January 28.
Public Works – Public Works Director Jake Youngren answered several questions I posed regarding the above project. He stated that he hopes the $19 million project can be funded totally with federal grant funds. “If additional funds are needed, the TIF is still available.”
Public Works Director Jake Youngren.
The $9 million already secured for the project is with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and still needs to be requested by the City. “The project will be administered by the feds,” said Youngren. “It’s not necessarily approved yet.”
Parks Department – There are some big changes coming to Chelan Parks this coming tourist season.
Audrey Cooper is the Parks Department’s new Assistant Director.
Director Paul Horne has filled the position of Assistant Director/Capital Projects Director. The new assistant is Audrey Cooper. We will do a biography on her at a later date, but she is excited to be in Chelan.
The department will be installing new modern Parking Kiosks at Don Morse, Lakeside and Lake Chelan Marina that will allow the customer to pay by phone, alert them when their time is almost up and help parks seasonal staff keep an eye on the parking situation.
Parks Director Paul Horne
Other changes will effect issues that became major problems at Lakeside. Day camping is just one issue being addressed by a committee consisting of Lakeside residents, parks staff and the Sheriff’s Department.
The Parks Department is contracting with an outside enforcement agency to control overcrowding and rectify other issues. It is the same agency that was hired to help with the Parks Department during COVID.
These issues will be discussed in a workshop and passed by city council before being put into effect. “We are on an aggressive timeframe,” said Horne.
In August, construction will begin on the Lakeside Park improvements which include a new restroom, docks and swimming area and playground.
Upcoming community meetings:
Manson Parks Department will hold its third Willow Point & Singleton Park Master Plan Open House on Tuesday, January 28 beginning at 6 p.m. at Manson High School, 1000 Totem Pole Road. This meeting is to get the community’s input on which design options they desire for both parks. Visit the parks website for more information – https://mansonparks.com/
Chelan State of the City meeting will be held on Thursday, January 30, beginning at 6 p.m. and running to 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Chelan Community Center at 103 Bighorn Way. This is a chance for the community to hear from the city’s department heads about projects and plans shaping the community. It is a chance to get a preview of the city’s initiatives and see the results of the “Our Valley-Our Future survey.
Golf Course Nordic Grooming: This past weekend the Lake Chelan Nordic Club groomed trails at the Chelan Golf Course. In addition to having ski trails close to town, the driving range hill is open to sledding.
Agtourism code change: The current code allows for homestays equaling 4 units on 10 acres (low density) or 20 units on 10 acres (high density).
Ag Tourism including homestay units is currently permitted in the following zones: SUDs; Residential multi-family; Warehouse and industrial; and Tourist accommodation areas for a total of 2,524 acres available.
John Ajax was promoted as the permanent City Planning Director
Proposed changes: Homestay provision is removed from the code across all acreage; Ag. Based STR rental licenses will only be allowed in Special Use Districts (701 acres)
2.5 or 5 acres
At least 51 percent of the land must be actively used for agricultural purposes
Licenses would allow rentals for a single family home, an ADU, or winery with up to five units.
Only a maximum of 10 licenses would be issued per year.
President signs Water Resources Development Act The City of Chelan is the potential recipient of a $9 million dollar grant from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The City will have to ask the Army Corps for the funding that has been in the congressional process over a year. The funding will be used specifically for a new one million gallon reservoir.
Public Works Director explained that the department will be seeking other grant opportunities to complete funding for the East Chelan Water Project.
Thanks to Representative Schrier, Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell for helping push Chelan’s request through the governmental process. “Their effort has been pivotal to realizing the inclusion of this project in the bill,” said Mayor Erin McCardle.
The bill was signed into law by President Biden on January 4, 2025. Called the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act, it will fund projects like flooding, improvement to ports, and help restore ecosystems.
With the passage and signing of this legislation, Chelan can now apply for competitive funding through the Army Corps of Engineers’ Section 219 program, bringing this essential Chelan project closer to realization. The funds would be administered by the Corps of Engineers.
Public Works is hoping to fully fund the reservoir project with federal grant funds. According to Public Works Director Jake Youngren if additional funds are needed the Tax Increment Financing program is an option to be used.
Originally called the East Chelan Water Project, the new name is the Lake Chelan Water Resiliency and Efficiency Project. The total cost of the project is estimated at $19 million dollars and will include a new booster pump and water lines from the western city limits to the east end where the reservoir will be constructed.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren told the council that the project would be stand alone. “It doesn’t affect our current system.” Youngren went on to say that public works will have to have further conversations with property owners along the proposed corridor.
Ecology grant loan: A $5 million dollar grant application for a sewer line replacement project from Safeway all the way down to the Chelan Wastewater Treatment Plant did not make the Department of Ecology’s hardship level, however, Youngren told the council that Ecology has offered a $7.5 million dollar loan. This loan would be paid back in five years at a 6 percent interest rate.
“We would only pay on what we would draw,” said Youngren. The project is under contract for design. “There are a lot of components to work out.”
Parks: Parks Director Paul Horne reported several rate and fee changes for the Chelan Golf Course.
Parks Director Paul Horne explained the department’s plans for the summer of 2025 which will include new parking kiosks.
Powered golf cart leases were changed from $600 to $650 for annual single lease and from $800 to $850 for the annual family lease. Annual cart storage was raised from $400 to $425. A small bucket of driving range balls will now cost $7 instead of $6.
The Parks Department will be purchasing new parking kiosks for Don Morse, Lakeside and Lake Chelan Marina. “The new system will be more robust,” said Horne. Visitors will be able to pay via R code or the City Parks website. Parking enforcement will be much easier.fd
Other improvements will take place at Lakeside Park where day camping will not be allowed. The park will have specific hours of operation and park users will not be able to bring in “the kitchen sink” and stay all day said Horne. “We will hopefully have a reduction in parking and garbage and waste will also be better.”
The department plans on outsourcing enforcement with the Sheriff’s Department helping.
Several residents have suggested that a gate be installed at the entrance to the park. “It’s an intriguing idea,” said Horne.
City Social Media: Chad Coltman, director of communications, presented the City’s Social Media policy for staff and council members. The city’s social media platforms currently include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Nextdoor.
Chad Coltman, communications director explained some of the aspects of the City’s new Social Media Policy.
Chelan City Council will meet in an official council meeting on Tuesday, January 14 beginning at 6 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend.
All Things Lake Chelan 