Karyl Oules: It was Karyl Oules last commission meeting and the kudos from Chief Brandon Asher were heartfelt. “In the end, you became one of our best supporters,” said Asher. “I really appreciate how you listened to factual information. You were a part of decisions, not just for our community, but for the region.”
Fire Chief Brandon Asher presents Commissioner Karyl Oules with a Fire and Rescue coffee cup and a $50 gift certificate to honor her contribution to the fire commission.
Oules replied that when she first joined the commission, she didn’t like what she saw. She became a staunch supporter of the department’s direction and leave the position feeling good about her contributions.
Oules (left) will be replaced on the commission by Ron Simms in January who will join commissioners Mark Donnell and Russ Jones.
Chief Asher presented her with a $50 gift certificate and a Chelan Fire and Rescue coffee cup. Brad, another supporter of Oules also gave her a coffee cup gift and said, “I enjoyed working with you.”
Chief’s report: Chief Asher reported that overall, November was a nice quiet month for the department. There were several car fires and one water rescue off the Grandview. “There were no major incidents, so we had no real volunteer turnout.”
The staff is continuing to put final touches on the Community Fire Plan. “We should be finished with it by the next meeting,” stated Asher.
The new $41,000 Rivercom communications equipment is almost complete and Asher reported that when complete, Rivercom will make sure it is all programmed correctly.
The Audit is on ongoing. “I expect them to have some recommendations. We will probably get some advise,” said Asher. “They have some sample policies that we might integrate into our program.”
Asher reported that administration will probably make job offers for the two new incoming firefighters in the next five to 10 days.
The department received a one year extension with the Department of Natural Resources. “It allows us to fight fire on their land.”
The department continues to work on Community Risk Reduction.
Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman remarked that the old ladder truck from Entiat has been purchased and will be towed to Chelan. “There are thousands of dollars worth of parts on that unit,” said Sherman.
The recent snow storm (Wednesday) proved that the investment into the four-wheel drive truck was a great investment. “If there had been a fire, we wouldn’t have had trouble getting to it.”
Assistant Chief’s report: Chief Sherman reported that the department was successful in receiving a $10,000 grant from the DNR. “We will look at allocating those funds for training so we are a little more effective out there,” said Sherman.
Sherman also wants to do more training on the department’s building inspection program. The department doesn’t have the enforcement capability “I want to train people on how to do inspections and also do a better job for our businesses.”
Commissioner Mark Donnell asked who will be enforcing that the inspection deficiencies get corrected? Asher replied that the City has hired Chris Baker as its code enforcement officer. Sherman added that the department is going to focus on City businesses, but that if the County wants help with enforcement, that it might be a path for more funding.
Unfinished business: Asher remarked that the City’s TIF program has one more year before being dropped. Mitigation will begin when Widner begins its apartment building project. “We need to plan for the future,” said Asher who added that it looks like the $9 million dollar request from the Federal government has reach the President’s desk.
Budget: “The budget outlook is good,” said Asher. With the two new hires, the department will be able to drop the seasonal hires to two. “We would then have one seasonal per shift.”
The commissioners unanimously approved the $5,720,673.23 2025 budget.
New business: The commission unanimously approved Taylor Rains for out-of-state travel to the National Fire Academy in March, 2025.
The also passed the MRSC (Municipal Research and Services Center) resolution 2024-06. The MRSC is a statewide resource that provides general legal, finance and policy guidance to support local government entities.
Lake Chelan stretches 55 miles from Chelan to Stehekin.
by Richard Uhlhorn
The Lake Chelan Watershed Meeting was held on December 11 at the Chelan Fire Department. The next meeting will be held on March 17.
Water Rights: Years ago, Chelan PUD granted the Lake Chelan Valley 60,000 acre feet of water from Lake Chelan to use for development and agriculture. Today, the Valley has used most of those acre feet and only 5,373 acre feet remain before there is no more water available for water right applicants.
Department of Ecology’s Andrea Reyes explained at the Lake Chelan Watershed Planning Unit’s December 11 meeting that the water rights coordinated cost reimbursement application process was moving forward. “Once the remaining water is used, there will be no more water left,” she said.
RH2 Engineering is currently processing nine applications which will be done by the end of the year. “We will be through with Batch No. 4 by April,” said Reyes. “We will review if we get additional water or not.”
Doug England asked how the water right requests are being evaluated and how the needs far into the future.
Anthony Dunn – Ecology, said they were looking four years down the road. “You have to be able to show a need within a particular period of time.”
Mike Kaputa – County Resources, said there are only 15 applications remaining. Dunn replied that if Batch 5 uses up the water, there is nothing left to process. “There are no reserves to allocate from.”
If Ecology actually grants a 2005 request from the City of Chelan for 3,800 acre feet of water for future development needs, only 1,173.62 acre feet would remain. Both the Lake Chelan Reclamation District and Chelan County have requests for 2,040 acre feet and 1,000 acre feet.
The 2015 request from the Reclamation District would break the reserve remaining to (875.33) acre feet leaving no reserve to allocate from unless more water could be found or the PUD granting more acre feet to boost the reserves. Those applications below the Reclamation District’s request would not be able to process their water right applications.
Phil Long and his new assistant at the Lake Chelan Research Institute updated the attendees on data collection and analysis.
Water Quality: Phil Long, director of the Lake Chelan Research Institute, reported that the Institute has made some incredible progress in the last several months. “We gone over several years of data,” said Long.
The Institute has hired Anna Galipeau, an environmental scientist from Montana State University in Bozeman. She has been working on data collected since 2018 with funding from the City of Chelan and Chelan County. “She’s been analyzing what has been going on which is helping us immensely” said Long.
Long reported that the Institute is also analyzing the impacts of the 25 Mile Creek fire; updating the State of the Lake report.
Funding for these studies have come from private donations, the US Forest Service, Chelan County and the PUD.
Advertisement for funding the Lake Chelan Research Institute’s ongoing research efforts.
He reiterated the importance of doing research work and shared data put together by Galipeau on phosphorous loading, chlorophyl and dissolved oxygen. Long provided an overview of water clarity data taken from three different sites on the lake from 1990 to 2020. Water visibility ranges from 12 meters to 18 meters depending on the year and time taken with a Secchi disk.
The Institute uses a multi-parameter probe to instantaneously take measurements at different depths in the water column. Long told the Unit that the Institute will be making this data available to anyone who wants to see it.
AIS report: Steve Lasky, Chelan County resource specialist, reported on the 2024 mobile voluntary watercraft inspection program on the lake. These inspections are conducted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the various boat launch sites around the lake from May through October.
AIS Resource Specialist with Chelan County Natural Resources.
This year, 2,830 inspections were conducted with inspections at Old Mill Bay reaching 638 vessels in July and another 143 in August. The inspectors inspected 204 vessels at Riverwalk Park Launch and another 382 at Lakeside Marina in August.
“This year the highest impact was at Old Mill Bay,” said Lasky.
Long suggested putting cameras at the launch sites to count how many vessels are entering the lake versus the number of vessels being inspected. This year 3,753 boats were recorded launching or coming out of the lake.
In other business: Four hundred acres of Milfoil is growing in Lake Chelan. Asked if diver assisted test to remove milfoil was checked for regrowth, Long replied that there was regrowth. The diver assisted program is extremely expensive and is probably not the solution to removal of milfoil
Stormwater update: Travis Denham, Public Works engineer, reported that the city is preparing a stormwater management plan that includes outfalls, storage basins in the city. The study should be completed in May or June, 2025.
City Engineer Travis Denham (left) gave a report on the city’s stormwater management plan that is being developed.
Fishery Forum was not ready to report, but Mike Kaputa asked that they report on the forum at the next meeting in March. The draft report on bull trout re-introduction to the Lake Chelan tributaries
Lake Chelan Research Institute funding: Funding comes through a variety of sources, but the Institute also encourages private donations to help further its research and hopefully keeping Lake Chelan clean.
Closing the Books on 2024: Chelan City Council closed its books on 2024 and approved both the Airport 2025 budget and 2025 City budget after they were pulled from the large Consent Agenda. Finance Director Jackie Tupling stated, “There are no changes from the workshop and the budgets are ready for adoption. Both were adopted unanimously.
Branding services contract 454 Creative Services was on the Consent Agenda and was pulled from the agenda for discussion. 454 Creative Services will provide graphic design services for the Mayor’s newsletter template, business cards, and social media designs at a cost of $17,000.
Councilman Terry Sanders
Councilman Terry Sanders asked HR/Communications Director Chad Coltman if he could share with the council how 454 Creative was selected for this service contract.
Coltman said he had worked for the firm as a creative director and that they were an excellent design firm that he hoped would develop into a good working relationship with the City.
Communications Director Chad Coltman
No other solicitations by Coltman were requested for these services.
Motion Considerations: RH2 Professional Services Agreement: Public Works Director Jake Youngren told the council that RH2 does a lot of work on city facilities. “We have been satisfied with their work over the years,” said Youngren.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren
MMEC Architects: City Council voted unanimously to approve a $219,000 time and materials Professional Services Agreement for a Facilities Conditions and Needs Assessment. This assessment will look at all of the city’s facilities, and in particular the aging city hall and the golf course clubhouse. “They will receive a more thorough examination than other facilities,” said Youngren.
MMEC Architects: The Council also approved a separate $246,000 agreement to design a new Chelan Recycle Center. This is also a time and materials service. The old Recycle center burned down in July of 2024. Youngren stated that many discussions and evaluation needs had taken place since then. The City’s insurance company will be paying for the new center.
Legal Services: The Council unanimously approved a new agreement with Kottkamp, Yedinak and Esworthy, PLLC for Indigent Criminal Defendants. City Attorney Quinn Batjer said the price for these services have increased to $113,000 from the past amount of $75,000 in 2024. “Typically public defenders are overworked,” said Batjer. “It is a considerable increase over last year.” Finance Director Tupling added that the agreement would be amended in 2025.
City Attorney Quinn Batjer
In addition to the increase, Batjer stated that the Washington Supreme Court is redoing the until 2026.”
TIF (Tax Increment Area): Council agreed to remove the end of year deadline which allows for a more flexible approach to evaluating property tax allocations and potential mitigation requests when new construction occurs. This extended timeline will enable the City to assess the potential impacts of future development on critical public services, including levels of service for the Fire District and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Aligning the mitigation requirements with RCW 39.114.020 ensures compliance with state law while allowing for informed decision-making,” said Community Development Director John Ajax. “We need a little more time and the Fire District is working with us.”
During the Mayor/Council Comments, Councilman Bob Goedde said that there is a rumor that Chelan County is getting ready to introduce a TBD (Transportation Benefit District) within the county.
All of the Council members wished everyone a happy holiday season and a Merry Christmas.
Mayor ProTem Tim Hollingsworth thanked the staff for all their hard work and remarked that the City will be facing a number of challenges in 2026.
City Budget: Chelan City Council and Chelan staff held a final budget workshop on Tuesday, December 3.
The meeting was a quick review of the budgeting process that has been taking place since October 1 through November 12. The budget is balanced and ready for adoption at the council’s December 10 council meeting.
Chelan Finance Director Jackie Tupling.
The council had no questions regarding the Lake Chelan Airport 2024 year end Budget Amendments.
Mayor McCardle called for any final questions regarding the budgets. “My expectations are that all discussions and questions have been asked,” she said.
Mayor McCardle
Facility Conditions and Needs Assessment: Public Works Director Jake Youngren told council that the City put out a request for qualifications for the city’s facility conditions and needs assessment.
Jake Youngren
MMEC Architecture and Interiors responded to the request with a $219,000 proposal. This work consists of four phases designed to evaluate, plan and propose improvements for the city’s facilities including City Hall; Kelly Allen Insurance Bldg; Chelan Library; Lake Chelan Golf Course Club House and Maintenance Bldg. the Park Department’s Maintenance and Administrative Bldg’s; and the Public Works Administration Bldg.
Recylcling Center update: MMEC also responded to a request from Public Works for a proposal to provide architectural/engineering services on a Recyle Center replacement after the original center burned down last July.
MMEC bid $256,400 to do the work beginning this month with construction beginning in late spring of 2025. Jake Youngren, public works director, commented that the price proposed reflects the construction world “we live in. Billing rates are high.”
Youngren said that a third party reviewed the proposal, made a few adjustments and then approved it. Insurance is paying for the new center and also hired a third party consultant to review MMEC’s proposal and also approved it. “Every day we wait, it gets more expensive,” said Youngren.
The new center will cover the same square footage, but Youngren isn’t sure where it will be situated.
Until the new center is build, all recycled materials are being dumped at the regional landfill. “We tried to find alternatives, but they were all too expensive,” stated Youngren.
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.
Linda Sydloski
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.
Finance Director Jackie Tupling
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.
City Administrator Wade 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.
Jake Youngren, Paul Horne and Jackie Tupling
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.
Peri Gallucci
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.
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.”
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.
The city invited other non-profit organizations who didn’t make the initial cut for Community Benefit Funds to present their needs for 2025. With benefit funds of $111,000 already allocated for the 2025 budget, these requests, if approved, would be funded out of either the Housing Fund or Tourism dollars.
Currently the city’s housing fund only has $170,000 and the Tourism Fund is at $5 million plus.
Jackie Tupling Chelan Finance Director
When added up, the requests equal $312,320 as follows:
Chelan Valley Feral Cat Project $ 10,000
Chelan Valley Housing Trust $100,000
Heritage Heights $ 16,400
Lake Chelan School District $ 30,000
Lake Chelan Habitat for Humanity $105,920
911 Glass Rescue $ 50,000
Jackie Tupling said that Chelan has received only $15,000 from the State for housing.
Erin McCardle stated that those funds could also be used for capital projects. “It takes a very long time to fill that fund back up. That’s something to think about.”
Tupling stated that the Lookout provides $1,000 for every new home sold to the city’s housing fund.
Feral Cat Project: April Leaf and Wendy Isenhart presented the case for continued funding for the feral cat project. The project has been successful in trapping feral cats and Leaf reported that 286 cats have been helped.
Feral cat director April Leaf and volunteer Wendy Isenhart
The $10,000 requested is $5,000 more than the city granted the project for 2024. The project has received $7,496 in private donations. This year $12,000 has been spent on veterinarian services and another $320 on administrative services. It costs $450 to neuter a male cat and $200 to spay a female cat.
Communications Director Chad Coltman asked how many cats have been helped specifically in Chelan and whether or not Chelan County provides any funding for the project. Leaf replied that the cats are trapped throughout the valley and that the county doesn’t provide any funding.
Housing Trust: Executive Director Scott Meyers of the Chelan Valley Housing Trust stated that the city has provided funding in the past and he wants to see those grants continue. “Our goal is to build homes for wage earners,” said Meyers
Housing Trust executive director Scott Meyers
The request for $100,000 would help support the organization’s operational costs, landscaping costs at Harbor Meadows and $20,000 for its operations budget.
Heritage Heights: Heritage Heights requested $16,400 from the city for WiFi connections, telephone system, purchase of computers and printers and three new wireless access points in the facility.
Heritage Heights Melissa Robbins and the new CEO, Joel.
Melissa Robbins explained that the non-profit has an all-volunteer board. “The city has been a contributor to this project in the past. Our building is old and has bad WiFi. We have a lot of things that are not normal,” said Robbins.
Lake Chelan School District: Superintendent Brad Wilson and the district are requesting $30,000 to improve ballfields and gymnasium surfaces. Wilson remarked that the softball and baseball fields are used for tournaments before Memorial Day and after Labor Day and provide a number of overnight stays by parents and teams.
Chelan School Superintenent Brad Wilson
These programs denote overnight stays; Chelan youth wrestling, youth fastpitch; Kahiau Volleyball Club; baseball; basketball; Babe Ruth baseball and Bachfest. Other programs supported by the district include FC youth soccer; Valleywinds Musicians; Adult pickleball and tennis and Thrive.
Mayor McCardle asked if this request was a one-off request or a recurring one. Wilson replied that if they can get the community fields in shape it would result in a lot less requests from the city. She asked about the gymnasiums and Wilson said the funding would help pay for resurfacing of the Community Gym.
Habitat for Humanity: Michelle Fanton, executive director of Habitat, is requesting $105,920 to continue providing homes for families who qualify. “We have served 17 families with homes. These homes fall within 30% of their incomes,” she said. All prospective families must be from Chelan.
Michelle Fanton – Habitat executive director
The organization is highly dependent on volunteer labor and the funding is also provided by the Habitat store. City funding would help Habitat keep neighborhoods clean and revitalized, expand homeowner education, staff time to develop other sources of funding, help pay for infrastructure reimbursements to offset the costs of development at Pumpkin Lane in Chelan.
911 Glass Rescue: Julie McCoy said the $50,000 requested would help the glass recycling get back into operation by early 2025.
911 Glass Rescue representative Julie McCoy
Mayor McCardle stated that the request might have to wait until the 2026 budget process. McCoy stated that the organization needed to have it considered in the 2025 budget so the program could move forward.
Chelan lost its glass recycling when the recycling center burned down.
Requests: All of the above requests will be discussed and decided on prior to the final budget hearings.
Anytime you walk into Chelan’s council chambers and it is full of people, you know something is up. Tuesday night’s council meeting had a number of Lakeside residents on hand to speak during the “Citizen Comments” period. Their concerns, of course, was Lakeside Park overcrowding, parking, safety issues and a request for some resolution to the problems.
Lakeside Park and community has become an overcrowding issue with its residents.
Lakeside Park overcrowding and parking along other issues has reached a boiling point with Lakeside residents and they were at Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting in force.
Twelve residents signed up to voice their concerns over the lack of any enforcement at the park. “All day long people were desperately looking for parking. Cars all day long,” stated Tammy Haig. “There was a feeling of tension in the air. At one point, I thought something might explode.”
Tammy Haig
Haig asked if the city was going to create a baseline with the Lakeside Trail and street ends in hopes that it might disperse recreation. “It (July 4) was a very intense day.”
Stan Morse remarked that visitors were parking across the street from his house leaving no room for emergency vehicles to get by in case of fire. “My hillside is ripe for wildfire. We live in a one road in and one road out of town with 2,000 to 3,000 people.”
Stan Morse
Another resident, Janet, said she didn’t feel comfortable taking her granddaughter to the park. “Lakeside Park has been overcrowded since 2020,” she stated. “People start arriving at 5 a.m. Vehicles are going round and round all day long. I counted 107 vehicles per hour.”
She added that she is asking for the city to limit capacity at the park. “Visitors are also at risk.”
Another resident requested discourse immediately with the city to see what the resolution to the issues might be.
Barry De Paoli told the council that he has lived in Lakeside for 22 years. “We have a town of 4,700 versus 5,500 visiting Lakeside on a weekend. Imagine what it looks like, 2,500 to 3,500 people per day.” De Paoli said the issue is at a breaking point. He mentioned overuse of alcohol, poor signage, and zero enforcement. “Residents can no longer sit back and watch the problem.
Barry De Paoli
“We are asking to be included in the process going forward. A meeting in October with the Mayor and others. We need a healthy balance. I know we can achieve a positive outcome.
Other comments mirrored those above and several asked if requiring reservations to get into the park might be a solution. It was also stated that the city needs to pay for monitoring the situation and enforcing the parking.
Don Morse Park might provide some relief for Lakeside residents. It’s much larger and can handle more traffic, but is also busy during the summer months.
Our Valley Our Future update: Steve Maher was on hand at the city council meeting to give an update and summary of the outreach results from the Lake Chelan Vision Project.
He provided survey results and feedback gathered since June, 2023 during individual and group listening sessions.
“We had an excellent response,” said Maher. 550 responses were gathered between June and August which included eight listening sessions with 142 people participating and 10 or 11 interviews with stakeholders. “We struggled to get younger folks to participate,” said Maher.
Some results: Housing was the number one issue by far stated Maher. “Families have to move away because of housing. It’s the biggest challenge,”
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The rapid growth is one of the biggest challenges. There were calls to manage growth better. There is a desire to maintain the smalltown feel. The respondents remarked that the valley was going away from growing apples to growing grapes and housing.
Increasing traffic and traffic congestion was another issue along with Short Term Rentals adding to the traffic congestion.
The positive things is the new hospital and Wal Mart according to some.
Wildfire and smoke was another issue on the respondents minds.
Maher stated that the next step will be developing community values from what was gathered and would be delivered by the first week in October. “Things are going really, really well,” Maher said.
This information will serve as the foundation for the core values framework in the 2026 Comprehensive Plan update, which is currently in its early stages.
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City 2025 Legislative Agendas: East Chelan Reservoir Project: The city is seeking $7 million from the State t complete the design and construction of the East Chelan Reservoir Project.
Current funding sources include a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program initiated by the City. Another $9 million is making its way through the Senate in Washington D.C. after passing through Congress. These funds would come from the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) if approved by the Senate.
Regional Transportation Study – $$??: The city is seeking increased state funding to its regional transportation MPO, so the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council can conduct a transportation study to solve critical safety issues.
With over 650,000 tourists visiting the valley each year, the regional transportation system experiences localized failure. Chelan is the center of all transportation in the valley.
Funding would be used in partnership with the CDTC, Chelan County, the Colville Confederated Tribe, WSDOT and the community of Chelan to conduct a regional transportation plan to better evaluate interconnectedness in the Lake Chelan Valley.
Downtown Revitalization – $3 million: The city and the Historic Downtown Chelan Assn. is seeking $3 million to invest in construction of Phase 1 of the downtown revitalization project which will upgrade failing infrastructure, enhance the downtown business core and create welcoming public spaces.
Northshore Pathway – $2.8 million The Northshore trail would solve critical safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists along the lakeshore connecting Manson and Chelan.
Other top issues: Housing
Environmental sustainability
Planning and infrastructure
Fiscal sustainability.
Transportation Improvement Program Survey Findings: “What are we going to do about it,” asked Communications Director Chad Coltman. Traffic congestion was the big issue respondents felt the city needs to address. Seventy two percent of the respondents would like to see the Woodin Avenue Bridge returned to two way traffic in hopes that it would alleviate downtown congestion and open a secondary evacuation route.
Seventy two percent of Chelan’s residents who responded to a survey requested that the Woodin Avenue Bridge be returned to two-way traffic.
The other option was to reverse the direction on the bridge to move traffic out of town. My opinion: I would like to see the traffic on the bridge reversed for an actual traffic study done during the high season to ascertain if it would actually help relieve traffic congestion on Johnson Avenue and Sanders Street to the light.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren said, “Regarding the return to a two-way bridge we will invest some time and effort to what that (process) looks like.” Mayor McCardle replied that hard cost numbers need to be assessed.
Councilman Bob Goedde has been a proponent of making the bridge two-way and reiterated his desire to see it returned. Youngren replied that the city has to be careful.
Councilman Brad Chitty stated that it was a hot topic and suggested that taking the foot traffic off the bridge might be an option. “There are other options out there.
Mayor McCardle stated that the most respected traffic consultants in the nation have provided actual traffic data for May through August.
Residents responding to the survey and attending the transportation meeting also want to see better walking/biking paths on both the south shore (in the works for construction in 2025) and north shore to ensure pedestrian safety.
Other issues that the public would like to see include:
Dedicated Parking areas
Better walking and biking paths
Improving intersections
Enhancing public transportation options
Safer access to schools
Mayor McCardle stated that the city has the tools to move forward and have identified which projects to move forward with in the next two years.
HR/Communications: Chad Coltman remarked that offers are out on the three major job opportunities within the city and that he is excited about the pool of talent that wants to work with the city.
Chad Coltman
Mayor/Council comments: Jon Higgens warned the council and staff that when “You step on toes and go in a different direction, people will stop engaging.”
Terry Sanders said the city has a good start on the issues. “Huge thank you to the Lakeside residents. I’m looking forward to common sense solutions”
Mayor McCardle talked about the valley’s tourism impact study which addresses the many impacts tourism has on the community. She also remarked on how much work it takes to run the city. Mentioned the upcoming Transportation Benefit District that is on the ballot in November and raises the sales tax a mere .03% (or 30 cents on every $100 spent on taxable goods. She wants the community to know that the city council is responsible for spending taxpayer dollars.
The next council meeting is on October 8. The community is welcome to attend.
Grizzly bear meeting tonight: Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gering told attendees at Tuesday evening’s Manson Community Council meeting that Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Chelan County is hosting a “Living with Bears” meeting at Chelan Community Center.
Tiffany Gearing
“There will be several guests to help us out with the next steps if reintroduction of grizzly bears happens,” said Gering. Guest speaker Tina Jo Bradley, Chair of the Montana Conflict Reduction Consortium and Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Front Ranchlands Group, will be on hand to talk about living with grizzly bears.
Representatives from the National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife will also be on hand to explain how the reintroduction will go forward and how they arrived at the decision to put grizzly bears into the North Cascades ecosystem.
“People can share their concerns, but it’s already been decided,” stated Gering. The last sighting of a grizzly in the North Cascades was 1996.
Many people opposed to the reintroduction of grizzly’s say that if they wanted to be there, they would be there.
“Most people don’t support the effort,” explained Gering who added that the timeline has been M
This meeting should be of interest to anyone in the community that is concerned with an apex predator being introduced in the neighborhood. The big question is exactly where they will be released, but I’m sure Pacific Crest Trail users will be concerned and perhaps Stehekin residents
Manson Community Forum: The next Manson Community Forum is scheduled for October 15, beginning at 6 p.m. at Northshore Bible Church on Wapato Parkway. Manson school and Library representatives have already indicated that they will attend. “The Chelan/Douglas County Transportation Council will also be in attendance,” said Kari Sorenson-Krause. She expects other agencies and organizations to join.
Council chair Kari Sorenson-Krause
Community Collaboration meeting: A collaboration meeting between the Manson Chamber of Commerce and the council has tentatively been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 9 at 9 a.m. The purpose is to explored potential changes that could help the community and businesses. More information on this meeting will follow.
501 (C) 3 Councilman Mike Kirk reported on the steps for the council to become a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization that would open up a number of opportunities for the council apply for grants and raise funding. He explained that the council needs to write bylaws as required by the federal government, provide a Tax Payer No. and an address. “Chris (Willoughby) has offered his address as the official address until we can get a Post Office Box,” said Kirk. “All council members will have to sign.”
Mike Kirk
Incorporation study: Kirk reported on the efforts to have an incorporation study conducted for Manson. “Some studies have been paid for by (representative) counties and others by the State Department of Commerce,” said Kirk. Gering replied that she would like to know how other counties have paid for incorporation studies. She asked Kirk to find out which counties have paid for studies and she would find out how they did it.
Kirk reported that the State Legislature would have to pass a resolution for the Department of Commerce to pay for a study which has cost $190,000 in the past. “We would like to kick it off in January,” said Kirk.
The study would help determine the pros and cons to incorporation.
He also suggested that the council invite the new elected officials to the December meeting. “By then we will know who will be our new county commissioner,” he said.
Totem Pole road project: Gering told the council that she didn’t have any good news on the county’s Totem Pole Road project. “It is still happening,” said Gering. “We are having trouble with funding. What was a $4 to $5 million project is now estimated at $9 million.”
The current plan stated Gering is to do the stormwater portion from Wapato Way to Green Avenue with Phase II up to the school in the early fall of next year. “We will start in 2026 while the county continues to find funding.”
Roses Lake contamination: Gering also reported that there is a bacteria toxin in Roses Lake and the recommendation is for small children or pets to stay out of that lake. Whatever this toxin is, it apparently disappears in winter. She said a sample is being sent to Ecology and that Mike Kaputa, Natural Resources director is following up on this report. He did not mention it at the Watershed Planning Unit meeting earlier in the week.
Gering also reported that the county was conducting a homeless housing survey to try an figure out where it can get information.
Post Fire Meeting: Gering said that the commissioners will be holding a post Pioneer Fire meeting with the National Park Service, Forest Service and DNR to air issues with the management of the fire. “We also are inviting Senators Cantwell and Murray, Representative Schier and Hilliary Franz. The sheriff will also be in attendance. No date has been set yet.
Short Term Rental issues: Change to the current codes in both the county and the City of Chelan are in front of their respective planning commissions.
Gering said that the county planning commission is asking why the STR code needs changing and what the problems are. “We will get answers to those questions to the planning commission next Tuesday at 10:15,” said Gering. It will be a ZOOM meeting for those wanting to attend.
Gering added that if you are operating without a permit, you are done. She said lodging taxes are down this year. “I think a lot of people are renting without a permit and not paying taxes.”
The county has received numerous calls from angry residents over how the STR renters are abusing the neighborhoods. This includes parking, loud parties, garbage and host of other things.
Kirk asked if the county was comparing current STR rentals with COVID. Gering replied that the county was going back 20 years.
Flint Hartwig, a candidate for Gering’s commission seat, was present at the meeting. He said after COVID things completely changed in the STR market. He also stated that the housing market is drying up. “After COVID everybody went to Mexico or Europe,” he said, adding, “the market is moving.”
Gering said that over the last two years, the county has received 170 complaints. There is a 24-hour complaint line on the County’s website – 509-293-4577.
Marcus Smith, an orchardist, said that people come to the valley for the open spaces. “If we don’t do something, it (agriculture) is going away.”
The next meeting will be the second COMMUNITY FORUM at North Shore Bible Church’s “Sowers Hall on October 15 beginning at 6 p.m.
All Things Lake Chelan 