Artificial Intelligence: “Our priority is getting more engagement from the Community,” said Mayor McCardle. “This platform will make it easier to go out to the community.”
She introduced the representative from Fulcrum Management Solutions who made a presentation to the Council and staff at last week’s workshop meeting on an AI engagement and research platform called the ThoughtExchange.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform will supposedly help the City engage with its residents in a more meaningful way through its data driven open ended survey capabilities. “It is more solution based on what’s working and what’s not working,” said the representative Jasmine.
Councilman Bob Goedde mentioned that many residents in Chelan are older and don’t have the necessary smart phones or computers to engage. “I don’t have a smart phone,” remarked Goedde.
McCardle told the Council that there are many AI applications the City could use. “We would own it, but it comes with an account manager,” said McCardle during a telephone conversation.
The $25,000 cost would be split between each department.
It will be discussed at this Tuesday evening’s Council meeting but no decision will be made at this point.
American Rescue Plan Act Funds: The City has $233,000 ARPA funds remaining to be spent by the end of the year. These funds were allocated to the Anderson Road Project, but the Council was informed by City Administrator Wade Farris that the City was approached by the Chelan Community Center about supporting the Boys ;
Maribel Cruz, executive director, told the Council and staff at the June 4 workshop that the Lake Chelan Community Center has secured a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to provide 10,000 sq. ft of space at the Center.
She provided a game plan for school age kids to use the space as a fun and safe place.
According to Mayor McCardle, the remaining ARPA funds would be used by the Boys and Girls Club for tangible items like computers etc. The City is also considering entering into a 15 year lease of the space at a cost of approximately $16,000 per year for the maintenance and operations.
PUD Park Prioritization: The Council was also given a list of Riverwalk Park improvements that the HDCA (Historic Downtown Chelan Association) would like to see. The improvements they would like the City to consider includes:
Making the pavilion more usable year-round;
Make power more accessible throughout the upper areas of the park;
Improve the restrooms;
Improve the picnic shelter area
Add some interactive sculptures or waer features in the upper park area; and
Provide public restrooms on the south side of the park across the river from the Chelan side.
These improvements would require some City funding, but since Riverwalk Park is a PUD Park, it would make sense to enter into a collaborative effort to undertake some of the improvements suggested by the HCDA.
In other business: The Waterfront Advocacy Group consisting of Art Campbell, Ron Foster and Greg Petersen, proposed an expansion of dock space in Riverwalk Park near the pavilion. The group expressed a need for a more expansive lakefront access to the downtown area.
This proposal is a moderate 40 t0 60 foot extension to the existing PUD dock beside the original bridge which could be designed to minimize any obstruction to the main Chelan River passing under the bridge. The group would also like to see a floating day use dock and access ramp installed just west of the pavilion.
These issues will be discussed at the Tuesday, June 11 City Council meeting which begins at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. Comments can be made by the public at the beginning of the meeting, or if it is an agenda item, made at that time.
PROS Plan adopted Chelan Parks Director Paul Horne’s Parks & Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan was adopted by Chelan City Council at its Tuesday evening regular council meeting. The plan is available for reading on the Chelan Parks website: Parks Planning | Chelan, WA (cityofchelan.us).
Background The Parks & Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan provides a long-range planning framework for developing and managing our park and recreation system. Renewing our Parks Plan every six (6) years is necessary for us to remain eligible for Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Grants, which are a major funding source for parks capital projects across the state. The adoption of this plan will allow the City to be eligible for RCO grants in this year’s grant cycle.
The 300 page document provides for a multitude of public functions as follows:
Recreation
Economic Development
Neighborhood Gathering Spaces
Civic & Cultural Infrastructure
Protection of Natural Resources
“Suffice to say, I think you will be very pleased,” Horne told the Council. “We had over 2,000 interactions with the public. We heard what they said. Parks are important to them.” He added that a one-on-one discussion with the community will be ongoing.
The vote was six to adopt with Bob Goedde abstaining who said he has issues with some of the plan.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth stated that a lot of work went into the PROS Plan and asked, “What are some of the things you learned,” Horne replied that restrooms and trails were big on the public’s mind. “We need clean, modern restrooms.”
Councilman Terry Sanders complimented Horne on a job well done. “I think we are all on the same page. I appreciate the effort.”
Councilwoman Shari Dietrich said she’d heard a rumor from a resident that the Don Morse Park would be renamed. Horne said that wasn’t true. “We will continue to call the marina Lake Shore Marina and the park, Don Morse Park. He added that Don Morse had a tremendous impact on 1000s of kids years ago. “We don’t ever want to take that away.” Dietrich replied that the resident who raised the question was in panic mode.
Horne will request that an overview of the plan be scheduled with the Council at a later date.
In Other Business: Public Works Director Jake Youngren had the restj of the agenda tied up with Motion Consderations.
Chelan Highlands LLC. An agreement for improvements to Existing Water Services with the Highland Farms Development. COUNCIL APPROVED
RH2 Engineering, Inc. Boyd Road and Pinnacle Booster Pump Station Evaluation. COUNCIL APPROVED
3, 4, & 5 Andurra Group Professional Services Agreement for Supplemental Engineering Tasks. ALL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
Personnel: City Administrator Wade Farris reported that the City has still not been able to attract a replacement for John Ajax’s Community Development Director role. Ajax has resigned that position to move back to a Senior Planner position.
Farris reported to the Council that the City was going to rely on local resources and hire Monica Libbey-Ajax in a Senior Planner role. Libbey will be working under the direction of Farris, not Ajax to alleviate any concerns of nepotism. Libbey is a very qualified planner. “We will continue our search for a replacement for John,” said Farris. “He will remain as director until we find someone to replace him.”
Mayor/Council Comments: Terry Sanders said he appreciated all the work Paul Horne put into his PROS plan Bob Goedde remarked how nice it was to see all the families and kids having a good time in Chelan over the Memorial Day Weekend. Brad Chitty thanked the staff for their work and commended Paul Horne on his PROS Plan. “I’m looking forward to community involvement,” said Chitty. Tim Hollingsworth said he was looking forward to reviewing the entire PROS Plan. He also mentioned that Chelan had two Memorial Day Parades and was hoping it could be narrowed to one which would be held on Memorial Day. Shari Dietrich remarked that the RV Park is beautifu. “It is a huge visual upgrade,” she said. Mayor McCardle said there were only 33 law enforcement calls over the Memorial Day weekend which is a huge change from last year’s 300 calls. She also mentioned that the Our Valley Our Future would be kicking off its program next week. She’s looking forward to the community’s input on the Chelan Gorge Park
Airport meeting: Wade Farris reported that a meeting was held with the landowners affected by the Chelan Airport upgrades. He stated that the Pangborn director brought an attorney to the airport meeting . “I hope it made a difference,” said Farris. He added that he thought it was a good meeting with the landowners.
Mayor McCardle added that the City is not trying to hide anything. “We are doing our best to communicate,”
Upcoming workshop: Tuesday, June 7 beginning at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Manson Community Forum: Instead of sending out a Community Survey, the Manson Community Council in association with the Manson Chamber of Commerce, Fire District and Parks Department will hold a live Community Forum at the Grange Hall on June 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. “We need to bring the community together,” said Kari Sorenson.
Street Parking Issues: Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gearing told the Council that Chelan County has placed survey markers along Pedoi Street designating County right of way. Many of the residents have infringed on the County right of way and Gearing said, “Letters are being sent out to the property owners.”
The letters are asking the residents to remove any improvements they may have made within the right of way, and if they don’t comply, the County will come through and do it. The residents have until June 3 to comply.
The right of way will be turned into parking. One issue that came up was the residence across the street from the Parks Building that have installed a retaining wall in the right of way. Asked if it would be removed, Gearing said she wasn’t sure.
Gearing was also asked where does the county stop writing notices of right of way violations. Gearing replied, “If it is not causing a problem, we don’t enforce.”
She was asked if the County was considering the Botske problem all the way up. “If they would pull that Island out so trucks can make that turn it would stop them from using Wapato Way,” said one resident. Gearing replied she would look into that.
Sorenson added that she would like to see no boats, boat trailers or overnight parking on Pedoi. “Is that something Manson can get added to the code,” asked Sorenson.
Colville Tribe Plans: Gearing said she and other county officials took a field trip with the Colville Tribes. “They were great to work with and told us the Casion/Hotel plan was on hold indefinitely.”
“We realize they don’t have to share, but we need to plan around what they are doing,” she stated.
Bob Goedde, Chelan liaison with the Council remarked that the tribe is currently looking at building a casino complex in Tri-Cities where there are 250,000 residents. “They asked us for a letter of support for the Manson casino,” said Goedde. “We asked for more information, but never got more information.”
Gearing also reported that Chelan County was trying to bring back a lumber mill. “The goal is to promote forest health,” said Gearing who added that the DNR, Forest Service and Representative Schier’s office are all on board with the plan.
STR regulations: Gearing was asked if there had been any changes to the County’s Short Term Rental codes? “Nothing has happened yet,” she said. She said solutions to the code have been discussed and getting rid of some of the irrelevant language in the code. The proposed changes will go to the County Planning Commission in July or August along with a public comment period on any changes proposed.
Stehekin Master Plan: Gearing also reported that the County was working with the National Park Service, PUD and residents of Stehekin on a Master Plan for the area. “There are so many interest groups making it difficult to manage,” she said.
Chelan liaison: Chelan Councilman and Manson Community Council liasion Bob Goedde reported on several issues currently on the City’s agenda.
He mentioned the City Parks PROS plan that will be released soon and can be read on the Parks website. The Six Year Transportation plan and the Transportation Benefit District being proposed to the City’s residents.
Agritourism with wineries being allowed to have homestay units or not.
Goedde also mentioned the current Our Valley Our Future program and suggested that the Manson Council appoint someone to the committee.
Regarding Goedde’s efforts to make the old Woodin Avenue Bridge two-way again, Goedde said the difference in Chelan’s transportation woes would be changed dramatically if the bridge was turned back to a 2-way bridge. “It would reduce traffic flow on Johnson and Saunders from 600 vehicles to 400 vehicles.”
Manson resident John Olson however, shot back that idea and explained the entire public process that turned the bridge into a one-way into town. “Eventually someone would be killed which would be a City liability if turned back,” explained Olson. He added that there were engineering reports and council approval to change the bridge to a one-way when Mike Cooney was mayor.
Agritourism: Brian Patterson brought up the Bluewater Terrace proposal to construct 20 homestay units on land that is not currently in agriculture. He said that the developer, Tim McDonald was led to believe the City code supported his proposal, but that the Hearing Examiner denied the homestay proposal.
Wine grapes and apple orchards still dot the landscape in Manson.
The Bluewater Terrace development has led the City planners and Planning Commission to try and rewrite the agritourism code so it will accommodate a much broader development plan. “Hopefully, there is a compromise (code) without completely destroying agriculture,” said Patterson.
Sorenson stated that her family received a bill from Manson Growers after delivering their crop to the warehouse. “Even our blueberries. We can’t sell our blueberries.”
This view of Blueberry Hills blooming blueberries with apple orchards and new homes dotting the horizon creates an entire new look to the Manson district’s landscape.
Gearing remarked that the couple who started Chelan Valley Farms came to the Valley to start an agritourism business. “They figured out how to make it work,” she said.
Olson replied that it is going to take some smart thinking. “Every farmer is just hanging on.”
One visitor remarked that people want to keep the trees. “People are going to lose the very reason they are coming here.”
Orchardists are being forced to make hard decisions. Should they keep farming, or should they pull their trees and turn the acreage into housing lots. A new agritourism code that allows reasonable expansion of homestay may be the only alternative for them to stay in the farming business.
Sorenson added, “I don’t know whether we still qualify as a rural village anymore.”
The Manson Community Council meets on the third Wednesday of each month and the community is encouraged to attend. The meetings are held in the Parks Meeting room beginning at 6 p.m.
Mayor Erin McCardle opened up the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) discussion at Tuesday,’s, May 14, City Council meeting telling the members that they had three options to consider, all of which are sales tax increases of One-tenth of One Percent; Two-tenths of One Percent; or Three-tenths of One Percent.
Mayor McCardle watches a presentati0n on Transportation Benefit Districts.
“Growth and tax revenue has not kept up with inflation,” McCardle said. The TBD funds collected can only be used for transportation projects within the district. The District would only cover the City limits of Chelan.
Chelan Public Works currently has $24 million in identified projects on its Six Year Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Property tax revenue falls way short of even providing required matching funds for transportation grants.
Cities are constantly looking at new funding sources and the TBDs have been adopted by a number of Washington Cities according to Jake Youngren, public works director.
Sales taxes raised through a TBD in Chelan would be split between residents and visitors to the City with visitors paying over 65 percent. Depending on what level the sales tax rate goes up will determine the amount of funding that could be raised.
Councilman Mark Ericks
In 2023 a TBD would have generated the following amounts per year:
1% 8.4% to 8.5% would have raised $ 405,597
2% 8.4% to 8.6% would have raised $ 811,195
3% 8.4 to 8.7% would have raised $1,216,792
Other funding sources for Street Capital Project Funding are raising the cost of CAR TABS which would have a huge impact on locals. Permit fee increases would be low.
An example of how the additional funding would be used would be preserving Chelan’s 42 miles of roadway. Replacing them would cost 10-times as much. “The cost would far exceed our capacity,” said Youngren.
McCardle stated that Chelan is in the bottom half of the State Sales Taxes collected.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth asked if the City could justify the higher rate. Youngren replied that they go after transportation grants hard. Hollingsworth then said, “I think the higher amount is justified .”
Councilman Terry Sanders added that because people are tax adverse it’s up to the City to let them know what the options are. Bob Goedde added that he felt the people will understand the need and used the LINK Transit successful tax increase as an example.
Finance Director Jackie Tupling stated that it is important to drive home the 65%+ that visitors would be contributing to the fund.
Goedde feels that the City can do a great job of informing the public.
The City Council unanimously approved a motion to seek a .03% sales tax increase to form a Transportation Benefit District.
Manson Parks and Manson School District held a public meeting on Monday, May 13, in Manson’s Elementary School Library to gather input towards determining the top project priorities for Leffler Field. The Parks department and school district are joint owners of the property.
Robin Pittman
There were approximately 20 people in attendance.
In 2021 the Parks District received a State $574,000 and is working with the School District to better position themselves to get more grants. “We want the best use for our community,” said Parks Director Robin Pittman.
In 2022, they received an Ecology grant for $200,000 to remedy the lead/arsenic in the soils on the old orchard land. “We are held responsible for public use and want to make sure the soil is healthy.”
Eric Maise, an engineer with Aspect Consulting stated that they conducted a sampling of the property and found that the lead/arsenic contamination of the soil extended on average down to four feet.
Eric Maise, Project Engineer with Aspect Consulting
Using the Ecology cookbook, there are four remedies available including:
Total Excavation – “This is very expensive.”
Soil mixing – “This is a potential solution.”
Consolidation and Capping – This the proposed remedy using Ecology guidelines where a barrier fabric would be laid down with 6 inches of clean material covering the ground in non-used areas and 12 inches of material covering the playground and ballfields. That will keep the costs down and address human health issues. “That is a snapshot of the environmental steps,” said Maise.
Pittman said that mailers will be mailed out to every resident in Manson asking what everyone wants to see. “There is no timeline or funding right now. We will be applying for grants,” said Pittman.
Ryan Browniee, a civil engineer with Pacific Engineering said, “It’s (lead/arsenic remedy) not something we have funding for. It is a long term project.”
Approximately 20 residents attended the meeting.
The overall plan for Leffler Field is a LINK Park and Ride with parking and a year-round restroom. In addition the school district and parks department are planning, based on the community’s input the following amenities have been proposed:
Pickleball courts
Playground
Community Garden
Outdoor Exercise Equipment
Open Green Space
Volleyball courts and
Year-round restrooms
Doug England asked how the area would be monitored? Pittman replied that there have been no discussions on that issue yet, but added that in the summertime months there would be “big time security.”
The primary priority now is to find funding to move ahead with the community’s desired outcome.
Chelan Butte and its potential development outcomes has captured the interest of many residents in the Lake Chelan Valley.
Chelan Butte dominates both the Chelan and Columbia River. A 900 acre portion on the Chelan side is under option for development.
On Thursday, May 9, Peter Dykstra, Trust for Public Lands (TPL), was back at Chelan Senior Center to follow up on his Chelan Butte Feasibility Study public meeting held on April 4 to gather unput from the community.
Peter Dykstra, Trust for Public Lands
A portion of that feasibility study was to seek what funding might be available to purchase the 900 acres in question from the owner, Golden Gate Ventures; Who might take on the acquisition (the land is within the City of Chelan limits and zoned for tourism development; and Who might assume the Maintenance and Operations of that land once it is in the public domain.
Unfortunately, Dykstra told the estimated 30 people attending Thursday evenings meeting that conditions were not right to move forward with the study. He announced that the TPL was stopping their efforts and preserving what funding the State Legislature approved for the study.
“I don’t think this is the end of the Story! Peter Dykstra, TPL
Dykstra added that the closure of the TPLs efforts does not mean that open lands and recreation efforts on the Butte should stop.
“I know that is disappointing to folks,” said Dykstra. “We don’t think the conditions are (currently) right for us.”
Chelan Butte dominates the lower Lake Chelan Scenery. Many Valley Residents do not want to see any development happen on the Butte.
“There is not an owner willing to sell and there is no agency/organization willing to take ownership,” said Dykstra. “We don’t force owners to sell.”
“This was not an easy decision for us. If the conditions were reversed, we would be happy to come back,” added Dykstra.
However, Dykstra also added, “I don’t think this is the end of the story.”
Going forward, the community waits on the developer to let them know what the specific development plans are. The developer has not made any application to date on the property. Issues continue to be water, relevant City codes to adhere to and other concerns.
At this point, the property remains in private hands and the community can only wait until the developer lets the public know what the actual development plan is.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren told council members and other staff members that any decision on the proposed sales tax increase to form a TBD (Transportation Benefit District) in the City that any funds generated would have to be only used for transportation projects.
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Youngren said that the City is making a dent in capital projects and remarked that there would be community input meetings. “What does the community want,” he asked?
Mayor Erin McCardle stated that the City has $4.5 million in City funding but stated, “If we wantto make progress we will need additional revenues.”
Budget Amendments
Jackie Tupling states that the primary purpose of budget amendments is to roll forward funding balances for capital projects approved by the City Council from prior years.
City Administrator Wade Farris said that Finance Director Jackie Tupling has worked hard on the City’s funding. “It is smaller than we thought,” said Farris. Tupling replied that for every $100 of property taxes collected, the City receives $12.26.
How your 2023 Property Tax is Allocated for every $100 collected Property inside the City of Chelan:
Hospital District $2.11 Port General $2.30 Hospital No. 2 Bond $2.83 Hospital No. 2 EMS $3.87 Library District $3.93 Chelan County $10.21 City of Chelan general fund $12.26 Fire District #7 $12.44 Schools $47.82 Others: Veteran’s Relief $0.17 Mental Health $0.24 Cemetery No. 4 $0.48 County Flood Control $0.57 Lake Chelan Sewer District 129 $0.77
City of Chelan Tax Revenue 2023: Property Tax $2,895,964 Sales Tax $1,767,704 Utility Tax $1,143,616
Tupling stated that property taxes haven’t moved that much so far this year. Councilman Brad Chitty said that he thinks the estimated revenue is on the conservative side. Tupling replied that the City’s Capital Funds are considerably down and is very volatile. She presented the Council with 2024 budget amendments and said she asked department heads what their priorities are.
Six year Transportation Plan
Youngren commented that the Public Works construction projects never line up with their fiscal revenues. “We over estimate our projects and are carrying over $12,658,089,” said Youngren who added, “We are seeing more competition in our bids.”
The Public Works Department has a number of projects on the books that they have secured grants for including the following:
WSDOT Lakeside Trail Grant $3,001,931 secured TIB Lakeside Trail Grant $ 500,000 secured CDTC/STBG Sanders St. Pedestrian Improvements $ 709,092 secured TIB Sanders St. Improvements Grant $ 100,000 secured Ecology Stormwater Management Plan Grant $ 248,000 secured TIB Bradley St. Pedestrian Improvements $ 163,800 secured TIB Pavement Preservation grant $ 41,687 secured GRAND TOTAL $4,764,510
Public Works projects that will be accomplished this year include:
The Apple Blossom Pedestrian Trail from Sargent Field to Apple Blossom Drive Farnham/Webster Intersection Pedestrian Improvements Bradley Street Pedestrian Crossing
Other workshop subjects:
The other subjects on the workshop agenda included the Parks Pros Plan and a discussion on AgriTourism. These will be written about separately.
Ruth Keys hit a major milestone yesterday, May 4, when she was honored for her 50th anniversary at the Lake Chelan Mirror. A nice gathering of residents who have known Ruth for years and years came out to celebrate and honor her with gratitude for her dedicated service to the journalism field.
The celebration took place at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon with many commenting on their involvement with her over the years.
Linda Evans-Parlette addressed the crowd of well wishers at Ruth Keyes 50th year anniversary at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce.
Ruth began her career at the Lake Chelan Mirror as a high school student in 1974 and has worked tirelessly to get the Mirror laid out, printed and distributed every week
Ruth (left) listens to stories from residents who have interacted with her over the past 50 years.
The Mirror’s new publisher Terry Ward told the assembled well wishers that Ruth is instrumental in keeping the Mirror published each week. “I don’t know what we would do without her,” he said.
Terry Ward, Publisher of Ward Media newspapers, told those who came out to celebrate Ruth’s 50 years at the Mirror, how much he appreciated her dedication and work.
As for Ruth… she has no intention of retiring yet.
Congratulations on your 50 long years at the helm, and here’s to many more.
Lakeside Surf is hoping to become a Global River Surfing headquarters by adding a major new surfing event to augment its Fall Continental Surf Cup that pits the best European river surfers against the best river surfers the United States can challenge them with.
The Battle of the Butte will take place on June 28 and 29 and has been designed to challenge any surfer with the competitive spirit.
Competition between Europe and the U.S. was fierce at last year’s Continental Surf Cup.
There will be four different divisions with categories for both male and female surfers. Surfers in the Open Division can compete against their peers for that special place on the podium with the biggest prize being awarded an invitation to Team USA for the 2024 Continental Surf Cup.
Both men and women compete.
“Our main goal is to promote the sport of river surfing while offering an exciting competition for both surfers and spectators alike,” said Manager Jared Eygabroad. “This event was created to generate some fun competition between surfers of all ages and skill levels.”
The two-day event will begin on Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for the Best Trick Trophy and the Super Groms (10 to 13 year olds) battle for a podium finish.
Performing tricks on the way can be tricky.
Saturday’s competition will feature the Groms (14 to 17), Prime (18 to 44), Masters (45+), followed by the Open division who will try to advance to the evening finals and potentially a spot on the podium.
The event will challenge the surfers skill levels and give them a chance to experience the thrill of competition. This event is less a winner take all and more of everyone wins while having fun on the water.
Spots for each division is limited, so surfers interested in competing should jump onto the $50 registration which will guarantee each participant a shared 90-minute warm-up session and at least one competitive heat and an event T-shirt.
Surfers can only only sign up for one age division, but can add to the fun by also registering for the $30 Best Trick competition. They will be guaranteed a shared 60 minute warm-up and at least one competitive heat.
Last year’s Continental Surf Competition drew may hundreds of spectators to watch river surfers compete for the glory of winning. Lakeside Surf is always free to spectators.
Spectators are always free at Lakeside Surf from the upper Slidewater parking lot where they can enjoy the competition, breathtaking views, some of the best fish tacos in Chelan and Two Can Jenny’s Surf Bar.
Lakeside Surf offers spectators spectacular view of Lake Chelan especially when the sun dips below the horizon.The sunsets from Lakeside Surf are stunning.
Media and sponsorship opportunities for the Battle of the Butte are still being secured. Interested parties should reach out to tournament host Lakeside Surf at sierra@lakesidesurf.com.
For more information about the Battle of the Butte, Lakeside Surf, the Continental Surf Cup or sponsorship opportunities, please email jared@lakesidesurf.com
Community comments: At last week’s Chelan City Council meeting, past councilman John Olson encouraged the council members to reach out to Community Development Director John Ajax as he struggles with the complex amendment issue of Agritourism. Olson remarked that growers are seeing lower profits it any for their efforts. “I know of one orchard in the Valley that made no money from their efforts,” said Olson
Past councilmember John Olson is making his thoughts clear about issues he sees as serious during Community Comment sessions.
Motion Considerations:
LinkTransit: The Council unanimously approved a request from Link Transit for a letter of Support for its 2024 FTA Low No Grant application to the Federal Transit Administration’s 5339 Low or No Emission Grant Program.
Park Street Project: Parks Director Paul Horne stated he was excited about the upcoming construction of the Park Street Project. “We selected Pipkin Construction as the low bidder at $137,000,” Horne said. “They have done similar projects.” Councilman Tim Hollingsworth moved to accept the bid and said, “It looks like we came within the budget on this project.” The council unanimously approved the motion.
Parks Director Paul Horne
Administrative reports:
Airport upgrades: City Administrator Wade Farris reported that a meeting was held with Federal Aviation Administration officials the prior week with Mayor McCardle, Bob Goedde, Farris and the consultants attending. “We came out with a good way forward,” said Farris.
Tim Ike – JUB Project Engineer.
Tim Ike, JUB Project Engineer, reported that the longer runway has shifted and rotated but would stay at 3,500 linear feet and 75 feet wide. “This will help with the new FAA standards,” Ike said.
Ike added that they were still in the Environmental Assessment process. “We were in the middle of that process when we ran into trouble with the FAA.” Those issues that arose have been met to
Bob Goedde, who as Mayor, began the process, stated that the FAA was assertive to begin with, but are moving forward. “We are seven years short of 100 years,” said Goedde.
The land acquisition process will begin with resident and farmer meetings. The Wenatchee Airport appraisal process will be shared with them. “We will be bringing some of the orchardists from Pangborn to go through how their property valuations went,” said Goedde.
Parks Pros Plan update: Paul Horne updated the Council on the six year Parks Open Space Plan and stated in his report that he would be meeting with stakeholders in the later half of April with the hopes of delivering the plan for Council approval at its May 7th workshop.
Paul Horne – Parks Director
“People care about our parks,” said Horne. “Recreation is vital to the community.” He continues to build partnerships with the PUD, School District and County.
He talked about the parks fiscal sustainability and operational sustainability. Staffing is a big part of the park’s operations, but the top priority for Horne is to get an Assistant Director hired as a fulltime recreation coordinator. “We need to spread the load,” said Horne. “Our crew is going above and beyond and I’m worried about burnout.”
Financial Report: Finance Director Jacki Tupling provided the Council with her first quarter financial report.
Finance Director Jacki Tupling
Sales tax revenues were down $82,879 from 2023s first quarter report, totaling $503,421.
Lodging taxes also decreased by $44,772 over 2023 for a total of $96,231.
Community Development fees were up due to the new energy code that went into effect on March 15. This spurred a rush of permit applications and totaled $179,158.
General facilities fees came in at $59,250.
Parks and Recreation was up from 2023s $286,000 to $435,087 this year.
Budget amendments: Tupling brought forward a number of carry overs from 2023 and told the Councilmembers that if they had any questions to please call her or visit.
Farris told the Council that the Chelan County Commissioners will not support Chelan’s Code Enforcement Officer.
The City has interviewed two candidates for the new HR/Communications Director.
Mayor McCardle said the May workshop will be very interesting. She also commented on the Agritourism issue and said, “We need to hear from the landowners and farmers to understand what they foresee in the future,” said McCardle. “I hate for us to make decisions about their land.”
TBD (Transportation Benefit District): Wade Farris said, “This is a very important issue. You’ve established a district and now you have to figure out how to fund it.” The TIB District has a number of options from instigating a councilmatic .01 percent tax or going to the public for a vote on a .02% or 0.3% tax. A .03% tax would raise a projected $900,000 per year of which 75% would come from tourists.
“It’s pretty significant and can only be used for transportation projects,” said Farris.
Mayor McCardle asked the Council to bring any comments they may hear in the community to the city.
Farris added that the citizens are the ones who will have to decide on what level of taxation for the TBD is reasonable.
Proclamations: Mayor Erin McCardle read two proclamations into the record. Arbor Day was officially on April 26.
Mayor Erin McCardle
Whereas, In 1872 Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and
Whereas, the holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with more than a million trees in Nebraska, and
Whereas, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and
Whereas, trees and reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, lower our heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife, and
Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products and
Whereas, trees in the City of Chelan increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community, and
Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,
NOW THEREFORE, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor do hereby proclaim April 26, 2024 as Arbor Day in Chelan, and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and I urge all citizens to plant and care for trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.
The second proclamation was the Professional Municipal Clerks Week which will begin on May 5 and last through May 11. After reading the proclamation, McCardle said, “I do not think we would be able to run this city without Peri or Calli. Thank you!”
Proclamation
55th ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK May 5 – 11, 2024
Chelan City Clerk Peri Gallucci
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government exists throughout the world, and
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants, and
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels, and
Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all.
Whereas, The Professional Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community.
Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county and international professional organizations.
Whereas, It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk.
Now, Therefore, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor of the City of Chelan, Washington, do recognize the week of May 5th through May 11th, 2024, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and further extend appreciation to all Professional Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.
A City Council Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 at 4 p.m.
All Things Lake Chelan 