news – Page 6 – All Things Lake Chelan

Meet the candidates

by Richard Uhlhorn

The Chelan Valley Republican Women held a Republican Candidates Forum Thursday evening, July 11 at Wine Girl Wines featuring all candidates running for elective office on the upcoming August Primary.

**It was a nice crowd of interested voters at the Chelan Valley Republican Women’s Republican Candidate Forum on Thursday, July 11 at Wine Girl Wines**.

The County will be mailing the primary ballots on July 15.

Fire District 5 replacement levy:
Prior to each candidate speaking to the large audience, Arnold Baker, Fire Chief of Manson’s Fire District 5 explained the importance of the upcoming Replacement Levy.

The expiring 10-year levy has been collecting 89 cents per $1,000, but with the tremendous growth and increased property tax revenues in Manson, the amount has dropped to 41 cents/$1000. “We are asking for 75 cents per thousand,” said Baker. “It is a lot of money. I understand that,” said Baker.

He added that Manson has more volunteers than it has ever had. The levy, if passed, would help the district up its training, build a training complex, purchase a new fire truck and move a half-time position to full time.

He initially explained that the district is working with the Incident Management Team to protect Manson from the Pioneer Fire if it actually makes it to the community.

“In 2002 during the Deer Point Fire we protected 60 homes with no losses,” said Baker, who was the fire chief at that point also. “Today there are 160 to 200 homes on the same footprint.”

“The Incident Management Team is doing a very good job and are hoping the contingency lines hold. We hope for the best but are planning for the worst.”

Someone in the audience asked why retardant isn’t being used on the fire. Baker explained that there were environmental reasons and the fact that each drop cost $25,000. “I’m thankful for the suppression efforts taking place for our community.” He finished by encouraging the registered voters to vote for the levy.

Speakers:
Dave Reichert, Republican candidate for Governor was first up to address the attendees. Reichert told the audience that he sees three major issues facing the State.

The Criminal Justice System throughout the State.
Homelessness and the substance abuse and mental illness associated with it.
The Economy and taxes.

Regarding the tax issue, Reichert said the Legislature wanted to raise the property cap from 1% to 3% and that the Legislature tried to put a 15 cent increase on all ammunition sold.

He then brought up the gorilla in the building… the Carbon Gas Tax that is costing vehicle owners up to 50 cents more per gallon. “Inslee could have hit pause on this,” said Reichert. Instead, he said there is a movement to increase the Carbon Gas Tax to 80 or 90% in the coming months.

Reichert also said the State has a $4.1 billion surplus. “Inslee says if we vote No on the increases, there will not be enough money to do all the things that need done.” He also said that $1 billion is missing from Government COVID funding.

He also stated that the Democrats have a tracker on him and are recording everything he says. “We are going to win this race,” Reichert who added, “You need to get out and vote and veto the gas tax bills. We have to get the Democrats to vote for us also.”

Reichert decried the fact that traditionally, only 30 percent of the registered voters actually vote. “We need to get 60 to 80 percent voting.”

Bob Hagglund – Lt. Governor
Hagglund said that the Lt. Governor is the President of the State Legislature. He talked about housing affordability and the causes of homelessness including mental illness. “It is time for a new direction,” said Hagglund. “Event the Seattle liberals are getting it. It’s (state government) is not working.”

Sharon Hanek – State Treasurer
Hanek told the audience that she has been a CPA for 25; years doing taxes and said she wants to take her experience into the State Treasurers office. “I want to review this system,” she said and asked for their vote.

Brian Burnett – running for State Representative Position 1 (Representative Goehner’s seat).
Burnett who has 25 years of experience in law enforcement; 12 years as Chelan County Sheriff, said he has put 3,000 miles on his car visiting District 12 communities. “I have been meeting with amazing people,” said Burnett. “They ask what changes he would make and he replied that constituents need a team that can work as team. “If you don’t get out and vote that is an end game.”

Mike Steele – District 12 Position 2 seeking relection.
Steele mentioned the $20 million he has brought to the district and that as the minority leader he said he was very excited to represent the district.

Serving on the Education Committee, Steele remarked that the state is spending $35 billion on education alone. “I want to give the power back to the parents,” said Steele. “We need to change our focus and are one vote away from the Super Majority.” He added that as the minority they are not even invited into the room.” He stated that it is an interesting job and he is proud to do it.

Chelan County Commission:
There are four candidates for Tiffaney Gearing’s District 3 commission seat. All are qualified to hold the seat and the voters will have to make a hard decision on who they want to represent them for the next four years when Gearing leaves the office.

Brad Hawkins
Hawkins told the audience that he is looking forward to bring his experience to the 3^rd District. His issues he wants to address include the economy of Chelan County, the budget and growing tax burden on property owners, wildfire reduction and the affordable housing situation. He also wants to extend the County’s grant opportunities.

Hawkins is an experienced politician who has served in a multitude of public positions including as a State Representative and State Senator which he is currently.

Brandt Cappell
Cappell told the voters that he comes to this position with a new life perspective. He has had a heart transplant and spent 84 days in the University of Washington ICU. Cappell works for Representative Keith Goehner as his assistant and says he knows how to navigate the issues.

Cappell said he has been attending meetings throughout the 3^rd District to get to know the issues and if elected he would open an office in the Lake Chelan Valley to serve his constituency. He also stated that there is $20 million available to build a new substance abuse clinic and that a new location needs to be found.

Flint Hartwig
Hartwig said, “I’ve never been a politician.” He is a developer and owner of the Rock gym in Wenatchee. He sees a massive problem in affordable housing and sets that as one of his major issues to work on if elected.

Hartwig also wants to address the future of farming and tourism in the district without stepping on any toes. “I have real life experiences I want to bring to the commission,” he stated.

Chris Willoughby
Willoughby, a Manson resident grew up on a farm and is still an apple grower. With orchards being replaced by developments, Willoughby wants to work on balancing the changes. He has been a public servant all his life and is proud to say, “I am not a politician.”

Willoughby says he looks at issues and asks “What is the solution!” Looking for solutions to the many issues facing the district and County is his promise if elected to the seat. Issues he would like to address include infrastructure, affordable housing and tourism. “We have local people who can’t support themselves here and are moving elsewhere.”

As an orchardist, he sees farming becoming almost impossible as a sustainable business. “This (apple industry) was the industry that helped to build Chelan County and it is disappearing.”

“I want to be your voice. Be informed of who you are voting for.”

Judge Alan Blackman was given a few minutes to address the voters and encouraged them to get the vote out.

The next meeting of the Chelan Valley Republican Women will take place at Radiance Winery on August 8 with Candidate Dave Olson – Superintendent of Public Instruction and School Board Member Susie Metzger as guests.

City Council gets an earful

by Richard Uhlhorn

On Tuesday evening, July 9, Chelan’s Council Chambers filled with unhappy residents over the Fourth of July parking and fireworks issues.

**The July 4 Fire on Chelan Butte was handled quickly by Chelan Fire & Rescue.**

Citizens Comments:
Many of these residents live on Chelan Butte or in the Lakeside community. Margie Lynch, a longtime Butte resident summed up the parking issue by telling the Council that the Butte Road had cars, not only parked on both sides of the road, but double parked. “It became increasingly difficult for emergency vehicles to access the area,” she said. She added that she visited both the Sheriff’s Department and Fire Station where she was told to call RiverCom with her issues. “There was just enough room for my car to drive between the parked cars all the way to the switchback.”

Another resident stated that Lakeside Park is full at 7 a.m. “How do we monitor the parks,” she asked. She also mentioned that vehicles were driving up the Butte Road to Daybreak to watch the fireworks. She, along with others, are concerned about fire.

Another resident told the Council the Sheriff’s Department deputies told her they didn’t have time to write tickets and who would show up in court over a $30 ticket anyway. Her bigger concern was fire risk and the homeowner insurance companies view of that fire risk which is raising insurance or cancelling it.

Another resident addressed the fireworks issue with not enough resources to deal with illegal fireworks. “When the Butte fire started, there were still fireworks going off. We are all losing fire insurance for our homes.”

Mayor McCardle replied to the Citizens that the city needs to work on tougher long-term solutions.

Linda Sydloski brought up safety concerns on the Union Valley Road. “It is so treacherous with the fire traffic and dump trucks. There are no curbs… no guardrails and the dump trucks speed down the road.” She thought it would be good to put speed bumps in to slow traffic.

Parks & Recreation Professional Day Proclamation:
This proclamation couldn’t have come on a better day,” said Mayor McCardle. “All of our parks were full this past week. Thank you very much Paul.” She then read the proclamation and entered it into the record.

Parks Proclamation:
WHEREAS, the City Council of Chelan recognizes that the citizens of Chelan desire to enjoy the benefits of modern, safe, and well-designed parks and facilities that enhance their quality of life, positively impact their health, foster community cohesion, drive economic activity, and protect our environment; and

WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that tourism is a primary economic sector for Chelan, that tourists visit to enjoy our lake, and that almost all the publicly accessible lakefront is stewarded by the Chelan Parks Department, with visitors’ impressions of the parks significantly influencing their opinions and memories of our community; and

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the operations of Chelan’s Parks Department receive no taxpayer funding and that the Parks Department contributes to downtown beautification, supports other City departments, and benefits our taxpayers at large; and

WHEREAS, the City Council commends Chelan’s park professionals for their dedication to serving the public, providing exemplary customer service, and enriching our community through their work in managing commercial enterprises, maintaining facilities, and developing a strategic plan for the continuous improvement of the parks system into the future; NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor of Chelan, do hereby proclaim July 19, 2024, as “Park and Recreation Professionals Day” in Chelan Washington. Dated this 9th day of July 2024.

Assistant Parks Director:
City Council is considering the hiring of an Assistant Parks and Recreation Director who’s position will have an emphasis on Capital Planning and Management of the $24 million dollars of capital projects the Chelan Parks department has on its PROS plan schedule.

“This is to alert the Council to a position that has been discussed for a long time,” Parks Director Paul Horne told the Council at its Tuesday evening, July 9 meeting. “The positions focus will be on capital projects.”

The search for this position will be done in-house and by the new Human Resource Director Chad Coltman who stated that once the job description is finished and approved, the search for the new director would be handled internally through the National Parks Recreation Association. “This will be a full time, non-represented position,” said Coltman. “There are sufficient funds to pay for it,” he added. The position would also be added to the upcoming 2025 budget.

**Chad Coltman is the City’s new Human Resources and Communications Director. He will be heading up the search for the new Assistant Parks Director once the position is approved by Council.**

Horne asked that the position be put on the next Council meeting’s Consent Agenda.

Mark Ericks asked about the delta funding for this new position description. Coltman replied that it is around $20,000, which takes into account the expanded scope of the new position.

Mayor McCardle added that the position has been in discussion for several months which included whether the position should be union or administrative. “We should have been hiring for this position much earlier,” said Mayor McCardle.

While the primary function of the job will be to assist on capital planning and management, the new employee will also assist in overall Parks operations and, when necessary, stand in for the director when he is unavailable or out of office.

In other City business:
City Council unanimously approved a $110,105 bid by Rudnick and Sons, LLC for the Bradley Street and Johnson Avenue Intersection improvements. This work will be accomplished before the school year begins and will allow teachers and school kids to cross from the Community Gym to MOE safely. The project is 90 percent grant funded.

Council also approved a General Services Agreement for on-call survey work with Erlandsen, Inc.

Council approved a Task Order No. 1 – 2024 for Right of Way Dedication Utility Easement No. 1, and Utility Easement No. 2 for the Anderson Road Project. “We have a memorandum agreement with Chelan Fruit for a utility easement through their property,” said Jake Youngren, public works director.

Mayor/Council Comments:
Terry Sanders said he appreciated the public comment regarding fires, fireworks and parking issues.

Bob Goedde said Chelan had a totally different crowd over the Fourth of July. “Traffic was terrible and there was fireworks going off all night long… I guess you can’t fix stupid,” said a disgusted Goedde.

Brad Chitty echoed Goedde’s comments. “I remember when we had police here from Seattle to help.”

Jon Higgins thanked the firefighters for all of their work to keep the community safe. He also agrees that parking has become a major issue in the downtown area.

Mark Ericks brought up the fireworks issue and said, “I don’t get it. We had a fire up on the Butte. We need to come up with a game plan.”

Tim Hollingsworth said people need to take personal responsibility for their actions. Regarding parking, Hollingsworth said there has been considerable discussion in the past. “We don’t have the capacity. The parks are abused and overcrowded,” said Hollingsworth.

Mayor McCardle echoed all the comments regarding the issues during the Fourth of July week. “A lot of things happened this weekend. We had incidents on the water. We are sitting here on Tuesday discussing parking issues, but there are so many other issues to consider.”

She added that the City has to get on top of the parking and fireworks issues.

City Council meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The Public is encouraged to attend.

Boys & Girls Club executive director presented the club’s needs for Chelan

by Richard Uhlhorn

July 1, 2024

Last week was busy in the Valley as the U.S. Open for Paragliding competition continued each day, Chelan City Council heard from the Boys and Girls Club guy and the Humane Society gave a presentation to the Council.

On Friday evening and all day Saturday the Battle of the Butte River Surfing competition went on.

So I’m just now getting to the City Council report. The Battle will be reported on separately.

City Council meeting – 6.25.24
Consulting agreement:
The Council approved a $20,000 amendment at $155 per hour for Tower Consulting to continue helping the City with grants and funding applications.

On a ZOOM meeting, Analise Noble went through the grants and funding applications that were funded, denied, or pending. These applications are listed below.

2023 FUNDING –
Awarded – RCO LPM | $100K | Chelan Parks Surface Maintenance of Parking Lots –
Awarded – ECY CWSRF | $222K | Stormwater Management Action Plan –
Awarded – ECY CWSRF | $5.41M | Sewer Collection Improvements 2024 FUNDING March –
Pending – Rep. Schrier CDS | $2.8M | Lake Chelan Shared-Use Community Connector Pathway – Not Awarded – Chelan Co. LTAC | $50K | Chelan Gorge Park Improvements April –
Pending – Senator Cantwell CDS | $2.8M | Lake Chelan Shared-Use Community Connector Pathway – Pending – Senator Murray CDS | $2.5M | East Chelan Water Reservoir Project –
Pending – DOT SS4A | $177K | Transportation Safety Action Plan –
Not awarded – RCO COAF | $840K | Chelan Gorge Baseball Diamond Improvements May –
Pending – WSDOT PBP | $2.2M | Apple Blossom Multiuse Trail Project June –
Pending – WSDOT SRTS | $267K | Farnham-Webster Pedestrian Safety Project –
Pending – Chelan Co. CPIF | $300K | Washington St. Water Booster Pump Station Capacity
Summer 2024 –
Anticipated – US ACE | $TBD | TBD (Water System Improvements) –
Anticipated – Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation | $TBD | TBD (Baseball Recreational Improvements) – Anticipated – TIB | $TBD | TBD (Transportation Improvements)

Fulcrum Management Solutions – AI data management:
This issue was brought down from the consent agenda due to concerns by several city council members.

Tim Hollingsworth was mostly concerned with using a new application platform to gather community input. He was worried about how the data collected would be used and that the City might be prone to just accept the data. “It is expensive,” he said. “There is a more human process fr a city our size,” Hollingsworth added. “I’m not opposed to new technology.”

Mark Ericks said he shared some of the same concerns. “I’m in favor of technology,” said Ericks, who thought there was a broader range of options. Brad Chitty stated that he was aligned with the platform, but wanted to review it for cost.

Mayor McCardle remarked that it was only a one-year contract and was more than willing to address the council’s concerns. “This type of platform opens the door with the community.”

McCardle added that the program does not make the decisions for the City. “We need to use it to do more with less,” stated McCardle. Hollingsworth said, “As long as we have our eyes open.” Bob Goedde worried about older residents dealing with new technology.

Terry Sanders said the school district is using AI and that it is a great tool. “It is not necessarily a decision making tool,” said Sanders.

The consultant explains that the AI ThoughtExchange platform is an engagement and research tool that deepens engagement and helps to provide faster, easier analysis and actions.

The AI platform will hopefully all the City Staff to create more robust engagement strategies with the residents and enable internal feedback amongst employees. The cost for the one-year contract is $25,000 which will be split amongst the different departments.

The first year breakdown is as follows:

30% administration
Community Development and Public Works will pay $7,500 each.
Parks and Finance will pay $1,250 each.

The council unanimously approved the contract.

Boys and Girls Club:
Executive Director Bill Tsoukalas of the Snohomish Boys and Girls Club gave a major presentation to City Council in an effort to secure the remaining $230,000+ dollars left in the City’s ARPA fund (American Rescue Plan Act).

The Club has expanded to eastern Washington and Tsoukalas sees Chelan as one missing piece of the franchise. The Club is located in Tri-Cities, Spokane and Moses Lake. “You have a great asset here,” said Tsoualas. The Club will be renting 7,000 sq. ft. of space the Center and will also be in charge of managing the building.

One of the major concerns the Council has is the Club competing with organizations like Thrive which is already serving a segment of the communities youth population.

“We don’t want to compete. We want to fill the gap and give kids multiple choices.” Tsoukalas added that he had a great meeting with Thrive on how they can work together. He told the Council that the real gap in the community is the three to five year old population. “This is what we want to fill,” he added.

The Club would be open before and after school for parents who have to work, and during non-school days, they would be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The influx of capital ARPA funds would help the Club kick-start its occupation of the Community Center with desks to computers. “It is a one time investment you would make.” He stated that the rest of the $450,000 needed would come from other sources.

The other issue is getting the Community Center licensed with the State. “We don’t restrict anybody,” he said. “It is a financial risk for us.”

Brad Chitty stated he had worked with the Boys and Girls Club in the past, but was concerned at how fast the Council was rolling this out. He asked about computers and Tsoukalas replied that the club got into technology more than they used too.

Chitty said, “There are things that cost a lot of money.” He suggested looking for a computer donation solution when a company upgrades. Chitty was also trying to separate the Community Center and the Boys and Girls Club. “I’m confused… you need to pay the rent for five years up front?”

Tsoukalas replied that the rent was taken care of. Asked about employment, Tsoukalas replied that up to five would be employed; one to two full-time and the rest half-time plus volunteers.

Mark Ericks, who has been involved with the Boys and Girls club in the past said, “I’ve witnessed the benefits. No question about that.” Ericks concern was diluting the work of other organizations and stated that the City needs to continue supporting them. Tsoukalas replied that the organization would not be competing for donations from the City. “Our revenue streams will be generated by activities.”

He continued… “We have the means to raise money. We are not going to come back to the City and say we need help. The investment you are making is a one time investment.”

Shari Dietrich asked about transportation. Tsoukalis replied that had to be figured out. Possibly the use of school buses or LINK. “We prefer not to be in the transportation business because of the liability. It will be a challenge to figure that out.”

Terry Sanders stated that the community works closely with Thrive. “It is one organization that can’t fill all the gaps. My question is what are those lines?”

Dietrich asked if a local person(s) would be employed? “We don’t have anybody identified yet.” Every potential employee would have to go through a background check.

Mayor McCardle ended the conversation with the fact that Chelan has a large youth population. “There are kids that don’t play sports. Where do they go?” McCardle says the community is extremely lucky to have the Boys and Girls Club looking at the community.

McCardle added that the organization would be a huge youth benefit. “We are open to have more conversations with you.”

While the decision to use the remaining ARPA funds hasn’t been made, the Council will continue to discuss and make a decision soon.

Humane Society:
Humane Society representatives gave the Council and update on their activities in the Chelan area. While they work mostly with dogs and cats, other animals, domestic and wild are also a part of their work.

Mark Ericks asked what response time can be expected? The representative replied that they always have an officer in the area, so response times should be short.

The Society is working with the private group trapping feral cats. Veternarians are also a part of the system to spay and neuter animals. The cost is $45.

The annual report can be viewed here: Wenatchee Valley Humane Society- City of Chelan (civicweb.net).

Administrative reports:
City Administrator Wade Farris told the Council that efforts to find an Airport Manager are ongoing. He directed anyone looking for employment with the City to visit the City’s website for current positions open. News Flash • Now Hiring | Multiple Positions Open (cityofchelan.us) .

Parks Director Paul Horne said the department is putting the finishing touches on the Park Street Micro Park with a library. “We will have an opening ceremony soon.”

Mayor/Council Comments:
Mark Ericks asked about the different marina rental agreements. City Clerk Peri Gallucci replied that the difference in marina rentals is day rentals versus year leases

Jon Higgins also asked about parking enforcement. Horne said the first person hired didn’t work out. Higgins agreed that it is a tough job. “We are having trouble filling that position,” said Horne.

Brad Chitty wants more information on ARPA funds. “We need more time to hash that out.”

Terry Sanders mentioned the Boys and Girls Club and how the City can get the most bang for their buck and not have to dip into the general fund.

Mayor McCardle remarked that the $9 million dollar request for the East Chelan Water System has made it through to the next federal legislative step .

The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. The Public is encouraged to attend.

State representatives to attend fire commission to discuss insurance issues

by Richard Uhlhorn

State Representative’s Michale Steele and Keith Goehner will be attending the Chelan Fire Commission meeting on Wednesday, June 19 beginning at 3 p.m. at the Chelan Fire Hall.

They will be discussing the next steps in the Homeowner’s Insurance Issue.

In a conversation with Commissioner Russ Jones on Thursday, Jone’s said most of the attendees of the meeting held last Tuesday had either had their home insurance cancelled and/or the price increased substantially. “It seems the insurers have been cancelling by Zip Code,” said Jones.

What Jones and homeowners would like to see changed in the Washington State Insurance Codes is a requirement for insurers to individually assess a homeowner’s risk to wildfire before raising fees and/or cancelling a homeowner’s policy outright.

Insurance companies had to pay out millions of dollars in the aftermath of the 2014 Carleton Wildfire risk is on their risk assessment agenda.

Wildfire risk is also on the public’s agenda and major impetus is being placed by Fire agencies to make sure homeowner’s are prepared and Fire Safe.

PIONEER FIRE UPDATE – 6.14.24
The Pioneer Fire has grown to 1,756 acres as of today.

Firefighter access difficulties in the steep, rugged terrain on the north shore of Lake Chelan, 31 miles north of Chelan continue to challenge the 186 firefighting personnel battling the blaze.

Firefighters are maintaining handlines and sprinkler systems to protect both private and public structures from Rex Creek to Pioneer Creek. Six aircraft are assigned to support the firefighting efforts.

Wind and a cold front with low humidity has been a major contributor to the fire’s growth.

The Incident Commander has stated that this fire will be an on-going battle into the distant future.

It is burning well within the confines of the old July, 2001 Rex Creek fire that consumed 60,000 acres and left plenty of dry logs and fuel to reburn.

Some are now saying it will burn until the first snow in November.

Chelan County Emergency Management has expanded its evacuation levels as follows:

Level 3 – Rex Creek to just north of Moore Point.
Level 2 – To include Flick Creek

Backpackers still wishing to hike the Lakeshore Trail can access the trail at Moore Point.

More information as it the fire situation becomes available.

Pioneer fire, home insurance issues, City ARPA funds, Watershed meeting

by Richard Uhlhorn

IN THE NEWS – JUNE 13, 2024

Pioneer Fire update -June 12
The Pioneer Fire 31 miles up-lake from Chelan grew to 1,172 acres after a cold front moved in and contributed to its rapid growth.

Four aircraft and 164 personnel are now assigned to the blaze in steep, rugged land that has dry, dead and downed logs from old fires. According to the incident team, this fire may burn for a long time into the future. NOTE: In July 2001, the Rex Creek Fire burned 60,000 acres.

The incident team is working with private and federal stakeholders to protect assets. Handlines are being cut along the Lakeshore Trail which is closed from Prince Creek to Moore Point. Backpackers can access the trail at Moore Point for the hike into Stehekin.

Home Insurance cancellations:
David Forte, a senior policy advisor with Legislative Affairs Division of the Washington State Insurance Commision, told a large group attending a meeting held at both District 6 and District 5 Fire Stations and on ZOOM, that insurers look a fire load and the structural content of the outside of each building. “They are looking at how likely the home is to ignite,” Forte told the crowd assembled at District 6. “They are looking at both the load and structure fire risks to determine if they want to cover the property or not,” he added.

**A number of concerned citizens attended a meeting at Chelan Fire District to hear from a representative of the**
**Washington State Insurance Commission.**

Brandt Cappell, a candidate for Tiffany Gearing’s County Commission seat, told the audience that the insurance issue is a statewide issue.

One homeowner said, “Can you imagine trying to sell your house and can’t because insurers won’t insure it. This issue is so important to all of us.”

At this juncture, it looks like any relief from insurers will have to go through the Washington State Legislative path.

Chelan City Council discusses use of remaining ARPA funds:
City Administrator Wade Farris opened a second discussion concerning the use of the remaining $233,000 of ARPA funds for the Boys and Girls Club at the Lake Chelan Community Center.

**City Administrator explained the need to allocate the remaining ARPA funds before the end of the year. Once allocated to a project, the City has up to two years to implement.**

Finance Director Jackie Tupling said that $225,000 to the Boys and Girls Club, if approved by Council at its next Council meeting, could only be used for tangible items. “None of those funds ar obligated,” she said. However, she added that the rest of the ARPA funds need to be obligated by the end of 2024.

The Boys and Girls Club have become the Community Center’s anchor client and will pay $8,000 per month ($96,000 per year) on their lease of 10,000 sq. ft. at the Center.

Councilman Brad Chitty, who has worked with the Boys & Girls Club in the past, stated that he feels the funds should come out of the General Fund and initially only be for $100,000 to get them started and that they should look for corporate sponsors. Any funds approved by the Council will be on a reimbursement basis. Chitty said, “I am 100 percent behind the Boys & Girls Club,” said Chitty. “It is a great thing for the community.”

Farris replied to Chitty’s remarks saying that the ARPA funds are available on a reimbursement basis and that this is a great way “for us to support the Community Center.”

Farris added that this funding would help serve a large portion of the community by giving parents a place to take their children before and after school while they were still at work.

Mayor McCardle added it was a way for the City to help the Community Center organization get started. She mentioned ARPA funds that have been used by the Food Bank.

Councilman Mark Ericks asked what the redirection of those funds would mean to the Anderson Road Project. Farris replied that the $200,000 ARPA funding attached to the Anderson Road project was there just in case the project ran over the dedicated $700,000.

Councilman Bob Goedde stated he was all for helping the underprivileged children in the Valley and this would better serve them.

Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “I don’t want the City on the hook for $96,000 a year. The more we know about it the better. It is a lot of money.”

Adam Rynd spoke to Hollingsworth’s concerns. “I sit on the board at the Community Center and we have already secured private donations.” Rynd stated the Center will continue to seek more funding through private donations and grants.

Ericks stated that he is a big supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs but is concerned about on-going expenses. “Somebody has to talk about on-going expenses,” said Ericks. “How are they going to sustain it.”

Watershed meeting:
Water rights for Lake Chelan are still being processed. Nine more water right applications have been released. It is apparently taking a month to process each water right.

Mike Kaputa stated that when Chelan’s, the Reclamation’s and County’s applications come up for review they will all be fighting for the scraps. As soon as Ecology is finished in the Chelan basin, Kaputa hopes they will jump on to the Entiat watershed. “I would like to see them focus on Entiat. It is the third largest watershed in the County,” said Kaputa.

The Lake Chelan Research Institute under Phil Long continues to perform water monitoring, particularly on the near shore. The LCRI has been funded by the PUD for three years for these monitoring efforts.

Residents living on the lake continually ask Long how they get rid of the algae growing on their docks and bulkheads. Long suggested power washing and scrapping. A test site has apparently been scrapped and will be monitored to see if the algae re-grows.

The Eurasian Milfoil invasion has grown from a measly 12 acres several years ago to 400 acres now. Methods to remove it include DASH (diver assisted airlift process) which has been estimated at up to $9 million dollars to remove the milfoil and Curly Pond Weed.

Long explained to the group that the PUD only lowered the water level to 1089 feet above sea level this year which didn’t expose the invasive milfoil and curly pond weed to freezing. “We need a management plan to get funding,” said Long.

Lake Chelan’s DDT Levels are the highest in the nation and more work on this issue is needed. The DDT levels in Lake Trout have that species listed at risk for consumption.

Boat inspections continue to be conducted at Lake Chelan’s five boat launch areas; Mill Bay, Chelan, PUD Launch, State Park and 25-Mile Creek. Steven Lasky is managing that program and Kaputa told him he appreciated the way he is handling the job. The program has six inspectors working.

Bull Trout: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service are apparently working on their final draft regarding the re-introduction of Bull Trout to Lake Chelan tributaries.

Kaputa is following up on this major issue. Bull Trout are an endangered species and if re-introduced to the tributaries, it will forever change the sport fishery on Lake Chelan. Some local fishing guides say it would kill sport fishing in the Valley.

Townhall meeting will take place in Manson on Tuesday, June 18 at the Grange Hall in Manson. This meeting will bring together Manson Community Council, Manson Chamber of Commerce, Manson Park’s District and District 5 Fire District to get input from the community on how they can all work together to get Manson issues resolved.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with Council member Chris Willoughby modertating.

City Council to discuss AI and funding for Boys and Girls Club

by Richard Uhlhorn

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.

Chelan Parks Plan available for public review

by Richard Uhlhorn

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 Council visits numerous issues facing community

by Richard Uhlhorn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City to request a .03% increase in sales tax to form a TBD

by Richard Uhlhorn

Transportation Benefit District

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.

“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.

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 School District gather input for developing Leffler Field

By Richard Uhlhorn

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.

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.