On Wednesday, April 17, Community Development Director John Ajax brought the Agri-Tourism issue to the Chelan Planning Commission for discussion and recommendations prior to amending the City’s current code and policies surrounding the issue.
Community Development Director John Ajax asked the Chelan Planning Commission for some direction on potential changes to the City’s current Agri-tourism code.
Planning Commission Chairman Joe CollinsCommissioner Gary Meyers
Ajax stated that the discussion would be a continuation of the commission’s previous discussion. “I’m hoping you will weigh in on this,” Ajax said. He added that both Tim McDonald and Brian Patterson were on hand to discuss ag-tourism.
Commissioner Ryan PetersonCommissioner Vicki Heimark
At issue is what defines ag-tourism within the City and its Urban Growth Area (UGA). McDonald had a portion of his Bluewater Terrace development application denied by the Chelan County Hearing Examiner. His application included development of a winery, an event center and for up to 120 vehicles and 20 homestay units. To comply with the City’s current code he would plant five acres of grapes to fulfill the agricultural aspect of the application. The Hearing Examiner denied the homestay units but approved the winery and event center.
Originally, ag-tourism was designed to provide orchardists a method to offer a homestay to help offset some of the costs of operating a working farm so it could remain in agriculture.
Ajax explained that the 2014 ag-tourism policy “doesn’t take into account someone wanting to start a working farm.
Currently the City now has only 160 acres in orchard plus another 69.2 acres in the Urban Growth area. “It is very clear that agriculture operations are being removed and the land is selling for residential development,” said Ajax. Conversely, the City and UGA have a total of 72.7 acres of vineyards.
Tim McDonaldBrian Patterson
Tim McDonald, whose Bluewater Terrace application was only partially approved by the Hearing Examiner, told the Planning Commission that, “We’ve been at this for seven years and doing everything we were told and got the rug pulled out from under us. We are asking for a CODE correction.”
McDonald went on to say that his family has been trying to do something productive with the property for 20 years. “We’ve done exactly what we were told to do. This is a financial hardship for our family.”
Brian Patterson, in opposition to McDonald’s wishes said, “All I can say is if the City allows multiple units, it will proliferate in the Valley.” He suggested a ratio of 5 to 10 acres of agriculture for every homestay unit allowed.
John Ajax stated that Chelan is a unique place. “We need to find a balance for the owner and public interest. What we are looking for is largely around homestays with minimum acreage. How much agriculture is needed?”
A code amendment that satisfies both the public, private land owners and developers is a tough one to accomplish and Ajax is struggling with the options. His hope is that the Planning Commission will come forth with a recommendation to help him make a decision to present to the City Council.
Michael O’Neal’s residence is next to the proposed Bluewater Terrace development and is opposed for a number of reasons.
Agritourism lacks definition – From a Capital Press article: There’s no concrete definition of agritourism, complicating matters, as people mean widely different things.
“This creates loopholes, imprecise standards for permit applications and uncertainty for farmers and decision makers alike,” states a report by 1000 Friends of Oregon who are trying to get Oregon’s legislature to write a concise code for agri-tourism.
Tuesday evening’s, April 9, City Council meeting had a number of interesting items on the agenda. In particular was the presentation of Garrett Churchill’s Marine Patrol Officer of the Year Award and Parks Director Paul Horne’s PROS Plan (Parks & Recreation Open Space)update which will be covered separately.
Marine Patrol Award: Sgt. Rob Huddleston requested that the Sheriff allow him to have the Washington State Marine Patrol Officer of the Year be recognized at the Chelan City Council meeting.
Deputy Garrett Churchill accepts his plaque as Marine Patrol Officer of the Year from State Parks representative Brian Alexander
Sgt. Huddleston has been involved with the Marine Patrol on Lake Chelan for a number of years. “I’ve supervised and been involved for a long time,” said Huddleston. “Lake Chelan is a pretty unique place.
Sgt. Rob Huddleston
Deputy Garrett Churchill put his name in to patrol Lake Chelan. “He took the job head on. Some people think it is the best job in the world and that patrol officers just have fun hanging out on the lake,” he said. He added that after eight or more hours on the lake is a tough assignment.
“To accomplish what he did takes a special person to do that.” Huddleston said. “The State Parks runs the marine patrol.” Huddleston then introduced State Park representative Brian Alexander.
State Parks representative pointed to a plaque that will hang in the State Parks office honoring various individuals for outstanding work. Deputy Garrett Churchill’s name was engraved on the plaque for his work as a Marine Patrol Officer of the Year.
Alexander stated that Churchill took his work in the marine patrol seriously. “He started out on probation and rose to No. 1. He deserves this award.” Alexander said that the program emphasizes education. There are 39 municipalities involved in the marine program and Alexander said, “Garrett is a great example of what we are looking for.”
Citizen Comments: John Olson shared recent information he has gathered or seen in the news media with Chelan City Council on March 9.
John Olson, past city councilmember, addressed the Council with several concerns and issues facing the City and Communilty.
Butte meeting – Over 100 attended. “The developers are proposing a Hawks Meadow style development,” said Olson who is constantly lamenting the fact that there are no more public access points to Lake Chelan except for the proposed micro street end parks.
He remarked that the State budgeted the property tax returns as one percent per year. “Our state leaders shunted the one percent property tax increases per year onto the Cities.
He mentioned an article in the Wenatchee World about a pear orchardist in the Wenatchee Valley who has cut out six acres from his orchard for residential development to stay in the agriculture business. He told the Council that Community Development Director John Ajax has been struggling with the Ag-Tourism issue and asked Olson what he thought. Olson stated that with farms disappearing, it was development of agriculture tourism, i.e. vineyards or subdivisions.
Chelan’s Earth Day Celebration is coming up on April 20 in Riverwalk Park. Mayor Erin McCardle read an Earth Day Proclamation into the record.
Mayor Erin McCardle read the Earth Day Proclamations into the record at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Earth Day will be celebrated in Chelan on Saturday, April 20.
Motion considerations:
Berger Professional Services agreement for Lakeside Park: Parks Director Paul Horne introduced Jason Henry of Berger Partnership to provide an update of the 60% design progress on the Lakeside Park Project
Parks Director Paul Horne had a number of motions on the agenda at Tuesday’s meeting.
Henry stated that the company still needed to advance the design of the project. “We are working with the RCO (Recreation and Conservation Office).” The RCO is offering a little more money to help with upgrades at the restrooms and swimming area. He said they should have it completed by 2025.
Shoreline Watercraft, a City concessionaire, offers boat and personal watercraft rentals at Lake Chelan Marina.
Berger will provide design development, construction and bid documents and interface with the RCO to provide any materials still needed for the grant award which should happen in the next several months. Berger will also handle the bidding and construction administration until the end of the project.
The council approved the continuation of the Berger Partnership Professional Services Agreement along with the Lakeshore Marina Seasonal Moorage Agreements and the Rally Alley2024 to 2028 Concession Agreement
The Council unanimously approved amending the Municipal Code Section 13.12.050 to include Commercial Facilities. What this amendment does is allow commercial businesses waivers for 24 months on utility bills in case of fire or other disasters. The existing ordinance only addressed residential properties. Commercial entities like the recent fire at the Apple Cup will apply until the business comes back on line.
The Council also authorized the Mayor to finalize and execute the Beckwith Consulting Professional Services Agreement for the Imagine Downtown Revitalization Project Design.
The Proposed design scope includes the following tasks:
Task 1 – Initiate Work · Conduct project start workshop · Complete topographical survey – Task 2 – Pre-design to 30% · Condition assessment · Street design elements · Parking lot walkway connection · New canopy street tree pit locations · Impact on existing streetlights · Alternative concepts · South Parking Lot on Wapato Avenue · Review with stakeholders/Council · Cost estimates and schedules – Task 3 – Design to 60% Woodin Avenue · Based on the results of Task 2, we will complete design to 60% of Woodin Avenue from Columbia to Sanders Streets including alternative palette selections. · Align ordinances governing overhead canopies, outdoor dining areas, a[1]frame signage, benches, sidewalk displays, potted plants, and other business and property owner improvements and furnishings with expanded sidewalk widths. · Cost estimates · Community impact · Survey public on palette themes · Review with stakeholders/Council · Bid booklet – Task 4 – Design to 90% Woodin Avenue · Complete set of contract documents · Specifications · Updated cost estimates · Construction scheduling alternatives · Construction permit applications · Review with Council · Further develop drawings and specifications in accordance with Chelan standards – Task 5 – Design to 100% Woodin Avenue · Final set of contract documents · Final specifications · final cost estimate · Selection of construction scheduling alternatives · Construction permit approvals · Construction impact mitigations · Review with Council · Bid Advertisement – Task 6 – Bidding Assistance · Pre-bid meeting attendance · Addenda preparation and issuance · Bid analysis – Task 7 – Construction Support · Pre-construction meeting attendance · Progress Meetings · Inspections
Parks Director Paul Horne presented the Parks & Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan to the Council which will be covered under a separate article.
The next City Council Meeting will take place on April 23 beginning at 6 p.m.
Chelan Butte is a visible icon in the Lake Chelan Valley and is currently under option for rural residential developmentsimilar to Hawks Meadow. The Trust for Public Lands are conducting a feasibility study to see if the Butte property can’t be purchased and owned by an agency.
Chelan Butte Feasibility Study:On Thursday evening, April 4, an estimated 100 Lake Chelan Valley residents crowed into the Chelan Senior Center to learn about a feasibility study being conducted by the Trust for Public Lands on Chelan Butte.
Over 100 residents in interested people crammed into the Chelan Senior Center to attend a meeting on Chelan Butte.
Peter Dykstra, an environmental attorney and Diane Taylor, a TPL employee/volunteer, were on hand to conduct the meeting.
Attorney Peter Dkystra is the principal investigator trying to determine if a public entity like the City of Chelan would assume ownership and the operations and management of the land if it were to be purchased.
The study will provide a vision for public use of the butte; try to determine a feasible ownership structure; and identify potential financing options for both the purchase and ongoing maintenance of an open space area on the Butte.
The 900 acres under the ownership of Golden Gate Ventures has been optioned to Raja Venugopal for potential residential development and is not, at this time, for sale. If enough funding became available to purchase the property, negotiations would have to be entered into to arrive at a final price. Considering that Golden Gate Ventures paid $10 to $12 million for the property, it will be or would be interesting to see what the final number would be.
The east end of the property is zoned Rural Residential and has 109 acres available for development of worker force housing.
Dykstra told the audience, “The TPL is engaged with CBC trying to develop options for long term ownership.” Having worked with the Wenatchee Foothills acquisition, Dykstra stated that the TPL is engaging with the landowner and developer to create a vision and a pathway to ownership. “We do not own land,” he said. “It is not an easy parcel to put together,” he added.
Finding a funding source and an entity that would take on the ownership are just two of the issues and then convincing the owner that he can achieve an economic return and not develop the land.
“We can’t purchase the property for what the landowner wants,” said Dykstra. There would be an appraisal and Dykstra added, “They are not going to get what their asking price is.”
There are several alternatives to landownership including having the land taken over by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or Chelan County PUD, but Dykstra said the agencies would have to look at surrounding ownership before considering that alternative.
One other potential alternative would to be to secure a portion of the property and look at potential development options for the developer.
Ex Chelan Mayor asked if it was common for municipalities to assume ownership? Dykstra replied that the Operations and Maintenance that comes with owning the property is a hard thing to do.
One person in the audience asked if the Colville Confederated Tribes might be a potential owner. Dykstra replied that the Colville’s are incompatible to recreation.
Another person asked about water access for the developers. Water is a large issue, but the property is in the City limits and therefore, the City would be obligated to supply water. However it was noted that only 5,200 acres of water remains for development.
Joanie Bankson remarked that there was already too much development in the Valley and would like to see the Butte remain undeveloped. Lynette Grandy added that the Butte was the second most important part of Chelan with the first being the lake.
Steve Milner, an ex-board member of the Chelan/Douglas Land Trust, remarked that other areas have put their money into land trust efforts including Wenatchee and Leavenworth.
The other question to the audience was whether or not they would accept some development on the Butte. Some in the audience didn’t see that as a problem depending on where it would occur.
It was also stated that 109 acres on the east end of the property is zone Rural Residential and available for development of worker force (affordable) housing.
Mike Cooney told the audience that he had talked to both the owner and developer prior to the meeting and stated that they are listening, but that it is private. “You don’t see the City taking your home,” Cooney said. “It’s his property to develop.”
Cooney went on to say that he would like to see developer Raja Venugopal involved in the feasibility process.
The next meeting on the feasibility study will take place on May 9 at the Chelan Senior Center beginning at 7 p.m.
Last weeks City Council meeting (3.26.24) probably will go down as the quickest City Council meeting ever. It lasted approximately 30 minutes.
HR/Communications position: The big news out of the meeting was the unanimous decision to hire a Human Resources/Communications Director at an estimated cost of approximately $100,000+ per year.
City Administrator Wade Farris explained to the Council why the City needed to hire a HR/Communications Director.
The new position is not budgeted and will require a budget amendment.
City Administrator Wade Farris explained that the City has operated without a HR position but that as the political climate, laws and regulations have become more complex the City cannot afford to not fill that position for its staff.
The new position will also include City communications in what the City sees as a more complex media world. “Getting information to and from our citizens has become more difficult and more important,” Farris wrote in his descriptive needs.
“We will go out in the local and region market and see what we get,” said Farris.
Councilman Mark Ericks
Councilman Mark Ericks asked it there was a potential pool of applicants out there? Farris replied that he doesn’t know. “If we don’t have anyone local, we will have to reach out further.” He added that the position description is not finished yet. The position will be advertised in the middle of April.
Youth Baseball League: Paul Horne, Parks director brought forth a proposal from the Chelan Youth Baseball League to use the PUD Athletic Fields (Chelan Gorge Park) for the 2024 season beginning in March though June.
Parks Director Paul Horne.
This is an extension of an agreement that has been in place for many years. The facilities agreement includes the League’s requirements to perform maintenance on the fields as needed to support their activities.
The maintenance by the League will waive fees to offset maintenance costs by the city. The agreement also supports local youth recreation, i.e. T-Ball programs.
“We have a pretty robust program this year,” said Horne. The agreement was passed unanimously.
Berger Professional Services Agreement: The City Parks Department received a $100,000 grant from Chelan County PUD to develop a master plan and redevelopment of the Chelan athletic fields now called Chelan Gorge Community Park.
The Parks Department has utilized the services of Berger Consulting in the past and Horne stated that Berger is on board and have an aggressive timeline to work within.
Berger is familiar with Chelan Parks and is currently working on the Lakeside Park Project.
The Parks Department proposed renewing Berger’s PSA that expired on March 12, 2023 which the Council unanimously approved.
Councilman Bob Goedde stated that he doesn’t like the name Chelan Gorge Park and would prefer
Imagine Downtown Chelan: Public Works Director Jake Youngren stated that the project has been an interesting. Process. Now that Phase One is completed the City is soliciting qualified candidates to continue the project.
“We have has public outreach and are now working towards a contract that will be executed on April 9.
Mayor/Council Comments: Jake Youngren said he appreciated the the public’s patience during the Hwy. 150 night time sewer crossing work. Peri Gallucci, who was out during the week on personal business said she appreciated all the work that her staff had done. Brad Chitty thanked the Vets for their service over the years. (See Below) Marc Ericks said that whenever a person visits Washington D.C., they should make an effort to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. “It is extremely quiet and respectful.” Mayor Erin McCardle she was very encouraged by the reception she and Wade Farris received when visiting our representatives in the Capital. “Senator Murray was impressed with the Northshore Pathway and Water Project,” said McCardle.
Mayor Erin McCardle
McCardle said that Representative Schier’s staff assistant was touring the proposed projects. “Senator Cantwell’s assistant will tour on Monday and Senator Murray’s after that.
McCardle also spoke about the defining the Community’s Core Values with Shane Collins, Amy Sheridan and John Ajax.
Proclamations: Mayor Erin McCarfle deferred to Councilman Bob Goedde to read into the record, the National Vietnam War Veterans Day Proclamation. Goedde is an veteran of that conflict.
Vietnam veteran Bob Goedde read the Vietnam War Veterans Day Proclamation.
Mayor McCardle read the Proclamation for Community Development Week.
All Things Lake Chelan 