by Richard Uhlhorn
At Tuesday’s, January 27 meeting, the agenda focused on a series of Motion Consideration on a variety of project approvals by the council.
During Citizen’s Comments Lynette Grandy, a public advocate, once again pushed the City to developing an affordable housing option for income qualified individuals. “Perhaps it is an opportunity you could give some thought too,” she stated.
Chelan Recycle Center:
First up was a request by Public Worls to approve an agreement with Bayley Construction to perform construction preconstruction services for the rebuilding of Chelan’s Recycle Center which burned to the ground during a recycle center fire several years ago.
Bayley Construction will develop construction cost estimates, a review of constructability and coordination with the insurance provider to obtain agreement on the scope and pricing before proceeding with construction.
If successful the preconstruction phase agreement will be amended to include a construction contract for the new recycling facility. This agreement expense is $24,273 of which adequate funds are budgeted.
South Farnham/West Webster Pedestrian project:
Youngren was seeking council authorization for design of the South Farnham and West Webster Avenue Pedestrian project.
RH2 Engineering was selected to perform the design services of this important pedestrian project. The work will be funded by a Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) Grant.
The design work will address pedestrian safety issues including a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at the intersection and an advanced warning beacon on the Dan Gordon Bridge to alert westbound traffic that a pedestrian is in the crosswalk. It will also include new pedestrian illumination and ADA barrier removal.
That intersection sees a lot of activity from high school students and other pedestrian activity accessing Riverwalk Park loop. Cost is pegged at $65,100.
“We would like to get it done before school starts next year,” said Youngren. Councilman Jon Higgins said, “That’s a great idea to improve that area!”
East Chelan Reservoir:
This important project is moving forward and Youngren announced that Varela Engineering & Management Services have been selected for the East Chelan Reservoir Project Design. “It’s a predesign job. There are some things we need to get dialed in before the design,” said Youngren.
Comp Plan docket
Community Development Director John Ajax reported that the Planning Commission has recommended the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Docket include the public proposal submitted on October 31 by M2 Consulting, PLLC, on behalf of the South Chelan Property Owners Group.
This proposal is for an amendment to be added to the Transportation Element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan which will designate a new arterial collector roadway off the Butte to Hwy 97A and a proposed roundabout at Peterson Place/US-97A to provide multimodal access to parcels within existing city limits. Chelan Butte land was annexed into the city as Tourist Accommodation a number of years ago.
“The request is to add that to our major update,” said Ajax. “We have the capacity to add this,” Ajax added.
Public advocate Lynette Grandy remarked that a roundabout there would be large and require a realignment. “I think it will be more than two lots. It’s going to be very interesting.”
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth stated that if it actually designed, it will help development up on the hill. Ajax replied that the lower Butte is a growth area. Ajax also stated that the application by the property owners would be given to the Transpo Group to plug into their docket work.
All Things Lake Chelan 