Nancy Wilmot, Culinary Arts Teacher at Chelan High School and Tom Gormley, a chef who volunteers his time with the Culinary Arts program, helped the students prepare a sumptious and diverse meal for students and community members at the annual CTE recognition event.

Culinary Arts students were busy all afternoon on Thursday, May 16, preparing a meal for over 100 people honored for their involvement and mentorship in Chelan High School programs.

Dinner … a sumptuous taste of culinary art.

Chelan High School Recognizes Community Involvement

Dinner provided by the Culinary Arts students

By Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan High School honored community members and students involved in the District's CTE programs that include the Business, Marketing and Mentoring Committee; the Industrial Technology Program; the Agriculture Education Program; the Family and Consumer Sciences Program; and the Health and Medical Science Program at a special Awards dinner prepared by the students enrolled in the school's Culinary Arts Program.

On the menu was an incredibly delicious Sweet Potato Apple Bisque with Bacon Soup; Sweet Pea Mint Gazpacho Soup; a Deviled Eggs Trio; Yakitori Chicken Skewers; Bahnmi Sliders with Slaw; Toasted Crustini with Compound Butter & Pico de Gallo; Brownie Bites; Coconut Mango Tapioca; Chocolate Dipped Strawberries; and Mini Strawberry Shortcakes.

The program included a variety of video presentations by students from the different programs offered at the high school. These videos outlined their goals after graduation and what they hoped to achieve.

All of these students have been in mentorship programs in the related disciplines they want to pursue in college, whether it is a technical college or regular college. All of them thanked their parents for their support. All of them also lauded their respective CTE classes as being very beneficial to their goals.

School Superintendent Dr. Rob Manahan told those in attendance that Chelan High School ranks in the top 10 percent in the State because of the community involvement in the system.

CTE Advisory Members were recognized for their contributions to the programs. Each received a certificate of appreciation. Dr. Manahan and School Board Members, Elizabeth Juarez, Ken Brunner and Siri Tift handed out these certificates to those who attended. There were many community members who did not attend, but contributed to the various CTE programs.

Being honored were:

Business, Marketing and Mentoring Committee: Richard Uhlhorn - Photography; Melanie Chamberlin - Lake Chelan School District; Carrie Sorenson - Lake Chelan School District; Anita Day - Coldwell Banker; Russ Jones - Cashmere Valley Bank; and Jeff Conwell - Green Dot.

Industrial Technology: Mathew New - M and J Heating and Cooling; Bob Knauss - Windermere Realty; Kameron Blevins - North Wing Aircraft Design; Kazem Mashaykh - a retired Industrial Electrician; Valerie Conrad - Windermere Realty; and Robert Fifer - STEM Advisor.

Agriculture Education: Dave Robison - Orchardist; Jake Robison - Orchardist; Rick Hanson - Hanson Electric/Hay and Livestock Producer; Nate Williams - Wilbur Ellis; Juli Straub - Orchardist/KOZI Marketing; and Andy Reeves - Wa. St. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

Family and Consumer Sciences: Eric and Tom Campbell - Campbell's Resort; Tom Gormley - Lakeside Lodge and Suites; Mike and Janice Cooney - The Vogue; Dave and Mary Weldy - The Culinary Apple; Jacque DePaoli - Dietician; Scott Wilmont - Wilmont Graphics; Michael Steele - Lk. Chelan Chamber; Pat Kelly - Kelly's Hardware; Tara Kailian - Lulu Boutique; and Amber McAuliffe - Starbucks.

Health and Medical Sciences: Agustin Benegas-Garcia, Sally Harper, Brad Hankins, Leah Thompson and Kevin Abel - Lake Chelan Community Hospital; Lizbeth Morgan - Certified Nursing Assistant; Amy Holmes and Lexy Lieurance - Regency Manor; Dr, Richard Thompson - Village Veterinarian.

Councilman Ben Higgins sent a warning shot across Council’s bow about being too encouraged by the agency meeting. “We need to be careful about patting ourselves on the back,” he said during Council comments.

City Council Short and Sweet

By Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan City Council had only two agenda items to consider at its Thursday, May 9 meeting.

One item was a proposed Rate Resolution to adjust putting course fees in cooperation with Link Transit who are introducing a new fare for youth during the summer months. Link Transit wants to provide a few incentives to get youth to purchase a “Youth Unlimited Ride Monthly Pass” that cost only $15.00. The system, which has been offering this service to kids over the past several years, think this pass will have appeal to those who would like to use the transit during the summer months to get to recreation activities and employment opportunities.

Mayor Goedde (not present at Council meeting) and the Parks Department proposed a $2.00 discount at the putting course for youth between 5-17 during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily as long as they show their Link Pass. Regular prices are $7 for children aged 5-13 and $8 from 14 to 17.

Waterslides is discounting its youth tickets by $3, and Icicle Village in Leavenworth is discounting 10 percent.

Chelan Council voted unanimously for the discounts.

The other item on last Thursday’s agenda was a budget amendment authorization for Permit Software.

The City had already budgeted $45,000 for the new software, but the Planning Department needed another $15,000 to purchase software from Energov, the successful bidder of four who had bid on the proposals.

“The staff recommends the mayor to sign the appropriation after the City attorney reviews it,” said Craig Gildroy.

Mike Cooney asked how this software will make the planning department more efficient. Gildroy said that staff would be able to do more over the counter permitting, and that the software would help streamline the entire permitting process.

During the council comment period Council members were happy with the earlier agency/representative meeting on the Shoreline Management Program.

Michael Steele said that it was nice to hear from the proverbial horse’s mouth and that he appreciated the work Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart did setting the meeting up. Cameron Morehouse said he was pleased that Fish & Wildlife’s habitat director Jeff Davis was so open minded. “There is new blood in those agencies.”

Mike Cooney remarked that the meeting was a great example of what can happen when the right people come together. “It will impact the future and so many people will benefit. It is so easy to not do anything.” He lauded Russ Jones for being the one individual who helped this process to where it is today.

Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart said she felt everything went right. “There were a lot of positive possibilities.

Ben Higgins, however, said, “We need to be careful about patting ourselves on the back. We are going to have to make this work.” Higgins felt that the meeting was an important step in bringing everyone together. “We need to stay on this… it is one of the most important things to happen for Lake Chelan.”

Erin McCardle agreed with Higgins.

Click Here for the original story

Echo Ridge Work Party for May 8th Cancelled

By Richard Uhlhorn

The Echo Ridge Work Party scheduled for Wednesday May 8th, has been cancelled but will resume next Wednesday, May 15th.

Click Here for the original story - May 07, 2013: Echo Ridge Spring Trail Work Begins

Work parties have worked on and improved a number of trails at Echo Ridge including Ridgeview where drainage and new trail was established to stop erosion.

Echo Ridge Spring Trail Work Begins

By Richard Uhlhorn

The snow has all but disappeared at Echo Ridge. Mountain bikers and trail hikers are beginning to use the area for spring riding and hiking. The wildflowers are sprouting and the weather is warming up nicely.

The Chelan Ranger District and the local chapter of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance have scheduled a number of trail restoration work parties on Wednesday evening’s beginning at 5 p.m.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed. Bob Ziegler, local Central Evergreen board member, Bruce Willett, district volunteer, Paul Willard, district resource manager and several others worked on Switchback Alley and the Shoe last Wednesday improving drainage.

This coming Wednesday evening, Paul, Bob and volunteers will work on the south side of the Outback Trail. “We are going to smooth out some rough spots,” said Ziegler. People are encouraged to volunteer time towards making Echo Ridge one of the best places in the Chelan area to recreate.

There will be work parties each Wednesday evening throughout May beginning at 5 p.m. “If someone plans on volunteering, please give me a call so I can make sure I have enough tools available,” said Willard. “We hope to see everyone twice during these evening sessions,” he added.

The work accomplished over the last several years have paid off in smooth trails where there was once nothing but rock.

This year’s agenda includes:

• Touch-up work on Switchback Alley (Done)
• Move trail on the steep section of the Outback to improve drainage
• Clean out drainage installed on Morning Glory and Ridgeview Trails
• Work on spot drainage at locations on Little Critter, Lickety Split and Somewhere to Ride.
• Install some vehicle barriers at the lower Trailhead at Echo Ridge

While this is work, it is also fun and allows local riders to connect.

This Wednesday’s (May 8) work party will meet at North Junction Trailhead at 5 p.m. Turn left on Zoom (Washington Creek Road) and drive up to North Junction adjacent to Bergman Gulch.

RSVP to Paul at 682-4960 at the Ranger District. If he is not in, leave a message.

Olivia de la Cruz is a young, passionate singer/songwriter who is raising funding through Kickstarter to finish her first album.

Singer/Songwriter Olivia de la Cruz Kickstarting Her Album

By Richard Uhlhorn

Psst … got a buck, fiver or ten dollar bill you could spare to help a passionate young musician realize her dream to produce her first album? If so, go to http://Kickstarter.com and pledge your support for Olivia De La Cruz’s first full length album.

Olivia is well known in the Lake Chelan Valley, having performed at almost every venue available to her in the area. I had an opportunity to visit with Olivia several weeks ago when her Kickstarter campaign got off to a rousing start. With only 12 days to go, Olivia still has a ways to go to raise the $8,000 she needs to finish her album. “The production costs $11,000,” said Olivia. “I’m only half-way there and need the $8,000 to finish it.”

That $8,000 includes the time it takes to produce the album in studio, the videographer who shot her video for the Kickstarter campaign, the manager, managing the production and some miscellaneous expenses arising out of the project.

Kickstarter is a method by which creative people can realize their dreams and bring projects to fruition. It caters to all creative endeavors including Art, Comics, Dance, Design, Fashion, Film & Video, Food, Games, Music, Photography, Publishing, Technology and Theater projects.

The average pledge for projects, according to the Kickstarter website is $71, but the most common pledge is $25. However, Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing fund raiser. If the artist doesn’t raise the amount needed, the funds go back to those who pledged support.

It is the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. Kickstarter is a new form of commerce and patronage. It offers people who support the artist great rewards. In Olivia’s case, there are a number of different rewards for supporting her effort from the downloading of her signature song for the lowest pledge to a full-fledged dinner and show for the pledger and three friends. Olivia will do the cooking from scratch and play a personal concert.

Olivia graduated from Glacier High School (the alternative high school here) in 2007 with a dream of becoming a full-time professional musician. For the first several years, while she worked on her technique, style and music writing, did shows and waited tables in Chelan.

“I realized that getting a regular job, or waiting tables would kill my dream of being a professional musician,” she said. So Olivia has dedicated her life to music as a profession for the past five years. “I’m a musician. I’m getting paid to do what I love and I’m surviving, which is unbelievable.”

A part of her dream was pushed by Vicci Martinez, a well-known singer/songwriter from Tacoma. Olivia said that Vicci asked her what she was doing in the Chelan Market. “Come to Seattle … sleep on my couch,” Martinez told Olivia. The rest is history. Olivia started opening for Vicci’s shows up and down the coast. “We’ve become best friends,” said Olivia.

Olivia’s music centers around relationships, life, overcoming obstacles and Mexico where she lived and wrote music for a time before Martinez visited her and talked her into coming back to Los Angeles.

Another good friend, Luc Reynaud, leader of Luc and the Lovingtons, known for their raucous live shows and powerful messages, is the one who encouraged Olivia to do a Kickstarter campaign.

“It was hard,” said Olivia. “I’ve never asked for help from anyone.”

I talked with Olivia this morning. She is busy producing her first music video which will be released next week (May 6) just prior to the end of her Kickstarter campaign. “I’ll send you the YouTube link when it is released,” she said.

Regardless of whether or not her Kickstarter campaign is successful, Olivia will continue to perform, write music and follow her dream.

Even if you don’t’ want to support this campaign, go to Kickstarter.com and enter Olivia’s name in the project search and watch the video. If that music and interview doesn’t make you proud of our homegrown singer/songwriter, I don’t know what will.

John Fahey, author of Lake Chelan – The Greatest Lake in the World, gave a short presentation to City Council on his book and Lake Chelan at the Thursday City Council meeting.

Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart is one of the City’s council that believes Lake Chelan is a singular and unique body of water that needs special attention by agencies that permit docks and other developments on the lakeshore.

Mayor Bob Goedde and the City Council are hosting a meeting of elected officials and agency heads to discuss Lake Chelan Shoreline Management.

Lake Chelan to Get Major Hearing on May 9

By Richard Uhlhorn

John Fahey author of Lake Chelan – The Greatest Lake in the World gave a special presentation about his book and his love for Lake Chelan at the Thursday, April 25 City Council meeting.

Fahey stated that Lake Chelan is a lake apart. “I think a lot of people don’t know that,” he said. “What we have isn’t just a great lake… it’s a fantastic lake. What you find is a lake that has all of it from the mountains to the Tuscan style vineyards. It is World Class.”

Fahey wants people to read the book. “I wrote it for people who already know this lake. A lot of people don’t realize what we have here and I want people to care about this lake.” Fahey is concerned that down the line the ecosystem will change as global warming diminishes the glaciers.

His message to the Council was to make sure the Shoreline Management Program protects the resource that goes beyond. “Lake Chelan will be one of the few places where glaciers still feed the lake.”

On Thursday, May 9, a meeting has been scheduled a fact-finding meeting with representatives from every agency and elected officials involved in permitting construction and development projects along the shores of Lake Chelan. “We will have a round table dialogue,” said Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart. “There will be no public testimony at the meeting,” she added.

The hope is that these agency representatives and elected officials will come to the realization that Lake Chelan is a singular, ultra-oligotrophic lake having deep, cold, clear waters with low nutrient levels to support aquatic plants of fish species.

At issue is the deadline for filing the lake’s Shoreline Management Program to the State by December 31. By that deadline, the City and County, who have the legal obligation to write the SMP, hope to come to an understanding with the agencies who have permitting authority for lakeshore development like new docks, etc, that the lake is a unique reservoir controlled by Chelan County Public Utility District and therefore, is unusable for boat docks most of the year.

In a press release from the City, Mayor Bob Goedde is quoted as saying, “At public meetings in Chelan people are testifying to us that they don’t understand why these things are being required or what good they do.”

He continued by stating that the City is too small a jurisdiction to spend more money fighting the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies over regulations that make no sense to the City residents. “We are flat not going to pass any regulations that we can’t, ourselves, understand and explain to our citizens,” said Isenhart. “A lot of these rules make no sense on Lake Chelan.”

In a telephone interview with Carmen Andonaegui, Habitat Program Manager for Region II for the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said, “We need to consider the human element as a fundamental piece of the equation. Large Woody Debris is not appropriate in the Wapato Basin and not compatible.”

However, Andonaegui also stated that if more fish survival is wanted, then more complexity has to be created to improve the habitat.

The WDFW has made tremendous strides in understanding the differences between Lake Chelan and other bodies of water where large woody debris is used to created complexity. “We look at the impacts left by the piling that is installed, and that is a very small foot print on the environment. The DOE (Department of Ecolgy) and the Corps look at the cumulative impacts,” said Andonaegui.

With the exception of the Corps of Engineers, the agencies are beginning to understand that other mitigation techniques, if needed at all, need to be implemented and one idea that has been on the burner for several years (2008) has been an In-Lieu of program where a resident would pay money that would be put into a pool for larger specific projects that would benefit the ecosystem including fish and vegetation.

Andonaegui said her agency supports an in-lieu of program, but “the devil s in the details. We see it as a viable alternative.” Andonaegui stated that WDFW is totally open to working with the community. “We are open to any suggestions.”

David Martin, Columbia River Section Chief for the Corps of Engineers said in a telephone interview that In-Lieu of mitigation will be available soon and the Corps will offer it as an option to other mitigation options. He will be attending the meeting on May 9.

The problem facing Chelan and Chelan County regarding Lake Chelan and mitigation is the statutory obligation the agencies are faced with which is why it is not just the agencies that do permitting attending the May 9 meeting.

Elected officials will also be on hand including Senator Linda Evans-Parlette, Senator Kirk Pearson who is the chairman of the Natural Resources and Parks Senate Committee, Chelan County Commissioner Doug England and Sue Foy, District Director representing Representative David Reichert.

The meeting will commence on Thursday, May 9, at 10 a.m. in the morning and will include a tour of the Wapato Basin on the Lady Express.

While no public testimony will be taken, the meeting is open to the public.

David Kline is the project engineer on the Holden Mine Clean-up and made a presentation to about 50 people at Campbell’s River Room on Thursday, April 25.

Chuck and Stephanie Carpenter said that Holden Village is working closely with Rio Tinto during the project and is housing the workers. Holden Village will be closed to visitors for the next two years.

Chelan District Ranger Kari Grover Weir explained the trail closures and transportation issues that backpackers will face accessing the trail heads above Holden Village.

An estimated 50 people attended the open house to hear a presentation on the Holden Mine Clean-up Project on Thursday, April 25.

Rio Tinto to Begin Major Work in Holden

By Richard Uhlhorn

Rio Tinto held its second public meeting on Thursday, April 25, in Campbell’s River Room with approximately 50 interested individuals attending. On the agenda was Rio Tinto’s update on the 2013 Holden Mine Clean-up Project and what that work will entail.

Rio Tinto will spend an estimated $30 million dollars in local expenditures over the next several years. They will provide 370 jobs over the life of the project. They are still hiring and interested individuals can search “Employment” at www.magnuspacific.com or contact Human Resources at or by telephone at 916-233-1137.

David Kline gave a presentation which included a short history of the mine itself and what has led up to this major clean-up project.

One of the primary reasons for the clean-up is soluble metals leaching into Railroad Creek which include hazardous substances made up of copper, cadium, zinc and iron. The water in Railroad Creek is safe for human consumption, but not for fish. “Fish are a lot more sensitive than humans are,” said Kline.

Holden Mine and the 80 million tons of tailings left behind by the miners in 1957 when the mine closed has been studied over the last 15 to 20 years. Back when Al Murphy was the Chelan District Ranger and the Environmental Protection Agency determined that Holden Mine was a superfund clean-up, efforts were made to plant trees and shrubs on top of the tailings to stop wind erosion and major dust storms. Other work was accomplished, but this newest round of work should restore the environment.

Kline stated that the project has disrupted Holden Village, but that Rio Tinto is working with them to keep the disruption at a minimum. Chuck and Stephanie Carpenter, executive board at Holden Village, stated that Rio Tinto has been real cooperative and are working with Holden Village. The workers will be housed at Holden Village to defray costs from lost visitorship.

Kari Grover-Weir, Chelan District Ranger, said that backpackers wishing to access the trailheads above Holden Village should plan ahead. “The trails are open above Holden,” she said, but transportation to Holden is on Saturday and Sunday only. “Call the District for help in arranging your trip,” she said. Since a lot of heavy equipment will be using the Holden Village road, the Forest Service has built a trail behind the Village to access the ball fields above the village.

Trail closures include the following:

• Lower Railroad Creek Trail No. 1240 is closed from Wilson Creek to the mine tailings located between the 8 and 9 mile points. This means it is not possible to hike to or from Holden Village on this trail while the closure is in effect.
• Goat Trail No. 1245.1
• Tailings Bypass Trail No. 1240.3
• Copper Falls Trail No 1246.1 is closed from Goat Trail intersection for one mile south.
• Copper Creek Trail No. 1240.21
• Miners Interpretive Trail No. 1245
• Monkey Bear Falls No. 1256

For more information on these closures, call the Chelan Ranger District at 682-4900.

This year, Rio Tinto and their sub-contractors will be working on:

• Relocating Railroad Creek
• Temporarily diverting Copper Creek
• Demolishing the old Mill Building and Holden Village Museum
• Continue to develop the borrow site and quarry
• Site preparation and monitoring
  • Constructing a platform for the barrier wall construction
  • Controlling sedimentation
  • Monitoring both surface and ground water quality
• Use of earthen materials for the remedy
  • Opening quarries to provide the necessary rock for erosion protection and soil for the cover.
• Improving the area for project operations
  • Continue safety improvements on the roads
  • Building temporary staging areas for equipment and supplies at Lucerne and Chelan
  • Building barge ramp improvements to allow movement of equipment and supplies

The work will continue in 2014 as the project moves forward to reshaping and covering the tailings and waste rock piles with soil to restore vegetation. Tailings will be consolidated and contaminated soils will be covered and vegetation planted. The Below Ground Water barrier will be installed to collect contaminated ground water and construction of a mine water treatment system.

The Holden Mine Clean-up is a federally mandated project and Rio Tinto inherited the project when it acquired Alcan in 2007. Rio Tinto never owned or operated the mine. Intalco Aluminum Corporation, who is the successor to the Howe Sound Company, is responsible for the clean-up and Rio Tinto is paying for and managing the cleanup for Intalco.

Rio Tinto’s Community Call Line is 509-570-3430. Dave Kline encouraged people to call the call line if they have any questions or complaints.

For more information on the project, visit www.HoldenMineCleanup.com.

Ashley Fisher is the Government Relations Liaison for Holden Village. She made a presentation to Chelan City Council on Thursday, April 11.

Holden Village Becomes a Major Construction Community for 2013

By Richard Uhlhorn

INTERESTED!

A Public Meeting on Holden

will take place at
Campbell’s Resort
on Thursday, April 25
from 4 to 7 p.m.

Ashley Fisher, Government Relations Liaison for Holden Village made a presentation to Chelan City Council at its Thursday evening, April 11 Council meeting.

The presentation included a short history of the historic mining site that operated between 1937 and 1957 before closing because of the drop in copper prices. The aftermath of the mining operation left three very large tailing piles that have become an environmental hazard and is now going to be remediated by Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest mining companies.

The project coordination is under the auspices of the U.S. Forest Service in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency. The effort will include work on the Mill Structure, tailing piles and a barrier wall to keep contaminants out of Railroad Creek.

With heavy construction beginning this summer through the next two years, Holden Village, a Lutheran Church Camp, that draws approximately 7,000 people to the village each year, will be shut down for the construction phase. “We will be housing approximately 250 construction workers and 150 staff personnel,” said Fisher. “Holden Village will focus inwards and take this opportunity to make village wide improvements.”

Fisher told the Council that sometime in May or early June when the snow leaves the valley, there will be an opportunity for the Council and others to tour the construction site.

On April 25 from 4 to 7 p.m., a public meeting will be held at Campbell’s Resort. Those interested in attending will have an opportunity to meet the project team and view display boards describing the project and how it will affect the Lake Chelan area.

At 5 p.m. Rio Tinto Project Manager Dave Cline will make a presentation which will be followed by audience questions about the project.

City Administrator Paul Schmidt presented a positive case for adding $80,000 from the Capital Improvement fund to the Masonic Lodge library renovation project. Construction bids were amount.

Council Agrees to Add $80,000 to Cover Higher

Than Expected Bids for Library Construction

By Richard Uhlhorn

City Administrator Paul Schmidt presented the City Council with several options on the recent bid opening to remodel the old Masonic Temple for the library. “We had four solid bids,” said Schmidt. “All of them were responsive and within $25,000 of each other.”

The problem, of course, is that these bids were all $80,000 to $100,000 over the architect’s estimate. The original budget for the Library Construction was set at $653,478 which included the $490,000 from the Community Block Grant, $159,478 from the Friends of the Library and a $4,000 Community Foundation Grant.

The City Council augmented the original budget by $40,000 to address the asbestos issue and the need for a second story exit.

Blodget Construction was the apparent low bidder at $66,400 plus applicable taxes when combined with architectural fees, the estimated total construction were $810,000.

Schmidt gave the Council three options including:

• Reject all bids, redesign and bid again;
• Reject all bids, return the Block Grant and other monies, and bid again; and
• Award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder and amend the budget by $80,000.

Schmidt recommended that the Council approve the $80,000 expenditure and explained that the source of funds come from the Capital Improvement Funds for the remodel of the Sheriff’s Office. “That was estimated at $120,000 and I don’t think we will reach $20,000 on that project,” said Schmidt.

With the purchase of the building, the total investment value will be approximately $1.3 million dollars. “I suggest that we start a reserve fund to raise $100,000 for a new roof in the next five years and new windows at $20,000.

Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart asked how much the asbestos removal will cost. Schmidt replied that it would cost $53,000.

Karen Brown, treasurer of the Friends of the Library and Gary Sterner, a board member presented Mayor Bob Goedde with a check for $196,000… funds raised from the community to help build the new library.

“I was told there was no asbestos in that building,” said Isenhart. She asked if the Masons would be held responsible and Schmidt said it was a good question. “We now have a hard number. Until we had a project, there was no reason to go back. We have plans to reopen this issue and ask the Masons to contribute back.”

Councilman Cameron Morehouse told the rest of the Council that he felt the City should go ahead because new bids would only be higher. “It’s not going to get any cheaper,” said Morehouse.

Councilman Mike Cooney, a proponent for selling the old Library Building to help pay for this renovation, thanked Schmidt for putting the numbers together. He concluded that the City would have an annual nut of $66,000 to pay towards the building. “We are going to be running a deficit,” he stated.

Schmidt replied that it is pretty common for cities that want a library to provide the facility. “You are correct… it is not profitable.”

Cooney made sure it was understood that it was a city owned building and that the City should consider selling the existing building or renting it out.

Councilman Michael Steele asked if a new lease would be negotiated with the North Central Regional Library who currently pays $3 per square foot at the existing facility. That agreement is up until the end of 2014, but the new building will have 7,000 square feet as opposed to the current 3,200 square feet being paid for now. Schmidt said the current agreement is for $3 per square foot. They are paying $21,000 per year in the old existing library. Paul told Steele he didn’t see the square footage rate going down.

Councilman Guy Harper said that Blodget Construction did the remodel on the downtown Market Building after the fire and also on the Community Gymnasium. “We are very happy with that work,” said Harper.

The Council unanimously approved the additional $80,000 for the project.

Scott Beaton has been in charge of the Recycling Center for the past 22.5 years and he made his annual report to the City Council on Thursday, April 11.

Councilman Mike Cooney told Scot Beaton that the City was looking at creative ways to allow residents do dump their yard waste for free.

Recycling Program Profitable But Difficult

By Richard Uhlhorn

Each year just before Earth Day, Recycling Director Scott Beaton makes his yearly report to City Council. This year was no different. Scott was on hand to make a presentation about last year’s recycling efforts.

Beaton told the Council that he has been on the job for the past 22.5 years. “Thank you for supporting me,” he told the Council. The Recycle Center, which also picks up recycled material in Manson and accepts recycled material from Entiat, recycled an estimated 17,000 cubic yards of material in 2012. Its budget was $255,000 and revenue topped out at $135,000. “We couldn’t move five loads in November,” said Scott adding that they would have had revenues of $150,000 if those loads could have moved.

He is anticipating reaching revenues of $160,000 in 2013. Beaton told the Council that if the 17,000 cubic yards of material had ended up being disposed as garbage waste, the landfill costs would have been somewhere between $300,000 and $400,000.

The Recycle Center has seen a huge increase in glass because they are the only glass recycler in Chelan and Douglas Counties. “We’ve been able to get $10 per ton with a company needing dump truck backhauls to the Westside to a glass manufacturer,” reported Beaton. “There is little money in glass, but having free drop off to residents could be helpful in keeping it off the highways, beaches and so forth.”

Beaton reported that the 18-year old metal drive has been discontinued at Rowes Towing and is being accepted at the Recycle Center where they sell it to local metal recyclers. “As metal prices have held up private collectors are aggressive in getting this material.”

Beaton reported that the Center is having a very difficult time with the drop off sites, particularly in Manson. “Residents are complaining,” he said. Apparently a lot of noise is being made when people drop off their glass. The other problem is material being left. “People seem to make up their own directions (for recycling). We have no camera out there so we can’t catch the bad boys.”

Another problem in Manson is residents are stealing cans which cost $50 each. “That’s how crazy it is out there. It can be a pain in the ass.” Beaton also has spent up to 2.5 hours just cleaning up the mess people leave in Manson.

The amount of waste material in recycle containers in 2012 was 150 yards at the public sites and 200 yards at the recycle center. This all has to be separated out.

Newspaper recycling is down considerably from a high of 316 tons in 2008 to only 199.3 tons in 2012.

Which brought Scott to an issue that is dear to the heart of many residents who can’t burn yard waste in the City of Chelan anymore… the Wood Waste Site out at the transfer station that was started 12 years ago for the residents of the Valley. The service was available for free until this year when City Council decided to charge $8.00 per cubic yard and reduce the times when this service will be available. “Of course everybody is disappointed,” said Beaton. “Talk to Brenda Harn at the County to see if you can’t reduce the charge a little bit.”

The problem with the wood waste disposal site was that it was extremely popular and commercial users were bringing in tons of waste making it expensive and hard to chip. The County also lost its grant which helped pay for the service. Yard waste processed in 2012 was 12,000 loose yards. 2,500 yards were chipped.

Mayor Goedde stated that it is an established price within the County. Beaton replied that “those guys are dumping it somewhere.”

Councilman Cooney said the issue of yard waste was discussed in the Public Works Committee. “What do we do with that pile out there,” he said. “If it were just residents, it wouldn’t be a problem, but commercial haulers are dumping a lot of material. We are looking for creative ways to help the residents … maybe a coupon for free dumping in their utility bill,” added Cooney. “It’s a work in progress.”

Earth Day is coming up on April 20 and on April 26, Beaton is organizing the 18th Annual Litter and Dumpsite Cleanup. “In 1998, I organized the Chelan Gorge Cleanup and we collected 4,000 yards of material including metal, tires and other stuff. From 1995 to 2012 the local litter cleanup has totaled close to 800 cubic yards of debris.”

On Friday, April 26, 100 sixth graders will hit the streets, alleys and parks to help clean the town before the visitors begin to come in. “I hope you can help me find volunteer group leaders for these Chelan students,” said Beaton.

Click Here for the Habitat for Humanity Chelan website

Habitat for Humanity Offers Help to the Alejo Family

By Richard Uhlhorn

Phil Dowden, a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, was overwhelmed by the tragic fire that took all the Alejo family’s belongings. “I felt I needed to do something … anything that might help them,” said Dowden.

After reading that the Alejo family had lost everything, Dowden went to the Habitat management and suggested that since they build homes for people who need them, perhaps Habitat should step up and help this family.

Management agreed with Dowden and is offering the Alejo family to come into the Habitat store on Woodin Avenue on Tuesday, April 9, to select shoes and clothing that are needed to get restarted.

Dowden and management is making sure that everyone working at the store is aware of this offer and Dowden says the Alejo family can contact him at home personally to help them. His phone number is 682-5482. Habitat for Humanity’s number is 682-7088.

Related story: Apr 04, 2013: Family Loses All in Manson Home Fire

City Faces Asbestos Clean-up in Masonic Temple

By Richard Uhlhorn

Asbestos has raised its ugly head in the old Masonic Temple and has raised concerns by some on the City Council that the representations that the building was clean was disenguenuos and that the Brewster Masons should step up to the plate and remove it at their expense.

It was noted at the Thursday, March 28 Council meeting that the bids for renovating the building came in higher than expected, and a part of that came from the vermiculate insulation in the attic that contains asbestos. “We are $80,000 to $100,000 away from what we were hoping for,” reported City Administrator Paul Schmidt.

Councilman Mike Cooney asked if the City and Library had a move in date for which Schmidt said they were still looking at mid-October.

Schmidt told the Council that the bids would be brought up at the April 11 meeting and at that point, the City Council could 1. – Reject all bids and go out for re-bid; 2. – Reject all bids and send the Block Grant funding back and hope to get funding at a later day; or 3. – Accept the apparent low bid and go out and generate funds to cover the additional costs.

Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart asked about the asbestos. Schmidt told her that they are working that issue forward.

Morgan Picton, who handled the sale of the building to the City said in a telephone conversation that the Masons (Brewster Chapter) “did everything they were supposed to do.” They apparently disclosed on their own volition and removed friable asbestos from around the old furnace.

Apparently the asbestos that remains is in the vermiculite used as insulation in the attic. “No one gave much thought to checking the attic,” said Schmidt. Picton added that no one in the sellers group had been up in the attic either. “To the best of my knowledge and the group in charge of this property… they had no idea it was there,” said Picton.

So the question is how did asbestos get into the Vermiculite insulation. Picton said that apparently a Libby, Montana mine where over 70 percent of vermiculite sold in the United States came from had a deposit of asbestos that contaminated the vermiculite.

The problem is that in order to install the sprinkler system, workers will have to access and work in the attic. So instead of leaving it alone, the consensus seems to be that it will be cheaper to remove it before renovation begins.

Since the Community Block Grant that was obtained was competitive, giving it up and returning the funds could be disastrous because there is no guarantee that you would ever be able to receive another block grant in the competitive arena.

At this point, the City is meeting with the Library, Friends of the Library, the Brewster Masons and Morgan Picton to figure out whether or not some, if not all the asbestos removal will be born by the Masons, and whether or not more funding can be raised to offset the higher than expected bids.

Executive Director Richard De Rock was the only item on the Thursday night City Council meeting. He gave a presentation on Links future.

Link Transit on the Rebound

By Richard Uhlhorn

Link Transit lost 29 percent of it revenue during the recession. “We haven’t recovered yet, but we have hit a 20 year average, so it has been a good year,” Richard De Rock, Link’s executive director told the Chelan City Council on Thursday evening. March 28.

Further good news for the transit company is that the federal legislature finally passed a Transportation Bill which is not subject to the Sequestration. The State also gave Link an additional $50,000 out of its $10 million dollar budget.

“The board asked me to stabilize the system for the next five years,” said De Rock This is something that has actually happened according to De Rock who explained that the austerity cuts during the recession actually hurt link. “We cut back by 12 percent and lost 12 percent of our rider ship,” he said. “That really hurt us.” De Rock said that Link is working hard on rider ship because it is critical to the success of the transportation system.

A number of new changes are coming to the Link System that will be good for the rider ship. Cashmere’s 28 will be revised and Route 31 to Manson will be replaced with 21 and 20 which up to now stopped in Chelan. “This will be cheaper for Link and will go from 16 trips a day to 17. It will be filling a gap.”

Link is changing the eight trips to Wal-Mart to five trips. They are going to start running the trolley in Wenatchee and add an hour. “We will be eliminating the Trolley fares.”

Other fare changes include Senior rates at one-half of the regular rates (required by the Federal Government). Other changes are:

• Lower Urban zone fares
• Lower monthly pass rates
• Lower day pass prices
• Creation of a new low rate for students

Link is also looking at vehicle issues and how best to save money. Fuel costs are a major factor in how much it costs to run the system, so De Rock said they are looking at converting gas vehicles to propane which costs $.85 cents a gallon versus the fluctuating gasoline prices. “We would evaluate the impact of lower engine life,” said De Rock.

The new 2010 emission standards for diesel engines “dramatically reduced the life of our diesels.” Prior to the 2010 standards, the engines were getting 500,000 miles which has been reduced to 210,000 miles.

Instead of purchasing new buses, Link Transit has acquired six used vehicles which they are renovating. “It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to buy a new bus for $500,000 when technology is changing. That new technology includes electric buses which Link Transit has found to be 97 percent reliable. They have installed Ultra Fast Chargers that De Rock says will charge a bus in 30 minute. These buses are being used in the downtown Wenatchee core. “For our urban routes it is wonderful new technology,” stated De Rock.

It costs, on average, $1,300 per month for diesel versus $90 per month for electric. The batteries are warranted for six years but should last 12 years.

For more information on the Link Transit System go to its website at www.linktransit.com .

Jerry Isenhart Jr.’s football jersey was hanging at Adante last night as the missing man. The entire football team was out to help raise money for Jerry’s quick recovery from brain cancer.

Adante Benefit Dinner a Huge Success

By Richard Uhlhorn

It was a boisterous, delicious and well attended benefit dinner Monday evening at Adante.

The Chelan football team was on hand in force to help serve and greet people as they joined in for a tremendous evening of great food and wine. There were also several young lads who came from Wenatchee to help in anyway they could.

Many thanks goes out to Chris and Sara Bishop at Adante for their generosity and Benson and Karma wineries for supplying the wine for the dinner. One hundred percent of money received is being donated to the Isenhart Family to help defray costs while in Seattle during Jerry Jr.’s treatments for brain cancer.

Over $3,000 was collected in checks and cash and the grand total came to $3,780 once the credit card amounts were totaled up. “The first couple in this evening left a $175 tip,” said Sara. “The second couple left $100, so money is coming in.”

The football team had a great time waiting tables. Several parents also stepped in to help keep food and drink moving throughout the evening.

What can one say about the generosity of this community when another member needs help. As Joyce Lippincott says, “Thank you everyone that helped make this a touchdown!”

Click Here for more photos of the Andante Dinner

In other news:

Mark Lippincott received an email from Marie at Neofill, the on-line auction director for Jerry Jr.’s benefit auction. She wrote that she added a personal donation to “officially” put the auction over $6,000.00.

Here is an up-to-date report on TeamJr fundraising efforts so far:

• 1400 in TeamJr. T-Shirt sales
• 1019 Marcela’s (including raffle ticket sales)
• $145.00 from the Froyo event ($82 still owing)
• $1,400 from Wenatchee High School Graduates (some made direct deposits to NCNB)
• $200.00 from the ZUMBA dance night
• $8,651 in direct deposits to the Isenhart fund at NCNB

That is $12,897 without the auction figures and Adante benefit dinner.

Next up is the Saturday, April 20 Eagles/Lions Club Spaghetti Feed from 5 to 8 p.m. and then on Saturday and Sunday, April 27 & 28, the Starbucks Co-Ed Softball Tournament will take place. Details on these benefits soon.

Russ Jones, education director of the Lake Chelan Sailing Association, has been on the forefront for the past six years in the battle to have large woody debris banned as a mitigation for fisheries on the shoreline.

Senators Listen to City Officials, DOE and Fisheries

By Richard Uhlhorn

The meeting with the Senate Natural Resources Committee that took place on Tuesday, March 19, in Olympia was a success. “I thought it was worth the trip over,” said City Administrator Paul Schmidt. “The Senators listened and heard what we were saying.”

Mayor Bob Goedde, Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart and Councilman Cameron Morehouse presented their views on why Lake Chelan is unique and why the Shoreline Management Program should be a locally driven device, not a master plan that was taken from other areas.

“It was interesting,” said Russ Jones, Lake Chelan Sailing Association. “I think it was very beneficial to be there. The Department of Ecology and Fisheries are willing to work with us.”

It was another victory in a long six year battle to get Large Woody Debris banned from Lake Chelan. “It was a death panel for woody debris,” said Jones.

But the war hasn’t been won yet. The US Army Corps of Engineers is still insisting that woody debris be used as mitigation and will not enter into any reasonable discussion despite the fact that DOE and WDFW have come full circle and recognize woody debris in Lake Chelan as a useless exercise. “The Corps took a beating (at this meeting),” said Jones. “A couple of Senators made comments.” The Corps, who was invited to attend and give their rationale for mitigation, chose not to attend this meeting.

“The US Corps of Engineers seems to be the sticking point,” said Schmidt. “Everyone else seems to want to work with our folks. We are looking at other options for mitigation like compensatory mitigation,” he added.

Compensatory mitigation is a device where a lakefront home owner wishing to do over the water construction would pay a sum of money to mitigate for loss of fish habitat. That money would go into a fund that would eventually be used to enhance fisheries on the lake at a specific project location.

“The Council did an awesome job of informing the committee,” said Chelan Planning Director Craig Gildroy. “They were clear and informative.”

Mayor Goedde, a 25-year resident, opened the City’s comments informing the committee about Lake Chelan and that the people of Chelan and surrounding communities are very concerned about keeping Lake Chelan clean and beautiful. He mentioned the book titled Greatest Lake in the World” by John Fahey. “I always assumed it was the greatest lake,” Goedde told the committee.

He explained that too many times the “One Size Fits All” has hit the community. “We spent $10 million on a water treatment plant… the City is indebted for another $10 million to upgrade our wastewater treatment plant and we have spent several million more on beach improvements at Don Morse Park.”

Emotions can run high at our public meetings,” said Goedde. “It’s (LWD) is a very emotional issue. We need to be able to explain why we (the Council) did these things. Lake Chelan is a very unique body of water.”

This is a photograph of a large woody debris installation between the Chelan Marina and Campbell’s Resort that was removed by the Department of Ecology after the City received a $20,000 grant to do so.

Isenhart explained that the lake is a reservoir that fluctuates up to 20 feet which can mean up to 100 feet in and out. “No natural shoreline remains on Lake Chelan,” she said. “Our economy is based on our natural resources. We really care that this lake stay beautiful.”

Isenhart went on to explain that while the DOE and WDFW are willing to work with the City, the Army Corps is not. “They don’t understand what we are mitigating for. They have even threatened several criminal penalties if LWD is not used.”

“We are hoping for a policy that we can defend,” said Isenhart.

Senator Kline asked if LWD could be placed in deeper water. Isenhart explained that the Department of Natural Resources won’t allow woody debris to be place on land it controls. The DNR controls the land below 1,079 feet above sea level.

Asked if Representative Hastings has been involved, Isenhart said he had, but with redistricting we now have Representative Dave Reichert.

Morehouse explained a little about the biology of the lake and stated that the requirement become a little redundant.

Jones told the committee that the City’s Shoreline Management Program needs to make sense. “You can help us obtain agency cooperation.”

The DOE stated they were in support of the SMP effort by the City. “We are moving to a good cooperative effort there (on LWD). The property owner would just be able to write a check which goes into a pool. We prefer one set of standards for local, state and federal agencies.” he said.

Senator Parlette asked how to deal with the Corps of Engineers. “It is so frustrating. My email box is overflowing.”

Jeff Davis, Deputy Assistant Director for habitat management at WDFW stated that he whole heartily agrees that Lake Chelan is unique. “It is a very popular aquatic recreation area.” He added that the lake has very little aquatic vegetation and lacks habitat productivity. “Small impacts to that productivity can have huge impacts,” he said.

Davis said the WDFW is mandated to protect fish and fish habitat, but that apple trees are problematic. He said that critical questions on science allowed the department to have a conversation. He then went on to say that because construction on Lake Chelan is done when the lake level is down, the only mitigation should be for the square footage of the piling.

Davis explained that the LWD issue had unintended consequences. “I don’t think anyone wants to see someone hurt.”

For now, the use of Large Woody Debris along the Lake Chelan shoreline is pretty much dead. That’s the good news. The next battle will come from how much agencies will want as compensatory mitigation.

Since the lake is a reservoir and fluctuates as much as 20 feet leaving docks high and dry nine months out of the year, one has to wonder why any mitigation is necessary along the shoreline.

Contractors were busy working on the new Beebe Springs trail last Friday, March 22.

A New Trail for the Community to Enjoy

By Richard Uhlhorn

“It was wonderful,” said an acquaintance who walked the Beebe Springs Trail that starts at the Chelan Fish Hatchery or up above on Hwy 150. “There is a little stream and a small water fall you walk by,” she said. It is steep with plenty of switchbacks and actually steps built into it to make the ascent or descent easier.

The Beebe Springs Trail is a part of the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Beebe Springs Project that is getting close to completion.

Beebe Springs Nature Park is the brainchild of Dennis Beich, North Central Region 2 Director. Dennis wanted to bring something new to WDFW … a park where visitors could stop, wander amongst paths and enjoy nature. Beich sought help from local organizations with the belief that they would sponsor the construction of nature park north of Beebe Bridge.

The Trailhead is almost finished.

Members of the Lake Chelan Sportsman’s Association, Lake Chelan Recreation Association, the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce and WDFW brainstormed what would be the best plan of action.

Senator Linda Evans-Parlette became interested in the project because of her father, Ray (Toad) Oneal, a long-time advocate for fishing and wildlife. She found several million dollars that was double entered in a Capital Projects Fund, went to the legislature and won approval to have the found funding given to the project. Without that funding, it might never have gotten off the ground.

The first project at Beebe Springs was creating a new creek that today meanders through the project and has become quite the wildlife refuge. Last year, a number of Steelhead and Chinook salmon were seen spawning in the stream. It has become a haven for bird watchers and blue heron, osprey and even bald eagles can be seen perched in the trees and along the shoreline.

Today, Beebe Springs is a great stopover for visitors driving north or south on Hwy 97A. There is a restroom.

The trail is just a new part of the park. It will eventually hook up with a trail system that emanates from town.

Trails are one of the most asked for experiences by visitors at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. This trail will be easily reached and will probably become a favorite for residents and visitors looking for something different.

On Tuesday, March 19, members of Chelan City Council and the administration will try to convince members of the Senate Natural Resources Committee in Olympia that Lake Chelan is a unique body of water that deserves special consideration when it come to mitigation for the Shoreline Master Program.

Kokanee like this specimen is the favorite recreational fish swimming in Lake Chelan. The issue for agencies is to come up with reasonable explanations of what species they are trying to protect with mitigation requirements.

City Council Members and Administration to Meet with Senate Committee of Natural Resource and Parks

By Richard Uhlhorn

On Tuesday, March 19, members of the Chelan City Council and administration will travel to Olympia to meet with the Senate Committee of Natural Resources and Parks. “We were invited to talk with them about our Shoreline Master Program and give them an update as to where we are,” said City Administrator Paul Schmidt.

They are traveling with a ‘Letter of Support’ from Chelan County with regards to the City’s resolution to not allow woody debris within the Urban Growth Boundary as a mitigation measure for shoreline dock and other construction seen by agencies to affect fish life.

The battle over mitigation issues on Lake Chelan has been going on now for over six years with Russ Jones, Lake Chelan Sailing Association, the main proponent of stopping the use of large woody debris on the lake. He will also be traveling to Olympia to listen in on the meeting with the Natural Resources Committee.

“It is our opinion (as a Council) that agencies shouldn’t be looking at Lake Chelan like all other lakes,” said Schmidt. “Lake Chelan is unique and deserves to be looked at differently.”

The use of Large Woody Debris as a mitigation tool was started by Bob Steele, then the regional manager of the Department of Fish & Wildlife’s habitat program.

The argument that has raged for years is that Lake Chelan is not only different, but no one seems to be able to answer one simple question. What species of fish are you trying to protect? In addition, the lake is a reservoir, and as such, lake levels are regulated by the PUD which means that most of the docks that jut out into the lake are dry and unusable most of the year.

Mike Caputa, the County’s Natural Resources Manager, said they would be in discussions with all the other agencies over the next three months on their draft Shoreline Master Program. “This is quite a conundrum and we need a little more clarity,” said Caputa. “One of the questions from the community is that we should try to resolve that issue between species.”

The species issue goes back to native and non-native fish that have been introduced into the system. Lake Chelan is trying to support a Westslope cutthroat, rainbow trout, kokanee, Landlocked Chinook salmon, lake trout and smallmouth bass along with a number of other native species of no interest to recreational fishermen like the Northern pikeminnow. The lake also has a healthy population of mysis shrimp, which is one more introduced species to the mix.

The challenge for the agencies is that they have mitigation responsibilities and are using ‘Best Available Science.’ At issue with opponents to the mitigation battle is that best available science is not based on real studies that has taken place on Lake Chelan.

Following the short presentation by the City Council and Administration members, the Natural Resources Committee will hear from the Department of Ecology’s Gordon White and Washington State Department of Fish &Wildlife’s Deputy Assistant Director, Jeff White.

GoLakeChelan will follow up with an article on the outcome of this meeting next week.

Click Here for the gallery

Zoki, the Dalmation in the middle was voted this year’s Grand Champion followed by Griffy, the Pot ‘O Gold and Snoodles the Poodle.

Top Dog Parade Another Big Hit This Year

By Richard Uhlhorn

Downtown Chelan went over to the dogs today, just like it has for the past 21 years in memory of Wayne Kelly. The Wayne Kelly Memorial St. Patricks Day Top Dog Parade just seems to get bigger and bigger each year. This year was no exception and it is always amazing how all these dogs actually get along together.

This year’s winners judged by Carl Word were Zoki, a Dalmation, Griffy, as the Pot ‘O Gold, and Snoodles the Poodle.

It was a lot of fun and Woodin Avenue was packed with people enjoying the nice spring weather.

Mayor Bob Goedde poses with members of Troop 34 after Thursday night’s City Council Meeting.

Troop 34 Visits City Council

By Richard Uhlhorn

Four members of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 34 were in attendance at the Thursday, March 14, City Council meeting to meet the requirements for another Merit Badge on their continuing quest to reach the lofty goal of Eagle Scout.

Mayor Goedde and the rest of the Council applauded their efforts and Mayor Goedde and Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart made a special effort to reach out to the four young scouts after the meeting and to thank them for coming.

The Scouts met with Scout Leaders after the meeting to discuss what they learned.

Councilman Mike Cooney asked City Council to consider leaving the General Facility Charges at the lower rate for one more year. Councilman Higgins suggested a compromise revisit after six months. Council agreed.

Public Works Director Duane Van Epps explained that the General Facilities Charges were meant to place the burden of any upgrades on new development, not the residents who have already paid in to be a part of the City’s system.

General Facility Charges Revisited ...

Residents may have to bear upgrade costs

By Richard Uhlhorn

Want to build a house? Now and the next six months are the time to apply for your permits. Chelan City Council extended the lower rates for water and sewer hook ups another six months.

It was just over a year ago that City Council voted to lower its General Facility Charge schedule to pre-2006 levels in hopes of encouraging more construction in the valley. It was a heavily debated issue because these charges for sewer/water hook ups were designed to help pay for upgrades and maintenance to the City's systems without laying the burden on residents who are already using the system.

The lower hookup rates do not cover the City's debt service on waste water upgrades including the $10 million dollar loan that is being used to increase capacity at the waste water treatment plant and the sewer upgrade construction taking place in town.

During the Council debate on Thursday, Mayor Goedde pointed out that someone was going to have to pay for the upgrades. These could come from higher sewer/water rates to the citizens instead of new development. Councilman Cameron Morehouse explained it this way. "Let's say you have a car for sale and your neighbor tells you he would like to buy the car, but can't afford it. So he would like to just pay for the gas and drive it."

The problem, of course, is the economy. In 2012, Chelan had eight residential and four multi-family units constructed. Cashmere had no residential activity at all and Leavenworth saw only three residential units built. Neither Cashmere nor Leavenworth lowered their GFC charges because of a lagging economy.

Councilwoman Erin McCardle said that Chelan has seen an increase in activity since lowering the rates. She wondered if keeping the lower rate schedule would lead to more construction activity.

City Planner Craig Gildroy stated that there seems to be a more favorable environment for building now. Councilman Mike Cooney, who was the lead council person in getting the ages lowered said, "I hope you would keep the rates lower for another year. Some (people) are holding off for a better economy. It's still not a robust economy."

Mayor Goedde reiterated that someone is going to have to pay for the upgrades, but Councilman Michael Steele lined up with Cooney on the issue. "It doesn't take a lot in this economy to tip someone over."

"Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart asked Van Epps if the current rates were paying the burden. Van Epps said the city was realizing some revenues but not nearly enough to pay the current debt service. "The (GFC) old plan was designed to pay for all debt service for improvements." In the past it was hoped that the Tuscan Village project would pay a large amount of the improvements, but that project will probably build its own sewer system.

Councilman Guy Harper commented that it was a choice to buy into the system and that it is isn't fair to the existing residents to have bear the burden of new development. Steele said it was necessary to secure the $10 million for improvements, but Mayor Goedde stated that the City had the capacity prior to the expansion project. "We had the capacity. The expansion started out with the Tuscan Village."

"It was the past mayor that raised the rates," said Cooney. "It would have been wonderful if it had played out... Would have been great but it is different."

Councilman Ben Higgins said, "You can't tell what is going to happen this summer. Let's let it play out for another six months and then revisit the issue."

City administrator Paul Schmidt said GFC's are a complex matter. "We have to be able to defend those charges. I think we need to look at some things before we revisit the issue." He added that these charges have to be added in strict accordance with State law.

Mayor Goedde, Public Works Director Dwane Van Epps and members of the Public Works Department displayed a check for $11,916 from the Association of Washington Cities. This is a reimbursement for the City’s successful Wellness Program that was headed up by Julie Merchant.

Merchant Honored at City Council Meeting

By Richard Uhlhorn

Julie Merchant is retiring from the City’s Public Works Department this Friday, March 15, 2013 after 26 years of service. “She is going to be missed,” said Public Wrks Director Dwane Van Epps.

Mayor Bob Goedde read a Proclamation of Appreciation for Outstanding Service by Merchant.

A part of her work included heading up the City’s Wellness Program which just received a reimbursement check from the Washington Association of Cities insurance carrier for $11,916.11. “This is real dollars saved by the City of Chelan and Julie was a major player in that,” said Mayor Goedde.

Sewer lift station No. 2 is proceeding on time and budget. The wet well and pipe manifold have been installed and the contractor is now working on installing the necessary sewer line pipe to hook up to the station. No more stink at the south end of the old bridge and no more “Stinky Field” when the project is finished.

City’s Sewer and Treatment Project on Time and Budget

By Richard Uhlhorn

"There won't be anymore stinky field when they are done," remarked Public Works Director Dwane Van Epps. The new sewer lift station at the south end of the old bridge will also be devoid of sewer smells when Hurst Construction finishes its work on new sewer lines in the alley adjacent to Riverwalk Park. This work is all a part of a $10 million dollar loan acquired by the City to upgrade waste water treatment plant, sewer lift stations and sewer lines in the city.

Next week, the contractor will be installing sewer pipe in the alley between B.C. MacDonalds and Campbell's as well as the north end of the old bridge on Woodin Avenue. Once that trenching is finished, Hurst will begin installing sewer pipe across the old bridge.

This means that another bridge closure is in the works in approximately two weeks.

Down at the sewer treatment plant on the Columbia River, the contractor has been working all winter and is expected to finish this large plant upgrade by mid-summer. "This project is increasing our capacity and building in redundancy," said Van Epps.

Come join Chelan Dance Fitness as they throw a “Zumba” party to benefit Jerry Jr. in his battle against brain cancer. Put your dance shoes on and get ready to sweat for an hour in this high intensity workout with Cathy (pictured) and Meg Raines.

On-Line Auction to Go Live Monday, March 18

Check it out and get ready to bid on your favorite items

By Richard Uhlhorn

It’s here and it has some spectacular items to bid on, including … get this … a no-strings-attached 3-week (two weeks one year, one week the next year) ownership at Wapato Point worth about $2,500.

This auction is to help defray living expenses for the Isenhart family while Jerry Jr. undergoes treatment for his inoperable brain tumor at Swedish Hospital.

Auction items include scenic flights to some great fishing trips, overnight stays at local resorts and a number of other incredible items given by an incredibly generous community.

Check all of the items on the On-Line auction out and then start bidding next Monday.

Other news from TeamJr:

On Monday, March 25, Andante is hosting a benefit dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.

Adante’s is serving up its regular menu items and Benson Vineyards is donating all the wine to go with the dinner. Jerry Jr.’s football teammates will be serving the meals on that evening. Suggested donation - $50 per person.

Chelan Dance Fitness is offering a fun fund-raiser called Zumba “Happy Hour” Fitness Party on Friday, March 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a social gathering until 7 p.m. Cost is $20 per person with 100 percent of the proceeds to go to the Isenharts.

www.xteamjr.neofillbids.com

This is an energetic Zumba fitness party made up of a wide range of dance styles and music genres, with a party atmosphere. This is a high intensity workout lead by both Kathy and Meg. All participants are encouraged to wear appropriate fitness shoes and to be ready to sweat.

And this is just in: Jim Talley and Christine Harper (Starbuck’s Manager) have set the date for the Starbucks Softball Co-Ed Tournament for April 27 & 28. Eight teams have already indicated they will participate.

Lots more on the plate but let it be said that the outpouring of support for the entire Isenhart clan has been incredible, and for Jerry Jr. it means the world as he battles this cancer.

GoLakeChelan thanks everyone for their on-going support of Jerry Jr. and the family.

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Currently, people can make donations to the Isenhart Family Care Account at any North Cascades National Bank (NCNB) office. People can also make donations on-line at the Chelan Charity website http://GiveNaked.org.

Jerry Sr. is trying to keep the community up-dated on a blog that has been set-up at http://jerryisenhartjr.wordpress.com.

For more information on how you can help, contact Joyce Lippincott, spokesperson for Team Jr. at 682-2418.

The new marina expansion is moving ahead on schedule. The expansion will add 30 new slips bringing the total slips available to 95 from the original 65.

City Hopes New Marina Expansion is Done by Memorial Day

By Richard Uhlhorn

Parks and Recreation Director Charles Sablan gave City Council an update on the Don Morse Memorial Park expansion at the February 28 regularly scheduled Council meeting.

Currently, the City’s contractor is working on the Marina Expansion, which will add 30 slips to the current 65 slips. This will bring the moorage capability to 95 slips. There is also a pathway along the northern side of the marina that will take the passerby into the park and beach areas.

The expansion required 38 new pilings on the west end of the marina and another 38 emplaced at approximately 45 degree angle for to counteract any major storm activity that might arise in the next 25 years. Sablan said, “The old breakwater has held up, but since we are designing for 25 years we thought it would be a good idea to brace the piling.”

The contractor is also extending the launch an extra 60 feet into the lake. “This additional footage will hopefully give us year-round launch capability,” said Sablan. It is currently 65 feet long.

The City expects the marina to be open by Memorial Day.

Over the winter, some of the sand and pebble stone placed on the beach at the park was lost to wind and water. “We have no definite answer as to how much,” said Sablan. “We did lose some, but not a bunch… just about what we thought we would.” It will be replaced for this summer’s beach season.

There has been talk about installing drift fences to contain the sand and pebbles but Sablan said that is a part of a contingency plan based on actual losses.

Councilman Ben Higgins asked if it would be possible to put in showers at the marina and Sablan said it was a discussion they could have at the City Council’s upcoming retreat. During a telephone conversation, Sablan stated that it might be possible to move the Marina office down to the water and turn the current office on the hill into a restroom facility with several showers. That, of course will depend on what the Council comes up with for capital improvements.

At the Council meeting, Sablan also told them that the restrooms in the park had been completed and they were just waiting to turn the water on before signing off on the contract.

The Burchett’s and Oscarson’s were just two of the many families who turned out to benefit Jerry Isenhart Jr. at Marcel’s benefit dinner last night. CLICK for more photos of Jerry Jr Night at Marcela's. Photos by Mark Lippencott and Richard Uhlhorn.

Marcela’S Benefit Dinner a Huge Success

By Richard Uhlhorn

By the time Jo and I arrived for dinner at Marcela’s Benefit Dinner for Jerry Jr., the restaurant was already humming with activity. A full crew was working the floor and guests were enjoying the ambiance and ability to help a good cause.

For those who still may not know, Jerry Isenhart Jr. was diagnosed with an inoperable and malignant brain tumor several months ago and is currently undergoing radiation treatments and chemotherapy.

At this writing, the treatments are beginning to have a positive affect on Jerry Jr., but the costs are mounting and Team Jr. is busy working at helping to defray those costs.

Marcela’s Benefit Dinner was the first of several planned in the valley to benefit Jerry Jr. The 7:30 p.m. seating was sold out and the 8:30 p.m. seating for dinner was well attended but a little late for many. “Marcela’s mom won the apple pie provided by Janet Papasedero and she shared it with the cooking and wait staff, and couldn’t believe that beautiful box of apples was also hers,” wrote Team Jr.’s Spokesperson Joyce Lippincott.

In addition, an On-Line Auction is being prepared for bids with a number of really great items from fishing trips to winery tours.

Last night’s (Tuesday, March 5) dinner, shirt sales, raffle and cash donations to the cause raised over $1,000 to help the Isenhart family defray costs while living in Seattle.

The next event is a benefit at Froyo (yogurt shop) on Friday, March 8, to help raise funds for the Isenharts. Froyo’s is located in the little shopping center across from Campbell’s Resort on Hwy 150.

Coming up is another benefit dinner being put on by the Bishop’s at Adante Italian Restaurant. This will take place on Monday evening, March 25. Reservations are recommended.

On Saturday night, April 20, the Eagles and Lions Clubs are putting on a special Spaghetti feed at the Eagles lodge.

Keep tuned for more information on this effort to get Jerry Jr. healthy and back at Washington State University.

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Currently, people can make donations to the Isenhart Family Care Account at any North Cascades National Bank (NCNB) office. People can also make donations on-line at the Chelan Charity website http://GiveNaked.org.

Jerry Sr. is trying to keep the community up-dated on a blog that has been set-up at http://jerryisenhartjr.wordpress.com.

For more information on how you can help, contact Joyce Lippincott, spokesperson for Team Jr. at 682-2418.