MINUTES OF 8/9/07 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGPRIVATE
135 East Johnson Avenue, Chelan, Washington
PRESENT: Mayor Witherbee, Councilmembers Harper, Lingard, Morehouse, Olsen, Papé-Miller and Weldy, Administrator Fonfara, Attorney Galbraith, Planning/Community Development Director Gildroy, Public Works Director VanEpps, City Clerk Liles. EXCUSED ABSENCE: Councilmember Rodionoff.
Mayor Witherbee called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
Morehouse moved to approve the consent agenda as follows:
1. Approve Claims Warrants #58459 through #58550 totaling $245,484.27 (Claims Warrant #58456 voided) and Payroll Warrants #26926 through #27064 totaling $190,115.75.
Seconded by Weldy, motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC INPUT
RICHARD UHLHORN - REACH 1 TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS: Richard Uhlhorn, representing the Trails Committee of the Lake Chelan Recreation Development Foundation, reported that the Committee has been working with the Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) to meet one of the recreation requirements included in the license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the PUD=s continuing operation and maintenance of the Lake Chelan Hydroelectric Project. The renewal license requires the PUD to design and construct a non-motorized, non-paved, multi-use trail below the Lake Chelan Dam in Reach 1 of the Chelan River that connects to the Riverwalk Loop Trail in Riverwalk Park and an extension of the Riverwalk Loop Trail to the east that crosses the dam and loops back to its connection with the existing trail.
Uhlhorn reported that on 7/31/07 the Committee presented its proposal to FERC and "hit a brick wall." Due to homeland security concerns, FERC now wants a much shorter, wider, "gold plated" trail extending from the boat ramp only as far as the beginning of the planned gorge trail and able to accommodate maintenance vehicles. Uhlhorn provided Councilmembers with maps and cost estimates of the proposed trails and asked that the City support the Committee's proposal.
TED HIGLEY - CRYSTAL VIEW ESTATES IRRIGATION SYSTEM FAILURE: Ted Higley, 108 El Dorado, complained that water had flowed from Crystal View Estates downhill and onto the highway. VanEpps explained that the irrigation line for Crystal View Estates landscaping broke twice in the last month, causing water and debris to flow downhill and overwhelm the culvert at the highway. The developer has replaced the failing line with a drip irrigation system that operates under less pressure and is paying the City for the Public Works crew's cleanup efforts. Higley complained that dirt and dust are still a problem, and VanEpps promised to see that the dirt was removed.
REGULAR AGENDA
WR-SPLASH ANNEXATION: Gildroy briefly outlined his 8/7/07 written staff report, explaining as follows: On 2/23/07, Council accepted the 10% petition for the WR-Splash annexation as submitted by Whisky Ranch & Splash properties. Council is now being asked to revise the approved annexation boundary to include three adjacent properties. D.Edson and Barbara Clark, 93 Lord Acres, and Penny and Timothy Paterson, 105 Lord Acres, have added their names to the annexation petition. The owner of the third parcel did not sign the petition but does not object to annexation.
Gildroy further explained: consideration of the revised petition requires that the annexation process start over, so Council must again decide if the City will accept, reject or geographically modify the proposed annexation; if the area to be annexed shall be required to assume its share of the City=s indebtedness; and whether or not simultaneous adoption of a proposed zoning regulation is required. At Gildroy=s recommendation, Lingard moved to accept the WR-Splash annexation 10% alternate direct petition and to require that the area assume its share of the City=s indebtedness and the zoning be in accordance with the pre-annexation zoning map. Seconded by Olsen, motion passed unanimously.
LAKEFRONT PROPERTY TRANSFER REQUEST: At the request of the petitioner, this item was removed from the agenda to be considered at a later date.
FALL IN LAKE CHELAN RESOLUTION: Fonfara reported that as in past years, organizers of the 2007 Fall in Lake Chelan event are requesting that the City=s ban on cruising be temporarily suspended. Bob Goedde, one of the organizers, then reported on plans for this year=s event. At Goedde=s request, Harper moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 07-1175 declaring September 7, 8, & 9, 2007 as Fall in Lake Chelan Weekend and temporarily suspending CMC 10.70 in order to permit cruising the avenue during the event. Seconded by Weldy, motion passed unanimously.
CITY/SCHOOL DISTRICT INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT: Fonfara summarized information provided to Council in his memo of 7/23/07 and School District Superintendent Busey=s memo dated 6/18/07 concerning a proposed amendment of the Interlocal Agreement Between City of Chelan and Lake Chelan School District No. 129 for Joint Use of Recreational Facilities. Fonfara stated his support of the amendment, whereby the City would donate to the School District 12.3 acres designated for conveyance to the City as per the City/Naumes Properties development agreement. The property transfer would provide for the development of a community park and recreational facilities to serve the School District and the citizens of Chelan.
Busey then briefly reported on the process that led up to the proposal and the School District=s plans for developing the subject property and adjacent property that the School District intends to acquire. Busey and Fonfara then answered Council questions. There being no further discussion, Weldy moved to direct the City Administrator to prepare an amendment to the City School District Interlocal Agreement for Joint Use of Recreational Facilities for the conveyance of the Naumes Property to the Lake Chelan School District. Seconded by Papè-Miller, motion passed unanimously.
SYDLOSKI DEFERRAL AGREEMENT: VanEpps proposed deferral of the requirement that curbs, gutters and sidewalks be constructed in conjunction with Linda Sydloski=s conversion of a single family dwelling to a duplex. VanEpps explained that the City=s development standards and CMC 19.07 authorize such a deferral if the City determines it is appropriate. The property owner must complete the improvements upon demand by the City, which may be made at any time and without pre-condition. VanEpps noted that staff only considers deferral when the improvements don=t make sense - for instance when the other properties on the street don=t have curbs/gutters/sidewalks as in this case.
Lingard asked what would become of the requirements should the property sell. VanEpps explained that the agreement, having been recorded with the County Assessor, would attach to the property and the requirements would be passed on to the new owners. Morehouse advocated requiring that the improvements be made before the property can be sold. Harper moved to authorize Mayor Witherbee to sign the Sydloski Deferral Agreement. Seconded by Lingard, motion passed 5-1 with Harper, Lingard, Olsen, Papè-Miller and Weldy voting aye and Morehouse voting nay.
2007 STREET OVERLAY PROGRAM: VanEpps provided a status report on the 2007 Street Overlay Program.
AIRPORT LAYOUT PLAN: Fonfara reported that Century West, the consulting engineer preparing the Airport Layout Plan update, submitted a draft of the preferred alternative of the plan to him last week. Fonfara said staff would review the preferred alternative with Council prior to forwarding it to the Airport Layout Planning Committee for its review and recommendation. Dick Swinford, Airport Maintenance Lead, then provided information on the preferred alternative.
AIRPORT JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT: Fonfara reported that the Port of Chelan County has proposed terminating the existing Joint Operating Agreement for the airport and transferring to the City its ownership interest in the airport. Mayor Witherbee explained: under the existing Joint Operating Agreement, the City and the Port own the airport 50/50. The City provides 30% of funding while the Port provides 70%. The Port is proposing the City take over 100% ownership and 100% responsibility. The Mayor recommended discussing the Port=s proposal at the 2007 Strategic Planning Retreat.
Morehouse asked how Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding would be affected were the City to take over full ownership of the airport. Fonfara responded, saying the City attorney and Port attorney have prepared an amended agreement that conforms to FAA standards, so whether the City and Port own the airport or just the City owns it, it is eligible for FAA funding.
At 8:15 p.m.Council meeting was recessed to permit the Mayor and Councilmembers to participate in the regular meeting of the Lake Chelan Airport Board. Council meeting reconvened at 8:16 p.m. following adjournment of the Airport Board meeting.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS
CHELAN MAN EVENT: Weldy observed that arrows marking the Chelan Man triathlon route remain on city streets and sidewalks. Fonfara said staff would be meeting with organizers to evaluate the event and will order the markings removed as soon as possible. Fonfara noted that Public Works had advised organizers that only chalk markings were permissible.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Weldy asked if there is some way the City might help the Land Trust in its work to provide affordable housing. Mayor Witherbee responded, saying the City can't provide financial support, but can and should help in other ways. The Mayor said he believes the City of Leavenworth may have information on how to assist. Fonfara advised that the City first needs to investigate the Land Trust. At Weldy's suggestion, Fonfara agreed to meet with Paul Columbo, who heads the Land Trust.
PREPERATION OF MINUTES: Lingard noted that the minutes of the last Council meeting were not presented for approval at this meeting and said he hopes minutes will be prepared for approval at the following meeting from now on.
GOLF MAINTENANCE: Lingard said people want to know why there are brown patches on the golf course fairways. Harper responded, saying School District grounds have the same problem due to extreme heat and wind this summer. Papé-Miller said she's been hearing complaints about dying trees at the golf course. Weldy recalled that last year's tree assessment found that several diseased trees need to be removed from the golf course. Mayor Witherbee reported that Don Hensley, Parks & Golf Maintenance Supervisor, has said that this year is like no other since he's been maintaining the golf course - the heat and wind are making it very difficult. Fonfara offered to have Hensley report to Council on 8/23/07.
ASSISTANT GOLF PRO POSITION: Lingard asked if anything was being done to fill the vacant Assistant Golf Pro position. Mayor Witherbee said that Administration had decided not to fill the position this season and would be including it as a topic for discussion at the Strategic Planning Retreat. Fonfara added that hiring at this time would be premature since privatization of various golf course services will be considered at the retreat.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: Morehouse reported that pedestrian crossing flags have been purchased and are being distributed.
RECYCLING PROGRAM: Morehouse observed that the recycling area at Safeway is overused and untidy during the summer months. Morehouse recommended 24 hour "through the gate" recycling at the city recycling center. Mayor Witherbee said he has asked Scott Beaton, the Recycling Coordinator, to put together proposals for improving the recycling program and hopes to get the result before the Strategic Planning Retreat.
There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
PREPARED BY:
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Linda Allison-Liles, City Clerk
DATE APPROVED BY COUNCIL:
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ATTEST:
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Jay Witherbee, Mayor