Parking problems continue near Lakeside Park

CHELAN – Four main items in the agenda were discussed at the Chelan City Council Workshop, on August 7 in which all councilmembers were present.

1. Lake Chelan Sewer District: Public Works Director Jake Youngren led the discussion on this agenda item. The three Lake Chelan Sewer District commissioners are looking for the City of Chelan to take over the Sewer District. A one year agreement extension was proposed for the City to look into the project and see if they are interested in taking over. The District has been having a hard time keeping three commissioners, which makes it difficult for the District to be administrated efficiently. Currently the City of Chelan already looks at the District’s infrastructure and public works gets things done to their facility. The contract extension will allow the City to take the time to look into detail and figure out whether or not this a project the City wants to get their hand on or not.

2. Senior Center Paving Project: City Administrator Mike Jackson reminded the council about the Chelan Senior Center’s request for their parking lot to be expanded. The spot where the Senior Center is looking to add more parking is owned by the Chelan County PUD and leased by the City of Chelan, because of this the Senior Center is looking for financial support from both the PUD and the City. There was back and forth conversation between the council, mainly because councilmember Erin McCardle didn’t understand why it was their responsibility to improve PUD’s property.

Another point that came up in the conversation was the need for general parking here in Chelan, however councilmember Tim Hollingsworth thinks it’s unfortunate that the Senior Center is so far away from Downtown Chelan. Councilmember Ty Witt, reminded Hollingsworth that events such as ChelanMan use this location as overflow parking.  The idea of having a shuttle go around town during busy weekends was brought up by Hollingsworth.

McCardle also asked if this project should be put aside until budget season comes around, because even though it doesn’t seem like too much money to spend, there are other projects the City is also willing to accomplish.

John Olson was present and he reinforced that the Senior Center is looking into a three way partnership, because all parties will benefit from the improved parking lot.

Witt suggested for the Senior Center parking lot to become a phase project, this way it will make the upgrade process more affordable. Youngren informed that his public works team could possibly do some improvements to the area, councilmember Kelly Allen asked him to bring back some numbers back to the council next time around.

3.Tesla Super Charging Stations: Basically Tesla is looking to put up charging stations in key cities in order to facilitate long distance traveling. Just recently, 16 charging stations spots were opened in Leavenworth, Tesla is working with private businesses to have these stations setup, however here in Chelan they haven’t found anyone yet. Due to this Tesla wants to work with the City, Tesla is looking at installing eight charging stations somewhere in Chelan. A Tesla representative will give  a special presentation for the council in the next meeting.

4.Johnson Avenue Parking Lot Issues:  Parks Director Karen Sargeant recommend to the council to pull out the pay station in  the Johnson Avenue Parking Lot and putting that pay station over at Lakeside Park. Moving the pay station will be more beneficial to Lakeside Park visitors because this way they won’t have to stay in line for long period of time trying to pay. The council thought this was a great idea and they agreed on moving the pay station to Lakeside.