Sara Cushing and Chris Willoughby appointed to Manson Community Council

MANSON – Two spots were left open with the resignations of Kim Ustanik and Jeremy Jaech from the Manson Community Council.

Both left the Council 11 months into their three year terms. Due to this the Council had to appoint two new members in the Nov. 20 meeting.

Kathy Blum explained, “when people resign from their position, we have the option to go out and find people to take their places for two years, instead of changing the whole voting structure.”

Sara Cushing and Chris Willoughby will join the Council for two years until their term comes up. Before Blum swore the new members in, they briefly introduced themselves to those present.

“I am here because I’ve been always interested in the community, interested in what’s is happening, I figured it was time to go ahead and volunteer my time,” said Cushing.

About seven years ago Willoughby served as a member of the Manson Community Council.

“I am a lifelong member of this community, I was born and raised here and I see a lot of value in this community … I want to make sure the community changes at a rate we can accept as a community. That’s why I am back here,” he said.

So far, there are three candidates running for two of the positions up for election. Jorge Valencia is running for re-election. Kathy Miller is not. The Council will hold elections for on Dec. 11 from noon to 7 p.m.
Blum reminded everyone that there’ still time to apply, deadline to turn in applications is Dec. 1.

To apply, you must be resident of Manson and a  registered voter within the Manson School District. Have at least 10 required signatures from registered voters within the district. The form is available online at www.MansonCommunityCouncil.com or you can pick one up at Allisions of Manson or the Lake Chelan Reclamation Office.

The Council also moved their December meeting. It will now take place on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. Before the end of the meeting, the votes will be counted and the Council will know the results.

In other business:

The Council went over two notices received from Chelan County.
    •    One of them being a SEPA notification that was non-significant for a parcel zoning change from UR1 to UR3. A UR 3 allows to have 12 units per acre and up to 200 units could be built in the two parcels asking for that zoning change. This land will be used for low income housing and the Council submitted comment to the County back in May. According to the May 2018 minutes, “the Council agreed to recommend that the rezone to UR3 not be allowed by unanimous vote.”
    •    Another notification was received from the County regarding a property across from Summerset Boulevard, the plan is to develop four residences. The Council has until Dec. 4 to submit comments on the subdivision of the property.