- Written by Central Washington Home Builder’s Association
Yakima, WA— March 27, 2020 — This week has proven to be a most challenging of time for the country, state, and now -- the building industry.
On Wednesday evening, Gov. Jay Inslee issued clarification on construction in which he significantly narrowed the original order which allowed for “housing construction.” His new order does allow for continued construction, under limited circumstances:
a) Construction related to essential activities as described in the order;
b) To further a public purpose related to a public entity or governmental function or facility, including but not limited to publicly financed low-income housing; or
c) To prevent spoliation and avoid damage or unsafe conditions, and address emergency repairs at both non-essential businesses and residential structures.
To that end, it is permissible for workers who are building, construction superintendents, tradesmen, or tradeswomen, or other trades including, but not limited to, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, laborers, sheet metal, iron workers, masonry, pipe trades, fabricators, heavy equipment and crane operators, finishers, exterminators, pesticide applicators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineers, HVAC technicians, painting, moving and relocation services, forestry and arborists, and other service providers to provide services consistent with this guidance. All construction activity must meet social distancing and appropriate health and worker protection measures before proceeding.
(Gov. Inslee’s March 25, 2020 Memo: Construction Guidance – Stay Home, Stay Healthy Proclamation (20-25)
Contractors are required by local 2 jurisdictions to have strict safety plans, various licenses and certifications that ensure safety not only for their crews, but for the safety and well-being of homeowners.
Residents and community members may continue to see construction still occurring, but must understand that CWHBA is not providing direct or legal interpretation of the order, enforcing or enquiring regarding specific job sites, and trusts that builders are moving in a direction that is safe and in compliance with the order.
Visit CWHBA.org for more information to stay informed.
- Written by Carlye Baity, Clerk of the Board/Public Records Coordinator, Chelan County Commissioners
Chelan County is pleased to announce the appointment of James (Jim) Brown as our new Community Development Director.
Jim comes to Chelan County after serving 28 years with Washington State Fish and Wildlife the last 7 of which he has served as the Director for the North Central Region.
He has extensive leadership experience that will serve the County well. In his tenure with WDFW, he has overseen the implementation of agency policy initiatives and programs, providing policy direction to the approximately 150 staff in the region.
The Commissioners chose Jim Brown to succeed former Director David Kuhl who left the County at the end of February. We selected Jim due to his ability to work with a wide variety of interests and to resolve difficult issues in a professional and objective way.
The Commissioners are pleased to welcome Jim Brown to the Chelan County team. He will start on April 23rd.
- Written by Bob Plumb, Fire Marshal, Chelan County
Open Burning
The Fire Districts are very busy.
Please do not add to the work they are doing. If you need to burn natural debris on your property, remember that last year’s grass is very flammable.
Please burn responsibly.
Here are some simple guidelines to follow:
No burning if the wind speeds exceed 10 mph. (Less is better)
Attended recreational campfires are allowed at private residences and hosted campgrounds in approved campfire rings or pits and at dispersed camping sites. The campfire area must be clear of combustible material 36 inches in diameter around the campfire. Have a shovel and water readily available on site to suppress the fire.
Outside of UGA: Debris burning of natural vegetation is allowed on your property. No garbage or building debris. Maximum pile size is 4X4-feet in diameter. A 10-foot diameter area clear of flammable material around the pile is required. Water and a shovel must be readily available on site to suppress the fire.
Debris burning restrictions within the Urban Growth Area (UGA) are still applicable. Burning of yard waste in Urban Growth Areas is prohibited.
No Household trash or garbage shall be burned outdoors at residences at any time. If your property is not in an Urban Growth Area only natural vegetation can be burned.
Burn barrels are illegal and are not permitted.
Always have at least one person attending the burn pile and provide them with a means to control the fire or put out spot fires. (Hand tools and water.)
If you have an orchard. Agricultural Operations Do Not need a permit from Ecology to burn their prunings or fire-blight if they are just limbs and a few whole trees. If the orchard is tearing out whole blocks or acreage then they need an agricultural pile burn permit from Ecology.
It is advised to have outdoor burning complete before the end of May.
Burn regulations will engage June 1st.
- Written by Veronica Farias, Chelan-Douglas Health District - Andrew Canning, Confluence Health
East Wenatchee, WA – CDHD was notified on March 24, 2020, by Confluence Health of the first death of a Health District resident as a result of COVID-19, and two (2) additional lab-confirmed positive test results.
The Health District’s total number of lab-confirmed positive cases is now twelve (12), ten (10) of whom are Chelan County residents and two (2) Douglas County residents
The Central Washington Hospital patient who passed away was a 91-year-old patient with multiple pre-existing health conditions. It is important to note that everyone is at risk for COVID-19 – not just the elderly.
Please continue practice all the possible measures in order to avoid infection or spread of this disease.COVID-19.
- Written by Carlye Baity, Clerk of the Board/Public Records Coordinator, Chelan County Commissioners
Due to many of the offices limiting in-person contact the County will now go to a single point entry for both the Law and Justice Building as well as the Courthouse. Public Restrooms in County buildings will have rotating closures due to increased sanitizing efforts.
Both the Treasurer’s Office and the Noxious Weed Department will go to close to in-person interaction as of Monday, March 23rd. Please check our website www.co.chelan.wa.us to get up-to-date contact information for our offices.
Current face-to-face closures include:
Sheriff’s Office
Human Resources
Public Works
District Court Probation
Auditor’s Office
Starting Monday March 23rd
Chelan County Assessor
Chelan County Community Development
Noxious Weed
- Written by Jordyn Giulio, Risk Manager, Douglas County
On March 17, 2020 the Douglas County Board of Commissioners have passed Resolution No. CE 20-14, Emergency Proclamation, in response to the potential COVID-19 situation in Douglas County.
On March 17, 2020 the Douglas County Board of Commissioners have passed Resolution No. CE 20-14, Emergency Proclamation, in response to the potential COVID-19 situation in Douglas County.The health, safety, and welfare of our community is Douglas County’s top priority. This resolution will allow efficient response to any COVID-19 threats as they emerge and will further ensure the ability to prepare for any developments in the coming weeks and months. This situation remains fluid and changes may occur rapidly.
To further the recommendations issued by the Chelan Douglas Health District, Centers for Disease Control, and the State of Washington, the Douglas County Commissioners have signed Resolution No. CE 20-16, restricting public access to all Douglas County facilities, effective March 19, 2020. Public access will be limited to Court hearings/other court dates or by appointment with other County offices. Douglas County is committed to providing public services and will continue to operate via email, phone, and other electronic means during this time. Attached is a resource sheet with information regarding whom to contact to discuss scheduling of appointments to meet in-person with County staff.
Douglas County is not closing or slowing any government processes. These operational changes will only serve to protect the community and those who serve it. We believe that instituting precautionary measures will strengthen our ability to add value to our constituents. All departments are fully staffed to respond to inquiries via telephone, email, or other portals available.
Additionally, per Resolution CE 20-15, all Board of Commissioner’s meeting sessions will be moved temporarily from the Courthouse in Waterville and will now be held at the Public Services Building, 140 19th NW, East Wenatchee WA. This change will take place effective immediately and will remain in place for the duration of the emergency.
The County has undertaken a number of proactive measures in response to COVID-19. Facilities maintenance has instituted increased building protocols, physical contact has been curtailed, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) have been provided, and mail handling has been altered.
For additional information regarding COVID-19 and resources available to the community, please see the following sources:
The Chelan Douglas Health District: https://cdhd.wa.gov/
The Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
For information regarding disaster relief for businesses - Small Business Administration https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
For tax relief information: https://dor.wa.gov/about/2019-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-covid-19-update
Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus;
Information about Health Care Coverage for impacted workers: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/Homepage.html & https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports/apple-health-medicaid-coverage;
Information for impacted workers and employers - Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus
Additional documents:
- Written by Carlye Baity, Clerk of the Board/Public Records Coordinator, Chelan County Commissioners
Chelan County is operating under its various departmental emergency plans. We are encouraging the use of our on-line resources rather than in-person services. Several of our offices are closed to face-to-face interaction.
Before venturing out to a County Office, please check our website www.co.chelan.wa.us to see if the service you desire is being affected.
Though an office may be closed to face-to-face contact services are available by phone or email. Contact information is available through our website.
Current face-to-face closures include:
Sheriff’s Office
Human Resources
Public Works
District Court Probation
Starting Monday March 23rd
Chelan County Assessor
Chelan County Community Development
- Written by Jonnie Crossland, Social Media & PR Coordinator, 12 Tribes Colville Casinos
OMAK, WASH. MARCH 17, 2020 - After much consideration and out of concern for the safety and health of customers, employees and the community, 12 Tribes Colville Casinos has made the necessary decision to temporarily close all three casino properties (12 Tribes Resort Casino in Omak, 12 Tribes Mill Bay Casino in Manson, and 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam).
The closure will take effect at 5PM on March 17, 2020 and will last through April 1, 2020, in accordance with the guidance and practice of the State of Washington.
“The Colville Tribal Federal Corporation’s primary mission is to serve and enrich our communities,” said Colville Tribal Federal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Kary Nichols. “The health and wellbeing of our team members and our patrons, as well as the larger communities in which we work, is paramount to that mission.”
12 Tribes Colville Casinos have followed guidelines set by the CDC and local health authorities amid concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak and have worked with Tribal health authorities to take appropriate action regarding the spread of COVID-19.
“Despite dedicating additional resources for sanitation efforts and limiting certain aspects of our operations, it is apparent that the correct response to this public health crisis is to do our part in slowing its progression,” said Nichols.
Updates will be made available on 12 Tribes Colville Casino’s website at www.colvillecasinos.com.
- Written by Gregory Kennedy
Chelan County now has two confirmed cases of the COVID 19 virus.
This morning the Chelan County Board of Commissioners have taken the step of signing an Emergency Declaration Resolution in regards to the COVID 19 virus. Precautionary measures put in place by the Governor and the Federal Government have impacted our community. By signing this resolution local businesses and non-profits will now have access to potential State and Federal assistance.
We encourage our Chelan County residents to remain cautious and aware and to do everything possible to help one another during this difficult time.
Below are documents released by Chelan County Board of Commissioners and the Chelan County Sheriff's office.
- Written by Jordyn Giulio, Risk Manager
Douglas County places the highest importance on the health, safety, and wellbeing on the public and its employees. In respect to the advice issued today by the Chelan Douglas Health Department directing the cancellation of events of 20 or more people, the North Central Washington Fair is canceling the permits for the Friends of the Fair Crab Feed fundraiser. The fundraiser has been postponed until deemed safe by the local health authorities.
The Friends of the Fair will be working with ticket holders to keep them apprised of any updates and to notify them of the future event date once determined.
We appreciate the support and understanding of the community as we work to ensure the safety of the County.
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