Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 19 December 2019

Singleton Park, located at the corner of Madeline and Hyacinth in Manson, is a hub for sports and play in the Lake Chelan Valley. Its ball fields are frequented throughout the year by athletes playing baseball and soccer, and children playing at the playground. While the fields have seen some upgrades, the playground is over 30 years old and safety concerns have become the driving force for some much-needed changes. After receiving a near-failing safety inspection just over a year ago, the Park District began brainstorming. The options quickly became clear- remove the playground entirely or replace it.

Play is crucial to a child’s development; it helps with balance, strength, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, social skills, learning and cognitive skills, as well as emotional and mental well-being. Simply put, play is the building block of strong people and a strong community. That being said, removing Singleton’s playground was not an option.

As the research began and progressed, the project transformed from a basic need to replace the play equipment. Quickly it grew into a desire to provide our community’s families not only with a place to play, but a place where people of all abilities can play side-by-side… an inclusive playground… a place of wonder! That’s when the community spirit really took over.

After receiving conceptual designs from various playground equipment manufacturers, a committee was formed to help with equipment selection. Committee members include Alicia Alexander, Rob Campbell, Johnny Morfin, Brian Patterson, Robin Pittman, Taylor Quigley, Ben Riippi, Bill Sharkey, Adelina Velasco, and Maria Zaragoza. Their goal was to review the proposed playground designs, make changes based on community need, and make a final recommendation to the Manson Parks Board of Commissioners.

On Thursday, December 12th, 2019, at the Manson Parks regular monthly Board meeting, Commissioners unanimously approved purchase of the proposed Burke playground equipment. The playground will feature a large structure designed for kids ages 5 to 12, a separate large structure for kids ages 2 to 5, a “Rev8” spinner, “Orb Rocker”, swing set, and several other items. The total for the equipment came to $133, 326.20.

Funding for the equipment was made possible by the following sponsors.

Thank you to:

• Tom & Meg Names Family Foundation
• Burke Move With Us Grant
• Lake Chelan Rotary
• Community Foundation of North Central Washington
• Lake Chelan Community Services Council
• Chelan-Douglas Developmental Disabilities Program
• Walmart
• Wenatchee Valley Medical Group
• Lake Chelan Boating Club
• Green Dot Sub Shop
• Lake Chelan Boating Club

The next step in the process includes selection of the ground surfacing material, which is a vital piece of the equation. It will likely be a combination of Engineered wood fiber (wood chips), and a soft composite rubber material called pour-in-place. Both meet the requirements for wheelchair accessibility and fall cushioning, as well as providing a tactile element to satisfy sensory needs. A concrete border and benches will be installed around the playground. Engineered wood fiber is expected to cost as much as $25,000, and the areas of pour-in-place could come in at $60,000. Supervised installation, where the manufacturer provides a trained specialist to lead community volunteers during the course of installation, is expect to be $12,000. Cost of the concrete border, benches, and ground work are yet to be determined.

Community support for this project has been incredible, but there are still opportunities to help!

Through December 31st, 2019, visit www.givencw.org to donate through CFNCW’s Give NCW campaign. After that, checks can be mailed to Manson Parks, PO Box 590, Manson WA 98831. Cash and credit card donations can also be accepted at our office on 142 Pedoi Street in Manson.

Volunteers will be needed for installation of the new equipment, ground work, and tear-down of the existing equipment. If you’d like to be a part of the fun, contact our office by calling 509-687-9635, or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Installation of the equipment will begin in the spring, weather permitting.

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director

Published: 19 December 2019

Commission recommends a gradual approach to adoption; recommendations now move on to the legislature

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Transportation Commission adopted recommendations today, Tuesday, Dec. 17, on how Washington can begin a transition away from the state gas tax and toward a road usage charge system.

The commission based its recommendations on extensive research, statewide public engagement, as well detailed analysis of the participant feedback and system performance of the 12-month Washington Road Usage Charge Pilot Project. These recommendations, along with the Road Usage Charge Steering Committee’s final report, will be transmitted to the Washington State Legislature, Governor Jay Inslee and the Federal Highway Administration in January 2020.

At the core of these recommendations, the Legislature is encouraged to begin a slow and gradual transition away from the gas tax, starting with requiring vehicles in the state-owned fleet to pay a road usage charge in lieu of the gas tax. The commission also recommends applying a road usage charge to electric vehicle owners who pay no gas tax and hybrid vehicle owners who pay little gas tax. The recommendations include taking the time during this gradual transition period to conduct additional research, such as collaborating with other states on cross-border travel, reducing administrative and operational costs, and assessing compliance gaps and potential enforcement measures. The commission did not offer a timeline for a full transition of all vehicles in the state to a road usage charge, recommending that should not occur for at least 10 years and likely several decades as many cars continue to pay the gas tax.

“This is an important first step in ensuring future funding security for Washington’s aging roads and bridges,” said Jerry Litt, chair of the Washington State Transportation Commission. “Revenues from our state gas tax will begin to decline as vehicle fuel efficiency continues to increase. We are already struggling to ensure adequate funding to maintain our system of roads and bridges today. Thanks to the pilot project and years of research, we believe road usage charging is a promising and viable option for the Legislature to consider, and now is the time to begin a gradual but necessary transition away from relying on the consumption of fossil fuel to fund our roads.”

A 29-member Road Usage Charge Steering Committee has guided Washington’s assessment of road usage charging since 2012. The committee supported and advised development of the pilot test drive and prepared its final report on road usage charging in Washington earlier this year. Based upon the findings of the steering committee, the commission determined its final set of recommendations and their final report to be issued in January 2020 will detail the results of the seven-year-long assessment of road usage charging. It includes the 12-month-long test drive portion of the pilot project that included over 2,000 statewide drivers driving 15 million miles from February 2018 to January 2019.

“We appreciate the time and effort our pilot project participants dedicated, through reporting their miles driven, completing surveys, participating in focus groups, and sharing thoughtful questions and comments with us.” said Joe Tortorelli, chair of the Road Usage Charge Steering Committee and member of the Washington State Transportation Commission. “Feedback from participants and members of the general public helped inform the final report and recommendations. We look forward to sharing this report with the legislature early next year.”

As vehicles become more fuel-efficient or switch to electric power, gas tax revenue is expected to decline by as much as 45 percent by 2035. In 2012, the Legislature directed the commission to assess the potential of a road usage charge to replace the gas tax. A road usage charge is a per-mile charge drivers would pay for the use of the roads, as opposed to paying by the gallon of gas.

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director

Published: 14 December 2019

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Transportation Commission will take action next week on policy recommendations to the Washington State Legislature on whether and when the state should consider implementing a Road Usage Charge (RUC) system as a possible replacement to the gas tax.

The commission meeting starts at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. The meeting is open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during public comment periods each day, including a public comment opportunity prior to commission action on its road usage charging recommendations.

The commission will take final action at 1 p.m. Tuesday on its findings and recommendations related to whether and when a RUC system could replace the gas tax to fund roads and bridges. A RUC is a per-mile charge drivers would pay for the use of roads, as opposed to paying by the gallon of gas. Because gasoline is taxed by the gallon, as vehicles become more fuel-efficient or switch to electric power, gas tax revenue is expected to decline by as much as 45 percent by 2035. In 2012, the Legislature directed the commission to assess the potential of a RUC to replace the gas tax.

The final RUC report will detail the results of a 7-year-long assessment of road usage charging and a pilot project that involved more than 2,000 drivers statewide in a live test of RUC. The commission will consider the work of the RUC steering committee, results and findings from the test-driving phase of the pilot project, input from the pilot participants, and input from the public, as they finalize recommendations and next steps. The commission will submit the report to the governor, Legislature and the Federal Highway Administration in January 2020.

Also on Tuesday, the commission will receive an update on current traffic and revenue data for all tolled facilities, including the State Route 99 tunnel. Commission staff will present an overview of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge loan report, which the commission will submit to the Legislature in January, indicating the amount of loan needed to avoid a toll rate increase next year. The commission also will discuss the work plan and schedule for a legislatively directed study it will conduct to assess the possibility of discounted tolls and other programs to assist low-income drivers.

Commissioners also will hear the findings and recommendations from the lead consultant who conducted an analysis of congestion pricing in downtown Seattle. Congestion pricing is a charge drivers pay when they enter the most congested areas at the busiest times. Commissioned by the transportation network company Uber, the study considered whether charging all drivers could be an alternative to direct taxes or licensing limitations imposed on transportation network companies.

Tuesday afternoon the commission will continue its ongoing examination of the policy issues related to vehicle automation. John Niles, co-author of a book on autonomous vehicles, will discuss the potential effects on communities and public safety of shifting 50 percent or more of today’s privately owned and human-operated vehicles to automated vehicles.

On Wednesday, the commission will take action to adopt its annual report to the Legislature, which includes a number of recommendations on transportation policy and funding. Commissioners also will hear briefings on policy topics including, development of Vision 2050, the Puget Sound Regional Council’s newest long-range plan; an update to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s state plan for passenger and freight rail; and, a study underway by WSDOT’s aviation division to evaluate the potential for using electric aircraft in passenger air service.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 14 December 2019

Manson School District was the lucky recipient of the “Change for Charities” program sponsored through 12 Tribes Colville Casinos.

ASB President Parker Schoenwald, Superintendent Matt Charlton and Middle/High School Principal Heather Ireland were presented with a check from Tony Posey, General Manager of Mill Bay Casino in the amount of $2,658.71.

This donation will be used with the intention to help students to participate in extra-curricular, clubs, field trips/camps etc. where fees or equipment might prevent them from doing so. These funds will be available for student’s kindergarten through 12th grade.

Thank you Mill Bay Casino!

Written by Norm Manly

Published: 14 December 2019

Google Street View Photo

The Manson Community’s long running effort to secure a parcel of land, commonly known as Leffler Field, for public use is a step closer to occurring. The five acre (4.97) parcel is located in the center of downtown Manson.

On November 26, a vacant land purchase and sale agreement was completed between the Estate of Edna R. Leffler and two buyers, the Manson Park and Recreation District and the Manson School District. The purchase price is $1.3 million. The agreement includes grant funding awarded to Manson Park and Recreation from both Chelan County and The State of Washington. Chelan County has designated $500,000 in funding from their Rural Counties Economic Fund. The Washington State Legislature has appropriated $250,000 towards the acquisition from its 2019-20 Capital Budget. The remaining $550,000 will be financed by Manson School District.

December Opportunities for the Manson community to give input to both Boards on the purchase.

·        December 12 at 5:00PM at the Manson Parks Building: a joint meeting of the Manson Park and Recreation Board and the Manson School Board will be held with an opportunity for public comment.

·        December 19^th at 5:00PM in the Manson Elementary Library: the Manson School Board will offer a second opportunity for public comment at their regular December board meeting.

·        Written comments may be shared by:

o   Mail

§  Must include a full name and phone number to verify authenticity ·        Manson Park and Recreation District – PO Box 590, Manson, WA 98831

·        Manson School District – PO Box A, Manson, WA 98831

o   Email

§  Must include a full name and phone number to verify authenticity  

·        Manson Parks and Recreation District  – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Manson School District – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Written by Lauren Loebsack, WSDOT communication

Published: 10 December 2019

reopen the highway to bicycles, vehicles next spring

DIABLO – A snowy forecast means State Route 20 North Cascades Highway will close for the season at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11. This is the latest road closure date in more than a decade.

Washington State Department of Transportation crews close this stretch of SR 20 every year once snow fills the avalanche chutes that line the highway, which poses a safety risk to travelers and road crews.

Road closure points

The closure points are at milepost 134/Ross Dam Trailhead and at milepost 177/Silver Star Gate. When significant snow begins to fall, WSDOT crews will move the western closure point back to milepost 130/Colonial Creek Campground and the eastern closure point to milepost 168/Early Winters Campground. These weather-dependent changes usually happen in January. Signs along SR 20 are posted in advance of the closure point and updates on the WSDOT website will reflect where the road is closed.

Winter recreation on SR 20

Hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationalists can access the closed portion of highway during the winter season. Users should park in designated parking areas to allow plow drivers the space they need to clear snow around the closed stretch’s access gates.

WSDOT closes this stretch of highway due to avalanche risk, so anyone using this area should check forecasts and be aware of quickly changing conditions in the mountains. Travelers can also check conditions with North Cascades National Park before trips to this area.

Spring reopening

In late winter/spring 2020, WSDOT avalanche and maintenance crews, including Mazama the Avalanche Rescue Goat, will assess conditions and begin clearing work to reopen this cross-state route through the Cascade Mountains.

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 10 December 2019

Regular Board Meeting
142 Pedoi Street, Bumgarner Building, December 12, 2019, 4:10pm
I. Call to order
II. Flag salute
III. Agenda additions and deletions
IV. Approval of Minutes
a. November 14, 2019 regular meeting minutes
b. December 3, 2019 special meeting minutes
V. Financial Review
a. Review monthly financial report
b. Review and approve monthly voucher
VI. Old Business
a. Singleton Park playground renovation
i. Authorize purchase of playground equipment
b. 2020 Budget
i. Wages and benefits
c. Concession permit request
d. Director’s Report
VII. New Business
a. Winter marine sewage pump-out
b. Marina policy update: “out day” options
c. Old Mill policy update: detached trailers
VIII. 5:00pm: Joint Board meeting with Manson School District Board
a. Leffler Field acquisition
i. Public Comment
IX. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: January 9, 2019 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 06 December 2019

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.

Flag Salute:

Regular Meeting Call to Order:

Oath of Office: Karyl Oules

Approve Agenda:

Public Comment:

Consent Agenda:

• Revenue and Expenditure Report: October 2019 Revenue & Expenditure Report

• Payroll: $117,931.44 November 1-30, 2019 Paid: 12-05-2019

• Vouchers for November 1-30, 2019 General Account: Vouchers #19222 – 19236 for $6,770.58; Vouchers #19238 – 19251 for $9,638.71; Vouchers #746099 – 746110 for $4,311.78; Vouchers #746111 – 746117 for $10,974.81.

• Vouchers for November 1-30, 2019 Capital Account: Vouchers #19237 for $5,069.17; Voucher #17104 - 17105 for $5,682.39.

• Minutes: November 20, 2019

Fire Chief Report:

• 2019 Budget / Emergency Response Report /Operations/ Community Risk Reduction

Assistant Chief Report:

• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training

Firefighters Association Report:

Unfinished Business:

• Professional Service Contract for Legal Services

New Business:

Special Events:

• 12-17-2019 Holiday Gathering – Layla’s 1800-2100

Board for Volunteer Firefighters

Public Comment:

Commissioner Comments:

Executive Session:

Adjournment:

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 03 December 2019

Special Board Meeting
142 Pedoi Street, Bumgarner Building, December 3, 2019, 4:10pm

I. Call to order
II. Flag salute
III. Approval of Resolution 2019-04, authorizing an increase in the regular 2020 property tax levy
IV. Leffler property earnest money agreement