John Gormley

The proceedings included discussions on the potential consolidation of Veterans Service Officer (VSO) departments with Chelan County and follow-up visits to Washington D.C. The Board expressed support for an add-on for bilingual exempt/excluded employees. Project updates covered the Baker Flats roundabout submittal and an agreement for Manson Growers. Discussions continued regarding the Text-2025-02 ADUs in the East Wenatchee UGA and the Mixed-Use Zoning District, where the Board voted to maintain the Mixed-Use (MU) designation. Consensus was reached to allow electronic signatures on a letter of support for Senate Bill 6239. The Board held an executive session to discuss qualifications for appointment to public office, following which Undersheriff Tyler Caille was appointed as Interim Sheriff to complete the unexpired term. Administrative items included authorization for signature stamps on a thank you letter for Wenatchi Landing, review of a draft Ordinance regarding Graffiti, and discussion of the Opioid Abatement Funding Policy. The Board approved an Interlocal Support and Service Agreement with Wenatchee Valley Fire, a Grievance Settlement Agreement with WSCCCE AFSME Council 2 AFL-CIO, and authorized the purchase of a Gooseneck Trailer for the Solid Waste Program.

The North End Master Site Plan (Subarea Plan) is designed to transform the 317-acre North End Study Area into a regional job center and tourist and recreation destination. This collaborative plan, prepared by Douglas County in partnership with the City of East Wenatchee and the Port of Douglas County, establishes a common development vision, design concept, and capital facilities plan. Its strategic priorities include facilitating private investment, establishing a SEPA Planned Action for streamlined review, spurring economic development through job growth, exploring mixed-use waterfront development, and creating a vibrant, attractive place.

The North End Master Site Plan is a subarea plan for the North End of the East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area, designed to establish it as a regional job center and tourist recreation destination. This plan outlines a unified development and design concept, capital improvement program, and funding strategy. Key focus areas include facilitating private investment, fostering public-private partnerships for infrastructure, and streamlining development through a Planned Action Ordinance. The strategic vision encompasses creating a mix of uses such as resorts, office parks, a mixed-use wine village, hospitality, business parks, institutional facilities, retail, and commercial recreation, while leveraging natural amenities and the waterfront location to enhance economic growth and community well-being.

The Pre-Application Conference agenda included two scheduled items held by audio conference only due to the 'Stay Home, Stay Healthy' proclamation. The first item, Pre-App-2021-77, involved Eric Loebsack (Applicant) and Pam Hannah (Owner) for a 2 Lot Short Plat application at 2521 NW Boston Ave. The second item, Pre-CBP-2021-22, involved Paul Mares (Applicant) and Bomar Properties (Owner) for a Commercial Office proposal located at 3535 NW Cascade Ave. The document also contains associated property maps detailing parcel information for these and other related areas.

The meeting included administrative procedures where the minutes from the August 6, 2025 meeting were approved. In new business, the Commission addressed a text amendment (Hearing-TEXT-2025-01) proposing to increase the minimum lot size requirement for land divisions exempt from the subdivision process within the UGA from 5 acres to 20 acres, which the Commission recommended for approval to the Board of County Commissioners. Updates were provided on the 2026 Comprehensive Plan, including the status of the Ag-Land Analysis consultant selection and the Transportation element process. The status of the Planning Commission Bylaws clean version was noted. Additionally, a workshop was held regarding Park Models being considered as Single-Family Dwelling Units, where background information and definitions were presented.