Susan Dretke

The committee meeting addressed several key items, including reviewing and approving changes to the December 10, 2025 minutes regarding the 2026 Framework recommendation and distribution percentages. A major action item was the unanimous approval of the Lodging Tax Advisory By-Laws, Revision 4, which also included changing the regular meeting date to the third Thursday of each month. Discussions focused on the 2026 Calendar, specifically planning for an in-depth reserves discussion in February, covering past usage (2019 to 2025), ideal reserve levels, emergency fund application procedures, and a proposal to maintain $500,000 in reserves while spending down excess funds, including setting aside funds to boost Events over the next five years. The March meeting is scheduled for a year-end report presentation from Visit Chelan County.

The meeting, spanning October 6th and 7th, included unanimous approval of the consent agenda covering minutes, vouchers, and payroll changes (including new hires, promotions, and resignations). Key discussions centered on the 2026 Budget and administrative updates. The Commissioners held multiple executive sessions regarding contract negotiation and real estate matters. Action items approved included a contract with Signature Roofing Service, an agreement with Chelan County PUD for a water line extension, funding for the YWCA NCW Capital Project, and a water rights acquisition memo. Natural Resources actions involved amendments and agreements related to transmission lines, prescribed burns, and water/floodplain restoration studies. Significant time was dedicated to budget hearings for various departments, including Community Development, Facilities Management, Economic and Social Services, Sheriff, Public Works, Treasurer's Office, Jail, and Prosecuting Attorney/PACSD. A subsequent Special Meeting on October 8th included further budget hearings.

The board meeting, spanning two days, covered several key items. Discussions included a public hearing regarding a debatable emergency appropriation for several funds, including the Criminal Justice Sale Tax Fund and the Juvenile Department. Actions taken included approving Resolution #2025-90 for the budget appropriation, approving agreements for Workday Financial Software and an Energy Audit, and the reappointment of an individual to the NCW Libraries Board of Trustees. The commissioners entered into multiple executive sessions to discuss pending litigation and real estate matters. Further actions involved approving various agreements related to park acquisition, grant funding for a feasibility assessment, contract amendments for construction support, and a Master Services Agreement for a cultural resources survey. On the second day, the Commission approved a Real Estate Purchase & Sale Agreement and a Boundary Line Adjustment with the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department, and a resolution to remove a section from the Chelan County Code. The sessions concluded with budget workshops and the approval of a refund request.

The meeting included the approval of a consent agenda covering vouchers and several payroll changes, including new hires, transfers, a step increase, a retirement, and a correction. Key actions involved awarding the bid for the Stemilt Creek Bridge #103 Channel Restoration Project. A public hearing was held regarding the intention to surplus county property, which subsequently resulted in the approval of Resolution #2025-73. Discussions covered an event permit for the Chelanathon Triathlon and the Malaga TIF item. The Commission entered into multiple executive sessions to discuss the performance of a public official, real estate matters, and contract negotiations. Additional actions included approving various contracts and amendments related to consulting services, technical assistance for instream flow tools, thinning projects, and water storage designs. The session concluded with the approval of a Notice of Award for roof service and an authorization request for a Veterans Service Officer Supervisor position classification.

The meeting agenda covered multiple areas, including the unanimous approval of the consent agenda, which included payroll changes such as step increases for employees in Economic Services and Information Technology. Key actions taken involved approving an Open Space Taxation Agreement and several Commissioner's Notices of Hearing for Development Agreements. Discussions and actions related to the Public Works department addressed road closures. The Economic Services department discussed grant extensions, including one for the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and made funding recommendations to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Budget discussions focused on the 2026 Budget, emergency budget appropriations, and a budget transfer for the Veteran's Relief Fund. The Commission also addressed contractual matters, including agreements for prosecution services and data access subscriptions. Several sessions were held in Executive Session to discuss contract negotiation, pending litigation, and potential litigation. Final actions included approving amendments and agreements for various natural resource projects, such as river restoration, forest health treatments, and campground design support.