[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,96,108],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6260903,"mediaKeyId","3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18","parentId",3126697,"title","Leavenworth staff say Osborne School abatement will start after cultural review; $2M grants still pending","audioSeconds",318,"startMs",124000,"endMs",442000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18&start=124&end=442","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18/thumbnail_124000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6260903/Leavenworth/Chelan-County/Washington/Leavenworth-staff-say-Osborne-School-abatement-will-start-after-cultural-review-2M-grants-still-pending","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260903-86a555ba9e7bbb9d2196cc974fd7cf5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186778&Signature=bR9f72AYERtmmHCLH8gPYlbJAQBYD7CTMcLl-ggnzaoi99POnVidFvNAvvmCK1ne6kIB4QgO8kKagoc5GfprC54esMlwl60Smw7-KVg5TLp-H-J~n6EIGiqXRIEZS8HhCHU9gSH0xT4Ko3SqOhMqWygIqT6H3t56Xv-NS5k16q~TUVuUxLSbySNmctRTmpYT-ZXT8dfOX534zOt8Pb3R9jbTLq~mjVK8tbPA3XYuzzPDHiI3--jrpjxGkNrHFSZPGCDWRc~fYgVi~sIyc3jZaRG1z69aXi1iI02mUiyWQTYSpIQ~twgo9kGLMEiqWG3H4-6YN~JtYAzqi79osz8CtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leavenworth City, WA","date","2025-04-25T20:22:32.493Z","article","Leavenworth City Council members heard a status update April 22 on the long‑planned Osborne School property redevelopment, as staff outlined remaining regulatory and funding steps before any demolition or reuse work can begin.

City staff said asbestos abatement work is planned for this year, but that because the project would use federal funds staff must first complete a cultural resources assessment and a historic property inventory form and allow a 30‑day tribal review. \"I have to hire an archeological historian to complete a historic property inventory form, before we could go out to bid for the asbestos removal,\" the staff presenter said.

The council heard that the city sought $2 million in state library improvement funding this cycle but was not awarded that grant. Staff has submitted a congressional directed spending request and separately asked to repurpose roughly $942,000 previously awarded by HUD for another project; staff said they have not yet received HUD’s response to a technical correction application.

Why this matters: council members and residents who spoke at the meeting have raised hopes that removal of the building could create more green space and ball fields that citizens in the Leatherwood area requested. Staff cautioned that the city lacks a cost estimate for full demolition and site conversion until design and funding are secured.

Council and staff reviewed the preferred earlier concept — partial demolition to retain a renovated library wing and convert other spaces to community use — and said that prior work completed for the city included a ‘‘fatal‑flaws’’ analysis by ARC Architects finished in April 2024 and earlier design steps. Staff said the council previously provided direction to pursue a partial demolition and relocate the library rather than expanding City Hall, and that was the basis for pursuing grants.

Council members pressed staff for a clear timeline and a checklist of next steps. Staff reiterated the near‑term actions: hire an archeological historian to complete the inventory form, send the resulting assessment for tribal review (30 days), then submit permit materials for asbestos abatement. That sequence must be completed before bids may be issued for removal work, staff said.

Public comments at the meeting emphasized both support for more green space and concern that funding remains uncertain. Staff said the overall project likely will take multiple years to reach construction and that how much of the building is removed will depend on the funding package assembled.

The council did not take a final policy vote on demolition or reuse at the April 22 meeting; the item remains on the city project tracker pending funding and permitting outcomes.

Details noted by staff: the city applied for a $2 million library improvement grant through the state commerce agency and was not selected this cycle; the city is exploring federal earmark and HUD repurposing avenues; use of federal funds triggers the cultural resources/historic inventory steps and the tribal review period.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04.22.2025 Study Session & City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Leavenworth City Council members heard a status update April 22 on the long‑planned Osborne School property redevelopment, as staff outlined remaining regulatory and funding steps before any demolition or reuse work can begin.","taxTitle","Leavenworth, Chelan County, Washington","taxId",62259,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260886,"Votes at a glance: Leavenworth council passes code clarifications, grant resolutions and contracts on April 22",0,1561000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18&start=1561&end=1561","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18/thumbnail_1561000.jpg","/articles/6260886/Leavenworth/Chelan-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-Leavenworth-council-passes-code-clarifications-grant-resolutions-and-contracts-on-April-22","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260886-2e47cd8f3c1a5e12cccbd567171e02e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186778&Signature=Ni8Rita6wUcjZk6wM3utPEWCNTdLpAZftecTL1jOC09GdZ6r63Fmk9iG82tcNj4RmyIP6zjKeZre3TP4-vSEYQsuRHiFez7EmRTyYAMTi6~rItS~j2KQ9upQ8Cwq2A2dkmIYmBBq0d4h26l8lTfci-anN1pc2atLFbPTHwcpo~bLZmV-L0UudUW5L8CaZ3pyXI~Jh0-vCxeDwsyqH9VJUVpIWjKR-SSQf1e9FVxRCEmxbgFNGoWfIytJN744ACaFuyrPCtWXLbE58izuw~iCI4oZHdRFVWqYSUZHZlOMMVmBBt9ay6bLSw531VhMy-vKQSW98Q04cOtdEqmTtzo1tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leavenworth City Council adopted several ordinances, resolutions and contracts during its April 22 meeting. Key actions taken in a sequence of votes are summarized below.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 17‑09: Amendments to LMC section 5.04.070 (farmers market vendor exemptions). Motion to adopt passed unanimously. The change removes a single word to allow farmers selling processed food goods (jam, cheese, etc.) to be exempt from city business license requirements for market vendors; alcohol sales excluded.

- Ordinance 17‑10: Amendments to LMC section 14.14.085 clarifying accessory dwelling unit (ADU) requirements in the urban growth area. Council adopted the ordinance unanimously; staff said Chelan County had requested clearer language to allow county adoption.

- Resolution 09‑2025: City resolution welcoming immigrant workers. Council approved the resolution unanimously after public comment from local residents emphasizing immigrant contributions.

- Resolution 12‑2025: Support for the Salmon Life Cycle Learning Landscape project at the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery. Council approved an updated resolution of support; the resolution reiterates prior support and helps project sponsors seek outside funding.

- Curb ramp improvements (construction contract): Council accepted the low bid and authorized the mayor to execute a contract with Hearst Construction for the base bid (Schedule A) in the amount of $270,007 (excluding sales tax). Council also approved a consultant supplemental agreement with Ardurra Group Inc. for construction administration services, increasing that contract to a not‑to‑exceed $81,212.

- On‑call dust abatement contract: Council awarded an on‑call dust abatement services contract to Leaven Dust Control Inc. (amount: $89,334.36) and authorized the mayor to execute the contract.

Procedural notes: votes on the two municipal code amendments and the two resolutions passed unanimously; the curb ramp construction award and the consultant administration agreement were both approved following staff presentations; the dust abatement contract was added to the agenda and approved by council.

What’s next: staff will execute contracts and return with implementation details and construction timelines for the curb ramp project; sponsors of the salmon project will proceed with fundraising and design work supported by the council resolution.","At its April 22 meeting the Leavenworth City Council adopted municipal code clarifications for the farmers market and accessory dwelling units, approved several resolutions including a welcome‑immigrants resolution and salmon education support, and awarded contracts for curb‑ramp ADA improvements and on‑call dust abatement.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":78,"_43":89,"_45":89,"_47":90,"_49":91,"_51":92,"_53":93,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":94,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":95,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260890,"Council greenlights five 2025 fleet replacements, defers broader purchase while keeping surplus flexibility",11611000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18&start=11611&end=11611","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18/thumbnail_11611000.jpg","/articles/6260890/Leavenworth/Chelan-County/Washington/Council-greenlights-five-2025-fleet-replacements-defers-broader-purchase-while-keeping-surplus-flexibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260890-e5de60991719b18f26f93b8d4ff1551a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186778&Signature=cVaNXYlXMYnl~UDubwbw8ORgEXvvSMGJ7BXd~CL5~YnEIkONDZwiTQgZOUfjDyBFcdA4twfqfh6tvhj7fox6vgdd7LfWOlHMcKEBWs3TzaYPt4DUwfed7ChMWaVKQKgMX0ZnEHOx-PkmiCpkS4D7CVIKtH2oNU9MyAg1TW8wRTavwAVMbT4KrQ1epCy84NNrq~tRFUDCTi29Ab7HfMXf-2g3nGtkJiVO-g8JJUkW04mbnx3z21otvQ503hVlsKqJnFKUjX9tfnZh9z260tgbrjC3T9Zhk2c8old0n4PsWElggihaaGkSAnRtcPnSHhsYemJDkVTJFsDfFG2ZQ2qkyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leavenworth City Council voted April 22 to approve purchase of five replacement vehicles budgeted for 2025 and to allow the city to surplus the traded vehicles, while postponing additional vehicle purchases planned for later years.

Staff presented a multi‑year fleet rotation plan developed with a municipal fleet consultant. City staff and the consultant described market volatility and tariff risks that can raise new‑vehicle prices and, correspondingly, increase resale values for used vehicles. The council debated whether to accelerate purchases because of those market risks or proceed cautiously.

Council approved a motion authorizing the purchase of the five 2025 vehicles identified in the staff packet with a not‑to‑exceed authorization of $250,000. Staff said that authorization covers replacements already budgeted for 2025 and will let the city obtain a second electric vehicle for City Hall to replace a rental; staff also requested authority to surplus older units as appropriate through the city’s surplus process.

Councilmembers asked for limits and options: staff said the city will avoid leasing (to prevent added interest costs), will prioritize vehicles suited to departmental needs, and will work with enterprise procurement to time surplus sales for optimal resale value. Staff also said public works will reassess the ER&R schedule and condition ratings in June to refine the replacement cadence.

The council approved two companion motions: one to purchase the authorized 2025 vehicles and a second motion authorizing the surplus of replaced units. One councilmember expressed caution about replacing perfectly serviceable trucks; others argued the consultant’s resale‑timing strategy justified the purchases. The motions passed with recorded abstentions.

Next steps: staff will finalize orders with procurement partners, coordinate any EV charging needs for the new electric units, and return to council with surplus sale results and an updated ER&R schedule.","After a lengthy discussion about vehicle pricing volatility and resale strategy, the Leavenworth City Council on April 22 authorized purchase of five budgeted 2025 replacement vehicles (not to exceed $250,000) and approved surplus of replaced vehicles, while delaying purchase of additional vehicles proposed for later years.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":99,"_43":100,"_45":101,"_47":102,"_49":103,"_51":104,"_53":105,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":106,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":107,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260894,"Council approves extension of Norling Lane purchase‑and‑sale after heated public comment; opponents warn of process opacity",497,4037000,4534000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18&start=4037&end=4534","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18/thumbnail_4037000.jpg","/articles/6260894/Leavenworth/Chelan-County/Washington/Council-approves-extension-of-Norling-Lane-purchaseandsale-after-heated-public-comment-opponents-warn-of-process-opacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260894-6e1c6580fb4e7d530cd3082682ff3e03/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186778&Signature=Tg2CF8fimWamHNA3dHVWv~3JG4PPdyBmYvq8zSBztAwfUFfK0wd4fC2M2dXcu-8DwJTKNA3HKpPIbWAzO9qWDqsQ66sVBuJUEWH~sl7xV0ehalhQHXGpDljk3--IzZSy9gitraSdmYCBam7PdTPJOxp4Q2PkWHqnhlDDJbVTqeceZkScXL9BEAt3jTTZY~YFHQ7Ek40OTA7vc~6UGWqrXGHBf5j-zIw77WAG4dj4DV1vEXp9-YCR6WdcQJd9OlHkmMPU17SxLrd6ORJgqlAjA1YpjbaYP6STFGTZf-Ete2LfzP1JbO17GuIFM3qMuUWJ8ZkOMI9HRXcupOrzSOt5Wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leavenworth City Council approved an extension April 22 of a purchase‑and‑sale agreement for two Norling Lane parcels (37 and 81 Norling Lane) to preserve the city’s ability to pursue a conditional‑use permit (CUP) and remain in escrow through any county review and appeals.

The extension passed after public comment that sharply criticized the process. Attorney and neighbor Ellen Biercely urged the council not to treat a county CUP denial as a mere hurdle to be repeated, saying the city’s pattern of decision making had \"eroded public trust.\" Biercely asked the council to stop renewing the agreement if the county concluded the intended use was not permissible.

Council members debated the extension in open session. Supporters argued the written extension clarifies timing tied to any county approval and allows the city to coordinate the appeal window and escrow timing rather than regularly returning to the council to extend the agreement. Opponents at the podium characterized the revision as creating an open‑ended pathway to continue pursuing the project after a denial by the county. The council voted to extend the agreement; the motion carried with several abstentions recorded during the roll call.

What was decided: the council formally extended the purchase‑and‑sale to allow the feasibility contingency tied to county permitting to remain active through the county review/appeal timeframe and to a final execution date set later in the year. The extension does not itself authorize construction or change county land‑use authority; any building permits or use permits remain subject to Chelan County review and appeal.

Why it matters: the Norling Lane property has been the subject of neighbor concern about traffic, environmental and transparency issues; residents asked the city to allow full public review rather than repeatedly extending agreements. Council members said the extension preserves city options while the county processes the CUP application. The council did not approve any site work or construction on April 22.

Vote and next steps: the council approved the extension in a public vote; staff will proceed with the conditional‑use permitting process and provide updates to council and the public as county decisions and any appeals unfold.","The Leavenworth City Council voted April 22 to extend the purchase‑and‑sale agreement covering 37 and 81 Norling Lane to allow the conditional‑use permit and any appeals to proceed, a decision that drew extended public comment warning the council against repeated attempts after potential denial by Chelan County.",{"_33":109,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":110,"_41":111,"_43":112,"_45":113,"_47":114,"_49":115,"_51":116,"_53":117,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":118,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":119,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260898,"Second‑source groundwater study flags late‑season low flows and land access as key constraints for Leavenworth water supply",249,1568000,1817000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18&start=1568&end=1817","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126697-813e919b328e7f429c83d45f1e02aa18/thumbnail_1568000.jpg","/articles/6260898/Leavenworth/Chelan-County/Washington/Secondsource-groundwater-study-flags-lateseason-low-flows-and-land-access-as-key-constraints-for-Leavenworth-water-supply","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260898-3ca4f2d4466dabfc4b2f9b982507b8bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186778&Signature=I4a8yncdsw9CctjwTmuF6Pop1YVGSQkGM16FtodnSq6aQlWTjLJLVp3Ep1JI9VQGM39bxO6D6jiql5OLfW7ZMJIlHMJ-olOJBxhgYwRy-ZtPKblegkO1hqWKH3FrNLN8dZ9gmePxY0eHz~MWb~kF9z1Y58zbutPtEr2ODdZFQnzN4I4PdCyRqW9BqlvDLyTlKquWRLacN-H3QgTzEIFr89sbPQcGcGOdJntBM2k-oczbfcR~YAIrDY~Aaw555RjlKCK8yn5O7Jl8ZZaf~o-gu~1AumgX22ddBh9SSwbKE2H6fIDlALEwkkxsCbnoE-5pGC0c-a47WcPgdyJBVYfQrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A consultant’s review of Leavenworth’s water supply options on April 22 told council members the city should look for a second groundwater source to reduce reliance on a surface diversion from the Icicle River, but that legal and physical constraints narrow the practical options.

Consultant Adam, who led the presentation, summarized two core findings: (1) the city’s current surface‑groundwater mix and senior upstream water rights create a short, late‑season period (roughly a week in September) when actual streamflow drops below the amount senior rights require, producing a high‑risk diversion window; and (2) hydrogeologic well logs show productive aquifer pockets near the hatchery and south of the boat ramp but the city currently lacks access to many of the privately owned parcels in the most promising zones.

\"So it's really not very long. It's like a week,\" Adam said describing the brief period each late summer when low flows could create senior‑call risk on the intake.

What the study examined: the consultant reviewed historic streamflow, local well logs (about 500), and climate model projections. Under higher emissions scenarios, models show the seasonal peak arriving earlier with smaller peak flows — a pattern that reduces late‑summer reliability for surface diversions over coming decades, the consultant said.

The technical pathway proposed by the consultant is to (a) continue conservation measures and targeted programs (leak detection, turf replacement pilots, irrigation‑to‑irrigation conversions where rights exist); and (b) advance a targeted groundwater drilling program on parcels in purple/shallow bedrock pockets identified by well‑log analysis. The consultant recommended securing a purchase‑and‑drill option or conditional purchase agreement with a property owner in a promising parcel so the city can mobilize drillers quickly once access and permitting are confirmed.

Key nontechnical constraint: several property owners in the best geologic locations have declined leases or sale offers so far; the Department of Health also constrains leased well solutions for public systems, the consultant said. Councilmembers asked staff whether acquisition or purchase‑and‑sale conditional agreements could overcome that barrier; staff said they are pursuing property owner outreach and will follow up on drilling agreements.

Next steps: the consultant said the city should complete targeted test wells on a willing parcel and assemble permitting (cultural resources, environmental work) if the test wells show suitable yield and water‑quality. Staff said if a successful parcel is identified and the city drills production wells the project would require additional funding and months of permitting and design.

Council did not take any formal vote on the study at the April 22 meeting; councilmembers directed staff to continue outreach to property owners and return with refined cost estimates and a testing timeline.","A consultant presented a second‑source groundwater feasibility study April 22, telling Leavenworth City Council that climate projections and senior water rights create a short, high‑risk low‑flow window each late summer and that identifying drillable public‑access parcels is the main obstacle to a new well field.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Leavenworth staff say Osborne School abatement will start after cultural review; $2M grants still pending

Votes at a glance: Leavenworth council passes code clarifications, grant resolutions and contracts on April 22

Council greenlights five 2025 fleet replacements, defers broader purchase while keeping surplus flexibility

Council approves extension of Norling Lane purchase‑and‑sale after heated public comment; opponents warn of process opacity

Second‑source groundwater study flags late‑season low flows and land access as key constraints for Leavenworth water supply