East Wenatchee council approves lodging-tax grants, authorizes trail cameras and new bus shelter; first reading held for fiber franchise

The East Wenatchee City Council on April 15 approved several agreements recommended by staff and the events board, including lodging-tax funding for the Spirit of Wenatchee and for the Wenatchee Valley fourth‑of‑July event, and authorized interlocal agreements with Chelan County PUD and Link Transit for trail cameras and a bus shelter. The council held a first reading of an ordinance to grant a nonexclusive franchise to Intermountain Infrastructure Group LLC; a second reading is required before final action.

Why it matters: The votes allocate visitor‑tax dollars to regional events and authorize short-term technical projects that affect public access and transit amenities; the first reading on a broadband franchise signals planned permitting for private infrastructure in city rights‑of‑way.

Votes at a glance

- Spirit of Wenatchee — motion to authorize the mayor to execute a three‑year agreement (2025–2027) for an amount not to exceed $18,000 (funded from lodging/hotel‑motel tax). Motion by Council Member Stockton; second by Council Member Johnson. Voice vote; no opposition recorded. Outcome: approved.

- Fourth of July (Elevate Marketing) — motion to authorize the mayor to execute an agreement for an amount not to exceed $10,000 (combination of general fund and lodging-tax support). Motion by Council Member Tidd; second by Council Member Botello. Voice vote; no opposition recorded.…