The Wenatchee City Council approved a package of construction and administrative items that included a change order for the convention center expansion, a design supplement for a canal bridge, a contract for a shared‑use trail and routine consent items.

Alyssa Schafer, facilities manager, asked the council to approve Change Order No. 10 to Absher Construction Company for the Wenatchee Convention Center expansion. Schafer said the largest component—about 47% of the change order—updates AV and lighting control integration between the existing ballroom and the expansion so the systems operate as one. With approval of the change order, the total amount of all change orders to date will represent less than 3% of the original contract value. Councilmember Hornby moved approval; Councilmember Seaton seconded. The motion passed; Councilmember Harrell did not vote on the item.

Harry Sharma, project engineer, presented Supplement No. 2 for City Project 2213 (Millardale Avenue irrigation canal bridge) to add design work for canal channelization and utility crossing upgrades per Wenatchee Reclamation District specifications. Sharma said preliminary engineering fees in the packet total $117,024.52 and that rough order‑of‑magnitude utility estimates were presented for budgeting: approximately $200,000 for water main (Fund 401), $550,000 for sewer main and $1,451,000 for storm main. Sharma said those numbers will be refined at 30% design and that some utility costs may be eligible for participation under the federal local bridge program. Councilmember Rosina moved the budget amendment and execution of the supplement; Councilmember Hornby seconded and the motion carried.

Charlotte Mitchell, senior project engineer, described a North Wenatchee Avenue shared‑use trail project between Walnut Street and Maiden Lane funded by a Washington State Department of Transportation pedestrian and bicycle safety grant. The council selected Jacobs to provide design and right‑of‑way services for City Project 2318; Councilmember Hornby moved approval and Councilmember Navarro Gomez seconded. The motion passed pending WSDOT concurrence.

On consent, the council approved final voucher and acceptance of work by Elite Contracting Company Inc. (DBA Elite Electric) for the 2024 damaged luminaire replacement project, City Project SW2202, and authorized the city administrator to sign the final contract voucher. The council also approved a one‑year lease with Craft and Moore Associates — a local 501(c)(3) that provides vocational assistance for adults with special needs — for approximately 595 square feet in City Hall, with minimal parking impacts and appointment‑based client coordination.

Votes at a glance

- Change Order No. 10 (Absher Construction) — Mover: Councilmember Hornby; Second: Councilmember Seaton; Outcome: Passed (Councilmember Harrell did not vote). Details: AV and lighting integration; change orders to date <3% of original contract.
- Budget amendment and Supplement No. 2 (City Project 2213, Millardale Ave irrigation canal bridge) — Mover: Councilmember Rosina; Second: Councilmember Hornby; Outcome: Passed. Details: Preliminary engineering fee $117,024.52; rough utility cost estimates provided.
- Contract with Jacobs (North Wenatchee Ave shared‑use trail, City Project 2318) — Mover: Councilmember Hornby; Second: Councilmember Navarro Gomez; Outcome: Passed (pending WSDOT concurrence).
- Consent: Accept work and authorize final voucher for Elite Contracting Company Inc. (DBA Elite Electric), City Project SW2202 — Outcome: Passed.
- Lease: Authorize City Administrator to negotiate and sign lease with Craft and Moore Associates (~595 sq ft at 301 Yakima St, Suite 205) — Outcome: Passed.

Ending

Staff said they will refine cost estimates as design advances and continue community outreach for impacted homeowners and businesses; council members expressed appreciation for staff coordination on multiple infrastructure projects.