Wenatchee council approves park improvements, water-right lease extension and emergency outfall repair; adopts code change and accepts CDBG report

WENATCHEE, Wash. — The Wenatchee City Council at its Feb. 18 meeting approved a series of actions including a Parks Department construction contract, a multi-year water-right lease, an emergency stormwater repair, a zoning-related code amendment and the city’s 2023 Community Development Block Grant performance report.

The most immediate decisions were the council’s acceptance of a low bid for pedestrian improvements at Pioneer Park and a unanimous declaration of an emergency to replace the Holly Street stormwater outfall, both of which city staff said are time-sensitive.

The Pioneer Park pedestrian project will move forward with Pipkin Construction after the council accepted the low bid of $228,316.80 and authorized the city administrator to sign the standard project agreement. Dave Erickson, the city’s parks and recreation director, said the work will connect sidewalks and add ADA-compliant parking and internal walkways to link the pool, restrooms, play equipment and skate park. “We were amazed that we got 14 competitive bids,” Erickson told the council, and staff said they expect construction to finish before the summer pool season.

In other infrastructure action, the council approved a staff-declared emergency to replace a damaged section of 66-inch storm pipe on the Holly Street outfall after a Feb. 3 blaze destroyed the existing plastic-coated pipe. Jessica Shaw, deputy public works director — utilities, said the 70-foot section is estimated to cost about $259,300 to replace and that J & K Construction is near contract execution. Shaw said the city will install concrete pipe (rather than plastic) and add grates to limit access; staff suspect arson was involved and cited the need for a fast response so stormwater flow is maintained and additional collapse or property damage does not occur. City staff said replacement work is expected to start in March and take roughly three to four weeks.

On water rights, the council approved a temporary change application to continue leasing the city’s Pioneer water right for irrigation in the Walla Walla area. Jessica Shaw explained the lease extends through the 2026–2029 irrigation seasons and that staff are negotiating longer-term agreements to reduce the need for annual council actions. “We work really hard to make sure that we continue to have ample water rights for our community today and for many years into the future,” Shaw said. Council discussion emphasized that the lease applies only while the water is not needed locally for drinking supply and that state rules constrain how long such changes may be authorized.

The council also adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑01, amending sections of the Wenatchee City Code related to revocation, suspension or modification of land‑use permits and approvals. Community Development Director Glenn DeRise said the changes are intended to clarify which administrative paths apply (administrator decisions appealed to the hearing examiner) and to separate those procedures from the city’s nuisance/abatement code enforcement process.

Finally, the council accepted the city’s 2023 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). Staff reported the city spent $319,756.10 of CDBG funds on First Street corridor and sidewalk repairs; the CAPER acceptance is a required HUD filing documenting how entitlement funds were allocated.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to accept Pipkin Construction bid of $228,316.80 for the Pioneer Park pedestrian improvements project and authorize the city administrator to sign the standard city project agreement — mover: Council Member Rosten; seconder: Council Member Cuevas; outcome: approved (motion carries). - Motion to approve a temporary change application for the regional Pioneer water right (permit continuation for 2026–2029 irrigation seasons) and authorize the mayor’s signature — mover: Council Member Huber; seconder: Council Member Hornby; outcome: approved (motion carries). - Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025‑07 declaring an emergency repair for the Holly Street outfall (authorize emergency procurement and forthcoming contract with J & K Construction; estimated replacement cost $259,300; 70 linear feet) — mover: Council Member Yoo; seconder: Council Member Cuevas; outcome: approved (motion carries). - Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2025‑01 amending city code sections 1.09.007, 13.13.020 and chapter 16.12 related to revocation/suspension/modification of permits, licenses, variances or other land‑use approvals — mover: Council Member Rosten; seconder: Council Member Hornby; outcome: approved (motion carries). - Motion to accept the 2023 Community Development Block Grant CAPER (reporting $319,756.10 spent on First Street corridor and sidewalk repairs) — mover: Council Member Hornby; seconder: Council Member Ewer; outcome: approved (motion carries).

Background and next steps City staff said the Pioneer Park pedestrian improvements are intended to complete accessible routes inside the park and connect the pool to surrounding sidewalks; future park phases may include undergrounding electrical lines and adding a picnic shelter. For the Holly Street outfall, staff will return to the council with the formal construction contract and said they will publish the required emergency procurement notice. For the Pioneer water right, staff expect to continue negotiating multi‑year arrangements to limit repeated annual council actions; the authorization approved applies only while the water is not needed for the city’s municipal supply.

Public comments and ceremonial items The meeting opened with the ceremonial swearing in of Council Member Myra Navarro Gomez. During public comment, resident Alan Walker promoted a Chelan Douglas Community Action Council fundraiser (an 80‑foot rappelling event) and other speakers and organizations were recognized for community service (Special Olympics Washington honored law enforcement volunteer Steve Lovett). These items were presented during the registration and public‑comment portions of the meeting and did not require council action.

All motions and formal actions listed above are recorded in the meeting minutes and the council packet; staff will provide contract documents and follow‑up reports where required.