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Wenatchee council approves Chamber contract, budget amendment, emergency services contract and administrative items
Summary
Council approved a three‑year contract with the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce (2026 base $515,760 plus $450,182 reimbursable marketing expenses), a Chelan County emergency services contract for $144,659.49 in 2026, and the third amendment to the 2025 budget; council also approved the appointment of a hearing examiner pro tem.
The council approved several administrative and budgetary items during the meeting, including a three‑year contract with the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce for destination marketing, a county emergency services contract, budget amendments and appointment of a hearing examiner pro tem.
Contract with Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce: Finance Director Brad Posenjak presented a proposed three‑year contract to provide destination marketing services (Visit Wenatchee). The council approved a contract beginning with a 2026 base fee of $515,760 and reimbursable marketing expenses of $450,182, with 6% annual increases. A council member announced a recusal prior to the vote; the motion passed.
Chelan County emergency services contract: Council approved a contract with Chelan County Department of Emergency Management for 2026 emergency services in the amount of $144,659.49, an increase attributable to a per‑capita rate set by the State Department of Emergency Management.
Third 2025 budget amendment: Finance described the third and final amendment to the 2025 budget to account for unanticipated items; Council adopted Ordinance 2025‑17 to adjust appropriations and enter findings that the amendment is in the city’s best interest.
Hearing examiner appointment and fees: Community Development presented Resolution 2025‑41 to appoint Jay Eyestone as hearing examiner pro tem to ensure coverage when the hearing examiner Andy Kotkamp is conflicted or unavailable; staff also noted a proposed increase in Kotkamp’s base fee from $600 to $800. Council approved the resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the amended contracts.
Other administrative actions: Council adopted multiple personnel and compensation ordinances and an MOU to reclassify a stormwater position on the AFSCME wage scale; staff announced award of a $410,000 TIB grant to upgrade ADA ramps on Orchard Street.
Why it matters: The Chamber contract represents a multi‑year expenditure of lodging tax or tourism funding for destination marketing; the budget amendment addresses required adjustments to appropriations under state law; the hearing examiner appointment prevents procedural delays in land‑use hearings.
What the transcript shows: The finance director and other staff provided figures and context; motions were made, seconded and approved. The transcript shows a recusal by one council member prior to the Chamber contract vote but does not provide a roll‑call tally for all votes.
Next steps: Staff will implement contracts and incorporate approved budget changes into accounting and reporting; Community Development will finalize hearing‑examiner contracts and fee schedules.
