Dobbs Resigns from Chelan City Council

Recap of meeting and the full audio broadcast are in the story

by Dennis Rahm

Ray Dobbs announced at Tuesday night’s Chelan City Council meeting that he is resigning from the Council effective September 25. Dobbs said he had informed city officials prior to the meeting that he would be stepping aside. He stated that he, and his wife Kathryn, have been looking for a way to downsize and said they have found what they were looking for in a home in East Wenatchee.

Dobbs has served five years as a member of the city council and prior to that served for several years on the Planning Commission. Said Dobbs, “I’ve enjoyed doing this job a whole lot”, and noted his resignation opens up an opportunity for someone else in the community to replace him.

Mayor Bob Goedde said of Dobbs, “you have probably been one of the most active council members in the 25-plus years I’ve been around here”.

The Mayor said anyone with an interest in filling the upcoming opening on the council is encouraged to submit a letter of interest to the City.

In other business from this week’s’ council meeting, Parks Director Paul Horne gave an update on the Lakeside Park Renovation project. The council approved two separate resolutions that will allow the Parks Department to apply for grants to fund the project. Proposed work includes expanding the beach area, improving the swim area, a new sculptural playground, the addition of 64 parking spaces, additional ADA trail access, and restroom renovations. The Lakeside Park presentation can be heard at the (17:02) mark of the recording of council meeting posted below.

The Council was also updated a a proposed plan to construct a new building for the Public Works Department. Public Works Director Jake Youngren was joined by Cameron Golightly of Design West Architects in making the presentation. Plans call for a 4,000 square foot building that can be designed for easy construction and also allow for room to grow in the future. Discussion was held on exploring the possibility of moving the Planning Department into the same complex. At this point, plans call for having the project go out for bid this November or December. The complete discussion on the new Public Works building project can be heard at the (36:25) mark of the council meeting recording below.

It was also announced at the meeting that the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant had been notified by the Department of Ecology that it has received a 2019 Outstanding Performance Award. Lead Operator Jim Burbery said there are about 300 wastewater treatment plants statewide and that Chelan is one of only 125 to achieve full compliance with established standards.

For additional information including meeting notices and agendas, please visit the City’s website.