CASHMERE - The Cashmere City Council reviewed a draft ordinance aimed at regulating unauthorized use of city property during their January 13 meeting, spurred by recent concerns over unauthorized camping on municipal lands.
Mayor Jim Fletcher presented the draft, modeled after a recently adopted Chelan County ordinance, which would implement criminal penalties and authorize the removal of unauthorized individuals from city property. When Council member Jeff Johnson raised questions about permitted events like Founders Day, Fletcher clarified that activities approved through the city's permitting process would not be affected. The Council is scheduled to vote on the final version at their January 27 meeting.
In unanimous decisions, the Council approved the annexation of a single parcel at 5633 Evergreen Dr., owned by Maria Christina Barros, following prior approval from the Chelan County Boundary Review Board. They also authorized a $15,000 Planning Service Agreement with Perteet, Inc. for on-call planning services.
Director of Operations Steve Croci endorsed continuing the city's relationship with Perteet, citing their ongoing work with the Cashmere Planning Commission (CPC) on developing the city's mandatory Climate Mitigation Plan and comprehensive plan updates. Christina Wollman, Planning Consultant with Perteet, Inc., emphasized at a previous CPC meeting the importance of public participation in shaping Cashmere's future vision.
The climate planning element will assess potential risks and hazards to Cashmere from climate change and establish resilience goals and policies, according to city documents and CPC meeting discussions. Fletcher indicated additional tasks may include developing a comprehensive land use plan and regulations for accessory dwelling units.
In other developments, Fletcher announced the termination of the city's Humane Society contract, citing substantial cost increases and minimal pet-related issues. He stated that pet owners should bear responsibility for their animals, noting that law enforcement officers retain authority to handle dangerous dog situations.
Columbia Valley Community Health (CVCH) CEO Manual Navarro provided an organizational update to the Council, describing CVCH's mission to deliver holistic healthcare to underserved populations through sliding-scale payment options. Navarro reported that CVCH operates 25 service sites with over 500 employees, marking a 22% staff growth in the past year. He highlighted recent expansion of behavioral health and drug abuse services, noting that Cashmere residents have access to a mobile Community Clinic.
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