MANSON COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
December 16, 2025, 6PM
Manson Grange Hall
Call To Order - The December 16th meeting of the Manson Community Council was called to order at 6PM by ChairmanMike Kirk. Also in attendance were Council members (CM) Dom Amor, Jeff Conwell, Rene’ Commons, and Gerry Ustanik.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Kim Ustanik, Chair of Historic Manson Main Street Association (HMMSA). Kim provided an overview of what HMMSA does. Kim pointed out that the Historic Manson Main Street Association is the only unincorporated Main Street Association in the state: all other MSA organizations are located in incorporated municipalities. HMMSA is organized to identify and preserve and honor the historical and cultural identity of Manson to create a flourishing downtown core and unforgettable experiences for all. Joining Kim’s overview of HMMSA was Wayne Miller, Vice President of HMMSA, to update the public on a street signage project that will reflect the Native American history of the community.
COUNCIL BUSINESS
Treasurer Report – CM Dom Amor stated that we officially have $140.78 and reported that MCC has received some additional donations via private donations to MCC. Additional donations totaling $90 were also received during the meeting.
Approval of Minutes from November 18, 2025 – The minutes were moved for approval by CM Dom Amor and seconded by CM Gerry Ustanik.
Old Business
No election was held on December 9 for the seat that Councilmember Rene Commons holds, as there was no one else vying. CM Commons will serve a 3-year term beginning January 2026.
New Business
Council Chair Mike Kirk attended the Lake Chelan Collaborative that addresses the aquatic quality of Lake Chelan and other local bodies of water.
Chair Kirk also noted that FEMA applications for financial assistance are available for those that suffered damage from the recent flooding and/or wind damage. As of December 15th, the federal government has not approved financial assistance for individuals, yet the online form is for both businesses and individuals.
Future speakers are still being considered for Community Council Meeting presentations:
· Per CM Ustanik, Robin Pittman from Manson Parks will present at the MCC meeting in January. Update: as of Thursday (December 11) commencement of “the old swimming hole” project is on hold for two years due to bids coming in at over $800,000 over initial projections. With other portions of the Park’s projects and Chelan PUD and Lake Chelan Reclamation District all being connected, none of those will commence either. Parks Department funding will already be stretched very thin due to the considerable water damage from recent storms.
· February will have Link Transit presenting, with some possible discussion about a Park & Ride collaboration with Manson Parks.
· Chelan Mayor Erin McCardle is invited to the March meeting. Specific requests for the Manson-Chelan topics are invited.
· April is being considered for having Eric Pierson from Chelan County Public Works provide updates on the Totem Pole Road project.
· Comp Plan updates and LTAC funding are other considerations.
Grant applications updates:
· Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW) reiterated that their denial of MCC’s grant application was more of a “not now” response rather than a flat out “no” and encouraged MCC to stay engaged, stay interested, and apply again next year.
· Other grant applications will be looked at.
· CM Commons pointed out that CFNCW is providing training for non-profit board members and committee members. Two, 2-hour sessions will be provided in January.
Chair Mike Kirk has independently developed a preliminary website for the Manson Community Council (MansonCommunityCouncil.org), which includes a donation link for online supporters, information on Council agendas, minutes, and relevant links for Chelan County’s resources.
Incorporation Feasibility Study:
CM Jeff Conwell updated the audience with a recent meeting held with officials at the City of Entiat (Mayor Swearingen, City Councilmembers and some city staff), including CM Gerry Ustanik and Manson resident Brian Patterson. Good information was shared, including 2025 and 2026 budgets. Another municipality meeting will be scheduled with the City of Cashmere.
Dark Skies Program:
Visit Chelan County supports the Dark Skies initiative and is offering $5,000 for Manson’s Dark Skies website development in 2025. The website is intended to be educational for the public regarding downward lighting or shielded lighting. Due to recent storms, lodging in Chelan County is likely to take a significant hit, implying that LTAC funds next year likely won’t be available at the same levels. CM Ustanik pointed out that the County needs to move quickly on issuing the money and asked for a motion to receive the grant money to have Manson Community Council be a conduit for promoting the Dark Sky program through website links to the Chamber of Commerce and the AVA. Motion by CM Conwell, seconded by CM Amor. Motion passed 4-1, with Chair Kirk objecting due to lack of clarity on how the money will be received, managed, and MCC’s role in the money-flow process. CM Ustanik assured the Council that those details will be addressed. CM Commons stipulated and reinforced a need to clarify the donations aspect.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Kim Ustanik:
· Village Green park area (formerly known as Ernie’s Gas Station) – demolition of the building is “scheduled to begin Tuesday.”
· The Grange – construction continues on the handicap ramp. Anticipated completion near end of January/beginning of February. Donations to these projects are welcome.
· The Grange is allowing the MCC’s use of the space as part of the community support and welcomes donations to help with general overhead costs.
John Olson:
· City of Chelan is going through Comp Plan updates. South Chelan Property Owners Group (SPOG) is requesting a roundabout in a key intersection near Peterson’s Resort. SPOG is comprised of about seven or eight property owners of about 1,000 acres. City Planning Commission is to address this on Wednesday December 17. Of concern are issues similarly based on the recent problems raised in Cle Elum, where developers contracted with City of Cle Elum for service and won, forcing the city into bankruptcy.
Brian Patterson:
· Code changes in Chelan County are almost done, but one thing to pay attention to is the noise ordinance: amplified music is going to have to get a conditional use permit.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mike Kirk:
· Next meeting Jan. 20 at the Grange, 6pm.
Meeting adjourned approximately 7:17pm.
Meeting Minutes from the Manson Community Council, November 18, 2025
· Call To Order - Chairman, Mike Kirk, called the meeting to order at 6 PM. Council members present were Jeff Conwell, Dom Amor, Rene’ Commons, and Gerry Ustanik. Approximately forty residents, Including Fire Chief Baker and two fire commissioners were present. After a pledge of allegiance, Mike introduced Chelan County Commissioner Brad Hawkins.
Guest Speakers
· Chelan County Commissioner Brad Hawkins – 2026 Budget and Malaga TIA impacts.
Commissioner Hawkins gave an overview of the county government, and the 2026 Chelan County Budget. It appears that the county will be spending about 4 million dollars from past reserves to balance the 2026 budget of 60 million dollars. Commissioner Hawkins moved on to the Tax Increment Financing Area in Malaga that the Chelan-Douglas Port Authority wants to create. The Chelan County Commissioners and the Douglas County Commissioners are against moving forward with the TIA. The Chelan County Commissioners feel that the Port Authority needs to slow down and not declare a TIA. There needs to be more planning and coordination before moving forward. The residents of Malaga are not in favor of creating the TIA. Chelan County issued a moratorium on TIF’s in unincorporated areas of Chelan County. The CDPA is suing Chelan County. The Port Authority will be holding meetings on November 25th and December 9th.
· Chelan County Natural Resources Director Mike Kaputa – A condensed look at Ag Land Zoning Workshop. Ag growers are starting to get to an age where they are not certain the next generation will take over. What is the future of Agriculture in our community? There is a lot of development pressure in the county. It is almost impossible to de-designate land that has been designated commercial Ag land. That helps protect growers from other uses, but on the other hand, it prevents them from subdividing or carving off acres. The county designated ag lands in 1995, and it has not been revisited. This area of land use law is the most watched by outside groups. The County is looking at what other counties are doing to redesignate land use. We have a lot of conversations with landowners about how to cluster homes or carve out home sites and continue to farm.
Council Business
· Treasurer Report – Dom Amor stated we are unchanged at $140.78.
· Approval of Minutes from Oct. 21, 2025 The meeting minutes were approved as written.
Old Business
· Prepare for possible election on December 9th. Notifications have been published and Voter registration list has been received from the state. If we have more than one candidate, the election will be held from 2 PM to 6 PM at 142 Pedoi St., Manson Parks building. Election Volunteers? Jeff Conwell said he could help if we get any applications between now an Nov 30th.
New Business
· SEPA 25-270 Comments Due 12/06/25 Replace and expand the existing breakwater of Manson Bay Marina Link- https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/separ/Main/SEPA/Record.aspx?SEPANumber=202504610
· Chelan-Douglas Regional Pathways Project is looking for public comment on the recommended route for the Chelan to Manson Pathway. Comments are due before Nov. 30th. Chief Arnold Baker made a comment that the new pathway on the south shore has caused problems for the emergency responders. With a two-foot-wide shoulder, people try to pull over but cannot get completely out of the way. The emergency vehicles can only travel at about 15 miles an hour, as opposed to 35-40 miles an hour before the pathway was built. The pathway project (6.5 miles) between Chelan and Manson would add about 15 minutes to the response time for emergency vehicles. It could be deadly! Chief Baker wants all residents to comment. There is a link on the Manson Community Council’s Facebook page.
· Council discussion about future speakers. Mike suggested we have Link Transit talk to us about a Park-N-Ride for Manson. Dom said the Nick Covey is not available until February. Mike said that we should proceed to book Nick Covey for our February Meeting.
Council Committee Reports
· 501C3 Committee – Dom Amor indicated that we still have not heard anything from the North Central Community Foundation about the Grant we applied for. We still expect to hear from them in November.
· Incorporation Feasibility Study Update- Jeff Conwell stated that our subcommittee will be meeting with the City of Entiat to learn about their challenges and successes of being a city. Entiat is similar in size to Manson, and it is very generous of them to take the time to discuss the issues with us. We will have a more in-depth report at out next Manson Community Council meeting in December.
Public Comments
· Rene’ Commons thanked the Grange for allowing us to hold our meeting there.She indicated that they are trying to raise funds for an ADA compliant ramp. There are donation boxes on the table as you leave, if you care to donate. Rene’ also said that the Electronic Message Board in front of the Grange is not working. She is working with School Superintendent Tabitha Mires to get it repaired.
· Kim Ustanik said that Historic Manson Main Street Association is working with the Manson Chamber of Commerce to put up Christmas Lights. On the Chamber website, there is opportunity to contribute a $25 donation to the “Village of Lights” and Santa’s arrival.
· There were no other comments.
Upcoming Events
· Planning Commission Hearing Nov 19th at 6:30 PM Text amendments to Title 7, 11, 12, and 14.
· Lake Chelan Reclamation District Election Dec 9th 1 PM to 8 PM There are two candidates for one position, Todd Jeffries and Edwin Hawkins. You can vote at the LCRD office.
· Gerry Ustanik will have two “Dark Skies” coffee meetings. Monday 11/24 - 9AM at Radiance Winery & Coffee House, and also 12/2 – 9AM at Radiance. This is for the people that signed up indicating that they were interested in getting the process started. Gerry has been invited to the Board meeting of the Chelan AVA to talk about wineries participation in the “Dark Skies” program.
Next Meeting – Dec 16th @ 6 PM. at the Manson Grange. The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 PM.
MINUTES OF THE MANSON COMMUNITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 21, 2025, 6PM @ The Manson Grange Hall
Submitted by Gerry Ustanik
Call To Order- The October 21st meeting of the Manson Community Council was called to order at 6PM by Chairman Mike Kirk. Attending board members included Dom Amor, Rene’ Commons. Jeff Cowell, and Gerry Ustanik. Guest attendance of approximately 60 people, sheets attached.
Guest Speakers
Kathy Miller, Hal Killian, and Larry Hibbard of Village Green
Jim White and Cathy Morris of the Chelan PUD.
Other Important Attendees
Carnan Bergen Chelan PUD Commissioner District 3.
Jerri Barkley VisitChelanCounty.com
Guest Speakers: Hal Killian & Larry Hibbard (Project Manager & Designer, Village Green)
Hal talked about what had been completed so far with Ernie’s gas station property. Larry talked about some of the ideas that they have for the future of the property. It was noted that they have a $175,000.00 budget.
Guest Speaker: Jim White, ECEP, PUD #1
Jim discussed the benefits of having Dark Sky lights in the community, safety, wildlife, and energy savings. There was a lot of public comment after Jims presentation, and strong interest in moving forward. A list was started including names and phone numbers for people interested in helping. Gerry Ustanik volunteered to run point on this project.
Treasurers Report- Dom Amor stated that we have $140.78 in the account, and that we should continue to look for grants.
Approval of the Minutes from September 16, 2025 - The minutes were approved as is.
Old Business
Timi Starkweather commented on the Manson One Voice Coalition, and she mentioned that the Chamber will be introducing these new ideas in the next year.
A motion was made to formally move our monthly meetings to the Manson Grange from the Parks Department Building. It was second and meeting will be at the Grange in the future. Thanks was given to the Grange for opening up the use of the building to us.
New Business
Dom talked about the Brad Hawkins Community Meeting where he talked about the County budget and the TIF dispute with the Chelan Douglas Port Authority. The Council decided to stay neutral on the topic of the TIF dispute.
Mike talked about the upcoming Manson Community Council election for Rene’ Commons position. Rene’ noted that she would like to rerun for her position. Mike will post the Election Packet and Voter List Request. The votes will be collected and counted at the Manson Parks Building on December 9th from 2 to 6 PM.
The discussion on future guest speakers was brought up. Some suggestions were Mike Kaputa , Manson Parks Dept., Sheriff Dept., Manson Growers, Link Transit, Chelan County Community Development, Chelan EMS, and Methow Dark Sky Group.
Council Committee Reports
Dom Talked about 501C3 Committee. In November we should hear if we received the NCCF Grant. Dom will look into the possibility for applying for LTAC dollars.
Jeff talked about the future meetings with cities of Entiat and Brewster on their thoughts on the Incorporation Feasibility. He will report back on those meetings. Also, he talked about requesting a Budget Proviso from the State to fund a study.
Public Comments
No Public Comments.
Upcoming Events
Guest Speaker: Brad Hawkins-November 18th
Mike Kaputa (Chelan County Natural Resources Department) - December 16th
Next Meeting – November 18th @ 6 PM at the Manson Grange.
Meeting Adjournment – Adjourned by Mike Kirk at 7:39 PM.