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.