Methow Trails plans to move HQ to the site
The Winthrop Town Council has taken a necessary legal step toward the annexation of an 18.22-acre parcel that Methow Trails intends to purchase and eventually make its headquarters.
At their meeting last week, council members accepted a formal petition for the annexation from owner Vern Gray, and set Aug. 21 as the date for a public hearing on the proposed annexation.
Currently, the land on Horizon Flats Road is entirely surrounded by the town, a “donut hole” that, under existing county zoning, could be divided into 5-acre lots.
The Winthrop Planning Commission recently reviewed the annexation request and unanimously recommended that it be accepted.
Accepting the petition and setting a hearing date do not commit the council to approving the annexation.
At last week’s meeting, Town Planner Rocklynn Culp noted that accepting the petition and setting a hearing date are necessary as part of a “multi-step process” set by state statute.
Methow Trails Executive Director James DeSalvo told the council that he will be meeting with Culp and town attorney Scott DeTro to come up with a development plan for the site that covers a variety of issues including water and sewer services, comprehensive plan considerations and zoning possibilities.
DeSalvo said earlier that Methow Trails will ask to have the parcel zoned B3, which allows office buildings, shops, parking lots, parks, exercise facilities and single-family dwellings), if the sale and annexation go through. Methow Trails’ intent would be to move its headquarters to the site from the current leased location on Riverside Avenue, and to consolidate several other maintenance and storage facilities, DeSalvo said.
The roughly rectangular property extends east from Horizon Flats Road nearly to Highway 20 across from Pardners Mini Market and abuts an irrigation ditch. The site, a former homestead also known as the White property, currently has a one-bedroom, 1,090-square foot house built in the 1960s, several outbuildings and a log cabin.
In other business, the council awarded a construction contract to Lloyd Logging of Twisp to make water system upgrades and street improvements in the Lince Avenue and Perry Street area. Public Works Director Jeff Sarvis said the goal is to start the project, which is expected to require about 30 days, in early September. Lloyd Logging’s low bid for the project was $306,118.
Positions open
The Town of Winthrop has openings on two appointed groups that advise the council.
The Planning Commission has one vacancy. Members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Town Council to serve six-year terms. The commission provides advice and recommendations to the Town Council and conducts public hearings as needed or required by Winthrop’s municipal code.
The Westernization Design Review Board has two openings. The board is authorized to administer the Westernization program and review structure permit applications. Members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Town Council.
For more information or to apply for the openings, call Town Hall at 996-2320.
