Ad hoc group to assist Planning Commission
The Twisp Planning Commission is inviting residents to be part of an informal advisory group that will help the commission develop proposals for updating the town’s regulations related to overnight rentals.
Formation of such an ad hoc group had been suggested by some residents who are interested in the issue, and supported by several Town Council members. At last week’s council meeting, Planning Commission Chair John Battle said the commission would welcome the help and encouraged volunteers. Those interested can appear at a Planning Commission meeting, or email clerktreasurer@townoftwisp.com, or call (509) 997-4081.
Battle said earlier that such a group could be especially helpful in gathering information about how other communities have dealt with overnight housing rental and conversions. The commission could use such research to formulate its recommendations to the council, he said. “We would welcome that input” Battle said.
The Town Council recently extended the existing moratorium on overnight rental conversions for another six months, after that year-long moratorium had produced little progress in addressing the issue.
In other business:
• The council OKed a slightly revised version of the town’s agreement with the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office to provide interim police coverage while the town seeks to rebuild its police force, which currently has no officers. The town has been without a police chief since former chief Paul Budrow was elected county sheriff in November 2022, and Twisp’s remaining two officers have since resigned from the force.
Under terms of the agreement, which is effective through the end of this year, the town will pay the sheriff’s office $500 per call response.
Mayor Soo Ing-Moody said she has contacted the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs for guidance on how to recruit a new chief. The town has had no applicants. The council recently approved a substantial hike in the pay range for the chief’s position, to $80,080 to $97,760 annually, plus a $10,000 relocation stipend.
• The council agreed to revisit a proposal to increase the lease rate the town charges TranGO to park its buses on a parcel between Wagner Street and Marble Street from $250 a month to $500 a month. The rate has been the same for several years, and the proposed hike was endorsed by council members earlier.
At the meetng, TranGO general manager Brent Timm asked for an explanation and reconsideration of the increase. After some discussion, the council referred the issue to its Finance Committee for more review.
• The council heard a presentation by Miles Milliken, representing Friends of the Pool, about that group’s efforts to back creation of Methow Aquatics District to help pay for construction and operation of new, year-round aquatic center to replace the Wagner Memorial Pool.
Friends of Pool volunteers have been collecting petition signatures to qualify a ballot proposal for the November general election. According to Friends of the pool, the goal is to collect 1,600 signatures by July 15.
Formation of such a taxing district would require approval by a majority of voters within the defined district, which is expected to encompass the Methow Valley School District. Under state regulations, the new entity would technically qualify as a metropolitan park district.
• The council approved authorization to solicit bids for a street overlay project that is for most part funded by the state Transportation Improvement Board, with a 10% match by the town.
The $524,000 project will include overlays on Fifth Avenue from Glover Street to Bridge Street, on Lincoln Street from Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue, and Fourth Avenue from Glover Street to Lincoln Street, a total of about half a mile.
Bids will be opened in June, and it is hoped the project can be completed by September.
Denham also asked that drivers be patient and safe when encountering works crews that are currently chip-sealing several streets.
Pool opens June 17
The Wagner Memorial Pool will open to the general public on Saturday, June 17, Pool Manager Thor Tyson said last week. Tyson said the Methow Valley Killer Whales swim will start practices in the pool on Monday, June 12.
As of last week, the town was still advertising for lifeguards for the upcoming season. If interested, email poolmanager@townoftwisp.com or call (206) 999-5686.
