2019 State of the Town Address

State of the Town Address

Last week I was asked “What will 2019  bring to Winthrop?”  It is sometimes hard to look up from my desk and daily issues to foresee what is ahead. However, I can say with certainty, the future is bright! Here are some projects we are working on for 2019.

• New Winthrop Library will be planned with funding secured by FoWL. Located on newly acquired Town property at White Ave and Norfolk.
• Heckendorn Hillside Open Space Park may be acquired from the Methow Conservancy when grant funding becomes available and solution is obtained for ingress/egress.
• Riverwalk Trail Phase 1, pathway underpass Hwy 20 Chewuch bridge permitting will be completed. 
• Completion of Susie Stephens Trail Hwy 20 pedestrian crossing.
• Perry Street and Lince Waterline upgrade and chip seal paving, Spring 2019.
• New zoning for nightly rentals will be announced by Planning Commission.
• Solar system requirements added to Westernization code.
• Coordinations with Fire-wise and District 6 for cleanup and safe emergency shelter-in-place options.
• Complete LED lighting conversions for downtown street-lights.
• Hire Marshal and a second Deputy, bringing department back to full staffing.
• Grant funding application for Town Trailhead parking improvements.
• Possible hire of new part-time Code Enforcer for WDRB and Town Municipal code.
• Public Restroom and Town Hall remodel/restoration with application for State Historical Building status.
• Replace/repair flagpoles and Bandshell refurbishment at Mac Lloyd Park.
• Various upgrades to Winthrop Barn with help of WAA.
• Winthrop Rink possible addition of emergency generator and air conditioning.

... the list goes on as new ideas and funding become available. 

Thank you for your support. Let me know of any concerns you might have or items we need to add to the list. Winthrop's future is bright indeed.

Regards,

Mayor Ranzau

Winthrop Town Hall

509-996-2320

General Sewer Plan Update

Town of Winthrop, Washington 

General Sewer Plan Update

NPDES Permit No. WA-002088-5

The Town of Winthrop, Washington is currently updating its General Sewer Plan.  The Town’s vision for the General Sewer Plan is a readily accessible and easy to understand infrastructure plan based on the Town’s land use planning assumptions, seasonal tourist impacts, contracted capacity to Sun Mountain Resort and inflow and infiltration (I&I).  The plan will provide a road map for future expansion of the wastewater systems to the serve the Town over the 20-year planning period.  It will also set forth a clear framework for forecasting, scoping and prioritizing future capital and restoration and replacement (R&R) project needs.

Planning Process - WAC 173-240-020 (7)(f)

The "general sewer plan" is a comprehensive plan for a system of sewers adopted by a local government entity. The plan includes the items specified in each respective statute. It includes the general location and description of treatment and disposal facilities, trunk and interceptor sewers, pumping stations, monitoring and control facilities, local service areas and a general description of the collection system to serve those areas. The plan also includes preliminary engineering in adequate detail to assure technical feasibility, provides for the method of distributing the cost and expense of the sewer system, and indicates the financial feasibility of plan implementation.  

The General Sewer Plan will consider any available technical data, along with customer values and necessary policy decisions to create a 20-year infrastructure investment plan.  It will include a summary report of the general location, condition, demand, capacity, and description of all collection facilities, including wastewater pipelines, pump stations, monitoring and control facilities.  Engineering analysis will be conducted to assure technical feasibility and expansion of the wastewater system in a logical, cost-effective manner.

Key Outcomes

As part of the planning process, the Town aims to accomplish the following key tasks:

• Establish Unit Flow Values (flow per person, employee, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Hotel/Motel/Restaurant) based upon historical data and recent water consumption data trends
• Evaluate capacity of the collection, river siphon and lagoon treatment system 
• Forecast sewer capacity needs for the next 20 years
• Develop long-term financial infrastructure plans to provide services
• Forecast future Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and R&R investments
• Identify sources of funding to implement the CIP and R&R
• Engage Town Council and other community stake holders and provide meaningful input opportunities
• Assistance Preparing NPDES Permit Application due July 2019  
• *Financial modeling of rates and charges (as budget allows)

Schedule

Request for Qualifications Due – (3) three O’clock PST, February 11, 2019

Selection Process (possible interviews) – March 4 – 8, 2019

Scope and Contract Negotiated/Notice to Proceed – March 22, 2019

Engineering Analysis, modelling and capacity assessment – May 2019

Asset Management Plan, methodology for prioritizing restoration and replacement projects with consideration for integrated upgrades to gravity sewers, pump stations and treatment lagoons   – June 2019

Complete renewal application for NPDES Permit – July 2019

Capital Improvement Plan identifying existing infrastructure and future needs. Develop a CFP, including 20-year cost estimates with consideration for the ultimate build-out scenario consistent with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan – August 2019

Draft Report – Ecology Review – SEPA – Comment Period – Public Hearing – Adoption Oct/November 2019

Final Report – December 2019 

Time to Update Blog

Hello, you may have noticed the nice new webpage layout for the Town of Winthrop... this blog however is still a bit out of date.
We will be updating and using this space for Town News and Events. Please bear with us and keep checking back.

Job Announcement: Civil Service Commission Secretary/Chief Examiner

The Town of Winthrop Civil Service Commission is seeking an individual for the position of Civil Service Commission Secretary/Chief Examiner.  This is a part-time position and hours will vary each month.  Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age and reside within the Town limits of Winthrop.  The position pays $12.78 per hour.  Applications and job description may be obtained at Winthrop Town Hall or by mail by request.  Applicants will initially be evaluated by written exam based on civil service provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW Chapter 41.12), the Open Public Meetings Act (RCW Chapter 42.30), and the Town of Winthrop Civil Service Rules.  Applicants scoring at least 70% correct on the written exam will be interviewed by the Commission.  Final hiring decision will be based on a combined ranking of written examination and interview scores.

Completed applications must be received at Winthrop Town Hall by 3pm on November 1^st, 2012.  Written exam and interviews will be conducted November 3^rd, 2012.

The Town of Winthrop is an equal opportunity employer.

Susie Stephens Trail Celebration - October 6th - 3pm

The Town of Winthrop invites all to come and celebrate the completion of the first phase of the Susie Stephens Trail on October 6th, 2012 at 3pm at the Ice Rink and Town Trailhead.  Please join us for refreshments, trail celebration, and a tree planting ceremony in memory of Susie Stephens.  For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

 

Town Council Vacancy

The Winthrop Town Council will have a vacant position soon with the resignation of councilmember Lance Christensen.  The Council will appoint a citizen to fill that position until the next election in fall of 2013.  Interested citizens should submit a letter of interest to the Council by 4pm, Wednesday August 29th, 2012.  The Council will interview candidates at its September 5th meeting and likely make an appointment that evening.  Interested citizens must reside within the town limits of Winthrop and be a registered voter there as well.  Letters of interest can be dropped off at Town Hall, e-mailed to council@townofwinthrop.com, or mailed to the Town of Winthrop, P.O. Box 459, Winthrop, WA 98862.  For more information e-mail or call Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

Winthrop Parks Walkabout - May 8th 5:30pm - 7 pm

The Town of Winthrop welcomes the public to join in an upcoming Winthrop Parks and Recreation Public Workshop on Tuesday, May 8 from 5:30 -7:00pm. This will be a walking tour, presentation, and discussion starting at the Winthrop Town Trailhead/Ice Rink. From the rink, we will walk through town and end at the Winthrop Ball Field.

In this workshop, the public will have the opportunity to learn about Winthrop’s Parks and Recreation Plan and provide feedback on current projects. Town Planner, Rocklynn Culp will share the findings of the recent Town of Winthrop Recreation Survey and give an overview of current town recreational projects including: the Susie Stephens Trail and a town RiverWalk. Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink representatives will talk about refrigeration efforts at the Ice Rink. Community representatives will speak about enhancements to the Winthrop Ball Field and the bicycle pump track to be built behind the baseball field.

The walking workshop begins at 5:30pm at the Town Trailhead. From the Town Trailhead/Ice Rink the group will leave on the walking tour, stopping along the way at each location to discuss these exciting recreational opportunities for the Town of Winthrop. The public is invited. Light refreshments will be served.

Town of Winthrop is updating park plan

The Town of Winthrop is engaging in a whirlwind update of our Parks and Recreation Plan to maintain our eligibility to apply for grants through the Washington Recreation Conservation Office (RCO). In an effort to gauge public sentiment on our local parks and recreation scene, we’re asking folks to give us feedback. We’ve put together a brief and easy survey, available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/winthropparks. If you are a utility customer with the Town, you can also look for a survey in your mailbox. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to give us your input.

In addition to the park survey, the Winthrop Planning Commission will hold a Public Workshop with a focus on parks and recreation. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 24th, 6 PM at the Hen House of the Winthrop Barn. We will again be looking to get the community’s pulse on a variety of potential projects, to see where we can best spend our energy in coming years.

As always, your input helps us do a better job of setting priorities and planning for the future of our community. Please take the time to let us know what is important to you!

Attend The Workshop: Tuesday, January 24th, 6 PM at the Hen House of the Winthrop Barn

6th Annual Town of Winthrop Volunteer Recognition Celebration

The Town of Winthrop invites everyone to recognize, celebrate, and thank the numerous volunteers and groups that have given of their time over the last year to help the Town make Winthrop such a special place for all of us. The celebration will take place on Wednesday October 26th, 2011 from 6pm to 8pm at the Winthrop Barn. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6pm to 7pm with refreshments being served. At 7pm, the volunteer recognition presentation will begin. The evening will conclude around 8pm with dessert being served. Please join us to recognize these invaluable volunteers and the gift of their time and effort to all of us. For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

Images of the Susie Stephens Trail/Spring Creek Bridge Project

We've created an online photo album for the Susie Stephens Trail/Spring Creek Bridge Project. It will be added to periodically as construction of this important non-motorized trail link in Winthrop progresses. The photo album can be found here: https://picasaweb.google.com/118113251977161033121/SusieStephensTrailSpringCreekBridgeProject#

Announcing the Winthrop Community Solar Project

The Town of Winthrop is pleased to announce that it is joining with the Partnership for a Sustainable Methow and other partners to host a community solar system on Town owned land near the Town's sewer lagoons. As the host entity of the system, the Town will receive the energy produced and the individuals whose investment will pay for construction of the system will receive payments through a Washington State Renewable Energy Cost Recovery program. The Partnership for a Sustainable Methow is serving as the project's administrator. For more information on the project, please visit: www.sustainablemethow.net.

Susie Stephens Trail/Spring Creek Bridge Project Open House - March 30th 6:30pm

The Town of Winthrop invites citizens to come to a project open house for the Susie Stephens Trail and Spring Creek Bridge on the evening of March 30th, 2011 at the Winthrop Barn. This project will begin construction later this spring and this is an opportunity for the public to see the designs and plans for this important non-motorized transportation link in the Town of Winthrop. Both the trail designer, Northwest Trails, Inc. and the bridge design/builder Mowat Construction will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. Join us from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm to learn about this exciting and important project. For more information, contact Town Hall at 996-2320.

5th Annual Town of Winthrop Volunteer Recognition Celebration

The Town of Winthrop invites everyone to recognize, celebrate, and thank the numerous volunteers and groups that have given of their time over the last year to help the Town make Winthrop such a special place for all of us. The celebration will take place on Wednesday October 27th, 2010 from 6pm to 8pm at the Winthrop Barn. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6pm to 7pm with refreshments being served. At 7pm, the volunteer recognition presentation will begin. The evening will conclude around 8pm with dessert being served. Please join us to recognize these invaluable volunteers and the gift of their time and effort to all of us. For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

Town Council Vacancy

The Town of Winthrop is seeking to fill an upcoming vacancy on its Town Council. The selected individual will serve until the next general election for local offices (November 2011). To be eligible, a person must live within and be registered to vote within the town limits of Winthrop.

Interested individuals are asked to submit a letter of interest addressed to the Town Council by 3pm on September 30th, 2010. Letters may be dropped off at Town Hall or mailed to: Town of Winthrop, P.O. Box 459, Winthrop, WA 98862

The Town Council will interview interested applicants at its October 6th, 2010 meeting.

For more information, please contact Town Hall at 996-2320.

Pedestrian/Bicyclist Bridge Construction Open House March 24th

The Town of Winthrop welcomes everyone who is interested to join us in celebrating and learning more about the design and construction of a cable-stayed bridge over the Methow River. The open house will be held at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, March 24th, at the Winthrop Barn.

In selecting Sahale LLC as the bridge contractor, Winthrop cleared one of the final hurdles in a long process of providing a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists from the south end of downtown to the post office. The 380 foot long bike and pedestrian bridge will mark the beginning of the Susie Stephens Trail, and is certain to become a defining feature of the downtown area. Sahale’s bridge design incorporates features that make it consistent with the late 1800’s and the Town’s western theme.

During the open house, there will be an opportunity to view computer generated renderings of the bridge, hear from the lead consultants about the history and process behind the project, learn about the construction timeline and impacts, as well as ask questions and offer feedback on the bridge.

Currently, the expected date of completion for this bridge is in late 2010 so don't miss this opportunity to learn about this project and share your comments.

For more information please contact town hall at 996-2320

Winthrop Ice Rink Parking

The Winthrop Ice Rink and its programs have been a great success for the Town of Winthrop. With that success, however, has come the challenge of managing the impacts on neighboring properties and their owners. Parking and traffic considerations have been the biggest headaches. This winter, the Town added 10 mph speed limit signs to the access road to the rink that for the most part are being respected and that is greatly appreciated for everyone’s safety. We also added no parking signs along the entry road and along the northeastern (towards the river) edge of the lot to preserve the access to the maintenance road to the rink and more importantly to preserve access for the guests of the Methow River Cabins neighboring the rink. Unfortunately, these no parking areas are not always being respected and rink users have been blocking access to the cabins and even using the cabin property to park or drop-off skaters. These actions are unacceptable to the Town and are unfair to our neighbors at the Methow River Cabins.

The lower lot at the ice rink is designed to accommodate approximately 15 to 20 cars (including the 2 disabled parking stalls). If you arrive at the rink and the lower lot is already full, you must park in the upper lot which can be accessed off of White Avenue (Twin Lakes Rd.) just past the entrance for Winthrop Physical Therapy and Fitness. A lighted stairway leads from the upper lot directly to the ice rink.

Please help us continue to build on the success of the ice rink and be good neighbors to the adjacent properties and their owners.

Town Volunteer Celebration - October 27th

The Town of Winthrop invites everyone to a celebration of the volunteers and groups that have given of their time over the last year to help the Town make Winthrop a great place for all of us. The celebration will take place on Tuesday October 27th, 2009 from 6pm to 8pm at the Winthrop Barn. The evening will begin with a social hour from 6pm to 7pm with refreshments being served. At 7pm, the volunteer recognition presentation will begin. The evening will conclude around 8pm with dessert being served. Please join us to recognize these invaluable volunteers and the gift of their time and effort to all of us. For more information, please contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320.

Potluck to Honor Marshal Matson - noon June 30th

The Town of Winthrop invites one and all to a lunchtime potluck on tuesday, June 30th at noon at the Winthrop Barn to honor retiring Marshal Chris Matson. Please help us say thank you to Marshal Matson for his years of service to the Town and its citizens.

Public Transportation Open House - March 11th - 7pm

The Town of Winthrop and the Okanogan County Public Transportation Improvement Conference will host a public open house on Wednesday, March 11th at 7pm at the Winthrop Barn.

This open house is designed to gather community input on current and future needs for public transportation in the Methow Valley and the county as a whole. All Methow Valley community members are encouraged to attend. Please come and share your ideas and experiences to help shape the future of public transportation in Okanogan County.

For more information please contact Mayor Dave Acheson at 996-2320 or mayor@townofwinthrop.com or Tom Hanson at hansont@wsdot.wa.gov or 509-667-3029.

Drive Safe This Holiday Season

With the holidays upon us, many more folks will be out and about on our area's roads and those roads are sure to be slick. Please exercise care and patience when driving and allow a little extra time to arrive at your destination. If we all slow down just a touch, we can all arrive safely at our destinations. And as always, please don't drink and drive.

A Safe and Happy Holiday Season to All!