Chelan upgrades security at parks and facilities

CHELAN — The Chelan City Council approved a project to expand security cameras and access control systems at several city facilities during its March 10 meeting.

Council authorized awarding the contract to InterWest Communications for the installation of cameras and upgraded access systems at locations including City Hall, the public works building, the city’s water and wastewater treatment plants, Don Morse Park, the marina and parks offices.

The project will also add access control systems at 17 public restrooms across six park locations, including Lakeshore RV Park, Don Morse Marina, downtown park facilities, Lakeside Park and Chelan Gorge Park.

City officials said the new equipment will integrate with the city’s existing security platform and improve monitoring and access management across municipal facilities.

The total project cost is approximately $214,515, including sales tax.

Councilmember Tim Hollingsworth asked staff about camera placement in park areas, noting that diagrams included in the meeting packet showed camera locations at some facilities but not for park sites.

“I noticed in the package there was a dandy little diagram for the public works and the water treatment center, but I didn't see any similar diagrams showing where the cameras were going to be facing in the park,” Hollingsworth said.

Public Works Director Jake Youngren said the project scope identified the number of cameras but that specific park locations had not yet been finalized.

“The scope just assumes the number of cameras. It didn't have specific locations locked in for sure,” Youngren said, adding that staff could provide those details to council.

During the discussion, Councilmember Agustin Benegas asked about a grant application staff had previously mentioned that could help cover part of the cost.

“Refresh my memory from the workshop. Was there a grant that was to be applied for for $25,000?” Benegas said.

Parks and Recreation Director Audrey Cooper confirmed the parks department had applied for a $25,000 grant through the Washington Cities Insurance Authority to help offset the cost of the restroom access control systems.

Councilmember Shane Collins also asked how the city would pay for the project if the grant is not awarded.

“Regarding the funding, if the grant doesn't come through for the Parks Department, what department of the Parks Department will the funding be coming out of?” Collins said.

Cooper said the remaining cost would likely come from park reserve funds, including the RV park fund balance and capital funds used for general park properties.

The upgrades come as the city continues working to manage increasing use of parks and public facilities, particularly during the busy tourism season when restrooms and waterfront areas see heavy traffic.

Councilmembers approved the project unanimously.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media