Requests and regulations made at the April 9 City Council

After an informative fire presentation led by Rick Stratton from the United States Forest Service, the April 9 city council meeting leaped right into action.
    The Leavenworth Community Farmers Market requested a special permit for noise variance to play music at a louder volume (95 decibels) than the allowed 75 decibels. The farmers market proposed use of the permit for 14 out of 20 days of the market.
    However, after some back and forth debate regarding neighboring facilities being affected by the stream of loud music - the action item was tabled. Council member and long time pool employee, Sharon Waters, made the safety argument with whistles not being able to be heard and Mia Bretz pointed out the library being so close as well.
    "It feels unfair to me to allow the farmer's market 95 decibels in a residential area, next to the library, public safety issue at the pool," said Mayor Cheri Farivar.
    The pool was inserted in another portion of the meeting when the council approved the three year interfund loan for the recreation spot. The city will provide one third from general fund to the pool, $61,045.
    "We are trying to help the pool with their total cost by offering our current lowest interest return rate 1.286 percent," said Chantel Steiner, city clerk. The loan will be moved once the pool construction occurs, expecting around September and October.
    Following a public hearing that had seamless dialogue of explanation and zero public participation during the meeting (one was written in regarding cryptocurrency's impact on the community), tight Cryptocurrency Bitcoin regulations were put into place. Those who dabble with Cryptocurrency must be within the light and industrial district along with meeting strict guidelines.   
    "The regulations they have to meet are quite stringent and includes protection of availability of power and impacts to the growth and ability to provide power to the residents in the community," explained Lilith Vespier, Development Services Manager.
    The city also rezoned three properties on Icicle and one of off Commercial Street. Those with a stake will have a chance to weigh in on the city's surplus of resident properties adjacent to the golf course. There will be a public hearing on April 23 at 6:45 p.m.
    During the meeting, the council approved the mayor's recommendation of Steven Booher to the Planning Commission. She had sifted through the three volunteers application and selected Booher. He has previously worked in the field.

Other business tended to:
- The council approved $1,000 for Upper Valley Connection Youth Funding from Lodging Tax
- The council approved a quarterly budget amendment.