Council approves Salmon Derby, cherries Jubilee applications

BREWSTER – The city council dealt with annual agreement renewals and event application approvals at its regular monthly meeting last Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Council members approved the annual event applications for both the Brewster Salmon Derby that falls on July 31, August 1-2 this year and third annual Cherries Jubilee scheduled for Father’s Day weekend June 20-21.
Chamber president Mike Mauk explained the Chamber’s reasoning to hold Cherries Jubilee at the city park this year. The parade down Main Street will terminate at the park this year. The car show will set up in the park following the parade. Mauk said plans call for a larger 3-on-3 basketball tournament this year utilizing the basketball court nearest the high school and augmenting that site with extra hoops set up in the paved parking lot.
A new event this year will be the inaugural Cherries Jubilee Bass Open Tournament, a two-day competition involving the Okanogan County Bass Club. Mauk said trout ponds will be available for young anglers on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21. The Fun Run will also be back as will cherry pit spitting, cherry pie sales, vendors and more.
Bands including Waterdog and the Randy Battle Bluz Band will join the Washington State Nashville Stars, open mic and Karaoke to provide music both days.
Following clarifications over several points regarding use of the park areas for various events and proposed traffic control measures, council members approved the event application pending approval of modifications by the police chief and public works.
Derby organizers Randy Cole and Lori Kratzer has asked the Chamber to consider assuming the Salmon Derby operations in 2021 so Chamber volunteers are shadowing the derby logistics this year in preparation for that transition.
In other business the city heard an update from city engineers J-U-B regarding current water facility upgrades. Public Works Director Lee Webster reported that the work to convert three residences along Hospital Way from septic tanks to city sewer line connections has been completed.
Council members approved a renewal of the agreement for Okanogan County building inspection services. The city also approved its annual agreement for dispatch services through the county. Mayor Art Smith noted that next year the dispatch agreement will become more complex and expensive “because there is a whole bunch of stuff changing at the county,” Smyth said.
City clerk/treasurer explained that the current dispatch contract is based on population whereas the new contract will be based on calls and service.
The city approved an aid agreement with Chelan Fire and Rescue that allows the city to get its fire and EMS vehicles trucks repaired by Chelan’s emergency vehicle and pump technician.