It seems likely the city of Bonney Lake will be giving its area historical society a hand — or rather, two.

On Oct. 16, the Bonney Lake City Council sat down to discuss a proposed interlocal agreement with the Greater Bonney Lake Historical Society, which has been the area’s sole caretaker of Bonney Lake’s heritage for 17 years.

The historic society reached out to the council and the public at large last spring, because eight prominent members were moving outside of the area by the end of the summer. Without increased aid in one form or another, the nonprofit would likely dissolve, members said.

Since then, the society has been meeting with Mayor Neil Johnson to figure out what help would look like, and have tentatively agreed to a part-time paid position that would assist the society in various ways.

“I think this is something that is very important,” Johnson said.

Councilman Dan Swatman also voiced his support, adding that the agreement is not set in stone, and if it appears the historical society is not a worthwhile investment, it can be changed or dropped.

Councilman Tom Watson said he had some concerns and wanted more of a transition period to determine more exactly what the needs of the historic society are, but concluded he will vote to approve the agreement.

“We’ll evaluate it, like everything else,” Johnson replied. “This first year will be very exciting — there will be ups and downs…. I think this is a great place to start.”

Historical society members agree this is a fine jumping-off point, but made it clear this is not their end goal.

“The main thing is, this person moves us one step closer to getting a museum,” said Glenn Taylor, society member.

Although the historical society has space in the Public Works Center to store much of its historical items, little is out on display.

With the help of this new part-time employee, however, Winona Jacobsen said the society hopes to expand the current displays, which includes Bonney Lake’s famous Alfred and Elma Milotte — who worked with Walt Disney himself on a number of nature films and won six Academy awards — and the historic Kelley Lake School.

According to the agreement, the part-time position will work under David Wells, the city’s special events manager, and will be responsible for supervising volunteers at the society (which is currently located in Bonney Lake’s Public Works Center), assigning volunteers to staff the Resource Center during open periods (Monday through Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and other days upon request), assist with historical research and grant writing, manage gift shop sales, provide general visitor support, and help facilitate and develop exhibits, tours and special events, and more.

This person would also serve as a liaison for other community service groups, like the Bonney Lake Kiwanis, the Lions Club, the Veteran’s Memorial Committee, and Beautify Bonney Lake.

If approved, the budget for this position is $30,000, which City Administrator John Vodopich said is already available in next year’s budget.

The city council agreed to vote on the agreement as a full council on Oct. 23, after print deadline.

The GBLHS headquarters, inside Bonney Lake’s Public Works building, has many materials and artifacts, the vast majority still in storage. Photo by Ray Miller-Still

Located right outside the historical society’s room, a glass display case shows off a few artifacts from the Alfred and Elma Milotte collection, including thank-you letters the Milottes received from fans of their Walt Disney nature movies. Photo by Ray Miller-Still