More golf course trees cut

Homeowners and those who want to purchase a cord of wood from trees removed at the Ritzville Municipal Golf Course can now contact the Ritzville Golf Association (RGA) to make arrangements. On March 20, Ritzville City Council approved by consensus to allow the RGA to handle selling wood obtained after downing 11 trees at the golf course.

The RGA undertook the task of removing the trees rather than the city this year, and plans to utilize the funds from selling the wood to recoup costs.

Based on the recommendation from the city’s finance committee, a letter of understanding is forthcoming between the city and the RGA outlining the specifics of the arrangement.

During the April 3 council meeting, Mike Schrag said the Tree Board is purchasing eight trees for the golf course. He said one sweet gum and seven red oak trees should be planted this spring.

The tree board is purchasing four other trees to plant in Ritzville City Park during the Arbor Day celebration on April 27. Schrag said this includes two sweet gum trees, a Japanese red maple and a Lynden tree.

The total investment for all 12 trees is $1,443.

In March, the council also denied a request to reduce greens fees by $7 from Project 56 for a tournament slated for May 26 during alumni weekend. The organization is expecting 72 golfers for the fundraising tournament.

According to Gary Cook, the finance committee calculated the reduction of fees would be about a $500 impact to the city coffers. The finance committee agreed this could set precedence for future requests and in turn negatively impact the city’s finances.