Ritzville council discusses streets, closures

Mayor Linda Kadlec called the general city council meeting to order on Tuesday, June 16, with subject of street closures and concerns for safety regarding a crosswalk on south Division Street.

With all members present, current agenda accepted and previous minutes approved, the meeting began with Jake Edlund, current contractor with Leone & Keeble, Inc. for the construction on the East Adams Rural Hospital.

Edlund was present for council to explain his reasoning for his requested street closure. He explained the portion of the project entitled “Phase A” requires excavating equipment and dump trucks, which would interfere with local vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

His main concern being the safety of Ritzville residents and workers of the project, Edlund initially requested 20 feet of Tenth Avenue be blocked off by a temporary fence. Councilmember Ben Cross asked for more specifics for the requested 20 feet of street closure, which Edlund explained the use of a track hoe for the digging needed.

The machine will be placed on the sidewalk, causing concern for the safety of pedestrians using the sidewalk even with postings of sidewalkclosure. To ensure safety of all residents, Edlund reqests the road be blocked from the sidewalk out into the street to ensure separation from all equipment and residents. The initial excavation process is planned to last into August at the latest and Edlund said he could then, change the parameters of the closed section of Tenth Avenue.

Edlund was asked if 15 feet rather than 20 would be acceptable for the crew to complete the excavation project. After short consideration Edlund and council came to an agreement that 15 feet of Tenth Avenue will remain blocked off until August.

Issues of resident safety continued regarding a crosswalk on south Division Street connecting the golf course near Zips. The crosswalk and pedestrians are difficult to see for southbound drivers. The corner is difficult for pedestrians to see when they are able to cross the street safely.

Originally, the crosswalk was not designed as a pedestrian crosswalk, but instead for golf carts traveling across Division Street to the golf course. Council members discussed options of signage for both vehicles and pedestrians.

A sign alerting oncoming traffic of the upcoming crosswalk and talk of installing a button activated crosswalk sign to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street while alerting oncoming traffic.

Within the weeks following the June 16 council meeting, city officials will research a possible sight blocking resident fence near the crosswalk, which will ultimately help with the outcome of the signage decision. Council reminds golfers, pedestrians and drivers to be aware of this area to ensure the safety of residents and visitors of the community. Temporary signs alerting drivers of the upcoming crosswalk are planned to be in place until a more permanent decision is made.

Also during the meeting, Kadlec announced a gift donated to the City of Ritzville from local residents Scott and Theresa Fitch. The large metal stagecoach made of horseshoes and complete with horses has been donated to the city to add to the beautification of Ritzville with a location based on the councils' discretion.

Kadlec mentioned to council this project would begin next year, with a location to be determined and with the use of foundation funding, the donated piece of art will require weatherization.