Ritzville City Council discusses agenda changes, committee updates

The Ritzville City Council met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.

The meeting began by discussing changes to the regular agenda to streamline the meeting and encourage more attendance from community members.

The agenda will now include all of the reoccurring approvals, which takes place at the beginning of each meeting. This includes the approval of previous meeting minutes, acceptance of the agenda and the claims and payroll.

The discussion of any new business or old business will also occur towards the beginning of the meeting. These items tend to hold the most discussion during a meeting.

After these portions the normal reports from the departments, council and committees will take place.

The council’s hope is to have more community input on the new and old business by having these pieces occur earlier in the meeting.

During the committee reports, Scott Yaeger who represents the Public Works committee, presented the option of using fiber in the asphalt during the First Avenue overlay project.

He is currently reviewing the cost difference to see if this option is feasible for the City. At the next meeting he will also have an update for the project after meeting with the contractor.

The Law and Justice Council recently met and Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick reported the election of new officers for the council.

They also discussed the issue of the new jail facility and the involvement of the Adams County Commissioners.

McCormick reported the Ritville Police Department (RPD) has been approved for a traffic safety grant for radar of approximately $1,300. The RDP will be responsible for $500.

The purchase of the radar will not take place until the City has received the grant contract.

Clerk/Treasurer Kris Robbins reported the recent visit from the staff of Congressman Dan Newhouse had a good turnout. Congressman Newhouse is discussing having his office do a monthly or semi-monthly meeting here in Ritzville to better serve the community.

Fire Chief Bill Banner reported the Ritzville Fire Department has acquired five new members since the last business meeting.

Banner stated the equipment they currently have is adequate for the new members with a few minor items needed.

He also reported the interviews for the Assistant Fire Chief position will take place within the week. Banner advised he has two candidates.

Under Old Business, the council members discussed a change to the current animal control ordinance.

This ordinance, once approved, would allow the third violation of Ordinance 2093 to be treated and enforced as a misdemeanor. After discussion from the council and City Attorney Mark DeWulf the council decided to table the ordinance until the next meeting.

This time will allow DeWulf to study the language of the document and ensure the ordinance will hold up under legal discretions.

The last item discussed was in regards to the semi-truck parking issue, which has been on the table during the last few meetings.