Ritzville City Council begins hearings for neglected properties

The Ritzville City Council turned their attention to a long list of Show Cause hearings during their regular meeting on June 7.

The Show Cause hearings address a list of properties throughout the City of Ritzville that have been contacted regarding the need for improvements of the property.

Ritzville City Clerk/Treasurer Kris Robbins presented the list of properties in the first hearing and walked the councilmembers through the process, as many are addressing Show Cause complainants for the first time.

Robbins explained properties are added to the list for health or sanitation issues, or citizen complaints with the properties.

City employees took photos of the properties when letters were sent to property owners over a month ago.

During the council meeting, the councilmembers reviewed the current photos of the properties, as Robbins presented an update of each property.

The council reviewed eight properties during the meeting, and made a decision to grant an extension or send a letter implementing a resolution notifying the owner they had 10 days to improve the property before the City would intervene.

For the properties which had been visibly improved, or whose owners had been in contact with the City, the council unanimously granted an extension. The properties where improvements had not clearly been made, the council sent a copy of a resolution.

Five of the property owners received a resolution regarding the lack of improvement to the property, while the additional three were granted a 20-day extension.

The majority of the properties were initially cited because of overgrown weeds, garbage or vehicles parked on the property.

At the beginning of the meeting, Jim Lisk presented to the council to ask for a road closure for the 2017 Art Show in downtown Ritzville. Due to the success of the show this year, Lisk requested to move the show to the block in between Adams and Jefferson streets on Main Avenue.

The block would allow for up to 90 artists, and Lisk expects the show to increase in size next year. This year, the show had 26 artists and was limited in space at Pioneer Plaza.

Lisk had positive feedback from the artists, who intend on returning next year, and Lisk has already heard from additional artists in who are interested in attending.

The street will be closed from May 26-28, 2017, and a portion of Adams Street will be closed during set up and tear down of the event. The council unanimously approved the street closure.

During reports to the council, Public Works Director Larry Swift informed the council the Department of Health is completing a survey for Ritzville. There is also a water measurement and water test being completed, but Swift said there are no compliance issues related to the testing.

Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick advised the department had received a $1,359 grant from the Sheriff’s and Chief’s Association. The department purchased a radar unit and antenna for one of the vehicles, totaling $445.

Ritzville Fire Chief Bill Banner reported the city fire units have responded to 32 calls this year. The most significant fire in the past month was a pole fire within the city.

Banner also said the department is looking to add a back up to their pager system using a phone app called eDispatches. The app sends a text with a link to a recording of the call. This would allow every firefighter to receive the call regardless of where they are.

The department is looking to combine with the hospital or other emergency responders to bundle the service, which is estimated to cost $1,000 a year, Banner said.

Banner said after the derailment of an oil train in Mosier, Oregon, he is becoming more concerned with the oil and coal trains coming through Ritzville. Trains considered “high hazard” are allowed to travel at 50 miles per hour, regardless of location.

The growing concern means Banner is reviewing the plans in place for the district. Banner explained the first goal, in case of emergency, is evacuation, the second is containment.

Banner reminded the council burning season has closed, but recreational burning is still allowed. If the Department of Ecology declares poor air quality, burning will be banned completely.

Mike Schrag reported the Adams County Development Council (ACDC) director Joey Hansen resigned from her position. Schrag also announced the ACDC board is currently gearing up for the annual banquet on June 18 at Evergreen Implement in Othello.

Adams County Economic Development Director Stephen McFadden added to Schrag’s report, informing the council there are five companies interested in development in Adams County.

While he cannot release the names of the businesses interested in developing in the county, he confirmed two of the interested parties are looking at Ritzville.

McFadden added the Reviving Rural Downtowns Workshop will return to Ritzville on Sept. 21-22.

Schrag completed reports to the council with announcing the memorial in Ritzville City Park is now complete, as the flag pole and lights have been installed.