Ritzville's City Hall open to the public

RITZVILLE – City Hall opened their doors to the public for the first time in almost a year Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The opening came following unanimous approval by city council at their regular meeting Feb. 16.

"I'm glad we're finally open, and I think it's long overdue," Council member Dede Boyer said. "I have been pushing for this from the beginning. I never thought we should have closed."

"I'm glad we're open," Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Michelle Asmussen said. "We should have one of those flashing light signs that says 'open,' like you see in stores."

While the region is in Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington plan, city hall will operate at a reduced capacity of 25%. That means only one to two people can be served at a time in the lobby.

The lobby, which formerly led directly into city hall, now has a counter with a drawer to submit or retrieve documents; and a window with a microphone to speak with office personnel. Past that, a locked door closes off the lobby from the rest of city hall, and people must make appointments to see city hall staff or the mayor.

Mayor Gary Cook said the city was able to use 110 funds for part of the remodeling, since the new lobby is now ADA-compliant.

"CARES Act money helped us finish it and get the isolated lobby," Cook said. "Our Public Works crew did the work, so it just cost us materials."

Public Works Director Dave Breazeale said automatic doors with push-buttons to facilitate those who cannot open the outside doors themselves will be going in soon.

While masks will still be required to be worn in city hall, accommodations will be made for those unable to wear a mask in the enclosed lobby.

Payments can still be made over the phone or at the drop box at the curb, and the new online utility payment system is expected to be operating soon.

Council meetings will be open to the public to the capacity limit of 13 people. The meetings will continue to be via conference call for those who don't want to attend in person.

During the discussion regarding reopening, Council member Dennis Chamberlain asked what would happen if members of the public attending meetings put them over capacity.

"If we have a maximum capacity, some of you council members are going to have to attend by phone," Cook said.

"We have to put the public first," Clerk-Treasurer Julie Flyckt said. "Staff can move into an office and call in.

Council member Boyer said she would attend by phone until masks were no longer required.

"I make a motion to pass the resolution, however the motion should be worded," Chamberlain said.

"I second it," said Council member Mark Weigand. "I want city hall open."

The public is welcome to join in on the calls. Contact city hall for the dial-in numbers ahead of time.

Regular council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.