Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Chamberlain steps down as mayor pro tempore
Newly-appointed Mayor Pro Tempore Scott Yaeger presents outgoing Mayor Gary Cook a plaque from the city expressing appreciation for his service at his last council meeting Tuesday, March 16.
Scott and Lori Gorman of Memories Deli donated sandwiches, chips and strawberries to the city for Mayor Gary Cook's last meeting. Councilman Mike Schrag is pictured.
RITZVILLE – For his last City Council meeting, Gary Cook included a letter summing up his 17 years of service, first as a councilman and the last five as mayor.
Cook said when he started as mayor in January 2016, he soon realized the city's budget could be streamlined.
"In 2017, we took a bold step to put the budget on a 'cash' basis. We held off capital purchases until we could show revenue to pay for them, and made department budgets the responsibility of each supervisor, subject to council approval," Cook said. "Julie Flyckt drove the budget process and currently we have solid working budgets throughout the city system."
Wanting to have employees make the city their career rather than just a job, he made an effort to enhance benefits, he said.
Cook complimented city staff, council members and department heads before advising on policies and roles.
"As elected officials, we took an oath to serve the community and respect the rules and laws in place," Cook said. "The citizens of Ritzville voted their confidence in each of us to represent them in the best manner."
The meeting was also the last one for Councilman Dennis Chamberlain as mayor pro tempore.
Chamberlain emailed his resignation to Cook earlier the same day.
"We all make mistakes and this one was a doozy," Chamberlain said. "And that's why I resigned from mayor pro tempore."
Councilman Scott Yaeger was appointed to fill that leadership role.
The council will take up the appointment of an interim mayor during a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. April 1.
Members of the public who would like to attend the meeting via conference call or over the internet are invited to contact City Hall at 509-659-1930 or visit the city website for a number and participant code.
In other business, the council:
• Discussed whether general funds and water fund resources could be used to pay for the replacement of Ritzville Municipal Golf Course greens.
• Approved a COVID-19 Safety Operational Plan.
• Approved consultant supplement agreements and Transportation Improvement Board Bid authorizations on the Main Avenue and Weber and Galbreath Way projects.
• Discussed bids received for the Pete's Lift Station Sewer Project.
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