City accelerates beautification

RITZVILLE – The city is moving forward with beautification efforts including the walkway path at Division and Weber.

Mayor Linda Kadlec said funds received by Innovia Foundation from the Willard and Patricia Hennings Fund this year will cover $24,255 in expenses for the walkway path; $5,000 for trees at the golf course; and $4,244 for a garden at the library. Additionally, $2,000 is allocated for the Tree Board, $400 went for carpet cleaning at the golf course, and $1,000 is set aside for the city's dump expenses during the city cleanup week of May 23-29.

"To have an organization like this working for us is a blessing," Kadlec said of the generous donations.

The landscape designs for the walkway path were done by Elena McKenzie, the granddaughter of Willard and Pat Hennings.

"Willard was excited about the stagecoach being up there, so I'm glad we have his granddaughter helping with the work moving forward," Flyckt said.

Kadlec put Councilwoman Dede Boyer in charge of the walkway path at Division and Weber, working alongside Public Works Director Dave Breazeale.

"I love gardening, and I'm all for the beautification of the city," Boyer said. "The stagecoach located there is magnificent, but it is not eye-catching because it is so bland. I want to make it colorful and look pretty. I want to get plants that are easy to care for, so they don't need a lot of upkeep."

Breazeale agreed that for people coming off the freeway, their first vision of Ritzville should be one of beauty.

"We want to make this area really nice, and eventually add some picnic tables," Breazeale said, adding plans include taking out the gravel near the stagecoach and planting grass.

City Clerk-Treasurer Julie Flyckt said with the recent passing of Willard Hennings, allocations to the fund will be increasing moving forward. Flyckt said the fund has been used in the past for Ritzville Revitalization projects.

"This is a real blessing, and a real help to our community," Kadlec said.

Councilwoman Michelle Plumb, on the License, Rules and Permits committee with Dennis Chamberlain and Debbie Chapman, announced updates to be made to parking ordinances within the City of Ritzville Code. Changes include an amendment to address no parking zones; adding two handicapped parking stalls on Main Avenue; and changes to the Stopping, Standing and Parking rules. Fines for violations are also addressed in the ordinance, which is being reviewed by council. A public hearing on the parking ordinance no 2153 is set for June 1. Flyckt said people wanting more information could visit the city's website.

Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick reported beautification of the town in another way; working on the removal of abandoned vehicles throughout town. He said vehicles with licenses expired more than 45 days ago which haven't recently been moved are being tagged and towed.

"We had to impound a couple on 7th Street, and the registered owners are responsible for all the towing and storing costs," McCormick said. "Hopefully there won't be too many tow trucks hooking vehicles, but it will happen."

McCormick said a few feathers have been ruffled, but he hopes to have the mission completed by city clean-up week before Memorial Day Weekend.

"We will work with anyone, as long as they have a plan," McCormick said.

He also reported one spray can used in the recent graffiti tagging throughout town was located, and will be processed for fingerprints.

During the public portion of the meeting, council was asked why the meetings are still not open to the public. Flyckt said the city is following the example of Spokane Valley.

"Some cities aren't even open for face-to-face meetings," Flyckt said.

The public is welcome to attend the meetings via the online link or through the conference call. Contact city hall or view their web page for instructions.

In other business, council

– Approved a bid of $1,162,448 to POW Contracting, Inc. of Pasco for the Pete's Lift Station and Sewer Improvements project.

– Approved an amendment to an agreement between the City of Ritzville and Varella and Associates for the Pete's Lift Station and Sewer Improvements project for an increase in engineering costs of $224,934, due in part to the Broadway Street extension of the original project.

– Approved an Updated Cost Estimate for the Transportation Improvement Board for the Main Avenue from Palouse Street to Jackson Street Seal Coat project.

– Approved a bid of $249,501 to Corridor Contractors of Airway Heights for the Main Avenue Seal Coat and ADA Ramps project, conditional upon the Transportation Improvement Board's approval of the Updated Cost Estimate. The Corridor Contractors' bid came in below the engineer's estimate of $252,219.

– Approved closing the beautification fund bank account at Wheatland Bank and transferring the balance of $37,563 to the city's main bank account with STCU (Spokane Teachers Credit Union).

– Heard a reminder candidate filing week is May 17-21 for the Aug. 3 primary election. Seats open for the City of Ritzville include the mayor's position, and four councilmen's position (see article on front page).