Mayor addresses meeting comments

RITZVILLE — Mayor Linda Kadlec began the Tuesday, March 21, council meeting with a speech about utilities.

She informed residents “we are listening to your concerns,” and noted city staff has scheduled workshops, which she encouraged residents to attend.

The workshops should help residents understand utility bills better and address any mistakes, she said.

Kadlec said the workshops will be scheduled after April 20, following the completion of April meter readings. She then referenced a letter providing additional details that was mailed with March utility invoices.

In an apparent effort to minimize public outbursts like those during the March 7 council meeting, Kadlec concluded:

“Any further comments to the council will be limited to 3 minutes and will be conducted in an orderly manner. When I tell you that your time is up, it is.”

She also said she would prohibit rude comments, adding, “governing bodies have the authority to maintain order up to and including removal of an individual.”

Following her speech, Kadlec asked for public comments.

No one responded, prompting Public Works Director Dave Breazeale to quip, “You scared ‘em mayor.”