April 3, 2008

Mayor calls for city-wide clean up

Journal photo by Jennifer Larsen

PROCLAMATION. Ritzville Mayor Linda Kadlec puts her pen to a proclamation declaring April “Ritzville Cleanup Month.”

Proclamation:

Whereas, the winter weather has left in its wake much in the way of litter, downed limbs and yard debris, and,

Whereas, junk vehicles, old furniture and appliances have found their way into yards in clear public view, and

Whereas, these conditions detract from the fine appearance and quality of life within our community, now, therefore,

I, Linda Kadlec, Mayor of the City of Ritzville, do hereby proclaim the month of April, 2008, as “Ritzville Cleanup Month” and encourage all our citizens to clean up their property and assist their neighbors to do so as well.

By Stephen McFadden

Publisher

Seizing the opportunity to join Adams County in its annual clean up efforts, Mayor Linda Kadlec has declared April “Ritzville Cleanup Month,” calling on residents to spruce up their portion of the city and make an effort to help their neighbors do the same.

Tuesday Kadlec issued a proclamation calling for the city-wide spring cleaning effort.

The clean up comes in advance of the council’s Health and Sanitation Committee’s annual review of residential and commercial properties.  The committee typically drives the city streets looking for abandoned vehicles and private property where excess garbage has accumulated or weeds and other vegetation have been allowed to become overgrown.

In connection with a city ordinance, the city takes the committee’s recommendations and notifies property owners that their property needs to be cleaned in accordance with city ordinance.

If the property owner fails to respond to the city’s notification, the city can opt to clean up the property at the property owner’s expense.

Kadlec is encouraging residents to take part in the county’s Household Hazardous Waste free disposal day on Tuesday, April 8, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Adams County Public Works Department’s maintenance shop.

The annual Adams County Clean-Up Day is Saturday, April 12, when the Ritzville and Bruce Transfer stations will be open for free disposal of green waste and mixed loads of yard debris and unwanted appliances from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“We are working on another date in April for further dumping. We will keep you updated,” Kadlec said on Monday before issuing the proclamation.

Kadlec, in the spirit of community, is calling for local volunteers to step forward to help others who require assistance with clean up efforts on their property. Volunteers can sign up to help by contacting city hall at (509) 659-1930.