Ritzville City Council swears in new members, honors Mayor Kadlec

At the Ritzville City Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 15, new members to the council and the new mayor were sworn in.

The meeting began with discussion in regards to compliance of residents to the guidelines for fence building within the city.

The current ordinance states regulations as to the height of the fence in the front of the residence and the back of the residence. It also describes the allotted distance from the street or sidewalk the fence must be built.

Issues have been raised by citizens in regards to certain fences being built outside of these regulations; specifically the disruption of the view when backing a vehicle around the fence.

The City Attorney Mark DeWulf has researched the issue in depth and provided for the council his suggestions to revise the ordinance not only to make it more specific but also to additionally require citizens receive a permit from City Hall prior to erecting a fence on their property.

Currently the council has decided to hold off on the issue until January so the entire council has a chance to look at the property that was brought into discussion.

Police Chief Dave McCormick stated he has also spoken with the property owner due to complaints from a neighbor and has a detailed police report.

Currently DeWulf does believe that the property is not in compliance due to the setback from the property line and the height being an obstruction.

The discussion will turn towards what action needs to be taken in the following meetings. It was stated there might be more fences outside of guidelines than just the one currently brought to the council’s attention.

Fire Chief Dennis Sackmann then took to the podium to report on the department’s calls from the previous two weeks. He also took the time to thank the council and mayor for approving requests made for funding.

Sackmann then announced that after serving the city for numerous years he will be retiring effective Jan. 21, 2016.

The department has unanimously agreed to suggest Bill Banner as the new fire chief to the council.

They will wait until after Jan. 1, so Gary Cook, who will be beginning his term as mayor at the time, can make the appointment.

The last piece of business was the swearing in of the council.

Mayor Linda Kadlec first swore in Gary Cook as the new Mayor of Ritzville. She then swore in, Dede Rawlings, Corey Umland, Dennis Chamberlain and Mark Weigand.

The Mayor then presented Eric Ottmar with a certificate of appreciation for Outstanding Service as a city councilmember.

Mayor Kadlec gave a speech, as this was her last council meeting as Mayor.

She remembered a conversation with Senator Mark Schoesler in which he advised her, “You think I sit over there in Olympia at the Senate knowing everything? You surround yourself with the people who do.”

She went on to say this is exactly what she did. Mayor Kadlec has served as the Mayor of Ritzville for eight years and sat on the City Council for 16 years prior.

After this speech she attempted to conclude the meeting but was interrupted by Councilperson Ben Cross who read Resolution 2015-10.

The resolution announced the dedication of the fountain located at the East entrance to the City at Division Street and Smitty’s Boulevard in honor of Linda Kadlec’s outstanding service to the City.

She was additionally presented with a plaque to commemorate her time on the council and as the mayor.

Those sworn in at this meeting will begin serving their terms at the Jan. 5 meeting of the City Council.