Washtucna community meeting sparks ideas for town improvements

The Town of Washtucna held a community meeting on Monday, Nov. 21, to provide an update on Washtucna in Bloom, as well as an update on clubs and organizations.

Washtucna is enrolled in the America in Bloom program for 2016 in an attempt to encourage new residents and businesses to the area. Lora Hille said their goal for this year is to improve the overall appearance of the town to draw people in.

Judges from the program toured the town to observe efforts and plans made towards improvements to Washtucna. The judges provided the town with input on how to further progress their efforts through a written evaluation at the end of their visit.

The judges look at six particular aspects of the town before they determine a score and write an evaluation. The categories are: floral displays, landscaped areas, urban forestry, community involvement, environmental efforts, heritage preservation and overall impression.

Hille announced the town received a bloom rating of three out of five from the judges based on the town’s overall score. The judges suggested they appoint an individual from the community to be in charge of each of the categories judged.

In attempt to recruit visitors to the town, the judges said establishing a home-stay program would provide travelers easy access to available rooms and rentals, said Hille.

After touring the town, Hille said the judges’ overall impression suggestions included enhancing the town’s website, improving the landscape around the entire town, constructing a walking tour and emphasizing the town’s bird watching opportunities.

Hille announced the projects she has planned for the town includes allowing residents whose yards are in need of improvement 30 days to clean up before they receive a $50 charge each day it is not completed. If the individual fails to comply, the town will handle the situation, she explained.

Before they begin enforcing this, Hille said they would determine the top 10 priority properties in need of cleaning.

Hille said the community would like to install solar light lampposts along Main Street, which could cost between $5,000 and $8,000 each.

She also announced she received permission to paint the Town Hall and Fire Hall, which are in need of improvement.

Along with painting, she discussed the possibility of 4-H club members maintaining an herb garden within the town to improve the area’s landscaping.

Hille announced the town could really benefit from taking advantage of some unique aspects it obtains such as bird watching and being on the path to Palouse Falls National Park. She said a sign promoting the “Gateway to Palouse Falls” would make the town more memorable and attract tourists.

LeeAnn Blankenship provided an update on the Washtucna Community Center. Due to the cold weather, the community center may close on a regular basis, she explained.

She said the staff of the community center would appreciate input from the community on what residents would like to see take place at the center.

“Whatever will bring the community together, that is our goal,” she added.

Michelle Plumb announced they raised over $6,000 during their Washtucna Historical Museum fundraiser for the installation of a heat pump in the museum and Community Center. Since the fundraiser, they have received $800 from Big Bend Electric Cooperative through their Caring Neighbors grant and applied for the Avista Foundation grant, she explained.

Currently, the center has $7,000 in funds with a goal of $17,000 for updates on both facilities, said Plumb.

Mayor Brian Hille stated the Council discussed drafting an ordinance regarding regulations and consequences of abandoned vehicles in the town. Hille said they suggested beginning a town clean up day to assist in the improvement of the physical appearance of the town.

The clean up day would allow residents the opportunity to dispose of unwanted items in a simple way, he explained.

Adams County Development Council Director Stephen McFadden asked for the group’s input on what types of businesses the community would like to see in the town. The group suggested options such as a grocery store, cafes and a distribution center.