Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
PHASE ONE of the First Avenue Beautification Project has come to completion, thanks to the volunteer efforts by Mike Schrag and Bruce Benzel. The two worked tirelessly to complete the landscaping project, and also received help from countless other volunteers and businesses. The second phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2019, and will include more landscaping down First Avenue. One of the primary goals of the projects is to provide a pleasant and safe walking area off of the main roadway for visitors and locals alike. -Journal photo by Katelin Davidson
During the Aug. 21 meeting, the Ritzville City Council approved an ordinance to modify the 2018 city budget.
The ordinance amends the budget and the salary schedule to include wage increases for Ritzville Police Department records clerk Marsha Bradshaw, and part-time officer Jeff Lane. It also includes a wage increase for deputy clerks Michelle Asmussen and Julie Hartz.
The wage increases, which the Council approved at the Aug. 7 meeting, will take effect on Sept. 1.
In other action items, the Council approved a request from East Adams Rural Healthcare (EARH) to close westbound traffic on Broadway Avenue, from North Division Street to Washington Street, for the health fair on Sept. 8. EARH is hosting the health fair at the American Legion Hall.
Police Chief Dave McCormick said he did not see a problem with the street closure request.
In old business, the Council briefly discussed the ClearGov Budget planning tool. At the Aug. 7 meeting, the Council received a presentation from ClearGov CEO Chris Bullock on how the software would provide tools to help the City budget information in a format staff and residents can understand.
Council Member Mark Weigand noted the tool would benefit Ritzville if it were a wealthier city. He also felt city hall staff does a good job in completing the budget without using additional software.
During public comment, resident Barry Boyer asked the Council to reconsider purchasing the software because residents cannot access budget information online.
Mayor Gary Cook announced Representative Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Ritzville, congratulating the City for the being recognized as a member of Tree City USA.
In the letter, Newhouse wrote that Ritzville has demonstrated a commitment to tree care, and improving air and water quality for residents.
In department updates, McCormick said the Ritzville Police Department officers will accumulate nine hours of overtime during August to participate in the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s DUI emphasis patrol.
Council Member Debbie Chapman said the Ritzville Downtown Development Association (RDDA) is planning for the Christmas movie. She added the organization is looking to raise approximately $600 for the event.
Council Member Mike Schrag announced the first phase of the First Avenue beautification project is completed. Schrag said Bruce Benzel helped him throughout the duration of the project.
He added city Public Works crews replanted trees and improved the walkway. Schrag said one of the objectives with the project is to encourage pedestrians use the walking trail on First Avenue.
He explained the Tree Board is looking to plant 2-3 more trees on the walking path. He added Linda Kadlec will donate a bench to be installed on the trail.
Schrag said the Tree Board is planning the second phase of the project for next year.
He noted the plan is to continue installing landscape along First Avenue at Les Schwab, Odessa Trading Company/Ag Tech building and as well as near the fenced areas belonging to the Washington State Department of Transportation building.
Cook thanked Schrag, Public Works and the volunteers for the time and resources they put into the beautification project.
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