Annex passes, city increases 287 acres

RITZVILLE - City council members voted unanimously to approve the annexation of Grainland Acres following a public hearing at their April 6 council meeting.

There was no public comment during the public hearing.

The annexation is of Lots 1 and 2 of the Heineman Short Plat #2, located adjacent to the City of Ritzville next to Interstate 90 and Highway 261.

A comprehensive plan and zoning map amendment were also approved. Lot 1, approximately 84 acres, was designated to General Commercial Zone; and Lot 2, approximately 203 acres, was designated as High Density Residential.

Derek and Susan Schafer, owners of the annexed property, attended the meeting, along with engineer Tom Stirling to answer any questions anyone might have.

"It's really nice to be here in person. We've done all this process over the phone, and through emails," Derek Schafer said. "I just wanted to say how appreciative we are to be to this point with the city. The city's been wonderful to work with. We want this to be positive for Ritzville; we don't want this to be a burden on Ritzville."

Schafer said he and his wife were excited about the annexation.

"The concept plan that many of you have seen is just that, it's a concept," Schafer said.

"It might take 20 or 50 years or maybe never to fill up that space. But we want it to be there and to be available."

Schafer said he and his wife made an agreement to donate 10 acres to the Ritzville PDA (Public Development Authority) for an Ag Discovery Center.

"We're hoping that this can be a draw to Ritzville, and get some people to come further into town than just off the freeway," Schafer said, adding that they are not asking for the city to build any infrastructure.

"We're going to pay for that; developers who we sell to or ourselves will end up paying for the infrastructure. It will be built to city specifications and then dedicated to the city," Schafer said. "We're excited this partnership with the city has worked so good, and we're hopeful that that will continue, because I think when it comes to some of the upgrades that may be required by the state when we get to different stages - if we get there, such as a walking path under the freeway - I think that can be something that the city would be in a great position to apply for some grant funding for."

"Thank you, Derek. The city appreciates you and your family, too," said Mayor Linda Kadlec.

In other business, council

- Held a public hearing on the water confidence report, required by the Department of Health every six years.

- Added Broadway Avenue sewer extension to the Pete's Lift Station Project, with seven private residences in the 500 block of Broadway Avenue. Resident Barry Boyer asked what the individual impact to homeowners would be, and City Clerk-Treasurer Julie Flyckt said in order to add it to the grant loan, the city cannot charge for hookup lines to the residents.

- Heard from councilman Scott Yaeger ADA ramps on Main Avenue will be replaced from Palouse Street to Jackson Street, except for those in front of the Pastime and Columbia Bank, as those are still up to code. Yaeger said the bid opening for the project is April 23, with a tentative 30 day working timeline of June to July.

Yaeger said the city will also be installing a sidewalk in front of the Chevron station and Starbucks, including a crosswalk. The tentative bid opening for that project is the end of April to mid-May, with construction planned for July through the end of August.

- Heard from Police Chief Dave McCormick a Distracted Driving prevention program is planned for the end of April with an emphasis on drivers using cell phones and not paying attention to what they are doing. McCormick also said the police force is taking Critical Incident Training, and have been approved for a $1400 grant for a moving radar unit.