Kadlec reflects on being mayor

RITZVILLE – Outgoing Mayor Linda Kadlec shared a a brief history of her tenure and highlighted a few of her favorite accomplishments during last Tuesday's final City Council meeting of 2023.

Her comments came during a meeting that also saw the swearing in of new city leadership, including Mayor Scott Yaeger, Ward No. 1 Councilwoman Jessica Quinn, Ward No. 2 Councilman Garrett Blauert and At-Large Councilwoman Jen Verhey. They were elected in the Nov. 7 general election.

Incumbent Warn No. 4 Councilman Dennis Chamberlain was also sworn in after being re-elected.

Kadlec and outgoing Councilwomen Marsha Smith, at-large; and Dede Boyer, Ward No. 1; were also recognized and presented plaques.

Resident Dottie Telecky accepted Kadlec's plaque, as the outgoing mayor attended the meeting remotely.

During the program Kadlec she was proud of her time serving the city of Ritzville.

"I've been serving as mayor or on the City Council for nearly 30 years," she said. "I made two promises while campaigning for mayor: One, putting public bathrooms downtown and, two, building a skateboard park for youth. Both promises were fulfilled."

She cited accomplishments including the establishment of the Love's Travel Stop and the Carl's Junior businesses, the construction and completion of Well No. 9 and the demolition of the old high school, which had become a safety hazard.

Another highlight of her career, she said, was the day Willard Hennings came into her office with a desire to fund city beautification.

"He wanted me to be in charge of the Hennings Foundation fund," she said.

The foundation was later renamed Innovia Foundation.

"Over the years, we've used the funds for parks, picnic tables, benches, a water fountain, flower pots, Christmas lights and a Christmas tree that's 20 feet tall," she said.

Kadlec also noted that she ran a tight ship as mayor-her council meetings were short and to the point.

But there were some frustrations.

"Along the way, I wanted the change the community in so many ways," she said. "I learned, however, that with so many rules, regulations, codes and restrictions, change would come slowly."

Nevertheless, she noted the city is closer to future development than when she first started.

She also gave kudos to council members and city personnel.

"They have my greatest respect," she said. "These are the people turning the wheels of progress in this community."

In other business, the City Council:

• Approved the 2024 budget after updating it to reflect minor changes since the Dec. 5 public hearing. Changes include confirmation of rural water project reimbursements and expenditures; confirmation of Beautification Fund requests and a grant award for the street safety plan from the state Department of Transportation totaling $83,776. The city will match the grant with $20,944 in local funds.

• Declared the property at 611 W. Main Ave. a nuisance. The council unanimously agreed to proceed with administrative abatement for a property owned by Trophy Ridge Homes. Conditions constituting a nuisance included a cluttered yard and dwelling, abandoned materials, and fire hazards. A letter was mailed to the owner Nov. 7 and photos taken Dec. 19 showed no change in conditions.