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PROSSER

Benton County Seat VOLUME CXXI, NO. 37

PROSSER, WASHINGTON

“SINCE 1892”

WWW.THENEWSATVALLEYPUBLISHING.COM

City of Prosser Community Survey By Chuck Walker

The City of Prosser is initiating community activities to include Prosser citizens in the processes and decisions to establish new city hall and police station locations. In May of 2021, Prosser City Hall and Police Station suffered a catastrophic fire, which completely destroyed a majority of the police station and heavily damaged the remainder of the building where city hall was located. Since the fire, City of Prosser staff have been operating out of three separate buildings located around the community as a temporary solution until a more permanent location can be selected. In February of this year, city administration and council renewed their efforts and evaluated 14 different potential sites and projects. At present, the council has narrowed the potential projects to four remaining locations and configurations that are now before the citizens to help evaluate. On Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, the City of Prosser launched a community-wide survey aimed at gathering opinions from

stakeholders that live within Prosser city limits, stakeholders outside of the city limits and residing within 99350 and those that own property or businesses inside of city limits but live outside 99350. The city began with 14 locations and configurations for the city hall and police station replacement project. Through council action, three locations and four configurations remain as viable options. The properties under consideration are 620 Market Ave., the Benton County Court House campus, 7th and Bennett Ave. which is the old city hall/police station and 8th and Bennett Ave. the old Heard Upholstery and Quonset Hut property. On October 15, a special meeting of the Prosser City Council that consisted of a walking tour of the city’s properties and included: five of seven city council members, Mayor Gary Vegar, eight City of Prosser employees, Benton County Commissioner Michael Alvarez, two county employees and seven community members. The survey (available in both English and Spanish) can be completed by visiting the city’s

website or by following the link posted below. Paper copies of the survey are available at Prosser City Hall, Prosser Community Center, the Prosser Library, the Prosser Chamber of Commerce, and Historic Downtown Prosser Association Offices. Mayor Gary Vegar said, “We want to hear from our stakeholders. We value the voices of our community members and invite you to participate in this important decision-making process. Your feedback is crucial in helping to guide the council members to make informed decisions that are

fiscally responsible while providing exceptional customer service.” To complete the “City Hall and Police Station Replacement Project” survey, please use the link below. You may also contact city hall at (509) 786-2332 to request a paper copy or for assistance in completing this survey. The survey will be available until November 15. The survey results will be shared with the community on the city’s website, social media and with the city council during an open public session. Link to Survey: https://arcg. is/1Oznqa.

The River Cats in Prosser

By Victoria Walker

When we think of kittens or a cat we think in general terms of playful, independent, frisky, sweet, soft, cute, homed and cared for. Another term for some cats is, community cats. These cats have no clear owner, and can include feral, strays, abandoned (friendlies, or previously owned pet cats), all who roam outdoors living together in colonies. They live outside in the streets, alleys, yards and parking lots. In Prosser there are several different community colonies around town, one of which is a large colony at Crawford Park boat launch. In Prosser there is an ordinance titled Ordinance # 1459 adopted January 9, 1990. The ordinance includes anything considered to be a public nuisance, which is partially defined as, 1. Annoys, injures, or endangers the safety, health, comfort, repose, or life of the citizens of the city; or 2. Offends public decency; or 3. Unlawfully interferes with, obstructs, or tends to obstruct, or renders dangerous for passage, a public park, street, alley, highway, or other public area; or 4. In any way renders any citizens of the city insecure in life or use of property. The nuisance section of Prosser Municipal Code was amended to include section 8.26.010. Passed in November of 2022, making feeding wildlife and feral animals a nuisance with certain exceptions as provided for in the ordinance. The ordinance prevents anyone from feeding the cats at the Prosser boat launch, the bridge or any other places in the city. This ordinance is all inclusive and includes other animals like skunks, racoons, beavers, river otters and other wildlife, and is not specific to just cats. Currently, to spay or neuter is an effective and humane way to help control the population of homeless cats. Sheri Wilkins, an original founder of the group Prosser Friends of Ferals (PFOF) said, “I believe PFOF, the city and most residents want the same thing, which is a reduction in the population of unwanted cats and to have clean aesthetically pleasing parks and public places free of debris for all to enjoy. The present ordinance keeps that from happening and in fact adds to the problem.” The community cats suffer when left unchecked. Wilkins said, “Just recently a kitten was killed, and its little body was lying dead in the

parking lot. There is no humane reason for this kind of suffering, we want to help.” In a letter to city council PFOF states, “The ban has done nothing to slow the abandonment of kittens in the area. It has, unfortunately, hampered the ability of experienced TNR organizations from working with the colony to reduce and control the population.” Wilkins added “PFOF has a humane solution to address the large population of unwanted cats at the boat launch. The ordinance needs to be changed to allow TNR trap and management of the cat colonies.” With colder weather approaching the cats are in danger from exposure and starvation. If sections of the ordinance were changed, it would allow groups to openly feed the cats without concern for citations, supporting the idea of managing the colony. Feeding stations could be kept clean and signage could be posted stating the cats are fed, and managed. The area could be maintained and the colony safe, all humane ways of addressing the issue and setting the example for other communities to adopt. Last week Wilkins met with Deputy City Administrator, Rachel Shaw, to further discuss options to amend the ordinance. The city is currently researching liabilities and then other options to work in partnership with PFOF. “We recognize the important work the organization does in managing the feral cat population in our community. We understand the responsible management of feral colonies is crucial for the well being of the animal and the health and well being of our community.” On January 28, PFOF will meet with Prosser City Council to address the current ordinance, to discuss the science of managing the colony and working with the city to resolve the problem using resources available. “The ordinance now encourages starving feral cats to leave the park and become the problem of the surrounding neighborhoods, causing expense for the multitude of private citizens whose yards they end up in,” states Wilkins. “What is happening now is clearly not working. To change the ordinance hurts no one,” says Wilkins. Spaying and neutering the cats will end the cycle of homeless kittens being born so the population stabilizes and naturally reduces over time. Many of the river cats are friendly and would do well as personal pets. This is a people created problem that needs a humane resolution.” The hope is to change the ordinance bringing good health, clean area, food management, and its protection for the cats. “Prosser could be the place where the colony is managed until it eventually dies out. “We want to reduce unwanted cats in Prosser living on the streets,” says Wilkins. PFOF works with the following organizations. Yakima Humane Society, Prevent Homeless Pets in Benton City for spay and neuter and Prosser Animal Hospital, who does it all neutering males, treating sick cats etc. PFOF has spent $30,000 annually on TNR’s, injuries, illness and other related procedures. Equipment such as cages, pads, gas, etc. are separate from the afore mentioned amount. Fosters are needed, people who want to foster or adopt a friendly kitten can contact PFOF. Food donations along with cash donations made directly under Prosser friends of Ferals on their Facebook page on Venmo or directly to Prosser Animal Hospital (naming Prosser Friends of Ferals to credit appropriate account). Wilkins added, “We are asking the city please let us help. It will cost the city zero dollars.” PFOF, through donations, will pay for the spay and neuter and vet care of these cats. To date, at the river, PFOF has rescued 11 cats. There are still ten to 12 friendlies needing rescue. They will continue to rescue the cats as resources allow.

THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR MAILING LABEL

Princess Theatre Offers Musical Menu

L to R; Trillium-239, Jim Beeler Trio. Bottom: Shamrock and Sage.

Prosser - Prosser’s Princess Theatre will present six jazz, classical, and folk music concerts as part of its Music in The Green Room fall series during the next few weeks. Unless noted, doors of The Green Room will open at 6:30 pm and the music events will begin at 7 pm. Prior to each performance, the theatre offers a food and beverage menu. Tickets for all performances are available at www. ProsserPrincess.com. Students are admitted free, with school ID required for middle school and older students. On Wednesday, Oct.30, the acoustic trio Trillium-239 will perform as part of the theatre’s Comon Folk series. “This group highlights its complex melodic lines and quirky lyrics with masterful arrangements on a variety of instruments. Cello, guitars, and banjo provide thoughtful support for tight vocal harmonies,” said the theatre’s Music Artistic Director Ben Macy. On Saturday, Nov. 2, the theatre will host one of its Don’t Miss This Concert programs with a touring jazz trio, Patterns Fly. This group comprises guitarist Andy Coe and drummer D’Vonne Lewis, both from Seattle, and keyboardist Galen Clark from Portland. They play a blend of “pocket heavy organ trio funk and psychedelic mind-bending groove music. The resulting sound fuses high energy synth bass heavy funk and experimental electronic tinged jazz,” said Macy. This concert will begin at 7:30 pm. On Sunday, Nov. 3, Classical Suites resumes with chamber music by J²Duo, consisting of Central Washington University faculty members Dr. Jiyoun Chung on piano and Dr. John S. Neurohr on trombone. J² began in May 2023 as a faculty duo recital at CWU, performing a program of all female composers. The duo is committed to performing and commissioning original and diverse repertoire for this instrumental combination. This concert will begin at 2 pm, with doors opening at 1:30 pm. On Thursday, Nov. 7, Ben & Friends returns to The Green Room with the Jimi Beller Trio playing gypsy jazz in the tradition of Django Reinhardt. This series features Prosser-based, professional jazz musician Ben Macy and some of his very talented friends. “November brings you music that came into prominence in the 1930s and is still popular today. Guitar virtuoso Jimi Beeler sets the pace, with Dave Kennedy on guitar and Gary Danielson on reeds,” said Macy, who will sit in with his accordion. On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Classical Suites presents Cor Unum + Beer Choir. “Join us for The Sacred and the Profane: An Evening of Choral Entertainment, where sublime choral harmonies meet spirited revelry!” said Macy. The Cor Unum Sacred Music Choir and the Atomic Chapter Beer Choir will combine their talents for an evening of “divine grace and hearty cheer.” On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Possums & Blossoms series will present the pop-up Irish band Shamrock & Sage. “The band, based in eastern Washington, features professional and semi-professional musicians and formed in 2019 as a way for friends to share their love of traditional Irish tunes,” said Macy. Band members include David Riddle - guitar, lead vocals; Bethany Riddle - vocals; Ben Macy - accordion, vocals; Teresa Palazzo - vocals; Jeremy Erickson fiddle, vocals; Peter Cole - flutes, whistles, vocals; Dave Riddle - bodhran; and Jude Noah - fiddle, mandolin. More information about Princess Theatre and its live entertainment offerings is available online at www.ProsserPrincess.com and www.facebook.com/ ProsserPrincessTheatre/.

Prosser Memorial Health’s 8th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast Prosser - Prosser Memorial Health will host their annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Monday, Nov. 11, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am at the Prosser Senior and Community Center at 1231 Dudley Avenue. Prosser Memorial Hospital is excited to again welcome Veterans and their families to come by and enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, coffee, and pastries. An appreciation gift will be provided to Veterans. Prosser Memorial Health opened its doors as a 19bed facility in 1947 and was dedicated to the community’s veterans of World War II. More than seventy-five years later, Prosser Memorial Health has grown into a progressive healthcare organization providing compassionate care, the latest in medical technology, and a mission to improve the health of the community. Prosser Memorial Health looks forward to opening a new hospital in February 2025. For more information, please call Shannon Hitchcock with Community Relations at 509.786.6601.

Record-Bulletin Office Hours 613 7th Street P.O. Box 750 Prosser, WA 99350 509-786-1711 www.thenewsatvalleypublishing.com

OCTOBER 23, 2024

Monday - Thursday 8 am to 5 pm Closed for Lunch 12 noon to 1 pm Friday 8 am to 12 noon


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