Warden group aims to improve town's look

Volunteers sought to help

WARDEN - Members of the Warden Development Council spoke about plans to beautify the city at Tuesday's council meeting.

Andi Vincent and Bob Whitacre of the development council, said the group was formed a few months ago by business owners, representatives and residents to help beautify the city through clean-up efforts.

They asked city council to help with a letter encouraging business owners and commercial property owners to participate.

"We'd like to be able to work with the city and various community organizations," said Whitacre.

After this, Whitacre said he hopes to do the same with homeowners and to improve empty lots.

Councilmember Tony Massa suggested the letter be a collaboration between the city and development council emphasizing the improvements so far in Warden and rallying for help in continuing.

Warden has already made improvements including the repainting of the senior center, museum and the library, painting city hall, landscaping, painting the trim on the city shop, and removing trash along the railroad.

Mayor Roldan Capetillo said he supports the letter and would like to see councilmembers' signatures on it to make the letter more encouraging.

Massa motioned to have the letter further discussed at the next meeting and changes be made to reflect the improvements already happening. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Todd Kisler.

Council passed the motion agreeing to work together with the Warden Development Council on the letter and hold a discussion at the next council meeting, Sept. 25.

The challenge in beautifying the city lies with everyone not just businesses.

"Some people believe that it's kind of, just for businesses, but it's not. It's for the whole community. So any member of the community that wants to join is welcome," Capetillo said.

Capetillo said some problem properties are homeowners or renters who do not take pride in their houses.

"And it's really sad because that one house could be the only one that stands out on the whole block," he said. "If there was just a way where we could implement taking pride in the community … All it takes is just pride. It really bothers me to see that someone's taking care of their yard and then the next door neighbor … just doesn't do anything."

Capetillo said he would like help to clean up the residences of people who may not be able to do so because of limitations. He asked if people wanting to volunteer would contact him at 509-349-2326 or Whitacre, who is also the fire chief, at 509-349-2471.