Meeting Minutes of the Richmond City Council

March 7, 2018

City Council Workshop and Meeting

 

Item #1: Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Hemmesch called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Richmond City Hall.

 

Council Members noted as being present: Jim Hemmesch; Larry Hokanson; Mike Mathiasen; Tim Paczkowski,

Council Members Absent: Michael Ricke

Also present were: Tesa Tomaschett, City Administrator-Clerk; Adam Ripple, City Attorney; Kevin Mooney, Arena Parks Director; Jason Blum, Police Chief; Steve Kascht, Fire Chief; Steven Wheat; Russ Prill; Hele Prill; Paul Eisenschenk; Gordon Dingmann; Tammy Paczkowski; Heidi Stalboerger, Wakefield Township Clerk; Shawn Garding, Wakefield Township Board Member;

 

Item #2: Open Forum

 

Item #3: Approval of Agenda

Mayor Hemmesch asked if there were any additions or changes to the Agenda.   

Remove item #11b

 

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski to approve the Agenda, seconded by Councilor Hokanson.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item # 4: Approval of the Meeting Minutes of February 7 and February 15, 2018

Mayor Hemmesch asked for any corrections or additions to the February 7 and February 15, 2018.

Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion of approval.

 

Motion made by Councilor Hokanson to approve the Meeting Minutes of February 7 and February 15, 2018 seconded by Councilor Mathiasen.   Motion passed.

 

Item # 5: Approval of Bills Paid

 

Mayor Hemmesch asked if there were any questions or comments.   Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion of approval of Bills Paid.

                               

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski to Approve the Bills, seconded by Councilor Mathiasen.  Motion passed.

 

Item #6: Consent Agenda

a.       Resolution 117-18 Approval of  February 2018 Journal Entries

b.       Resolution 118-18 Approval of February 2018 Donations

c.        Acknowledge PeopleService February 2018  Written Report

 

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen to Approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilor Hokanson.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item #7: Public Hearing: Annexation Request for 48.66 acres

                Applicant: Russell and Helen Prill

                Property Address: 22986 191st St

a.       Consideration of Ordinance 2018-100: Annexation of land in Wakefield Township pin 36.23703.0001.

 

Mayor Hemmesch opened the public hearing at 6:34 pm

Mayor Hemmesch asked for any comments or questions.

 

Heidi Stalboerger, Clerk of Wakefield Township:  Stalboerger stated that the township is presenting a request for tax payment options.  She requested that the City Council consider the requests.

                Option 1: seven year tax decline totaling $717.02

                Option 2: $200.00 per acre totaling $9,732.00

 

Mayor Hemmesch asked for any further comments (3x’s) hearing none, Mayor Hemmesch closed the Public Hearing at 6:33 pm.

Mayor Hemmesch asked if the council would be okay discussing this further at the next meeting, as he has not had time to go over the request.

 

Motion made by Councilor Hokanson, to postpone this to the next meeting, seconded by Councilor Mathiasen.  Motion carried.

 

Item #8: Planning Commission-

a.       Resolution 119-18: Approval of variance request for 336 Main St W

 

Paczkowski reported that they held a public hearing at the last Planning Commission meeting.  Lisa and Jim Kuechle requested a setback variance to allow for the 5’ sideyard setback.  Their intent is to build a triplex and they would like to have 2 bathrooms in each and they need the extra footage to do so.   It is the recommendation of the Planning Commission that the Council approval Resolution 119-18.

 

Motion made by Councilor Hokanson to approve Resolution 119-18: Approval of variance request for 336 Main St W., seconded by Councilor Mathieson.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

b.       Resolution 120-18: Approval of variance request for 545 Main ST W

 

Paczkowski reported that they held a public hearing at the last Planning Commission meeting.  Bob Wieber requested a 6’ sideyard Fence variance.    The fence is located on the side of the house and would cover the air conditioning unit and not extend beyond the house.   It is the recommendation of the Planning Commission that the Council approval Resolution 120-18.

 

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen to approve Resolution 120-18:  Approval of variance request for 545 Main ST W, seconded by Councilor Paczkowski.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item #9: Department Reports

a.       Police Department: Chief Jason Blum gave the monthly report.   He also reported that there is a scam around town asking for money on behalf of the police department – he reported that they are not raising money for the Cold Spring/Richmond Police department.  Blum also reminded everyone that the IRS DOES NOT call people for money or information.

b.       Fire Department:

                                 i.            Chief Steve Kascht gave the February monthly report.    Chief Kascht reported that he held interviews with 3 applicants, and would like to hire 2 of the applicants.  (background checks pending)

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski to Approve  hiring the top 2 applicants, pending backgrounds checks, seconded by Councilor Mathiasen.   Motion passed unanimously.

                                ii.            Kascht reported that a member is going to be resigning in April and Chief Kascht is asking to hire the third applicant.   Council stated that they would like to act on this once the resignation is received and will need to look at the budget for this year.

                              iii.            Kascht reported that he had 5 firefighters attend school in Mankato.

                              iv.            SCBA - Fire fighter Steven Wheat demonstrated how they put them on and how they work.  Kascht stated that the department had the opportunity to train with these in a house.

                               v.            Declare as excess property – this will be brought to the next meeting.

                              vi.            Fire55 – Steven Wheat reported that the Relief Association is hosting a bike ride (15, 25 and 55 miles).  All are welcome to register.  This event is the fundraiser for the Fire Department.  Wheat reported that they are looking for more sponsors along with riders.

 

c.        RLCA/Park: Kevin Mooney, Parks and Arena Director

Mooney reported:

                                 i.            Figure Skating Shows this weekend

                                ii.            Will be taking out the ice March 10th.

                              iii.            He reported it was a good ice season.  The teams did really well, a few making it too regionals and semifinals.

                              iv.            The multi-use shelter will be moving along soon and he will be putting in the exercise equipment.

                               v.            Music in the park committee will be meeting soon to start the band line up.

                              vi.            Park Committee- received 2 applications and he will be contacting them soon to set something up.

 

Item #10: Council Reports

a.       Planning Commission – next meeting March 22, 2018.

b.       EDA – Next Meeting March 13.

c.        Rocori Trail – report given with Parks

 

Item #11: Other Matters of Concern and Related Matters

a.       Next Council meeting March 15, 2018 at 6:30 pm

 

Item #12: Adjournment

Mayor Hemmesch asked for any additional items. 

Hearing none Mayor Hemmesch declared the meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Tesa Tomaschett

City Administrator Clerk-Treasurer