Meeting Minutes of the Richmond City Council

Wednesday, May 16 2013

Joint City Council and EDA Meeting

 

Item #1: Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance

 

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

 

Council Members noted as being present: Pat Evens, Jeff Mackedanz, Scott Kron, Mike Mathiasen, Tim Paczkowski

EDA Members noted as being present: Lydia Mackenzie, Mike Rick & Council listed above

Absent: Sheldon Lang

 

Also present were: Martin Bode, City Administrator; Matt Loven, City Attorney, Rinke Noonan; Gordon Dingmann, Public Works Director; Tammy Paczkowski, Cold Spring Record; Tucker Plantenberg, Jim Hemmesch, Cindy Rathbone, Sharon Niehaus

 

Item #2: Approval of Agenda

 

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

            Move Item #6 to follow the approval of Agenda.

Mayor Kron asked for the Approval of Agenda.

           

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski to Approve Agenda with change, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item #6: 2013 Main Street Project – Randy Jenniges, City Engineer, S E H, Inc.

The bidding date was pushed backed 2 weeks, bid opening is May 24, 2013.      Jenniges stated they will be staying with the phasing plan.    

Upcoming Dates:

May 24th – Bid Opening

June 5th – City Approval of Bid

June 11th- County Approval of Bid

Trails – Knife River will be starting the work on the trail May 20, 2013

 

Item #3: 2012 Audit Report – Steve Wischmann, Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd (KDV)

A.   2012 Audit Report – Steve Wischmann, Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. (KDV)

Steve Wischmann presented the final 2012 audit report to the Council.  He noted that the City again received an “unqualified” clean audit opinion, which is the highest and best audit ranking a municipality can receive.  The auditor reviewed their findings with the Council, noting a few small deficiencies that most cities of Richmond’s size receive.

                                   

Consideration of Resolution 142-13 – Approving 2012 Audit Report

Motion made by Councilor Mackcedanz to Approve Resolution 142-13 – Approving 2012 Audit Report, seconded by Councilor Mathiasen.  Motion passed.

 

Item #4: Joint Public Hearing with Richmond Economic Development Authority (EDA) – Regarding Business Subsidy Agreement with Richmond MN DG, LLC

 

Acting EDA President Evens Opened the Public hearing at 7:04 p.m.  

Attorney Loven reviewed the Business Subsidy and the purpose of the public hearing.

Acting EDA President Evens asked for anyone from the public who would like to testify.

 

Tucker Plantenberg – (Plantenberg’s Meats) Expressed his concern with the City taking in a business on the highway, that may take away from existing businesses.  He stated he feels it is defacing the current businesses.

Sharon Niehaus – (Sharon’s gifts and more)  asked if the city has money to give away why are they giving $100,000.00 to a new business and not willing to give any to the businesses on Main Street?

            Administrator Bode explained that there appears to be a misunderstanding of what is being done     for this business.    Bode stated that the City is not giving the business any money, the property is     being sold so the City can re-coop the      expenses of about $100,000.00.

Ms.  Niehaus stated that she feels this deal will hurt the businesses on Main Street.

Jim Hemmesch – (18974 230th Street) Mr. Hemmesch stated that through out the past years the realtor has made great efforts to find some one to purchase this property and this Company is the most serious buyer and has come the furthest in the purchase process.  Mr. Hemmesch stated that he understands the other business owners, but it is important to get businesses into the City.

Tammy Paczkowski – (465 E Main) – Ms. Paczkowski stated that she empathizes with the current Businesses.    She stated that Main Street is the heart of the City, but Hwy 23 is the face to the city and the more businesses on Hwy 23 the more that will come into the city.

            EDA Commissioner Mackenzie excused herself from her seat as EDA member in order to testify.

Lydia Mackenzie – (20387 Edgerton Court) Ms. Mackenzie stated that competition is good for the community.  She stated that if the City of Richmond does not sell to this business on Hwy 23, it will send a chilling message that Richmond is not a friendly community and not willing work with outside businesses.

            EDA Commissioner Mackenzie resumes her seat as EDA Member

            Acting EDA President Evens excused himself and hands over leadership to Commissioner            Mathiasen.

Patrick Evens - Mr. Evens stated that he feels this property deserves better than a “dollar store”.  He stated that he wants to send the message that the City is serious about bringing in business that is good for Richmond, not just good for the business.

 

            Acting EDA President Evens returns to his seat as Council Member and EDA Acting Chair.

 

Commissioner Mathiasen discussed the purpose of the EDA and the positive history of the EDA.  He stated that he understands the businesses, but he believes that in the long run the current businesses will see an increase in business, more people will come into the town.

 

Mayor Kron asks if there are any more questions or comments regarding the business subsidy agreement. 

 

Councilor Paczkowski stated that he hopes everyone will consider the benefit to the City.

 

Mayor Kron closes the public hearing at 7:41 p.m.

 

Acting President Evens (EDA) asks for a motion Considering Resolution 2013-003-  Approving Business Subsidy Agreements with Richmond MN DG, LLC.

 

Motion made by Commissioner Mackenzie  to Approve EDA Resolution 2013-003 – Approving Business Subsidy Agreements with Richmond MN DG, LLC, seconded by Commissioner Mathiasen. Evens and Ricke oppose, Motion failed.

 

Motion made by Commissioner Mathiasen and seconded by Commissioner Mackenzie to adjourn the EDA portion of the joint meeting.

 

Mayor Kron asked Council to Consider Resolution 147-13 Business Subsidy Agreement with Richmond MN DG, LLC

 

Council discussed the difficulties with this decision.    They stated that they had told the EDA to get things done and now they have.

 

A Councilor asked how will the Council ensure Letter E of Resolution 147-13 “The Subsidy will cause new businesses to be attracted to the City and ensure the retention of existing businesses”  

 

Mayor Kron called for a motion on Resolution 147-13 Business Subsidy Agreement with Richmond MN DG, LLC.. 

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen, to approve Resolution 147-13 Business Subsidy Agreement with Richmond MN DG, LLC,, seconded by Councilor Paczkowski. Councilor Evens Opposed, Councilor Mackedanz Opposed, Motion carried.

Item #5: City Council Public Hearing Regarding Chapter 4 of City Code (Liquor License):  Consideration of Ordinance 2013-102 Amending City Code Chapter 4 Alcoholic Beverages

Consideration of Resolution 143-13: Resolution Directing Summary Publication of Ordinance 2013-102

 

Administrator Bode explained that this is to amend the 3.2% Liquor License to state that the City Council can determine the length of the license.

Mayor Kron opened the Public Hearing at 7:58 p.m.

Mayor Kron asked if there was any questions or comments.  Hearing none

Mayor Kron Closed the public Hearing at 7:59 p.m.

Mayor Kron asked for a motion regarding Ordinance 2013-102 Amending City Code Chapter 4 alcoholic Beverages.

Motion made by Councilor Evens, seconded by Councilor Paczkowski to Approve Ordinance 2013-102 Amending City Code Chapter 4 Alcoholic Beverages.  Motion Passed unanimously.

Mayor Kron asked for a motion approving Resolution 143-13 Directing Summary Publication of Ordinance 2013-102.

Motion made by Councilor Mackedanz, seconded by Councilor Evens to approve Resolution 143-13 Directing Summary Publication of Ordinance 2013-102.  Motion passed unanimously.

Item #7: Seasonal employee – Kevin Mooney, Director

Consideration of Resolution 144-13 Approval of seasonal parks help

Council asked if the scheduling of the seasonal parks employee will be going through the Administrator’s office.  Bode stated the Directors have latitude with this but the three are in constant contact. 

Mayor Kron asked for a motion approving Resolution 143-13 Directing Summary Publication of Ordinance 2013-102.

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz to approve Resolution 144-13 Approval of seasonal parks help.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item #8: Review 2013-2014 Liquor and Tobacco License’s

Consideration of Resolution 145-13: Approval of 2013-2014 Liquor License’s

Consideration of Resolution 146-13: Approval of 2013-2014 Tobacco License’s

Mayor Kron asked for a motion approving Resolution 145-13 Approval of 2013-2014 Liquor Licenses.

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski, to approve Resolution 145-13 Approval of 2013-2014 Liquor Licenses, seconded by Councilor Mathiasen, Mayor Kron abstained.  Motion passed.

Mayor Kron asked for a motion approving Resolution 146-13 Approval of 2013-2014 Tobacco Licensees.

Motion made by Councilor Mackedanz, to approve Resolution 146-13 Approval of 2013-2014 Tobacco Licenses, seconded by Councilor Evens.  Motion passed unanimously.

Item #9: Additional Purchase Requests, Allocations & Transfers

#1: St. Martin has requested that the Public Works department sweep the streets at  $100.00 an hour for an estimated 5-6 hours.

#2:  Add to 2013 fee schedule - No Resident compost pass of $50.00

#3:  Quote from Johnson Jet Line, Inc. for Cleaning and Televising Sanitary Sewer System: Approximately 20,000 ft.  Total quote $9,450.00 for 5,000 per year for 4 years.

            Council discussed the budget for item #3 and requested that this item be tabled for more information.

Mayor Kron asked for a motion for Purchase Request.

Motion made by Councilor Evens, to approve Purchase Requisitions items #1 and #2, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz. Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item #10: Other Matters of Concern and Related Items –

a).    Stearns County Municipal League meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2013 in Kimball MN at 6:30 P.M. 

b).    Stearns County All Hazard Mitigation Plan (AHMP) – Resolution 123-13 (failed due to adding amendments.   Resolution 148-13 approving Stearns County All Hazard Mitigation Plan

 

Motion made by Counselor Mackedanz, seconded by Councilor Paczkowsi to Approve Resolution 148-13 Approving Stearns County All Hazard Mitigation Plan,  Councilor Evens Opposed. Motion Passed.

 

c.) Mayor Kron reported that he, Kevin Mooney and Martin Bode met with the Great River Federal Credit Union that donated the land next to Lions Park.    Administrator Bode will have a donation resolution at the next Council meeting, the consensus of the Council is to have the property become part of lions park.

 

Item #11: Adjournment:

 

Mayor Kron asked for a motion to adjourn.  

Councilor Evens made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mackedanz.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mayor Kron declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Martin M. Bode

Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer