Meeting Minutes of the Richmond City Council

Joint with Richmond Planning Commission

Wednesday, June 18, 2015

 

 

Item #1: Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance

 

Mayor Hemmesch called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at Richmond City Hall.

 

Council Members noted as being present: Pat Evens, Jim Hemmesch, Josh Worm, Tim Paczkowski, Mike Mathiasen

Planning Commission Members noted as being present: Jeff Mackedanz, Ken Gertken, Chad Vogt

Also present were: Martin Bode, City Administrator;  

 

Item #2: Approval of Agenda

 

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

                Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve agenda.

                                Move items 3 and 4 around

Motion made by Councilor Evens to Approve the Agenda with change, seconded by Councilor Mathiasen.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item # 3: Annexation

Chair Mackedanz and commissioners discussed the “Open House” gathering that was held with the property owners of the potential annexation.

Issues that were brought up by property owners:

·         Financial – cannot afford the tax, wac, sac fees

·         Septic system within the past 5-7 years and now they have to hook up to water.

·         Any projected road projects with in the annexation properties

·         Notification – asked they be sent a notice about any meeting that this is discussed.

·         Stubbed to north side of 7th ST to each property lines.

·         Potential plan for roads through any of the properties

 

Commissioners discussed options for those who voluntarily annexed into the city and those that do not voluntarily sign. 

            Voluntarily Annexed – Taxes 5 years (20% per year)

                                                Wac/Sac Fees – immediate to 10 years

           

            Forced Annexation –Taxes - immediate to 3 years

                                            Wac/Sac Fees - immediate to 5 years

 

All property Taxes/ Wac/Sac would be registered with the county.

Check with the county for list of septic systems that are registered

 

Council asked that the Planning Commission come up with an actual plan with their recommendation for the taxes, wac, sac and hook up time line.

 

Item #4: Sidewalks in City

 

Administrator Bode reviewed the ordinance that states the homeowners are responsible (100%) for repairing sidewalks and maintaining them.  If the city has a restructuring project with sidewalks the home owner is responsible for 75% and the city 25% of the cost.  

 

Administrator Bode stated that there are a few more sidewalks that are in need of repair and he will be sending the letters to those homeowners.

 

Motion made by Councilor Evens to have the sidewalks located at 360 1st ST SW  and 55 Fir Ave SW  repaired, seconded by Councilor Worm.  Roll Vote – Yes – Worm, Hemmesch, Paczkowski, Evens; No – Mathiasen;   Motion passed.

 

Councilor asked what the procedure for getting a sidewalk in front of the properties – A resident could make a request through the Administrator and then the Council would approve or deny the request and would approve or deny the 75/25 payment plan.

 

Item #5:  125 Celebration – reported that things are moving forward and advertising is out about all the events.

 

Item #6: New Fire Hall – it was reported that the Fire Department is using many locations to store their equipment and the current fire hall is in need of upgrading.   Administrator Bode asked for approval from the Council that he moves forward with the building project.  The financial plan today is 1. Commitment from the Relief Association; 2. Current Building Fund; 3. Contributions from local entities.  At this time there is not a plan to raise taxes; he would like to find funding without that. 

Consensus of the Council to move ahead with the new fire hall.

 

Item #7: Council Action -

Resolution 143-15 – Temporary 1 Day Outdoor event-Corky’s Bar

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen to Approve Resolution 143-15 – Temporary 1 Day Outdoor event- Corky’s Bar, seconded by Councilor Worm. Motion passed.

 

Resolution 144-15 – Lawful Gambling Permit Richmond Lions July 17-19 (RLD)

Motion made by Councilor Evens to Approve Resolution 144-15 – Lawful Gambling Permit Richmond Lions July 17-19 (RLD), seconded by Councilor Mathiasen.  Motion passed.

 

Sauk River Chain of Lakes Dues $60.00

Motion made by Councilor Worm to Approve Payment of the dues to Sauk River Chain of Lakes, seconded by Councilor Paczkowski.  Motion passed.

 

Additional Purchase Request, Allocation or transfers- none

 

Item #8: Other Matters of Concern and Related Items

 

a)       Casey’s Fuel Tank Leak -  Stang’s memo regarding leak

b)       State DOT land across Hwy 23 from Casey’s - Bode reported that he is working with DOT on the possibility of obtaining this property.

c)       5th Monday Meeting – June 29, 1015; 6:00 PM – please let the Administrator know if you plan on attending.

d)       New Member Stearns County Assessor’s Office

e)       Preserve MN- 35th Annual Conference

f)        No July workshop

g)       August 20 – 2016 Budget workshop

h)       A & W Ground Breaking – 9:00 Friday June 19

i)         St. Martin Meeting – Hemmesch reported that he expressed to St Martin that we are willing to work them regarding sewer system.

j)        House Numbers – Council stated they approve of changing the numbers on 6th and 4th Street.

 

 

Item #9: Adjournment 

 

Mayor Jim Hemmesch asked if there was any further business, hearing none, declared the meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Martin M. Bode

City Administrator