Meeting Minutes of the Richmond City Council

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

City Council 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, Tim Paczkowski, Pat Evens, Mike Mathiasen, Josh Worm

Also present were: Martin Bode, City Administrator; Chad Johnson

 

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 the agenda.

 

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

 

Item #3: 2016 Budget

A.     Resolution 158-15 Approving 2016 Preliminary Levy

 

Council discussed the current budget and the 2016 budget.  Council asked if we had enough money in the budget to meet the needs with the Levy at $614,134.00.  Administrator Bode stated that he did not see they needed to raise the Levy for the 2016 budget.  Council discussed the 2018 street project and the affect it will have on the Levy and budget.   Council stated that the budget has been handled well and projects have been completed over the past 5 years.

 

Motion made by Councilor Evens to Approve Resolution 158-15 Approving 2016 Preliminary Levy seconded by Councilor Paczkowski.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item #4: Maple Street Water Sewer Extension - Financing

 

Council discussed the Maple Street Water Sewer Extension to the Gertken Property.   Bode reported that the engineer will have more information at the October 7th council meeting.

           

Item #5: Consent Action

 

A.     Additional Purchase Request, Allocations & Transfers – none

B.     Resolution 159-15 Approval of 2015-2016 Seasonal Help at River Lakes Arena

 

Council reviewed the new hire and the returning arena personnel. 

Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve Resolution 159-15 Approval of 2015-2016 Seasonal Help at River Lakes Civic Arena.

 

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski to approve Resolution 159-15 Approval of 2015-2016 Seasonal Help at River Lakes Civic Arena, seconded by Councilor Evens.  Motion passed.

 

Item #6: Other Matters of Concern and Related Matters

 

a.       Side Walk Letters:  Administrator Bode reported that letters are being mailed to property owners that have sidewalks in need of repair, to meet the ADA requirements. 

b.      Civic and Commerce Banners for spring and fall – Bode reported that the Civic and Commerce is looking at ordering new banners for the poles.

c.       Old holiday lights- Bode requested that they be put the old holiday lights up as excess property and we will get rid of it at auction or list serve or give away.

d.      Generator – Bode reported that (With Council consent) he has asked Public Works to get rid of the old DNR Generator.

e.       New Copier- Bode reported that he is looking into getting a new copier; the lease for the old copier will be up in 5 months.

f.       Front door security – Bode reported that he has been looking into making City Hall a safer environment.  He had a quote for a buzzer for the door and safety glass for $1200.00.  Council discussed safety issue.  No action taken.

g.       MNDOT Hwy 23 Open House September 24 - 4:30-7 pm. At Sts Peter and Paul Gathering Space.

h.      Administrator Bode reminded the Council that he will be out of office September 23 and from September 25 – October 6, 2015.  Bode stated that he will be in contact with Cindy Anderson (Utility Billing Clerk) daily.  Bode stated that he will have Cindy clerk the meetings the week of September 22, 2015. 

i.        Housing Study – Review of study will be done on September 24, 2015 at 6:30 pm at City hall. Council is invited to attend the housing study. 

j.        Holiday Party – Council asked if they were raising the budget for the hot dogs. (2014 – 400 hot dogs; they are anticipating more people).

k.      Emails - Council discussed the council members using personal email accounts vs a city account.  Bode will have more information at another meeting. 

l.        Oktoberfest – Hemmesch gave a recap of the dinner and street dance.  He stated he would like to have seen more people out with the band.  The bars were full and one bar owner stated he would do it again.

m.    Council discussed having reflective barricades, flashing lights, etc. for events when roads are closed.

 

 

Item #7: Adjournment

 

Mayor Hemmesch asked for any additional items. 

Hearing none Mayor Hemmesch declared the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Martin M. Bode

City Administrator