Meeting Minutes of the Richmond City Council

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Regular City Council

Item #1- Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance

Meeting was called to order at 6:48pm, directly following a Planning Commission meeting. All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present: Jim Hemmesch, Mike Mathiason, Tim Paczkowski, Jeff Mackedanz, Scott Kron, Martin Bode, Adam Ripple, Randy Jenniges, Phil Jones, Gordy Dingmann, Greg Stang, Chuck Merten, Gary Grossing, Mark Koehn, Tammy Paczkowski-Cold Spring Record, local Channel 10 videographer.

Absent: Kevin Mooney

Item #2-Approval of Agenda

Mayor Hemmesch asked if there were any additions or corrections to the agenda.

Additions:

· Resolution 126-12 Temporary Liquor License under the Administrators report.

· David Drown will not be present at tonight’s meeting.

· Remove Resolution 125-12

Motion made by Kron, seconded by Paczkowski. Passed unanimously.

Item #3- Approval of the Meeting Minutes of February 1, 2012 (Regular and Workshop)

Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the February 1, 2012 city council meeting/workshop. Councilor Mackedanz noted that his name was misspelled. Administrator Bode confirmed that would be corrected. No further comments or questions were brought forward. Motion made by Councilor Mackedanz to approve meeting minutes, with spelling correction, seconded by Mathiason. Passed unanimously.

Item #4-Consent Agenda (approved by one motion)

Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda (approved by one motion). Administrator Bode asked to add Resolution 124-12- A Resolution for a temporary Liquor License for the River Lakes Hockey Association. Resolution was duly noted and added to the Consent Agenda.

a. Approval of Just and Correct Claims

b. Resolution 118-12- Approval of February Journal Entries

c. Resolution 119-12-Reestablishing Precinct and Polling Place (River Lakes Arena)

d. Resolution 120-12-Approving Rezoning at Tower Acres

e. Resolution 124-12-Event Permit for the Cabin Fever Bean Bag Tournament

Mayor Hemmesch asked if there was any questions or discussion regarding the Consent Agenda. Councilor Kron had a question regarding a couple of charges on the Wells Fargo credit card notated with "no receipt". Administrator Bode explained to Kron that these were invoices paid by the credit card to which the invoice and the transaction on the credit card billing also acts as the receipt. Kron questioned if the charges to Mills Fleet Farm would have been more efficiently spent at the Napa store for oil, anti-freeze and the like. Administrator Bode interjected that he had made clear to personnel that the "local" buying would take effect after the ice has been removed from the arena, which should be in the coming week. Councilor Kron asked if it would have saved time to buy those items from the Napa store. Public Works Director Gordy Dingmann noted that these were purchases he made for the shop on behalf of the City while he made these purchases after hours, on personal time, shopping at Fleet Farm. He noted that there was a sale on those items that were needed at the shop. Mr. Dingmann also pointed out that one of the sale items was also a hand grinder that needed to be replaced as this was something that is upheld during inspections and that there can be no use of extension cords or the like for the operation of this tool. The one purchased has a sufficient length of cord so as not to need an extension for its use. Councilor Mackedanz inquired about charges to DJ Depot, to which Bode replied that it was a reimbursement. Kron asked about a purchase for flags. Mr. Dingmann confirmed that the flags were for main street and they weren't available in town due to the fact that the pole is 30ft tall and there is proper protocol and etiquette regarding the flag. Dingmann also stated that he had indeed consulted with the American Legion and they buy the same type. There are resistant to 200mph winds and he looks for these to last for a few years. Discussion ended. Mayor Hemmesch called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion made by Mackedanz, seconded by Mathiason. Passed unanimously.

Item #5-City Attorney Report – Adam Ripple

City Attorney Adam Ripple presented information for Resolution 121-12-RTCB-Memorandum of Understanding. Mr. Ripple pointed out that this resolution simply addresses the changes to the Rocori Trail Project and the addition of the Legacy Grant received for that project. Mayor Hemmesch reported that everything is staying on course with the trail project. Councilor Paczkowski agreed and added that the few issues that were on the table are being "ironed out" and he too, believes that things are moving smoothly with the project. Mr. Ripple also added that the closing on the land purchase from the railroad should be complete by the end of March, very beginning of April. Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve

Resolution 121-12 - RTCB-Memorandum of Understanding

Motion made by Kron, seconded by Mackedanz. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Ripple then gave an update on the commercial purchase of a lot on Tower Acres. He stated that the interested party, which is a very large company, wants to purchase or lease an additional portion of the lot where the water tower is located to be used for parking for their establishment. All agreed that there shouldn't be a problem with that request. City Engineer Randy Jenniges confirmed that as long as the city maintains easy access to the water tower for maintenance, there shouldn't be a problem. Ripple stated that they expected to hear something more back from the interested party very soon.

Item #6-Stearns County Assessors – Gary Grossing / Mark Koehn

Stearns County Assessors, Gary Grossing and Mark Koehn presented information involving the 2012 property assessment. Mr. Grossing and Mr. Koehn outlined information given to them regarding changes to the Homestead Market Value credit, which is a state paid reduction in the amount of taxes. The Minnesota State Legislature repealed the credit and replaced it with what is now known as the Homestead Market Value Exclusion, which is a reduction in the amount of value subject to taxation. Mr. Koehn went on to state that they actually "changed the way they do the math". The report, by Grossing and Koehn went on to explain the many different factors that affect property taxes and how they may increase or decrease due to these factors. Mr. Grossing and Mr. Koehn invited the public to an "Open Book Meeting" to be held on April 18, 2012 from 4pm-6pm in Richmond City Hall. This "meeting" will give residents and business owners the opportunity to address questions and concerns regarding their property taxes and assessments. Grossing and Koehn also referred everyone to refer to the county website as a very helpful tool for information and asked that all to please call their offices should you have questions.

Item #7 removed from the agenda

Item #8- Police Report, (Review 2011 Annual Report) – Phil Jones

Police Chief, Phil Jones presented his annual report for 2011, which is a breakdown of all of the activities of the department as a whole, statistics for the individual cities of Richmond and Cold Spring, a recap of all calls that the department responded to and a detailed log of those activities. Chief Jones stated that this all is public knowledge and that "any citizen can request a copy form city hall and it will also be posted online as well for public viewing". Chief Jones has been compiling and reporting this information since 1994 and is not mandatory, although MOC coded crimes are required by law to be reported to the State. Jones pointed out that the report contains a lot of historical data which is useful in looking to trends, highs and lows in certain areas and the like. Richmond had a total of 684 events for 2011. Of these events, 10 calls were for barking dogs and 9 were for dogs impounded. Chief Jones pointed out that these are all "events" and not crimes. The events range from a call for barking dogs and people locking their keys in the car to the robbery at Plantenbergs and traffic stops. However, Jones was most pleased with only 3 property damage/vandalism crimes in Richmond, a low of five drug arrests and only 7 thefts, which he also pointed out was very low! He went on to state that the City of Richmond now has a very low crime rate, which is also very attractive to visitors as well as potential new residents seeking to relocate or do business in Richmond. Those seeking to relocate to a new area often check the crime rates of not only the city, but even the neighborhood they may find attractive. Lastly, Chief Jones stated that for the first time, the departments commendations and awards are listed. He stated that the officers in his department don't usually like to showcase their exception work, but Jones felt it was time to give credit where credit is due. He went on to say that Officer Tom Decker recently received a commendation for the outstanding actions during a volatile situation during a traffic stop. The driver of that car pulled a gun on Officer Decker, to which he was able to defuse the situation and arrest the individual without even pulling his gun or injury. Again, Chief Jones invites residents to view this information either online or they can request a copy from city hall. Councilor Kron said when the cities of Richmond and Cold Spring came together for police services, a joint powers was formed and asked when the "joint powers" had last met. Jones stated that he meets with the administrators, but it had been some time since they met in that capacity. Jones went on to say that he thought it was a good idea to meet together with the councils. He stated that in the beginning, people thought that there would be a struggle, however, to the contrary, everyone involved has been surprised at "how well things work". Chief Jones stated that a plan to meet in the future should be discussed and planned further, agreeing that it would be a good idea.

Item #9- City Engineer – Randy Jenniges (SEH)

Resolution 123-12 Resolution Approving City Engineer Action Request

City Engineer, Randy Jenniges approached the council seeking approval for Resolution 123-12-Resolution Approving City Engineer Action Request. In short, Mr. Jenniges presented to the council that final payment was due to work completed for hail damage repairs. All work is completed and came in for what the work was bid for, so there were no surprises. Jenniges also stated that he should receive one final bill for work completed and seeks approval of that as well so that it doesn't delay remittance by starting another action. Council agreed. Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve Resolution 123-12, which includes one last bill. Motion made by Kron, seconded by Mackedanz. Passed unanimously.

Secondly, Mr. Jenniges spoke briefly on the Main Street Project and the grants and low interest loans the City of Richmond is seeking to complete the project. Jenniges stated that he is looking to Rural Development as the city has been the most successful with that entity for the past few grants/low interest loans, but only looks to the sewer side of this project. His meeting with PFA went well, but advised council they mostly do low interest loans. Jenniges stated that the application for PFA will be due in about a month and asked council to review the 5 areas of the project, which was on a map given to all council members. Areas include: Main Street to County Road 9, 1st Street SW, 1st Street NW and north and the southern block of Grant. Mr. Jenniges advised council that they may want to consider other areas such as the maintenance that needs to be completed to the older water tower. Councilor Mackedanz asks if this could all be included in the application. Jenniges replied that it could and that it was easier to pull things out that may not be approved than to add things later. Mackedanz acknowledged that fact that the older water tower is due for cleaning, inspection and painting. Mr. Jenniges encouraged the council to to at other areas that could be included in this application and it be further discussed and the next workshop.

Lastly, Mr. Jenniges stated that City of Richmond, Financial Advisor David Drown that he is waiting for further action until he can analyze information from PFA so that his services can be more cost effective to the city and he can make a better determination on the 2013 Main Street Project.

Item #10-EDA – Sheldon Lang

Sheldon Lang presented council with an update on EDA's activities and a report on a recent workshop he attended for the CEDS Region 7W, which is a combined EDA program for the counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties. Information was given to the council prior to the meeting. Mr. Lang also reported on the activities and the upcoming schedule for the Music in the Park, by the Richmond Arts and Music Council. He also pointed out that these activities are well below budget. Mr. Lang reported that the Glacial trail Pavilion is complete with water and electricity and only the "spring work" remains. Lang asked Administrator Bode if he would contact Xcel Energy for the box for the pavilion. Mr. Lang also presented the activity, sponsored by the Richmond Civic and Commerce for the "Cabin Fever Bean Bag Tournament" to be held on March 31st at the ice arena. This event is to raise funds for the pavilion. The EDA further voted to loan $10,000 to the CNC for 2 years to make up the shortfall. That money pays for bill to what is completed and leaves $1,000 to complete the "spring stuff". Mr. Lang also reported that the interested party for the lot at Tower Acres has agreed to the price and it looks to be a long process as it is a large company.

Item #11- Parks, Recreation and Arena Director Report – Kevin Mooney, absent. Presented by Sheldon Lang in conjunction with the EDA Report.

Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve Resolution 124-12 Event Permit for Cabin Fever Bean Bag Tournament. Motion made by Kron, seconded by Mackedanz. Passed unanimously.

Item #12- Public Works Director Report – Gordon Dingmann

Public Works Director, Gordy Dingmann reported to the council that while there is a "snow ordinance' in place for snow emergencies and plowing, when we receive 3 or more inches of snow or as deemed necessary, he believes that making this a permanent ordnance would be helpful to the city in fairer weather when they must sweep the streets as well. Councilor Kron asked if there was space for downtown residents to park overnight. Mr. Dingmann indicated and investigated the fact that there is ample space for parking on the back side of those buildings off the alley. Mr. Dingmann asked council to consider for further discussion and action. Mr. Dingmann also reported that the Fire Department and the Lions Club are hosting a "Bystander CPR" course which is free. If you wish to be certified, you persons will have to test out with the American Red Cross and for a fee of $40.00. The Bystander course is 2 hours and offers the participants to learn CPR to the degree that they can perform the procedure until medical personnel arrive at the scene. Information will be published in the Cold Spring Record with 3 contact persons to sign up for the class.

Item #13- Water / Wastewater Operator Report – Greg Stang

Water/Wastewater Operator Greg Stang reported that the plant and his services to the plant has earned an award for water treatment. Anyone interested may attend the event with Mr. Stang to accept the award on March 22, 2012 at the Northland Inn in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Stang that everything is running smoothly at the plant. Stang went on to report that there was a total water loss of 5.4 million gallons last month which equates to a 13% loss. He went on to explain that water loss is due to leaks in the system and most are in galvanized service lines being the biggest problem in leaks. While we are at 13%, in comparison, Eden Valley was over 24%. Stang stated that according to the DNR, they would like that number to be 10% or less. Mr. Stang reported to council that due to a high level of condensation in the sludge control room, they are installing a part on the air system to control the situation. He reported the reeds are doing well and should be ready for spring, but everything is running smoothly.

Item #14- Fire Department Report – Chuck Merten

Fire Chief Chuck Merten reported on the number of services calls for the month of February and stated that will all calls, the average response time was 3:48 minutes. Merten gave a breakdown report on calls and a comparison to the same time last year. Response time is calculated from the time the page comes through to arrival at the scene. The overall response time is 5 minutes. The Department participated in some training activities in February which involved car accidents and victim extraction. The vehicle was laid on its side for this exercise as it is the one of the more difficult situations. Merten reported that some firefighters have begun the Firefighter I course. He also reported on their participation on the Polar Plunge and the Stair Climb. He thanks the community for all of their support in these worthwhile causes. Merten reminded council of their annual Chicken Dinner at the arena which will be held on May 20, 2012. Look for more information to come in the near future. Chief Merten in closing reported that they have applied for a "Safer Grant', which is for new hire training, gear, classes and the like. Usually these grants are given to paid departments, however, sometimes they are granted to volunteer departments.

Item #15-Administrators Report – Martin M. Bode

Administrator Bode asked approval of Resolution 122-12 Richmond GO Refund 2012 Award. This combines the 2 bonds discussed at the last meeting to one and reducing the amount paid in interest. Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve. Motion made by Kron, seconded by Paczkowski. Passed unanimously.

Administrator Bode asked for approval of Resolution 126-12- 1-4 Temporary Liquor License for the 5/19 Hockey Beer and Wine tasting Event. Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve. Motion made by Paczkowski, seconded by Mathiason. Passed unanimously.

Item #16- Council Reports

a. EDA-Covered by Sheldon Lang

b. Planning Commission-Kron reported that the Planning Commission is working with a contractor , of a potential buyer, for the possibility of a ramp on the east side of the former River City Grill

c. Parks / Rocori Trail- Covered by Adam Ripple

d. Tri City Cable-Nothing to Report

Item #17 Purchase Requisitions None

Item #18 Other Matters of Concern and Related Matters

Adjournment

Mayor Hemmesch asked if there were any additional items for the Council to consider. Hearing no further comments, he asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

A Motion was Made to Adjourn by Mackedanz, Second by Kron. Motion Passed Unanimously.

Mayor Hemmesch declared the meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Martin M. Bode

Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer