Meeting Minutes of the Richmond City Council

Wednesday, May 3, 2012

Regular City Council

 

 

Item #1- Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance

Meeting was called to order at 6:34 pm.  All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Members Present: Jim Hemmesch, Mike Mathiasen, Tim Paczkowski, Jeff Mackedanz, Scott Kron

Also Attending: Martin Bode, City Administrator; Adam Ripple, City Attorney; Randy Jenniges, City Engineer; Chad Vogt; Pat Evans; Tammy Paczkowski-Cold Spring Record, Aaron Cheeley -local Channel 10 videographer.     

 

Item #2-Approval of Agenda

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

Motion made by Councilor Kron to Approve Agenda, seconded by Mackedanz.  Passed unanimously.

 

Item #3- Approval of the Meeting Minutes of April 4, 2012 (Regular and Workshop)

Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the April 4, 2012 City Council meeting/workshop. 

A council member would like the minutes to reflect a more detailed account of the discussions; how and why the council makes their decision or why the item is brought to the meeting. (No action taken).

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen to approve meeting minutes,  seconded by Paczkowski.  Passed unanimously.

 

Item #4-Consent Agenda

Mayor Hemmesch asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda   

Approval of Claims Paid

Resolution 133-12- Approval of 2011 Year End and April 2012 Journal Entries

Resolution 134-12-Approval of Knights of Columbus Tax Exempt Gambling Permit

Resolution 135-12- Approval of Contract with Center Point Energy for services at Glacial Lake Pavilion

Resolution 137-12- Richmond Royals Tax Exempt Gambling Permit

 

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski, to approve Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz.  Councilor Kron abstained  Passed 4-0.

Item #5-Presentations and Action Items –  None at this time

Item #6 River Lake Days- Pat Evans

Pat gave overview of events schedule.  Highlighted some new items; 

·         BMX Bike show

·         5k race – will need road closure for about 3-4 hours for the event

·         Flea Market at Arena

·         Education demonstration of Building a functional Robot

·         Quilt Auction

·         Button cost this year $4.00. Funds are low this year so they decided to raise the cost of the button $1.00. 

 

Pat requested that the Council think about waiving the Arena rental fee of $600.00.  The money earned at the flea market is going to City of Richmond Main Street Improvement Project. (No action at this time).

 

Resolution 136-12 Authorization of Use of City Resources & Personnel in Conjunction with River Lake Days w/ Appendix A – Provision of Municipal Resources for 2012 RLD Festival and w/ Appendix B – Authorizations and Stipulations for 2012 RLD Festival; with the understanding that additional streets for 5k will be worked out with City Administrator, Fire Chief and Police Chief.

 

Motion made by Councilor Kron, to approve Resolution 136-12, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz.  Passed unanimously

Item # 7 – Main Street Lights Committee – Pat Evans

Pat reported the Committee’s Concerns:

·         The condition of the sidewalk

·         The electrical poles in the way

·         Not as much Handicap parking as there should be.

Recommendations by the Committee:

·         18 poles put on main street

·         No bumpouts

·         Fundraising Events: to pay for poles beyond what city has budgeted: ideas shared - flea market, sponsor a pole, etc.

 

Item #8- City Engineer Report – Randy Jenniges.

Randy reported that he submitted the PFA Application for Main Street Project and the other streets projects included with the plan.  He stated that he really is after low interest loans as there is little to no grant funds available.  Randy said it looks favorable.

Main Street Public Relations:  Would like to set up a neighborhood meeting (for those not invited to the main street meeting), May 24th 7:00 pm at City Hall.   Randy will send out letter to residents.  Council is encouraged to attend.

Safe Route School project Update – June 15th- bid opening.  Council asked, “Are you going to tie in the Park Trail around?”  Randy spoke with Kevin about this and can’t really do too much until there is a contractor on board.  Randy will have more information at the next Council meeting.

 

Item #9-Water/Wastewater Operator Report – Written report submitted by Greg Stang

Administrator Bode reported that Greg had received verbal quotes for painting the old watertower of $22,000.00

            Lettering: $4,500.00

            Recoat the Interior $15,000.00

People-service is asking the Council to consider demolishing the water tower instead of continuing to maintain the tower.  They told Administrator that this water tower is not required to maintain service to the City of Richmond.  At this time Administrator Bode does not have a cost for the demolition.    Discussion was held regarding this issue.  Council decided to table the discussion and requested more information for the another Council meeting.

 

Item #10-City Attorney Report- Adam Ripple

Consideration of Ordinance 2012-103 Adding City Code Section 12-15 Regarding Prohibition of Outdoor Solid Fuel Heating Devices (wood burning stoves not attached to the homes).

Council asked about those who might be annexed in and have such a heating device.  City Attorney explained that Legal non conformity- (for those who may have an existing device can still be regulated) they must meet the requirements.

Motion made by Councilor Kron, to approve Ordinance 2012-103, seconded by Mackedanz.  Passed unanimously

Consideration of Ordinance 2012-104 Amending City Code Chapter 4 Alcoholic Beverages

 

1.  Caterers license – this is to attempt to tackle the abusive practices by those who are using their caterers’ license to get around the liquor license.

 

We need to ensure the City is doing its job regulating the liquor license and not create any undue hardship for current Businesses.

 

2. Public Consumption on public property           

There really are no restrictions (City Code) on consumption on street/sidewalk drinking.  The state has that all parts of the liquor license premise must be contiguous.

Adam outlined some considerations: 

Consider a better definition of  “premises”.  State law doesn’t have a good definition.

Seasonal Outdoor Sales - the City has an obligation to set up licensing scheme that does not contribute to underage consumption.  Typically how cities address this is to impose a barrier (wall, fence) which restricts access to open outdoor area, this way patrons must go thru the bar to gain access.    

 

3. Proper Description of liquor license Premise: Administrator Bode gave a copy of this ordinance to the affected bar owners.    All three are to submit a detailed site plan with their liquor license.  Administrator Bode reported that the state liquor agency told him that what is covered by the liquor license is the premise that is define on the license.

 

Due to the fact that there are no bar owners present and the Council would like to hear what they have to say, hear their plans and how this will affect their business, Mayor Hemmesch requested that     Ordinance 2012-104 be tabled to Council Workshop May 17, 2012     

 

Items to be discussed at the workshop:

Hear from the Bar owners, (question or comments)

Get a detailed Premise description of the Property included with the liquor license application

 

  

The Council will look at a specific definition of the “Premise” and not just the address of the property.  

 

Item #11- Fire Department Report – Mayor Hemmesch gave report

§         Calls for April

      Rescues: Medical 7

      Fires:    0

§         Training Coming Up:  House Burn Saturday May 5  7:30am

§         They Attended a class at Paynesville Ambulance service to keep up our medical             protocols.

§         Grant: Received Center Point Energy Grant for $1,725.00 for specialized equipment             for confined space rescue.

§         May Fundraiser:  May 20th Grilled Chicken dinner.  4:00 – 7:30pm

§         Replacement of Truck- the truck has been ordered.  Yarmon Ford was the lowest responsible bid.

 

Item #12 Council Reports

EDA – Mike reported

§         Working with the Main Street Project Committee

§         Tower Acres has not been finalized- still in negotiation

§         Music in the Park – starting on the 29th 7:00pm at Centennial Park

§         Next EDA Meeting – May 21st 6:00 pm at Maintenance Shed

 

Planning Commission-no report

Parks/Rocori Trail – Tim reported

Rocori Trails:   

·         Land was acquired

·         Bids will be coming out May 15th, section #1 – from here to shell station

·         Cold Spring will be taking care of the issues with assessments, etc.

·         It is Important to clarify to the residents that the trail (s) is really part of two different projects.   

·         Rocori Trails – is from 178 to Kiess gas station.

·         Glacial Lakes Trail – Richmond going to Paynesville

·         DNR has bumped our section of the Glacial Lakes Trail at least one year. 

Parks:

·         League of MN Cities told we have to put bouys out at lions park.

·         Kevin is working on putting together a park board.

·         Richmond Royals will be hosting a Regional Tournament over 2 week-ends.  There will be some repairs that need to be done before the tournament.

·         Centennial Park – Pea rock has been ordered (bids for wood chips were dramatically higher than the pea rock)

·         Rely for Life – June 1st Midnight walk

 

Tri City Cable- Jeff & Aaron reported

Aaron is at the end of his contract.  A subcommittee was formed to handle the negotiation of the contract.

3 New cameras were purchased.   Old cameras went to the High School, and Aaron (cable) kept 2 to continue using.

 

Item #14- Purchase Requisitions

1. New Flag Poles- Royals Park – $1,256.00

            Will finalize where the funds will be coming from, Richmond Royals, City of             Richmond and perhaps contribution from the Lions.

2. Buoys- swimming beach at Lions Park $ 427.00

3. 2012-2013 MN Assoc of Small Cities dues – $ 789.90 -  they are the group that lobbies for cities that are smaller than 5000 people.    Discussion was held regarding the benefit to being part of this group.

 

A Motion was Made to Approve the Purchase Requisitions of the flag pole and buoys and not the dues by Councilor Paczkowski, Second by Councilor Mackedanz.  Motion Passed Unanimously.

 

Item #15- Other Matters of Concern and Related Matters

 Review Ordances regulating domestic and nondomestic animals.

 

Licensing of Cats – Complaints by residents that Cats are roaming in and out of yards.  Administrator Bode stated that Licensing cats would be a burden on the staff and Licensing probably will not address this the issue of the roaming. The City does have an ordinance for animals running at large, that would address this. The City may have a few options: 1. Could contract with area shelters and City staff could start picking them up. Or Could have City staff pick them up and keep them in cages.      No action taken at this time, tabled until next workshop.

June 9th – Heart of MN Fishing Contest   Get your buttons

 

                        Next Council Meeting:  Workshop May 17th 2012

Item #16 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 Councilor Paczkowski, Second by Councilor Mackedanz.  Motion Passed Unanimously.

Mayor Hemmesch declared the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Martin M. Bode

Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer