Richmond City Council June 2023 Summary

Youth Council Report 

The Youth Council Mayor, Katelyn Davis, reports on the council's involvement in various activities. They have observed increased socialization among kids and learned valuable lessons at the Hamburger Stand. Thirty kids qualified for a Lagoon trip by serving more than ten hours, but they are facing challenges in securing adult transportation for the activity. The council plans to organize the trip before school starts and needs at least six drivers for the thirty kids. They consider options like using the Salt Lake Express but find it costly. Amber offers to help with the transportation. 

The mayor also mentions an upcoming meeting on September 15th to discuss Black & White Days 2024, where they hope a youth council representative can attend. The goal is to improve the event each year and possibly extend the parade by two blocks. Communication during the Hamburger Stand activity was deemed effective by Amber.

Business License Request for TNT Fireworks Inc. to sell fireworks at Lee's

TNT Fireworks, represented by Eric Anderson, requests a business license to sell fireworks inside the Lee's Marketplace building located at 150 North 200 West. Eric explains that TNT Fireworks is a wholesale supplier, servicing 250 box stores in Utah and over 40,000 stores nationwide. They have been operating since 1920 and are family-owned. The request is made to support Lee's Marketplace, their partner.

During the discussion, it is clarified that there won't be a tent outside the store, as is common with nonprofit groups. Instead, fireworks will be sold from the store's shelves and processed through the cash register. Concerns are raised about meeting fire code requirements, and the fire department's approval is considered essential before the license can be fully approved.

The decision is made to conditionally approve the request, pending the approval of the Smithfield City Fire Department. The motion is voted upon and unanimously approved by the council members present.

Ryan Busenbark approval of Johnson Cove Subdivision

Ryan Busenbark requests approval for the preliminary plat of the Johnson Cove Subdivision, consisting of 11 lots/units, located west of approximately 250 South 300 East, zoned as Residential Medium Density (RMD). During the discussion, issues regarding the road layout and the possibility of a cul-de-sac arise. The road's current design poses challenges due to a slope issue, making a cul-de-sac infeasible as it exceeds the allowed length. The planning commission recommended approval, and the proposal meets the city's code requirements.

Amber appreciates Ryan's efforts to make Lot 1 larger and move it away from the retention pond as per their recommendation. While a cul-de-sac is preferred, it is not allowed due to the road's length. Seeking a variance for a cul-de-sac would likely be challenging and is not pursued. The proposed plan meets the code standards, although some concerns about snowplowing are mentioned. The road layout allows snowplow trucks to turn around easily.

After reviewing the application and its adherence to the code, the council votes on the matter. The motion to approve the preliminary plat for the Johnson Cove Subdivision is passed by a vote of 4-1, with one council member voting against it.

Discussion and Vote on Ordinance 23-09

Jdh The city council discusses and votes on Ordinance 23-09, which proposes amendments to the Richmond City Manual of Design & Construction Standards. The amendments cover various sections related to culinary water system design, street design, storm drainage design, detention/retention facilities, and the summary of amendments to the "Manual of Standard Plans."

The proposed changes include adding standard verbiage for concrete thrust blocks in the culinary water system design and modifying the street design to replace the 48-foot right-of-way with a 51-foot one, along with adding street light drawings. The ordinance also introduces a drawing for a 99-foot right-of-way, although it won't be required in future developments. Furthermore, revisions are made to the section on detention/retention facilities to clarify the ownership and maintenance responsibility for retention ponds.

During the discussion, concerns and recommendations are raised by council members and city staff regarding the retention ponds' ownership and maintenance, with a specific focus on an existing problem pond. The council ultimately approves the ordinance unanimously, recognizing that it formalizes existing practices and that further standards will be addressed in a separate ordinance.

Pulic Hearing to discuss a Community Impact Fund Board

The city held a public hearing to discuss a Community Impact Fund Board (CIB) application for funding to update the sewer and water master plans. The existing plans were last updated in 2012, and the proposed updates will provide guidance for future projects, identifying system deficiencies and areas that require improvements, such as upsizing pipes.

During the hearing, no comments or questions were received from the public. The regular council meeting was closed to open the public hearing and vice versa, following the required procedure.

The mayor expressed gratitude to Justin for overseeing grants and applications for the city, including the CIB application, which will now be submitted to seek funding for the updated sewer and water master plans.

Public Hearing to discuss Ordinance 2023-07

The city held a public hearing to discuss Ordinance 2023-07, which proposes to amend the Richmond City Municipal Code related to payment periods for the city council and mayor. The proposed amendment would update the code to state that the wages for the council and mayor will be approved via Resolution. The current code states the stipend paid to the council is $200 per month and the mayor is $500 per month.

During the public hearing, no comments or questions were received from the public. The regular council meeting was closed to open the public hearing and vice versa, following the required procedure. The council members discussed historical information about the wages, noting that it has been a while since the council and mayor received a raise.

The public hearing concluded without any further discussion, and the council moved on to the next agenda item, which was to set the wages for the council and mayor based on the approved ordinance.

Setting the monthly pay of the Mayor and City Council 

The council held a discussion and vote on Ordinance 2023-07, which aimed to amend the Richmond City Municipal Code regarding payment periods for elected officials. The council unanimously adopted the ordinance. The ordinance updated the code to state that the wages for the council and mayor will be approved via Resolution, and the council members noted that it had been a while since any wage increases were given.

Following the adoption of the ordinance, a public hearing was held to discuss Resolution 2023-04, which establishes the salary of elected officials in accordance with the Richmond City Municipal Code. The resolution proposed setting the mayor's wage at $550 per month and the council members' wage at $220 per month. No comments or questions were received from the public during the public hearing.

After the public hearing was closed, the council discussed Resolution 2023-04, and the mayor expressed the opinion that the council members should be paid more. However, the council members were in agreement with the proposed wages as stated in the resolution. The council then unanimously adopted Resolution 2023-04, setting the wages for the mayor and council members at $550 and $220 per month, respectively.

Discussion about Fiscal Year of 2023 and 2024

The council held a public hearing to discuss amendments to the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, which covers the period from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and the new Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which covers the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. During the discussion, Justin, the financial officer, highlighted various revenue increases and expense adjustments in different departments.

After the public hearing, the council members voted unanimously to adopt the amendments to the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.

They also discussed and unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which includes a three percent cost-of-living increase for employees, removal of the election expense, a $2,500 donation from Rocky Mountain Power for The Park Bench project, and the inclusion of two RAPZ Tax projects: a new pavilion and a new restroom facility in the park.

Overall, the budget discussions were straightforward, and the council members showed agreement on the proposed changes and allocations.

City Administrator Report

In the City Administrator report, Jeremy, the city administrator, discussed various updates and ongoing projects. He mentioned recent weddings at the city park, which he attributed to the park's beauty and diligent maintenance by Bryan. They have a port-a-potty at the park for a food truck that is renting space from the city.

Jeremy also mentioned using the hotbox to fix road issues caused by runoff water damage. He discussed upcoming chip seal work and the need to fill potholes before the chip seal is completed in July.

Regarding road responsibilities, there was a discussion about 250 East at the south end of town. Jeremy believes it is entirely the city's responsibility, but there are drainage issues that need to be addressed before any road repairs can be effective. The city is working on inspections and focusing on road shoulders and drainage to maintain roads to city standards.

Overall, the report covered park maintenance, road repairs, and ongoing collaboration with the county on road-related matters.

Monthly Financial Review

During the Monthly Financial Review, Justin provided updates on various matters. For the municipal election, only two candidates filed for the three city council seats up for election. A third seat will be advertised, and interviews will be held in January to fill the position for a two-year term. The city is working on formalizing agreements with the cemetery district to clarify expectations.

Garbage service providers will change, with Logan City ceasing operations and Econo Waste Inc. taking over. Sales tax revenue was strong, and impact fees were collected for water and sewer services. The property tax rate was discussed, and the council agreed to hold the property tax hearing in August to potentially make a 3.34% increase in the tax rate to address the city's needs and growing population. There was a consensus among the council members to take small steps in increasing the rate rather than facing a larger increase in the future.

City Council and Mayor Reports

During the council member and mayor reports, various topics were discussed. Council members Tucker, Lyle, and Kelly had no additional items to share. Terrie mentioned that the irrigation company is now invoicing everyone via email, and they are accepting credit card payments for invoices under $1,000. The hydro system is doing well, but Hyrum owes the company for four months' worth of electricity purchases.

Amber mentioned that there are six applicants for open spots on the planning commission, and interviews will be conducted soon. She expects a dynamic shift with some new applicants having different thought processes than the current commissioners.

The mayor discussed a recent tour of Pepperidge Farms and their plans for expansion. They also visited the city's MBR Plant. He attended the Smithfield City council meeting, where they unanimously passed a Resolution supporting the idea of having two full-time firefighters in Richmond's Fire Station during weekdays. The mayor stated that this arrangement has worked well in other cities, and he wants the Fire Chief to feel good about it.

Lastly, the mayor shared interesting facts about Pepperidge Farms' goldfish production, with the new line being capable of producing 6,000 pounds of goldfish per hour. The new expansion is expected to create 100 new jobs.