The regular meeting of the Richmond City Council on September 21, 2023, took place at the Park Community Center in Richmond, Utah. The meeting commenced at 6:30 P.M. and was presided over by Mayor Paul Erickson. Mayor Erickson delivered the opening remarks.
The following Council Members were present: Lyle Bair, Kelly Crafts, Terrie Wierenga, and Amber Ervin. Tucker Thatcher had an excused absence.
City officials in attendance included City Treasurer HollyJo Karren, City Engineer Weston Bellon, Public Works Director Jeremy Kimpton, and City Recorder Justin Lewis.
Visitors who attended the meeting included: Joel Draxler, Bryce Wood, Cindy Smith, Terri White, Ryan Busenbark, Alan Livingston, Jeremy Hunt, Rod Kearl, Janet Bair, Dave Cavanaugh, Alexis Riggs, and Todd Beutler.
APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM AUGUST 17TH AND AUGUST
22ND, 2023.
Approved.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESOLUTION 2023-07, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE
BOARD APPORTIONMENT OF THE CACHE VALLEY TRANSIT DISTRICT IN COMPLIANCE WITH
UTAH CODE 17B-2A-807 EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024.
Todd Beutler, the general manager of the Cache Valley Transit District, addressed the Richmond City Council. He discussed recent changes in the state code brought about by legislative action, affecting the structure of the transit district board. He expressed gratitude to Terrie for her dedicated service on the board and her strong advocacy for the district.
The Council then proceeded with a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-07, which supports the board apportionment of the Cache Valley Transit District in accordance with Utah Code 17B-2a-807, effective from January 1, 2024. Terrie made the motion, and it was seconded by Amber. The vote was unanimous, with all Council Members in favor of the resolution.
Voting:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESOLUTION 2023-10, A RESOLUTION APPOINTING
ALAN LIVINGSTON AS TRUSTEE REPRESENTING RICHMOND CITY ON THE CACHE VALLEY
TRANSIT DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023.
The Mayor announced that Alan Livingston is willing to represent Richmond City on the Cache Valley Transit District (CVTD) Board of Trustees.
Terrie clarified that this Resolution pertains specifically to Richmond City and has an expiration date of December 31, 2023. She mentioned that her term on the city council is also expiring at the end of the year and that CVTD is initiating its budgeting process for the upcoming year, making it an opportune time for Alan to become involved.
Alan Livingston introduced himself, stating that he works as an estate advisor and has previously held a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). He expressed his enthusiasm for participating and helping the community.
Amber expressed her gratitude for Alan's willingness to serve and mentioned that she had the chance to speak with him in the past, expressing her happiness that he is willing to get involved.
A motion to adopt Resolution 2023-10, which appoints Alan Livingston as Trustee representing Richmond City on the Cache Valley Transit District Board of Trustees through December 31, 2023, was made by Amber and seconded by Lyle. The vote was unanimous, with all Council Members in favor of the resolution.
Voting:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESOLUTION 2023-08, A RESOLUTION APPOINTING
ALAN LIVINGSTON AS TRUSTEE REPRESENTING RICHMOND CITY, SMITHFIELD CITY AND
LEWISTON CITY ON THE CACHE VALLEY TRANSIT DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024.
The Mayor explained that Resolution 2023-08 is essentially the same as the previously adopted Resolution, with the difference being that Alan Livingston would serve as the representative for Richmond, Smithfield, and Lewiston for the years 2024 and 2025. He inquired whether the other two cities need to adopt this Resolution as well.
Justin confirmed that this Resolution would need to be adopted by the other two cities as well.
Terrie made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-08, a Resolution appointing Alan Livingston as Trustee representing Richmond City, Smithfield City, and Lewiston City on the Cache Valley Transit District Board of Trustees, effective January 1, 2024. Lyle seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.
Voting:
The Mayor expressed his appreciation to Terrie for her years of service and mentioned that he had discussed this appointment with Mayor Monson of Smithfield and Mayor Hall of Lewiston, both of whom were supportive of it.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON THE REQUEST BY RKF PROPERTIES, LLC FOR A
CONDITIONAL-USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A DOLLAR TREE STORE AT 215 NORTH 230 WEST.
PARCEL NUMBER 09-154-0002. ZONED HC (HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL).
Alexis Riggs, the development manager for RKF, presented a proposal to build a 10,000-square-foot building in which Dollar Tree would operate. The proposal discussed reducing the ten-foot setback on the south end of the building. The planning commission had voted to reduce the south setback to four feet, contingent upon egress requirements being met. The building would be located on the north side of Lee's Marketplace, with parking on the east and delivery access on the west.
Lyle inquired about the reason for requesting a reduction in the ten-foot setback, and Alexis explained that the code allowed for discretion on setbacks in this zone, and they felt that ten feet was excessive for their needs.
Mayor Erickson asked about building a cinder block building four feet away from another cinder block building, and Alexis confirmed that was the plan. They also mentioned adding a small gate to limit access, ensuring people could exit in emergencies.
Lyle suggested installing fascia to create the appearance of a continuous building, and Terrie explained that a small gate could be added for emergency purposes.
The fire department had no issues with the four-foot request, and the engineering requirements had been met.
Amber discussed community concerns, particularly related to crime and security, and the fire department's stance was reassuring. Terrie and Kelly expressed excitement about the new store, which would be a valuable addition to the growing city.
A motion was made to approve the conditional-use permit request by RKF Properties, LLC to operate a Dollar Tree Store with the condition that the south setback could be reduced from ten feet to four feet. The vote was unanimous.
Voting:
Alexis mentioned that they needed zoning approval and were hoping to get the building permit soon, with a goal to start the project in mid-October. They would serve as their own contractor.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON THE “AGREEMENT FOR STAFFING FIREFIGHTERS IN
THE RICHMOND FIRE STATION”
Rod Kearl, the Assistant Fire Chief for the Cache County Fire District, presented an agreement concerning the staffing of firefighters in the Richmond Fire Station. The mayor mentioned that they had reviewed and discussed this agreement multiple times, and it was supported by the Smithfield City Council.
Jeremy, the City Engineer, had no concerns, and the mayor highlighted the key points of the agreement. The county would provide and fund two full-time firefighters in Richmond's fire station from Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Richmond would continue to own the building and contribute to some costs, including utilities. They would work on building improvements as feasible. This arrangement would be beneficial for the city, providing two full-time professionals during the day.
Terrie inquired about staffing on normal holidays, and Rod explained that they wouldn't work traditional 48/96-hour shifts and would have standard holidays off.
A motion was made to approve the Agreement for Staffing Firefighters in the Richmond Fire Station, and the vote was unanimous.
Voting:
The mayor asked when the firefighters would be present, and Rod stated that they had been interviewed but not hired yet, as they couldn't be hired until the agreement was approved. The hiring process would proceed upon Chief Hammer's return.
The mayor expressed gratitude for the agreement and the County Council's approval of funds. Rod mentioned that Richmond would have two full-time firefighters consistently available, and the mayor shared positive feedback from the mayors of Mendon and Hyrum regarding their arrangements with the county fire department. Additionally, Chief Jeff Peterson of Smithfield was recently appointed as a full-time fire chief.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON THE REQUEST BY RYAN BUSENBARK FOR
APPROVAL OF THE FINAL PLAT FOR THE JOHNSON COVE SUBDIVISION, AN (11) LOT/UNIT
SUBDIVISION LOCATED WEST OF APPROXIMATELY 250 SOUTH 300 EAST. ZONED RMD
(RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY).
Ryan Busenbark reported that he didn't have any new information to provide. The mayor stated that they had received a report from the city engineer, confirming that all requirements had been resolved.
Terrie expressed her concern about a dead-end street, which wasn't in their long-term plan, and she was uncomfortable with it. She explained that it could attract debris like tumbleweeds and dirt.
Amber acknowledged that they had been working on this request for a long time.
A motion was made to approve the Final Plat for the Johnson Cove Subdivision, an 11-lot/unit subdivision, and the vote was unanimous.
Voting:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2023-12, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
RICHMOND CITY MANUAL OF DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS, CHAPTER 8.0 “STORM
DRAINAGE DESIGN”, SECTION 8.01 “GENERAL” AND CHAPTER “SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS
TO THE “MANUAL OF STANDARD PLANS””.
Jeremy presented an update regarding the addition of a cement ribbon curb along the edge of the asphalt, which had been discussed in the previous month. A new drawing had been created for this by the city engineer, and the planning commission had reviewed the ordinance and recommended its approval.
The mayor expressed his support for the idea and clarified that this change would only apply to new applications. Amber also voiced her support for the addition, and Jeremy explained that it would help with drainage issues.
Amber mentioned seeing an example of the ribbon curb in the Park Community Center parking lot, which, while not 18 inches wide, served as a good reference.
The mayor asked whether this change would apply to Ryan Busenbark's project, and Jeremy confirmed that it wouldn't, as he had applied before this amendment was approved.
A motion was made to adopt Ordinance 2023-12, an Ordinance amending the Richmond City Manual of Design & Construction Standards, and the vote was unanimous.
Voting:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON THE RICHMOND CITY TRAILS MASTER PLAN UPDATE.
The mayor acknowledged Terrie's significant efforts and time spent on the Trails Master Plan Update, as well as the contributions of many others. He expressed gratitude for the work done.
Terrie provided an overview of the planning process, which began in early 2021, and highlighted the extensive public input. She emphasized that the plan was created based on resident input and ideas, and it serves as a roadmap for the future. Terrie also mentioned various trail options, funding considerations, and design proposals within the plan.
Amber noted that the planning commission found the plan easy to review and comprehend, and she praised the plan's quality.
A motion was made to adopt the Trails Master Plan Update, and the vote was unanimous.
Voting:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESOLUTION 2023-09, A RESOLUTION THAT CANCELS
THE RICHMOND CITY NOVEMBER 21, 2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND CERTIFIES THAT THE
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES DOES NOT EXCEED THE NUMBER OF OPEN AT-LARGE MUNICIPAL
OFFICES.
Justin explained that the candidate signup period for the municipal general election occurred from June 1st to the 7th and that Richmond City has three city council seats to fill. However, only two candidates, Joel Draxler and Bryce Wood, signed up to run for office. As there are fewer candidates than open seats, the council needed to adopt a Resolution to cancel the 2023 general election in the city. The third open seat will be filled by the city council in January through an application and interview process.
Lyle commented on the cost savings resulting from not having an election and expressed a desire for more individuals to run for office.
The mayor noted the presence of Joel and Bryce at the meeting.
A motion was made to adopt Resolution 2023-09, which cancels the Richmond City November 21, 2023, Municipal Election due to the number of candidates not exceeding the number of open municipal offices. The vote was unanimous.
Voting:
The mayor discussed the process for filling the open seat in January, emphasizing its transparency and open nature, and expressed hope for multiple applicants.
OPEN AND PUBLIC MEETINGS TRAINING.
Justin noted that an item requiring the entire council and mayor to be in attendance must be held at a future meeting date due to audit requirements.
STAFF REPORTS AND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REVIEW.
Justin provided an update on several financial matters, including the installation of a new furnace and air conditioning units in the north end of the Park Community Center, the RAPZ Tax pavilion project, and increased revenue from impact fees and interest. Jeremy reported on street maintenance, winter preparations, and garbage service. Holly mentioned building permits and sidewalk projects. Weston discussed road improvement project applications submitted to the Council of Governments. The mayor also provided information on a road project and funding from the Council of Governments.
COUNCIL MEMBER AND MAYOR REPORTS
Amber shared her experiences from the Pepperidge Farms facility tour and provided an update on The Park Bench's progress and a community Halloween carnival they are hosting. Terrie discussed her involvement in various planning projects, including the Cache County General Plan update and CVTD (Cache Valley Transit District) long-range planning. Kelly encouraged residents to vote in favor of the school bond. Lyle mentioned a donation to upgrade the dugouts at the Cub River Sports Complex and shared information about the semi-pro baseball team coming to Providence. Amber also highlighted a new straw maze in town and its activities, including a haunted maze in October. The Mayor mentioned upcoming updates on water and sewer plans at the October council meeting. The next council meeting is scheduled for October 19th.
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