Richmond City Council October 2023 Summary

APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 21, 2023.

Approved. 

PRESENTATION BY CAPSA REGARDING OCTOBER BEING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH.

Kara Tim, representing domestic violence awareness efforts, highlighted the need for support during October, designated as domestic violence awareness month. The organization offers free and confidential services, including training for groups and businesses. Kara shared statistics, stating that the emergency shelter assisted 327 people last year, the crisis hotline received over 7,000 calls, and case workers were involved in over 1,500 cases. Alyna Ohling addressed questions about the increase in cases, attributing it to population growth and increased awareness. The organization's reach extends to Preston and the Bear River area, offering substantial support to the community with almost 75 employees and over 100 volunteers. The Mayor expressed gratitude for their impactful work.

DISCUSSION WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CACHE WATER DISTRICT. 

Nathan Daugs, General Manager of the Cache Water District, addressed the City Council, discussing the district's efforts in water management. He emphasized the importance of water supply and highlighted ongoing projects with various cities, including flood mitigation collaborations. Nathan discussed potential legislative changes, the need for water conservation, and concerns about future water sources, citing the reliance on groundwater in Cache Valley. The economic impact of Bear River water before reaching the Great Salt Lake was under study, and Nathan emphasized the importance of water storage. The potential construction of a reservoir at White Valley was mentioned, and Nathan urged coordination to ensure water benefits the local area. The economic study encompasses Idaho and Wyoming, with collaborative efforts required among the three states. Nathan emphasized the need for annual updates or more frequent communication with the City Council.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESCINDING 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The mayor announced that Alan Livingston's appointment to the Cache Valley Transit District Board of Trustees has been rescinded due to a conflict of interest with his role in the auditing firm. The City Council motioned to rescind Resolution 2023-10, and the vote was unanimous. The mayor also shared that Mayor Monson of Smithfield has a representative willing to serve the three cities on the board, and the motion was passed.

STAFF REPORTS AND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REVIEW.

Jeremy reported on various maintenance activities, including a grader in town, lead and copper service line inventory, pothole patching plans, and addressing water leaks. The mayor inquired about the nature of the leaks, and Jeremy explained that most occur at the corp stop. The sanitary sewer survey revealed minor issues, and GIS information is being updated. Salt has been delivered, and sanders are not yet on the trucks. Holly shared updates on zoning clearances, Richmond Village plats, remodels, and a new hire, Melissa Archibald, at the front desk. Weston discussed the water re-use application, sewer collection plan funding, and transportation plans. Justin provided financial updates, including sales tax revenue, rebate agreement with Lee’s Marketplace, donations to the library, and impact fees collected for water and sewer projects.

MAYOR’S REPORT.

The mayor discussed the upcoming workshop and State of the City address on February 8th, focusing on reviewing the General Plan and addressing multi-family housing. He highlighted the city's application to the Council of Governments (COG) for funding road projects, mentioning the county's project to widen 500 North and the city's application to improve the road on 150 North. The mayor emphasized the competitive nature of project scoring and the creation of a rural set aside for small communities. 

AUDIT PRESENTATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023, WHICH IS THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2023, BY REPRESENTATIVES OF ALLRED JACKSON.

Diana Cannell, during an audit presentation, mentioned two minor state compliance findings for the city: exceeding the allowed amount in the General Fund and using book balances instead of bank balances in the cash management report. She recommended transferring excess funds to the General Capital Improvement Fund and using bank balances in future reports. The mayor and Justin expressed gratitude for Diana's ongoing assistance and acknowledged the findings were easily correctable. The discussion included plans to address the compliance issues through budget adjustments.

COUNCIL MEMBER AND MAYOR REPORTS. 

Amber shared that the planning commission did not meet in October but will convene in November if needed. The Park Bench hosted a successful Halloween carnival, exceeding attendance expectations, with community support and the youth council's involvement. Terrie reported on the irrigation board's positive season, not requiring irrigation turns or pump runs. Mayor mentioned the Cache County firefighters utilizing the fire station, and Weston provided details on the 400 West project's progress, awaiting approval for funding. The mayor proposed rescheduling the December 21st city council meeting to December 19th due to the Christmas holiday. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.