Richmond City Council December 2023 Summary

 

APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 16, 2023.

Approved.

RECOGNITION OF JESSICA DUNYON FOR YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION.

Amber expresses her gratitude and fondness for Jessica, a longtime friend and Planning Commission member. Jessica, who has served on the Planning Commission since November 2015 and held the role of chairperson for the past couple of years, is praised for her incredible presence and collaboration. Both Amber and Jessica highlight their friendship and the joy of working together.

In response, Jessica graciously acknowledges the kind words, sharing that her annual resolutions guide her life, with curiosity being the focus for 2023 and aiming for harmony or serenity in 2024 to strike a balance between personal and work life. Volunteering, including her service on the Planning Commission, is an integral part of finding this balance, and she considers it an honor to serve in her community.

The Mayor expresses appreciation for Jessica's significant impact on the community, and to mark her dedicated years of service, Amber presents Jessica with an appreciation clock. This recognition underscores Jessica's commitment to her community and the positive influence she has had in her role on the Planning Commission. 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESOLUTION 2023-13, A RESOLUTION THAT DECLARES A PORTION OF PARCEL NUMBER 09-055-0008 AS SURPLUS PROPERTY.

The Mayor, Justin, and the council discuss the process of declaring a portion of Parcel 09-055-0008, the parcel that currently holds the Post Office, Relic Hall and Relief Society Hall, and Fire Station, as surplus property. Justin outlines the steps involved based on the property value, emphasizing that the estimated value is considered de minimis, which exempts it from a public hearing. The proposed path involves the adoption of a Resolution by the city council, declaring the property as surplus. If approved, the next steps include a minor subdivision request for parcel identification, and, upon approval, the property can be put up for sale through a sealed bid process. The Mayor highlights the practical need to manage and maintain city properties efficiently and notes that surplusing allows for potential alternative uses.

In response, a motion is made by Terrie, seconded by Amber, and the council votes unanimously to adopt Resolution 2023-13, officially declaring the specified portion of Parcel 09-055-0008 as surplus property. 

STAFF REPORTS AND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REVIEW.

Holly provided updates during the council meeting, reporting that new ADA access ramps at the Park Community Center were poured, enhancing wheelchair accessibility. City buildings are frequently rented, and there's a slowdown in new building permits. The city is focused on purging and scanning old documents, with minutes scanned back to the 1940s. Holly is creating a scrapbook to document unofficial city history. No major changes are expected at the start of the year. Weston discusses upcoming significant projects, including master plans for water, sewer, and transportation. They obtained a favorable loan for a new sewer treatment plant, aiming for long-term partnerships and improvements. The Mayor is considering partnering with Lewiston City for a regional approach, aiming for long-term planning.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING AMENDMENTS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET WHICH IS THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2023 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024.

Justin presents the midyear budget adjustments for the fiscal year. General Fund revenue and expenses see a $656,514 increase, including adjustments for property tax, interest, donations, and changes in accounting for Richmond Cemetery Maintenance District revenue. Specific departmental increases include administration for Lee’s Marketplace sales tax rebate, building for ARPA funding on the Park Community Center, public safety due to insurance premium increases, streets for snowplow truck and roadwork, parks due to reallocated wages, library for insurance costs, fire department for Fire Station maintenance, and planning for attorney expenses. The Capital Projects Fund sees a $400,000 transfer to address an audit finding. Water and sewer funds show revenue increases from projects like Richmond Village, while expenses increase for waterline repairs. The Cub River Sports Complex budget remains unchanged. The Capital Projects Fund receives additional revenue from interest and a significant transfer from the General Fund to comply with audit findings. Econo Waste's impact on the solid waste budget includes estimates for revenue and expense increases, reflecting finalized details post-July. A motion is made to close the regular council meeting and open a public hearing, followed by unanimous voting. The public hearing concludes without comments or questions, and the regular council meeting reopens.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON AMENDMENTS TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET.

The Mayor expresses gratitude for Justin's efforts to clarify the city's agreement with the cemetery district. The cemetery district owns the land where the cemetery is located, encompassing Richmond City, the Cove area, and portions of Logan Canyon. Although the city handles maintenance, there's no financial gain or loss; the arrangement merely covers costs. The cemetery district has approved the requested changes for increased clarity. A motion is made and unanimously passed to adopt amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

STAFF REPORTS AND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REVIEW.

The planning commission meeting scheduled for January 2nd has been rescheduled to January 9th, with two ordinances and two minor subdivisions on the agenda. Employee Christmas bonuses have been distributed, and the three council members whose terms expire will be replaced by two applicants, Bryce Wood and Joel Draxler. Advertising will begin to fill the third vacant seat, and at the January 18th council meeting, the last agenda item will be to review and approve someone to fill the open seat for two years. The applicants will undergo interviews, and the mayor will not be able to vote in a 2-2 tie, according to state code.

The city had a good sales tax month, with $65,016 received, and approximately $9,000 will be sent back to Lee’s Marketplace. A property tax of $933 was paid on a parcel containing a cell phone tower. The court and office remodel project in the Park Community Center is complete and paid for. Tree pruning costs amounted to $7,125 so far in the fiscal year, and $55,000 in water dedication payments were received for The Knolls, Phase 2. Water impact fee revenue reached $324,736, and sewer impact fee revenue amounted to $221,835 in the current fiscal year. 

COUNCIL MEMBER AND MAYOR REPORTS.

The Mayor expressed holiday wishes and gratitude to those present. The two new council members will start serving in January, and applications are encouraged to fill the remaining open seat. A farewell was extended to Jeremy Kimpton, the departing Public Works Director, who has accepted employment elsewhere.

Council members who are leaving were thanked for their hard work and dedication. Volunteerism was emphasized as essential to solving challenges, and the departing members were recognized for their wisdom and care for the community. Changes in the Planning Commission were highlighted, with a new Administrative Land-Use Authority being established to handle subdivision approvals for single-family and townhome projects. The Planning Commission will focus on rezones and critical land-use matters. The importance of reviewing the city code to align with development goals was stressed, anticipating a significant shift in the city's operations regarding subdivision approvals. Future council member assignments will be made in 2024 after filling the remaining vacancy. The job vacancy for the departing Public Works Director will be posted soon, and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

CLOSING REMARKS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS THATCHER, CRAFTS AND WIERENGA.

Council members Tucker, Kelly, and Terrie shared reflections on their experiences and contributions to the community. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted the challenges and growth they experienced during their time on the council.

Tucker emphasized the positive aspects of his service, acknowledging the difficulties in balancing what is best for the city and individuals. He thanked the city staff for their hard work and the community for trusting and voting for council members. He appreciated the support from fellow council members and recognized the importance of avoiding debt for the community.

Kelly spoke about the personal growth and challenges that came with being on the council. She mentioned the importance of challenges in bringing about change and thanked her family for their support.

Terrie, with a total of 14 years of service, shared her perspective on decision-making, emphasizing the need to have an open mind, be willing to listen and make informed decisions. She expressed pride in her time on the council, highlighted the value of the staff, and looked forward to traveling without scheduling conflicts.

The council meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, and the vote was unanimous.