Richmond City Council January 2024 Summary

The Richmond City Council's regular meeting on January 18, 2024, included the swearing-in of new Council Members Joel Draxler and Bryce Wood, who took their Oath of Office at an open house. Mayor Paul Erickson disclosed that Council Member Joel Draxler is a coworker at Cache Valley Bank, clarifying that legal counsel found no issue with their working relationship and concurrent roles in the council. Various attendees, including city officials and visitors, were present at the meeting.

APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 19, 2023.

Approved

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON THE MINOR SUBDIVISION REQUEST BY RICHMOND CITY, FOR A THREE (3) LOT MINOR SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3 EAST MAIN. PARCEL NUMBER 09-055-0008. THE PARCEL IS APPROXIMATELY 1.25 ACRES.

The city council discusses a minor subdivision proposal to create two new parcels, separating the post office and the relic hall, with the Planning Commission recommending approval. Mayor Erickson clarifies that the purpose is to streamline the surplus process, but the end goal is undetermined, prompting questions about future growth and potential sales of the properties. Council members express concerns and suggest further discussions, leading to a unanimous decision to table the request for a month to allow for more deliberation. Amber Ervin contemplates withdrawing the application, considering its complexity for new council members, and Lyle proposes tabling the request, which is unanimously agreed upon.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON THE REQUEST BY RICHMOND CITY FOR APPROVAL OF THE RON ANDERSON WEST STATE STREET SUBDIVISION, A FOUR (4) LOT MINOR SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 320 NORTH STATE STREET. PARCEL NUMBERS 09-046-0025 AND 09-046-0022. THE PARCELS ARE APPROXIMATELY 5.17 ACRES.  

The city council discusses the approval of the Ron Anderson West State Street Subdivision, addressing concerns from the General Plan process regarding highway access from State Street north of 100 North. The proposal involves acquiring land from the Anderson family for a road connection, and a land swap is suggested, with the city obtaining 25,815 square feet and the Anderson family receiving 27,227 square feet. The Planning Commission approves the request with corrections on the survey, and council members express agreement, leading to a unanimous vote in favor of the subdivision.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2024-02, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE RICHMOND CITY MANUAL OF DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS, CHAPTER 2.0 “STREET DESIGN”, SECTION 2.01 “GENERAL”, CHAPTER 5.0 “CULINARY WATER SYSTEM DESIGN”, SECTION 5.01 “GENERAL”, CHAPTER 7.0 “SANITARY SEWER DESIGN”, SECTION 7.01 “SEWER MAINS” AND CHAPTER 8.0 “STORM DRAINAGE DESIGN”, SECTION 8.01 “GENERAL”.

The City Council discusses and approves Ordinance 2024-02, amending the Richmond City Manual of Design & Construction Standards to include regulations for fire access roads, specifying the required construction materials and prohibiting certain road configurations like knuckles, eyebrows, or corner cul-de-sacs. The amendment also ensures that all infrastructure is installed within a public right-of-way, preventing the placement of utilities on private property. The Planning Commission recommends approval, emphasizing the need to address issues identified during recent developments. The council members express agreement, emphasizing the importance of updating the code to prevent future problems.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2024-01, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE RICHMOND CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 12-000 “LAND USE, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT (LUDMO)”, CHAPTER 12-2000 “SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS”, PARTS 12-2002-3 “AUTHORITY”, 12-2003-1 “APPLICABILITY”, 12-2003-2 “PRE-APPLICATION MEETING”, 12-2003-4 “FINAL PLAT PROCESS”, 12-2003-5 “COMBINED PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT PROCESS” AND ADDING IN ITS ENTIRETY PARTS 12-2003-10 “ADMINISTRATIVE LAND-USE AUTHORITY” AND 12-2003-41 “FINAL PLAT PROCESS”.

The City Council reluctantly adopts Ordinance 2024-01, amending the Richmond City Municipal Code to comply with a state mandate that changes the review process for single-family home subdivisions. The new process removes the planning commission and city council from the approval process, instead establishing an Administrative Land-Use Authority, consisting of the City Engineer, Public Works Representative, Fire Department Representative, and Chief Administrative Officer. The authority will conduct limited review cycles overseen by HollyJo, each lasting a maximum of 15 business days, with comments submitted collectively to the developer. Council members express dissatisfaction with the state mandate, considering it overreach, but acknowledge the need to comply.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING ORDINANCE 2024-03, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE RICHMOND CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 3-000 “MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT”, CHAPTER 3-400 “ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS”, PART 420.040 “APPEAL”, CHAPTER 3-500 “ADMINISTRATION”, PART 3-565 “APPOINTMENT OF CITY RECORDER, CITY TREASURER AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR”, TITLE 9-000 “LICENSING, CONTROL, AND REGULATION OF BUSINESS CONSTRUCTION”, CHAPTER 9-600 “OTHER BUILDING OR CONSTRUCTION CODES”, PART 9-658 “PRE-OCCUPANCY CHECKLIST”, TITLE 10-000 “FIRE, HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE”, CHAPTER 10-500 “NOISE CONTROL”, PART 10-530 “POWERS OF MAYOR, CITY ADMINISTRATOR OR DESIGNEE”, AND PART 10-540 “PROHIBITED ACTS”, TITLE 12-000 “LAND USE, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT (LUDMO)”, CHAPTER 12-700 “SIGNS”, PART 12-704 “ENFORCEMENT”, AND PART 12-705 “BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED”, CHAPTER 12-1000 “OVERLAYS”, PART 12-1030-7 “ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT”, CHAPTER 12- 2000 “SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS”, PART 12-2004-5 “ESCROW FOR CHIP-SEALING”, TITLE 13- 000 “POLICE DEPARTMENT”, CHAPTER 13-200 “ANIMAL CONTROL”, PART 13-261 “DEFINITION AND ESTABLISHMENT”, TITLE 14-000 “UTILITIES”, CHAPTER 14-200 “SEWER”, PART 14-215 “PRIVATE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL” AND CHAPTER 14-500 “FINANCE, FEES, AND CHARGES”, PART 14-521 “SHUT-OFF AND TURN-ON FEES AND ACTIONS”.

The Council considers an ordinance to remove the City Administrator from the code due to the absence of the role, instead opting for department heads reporting to the Mayor; the ordinance is discussed in a public hearing where the changes involve striking out the City Administrator and adding the Mayor or designee.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2024-03.

The Council discusses an ordinance related to the appeals process for GRAMA requests, with the proposed change involving appeals going to the Mayor instead of the City Administrator; concerns are raised about the potential additional responsibility for the Mayor, and a motion to table the ordinance is made and approved.

STAFF REPORTS AND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REVIEW. RAPZ TAX APPLICATIONS

The council discusses various ongoing projects, including the 400 West Road project, the Black & White Days pavilion building expansion, and the Johnson View Subdivision. There are updates on snow removal efforts, financial matters, and grant-funded projects. The council also considers future projects, including pickleball courts, a Black & White Days building expansion, and potential improvements to the Nature Park, with a focus on applying for RAPZ Tax funding. The Mayor emphasizes the need for timely project applications, suggesting a Black & White Days project for the current year and planning a survey for future resident input on projects.

COUNCIL MEMBER AND MAYOR REPORTS

Amber reports on changes in the irrigation company board, including Gary Dent's resignation and Tucker Thatcher's election. There's now a board representative for each lateral, and projects require approval from at least two board members. She also mentions updates on the senior center, including the retirement of John Gilbert, the new water master Kurt Nalder, and interactions with North Logan City about their senior center.

Mayor Erickson discusses the positive impact of the senior center, mentioning the emotional experiences when participants pass away and the community support reflected in donations. He also mentions Lewiston City's interest in contributing financially to the senior center. The mayor emphasizes the importance of delegation and designating responsibilities, indicating that this will be addressed in the upcoming council meeting. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE CHARACTER, PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE, OR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH OF AN INDIVIDUAL. UTAH CODE ANNOTATED 52-4-205 (1) (A).

The Mayor clarifies that the executive session is not related to the council member applicants or the open council member seat. The council then proceeds to move into an executive session, which includes Mayor Erickson, Lyle Bair, Amber Ervin, Bryce Wood, Joel Draxler, HollyJo Karren, and Justin Lewis. The regular council meeting is closed at 8:06 P.M., and the executive session concludes at 8:42 P.M.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESOLUTION 2024-02, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY JUSTICE COURT JUDGES.

The Mayor discusses the situation where the current judge, Matthew Funk, had to resign as he is running for the position of Cache County Auditor. The council is presented with three options for the justice court: signing an interlocal agreement with another city, hiring a full-time judge, or dissolving the court. In the short term, they need to appoint a temporary judge. A motion is made to adopt Resolution 2024-02, which authorizes the appointment of temporary justice court judges. The motion is unanimously approved.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESOLUTION 2024-01, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISSOLUTION OF THE RICHMOND CITY JUSTICE COURT.

The City Council is faced with a difficult decision regarding the Richmond City Justice Court. They discuss the financial losses incurred by the court over the last three years and consider the limited options available. Bryce requests financial data for the court for the past three years, indicating annual losses. The discussion revolves around the challenges of hiring a new judge, the lack of council control over a new judge's rulings, and the potential for increased costs. Bryce highlights that many nearby places have closed their justice courts.

After considering the situation, a motion is made to adopt Resolution 2024-01, authorizing the dissolution of the Richmond City Justice Court. The motion is seconded by Joel, and the vote is unanimous. The City Council expresses appreciation for the staff's efforts and acknowledges the significance of this decision for the community. The resolution signals the end of the Richmond City Justice Court, and the council emphasizes the importance of making the transition as smooth as possible for the community. 

INTERVIEWS WITH APPLICANTS APPLYING TO FILL THE MID-TERM VACANCY COUNCIL MEMBER SEAT THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025.

The Mayor explains that a council member seat is available due to having three seats up for election in 2023 with only two applicants. The city council will appoint someone to fill the vacancy until the next election cycle in two years. Five applicants were present:

• Richard Carlson
• Daryl Black
• Tamara Hardy
• Brock Meacham
• Rhonda Davis

After the introductions, the Mayor and Council will likely deliberate and make a decision on the appointment based on the applicant's qualifications and responses. 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF A NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBER TO SERVE THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025.

In the concluding section of the meeting, the newly appointed council member, Daryl Black, promptly took the Oath of Office. Council members expressed gratitude for all applicants and underscored the significance of community involvement, encouraging those not selected to stay engaged and consider future applications. The mayor highlighted the need for volunteers, especially for roles like the youth council. Ultimately, Daryl Black was appointed to the city council, filling the open seat until December 31, 2025. Despite a personal event affecting the mayor, he expressed appreciation for the support received. The council adjourned the meeting at 9:11 P.M.