Richmond City Council March 2024 Summary

 APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2024.

Approved.

DISCUSSION AND UPDATE ON THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM WITH SHANE LEWIS.

Mayor Erickson inquired about the status of operations at the MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) Plant. Shane Lewis, responsible for the plant, mentioned they were operating at maximum capacity despite challenges with infiltration into sewer pipes and sump pumps dumping into the system. Mayor Erickson emphasized the importance of not using sump pumps to discharge into the sewer system. The council discussed ongoing sewer studies, including one on the collection system and another assessing the potential integration of Lewiston City into their system. Weston provided updates on data gathering for an operational master plan. The meeting also acknowledged recent pump replacements, with Mayor Erickson highlighting Shane's diligent maintenance efforts, noting the system's capacity limitations and plans for expansion due to projected residential growth. Shane assured that while certain items required attention daily, there were no immediate emergency replacements needed. Despite the system's complexity and high operational costs, Shane confirmed they were managing well with current resources, and the mayor expressed appreciation for Shane's oversight and the critical role of the sewer system within the community.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2024-06, AN ORDINANCE REZONING CACHE COUNTY PARCEL NUMBERS 09-046-0025, 09-046-0022 AND 09-046-0023 FROM RE-2 (RESIDENTIAL ESTATE 2-ACRE) TO RMD (RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY). THE PARCELS ARE LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF APPROXIMATELY 300 NORTH STATE STREET.

Justin provided an update on the Ron Anderson West State Street Subdivision, highlighting the need to correct zoning for certain parcels to align with surrounding areas. The proposal aimed to rezone three parcels from Residential Estate 2-Acre (RE-2) to Residential Medium Density (RMD) to avoid creating nonconforming lots. This rezoning effort would support future development plans, including the extension of 300 North westward from State Street. Joel noted that there were no public comments during the public hearing, and the planning commission unanimously supported the request, emphasizing the long-term need for sewer infrastructure in the area. Holly confirmed that the staff approved of the request, and council members Lyle and Bryce expressed agreement, underscoring the appropriateness of the proposed zoning for the area. Ultimately, a motion to adopt Ordinance 2024-06 for rezoning was unanimously approved by the council members present.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2024-07, AN ORDINANCE REZONING CACHE COUNTY PARCEL NUMBER 09-046-0019 FROM A-10 (AGRICULTURAL 10-ACRE) TO RMD (RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY). THE PARCEL IS LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 300 NORTH 50 WEST AND IS APPROXIMATELY 17.83 ACRES.

Justin discussed the city's potential land purchase from the Mary Ellen Glenn family to facilitate the extension of 300 North westward from State Street. He noted that while no formal agreement was in place with the Glenn family, they sought clarity on the property's zoning before considering a deal. The proposal aimed to rezone the parcel from Agricultural 10-Acre (A-10) to Residential Medium Density (RMD) to avoid creating nonconforming lots and align with surrounding zoning. Joel reported that there were no public comments during the hearing, and although Daryl expressed concerns about granting the rezoning without a formal agreement, the motion proceeded without the amendment to make the rezoning contingent upon the land purchase. Ultimately, a unanimous vote approved Ordinance 2024-07 for the rezoning of the specified parcel.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2024-08, AN ORDINANCE REZONING CACHE COUNTY PARCEL NUMBER 09-046-0020 FROM RE-2 (RESIDENTIAL ESTATE 2-ACRE) TO RLD (RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY). THE PARCEL IS LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 400 NORTH STATE STREET AND IS APPROXIMATELY 1.90 ACRES

Justin presented a request to rezone Cache County Parcel Number 09-046-0020 from Residential Estate 2-Acre (RE-2) to Residential Low Density (RLD). This rezoning was sought because the parcel lacked sufficient frontage to support a rezoning to Residential Medium Density (RMD), and the property owner's long-term plan was to divide the lot into two lots. Joel reported that there were no public comments during the public hearing, and the planning commission unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning request. Subsequently, a unanimous vote from the council approved Ordinance 2024-08 for the rezoning of the specified parcel.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2024-05, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE RICHMOND CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 12-000 “LAND USE, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT (LUDMO)”, CHAPTER 12-2000 “SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS”, PARTS 12-2003-3 “PRELIMINARY PLAT PROCESS”, 12-2003-41 “FINAL PLAT PROCESS” AND 12-2003-4 “FINAL PLAT PROCESS”. 

Justin highlighted significant changes made to the city code a few months ago, particularly regarding single-family subdivision approvals, which are now subject to administrative approval. However, other non-single-family requests still require approval by the planning commission and city council. The proposed amendments to the city code aimed to clarify that certain requests will still go through the planning commission. Joel reported that there were no public comments during the hearing, and the planning commission unanimously recommended the approval of Ordinance 2024-05, which amended specific parts of the Richmond City Municipal Code related to subdivision regulations. The council unanimously voted to adopt the ordinance. Mayor Erickson emphasized the importance of adapting the city code to meet evolving legislative requirements and acknowledged recent updates, including changes to street light design drawings and the addition of ribbon curbs to new roads.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESOLUTION 2024-03, A RESOLUTION UPDATING THE PREVAILING FEE SCHEDULE OF THE CITY.

Holly brought up the issue of residents applying for new sheds or building additions without any associated fees in the Prevailing Fee Schedule to cover the staff's time spent on reviewing and approving such requests. To address this, a proposal was made to implement a $50.00 fee for these types of requests, which was deemed reasonable to cover the costs incurred by the staff. Mayor Erickson emphasized the importance of setting fees that accurately reflect the staff's time and expenses. The council unanimously supported this proposal, leading to the adoption of Resolution 2024-03, which updated the Prevailing Fee Schedule of the City to include this new fee for building permit-related requests. All council members voted in favor of the resolution, acknowledging the need for appropriate compensation for staff time spent on these reviews and approvals.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2024-09, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE RICHMOND CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 12-000 “LAND USE, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT (LUDMO)”, CHAPTER 12-500 “ADMINISTRATION” BY ADDING IN ITS ENTIRETY PART 12-521 “RESTRICTIONS ON OPEN SPACE LOTS OR PARCELS / NOTICE OF RESTRICTIONS”. 

Justin provided information on an ordinance related to open space within the city's code, emphasizing that the ordinance does not change the existing rules prohibiting the sale of open space owned by homeowner associations (HOA). He clarified misconceptions surrounding landlocked parcels and the ownership of open space, stressing that private property issues regarding open space are not within the city's jurisdiction. The proposed ordinance aimed to provide clarity on these matters and was unanimously approved by the planning commission and subsequently by the council. Council members, including Amber and Daryl, shared insights into the intent behind designating certain areas as open space in past developments. A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Daryl, seconded by Lyle, and the vote was unanimous among council members present. Mayor Erickson also addressed concerns regarding recent developments near Richmond Village and the zoning of open spaces, urging residents to seek accurate information from the city regarding development plans and regulations.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE PERSONNEL MANUAL OF THE CITY. 

Justin proposed changes to the city's personnel manual regarding health insurance contributions. The existing policy, which had fixed percentages for employee and city contributions, was to be replaced with a more flexible approach. The new policy would determine employee contributions yearly during the enrollment period, allowing for adjustments based on fluctuating insurance costs. Justin highlighted the need for flexibility due to annual price changes and varying costs between traditional and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans. The council discussed specifics, such as the number of employees on the HSA plan and the renewal date for insurance coverage. Ultimately, a motion to adopt the changes to the personnel manual was made by Bryce, seconded by Amber, and passed unanimously by the council. Mayor Erickson emphasized the challenges of health insurance due to potential large increases in costs based on his experiences.

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

Various updates and announcements were shared. Bryce reported on the upcoming dance organized by the youth council during Black & White Days, highlighting their efforts and theme of "helping everyone with their dreams." Alia Meacham, the youth council mayor, presented the theme for the event. Joel discussed the planning commission's focus on preserving the local town feel amid anticipated growth, with plans to map out areas for multi-family and high-density housing. Lyle provided updates on ongoing water and sewer studies, including the lead and copper project. The mayor discussed upcoming road projects, including the 500 North road project with funding in place and an anticipated start date for the 400 West Road project. Amber shared updates on community initiatives, such as the Park Bench kitchen and food pantry operations, museum partnerships, and plans for the Highland Games and future RAPZ Tax application for pickleball courts. Additionally, Amber recognized Suzanne Dent's service with a plaque for her work overseeing the Relic Hall and restoration efforts. The meeting concluded with a discussion of international viewership for the cattle show and upcoming presentations at the next council meeting.

STAFF REPORTS AND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REVIEW.

Updates and reports were shared by various members. Holly commended the senior center staff and highlighted UDOT's approval for the Black & White Days foot and bicycle races. She also discussed ongoing pothole repairs and improvements to street signage and landscaping. The mayor acknowledged Holly's efforts in managing day-to-day operations. Justin provided financial updates, including sales tax and impact fee revenue figures. He emphasized the positive impact of new developments on revenue streams and discussed the successful transition to a new solid waste carrier, Econo Waste, which resulted in a generous donation for future pickleball courts. The meeting concluded with a reminder for council members to submit budgetary items to Justin for the upcoming budget discussions in April.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Announcements were made regarding the rescheduling of the April meeting to April 9th and plans for an executive session to discuss a potential land purchase. There was also a discussion about providing agenda items to the public before meetings, with Justin exploring software options to facilitate this. The mayor expressed gratitude to the staff for their ongoing efforts and highlighted the importance of their behind-the-scenes work. Additionally, Holly shared thanks from a resident for recent pothole repairs and mentioned ongoing discussions with the county regarding road maintenance responsibilities.