Richmond City Council June 2024 Summary

APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM MAY 16, 2024.

Approved.

DISCUSSION AND UPDATE WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DUP (DAUGHTERS OF UTAH PIONEERS).

Suzanne Dent, captain of the James and Drusilla Hendricks camp, discussed the group's activities and their use of the Relief Society building, noting concerns about its condition and the need for grant funding for a new roof and exterior painting. The group appreciates the city’s support and requested Mayor Erickson to draw the winning ticket for a quilt raffle. Diane Bowden, director of the Relic Hall, highlighted the hall’s visitor turnout and events, mentioning that the hall received tips from the International Daughters of Utah Pioneers on artifact care and display. Mayor Erickson acknowledged the need for building improvements and suggested fundraising efforts. Diane added that while the Relic Hall is generally in good condition, they receive limited donations due to bylaw restrictions.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON THE SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST BY THE SANDAL BLUE FOUNDATION TO HOST A “BACK TO SCHOOL CARNIVAL FUNDRAISER” AT THE CITY PARK ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024.

Trevor Jackson discussed the annual fundraiser for the Sandal Blue Foundation, scheduled to be held from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The foundation supports families affected by catastrophic vehicle accidents and focuses on patient advocacy. They requested to rent the entire park for the event, which will feature food trucks and a bouncy house, both insured. Approximately 100-150 attendees are expected, with plans to expand advertising. Mayor Erickson confirmed the need for generators as park power is insufficient. The council unanimously approved the Special Event Application for the foundation.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON THE SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION REQUEST BY JENNIFER ERICKSON TO HOST A “KIDS BAZZAAR” AT THE CITY PARK ON FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2024.

Jennifer Erickson proposed an event to teach children how to earn money by setting up their own booths at the park on July 12th. With around 25 booths already spoken for, she emphasized that she won't provide anything besides the reserved space. She inquired about the park rental fee, which is $40, and received guidance on advertising restrictions. The council praised the initiative and unanimously approved her Special Event Application.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON RESOLUTION 2024-05, A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PREVAILING FEE SCHEDULE OF THE CITY.

Holly proposed reducing the Community Building rental fee for residents from $200 to $150 and the deposit from $100 to $50 due to aging infrastructure. She also suggested increasing the nonresident park rental fee from $20 to $40 and the special event fee from $20 to $100, along with a nonrefundable $300 deposit for special events. The council discussed potential damage costs, monitoring issues, and the need for contracts and liability waivers. They ultimately agreed on increasing the nonresident park rental fee to $60 and the special event fee to $200, with a refundable $300 deposit for special events. The motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING ORDINANCE 2024-11, AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION INCREASES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MAYOR AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS.

Justin explained that Senate Bill 91 now requires wage changes for appointed officials, in addition to elected officials, to be included in public hearings and council votes. The proposal for Fiscal Year 2025 includes a 4.00% cost of living adjustment for the mayor, city council, city administrator, and city recorder, matching the increase proposed for other employees. The council moved to close the regular meeting, open a public hearing, received no comments, and then reopened the regular meeting, all with unanimous votes.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE ON ORDINANCE 2024-11.

Amber remarked on the necessity of adhering to new legislation. The mayor confirmed compliance with the new requirements. Amber then motioned to adopt Ordinance 2024-11, establishing compensation increases for City Council Members, the Mayor, and appointed officials. Bryce Wood seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

Yes Vote: Bair, Ervin, Draxler, Wood, Black  

No Vote: None

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 AND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET WHICH IS THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025.

Justin reviewed the major items in the proposed budget adjustments, which included increases in various tax revenues, donations, and fund balance usage. Expenses saw increases in several areas such as maintenance, utilities, Black & White Days activities, and library supplies, while public safety wages decreased. Additionally, water and sewer enterprise funds were adjusted to reflect impact fees and ARPA funds, among other changes. New budget additions included grants, tax projects, software packages, and wage adjustments.

A motion was made by Bryce Wood, seconded by Joel, to close the regular council meeting and open the public hearing, which passed unanimously. With no comments or questions from the public, a motion by Lyle, seconded by Bryce Wood, to close the public hearing and reopen the regular council meeting also passed unanimously.

Yes Vote: Bair, Ervin, Draxler, Wood, Black  

No Vote: None

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

Yes Vote: Bair, Ervin, Draxler, Wood, Black  

No Vote: None

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET.

Best read from the City Council Minutes.

STAFF REPORTS AND MONTHLY FINANCIAL REVIEW.

Financial Updates:

Justin reported that the sales tax revenue for May was $58,654. The city received its fifth Class “C” Road Funds allocation amounting to $32,050. For the Black & White Days activities, the revenue through the end of May totaled $20,207, with sponsorship revenue at $15,350. As for expenses, through May, the total was $30,087, but with June expenses included, the figure rose to around $44,000, with some expenses still pending submission. Water Impact Fee revenue through May amounted to $684,979, and Sewer Impact Fee revenue was $481,106, although Justin anticipates a decrease in these numbers for the new fiscal year as many Richmond Village impact fees have now been paid. The annual payment on the MBR Plant, amounting to $182,000, was made in May, and the payment on the water tank project was made in June, totaling $232,481.

Project Updates:

Regarding the 400 West Road project, Weston discussed an irrigation waterline issue that had surfaced. A 12-inch irrigation waterline, which crosses the 400 West 150 North intersection diagonally, was found to be in very poor condition, presenting a risk of breaking and necessitating the new road to be torn up. Consequently, there is a plan to reroute this waterline out of the intersection, with an estimated cost of around $7,000, which is half of the $14,000 bid that also included the 4-inch waterline. The council discussed and agreed that it was unnecessary to reroute the 4-inch waterline at this time. The irrigation company initially agreed to share the costs but later backed out of the agreement.

Holly provided updates on several ongoing projects and tasks. The chip seal work had been completed, although there were some issues with excess chips being pushed off the side of the road. The county returned to clean up the excess chips. A new street sweeper, purchased for $75,500, has arrived, and training for its use has commenced. 

The city will start publishing a newsletter in July, with the council’s input sought on the content. There is considerable excitement in the community about the Relic Hall reopening, with flyers distributed to advertise its hours.

Sidewalk work on Main Street and 100 South began this week. At the Cub River Sports Complex, numerous maintenance tasks have been completed, including fixing the sprinkler system and removing around eight dead trees. The city is also addressing a vole problem with treatments planned twice a year. Road base has been brought in to fix potholes along the asphalt road, damaged by semi-trucks turning around in the parking lot. 

For the park restroom project, preparations for the pad are underway, with electrical and water services already installed. Sewer underground work is scheduled to start soon, and three new electrical pedestals are being added for vendor use. The bathroom is expected to arrive in July.

Lastly, the Richmond Village project, which plans for a total of 106 units, has 12 units completed and occupied. Zoning clearances have been issued for over half of the total units for the project.

COUNCIL MEMBER AND MAYOR REPORTS

Daryl highlighted a sinkhole issue near one of the vaults recently installed by Rocky Mountain Power. He emphasized the need to work closely with the irrigation company, especially as new subdivisions like Elk Meadows and Traveller Lane are developed. The irrigation company wants fees to be paid and the water master to be notified simultaneously.

Bryce Wood praised the efforts of those working at the Hamburger Stand during Black & White Days, noting that the event exceeded expectations. He mentioned an attempt to hold an informative youth council meeting, which had low attendance, and shared his involvement in improving the conditions at the Cub River Sports Complex.

Joel informed that the planning commission did not meet this month.

The Mayor reported that agreements with two of the three landowners on the 500 North road project were in place, with two agreements awaiting signatures at the title company.

Amber expressed satisfaction with the Black & White Days event, appreciating all volunteers and acknowledging the challenges faced. She noted that there were 168 visitors to the food pantry last month and emphasized the need for more volunteers to help provide hot meals, particularly for seniors.

Lyle mentioned that they were still waiting for the results of the water and sewer studies and noted that the 400 West road project was progressing well.

The Mayor asked Holly for an update on the MBR Plant licensing issue. Holly reported that Madelyn, who was previously handling the reporting, was no longer with J-U-B Engineers and recommended Bryan Tolbert for the role due to his existing certifications. The city has until June 30, 2025, to have a Level III operator on staff, with Shane Lewis, Troy Hooley, and Bryan all working towards their certifications. Holly discussed the transition of roles, with John taking over parks as Bryan transitions into the sewer department.

Amber remarked on the positive attitude of employees during Black & White Days compared to the previous year, while Holly noted that employees felt supported by the council.

The Mayor emphasized the importance of sales tax revenue and announced that John Harris would be moving from part-time to full-time in July. Holly added that the city's payroll had increased significantly over the past six years due to staff expansion and new departments.

Weston provided an update on the sewer master plans, stating that they were working on four master plans, with the sewer treatment master plan being the priority. He explained that the plant was nearing design capacity and that they were looking into expanding its capacity, which would impact the fee schedule. The water and sewer plans were in the modeling phase, with the transportation master plan to start soon.

The Mayor mentioned discussions with Lewiston about potentially attaching to the city's sewer system and the ongoing study by J-U-B Engineers to determine the feasibility. He also talked about the need to revise the agreement with Lewiston regarding the Cub River Sports Complex and the issues with the new water tank and pumphouse built on city property. The Mayor outlined the steps to transfer the land to Lewiston to avoid liability and discussed a possible property purchase for better access to the east side.

The next council meetings were scheduled for July 18th and August 15th. A motion to adjourn was made by Bryce Wood, seconded by Lyle, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 P.M.