City Council

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES JULY 29, 2015 THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 6:15 P.M. AT THE RICHMOND CITY CEMETERY, ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015, BY MAYOR RIX. ROLL CALL Present: Greene (6:21 pm), LaFore, Misteravich, Rix, Roberts (7:03pm), Yaroch Absent: Schultz Others: City Manager Moore, City Clerk Stagl Visitors: DPS Director Goetzinger, John Warn Cemetery Walk Through The purpose of the walk-through was to give Council the opportunity to actually see what was occurring in the Cemetery before moving forward with the placement of a regulation sign. Council toured section 8 and the original section of the cemetery to see first hand the difference in appearance. The newer section had several grave sites that had fallen into disrepair and grave sites that had much more decorations than were allowed by the City’s cemetery regulations. Council was in agreement that the City needed to be more consistent in enforcement of its regulations – they also were in agreement that the grave sites that had become overgrown and unmaintained needed to be cleaned up. It was agreed that we should start going after the really bad – obvious blighted sites. Council recessed at 6:57 p.m. Council reconvened at 7:03 p.m. at the Richmond Fire Department Motion by Greene, seconded by LaFore, to excuse Councilor Schultz from tonight’s meeting. All yeas Motion passes AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None SCM: 07/29/2015 Page 1 of 4 ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion by Misteravich, seconded by Greene, to adopt the Agenda as presented. All yeas Motion passes ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 1. Discussion of Items of General Concern Fire Department Vehicle Review Fire Chief Cooke explained to Council the purpose of each vehicle in the Fire Hall. Chief Cooke also advised Council on the condition of each vehicle, the life expectancy and which vehicles were in need of repairs or replacement. Engine 1– goes on every call – in very good shape Water 1 – Currently out of service. Once it is repaired it could last another 5-7 years Ladder Truck – Use it as much as can – in good shape Grass Truck – Runs good Squad 1 – This vehicle is used on most medicals in the City Fire Rescue 1 – Some maintenance issues –does not always start. The Fire Department would like to replace this vehicle – it is used on fire and accident runs. A new vehicle would be $200,000-$300,000. Goals and Objectives Issue #6 – Code Enforcement. Discussion on how we can be more consistent with code enforcements. Suggested that we create an objective stating that we would use a targeted approach to code enforcement for specific areas of concern, such as: blight, grass, snow removal – for these areas we would use a proactive enforcement approach. The following changes were made: New Objective: Create a written procedure for Code Enforcement. Change goal to read: To more effectively enforce the City’s Code of Ordinances to raise the expectations of property owners in maintaining their properties. Remove objective: Clearly define which city department will be handling various code enforcement issues. Issue #7 – Technology City Manager Moore questioned if Council wanted the City to have a Face book page. Council SCM: 07/29/2015 Page 2 of 4 was in agreement that this should be created. Discussion on a computer use policy. Discussed whether we should have blocks on the internet. Discussed whether there is a need for a citywide technology person – instead of having to hire an outside company to come in on an as-needed basis, it may be more efficient to have a system administrator on staff. The following changes were made: New Objective: Create a computer use policy. New Objective: Evaluate the need for an IT position in the City. Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce Letter Mayor Rix suggested discussing each issue listed in the letter and come to a consensus on each issue. He also suggested that a Committee be formed of up to 3 Council members and the Manager to meet with the Chamber. 1. Council was not in favor of creating a video. There may be a better alternative. 2. Meet with the Chamber to determine what she is referring too. 3. Streetscape issue 4. Streetscape issue 5. Streetscape issue 6. Speak with Chamber Director to determine what type of pamphlet she is looking for. 7. Get clarification from the Chamber – Do they want more enforcement of the City’s sign ordinance. 8. Streetscape issue. Council needs to reconstitute the Streetscape Committee. Mayor Rix requested information from the previous Streetscape Committee. Suggested that this be placed on the October meeting agenda to determine the membership. 9. Administration needs to find out who is working on the City’s TIFA plan update from the County. Cemetery It was agreed upon by Council that: 1) We need to get rid of blight, 2) Need to remove broken item on grave sites and 3) Needed to install the sign which stated the rules/regulations. COUNCIL COMMENTS None SCM: 07/29/2015 Page 3 of 4 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Misteravich, seconded by Greene, to adjourn the Special Quarterly Roundtable Meeting at 10:08 p.m. All yeas Motion passes Respectfully submitted: Karen Stagl City Clerk SCM: 07/29/2015 Page 4 of 4