City Council

APPROVED 05/01/2023 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES April 24, 2023 THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023 BY CITY CLERK MCCALLISTER. ROLL CALL Present: Allen, LaFore, Reindel, Schultz, Warn Absent: Misteravich, Rix (Due to being out of town) Others: City Manager Moore, City Clerk McCallister, City Planner Jeschke Visitors: Melissa Majchrzak, Kathy Osebold Motion by Reindel, seconded by LaFore to appoint Councilor Warn as acting Chairman for tonight’s meeting, due to Mayor Rix and Mayor Pro-Tem Misteravich being out of town. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion by LaFore, seconded by Reindel, to adopt the agenda as presented All yeas Motion passes ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION 1. Consideration of EDC recommendation – Chamber of Commerce The Richmond Chamber of Commerce has dissolved leaving the local businesses in search of joining another local Chamber. Both Chambers, Anchor Bay and the Greater Romeo Washington Chamber, conducted “interviews” with the EDC/City Council Sub- committee on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. CCSpecialMtg: 04/24/2023 Page 1 of 3  APPROVED 05/01/2023 City Manager Moore provided the background information for both Chambers and emphasized that they both are well run and professional organizations. Although both have strengths and weakness, the committee is recommending Council to endorse the Greater Romeo Washington Chamber. By doing so, the Romeo Washington Chamber would consider changing their name to incorporate all the communities associated with their Chamber. This partnership with Romeo would allow the Richmond businesses to become more of a strategic partner. Discussion: Reindel questioned if there were any financial obligations or further commitments of City Council by recommending a Chamber of Commerce. Moore indicated this decision was only an endorsement rather than a commitment as the City of Richmond has no authority to tell a business which Chamber to join but only can make a recommendation. If approved, the EDC did discuss the Greater Romeo Washington Chamber to meet with the local businesses during an event to help guide them through the process should they choose to join with them. Allen, whom met with both Chambers, was pleased with their emphasis on connecting Romeo to Richmond. LaFore agreed with Allen and added his pleasure in the Romeo Chamber being a northern community similar to Richmond. Public Comment: Majchrzak (EDC member), whom met with both Chambers, and is a member of the Sub- Committee, felt it was very important to get the support from Council in their recommendation. Osebold (EDC member), whom met with both Chambers, and a member of the Sub- Committee, expressed the desire to endorse the Greater Romeo Washington Chamber as they would appear more as a partner with Richmond rather than just being absorbed by the organization. No further comments were received. Motion by Reindel, seconded by Allen, to encourage Richmond Businesses to consider joining the Greater Romeo Washington Chamber of Commerce based on their dues structure, partnership potential and the potential for a local office and staff. All yeas Motion passes CCSpecialMtg: 04/24/2023 Page 2 of 3  APPROVED 05/01/2023 COUNCIL COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT Motion by Allen, seconded by Schultz, to adjourn the Special Council Meeting at 7:20 p.m. All yeas Motion passes Respectfully submitted: Heather L. McCallister City Clerk CCSpecialMtg: 04/24/2023 Page 3 of 3