City Council

APPROVED 08/05/2024 SPECIAL QUARTERLY ROUNDTABLE MINUTES JULY 15, 2024 THE SPECIAL QUARTERLY ROUNDTABLE OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:30 P.M., ON MONDAYJULY 15, 2024, BY MAYOR RIX. ROLL CALL Present: Allen, LaFore, Misteravich, Reindel, Rix, Schultz, Warn Absent: None Others: City Manager Moore, City Clerk McCallister, DPW Director Goetzinger, City Treasurer Hatfield Visitors: None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion by Warn, seconded by Schultz, to adopt the Agenda as amended: All yeas Motion passes LIST OF PRIORITIES 1. WATER RATE DISCUSSION Water Rates – A spreadsheet of neighboring community’s water/sewer rates was reviewed. There was an increase to both the water and sewer rates for FY2024/25, however, it appears Richmond’s rates are not significantly higher than other communities. Administration will work with the DPW director and treasurer to simplify the graph to accurately compare rates. Summer Sewer Rate Discount – For approximately 20 years a 25% discount to the Quarterly: 07/15/2024 Page 1 of 6  APPROVED 08/05/2024 commodity charge has been applied to two (2) quarterly billings for all residents. The summer sewer rates are effective for homes with sprinkler irrigation systems as the irrigation water is not going through the sewer, hence the reason for the discount. It is unknown at this point how much revenue would be generated if the summer discount is discontinued. The consensus agreed to slowly phase out the summer sewer rate discount. Second Water Meters – This could be an option for residents, if approved, in order for residents to maintain the summer water discount. Some communities offer a second water meter for irrigation systems. These meters are only charged water rates and not sewer. Generally the upfront cost of the second meter, depending on size, range from $400 - $500. It is questionable if residents with an irrigation system would opt for a second meter to acquire the discount considering the additional upfront cost for the meter. Pool Adjustments – The City allows for residents to request the removal of the sanitary sewer charge when filling their pool. There was some discussion of eliminating the discount due to the extent of work involved in applying the discount. Furthermore, the resident is receiving a double discount as both a “pool adjustment” and “summer sewer rate discount” are applied. It was suggested the City institute official guidelines laying out the process required to acquire the adjustment (i.e. photos of the meter reading before and after the filling, dates, etc.). If the guidelines are not followed, the discount will not be applied. The consensus agreed that more information on second water meters is needed. The pool adjustments will remain in place as long as an official form stating the guidelines for acquiring the discount are complied with. 2. MUTTONVILLE LANE CUT DISCUSSION Due to safety concerns, several options to change to the Muttenville Lane Cut have been proposed. After a lengthy discussion it is still undetermined what the best solution is for this high risk target area. Additional reflectors have been installed in this area. Initially a roundabout was supported but fear of it creating other traffic issues is a concern. The consensus agreed that before making any decision, administration and the DPW director will meet with the St. Clair County Road Commission to discuss the best alternative for this area. Administration will contact MDOT to discuss how much traffic Quarterly: 07/15/2024 Page 2 of 6  APPROVED 08/05/2024 modeling was considered when the roundabout was proposed. The Quarterly Roundtable meeting recessed at 6:58pm The Quarterly Roundtable meeting reconvened at 7:36pm 3. SIDEWALK GAP COSTS There are several lots in the City that currently do not have sidewalks installed on the property. Council would like to see those gaps filled. The City has the right to require residents to install sidewalks. Several options were discussed in enforcing this Ordinance (payment plans, special assessment, SWIP program discount). It is unknown if vacant property is subject to this requirement so counsel will be consulted. It was noted there are additional properties, not originally noted in the discussion, should be subject to the same requirements. The consensus agreed that for the safety of the community, and for consistency, requiring the installation of the gap sidewalks need to be enforced. 4. ROOSEVELT CIVIC AUDITORIUM LANDSCAPING The revised landscape plan was presented to Council tor review. The following adjustments were proposed: - Remove or lessen the quantity of the “Carl Sedum” where the sign is located. - Move the flagpole to be in line with sign - Install brick paver on each side of sign - Move benches near where the Christmas Tree used to be located - Install future ornamental fencing consistent with the other streetscape design The proposed mark-ups will be sent to Weigands for final revisions. Bids will be acquired from local landscapers. COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The City Manager’s evaluation will be conducted later this month. 1. Promoting Industrial and Commercial Growth Commercial Growth – Quarterly: 07/15/2024 Page 3 of 6  APPROVED 08/05/2024 An occupancy permit was submitted for a proposed coffeehouse on Main Street. The Gather & Grounds Coffee Shop opened on July 2nd. The State of Michigan approved the City’s Social District. Three licensees have their applications in front of City Council this evening. Industrial Development - Administration emailed the Sun Communities attorney involved in the project. An additional follow-up meeting is necessary. Surrounding Townships - Council is pleased that a new five-year Fire Service Contract was negotiated with Casco, Columbus and Richmond Township. All three township boards and City Council approved the contract. 2: Traffic Congestion and accessibility on Main Street St Clair County Road Commission is reconstructing Gratiot Avenue this summer. The project includes milling off the asphalt surface, pulverizing the concrete base, placing new aggregate base, and multiple layers of asphalt pavement. The project will begin at the end of July and will be completed prior to Richmond Good Old Days. Radar Signs & Trailer – Three (3) new solar powered radar signs have been installed. They appear to be working very well. The three (3) battery powered radar signs that they replaced have been moved to Pound, Ridge and Forest. It was requested the sign on Pound be turned to face the opposite direction. Granary Business District – The Public Service Director will review the area around Oak Street to develop a plan to assist pedestrians. It was also mentioned that the stop bars and pavement markers are missing at Main St. and Division. 3. Streetscape Implemented Downtown Lighting Project – The 2nd phase of the Downtown Lighting project is proposed to begin late July/early August. This is to install more of the decorative string lights from the light poles to the building facades. The TIFA budget includes funding to repave and improve the main Municipal Parking Lot on the west side of Main Street. The tentative schedule is have TIFA review Quarterly: 07/15/2024 Page 4 of 6  APPROVED 08/05/2024 substantially completed plans in late fall in order to bid the project in late January/February with a spring 2025 start date. 4. Rails to Trails Funding Maintenance, Use and Development – Administration will be setting up a meeting with the Department of Roads to discuss potential road projects. 5. Orientation and Training for Members of Boards & Commissions Administration is doing a good job with the training sessions with the boards/commissions. 6. Code Enforcement Council would like to see more enforcement implemented; a more pro-active rather than reactive approach to issues. Code enforcement is generally complaint driven. Due to the weather this spring, there was a significant increase to the number of code enforcement letters sent to resident for tall grass and weeds. A handful of trailer violations have since been corrected but code enforcement will continue. Misteravich inquired about the maximum size and quantity of political signs located at any one (1) property location. Councilor Allen left the meeting at 8:42 p.m. 7. Technology – 9-1-1- Upgrades No comments or concerns were received. LIST OF CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY MANAGER Administrative – Council would like to see a handful of enforcements switched to Civil Infractions versus a 90-day misdemeanor. Property – Administration is in the process of researching the requirements needed to move the poles out of the parking lot and along the fence that was removed. Quarterly: 07/15/2024 Page 5 of 6  APPROVED 08/05/2024 Development of Underutilized properties – Millings from the Diane Lane were used to create a portion of the snow relief area. Unfortunately a large enough area was not created. City Vacant Lot TIFA has additional funding for a milling parking lot. Administration will devise a plan for Council to review. Annex Waste Water Treatment Plant – The City has sent two (2) letters to Lenox Township regarding the annexation however Lenox has not returned a response to this request. Administration will attempt to set up a meeting. Projects / Streets / Streetscape - Historic Photos – City Manager Moore and Administrative Assistant Clark have been working on text for the timeline project. They are hopeful they can incorporate related documents from the State Archives for this project. Additionally, the items in the lobby display case will be swapped out yearly. COUNCIL COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT Motion by Schultz, seconded by Misteravich, to adjourn the Special Quarterly Roundtable Meeting at 8:58 p.m. Six yeas (LaFore, Misteravich, Reindel, Rix, Schultz, Warn) One absent (Allen) Motion passes Respectfully submitted: Heather L. McCallister City Clerk Quarterly: 07/15/2024 Page 6 of 6