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November 12, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes
NOVEMBER 12, 2009 REGULAR TOWN OF RICHMOND MEETING MINUTES The meeting was called to order by Chairman Rehnelt. Present were Supervisors Volkert, Knutson, Naser, Berquist (by speaker phone), Clerk Preece, Treasurer Kelly, Plan Chair Derrick, Town Attorney Scott. Knutson moved and Naser seconded a motion to approve the agenda. Motion carried. With 2 changes to the October 12 minutes, Knutson moved and Volkert seconded the motion to approve the minutes of October 8 and October 12. Motion carried. The treasurer’s report, after being read, was approved on a motion by Volkert, and second by Rehnelt. Treasurer’s Computer Upgrade: Rehnelt’s concern is using a personal computer which needed a $436.00 parallel port, instead of a computer with Windows capability. . Berquist recommended that the town own the treasurer’s computer. Naser moved to approve this bill, seconded by Volkert. Motion carried. Public Input: Randy is disappointed that the supervisors are not supporting the town chair on roads. Leon Kearns wondered if treasurer’s computer is subject to open records law. NEW BUSINESS; The Centre Request: Paul Mayer and Darren Blattner, representing The Centre, presented a request for funds for a lighting project. The amount requested is based on the number of members and memberships from Richmond Township. This will likely be the only request for funds for a project at The Centre, and they noted that this is the first school district wide entity serving 4,000 people. With the improvements enabled by this, The Centre has the capacity to grow to 1,600 memberships/ 5,000 members. Attorney Scott shared some legal aspects and thinks the town has the legal authority to do so. Gary Knutson, stating that this is a worthwhile entity and with so many of our people using this, moved to contribute $1,000.00 from Park Fund, seconded by Rehnelt. Tom Derrick spoke in favor of this, citing the obvious benefit, especially to older people and urged recommendation by the board, as did Pat Cohrs, another resident. Motion carried with Berquist, Knutson, and Rehnelt voting yes. Naser and Volkert voted no. Catering Business Request. Pat Cohrs presented a request to open a catering business from his home at 1305 144th St. in Richmond Hills. He has already talked to Dan Sitz at zoning and he didn’t feel that a special exception permit would be needed for this. Pat stated there would be no sign in yard, no traffic picking up food as all food would be delivered to customer. The board has no objection to this and Todd recommended that Mr. Cohrs speak with Mr. Sitz again to verify that there would be no future problem. Besssac Special Exception Permit: Ken and Lisa Bessac presented their proposal to have a special exception permit for a contractors storage building. He reiterated that there will be no sign, no added traffic, as the purpose of this business is to use his truck to tow vehicles, and those vehicles would be towed to other locations. This business has been in effect since 1994 in this same neighborhood and there have been no neighborhood objections. Naser moved to approve this request, seconded by Rehnelt and carried. Clerk to email this approval to zoning office in Hudson on Nov. 14. REPORTS: 1. Building Inspector/Permit. 6 permits in October. 1 new home, 1 deck, 1 roofing, 1 garage addition, 1 riding arena addition, 1 substation building. 2. Animal Control. 8 dog calls, 3 pickups. 3. Planning Commission. There is a new secretary for commission-Michelle Fenton, who is doing a great job. Ellen Denzer summarized all the comprehensive plan information and there was information presented on the open house on Nov. 18 to which all Town of Richmond residents have received a mailing. Tom also reported on a new lead ordinance for building inspections in effect after the first of the year. The next meeting is Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. 4. GEN/Library. The document approved by the town board at the October meeting was presented to the school board. 5. Ambulance. Medicare receivables have been received. Next meeting is Dec. 3. 6. Fire. Budget has been kept to about the same as last year. 7. Landfill. A couple of new wells will be installed on the other side of the river. This year’s payment of $15,239.34 will be paid with this months bills. 8. Transportation. The Pacer report is finished, computed and sent to state. The Trip D program now requires a capital improvement plan to be in place when that is applied for. 9. WTA. Last meeting on October 29 stressed new sign regulation UPDATES: 1. Railsback. Tim presented a $1,000.00 check from him and a schedule of payments to fulfill his responsibility in his development. 2. Energy Grant: The energy grant has been submitted for $29,998.00 and we will know by Dec. 12-13 if we are approved for it. Angela Popenhagen also recommends that we contact Focus on Energy for rebates. We do not have the bill for the grant writing yet. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Impact Fee Ordinance Hearing. Angela Popenhagen discussed the changes made in the impact fee, mainly population trends. The maximum amount our impact fee can be, based on population, is $2,687.00 and the town needs to be aware of using this money only for development roads. It cannot be used on roads that need maintenance or that have been neglected over the years. This document will be studied by the board and a hearing date will be set at December meeting. This impact fee assessment is made a part of these minutes, and is available for viewing at the clerk’s office. 2. Tim Scott will check with the state regarding rescheduling a new public hearing and special town meeting Depending on posting requirements Rehnelt moved and Volkert seconded the motion to have this meeting on Nov. 30th at 5 p.m. or Dec. 4th at 5 p.m. 3. Richmond Way/140th St. There is a difference between the city and the township regarding the money offered to do 140th St. from the bridge to Co. Rd. GG. Todd recommends having the city and county engineers meet to discuss this. Based on estimates we received from the county engineers, the recommended amount for this should be $125,000.00. Volkert moved and Knutson seconded the motion to send the draft agreement to the city stating that $125,000.00 is our final offer for 140th St. Motion carried. 4. Garbage Haulers Agreement: Tim walked us through this agreement, which has been approved by Stephens Sanitation. Naser moved and Berquist seconded approval of this contract. Tim Scott also recommends an ordinance prohibiting dumping in Richmond Township, including at the recycling facility when it is not open, which would include a significant fine. 5. Zoning Code Violations: Todd briefly addressed the letters we have received from zoning regarding the Orf and the Hansen properties. 6. Snowplow Truck: The truck has been sold for $14,500.00 and without the help of Tony Trona. He is asking for some payment as he has put in some work on this. Volkert moved and Knutson seconded a motion to pay him $1,000.00. Motion carried. 7. Building Inspector: Rehnelt and Naser met with Dean Albert, addressing some concerns we have received. Now that he is aware of this, he will follow up on it. 8. Garbage Fee Increase: Until further changes are made to our recycling center, we will not make any fee changes for now. After a new gate is installed and the dumpster can be moved inside, this will be addressed again. 9. December Newsletter: The preliminary draft was presented; changes were made and it will be printed and sent out with tax statement. 10. Announcements. Donna will email the information just received on county assessment meeting being held so someone can attend. She also noted a letter of appreciation from Laura Rebhan for our donation of $200.00 to the senior center. The bills payable were approved on a motion by Volkert, second by Knutson. The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Naser, second by Rehnelt. Respectfully submitted Donna Preece, Clerk