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October 8, 2009 Richmond Town Board Meeting
RICHMOND TOWNSHIP BOARD MINUTES
OCTOBER 8, 2009
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Todd Rehnelt. Present
were Supervisors Knutson, Naser, Berquist, Volkert. Also present were
Clerk Preece, Planning Comm.Rep Jim Nelson, Treasurer Kelly and Town
Attorney Scott.
Other attendees signed in were: Ruth Ball, Warren Bader, John Kelly,
Warren Bader, Brenda Albert, Angela Popenhagen, Lori & Mark Stephens,
Dan Orf?(sp)
The agenda was approved on a motion by Knutson and second by Naser.
With 2 additions to the minutes from September 10 and one name
correction, the minutes were approved on a motion by Berquist and
second by Rehnelt.
The treasurer’s report was read and approved on a motion by Knutson
and second by Volkert. Brenda Albert from First National Bank of
River Falls in New Richmond presented a proposal for moving some money
from Anchor Bank. On deposits up to $200,000.00, the bank would
guarantee an interest rate of 2.4% for at least 3 months. After that
a variable rate would take effect and she can’t know for certain what
this amount would be. If all the money is withdrawn before a 6 month
period, a fee of $50 would be charged. On a motion by Volkert, and
second by Rehnelt, the motion directing Mary to moved $200,000.00 to
First National Bank of River Falls carried 4-0. Gary Knutson
abstained.
Public Input: Randy suggested we consider using a heat pump and also
check on sewer line leakage.
Youth Center Request: Shannon Hagman made a follow up presentation to
her appearance in September seeking donations for the non-profit youth
center. Additional handouts were given to board members, detailing
what would be offered, the benefits to the children in this area and
the cost to people using this center. The city of New Richmond would
match any donation. Tim Scott recognizes the real need for a facility
like this, but also says it needs to be authorized by town electors,
probably at the annual meeting. No action was taken and it will be
brought to the annual meeting the 2nd Tuesday in April.
Ruth Ball, senior center representative, also in a follow up to her
request in September, made a request for funds to help with this
center. Knutson moved to donate $200.00, seconded by Berquist.
Motion carried.
Hatfield Park Project item to be on a later agenda.
Impact Fee Ordinance: Angela Popenhagen, from Stevens Engineering,
discussed the needs assessments as related to impact fees stating the
needs assessment supports the impact fee. The impact fee handout is
made part of these minutes. Ms. Popenhagen recommends re-evaluating
it every 3 years and based on population growth, etc. our fee could go
as high as $2,602.00 After a public hearing is held, the final amount
would be determined. Tim Scott recommends studying this and then
making a determination and presentation to a public hearing. This will
be on the Nov. agenda for further consideration.
Energy Grant: Ms. Popenhagen explained what this grant may be used
for and the difficulty of writing up a grant. Applications are due
Nov. 12, 2009 and she would be willing to do the grant writing at a
cost of $1,500-$2,000.00. Mr. Kearns questioned whether we should
spend this money applying for a grant and whether or not we need to
have town approval for this. Tim Scott says this is not necessary.
Open Bids: Todd opened the bids received for town hall renovation
from Haffner Construction, Derrick Companies, Penquin Insulation, B &
B Electric, Andrus Homes. They will be put in a spreadsheet format,
and the bids will be let at a later meeting. These bid amounts are
part of these minutes.
REPORTS:
1. Building Inspector/Permit. 3 building permits, 2 roofs, 1 garage
2. Animal Control: Todd reported 10 animal calls.
3. Planning Commission: Jim Nelson reported for the planning
committee. Two meetings have been held; driveway ordinance was
approved, continued work on comp. plan was done and discussed St.
Croix Co. animal waste. Next meeting is Nov. 2, 2009.
4. GEN/Library : Will be part of No. 7 under new business.
5. Ambulance: Still waiting on medicare receivables, continue to look
at building ambulance garage & sites. Gary reported assessment will
be up 9% for 2010.
6. Fire: The budget has been scaled back and they will continue to
work with ambulance on 3 year transition.
7. Landfill: Next meeting on Nov. 3, 2009 at 11 a.m.
8. Transportation: TRIP packets are just out, and Todd will meet with
TRIP to see about monies for 140th St. North of the bridge to Co. Rd.
GG. Todd will use the Pacer to rate the roads. There will be 6
roundabouts between New Richmond and Interstate 94 by 2012.
9. WTA: Todd will not go to the annual WTA meeting in Stevens Point.
The next quarterly WTA will be Oct. 22 at Stanton Town Hall at 7 p.m.
UPDATES: Tim Scott has had communication from David Raisback and it
sounds like he will make his payments on his development.
OLD BUSINESS;
Richmond Way/140th St.: Todd presented 3 proposals/estimates from
the highway department. for North of Paperjack and including that
intersection.
1. Resurfacing just top surface of present roadway--$44,080.00. Not
doable.
2. Reconstruct present roadway --$56,403.45
3. Rebuild with 24’paved surface and 6’ shoulders--$74,050.47. This
is the recommended proposal because of traffic counts.
Berquist suggested we go with the 24’road and 6’ shoulders and not
participate in Richmond Way intersection. Berquist moved to present
to the New Richmond city council this $74,050.00 estimate subject to a
signed agreement between the City of New Richmond and Town of
Richmond. Rehnelt seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Garbage Hauler Agreement: Tim Scott explained to Stephens
Sanitation what the standard agreement would entail. Stephens
Sanitation would also like the road restrictions on a later agenda
concerning garbage hauling when roads are posted.
Zoning Code Violation: The county is staying on top of these
zoning violations.
Selling Township Plow/Truck: Mr. Trolla says the market is picking
up for these sales.
Building Inspector Interest: We have gotten 2 proposals. One
from Brian Wert and one from Todd Dolan. The question asked was ‘Why
are we doing this?”. Berquist wondered if anyone had questioned Dean
Albert about complaints. It was suggested that we have Mr. Albert at
our meeting and Mr. Scott recommended we have the contract signed with
him. It was decided that Todd along with Dave Naser will meet with
Dean Albert, and we will not have the contract signed.
NEW BUSINESS:
St. Croix EDC Membership: Volkert moved and Naser seconded the
motion to not join the EDC. Motion carried.
Road and Driveway Permit Ordinance: Will be reviewed and put on
the agenda for November
Rescind Snowmobile Ordinance: The planning commission has looked at
this ordinance and parts of it are illegal. Knutson moved and Volkert
seconded a motion to rescind this ordinance. Motion carried.
Middle School Report: Berquist discussed the apparent interest of
WITC in the old middle school building, and this would go a long way
toward paying the bills for overhead. Berquist at this time wants to
change his vote from the last meeting, and made a motion to support
the Middle School Report, based on new information from WITC, seconded
by Rehnelt. Voting yes: Knutson, Berquist, Rehnelt. Voting no:
Naser, Volkert. Motion carried.
Planning Commission Secretary: Since our current secretary is not
working out, Volkert moved to hire a secretary at $15/hour, seconded
by Berquist. Motion carried.
December News Letter: Berquist wonders about a questionnaire going
to residents, along with tax bills. Any newsletter information is
needed by November.
Garbage Fee Increase: The fees need to be increased for dumpster
usage. Todd recommends keeping it the same for our residents and
double or triple it for others. Perhaps send out ID cards for
residents. This will be on agenda in November.
Budget Hearing, Tax Levy Approval, Highway Expenditures Approval
Date: Berquist moved to set this meeting for November 12, 2009 at 6
p.m. seconded by Volkert. Motion carried.
Naser moved, Berquist seconded motion to pay bills as presented.
Motion carried.
Naser moved, Volkert seconded motion to adjourn. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted
Donna Preece, Clerk