Richland Center City Council

Richland Center City Utilities plans to make several improvements to its lead service line removals, and other related facilities. The City expects to borrow funds and incur debt by issuing tax-exempt bonds, promissory notes, DNR Environmental Improvement Funds, or other ‘debt’ to finance the Project. The City may need to provide interim financing to cover the costs of the project incurred prior to receipt of the loan. The Council approved the city’s intent at Tuesday night meeting to reimburse expenditures, not expected to exceed $500,000.

The council also authorized the distribution of funds for the Hill Country land acquisition with monies from Pool 5 – Affordable Housing and the RLF Business Fund in the amount of $675,000, and the lease between the City and Advanced Pump & Well Solution, Inc. to be executed in conjunction with the land sale / purchase closing. The City will also invoke the DNR – Local Government Environmental Liability Exemption as outlined in statute and intends on purchasing these seven lots in order to undertake activities to eliminate blight to promote redevelopment of the area for the betterment of the City.

City Electric Utilities Superintendent, Scott Gald, reported that the Police Department in the City Municipal Building was the only section that was equipped with a generator for back-up power in the event of an outage. The council approved the purchase of a generator and installation for the municipal building in the amount of $32,000.

The council also approved:

The purchase of a used leaf vacuum in the amount of $45,000.

The purchase of a set of lighted crosswalk signs in the amount of $6,200.

A personnel investigator.

An amendment to an ordinance regarding parking from December 1^st to February 29^th.

The amendment concerns alternate side parking on Court Street east of Sheldon Street; Miner Court; and the 400 block of Pearl Street.

A temporary Class B Picnic License for the Greater Richland Area Chamber of Commerce for Taste of the Hills on June 15.

A Picnic License for the Chamber for a Mid-Summer Night Market to be held at the Depot in July, August, and September.

And, Municipal License and Liquor License Renewals.

Mayor Todd Coppernoll reported that the excavation work at Wal-Mart is due to the store’s plan to move it’s pick-up zone to the side of the lot from the center of the lot.

City Administrator, Ashley Oliphant, reported that the first phase of the audit has been done, and it will be finalized in August.

Alderperson, Karin Tepley, reported that the Vernon Thompson Historical request is moving forward.

Police Chief, Billy Jones, reported that the first ever Cops & Bobbers was held a day late due to rain, but it was a successful event. Everyone had a good time. There were 80 participants and 59 fish were caught. The largest measured ten inches.

And, Fire Chief, Scott Gald reported that there are currently 50 members in the department which is a full force and more have expressed interest in joining. He also reported that they have answered 84 calls so far this year.