New Richland Center Mayor and council members met for reconfiguration matters

The new Richland Center Mayor , Karin Tepley, and council members met last night (Tuesday) and took care of reconfiguration matters.

Ryan Cairns was unanimously voted in as the Council President. Other matters approved were: a Resolution designating signers on city bank accounts which consists of the Mayor, City Administrator, Financial Officer, Treasurer/Clerk. A Resolution designating public depositories which include The Peoples Community Bank, Local Government Investment Pool, Community First Bank, Richland County Bank, Royal Bank, and Westby Coop Credit Union.

Members of the council were also approved to serve on various committees and commissions.The Richland Center City Council approved dissolving the City Tourism Department and the Tourism Commission.

However, a two year agreement was approved. There will be no change in cost to the City. Seventy percent of total room tax collected will now be forwarded to Greater Richland Tourism Corporation rather than to the City’s Tourism Commission. The City will make the Visitor Center/Railroad Depot available to GRTC at no rental cost; with GRTC being responsible for the cost of utilities.In other action the Council adopted:

Council Rules, Committee Structure and Code of Ethics for itself on a five to one vote with Rachel Schultz being the lone no vote.

A contract with Chrome Fireworks & Displays, LLC for City Fireworks for June 27, in the amount of $17,000. The purchase of a walk-behind floor scrubber in the amount of $3,800 using funds from proceeds from the sale of surplus City equipment.

An expenditure of approximately $80,000 from the Street Projects fund for thereplacement of the Mill Street transverse grate and storm water system and to authorize the Director of Public Works to solicit quotes and award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.

The City’s participation in the 2026 Valley View Drive project in partnership with CityUtilities, authorizing the City’s share of project costs in an amount not to exceed $191,500 for the Base Bid.

And a Temporary “Class B” Picnic License for May 9, to Southwest Partners/Richland Rejuvinates for a High Mileage Concert at the City Auditorium.Large item pick-up will be held in the city again on May 11.