Many topics discussed by Richland Center City Council

Tuesday night, the Richland Center City Council met to discuss and possibly act on a wide range of topics.

Police Chief Billy Jones spoke about the ongoing road construction on Highway 14 in Richland Center, telling people to slow down in the construction area.  Chief Jones said there have been a few accidents and made it clear that enforcement will be ramping up in the area. 

Jones said,

You’re not gonna see us, we’re not gonna stop you in the construction zone, you’re gonna be stopped outside the construction zone, and then you’ll be reminded why we’re stopping you.  It’s gonna be a ticket.

Justin Running, of Running Inc, gave a presentation regarding the Shared Ride Taxi Program.  Running explained rides had dipped to 22,838 total rides in 2025, but that this year they’re already at 6,232 rides, which puts them on pace to return to levels seen prior to 2025.  This is significant, because the grant program that subsidizes the service calls for the city to make up the shortfall if the number of fares generated falls below expectations.

Administrator Ashley Oliphant noted, the shared ride taxi service is not a mandated service, and that although it is a valued service in the community, and is obviously serving a lot of people, it is not mandated, and with a finite amount of dollars for the city to use, the Council will need to decide whether or not to continue the program going forward. 

Mayor Tepley gave an update on the Cobblestone Inn hotel project, during which Alderperson Melony Walters asked several questions about the process being used to attract investors for the project.  Alderperson Doug Martyniuk expressed frustration at the slow pace of the project, and Alderperson Steve Downs asked what someone should do if they have interest in investing.  Mayor Tepley cited, “franchise laws” as a reason some things cannot be discussed publicly.

The Council narrowly enacted an ordinance that dissolves the park board, and distributes the responsibilities the Park Board held to the public works committee, and the Parks and Rec Director.  The vote was 4-3, with Rachel Schultz, Doug Martyniuk and Steve Downs voted against.

The Council unanimously approved a resolution that authorized capital expenditures, utilizing funds currently in state pool four.  Pool Four currently has $2,985,879 in it,this resolution allowed the city to spend $1,395,000, purchasing a wide variety of items and services, including security cameras, ballfield lights, and  kayak landing repairs.

The Council appointed Brad Wegner to serve as Alderperson in District One, filling the seat vacated by Mayor Karin Tepley.   Wegner, a local business owner and firefighter, previously served on both the park board and the county board.

Stop signs were approved for multiple intersections in the city.