Jim Goetzinger

The meeting included the approval of bills, specifically payroll expenses and a schedule of bills for recent periods. Correspondence received and filed included various City Council minutes and the Revenue and Expense Report through December 2025. Key considerations involved a discussion regarding the FY2026/27 TIFA Budget, including reviewing completed projects from the previous fiscal year and proposing new potential funding for the Fire Hall Parking Lot and building repairs. Future projects suggested for FY2026/27 included the demolition of the old funeral home on Main Street and the residing/restoring of the Good Old Days Barn. Authority members also proposed enhancements to the Splash Pad, a mural program, continuation of downtown community events, and replacement of windows at the Aud. Long-term interests included establishing an agricultural museum.

Key discussions and actions included the adoption of the amended agenda and the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Council Goals and Objectives, along with the schedule of bills. A public hearing was held regarding the distribution of FY2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation, followed by the allocation of $4,930.00 to four Public Service Programs and an application for $107,887.50 for the ADA Ramp Project. The Council approved multiple special event requests, including the Veterans of SEMCO Walk-A-Thon, the Hometown Hoedown Block Party, and the Commercial House Bibs & Brews event. The Council also approved signage proposals for RAHGS, adopted Resolution 2026-2 to set an alternate date for the March Board of Review, and approved the City of Richmond Roadway Asset Management Plan for submission to MDOT. Bid contracts were awarded for the Community Center Roof Replacement, 2026 Aggregate Supply, and 2026 Overband Crack Filling. Additionally, there was an introduction and first reading of Ordinance 75-3 to amend the Livestock section of the Animal ordinance, and an appointment was made to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

The roundtable discussion focused on several key areas. Initial discussion centered on a proposal from RAHGS regarding signage improvements for the Historic Village, resulting in a consensus on specific streetscape, hanging, and vintage pole signs, and a request for murals to align with the historical nature of the Filling Station. General council goals and objectives were reviewed, including updates on commercial and industrial development, streetscape maintenance, and technology service provider review following a police department email server failure. Specific priorities for the City Manager included follow-up on the Waste Water Treatment Plant annexation and a request for water/sewer line expansion. For construction projects, clarification was sought on the scope of the library renovation Phase 1, particularly concerning restroom and HVAC upgrades, and discussions were held regarding blight removal via demolition projects for vacant properties. The Council reached a consensus to amend the livestock ordinance to require a minimum of two acres for new livestock requests, with existing residents being grandfathered in but not permitted to replace animals upon expiration. Future budget items were requested, including enhancements for the Splash Pad, improvements at Trailhead Park, and upgrades to the Fire Hall. Finally, discussions addressed the current homeless situation within the City.

The Special Meeting of the Richmond City Council addressed several items. The Consent Agenda included receiving and filing the Revenue and Expense Report for December 2025 and approving the Schedule of Bills for January 19, 2026. For the items for consideration, the Council approved the 'Ruckus in Richmond' wrestling fundraiser event scheduled for May 2, 2026, which included provisions for alcohol sales and one mobile food vendor, grandfathering the event as a Richmond Non-Profit event. Additionally, Resolution 2026-1 was adopted, setting the poverty exemption guidelines and asset test, with the Assessor providing instruction on the application process. Under other business, the Council approved the Tentative Agreement with the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC). The session concluded with a closed session to discuss strategy and negotiation related to a collective bargaining agreement.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions included the approval of the Schedule of Bills for $252,707.89 under the Consent Agenda. For items for consideration, the Council approved the purchase of thirty-four flip top tables from Kentwood Office Furniture for $18,705.58, with remaining funds anticipated for future chair purchases. The Council also approved City Manager Moore to attend the Annual Michigan Municipal League Spring Conference and Expo. Council members provided comments on the successful year across community projects, including park activities, the auditorium, and infrastructure work like the water main replacement and Main Street roadwork.