Larry Hartlaub

The meeting agenda included standard procedural items such as roll call, additions/corrections to the agenda, and public comments. Key business items involved resolutions and ordinances. Unfinished business included authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. for preliminary and final engineering services for the MOT-Spinning Ped Imp-0.33 project, not to exceed $66,049.00. New business consisted of first readings for four ordinances: creating a Credit Memo Clearing Fund, an Evidence Fund, a Demolition/Deposit Fund, and an ordinance for supplemental appropriations for current expenses for 2026. A resolution to revise the Omnibus Fee Schedule was also presented. Discussion items covered Land Use Code/UDO topics, specifically Rohrer Park Zoning, Front Yard Fences, and Back Yard Poultry, as well as IWorQ Modules. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss matters related to city employee compensation/discipline, attorney-client privileged discussions concerning disputes or pending litigation, and confidential applicant information related to privileges granted by the City.

The council meeting agenda included several key actions and discussions. Under Unfinished Business, Resolution No. 26-R-3075 concerning engineering for the MOT-Spinning Ped Imp-0.33 project was postponed to the February 2, 2026 meeting following public and council member concerns regarding costs and priorities. New Business involved first readings for ordinances creating a Credit Memo Clearing Fund, an Evidence Fund, a Demolition/Deposit Fund, and supplemental appropriations for 2026 expenses, as well as a resolution revising the Omnibus Fee Schedule. During Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items, residents voiced concerns about personal censure conduct and the lack of transparency regarding stormwater tiers and fees. The discussion items heavily focused on Stormwater Management, including a detailed presentation on the history, geographic challenges, and associated costs for repairs across multiple problem areas, showing a significant escalation in estimated expenses since 2015. Council members debated the proposed $2 million annual stormwater utility fee, leaning towards a staggered or phased implementation approach rather than the full amount immediately. The council also discussed the proposed rewrite of the Land Use Code/UDO, with several members expressing specific concerns regarding zoning around Rohrer Park (proposed uses like hotels, pet boarding, and hospitals) and regulations on front yard fences and keeping backyard poultry. Finally, the council moved to approve Resolution No. 26-R-3076 for replacement fire department vehicles and Resolution No. 26-R-3077 for road salt purchase. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss employee matters, attorney-client privileged disputes, and permit/license application review, followed by reconvening to approve a resolution settling litigation with PNC Bank NA.

The meeting commenced with the convening of the Riverside City Council and a motion to excuse an absent member. The agenda was approved, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions involved public comments regarding resolutions, specifically Resolution 26-R3075 concerning sidewalk engineering expenditures, which was ultimately tabled for further discussion until the February 2nd meeting due to concerns over prioritizing residential street funding. Two other resolutions were approved: 26-R3074 for the advanced payment of property taxes from the county, and 26-R3076 authorizing the purchase of battalion chief vehicles for the fire department. The final resolution approved was 26-R3077 for the purchase of road salt under an existing contract. New business included a recommendation to establish three new funds in the accounting system to properly manage credit memo funds and evidence funds, ensuring compliance with auditor best practices.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in ceremony for two new police officers, Kyle Fogle and Courtney Mackey. Following this, Officer Michael Ruckle was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. The council then proceeded to approve the agenda and the minutes from the November 3rd meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved the second reading, public hearing, and subsequent adoption of Ordinance Number 25872, which pertains to permanent appropriations for the 2026 budget. In new business, the council held the first reading for Ordinance Number 25873, which concerns supplemental appropriations for the fourth quarter of 2025. Discussions detailed changes required by auditors, including recording grant funding for the Woodman project as both revenue and expense to reflect asset appreciation, and appropriations for new detective vehicles and paving extensions on the Woodman project.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included authorizing the Finance Director to seek advance payments of collected taxes for 2026, and approving resolutions for engineering services related to the MOT-Spinning Road Pedestrian Improvement project, the purchase of replacement fire department vehicles, and the purchase of road salt for 2025-2026 through a cooperative bid program. The Council also considered Resolution No. 26-R-3078 to authorize a settlement payment for ongoing litigation with PNC Bank NA. Discussion items covered new agency funds, Woodman Repaving, Stormwater management (Part 1), and the ongoing rewrite of the Land Use Code (Part 2). Citizens voiced significant concerns during public comment regarding the proposed stormwater fee tiers and amounts, requesting reconsideration.