Town of Richlands

The meeting commenced after a delay caused by a recess of the Planning Commission, which included the Town Manager and a council representative discussing proposals. Following the invocation and pledge of allegiance, thanks were extended to two councilmen who departed their service. The agenda was amended to include an item regarding off-road recreational vehicles. Discussions during public comments covered concerns about the loss of principal forgiveness related to water rates and a request to coordinate with neighboring counties for an off-road vehicle sticker program to potentially boost local economy. Another public comment focused on the need for tickets for unregistered off-road vehicles operating on roadways. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update and presentation on electric system battery storage, presented by representatives from Lewis Power and GDS, focusing on utilizing battery backup for peak shaving to mitigate rising transmission costs, which constituted 25% of the town's wholesale electric bill over the last decade. The council also addressed the consent agenda, which included authorizing bill payments, a budget amendment, and a line of credit drawdown, with one dissenting vote over concerns regarding payments related to a water treatment plant design project that did not proceed.

The public hearing was convened to receive public comment regarding the adoption of the town's rate schedule and utility rate ordinances, specifically concerning water rates and electric rates. Public commentary focused on opposition to the proposed increases, citing concerns about the high poverty rate (over 23 percent) impacting citizens and businesses. A key point of discussion was the potential use of approximately four million dollars in COVID-19 relief funds for water and sewer investments instead of raising utility rates to maintain business competitiveness. Speakers expressed concern that increasing electric rates would place the town at a competitive disadvantage.

The primary discussions during this special called meeting involved two main items: the appointment to an open council seat and the discussion of forming a committee to investigate the potential sale of the electric system to AEP. The council held a roll call vote regarding the appointment of Laura Mallow, which failed. Subsequently, a motion to appoint Kristen Thompson Wit to the open council seat was brought forward and passed after a roll call vote, despite one member abstaining due to a distant relationship with the appointee. For the electric system sale investigation, the council agreed to establish a committee chaired by Seth, with Doug and Mike appointed as equal members. Due to limitations on the number of council members permitted to meet simultaneously, it was determined that alternating meetings would be held between pairs of committee members to accommodate all interested parties, with John (Town Administrator) included ex officio.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Council unanimously adopted the agenda. They approved the minutes from two previous sessions: the Public Hearing of January 18th and the Regular Council Meeting of June 18th. The Council adopted the consent agenda, which included authorization to pay bills and budget amendments involving the reallocation of capital funds due to the inability to procure a budgeted dump truck, using those funds instead for two police vehicles and a multi-use utility vehicle. The Council conducted the first reading of an ordinance amendment for the B2 district to permit data centers, and after deliberation on urgency, waived the second reading and declared the adoption an emergency measure to allow immediate effect. Finally, the Council addressed committee appointments, noting two open seats on the Richlands Commission, and discussed the Town Clerk position, as the current clerk intended to step away from the role.

The Town Council meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the unanimous adoption of Robert's Rules of Order as the operating procedure for the year. The Council approved the payment of December bills, which involved discussion regarding an employee utility payment agreement and chamber membership dues. The minutes for the November and December meetings were amended to correct discrepancies, including the name of an institute and a check amount. The Council also adopted the proposed meeting schedule for upcoming sessions. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the vacant council seat following a resignation, resulting in the appointment of a new representative after discussion and a vote. Furthermore, the Council adopted a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Richlands Little League concerning bulk and brush removal, removing an automatic renewal clause. Finally, the meeting recessed and reconvened to discuss the Book and Brush program related to the town's grapple truck acquisition.