Some Richmond homeowners to get reduced property tax

The Richmond village board met for a regularly scheduled meeting on November 3, 2004.

In a hearing regarding a proposed tax levy President Kevin Brusek presented a new levy that could save Richmond homeowners of existing homes some tax dollars.  Trustee Charles Schultz emphasized that the village is not raising taxes but it is asking for a greater percentage of County funds. According to Brusek the tax cap limits increases to the lower of the consumer price index or 5 percent. New homes are not subject to the limitations. A vote will be taken on this issue at the next board meeting on November 17, 2004.

The owners of the building at 5613 Market St. seek rezoning of the property. After discussion the board took no action because the rezoning process would be difficult.

Resident Tripp Wilson suggested that the board consider rezoning the area with houses near downtown to residential because many of the homes are historic.

Cindy Skrukrud made a presentation for the Nippersink Creek Watershed Planning Commission. She asked the board to write a letter of support to help the commission obtain a grant. Skrukud also asked for financial help. President Kevin Brusek said the village would be happy to assist in both requests.

The owner of the building at 10305 West St asked for rezoning from R2 to R1 and to waive the fee. This was approved.

Recently the village replaced the phone system. The sale of the old system was approved.

The new owners of Andres Steak House located north of 173 on Rt 12 are working hard to get the building ready to open for business. There will be no changes in the structure. The board granted a request to add a liquor license for the business.

Trustee Dan Deters introduced the subject of annexing the cemetery on Broadway St into the village. Deters asked if an annexation would have to be “cooperative” with the current owner. Brusek asked the village attorney to check into the matter.

Trustee Roy Wulffen questioned the payment of billings from Richmond Printing for the past four months. Brusek said that the business has been maintaining the village website. Wulffen told Brusek that the owners called him and other trustees and were told them that the business no longer wanted to do business with the village. Brusek also said that the business had done a lot of work for Roundup Days at no charge. Deters suggested that the village obtain new bids from other business. Trustee Bruce Hunter said, “Before we sever our relationship we should have a plan.”  Brusek said he would prepare a proposal to ask for bids and present it at the board meeting in December.

The public works committee headed by trustee Bruce Hunter recommended an update to the tree ordinance to “preserve and enhance” the village trees. “This is a distinct challenge. We are not seeking to infringe on the rights of private property owners,” said Hunter. In other business it was reported by Wes Lemons that the Liberty Street project is moving along smoothly with 300’ of pipe already set.

Poilice Chief Roger Szewzyk reported that the video systems are now functioning in all police cars. Szewzyk said that an unnamed and unpaid officer patrolled the neighborhoods on Halloween. Brusek noted that Szewzyk did the work and thanked him for his effort.

The next village board meeting is on Wednesday, November 17, 2004. All village board meetings begin promptly at 7:30 and all citizens are invited to attend.