RICHMOND—The City Council added a new member at the meeting Tuesday night. Paul Erickson was sworn in by Justin Lewis, the city recorder, after an executive session was held to choose among six applicants. Erickson will be replacing Keith Ward, who read his letter of resignation in last month’s council meeting.

The council recently worked with the city attorney on the proper motions to fill the position. They were pleased to have six applicants, four of them present at the meeting.

“I think it’s great we’ve had this many applicants considering some of our elections haven’t even had this many. A lot of people care about what goes on in Richmond city,” Councilman Brad Jensen said.

Many items were discussed in the open portions of the meeting. A few business licenses were awarded and a citizen request regarding trailer positioning was taken care of. The council also passed ordinance 2010-2 updating reimbursement amounts for city employees.

The council also discussed bids on a sewer maintenance project. The plan for the project is to clean the entire system over the course of three or four years. The council considers this a good idea because of a recent back-up, and there may be some future insurance benefits. The council hopes that a major clean-out will help prevent other maintenance problems.

The council is also planning to make some proposals to Cache County to use some Recreation, Arts, Parks, and Zoo tax money to make some changes and improvements to the city park. Council members proposed many ideas like new park benches and tables, siding on the pavilions, and possibly a new playground. The only playground in the city is owned by Park Elementary School.

The city’s planning and zoning commission is also in need of some new appointees. The commission’s chair will be stepping down this year and will need to be replaced. Councilman Allen Lundgreen mentioned the need to fill other positions besides commission chair and stated that all are open to any resident who is willing. The mayor joked earlier in the meeting that the other five applicants for the council position are now on the short list for other city positions. The applicants were welcomed to the planning and zoning commission if they were interested.

The city is making to plans to work closer with the cemetery district, their plans for Black and White Days are well under way, and they are proud to report fewer delinquencies in bill pay than many would expect in today’s economy.

Published in cooperation with the Hard News Cafe. Original story is here.