Richmond council confirms volunteer fire chief, approves Main Street water main contract and several infrastructure purchases

The Richmond City Council confirmed Robert Rindell as fire chief of the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department and approved several infrastructure contracts and purchases during its March 3 meeting at City Hall.

The actions taken at the meeting included formal approval of a fire chief appointment required by the City Charter, introduction and first reading of a zoning ordinance amendment on recreational-vehicle parking, award of a contract to replace a Main Street water main, and purchases and engineering authorizations for wastewater-treatment equipment. Council also approved two special-event requests and scheduled three budget-workshop meetings.

The appointment: Council confirmed Robert Rindell as fire chief for a one-year term beginning March 1, 2025. Rindell addressed the council after the confirmation and thanked outgoing Chief Tran and the department officers he said would serve with him. "This is truly a team effort," Rindell said, listing officers present and recognizing department members who could not attend. The motion to confirm was approved by voice vote.

Special events: Council approved a request from Grace Community Church to place a 20-by-20 tent along the Friday Street side of the church property for Vacation Bible School from July 28 through Aug. 1, with the sidewalk temporarily redirected around the tent. Steven Demcich, who identified himself as a resident at 36029 Friday Street, spoke in support. Council also approved a…