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Richmond council approves routine permits, property transfer, wastewater pump installation and MDOT overlay contract
Summary
At its March 16 meeting, Richmond City Council approved a Tootsie Roll fundraiser permit, a lot split transferring half of a church parking parcel to the city in exchange for repaving, authorized $16,845 for a grit pump installation at the wastewater plant, established an ad hoc city manager review committee, approved an Odd gym flooring fundraiser, and adopted Resolution 2026-6 for the Gratiot Avenue MDOT overlay project.
Richmond City Council on March 16 approved a package of routine items and local actions including special-event permission, a property transfer, equipment installation and a federally funded road contract.
The council approved a request from the Richmond Knights of Columbus to hold its annual Tootsie Roll sale at specified intersections on March 27–28, with conditions limiting presence at one intersection for a one-hour block and requiring a liability waiver. "This is kind of a routine every year they do come in," the city manager said as he presented the request, and the council voted to approve the permit.
Council approved a lot split and transfer with First United Methodist Church under which the church transfers a portion of its parking lot to the city for $1 and the city will repave the entire lot. Parcel numbers listed in the motion were 03-35-431-012 and 03-35-431-009; councilors described the arrangement as mutually beneficial and approved the action.
The council authorized $16,845 for professional installation of a previously purchased 900-pound grit pump at the wastewater treatment plant, with the expense to be charged to the appropriate line item and the sanitary sewer fund. City staff explained that moving the pump into the plant basement raised safety concerns and that Midwest Power, the low bidder that recently installed replacement pumps, had been recommended.
Council reconstituted an ad hoc city manager review committee to coordinate the annual performance evaluation, review the employment agreement and recommend compensation changes; the committee was set to expire 12/31/2026 and named Mayor Ricks, Mayor Pro Tem Abich and Councilor Emily Allen as appointees.
The council also approved a fundraiser to sell salvaged floorboards from the Odd gym. The recreation board recommended pricing by board size and options for a metal brand or laser engraving; the initial sale will limit purchasers to 10 boards per person for the first eight weeks to allow wider community access. Recreation staff said registration information will be posted at the community center and auditorium.
Finally, the council adopted Resolution 2026-6 to accept Macomb County TIP funding for a mill-and-overlay of Gratiot Avenue. City staff said federal TIP funding requires administration through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and the resolution designates the city manager and city clerk as authorized signatories on the MDOT contract. Construction is scheduled for 2026.
All motions listed above were moved, supported and announced as passing during the meeting; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript.
