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The Richmond City Council recognized the past of a cornerstone community church on Aug. 15, while also preparing for the future with motions related to a homecoming parade and the purchase of road salt.

Mayor Tim Rix read a resolution that was adopted by the council, recognizing the 150th anniversary of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was the week of Aug. 15. The resolution indicated that the church was founded in the 1850s by German immigrants and was admitted to the Missouri Synod in 1872 based upon their newly drafted church constitution.

“And whereas the churches of Richmond have been an integral part of our history as a community, and have had unparalleled impact in forming and maintaining a just and stable community, and whereas it is appropriate that we should recognize the St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, and their congregation, who through their unflagging capacity for love, dedication of spirit and faith in God, strive to enrich the lives of the people in Richmond,” Rix read.

The resolution also recognized St. Peter’s school’s 134 years of providing faith-based education in the community.

“And whereas during these stressful times, it is ever more important for St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran church to live up to their mission statement, ‘Rooted and growing in Christ, caring and sharing and life for eternity.’ Now therefore be it resolved that the Richmond City Council does hereby recognize and congratulate the St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church for their dedication to this community, not only for the past 150 years but for many more years to come,” Rix read.

St. Peter’s Rev. Mark Haller accepted the resolution on behalf of the church, thanking city leaders for their past and present work with the church.

“It has been an honor and still is an honor to serve here, and be part of the community, and be one of the chaplains, as well, on the police and fire and EMS,” Haller said.

In addition to recognizing the past, on Aug. 15 the Richmond City Council also prepared for the future of this fall. The council approved a request from Richmond High School to conduct the annual homecoming parade. Councilor John Warn was absent, as was Richmond City Manager Jon Moore.

As part of the motion, the council directed the city clerk to apply to the Michigan Department of Transportation for permission to close M-19 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 23 for the parade.

“It seems like it is too soon to be talking about homecoming already. It is just a little ways away here,” Rix said. “Well hopefully we have nice weather and hopefully the town can show their Blue Devil spirit on Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. on Main Street. They will be running from Washington Street to Division Street.”

Richmond Band Boosters also put in fall requests to the council, which were approved. The council approved the boosters’ special event application for a Main Street across the road banner Sept. 20 to Oct. 1, advertising the Pumpkin, Craft and Vendor Sale set for the weekend of Oct. 1. Also approved was a request by the boosters for temporary signage, yard signs promoting the same event, to be placed at the base of the city limit signs and at band member’s homes. Signs placed near the city limit will be allowed starting Sept. 16.

The council not only prepared for fall but winter on Aug. 15, approving a motion to expend up to $38,000 from Detroit Salt for winter road salt necessary for the fiscal year 2022-2023. The expense was charged to a line item in the DPW general fund.

Director of Public Works Jim Goetzinger said the city participates in a MiDEAL road salt purchasing program through the state. MiDEAL is an extended purchasing program that allows Michigan local government units to use state contracts to purchase goods or services.

“Sadly, it is something that we will be needing probably in the next four months or so, so we will be stocking up,” Rix said.

Goetzinger said under the MiDEAL program, the city is required to take a minimum of 80%, and up to 120% of the amount requested. The contract through MiDEAL for seasonal backup was awarded to Detroit Salt for the current season.

“The city has requested 650 tons as far as what we input. That means we have to take at least 520 tons or a maximum of 780. But tonight as far as the amount that was budgeted, which is $38,000, we have included in our budget, that equates to 705 tons,” Goetzinger said. “So that is what we are requesting authorization up to the current budgeted amount.”

Salt usage under normal conditions is about 700 tons, with the city’s cost for salt this season at $53.91 a ton. Briefs also list that administration requested authorization in advance for the purchase of up to 705 tons of road salt on an as needed basis, with the expense at $38,000 if 705 tons are purchased. Briefs indicate that last year the city purchased 580 tons, at a salt price per ton of $45.50.

Also on Aug. 15, the council authorized waiving the purchasing ordinance requirements and authorizing the expense of $9,180 to purchase two GeoBags from WaterSolve LLC, with funds charged to contractual services, waste water treatment plant. Goetzinger said the city has purchased GeoBags since 2013. In 2013, the city purchased three bags to improve sludge dewatering capability at the WWTP, reducing disposal costs. Use of geotube containers reduces the city’s dependence on sludge hauling contractors.

Sludge, a waste product from WWTP operations, is over 95% water. The city recently hauled sludge from several geotube containers to a landfill, and needs to replace the containers. Containers are used for one year, left to dry for a year, and then taken to the landfill.

Nicole Tuttle is a freelance reporter for MediaNews Group.

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