Richland Center Receives An Innovation Planning Grant

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – The Richland Center City Administrator, Ashley Oliphant, shared with the council that the city, council, and Symons Foundation was awarded an Innovation Planning Grant in the amount of $62,000 Tuesday night.

This grant is for shared services; the three entities will work together for analysis for the future operations of Symons. She added that the city has also been awarded a $32,000 award for its GIS mapping system.

Oliphant also gave an update on pool maintenance needed as the Woodman Aquatic Center begins to age. She added the system is very sophisticated and costs a lot of money to maintain. She added with every challenge, people have stepped up to help.

The council considered rezoning of a tax parcel at 26554 County Highway O which currently houses LP tanks for Ferrellgas. While reviewing the area, it was determined that the parcel had been used for this purpose, which is prohibited in a commercial district (ETZ).

No records allowing the storage of tanks could be located. After receiving notification of the violation, the agent/owner opted to pursue rezoning the parcel. The planning commission moved the request forward for approval by the council. Both Zoning Administrator, Matt Williams, and Corporate Council, Michael Windle, both voiced opposition to approving this request due to the comprehensive plan the council has already approved as well as it would lead to spot zoning.

The possibility of swapping land that would fulfill the needs of both parties was then discussed. In order for a swap to work, it would have to be zoned for industrial use, which is different from the industrial park. The council moved to postpone a decision at this time.

The Richland Center City Council approved a number of alcohol, tobacco, and municipal licenses. An annual event done each year for businesses in good standing. The council also approved temporary Class B licenses to: Driftless Angler & Fly-Fishing Show at the Starlight 14 Drive-In Friday, June 6; the AD German Warehouse Conservancy for a private event at the warehouse alley on June 21; the Greater Richland Area Chamber Taste of the Hills event on June 21; and Southwest Partners Inc doing business as Richland Rejuvenates RC Thunderfest on June 28.

The council also approved: for elected officials to upload Google Voice to their phone to keep personal and city business separate, but on one phone; amending the Financial Policy to include Cost Allowability for Charges Against Federal Awards as presented; a conditional use permit to Kwik Trip East to allow a motor fuel station; and the sale of equipment.