RIVERGROVE

Community Concerns

Rivergrove Report

We have not received a “Rivergrove Report” from the City Council for over a year. This has resulted in a significant lack of information to homeowners as to any of the City’s plans, finances, and/or actions.

As mentioned on the City of Rivergrove website: “Our monthly newsletter is filled with information that affects you and your home. If you haven’t yet received it, sign up at the bottom of this page.”

Current City Council

Two of the three city councilors voted into office in November 2022 resigned and their replacements were appointed by the Council itself. In the absence of any interim elections, 40% of the council in effect does not fully represent the community.

13 Nov 2023 – Brenda Ruble Resigns (See also: Meeting Agenda)
8 Jan 2024 – Rachel Shafer appointed by Mayor, without Public Comment, and Confirmed by the Council (See also: Meeting Agenda)
12 Feb 2024 – Mayor Jeff Williams Resigned, Chris Barhyte Confirmed as Mayor by Council (See also: Meeting Agenda)
12 Mar 2024 – Leah Silber appointed by Mayor and Confirmed by Council: (No Meeting Agenda Published)

City Managers

There have been four city managers in the past two years and a noticeable identifiable absence of issue resolution management:

21 Feb 2023 – Heather Kibbey Resigns
13 Mar 2023 – June Carlson Appointed by Mayor without Consent of Council
13 Apr 2023 – June Carlson Resigns
8 May 2023 – Lisa Merlo-Flores Appointed by Mayor without Consent of Council
14 Aug 2023 – Lisa Merlo-Flores Resigns
11 Sep 2023 – Analeis Weidlich Appointed by Mayor without Consent of Council

Additional Actions

In the meantime, the City Council has acted as follows without notice or review to or by the community:

It passed substantial development fee increases — some over 500%, with no notice or review.
It changed the City Land Development Code without following the required process.
It passed the current budget with a negative general fund ending balance, leaving the city without assets next year.
It spent $82,000 of grant money awarded to the community (Coronavirus Relief) for projects that were not reviewed or approved by the community. See document outlining Original Community Supported Projects.
It started a project without the proper federal, state, and local permits at the Stark Boat ramp, thereby impacting natural areas and structural support of adjacent properties. It is spending another $30,000 without community review or input.
$30,000 was paid for a Lloyd Minor Park project without required bids (3) and not all paid work was done.