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RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL
Regular Town Council Meeting
Town Council Chambers
5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898
April 19, 2022
5:30 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER
Vice President Palmisciano called the meeting of the Richmond Town Council to order at 5:39 P.M. held on March April 19, 2022. This meeting was held In-Person at Town Council Chambers, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI, and was also teleconferenced via Zoom.
B. ROLL CALL
Town Council Members present in Council Chambers were as follows: Vice President James Palmisciano, Councilor Ronald Newman, and Councilor Rich Nassaney. Not Present: Council President Nell Carpenter and Councilor Lauren Cacciola. Also present Town Administrator Karen D. Pinch, Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Finance Director Laura Kenyon, Town Planner Shaun Lacey, and Town Clerk Erin Liese.
C. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
D. MOMENT OF SILENCE
Vice President Palmisciano led in the following moment of silence: Please remember the Ukrainian people in your thoughts and prayers and hope for an end of this terrible madness.
E. PUBLIC HEARING
Please Note in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b) the Council May Review, Discuss and/or take Action on the following items:
1) Consideration on the Proposed Municipal Budget for FY 2022-2023
2) Consideration of the American Rescue Plan Funding for FY23 and beyond
3) Consideration of Bond Authorization for Roads
A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on the Proposed Municipal Budget for FY 2022-2023 by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman.
Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
Finance Director Kenyon provided the following overview of the proposed budget:
• Total budget increase is 1.76% or $487,733
• Municipal up 3.37% $240,650 Total budget $7.4 Million
• School up 1.2% $247,082 Total budget $20.9 Million (Richmond share)
• Total current year tax revenue up 1.06 % or $217,719 Town $13K or $.015 on tax rate; School $205K or $.205 in rate. Real Estate tax estimated at $20.84 from $20.62 On a 400,000 assessment $88 per year.
• State Aid for Motor vehicles is projected as Governor Recommended budget. Now car rate $20.00 not $21.64 and only 70% not 75% value with an exemption on first $6000 not $5000 On a $10,000 FY 22 assessment decrease in taxes is $28.20 Higher state reimbursement by $221,706 to lower motor vehicle tax.
• State Aid for education up $42,590
• State Aid pass thru for Hotel and Meals is estimated lower than Governor recommended but higher than the FY22 budget by $22,000
• Revenue from American Rescue and COPS grant for one police officer $87,700
• Transfer for Capital Projects $724,500 up from $707,000 in FY22 to maintain infrastructure.
• Unassigned fund balance at 14.78% of budget which is lower than the Policy of 15% but $60,000 used to offset tax increase. FY21 was $166,000, FY22 was $150,000. Slowly getting back to the policy and not relying on use of surplus.
• Most departments have level operating budgets
• Personnel costs are up $143K
• Health and Dental estimated decrease of 5.8% health 12.2% dental
• One new police officer funded with American Rescue and COPS grant for 3 years
• Salary increases 2.5% for most employees, 3.0% for Police
• Pension Adjustments were made as new rates up $22,000
• Recreation slated for Full day camp revenue and expense
• Canvassing Authority down $8,000 for no redistricting
• Transfer for Capital Projects up $725,000 ($300,000 for roads offsetting reduction of Debt Service to be used either as Debt Payment if decide to Bond or just use of funds for project.)
• Decision needed for funding of Capital projects and Community Services with American Rescue funding. Currently using $174,050 of American Rescue for Capital Projects and other programs
• Planning – change in Planner salary 15% increase to $73,225; $500 for dept. uniforms; cell phone reimbursement for 4 people (Build inspector not included as part of the contract with Hopkinton) $45/mo. $540/yr. *4 =2160
• Clerk – change in personnel benefits as one person in 2 part time positions in Assessor and Clerk now eligible for pension and health buyback.
• Information Technology – increase of $5000 for equipment repair and replacement; other total increase due to cost increase in contract services $11,650
• Finance – Longevity for Asst. Finance Director; increase in payroll service cost as budgeted too low in prior year.
• Assessor – Clerk is eligible for benefits as holds two part-time positions; office supplies is ordered town-wide not in this department cut $500
• Collector – use of Collection service for past due bills is budgeted lower by $3000; request for new box for overnight collections $2500
• General Government – reviewed and revised budgeted amount to save $3430 mostly due to Zoom and not needing a videographer.
• Public Works – workers comp adjustment decrease $5000; health coverage adjustments decrease ; misc. adjustment to operating accounts increase $9,450
• Police admin – change in hours for clerk to 40 hours per week reduced overtime to 0; legal decrease $2000 contract finalized
• Police officers – contractual and health care changes; operating budget increase $13,300 for vehicle maintenance and fuel.
• Dispatchers – no change other than wages and health
• Animal Control – increase wage 6% plus longevity as previously approved by Council; reviewed and changed operating lines $100 increase
• Recreation – Increase of $1550 in operating for additional events outside of the Full day camp program
• Transfer Station Utilities – increase operating $3100 for utility costs
• Building Maintenance – decrease in operating $8500 in review of historical expense
• Community Services – level funded in total; funding requests increases reviewed by Finance Board
• Senior Activities – no change other than wages
• Recreation, Economic, Elder affairs committees no change
• Police station/senior building – decrease of $7800 review of operating expense
• Town Sergeant – no change
• Transfer Station – Increase in landfill fees State 15% $36500
• Canvassing Authority – Increase for Primary and Nov election but decrease as FY22 funded redistricting; Net decrease $8170
• EMA – reviewed accounts basically no change decrease $277
• Contingency – increase overall of $8000 mostly for legal rate increase if additional funds are needed
• Debt service – decrease $9000 no new debt or retirement of bonds in FY23
• Town Administrator – no change other than wages per contract
• Land Trust – Conservation Commission – no change
• Other – Insurance increase 10% anticipated $30000; Audit by contract increase $6000; Street light decrease $3000
Finance Director Kenyon explained the following Capital projects:
• Capital transfer – increase $17637 see capital funding next slide
• The need to continue the upkeep of the Town’s infrastructure and Capital assets is essential
• The major capital projects funded with the General Fund Transfer $724,536 consist of:
• Computer replacement program continuation $6,000
• Police Fingerprint $3,536
• Police Vehicle replacement $60,000
• Animal Control Vehicle annual funding $2,000
• Public Works Truck $100,000 and Street Sweeper $160,000
• Road Maintenance $50,000
• Road Construction $300,000
• Land Trust improvements $15,000
• Comp plan $3,000
• Landfill capping annual funding $25,000
Finance Director Kenyon explained the following American Rescue Funds:
• The American Rescue Funds are around $2.3 million
• Current year spending for Capital projects (* moved from operating budget funding requests of Departments $174,050)
• Police Radios $64,000 *
• Computer Switches $24,000*
• Beaver River Playground equipment $20,000*
• Transfer Station Compactor and Dumpsters $45,000
• Town Hall Generator $30,000
• Dog Park $18,000
• Current year spending also proposed for American Rescue Funds
• Match of COPS grant for new police officer $46,050*
• Funding of Health Care Advocate for Police Department $20,000*
• Funding For Full time Community Center Director $75,000
• Water line connection for Town Hall and adjacent Town property $100,000 estimate
• Water system chlorination system $300,000 estimate if no State Funding increase
• Possible Community Service Requests
• Funding for Grant Administration $10,000
• Current estimated Real Estate, Tangible, and Commercial tax rate $20.84 up from $20.62 in FY22 a 1.06% increase or $217,719.
• Motor Vehicle tax rate cannot be any higher than $20.00 from $22.64 in FY22 but the exemption of the first $6000 of valuation in FY23. FY22 exemption was on the first $5000.
• Final Tax Rate is not known. Assessments and exemptions are still being evaluated for final valuation. State requirements for Motor Vehicle tax phase out may differ from Governor recommended budget.
• Increase of total tax revenue is allowed by State to be 4% or $801,929
• School use of increased tax revenue $204,492
• Town use of increased tax revenue $13,227
Finance Director explained the following pending items:
• Approve the Operating budget as presented
• Approval of $2.5 million Road Bond voter authorization. (can be authorized but not used)
• School Budget passage by the Voters.
• Carryforward of Police Detail for Vehicles over $48,500
• Approval of use of ARPA funding for projects and programs as presented $174,050 moved from Dept. Requests for capital
Bill McIntosh of 2 Morning Road, from the Economic Development Commission explained an increase of $3500.00 to build a webpage that markets the town properly. He further explained the EDC would like to create a pro-business environment to help offset the tax burden.
Vice President Palmisciano questioned if this was previously received by the Council as this is the first time hearing this.
B. McIntosh explained an email was sent to the Town Administrator, Clerk and Council President Carpenter. He also explained this increase could be done incrementally. He further advised he was directed to come to this meeting.
Vice President Palmisciano explained the request was an additional $2,000.00 to the $1,500.00
Discussion ensued on EDC website development.
Councilor Nassaney suggested and incremental expansion of the budget as follows: $2,000 this year, next year, another $1,500 yeah and then see where they see what happens to there.
Vice President Palmisciano questioned if they have received bids.
B. McIntosh explained they have just begin to discuss this process and their goal is to increase business by 1.9% to create an investment to flatten the tax.
Ruth Barrington of Beaver River Road questioned the 9 million dollar hold for Senior/ Wellness Center and was looking for more information on this.
Finance Director Kenyon advised this is a place holder and there are many different committees discussion a Community Senior Center and explained the Senior Survey to determine what programs are needed. It is a place holder. She explained the grants available including AARP, State Funds, and Federal Funds. She advised they currently have 1 million set aside from Real Estate Conveyance Tax.
R. Barrington questioned if the one million from Real Estate was earmarked for that project only.
Finance Director Kenyon advised that it was earmarked but Council has control over that fund; however does not need voter approval.
Councilor Nassaney stated you have fiscal conservative individuals sitting up here.
Mark Reynolds of Bracken Court requested clarity on the ARPA funds.
Finance Director Kenyon explained ARPA funds and that some items have come to light for utilization as we have those funds, such as the trash compactor.
M. Reynolds stated is the ARPA funds a question for Council or FTM Voters.
Finance Director Kenyon explained it would be moved with the Budget for those items; however ARPA does not need voter approval, but for transparency it is being provided.
Discussion ensued on ARPA funds.
M. Reynolds also questioned the municipal budget increase portion.
Finance Director Kenyon explained the increase would be 3.37%.
M. Reynolds also questioned the amount of taxes needed to support that.
Finance Director Kenyon explained it was $247,000 or an increase of 1.6%.
A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on the Proposed Municipal Budget for FY 2022-2023 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney.
Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
Councilor Nassaney questioned how we are adding the $2,000.00 to EDC.
Vice President Palmisciano explained the step process would be good.
Finance Director Kenyon advised she would revise the operating budget to increase the EDC by $2,000.00. She also explained if you are continuing to fund it, operating is where it should be budgeted.
Councilor Nassaney explained the EDC an ROI should be submitted.
Samantha Wilcox of the Dog Park Committee requested an increase of $600.00 for trash bags.
Discussion ensued on the Dog Park request.
Finance Director Kenyon noted the increase of $600.00 for Dog Park operating.
Town Administrator Pinch stressed the importance of boards and commissions submitting funding requests earlier in the budget process. It should be submitted in January.
Victoria Vona of the Dog Park Committee confirmed the $600.00 request.
A motion was made to move forward to the June 13, 2022 Financial Town Meeting the Proposed Municipal Budget for FY 2022-2023, with the changes made this evening by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Newman.
Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
Councilor Nassaney stated that if you have questions on the budget please go to the Town website and not Facebook.
Vice President Palmisciano thanked Finance Director Kenyon on the hard work and fiscally conservative budget.
Discussion ensued on the need to approve the ARPA funds this evening.
Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised they do not need to approve this evening but provide bond authorization.
A motion was made for Bond Authorization for Roads to the Financial Meeting by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman.
Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
Finance Director Kenyon also explained the need to roll over the Police Vehicle funding by Resolution at the Financial Town Meeting.
A motion was made to carry over Police Detail Vehicles in the amount of $48,500 by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Nassaney.
Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
Councilor Nassaney wanted to confirm the understanding of bonding.
Discussion ensued on bonding and the process.
A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on Outdoor Entertainment License Application of Clover Hospitality d/b/a Alaina’s Ale House by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
4) Outdoor Entertainment License Application:
a) Applicant: Clover Hospitality d/b/a Alaina’s Ale House
Entertainment: Small Bands, Acoustic, Dj’s
Dates: April 29, 2022 to October 29, 2022
Location: Alaina’s Ale House- 342 Kingstown Road
Ryan Moran owner of Alaina’s Ale House was present via Zoom. He explained the business is excited to get back to normal operations post COVID. He explained this request would be their 5th season operating at the Beaver River Golf Course and hopes to continue great service to Richmond.
Councilor Nassaney shared the abutters concern he received regarding bass sounds caring through and asked if the DJ could turn down the noise.
R. Moran advised he wants to be a great neighbor and in four years only received one call regarding noise and went right out and turned it down. He further explained he makes sure he is a good neighbor.
A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on Outdoor Entertainment License Application of Clover Hospitality d/b/a Alaina’s Ale House by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
Councilor Nassaney advised on licensing fee and administration fee.
Councilor Newman stated no person is closer in proximity than he and he has never had an issue and thanked Ryan and his staff.
A motion was made to approve the Outdoor Entertainment License Application of Clover Hospitality d/b/a Alaina’s Ale House contingent on payment of licensing and administrative fee by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on amendments to Chapter 18.43 of the Zoning Ordinance, Planned Unit Development by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
5) Discussion and consideration of amendments to Chapter 18.43 of the Zoning Ordinance, Planned Unit Development
Town Planner Lacey explained the proposed amendments to repeal Chapter 18.43. He explained there are no properties that are planned community development. He further explained the district is antiquated. He advised the Planning Board approved this change.
No public comment.
A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on amendments to Chapter 18.43 of the Zoning Ordinance, Planned Unit Development by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
Councilor Nassaney stated he agreed with Town Planner.
A motion was made to repeal Chapter 18.43 of the Zoning Ordinance, Planned Unit Development, as it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and State Laws relative by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on amendments to Chapter 18.61of the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map Amendments with Limitations by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
6) Discussion and consideration of amendments to Chapter 18.61of the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map Amendments with Limitations
Town Planner Lacey explained the proposed amendment that would aid in tracking the changes and conditions of Zoning Map Amendments. He further explained that properties are rezoned with conditions are a challenge to track those changes. This change would categorize and reference that information in the Ordinance.
Town Solicitor Ellsworth also supported the change to aid in researching and identifying those changes.
M. Reynolds of Bracken court clarified the change that it would catalog those changes. Would it be chronological or alphabetical?
Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained the recommendation to include the index within the Zoning Ordinance. She further explained the order of changes would be by Plat and Lot.
A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on amendments to Chapter 18.61of the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map Amendments with Limitations by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
A motion was made to approve the amendments to Chapter 18.61of the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map Amendments with Limitations, as it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and State Laws relative by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
Councilor Newman recognized Lt. John Arnold and thanked him for his service.
Vice President Palmisciano requested pulling 1a, March 15, 2022 Town Council minutes. He further explained he had spoken to Town Clerk Liese about amending the minutes to reflect the vote that was taken regarding moderator pay that was further recommended to not proceed as the Solicitor advised the agenda was not inclusive to that item.
F. CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of the Consent Agenda shall be equivalent to approval of each item as if it had been acted upon separately; or items may be removed by the Town Council for review, discussion and/or take Action.
1) Approval of Town Council Minutes
a. March 15, 2022 (Regular Meeting)
b. March 23, 2022 (Special Meeting)
c. April 11, 2022 (Budget Workshop)
A motion was made to approve Consent Agenda Items 1a-c with amendments made to 1a by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
2) Approval of Town Department Reports
a) Approval of the Town Clerk’s report for the month of March, 2022
b) Approval of the Police Departments report for the month of March, 2022
c) Approval of Tax Collectors report for the month of March, 2022
d) Approval of Building, Planning & Zoning report for the month of March, 2022
e) Approval of Finance Department report for the month of March, 2022
A motion was made to approve Consent Agenda Items 2a-e by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
3) Approval of Tax Collector Refunds- in the amount of $2,498.13
A motion was made to approve Consent Agenda Item 3 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney.
Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
G. REPORTS
Please Note the following items are Status Reports and Matters of Interest to the Council and are for Informational Purposes unless Indicated Otherwise and will be Acted upon in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b)
1) Town Administrator’s Report: Karen D. Pinch on activities of the Town
Town Administrator Pinch advised some grant opportunities had presented and she did not want the opportunity to miss out of the funds, so if Council does not approve the request she can remove the application for consideration.
a) Request for approval to submit grant request to Senator Reed’s Office for funding for a Community Center
Town Administrator Pinch advised that last year, Senator Reed actually funded Central Falls $2 million for Community Center so I figured, why not ask for $2 million for Richmond so we did submit on behalf of Richmond.
A motion was made to approve the grant application to Senator Reed’s Office for funding of a Community Center by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney.
Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
b) Request for approval to submit grant request for a security camera system
Town Administrator Pinch advised on the opportunity from Congressman Langevin’s office. She explained a quote was received for $208,000 for security camera system.
A motion was made to approve the grant application to Congressman Langevin’s Office for funding of security camera system in the amount of $208,000 by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
c) Request for approval to submit grant request for a radio tower
Town Administrator Pinch advised on the second grant request from Congressman Langevin’s Office for an 800 megahertz radio system. This radio system allows for interoperability between agencies, so fire police from other towns, they please can all talk to one another on the system. The Rhode Island EMA is willing to provide the equipment that goes on the Tower, if the town will fund the tower. This cost is $490,000. There is a match but requested that the EMA be the match, if not ARPA funds will be needed. She further explained that Rhode Island EMA would need to be the recipient.
A motion was made to approve the grant application to Congressman Langevin’s Office for funding of a radio system in the amount of $490,000 with Rhode Island EMA being the recipient by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
d) Announcement of Cybersecurity Grant Received in the amount of $8,334.35
Town Administrator Pinch advised the town was the recipient of a cybersecurity grant in the amount of $8,334.35 that our IT provider advised us on. However even though we received the funding, we will need a motion supporting it. This would be for firewall spyware.
A motion was made to approve the Cybersecurity Grant Application in the amount of $8,334.35 by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye
e) Announcement of the Comprehensive Plan Acceptance
Town Administrator Pinch wanted to thank Town Planner Lace, Planning Board and Town Solicitor for the Comprehensive Plan work. Also, as you know some of you may not know that a lot of cities and towns actually pay a consultant to put together a comprehensive plan we decided we would try to undertake this on our own and save a lot of money, and a lot of time.
Council congratulated all.
Town Administrator Pinch also reviewed the vacancies to boards and commissions. She explained the openings are listed on our website, posted on the bulletin board. She also thanked Steven Rego and Laura Rieger for their work on the Finance Board.
2) Town of Richmond Wellness Committee Report of Findings and Recommendations
Pamela Rohland and Daniel Fitzgerald presented to the Council the following report from the Wellness Committee:
https://clerkshq.com/Content/Attachments/Richmond-ri/220419_18.pdf?clientSite=Richmond-ri
The following were made as recommendations:
IX. Recommendations to the Richmond Town Council
· Immediate Needs
○ Immediately fund and hire a full-time Human Services Director (Town Employee or Contracted Individual) dedicated to continuing the work of the Wellness Committee. In the first year of this position the following goals would be met:
■ Make recommendations for expenditures of Richmond ARPA funds to meet immediate needs exacerbated by COVID-19 to include behavioral health, healthy aging and transportation, as prioritized by the Wellness Committee.
■ Establish partnerships between public and private organizations to resolve immediate needs (e.g. behavioral health, transportation, accessible spaces, etc.).
■ Assess funding and timeline for Community/Senior Center Project.
○ Fund and expand the Public Safety Department Clinician Program
○ Initiate grant-like process to support and reimburse local organizations addressing health and wellness needs in Richmond exacerbated by COVID-19.
■ Examples: Wellness checks program for residents, transportation to follow up visits to primary care appointments and health/wellness related meetings, and provide funds to support existing community organizations that service Richmond Residents.
· Long Term Needs
○ Fund and staff a full-time Human Services [Director] Department
○ Build and Staff Community/Senior Center
■ Ensure it is accessible to all residents