RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

 

Regular Town Council Meeting

February 1, 2022

6:00 P.M.

 

A.        CALL TO ORDER

 

Council President Carpenter called the meeting of the Richmond Town Council to order at 6:00 P.M. held on February 1, 2022. This meeting was held teleconferenced via Zoom.

 

B.        ROLL CALL

 

Town Council Members present in Council Chambers were as follows: Council President Nell Carpenter, Vice President James Palmisciano, Councilor Ronald Newman, and Councilor Lauren Cacciola. Not Present: Councilor Rich Nassaney. Also present Town Administrator Karen D. Pinch, Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Chief of Police Elwood Johnson, Finance Director Laura Kenyon, Town Planner Shaun Lacey, Tax Assessor Carmen Labelle, Building Official Tony Santilli and Town Clerk Erin Liese.

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

D.        MOMENT OF SILENCE

 

Council President Carpenter led in a moment of silence for Police Officers and their safe return to their families.

 

Council President Carpenter requested that Council and Staff recognize themselves so those participating by phone can recognize who is speaking. She also requested those participating during the Public Hearing or Public Forum wait to be addressed and state their name and address for the record.

 

E.        RESOLUTION

Please Note in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b) the Council May Review, Discuss and/or take Action on the following items:

1)         Resolution In Support of Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns 2022 Legislative Priorities

 

Vice President Palmisciano read the following proposed Resolution:

 

#2022-1

in support of Rhode island League of Cities and Towns

2022 LEgislative Priorities

 

WHEREAS,    all 39 cities and towns are members of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns; and

 

WHEREAS,    the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns serves as a convener and advocates to the Governor and General Assembly to support the needs of municipalities throughout the state; and

 

WHEREAS,    the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns believes in:

·         Supporting robust local government funding through municipal aid programs, education aid and grants

·         Opposing any constraints on the ability to raise local revenue

·         Opposing unfunded state mandates, particularly related to workforce management and personnel costs

·         Maintaining local control and decision-making that reflects community needs, including land use, business operations, licensing, etc.

·         Supporting greater flexibility for local government to innovate, improve efficiency and save tax dollars; and 

 

WHEREAS,    there has been an influx of federal aid to support the economic recovery from COVID-19 to cities and towns; and

 

WHEREAS,    stable local and education aid from the state will ensure that cities and towns can maintain municipal operations while investing one-time Federal funds toward necessary capital improvements and economic recovery; and

 

WHEREAS,    property taxes represent approximately two-thirds of revenue for municipal budgets statewide, and Rhode Island has the eighth-highest property tax burden in the nation; and

 

WHEREAS,    cities and towns continue to face reduced revenues from lower property tax collection rates, hotel and meals taxes and permit and license fees; and

 

WHEREAS,    any reduction in state funding would exacerbate that problem, ultimately leading to service reductions, layoffs and property tax increases; and

 

WHEREAS,    the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns conducted a survey of all 39 members to develop legislative priorities for the 2022 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Richmond supports the priorities identified by the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns on behalf of the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island.

 

A motion was made to approve the Resolution In Support of Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns 2022 Legislative Priorities by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

F.         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)         Discussion and consideration of Proposed Amendments to Chapter 4.12 of the Code of Ordinances regarding the Affordable Housing Committee

 

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 4.12 of the Code of Ordinances regarding the Affordable Housing Committee by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye  

 

Town Planner Lacey explained the proposed amendments to Chapter 4.12 regarding restructuring the Affordable Housing Committee in order to have a complete committee. He further thanked the Town Solicitor for the draft amendments and advised the Affordable Housing Committee was fully supportive.

 

No public comment.

 

A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 4.12 of the Code of Ordinances regarding the Affordable Housing Committee by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye  

 

A motion was made to approve the Proposed Amendments to Chapter 4.12 of the Code of Ordinances regarding the Affordable Housing Committee by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye  

 

G.        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)         January 4, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

b)         January 4, 2022 (Executive Session)

c)         January 18, 2022 (Special Meeting)

d)         January 18, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

 

A motion was made to approve Consent Items 1a-d by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye  

 

H.        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

a)         Discussion and Authorization of GeoEnvironmental Inc. (GZA) Proposal for Continued Environmental Monitoring Services of the Former Richmond Landfill

 

Town Administrator Pinch reported on the ongoing work with regards to closure of the Former Landfill. She further explained this was an updated proposal to continue the groundwater monitoring and requested authorization to approve the contract.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned if this was a multi-year contract and total cost. Town Administrator Pinch advised this is required and advised the terms are broken up into testing categories and this would be for three years of services.

 

A motion was made to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the contract with GeoEnvironmental Inc. (GZA) for Continued Environmental Monitoring Services of the Former Richmond Landfill by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye  

 

b)         Discussion of Opioid Settlement and Consideration of How the Proceeds will be Utilized

 

Town Administrator Pinch explained now that the Opioid Settlement has occurred the Town needs to begin to determine how those funds would be expended.

 

She also advised that she received word today that, unfortunately, the Town did not receive the T-Mobile Grant.

 

Discussion ensued on the T-Mobile Grant; it was noted it was a completive grant process.

 

2)         Police Chief’s Report: Elwood M. Johnson, Jr. on activities of the Police Department

a)         Discussion and Consideration of Request to lower the Speed Limit of Whitetail Trail; with Authorization of the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing Amendments to the Code of Ordinances Chapter 10.04 Speed Limits

 

Police Chief Johnson explained he had been contacted by a Mr. Jarebeau of Whitetail Trail to lower the speed limit. He further explained the speeding is primarily from delivery drivers. He explained the road layout and this request would be reasonable to lower the limit from 25 mph to 15 mph.

 

Mr. Jarebeau was on the meeting. He further commented that he wants to keep the street safe for all the children that are on the street, so that we don't have to worry about any potential accidents in the future.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned the effectiveness of signs.

 

Discussion ensued on speeding and enforcement.

 

Police Chief Johnson advised that the Town Solicitor had drafted changes to the Speed Limit Ordinance that would need authorization to advertise for Public Hearing.

 

A motion was made for Authorization of the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing Amendments to the Code of Ordinances Chapter 10.04 Speed Limits; to lower the Speed Limit of Whitetail Trail by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye  

 

b)         Discussion and Authorization to Hire Christal M. Marchetti as Full-Time Police Dispatcher

 

Police Chief Johnson reported on the vacancy created and the need to hire a full time dispatcher. He further explained Mrs. Marchetti has the skillset to fill this vacancy. He further explained the Finance Director had updated the rate per the budget so he is requesting the approval to hire Marchetti at a rate of $21.22 retroactive to January 31, 2022.

 

A motion was made for the Authorization to Hire Christal M. Marchetti as Full-Time Police Dispatcher at a rate of $21.22 per hour; retroactive to January 31, 2022 by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye  

 

3)         Finance Director’s Report: Laura K. Kenyon

a)         Discussion and Authorization of Bid Award for Senior Services Survey to ETC Institute for $12,250.00

 

Finance Director Kenyon had reported the Town had submitted to the Office for the Aging a grant and funds were received for $4,725 to help fund a senior services survey. They did prepare and solicit bids and they came in for more than the grant would fund so she recommended a few funding options for the additional funds. She also recommended that the grant be awarded to ETC Institute.

 

Discussion ensued on the purpose of the survey. The Finance Director explained this survey would be conducted to determine needs to the senior population in this community.

 

A motion was made to approve the grant funding from the Office of Healthy Aging for $4,725; utilize $7,525 funded from the Senior Activity Building Fund with Authorization of Bid Award for Senior Services Survey to ETC Institute for $12,250.00 by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye  

 

4)         Tax Assessor’s Report: Carmen LaBelle

a)         Discussion and Consideration of Tax Exemption for older and disabled property owners; and Authorization of the Town Clerk to Advertise Amendments for Public Hearing

 

Council President Carpenter advised tonight would be for authorization of advertising and not necessarily discussing what the exemptions would be.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained the Council needs to determine the exemptions and request the Town Solicitor draft those amendments to be presented to you at your meeting on the 15^th.

 

Council President Carpenter explained the 5.9 % increase. She explained typically it is 2 or 3%.

 

Tax Assessor Labelle advised on the increase. She explained this number is received from social security.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth also explained the increase this year is due to inflation rising costs.

 

Discussion ensued on rising costs.

 

A motion was made to authorize the Town Solicitor to draft amendments to Tax Exemption for older and disabled property by increasing the income levels by 5.9% for consideration at the February 15^th Council Meeting by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye  

 

I.          APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Please Note in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b) the Council May Review, Discuss and/or take Action on the following items:

1)         Request of Candace Brodeur for reappointment to the Building Code of Appeals with term expiration date of January 31, 2027

 

A motion was made to approve Candace Brodeur reappointment to the Building Code of Appeals with term expiration date of January 31, 2027 by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

2)         Request of Lucy Fleet for appointment to the Dog Park Committee with term expiration date of January 31, 2024

 

Lucy Fleet was present.

 

A motion was made to approve Lucy Fleet for appointment to the Dog Park Committee with term expiration date of January 31, 2024 by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye                                                                                                                                   

 

Council President Carpenter noted Town Clerk Liese would make arrangements with Ms. Fleet to administer the Oath of Office.

 

Council took a brief recess.

 

J.         UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Please Note in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b) the Council May Review, Discuss and/or take Action on the following items:

1)         Discussion and Consideration of a Request of The Nature Conservancy for Property Tax Exemption for a tract of land identified as Map 1 2E Lot 042

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth thanked Tax Assessor LaBelle for putting the memorandum of information together.

 

Vice President Palmisciano advised at the last meeting he did request additional information. He did thank the Solicitor and Tax Assessor for information and noted it was a comprehensive document.

 

Kate Pelletier representing the Nature Conservancy was present and available for additional questions.

 

Tax Assessor LaBelle noted the Parcel of land was AP 2E Lot 42. Map 1 listed on the agenda was a typo.  

 

A motion was made to approve the request of The Nature Conservancy for Property Tax Exemption for a tract of land identified as Map 2E Lot 042 by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

K.        NEW BUSINESS

Please Note in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b) the Council May Review, Discuss and/or take Action on the following items:

 

Council President Carpenter noted the process on how she would like to proceed with agenda items 1 and 2; as she believed both applicants were on the call. She advised that Council received several emails this afternoon on behalf of PVD Food Trucks and would allow associates to speak on behalf of PVD; as long as it does not repeat what the emails have said. She requested Mr. Weiner be brief as they have the proposal in front of them.

 

1)         Discussion and Consideration of 2022 Food Truck Series as Requested by PVD Food Trucks

 

Eric Weiner on behalf of PVD Food Trucks advised he was looking forward to coming back to Richmond after two successful seasons, in spite of COVID and rain. He advised they have created this first kind of event for Richmond in which he believes that the residents look forward to. He explained PVD is a professional organization that is incorporated in the State of Rhode Island. He advised they have about 60 food trucks they work with from Rhode Island. He advised the event is free for the town residents and anyone else to attend, while paying for the porta johns, the police details and the live music, and believes working in perfect harmony with town officials. He explained he has already submitted the Entertainment License for hearing and abutters notice hearing on February 15th. He believes this event will continue to grow. He explained he had taken the liberty to amend last year’s contract for review; as it’s about 11 weeks before the first event and planning and scheduling needs to occur. He was not sure who was on the call to speak.

 

Council President Carpenter noted that those who had already submitted emails on PVD behalf have had the opportunity to speak and would like to hear from those who have not spoken or emailed.

 

Councilor Cacciola questioned the ending time of 8:30 P.M. and stated concern with the traffic and safety in the evening hours. She also asked if he would allow the non-profits.

 

Mr. Weiner advised language would end at sunset but no later than 8:30 p.m. He advised they would end at sunset but the later events could have adequate lighting. He further advised any concerns with traffic.  He has worked with the Police Chief and Town Administrator Pinch to address those concerns. With regards to the nonprofit the town requested that language be removed in the contract; however nonprofits had been welcome. That language has been added to work with the Recreation Commission to have the nonprofits be part of any event.

 

Vice President Palmisciano was glad to see the nonprofits and community engagement. He also stated the Recreation Commission could work with PVD or others for town events. He advised he had conducted a survey at the event. He said over 75% are in favor of this event and is excited on how we can continue to bring this event.

 

Councilor Newman said PVD Events have been successful. He hears from residents in town on the success of the event and a lot of the credit for that goes to Mr. Weiner.

 

Council President Carpenter stated concern with subletting property to local real estate company. She said Mr. Weiner collected $250.00 from a local real estate company for a food truck event.

 

Mr. Weiner advised he did not sublet Richmond’s property. He explained DOH was brought in for testing and vaccines and that he treated the property the same way as the previous year. He explained they did have 3 or 4 events that were sponsors for the event to help offset the cost of live music and marketing. He explained it was not subletting it was sponsorships.

 

Discussion ensued on subletting.

 

Councilor Cacciola questioned changing the day to Monday or Tuesday.

 

Mr. Weiner advised they are open to any option. He would be happy to accommodate a different day, if Council/ Residents would prefer. He explained Thursday is a prime event.

 

Councilor Cacciola questioned the Washington County Fair and traffic and placing signage

 

Mr. Weiner advised the event takes place the week prior to Washington County Fair. He advised he would be happy to place signs wherever the town wishes.

Council President Carpenter advised on signage last season.

 

Vice President Palmisciano said each time we do this we learn. He further explained he attended every event and suggested it is best to survey them what night is best for those that are attending and put out on Facebook to gather more information. He encouraged talking to constitutes.

 

Council President Carpenter advised we will move to item 2.

 

Vice President Palmisciano noted that Town Clerk Liese and Town Solicitor Ellsworth had their hands raised.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth questioned if you plan to renew you need to clarify language.

 

Council President Carpenter agreed on clarification.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised Mr. Lebeau from EDC had his hand raised.

 

Mr. Lebeau advised he would wait till after item 2.

 

Council President Carpenter requested we move to item 2.

 

2)         Request of Council President Carpenter for Council Discussion and Consideration of proposal from "Ocean State Food Truck Festivals" with additional consideration of potential contract and partnership with the Richmond Recreation Commission.

 

Joe Boisvert on behalf of Ocean State Food Truck explained he runs food truck festivals with a few other trucks. He explained he has worked with the City of Warwick and Town of Smithfield. He advised each truck pays 10% towards the vendor. He explained he has a Beer Garden and Class P Liquor License. He advised he does get sponsors. He does get sponsorships. He advised Chris Menta would sponsor porta johns and police details. He would want nonprofits involved but non-competing local business with the Food Trucks. He explained he does own a restaurant and Thursday is a busy day. He explained Tuesdays are tremendous event days. He spoke of the benefits of Tuesday.  He would like to take a neutral revenue event to revenue positive. He explained his social media presence and food trucks connection called meet our 401 Food Trucks. He advised to check out Ocean State Food Truck Facebook Page.

Council President Carpenter allowed for anyone for him to speak on his behalf.

Adam Batchelder from Smoke and Squeal advised he worked with Ocean State Food Trucks and he was the 2020 Veteran Business Owner of the Year. He also stated he has worked with PVD Food Trucks but was turned off as it was required to provide three free meals per event and a yearly fee.

Vice President Palmisciano requested Mr. Batchelder keep his comments to Ocean State.

Mr. Batchelder stated the benefit of working with Ocean State is we give money back to the town. He has great experience with Warwick, Smithfield and Providence.

Councilor Newman also stated we have had similar reviews in Richmond with PVD. He advised the residents are happy with PVD.

Vice President Palmisciano advised it is a great opportunity to have PVD and working with Ocean State with Recreation. He thinks moving forward on both and have the Recreation Commission involved. He commented we had a successful Tree Lighting and that was not PVD food trucks, so, as you can see, we can have both. He explained partnering with Eric and PVD Food Trucks is a journey. He questioned if Ocean State would like to partner with the Recreation Commission.

Mr. Boisvert stated the reason he creates this event is because he does not pay to play with PVD Food Trucks. He commented on fees charged by PVD. He stated he treats this if there was not others. He stated people attend these do not know the logistics. He would participate with the Town of Richmond.

Councilor Cacciola questioned how Ocean State would navigate Police Detail and payment.

Mr. Boisvert explained the utilization of Mulligans and the layout. He explained the emergency plan and he would also refer to the town’s professional opinion. He explained Chris Menta was a businessman in Richmond who would sponsor and pay for Police Detail or porta johns. He explained, however, he is used to paying for Police Detail.

Vice President Palmisciano stated he has not seen any communications from Mr. Menta. He also stated that Mr. Menta had previously looked at having a food truck event at this location.

Bryan Lebeau on behalf of EDC stated he has attended the Food Trucks Events in the past that are well attended so he can see the need for them to remain in Richmond. He further explained these events bring families together, it brings camaraderie, laughter and joy. However, these events do not bring the Town any revenue. He explained he is a small bar owner and Thursday night is a busy night for restaurants and recommended suggesting another night. Tuesday would be a good night.

Council President Carpenter requested Robin Woodmansee speak on behalf of the Recreation Commission.

Robin Woodmansee, Chair of the Recreation Commission, advised in the past events went wonderful with PVD Food Trucks. She advised the Recreation Commission is newly formed and will need further direction from the Council on the charge.

Vice President Palmisciano commented on agenda of April 28, 2021 and given the Recreation Commission the charge to run the food truck event. He also explained $2,000 was budgeted for the Recreation Commission for Food Trucks, Fall Fair or Events.

Discussion ensued on the Recreation Commission and responsibility of Commission per Charter, budget and involvement with the Recreation Director.

Mr. Lebeau questioned Ocean State on percentage and local vendors participating. He also stated concern with location and are we considering moving the event.

Mr. Boisvert advised food would be 10% and alcohol would be 20%. He advised if local trucks participate as long as it’s non-competing. He would not want a meatball truck next to a marinara truck. He explained local banks or sponsorships participating.

Council President Carpenter appreciated having the event on Tuesday nights to not burden brick and mortar stores and competing, especially during COVID. She was glad to see the 10% from Food and 20% from Beer and Wine. She further appreciate references with the proposal. She also agrees with Brian that the Fairgrounds would be a safer location. Council President Carpenter thanked Mr. Weiner and Mr. Boisvert for their proposals.

Vice President Palmisciano advised we gave Mr. Boisvert a lot of time to speak, but Mr. Weiner has his hand raised and we would want to afford him the opportunity.

Council President Carpenter stated she allowed that opportunity.

Vice President Palmisciano questioned Mr. Weiner on business practice and further information on business model.

Mr. Weiner explained he was named Small Business of the Year, his work with Providence Chamber and that PVD supports over 60 food trucks, over 20 musicians and a beer and wine producer. We've built relationships with every department in the Town of Richmond and we built an event from ground zero. He also commented on the comments that were allowed to be made against PVD without the opportunity to respond is disheartening.

Council President Carpenter stopped the conversation and stated the agenda placement made tonight difficult.

Councilor Cacciola questioned the next steps.

Town Clerk Liese requested to provide additional information that could be relative to the next steps.

Council President Carpenter advised Councilor Cacciola was about to make a motion so we will see where Council goes with that.

A motion was made to approve the proposal from "Ocean State Food Truck Festivals" with additional consideration of potential contract and partnership with the Richmond Recreation Commission by Councilor Cacciola.

 

Council President Carpenter stated suggested dates should be included.

 

A motion was made to approve the proposal from "Ocean State Food Truck Festivals" with additional consideration of potential contract and partnership with the Richmond Recreation Commission with suggested dates on the second Tuesday of April to September, 5 p.m.- dark by Councilor Cacciola seconded by President Carpenter.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth questioned the motion, it would be difficult to implement. She advised we have a flyer from Ocean State. It would be important to have a proposal.

 

Council President Carpenter stated a contract would need to be in place.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth suggested more specific information. She also advised that why would you want to have food truck events on Tuesday nights as Town Council and Planning meet on 4 Tuesday’s.

She further explained the need to be specific. She questioned, “Would you like Ocean State to meet with Recreation?”

 

Councilor Cacciola advised Tuesday’s make sense and questioned when Council and Planning meet.

 

Discussion ensued on clarification of the motion.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth questioned if you want the Recreation Commission to sit down with Ocean State to find out what services they would offer, what kind of event they would put on, and what the details would be, and then for them to make a recommendation back to you.

Councilor Cacciola agreed that would make sense, so moved.

Town Solicitor Ellsworth suggested the following: that you would like to make a motion to ask the Recreation Commission to meet with Ocean State and discuss food truck events jointly and with some specific recommendations for events and dates and report that to the Town Council for approval of events and approval of a written agreement.

A motion was made to request the Recreation Commission to meet with Ocean State and discuss food truck events jointly and with some specific recommendations for events and dates and report that to the Town Council for approval of events and approval of a written agreement by Councilor Cacciola seconded by President Carpenter.

Councilor Newman questioned if we are not addressing PVD.

Council President Carpenter said this is for Ocean State.

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised on Parliamentary Procedure and the need to address New Business 1.

Discussion ensued on proceedings with determination on Agenda items.

The following motion was removed: request the Recreation Commission to meet with Ocean State and discuss food truck events jointly and with some specific recommendations for events and dates and report that to the Town Council for approval of events and approval of a written agreement by Councilor Cacciola seconded by President Carpenter.

 

Council returned to New Business Item 1: Discussion and Consideration of 2022 Food Truck Series as Requested by PVD Food Trucks

A Motion was made for approval of the 2022 Food Truck Series as requested by PVD Food Trucks, with pending a review of the Contract Agreement by the Town Solicitor by Vice President Palmisciano

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised they needed further information for contract determination, such as nighttime lighting.

Councilor Cacciola stated concern with lighting.

Vice President Palmisciano stated we are in a motion and Chief Barber had addressed the lighting concern with truck lighting and towers. He also stated concern with the Public Hearing pending February 15^th.

A Motion was made for details of an agreement to be worked on for the 2022 Food Truck Series as requested by PVD Food Trucks, with terms to be voted on at the Town Council Meeting of February 15^th by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, No; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, No. MOTION FAILS

Vice President Palmisciano requested how this affected the Public Hearing.

Council President Carpenter advised that these are two separate items.

Discussion ensued on effects of Public Hearing.

Town Clerk Liese requested guidance as PVD Food Trucks has already provided notice to abutters for hearing on February 15^th.  She advised both entities would require a Public Hearing with regards to Entertainment.

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised it would be up to Mr. Weiner to move forward in hopes for contract agreement or withdraw. She further advised Ocean State has no agreement and Ocean State is not in a position to apply.

Council returned to New Business Item 2) Request of Council President Carpenter for Council Discussion and Consideration of proposal from "Ocean State Food Truck Festivals" with additional consideration of potential contract and    partnership with the Richmond Recreation Commission.

A Motion was made for the Recreation Commission to meet with Ocean State and discuss food truck events jointly and with some specific recommendations for events and dates and report that to the Town Council for approval of events and approval of a written agreement by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Vice President Palmisciano for discussion purposes.

Vice President Palmisciano stated he was not comfortable with how this whole thing transpired today. We have an opportunity to bring a food truck event that we've had and has been extremely popular in the past and have an opportunity to expand. For the record, I am not happy with how this whole thing transpired.

Councilor Newman agreed with Vice President Palmisciano.

Council President Carpenter advised we have two similar applications, but with the second we will receive 10% from Food revenue and 20% from alcohol revenue, with the opportunity of non-profits and local business to have the opportunity to participate. She further discussed the benefits of revenue. She thanked Karen for bringing up the Tuesday, but the effects on brick and mortar for events at the end of the week. She is in support of Ocean State for those reasons.

Councilor Cacciola also stated it is a win for Ocean State with revenue generated and family event offerings.

Vice President Palmisciano also stated the revenue is compelling, however, he thinks there is a lot of assumption. He also stated he can speak first hand on PVD for family fun. He would like to revisit the conversation. 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth stated caution on profit with one promoter as you do not have details from Ocean State. It could turn out to be revenue neutral.

Council President Carpenter stated revenue neutral is not positive for the Town. She further quoted an email from PVD sent to Clerk. “It would be a disservice to the Community and food truck owners to discontinue this relationship”. She stated she is representing Richmond Tax Payers. 

Back to the Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, No; Councilor Newman, No; Councilor Cacciola, Aye. MOTION FAILS

Council took a brief recess.

 

3)         Request of Council President Carpenter for Request for Council Discussion and Consideration of allocation "American Rescue Plan Act" ARPA funding.

 

Council President Carpenter stated we need to start discussion on allocation of ARPA funding and with consideration of the absence of Councilor Nassaney, maybe we should continue the matter. However, would like to be on our radar so we can start acting.

 

A motion was made to postpone the request of Council President Carpenter for request for Council Discussion and Consideration of allocation "American Rescue Plan Act" ARPA funding to the February 15, 2022 by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

4)         Discussion and Consideration of Request of The Maddie Potts Foundation

a)         Approval of Refund in the amount of $4,698.97 for Permit Fees Pursuant to Ordinance 3.06.040

b)         Request Exemption for any further Building Permit Fees for the Construction of the Maddie Potts Memorial Field House

 

Council President advised we have had this a few times prior. She suggested that the Maddie Potts address this as retroactive. She apologized to Maddie Potts Foundation on addressing this and apologized to staff for time spent on this.  She further read 3.06.040 for waiving fees.

 

Councilor Newman thanked Vice President Palmisciano for bringing this forward.

 

A motion was made to approve the Refund in the amount of $4,698.97 for Permit Fees Pursuant to Ordinance 3.06.040 and Exemption for any further Building Permit Fees for the Construction of the Maddie Potts Memorial Field House by Councilor Newman Seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

A motion was made to file the communications by Vice President Palmisciano Seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

L.        COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS FROM OTHER RHODE ISLAND CITIES AND TOWNS

The Council may acknowledge any of the listed Communications and Proclamations and Resolutions. Should any member wish to have a conversation on any of the matters, the item will be placed on a future agenda for review, discussion and/or potential action and/or vote.

1)         Communications Received:

a)         Notice on Board/Commission Vacancies- January 26, 2022

b)         Press Release of Richmond Police Department – January 21, 2022

c)         Richmond Senior Center News- February 2022

 

M.       PUBLIC FORUM

Those participating remotely, use the “raise hand” icon at the bottom right side of your screen, or, if you are using a phone, press *9. The moderator will tell you when it is your turn to speak.

 

No public comment.

 

Councilor Newman wished everyone a happy Valentine’s Day.

 

Vice President Palmisciano wished everyone a happy New Year.

 

N.        ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Cacciola to adjourn at 8:43 P.M. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

 

 

Attest:

 

 

_______________________________

 Erin F. Liese, CMC Town Clerk