RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

 

Regular Town Council Meeting

February 15, 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 15, 2022. This meeting was held in Council Chambers, as well as 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 Rich Nassaney. Present via Zoom: Councilor Lauren Cacciola. Also present in Council Chambers: Town Administrator Karen D. Pinch, Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Chief of Police Elwood Johnson, Town Planner Shaun Lacey and Town Clerk Erin Liese. Present via Zoom: Tax Assessor Carmen Labelle and Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth.

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

D.        MOMENT OF SILENCE

 

Council Vice President Palmisciano led in a moment of silence, for the two high school hockey players Kevin MacDonald and Matt Dennison; that were injured in a car accident in Exeter.

 

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:

 

Council President Carpenter noted we have three resolutions relative to Police Mutual aid.

 

Chief Johnson advised on the importance of mutual aid and the renewal that occurs every three years.

 

1)         Resolution Relative to Law Enforcement Mutual Aid between the Town of Richmond and Town of Charlestown

 

2)         Resolution Relative to Law Enforcement Mutual Aid between the Town of Richmond and Town of Hopkinton

 

3)         Resolution Relative to Law Enforcement Mutual Aid between the Town of Richmond and Town of South Kingstown

 

A motion was made to approve the Resolution’s for Mutual Aid between the Town of Richmond, Town of Charlestown, Town of Hopkinton, and Town of South Kingstown by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, 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:

 

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on Discussion and Adoption of the Amended 2021 Richmond Comprehensive Community Plan by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

1)         Discussion and Adoption of the Amended 2021 Richmond Comprehensive Community Plan

 

Town Planner Lacey advised on the amendments to the 2021 Richmond Comprehensive Community Plan. He explained the recent amendments were done to address the comments from the State of Rhode Island. He further explained the importance of the Comprehensive Plan and the timeline. He summarized the following amendments: two new maps (Special Flood Hazard Areas and Land Use Inconsistencies) were added and improved the legibility of current maps; updated population projections and added language to promote protection of natural resources; and finally added language to address future waste-disposal needs and expectations. He advised the full document is available on the Town of Richmond’s website.

 

Council President Carpenter reminded this was a public hearing and if residents in Chambers or on Zoom had questions to raise their hand. 

 

There was no public comment.

 

Councilor Cacciola questioned the cost to prepare the amendments.

 

Town Planner Lacey explained that a lot of the amendments and mapping were done in-house. The Town had earmarked $30,000 about three years ago and the cost is coming in about $16,000.

 

The cost was clarified to have been a total of $16,000 not $60,000.

 

A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on Discussion and Adoption of the Amended 2021 Richmond Comprehensive Community Plan by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

Councilor Cacciola stated she would not be voting in favor due to amendments costing over $60,000 and being over budget.

 

Councilor Nassaney clarified the Plan had come in under budget; as the cost was $16,000 out of the $30,000 that was budgeted.

 

Town Planner Lacey confirmed we were not over budget.  He stated he was very proud to come under budget as this was a long process.

Councilor Cacciola stated concern that it had to be redone.

 

A motion was made to adopt the Amended 2021 Richmond Comprehensive Community Plan by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney.

Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye   

 

2)         Discussion and consideration of Proposed Amendments to Chapter 10.04 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Speed Limits and reducing the speed on Whitetail Trail

 

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 10.04 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Speed Limits and reducing the speed on Whitetail Trail by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth clarified the amendment was to reduce the speed to 15 mph.

 

Chief Johnson explained he had visited the site after a concern from residents on the road. He explained the speed is coming from delivery drivers and not residents.

 

No public comment.

 

A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 10.04 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Speed Limits and reducing the speed on Whitetail Trail by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye                                                                                                                                   

 

A motion was made to approve the Proposed Amendments to Chapter 10.04 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Speed Limits and reducing the speed on Whitetail Trail to 15 mph by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano.

Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

3)         Discussion and consideration on Outdoor Entertainment License from P&EE Consulting Inc. d/b/a FoodTrucksIn.com d/b/a PVD Food Truck Events

 

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on Outdoor Entertainment License from P&EE Consulting Inc. d/b/a FoodTrucksIn.com d/b/a PVD Food Truck Events by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Vice President Palmisciano.

 

Council President Carpenter suggested placing this on later in the agenda as the applicant has not yet received permission from the Town.

 

Discussion ensued on order of agenda items related to food trucks.

 

A motion was made to table the Public Hearing on Outdoor Entertainment License from P&EE Consulting Inc. d/b/a FoodTrucksIn.com d/b/a PVD Food Truck Events by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Vice President Palmisciano.

Discussion ensued on agenda order.

 

Council President Carpenter stated concern about granting an Entertainment License without the food truck vendor being determined and town not granting permission. She shared the example of Bold Media Entertainment License with Wawaloam Campground.

 

Vice President Palmisciano clarified we only have one food truck vendor on for later in the agenda and that is PVD Food Trucks.

 

Councilor Cacciola shared concern with a contract for PVD Food Trucks being linked to the agenda.

 

Back to the Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, No; Councilor Newman, No; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, No. (Motion Fails)

                                                                                                                                   

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on Outdoor Entertainment License from P&EE Consulting Inc. d/b/a FoodTrucksIn.com d/b/a PVD Food Truck Events by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, No; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, No; Councilor Nassaney, Aye 

 

Council President Carpenter noted this would be for comments relative to the Outdoor Entertainment.

 

Dennis McGinity questioned what the benefit would be to the Town other than the entertainment provided.

 

President Carpenter stated unfortunately we cannot answer this question at this time.

 

No Public comment.

 

A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on Outdoor Entertainment License from P&EE Consulting Inc. d/b/a FoodTrucksIn.com d/b/a PVD Food Truck Events by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

A motion was made to approve the Outdoor Entertainment License from P&EE Consulting Inc. d/b/a FoodTrucksIn.com d/b/a PVD Food Truck Events by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman.

 

Councilor Cacciola shared concern that we do not know the details of the license as we have put the cart before the horse.

 

Vice President Palmisciano made a recommendation to approve the license contingent on New Business item 1.

 

A motion was made to approve the Outdoor Entertainment License from P&EE Consulting Inc. d/b/a FoodTrucksIn.com d/b/a PVD Food Truck Events, contingent on New Business Item 1 by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, No; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, No; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

Councilor Newman requested we move appointments up.

 

A motion was made to move up Appointments and Resignations items I1. And I2 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, 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)         Resignation of Adrienne Graffius from the Wellness Committee with term expiration date of November, 2023

 

A motion was made to accept the Resignation of Adrienne Graffius from the Wellness Committee with regret by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye.

 

2)         Request of Dennis McGinity for appointment to the Wellness Committee with term expiration date of November, 2023

 

A motion was made to approve Dennis McGinity for appointment to the Wellness Committee with term expiration date of November, 2023 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, 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)         February 1, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

 

President Carpenter requested an amendment to the minutes on page 7, after the discussion on subletting be updated to reflect the following: “That Mr. Weiner collected $250 from a local real estate agent for attending food truck events”.

 

A motion was made to approve the February 1, 2022 Minutes as Amended by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Abstain.

 

2)         Approval of Town Department Reports

a)         Approval of the Town Clerk’s report for the month of January, 2022

b)         Approval of the Police Departments report for the month of January, 2022

c)         Approval of Tax Collectors report for the month of January, 2022

d)         Approval of Building, Planning & Zoning report for the month of January, 2022

e)         Approval of Finance Department report for the month of January, 2022

 

A motion was made to approve Consent Items 2a-3 by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye.

 

3)         Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements & Additions February, 2022

a)         Abatement in the amount of $5,994.23

b)         Addition in the amount of $5,994.23

 

A motion was made to approve Consent Item 3 by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, 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 Agreement Between the Town of Richmond and Michael L. Cozzolino for Provision of Legal Services

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised on the agreement terms for legal services and performance review of Attorney Cozzolino.

 

A motion was made to authorize the Agreement between the Town of Richmond and Michael L. Cozzolino for Provision of Legal Services by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye.

 

b)         Discussion and Authorization of Agreement Between the Town of Richmond and  Karen R Ellsworth for Provision of Legal Services

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised on the agreement terms for legal services and performance review of Attorney Ellsworth.

 

A motion was made to authorize the Agreement between the Town of Richmond and Karen R. Ellsworth for Provision of Legal Services by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye.

 

c)         Announcement of Hazard Mitigation Workshop

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised on the workshop to be held on Hazard Mitigation.

 

d)         Status Update on the Roundabout

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised they did receive a call on the status of the roundabout. This should go out to bid in the Fall with construction in the Spring.

 

e)         Announcement of Dog Park Committee Fundraiser

 

Town Administrator Pinch shared the information regarding the fundraiser to be held on April 30, 2022.

 

Council President Carpenter questioned if all applicants licensing were in order.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised they were.

 

J.         LICENSES

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

1)         Approval of Application Renewals for Refuse Collection and Hauling License

a)         Application of Sanitation by Quint Perry

b)         Application of E-Z Waste Systems Inc.

c)         Application of Rambone Disposal Service Inc.

d)         Application of On Time Disposal LLC

e)         Application of CWPM, LLC

f)         Application of Waste Management of RI, Inc.

g)         Application of RPKK, Inc.

h)         Application of MTG (MEGA) Disposal, LLC

 

A motion was made to approve the application renewals A-H; for Refuse Collection and Hauling License by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Vice President Palmisciano.

Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye.

 

A brief recess was taken.

 

K.        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 on potential amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Cultivation of Medical Marijuana

 

Town Planner Lacey provided a status report regarding Odor Mitigation. He advised he spoke to Coastal Farm and they provided him with the brochure of the cleaning agent they utilize; which is attached to the agenda.

 

Council President Carpenter questioned what the staff recommendation would be at this time.

 

Town Planner Lacey advised he did not have a strong opinion either way. However, I know that Council has kind of been toying with the idea of maybe adding stronger language to our development plan review ordinance as it relates to all.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised on audio concerns. She also advised the Council does have draft amendments with regards to Development Plan Review.  She further explained this is a Council’s policy decision.

 

Town Planner Lacey advised we do not get a lot of requests for Marijuana Cultivation; as we only allow them in certain aspects of Town such as industrial.

 

Vice President Palmisciano commented on the concern received from some of our business owners in the Community for potential location of a grow facility and the impact that that could have from the odor. He further commented the appreciation of the research done. He stated that the Solicitor had done a lot of research on the vegetative buffer. I just want to make sure that we're putting things in place that could allow all businesses to flourish and make sure that we're not inadvertently adding a disruption to others.

 

Councilor Nassaney questioned if we could mandate zero omissions in the amendment.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised we could not put stricter mandate than the State. She further remarked that if we passed an ordinance that said that medical marijuana cultivation facilities could emit zero odor, not only would we get sued, but, it would be impossible to enforce.

 

Chief Johnson reported that Department of Business Regulation is very responsive to concerns.

 

Council President Carpenter announced we would wait for further information.

 

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

 

Council President Carpenter noted she had requested this be placed on the agenda. However, due to not all members being present at the last meeting it was continued to this meeting.  She recommended the following for utilization of the funding: about 15% of this $2.3 million on public services facilities that are both noted in the COMP plan, and that would serves the residents of Richmond as our nonprofits and charitable organizations are in dire need of assistance.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned if we would have recommendations from the Wellness Committee.

 

Council President Carpenter and Chief Johnson noted we should have that report very soon.

 

Vice President Palmisciano would like to see the money mapped out. He also agreed on the Community Center.

 

Councilor Cacciola advised on the request from Wood River Health Services and she would also like to see a School Resource Officer that is Crisis based with the Police Department.

 

Chief Johnson advised on a Crisis Coordinator shared by local communities and she provides 7 hours of service weekly to the Town of Richmond. 

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned the process of reaching out to nonprofits.

 

Discussion ensued on reaching out to charitable organizations.

 

Councilor Nassaney recommended referring this to staff, as there could be an influx of requests that should be vetted. However, the final decision would be made by Council.

 

Council President Carpenter emphasized this would be a first step; and, as the elected official and residents of this town in all fairness should have the say. The staff are not residents of this town, for the most part, and we are the ones who have been elected to represent the electors. It will ultimately come before us, but I agree with you this isn't going to be a quick process. It should be thorough.

 

Councilor Nassaney stated staff would do the best for the town; regardless if they are residents.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated he believed what Councilor Nassaney was referring to is the Staff would be the conduit receiving them.

 

Discussion ensued on vetting and the process for requests.

 

Town Administrator Pinch recommended the Finance Board review requests once received from staff.

 

It was clarified that the Town Clerk would continue receiving requests to be placed on the agenda for Council’s consideration. No further action was taken on this item.

 

3)         Discussion and consideration of amendments to Sec. 3.50.010 of the Code of Ordinances, Tax exemption for older and disabled property owners, and authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised this is an ordinance you review yearly regarding elderly exemptions. She further explained the income levels increased by 5.9% so the draft that you have in front of you adjusts the income levels by 5.9%. It also adjusts the median assessments.

 

A motion was made to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing amendments to Sec. 3.50.010 of the Code of Ordinances, Tax exemption for older and disabled property owners by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola.

 

Tax Assessor LaBelle wanted to inform the Council that Richmond has one of the highest exemptions in Washington County and I also believe in the state with regard to income limits. The Town of Richmond is very generous.

 

Back to the Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye.

 

L.        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:

1)         Request of Councilor Nassaney Discussion and Adoption of 2022 Food Truck Series Events by PVD Food Trucks

 

A motion was made to approve the 2022 Food Truck Series Events by PVD Food Trucks by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Vice President Palmisciano.

 

Councilor Cacciola stated she was not against food truck events; however we had two different options at our last meeting. She feels it’s only fair to have two contracts for review. She has concern with PVD setting up during school hours. She would like the contract discussed in more depth with regards to traffic.

 

Vice President Palmisciano advised he has had constitutes reach out on both sides. However to date we only have one contract in front of us. We don't live in a world where it's a sole source type of opportunity and frankly there's nothing to stop any food truck provider from approaching our Recreation Commission to become more involved in their events. With that said we have had successful events with PVD Food Trucks. That is the contract in front of us tonight.

 

Council President Carpenter acknowledged she did see Mr. Weiner’s hand raised but this is for Council’s discussion only.

 

Councilor Newman stated he has only heard positive comments from residents who enjoy food truck events from PVD.

 

Council President Carpenter questioned Council if they realized there was a contract on his request for this item.

 

Council was not aware of the hyperlinks and contract in Mr. Nassaney’s email.

 

Council President Carpenter reviewed the contract differences from February 1st to February 15th. These are public documents. She also noted the request was received from Councilman Nassaney at 8:40 p.m. The following differences were approved by Town Administrator on date changes, time of the events, set up of the events, may have entertainment not shall, and referenced outdoor entertainment license date, trash and recyclables are the town’s responsibility, recreation commission involvement, and the involvement of non-profits; public safety, local businesses were eliminated, insurance changes, dating of contract and Administrator signature. She clarified the Council President signs contracts pursuant to the Charter. She questioned how the contract was revised from February 1st to February 15th.  She questioned how Councilor Nassaney could submit an agenda item while in session and how did he get the new contract.

 

Councilor Nassaney put the agenda item with the incorrect link. He was working in Vegas with a three hour event on February 1st and was aware he would not make the meeting for voting. He was made aware of the no vote against PVD so he put the request in. He stated he would amend the motion to include the contract of February 1st.

 

Council President Carpenter stated you cannot negotiate the contract from February 1st.

 

Councilor Nassaney clarified his request was only the email.

 

Council President Carpenter questioned staff of how the agenda item was received for February 1st.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised the contract that was attached to Councilor Nassaney’s email was only drafted last week.

 

Discussion ensued on the contract attached to the agenda.

 

Vice President Palmisciano clarified if that they had seen the contract attachment. He previously thought President Carpenter was referring to an email chain.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised on the contract.

 

Town Clerk Liese clarified the attachment to the agenda and timeline. She explained the email was sent and the contract was linked at a later date at the request of the Town Administrator and Town Solicitor.

 

Council President Carpenter stated concern with removing local business. Why were these changes made?

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised the changes that were amended are underlined.

 

Discussion ensued on the changes on whether they were positive or negative.

 

Vice President Palmisciano explained because of his experience and work with the EDC, as well as his supporting the nonprofit that he has developed a working understanding and relationship with PVD. He does not share the same concerns, and believes we can have a successful event.

 

Councilor Cacciola shared traffic concerns and would not approve a contract with a start time of              2:00 P.M.

 

Councilor Nassaney explained food trucks drive down the road and that trucks that pull off the main road 250 ft. away from the road and in the parking lot, do not cause a traffic hazard. Stop trying to drive a wedge in this event.

 

Discussion ensued on emails received.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated I’m not going to identify the person by name, but let me just say that I know quite well someone who puts those kids on buses at Richmond elementary and departs those buses at 3:45pm and the only problem is sometimes the bus drivers do not know the road is closed. There is never traffic, and never a danger to children.

 

Councilor Cacciola stated she has talked to Chief Johnson and there was concern of traffic flow.

 

Chief Johnson clarified the concern was of Friday night; as it is more complicated than a Thursday night with traffic. However, we do have police and fire there to slow the traffic.

 

Discussion ensued on contract attachment to the agenda.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised you could approve whatever contract you want. She further clarified the updates to the contract dated February 15, 2022.

 

A motion was made to approve the 2022 Food Truck Series Events Contract as attached to the agenda with PVD Food Trucks by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney.

 

Councilor Cacciola questioned if a traffic study could be conducted prior to the approval.

 

President Carpenter questioned why the other applicant “Ocean State” was not placed on the agenda for consideration.

 

Councilor Nassaney stated because a Councilor did not put it forward.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised that no other request has been received from Ocean State. She advised she does not put the agenda together.

 

Town Clerk Liese provided an update that PVD Food trucks had requested an outdoor entertainment license prior to the February 1st agenda and due to the advertising requirement it had already been slated for tonight’s agenda as the mailer to abutters went out on January 28th. The request also came in from Councilor Nassaney.

 

President Carpenter stated if we are to be equitable and fair we should consider both applicants.

 

Councilor Nassaney advised we only have one applicant.

 

Vice President Palmisciano advised that the other applicant could always reach out to be part of other events; such as maybe a spring event with the Recreation Commission.

 

Councilor Nassaney stated if they were interested they would have reached out.

 

Councilor Cacciola also asked for traffic study.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated the time and cost of this is prohibitive.

 

Discussion ensued on PVD food trucks.

 

Councilor Newman stated the people love PVD and the success of the event.

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised that no other vendor had asked to be on the agenda.

 

President Carpenter clarified in fairness she had asked that both be on this agenda; however she reached out to have Councilor Nassaney amend his agenda to include both on the agenda. However, she was informed that Councilor Nassaney stated “No, only PVD”; so she pulled her item so they did not have battling agenda items.

 

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

 

A brief recess was taken.

 

2)         Discussion on a Request of Maddie Potts Foundation for Allocation from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 from the Town of Richmond in the amount of $83,333.33

 

A motion was made to refer the request to staff from the Maddie Potts Foundation for Allocation from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 from the Town of Richmond in the amount of $83,333.33 by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Vice President Palmisciano.

 

Vice President Palmisciano requested the representative be allowed to speak.

 

President Carpenter agreed as it was the same as the Wood River Health Services representative being allowed to speak.

 

Mellissa DeJoseph from the Maddie Potts Foundation explained the increase of costs associated with the building of the Maddie Potts Field House. She also explained they will be requesting the same amount from each member town. The amount utilized would go towards HVAC, plumbing and electrical. She closed this will be on the Chariho campus and to benefit the surrounding community.

 

Councilor Nassaney questioned if the school committee had been asked for funds.

 

M. DeJoseph advised School Committee member Giusti is participating in the fundraiser.

 

Councilor Newman questioned the amount received from the school committee.

 

M. DeJoseph received a $25.00 small private donation. However, she does not see all funds received.

 

Councilor Nassaney clarified his question, have you asked the school department for any budget, contingency and or capitol funds. 

 

Stephanie Potts thanked Melissa, but with regards to Councilor Nassaney’s question regarding the school committee, they have not reached out because the original quorum that was voted in favor of building the field house, was to be funded by the Maddie Potts Foundation, and the school committee approved that they would maintain the building. This was a decision made pre covid.

 

Discussion ensued on considering fund requests.

 

Back to the Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye.

 

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

 

M.       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- February 10, 2022

b)         Press Release of Richmond Police Department – February 8, 2022

c)         Email from Kishin Friskie Fries LLC regarding PVD Food Truck Events- February 1, 2022

d)         Email from Tommy Tainsh, Trinity Brewhouse regarding PVD Food Truck Events- February 1, 2022

e)         Email from Ester Bishop regarding PVD Food Truck Events- February 1, 2022

f)         Email from Sandeep Jaiswal, Group 21 LLC regarding PVD Food Truck Events- February 1, 2022

g)         Email from Michelle & Charlie Colberg, Black Dog Donuts regarding PVD Food Truck Events- February 1, 2022

h)         Email from Elba Pabon & Antonio Miranda, La Guaguita de Sabor regarding PVD Food Truck Events- February 1, 2022

i)          Email from Randy D Friskie Fries LLC regarding PVD Food Truck Events- February 1, 2022

j)          Email from Shane, Bonetown Burgers & BBQ regarding PVD Food Truck Events- February 1, 2022

 

N.        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.

 

Eric Weiner from PVD Food Trucks stated these items were not able to be addressed earlier. He further commented there are some loose ends as what we thought was a partnership. As, the concerns to be addressed and I want to publicly state it's because of the people in Richmond that we're thrilled to be coming back. This process has been, quite frankly, gut wrenching. He was discouraged that at the last meeting they were attacked but took the high road without the chance to respond at the last meeting. The residents make it worthwhile for us to go through this to come back and hope that in the future, this is less painful and easier because we build partnerships and we build community, and we have not been treated that way across the board. 

 

Laura Rieger of Downs Court, stated the Food Truck discussions taken as much of time as the food truck event and was hostile and not needed. She stated this could been cleared up and sent to Council notifying changes. With regards to AARP funds it should come back to residents of Richmond to make that determination.

 

Louise Dinsmore of 22 Drake Drive, as a professional fundraiser has been following the AARP money for a while and recommended the Council include some language for a request for proposals from various nonprofit organizations that have specific parameters, with a formal RFP process. Also she emphasized the AARP funds specifically benefit the Town of Richmond. She also volunteered her services to review the requests. 

 

O.        ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Councilor Nassaney with second by Councilor Newman to adjourn at            8:20 P.M. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye.

 

 

Attest:

 

 

______________________________

Erin F. Liese, CMC Town Clerk