RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES

Regular Town Council Meeting

July 12, 2022

6:00 P.M.

A.        CALL TO ORDER

 

President Carpenter called the meeting of the Richmond Town Council to order at 6:00 P.M. held on July 12, 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: Council President Nell Carpenter, Vice President James Palmisciano, Councilor Lauren Cacciola, Councilor Ronald Newman, and Councilor Rich Nassaney. Also present Town Administrator Karen D. Pinch, Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Finance Director Laura Kenyon, Chief of Police Elwood Johnson, DPW Director/ Fire Chief Scott Barber and Town Clerk Erin Liese.

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

D.        MOMENT OF SILENCE

 

President Carpenter led in a Moment of Silence for the victims of the most recent gun violence.

 

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)         Discussion and consideration of amendments to Chapter 3.06 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Tipping Fees and amendments to Chapter 8.18 Recycling and Solid Waste Disposal

 

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on the Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 8.18 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised on the need to increase rates at the Transfer Station as discussed with Finance Director Kenyon. Town Administrator Pinch advised on the changes made, the rate increase for specific items and weight. She also advised on Hopkinton on the use of our Transfer Station for an annual fee of $75,000 per year for all Hopkinton residents to use the Richmond Transfer Station, a significant increase, over the pass fees it has previously collected. Starting July 1st, pending approval of the Town Council.

 

No public comment.

 

Vice President Palmisciano requested clarification on if we are providing stickers to just Hopkinton, or if we are providing stickers to Richmond and Hopkinton.

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised that we are providing both, and further clarified that despite the added burden on the Town Clerk’s office, the initial rush of Hopkinton residents has decreased, and that passes were also being given at the Transfer Station.

 

A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on the Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 8.18 by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

A motion was made to approve the Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 8.18 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

2)         Discussion and consideration of amendments to Chapter 8.18 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Sound Permit Notification.

 

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on the Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 8.14 of the Code of Ordinances regarding sound permit notification by Councilor Cacciola seconded by President Carpenter. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised that she agreed with Town Clerk Liese that it isn’t necessary to advertise in the Newspaper since there aren’t many people who receive the newspaper anymore. She advised that it could be advertised on our website, but that any abutters will still receive notice.

 

No public comment.

 

A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on the Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 8.14 by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

A motion was made to approve the Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 8.14 regarding sound by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

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)         June 21, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

 

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

 

2)         Approval of Town Department Reports

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

 

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

 

b)         Approval of the Town Clerk’s report for 7/1/2021 to 6/30/2022

 

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

 

c)         Approval of the Tax Collector’s report for the month of June, 2022

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

President Carpenter questioned the Hotel Tax. Finance Director Kenyon advised that it is state aid that we get a percentage of the hotel tax and that we had estimated that it wasn’t going to come in this year because of COVID, but evidently, hotels are submitting taxes in this town.

 

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

 

3)         Approval of Tax Assessor Additions June 28 2022

 

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

 

4)         Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements dated July 6, 2022

 

A motion was made to approve Consent Agenda Item 4 by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

5)         Approval of Appropriations and Payments of Bills dated June 17, 2022 to June 30, 2022

 

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

 

6)         Approval of  Narragansett Electric Petition for Conduit Locations at Tug Hollow Rd. Pole 15

 

A motion was made to approve Consent Agenda Item 6 by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, 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

a)         Hopkinton Utilization of the Richmond Transfer Station

b)         Letter of Intent to State Regarding Potential Community Center Project

 

A motion was made to approve Letter of Intent to State Regarding Potential Community Center by President Carpenter seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

2)         Recreation Director’s Report: Morgan Cusumano

a)         Status Update on Summer Camp

 

Recreation Director Cusumano discussed that they had 83 campers. Three vendors who have already come to visit with two scheduled for the coming weeks, as well as having planned their first field trip. They anticipate two more vendors coming for the last week of camp which ends July 29th and began June 27th. She also discussed utilization of Police and Fire for demonstrations.

 

3)         Police Chief’s Report; Elwood M. Johnson Jr. on activities of the Police Department

a)         Radio Tower Communication

 

Chief Johnson reported on July 6th at 4:50 PM Chief Barber and Town Administrator Pinch informed the Chief that the radio communications tower in Shannock Hill was on fire. Chief Barber coordinated resources. Chief Johnson explained that it was three juveniles lighting fireworks at an 80 foot tower that is a wood structure and caught fire. He further explained how fire and police utilize this tower to communicate with each other and further discussed the utilization of RIEMA’s portable communications tower for secure communications within 24 hours. Fire was deemed accidental, juveniles are going through Family Court. Chief Johnson thanked members of RIEMA for their efforts, as well as Hope Valley Fire, Carolina Fire and DPW.

 

Chief Johnson also discussed a low-speed head-on collision with an officer, where fortunately no one was injured.

 

Councilor Newman asked if the police vehicle was still operable – Chief replied that it was.

 

H.        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 Travis Putman from the Planning Board

 

A motion was made to accept the resignation with regret of Travis Putman from the Planning Board by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

2)         Resignation of Gary Parker from the Planning Board

 

A motion was made to accept the resignation with regret of Gary Parker from the Planning Board by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Solicitor Ellsworth mentioned that we only have five members on the planning board. She expressed the importance of getting more volunteers in order to hold meetings and approve applications. She continued to express that the planning board should have seven members

 

 

3)         Requests for Appointment to the Zoning Board of Review; Full Member Position with Term Expiration of July 31, 2027 and 1st Alternate Position with Term Expiration of July 31, 2023

a)         Lindsay Hannon

 

A motion was made to accept the appointment of Lindsay Hannon as Full Member Position for the Zoning Board of Review with term expiration of July 31, 2027 by Councilor Newman seconded by Vice President Jim Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

b)         Louise Dinsmore

 

A motion was made to accept the appointment of Louise Dinsmore as 1st Alternate Position for the Zoning Board of Review with term expiration of July 31, 2023 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

4)         Request for Jessica Purcell for Appointment of the Affordable Housing Committee with Term Expiration date of May 31, 2024.

 

A motion was made to accept the appointment of Jessica Purcell to the Affordable Housing Committee with Term Expiration date of May 31, 2024 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Councilor Nassaney raised a question to Ms. Purcell regarding how she plans on helping Richmond reach its goal for affordable housing. She advised that the goal is the state standard of 10% that should be affordable housing and that Richmond is at 3% now. She advised that her personal goal is to attend and learn and ultimately help Richmond meet the state goal of 10% of affordable housing incrementally over the years.

 

Councilor Nassaney questioned the ramifications on the tax payer if that goal is met, which would drive taxes higher for homeowners and bringing a larger amount of children into the school system. He stated it is not a goal for us to hit 10% in the next 10 years for the town.

 

Solicitor Ellsworth advised that the General Assembly has substantially amended some of the laws relating to lower income housing and it is easier for cities and towns to meet that 10% goal not necessarily by building more houses. She advised that all the mobile homes on Hillsdale count for 1 point each toward this goal, because they own the land.

 

Councilor Cacciola thanked Ms. Purcell for volunteering to become part of the committee and that affordable housing is also for teachers and police officers and not just low-income families who make a little more than minimum wage.

 

Vice President Palmisciano mentioned there, at least, needs to be a plan in place to eventually meet the goal of 10% as long as there is land available that could become affordable housing.

 

Solicitor Ellsworth advised that we are required to have a plan to get to that 10% goal but doesn’t have to be exactly what the state says, but we do have an affordable housing plan that is part of the comprehensive plan.

 

I.          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)         Request of Richmond Market for a Victualing License; located at 5 Kingstown Road

 

A motion was made to accept the request of Richmond Market for a Victualing License by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

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)         Richmond Home Rule Charter Amendments to be considered on the November General Election Ballot (Continued from 6-21-2022)

a)         Discussion and Consideration of Resolution Approving the Charter Amendments Ballot Questions for the November 8th General Election

 

A motion was made to accept the Amendments to the Home Rule Charter to be placed on the November General Election Ballot for consideration of electors by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Solicitor Ellsworth advised that she and Tracy Nelson of the Charter Review Commission believe that the version the Council has available is a version that the commission is happy with and that all questions had been answered.

 

2)         Administration update to council on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) requests (Continued from 6-21-2022)

a)         Excel Listing of Requests as of June 29, 2022

 

Councilor Cacciola questioned the $174,050. Finance Director Kenyon advised that amount is what has already been approved to be spent on the American Rescue Plan Act by the fiscal ’23 budget process.

 

Councilor Cacciola also questioned what amount of funds were received from ARPA, to which Finance Director Kenyon replied that we received half around this time last year and are anticipating the other half any time.

 

Discussion ensued on ARPA funds.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised that the sub-total of all the projects that have been allocated is $1, 10,555.00 dollars and what is to be determined is another 1.3 million.

 

Councilor Newman asked if the Maddie Potts foundation would be receiving the $83,000 that they requested, to which President Carpenter replied that it needed to be voted on. Same for the ambulance funds.

 

President Carpenter began the discussion of using the consulting services iParametrics, who have worked with other municipalities. She discussed that there has already been a road paved as far as spending on what is qualified and justified. She believes that money should be spent more wisely and is an unnecessary expense. She spoke with Senator Reed’s office directly regarding whether or not ARPA money can be used to pay an ARPA consultant and was told that they weren’t entirely sure.

 

Vice President Palmisciano shared the same concerns but also considered the value that hiring a consultant might bring. He looked to Finance Director Kenyon for perspective and advice on what we would be getting by spending that $34,000.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised that is in an allocation in a pot of money that we may not use up to that point. They have given a quote for hourly rates for certain personnel that we might use  iParamentrics is there to ensure that the town, expenditures qualify under federal grants as there are restrictions as to how to spend the money. She advised that the $34K may not be spent, it depends on the project we actually choose and how we choose. She advised that the Finance Board recommended purchasing equipment for the community service organizations. That is a much easier qualification for the reimbursement from the grant than it would be if we were just to donate money to an organization as there are some sub-recipient qualifications that have to be made, but iParametrics knows what has to be done. She expressed that there isn’t anyone in the town who is qualified to know what those restrictions are – and iParamentrics is in the business of doing such. She advised that by hiring iParametrics, it is an hourly expense that is not to exceed $34,000.

 

Town Administrator Pinch added that it is almost like a liability insurance in the sense that they take the responsibility off of us.

 

Discussion ensued regarding hiring of iParametrics.

 

President Carpenter expressed that she feels hiring the consulting firm is “like going to the gym and watching a trainer work with somebody else. You pay the trainer to train you but you watch them work with other people”.

 

A motion was made to approve hiring iParamentrics consulting by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, opposed; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

3)         Council Discussion and Consideration of allocation of ARPA funds (Continued from 6-21-2022)

a)         Memorandum and Recommendation of Finance Board dated June 29, 2022

 

Discussion began regarding the allocation of ARPA funds and the Human Services position.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised that a job description will develop with the $40,000 available for a new Human Services Director position. 

 

Discussion ensued on this Human Services position.

 

A motion was made to approve the Recommendation of the Finance Board for a Human Services Director positon for $40,000 by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, opposed; Vice President Palmisciano, opposed; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, opposed; Councilor Cacciola, opposed

 

A motion was made to Approve the $75,000 per annual position with understanding of a per year grant over a period of 3 years by Vice President Palmisciano seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

Discussion began regarding the allocation of funds to the Beaver River School Equipment for an additional $30,000 for a total of $50,000.

 

Councilor Cacciola advocated that kids needed a playground to enjoy.

 

A motion was made to Allocate $50,000 total to the Beaver River Equipment by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Councilor Newman.

 

Discussion continued and above motion was withdrawn.

 

A motion was made to continue the Beaver River Equipment allocation to the August meeting by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Vice President Palmisciano discussed the Richmond School safety protocols for a safe working and learning environment.

 

A motion was made for the Richmond School Safe Project to receive $86,050 by Councilor Cacciola, seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

A motion was made regarding Police renovations with match for $190,000 by Vice President Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Ate; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

A motion was made regarding approving Generator for $30,000 by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Ate; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

A motion was made to approve the allocation of $10,000 for the Dog Park by Councilor Cacciola, seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote; President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

A motion was made to approve the recommendation of $5,000 for the Chariho Little League Equipment by Councilor Newman, seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

A motion was made to approve the recommendation of $83,330 for the Maddie Potts Foundation by Councilor Newman, seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

President Carpenter began discussion regarding the allocation of funds to emergency services and listed off the requests from each district while expressing her concern that only $25,000 was allocated to each emergency service totaling $125,000.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

Finance Director Kenyon didn’t think the request for Richmond was for $266, 000 but was actually for $130,000.

 

President Carpenter requested Chief Barber speak about what the request is for.

 

Chief Barber based their request on the percentage of their budget which is why the numbers fluctuate with the percentage of each budget and they thought it was a fair way to distribute those funds.

 

Clarification was made that the request was for $130,546.47.

 

A motion was made to allocate the total requested amount of $130, 546.47 for Emergency Services Equipment by Councilor Newman, seconded by Vice President PALMISCIANO. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Council took a brief recess.

 

President Carpenter began the discussion of the amounts to be allocated and wished to address Wood River Health as their representative was present in the audience. President Carpenter stated that Wood River Health requested $196,000, and previously recommended not to allocate the funds. However stated that “they need the money now” as a non-profit organization “taking care of the community throughout the pandemic” and would like Council to consider allocating this money at this time.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned some line items in the request for marketing efforts and advised that identical proposals went to three towns.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised that she would like to see the money allocated toward an asset not a service. Requested invoices for equipment to make it cleaner as they are not a sub-recipient of ARPA funds.

 

Vice President Palmisciano clarified that the $196K is a total split amongst the three towns. He questioned if equipment was needed.

 

Discussion ensued on personal vs. capital use.

 

Discussion began regarding the new facility and advised that had already broken ground.

 

Councilor Nassaney questioned if they already had the funds to do it. He further stated Wood River Health provides fantastic services, but we have projects in our own town that we would like to pursue. “If you want to give them a little, give them a little, but not all at once”. 

 

Councilor Cacciola advocated that this is for COVID, that they had no money coming in the last two years.

 

Councilor Nassaney asked if Wood River received COVID money.

 

Wood River said that they received funds, including through ARPA for capital. They received money for testing, received $1.2 million short term, but the funds expired. They were able to step up for testing, but those funds do go away. They will have spent 100% of that money by the time the grant expires in 6 months.

 

Town Administrator Pinch questioned if the $100k was for testing and vaccinations, and asked if that specific need is still present or if they still need $100k.

 

Town Administrator Pinch mentioned that she had received a text from a town employee regarding bonuses and could be bad for morale as employees.

 

President Carpenter questioned who the employee was.

 

Town Administrator refused to name the employee, that it was inappropriate to call someone out.

 

Discussion ensued about how many residents Wood River Health services to justify using ARPA funds to pay employees bonuses for working throughout the pandemic.

 

A motion was made to allocate funds to Wood River Health in the amount of $196,000 by Councilor Cacciola, seconded by President Carpenter. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Opposed; Councilor Nassaney, Opposed; Councilor Newman, Opposed; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Discussion began on what the actual percentage of the requested $196,000 for Richmond should be.

 

Councilor Nassaney requested that the funds be allocated over a time period of 3 years as opposed to all at once. He provided the example of not having remaining ARPA funds available in the event of a disaster. Instead of allocating the total $150,000, allocate $50,000 over the course of 3 years.

 

A motion was made to allocate funds in the amount of $150,000 to Wood River Health to reflect the 25% of the Richmond Population serviced by Vice President Palmisciano, seconded by President Carpenter. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Opposed; Councilor Newman, Opposed; Councilor Cacciola, Opposed

 

A motion was made to allocate a total of $150,000 to Wood River Health Services over the course of 3 years with an understanding to be revisited next year and the year after by Councilor Nassaney, seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, 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:

1)         Discussion and Consideration of Request of Council President Carpenter for ARPA allocation to the Rhode Island Center Assisting Those in Need (RICAN)

 

President Carpenter began the discussion regarding RICAN’s request for $150,000 for refrigeration equipment, the request for facility improvements for senior services for $20,000 for a place to meet with their senior clients, the request for green energy for solar on their main building in the amount of $80,000.

 

John Riley discussed who RICAN is and what they do. He advised they operate weekly, not once a month. This would allow more capability as far as having fresher food items and are more accessible than larger organizations. He advised 529 visits from Richmond residents that have been fed through the program. They don’t have accessible office space to consult with seniors, and are seeing an increase with seniors using the current space, and they need help with accessing state programs that are computer based that they don’t have the skills to do so.

 

President Carpenter asked how many volunteers RICAN has.

 

Mr. Riley said they had 53 active volunteers and one full time Administrative Assistant. Several other people are part time.

 

Discussion on how other towns, while serviced, do not contribute.

 

Councilor Cacciola thanked RICAN for providing services to families with children.

 

Vice President Palmisciano asks if the same proposal is being presented to other towns.

 

Mr. Riley clarified that if one town approved then they would withdraw the other requests. He further clarified that if one community only wanted to fund one part of the request that would be fine as well.

 

A motion was made to move request for allocation of funds to RICAN to be reviewed and discussed by the Finance Board as soon as possible for recommendation to council by Councilor Newman, seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Discussion began regarding the funding for replacing the Telecommunication Tower that burned down over the holiday weekend.

 

Chief Barber expressed his gratitude again to RIEMA providing temporary support with their mobile tower. He advised that security is being considered as an additional component in light of this fire. He advised they can’t add any new equipment to the tower as it exists because it isn’t structurally sound. There is a definite need for these funds. He further explained that the site has been occupied by the town since 1997 but is not town owned, and it was learned that vegetation around the tower has grown in that time, causing interference. With the temporary tower reaching higher than where the existing tower is, it was learned that communications have been received better.

 

Councilor Newman asked if Hopkinton or Charlestown use our services.

 

Chief Barber explained that they do under mutual aid, but it is primarily used as Richmond’s main site.

 

More discussion ensued.

 

A motion was made to approve the allocation of funds of $500,000 for the Emergency Operations Tower by Councilor Newman, seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 18.12 of the Zoning Ordinance relative to Districts and Maps of Planned Unit Development Overlay (PUD); and authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing

3)         Discussion and Consideration of amendments to Chapter 18.20 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Dimensional Regulations related to height, setbacks and supplemental regulations of uses within the R-3, GB, L1, FT and PD Zoning Districts; and authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing

4)         Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 18.53 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding the Telecommunication Towers, Antennas and Accessory Structures; and authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing.

 

A motion was made to approve the Town Clerk for Advertisement for Public hearing for items K2 through K4 by Councilor Newman, seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

Finance Director Kenyon brought up a question regarding the ARPA funding. She explained that there are grant applications out there looking for matches not to be determined.

 

President Carpenter advised that they were taking the Finance Board’s recommendation of stating discussed but determined not to allocate at this time.

 

Councilor Nassaney mentioned that there is still a chlorination system that is needed to be looked at, which is looking to cost at least $300,000. He asked how much is left over in ARPA money.

 

Finance Director Kenyon stated that there is $462,454. However in that project we have authorization to borrow up to $350,000.

 

More discussion ensued on water system.

 

A motion was made to carry over the discussion of the use of ARPA funds to the August meeting by Councilor Newman, seconded by Vice President Palmisciano. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, 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 of Regulations from the Americans with Disabilities Act Regarding Obligations of Outdoor Dining

b) Email from Alicia Gordon, Wild & Scenic Events dated June 16, 2022

c) Press Release from the Richmond Police Department dated June 18, 2022

d) Letter from the Town of Exeter regarding Transportation Aid dated June 23, 2022

e) Notice of Board and Commission Vacancies dated June 30, 2022

f) Press release from Richmond Police Department dated July 1, 2022

g) Flyer on the Three Ways to Vote in the 2022 Election Season

h) Notice of the Farm Property Tax Exemption – 12/31/2021 Impact Statement

i) Richmond Senior Center News dated July 2022

 

A motion was made to file communication items L1A- 1I by Vice President Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

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.

 

Vice President Palmisciano spoke to activities that have happened in the town regarding disagreements that turned into people who are disagreeing with one person and are taking an action against another to essentially “terrorize” through fireworks on repeated occasion disturbing the quiet. We all have different opinions. We can have different opinions but we should all condemn any behavior and activity like this. It is unacceptable. He expressed we need to listen and entertain differences in opinion and differences in thought.

 

Town Clerk Erin Liese questioned if the Community Center Allocation has been completely scrapped, and that there are a lot of big requests still left on the table. She stated that as a resident and former member of the community study commission, there was a need addressed and that she hopes that it is still on the table for consideration.

 

N.        ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to adjourn at            9:04P.M. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

 

Attest:

 

 

_________________________________

Erin F. Liese, CMC Town Clerk