RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES

Regular Town Council Meeting

June 7, 2022

6:00 P.M.

 

A.        CALL TO ORDER

 

Vice President Palmisciano called the meeting of the Richmond Town Council to order at 6:00 P.M. held on June 7, 2022. This meeting was held In-Person at Town Council Chambers, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI, and was also teleconferenced via Zoom.

 

B.        ROLL CALL

 

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

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and led by young members of the audience.

 

D.        MOMENT OF SILENCE

 

Vice President Palmisciano led in a Moment of Silence for remembrance for those friends and family that have passed.

 

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 2022-10: Commemorating the Life of Sallie Hoyle

 

Councilor Newman introduced the following members present on behalf of the Hoyle family: Christina Sharkey and Heidi Blacklock, their husbands Thomas and Glenn, her grandchildren Patrick, Lauren, Brian, Nathaniel, and Jacob.

 

Councilor Newman was honored to read the following resolution:

 

TOWN OF RICHMOND, RHODE ISLAND

TOWN COUNCIL RESOLUTION # 2022-10

COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF SALLIE HOYLE

 

            WHEREAS, Sarah “Sallie” Clarke Stedman Hoyle, a well-known and beloved member of the Richmond community, passed away on May 4, 2022 at the age of 92, and

 

            WHEREAS, Sallie was born in South Kingstown on May 1, 1930, the daughter of Oliver Hazard Stedman, a noted local historian who served on the South Kingstown Town Council and represented South Kingstown in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and the Rhode Island Senate, and  his wife Marjorie Earl Clarke, and

 

            WHEREAS Sallie, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her master’s degree in education from Bridgewater State University, taught sixth grade at the Richmond Elementary School for fifteen years, retiring in June of 1986, and

 

            WHEREAS, on June 30, 1956, Sallie was married to John Cyrus Hoyle, who grew up on the farm on Beaver River Road in Richmond that his family has owned since 1881, and enjoyed sixty-one years of marriage with him until John passed away on February 23, 2018, and

 

            WHEREAS, Sallie was a life-long learner who remained vitally interested in the world around her, and, with her husband, was an enthusiastic world traveler who visited many countries, including Mexico, Peru, Brazil, France, Germany and Canada, and

 

            WHEREAS, Sallie will be deeply missed by her daughters, Christina Sharkey and Heidi Blacklock, their husbands Thomas and Glenn, her grandchildren Patrick, Lauren, Brian, Nathaniel, and Jacob, and her six great-grandchildren, as well as many, many friends,

 

            NOW THEREFORE, on behalf of all of the residents of Richmond, the members of the Richmond Town Council express their condolences to Sallie’s family and commemorate all of the ways Sallie made Richmond a better place to live. 

 

GIVEN UNDER THE SEAL OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF RICHMOND THIS 7th DAY OF JUNE, 2022.

 

Councilor Newman spoke about Ms. Hoyle and the wonderful person she was.

 

The family thanked the Council for the commemoration.

 

A motion was made to Approve Resolution 2022-10: Commemorating the Life of Sallie Hoyle by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman.                                                                          Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, 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)         Sound Permit Application:

a)         Applicant:  Kevin Lamansky

Entertainment: Live Music

Dates:  September 4th from 4 P.M. to 10 P.M.

Location:         536 Church Street, Wood River Jct.

 

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on the Sound Permit Application for Kevin Lamansky by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman.                                                            Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

Councilor Nassaney questioned the solicitor if this could be approved prior to the legal advertisement.

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised no it would need to be continued.

 

Town Clerk Liese questioned if the legal advertisement is still suitable in the Ordinance for the Sound Permit. She explained the Outdoor Entertainment License does not require such notice. She requested the ordinance be modified to strike the legal advertisement as abutters would receive notice and explained it is costly to advertise.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised she could draft an ordinance for further consideration.

 

A motion was made to continue the Public Hearing to June 21^st Town Council Meeting for the Sound Permit Application of Kevin Lamansky by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, 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)         May 17, 2022 (Special Meeting)

b)         May 17, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

 

A motion was made to approve Consent Agenda Items 1a and 1b by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, 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)         Announcement Regarding DEM Recreation Grant

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised the Town received a DEM Recreation Grant in the amount of $71,581.00 for the Dog Park located at Heritage Trail. She explained most of the funds would go towards the fencing. She also explained the effort of the Dog Park Committee.

 

b)         Update on long-term vendor contracts- water and technology

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised on the infrastructure projects and the RFP for IT Technology services. She hopes to have an IT recommendation at the next meeting. She also explained the water contract is set to expire and working with the contractor to get out an RFP.

 

Vice President Palmisciano asked when the water contract expires. Town Administrator Pinch explained the end of June, so it would need to be extended; but does not foresee a problem with that.

 

c)         Authorization to hire Ruby Taylor as summer camp counselor at minimum wage

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised there was an increase in enrollment for camp so there is a need to hire an additional counselor. She explained Recreation Director had reviewed Ms. Taylor and recommends her hiring.

 

A motion was made to hire Ruby Taylor as a summer camp counselor at minimum wage by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

2)         Town Clerk’s Report: Erin F. Liese, CMC on Elections

a)         Announcement Regarding Redistricting with new Polling Locations

b)         Voter Precinct Mailing

c)         Ways to Vote in Fall of 2022

d)         Declaration of Candidates Filing Deadline

e)         Poll Workers Needed

 

Town Clerk Liese provided an update on elections. She explained we will have three polling locations due to redistricting. The locations would be Richmond Elementary, Chariho Middle School and Town Hall.

She also advised on the three ways to vote this fall. She explained mail ballots, early voting and polling place elections are available. She stated the notice will be sent via post cards as well as included in the tax bills being sent this summer. She advised on visiting vote.sos.ri.gov for deadlines and applications. She also stated there is a need for additional poll workers.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated concern with two polling locations in the same area and requested police detail with crossing guards for Election Day to assist residents for crossing the street on Route 138. Town Clerk Liese advised she would reach out to the Chief of Police and explained the voter outreach to aid voter confusion. 

 

Town Clerk Liese also advised on the Declaration of Candidates period.

 

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 from James O. McLeroy for re-appointment as Deputy EMA Director with term expiration of July 31, 2024

 

A motion was made to approve the request of James O. McLeroy for re-appointment as Deputy EMA Director with term expiration of July 31, 2024 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

Vice President Palmisciano explained that there are openings on boards and commissions and urged all to take a look to volunteer.

 

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 the Dog Park Committee Request 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 $71,899.36 (Continued from 5-17- 2022)

 

It was noted that because of the DEM Grant the request is no longer needed.

 

Vice President Palmisciano explained with items 2 and 3 only three members are present and recommended staff work with the Finance Board to come back to the June 21^st meeting.

 

Councilor Nassaney questioned if you needed to move forward with the director. The Finance Director explained that the Wellness Committee recommendation was the only thing left.

 

Vice President Palmisciano requested additional time on that for research on the funding of the position. Finance Director Kenyon explained the potential funding options.

 

2)         Administration update to Council on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) requests          (Continued from 5-31-2022)

3)         Council Discussion and Consideration of allocation of ARPA funds          (Continued from 5-31-2022)

 

A motion was made to continue to the June 21^st meeting Administration update to Council on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) requests and Council Discussion and Consideration of allocation of ARPA funds by Councilor Nassaney

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised the June 21^st meeting would be too early.

 

Council discussed when to continue it to.

 

A motion was made to continue to the July 12, 2022 meeting and refer to the Finance Board for review and recommendation to Council on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) requests and Council Discussion and Consideration of allocation of ARPA funds by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. 

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

 

4)         Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to the Home Rule Charter with Authorization of the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing          (Continued from 5-31-2022)

 

Vice President Palmisciano explained this is a very involved item and with three Council members present; he requested this item be continued.

 

Councilor Nassaney stated it was the Council decision to not be present; but business needs to be done.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth reviewed the changes that the Charter Review Commission had proposed.

 

Vice President Palmisciano advised tonight would be review and authorization to advertise for a Public Hearing.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised that the Commission had recommended a Public Hearing even though it is not required.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained the largest change was the changes to the Finance section. She explained the Finance Director had reviewed it and had also sent to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned how this would appear on the ballot.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised the Solicitor had drafted potential questions, if no changes happen at the Public Hearing that would be approved and sent to Board of Canvassers to certify.

 

Councilor Nassaney questioned if they would be individual questions. Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained they would be individual questions for consideration to the voters.

 

Councilor Nassaney thanked Town Solicitor Ellsworth for the comparison.

 

A motion was made to authorize the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to the Home Rule Charter by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman.  Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, 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 the Chariho Little League Request 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 $10,000

 

A motion was made to continue to the July 12, 2022 meeting and refer to the Finance Board for review and recommendation regarding Consideration of the Chariho Little League Request 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 $10,000 by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. 

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

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of the Request of Vice President Palmisciano for ARPA funding allocation for elementary school safety and Richmond Police & Fire Department response capabilities

 

A motion was made to continue to the July 12, 2022 meeting and refer to the Finance Board for review and recommendation regarding the Request of Vice President Palmisciano for ARPA funding allocation for elementary school safety and Richmond Police & Fire Department response capabilities by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. 

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

 

3)         Discussion and Consideration of Request of Wild & Scenic Rivers for the use of Town Property to Erect a Sign at Richmond Town Hall, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, June 8th to June 27th

 

A motion was made to approve the Request of Wild & Scenic Rivers for the use of Town Property to Erect a Sign at Richmond Town Hall, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, June 8th to June 27th by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. 

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

 

4)         Discussion and Consideration of Request of Chariho Cowboys for the use of Town Property to Erect a Sign at Richmond Town Hall, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road

 

A motion was made to approve the Request of Chariho Cowboys for the use of Town Property to Erect a Sign at Richmond Town Hall, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. 

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

 

5)         Discussion and Consideration of the 2022 Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program Application for Water Line Connection

 

Town Administrator Pinch explained the funding availability and application for water line connection.

 

A motion was made to approve the 2022 Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program Application for Water Line Connection by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned the cost of the project. He was advised the cost would be $25,000.

 

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

 

6)         Discussion and Consideration concerning R.I. Cannabis Act

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained the Bill that was enacted regarding Marijuana. She thought it was important that the Bill would allow you to opt out. If you do not want Medical Marijuana you need to authorize a resolution putting forward a question to the voters in November.

 

Discussion ensued on the Cannabis Act and local control.

 

7)         Consideration of Updates to the Richmond Town Council Rules and Procedures

a)         Updating the Language on Conduct at Meetings

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised this was a recommendation from the Town Administrator and the Town Clerk as certain instances the address of the person speaking in an official capacity is not necessary if speaking on behalf of an item. However, during Public Hearings and Public Forum the speaker would be identified by address.

 

Discussion ensued on the potential change.

 

A motion was made to approve the Updates to the Richmond Town Council Rules and Procedures

Updating the Language on Conduct at Meetings by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

8)         Discussion and Authorization of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chariho Regional School District and the Town of Richmond regarding the School Resource Officer

 

Chief Johnson advised this was an annual agreement regarding the reimbursement of the School Resource Officer.

 

A motion was made to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chariho Regional School District and the Town of Richmond regarding the School Resource Officer by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

9)         Discussion and Consideration of Town Council Summer Meeting Schedule; Proposed Meeting Dates are July 12th and August 16th

 

The meeting calendar was reviewed.

 

 

A motion was made to approve the Town Council Summer Meeting Schedule as July 12^th and August 16^t by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

A motion was made to file the Communications by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, 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- May 24, 2022

b)         Press Release of Richmond Police Department – May 27, 2022

c)         Copy of the Richmond Senior Center News- June, 2022

d)         Thank you from Hayden Puglia Regarding the Dog Park

 

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.

Note: During the public forum, town council members may respond to a comment made by a member of the public if that matter is not on the agenda, but town council members may not initiate discussion of a matter not posted, and the town council may not vote on a matter not posted except: To refer the matter to another body or official, or when a vote is necessary to address an unanticipated situation that requires immediate action to protect the public health, safety or welfare.

 

Louise Dinsmore thanked the Council and staff for their service. She also questioned why public comment is placed at the end of Council Meetings. She recommended moving it to the beginning of the meeting. She also stated her opposition to the change to an All Day Referendum and did not agree with two opportunities to pass the budget. She also questioned the impact of a Municipal Court implementation and why do we need it and the financial impact. She also questioned the removal of party affiliation next to candidate. Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised that was incorrect. She also questioned why Charter Amendment by voter initiative was removed. Town Solicitor explained it was illegal. She also questioned the justification of name change from Town Administrator to Town Manager. She requested clarification on appointment and removal of Dept. Heads. Why would Council relinguinish that authority? Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised that was mis read. She thanked the Charter Commission for the hard work.

 

Steven Rego Chair of the Finance Board thanked the Council for including the board in the ARPA discussions.

 

Mike Colasante expressed concern with the legalization of marijuana. He also stated concern with beer and nip bottles on the side of the road. He stated one bad habit goes along with another. Drug and Alcohol is a concern. In this Opioid epidemic what is the rationale of making recreational marijuana ok.

 

Chief Johnson stated Mr. Colasante is correct this is an Opioid epidemic. He did explain the availability of Narcan that has limited the calls. He explained the Summer Olympic Games held this past weekend. He explained the athletes are amazing and overcome so many challenges.

 

Tracy Nelson, just to play devil’s advocate and if you choose to opt out of cannabis you are opting out of revenue.

 

Lesley Beitz questioned if plans were in place due to the drought conditions and fireworks. She expressed concern with fires caused by fireworks.

 

Helen Sheehan stated concern with the Wellness Committee recommendation for the Senior Center and the impact to the taxpayers.

 

Town Clerk Liese announced the reminder for the Financial Town Meeting to be held next Monday at Richmond Elementary at 7:00 P.M. She further explained all the materials are available on the website.

 

O.        ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to adjourn at            7:15 P.M.

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

 

 

Attest:

 

 

______________________________

 

Erin F. Liese, CMC Town Clerk