RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting

May 17, 2022

6:00 P.M.

 

A.        CALL TO ORDER

 

Vice President James Palmisciano called the meeting of the Richmond Town Council to order at 6:00 P.M. held on May 17, 2022. This meeting was held In-Person at Richmond Town Hall, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI.

 

B.        ROLL CALL

 

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

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

 

D.        MOMENT OF SILENCE

 

Vice President Palmisciano led in a moment of silence for the recent gun violence and shootings that occurred in Buffalo, NY and California.

 

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:

 

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on the Outdoor Entertainment License Application of Washington County Pomona Grange D/B/A Washington County by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

1)         Outdoor Entertainment License Application:

Applicant:  Washington County Pomona Grange D/B/A Washington County Fair

Entertainment: County Fair

            Dates: August 17, 2022 – August 21, 2022

Location: Washington County Fair Grounds- 78 Richmond Townhouse Road

 

Mike Camacho and Sean McGrory were present on behalf of Washington County Fair. They explained this is the 56th Fair to be operated in Richmond and it will be held from August 17th to August 21st.  They further explained their request.

 

Councilor Cacciola stated concern with Fireworks. Mr. McCrory advised the fair will not have fireworks this year due to the traffic issue it can cause.

 

A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on the Outdoor Entertainment License Application of Washington County Pomona Grange D/B/A Washington County by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

Councilor Nassaney requested advice from the Town Solicitor if he was able to participate in the vote on the license as he is a vendor.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained that he was able to participate as the fair has hundreds of vendors and he was not in a conflict to participate.

 

A motion was made to approve the Outdoor Entertainment License Application of Washington County Pomona Grange D/B/A Washington County with relief from conditions of 5.070 and 5.080 with waiver of the licensing fee by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

2)         Discussion and consideration of amendments to Chapter 5.24 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Second – Hand Dealers

 

3)         Discussion and consideration of amendments to Chapter 3.06 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Business License Fees relative to Second- Hand Dealers

 

Council took Public Hearing Items 2 and 3 in conjunction as they were related.

 

A motion was made to open the Public Hearing on consideration of amendments to Chapter 5.24 of the Code of Ordinances and Chapter 3.06 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Second- Hand Dealers by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained the proposed amendments would make it consistent with the Department of Business Regulations.

 

Helen Sheehan of Shadow Ridge requested clarification on junk yards. Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised we currently do not have junk yards however second hand dealers was updated.

 

A motion was made to close the Public Hearing on consideration of amendments to Chapter 5.24 of the Code of Ordinances and Chapter 3.06 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Second- Hand Dealers by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

A motion was made to approve the amendments to Chapter 5.24 of the Code of Ordinances and Chapter 3.06 of the Code of Ordinances regarding Second- Hand Dealers by Councilor Nassaney seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, 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)         April 19, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

 

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

 

2)         Approval of Town Department Reports

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

G.        REPORTS

Please Note the following items are Status Reports and Matters of Interest to the Council and are for Informational Purposes unless Indicated Otherwise and will be Acted upon in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b)

1)         Town Administrator’s Report: Karen D. Pinch on activities of the Town

a)         Authorization to hire an Assistant Director Amanda Grundy for Richmond Recreation Summer Camp at a rate of $15/hour

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised the camp counselors were getting a rate increase with the increase in minimum wage and requested a 75 cent increase for Ms. Grundy who was returning.

 

A motion was made to approve the hiring of Assistant Director Amanda Grundy for Richmond Recreation Summer Camp at a rate of $15.75/hour by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

b)         Authorization to hire the following summer camp counselors at minimum wage: Jack Loring, Katelyn Daniels, Samantha Christensen, Travis Liese, Shea Taylor, Julia LaFontaine, and Rowan Marelli

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised that Erica Christensen had been omitted from the agenda; however was included in the documents attached.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised that you could include Erica.

 

Town Administrator Pinch also explained that Jack and Katelyn were previous counselors and Samantha, Erika, and Travis had volunteered last summer as Junior Counselors. She also explained Rec Director Cumasano had conducted interviews of Shea, Julia and Rowan. She explained the approval would be based on BCI’s to be finalized.

 

A motion was made to approve the hiring of summer camp counselors at minimum wage, contingent on a clean back ground check: Jack Loring, Katelyn Daniels, Samantha Christensen, Erika Christensen, Travis Liese, Shea Taylor, Julia LaFontaine, and Rowan Marelli by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

c)         Authorization of a Resolution in Support of 2022-H-7180 & 2022 S-2311 regarding Human Services- Social and Human Services Programs- Rate Review and Setting Process Act of 2022

 

Town Administrator Pinch explained the request for a resolution to support fee’s for ambulance services.

 

A motion was made to approve the Authorization of a Resolution in Support of 2022-H-7180 & 2022 S-2311 regarding Human Services- Social and Human Services Programs- Rate Review and Setting Process Act of 2022 by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

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

a)         Authorization of Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Hopkinton; establishing a program to provide uniform house numbering

 

Police Chief Johnson explained the Memorandum.

 

A motion was made to approve the Authorization of Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Hopkinton; establishing a program to provide uniform house numbering by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

b)         Discussion on Current Scam Trends and Patterns

 

Police Chief Johnson explained some of the current scams circulating.

 

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

a)         Discussion and update on the FY 22/23 Budget

 

Finance Director Kenyon provided an update to the Council on the budget and reviewed the following:

 

•      After the School Amended budget the Town Contribution net State Aid is only $5,500 more than the current year.

 

•      The  revised budget increase is 1.05% or $291,336

•      Municipal up 3.4% $243,250 Total budget $7.4 Million 

•      School up .23% $48,086 Total budget $20.7 Million (Richmond share)

 

•      Total current year tax revenue needed is up around 2 % or $388,148

 

•      This increase in tax revenue does not mean that your tax bill will increase.  If your assessment value did not change, and most likely did not as this was not a revaluation year, your real estate tax will likely be lower.  The increase of revenue is supported by new assessments from construction.

 

•      The Motor Vehicle tax rate is going down to $20.00 from $21.64 with the continued State Phase-out of that tax. A person’s motor vehicle tax will be the same or lower if a person owned the same car. There is still some discussion that the State Legislature will actually eliminate the motor vehicle tax this year. 

•      There is a recommendation for the real estate tax that I would like to propose to the Town Council tonight.

 

•      The new assessment value would result in a projected Tax rate of $20.52 from $20.62. On a $500,000 home this would equate to ($.10) per thousand or $50.00 decrease per year.

 

•      PROPOSAL: Change the current approved budget to not use $60,000 from Fund balance. This which would result in a projected Tax rate of $20.58. On a $500,000 house this would equate to ($.04) per thousand or $20.00 decrease.  This recommendation for the slightly higher tax rate would put the Unassigned fund balance back in accordance with Town policy of over 15% and when the budget is increased next year there would be more funding available if needed.

 

Councilor Newman questioned if a motion was needed.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned if they were able to vote on the subject as it just stated discussion and not consideration on the agenda.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised they could vote on this topic for Erin plasters on the agenda that Council make take action on the certain items.

 

A motion was made to approve the Recommendation of the Finance Director to Change the current approved budget to not use $60,000 from Fund balance. This which would result in a projected Tax rate of $20.58. On a $500,000 house this would equate to ($.04) per thousand or $20.00 decrease.  This recommendation for the slightly higher tax rate would put the Unassigned fund balance back in accordance with Town policy of over 15% and when the budget is increased next year there would be more funding available if needed by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

b)         Financial Reports listed in the Consent Agenda

 

4)         Home Rule Charter Commission Report of Findings and Recommendations

 

Town Clerk Liese provided an update on the Home Rule Charter Commission and have made the following major changes: All Day Budget Referendum from a Financial Town Meeting; Town Administrator to Town Manager.

 

Mark Reynolds, Vice President of the Charter Commission advised on the recommendation of Municipal Court. He explained we have the enabling legislation and the recommendation of the Charter is to reference the legislation.

 

Town Clerk Liese also explained the timeline and the need to place these on the ballot for consideration. The Commission is also asking the input and legal review and draft potential questions be referred to the Town Solicitor. She explained that the commission did provide for public input but if the Council wishes to have a Public Hearing that it would happen sooner than later. The recommended was to be referred to Town Solicitor Ellsworth,

 

Discussion ensued on public hearing, public forum and timeline.

 

A motion was made to accept the recommendation of the Charter Commission and refer it to the Town Solicitor for legal review and recommendation for Council’s consideration on May 31, 2022 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Nassaney.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated to have public hearing component. He also reviewed the timeline.

 

Town Solicitor advised she could have report and recommendation for the next meeting.

 

Councilor Nassaney stated we have a Special Meeting on May 31st.

 

Town Solicitor advised she could prepare for either date.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised the Commission did plan to be present on June 7th and does not need to be on the 31st.

 

Discussion ensued on further review.

 

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

 

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)         Request from Laurie Ann Grandchamp for appointment to the Recreation Commission with term expiration of January 31, 2025

 

Laurie Grandchamp of Box Turtle Trail was present and explained her request for consideration to the Recreation Commission.

 

A motion was made to approve the Request from Laurie Ann Grandchamp for appointment to the Recreation Commission with term expiration of January 31, 2025 by Councilor Cacciola seconded by Councilor Newman. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

I.          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 the Status of Rhode Island DOT installation of Roundabout on Route 138 & Route 112

a)         Report on Field Visit

 

Town Administrator Pinch provided a brief overview on the site visit conducted with DOT. She explained that Public Works Director Barber, Town Planner Lacey, Council President Carpenter, Chief of Police Johnson and Principal Sharon Martin were present. She explained the drop off and pickup procedure would need to be further reviewed, they brainstormed a new space for garden, they reviewed potential easements and location of water line.

 

b)         Consideration and Reimbursement for Easements

 

Discussion ensued on the easements.

 

c)         Consideration of a Resolution Endorsing the Project

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned the need for resolution.

 

Dave Capalbo from DOT explained the following updates:  garden planting with concern for traffic and children maintaining the space. He also explained the impact of the shoulder adjacent to the ball field and some of the drop off space will be impacted. He explained the initial school flashing sign would be updated and replaced.

 

Councilor Cacciola questioned signage.  Mr. Capalbo advised there would be a lot of signage around the roundabout.

 

Councilor Newman stated if we did nothing and left it and is the state going to do something anyway. He stated no one has stated this is a good thing. He questioned why we are doing this.

 

Mr. Capalbo stated in this case an accident study was done and Town Council/ Town Manager presented this with traffic advisory.

 

Councilor Newman stated will the roundabout decrease studies. Mr. Capalbo advised the studies were done and roundabout reduce the severity and amount of accidents overtime.

 

Alexander Lepore of Kingstown Road stated concern with trucks using the road and proximity of the school and concern with bottleneck and confusion. She stated it is not a logical idea.

 

Councilor Nassaney stated the validity of the concern. He explained the approaches and trucks speed and the roundabout will slow the traffic. It will be a continual flow and slower rate of movement. Trucks have to slow down.

 

Discussion ensued on accidents at that location.

 

Chief Johnson provided accident data. He explained there was 100 accidents at that location. He also stated concern with the intersections. He advised 46 of the accidents were rear end. He also advised on the T-bone accidents resulting in serious injury. He stated a roundabout reduces speed and changes the angle of impact.

 

Discussion ensued on roundabouts.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated concern with the drop off at Richmond Elementary School and traffic impact.

 

Chief Johnson commented on the history of this area and concerns from 2016.

 

Ray Pouliot of Nooseneck Hill Road questioned if the cut offs would be eliminated. Mr. Capalbo explained that the cut offs by the school would be eliminated but the traffic on 112 behind town hall would be one way.

 

Discussion ensued on roundabout traffic and school drop off impact.

 

Brad Leach, Engineer for DOT advised on the school area. He explained in the front of school is a large septic and drainage area and advised on the drainage in the area so widening the area could impact what is under ground. He also explained the garden area relocation could be replanted by the old school house. He advised we could review the morning traffic.

 

Vice President Palmisciano shared concern of reviewing the traffic pattern at the school before it is finalized.

 

Chief Johnson also shared the concern and figure how to accommodate how to handle the que of cars.

He advised a further site visit should be conducted.

 

Discussion ensued on impact during construction of school area.

 

Town Solicitor advised on accepting the document regarding the easements and authorize the Town Administrator to sign.

 

A motion was made to approve the Easement for one dollar with the State of Rhode Island DOT regarding the Roundabout and Authorize the Town Administrator to sign by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

Discussion ensued on the Resolution.

 

Town Solicitor advised she had drafted a Resolution but the Council President had objected to the Resolution being on this agenda prior to discussion on the subject. She also explained the Resolution was not a policy, and she was not sure she understood that. If she had understood that it would have been included for consideration tonight.

 

Vice President Palmisciano requested the language regarding the school be included.

 

It was noted the Solicitor would prepare a revised resolution for the Special Meeting of May 31, 2022.

 

J.         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 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

 

It was noted the Dog Park Committee requested this item to be continued to June 7, 2022.

 

A motion was made to continue to June 7, 2022 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 by Councilor Newman seconded by Councilor Cacciola. Vote: 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 Councilor Newman Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth spoke on the vacancies of the boards and the urgency of the Zoning Board of Review.

 

Councilor Cacciola questioned the requirements. Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained there were none but attend the meetings.

 

Councilor Newman recommended Laurie Grandchamp to serve on the Zoning Board of Review.

 

Vice President Palmisciano surveyed the audience for interest.

 

K.        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 6, 2022

b)         Press Release of Richmond Police Department – May 3, 2022

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

d)         Proclamation from the Town of Tiverton Recognizing Nation Police Week 2022

 

L.        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.

 

Helen Sheehan of Shadow Ridge Drive discussed the concern of Public Hearings and advised people do not go on the website and requested to send out notifications like the school. She shared concern that taxpayers don’t know what is going on.

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised we have an announcement section in and you can opt in for notifications. She also explained in the next tax bill they will be providing an insert explaining on how to opt in to Notify Me.

 

Town Clerk Liese also explained public hearing notices in addition to digital are placed at Clarke Memorial Bulletin Board, Exterior and Interior of Town Hall, Police Station and if it is a Zoning Hearing it is placed in the Westerly Sun.

 

Discussion ensued on notice.

 

Laura Rieger of Down Court stated the Town does a good job of making information available and the website sign up alerts are very useful. She stated it’s very easy to sign up.

 

Chief Johnson shared the town has lost a Sarah Sally Hoyle that was a beloved resident of this town has passed away and was generous to the town.

 

M.       ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Cacciola to adjourn at 7:32 P.M. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

Attest:

 

___________________________________

Erin F. Liese, CMC Town Clerk