RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Special Town Council Meeting

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

May 31, 2022

6:00 P.M.

 

A.        ROLL CALL

 

Vice President James Palmisciano called the meeting of the Richmond Town Council to order at           6:00 P.M. held on May 31, 2022. This meeting was held In-Person at Richmond Town Hall, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI and also teleconferenced via Zoom.

 

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, Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Finance Director Laura Kenyon, Chief Elwood Johnson, and Town Clerk Erin Liese.

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

 

B.        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 2022-9:In Support of Plans by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for Safety Improvements at Routes 138 and 112

 

Vice President Palmisciano explained we did not expect to have representation from DOT; however they had a site visit and concerns were incorporated in the following Resolution:

 

TOWN OF RICHMOND, RHODE ISLAND

RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

RESOLUTION #2022- 9

 

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PLANS

BY THE R. I. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT ROUTES 138 AND 112

 

WHEREAS, more than one hundred motor vehicle accidents have taken place at or near the intersection of Route 138 (Kingstown Road) and Route 112 (Richmond Townhouse Road) during the past ten years, and

 

WHEREAS, roundabouts have proven to reduce traffic fatalities by 90 percent and substantially reduce the number of injuries and the severity of collisions by slowing traffic flow, and  

 

WHEREAS, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has finalized plans for construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Routes 138 and 112, and

 

WHEREAS, the construction plans will incorporate extension of the Town’s public water line from the Richmond School to the Richmond Town Hall, and

 

WHEREAS, representatives from RIDOT have explained the design plans and construction schedule for the roundabout to the Town Council at a public meeting, and

 

WHEREAS, traffic entering and leaving the Richmond Elementary School at drop-off and pick-up times forms substantial queues on Kingstown Road and Carolina Nooseneck Road, but the current roundabout design appears to provide no accommodation for that traffic,

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Richmond Town Council hereby endorses RIDOT’s plans for construction of the roundabout at Routes 138 and 112, provided that RIDOT continues to consult with the Town to develop a design that will resolve the traffic queueing problem at the Richmond Elementary School.  

 

      GIVEN UNDER THE SEAL OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF RICHMOND THIS 31^st DAY OF MAY, 2022.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Nassaney with second by Councilor Cacciola to approve the Resolution 2022-9: In Support of Plans by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for Safety Improvements at Routes 138 and 112.

 

Vice President Palmisciano explained that he was excited to see that the State was paying for the water connection. Finance Director Kenyon advised the State was not paying for the connection, they were helping to incorporate this.

 

Council all discussed their wish to have continued discussions on the traffic impact at the school.

 

Discussion ensued on the roundabout.

 

Chief Johnson spoke on the site visit and believes it will reduce the severity of the crashes at that site.

 

Discussion ensued on the school drop off area.

 

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

 

C.        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)         Outdoor Entertainment License Application:

Applicant:  Wawaloam Reservation Inc.

Entertainment: Summer Outdoor Music and Holiday Light Show November/ December

Dates: July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022

Location: Wawaloam Campground- 510 Gardiner Road

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to open the Public Hearing on the Outdoor Entertainment License Application of Wawaloam Reservation Inc.

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

 

Attorney Steven Surdut representing Wawaloam Campground explained the request of the Smith family. He further explained the proposed Holiday light event. He explained the Campground will be conducting the event. He explained the traffic proposal and entryway to reduce traffic on Gardiner Road. He further explained the previous holiday event was done by a third party.  He closed by saying the Campground is a good neighbor and business for the town. He advised they would have continued conversations with town staff and will incorporate those recommendations; however he advised they would like to start without a Police Detail.

 

Councilor Newman questioned if a third party would be running it. Attorney Surdut explained the opposite; the Smith Family and staff will run the event.

 

Councilor Cacciola explained she has participated in the event and there were cars in the road. Attorney Surdut advised they would rectify that issue.

 

Councilor Nassaney questioned if the Police Chief was comfortable. Police Chief Johnson explained he comfortable with the traffic pattern and their regular occupancy and no other traffic concerns were noted.

 

Nicole Smith of Wawaloam Campground explained the occupancy of the campground.

 

There was no public comment.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised they did not need an entertainment license for the summer events because it was for campers. They would only need it for November and December.

 

Attorney Surdut requested it be for November 25^th to January 1^st. This is another event that the town can have on the calendar for the residents. He requested three waivers.

 

Town Clerk Liese requested clarification on the time of the license as they have applied for a six month license. If they only need the two month license they would receive a reimbursement.

 

It was determined they only needed a two month license.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Cacciola to close the Public Hearing on the Outdoor Entertainment License Application of Wawaloam Reservation Inc.

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

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Cacciola to approve the Outdoor Entertainment License Application of Wawaloam Reservation Inc. for November 25, 2022 to January 2, 2023; with waivers granted for 5.44060 A, 5.44060 B and 5.44060 C.

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

 

D.        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 3, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

b.         May 3, 2022 ( Executive Session)

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Cacciola to approve Consent Agenda items 1a and 1b. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Abstain.

 

E.        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)         Administration update to Council on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) requests

 

Finance Director Kenyon provided the following overview of the allocation and requests for American Rescue Plan funding:

 

 

It was noted the only pending item in bold was the Community Center/ Director for $75,000 that the Wellness Committee had supported.

Discussion ensued on ARPA funding.

 

Vice President Palmisciano confirmed we have $249,000 allocated with $2 million remaining.

 

It was noted they would take New Business items 1 and 2 in conjunction.

 

2)         Council Discussion and Consideration of allocation of ARPA funds.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised there are more item requests than what we have for funding. She was looking for a consensus for items that may not be funded.

 

Vice President Palmisciano requested more time to consider allocation to provide security in schools, training and equipment for Police response for active shooters in schools. Given the recent news should we consider circling the wagon? He requested more time to look into this.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised this is an ongoing discussion but was looking to determine what requests are viable or not. She explained the COPS program is a grant match for three years. She explained that is was funded for the first year.

 

Vice President Palmisciano explained all the bold items were determined except for the $75,000 Community Director suggested by the Wellness Committee.

 

Discussion ensued on the bold items and allocation.

 

Chief Johnson explained the COPS Grant Match.

 

Discussion ensued on police officers.

 

Ray Pouliot of Nooseneck Hill Rd. advised the $75,000 is included in the budget.

 

Helen Sheehan of Shadow Ridge Dr. shared concern with spending $2 million on a Senior Center. She advised we already have a suitable Senior Center.

 

Pamela Rohland of Carolina Nooseneck Hill Road spoke on the need for the Community Services Director. She further explained roles to assist with grant funding, resource referrals and commented on concerns with the access to the current Senior Center. She advised it is an access problem. She explained that we need a more accessible location. She also explained the police also provides transportation to meetings. The police needs to provide public safety not transportation. She further commented on the staffing need.

 

Michael Colasante of Fox Ridge Drive advised the town hall is in a precarious position and the best thing we can do is RI DOT can buy us out and rebuild town hall. Let’s utilize the ARPA funding towards town hall/ senior center and meeting hall. He recommended moving it to Mr. Aiello’s property on 138.

 

Dr. Robert Harrison of Bader Lane questioned why COPS funding is not operating vs ARPA. He also advised it would be a huge stretch to have ARPA funds be utilized to build a town hall.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised it was in operating but then moved to ARPA.

 

Vice President Palmisciano requested a continuance.

 

Councilor Newman questioned if we have a time constraint.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised there was not a deadline. She advised on having this as an ongoing communication.

 

Councilor Nassaney recommended working with the YMCA on a joint effort for the Community Center and Director of Community/Human Services.

 

Discussion ensued on a Human Services Director and the need to reach out to the YMCA.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Cacciola with second by Councilor Nassaney to continue discussion and consideration to the June 7, 2022 Town Council Meeting regarding Administration update to Council on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and allocation of ARPA funds. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Abstain.

 

3)         Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to the Home Rule Charter with Authorization of the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised she has provided a draft to review and suggested a few changes and policy decisions. She explained those need to be determined before advertising. However, she further advised that advertising is not required.

 

Draft amendments were reviewed and discussed.

 

Vice President Palmisciano requested if the Chair of Commission would like to speak.

 

Joe Reddish, of Corey Trail and Chair of Charter Commission was not here to speak; however present in case Council had questions on intent.

 

Draft changes were reviewed for the following proposed amendments: Hiring, Financial Town Meeting, Town Manager and Municipal Court.

 

Joe Reddish, Mark Reynolds and Erin Liese were present on behalf of the Charter Commission.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth recommended striking advice and consent and the phrase for the good of the town.

 

Mark Reynolds, of Bracken Hill Court and Vice Chair of the Commission explained the language was not intended to change status of employees. That language was borrowed from another Charter.

He also discussed advice and consent. He further explained the intent to establish a practice of hiring

Department Heads. The Town Manger would bring forth a candidate to Council and Council would have vote for yes or no.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised the Charter Commission took a path so the intent of the legal review was for only items that Council wished to move forward. She stated concern with timing and ballot placement.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth stated drafting questions are not of concern.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised the Council would need to approve the questions and potential hearing. She also advised the Board of Canvassers would need to approve the questions prior to the August 9^th deadline by the Secretary of State’s Office.

 

Council took a brief recess.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth reviewed the Town Manager language and Town Council involvement of direction of Town Employees.

 

Discussion ensued on Town Council involvement with Town employee’s direction.

 

The All Day Referendum was reviewed. It was noted that the Solicitor and Finance Director would look at the language.

 

Mark Reynolds explained the intent was to switch the business conducted at a Financial Town Meeting to an All-Day Referendum.

 

Discussion ensued on second referendum and level funding.

 

Ray Pouliot explained he would be opposed to two bites at the apple. He explained there is no need for two votes.

 

Joe Reddish of Corey Trail explained the purpose of the change as we would not be in person to have the conversation. This would allow for the inclusion of the discussion with the second bite. The intent of this change was to have more people involved.

 

Helen Sheehan stated the attitude is anti-Town Council and would raise the cost of running the town.

 

Councilor Nassaney stated his concern with an All Day Referendum is the social media impact with misinformation. If you attend the Financial Town Meeting you have a factual open conversation.

 

Michael Colasante did not agree with an All Day Referendum. He stated having the ability to voice your opinion. He stated he did not agree with two votes. He stated; how about you give a second vote for Town Council?

 

Joe Reddish stated this was not “Joe’s idea” but the Commission’s idea. He explained the intent to have two public hearings and ability to get information out. He also commented on the challenge for people to get to a 7:00 P.M. meeting. This would give residents all day.

 

Councilor Cacciola questioned if there were remote ballot options.

 

Town Clerk Liese explained this was a passion project of hers and being involved in elections for 16 years she stated the FTM is limited to voters. This would be an opportunity for more input and convenience to residents.  She spoke about the comparison between a Financial Town Meeting and All Day Referendum regarding costs, logistics, and poll workers. She explained local referendums are not covered on Title 17 so remote ballots are not an option, unless created in the Charter. However she stated concern with implementing mail ballots due to the constraints on staff.  She stated the Commission did look at a Town Council approved budget but the Commission felt that was too big of a leap. She explained as we grow as a town the Financial Town Meeting will be more of a logistics concern due to space availability for a meeting of that size. This change would transition to how we vote on all other topics. It gives more opportunity.

 

Mark Reynolds also stated social media is full of misinformation and fear of a Financial Town Meeting to be hijacked by a local minority. It would be more difficult to have that happen with an All Day Referendum. Accurate information is always a challenge. He stated people may not vote their conscious at a Town Meeting vs. the privacy of the voter booth.

 

Michael Colasante explained the concern with the school having three attempts at the vote. He explained about the benefit of the debate. He advised it should be one vote and done for the town.

 

F.         ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Councilor Nassaney with second by Councilor Cacciola to adjourn at                 7:54 P.M. Vote: Vice President Palmisciano, Aye Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

Attest:

 

 

_____________________________

Erin F. Liese, CMC Town Clerk