RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

October 18, 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            October 18, 2022. This meeting was held In-Person at the Town Council Chambers,5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI as well as teleconferenced via Zoom.

 

B.        ROLL CALL

 

Town Council Members present in Council Chambers were as follows: Council President Nell Carpenter, Vice President Palmisciano, Councilor Rich Nassaney, Councilor Ronald Newman, and Councilor Lauren Cacciola. Also, present Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Town Administrator Karen Pinch, Finance Director Laura Kenyon, Police Chief Elwood Johnson Jr., Town Planner Shaun Lacey, and Town Clerk Erin Liese.

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

 

D.        MOMENT OF SILENCE

 

President Carpenter led in a Moment of Silence for the men and women serving in law enforcement and a remembrance for Lieutenant Dustin DeMonte and Sergeant Alex Hamzy who were Bristol, CT Officers killed in the line of duty.  Also, prayers in the recovery of Alec Lorato who also suffered life threating injuries in the same ambush; Police Detective Stuart of Greenville that was murdered; three Police Officers shot in Philadelphia; and A Las Vegas officer that was wounded in the line of duty. Only a few instances in this last week and we offer condolences and remember our brave men and women who serve.

 

E.        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)         September 6, 2022 (Executive Session)

b)         September 20, 2022 (Executive Session)

 

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

 

2)         Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements dated October 4, 2022

 

A motion was made by Councilor Nassaney with second by Councilor Cacciola to approve Consent Item 2. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

3)         Approval of Town Department Reports

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

b)         Approval of Tax Collector’s report for the month of September 2022

c)         Approval of Building, Planning & Zoning report for the month of September 2022

d)         Approval of the Finance Department report for the month of September 2022

 

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

 

F.         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)         Approval of the Promotion of Andrew Ohneck to Truck Driver/Laborer I

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised with Mr. Gardner leaving there is a vacancy in DPW, and Mr. Ohneck has the qualifications of a CDL.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to approve Promotion of Andrew Ohneck to Truck Driver/Laborer I, retroactive to Monday. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

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

a)         Drug Take Back Day

 

Police Chief Johnson commented on the moment of silence. He also advised on the Drug Take Back Day to be held on October 29^th.

 

President Carpenter commented on the importance of the drug take back day. She explained she has had surgeries and been on narcotics and turned in those not in use.

 

Discussion ensued on the drug take back and that it is anonymous.

 

b)         Request to hire Emily Mulcahy as part time dispatcher, contingent on successful completion of training and background check

 

Police Chief Johnson advised on the qualifications of Ms. Mulcahy.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve Emily Mulcahy as part-time dispatcher, contingent on successful completion of training and background check. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

G.        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 Robert Gardner Public Works Department

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Cacciola to approve the resignation of Robert Gardner Public Works Department with regret. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

2)         Request of Steven A. Rego for re-appointment to the Finance Board with term expiration date of November 30, 2027.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve Steven A. Rego for re-appointment to the Finance Board with term expiration date of November 30, 2027. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

3)         Request of Christine J. Engustian for re-appointment as Probate Judge with term expiration date of November 30, 2024.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Nassaney to approve Christine J. Engustian for re-appointment as Probate Judge with term expiration date of November 30, 2024. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

H.        NEW BUSINESS

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

1)         Request of Councilor Cacciola regarding an update from the Recreation Commission and Recreation Director on upcoming events and activities

 

Councilor Cacciola requested this item to determine the status of events with Recreation.

 

Recreation Commission Chair Robin Woodmansee advised that the Recreation Commission is newly formed however, they have accomplished a determination of roles between the Commission and the Recreation Director. She advised the Recreation Director focus on camp, egg hunt, tree lighting with support of the commission and an event over February break. She explained as newly formed group they are working out bumps on planning events and will be meeting with Town Administrator Pinch. She further advised they meet on the fourth Thursday of the month. She also advised on the Tree Lighting Event to take place on December 2nd that will be a coordinated effort between the Commission and Director Cusumano. She advised that they have a teen game night over vacation and scheduling a family bingo night. She explained they would be glad for suggestions but discussed that it is difficult to plan events once a month during meeting times.

 

President Carpenter questioned the events that were planned with regards to Bingo. Chair Woodmansee described the event was rescheduled due to the Town Council Meeting and the Statewide Primary and conflict with space.

 

President Carpenter also stated the Rec Commission is taking work from the Director as she is a paid position. Chair Woodmansee explained the roles and the commission is not taking work from the Director but providing support to the bigger events. She further advised she has met with Rec Director Cusumano and Town Administrator Pinch to determine what events to be held to not have overlap.

 

President Carpenter advised the Director is getting paid $13,000 and not performing events such as the Tree Lighting and Huck Finn Day. She further explained concern with the Recreation Commission taking on the role of the Rec Director, who is paid to work.

 

Town Administrator Pinch clarified the Recreation Director did hold the Huck Finn Day, Easter Egg Hunt, and activity over February break. The Recreation Commission is serving above and beyond.

 

Vice President Palmisciano explained he attended the first meeting of the Recreation Commission where the roles were defined between the Commission and the Director. He questioned Town Clerk Liese on the proposed Charter Amendments with regards to Recreation Commission.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised that during the Charter Review the Recreation language was unclear and

The Director was currently under the authority of the board, and that was not the intent. So now this charter amendment would change the Recreation Director to be under the direction of the Town Administration.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated the importance of the designation as they each have separate budget items.

 

President Carpenter further commented on the expectations of the Recreation Director as voters approved the budget for that position and questioned if Councilor Cacciola had further questions as it was her agenda item.

 

Councilor Cacciola had no further questions or comments.

 

2)         Consideration of Land Acquisition-58 Wood River Drive

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised this was a request to donate the land at 58 Wood River Drive.

 

Town Planner Lacey explained this parcel valued at $4,300 with annual tax of $88.00. He explained looking at the property with regards to the Hazard Mitigation Plan and explained it is in the flood area. He further explained the benefits of acquiring the property. He advised on identifying properties that are in flood plain risk. He explained open space and recreation and increasing public access to natural areas.

 

Councilor Newman questioned how it was a liability. Town Planner Lacey advised with development it could increase flood zone risk.

 

Discussion ensued on potential uses of recreation, grant opportunities, and flood mitigation in the area.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth further advised on the neighboring properties and assessments.

 

Councilor Nassaney advised he was familiar with the location and the neighborhood is quiet. He does not believe the neighbors would appreciate a park there in that small location.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised on climate change.

 

President Carpenter advised at first, she was not in favor of acquiring property, but at $88.00 a year in lost tax revenue and with potential; it would be good to acquire.

 

Councilor Nassaney made a motion second by Councilor Cacciola to approve the Land Acquisition of 58 Wood River Drive and direct the staff and Town Solicitor to draft the deed and arrange the conveyance. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

3)         Discussion and Consideration of November and December Town Council Meeting Dates

 

Town Clerk Liese advised that with holidays and Election Date the Election Certification was not probable by November 15th.

 

Discussion ensued on potential meeting dates.

 

Councilor Nassaney made a motion second by Councilor Newman to approve the Town Council Meeting dates of November 1st and December 6th. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

I.          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)         Town of Richmond Notice of Boards/Commission Vacancies updated 9-13-22

 

Councilor Cacciola made a motion second by Councilor Nassaney to file the Communications. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

J.         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.

 

Iva Lipton requested clarification on Meeting dates. Town Clerk Liese advised the Council would meet on November 1st and December 6th.

 

Mark Reynolds stated had he been permitted to speak earlier; he would have suggested that prior to acquiring the property that staff walk the property to make sure we're not also acquiring a dump or pollution concern that will subject us to a liability.

 

Iva Lipton questioned the requirement for new Council to meet at 7:00 P.M. It was noted that current council would sit on December 6th at 6:00 P.M. with new Council sitting at 7:00 P.M.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised that the mail ballot application period has closed and that Early Voting will start tomorrow at Town Hall regular business hours until November 7th. Please also visit : https://vote.sos.ri.gov/ to find your polling location for Election Day as three locations will be open.

 

Councilor Newman was going to ask about Voting so thanked Town Clerk Liese for the updates.

 

K.        ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Councilor Neman with second by Councilor Nassaney to adjourn at 6:59 P.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