RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

AGENDA

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

September 6, 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                  September 6, 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, and Councilor Ron Newman. Not present is Councilor Lauren Cacciola. Also present Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Town Administrator Karen Pinch, Town Planner Shaun Lacey, Finance Director Laura Kenyon, Police Chief Elwood Johnson Jr. and Town Clerk Erin Liese.

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

 

D.        MOMENT OF SILENCE- ROBERT W. (BOB) KENYON

 

President Carpenter led in a moment of silence for Robert Kenyon.

 

 

Robert W. (Bob) Kenyon of Carolina, RI, husband of Patricia A. Valliere Kenyon, (Ret. Richmond Town Clerk) passed away on August 25, 2022. At the age of 87.

Bob was the son of the late Mary A. (Walsh) Kenyon and Russell E. Kenyon, Sr.

 

In addition to his wife, Patricia, Bob is survived by his daughters, Sharon Kenyon Blackmar (Michael) of Richmond, Sara Walsh Kenyon of South Kingstown, and Susan (Gilman) Gardner of Richmond, and Patricia’s children, Edward Valliere of West Greenwich, RI, Alan Valliere of Coventry, RI, Cheryl Perry (Dan) of New Smyrna, FL, and Penny Duchesneu (James) of Glostonbury CT., and seven grandchildren, Derek Gardner, Steven Gardner and Scott McKay of Richmond, Nicholas Sisto of CA, James Duchesneu of NY, Taylor and Madison Duchesneu of CT. and his former wife, Sonja Kenyon and sister-in-law Aline Kenyon.

Bob served in the US Army in the 11th Airborne Division in Germany in the late 50’s. He was co-owner, with his brother Russell, of Kenyon Bros., Inc. for many years. Bob was past president of the Carolina Fire Association. He was also, past president of the Snoopy’s Group Flying Clun located at the Westerly, RI Airport.

 

Bob served in the US Army in the 11th Airborne Division in Germany in the late 50’s. He was co-owner, with his brother Russell, of Kenyon Bros., Inc. for many years. Bob was past president of the Carolina Fire Association. He was also, past president of the Snoopy’s Group Flying Clun located at the Westerly, RI Airport.

 

Bob served on the Richmond Town Council from 1970-1974. He served as highway supervisor for the town of Richmond from 1974-1989 at which time he was appointed full time public works director establishing the first full time public works department for the town of Richmond. He served as its director from 1989-1999, at which time he retired.

 

Bob’s greatest passion was traveling the globe with his wife, Patricia. Bob loved adventure, and he had a passion for anything with wheels and speed. He enjoyed NASCAR and road trips to both the Daytona and Indi 500. He was a fan of the New York Yankees. He enjoyed restoring and traveling in antique vehicles, motorcycling and several adventurous sailing trips with good friend John Perreault and others on John’s boat, Pretty Woman. Bob and Pat drove his “47” Ford truck to 48 of the 50 States.

 

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his brother, Russell E. Kenyon, Jr., and his nephews, Jason Kenyon and Bradley Kenyon.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate

 

Councilor Newman commented on the life and service of Bob to the Town of Richmond. He also explained Bob’s wife Pat was a former Town Clerk for the Town of Richmond.

 

Vice President Palmisciano requested we move Public Forum to the beginning of meeting vs the end. He explained the Public Forum should be conducted in the same manner just earlier in the meeting prior to a formal change of agenda order.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Newman to move Public Forum to the beginning of the meeting.  Vote: President Carpenter, Opposed; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, 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.

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.

 

Bethany Jenkins of Richmond thanked the Council for the service of the Town. She explained the opposition to the development of Punch Bowl Trail. She explained she supported everything in the letter submitted as there are water and road concerns on Punch Bowl Trail.

 

Louise Dinsmore of Richmond thanked the Council for moving public forum forward.

 

E.        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 Pasquale Farms Garden Center LLC for a Victualing License; located at 421 Kingstown Road

 

The applicants were present on behalf of Pasquale Farms.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned if this was the Warren’s location. Town Clerk Liese explained the lease with Warren’s had fell through and a license was not issued. However, Pasquales had received a holiday license at the previous meeting and is now requesting a victualing.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve the Request of Pasquale Farms Garden Center LLC for a Victualing License; located at 421 Kingstown Road. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye.

 

2)         Request of Starbucks Coffee for a Victualing License; located at 1 Stilson Road

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve the Request of Starbucks Coffee for a Victualing License; located at 1 Stilson Road. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to open the public hearing on the Request of Starbucks Coffee for an Additional Hours Victualing License; located at 1 Stilson Road. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; 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)         Request of Starbucks Coffee for an Additional Hours Victualing License; located at 1 Stilson Road

 

Mr. Brennan on behalf of Starbucks advised the restaurant would need to open at 4:30 a.m. to prepare food and coffee with service at the drive-thru.

 

Councilor Newman asked when the store would open. Mr. Brennan advised they planned to open on September 23^rd.

 

No Public comment was made.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to close the public hearing on the Request of Starbucks Coffee for an Additional Hours Victualing License; located at 1 Stilson Road. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Newman to approve the Request of Starbucks Coffee for an Additional Hours Victualing License; located at 1 Stilson Road. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; 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)         July 12, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

 

Vice President Palmisciano explained there were two errors regarding Maddie Potts funding and police funding.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Newman to approve the July 12, 2022 Regular Town Council Minutes with amendments to page 9. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

b)         July 21, 2022 ( Special Meeting)

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve the July 21, 2022 Special Meeting Town Council Minutes. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Abstain; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

c)         August 5, 2022 ( Special Meeting)

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve the August 5, 2022 Special Meeting Town Council Minutes. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Abstain; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

d)         August 23, 2022 (Special Meeting)

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to approve August 23, 2022 Special Meeting Town Council Minutes. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye;                        Vice President Palmisciano, Abstain; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained concern with approvals in the Consent Agenda. She further explained the intent of a Consent Agenda.

 

2)         Approval of Grant Agreement between the Town and RIDEM for access road and trailhead improvements at the Saila Preserve, and authorization for the Town Administrator to sign the agreement

 

Councilor Newman announced he would recuse from this item.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Nassaney to Approve the Grant Agreement between the Town and RIDEM for access road and trailhead improvements at the Saila Preserve, and authorize the Town Administrator to sign the agreement. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye

 

3)         Approval of Tax Assessor Additions dated August 30, 2022- $20,528.54

 

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

 

4)         Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements dated July 6, 2022-$12,945.52

 

A motion was made by Councilor Nassaney with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve Consent Item 4.  Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; 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)         Request for Approval of Contract with Northeast Water Solutions, Inc. and Authorization for Town Administrator to Sign

 

Town Administrator Pinch explained the water contract and bidding process required.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve Contract with Northeast Water Solutions, Inc. and Authorization for Town Administrator to Sign.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned the cost savings. Town Administrator Pinch advised the savings over the year but didn’t have an exact number.

 

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

 

b)         Update on progress of 4 Richmond Townhouse Road Property

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised on the development across the street. She explained the town did receive a $578,000 grant from congress for a pavilion, bathroom, and playground and basketball court. She further explained this is a grant through HUD and the first step is the environmental study. She explained they are in the infancy of this.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned if there was a diagram. Town Administrator Pinch explained that is part of the study but currently do not have a schematic.

 

Discussion ensued on schematic.

 

President Carpenter questioned the time period.

 

Discussion ensued on the time period.

 

c)         Update on Changes at Department of Public Works

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised that as you see later in the agenda Dave has retired, creating some staffing changes and the town has advertised for a laborer.

 

d)         Information for Council on Access Control Project

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised she has gone out to a mini bid regarding access to the Town Hall buildings. She has explained this is a concern with security of the building and this would be a transition from key to fob entry. 

 

e)         Upcoming Events ( social and elections)

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised that Early Voting is going on at Town Hall; however, for the Primary all voting will take place at Richmond Elementary. She also explained later on the agenda is Matthew’s Wish and the Recreation Commission is putting together a family bingo night and this Thursday is the last food truck night.

 

Council President Carpenter questioned if they would move forward Matthew’s Wish agenda item.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Newman to move forward New Business item 3 in the agenda. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

3)         Discussion and Consideration on the Request of Matthew’s Wish to utilize Town Property at 4-5 Richmond Townhouse Road to hold the 2nd Annual Matthew’s Wish RI Community Touch a Truck Event on September 17th

a)         Permission for sign placement at 5 Richmond Townhouse Road to advertise the Community Touch a Truck Event

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to approve the request of Matthew’s Wish to utilize Town Property at 4-5 Richmond Townhouse Road to hold the 2nd Annual Matthew’s Wish RI Community Touch a Truck Event on September 17^th; with Permission for sign placement at 5 Richmond Townhouse Road to advertise the Community Touch a Truck Event.                   Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye.

 

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

a)         Pilot Program with Body Worn Cameras

 

Police Chief Johnson reported on the Matthew’s Wish Touch a Truck event. He also reported on the Pilot Program for Body Worn Cameras the Department will be participating in starting late September early October.

 

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)         Retirement of Dave Pierce as Custodian

 

Councilor Newman thanked Dave for his work done.

 

Vice President Palmisciano thanked Dave for his work and hoped he will be recognized with a luncheon.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to accept the Retirement of Dave Pierce as Custodian. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

2)         Request of Melissa Chalek for Appointment to the Planning Board with Term Expiration Date of  January 31, 2024

 

Councilor Nassaney questioned how long Melissa had been here.

 

Melissa advised she recently relocated in from Woonsocket.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve the Request of Melissa Chalek for Appointment to the Planning Board with Term Expiration Date of January 31, 2024. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, 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)         Discussion and Consideration on the Request of Councilor Ronald Newman for ARPA allocation for the Richmond Community/Senior Center

 

Councilor Newman questioned if there had been any consideration for utilization of ARPA funds for allocation to the Richmond Community/Senior Center.

 

Vice President Palmisciano requested clarification on current center or future center.

 

Councilor Newman advised future.

 

President Carpenter was supportive of this; however for what and how much. It does need to have a plan in order to allocate it.

 

Discussion ensued on the community center.

 

Councilor Newman questioned if funds could be utilized across the street.

 

President Carpenter would not allow discussion on that.

 

Councilor Newman requested this item to get the ball rolling with the difficulty of operating the Senior Center above the Police Station.

 

President Carpenter explained this has been identified as a need but we need to clarify what we would do with it.

 

Discussion ensued on the community center.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth recommended referring this to the Town Administrator to provide a recommendation.

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised if you see the next item on the agenda it is apparent that most of the ARPA funding has been allocated.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth recommended deferring it as it is more than just funding.

 

Discussion ensued on the need for a plan.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to defer to the Town Administrator the Request of Councilor Ronald Newman for ARPA allocation for the Richmond Community/Senior Center for a recommendation.

 

Town Administrator Pinch questioned if they wanted this item as a Special Referendum item.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated this is a big issue and will need a rendering.

 

Discussion ensued on need of a design and use.

 

Back to the Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; 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)         Request of President Carpenter regarding Administrative report on current American Rescue Plan Act approvals/recommendations both pending and allocated including update from IParametrics regarding fund delivery schedule and ARPA guidelines for allocation consideration.

 

President Carpenter stated this item was wordy for a reason and referred to the Department of Treasury guidance and resource for the allocation of ARPA funds. She explained there has been misinformation regarding ARPA expenditures and noted the Council has been unanimous on decisions. She further reviewed the timeline and process conducted for ARPA funds. She explained the Council and Finance Board have been transparent in these discussions and decisions. She requested the Treasurer provide information on the funding.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised the document had just gone to the President.

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised it was included in this packet.

 

President Carpenter questioned the water allocation.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised the water allocation was for two projects. One was the extension and one was for water chlorination.

 

Discussion ensued on the water projects.

 

Finance Director Kenyon further explained the following allocation and ARPA determination:

 

American Rescue Funds Town Council Approvals and Recommendation August 29 2022
Project	total	STATUS
Emergency Operation RADIO TOWER(Langevin’s FY23denied)	500,000	Council Approved
Chlorination System (CIP water)	300,000	Council pending
Community Advocate Department (Admin.& Operating)(wellness committee)	225,000	Council Approved
Police Station Renovations (85% town match  Grant Total project $190000)	161,500	Council Approved
Wood River Health	150,000	Council Approved
COPS (town Match) (87250 +2%)	142,675	FY23 Budget
Community Ambulance and Fire (allocated as presented for equipment)	130,546	Council Approved
Water Line Richmond Town Hall connection	100,000	Council Pending
RICAN ( Finance Board recommendation roof and solar)	87,500	Council Approved
SAFE Project for Richmond School	86,050	Council Approved
Health Care Advocate RPD	85,000	FY23 Budget
Maddie Potts Foundation (equipment)	83,330	Council Approved
Police Radios (cap trfr)(CIP POL #3)	64,000	FY23 Budget
CHARIHO YOUTH TASK FORCE	57,200	TBD Finance Board
iParametrics Consulting for Grant Administration	34,000	Council Approved
Generators Town Hall (CIP DPW #2)	30,000	Council Approved
Beaver River Park Equipment (cap trfr)(CIP Park#1)	30,000	Council pending
IT Computers (cap trfr)( CIP IT#1)	24,000	FY23 Budget
Beaver River Park Equipment (cap trfr)(CIP Park#1)	20,000	FY23 Budget
Dog Park (CIP Parks #2) (match with funds or in-kind?)	10,000	Council Approved
CHARIHO Little League( safety equipment)	5,000	Council Approved
Total Projects	2,325,801
Total ARPA Funding	2,313,555

 

President Carpenter stated it is helpful to see how the funds were allocated and the listing from largest to smallest. She questioned the status with IParametrics.

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised they had a meeting with IParametrics and status of delivery of funding.

 

Finance Director Kenyon advised they are meeting with IParametrics and getting documentation and receipt in place.

 

President Carpenter further advised on the Treasury website.

 

2)         Council Discussion and Consideration on the Request of President Carpenter regarding potential policy enactment and official resolution to support a virtual component for all Richmond boards, commissions and committees. Discussion of accessibility for all recorded open meetings of Richmond Town Council, Planning Board and Zoning Board.

 

President Carpenter stated regarding concerns of audio and video capability she has written this agenda item in detail to discuss the utilization of the $35,000 system. She further explained that currently Town Council, Zoning, and Planning are using the system and are not required to have this by OMA. She also explained the audio devices available to those that are hearing impaired.

Vice President Palmisciano stated they are required by law to have hearing impaired equipment and if they are compatible with the system.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised we do have devices and they are compatible with the system and they are made available if requested in advance.

 

President Carpenter corrected Town Clerk Liese they are to be made available upon request.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated if we utilize the speakers than the boards would need to know how to use devices.

 

Town Administrator Pinch stated they would be made available to boards if requested in advance.

 

President Carpenter stated the agenda was to see if a policy would be implemented for other boards to utilize the system.

 

Vice President Palmisciano stated he has concern who would staff that.

 

Councilor Newman questioned the need for the use of the system.

 

Discussion ensued on use of the system.

 

Vice President Palmisciano questioned Town Clerk Liese how many other towns are utilizing a hybrid system.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised that many towns did stop with the hybrid component. However, firsthand knowledge to those conducting the hybrid in the manner we have is Block Island, Hopkinton and Charlestown as they have the same system that we installed here. She further explained there are other towns that only utilize live stream. But for Charlestown and Hopkinton there is a hybrid component and they allow for comments of the public from remote or in person. She further explained the IT Director of Charlestown and Hopkinton run the system and it is only provided for Town Council, Planning and Zoning.

 

Vice President Palmisciano would request this item be tabled as he would like to know the collateral damage and we do not have an IT Director. He likes the accessibility but wants to know the cost.

 

Councilor Newman does not see the need beyond what we already provide.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Nassaney with second by Councilor Newman to file the Request of President Carpenter regarding potential policy enactment and official resolution to support a virtual component for all Richmond boards, commissions and committees. Discussion of accessibility for all recorded open meetings of Richmond Town Council, Planning Board and Zoning Board. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

4)         Discussion and Consideration on the Request of Richmond’s Democratic Town Committee to utilize Town Property at Beaver River Playground to hold a Community Event “Donuts with Dems” on September 10th

a)         Request to waive the insurance requirement

 

Councilor Newman recused from this matter.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised Mrs. Purcell is available by Zoom.

 

President Carpenter advised we received a letter attached to the agenda.

 

Councilor Nassaney explained political events should be held on private not on public land. He further shared concern whether it was Republicans or Democrats and precedent it could set. Public property should be used for all people not a political group.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth explained there is not a policy but could set one.

 

Vice President Palmisciano advised like at the Food Truck Event.

 

Councilor Nassaney advised he was against politics at the food truck event as well.

 

President Carpenter asked the Solicitor if they could do this anyway. The Solicitor advised no. They need permission and insurance as it is an organized publicized event. She explained the policy in place.

 

Discussion ensued on political events on town property.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised on the one day million dollar coverage that is needed and estimated cost.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by President Carpenter to approve Richmond’s Democratic Town Committee to utilize Town Property at Beaver River Playground to hold a Community Event “Donuts with Dems” on September 10^th.

 

Vice President Palmisciano advised he would not be in favor of waiving the insurance requirement.

 

President Carpenter advised he included that in his motion.

 

Vice President Palmisciano clarified his intent was to not include the waiver.

 

Back to the Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, No

 

5)         Discussion and consideration of amendments to Chapter 18.24 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Temporary Signage on Town-owned property; and authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Nassaney to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise the consideration of amendments to Chapter 18.24 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Temporary Signage on Town-owned property. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; 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)         Press Release from the Richmond Police Dept. dated August 12, 2022

b)         Letter from Casey Bourret & Amanda Burbank regarding the proposed subdivision on Punch Bowl Trail

c)         Richmond Senior Center News September 2022

d)         Town of Richmond Notice of Boards/Commission Vacancies updated 8-23-22

 

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

 

Council convened in Executive Session at 7:18 P.M for the following:

 

N.        EXECUTIVE SESSION

1)         Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws -42-46-5 (a)(5) – Regarding any discussion or consideration related to the acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes, or of the disposition of publicly held property wherein advanced public information would be detrimental to the interest of the public.

 

2)         Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws -42-46-5 (a)(2) Regarding Pending Litigation

a)         Superior Court Appeals of Taxes Assessed for the 2021 Tax Year on property at the Preserve at Boulder Hills

b)         Town of Richmond v. Jordan Carlson, Superior Court Zoning Violation action.

 

3)         Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a) (1), discussion of job performance and employment contract of Chief of Police Elwood M. Johnson, Jr.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Nassaney with second by Councilor Newman to convene in public session at 8:06 P.M. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Nassaney with second by Vice President Palmisciano to seal the Executive Session Minutes. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

A motion was made by President Carpenter with second by Councilor Nassaney to retain Gidley Sarli and Marusak to handle the 2021 Tax Appeals of the Preserve. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to direct the Town Administrator to prepare for the next Town Council meeting the renewal employment contract with Police Chief Johnson retroactive to September 1, 2022. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

O.        ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to adjourn at 8:08 P.M. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye

 

Attest:

 

_______________________

 

Erin F. Liese, CMC Town Clerk