RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

September 20, 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 20, 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 Lauren Cacciola, and Councilor Ron Newman. Also present Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Town Administrator Karen Pinch, 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

 

President Carpenter led in a moment of silence for military and police.

 

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 2022-16: Recognizing Eagle Scout Hayden Puglia

 

President Carpenter presented the following Resolution to Hayden:

 

R E S O L U T I O N

O F   T H E

R I C H M O N D T O W N C O U N C I L

TOWN COUNCIL RESOLUTION # 2022-16

RESOLUTION FOR HAYDEN PUGLIA

EARNING EAGLE SCOUT STATUS

 

WHEREAS,    Hayden A. Puglia of Narragansett Council’s, Troop 2 Kingston has attained the highest rank in Scouting, namely that of EAGLE SCOUT; and

 

WHEREAS,    Hayden is the first female in South County Boy Scouts of America and the first female in Richmond to reach Eagle Scout’s rank; and

 

WHEREAS,    To achieve the rank of EAGLE SCOUT, a multiyear journey is required; developing skills and confidence in the outdoors; developing leadership tactics and service to benefit the community. Described as the most involved and transformative experiences a young person can have; and

 

WHEREAS,    Hayden’s Eagle Scout service project was a direct benefit to the Town of Richmond with the construction of multiple canine agility structures for the Richmond Dog Park; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Richmond commends and congratulates Hayden Puglia on this most prestigious of awards, especially because it is the first to be bestowed to a female in Richmond. The Town Council further extends its congratulations to her parents for giving her the opportunity, background, and values that will stay with her for a lifetime.  Indeed, the entire community is proud of these accomplishments. 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution will become a part of the permanent records of the Town of Richmond.

 

GIVEN UNDER THE SEAL OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF RICHMOND THIS 20th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2022

 

Hayden was congratulated by Council.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve Resolution 2022-16 honoring Hayden Puglia.  Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, 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)   August 23, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

 

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

 

b)   August 23, 2022 ( Executive Session)

 

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

 

c)   September 6, 2022 (Regular Meeting)

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to continue to the next meeting the Town Council Minutes of September 6, 2022.  Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

2)   Approval of Town Department Reports

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

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

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

d)   Approval of Police Department report for the month of August, 2022

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

 

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

 

3)   Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements dated September 1, 2022

 

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

 

4)   Approval of Tax Assessor Additions dated September 1, 2022

 

A motion was made by Councilor Cacciola with second by Councilor Nassaney to approve Consent Item 4.  Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

5)   Approval of Appropriations and Payment of Bills – August 1, 2022 to September 14, 2022

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Vice President Palmisciano to approve Consent Items 5.  Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, 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)   Request for Approval to Contract with Narragansett Improvement Company for Paving of Beaver River Road, Woodland Drive and Sandy Pond Road

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised on bid received for paving and need to approve contract.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Cacciola to approve the Contract with Narragansett Improvement Company for Paving of Beaver River Road, Woodland Drive and Sandy Pond Road. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

b)   Request for Approval to Award the Bid for the Access Control System

 

Town Administrator explained the biding process for the Access Control System for Town Hall and cost of about $13,900.64 for installation and hardware.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Nassaney to Award the Bid as presented for the Access Control System for Town Hall. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

c)   Discussion on Inconsistency with insurance requirements for use of town facilities and request for input from Council

 

Town Administrator Pinch explained they recently became aware of inconsistencies with insurance requirements at town facilities. She advised she would like direction from Council on potential changes to the policy to include all town facilities.

 

Discussion ensued on insurance requirements and fees for the use of town facilities. It was noted this would return to Council for further consideration.

 

Town Administrator Pinch announced the Hazard Mitigation Plan had been approved by FEMA. She also announced the League of Women Voters will hold a Meet the Candidates” night on October 3^rd at Chariho Middle School.

 

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

 

Chief Johnson reported on the Matthew’s Wish Event and announced that they had collected about 40 toys and $400.00 in donations. He thanked all the Departments that participated.

 

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)   Discussion and Consideration on the Request of HopArts for sign placement  at 5 Richmond Townhouse Road to advertise the HopArts Studio Trail from October 5th to October 17th

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Nassaney to Approve the Request of HopArts for sign placement at 5 Richmond Townhouse Road to advertise the HopArts Studio Trail from October 5th to October 17th.  Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

2)   Authorization of the Employment Agreement between the Town of Richmond and Chief of Police Elwood M. Johnson Jr.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Cacciola to Authorize the Employment Agreement between the Town of Richmond and Chief of Police Elwood M. Johnson Jr. 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)   Email from Gina Cunha regarding Intersection of 112 and Pine Hill Road

b)   Thank you from New Hope Chapel for Sign Placement Approval

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

 

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.

 

The Teleconference Audio was not working for those participating by Zoom.

 

Helen Sheehan shared concern for requiring additional insurance for the use of town facilities. She explained it is difficult to find meeting locations for small organizations.

 

It was announced they would hold Public Forum after Executive Session to see if the audio can be resolved.

 

Council convened in Executive Session at 6:43 P.M for the following:

 

K.        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.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Nassaney with second by Councilor Newman to convene in public session at 7:09 P.M. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye.

 

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

 

A motion was made by Councilor Newman with second by Councilor Cacciola to direct the Town Administrator to negotiate the amount and terms as discussed in Executive Session. Vote: President Carpenter, Aye; Vice President Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Nassaney, No; Councilor Newman, Aye; Councilor Cacciola, Aye

 

L.        ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Vice President Palmisciano with second by Councilor Nassaney to adjourn at 7:11 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