RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Agenda

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

December 5, 2023

6:00 P.M.

 

This meeting will take place in Town Council Chambers, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond, RI 02898.

 

The public can also observe and participate in the meeting remotely broadcast on Zoom. The public is invited to observe and participate in the deliberations of this meeting by accessing the meeting link below. For those without access to video observation platforms, you may also call in to listen to the deliberations of this meeting by using the call-in phone number provided herein. To participate during Public Hearing or Public Input you will press *9 to raise your hand.                                                                                                                           

 

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The meeting will also be available for viewing access only using the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/@richmondtowncouncil4066/streams

 

 

A.        CALL TO ORDER

 

B.        ROLL CALL

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

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)         November 7, 2023 (Regular Meeting)

b)         November 21, 2023 (Regular Meeting)

 

2)         Approval of Appropriations and Payment of Bills – November 10, 2023- November 28, 2023

 

3)         Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements- November 21, 2023

 

E.        PUBLIC FORUM

The Public Forum will be conducted according to Town Council Rules & Procedures Article 6. http://www.richmondri.com/DocumentCenter/View/1878/Rules-of-Procedure?bidId=

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.

 

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

a)         Request for Authorization to Hire Kendra Tanguay as Deputy Town Clerk Effective January 1, 2024

b)         Discussion of Tree Lighting Details

 

2)         Police Chief’s Report: Elwood M. Johnson, Jr.

a)         Discussion on the “Stuff A Cruiser” Event to be held on December 9, 2023

b)         Discussion on Recent Property Crime Trends in our Region and Advice to Prevent becoming a Victim.

 

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)         Discussion and Consideration of Michael L. Cozzolino Request for Reappointment as Town Solicitor with Term Expiration of January 31, 2025

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of Peter C. Burton Request for Reappointment on the Economic Development Commission with Term Expiration of January 31, 2025

 

3)         Discussion and Consideration of Andrea Baranyk Request for Reappointment to the Planning Board with Term Expiration of January 31, 2027

 

4)         Discussion and Consideration of David Gamache Request for Reappointment to the Building Code of Appeals with Term Expiration of January 31, 2029

 

5)         Discussion and Consideration of Skylar Marriah Macedo for Appointment to the Dog Park Committee with Term Expiration of January 31, 2026

 

6)         Discussion and Consideration of Suzanne Paton Request for Reappointment to the Rural Preservation Land Trust with Term Expiration of December 31, 2028

 

7)         Discussion and Consideration of David A. Lelli Request for Reappointment to the Conservation Commission with Term Expiration of January 31, 2027

 

8)         Discussion and Consideration of Karen R. Ellsworth Request for Reappointment as the Town Solicitor with Term Expiration of January 31, 2025

 

9)         Discussion and Consideration of Dinalyn Spears Request for Reappointment to the Conservation Commission with Term Expiration of January 31, 2027

 

10)       Discussion and Consideration of Justin K. Price Resignation as Second Alternate to the Zoning Board with Consideration of Appointment as First Alternate to the Zoning Board

 

11)       Discussion and Consideration of Denise Poyer Request for Appointment to the Wood-Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Rivers Project Stewardship Council

 

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)         Discussion and Consideration of Fence Viewer Position

 

2)         Request of Councilor Wilcox for Discussion and Consideration of Council Support of the July 11, 2023, Memo from the Planning Board to the Economic Development Commission Regarding Rezoning for Non-Residential Use. Request the Economic Development Commission to Work on the Same

 

3)         Request of President Trimmer for Discussion and Consideration of Drafting a Resolution to Oppose the High-Speed Rail Project that is planned to be Routed through Charlestown, South Kingstown, Richmond, and Hopkinton

 

4)         Report of President Trimmer on Progress with the South County Regional Planning Commission

 

5)         Request of Councilor Wilcox for Scheduling a Joint Workshop with the Economic Development Commission to review Appendix H of the Comprehensive Plan with a Suggested Date of December 19th at 5:00 P.M.

 

6)         Request of Councilor Colasante for a Discussion and Consideration of Drafting a Resolution in Support of the Nation of Israel in their defense against Terrorism

 

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)         Richmond Police Department Press Release – November 22, 2023

 

b)         Notice on the Town of Richmond Board/Commission Vacancies- November 27, 2023

 

c)         Notice of Recreation Commission Non-Renewal

i.          Courtney Olean Paige

ii.         Meredith Cote

 

d)         Notice of Public Hearing from the Town of Exeter regarding Proposed Amendments to Exeter Code of Ordinances- Land Development & Subdivision Regulations; Zoning

 

M.       EXECUTIVE SESSION

1)         Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws -42-46-5 (a)(2) Regarding Pending Litigation Superior Court Appeals of Taxes Assessed since the 2020 Tax Year on property at the Preserve at Boulder Hills

 

N.        ADJOURNMENT

Pursuant to RIGL § 42-46-6(c) Notice of this meeting was posted on the Secretary of State’s website, Richmond Town Hall, Richmond Police Station, and Clerk Base on November 30, 2023

 

The public is welcome to any open meeting of the Town Council. If communication assistance (readers/interpreters/captions) is needed or any other accommodation to ensure equal participation, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at least three (3) business days prior to the meeting at (401)539-9000 x9.

 

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