RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

December 19, 2023

6:00 P.M.

 

A.        CALL TO ORDER

 

President Trimmer called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

 

B.        ROLL CALL

 

Town Council Members present in chambers were as follows: Mark Trimmer, Rich Nassaney, Helen Sheehan, Michael Colasante and Samantha Wilcox. Also present, Town Solicitor Karen Ellsworth, Town Administrator Karen Pinch, Finance Director Laura Kenyon, Town Planner Talia Jalette, and Town Clerk Erin Liese.

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited followed by a moment of silence and thank you to the DPW, Fire, Ambulance and Police for their work during the recent storm event.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to Open the Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments of Chapter 10.06 of the Richmond Code of Ordinances. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

D.        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)         Discussion and Consideration of Proposed Amendments of Chapter 10.06 of the Richmond Code of Ordinances. The amendment would add a stop sign on Hillsdale Road at Tug Hollow Road and Bell Schoolhouse Road.

 

No public comment.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Nassaney, seconded by Councilor Colasante to Close the Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments of Chapter 10.06 of the Richmond Code of Ordinances.                               Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to Approve the Proposed Amendments of Chapter 10.06 of the Richmond Code of Ordinances. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Nassaney, seconded by Councilor Wilcox to move forward the agenda item regarding hiring the DPW Truck Driver/Laborer I. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

G 1 b)  Request for Authorization to Hire a DPW Truck Driver/Laborer I

 

DPW Superintendent Codi Caswell introduced Paul Ohneck.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Nassaney, seconded by Councilor Wilcox to approve the hiring of Paul Ohneck DPW Truck Driver/Laborer I. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

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)         December 5, 2023 (Regular Meeting)

 

2)         Approval of Town Department Reports

a)         Approval of Town Clerk’s report for the month of November 2023

b)         Approval of Finance Department report for the month of November 2023

c)         Approval of Tax Collector’s report for the month of November 2023

d)         Approval of Police Department report for the month of November 2023

e)         Approval of Building, Planning and Zoning report for November 2023

 

3)         Approval of Appropriations and Payment of Bills – November 29, 2023 – December 13, 2023

 

4)         Approval of Tax Collector Refunds dated December 12, 2023

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Colasante to approve the Consent Agenda. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

F.         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.

 

Chris Kona of Richmond discussed looking at the Budget and the importance of giving Departments tools to recruit and retain quality employees.  He suggested consideration of a 5% cost of living adjustment for town wages. 

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised that the Police Wages are fixed with a contract.

 

Councilor Sheehan advised that even with the level funded budget Town Employees received a 3% wage increase.

 

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

a)         Approval of Small Business Grant Awards

 

Town Administrator Pinch reviewed the recommendation for Small Business Grant Awards.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to approve the Small Business Grant Awards. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

b)         Announcement of Holiday Closure

 

Town Administrator Pinch announced that Town Hall will close Friday, December 22nd at Noon. Town Hall will be closed on December 25th and January 1st.

 

c)         Report on Tree Lighting

 

Town Administrator Pinch gave a shout out for the amazing tree lighting to Recreation Commission, Recreation Director, DPW Department and Town Clerk Erin Liese.

 

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

a)         Report on Community toy drive Stuff-a-Cruiser Event in support of Matthew's Wish

b)         Announcement of RI Police Chiefs' Association Awards Sgt. William Litterio and Off. Anthony Meola with Distinguished Service Award

 

No report was given.

 

H.        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 David Gamache Request for Reappointment to the Building Code of Appeals with Term Expiration of January 31, 2029 (Continued from December 5, 2023)

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to approve the request of David Gamache Reappointment to the Building Code of Appeals with Term Expiration of January 31, 2029.

 

Councilor Wilcox advised she will be voting against due to the information learned at the last meeting.

 

Back to Vote: President Trimmer, No; Vice President Nassaney, No; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, No.

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of Skylar Marriah Macedo for Appointment to the Dog Park Committee with Term Expiration of January 31, 2026 (Continued from December 5, 2023)

 

Skylar was not present.

 

Councilor Wilcox made a motion to file as she was not present at the last meeting. 

 

Discussion ensued.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to move to the next meeting Consideration of Skylar Marriah Macedo for Appointment to the Dog Park Committee with Term Expiration of January 31, 2026 (Continued from December 5, 2023). Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

3)         Discussion and Consideration of Lucy Fleet Request for Reappointment to the Dog Park Committee with Term Expiration of January 31, 2026

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan to approve the Renewal of Lucy Fleet to the Dog Park Committee with Term Expiration of January 31, 2026. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

4)         Discussion and Consideration of Requests for Appointment to the Recreation Commission with two (2) terms expiring January 31, 2025 and one (1) term expiring January 31, 2027

a)         Alexis Renee Shenefield

b)         James J. Palmisciano

c)         Jaime Marland

 

Councilor Colasante made a motion to approve with a second from Councilor Sheehan.

 

Town Solicitor Ellsworth advised that you needed to appoint terms.

 

Alexis was not present.

 

Councilor Colasante and Councilor Sheehan amended their previous motion to appoint James J. Palmisciano and Jaime Marland to the Recreation Commission with terms expiring January 31, 2025.

 

Councilor Colasante suggested that Mr. Palmisciano apply for the EDC.

 

James J. Palmisciano thanked Councilor Colasante for the vote of confidence; however stated he would take it into consideration. However that is not on the agenda this evening.

 

Jaime Marland explained her experience and desire to serve on the Recreation Commission.

 

Councilor Colasante and Councilor Sheehan amended their previous motion to appoint James J. Palmisciano to the Recreation Commission with terms expiring January 31, 2025, and Jaime Marland to the Recreation Commission with term expiring January 31, 2027. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

5)         Discussion and Consideration of B. Joe Reddish, III Resignation from the Economic Development Commission

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan accept the Resignation with extreme regret of B. Joe Reddish, III. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

I.          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)         Discussion and Consideration of Application of Trinity Solar- Daniel Lafazia for a Door-to- Door Salesperson License for One Year

 

Daniel Lafazia was not present.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to move to the next meeting the Application of Trinity Solar- Daniel Lafazia for a Door-to- Door Salesperson License for One Year. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

J.         UNFINSHED 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 Colasante for Discussion and Consideration of reducing the 2.5-million-dollar Bond approved by the voters at the 2022 Financial Town Meeting in the amount of the Municipal Road and Bridge Grant received from the State of RI (Continued from November 7, 2023)

 

Councilor Colasante explained his idea to reduce the bond with the road grants. He further explained the total bond should include principal and interest.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Sheehan that the 2.5-million-dollar bond will include principal and interest.

 

Discussion ensued on the road bond and road projects.

 

Finance Director Kenyon explained the memo provided regarding bond schedules. She further explained that the bond is reimbursable through Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. She explained the rate is determined when they go to market.

 

Discussion ensued on road projects.

 

Back to the Vote: President Trimmer, No; Vice President Nassaney, No; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, No.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Nassaney to approve the 2.5-million-dollar bond. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, No; Councilor Colasante, No; Councilor Wilcox, 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)         Presentation by Rob Rock, Deputy Secretary of State Regarding the State of Rhode Island 250 Anniversary with Consideration of supporting the cause locally.

 

Deputy Secretary of State Rob Rock presented to Council regarding the 250th Anniversary and 250th Committees. He explained that it will be celebrated in 2026. He stated in 2021 the General Assembly established the Rhode Island 250 Commission with putting the Secretary of State in Charge. He stated they were also tasked with working with local commissions and having all cities and towns have a local committee.

 

He also advised that all 26 Cities and Towns presented to have agreed and all are participating a bit differently. He also shared some Richmond Archives.

 

Councilor Colasante questioned if there was state funding availability for signage or website rehab.

 

Deputy Rock advised that the commission has a total of $100,000.00. He further advised on future funding and fundraising efforts.

 

President Trimmer shared his experiences with history and discussed the importance of this celebration.

 

Councilor Wilcox shared the importance of bringing in the Historical Society.

 

Deputy Rock also stated he had the great privilege of working in Richmond about 10 years ago. He also had the pleasure to work with Erin, Kendra and Jenn in Elections. He acknowledged Ann, Karen, Laura and Cody and others and that Richmond has great staff and many times municipal employees go unnoticed.

 

President Trimmer requested this be placed on the next agenda.

 

Discussion ensued on potential committee makeup and terms.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Colasante to request the Town Clerk Draft a Resolution regarding the 250th Ad Hoc Committee for consideration at the next meeting.              Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

2)         Request of President Trimmer for Discussion and Consideration of Replacing the Four Economic Development Commission Members that Indicated their Intent to Resign at the December 11th Economic Development Commission Meeting.

 

President Trimmer shared concern with the EDC Commission scope, consensus and recommended moving this to a Chamber of Commerce.

 

It was noted the Chamber of Commerce may need to be on a future agenda due to the scope of the agenda this evening.

 

Discussion ensued on EDC presentations, membership to the local Chamber, and resignations.

 

President Trimmer thanked David and Peter for remaining on the commission.

 

Discussion ensued on resignations.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Wilcox to request the Town Clerk send a letter to the remaining three members on their intent to resign by December 26, 2023, for consideration on January 2, 2024.

 

Discussion ensued on the removal process.

 

Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye

 

3)         Request of President Trimmer for Discussion and Consideration of sending a letter to the Chariho School Administration and School Committee requesting a Fiscal Impact statement be provided to the Town of Richmond regarding the cost to the Richmond Taxpayers of the New School Initiative

 

President Trimmer discussed the fiscal impact importance to Richmond regarding the new school initiative and requesting a letter from the school regarding the impact.

 

Discussion ensued on fiscal impact, meetings regarding the new school initiative, short time period for turnaround, vision for what is to be built, information available, importance of a financial analysis, and School Committee meeting dates on the issue.

 

Mark Reynolds of Richmond advised on the public meeting availability to obtain information.

 

Jessical Purcell of Richmond also discussed the information available, meeting dates, timeframe of the application, and projects in Barrington, Bristol- Warren, Cumberland, Lincoln, and Middletown.  

 

Jeff Noble of Richmond discussed the importance of capitalizing on state funding, reduction in operational costs, age of the buildings, and operational efficiency.

 

Discussion ensued on future meetings.

 

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 – December 1, 2023

 

b)         Richmond Police Department Press Release- December 7, 2023

 

c)         Notice on the Town of Richmond Board/Commission Vacancies- December 6, 2023

 

d)         Copy of Email to: Erin Liese

From: Donna Sieczkiewicz

Re: Chariho Finance Committee

 

e)         Notice of Board of Canvasser Non-Renewal of Kenneth Michaud

 

f)         Copy of Email to: Richmond Local Town Committees

From: Erin Liese

Re: Board of Canvasser Vacancy

 

g)         Notice of Town Solicitor Rescinded Application for Renewal of Karen Ellsworth

 

h)         Copy of Letter to: Richmond Town Council

From: Michael L. Cozzolino, Town Solicitor

Re: Thank you for reappointment

 

i)          Notice of Public Hearing from the Town of Hopkinton regarding Proposed Amendments to Land Development & Subdivision Regulations

 

j)          Notice of Public Hearing from the Town of Hopkinton regarding Proposed Amendments to Zoning Ordinances

 

k)         Notice of Public Hearing from the Town of Charlestown regarding Proposed Amendments to Land Development & Subdivision Regulations

 

l)          Chariho Regional School District Tri-Town Count – October 1, 2023

 

m)        Copy of Email/Excel to: Chariho, Richmond, Hopkinton, and Charlestown Officials

From: Syliva Thompson

Re: Chart Chariho Enrollment Budget Surplus

 

n)         Chariho Regional School Committee Revised 2024 Meeting Schedule

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante seconded by Vice President Nassaney to file Communications. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

M.       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

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Wilcox to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 P.M. Vote: President Trimmer, Aye; Vice President Nassaney, Aye; Councilor Sheehan, Aye; Councilor Colasante, Nay; Councilor Wilcox, Aye.

 

 

 

 

 

Attest:

 

 

_______________________

Erin F. Liese, CMC

Town Clerk