RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Agenda

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

March 21, 2023

6:00 P.M.

 

This meeting will take place in Town Council Chambers, 5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond, RI 02898; however, the public can also observe and participate in the meeting remotely broadcasted 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.

JOIN VIA COMPUTER OR MOBILE APP:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89011377495

JOIN VIA PHONE:  DIAL:  1-646-558-8656

WHEN PROMPTED, ENTER MEETING ID: 890 1137 7495

PRESS # AGAIN TO JOIN THE MEETING

 

A.        CALL TO ORDER

 

B.        ROLL CALL

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

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)   Consideration of proposed amendment to Chapter 18.39 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Low- and Moderate-Income Housing

 

2)   Consideration of proposed amendment to Chapter 18.20 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Dimensional and Supplemental Regulations for uses within R-1, R-2, R-3, PUD-VC, GB, L1, FT, and PD Zoning Districts

 

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)         March 7, 2023 (Special Meeting)

b)         March 7, 2023 (Regular Meeting)

 

2)         Approval of Town Department Reports

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

b)         Approval of Tax Collector’s report for the month of February, 2023

c)         Approval of Police Department report for the month of February, 2023

d)         Approval of Finance Department report for the month of February, 2023

 

3)         Approval of Appropriations and Payment of Bills – February 15, 2023- March 15,2023

 

F.         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.

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.

 

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)         Municipal Resilience Program Report by Kimberly Korioth, Stormwater & Resilience Analyst for Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank

 

2)         Roundabout Project Report by Jon Fontana, Project Manager RIDOT

 

3)         Consideration of Richmond Town Council participation on the WCRPC (Washington County Regional Planning Council)

a)         Presentation by Jeff Broadhead, Executive Director.

b)         Consideration and Election of a Richmond Town Council representative to the WCRPC

 

4)         Richmond Economic Development Commission Report

 

5)         Town Administrator’s Report: Karen D. Pinch

a)         Authorization to hire a full-time Building, Planning and Zoning Clerk

b)         Authorization to hire a part -time Human Services Director

c)         Authorization of the Solid Waste and Recycling Services Agreement between the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and the Town of Richmond

 

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

a)         Investigation by Detective Drew Bishop into the fire that occurred between Punchbowl Trail and Clearview Drive.

 

7)         Finance Director’s Report: Laura Kenyon

a)         Scheduling a Work Session to discuss the Water Rates for July 2023

 

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)         Request for Appointment to the Conservation Commission One (1) member; with term expiration of January 31, 2024

a)         Application of David A. Lelli

 

2)         Request for Appointment to the Tax Assessment Board of Review One (1) member; with term expiration of December 31, 2025

a)         Application of Jeffrey Winters Noble

 

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)         Approval of Kennel License for Our House Pet Lodge located at 204 Old Mountain Road

 

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 Authorization to hire a part-time Electrical Inspector

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of the Tri Town Collaboration with Hopkinton and Charlestown

 

3)         Request of Councilor Colasante regarding Town Council Priorities for economic development

 

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 by Representative Megan Cotter for a Discussion of the Town Council’s Legislative Priorities and Issues

 

2)         Request by President Trimmer for a Discussion of Town Council Members interacting with Town Hall Staff

a)         Ref: The Richmond Home Rule Charter, Article 3, Sec. 7 says “Individual Town Council members shall not assign or direct the responsibilities of Town employees, either directly or through the Town Administrator.  The Town Council shall assign or direct the responsibilities of Town employees only by a majority vote and through the Town Administrator.”

 

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)         Notice on the Town of Richmond Board/Commission Vacancies- March 13, 2023

b)         Press Release of the Richmond Police Department- March 3, 2023

 

M.       EXECUTIVE SESSION.

The Town Council may conduct a closed session to discuss the following:

1)         Discussion of participation in the national opioid litigation settlement with CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2), litigation.

 

2)         Discussion of approval of an employment contract with the Town Administrator pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(1).

 

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 March 16, 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.

 

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the Town of Richmond is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).”  For those persons needing auxiliary aid please call 711 for assistance.