RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Agenda

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

September 19, 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.        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)         Outdoor Entertainment License Application:

Applicant:  Wawaloam Reservation Inc.

Entertainment: Holiday Light Show

Dates: November 25, 2023 - December 30, 2023

Location: Wawaloam Campground- 510 Gardiner Road

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of proposed amendments to Chapters 18.08 (Definitions) and 18.16 (Use Regulations) of the Richmond Zoning Ordinance. The amendments would add definitions of “cannabis business” and “cannabis retailer” and would establish the zoning districts in which those uses are permitted, allowed by special use permit, or prohibited. The amendments would also delete definitions and use codes that are no longer consistent with state law

 

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)         August 29, 2023 (Special Meeting)

b)         September 5, 2023 (Regular Meeting)

c)         September 5, 2023 (Executive Session)

 

2)         Approval of Town Department Reports

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

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

c)         Approval of Building, Planning and Zoning report for the month of August 2023

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

e)         Approval of Finance Department report for the month of August 2023

f)         Approval of Human Services Department report for the month of August 2023

 

3)         Approval of Appropriations and Payment of Bills – August 9, 2023- September 13, 2023

 

4)         Approval of Tax Collector Refunds dated September 11, 2023

 

5)         Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements dated September 13, 2023

 

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.

 

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)         Discussion and Consideration of Partnering with Hopkinton on Community Center Funding Opportunity

b)         Request for Approval of Agreement between the Ocean Community YMCA and the Town for Rental of the Arcadia Branch Community Room and Authorization for the Town Administrator to Sign

c)         Update on Beaver River Playground

 

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

a)         Richmond Police Department involvement with a Community Fundraiser

b)         Richmond Police Department update on the partnership with RISP and RIDOT with BAT Mobile (DUI enforcement) to raise awareness and mitigate impaired driving

 

3)         Finance Director’s Report: Laura Kenyon

a)         Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of up to Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) in General Obligation Bonds of the Town for the purpose of making improvements to the Roads

 

H.        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 from Trinity Solar- Joshua Smart for a One Year Door to Door Salesperson License

 

I.          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)         Request of President Trimmer for Discussion and Consideration of going “paperless” and using electronic means regarding the Town Council Agendas and Packets

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of Potential Amendments or Additions to Ordinance 2.20.040 Appointment, Probation and Layoff; and authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing

 

3)         Discussion and Consideration of Small Business Grant

a)         Approval of Draft Description, Application, and Grant Agreement

 

J.         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 Councilor Wilcox to unseal the following Executive Session Minutes:

a)         January 3, 2023

b)         January 25, 2023

c)         June 6, 2023

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of Amendment to Chapter 8.18.080 of the Code of Ordinances regarding replacement transfer station placards and authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing

 

K.        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)         Copy of Letter to: Chief of Police

From: The Citizens and Taxpayers of Canob Lane

Re: Vehicles located at Canob Lane

 

b)         Report to: Richmond Town Council

From: Richmond Historical Society

Re: Information of the Historical Society

 

c)         Copy of Letter submitted by: Councilor Colasante

From: William Buckley

Re:  Notice Policy of Landowners

 

d)         Copy of Letter submitted by: Councilor Colasante

From: David D’Ambra

Re:  Notice Policy of Landowners

 

2)         Resolutions Received from the Town of New Shoreham Expressing Thanks to the Richmond-Carolina Fire District

 

L.        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 September 14, 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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