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RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL
Regular Town Council Meeting Agenda
Town Council Chambers
5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898
April 16, 2024
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: Richmond Smoke LLC, dba Republican Smoking Bar
Entertainment: Live Music Entertainment
Dates: May to October
Location: 1219 Main Street, Richmond RI
2) Outdoor Entertainment License Application:
Applicant: SRI 4H Leaders Fair
Entertainment: 4-H Youth Fair
Dates: June 27, 2024 - June 30, 2024
Location: 78 Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond RI
3) Outdoor Entertainment License Application:
Applicant: Warwick Civic Orchestra dba Warwick Symphony Orchestra
Entertainment: Concert
Dates: June 8, 2024, with rain date of June 9, 2024
Location: 78 Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond RI
4) Consideration on the Proposed Municipal Budget for FY 2024-2025
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 19, 2024 (Special Meeting)
b) March 19, 2024 (Regular Meeting)
2) Approval of Town Department Reports
a) Approval of Town Clerk’s report for the month of March 2024
b) Approval of Tax Collector’s report for the month of March 2024
c) Approval of Police Department report for the month of March 2024
d) Approval of Building, Planning, and Zoning report for the month of March 2024
e) Approval of the Finance Department report for the month of March 2024
3) Approval of Appropriations and Payment of Bills – March 14, 2024 – April 10, 2024
4) Approval of Tax Collector Refunds in the amount of $1,151.65
5) Approval of Tax Assessor Abatements in the amount of $ 761.62
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) Request to Award a Bid for 4-Log Chlorination System to Laframboise Water Service
b) Request to Award a Bid for Heating/Cooling Services to Valley Heating and Cooling Inc.
c) Review of Grants Received
i. Energy Efficiency Grant
ii. Earmarks from Senator Reed’s Office
d) Approval of a Resolution on a Litter-Free Rhode Island
e) FEMA
f) Discussion on the Process to Hire a Municipal Court Judge
2) Tax Collector’s Report: Marcy Alves
a) Request to set a date for Special Council Meeting for Tax Payment Agreements; proposed date of May 21, 2024, at 5:30 P.M.
3) Recreation Director’s Report: Morgan Cusumano
a) Authorization to hire the following candidates for Summer Camp:
i. Amanda Grundy- Assistant Director with requested wage increase
ii. Erika Christensen- Counselor
iii. Julia LaFontaine- Counselor
iv. Ruby Taylor- Counselor
v. Samantha Beauregard-Counselor
vi. Savanna Fisher-Counselor
vii. Jack Grissom-Counselor
viii. Sadie Grissom- Counselor
ix. Amanda Moyer-Counselor
x. Jonathan Palmer- Counselor
4) Town Planner’s Report: Talia Jalette
a) Proposed amendments to Chapter 18 entitled “Zoning” of the Code of Ordinances; specifically to the following Chapters: Chapter 18.04 – “General Provisions”, Chapter 18.08 – “Definitions”, Chapter 18.16 – “Use Regulations”, Chapter 18.18 – “Inclusionary Zoning”, Chapter 18.20 – “Dimensional Regulations”, Chapter 18.21 – “Aquifer Protection Overlay District”, Chapter 18.26 – “Planned Development Resort District”, Chapter 18.29 – “Off-Street Parking and Loading”, Chapter 18.31 – “Equestrian Facilities”, Chapter 18.34 – “Solar Energy Systems”, Chapter 18.36 – “Special Regulations”, Chapter 18.38 – “Land Development Projects”, Chapter 18.39 – “Comprehensive Permit for Low- and Moderate-Income Housing”, Chapter 18.47 – “Accessory Farm Uses”, Chapter 18.48 – “Nonconforming Development”, Chapter 18.52 – “Zoning Board of Review”, Chapter 18.54 – “Development Plan Review”, Chapter 18.55 – “Recreational Campgrounds”, Chapter 18.58 – “Adoption and Amendment”, Chapter 18.59 – “Modification”, and Chapter 18.60 – “Zoning Enforcement”. With the addition of Chapter 18.23 – “Adaptive Reuse”; with authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing
b) Proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Community Plan Future Land Use Map and the Zoning Ordinance Amendment concerning property on KG Ranch Road, designated as Lot 2-1 on Tax Assessor’s Plat 3B. The amendments, requested by the Town of Richmond for the installation of a 4-Log Chlorination System, for the Public Water System; with authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing:
i. An amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map changing the designation of the property from Conservation/Open Space (COS) to Public and Governmental (PUB).
ii. An amendment to the Zoning Map changing the designation of the property from Conservation/Open Space (COS) to Public and Governmental (PUB).
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 (3) appointments to the Wellness Committee; with term expiration November 30, 2025
2) Discussion and Consideration of Paul Lombardo Sr Request for Renewal to the Senior Activities Committee with Term Expiration of May 31, 2027
3) Discussion and Consideration of Scott W. Barber Resignation from the Economic Development Commission
4) Discussion and Consideration of Bruce Olean Request for Renewal to the Affordable Housing Committee with Term Expiration of May 31, 2027
5) Discussion and Consideration of Jessica Purcell for Renewal to the Affordable Housing Committee with Term Expiration of May 31, 2027
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) Discussion and Consideration on an Ordinance regarding Tax Abatements for Residents with Historical Cemeteries on their Property; and authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing
2) Discussion and Consideration on an Ordinance Establishing a Municipal Court; authorization for the Town Clerk to advertise for Public Hearing
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 for Support of the Economic Development Commission Letter Regarding Property Owner Outreach
2) Request from RICAN for a Change in Use of Allocated ARPA Funds
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) Notice on the Town of Richmond Board/Commission Vacancies
b) Richmond Police Department Press Release- April 5, 2024
c) Copy of Letter to: Richmond Town Council
From: Dr. William Morrisette, Executive Director
Dated: March 14, 2024
Re: Wildlife Clinic Appropriation Request
d) Copy of Letter to: Richmond Town Council
From: Dory Wagner, Chairperson, Richmond Historical Cemetery
Dated: March 18, 2024
Re: Cemetery Abatement
2) Resolutions Received:
a) Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District School Committee Resolution in Support of Full Funding of Categorical Transportation Aid
b) Town of Hopkinton Resolution Opposing H 7683, S 2361, and S 2372 Relating to Real Estate Conveyance Tax
c) Town of Hopkinton Resolution Opposing HB 7681 Legislation Relative to Tax Valuation and Freeze on Affordable Housing
d) Town of Hopkinton Resolution Opposing HB 7651 Legislation Relative to Low Income Housing ( 8% Alternative Tax Rate)
e) Town of Hopkinton Resolution Opposing HB 7378 Legislation Relative to Homestead Exemption
f) Town of Hopkinton Resolution Opposing S 2018 Legislation Relative to Taxation- Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes
g) Town of Hopkinton Resolution Opposing HB 7981 Legislation Relative to Zoning Ordinances
h) Town of Charlestown Resolution in Support of H 7462 Relative to Amendments to the Energy Facility Sitting Act
i) Town of Charlestown Resolution in Support of H 7688 Relating to State Affairs and Government Tourism and Development
j) Town of Warren Resolution in Opposition to H 7983 Legislation Relative to State Building Commissioner
k) North Smithfield School Committee Resolution Relative to Funding Formula
l) North Smithfield School Committee Resolution Relative to Healthy School Meals & Universal Free School Meals
m) Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Opposition HB 7980 Relative to Mobile and Manufactured Homes
n) Town of Burrillville Resolution in Opposition of H 773 and S 2679 Relative to Public Records and Access to Public Records Act
o) Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Support of SB 2016 an Act Relating to Low- and Moderate-Income Housing
p) Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Opposition of HB 7324 Legislation Relative to Zoning Ordinances
q) Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Opposition of HB 7382 Legislation Relative to Zoning Ordinances
r) Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Opposition of HB 7986 Legislation Relating to Abandoned Property
s) Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Opposition of HB 7951 Legislation Relative to RI Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act
t) Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Opposition of HB 7978 Legislation Relating to Subdivision of Land
u) Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Opposition of HB 7958 Legislation Relating to Multifamily Housing Act
v) Town of Hopkinton Resolution Regarding a Litter Free Rhode Island
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 April 11, 2024.
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.