RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

April 1, 2025

6:00 P.M.

A.        CALL TO ORDER

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

 

B.        ROLL CALL

Council members present in chambers were as follows: Jeffrey Dinsmore, Daniel Madnick, Jim Palmisciano, Mark Reynolds, and Samantha Wilcox. Also present in chambers were Town Solicitor Chris Zangari, Finance Director Danielle Andrews, Town Planner Talia Jalette, Police Chief Elwood Johnson, Deputy Clerk Kendra Tanguay, and Town Clerk Erin Liese

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C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence for former councilman Ronnie Newman.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to leave a page in the minutes blank to honor Ronnie Newman. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Newman, Ronald D., 69, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at South County Hospital in Wakefield. He was the beloved husband of Cathleen (Young) Newman for 9 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Senek and Judith (Sternberg) Newman, he had lived in Richmond for the last 64 years. He attended Chariho High School and the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications in 1978. He was a marketing specialist and inspector for the Rhode Island Department of Agriculture for 29 years, retiring in 2024. He was monumental in bringing products by Rhody Fresh to the markets and was responsible for assisting taxpayers in obtaining farmland designations to help preserve open space. Ronnie served on the town council for the Town of Richmond as a past President and was seen as fair and impartial, but also eager to reach across the aisle to meet his constituents and fellow incumbents where they were to reach a solution that served both sides and the community in a meaningful way. He was a frequent flyer of the Farmers Markets, he made it his priority to support the people who needed it most and to make sure that anyone he met left feeling secure, cared for, and in a better place than when he met them. He was a firm believer that laughter was the best medicine and made sure to share this line of thinking with everyone, even if he was just busting you up or sparring, he made sure to keep it light. Devoted dog father of Madison. Dear brother of Sharon Newman-Roberts, her husband Bert, Stephen Newman, all of Richmond, and Magistrate Edward Newman, his wife Diane, of Exeter. Loving uncle of Shauna Major, her husband Steve of Richmond, Shana Newman of Providence, and Rachel Newman of Bluffkin, SC. Cherished great uncle of Olivia, Chase, and Sydney.

 

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

Applicant: Warwick Civic Orchestra d/b/a Warwick Symphony Orchestra Location: 78 Richmond Townhouse Road

Expires: June 16, 2025

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Dinsmore, to open the Public Hearing for the Outdoor Entertainment License Application for Warwick Civic Orchestra d/b/a Warwick Symphony Orchestra. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to close the Public Hearing for the Outdoor Entertainment License Application for Warwick Civic Orchestra d/b/a Warwick Symphony Orchestra. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to approve the Outdoor Entertainment License Application for Warwick Civic Orchestra d/b/a Warwick Symphony Orchestra.                      Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

E.        NEW HIRES

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 Hiring Brandi Chapman as Tax Collector

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to approve the hiring of Brandi Chapman as Tax Collector, as recommended by the Town Administrator. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

F.         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 Bryce Kelley’s Request for Appointment to the Affordable Housing Committee, with term expiration of May 31, 2028

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to appoint Bryce Kelley to the Affordable Housing Committee with a term expiration of May 31, 2028.                   Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

2)                  Discussion and Consideration of Carl J. Coutu's Request for Appointment to the Richmond Investment for Commercial Health Task Force Commission, as Richmond Business Commission Member, with term expiration of December 31, 2026

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Dinsmore, to appoint Carl J. Coutu to the Richmond Investment for Commercial Health Task Force Commission as Planning Board Member; with term expiration of December 31, 2026. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

3)                  Discussion and Consideration of Dan Fitzgerald’s Resignation from the Wellness Committee

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to accept the Resignation of Dan Fitzgerald from the Wellness Committee. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

4)                  Discussion and Consideration of Michele Martel’s Request for Appointment to the Recreation Commission, with term expiration of January 31, 2028

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Dinsmore, to appoint Michele Martel to the Recreation Commission with a term expiration of January 31, 2028. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

G.        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 4, 2025 (Regular Meeting)

b)                  March 18, 2025 (Regular Meeting)

 

Councilor Madnick requested to pull item G1a. Amendments were discussed.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to approve the Consent Agenda Item G1a as amended. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by President Wilcox, to approve Item G1b.                                Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Abstain; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

H.        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.

 

Jeff Noble shared concerns regarding infrastructure for growing the economy.

 

Joan Kent shared concerns with the ACLU letter.

 

Gary Parker shared a recommendation on engaging with the operator of the motocross track.

 

I.          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 Approval to Award a Bid to Automatic Temperature Controls, Inc. for DPW Furnaces in the Amount of $54,627.00 (Continued from March 18, 2025)

 

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to move the Request for Approval to Award a Bid to Automatic Temperature Control, Inc. for DPW Furnaces in the Amount of $54,627.00 to April 9, 2025, Regular Council Meeting. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

b)                  Request for Approval of RIEMA Cybersecurity Grant Application

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to approve the RIEMA Cybersecurity Grant Application. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

2)                  Town Planner’s Report: Talia Jalette

a)                  Richmond Community Comprehensive Plan Summary

 

Town Planner Jalette provided a summary of the Comprehensive Community Plan.

 

Discussion ensued on the Comprehensive Community Plan and priorities.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Dinsmore, to identify roadblocks in the Comprehensive Plan and include priorities. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to request the Town Planner be ready to provide her report at the May 20^th Regular Council Meeting. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

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 Vice President Reynolds for Discussion and Consideration of Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District School Committee Resolution Regarding Private School Transportation

 

Vice President Reynolds advised on why he wanted to pull the item from the last agenda and provided a draft resolution for consideration by the Council.  

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to approve the resolution as presented.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the resolution.

 

Joan Kent shared her concerns about cost.

 

Jeff Noble shared his thoughts on transportation.

 

Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Nay; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

2)                  Request of President Wilcox for Approval of a Resolution in Opposition of S 0416 regarding Meal and Beverage Tax

President Wilcox advised of the Senate Bill and proposed Resolution.  

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to approve the Resolution in Opposition of S 0416 regarding Meal and Beverage Tax. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Nay; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

3)                  Request of President Wilcox for a Report by the Town Administrator and EMA Director on the Hazard Mitigation Plan

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to request the Town Administrator and EMA Director to provide a report on the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Dinsmore, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to amend the previous motion to present the Hazard Mitigation Report to provide a date at the May 20^th Town Council meeting. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

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)                  Board and Commission Vacancies- March 20, 2025

b)                  Police Department Press Release- March 19, 2025

2)               Resolutions Received:

a)   Charlestown Town Council Resolution in Support of House Bill 2025-H5315, allowing Temporary Service of Election Officials after Retirement

b)  Burrillville Town Council Resolution in Opposition to Rhode Island 2025 Gun Control Legislation

c)   Woonsocket Town Council Resolution Regarding General Revenue Sharing to Rhode Island Cities and Towns

d)  Narragansett Town Council Resolution Regarding General Revenue Sharing to Cities and Towns

e)   Westerly Town Council Resolution Regarding General Revenue Sharing to Cities and Towns

f)   Middletown Town Council Resolution in Support of Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns 2025 Legislative Priorities

g)  Middletown Town Council Resolution Regarding General Revenue Sharing to Cities and Towns

h)  North Smithfield School Committee Resolution Regarding Funding for Private School Transportation by State and Local Education Agencies

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to file Communications, Petitions, Proclamations, and Resolutions from Other Rhode Island Cities and Towns. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

L.        EXECUTIVE SESSION

3)                  Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws -46-5 (a)(2) – Collective Bargaining Local IBPO 425

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to enter into Executive Session at 7:33 P.M., according to R.I. Gen. Laws -46-5 (a)(2) – Collective Bargaining Local IBPO 425.                Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to exit Executive Session. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to seal the minutes of the Executive Session. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

President Wilcox advised that no votes were taken during the executive session.

 

M.       ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 P.M. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

 

Attest:

 

 

_______________________

Erin F. Liese, CMC

Town Clerk