RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Agenda

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

August 19, 2025

5:30 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 broadcast remotely 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 the Public Hearing or Public Input, you will press *9 to raise your hand.

 

This meeting is being offered via Zoom and YouTube as an added service to our constituents. There is no legal requirement for this method of viewing the meeting. Should technological issues on the part of the Town or the viewer prevent this meeting from being seen via Zoom or YouTube, no part of the meeting will be repeated. Should you wish to participate in any part of the meeting, the most reliable way to do so is in person at the Town Hall.

 

 

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99577177685     Meeting ID: 995 7717 7685

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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 that in accordance with section 42-46-6 (b), the Council may review, discuss, and/or take action on the following items

1)         Outdoor Entertainment

Applicant: Hot Air Balloon Management

Location: 78 Richmond Townhouse Road, Washington County Fairgrounds

Dates: September 12-13, 2025

 

2)         Consideration of Proposed Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Map, concerning property at 4 Richmond Townhouse Road, designated as Lot 18 on Tax Assessor’s Plat 6C, changing the designation of the property from Residential Use – Two Acre (R-2) to Public and Governmental (PUB)

 

3)         Consideration of Proposed Amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8.18 Section 8.18.070 entitled “Recycling and Solid Waste Disposal – Tipping Fees”

 

4)         Consideration of Proposed Amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8.18.040 entitled “Materials accepted”

 

E.        APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Please note that 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 William Day's Request for Re-Appointment to the Emergency Management Agency; with term expiration of August 31, 2027.

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of Justin Price Re-Appointments to the Zoning Board of Review First Alternate; with term expiring July 31, 2026

 

3)         Discussion and Consideration of Nicholas Solitro Request for Re-Appointment to the Zoning Board of Review; with term expiration of July 31, 2030.

 

F.         CONSENT AGENDA

Please note that in accordance with section 42-46-6 (b), the Council may review, discuss, and/or take action on the following items:

1)         Approval of Town Council Minutes

a)         July 15, 2025 (Regular Meeting)

 

2)         Approval of Town Department Reports

a)         Approval of Town Clerk’s Report for July 2025

b)         Approval of Police Department’s Report for July 2025

c)         Approval of Planning Department Monthly Report – June 2025

d)         Approval of Planning Department Monthly Report – July 2025

e)         Approval of the Finance Department Monthly Report – July 2025

f)         Approval of the Tax Collector Department Monthly Report – July 2025

g)         Approval of the Building and Zoning Department Monthly Report – July 2025

 

3)         Approval of Tax Assessor FY 25/26 Tax Roll Certification

 

4)         Approval of Appropriations and Payment of Bills – July 9, 2025, to August 13, 2025

 

5)         Approval of the Tax Assessor Monthly Abatement Request – August 2025

 

6)         Approval of the Tax Collector Taxpayer Refunds – August 2025

 

G.        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.

 

H.        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)         Interim Town Administrator’s Report: Erin F. Liese

a)         Discussion and Consideration Regarding Municipal Court Next Steps and Judge Interview Process.

b)         Discussion and Consideration of Rhode Restore Grant Application, with Authorization to sign agreement with RI DOT and determine road priority for the project

c)         Discussion and Consideration of Request to Restructure Finance Department

i.          Request to Appoint Finance Director Andrews as Department Head of Tax Assessments, Tax Collections, and Finance.

ii.         Request for Approval to Relocate Town Offices and Finance Structure

iii.        Request for Authorization to solicit bids to relocate and install a handicap accessible front door, with exterior repair to siding and windows.

d)         Discussion and Consideration of Restructure Building, Zoning, and Planning

i.          Request to Appoint Zoning Official Jordan as Director of Building and Zoning

ii.         Request for Approval of Building and Zoning Structure

e)         Discussion and Authorization for Pop-up Farmer’s Market during the Richmond Recreation Fall Festival – October 19, 2025

 

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

a)         Response to Pinecrest Golf Course

b)         Approval of the Chariho Regional School District and the Town of Richmond Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to the funding for a School Resource Officer

c)         Update on the Washington County Fair

 

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 of Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances Chapter 2.40 Recreation Department, with authorization for the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing.

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances Chapter 4.34, Senior Activities Committee; with authorization for the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing.

 

J.         NEW BUSINESS

Please note that in accordance with section 42-46-6 (b), the Council may review, discuss, and/or take action on the following items:

1)         Request from Councilor Madnick to Discuss and Consider the Copy of the Superior Court Orders regarding The Preserve Tax Appeals

 

2)         Request from Councilor Madnick for Discussion and Consideration to request a list from all Department Heads of all Town assets that are no longer in use and can be auctioned, directly sold, or scrapped.

 

3)         Request of President Wilcox for Discussion and Consideration of developing a process and timeline for an annual review of the Town Administrator.

 

4)         Report from Councilor Palmisciano on the status update of the Town Administrator Search Committee

 

5)         Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances Chapter 5.04 General Provisions, with authorization for the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing.

 

6)         Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances Chapter 5.06, Business Registration; with 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)         Richmond Police Department Press Release – July 16, 2025

b)         Richmond Police Department Press Release -- August 7, 2025

b)         Human Services Newsletter – August 2025

c)         Boards and Commissions Vacancies as of August 7, 2025

d)         Town of Hopkinton Notice of Public Hearing for proposed text amendment to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, to revise Section 2. Definitions, to add in a definition for Neighborhood Gasoline Service Stations in a Neighborhood Business Zone by special use permit; and Section 10, to provide specific and objective criteria for the special use permit.

e)         Town of Hopkinton Notice of Public Hearing for proposed text amendment to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, to revise Section 2. Definitions, to add in definition for Farm Winery; revise Section 5, District use regulations, to show where this use is permitted, and add Section 5.6, Farm Winery which provides requirements for this use.

f)         State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Division of Statewide Planning State Planning Council, Public Notice for Rhode Island’s Long-Range Transportation Plan

g)         Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning, Summary of the 2025 Legislative Session

 

L.        EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

1)         Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(1)- Talia Jalette

 

2)         Pursuant to §42-46-5(a)(5): Regarding Potential Acquisition of Real Property.

 

3)         Pursuant to § 42-46-5(a)(2) and § 42-46-5(a)(5): Regarding Potential Litigation: Wood Road Encroach Matter.

 

4)         Pursuant to § 42-46-5(a)(2): Regarding Potential Litigation: Jordan Carlson

 

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 August 14, 2025 

 

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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