RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

December 16, 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: Samantha Wilcox, Mark Reynolds, Jim Palmisciano and Daniel Madnick. Jeffrey Dinsmore was absent. Also present in Chambers were Town Solicitor Chris Zangari, Finance Director Danielle Andrews, Police Chief Elwood Johnson, Public Works Director Gary Robar, Town Planner Talia Jalette, Zoning Official Josh Jordan, Interim Town Administrator Erin Liese and Deputy Town Clerk Kendra Tanguay.

 

C.    THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence for the tragic loss of Roderick MacLeod and for those affected in the tragedies at Brown University. 

 

D.    RECOGNITION

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)      Promotional Badge Pinning Ceremony for Corporal Michael Ellis

 

Chief Johnson commended Corporal Michael Ellis and swore him in as Corporal.

 

E.     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)      Town Council Sitting as the Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Board Notice is hereby given by the Town Council of the Town of Richmond, being the Licensing Board in said Town as provided under Title 3, Chapters 1-12 of the General Laws of Rhode Island 1956, and as amended; that the following applications have been received by the Town Council for licenses under said Act, from the date of issuance to November 30, 2026; as reviewed for application completeness on December 10, 2025:

a)      Discussion and Consideration of Incomplete Application for Class B-Victualer Retail Liquor License of Meadow Brook Golf Course Inc., subject to Certificate of Good Standing

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by President Wilcox, to Open the Public Hearing for Discussion and Consideration of Incomplete Application for Class B-Victualer Retail Liquor License of Meadow Brook Golf Course Inc., subject to Certificate of Good Standing. Vote: 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 Close the Public Hearing for Discussion and Consideration of Incomplete Application for Class B-Victualer Retail Liquor License of Meadow Brook Golf Course Inc., subject to Certificate of Good Standing. Vote: 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 Approve the Class B-Victualer Retail Liquor License of Meadow Brook Golf Course Inc.; subject to Certificate of Good Standing. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2)      Discussion and Consideration of Proposed Amendments to Chapter 8.18.030 and Chapter 8.18.070 of the Richmond Code of Ordinances, entitled “Transfer Station” and “Tipping Fees”.

a)      Request of Councilor Madnick for Discussion and Consideration of extending the Transfer Station hours to close at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesdays during daylight savings time.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox, to Open the Public Hearing for Discussion and Consideration of Proposed Amendments to Chapter 8.18.010 and Chapter 8.18.070 of the Richmond Code of Ordinances, entitled ‘Transfer Station” and ‘Tipping Fees”; and for Discussion and Consideration of extending the Transfer Station hours to close at 6:00 P.M. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Councilor Madnick inquired about what happens at the Transfer Station during the week.

 

Interim Town Administrator Liese provided clarification and advised on the need for changes.

 

Vice President Reynolds questioned whether  this was a temporary or permanent solution.

 

Interim Town Administrator Liese advised that it would be a permanent solution.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to continue the Public Hearing to the January 6, 2026 meeting. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

F.     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)      Discussion and Consideration of the Issuance of a Holiday License for the following:

a)      Global Montello Group Corp. #2773 d/b/a Mobil

b)      Meadow Brook Golf Course Inc.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to Approve the Issuance of a Holiday Sales License for Global Montello Group Corp. #2773 d/b/a Mobil and Meadow Brook Golf Course Inc. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2)      Discussion and Consideration of the Issuance of a Victualing License for Meadow Brook Golf Course Inc.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to Approve the Issuance of a Victualing License for Meadow Brook Golf Course Inc. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

G.    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 the Appointment of Erin F. Liese as Town Administrator

 

President Wilcox thanked the members of the Town Administrator Search Committee for their hard work. She further thanked Erin for her hard work as Interim.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Appoint Erin F. Liese as Town Administrator.

 

Councilor Palmisciano thanked all the members of the Committee.

 

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

 

Solicitor Zangari swore in Erin Liese as the Town Administrator.

 

Town Administrator Liese shared the following statement:

 

“I am deeply honored to be selected as Richmond’s next Town Administrator. As a lifelong member of this community and Town Clerk, this opportunity is especially meaningful to me. I am truly touched by everyone who has shown up today; it means so much. My heartfelt thanks go to the Town Council, the search committee, my colleagues, past and present – and to the residents for your support. I especially want to thank my family for their encouragement throughout this process and journey. I look forward to serving the Town of Richmond with dedication, integrity, and an ongoing commitment to our community.”

 

2)      Discussion and Consideration of the Appointment of Cameron Millar as a Seasonal Public Works Personnel

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Appoint Cameron Millar as a Seasonal Public Works Personnel.

 

Vice President Reynolds amended his motion, Councilor Palmisciano amended his second to include the rate of $28.69 per hour for up to 40 hours per week.

 

Back to the Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

H.    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 the request of Robert J. Davenport for Renewal of Appointment to the Rural Preservation Land Trust, with term expiration of December 31, 2030.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to accept the request of Robert J. Davenport for Appointment Renewal to the Rural Preservation Land Trust, with term expiration of December 31, 2030. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2)      Discussion and Consideration of the request of Jeff Noble for Renewal of Appointment to the Tax Assessment Board of Review, with term expiration of December 31, 2028.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to accept the request of Jeff Noble for Appointment Renewal to the Tax Assessment Board of Review, with term expiration of December 31, 2028. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

I.       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)      September 16, 2025 (Executive Session)

b)      October 7, 2025 (Executive Session)

c)      October 21, 2025 (Executive Session)

d)      November 4, 2025 (Executive Session, 4:00 P.M.)

e)      November 4, 2025 (Executive Session, 6:00 P.M.)

f)       December 4, 2025 (Executive Session, 4:00 P.M.)

g)      December 10, 2025 (Executive Session, 5:00 P.M.)

h)      December 2, 2025 (Regular Meeting)

i)       December 4, 2025 (Special Meeting)

j)       December 10, 2025 (Special Meeting)

 

2)      Approval of Town Department Reports

a)      Approval of the Town Clerk’s Report – November 2025

b)      Approval of the Finance Department’s Report – November 2025

c)      Approval of the Police Department’s Report – November 2025

d)      Approval of the Building/Zoning Department Report – November 2025

e)      Approval of the Tax Collector’s Report – November 2025

f)       Approval of the Human Services Report – November 2025

 

3)      Approval of the Appropriations and Payment of Bills – November 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by President Wilcox, to Continue Consent Agenda Items a-g to the January 6th Council Meeting. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by President Wilcox, to Approve Items I1h-j, 2 and 3. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

J.      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.

 

No one spoke during public forum.

 

K.    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 Liese

a)      Holiday Tree Lighting – Thank you

 

Town Administrator Liese thanked the Recreation Commission, Kate Schimmel, Public Works, and others for their hard work in making the Tree Lighting a success.

 

b)      Discussion and Consideration for Authorization to Advertise for a Part-time Seasonal Custodial position

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by President Wilcox, to Authorize the Town clerk to Advertise for a Part-time Seasonal Custodial position.

 

Councilor Madnick questioned if there was an end date.

 

Town Administrator Liese advised that the position was from January to April.

 

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

 

2)      Police Chief’s Report: Elwood Johnson

a)      Mutual Aid rendered to the Town of Hopkinton

 

Chief Johnson advised of Mutual Aid to the Town of Hopkinton.

 

b)      Request to Authorize Bid Award for HVAC Mini-Split for the Animal Control Pound to Boss Heating and Cooling, Inc.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Authorize the Bid Award for HVAC Mini-Split for the Animal Control Pound to Boss Heating and Cooling, Inc. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

3)      Public Works Director Report: Gary Robar

a)      Authorization to join Sourcewell for purchasing

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Authorize Public Works Director Robar to join Sourcewell for purchasing. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

b)      Authorization to award a contract to purchase a John Deere Backhoe to Daniel Salvas of United Construction & Forestry

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by President Wilcox, to Authorize to award a contract to purchase a John Deere Backhoe to Daniel Salvas of United Construction & Forestry. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

4)      Finance Director’s Report: Danielle Andrews

a)      Discussion and Consideration to Set the Financial Town Meeting All Day Referendum to June 2, 2026; all Voting at Town Hall from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M.

b)      Discussion and Consideration to Set the Budget Public Hearings to April 13th and May 5th

c)      Discussion and Consideration to Set Budget Workshops at 5:00 P.M. on March 17th and March 31st

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to Approve the Dates for the All Day Referendum, Budget Public Hearings and Budget Workshops. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

5)      Town Planner’s Report: Talia Jalette

a)      Discussion and Consideration of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Targeted Brownfield Assessment Program

 

Town Planner Jalette advised of the Targeted Brownfield Assessment Program.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to join the Targeted Brownfield Assessment Program. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

6)      Emergency Management Director’s Report: Nick Linacre

a)      Discussion and Consideration of CodeRed System Upgrade, MOU Renewal, and SPOC Confirmation; with Authorization for the Town Administrator to sign.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Authorize the Town Administrator to sign the CodeRed System Upgrade, MOU Renewal and SPOC Confirmation. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Councilor Palmisciano excused himself at 7:16 P.M.

 

L.     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)      Presentation from Kilowant Community Energy regarding energy alternatives

 

James Grasso, founder of Kilowant ai conducted a presentation.

 

2)      Request of President Wilcox for Discussion and Consideration of a Town Administrator Annual Review

 

President Wilcox advised that this was a voter-approved Charter Amendment in 2022 and discussed the forms created and requested feedback.

 

Councilor Madnick shared concerns regarding feedback from staff to council to use in the review and suggested limiting it to department heads.

 

Town Administrator Liese advised of the process in place for department heads and suggested a uniform procedure.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

No action was taken,

 

M.   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)      Boards and Commissions Vacancies as of December 9, 2025

2)      Resolutions Received:

a)      Town of Warren Resolution Preserving the Name, Significance, and Observance of the Victory Day Holiday

 

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

 

N.    EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

1)      Pursuant to R.I. General Laws §42-46-5(a)(1), Discussion of job performance - Erin F. Liese

 

2)      Pursuant to R.I. General Laws §42-46-5(a)(2) – Pending Litigation; GD Richmond Beaver I, LLC, et al. v. Town of Richmond Zoning Board of Review, et al, SU-2023-0214-MP

 

3)      Pursuant to R.I. General Laws §42-46-5(a)(2) – Pending Litigation; Jordan Carlson v. The Town of Richmond, WC-2025-0605

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox, to Enter Executive Session Pursuant to R.I. General Laws §42-46-5(a)(1), Discussion of job performance, Erin F. Liese; Pursuant to §42-46-5(a)(2) Pending Litigation; GD Richmond Beaver I, LLC, et al v. Town of Richmond Zoning Board of Review, et al, SU-2023-0214-MP; Pursuant to R.I. General Laws §42-46-5(a)(2) – Pending Litigation; Jordan Carlson v. The Town of Richmond, WC-2025-0605.

 

Councilor Madnick questioned whether the person whose job performance was being discussed received their notice.

 

Town Administrator Liese advised that she did.

 

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

 

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

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox, to Seal the Minutes of Executive Session. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

President Wilcox advised that one motion was made.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to approve the contract of the Town Administrator as amended. Vote was unanimous.

 

O.    ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 P.M. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

 

Attest:

 

 

_____________________

Kendra Tanguay

Deputy Town Clerk