RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Agenda

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

March 18, 2025

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.

 

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/94925811809     Meeting ID: 949 2581 1809

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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: SRI 4H Leaders Fair

Entertainment: 4-H Youth Fair

Dates: June 27, 2025 to June 29, 2025

Location: 78 Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond RI

 

2)         Consideration of Proposed Amendment to Chapter 3.50.010 of the Code of Ordinances, Tax Exemption for Older and Disabled Property Owners

 

E.        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)         Dog Kennel License Renewal:

Applicant: Our House Pet Lodge- Mary Jane Sobieski

Expires: April 1, 2026

 

2)         Door to Door Salesperson License:

Applicant: Samuel McGinley  - Trinity Solar

Expires: One year from issuance March 19, 2026

 

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 Appointments to the Richmond Investment for Commercial Health Task Force Commission; with four (4) vacancies; terms expiring December 31, 2026:

a)         Application of Andrew Pezzelli as Recreation Commission Member

b)         Application of Raymond Whitten Cox, III as Community Leader Member

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of Thomas Marron Resignation from the Economic Development Commission

 

3)         Discussion and Consideration of Marcy Alves Resignation as Tax Collector

 

4)         Discussion and Consideration of Gary Wayne Parker Request for Appointment to the Economic Development Commission; with term expiration of January 31, 2027.

 

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)         February 4, 2025 (Executive Session)

b)         February 4, 2025 (Regular Meeting)

c)         February 13, 2025 (Special Meeting)

 

2)         Approval of Town Department Reports

a)         Approval of Town Clerk’s report for February 2025

b)         Approval of Police Report for February 2025

c)         Approval of Building, Planning and Zoning for February 2025

d)         Approval of Tax Collector’s report for February 2025

e)         Approval of the Finance Department report for February 2025

 

3)         Approval of  Appropriations and Payment of Bills January 28, 2025 to March 11, 2025

 

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.

 

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)         Discussion and Approval for the Learn356 Math Matters Grant Acceptance

b)         Request for Approval to Award a Bid to Automatic Temperature Controls, Inc. for DPW Furnaces in the Amount of $54,627.00

c)         Discussion and Consideration to Approve the Concept Plan for the Pavilion at 4 Richmond Town House Road

d)         Discussion on Changing the Zone of 4 Richmond Town House Road to PUB

e)         Request for Approval to Submit Congressionally Directed Spending Requests to Senator Reed’s Office:

i.          Funding for Security Enhancements – Town Cameras

ii.         Funding for Expansion at 4 Richmond Townhouse Road

 

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

a)         Update on Recruit Derek Adams  - RI Municipal Police Training Academy

b)         Current Scams and Theft Trends

 

J.         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 a Contract Concerning a Request from P&EE Consulting Inc.  Foodtrucksin.com d/b/a PVD Food Truck Events for use of Richmond Town Hall Property, 4 & 5 Richmond Town House Road to hold Community Food Truck Events

a)         Request from Eric B. Weiner regarding contract amendments and fees

 

K.        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 from Councilor Madnick to Discuss and Consider Scheduling a Workshop to Review Modifications to Title 5 Business Licenses and Regulations in the Town Code of Ordinances.

 

2)         Request from President Wilcox to Provide an Update Regarding the Improvements Planned for at the Transfer Station

 

3)         Request from Councilor Palmisciano to Consider Rescheduling the April 15th Regular Meeting and Budget Public Hearing to April 9, 2025

 

4)         Discussion and Consideration of a Request from the Armenian National Committee of Rhode Island to fly the Armenian Flag on April 24, 2025

 

5)         Request from Councilor Madnick for Discussion and Consideration to Request the Richmond DPW to provide the Garden Club and Richmond Elementary School 10 Yards of Gravel/Sand Mix or Other Materials to Grade the Greenhouse Entrance Way

 

6)         Request from Councilor Madnick for Discussion and Consideration to Choose a Date for the Town Planner Summary Presentation on the Comprehensive Community Plan Implementation Update to the Public and Town Council.

 

L.        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 5, 2025

b)         Human Services Newsletter- March 2025

 

2)         Resolutions Received:

a)         Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District School Committee Resolution in Support of Full Funding of Categorical Transportation Aid

b)         Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District School Committee Resolution Regarding Private School Transportation

c)         Burrillville Town Council Resolution in Support of H 5371- Public Notice Act

d)         Burrillville Town Council Resolution in Support and Subsidy for Transportation of Homeless Students

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

 

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 March 13, 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.

 

“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.