RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

May 6, 2025

6:00 P.M.

 

A.        CALL TO ORDER

 

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

 

B.        ROLL CALL

 

The 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 Administrator Karen Pinch, Town Solicitor Chris Zangari, Finance Director Andrews, Town Planner Talia Jalette, Police Chief Elwood Johnson, and Town Clerk Erin Liese.

 

C.        THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence.

 

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: Wawaloam RV LLC dba Wawaloam Campground

Location: 510 Gardiner Road

Time: Saturdays, May- October 31, 2025; noon to 2 P.M. or 6 P.M. to 9 P.M

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Dinsmore, to open the Public Hearing for the Outdoor Entertainment Application for Wawaloam RV LLC dba Wawaloam Campground located at 510 Gardiner Road. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Rae Asselin, Wawaloam RV LLC, was present.

 

President Wilcox noted that the checked-off waivers regarding safety cannot be waived for profit.

 

Rae Asselin advised on the events taking place.

 

Discussion ensued regarding waivers for police detail.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Dinsmore, to close the Public Hearing for the Outdoor Entertainment Application for Wawaloam RV LLC d/b/a Wawaloam Campground located at 510 Gardiner Road. 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 Dinsmore, to approve the Outdoor Entertainment License for Wawaloam RV LLC d/b/a Wawaloam Campground located at 510 Gardiner Road on Saturdays from May- October, noon- 2:00 P.M. or 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. without waivers. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2) Consideration of the Proposed Municipal Budget, Capital Projects, and Programs for FY 25/26

a) Town Council Discussion and Approval of the Municipal Budget to be considered by the Electors at the Financial Referendum

b) Approval of the Ballot Question for the Financial Referendum

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to open the Public Hearing for consideration of the proposed Municipal Budget, Capital Projects, and Programs for FY 25/26. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Allison Croke from Wood River Health requested that the Council increase the 2026 subsidy allocation to the amount that was requested.

 

Helen Sheehan expressed concern regarding hiring two new employees.

 

Louise Dinsmore questioned several line items in the budget.

 

Thomas Marron questioned where the extra money is coming from. 

 

Nell Carpenter expressed concern about creating new roles.

 

Pamela Rohland showed staff support and thinks the budget is efficient.

 

Laura Reiger shared that this was the best budget she’d seen, and it takes into account the needs of the citizens of Richmond.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to close the Public Hearing for consideration of the proposed Municipal Budget, Capital Projects, and Programs for FY 25/26. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

President Wilcox requested clarification on the hiring of two employees.

 

Finance Director Andrews advised of hiring another dispatcher.

 

President Wilcox provided clarification on the budget item labeled “other”. She further commented on the Recreation Department and the Recreation Commission. 

 

Discussion continued regarding the Recreation Commission, Recreation Director, and Human Services Director.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the grant writer position.

 

Town Administrator Pinch advised that she does not have time to research grants and has not had formal training in grant writing. She further advised of the many other roles she has as Town Administrator.

 

Discussion continued.

 

Vice President Reynolds made suggestions to some Capital Improvement projects.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to move items E1 and 2, Licenses, forward in the agenda. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

E.        LICENSE (Item was moved up in the agenda)

Please Note in Accordance with Section 42-46-6 (b) the Council May Review, Discuss and/or take Action on the following items:

1) Holiday License:

Applicant: Wawaloam RV LLC dba Wawaloam Campground

Expires: October 31, 2025

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to approve the Holiday License for Wawaloam RV LLC dba Wawaloam Campground with expiration of October 31, 2025. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2) Victualing License:

Applicant: Shaw Lemonade LLC dba Dels Lemonade

Expires: December 1, 2025

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to approve the Victualing License for Shaw Lemonade LLC dba Dels Lemonade with expiration of October 31, 2025. 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 move forward with Agenda Item F1. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

F.         NEW HIRES (Item was moved up in the agenda)

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 a Summer Camp Director

 

The Town Administrator advised of Ms. Cressler’s credentials.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to hire Kaitlyn Cressler as Summer Camp Director at a stipend amount of $6,000.                                                                       Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

 

The Council returned to discussion on the municipal budget.

 

2) Consideration of the Proposed Municipal Budget, Capital Projects, and Programs for FY 25/26

c) Town Council Discussion and Approval of the Municipal Budget to be considered by the Electors at the Financial Referendum

d) Approval of the Ballot Question for the Financial Referendum

 

Town Planner Jalette provided clarification on the MRP project. Councilor Palmisciano questioned if funding could be put into next year’s budget.

 

Town Planner Jalette advised on the design timeline.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to reduce legal litigation by $35,000; reduce the road repair MRP project and SIP by $43,500; and reduce wage contingency by $50,000, which totals $128,500 in reductions, and reallocate the $128, 500 to fund the post-employment benefit $20,000, and $108, 500 for the wage adjustments as recommended by the Town Administrator.

 

Vice President Reynolds further clarified that the above motion would keep the tax rate the same as previously proposed.

 

Discussion ensued regarding MRP/SIP funds.

 

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

 

Discussion ensued regarding the request of Wood River Health.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to reallocate the $10,000 from the Beaver River Invasive project and allocate $3,500 to Wood River Health and the remaining funds to unassigned.

 

Councilor Palmisciano and Vice President Reynolds amended the above motion to reallocate the $10,000 from the Beaver River Invasive project to Wood River Health in the amount of $3,500, and $6,500 to roads. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Councilor Madnick provided clarification on the “other” category in the budget.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to approve the Proposed Municipal Budget, Capital Projects, and Programs for FY 25/26 with amendments. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Nay; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Town Clerk Liese explained the history of the ballot question, feedback on the question, and ballot vendor order process.

 

Discussion ensued on the ballot question.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to approve the ballot question for the financial referendum to read as follows: Shall the Richmond Municipal Budget FY 25-26, as adopted by the Richmond Town Council, be approved? Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

G.        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 Leah Arsenault's Request for Appointment to the Wellness Committee, with term expiration of November 30, 2025.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to move the appointment of Leah Arsenault to the Wellness Committee to the next Agenda. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2) Discussion and Consideration of Isaac Reid's Request for Appointment to the Wellness Committee, with term expiration of November 30, 2025.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to appoint Isaac Reid to the Wellness Committee with a term expiration of November 30, 2025.

 

Isaac Reid was present and discussed his history and credentials.

 

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

3) Discussion and Consideration of Kevin M. Stacey's Resignation from the Planning Board. 

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to accept the resignation of Kevin M. Stacey, with regret, from the Planning Board. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

H.        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 24, 2025 (Executive Session Meeting)

b) April 1, 2025 (Executive Session Meeting)

c) April 9, 2025 (Executive Session Meeting)

d) April 1, 2025 (Special Meeting)

e) April 1, 2025 (Regular Meeting)

f) April 9, 2025 (Regular Meeting)

 

2) Approval of Town Department Reports

a) Approval of Police Department's Report for March 2025

3) Approval of Appropriations and Payment of Bills – March 12, 2025 to April 25, 2025

 

Councilor Madnick requested to pull item H1e.

 

President Wilcox requested to pull item H1f.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to approve Items H1a-d, 2, and 3. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Councilor Madnick made suggested changes to the meeting minutes of April 1st and April 9th.

 

President Wilcox suggested changes to the meeting minutes of April 9th.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Dinsmore, to approve Items H1e and H1f as amended. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

I.          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.

 

Town Planner Jalette advised that the state draft housing plan is accepting public comment and more information will be linked to the Planning Board agenda.

 

Joyce Flanagan commented on the previous agenda item regarding motocross regulation.

 

Robert Sayer expressed his disappointment with the conduct in chambers during the last council meeting regarding the motocross regulation item.

 

Gary Parker noted a Bill in the House regarding an Assault Weapon ban and advised of a draft resolution. He further implored for more participation in the two open seats on the EDC.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to put the discussion and consideration of Leah Arsenault's request for appointment for the Wellness Committee back on the agenda for immediate consideration. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Leah Arsenault was present.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to appoint Leah Arsenault to the Wellness Committee with a term expiration of November 30, 2025.                                                                                           Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

J.         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 of a Contract with Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation for Solid Waste and Recycling, and authorization to sign

 

Discussion ensued regarding rejected loads from Rhode Island Resource Recovery.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to approve a Contract with Rhode Island Recovery Corporation for Solid waste and Recycling, with authorization for the Town Administrator to sign. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

b) Request for Approval of a Cloud Hosting Agreement with Vision Appraisal, and authorization to sign

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by President Wilcox, to approve a Cloud Hosting Agreement with Vision Appraisal with Authorization for the Town Administrator to sign. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

c) Request for Approval of Climate Resilience Fund Grant Agreement, and authorization to sign

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by President Wilcox, to approve the Climate Resilience Find Grant Agreement with Authorization for the Town Administrator to sign. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

d) Request to Reconsider the Process for Taxpayer Agreements to include in the Consent Agenda vs a Special Meeting

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to include Taxpayer Agreements on the consent agenda of the May 20, 2025, meeting instead of holding a special meeting.

 

Councilor Madnick questioned if there were any legal issues.

 

Solicitor Zangari advised that there were not.

 

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

 

e) Update on Regrading of the Dog Park

 

Public Works Director Robar advised on the Dog Park relative to grading.

 

2) Town Clerk’s Report: Erin F. Liese, CMC

a) Request to send a Letter in Support of the Board of Elections Budget Request to  Restore Funding for the Replacement of Electronic Poll Pads in the Governor's Budget

 

Town Clerk Liese advised of the request to send a letter of support to fund poll pads in the budget.

 

Discussion ensued on the use of poll pads.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by President Wilcox, to send a letter in support of the Board of Elections' request to restore funding for the replacement of electronic poll pads in the Governor’s budget. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

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 of Councilor Madnick for Discussion and Consideration to Request the DPW Director and Staff to Develop and Complete a Short (One Year), and Long (Five + Year) term detailed Plan to Supplement the Road Infrastructure (Road Repairs MRP Project Item 02.19.5635 Capital Improvement Plan

 

Councilor Madnick advised of his request to obtain information on the status of roads.

 

Discussion ensued on road survey assessment.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox to request the DPW Director and Staff to develop and complete a short (one year), medium (3-5 year), and long (five + year) term detailed plan to supplement the Road Infrastructure (Road Repairs MRP Project Item 02.19.5635 Capital Improvement Plan to be considered at the July 15th Town Council Meeting.

 

Discussion ensued regarding details of the plan.

 

Director Robar noted that there would be a lot of input needed.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to proceed past 9:00 P.M. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Dinsmore to amend the previous motion to remove the terms Short (One Year) and Long (Five + Year) from the motion. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Gary Parker suggested using predictive terrain software.

 

Back to Initial Vote as amended:

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox, to request the DPW Director and Staff to develop a detailed plan to supplement the Road Infrastructure (Road Repairs MRP Project Item 02.19.5635 Capital Improvement Plan to be considered at the July 15th Town Council Meeting. Vote: Councilor Dinsmore, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2) Discussion and Consideration of a Recommendation from the Recreation Commission to form a Farmer’s Market Commission

 

Councilor Palmisciano recused and moved to the audience.

 

President Wilcox advised of the recommendation.

 

Town Clerk Liese advised of previous farmers' markets and further clarified the need for a commission.

 

Discussion ensued regarding creating a commission.

 

Isaac Reid asked why the commission hasn’t reached out to Farm Fresh RI.

Councilor Madnick discussed increasing farmers' markets.

 

Gary Parker advised that the EDC had been looking at farms within the town.

 

Jordan Carlson questioned it farmers' markets were already state-regulated.

 

Councilor Palmisciano returned to the dais.

 

No action was taken on this matter.

 

3) Request of Representative Cotter for Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution in Support of Rhode Island House Bill 5634 for Defending Affordable Prescription Drug Costs Act

 

President Wilcox advised on H 5634.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick to approve the Resolution in Support of Rhode Island House Bill 5634 for Defending Affordable Prescription Drug Costs Act.

 

Vice President Reynolds advised that it could cost Wood River Health money if this act did not pass.

 

Councilor Madnick advised that this did not cost the town or state any money.

 

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

 

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 - April 2, 2025

b) Human Services Newsletter - May 2025

c) Police Department Press Release - April 11, 2025

d) Email from Thea Brennan for Support of the Richmond Elementary School Playground

e) Email from Christopher Kona regarding Feedback on Richmond Municipal Budget

f) Letter from Andrea Gardiner regarding The Preserve

g) Email from Isaac Reid for a Request of Council to send a Resolution of Support for the Composting Act

h) Letter from The Men’s Health Network Team for a Proclamation of support of Men’s Health Month or Men’s Health Week

i) Notice from the Town of Exeter regarding Proposed Amendments to Exeter Code of Ordinances 

 

2) Resolutions Received:

a) Bristol Warren Regional School District Resolution Regarding School Transportation

b) Exeter Town Council Resolution in Opposition To Rhode Island 2025 Gun Control Legislation

c) Exeter Town Council Resolution Regarding The Restoration of General Revenue Sharing to the State’s Cities and Towns

d) Hopkinton Town Council Resolution in Opposition To Rhode Island 2025 Gun Control Legislation

e) Hopkinton Town Council Resolution Regarding The Restoration of General Revenue Sharing

f) Barrington Town Council Resolution Regarding The Restoration of General Revenue Sharing

g) Barrington Town Council Resolution Regarding Support of Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns 2025 Legislative Priorities

h) Barrington Town Council Resolution Regarding Rhode Island Sanctuary Town for Transgender People, and all members of the LGBTQIA2s+ Community and Allies

i) Scituate School Committee Resolution for Funding Private School Transportation by State and Local Education Agencies

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, 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.

 

M.       ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to adjourn the meeting at 9:22 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