RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Town Council Meeting Minutes

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

July 21, 2026

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, Jim Palmisciano and Daniel Madnick. Mark Reynolds and Michael Colasante were absent. Also present were Town Administrator Erin Liese, Town Solicitor Chris Zangari, Police Chief Elwood Johnson, Finance Director Danielle Andrews, Town Planner Talia Jalette and 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 Jackie Lombardo.

 

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)         Discussion and Consideration of a Request from Kingston Road Property Owner, LLC to amend the following Chapters of the Zoning Ordinance: Chapter 18.12, Section 18.12.020 entitled “Zoning districts defined”, to define “Planned Unit Development – Village Center District”; Chapter 18.16, Section 18.16.010, to add uses that are allowed by right or by special use permit in the PUD-VC Zone; Chapter 18.20, Section 18.20.010, entitled “Table of Dimensional Regulations”, amending dimensional regulations in the PUD-VC Zone; Section 18.20.050, entitled “Regulations applicable to large-scale retail development”, exempting retail uses from Ch. 18.20, Section 18.20.050 in the PUD-VC Zone; Chapter 18.42, Section 18.42.010 through 18.42.080, amending each Section of the Ordinance

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano to Open the Public Hearing for the Request from Kingston Road Property Owner, LLC to amend the following Chapters of the Zoning Ordinance: Chapter 18.12, Section 18.12.020 entitled “Zoning districts defined”, to define “Planned Unit Development – Village Center District”; Chapter 18.16, Section 18.16.010, to add uses that are allowed by right or by special use permit in the PUD-VC Zone; Chapter 18.20, Section 18.20.010, entitled “Table of Dimensional Regulations”, amending dimensional regulations in the PUD-VC Zone; Section 18.20.050, entitled “Regulations applicable to large-scale retail development”, exempting retail uses from Ch. 18.20, Section 18.20.050 in the PUD-VC Zone; Chapter 18.42, Section 18.42.010 through 18.42.080, amending each Section of the Ordinance. Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Bill Buckley provided a presentation regarding the Ordinance Amendments.

 

Douglas Deslauriers shared that this is everyone’s best interest in bringing in affordable housing.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Madnick to Close the Public Hearing for the Request from Kingston Road Property Owner, LLC to amend the following Chapters of the Zoning Ordinance: Chapter 18.12, Section 18.12.020 entitled “Zoning districts defined”, to define “Planned Unit Development – Village Center District”; Chapter 18.16, Section 18.16.010, to add uses that are allowed by right or by special use permit in the PUD-VC Zone; Chapter 18.20, Section 18.20.010, entitled “Table of Dimensional Regulations”, amending dimensional regulations in the PUD-VC Zone; Section 18.20.050, entitled “Regulations applicable to large-scale retail development”, exempting retail uses from Ch. 18.20, Section 18.20.050 in the PUD-VC Zone; Chapter 18.42, Section 18.42.010 through 18.42.080, amending each Section of the Ordinance. Vote: 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 Request from Kingston Road Property Owner, LLC to amend following Chapters of the Zoning Ordinance: Chapter 18.12, Section 18.12.020 entitled “Zoning districts defined”, to define “Planned Unit Development – Village Center District”; Chapter 18.16, Section 18.16.010, to add uses that are allowed by right or by special use permit in the PUD-VC Zone; Chapter 18.20, Section 18.20.010, entitled “Table of Dimensional Regulations”, amending dimensional regulations in the PUD-VC Zone; Section 18.20.050, entitled “Regulations applicable to large-scale retail development”, exempting retail uses from Ch. 18.20, Section 18.20.050 in the PUD-VC Zone; Chapter 18.42, Section 18.42.010 through 18.42.080, amending each Section of the Ordinance.

 

Councilor Madnick shared concern regarding the Affordable Housing requirements and the needs of the community.

 

Discussion ensued regarding deed restrictions.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox to amend the previous motion to amend the Ordinance to remove the requirement for 10% of the residential development permitted in district shall be deed restricted, lower to moderate income units.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Wilcox to amend section 18.42.040 standards and requirements for development, section C shall state “no residential dwelling in the district shall have more than two bedrooms”

 

Discussion continued.

 

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

 

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

 

2)         Discussion and Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5.20 entitled “Hawkers, Peddlers, and Door-to-Door Salespersons”, adding Section 5.20.070 entitled “Door-to-Door Commercial Solicitation: Regulation of Door-to-Door Commercial Solicitation”, and Chapter 3.06 entitled “Schedule of Fees”

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano to Open the Public Hearing for Proposed Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5.20 entitled “Hawkers, Peddlers, and Door-to-Door Salespersons”, adding Section 5.20.070 entitled “Door-to-Door Commercial Solicitation: Regulation of Door-to-Door Commercial Solicitation”, and Chapter 3.06 entitled “Schedule of Fees”. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; 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 Close the Public Hearing for Proposed Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5.20 entitled “Hawkers, Peddlers, and Door-to-Door Salespersons”, adding Section 5.20.070 entitled “Door-to-Door Commercial Solicitation: Regulation of Door-to-Door Commercial Solicitation”, and Chapter 3.06 entitled “Schedule of Fees”. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by President Wilcox to Approve Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5.20 entitled “Hawkers, Peddlers, and Door-to-Door Salespersons”, adding Section 5.20.070 entitled “Door-to-Door Commercial Solicitation: Regulation of Door-to-Door Commercial Solicitation”, and Chapter 3.06 entitled “Schedule of Fees”. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

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)         Discussion and Consideration of the Request of The Print Cycle, LLC for a Complete Application for a One-Year Peddler License 

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox to Approve the Request of the Print Cycle, LLC for a Complete Application for a One-Year Peddler License. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

F.         NEW HIRES

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 Hiring a Part-Time Custodian

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to authorize the hire of Andrea Gardiner as part-time custodian budgeted to 18 hours a week at $22 per hour with an anticipated start date of July 27th, 2026. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

G.        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 James O. McLeroy to be Re-Appointed to the Emergency Management Agency, with Term Expiration of July 31, 2028

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick to Re-Appoint James O. McLeroy to be Re-Appointed to the Emergency Management Agency, with term expiration of July 31, 2028. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

H.        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)         June 16, 2026 (Regular Minutes)

b)         July 7, 2026 (Special Meeting Minutes)

 

2)         Approval of Town Department Reports

a)         Approval of the Town Clerk’s Report – June 2026

b)         Approval of the Building/Zoning Department’s Report – June 2026

c)         Approval of the Tax Collector’s Report – June 2026

d)         Approval of the Finance Department’s Report – June 2026

 

3)         Approval of the Appropriation and Payment of Bills – June 1 – June 30, 2026

 

4)         Approval of Rhode Island Energy/Narragansett Electric-Verizon New England Inc. New Pole Placement Request on Tefft Hill Road WR# 14811885 to Install New P15-84 and Anchor

 

Councilor Madnick requested to pull Item 1a.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano to approve items 1B, 2a,b,c,d and items 3 and 4. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Councilor Madnick noted changes to the minutes.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick to adopt item 1a as amended. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

I.          PUBLIC FORUM

The Public Forum will be conducted according to Town Council Rules & Procedures Article 6. http://www.richmondri.gov/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.

 

Gary Parker of the Economic Development Commission inquired about utilizing NotifyMe for a public survey on behalf of EDC. He further provided an update on the Ice Rink at Chariho Plaza.

 

Bill Day shared concerns regarding difficulty hearing via Zoom. 

 

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: Erin Liese

a)         Authorization of Addendum with Elevated Consulting for Shannock Tower

 

Town Administrator Liese advised of the Addendum with Elevated Consulting for the Shannock Tower.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano to Authorize the Addendum with Elevated Consulting for the Shannock Tower in the total amount of $20,423. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

b)         Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to Richmond Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2.13.030- Department of Public Works- Department Divisions, with Authorization for the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing

 

Town Administrator Liese advised of the responsibilities at the Transfer Station and of the amendments to Chapter 2.13.030.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the amendments.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick to Authorize the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing Amendments to Chapter 2.13.030. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

c)         Discussion and Consideration of the Town of Hopkinton’s Counterproposal for Use of the Richmond Transfer Station

 

Town Administrator Liese advised of the Counterproposal and the Transfer Station.

 

President Wilcox inquired on if Mr. Rosso brought this to the Town Council. She further suggested having an open discussion.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

A motion was made by, President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to authorize the Town Administrator to invite the entirety of the Hopkinton Town Council to a special meeting to discuss this item.

 

Discussion ensued regarding scheduling.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick to Amend the previous motion to include this item on the next agenda. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2)         Police Chief’s Report: Elwood Johnson

a)         Request to Hire Patrolman Derek Adams as a Permanent Police Officer

 

Chief Johnson advised of hiring Patrolman Derek Adams to a permanent Police Officer.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano to Hire Derek Adams as a Permanent Police Officer. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye;

 

b)         Clothing Donation Bins – No Illegal Dumping Allowed

 

Chief Johnson advised that illegal dumping is not allowed at clothing donation bins.

 

3)         Town Clerk’s Report: Kendra Tanguay

a)         Poll Worker Recruitment

 

Town Clerk Tanguay advised of the need for more poll workers during the election season.

 

b)         Discussion and Consideration of Applying for the 2026 Elections Grant Program

 

Town Clerk Tanguay advised of the 2026 Elections Grant Program and of the priority items that will be applied for.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by President Wilcox to authorize the Town Clerk to apply for the 2026 Elections Grant Program. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

c)         Request to Reschedule the September 1st Town Council Meeting

 

Town Clerk Tanguay advised of the request to Reschedule the September 1st Town Council meeting due to Early Voting.

 

Town Administrator Liese provided further clarification on Early Voting and scheduling.

 

Discussion ensued regarding scheduling.

 

The Town Council authorized moving the September 1st meeting to 7 PM.

 

d)         Discussion and Consideration of Updating the Town Council Rules and Procedures

 

Town Clerk Tanguay advised of the request to update the Town Council Rules and Procedures.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox to Amend the Town Council Rules and Procedures such that agenda items for the following town council meeting are submitted to the clerk by 12 PM on the prior Wednesday. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

K.        NEW BUSINESS

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)         Report from Stephen Bourque of Vision Appraisal on the Details and Methodology of the Re-evaluation Process

 

Stephen Bourque of Vision Appraisal provided a presentation.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox to request the Tax Assessor digitize the manual provided by Vision Appraisal and place it on the Richmond Town Website. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye

 

Laura Reiger inquired what factors go into certain neighborhoods.

 

Mr. Bourque provided clarification.

 

2)         Request of Mr. Lombardi Regarding Acquisition Town of Richmond Tax Interest of A.P. 3B Lot 4F, located on Wood River Drive

 

Mr. Lombardi advised of his request.

 

Councilor Madnick shared concern regarding the likelihood of flooding at the property.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

Chris Kona shared concern regarding the legal implications of the Town selling property.

 

Discussion continued.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by President Wilcox to continue the meeting past 9:00 P.M. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

L.        EXECUTIVE SESSION

1)         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 President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano to Enter Executive Session Pursuant to R.I. General Laws §42-46-5(a)(2) – Pending Litigation; Jordan Carlson v. The Town of Richmond, WC-2025-0605. Vote: Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

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

 

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

 

President Wilcox advised that no votes were taken.

 

M.       ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano and seconded by Councilor Madnick to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 P.M. Vote: Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

 

 

Attest:

 

 

____________________

Kendra Tanguay

Town Clerk