RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Regular Town Council Meeting Agenda

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

March 17, 2026

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 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 to be in person at the Town Hall.      

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A.    CALL TO ORDER

 

B.     ROLL CALL

 

C.    THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

D.    PROCLAMATIONS
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 Proclamation 2026-4 Dedication to Wood River Health 50th Anniversary

 

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)      Discussion and Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 18.16 Use Regulations and Ch. 18.20 “Dimensional Regulations”: Continued from March 3, 2026

a)                  “Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (210), Entitled “Keeping, breeding domestic livestock”;

b)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (224), Entitled “Keeping, breeding swine”;

c)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (240), Entitled “Indoor commercial  aquaculture or fish hatchery”;

d)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (302), Entitled “Private school”;

e)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (303), Entitled “Private technical, trade school”;

f)                   Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (306), Entitled “Private nursery school or kindergarten”;

g)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (308), Entitled “Cemetery”;

h)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (322), Entitled “Child or adult day care for 9 or more persons”;

i)                   Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (324), Entitled “Halfway house”;

j)                   Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (326), Entitled “Homeless shelter”;

k)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (330), Entitled “Nursing home, assisted living, continuing care, hospice”;

l)                   Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (342), Entitled “Medical treatment facility less than 15,000 sq. ft. gross floor area”;

m)               Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (350), Entitled “Private not-for-profit public service facility not otherwise classified”;

n)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (402), Entitled “Indoor recreational facility”;

o)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (406), Entitled “Outdoor recreational facility”;

p)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (409), Entitled “Fairgrounds”;

q)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (410), Entitled “Equestrian academy; equestrian boarding or breeding facility”;

r)                   Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (420), Entitled “Recreational campground”;

s)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (424), Entitled “Seasonal camp”;

t)                   Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (436), Entitled “Indoor shooting range”;

u)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (442), Entitled “Museum, library”;

v)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (444), Entitled “Place of worship”;

w)                Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (446), Entitled “Private club”;

x)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (460), Entitled “Theater or other indoor privately-owned public gathering place”;

y)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (462), Entitled “Stadium, arena, or other outdoor privately-owned public gathering place”;

z)                  Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (502), Entitled “Power generation”;

aa)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (508), Entitled “Commercial cellular communication tower”;

bb)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (510), Entitled “Broadcast studio, antenna”;

cc)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (532), Entitled “Transportation terminal”;

dd)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (536), Entitled “Towing with vehicle storage”;

ee)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (538), Entitled “Parking lot, garage”;

ff)                Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (540), Entitled “Vehicle leasing with outdoor vehicle storage”;

gg)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (557), Entitled “Privately-owned recycling facility”;

hh)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (558), Entitled “Septic pumping business with vehicle storage”;

ii)                 Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (602), Entitled “Construction trades contractor”;

jj)                 Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (604), Entitled “Fuel sales and delivery”;

kk)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (624), Entitled “Vehicle service station with convenience store”;

ll)                 Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (626), Entitled “Vehicle service station with body or automotive repair shop”;

mm)         Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (628), Entitled “Car wash”;

nn)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (642), Entitled “Warehouse sales with indoor storage only”;

oo)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (644), Entitled “Warehouse sales with outdoor storage”;

pp)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (704), Entitled “Bank, financial institution”;

qq)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (710), Entitled “Business offices not otherwise specified”;

rr)                Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (732), Entitled “Hotel, motel”;

ss)               Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (734), Entitled “Health-related services”;

tt)                 Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (736), Entitled “Personal services”;

uu)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (738), Entitled “Retail services”;

vv)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (740), Entitled “Repair services”;

ww)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (752), Entitled “Pet grooming”;

xx)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (754), Entitled “Dog boarding or breeding kennel”;

yy)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (756), Entitled “Pet cemetery”;

zz)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (762), Entitled “Laundry, laundromat”;

aaa)           Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (765), Entitled “Dry cleaner, on-site cleaning facility”;

bbb)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (772), Entitled “Self storage facility”;

ccc)           Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (774), Entitled “Equipment rental with on-site outdoor storage”;

ddd)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (776), Entitled “Funeral home, mortuary”;

eee)           Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (802), Entitled “Supermarket”;

fff)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (812), Entitled “Pharmacy”;

ggg)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (814), Entitled “Convenience store”;

hhh)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (817), Entitled “General retailer in a building 20,000 sq. ft. or more of gross floor area”;

iii)               Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (820), Entitled “Package store”;

jjj)               Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (822), Entitled “Cannabis retailer”;

kkk)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (832), Entitled “Farm, gardening, or landscaping supplies, including plants, seed, mulch, stone”;

lll)               Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (852), Entitled “Flea market; outdoor sales of new or used goods”;

mmm)   Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (854), Entitled “Artisan studio”;

nnn)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (862), Entitled “Bar, lounge, tavern”;

ooo)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (870), Entitled “Retail uses not otherwise classified”;

ppp)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (904), Entitled “Winery”;

qqq)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (905), Entitled “Winery at a vineyard”;

rrr)              Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (906), Entitled “Brewery”;

sss)            Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (910), Entitled “Millwork, wood products, furniture manufacturing”;

ttt)               Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (918), Entitled “Textile manufacturing, processing”;

uuu)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (934), Entitled “Rubber, plastic, petroleum products manufacturing”;

vvv)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (954), Entitled “Concrete manufacturing”;

www)    Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (958), Entitled “Manufacturing or processing not otherwise classified”;

xxx)          Section 18.16.010, “Table of Uses”, Table 18.16.010 (962), Entitled “Warehousing, general storage”;

yyy)          Section 18.20.020(B), Entitled “Supplemental dimensional regulations”.

 

F.     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 Requests for Appointment to the Richmond Energy Savings Task Force, with Term Expirations to be Determined:

a)      Stephen Hurst

b)      Joseph R. Arsenault

c)      Douglas Deslauriers

2)      Discussion and Consideration of the Request of Sanford Neil Neuschatz for Appointment to the 250th Commission, with term expiration of December 1, 2027

 

3)      Discussion and Consideration of the Request of Linda Brocato for Appointment to the Wellness Committee, with term expiration of November 30, 2027’

 

 

G.    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)      February 3, 2026 (Regular Minutes)

b)      March 3, 2026 (Regular Minutes)

c)      January 6, 2026 (Executive Session)

d)      January 20, 2026 (Executive Session)

 

2)      Approval of Town Department Reports

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

b)      Approval of the Police Department’s Report – January 2026

c)      Approval of the Police Department’s Report – February 2026

d)      Approval of the Building/Zoning Department’s Report – February 2026

e)      Approval of the Tax Collector’s Report – February 2026

f)       Approval of the Finance Department’s Report – February 2026

g)      Approval of the Town Planner’s Reports

 

3)      Approval of the Appropriations and Payment of Bills – February 1, 2026- February 28, 2026

 

4)      Approval of the Tax Collector Taxpayer Refunds – December 2025

 

5)      Approval of the Tax Assessor Tax Abatements

 

 

H.    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.

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: Erin Liese

a)      Announcement to Recreation Commission Easter Egg Hunt

b)      Budget Timeline Update

c)      Update on Municipal Bridge and Roads Program

d)      Authorization for ARPA Reallocation within Community Services

e)      Discussion on hours and staffing related to FY 26/27 Budget

2)                  Police Chief’s Report: Elwood Johnson

a)      Animal Cruelty Investigation

b)      Super Plunge for Special Olympics Rhode Island

 

3)                  Town Planner’s Report: Talia Jalette

a)      Joint Request of the Town Planner and Conservation Commission for Authorization to submit a 2026 Community Design Assistance Program Application to the RIDEM Urban and Community Forestry Program          

b)      Discussion and Consideration of the Town Planner’s Status Update on the Comprehensive Community Plan Actions/Priorities, as originally presented in May 2025

 

J.      UNFINISHED 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)      Discussion and Consideration of a Town Council Policy Governing the Use of Surveys by Municipal Boards, Commissions, and Committees, with Authorization for the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing

 

K.    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 of Councilor Madnick for Consideration of the Richmond Town Council participating in Tri-Town discussions, either as full Council or through an appointed Council representative, regarding the Chariho Bond Language

2)      Request of President Wilcox for Discussion and Consideration of reviving and appointing members to serve on the Tri-Town Council

3)      Request of Vice President Reynolds for Discussion of Current Fund Balance and any anticipated use for Blizzard Expenses

4)      Request of Vice President Reynolds for Discussion and Consideration of Rescinding Resolution 2026-1, establishing the Richmond Energy Savings Task Force

5)      Request of 1163 Main Street, LLC for Discussion and Consideration of a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 18.16 Use Regulations, Section 18.16.010 (605), entitled “Propane gas sales and delivery”; Chapter 18.16, Section 18.16.020, removing “propane gas” from the description; and Chapter 18.21, Aquifer Protection Overlay District, Section 18.21.050, allowing propane underground storage tanks, with authorization for the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing

 

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)      Police Department Press Release – February 4, 2026

b)      Police Department Press Release – February 13, 2026

c)      Police Department Press Release – March 11, 2026

d)      Notice from Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management regarding the Application for a Freshwater Wetlands alteration at the Beaver River culvert along Hillsdale Road

e)      Copy of Letter from Burrillville Town Manager Michael C. Wood to Governor McKee regarding support for the Blue Ribbon Commission’s Report

f)       Copy of email from Sylvia Thompson regarding information on Chariho tax rates

 

2)      Resolutions Received:

a)      Town of Burrillville Resolution in Support of House Bill 2026 – H 7049 and Senate Bill 2026 S 2147 Adjusting Primary Election Day to Wednesday after Labor Day

b)      Town of Hopkinton Resolution Requesting the Rhode Island Governor and General Assembly to Restore General Revenue Sharing to Rhode Island Cities and Towns

c)      Town of West Greenwich Resolution in Support of Senate Bill S2275 Relating to Low-and-Moderate-Income Housing- Comprehensive Permits

d)      Town of Tiverton Resolution 2026-0001 relating to Low- and Moderate-Income Housing

e)      Town of West Greenwich Resolution in Support of Senate Bill S2275 and House Bill H7447 Relating to Low- and Moderate-Income Housing – Comprehensive Permits

f)       Town of West Greenwich Resolution in Support of House Bill 2026 – H7127 Relating to Transfer of Management of Big River Reservoir Lands to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for Use as Open Space

g)      Town of Portsmouth Resolution in Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing and Responding to the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws

h)      Town of Portsmouth Resolution 2026-01-27-B Regarding Low- and Moderate-Income Housing

i)       Town of Portsmouth Resolution 2026-01-27-C Requesting the General Assembly to Consider Amending Legislation Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units

j)       Town of Portsmouth Resolution 2026-01-27-E in Support of Legislation to Modernize and Standardize the Access to Public Records Act (APRA)

k)      Town of Foster Resolution 2026-01 in Support of Rhode Island House Bill 7356 and Senate Bill 2216 Regarding School Employee Background Checks

l)       Town of Charlestown Resolution in Support of the Rhode Island General Assembly Enacting Legislation That Integrates Composting into Established Waste Management Plans

m)   Bristol Warren Regional School District School Committee Resolution in Support of Full Funding of Regional and Categorical Transportation Aid as Outlined in RIGL 16-7.2-6

n)      Town of Portsmouth Resolution 2026-02-25 A Requesting Continued Funding of the Rhode Restore Program in the State Budget

o)      Town of Portsmouth Resolution 2026-02-25 B Requesting Legislative Action to Clarify and Reaffirm State Responsibility for Public Boating Access Infrastructure

p)      Town of Portsmouth Resolution 2026-02-25 C Resolution in Support of Rhode Island House Bill H7224 Relating to Towns and Cities, Award of Municipal Contracts

q)      Town of Tiverton Resolution in support of H7123, H7124, H7125, H7294, H7296 and H7297 Relating to Low- and Moderate-Income Housing, Comprehensive Permits, Parking and Development Timelines in Tiverton

r)       Town of Tiverton Resolution in support of H7292, H7293 and H7372 Relating to Land Use, Housing and Zoning in Tiverton

s)      Resolution 2026-0002 of the Town of Tiverton in Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding to the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws

t)       Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Support of Municipalities Collaborating in Reviewing, Analyzing, and Responding to the 2025 Affordable Housing Laws

u)      Town of Exeter Resolution Supporting Healthcare Advocacy and Fair Reimbursement to Preserve Local Access to Care

v)      Town of Exeter Resolution in Support of Senate Bill S2275 and House Bill H7447 Relating to Low-and Moderate – Income Housing – Comprehensive Permits

w)    Town of Exeter Resolution in Support of Legislation Allowing Exeter to Establish a Tax Exemption for 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veterans

x)      Town of Exeter Resolution in Support of House Bill 7356 and Senate Bill 2216 “School Employee Background Checks”

y)      Town of Tiverton Resolution in Support of H7298 Relating to Tax Classification in Tiverton

z)      Town of Tiverton Resolution in Support of H8181 Relating to State Affairs and Government – the Rhode Island Bridge Replacement, Reconstruction and Maintenance Fund – Exemptions from Tolling for Waste Management Vehicles

aa)  Town of Tiverton Resolution in Support of H8029 Relating to Taxation – Collection of Taxes Generally

bb)  Town of Tiverton Resolution in Support of H8025 Relating to Taxation – Property Subject to Taxation

cc)  Town of Tiverton Resolution in Support of H8026 Relating to Taxation – Property Subject to Taxation

dd)  Town of South Kingstown Resolution in Support of Establishing Reimbursement for Community Paramedic Programs

ee)  Town of Warren Resolution to the General Assembly Amendment of the Wavemaker Fellowship

ff)    Town of Warren Resolution Regarding Exemption for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as Well as Persons with Neurological Disorders

 

M.   EXECUTIVE SESSION

1)      Pursuant to RIGL § 42-46-5(a)(2): Regarding Litigation: National Opioid Litigation

 

2)      Pursuant to RIGL § 42-46-5(a)(2): Regarding Litigation: Selvidio vs. Town of Richmond

 

3)      Pursuant to RIGL§ 42-46-5(a)(5): Potential Land Acquisition

 

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

 

N.    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 12, 2026 Amended March 13, 2026.

 

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.