RICHMOND TOWN COUNCIL

Town Council Meeting Agenda

Town Council Chambers

5 Richmond Townhouse Road, Wyoming, RI 02898

May 5, 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, Mark Reynolds, Jim Palmisciano, Daniel Madnick, and Michael Colasante. Also present in Chambers were Town Solicitor Chris Zangari, Town Administrator Erin Liese, Finance Director Danielle Andrews, Public Works Director Gary Robar, 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 the passing of Elwood Johnson’s father.

 

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 to Honor Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient Abigail Rogers

 

Ms. Rogers was present.

 

President Wilcox read the Proclamation.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Colasante, to Approve the Proclamation honoring Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient Abigail Rogers. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

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 the proposed budget for FY 2026-2027

a)      Adoption of the Richmond Financial Town Budget Ballot Question

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Open the Public Hearing for Discussion and Consideration of the proposed budget for FY 2026-2027. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Town Administrator Liese advised of the changes incorporated into the budget.

 

Discussion ensued regarding wage increases.

 

Bob Cardozo inquired about the ramifications if the budget does not pass at the referendum.

 

President Wilcox provided clarification.

 

Helen Sheehan suggested looking at what to do with Chariho.

 

Discussion continued.

 

Douglas Deslauriers questioned if the budget level funded if there would be more money.

 

President Wilcox provided clarification.

 

Bob Cardozo inquired about revenue sources.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Close the Public Hearing for Discussion and Consideration of the proposed budget for FY 2026-2027. Vote: Councilor Colasante, 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 Approve the proposed budget for FY 2026-2027, including education $31,459, 952. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Abstain; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano to Approve the Ballot Question as presented by the Town Administrator. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Abstain; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2)      Request of 1163 Main Street, LLC for Discussion and Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the Richmond Zoning Ordinances, Chapter 18, Section 18.16.010 (605), establishing a new use code for propane gas; Section 18.16.020 (604) entitled “Fuel sales and delivery”, eliminating “propane gas” from description; and Section 18.21.050, allowing underground storage tanks and excluding propane storage from certain development standards.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Open the Public Hearing for the Request of 1163 Main Street, LLC, Discussion and Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the Richmond Zoning Ordinances, Chapter 18, Section 18.16.010 (605), establishing a new use code for propane gas; Section 18.16.020 (604) entitled “Fuel sales and delivery”, eliminating “propane gas” from description; and Section 18.21.050, allowing underground storage tanks and excluding storage from certain development standards. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

Robert Craven introduced himself on behalf of the owner of Newport Propane.

Pete Sherman introduced himself and advised of the request for the Zoning Ordinance Amendment.

 

Pete Sherman advised of his professional background, tank structure, safety features and his professional background.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

Bill Day shared concern regarding propane settling at a lower level.

 

Joe Bajorek advised that propane is heavier than air.

 

Bob Sayer advised that if vapor gets out it stays low. He also expressed concern regarding the trucks driving over the tanks.

 

Doug Deslauriers inquired how often the tanks would be inspected.

 

Mr. Sherman advised they were tested annually.

 

President Wilcox shared concern about the traffic impact.

 

Mr. Sherman advised that an engineer had reviewed the plans.

 

Discussion continued.  

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to Close the Public Hearing for the Request of 1163 Main Street, LLC, Discussion and Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the Richmond Zoning Ordinances, Chapter 18, Section 18.16.010 (605), establishing a new use code for propane gas; Section 18.16.020 (604) entitled “Fuel sales and delivery”, eliminating “propane gas” from description; and Section 18.21.050, allowing underground storage tanks and excluding storage from certain development standards. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, to add compliance with NFPA58, the applicable code section that designates distance from structures, and that propane is stored in a pressure vessel that meets ASME standards which relate to ensuring appropriate pressure, and that appropriate anti-buoyancy measures are taken.

 

Discussion ensued regarding additions to the amendments.

 

No action was taken.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to have the changes reviewed by the Town Solicitor to be continued to the next Public Hearing.

 

Discussion continued regarding specific and objective criteria.

 

Councilor Colasante withdrew his motion.

 

Vice President Reynolds withdrew his second.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to Re-Open the Public Hearing. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

David Lelli shared concern regarding the lot placement in relation to the road.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to Close the Public Hearing. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by President Wilcox, to Adopt the Amendments to 18.16.020, 18.21.050 and 18.16.010 as proposed to establish a new Use Code (605) for propane fuel sales and delivery, and for the Special Use Permit in the Aquifer Protection District have the following specific and objective criteria: that the facility be in compliance with NFPA58, that the storage pressure vessel for propane meet ASME standards, that the pressure vessel be installed with appropriate anti-buoyancy measures, in the Aquifer Protection Zone, no regular overnight parking of a delivery vehicles and in neighborhood business, no operation of a facility between 9 P.M. and 7 A.M. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

3)      Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances Chapter 5.20, entitled “Hawkers, Peddlers and Door to Door Salespersons”

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to Open the Public Hearing for Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances Chapter 5.20, entitled “Hawkers, Peddlers and Door to Door Salespersons”. 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 Councilor Colasante, to Close the Public Hearing for Discussion and Consideration of Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances Chapter 5.20, entitled “Hawkers, Peddlers and Door to Door Salespersons”. 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 include a $250 fine per infraction that would benefit the Recreation Commission to fund for community activities.

 

Vice President Reynolds and Councilor Madnick suggested the fine should be higher.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

Andrew McCoy suggested an escalating fine.

 

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

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox, to Section 5 of the no-knock registry to add to the end of the paragraph to make clear that an owner of a residence registers for the no-knock registry, that it is the entire residence. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by President Wilcox, to amend the last sentence of Section 5 to read the registry shall be updated January 1, April 1, July 1, and September 1, or the next business day if those days fall on a weekend, holiday, or non-business day of Town Hall, and will be distributed to licensed solicitors and/or law enforcement. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to Approve Amendments to the Richmond Town Code of Ordinances Chapter 5.20, entitled “Hawkers, Peddlers and Door to Door Salespersons”, as amended. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

4)      Discussion and Consideration of the Request from Washington County Pomona Grange d/b/a Washington County Fair for an Incomplete Application for an Outdoor Entertainment License, Subject to Zoning Confirmation, Code Compliance, Police Chief Approval and Proof of Insurance

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to Open the Public Hearing for the Request from Washington County Pomona Grange d/b/a Washington County Fair for an Incomplete Application for an Outdoor Entertainment License, subject to Zoning Confirmation, Code Compliance, Police Chief Approval, and Proof of Insurance. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Close the Public Hearing for the Request from Washington County Pomona Grange d/b/a Washington County Fair for an Incomplete Application for an Outdoor Entertainment License, subject to Zoning Confirmation, Code Compliance, Police Chief Approval and Proof of Insurance. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Colasante, to Approve the Incomplete Application for an Outdoor Entertainment License for Washington County Pomona Grange d/b/a/ Washington County Fair, subject to Zoning Confirmation, Code Compliance, Police Chief Approval, and Proof of Insurance. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

F.     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 Appointing a Grant Writer/Manager – Jenny Hope Antes

 

Ms. Antes was present.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to Appoint Jenny Hope Antes as Grant Writer/Manager at the hourly rate as advertised. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

G.    APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATION
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 School Committee Appointment with Term Expiration of November 5, 2026:

a)      Ryan Patrick Callahan

b)      Robert Cardozo

c)      Andrew A. McCoy

d)      William George Day

e)      Gwynne A. Millar

f)       David A. Lelli

g)      Patrick James Farrell

h)      Roberta Engel

 

Ryan Patrick Callahan advised of his experience and interest in joining the School Committee.

 

Robert Cardozo advised of his experience and interest in joining the School Committee.

 

Andrew A. McCoy advised of his experience and interest in joining the School Committee.

 

William George Day advised of his experience and interest in joining the School Committee.

 

Gwynne A. Millar advised of her experience and interest in joining the School Committee.

 

David A. Lelli advised of his experience and interest in joining the School Committee.

 

Patrick James Farrell advised of his experience and interest in joining the School Committee.

 

Roberta Engel advised of her experience and interest in joining the School Committee.

 

Councilor Palmisciano made a nomination to appoint Ryan Callahan.

 

Councilor Colasante made a nomination to appoint David Lelli.

 

Councilor Madnick made a nomination to appoint Gwynne Millar.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to appoint Ryan Patrick Callahan to the Open School Committee position for Richmond with Term Expiration of November 5, 2026. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2)      Discussion and Consideration of the Request of Jody Robinson to be Appointed to the Building Code Board of Appeals, with term expiration of January 31, 2031.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to Appoint Jody Robinson to the Building Code Board of Appeals, with term expiration of January 31, 2031. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

3)      Discussion and Consideration of the Resignation of Victoria Vona as Tax Collector Clerk

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to accept, with great thanks for her many years of service and regret, the resignation of Victoria Vona as Tax Collector Clerk. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

4)      Discussion and Consideration of the Appointment of a Full Board of Canvasser Member with Term Expiration of February 28, 2030:

a)      Pamela Rohland

b)      Barbara Geleney

c)      Linda Zambrano

d)      Christopher Kona

e)      Alexis Turner

 

President Wilcox read a letter submitted by Pamela Rohland.

 

Barbara Geleney was not present.

 

Linda Zambrano advised that she would like to be considered as an alternate to the Board of Canvassers.

 

Chris Kona advised that this was a great way to get a read of what the population is looking for at large.

 

Alexis Turner was not present.

 

Vice President Reynolds nominated Pamela Rohland.

 

Discussion ensued regarding alternates.

 

Councilor Colasante questioned why no republican names were submitted.

 

Town Administrator Liese provided clarification.

 

Helen Sheehan advised that Alex McKendall resigned and that the Committee was in the process of getting a new chair for the Republican Town Committee.

 

A nomination was made by Vice President Reynolds to appoint Palema Rohland as a Full Board of Canvasser Member with Term Expiration of February 28, 2030. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Abstain; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, 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)      April 9, 2026 (Special Minutes)

b)      April 13, 2026 (Regular Minutes)

c)      February 3, 2026 (Executive Session)

d)      March 17, 2026 (Executive Session)

e)      March 31, 2026 (Executive Session)

 

Vice President Renolds requested to pull item H1b.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Approve items a, c, d, and e. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Approve Consent Agenda Item H1b, as amended. Vote: Councilor Colasante, 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.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.

 

Kristen Chambers advised of the upcoming 250th Commission events.

 

Jasmine Roy from the Hopkinton Town Council advised of the Freedom 250 Museum Busses.

 

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 to Apply for a Recreation Grant from Representative Cotter

 

Town Administrator Liese advised of the Recreation Grant.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Authorize the Town Administrator to apply for a Recreation Grant. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

b)      Discussion and Consideration of Approving Town Hall Building Hours effective June 29, 2026

 

Town Administrator Liese advised of the Town Hall Building Hours.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by President Wilcox, to Establish Town Hall Building Hours effective June 29, 2026, of Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30 AM to 4 P.M. with a 30 Minute Lunch Closure; Tuesday 8:30 A.M to 6:00 P.M. with a 1 Hour Lunch Closure. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Abstain; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

c)      Recognition of the Department of Public Works by the Governor for the Blizzard Response

 

Town Administrator Liese advised of the Governor’s Certificate and thanked Public Works for their hard work during the Blizzard Response.

 

d)      Authorization for Memorandum of Understanding with FCC regarding the Shannock Fire Tower

 

Town Administrator Liese advised of the Memorandum of Understanding with the FCC for the Shannock Fire Tower.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Palmisciano, seconded by Councilor Colasante, to Authorize the Town Administrator to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the FCC for the Shannock Fire Tower. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

2)      Wild and Scenic Stewardship Council: Denise Poyer

a)      Rain Garden Project

 

Denise Poyer advised of the Rain Garden Project.

 

Discussion ensued regarding maintenance.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to Authorize the Town Administrator and/or Town Planner to obtain a grant for the Wood Pawcatuck Wild and Scenic Stewardship Council the installation of a rain garden at a location to be determined. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to go past 9 P.M. with a five-minute break. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Madnick, to reconvene the meeting. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, 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)      Discussion and Consideration on a Request from LandUse.co to amend the Zoning Ordinance 18.23, entitled “Adaptive Reuse,” in adding a section to allow for Remediated Brownfields; with referral to the Planning Board for Advisory Opinion and authorization of the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to refer to the Planning Board for an Advisory Opinion the request from LandUse.co for an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance 18.23, entitled “Adaptive Reuse” in adding a section to allow for Remediated Brownfields, with Authorization for the Town Clerk to Advertise for Public Hearing. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

1)      Request of Councilor Madnick for Discussion and Consideration:

a)      Status and Accounting Update of FY 25/26 allocation of capital funds for paving and sealing projects for Wilbur Hill Road, Pine Hill Road, and Old Mountain Road, including remaining funds from the 2022 Road Bond

b)      Consolidation and Re-Allocation of FY25/26 road improvement capital funds with the proposed FY26/27 road improvement capital funds

c)      RFPs for repaving projects of Old Mountain Road, KG Ranch Road, and Cherry Lane

 

Councilor Madnick advised of the infrastructure priorities and available funds.

 

Finance Director Andrews advised of the available funds going into the Fiscal Year.

 

Discussion ensued regarding cost and needs.

 

Finance Director Andrews advised that there was no more bond money left.

 

Discussion continued.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by President Wilcox, to Authorize Town Staff go out to bid/RFP for the Pinehill Road chip sealing; Old Mountain Road partial reclamation and full reclamation for the areas that need it; KG Ranch, including recommendations from PARE Corporation; and Cherry Lane.

 

Councilor Madnick suggested looking into temporary solutions for some of these roads.

 

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

 

2)      Request of Councilor Madnick for Discussion and Consideration of the restoration of the Richmond Environmental Resiliency Commission

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Vice President Reynolds, to continue this item to the May 19^th Town Council Meeting. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

3)      Request of Councilor Madnick and Councilor Palmisciano for Discussion and Consideration to request Vision Appraisal to attend a Town Council meeting to discuss the details and methodology of the re-evaluation process, along with insight into current housing market conditions

 

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to invite Vision Appraisal attend a future Town Council meeting to discuss the details and methodology of the re-evaluation process, along with insight into current housing market conditions. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

4)      Request of President Wilcox for Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution Opposing State Aid Funding Proposed in Blue Ribbon Commission

 

Discussion ensued regarding the funding formula.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to invite David Cicilline to a future Town Council meeting to discuss the Blue-Ribbon Commission revamping of the school funding program.

 

Vice President Reynolds advised that it is not his decision and should focus on the General Assembly.

 

President Wilcox advised that it doesn’t seem like a valuable use of time.

 

Councilor Palmisciano questioned whether hearing from us now would be beneficial.

 

Discussion continued.

 

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

 

 

 

A motion was made by President Wilcox, seconded by Councilor Palmisciano, to approve the Resolution with the addition of #7 of the Be It Further Resolved section to say, “Commit to a maintenance of effort for all municipalities”. Vote: Councilor Colasante, 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 Commissions Vacancy List

b)      Copy of email from Katie J. Charron from the U.S. Small Business Administration regarding the 2026 National Small Business Week Mayoral Proclamation Request

c)      Copy of Email from Hopkinton Town Clerk Marita Murray regarding the Tri-Town Council Meeting

d)      Copy of email from William Della Ventura regarding conditions of KG Ranch Road and Cherry Lane

e)      Copy of Email from David Cicilline regarding a Fairer School Funding Formula

f)       Copy of Letter from Leah Arsenault, Chair of the Richmond Wellness Committee regarding Human Services

 

2)      Resolutions Received:

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

b)      Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Support of Rhode Island House Bill H7971 Increasing the Threshold for Prevailing Wage

c)      Town of Hopkinton Resolution in Opposition to Rhode Island House Bills H7035, H7755, H8068, H8071 and H8075

d)      Town of Hopkinton Resolution Opposing Senate Bill 2389 and house Bill 7305 Relating to the Access to Public Records Act (APRA)

e)      Town of Middletown Resolution Opposing Statewide Nonowner Occupied Property Tax

f)       Town of Middletown Resolution in Support of Amendments to the FY2027 State Budget to Fully Fund Certain Education Costs

g)      Town of Middletown Resolution in Support of Fully Funding State Aid to Libraries to the Full Twenty-Five (25) Percent

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

i)       Town of Middletown Resolution Urging Full Funding of the School Housing Aid Program

j)       Town of Narragansett Resolution in Support of House Bill H8151 The “Blue Wave Bond for Coastal Preparedness Act”

k)      Town of Exeter Resolution in Support of House Bill H7049 and Senate Bill S2147 Adjusting Primary Election Day to Wednesday after Labor Day

l)       Town of Exeter Resolution in Support of Rhode Island House Bill H7224 relating to Towns and Cities – Award of Municipal Contracts

m)   Town of Exeter Resolution Opposing Senate Bill 2389 and House Bill 7305 Relating to the Access to Public Records Act

n)      Town of Warren Resolution in Opposition to H7369

o)      Resolution from the Chariho Regional School District in Support of Restoring State Education Funding Aid to Chariho

p)      Town of Charlestown Resolution Concerning Municipal Authority over Land Use and Housing Decisions

q)      Town of Charlestown Resolution Concerning Senate Bill S2275 relating to Comprehensive Permit Review and Affordable Housing Unit Accounting

r)       Town of Charlestown Resolution in Support of Restoring State Education Aid to the Chariho Regional School District

s)      Town of Charlestown Town Council Resolution Expressing Support for the Chariho Regional School District’s Request for Legislative Authorization to Finance School Facility Improvements

t)       Town of Portsmouth Proclamation regarding the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerk’s Week

u)      Town of Portsmouth Proclamation regarding April 24th as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

 

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

     

M.   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

 

2)      Pursuant to § 42-46-5(a)(2): Regarding Pending Litigation: GD Richmond Beaver River I, LLC v. Town of Richmond Zoning Board of Review, WC-2021-0111 (Town of Richmond vs. GD Richmond Beaver River I, LLC, et al.:  SU 2023-0214-M.P.)

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by Councilor Madnick, 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 and Pursuant to § 42-46-5(a)(2): Regarding Pending Litigation: GD Richmond Beaver River I, LLC v. Town of Richmond Zoning Board of Review, WC-2021-0111 (Town of Richmond vs. GD Richmond Beaver River I, LLC, et al.: SU2023-0214-M.P.). Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

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

 

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

 

President Wilcox advised that there were two votes taken.

 

A motion was made by Vice President Reynolds, seconded by President Wilcox, to Authorize Attorney Daniels to submit the re-argument to the Supreme Court regarding the case in connection with SU 2023-0214-M.P. and SU 2023-0219-M.P. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Nay; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

A motion was made by Councilor Colasante, seconded by President Wilcox, to reject the settlement offer of Mr. Carlson. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

 

N.    ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Councilor Madnick, seconded by Councilor Colasante, to adjourn the meeting at 10:12 P.M. Vote: Councilor Colasante, Aye; Councilor Madnick, Aye; Councilor Palmisciano, Aye; Vice President Reynolds, Aye; President Wilcox, Aye.

 

 

 

 

            Attest:

            _____________________
            Kendra Tanguay
            Town Clerk