Selectboard 11/4/24
-
Monday,
November 4, 2024
7PM – 9 PM
Minutes
Approved on: Monday, November 18, 2024
Minutes
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Web version
Town of Richmond
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of November 4, 2024
Members Present: Adam Wood, Bard Hill, David Sander, Jay Furr, Lisa Miller
Absent: Bard Hill
Staff Present: Josh Arneson, Town Manager;Duncan Wardwell, Assistant to the Town Manager; Linda Parent, Town Clerk. Finance Director Connie Bona, Admin Assistant Linn Caroleo (logged on as Zoom User), Zoning Administrator Tyler Machia, Chief of Police Cambridge.
Others Present: MMCTV Erin Wagg, MMCTV Angelike Contis, Sam Pratt, Daniel Hayes, Judy Rosovsky, Bonnie Steuer, Jim Cochran, Ernie Buford, Patty Brushett, Scott Silverstein, Gretchen Paulsen, D Noble, Ginger Ninja, Molly Lawney, Dorian Evans, Jeanette Malone, Kevin Kittinger, Mary Ann Kittinger, June Heston, Alexis Lathem, Bob Heiser, Eric Berliner, Dan Wolfson, Ann Naumann, Nick, Daniel, Paige Kaleita, Ian Bender, Danielle Beaudoin, Robin Pesci, Daniel, Sarah Heim, Douglas Thompson, Trevor Brooks, Connie van Eeghen, Noa, Chelsye’s iPhone, Ian Stokes, Emily M, Amy M, Amy Cambridge, David Sunshine, Goslin, Rue, Dave Matthew, Matt Parisi, Bradley Holt, Root.
MMCTV Video: Recorded by MMCTV by Erin Wagg
https://youtu.be/znAll9YiPHc?si=lWsKgZCWw6vp03X1
Call to Order: 7:00 pm
Welcome by: Sander
Public Comment:
Sander mentioned that ballots could still be dropped off at the Town Offices until 0700a Nov 5, after that they needed to be brought to the Voting place at Camel’s Hump Middle School before 7pm. Furr mentioned that thus far over 50% of Richmond residents have voted.
Additions or Deletions to Agenda: None.
Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present
Sander said, “Thank you to Richmond residents for a fun Halloween.” Arneson added that Marshall Paulsen reported that the kids on Pleasant Street were very polite this year.
Reminder of Special Town Meeting at Camels Hump Middle School at 9am on Saturday, November 9, 2024, to vote on the process to approve the annual budget and to vote on the establishment of a Special Projects Reserve Fund
Timestamp: 0:05
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Arneson, Root
Arneson explained that there are three items up for discussion at this special meeting. These three topics have been posted on the Town’s website (see links above). People need to come in person on Saturday. Root wanted to know where the Town got the money to pay for road repairs for the last flood, to which Arneson, Furr and Wood explained that those are funds the Town already had in unassigned funds or restricted funds, which will get reimbursed by FEMA. Some FEMA money has already come back to the Town from the 2023 floods.
Reminder of the Tuesday, November 12, 2024 Special Selectboard meeting for discussion of the FY26 Budget
Timestamp: 0:15
https://www.richmondvt.gov/calendar/meeting/special-selectboard-budget-11-12-24
Consideration of making appointments to the Andrews Community Forest Committee
Timestamp: 0:15
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Arneson, Cochran, Pratt, Rosovsky
Arneson stated that the Conservation Commission had approved Sam Pratt to be their representative on the ACFC (per email from Judy Rosovsky) and that the Trails Committee had recommended Jim Cochran to join the ACFC (per their minutes of October 15th). We voted unanimously to recommend both applicants be appointed to the ACFC.
Sander invited the two candidates to introduce themselves and say a few words.
Cochran stated that he wants to contribute to the community and serve on the committee in a democratic way. Pratt voiced a similar reason for wanting to be on the committee, he has been following the process for 18 months now, because he uses the trails often and hopes to be part of a solution. Rosovsky endorsed both candidates.
Wood moved to appoint Sam Pratt to the seat on the Andrews Community Forest Committee which is reserved for a representative from the Conservation Commission with a term running until 2027. Furr seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Wood moved to appoint Jim Cochran to the seat on the Andrews Community Forest Committee which is reserved for a recommendation by the Trails Committee with a term running until 2027. Furr seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Discussion of the no parking zone on West Main St. located between the entrances to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church and Richmond Family Medicine
Timestamp: 0:22
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Arneson, Goslin, Matthew, Rue, Furr, Wood, Miller, Kaleita
Goslin read an email: “Exiting the driveway to and from the church is a hazardous endeavor due to cars and trucks parking at the curb on the north side of the driveway. Church members use this driveway, as do the public and traffic exiting from the doctor's office next door. So, it's not just the church, it's also the doctor's office. There is a sign on the north side of the church driveway saying: “end of no parking,” but this sign needs to be moved further down on Route 2 to fix the problem of not being able to see down Route 2 in order to exit safely. We've had a lot of near misses coming out of mass. Now that it's dark at the time when Saturday mass ends, it's going to be hard for people to see. Also, there's no striping on the street, delineating the no parking zone in front of the driveway.” Goslin, Matthew and Rue are on the Grounds Committee of the church and are hoping for some help from the Town. Furr suggested painting the curb yellow. Wood stated that back in 2012 this area did have the curb painted based off Goggle Earth photos. Arneson explained that curb painting involves permitting from the State, as well as the Richmond Highway department being involved. If Selectboard wants to expand the No Parking area it would be more involving and a longer process. Miller asked if the No Parking zone could be re-established since people are breaking that regulation daily, as she uses that driveway often. Chief Cambridge stated that he has already instructed his officer to place warning tickets on vehicles that park there, which are meant as a warning and can further lead to ticketing followed by towing as a last resort. His suggestion would be to put up signs that make that section a Tow Away Zone, which is stronger than just a No Parking Zone. He said his officer will start a targeted enforcement of this No Parking area. Arneson will be following up with the State regarding curb painting and signage. Furr is worried about accidents. Kaleita stated that the driveway to Arabesque is also a dangerous entry, and she wondered if that curb also could be painted. She continued that the black truck that is always parked in the No Parking Zone possibly belongs to a Tree service business that is across the street. Arneson shared a letter from 2005 and from 2010 regarding parking in this area.
Discussion of request from Town Center and Library Buildings Committee to hire a Project Manager for the Town Center
Timestamp: 0:50
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Arneson, Wood
Wood elaborated that they could use a proposal to create an RFP and day-to-day correspondence. Arneson said when the Town hired an Owners Representative previously, he conducted a Request for Qualifications search in order to get a Project Manager and then decide which firm to hire based on the responses. Wood said someone needs to come in and do a building assessment and do project design as well as a budget narrative.
Discussion of Fair and Impartial Policing Policy
Timestamp: 0:58
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2024/11/3g07_email_from_VCJC.pdf
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Arneson, Chief Cambridge, Brushett, Steuer, Furr, Lajoie, Naumann, Wood, Paulsen
Arneson explained every police department is required to have a Fair and Impartial Policing Policy. The Chief of Police is the only person who can adopt a Fair and Impartial Policing Policy (FIPP) or any policing policy. The Selectboard nor the Town Manager have a role in that process and cannot direct the police chief to adopt the policy. However, in 2020 and 2021 there were changes to the Federal Impartial Policing Policy that was proposed by Migrant Justice, which the Chief adopted in 2021. The current issue is that the Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC) created a model FIPP, and Chief Cambridge has suggested some changes to that model FIPP. These changes were accepted except his strike-through of the text that said “that the Richmond police shall be able to share information regarding citizenship or immigration status with ICE.” Brushett clarified that this means Richmond Police cannot contact ICE (Immigration Authorities) regarding any person who speaks poor English, or is a person of color, for example. There is a meeting on Weds that Town Manager Arneson and Chief Cambridge can attend. If the changes suggested by Chief Cambridge are not accepted the Town would default back to the VCJC model FIPP. All policies prior to 2024 are now null and void. Brushett elaborated that it was Richmond Racial Equity who brought this to the Selectboard, and this is so important that she asked that the Selectboard table this until that committee could reconsider this. Steuer concurred with Brushett and questioned why this policy has now changed. Furr suggested that this should be tabled as we are already under the new model policy. Wood wondered why this change occurred now.
Review of Ethics Violation Complaint made against a Development Review Board Member, possible executive session
Timestamp: 1:33
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Arneson, Sunshine (chair of DRB), Machia, Holt, Furr, Wood, Miller, Parisi
Arneson stated that an Ethics complaint has been launched about Matt Parisi who had an item before the DRB, but didn’t recuse himself because he is on the Board. Sunshine said he did not ask Parisi to excuse himself from the hearing, and he emphasized that as the Chair he simply made a mistake. The case is being reopened and re-warned. Machia stated that no action had been taken on the application, so the case has been re-opened, and a new Development Review Board will be held in December. Holt, the complainant, states that he has brought forward complaints before and has found that his complaints rarely lead to any action, which frustrates him. Sunshine stated none of this was done with malice. Furr elaborated that once you start cutting corners others will start asking, “where else are you cutting corners”? He continued that it is clear that a mistake was made, and he appreciates that this was brought forward. Sanders asked Sunshine to review the Ethics Policy and then relay it to the rest of the DRB members. Wood wants to learn how to avoid having this happen again. Miller stated that a formal reprimand was a bit too much, but a loss of trust is equally important to avoid. Arneson suggested formal training may be important and that all committee members read the policy and complete a training session, for example, in January. Parisi said that he had signed the policy in July and had only attended one meeting in Oct, which is when he brought his case forward. Wood continued that the DRB committee should review the Ethics Policy every year and go through it and discuss it to understand the underpinnings more clearly.
Review of letter to residents regarding stormwater permitting for Southview, Hidden Pines, and Mary Dr.
Timestamp: 2:07
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Arneson, Kaleita, Kittinger, Heston
Arneson displayed the draft letter, where he states the dates that meetings were held regarding this issue and furthermore the history of the stormwater permitting. Attorney Dave Rugh has edited this draft. The permit is cheaper for Hidden Pines and Mary Drive because those properties are smaller. For Southview it’s more expensive because the lots are larger. This affects the 44 original properties on Southview Drive. The proposal is to pro-rate the stormwater permit fees among those homeowners. Sander said that the State has defined which 44 properties on Southview this permit affects. Several homeowners think the State is unsure regarding properties on Southview North vs South and some decisions are made with faulty information, which concerns several of the homeowners.
Arneson will try and get the State to give out parcel IDs, rather than addresses. He added that he had found out that some Towns have created a stormwater utility to cover the cost for these permits. Heston believes more clarity is needed from the State.
Consideration of approving three applications for home buyouts as part of the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Timestamp: 2:27
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Arneson, Furr, Wood, Miller
Arneson explained that when homeowners choose to go for a FEMA buyout the Town will have to keep the area clear once the structure is torn down. This space will have extremely limited use. A map was shown to indicate the structures that will get torn down, if their respective buyouts are accepted. Wood emphasized that people have put a lot of thought into selling their homes and he would support anyone who wants to do this. Wood wondered if some of the houses could be used for Fire Dept training. Chelsye asked if any salvageable things were available from these properties, such as doors, pipes, fixtures, etc.
Furr moved to apply for the property buyout program for 36 Jones Mill Rd., 84 Esplanade St., and 242 Bridge St. Wood seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Consideration of approving an access permit for 156 Wortheim Rd.
Timestamp: 2:39
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Wood
Wood said the application was straight forward.
Wood moved to approve access permit number 2024-04 at 156 Wortheim Rd. Furr seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Consideration of entering into an agreement with NEMRC for FY25 assessor services
Timestamp: 2:40
People who participated in discussion: Sander
Wood moved to approve entering into an agreement with NEMRC for assessor services for FY25. Miller seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Discussion of invitation to bio finder training
Timestamp: 2:42
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Rosovsky, Furr, Miller, Wood
Richmond Conservation Commission Chair Judy Rosovsky stated that this is a useful tool for any Board to complete such training and be able to ask questions. Furr, Miller and Wood are interested in attending this. Pratt stated this will help raise awareness in the Town. This is not yet open to the Public. Furr wondered if anyone could complete the training and then become a trainer. Rosovsky said she would find out.
Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, Warrants
Timestamp: 2:50
Minutes:
Furr moved to approve the draft Minutes of 10/21/24 as presented. Miller seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Motions for Purchase Orders:
Wood moved to amend Purchase Order number 4935 to Dirt Tech for emergency road repairs to the amount of $384,799.73. Miller seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Wood moved to approve purchase order number 5081 to Alpha Elevator Company for repair of the Library elevator in an amount not to exceed $10,000, with the funds drawn from the Town Center and Library Reserve Fund. Miller seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Warrants:
Furr moved to approve the Warrants as presented. Miller seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Next Meeting Agenda
Stormwater
Election update
Buyouts
Special Town meeting update
Adjourn
Furr moved to adjourn. Wood seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Miller, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Meeting adjourned at: 9:58 pm
Chat file from Zoom:
01:36:33 D Noble: I am also in agreement with my fellow RRE members! thanks!
01:43:36 Chelsye's iPhone: Doesn’t the DRB only have 45 days to make a decision though, and if they do not make a decision inside that time period, the application is automatically approved?
01:54:19 Tyler Machia: If an application is continued or reopened its 45 days after the new hearing date.
02:15:08 Chelsye's iPhone: The covenants for southview list that they will be responsible for 1/44 of costs.
02:17:32 pkaleita: Is there any update from the State on what properties are subject to this?
02:18:50 Chelsye's iPhone: It’s the 44 homes originally developed.
It ends at Westall/Joan
02:20:15 Robin Pesci: The state has not finished it’s review on which properties are included.
02:22:06 Danielle Beaudoin: Please consider the same clarification for hidden pines, maybe referencing the site map for the affected properties.
02:24:13 Chelsye's iPhone: It’s based on the original permits, not necessarily dates.
02:27:14 Chelsye's iPhone: Also - keep in mind, the original permits weren’t necessarily done correctly. So some of the things that seem wrong or incorrect now, very well may be - because they were perhaps done wrong in the first place.
02:39:45 Chelsye's iPhone: Top floors may have things that are salvageable. Do we know if like habitat for humanity or other organizations are gleaning anything from these sites?
02:40:44 Chelsye's iPhone: Yes. Just a curiosity.
02:41:14 Chelsye's iPhone: I meant like windows, doors, vanities.
02:41:17 Chelsye's iPhone: Even historical things.
02:47:44 Chelsye's iPhone: Is it open to the public?
02:51:51 Chelsye's iPhone: I’ll reach out with questions. Thanks!
02:55:00 Chelsye's iPhone: Can the public view the individual invoices?
02:55:06 Chelsye's iPhone: To each company?
02:55:33 Chelsye's iPhone: It’s fine, just have Richard Cowles blast us some more without permits.
Agenda
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Meeting of the Town of Richmond Selectboard November 4, 2024
Richmond Town Center Meeting Room, 3rd Floor – 203 Bridge Street, Richmond, VT.
Meeting may also be joined online or by phone
Join Zoom Meeting Online:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84611164424?pwd=OU1rZDY2UStLL2ZqV1Q0a0pKSUhJZz09
Join by Phone: +1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 846 1116 4424 Passcode: 304382
7:00 PM 1. Welcome and Public Comment
7:03 PM 2. Additions, Deletions, or Modifications to Agenda
7:05 PM 3. Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present
a) Thank you to Richmond residents for a fun Halloween (5 min)
b) Reminder of Special Town Meeting at Camels Hump Middle School at 9am on Saturday, November 9, 2024, to vote on the process to approve the annual budget and to vote on the establishment of a Special Projects Reserve Fund # (10 min)
c) Reminder of the Tuesday, November 12, 2024 Special Selectboard meeting for discussion of the FY26 Budget (5 min)
d) Consideration of making appointments to the Andrews Community Forest Committee* # (10 min)
e) Discussion of the no parking zone on West Main St. located between the entrances to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church and Richmond Family Medicine (10 min)
f) Discussion of request from Town Center and Library Buildings Committee to hire a Project Manager for the Town Center (10 min)
g) Discussion of Fair and Impartial Policing Policy # (20 min)
h) Review of Ethics Violation Complaint made against a Development Review Board member, possible executive session (15 min)
i) Review of letter to residents regarding stormwater permitting for Southview, Hidden Pines, and Mary Dr. # (15 min)
j) Consideration of approving three applications for home buyouts as part of the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program* # (5 min)
k) Consideration of approving an access permit for 156 Wortheim Rd.* # (5 min)
l) Consideration of entering into an agreement with NEMRC for FY25 assessor services* # (5 min)
m) Discussion of invitation to bio finder training # (5 min)
9:05 PM 4. Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders and Warrants*
a) Minutes of 10/21/24
9:15 PM 5. Discuss Items for Next Agenda
9:20 PM 6. Possible Executive Session:
a) Pending or Probable litigation related to Summitt Distributing Site Plan Amendment
9:30 PM 7. Adjourn
Time is available at each meeting for public comment. Documents related to this meeting are available at
http://www.richmondvt.gov/documents/selectboard-meeting-documents/ If you would like to schedule a time with the Board or need assistance to participate in the meeting, please call Josh Arneson, Richmond Town Manager at 434-5170 or email jarneson@richmondvt.gov. Links to videos of Selectboard meetings can be found at mtmansfieldctv.org/
*Denotes Action Item # Indicates documents in the packet