Selectboard 4/21/25
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Monday,
April 21, 2025
7PM – 9 PM
Minutes
Draft
Minutes
Printable version
Web version
Town of Richmond
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of April 21, 2025
Members Present: Bard Hill, Jay Furr, David Sander, Caitlin Filkins, Adam Wood
Absent: Wood and Furr left after the Executive Session
Staff Present: Town ManagerJosh Arneson;Assistant to the Town ManagerDuncan Wardwell, Police Officer Matt Cohen and Duke.
Others Present: MMCTV Erin Wagg, Cara LaBounty, Hibby Wittman, Jazmyn Cross,
Fran Thomes Historical Society, Judy Bush, Paul Sobel, Polly Sobel, Paige Kaleita, Kevin Kittinger, Scott Nickerson, Mary Harrison, Sebastian, Polly’s iPad, Pam Foust.
MMCTV Video: Recorded by MMCTV by Erin Wagg,
https://youtu.be/5kBCnxA1RI8?si=I0CrNImD3J6H_cut
Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.
Welcome by: Furr
Public Comment:
LaBounty mentioned that the fence by the cemetery is bent to which Wardwell stated he is aware of this. She also asked that if any of the rooms or spaces in the Town Center Building change in terms of usage could she be notified.
Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present
Wood asked if the Executive session on the Agenda could be moved up, which Furr agreed to. Arneson had an update on the Flood Mitigation study, because the people conducting it are now going to fly over Richmond May 7-9 in a helicopter, to survey the area, rather than use a drone.
Consideration of approval of the Round Church Women’s Run
Timestamp: 0:05
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Whitten, Cross, Thomes
Whitten explained that people on Cochran Road will be able to get out, as one way traffic will be allowed. The fees from this event will benefit “Girls on the Run” in Vermont. Thomas said that parking for this event usually is permitted on the Round Church lawn, but she has not received a request for this yet.
Filkins moved to approve the Round Church Women’s Run to be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and to close the following roads for the event:
Farr Rd. and Thompson Road from 7:25 – 9:15am
The eastbound land or Cochran Rd. from 7:25 – 9:15am
Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Hill, Filkins, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Consideration of approving the use of the Town Center campus for the Art Crawl
Timestamp: 0:10
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/04/3b_Art_Crawl_Request.pdf
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Bush
Bush said this is the same event as last year and it runs from 10:00a to 3:00p and parking is allowed at the Post Office. Usually around $4,000 is raised.
Sander moved move to approve the use of the Town Center campus for the Art Crawl on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Wood seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Hill, Filkins, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Consideration of approval of renewal of leases for Town Center tenants
Timestamp: 0:13
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Arneson, LaBounty
These leases would be for 2 years starting on July 1, 2025. Arneson said that some verbiage has been changed in the leases. LaBounty asked if leasees would be able to move within the building during renovations. Hill feels this is a reasonable request. Furr recused himself because he sits on the board for one of the leasees. This will be brought back before the board.
Consideration of approving quitclaim deeds on Tilden Ave. for stormwater line which will be abandoned after new line is constructed
Timestamp: 0:19
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Arneson, Wood, LaBounty
Arneson displayed a map and showed the stormwater line and easement that is over 100 years old. Hill said having a 90 degree turn on a line like that is contraindicated for effective flow. Arneson said the line would be capped. LaBounty suggested making sure the deed is correct before making a motion. Wood agreed. This will be rewritten before making a motion.
Motions for Executive Session:
Filkins moved to find that premature public knowledge about the evaluation of an employee would cause the Town or person to suffer a substantial disadvantage. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Sander, Hill, Filkins, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Sander moved that we enter into executive session to discuss the evaluation of an employee under the provisions of 1 VSA 313(a)(3) and to invite Town Manager Josh Arneson into the executive session. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Sander, Hill, Filkins, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Filkins moved that we enter into executive session to discuss the evaluation of an employee under the provisions of 1 VSA 313(a)(3) and to invite Town Manager Josh Arneson into the executive session. Wood seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Sander, Hill, Filkins, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Update from Watershed Consulting on progress of preliminary engineering for Southview Stormwater Permit and discussion of next steps
Timestamp: 0:45
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Torrizo, LaBounty, Hill, Filkins, Kevin
Torrizo said he found some good soil around the area that can help treat the Stormwater cheaply. He displayed pictures of 1035C Drywell chambers that are a catch basin and puts the water back into the soil, they allow for a lot of surface area and are easy to maintain both winter and summer and would not have an impact on the neighborhood visually. This is the solution he suggests for the Southview Stormwater issue. Hill asked if the Drywells would be installed in low lying areas, to collect water, which Torrizo said yes. Sander asked about issues with sediment, which Torrizo said sediment can be cleaned out every three years. Kittinger asked if the State would object to this type of solution, which Torrizo said he felt confident this solution is reasonable for the soil in the Southview neighborhood. LaBounty asked about cost of this solution, if there are other cheaper systems, which Torrizo restated this should meet the needs of the neighborhood and should be affordable. He is looking into getting a price of this system. Filkins recused herself because she lives in Southview. Brendan Filkins mentioned that one of the pictures showed his property and the chamber is adjacent to his septic and leech field, thus this location for a Drywell makes him uncomfortable. Torrizo said he did not know where the septic was for this location and appreciated that feedback. Filkins feels this is a workable solution, but the location makes him uncomfortable. Torrizo reiterated this is just a concept right now.
Update on request for a reduction in the assessed value of properties in the Southview Stormwater Permit Area
Timestamp: 1:16
People who participated in discussion: Arneson, Hill, LaBounty
A resident in Southview (via a letter to Arneson) is asking for a $13,700 reduction in property values because of the Stormwater issue. LaBounty said homes in the Southview neighborhood already had their tax rate lowered and are unfairly benefitting from this compared to other areas in Town. Hill asked why the Town’s Lister wasn’t present at the meeting as it was requested at the last meeting. Arneson will work on having the Lister come to the next meeting.
Update on advocacy organized by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns for the legislative process regarding 3-acre storm water permit
Timestamp: 1:28
People who participated in discussion: Arneson, Hill
Arneson reported that Furr had found that homes that do not have a homeowners association makes it hard to move forward in this process. Hill gave some examples from other places in the State and that this needs to go before the legislature.
Consideration of approving an engineer for permit work on the Jericho Rd. Stormwater Permit
Timestamp: 1:32
People who participated in the discussion: Arneson
Arneson said this is due to a sidewalk being added which adds to impervious surfaces.
Filkins moved to enter into an agreement with Watershed Consulting to complete the necessary work for the Jericho Rd. Stormwater Permit. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Filkins in favor. Motion approved.
Update on progress of the Police Governance Committee
Timestamp: 1:35
People who participated in discussion: Arneson
Arneson said the first meeting of this committee was yesterday and they will be meeting on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 3pm moving forward.
Update on Police Department equipment inventory
Timestamp: 1:38
People who participated in discussion: Cohen (Duke was present but sleeping), Hill, Arneson, LaBounty
Cohen has gone through and organized and inventoried old equipment and computers, etc. Things that are damaged or outdated need to be recycled appropriately. He thinks the Tasers can still be used. Cohen feels the portable radios may need to be replaced. Hill asked about firearms, Cohen replied most of the weapons are in storage, but all except one rifle are in working order. Arneson said old tires and cages for cars that the Town no longer owns has come to light from this inventory. LaBounty asked about extra tires, which Cohen explained he measured all the tires and they are all useable and are for a specific vehicle. Cohen was encouraged to determine what can be sold versus trashed or kept.
Update on Hillview Heights Subdivision Environmental Division Decision approving the subdivision
Timestamp: 1:57
People who participated in discussion: Arneson
The subdivision was approved. This is just an update.
Consideration of approving an easement for the Vermont Electric Power Company in the Andrews Community Forest
Timestamp: 1:58
People who participated in discussion: Arneson, LaBounty, Hill
Arneson said this has been approved and needs to be voted on. LaBounty asked if any of this money was for legal funds. Arneson said this has been discussed before and was just coming before the board tonight for a vote, he did not have the specific numbers in front of him. Hill asked that this be brought back with explanations on what the money is paying for.
Update on process of providing feedback to the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission regarding Future Land Use Mapping, New Land Use Categories, and Housing Target
Timestamp: 2:06
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/04/3m_Housing_Targets.pdf
People who participated in discussion: Arneson, Hill
Arneson explained that this is a forewarning for the Board, that this is coming before the Board later this year. Hill said developments in Brown’s Court is an example and so where would new housing happen in Richmond, which could be serviced with Town water and sewer. This is a dilemma all over the State.
Consideration of accepting grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief funding for 2023 flood expense reimbursement
Timestamp: 2:16
People who participated in discussion: Sander, Arneson
Arneson explained that certain roads are Federal Aid Roads and thus not Eligible for FEMA funds, so this is the end of a lengthy process to get over $100,000 back from road repairs that occurred due to the 2023 flood.
Filkins moved to accept the grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief to reimburse the Town of Richmond for repairs to Jericho Rd., Hinesburg Rd., and Huntington Rd. that were necessary due to damages from the July 2023 flood. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Sander, Filkins, Wood, Hill in favor. Motion approved.
Consideration of submitting a Letter of Intent To Participate In The SFY26 Municipal Roads Grants-In-Aid Program
Timestamp: 2:18
People who participated in discussion: Sander
Hill moved to approve the letter of intent for the Grant In Aid Program. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Sander in favor. Motion approved.
Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, Warrants
Timestamp: 2:19
Minutes:
Hill moved to approve the draft Minutes of 04/07/25 as presented. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Filkins in favor. Motion approved.
Purchase Order Motions
Filkins moved to amend Purchase Order number 5022 to Casella Waste Systems Inc. to $11,402.86 for debris removal from the 2024 flood. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander in favor. Motion approved.
Hill move to approve Purchase Order number 5279 to East Engineering for the amount of $35,000 for engineering for the repair of Dugway Rd. due to damages from the July 2023 flood and the July 2024 flood. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Sander in favor. Motion approved.
Hill moved to approve Purchase Order number 5286 to M&T / Wilmington Trust for the Highway Department portion of the Millet St. loan in the amount of $7,046.2.Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander in favor. Motion approved.
Hill move to approve Purchase Order number 5288 to Union Bank in the amount of $50,614.05 for the loan for the fire engine. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander in favor. Motion approved.
Warrants:
Hill moved to approve the Warrants as presented. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Filkins in favor. Motion approved.
Next Meeting Agenda
Timestamp: 2:28
ACF easement
Assessor
Tesla police vehicle
Adjourn
Filkins moved to adjourn. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Sander in favor. Motion approved.
Meeting adjourned at: 9:31 p.m.
Chat file from Zoom:
00:13:20 Frances Thomas: The Historical Societty has yet to receive the usual request to use our parking grass lot
01:54:58 Brendan Filkins: Teslas are drastically heavier than normal cars and the tires wear faster as far as I know.
02:06:51 Ben Feinson (he/him): Hello friends, thank you all for your time and discussing this year’s “ALFC 50k and 26k” event. If you would like more context (and a great route map on page 5) please see the handbook here.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fiaZ4tB-OHd8rnqZaLJG75lfcKCwOn_X_M8PZVJnbhU/edit?usp=sharing
We have a 9:00 bedtime so unfortunately I have to depart. And here’s a vote of support to get Jean and Gary’s driveway moved! Thanks, Ben
Agenda
Printable version
Web version
Meeting of the Town of Richmond Selectboard April 21, 2025
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/85027783606?pwd=BfBy3NPERB8b26J7Qa8lKLX0zKGERs.1
Join by Phone: +1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 850 2778 3606 Passcode: 761499
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) Consideration of approval of the Round Church Women’s Run* # (5 min)
b) Consideration of approving the use of the Town Center campus for the Art Crawl* # (5 min)
c) Consideration of approval of renewal of leases for Town Center tenants # (10 min)
d) Consideration of approving quitclaim deeds on Tilden Ave. for stormwater line which will be abandoned after new line is constructed* # (5 min)
e) Update from Watershed Consulting on progress of preliminary engineering for Southview Stormwater Permit and discussion of next steps # (20 min)
f) Update on request for a reduction in the assessed value of properties in the Southview Stormwater Permit Area* (10 min)
g) Update on advocacy organized by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns for the legislative process regarding 3-acre storm water permit* # (10 min)
h) Consideration of approving an engineer for permit work on the Jericho Rd. Stormwater Permit* # (5 min)
i) Update on progress of the Police Governance Committee (5 min)
j) Update on Police Department equipment inventory # (20 min)
k) Update on Hillview Heights Subdivision Environmental Division Decision approving the subdivision # (5 min)
l) Consideration of approving an easement for the Vermont Electric Power Company in the Andrews Community Forest* # (5 min)
m) Update on process of providing feedback to the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission regarding Future Land Use Mapping, New Land Use Categories, and Housing Targets # (5 min)
n) Consideration of accepting grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief funding for 2023 flood expense reimbursement* # (5 min)
o) Consideration of submitting a Letter of Intent To Participate In The SFY26 Municipal Roads Grants-In-Aid Program* # (5 min)
9:05 PM 4. Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants*
a) Minutes of 4/7/25
9:15 PM 5. Discuss Items for Next Agenda
9:20 PM 6. Possible Executive Session
a) Evaluation of an Employee
9:45 PM 7. Adjourn
Time is available at each meeting for public comment. Documents related to this meeting are available at
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