Explore Path Funding 6/4/26

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Explore Path Funding Minutes 06-04-26 73 KB

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Richmond Committee to Explore Pathway Funding

Meeting June 4, 2026

All Committee Members present (Mark Aiken, Gary Bressor, Jared Katz)

Homework Report: Jared spoke with Greg Rabideau (whom he had just seen riding his e-Bike).  Greg felt that the Path would be a great addition and asked about what plans were in place. Jared told him that the Committee currently feels the best approach is to begin building the pathway in disconnected pieces. Greg mentioned that he thought the Town might be interested in kicking in some funding; Jared explained the idea that the Committee is trying to explore funding opportunities that taxpayers have already contributed to so that Town residents see no further taxes to pay for the Pathway. Jared left an email for Selectboard member David Sander but had not connected at the time of the meeting.

Mark left a message for Caitlin Filkins but had not connected.

Gary had not connected with any selectboard members but did speak with Lou Borie of the Vermont Land Trust. Gary and Lou looked at the hillside next to the Barn North. They agreed that the Richmond Land Trust would be a great owner for this land. Gary plans to write the landowner. 

They looked at the land that Barn North owns behind the store.

They looked at the Willis Hill wetland area.

Gary brought drawings of what path could like on sections where it runs next to Route 2. The drawings reflected a 5’7” grass barrier.

Committee members brainstormed options for the path including a route where the pathway runs along the interstate behind Barn North; they also discussed an option where it runs along Route 2 all the way.

Things to talk to Selectboard soon. Talking Points:

• This committee is interested in solutions that cost Town zero dollars.
• That said, there may be small asks from the Town Conservation Fund.
• The section of Pathway in the Village is slated to be worked on this summer.
• The Committee wants to start with the easiest sections pieces, and state officials have indicated that there are existing funding opportunities. State officials have indicated that the state likes to connect pieces, so it seems in our interest to start building sections of Pathway..
• The first easiest section could be Crate Escape to Reap property (this could be broken into two sections).
  • Crate Escape to Spark Studio would be a great first section.
• The Committee thinks that a paving-ready SurePak surface might be best for starters, because it is an inexpensive option that can be improved later.
• The Committee will need to make a suggestion for which grant(s) the Town should apply for (probably a R.A.I.S.E grant which is related to Richmond resident Pete Pouchoup’s role with state.)

Gary mentioned that the Vermont Gas line runs along Route 2 which requires exploratory hand digging every 50 feet.

The Committee would want to talk to those landowners in Section 1 after talking to selectboard members and state (but before going to Selectboard).

For homework, members were going to re-read the R.A.I.S.E grant.

Jared was going to re-reach out to Local Motion.

Members were going to have individual convos with Select Board members in preparation for coming to a meeting.

Mark was going to do the Ethics training.

Gary is going to talk to State to explore if this would be supported. And to Pete Puochoup to explore whether this would be funded.

Meeting adjourned.