Selectboard 10/6/25

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Town of Richmond
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of October 6, 2025

Members Present: Bard Hill, Caitlin Filkins, David Sander, Adam Wood
 

Absent: Jay Furr

Staff Present: Josh Arneson, Town Manager; Josh Arneson, Town Manager; Duncan Wardwell, Deputy Town Manager; Susanne Parent, Town Clerk; Keith Oborne, Town Planner; Peter Gosselin, Highway Foreman; Gerald Levesque, Fire Chief; Jacob Kilpeck, Assistant Fire Chief

Others Present:  Recorded by MMCTV by Erin Wagg, Andrew Bessette, Angelike Contis, Ben Owens, Bonny Steuer, Dennis Gile, Chelsye Brooks, Chuck Gilroy, Connie van Eeghen, Doug Thompson, Elysse Parent, Erin Farr,  Graham Wolfson, Gretchen Paulsen, Jacob Kilpeck, Jason Charest (CCRPC), Jeanann Haskin, John Rankin, Judy Bush, Linda Parent, Margaret Cole, Mark Klonicke, Marshall Paulsen, Mary Ann Kittenger, Mary Harrison, Mary Houle, Matt Dyer, Michael Parent, Noa, Paige Kaleita, Robin Pesci, Sarah, Sarah Heim, Trevor Brooks

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/bWz7rLCP7II?si=WX85N1I6ok3iSey8

Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.
 

Welcome by:  Wood
 

Public Comment:

Houle complimented the road crew on the sidewalk. Houle requested that once the second glass door gets installed that the Town no longer props open the door. Houle requested that Item p) be moved up to after Item f). 

Paulsen requested an update on the Village water system. Arneson stated that the water tank has been refilling the last couple of nights.

ParentE expressed concern about Furr’s deteriorating behaviors with his communication and emotions from the 9/15/25 meeting. ParentE recommended that Furr step down from the Selectboard completely. Dyer stated he cannot believe Furr’s behavior and 2 years ago he requested he resign after an incident.  Dyer agrees with ParentE that Furr should step down from Selectboard and not just resign as Chair.  Haskins stated that Furr should step down from the Selectboard entirely. 

Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda:   

Wood confirmed that Item p) would be moved up to after Item f).

Sander stated he appreciated the public sharing their concerns from the last meeting. Filkins reviewed that she made a statement at the last meeting about how disappointed she was with the way a woman was treated and disrespected. Hill said the Selectboard should recommit themselves to a respectful culture and behavior.     

Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present

Appointment of a Selectboard Chair and Vice Chair
Timestamp: 0:09
 

Sander moved to appoint Adam Wood as Selectboard Chair. Hill seconded

Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander in favor. Wood abstains.  Motion approved.
 

Sander moved to appoint Caitlin Filkins as Selectboard Vice Chair. Hill seconded.

Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins abstains. Motion approved.
 

Sander, Hill, Filkins and Wood shared a common goal to make sure the Selectboard behaves like everyone is welcome. Wood ensured that everyone in the audience and online has an opportunity to speak before circling back to people. Wood suggested that when they have long agendas that a timer might help them keep closer to the timeline.  Wood recommended that after a motion is made and seconded that the discussion should be among Selectboard members unless there is a specific reason to call a member of the public.  If the topic cannot be hashed out in the allotted time then it can be pushed to another meeting to reconsider.   


Reminder of upcoming budget meetings on Wednesday, October 22; Monday, November 10; and Monday, December 8, 2025
Timestamp: 0:17

Wood stated that there might have more meetings if needed.

 

Consideration of closing Esplanade St., Pleasant St., Tilden Ave., and Baker St. for Halloween
Timestamp: 0:18
 

Paulsen and Wolaver presented coming attractions of the request for road closure on October 31. Paulsen stated that in the past he put up a sign at the at the corner of Pleasant Street a few weeks before Halloween. He can continue to do that.  He asked the Selectboard about including Tilden, Baker and Esplanade streets.  Sander and Wood did not see the need for it.
 

Filkins moved to close Esplanade St., Pleasant St., Tilden Ave., and Baker St. on October 31, 2025 from 4pm – 9pm to allow for trick or treating with the requirement that all streets be open for first responder vehicles and vehicles of residents who live on the streets, and that Esplanade St. be open for vehicles that need to access the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of appointing an Acting Zoning Administrative Officer and E911 coordinator
Timestamp: 0:25

Arneson reviewed that Oborne is the current Zoning Administrative Officer and DeNault would be appointed to an interim learning period of time. 

Sander moved to appoint Dante DeNault as the Acting Zoning Administrative Officer and the E911 Coordinator. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved


Consideration of waiving the fee and appointing a designated representative for MMCTV’s Conditional Use Review application to the Development Review Board for an antenna at the Town Center
Timestamp: 0:27

Contis reviewed that a few years ago MMCTV applied for an FCC license for a community radio station. The low power FM radio station will reach 3.5 miles or more and will help the community out with emergency response and other things. Oborne confirmed that this is a civic betterment issue.  Contis asked for people to contact the Town if they knew about who used the antenna that is currently attached to the chimney.

Filkins moved to waive the fee of $360 and appoint Town Manager Josh Arneson as the designated representative for MMCTV’s Conditional Use Review application to the Development Review Board for an antenna at the Town Center. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved


Consideration of approving the display of signs in the Town Right-of-way for upcoming Huntington Valley Arts Events
Timestamp: 0:33
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3f_Huntington_Valley_Arts_Events.pdf

Bush confirmed the Selectboard has the information in the packet.  Wood reviewed that similar signs have gone up in the past, but the change is the Selectboard is now approving them.  Bush confirmed the size of the sign and stated that they put them up for two weeks before the event for Oct 18 and the Saturday before the Nov 7 & Dec 5 events.  The signs come down either that night or the next morning.  Haskins confirmed that signs should have size restrictions and limits on the amount of time they are displayed.

Hill moved to approve the display of 18” x 24” yard signs promoting the Huntington Valley Arts Event on October 18, 2025 and the Huntington Valley Arts First Friday Events on November 7, 2025 and December 5, 2025 for two weeks prior to each event and up to 48 hours after each event at following locations: on the Round Church green at the intersection of Huntington Road and Cochran Road, at the intersection of Huntington Road and Hinesburg Road, at the intersection of Dugway Road and Huntington Road, at intersection of Wes White Hill and Cochran Road and at the intersection of Rt 2 and Cochran Road. The signs will be in the public right-of-way. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved


Update on developing a sign policy and discussion of a plan for responding to request to display signs at the Town Center
Timestamp: 0:38

Houle stated that in general the sign policy is done by Zoning and not by the Selectboard.  Any sign in the current right-of-way is subject to Town control and violation.  Arneson confirmed that information about where signs can and cannot go currently lives in the Zoning regulations.  Arneson reviewed the question about if there should be a policy for Selectboard or government speech.  Arneson summarized that the Selectboard might want to consider a policy to handle requests from the public for signs that are not event or campaign orientated.  Arneson stated that government property is somewhat exempt from Zoning.  

Wood summarized that sign requests would need to convince the Selectboard if it is something the Selectboard wants to say.  Filkins stated that people would use public comment to voice opinions on signs they might want to adopt.  Oborne confirmed that the Selectboard has the right to approve something like 40 signs for the same event on the Town lawn for 6 months.  Arneson added that any sign on the right-of-way or on Town property would be approved by the Selectboard.  Wood stated that they need a policy about various types of signs placed on Town Property or in the right-of-way.  Oborne suggested the Selectboard develop an internal policy and not put it into the Zoning document.  It would be an administrative nightmare with all the roads, buildings, and property the Town owns.  

Arneson stated that the current Zoning for any sign to be located within the public road or highway right away, including public sidewalks, the Richmond Selectboard must issue written approval with any attached conditions prior to placement of the sign.  Wood clarified the distinction that a member of the public can come and try to convince the Selectboard it is an opinion they want to display.  In other words, a person could try to convince the Selectboard in public comment or privately.  Arneson stated that they may need to change the Zoning regulations because it currently says the Selectboard approves anything in the right-of-way.  Arneson suggested creating a simple form for an event sign’s size and potential locations. Arneson stated that he will create a form so the Friday Food Affair can submit a request.
   

Review of Fays Corner Safety Audit
Timestamp: 0:56
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3g_FaysCorner_Memo_20250924.pdf

Charest presented the CCRPC’s Safety Audit. There is a general concern that crashes are under reported, but found four reported crashes during a 14-year timeframe. Charest summarized the recommendations to increase the visibility of signs, consolidating some signs, and possible reconfiguration of the intersection by converting to a two-way or all-way stop.  Sander pointed out that the concrete bridge is in dire need of replacement.  Sander stated that the brush cutting is a priority for visibility. 

Gosselin stated that speed is the issue as cars going off the road happens in the winter months when there is no vegetation. Gosselin suggested a speed zone so they can implement traffic calming devices like speed humps. Arneson confirmed there was a speed study going on for Hinesburg Rd.  Filkins was to hear from residents about speed calming devices and the noise of jake brakes.  Wood summarized that they would maintain what is there to make sure it is all visible and then wait on the speed study.

Charest reviewed that the speed study 2022 did recommend lowering the speed limit. He doesn’t think will obey a reduced speed limit without speed humps. Wood recognized Farr’s chat that most of the complaints came last summer when Hinesburg Sand & Gravel was trucking materials to rebuild roads.       


Consideration of approval of installing a speed hump on Huntington Rd. west of the intersection with Bridge St.
Timestamp: 1:17
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3h_Speed_Hump_Location.pdf
 

Arneson reviewed that Gosselin proposed a speed hump last summer but there was no official motion. Gosselin summarized the previous study on Thompson, Cochran, Huntington Roads and Bridge St. Gosselin stated that 90% of the problem is the speed of the traffic coming from Huntington Rd into the Village.  Gosselin highlighted the location of the hump and markings as the 25-mph zone starts about 300 feet before Farr Rd. 

Gosselin stated that putting the speed hump further back would probably cause people to accelerate into the Village. Filkins expressed concerns about the noise as it is on a truck route. Farr wondered if people who lived there would be notified about a speed hump.  Farr suggested better signage around the sidewalks and rumble strips.  Arneson reviewed that he would send a letter out to nearby residents to notify them that this would be discussed again at an upcoming meeting. 


Update on questions regarding the Southview 3 Acre Stormwater Permit
Timestamp: 1:31
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3i_Letter_Regarding_Deadline_for_3-Acre_Stormwater_Grant_and_Response_from_State.pdf
 

Filkins recused herself from this discussion. Arneson reviewed the letter in the packet and that the State is going to extend the October 1^st deadline, but they have not provided the exact date. Arneson confirmed that they currently spent $38,968.52 on engineering costs but there is still some work to be done to complete the Notice Of Intent.

Arneson summarized that they could setup a special assessment district with an estimated cost on the high side. In order to set up a special assessment district, the Town would need 50% of the homeowners to agree to be specially assessed for their portion of the engineering costs. Kaleita mentioned a meeting this week about study for a regional stormwater utility that would tax everybody in the Champlain Basin. 


Consideration of appointing an Assistant Fire Chief, possible executive session
Timestamp: 1:46

Arneson reviewed that Adam Wood, Caitlin Filkins, Fire Chief Jerry Levesque, and he interviewed three Fire Department Captains for the role of Assistant Chief. They also asked Fire Department Members for feedback on the three candidates. Wood stated that they had three excellent candidates with three different skill sets so it was a tough decision.  Wood stated that the committee recommends Jacob Kilpeck.  Filkins stated that they were looking for someone who could take the administrative load off of the Fire Chief he could focus more on-scene stuff.   
 

Sander moved to appoint Jacob Kilpeck to the position of Richmond Assistant Fire Chief for a term of three years. Hill seconded.  

Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved


Consideration of approving the placement of a banner on the Town Center lawn to recruit firefighters
Timestamp: 1:52

ParentM reviewed the request to recruit new members to the Fire Department. Parent confirmed that the banner is 3’ by 6’.  

Sander moved to approve the placement of a banner on the Town Center lawn to recruit firefighters for a period of three months. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved

Arneson confirmed that if somebody is interested in joining the Fire Department then they can reach out to the Fire Department directly or there’s an inquiry form at https://www.richmondvt.gov/departments/fire/join-the-fire-department

Update on outreach to neighboring municipalities to discuss short term police coverage and interest in possible long-term cooperation between police departments
Timestamp: 1:55

Arneson reviewed that Williston is not interested in providing contracted coverage but may be interested in discussion of a Union Municipal District. Essex had a similar response. The Chittenden County Sheriff's Office could provide patrol services for $120 per hour but the officer may be limited in calls they can respond to if they are only a level 2 certified officer. The current fallback is State Police. 

Cohen asked if the Selectboard is okay with the State Police coming in for emergencies and him doing the follow-up later. Cohen confirmed that the State Police would be following their own policies and procedures. Arneson suggested revisiting this in March to address Hill’s point about patrolling summer parking and speeding.  Cohen stated that a regional Union Municipal District is probably 5-15 years out

Review of police stabilization and recruitment plan
Timestamp: 2:06
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3m_Richmond_PD_stablization_and_Hiring_action_plan__1_.pdf

Cohen presented the overview in the packet of how to proceed forward with the department that meets the needs of the community. Hill stated that if they are not getting candidates then they need to do something different, and money is really effective. Hill stated this might be perceived as a conflict of interest since he knows somebody who applied for a position in Richmond.  Cohen stated that they can go to almost every department in Chittenden County and find someone who has worked in Richmond.  It is expensive to train a new person and have them leave two years later.  Gilroy observed that an officer in Richmond is not going to specialize in anything, they are going to be a patrolman for life. 

Cohen suggested options like a yearly bonus or a percentage of pay to keep certain certifications. Filkins observed that tuition reimbursement is a huge asset. Cohen stated that the Milton and Essex bonuses are paid out at $5,000 a year.  Hill suggested a 15% increase at step one or front end and a 10% increase at the back end but also noted there is the wrinkle of collective bargaining with the Union.  Arneson observed there is nobody to bargain with right now as Cohen is interim Chief.  Wood mentioned the upcoming budget and suggested that they might adjust the number of positions and pay.  Wood observed that if they were to get 3 full-time officers before July1 then they would still be under budget.  Hill stated they are better off having some positions filled at a higher rate than a lower percentage of positions at a lower rate.  Arneson suggested bringing back some adjustments to the pay grade at the next meeting.  Filkins suggested another agenda item on what pieces they want to invest in. 


Review of draft amendments to the Traffic Ordinance to address parking on Dugway Rd., Wes White Hill, and the eastern end of Cochran Rd.
Timestamp: 2:27
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3n_Traffic_Ordinance_Draft_10-2-25.pdf

Arneson presented the draft changes to the Parking Ordinance specific to getting more enforcement for the swimming holes. Arneson and Cohen identified about 12 locations on Dugway Rd with about 45-50 cars where they could put up signs, but this has not been presented to the Parking Committee. Hill suggested changes under Penalties.  Cohen suggested saying “law enforcement officer” instead of “Richmond Police Officers.”

Ranking from the Parking Committee wondered if $150 for a ticket was appropriate for someone who is visiting a grave at St Mary’s Cemetery on Cochran Rd or people skating at Gillette Pond. Gilroy reviewed the process for determining the current signs on Dugway Rd. Gosselin stated that the community service officer would be something to try that would not strain the Police Department.  Cohen said that he does not want anyone to get hurt over a parking violation so if someone is going to yell and carry-on then the community service officer can write down the plate number and walk away.  Hill stated that the timing is good for the budget conversation. 

Wood suggested sending the Ordinance back to the Parking Committee to identify the areas to limit on Cochran Rd and Wes White Hill. Wood asked if the main objective was to keep the road safe and passable or is it to curtail recreation so it no longer impacts the neighborhood. Hill thought it was to reduce the number of parking issues along with annoyance that comes with it.  Hill observed that he can no longer go to Indian Brook reservoir because you have to be an Essex resident to get a permit.  He also thought that Shelburne Town Beach was restricted to Shelburne residents.  Filkins observed that the beaches where she grew up would give a permit to park all summer long and then sell additional permits.  Arneson confirmed that they would take the proposed changes to the Parking Committee.




Consideration of approving new one-year contract with the Howard Center for Community Outreach Program
Timestamp: 2:53
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3o_FY26_Community_Outreach_9_Town_1_Year_Contract.pdf

Arneson reviewed that the Howard Center lost a grant and might need to increase the municipal contribution for the Community Outreach Program. Richmond’s price actually goes down because it was weighted on usage. Cohen stated that the Howard Center is like the yellow pages for social services.

Sander moved to approve the one-year contract with Howard Center for the Community Outreach Program. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved


Consideration of using funds from the Town Center Fund to pay for repair work on the library sprinkler system
Timestamp: 2:59
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3q1_MountainValleySprinklerQuote9.15.25.pdf
 

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3q2_Memorandum_of_Understanding__Approved_Oct._13__2021.pdf

Arneson reviewed that the Library is responsible for the day-today maintenance but the Town is responsible for larger facility items.

Hill moved to authorize the use of $4,076.44 from the Town Center and Library Reserve Fund to pay for maintenance of the Library’s sprinkler system. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved


Consideration of appointing a representative to Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI)
Timestamp: 3:01

Arneson reviewed that CUSI handles handles a lot of sex crimes in the county. Every municipality that doesn’t have an officer for that position can have a representative on the board. Arneson stated that it does not have to be a Selectboard member and the meetings take place the last Thursday of the month at noon via Zoom.  Hill suggested recruiting citizens for CUSI and CCRPC.


Consideration of appointing an alternate representative to Chittenden Country Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) Board of Directors
Timestamp: 3:02

Hill suggested recruiting citizens for CUSI and CCRPC.


Consideration of accepting the $30,000 Local Economic Impact Payment
Timestamp: 3:04
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3t_Email_On_Economic_Impact_Payment.pdf

Arneson reviewed that the legislature voted to give money to every community affected by flooding in 2024 with the stipulation that it can be used for anything except for something covered by 2024 FEMA payment.

Sander moved to accept the $30,000 in Local Economic Recovery Grant funds and to name Town Manager Josh Arneson as the duly authorized representative, and to allocate up to $5,000 to pay for the portion of the Fire Rescue Truck that is not covered with reserve funds.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved


Consideration of sending a Selectboard representative to the Chittenden County Municipal Elected Official Triannual Forum on October 30, 2025
Timestamp: 3:06
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/10/3u_Chittenden_County_Municipal_Elected_Official_Triannual_Forum_-_October_30.pdf

Arneson reviewed that there is networking and a chance to talk about a few topics that's affecting all of the municipalities. It occurs three times a year and he has signed up and suggests sending two Selectboard members. Wood and Filkins stated that they would go but need to double check the dates.


Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants
Timestamp: 3:10

Minutes:

Wood wanted to add something more about the interaction between Jay and Cara in the 9/15/25 minutes. Sander wanted to go back and look at the minutes before he approved anything.

Purchase Orders:

Hill moved to amend purchase order number 5079 to Watershed Consulting Associates LLC for work on the Southview 3-acre permit to $38,968.52. Sander seconded.

Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins abstains. Motion approved.

Filkins move to approve purchase order number 5298 to Vermont Bond Bank for payment of the bond for the fire truck and Jericho Rd. improvements in the amount of $9,872.40 for the fire truck and $49,802.85 for the Jericho Rd improvements.  Sander seconded.

Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5299 to Toyne, Inc. for final payment on the rescue truck in the amount of $467,746.68. Filkins seconded.

Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
 

Warrants: 

Sander moved to approve the warrants as amended from the October 6, 2025 meeting.  seconded. Filkins seconded. 
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Next Meeting Agenda

-Police Stabilization & Recruitment updates
-Approve amended September 15 minutes

-Speed Humps
-Traffic Ordinance updates

 

Adjourn

Filkins moved to adjourn. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

 

Meeting adjourned at: 10:23 PM

Chat file from Zoom: 
00:10:13          Jean Haskin:    Can’t hear you

00:11:04          Richmond Town Host:           Jean is your speaker turned up? Everyone else can hear us.

00:11:26          Jean Haskin:    I can hear Elise just fine

01:00:17          Andrew Bessette:        sign policy is clear as mud. Andy

01:14:38          Andrew Bessette:        Should have moved Kenyon rd before they rebuild the house in the same place. we are too late now.

01:20:43          Erin Farr:         The complaints about noise were last summer when this was the only route to get from Jericho, Richmond, and Huntington to get gravel in Hinesburg for repairs post flood. It would be interesting to see if residents have seen less Jake brake action now that it is a "normal summer"

01:29:28          Andrew Bessette:        put in a 3 or 4way stop there at Huntington rd, Bridge, Cochran , and  tompson

01:35:36          Jean Haskin:    Do the police park there to catch speeders?

02:48:19          Jean Haskin:    So when you make the sign “all are welcome here” you might add something about “but watch where you park” 😂

02:49:13          Bonny Steuer (she/her):          Reacted to "So when you make the..." with 😂