Selectboard 12/1/25

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Town of Richmond
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of December 1, 2025

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

Absent:  None

Staff Present: Josh Arneson, Town Manager; Duncan Wardwell, Deputy Town Manager; Keith Oborne, Town Planner; Peter Gosselin, Highway Foreman

Others Present:  Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Andrew Bessette, Ash Kreider,

Chelsye Brooks, Connie van Eeghen, Danny Peet, Eberlin, Erin Farr, George Young, Gerald Feenan, Greg Rabideau, Gretchen Paulsen, Jean Haskin, John Linn, Jon Kart, Kate Kreider, Kevin Kennedy, Marshall Paulsen, Mary Houle, Noa, Pete O'Neil, Rebecca Roose, Rose F iPad, Sarah, Steve Coia, Susan Glennon, Susan Wells, Tom Bednar, Trevor Brooks, Virginia Clarke

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/l4BTV2j7Hvc?si=bXFYVDqIBoQpPBe5

Call to Order: 7:01 p.m.
 

Welcome by:  Wood
 

Public Comment:  None
 
Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda:  None

Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present

Reminder of upcoming budget meetings on Monday, December 8, 2025 and Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Timestamp: 0:10

Wood stated that there is an upcoming budget meeting on December 8^th with a final review on Tuesday, January 6^th. After the January 6^th meeting, there is limited time to make any drastic changes so December 8^th is the time to do it.


Update on process to fill the vacancy on the Selectboard
Timestamp: 0:10
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3b_Notice_of_Vacancy_2.pdf

Wood reviewed the dates to fill the vacancy for the Selectboard:
-Wed, December 10, letters of interest are due to the Town Manager
-December 11, letters of interest will be posted on website
-December 15, Selectboard meeting reviews letters and makes an appointment

Arneson confirmed that letters of support for a candidate may be submitted until Dec 15^th meeting. 

Rabideau presented his letter of interest to the Selectboard.


Update on status of completion of Ethics Training and signing of Ethics Acknowledgement forms by committee members and staff
Timestamp: 0:04
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3c_Ethics_Summary_as_of_11-25-25.pdf

Arneson presented that not much has changed since 11/25 list. Individuals and Committee chairs are provided with updates.  Arneson summarized that there is no enforcement from the State, but it would be taken into consideration if there was an Ethics complaint filed against someone.  Hill suggested asking for new appointments to confirm they are willing to take the Ethics training and sign the form as part of the interview.  Arneson confirmed that the list of names could be published for the next meeting in the packet.

 
Consideration of reducing the size of the Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Committee
Timestamp: 0:11

Glennon summarized the downsizing of the Committee to seven members. 

Sander moved to set the size of the Parade and Fireworks Committee to seven members. The following seven members will be on the Committee Haland Stockwell, Tom Carpenter, Sue Glennon, Justin Spence, Rebecca Roose, Julie Wahlin and Stefani Hartsfield.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Discussion of using funds from the July 4th Celebration Reserve Fund to partially pay for the 2026 July 4th Fireworks
Timestamp: 0:15

Roose presented that the July 4^th Committee does not want to put the fireworks on Australian ballot. The 250^th Anniversary of the country is probably not the best time to do it. Haskins asked why they did not want it on Australian ballot.  Roose stated that the Town took over the cost 3 years ago and it has never been on the ballot before.  Wood suggested discussing this at the next budget meeting.  Glennon reviewed that the July 4^th Committee has $1,700 left and are allowed to do a coin drop. Arneson stated that there is $8,700 in the Reserve Fund and if they raise $3,000 then they could contribute $7,000 to Fireworks increase and still have ~$4,600 for expenses.  Roose summarized that they are looking for other business sponsorships to help keep this a free event.  Hill summarized that having the Fireworks on Australian ballot is similar to the Conservation Reserve Fund and Charitable Appropriation Request process.  Wood stated that the Selectboard will discuss the plans at the 12/8 Budget meeting.


Review of annual report for the All-Hazards Mitigation plan
Timestamp: 0:31
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3f_Richmond_2024_HazMitPlan_actions_as_reported.pdf

Arneson reviewed the progress report for road work with a lot of it due to flooding. Arneson thanked the Highway Crew for always doing a little bit more whenever they repair something. 


Discussion of traffic calming options for the intersection of Thompson Rd., Huntington Rd., Bridge St., and Cochran Rd.
Timestamp: 0:32
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3g1_RTC_THBC_Intersection_Alternatives_Presentation_4-2024.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3g2_THBC_Intersection_Pros___Cons_Revised_3-26-2024.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3g3_FINAL_Richmond_VHB_BridgeStreetCorridorStudy_TechnicalMemo_8-27-21-compressed__1_.pdf

Wood and Arneson summarized that this is a follow up to previous discussions on speed humps and Traffic Calming Measures at the intersection. Gosselin said that the four-way stop is an option, but the unknown is the backup on Bridge and Huntington Rds.  Gosselin stated that he thought the simplest solution was the speed humps.  Wood observed that this portion of Town used to be an Agricultural Residential district and is now Village Residential Neighborhoods South and should be similar to the other side of the bridge. 

Gosselin confirmed that adding four stop signs, changing the ordinance and pre-warning could be done. Farr stated that another traffic study should be done during the school year to observe bus and driver traffic as it already backs up without a four-way stop.  Filkins stated the four-way stop is worth exploring but her concern is also the traffic.  It's certainly not easy to navigate if you have no idea what's going on there.  Hill stated that he is inclined to experiment with the four-way stop as it trains drivers not to clog the intersection.  Gosselin stated that it would be about $200 per stop sign.  Arneson reviewed that with a passed Ordinance change they might be able to put up the stop signs by March.  Arneson confirmed that he will get the process started for a draft change in the Ordinance.     


Discussion of misinterpretation of Acting Zoning Administrator authority
Timestamp: 1:05
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3h_Acting_ZA_Policy_signed.pdf

Arneson reviewed how the current Director of Planning and Zoning (Keith Oborne) was training the newly hired Zoning Administrative Officer (Dante DeNault). Arneson reviewed that the actual statute dictates that only the Acting Zoning person may sign when the Zoning Administrative Officer is out of the office for more than two days.  The permit that was approved by the Acting Zoning Administrator was not appealed within 15 days and will be going to the DRB.   Oborne will be signing permits going forward until DeNault is approved.  The Selectboard approves the Acting and Full Administrative Officer.  Oborne confirmed that the procedural defect has been corrected.  The ZA recommendation is on the upcoming Planning Commission meeting.  Oborne confirmed that DeNault had intensive training over the 12 weeks and has been fantastic. 

BrooksC stated that the permit issued was appealed by her and her husband. BrooksC summarized a letter to the Selectboard about the hiring of the ZA before they were hired.  Once they are appointed Zoning Administrator there is not a lot of authority.  BrooksC stated that they appealed the permit for lack of authority and the interpretation of the Town Zoning bylaws.  Now she is in a Zoning appeal because of a mistake at the Administrative level at the Town.  BrooksC stated that the Selectboard should review the permits that have been issued in this period, see when they were signed, type of permits issued, and if any glaring problems.  Wood stated he did not know why they would review permits or pay someone to do it.  Wood stated that a mechanical procedural lesson may have been learned and will continue to evolve.  Wood summarized that the Selectboard cannot step-in and train DeNault better than Oborne.  Arneson confirmed that DeNault has been doing that research to learn how to act as the Zoning Administrative Officer and not just the Acting Zoning Administrative Officer.  BrooksC and Arneson confirmed that DeNault was hired in September and appointed as Acting Zoning Administrative Office on October 6, 2025
    
 
Discussion of a request to develop a Town owned strip of land off of Mary Dr. to rural road standards
Timestamp: 1:23 https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3i1_1109_-_PL1_Boundary_Plat_-_Signed.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3i2_A_mary_drive_property_-_options_as_of_8-12-24.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3i3_Road_Covenants_Lot_12_access_October_2025__1_.pdf

Arneson summarized the previous Selectboard meetings that discussed Peet request to develop Lot 12. Arneson stated that the Town does not maintain the driveway that is on Lot K as it is maintained by the 3 parcels it serves.  The question is if the Town wants to retain ownership of Lot K with the rural road standards of serving four lots.  Arneson stated that Peet wanted to upgrade the lot, upgrade to rural road standards, and the Town retain possession of the road.  

Peet stated that Oborne confirmed that the rural road only needs to go to the first driveway and not Lot 12. Peet presented a plan where the road cost would be shared by the four, but it would stay with the land.  Peet explained the costs associated with the water running down the middle of the road.  Peet stated that he is asking for the Town to keep the 260 feet maintain it in the future.  Gosselin stated that the Town currently does not do any maintenance on that.  KreiderA stated that he lives on Lot J and the main concern is the cost of the upgrade and the charge in maintaining it.  Hill stated that he represents the interests of the Town and takes the same view.  Wood summarized that increasing the width of the road and rural road standards is a significantly higher construction and maintenance than a shared driveway.  Wood stated that he wants an agreement where everybody is okay with it.  BrooksC stated that the extension to go to some lots were never added to Mary Dr stormwater permits.  Filkins summarized that she would like to see an agreement and was not ready to act tonight.  Wood stated they could convey Lot K to anyone and it would be State Statute, but he does not think the Selectboard wants to do it.  Hill summarized that during his ~30 years, he has seen bad things happen from the Town taking over roads. 
 

Discussion of the Stormwater System Maintenance Agreement with Greystone Estates Residents Association for the 3-Acre stormwater permit, possible executive session
Timestamp: 1:56

Filkins recused herself from this item and stated that she would not be returning for the remainder of the meeting due to sickness.

Sander moved to find that premature public knowledge about the Stormwater System Maintenance Agreement with Greystone Estates Residents Association for 3-acre stormwater permit would cause the Town or person to suffer a substantial disadvantage. Hill seconded.

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

Sander moved that we enter into executive session to discuss the Stormwater System Maintenance Agreement with Greystone Estates Residents Association for 3-acre stormwater permit under the provisions of 1 VSA 313(a) (1) (a) of the Vermont Statutes and to invite Town Manager Josh Arneson and Town attorney David Rugh into the executive session. Hill seconded.

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

Sander moved to exit executive session.  Wood seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent. Motion approved.

Sander moved to find the premature public knowledge about the Stormwater Systems Maintenance agreement with Greystone Estates Residents Association for 3-acre stormwater permit would cause the Town or person to suffer a substantial disadvantage.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent. Motion approved.
 

Sander moved that we enter into executive session to discuss the Stormwater System Maintenance Agreement with Greystone Estates Residents Association for 3-acre stormwater permit under the provisions of 1 VSA 313(a) (1) (a) of the Vermont Statutes and to invite Town Manager Josh Arneson and representatives from GERA Tom Bednar, George Young and Kevin Kennedy into the Executive Session.  Hill seconded.  

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

Sander moved to exit executive session.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent. Motion approved.

  
Review of first quarter financials for FY26
Timestamp: 2:02
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3k01_QTR_1_FY26_Budget_Status_General.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3k02_QTR_1_FY26_Budget_Status_Highway.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3k03_QTR_1_FY26_General_Fund_Financials_11-10-25_pdf.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3k04_QTR_1_FY26_General_Fund_Financials_11-10-25_excel.xlsx

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3k05_QTR_1_FY26_Backup__1_Delinquent_Tax_Report.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3k06_QTR_1_FY26_Backup__2_Education_Tax_Report.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3k07_QTR_1_FY26_Backup__3_Tax_Revenue_Report.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3k08_QTR_1_FY26_Backup__4_Tax_Cash_Receipts.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3k09_QTR_1_FY26_Backup__5_Tax_Year_Status.pdf

Arneson provided a summary of the FY26 Q1 financials in the packet. This is the first quarter of FY26 so things should be at about 25% for the year but taxes collected are actually at 140% due to some people paying in advance.  Arneson summarized that a few things are over, a few things are under and nothing is dramatically out of whack.


Review of wording to be added to budget meeting agendas to provide more information on budget meetings and the budget voting process
Timestamp: 2:05
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3l_Wording_for_Budget_Meeting_Agendas.pdf

Arneson presented the notes on the Budget Meeting. Wood stated that the 3-bullet point synopsis hits all the high points so people will read it.  Hill suggested posting it on Front Porch Forum. 


Review of draft Town Meeting warning
Timestamp: 2:07
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/11/3m_TOWN_REPORT_2025_WARNING_DRAFT_AS_OF_11-24-25.pdf

Arneson reviewed there might be some changes and there are only two votes from the floor. One is to hear and accept the report to the Town Officers, and the other is to transact any business legally that may become before the meeting so it could be a very short in person meeting. The Australian ballot will have many articles.  There will be two informational meetings that explain the budget and the Australian ballot.  Wood stated that the last time to make changes to the budget are at the December 8^th and January 6^th meetings and the informational meetings only present the vote.   


Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants
Timestamp: 2:11

Minutes:

Hill moved to approve the minutes of November 17, 2025. Sander seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent. Motion approved.

Hill moved to approve the minutes of November 20, 2025. Sander seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent. Motion approved.

Purchase Orders:

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5300 to Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District for second quarter education taxes in the amount of $2,254,208.59

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

Warrants: 

Sander moved to approve the warrants from the December 1, 2025 meeting. Hill seconded. 
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent. Motion approved.


Next Meeting Agenda
-Greystone and Southview updates
-Budget meeting on December 8^th
-Stop signs
-Housing Committee and Water/Sewer
-4^th of July updates

-Planning Commission recommendation


 

Adjourn

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

Meeting adjourned at: 10:13 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
00:05:59          Caitlin Filkins:            Just a note that I may be on and off camera but I am here! I have a bad cold so dialing in.

00:08:22          Caitlin Filkins:            Thanks Greg - Apologies to miss you in person.

00:11:11          Trevor Brooks:            Can you publish the list?

00:13:12          Trevor Brooks:            Thanks

00:30:10          Jean Haskin:    I would like to see it on the ballot

00:30:49          Jean Haskin:    It’s a huge increase

00:37:40          Steve Coia:      We live on the corner of Cochran and Thompson and this intersection is an accident/injury/tragedy waiting to happen. Almost daily we hear horns being used at people who are approaching from the bridge and are going straight onto Thompson. They stop and yield, as they should, to traffic coming from Huntington Rd and the driver behind them is often caught off guard and blasts them w/ their horn. If there was a stop sign installed on Bridge St coming from the bridge everyone would expect a stop to occur. We have learned to use our left turn signal even when we are going straight across but many folks do not know to do this.

00:40:35          Jean Haskin:    How many accidents in the last 50 years

00:45:12          Andrew Bessette:        How expensive is 4 stop sign, try stop signs first. and see what happens.

00:45:29          Jean Haskin:    Worried vs accidents

00:45:56          Jean Haskin:    I worry about paying my taxes

00:54:46          Jean Haskin:    Just leave the intersection as is

00:57:08          Erin Farr:         I don't know if its possible but can we hire Shelburne PD or an agency to enact a 4-way stop for a week at both ends of the travel day to see what the impact of traffic is?

00:58:45          Jean Haskin:    4 way stop is going to create accidents. People won’t know who should go first.

01:01:21          Andrew Bessette:        people know how to use a 4way stop. it will slow traffic, you only need 2 more stop sign, I would like to try 4way stop for a while to see what happens. How expensive is 2more stop signs.

01:07:30          Jean Haskin:    Good topic for town meeting discussion

01:43:58          Trevor Brooks:            Prorated based on use

02:00:08          Caitlin Filkins:            Take a look at Overlook Lane covenants as an example