Selectboard 12/15/25

Printable version

Selectboard Minutes 12-15-25 4 MB

Web version

Town of Richmond
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of December 15, 2025

Members Present: Bard Hill, Greg Rabideau, David Sander, Adam Wood

Absent: Caitlin Filkins

Staff Present: Josh Arneson, Town Manager; Duncan Wardwell, Deputy Town Manager; Susanne Parent, Town Clerk; Keith Oborne, Town Planner

Others Present:  Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Angela Cote, Bonnie, Brian Tillman, Bruce LaBounty, Cara LaBounty, Chelsye Brooks, David Sunshine, Debbie, Dorian, Dorian Evans, Doug Thompson, Erin Farr, iPhone de Carmelo, Jay Furr, Jennifer Supple, JP, June Heston, Kathleen's iPad, Kevin & Mary Ann Kittenger, Margo Muttilaninen, Mark Hubbard, Marshall Paulsen, Mary Houle, Matt Leonetti, Matt Moultroup, Mike Werner, Nicholas Johnson, Nick, Noa, Noa Y, Paige Kaleita, Pam Foust, Paul Garrett, Polly's iPad, Reid Webster, Robin Pesci, Roger Knakal, Sarah Heim, Sarah Moultroup, Stephen Eichenberger, Tom Bednar, Trevor Brooks, Virginia Clarke

MMCTV Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/BzHl_jf_Tlk?si=82wltKNgMGXlSw5D
 
Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.
 

Welcome by:  Wood
 

Public Comment: 

Kaleita stated that the Town Attorney, David Rugh, is not held to the same Ethics standards as Town employees.  He has made jabs towards Southview’s 3-Acre homeowners which were meant to annoy, divide, and instigate.  The Town Attorney is pitting Southview against the Town when Southview is the Town and deserves more respect.  The Attorney advised the Town to abandon the NOI for the Southview 3-Acre Stormwater permit in 2023 which caused direct financial and emotional harm to those that live in 3-Acre sites.  The Town hired one of the most expensive engineering firms.  The Attorney’s advice has directly harmed Richmond taxpayers.  Encumbered properties may face potential fines from the State of Vermont with potential liens on properties.  Kaleita suggested that the Selectboard find different representation or else it validates his unethical behavior.  

LaBountyC stated that for the first time in her life, she has experienced fear coming to a meeting in the community and speaking publicly.  She apologized to the Selectboard if they ever felt that she was rude or bullying.  She thanked Filkins for recognizing, supporting and calling out an unwarranted attack on her.  LaBountyC summarized the time it has taken her to heal and forgive everyone’s role in the attack.  LaBountyC stated that she is an attentive questioner and she doesn't always agree on topics with the Selectboard.  LaBountyC begged the Selectboard to stop spreading hate for both individuals and groups.  LaBountyC summarized how she was chased and screamed at as she went to her car in the parking lot.  LaBountyC stated that people are afraid of the local government and staff and don’t dare post on Front Porch Forum condemning this behavior.  LaBountyC asked the Selectboard to look within and acknowledge their role in instilling this fear and to work with all the community to heal.  LabountyC requested that the Selectboard stop texting/passing notes during meetings, encourage participation, and rewatch the meetings when community members are cut off or talked over.  LaBountyC stated that the Selectboard should welcome people with body language and eye contact like they were doing tonight.  LaBountyC stated that she was not comfortable staying tonight as she still did not feel welcome.   
 

Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda:  None


Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present

 

Consideration of making an appointment to fill the vacancy on the Selectboard, possible executive session
Timestamp: 0:11
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3a1_Moultroup__Matthew_Letter_of_Interest.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3a2_Rabideau__Gregory_letter_of_interest.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3a3_Thomas__Dave_-_letter_of_support.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3a4_Paulson__Marshall_-_letter_of_support.pdf

Wood summarized the plan to interview both candidates in public session, consider a brief executive session, then make the appointment in public.  Houle stated that there is no need to go into executive session because there is not contract and they are not Town employees.  

Moultroup stated that he has been a Richmond resident since the day he was born and the Moultroup family is a large population.  He wants to step up and help out.  Wood summarized the Selectboard received many letters of support for both candidates.  Moultroup stated that he is prepared for Selectboard meetings and his family is supportive of the time it takes.  Moultroup described his strengths as being able to look at the second and third effect of things beyond the initial problem like the speed humps on Cochran Rd creating extra traffic through Town.  Moultroup stated he would be able to familiarize himself with the upcoming budget for upcoming meetings.  

Rabideau stated that he has lived in Richmond for 38 years and raised a family on Snipe Ireland Rd.  Rabideau summarized his career as an architect but retired a year and a half ago so no longer had any conflicts of interest.  Rabideau listed his activities with the Richmond Congregational Church, the Rescue Squad, the VYCC Monitor barn project, and the Town Center.  Rabideau stated that he understands the ethics of being a public servant and the responsibility to make sure all voices are heard.  Rabideau stated that he was willing to serve on the Water & Sewer Commission.  Rabideau confirmed that he would also run for the term in the General Election on Town Meeting Day.  Moultroup stated that he also plans to run for the term on Town Meeting Day.

Sander presented the awkward situation for the Selectboard to choose a candidate as it is an elected position.  Wood stated that the Selectboard is lucky to have two very qualified candidates step forward.   Houle supported Moultroup’s youth and experience with the military and stated that the Selectboard should be more open minded.  Sander summarized that this is a 5-meeting appointment before the voters decide in March between these two candidates.

Sander moved to appoint Greg Rabideau to fill the current vacancy on the Selectboard until an election can be held at Town Meeting in 2026 to fill the remaining one year of the three year term.  Hill seconded.

Roll Call Vote follows discussion.

Houle stated the Selectboard is not obliged to fill the position until March.  Hill stated that they benefit from having 5 members.  Wood confirmed that having another person for some significant issues will be beneficial to the Town.

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


Reminder of upcoming budget meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Timestamp: 0:45
 

Wood summarized that the Selectboard can still make final tweaks and changes to the budget at that meeting.  


Review of use of unassigned and restricted funds to fund reserve funds in draft FY27 budget
Timestamp: 0:46
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3c1_FY27_Budget_Draft__3A_12-15-25_excel.xlsx

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3c2_FY27_Budget_Draft__3A_12-15-25.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3c3_FY27_Capital_Plan___3A_12-15-25_excel.xlsx

Wood summarized that the Town underfunded the Reserves last year with a lot of money tied up in flood stuff.  If there was a flat tax rate this year, it would have left Reserves underfunded and off schedule still.  The Selectboard is proposing to increase those Reserve contributions this coming year to get back on track.  Arneson reviewed that it will help flatten out the tax increases from FY28 & FY29.  Arneson summarized the previous discussions about Reserve funds.  Arneson stated the current tax rate increased over last year by 3.98%.  Sander stated that the CPI index had gone up since they started the budget meetings.  Wood observed that the tax increase was not zero but lower than inflation.   

Update on increasing hours for Assistant Town Clerk for second half of FY26
Timestamp: 0:51

Arneson reviewed the increase in hours from 12 to 20 hours which includes January through June to cover Town Clerk recordings and payroll training for the retirement of the Finance Director.  The total cost is about $5,200 over six months.  

Update on status of completion of Ethics Training and signing of Ethics Acknowledgement forms by committee members and staff
Timestamp: 0:56
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3e1_Ethics_Form_and_Training_Compliance_Summary_as_of_12-12-25.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3e2_Ethics_Form_and_Training_Compliance.pdf

Wood summarized that the Town has ramped up efforts to gain compliance and get training completed.  Wood stated that the list of all public positions is posted in the packet for transparency.  Arneson stated the reasons why some people have trouble completing and these are the highest compliance numbers ever.  


Consideration of making an appointment to the Conservation Commission
Timestamp: 1:01
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3f_RCC_Trevor_Brooks_11-25-25.pdf

BrooksT summarized his interest in participating in Town activities and volunteer to help out.  BrooksT stated that he can attend the meetings and already completed the Ethics training.

Sander moved to appoint Trevor Brooks to the Conservation Commission to fill the vacant seat with the term ending in 2029. Rabideau seconded.

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

Consideration of approving the Catamount Outdoor Family Center’s Spring Gravel Ride scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026
Timestamp: 1:03
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3g1_2026_Town_of_Richmond_Gravel_Ride_25-2.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3g2_Gravel_Ride_Signage_Plan.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3g3_Gravel_Safety_Plan_2026-May2.pdf

Wood reviewed that it is a gravel ride that takes place a little bit on Richmond roads.  Arneson illustrated the map in the packet.  

Sander moved to approve the Catamount Outdoor Family Center’s Spring Gravel Ride scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026 with a rain date of Sunday, May 3, 2026.  Hill seconded.

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

Consideration of approving a grant application to Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission’s Unified Planning Work Program to study traffic at the intersection of Jolina Ct., Bridge St. and Railroad St
Timestamp: 1:05
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3h_FY27_UPWP_APPLICATION__1_.pdf

Oborne reviewed the application posted online about that intersection.
 

Sander moved to approve a grant application to Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission’s the Unified Planning Work Program to study traffic at the intersection of Jolina Ct., Bridge St. and Railroad St. Hill seconded

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

Update on process to appoint a Zoning Administrative Officer
Timestamp: 1:09
 

Arneson reviewed the process for the Planning Commission to nominate a Zoning Administrative Officer before it is voted on by the Selectboard.  The January 5^th meeting of the Selectboard will provide an update if the Planning Commission has a nomination.  


Submittal of non-recusal form from Development Review Board Chair David Sunshine for non-recusal in the appeal of a permit at 1330 Jericho Rd.
Timestamp: 1:10
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3j_VT_Disclosure_of_Conflict_Fillable_Form.pdf

Wood reviewed that Sunshine did not recuse himself after being asked to do so by a member of the public.  Sunshine had 5 business days to submit a non-recusal statement to the Selectboard.  The fifth business day was November 19 and the non-recusal statement was received on December 16.  On December 10, the DRB moved to invalidate the permit as it was signed by the Acting Zoning Administrator.  

Sunshine reviewed that he could have recused himself and still had a DRB quorum.  BrooksC stated that right before these new ethics rules, the Town lawyer wrote a memo that an abiding landowner should just recuse.  Wood stated that having these forms filed out with reasons for or against recusal by the member being documented is a huge step in the right direction.
 

Review of Consent Form for special assessment district for the Southview Stormwater 3-Acre Permit
Timestamp: 1:17
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3k1_25-12-12_Southview_SW_9050_Permit_-_DRAFT_Consent_to_Special_Assessment.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3k2_Responses_to_Questions_Regarding_a_Special_Assessment_District_-_as_of_12-12-25.pdf

Arneson reviewed the Consent Form draft of the special assessment for the cost related to the 3-Acre Permit. Arneson presented the costs associated with engineering fees, the initial permit, permit processing, construction estimate, annual operating fee, annual maintenance fees, plus contingency.  After grants, the total allocated to the Town (36.2%) is $203,822 and the total allocated to the Private Homeowners (63.8%) is $359,223 or about $7,484 per parcel for 48 parcels (about $187 per quarter or $748.38 per year).  Arneson presented the question-and-answer sheet from the packet.  The 5% contingency was included to cover the Town if the cost exceeded the special assessment district number.  They really will not know the actual construction costs until they get bids. 

Heim stated that the draft language should include that the Town can only impose a special assessment using that provision if the Town accepts full legal responsibility for the stormwater system. She will not sign it if they are a co-permittee.  Heim requested that the Selectboard legally commit that if any grant funds come in over the next few years that it would not just be applied to the Town’s portion of the costs, but a portion shared with the residents.  Heim observed the timeline issue of having landowners seek out the information about their deed/title and filling out the information to be notarized.  Arneson confirmed that the Town Attorney usually populates the information, so it is not on the residents to look it up.  Arneson stated that after a few edits and finalizing the numbers, he can bring this back to the January 5^th meeting for Selectboard approval then sending it out to residents for signatures. 

Kaleita reviewed the surprise cost increase in engineering to get the permit submitted. The State said that in order to submit the permit, they need a fully complete design plan which Kaleita thinks is not fiscally responsible because there is so much up in the air with what might happen.  Kaleita wondered if the engineer could confirm if the $50,000 could go down to get the permit submitted.  Arneson confirmed that if the costs are less than the homeowners would be billed the actual costs.  Kaleita stated that it is discriminatory for the Town to cover annual maintenance and permit renewal fees for some neighborhoods and not Southview.  Wood stated that it makes sense that the special assessment term would line up with the duration of fees.  Heston wondered if the legislative stormwater study group decides in 2027 that this was a mistake what happens to people who already invested in this.  Wood summarized that for the best interest of the homeowners, the gamble is to do this now to take advantage of the grant funds, but it might turn out to be a bad gamble.  Hill suggested having a start date in the language that be subsequent to an event like the completion of construction.
 

Arneson stated that he will use his notes to bring back the Consent Form to the January 5^th meeting.    
 

Discussion of the Stormwater System Maintenance Agreement with Greystone Estates Residents Association for the 3-Acre stormwater permit, possible executive session
Timestamp: 2:15

Hill 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. Sander seconded.

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

Hill 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 and George Young into the executive session. Sander seconded.

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

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

Review of draft Town Center Building Window Mural Agreement and License with Radiate Art Space
Timestamp: 0:10
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3m_RID20-Town_center_mural_agreement_-_DRAFT_12-2-25_with_bylaws.pdf

Arneson stated that this agreement was put in place in 2020 and was supposed to be redone annually. He reviewed the agreement with Judy Bush of Radiate Art and they are good with the changes.  Wood summarized that it gives them a little bit more leeway to get stuff completed in the Spring.  Arneson stated he will bring it back as an action item on the January 5^th meeting.   

Update on meeting of the Water and Sewer Commission with the Housing Committee
Timestamp: 2:38

Hill stated that any sizable housing development with density wants public water and sewer and not wells and septic. Richmond is constrained by geography and topography with the Gateway case study where many people think it is a good idea, but nobody wants to pay for it.  Hill reviewed the CHIP process with repays the cost of building infrastructure with an increase in Grand List values but there needs to be enough units to pay for it and a willing developer.  Most available funding opportunities are for low-income communities.  The current Water & Sewer Ordinance puts the burden on the developer to do an expansion in order to protect the current users from an increase in rates. 

Wood stated that it would require a charter change in order to do a local option tax to generate a revenue stream for a specific capital project. Rabideau stated that most people in Richmond do not want to see a 100-unit project in a 5-story building.  Clarke stated that the Water Sewer Commission meeting referenced ~600 possible house sites south of the Winooski River so there is a need for some planning to be done.  Arneson reviewed that he was not sure that 600 was the correct number so would confirm it with the Water and Sewer Superintendent.  Wood stated that the Zoning changes by State Statute the minute the water and sewer is extended.  Hill reviewed that if a line goes in front of your property, then you must abandon the septic tank and fill it in.  Sander reviewed the history of the fire protection fee where the Water and Sewer users pay for what they use for the new tank, but the upsizing was carried by the Town.  Hill suggested planning plausible next steps like housing locations.  Clarke stated that the Housing Committee is writing a letter to the Water Resources Department looking for this extra information.
  

Update on Charge Point service fees for the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (vehicle charging station located at the Town Center)
Timestamp: 3:06

Arneson reviewed that the Charge Point stations were put in 5 years ago with a grant. Arneson stated that the current service fees provide the cloud service and the assurance maintenance/management service of the cloud where they obtain data to set the rates to recoup the cost for electricity.  Arneson extrapolated the 21,785-kilowatt hours of electricity (last year) over the $1,300 service fee which ends up at $0.06 per kilowatt hour on top of the $0.25 fee, or $0.3168 per kilowatt hour.  Rabideau observed that the Town chargers are the older and slower type, but the new gas station has several new chargers.  Arneson stated that he will reach out to the Energy Coordinator to see if he can get information on getting newer chargers at the Town Offices. 

Consideration of setting a hearing date to consider amendments to the Traffic Ordinance
Timestamp: 3:12
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3p_Traffic_Ordinance_Draft_For_Hearing_on_11-17-25.pdf

Wood summarized that this hearing is to review changes that would allow a four-way stop intersection at Bridge St, Huntington Rd, Thompson Rd, and Cochran Rd.

Rabideau moved to set a hearing date of Monday, January 5, 2026, to consider amendments to the Traffic Ordinance. Sander seconded.

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

Review of draft Town Meeting warning
Timestamp: 3:15
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/12/3q_DRAFT_TOWN_REPORT_2025_WARNING_DRAFT_AS_OF_12-15-25.pdf
 

Arneson presented the draft and the change in Article Two for an advisory vote on if the Town of Richmond continues to fund the Fourth of July fireworks. They need to hold one informational meeting within 10 days of the vote although last year they held two.  Arneson proposed Saturday, February 7, 2026m at 10 AM and Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7 PM.

 

Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants
Timestamp: 3:18

Minutes:

Hill moved to approve the minutes of December 1, 2025. Sander seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Rabideau abstains. Motion approved.

Hill moved to approve the minutes of December 8, 2025. Sander seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Wood in favor. Rabideau abstains. Motion approved.

Purchase Orders:  None
 

Warrants: 

Sander moved to approve the warrants from the December 15, 2025 meeting. Hill seconded. 
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

Next Meeting Agenda
-Traffic Ordinance Public Hearing
-3-Acre Stormwater
-Acceptance of waterline easements
-Town Plan Public Hearing
 

Adjourn

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

Meeting adjourned at: 10:38 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
01:50:53          iPhone (2):      Get spreadsheet off

02:56:50          Chelsye Brooks:          He said it could be a max of 20, but I believe he doesn’t plan that much.

03:07:10          Chelsye Brooks:          Do we know when is the drop dead date for when the pump needs to be replaced?

03:23:24          MMCTV Erin Wagg:  Yes to Mmctv viewing data

03:26:38          pkaleita:           It’s fine to put us later…. We all came early tonight for the public comment period 🙂

03:26:55          Trevor Brooks:            I appreciate my appointment not being at the end.

03:27:53          Trevor Brooks:            Although, I’m still here anyway.

03:28:02          MMCTV Erin Wagg:  42