Selectboard 3/16/26

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Town of Richmond 
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of March 16, 2026

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

 

Absent: None

Staff Present: Josh Arneson, Town Manager; Duncan Wardwell, Deputy Town Manager; Susanne Parent, Town Clerk; Jim Feinson, Town Treasurer; 

Others Present: Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Chelsye Brooks, Connie van Eeghen, Denise Barnard, Fran Thomas, Hegg, Hibby Regan, Jazmyn Sylvester-Cross, Jean Haskin, John Linn, Judy Bush, Logan Hegg, Marcy Harding, Marshall Paulsen, Melissa Wolaver, Noa, Sam Pratt, Tess Storrs,  Trevor Brooks, 

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/9jGarMURHR4?si=6dnTTyPLXsp23xKm 

Call to Order: 7:03 PM

 

Welcome by:  Wood

 

Public Comment:  Filkins stated that the Selectboard has been having conversations with Chief Cohen about the Police force being fully prepared to deal with ICE agents.


Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda:  None


Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present


Reorganization: Selection of Chair and Vice Chair, Board Secretary, Official Newspapers
Timestamp: 0:01

Wood stated that he would be willing to serve as Chair for one more year before passing it off.  Filkins stated that she is not prepared to ascend to Chair yet but would serve another year as Vice-Chair.

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

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

Sander moved to appoint Caitlin Filkins as Selectboard Vice Chair.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins abstains. Motion approved.

Sander moved to appoint Duncan Wardwell as Selectboard Secretary.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

Sander moved to designate the Burlington Free Press, Times Ink!, Williston Observer, and Seven Days as the official newspapers of Richmond.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Town Meeting follow up: Thank you to voters and candidates
Timestamp: 0:07
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3b_2026_Elections_Results_Detailed_Version.pdf

Wood thanked all the candidates and voters who turned out for Town Meeting.  Wood stated that they had a lively yet respectful discussion. Rabideau observed that people handled themselves with respect towards their opponents.  Filkins stated that Richmond is setting the tone for living in a community and having tough conversations where they do not all agree. 

Paulsen stated that as a member of the Board of Civil Authority, the voting procedure went very smooth with the new leadership and tutelage of the Town Clerk, Susanne Parent.  Paulsen reminded the members of Selectboard that they are members of the Board of Civil Authority and are welcome to help count votes.  He does not actively ask them to do it.  Wood observed that it seemed to run very smoothly and appreciated Parent’s efforts.
 

Reminder of annual outreach for volunteers to apply to serve on Town committees
Timestamp: 0:13
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3c_Volunteer_Outreach_for_Committee_Membership.pdf

Wood reviewed that they are always seeking volunteers for Town Boards and Committees and there is a list on the website:
https://www.richmondvt.gov/boards-meetings/vacancies-committees-commissions

Arneson stated that the deadline is April 8 for applications to terms that begin in June.  The Selectboard will make appointments at their May 18 meeting.
 

Public Hearing on FY27 Capital Plan
Timestamp: 0:15
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3d1_FY27_Capital_Plan_Narrative_Draft_03-11-26_DRAFT_3_Tracked_Changes.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3d2_FY27_Capital_Plan_Draft_03-11-26_DRAFT_3_clean.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3d3_Warning_Capital_Plan_2026.pdf

Sander moved to open the public hearing to consider adoption of the FY27 Capital Plan.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

Arneson thanked Finance Director, Connie Bona, for giving them the structure to put together the Capital Plan over the last 4-5 years.  Arneson stated that one of the main changes is to get away from having debt service and paying for larger pieces of equipment with cash.  This avoids interest fees.  The Capital Plan becomes important when considering money that needs to go into Reserve Funds to plan for those purchases. Each Reserve Fund in the Capital Plan has a specific purpose and figures out what year those funds will be expended.  

Since the Capital Plan was posted for the hearing, there have been some changes.  Some purchases from the Highway Department are going to come in in slightly different fiscal years, just based on timing.  Dump Truck #2 was adjusted to match the actual cost.  Dump Truck #4 will not come in until FY27, including the plow package and dump body.  Pickup Truck #5 was moved to FY27 and was updated to match the actual cost.  Tractor/Mower/Loader #12, was moved to FY26.  Arneson stated that the overall spending didn't change a whole lot.  It just moves things around over a couple of fiscal years and matches the trade-in values with the fiscal years.

 

Filkins moved to close the public hearing to consider adoption of the FY27 Capital Plan.

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

 

Sander moved to adopt the FY27 Capital Plan.  Hill seconded.

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


Consideration of appointment of Delinquent Tax Collector
Timestamp: 0:20

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3e_DelinquentTax_Laurie_Brisbin_02-08-26.pdf

Wood stated that Brisbin has been serving in this role since 2011.  Brisbin confirmed that she was still interested.

Sander moved to appoint Laurie Brisbin to the position of Delinquent Tax Collector. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of approving a request to use the Town Center campus for the Radiate Art Crawl on Sunday, September 27, 2026
Timestamp: 0:21
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3f_Art_Crawl_2026_Request.pdf

Bush stated that it would be much the same as the last 2 years.  Rabideau stated that it really enriches the Town, and he greatly appreciates the people who help put it together.  Bush confirmed that there will be several food trucks.  Wood stated that everyone from 4 to 40 years old had a great time in the past.

Filkins moved to approve the use of the Town Center campus for the Art Crawl on Sunday, September 27, 2026.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of approval of Access Permit Application AC2026-001 for proposed sub-divided lot at 593 Williams Hill Road
Timestamp: 0:23
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3g_AC2026-001-Hetzel-WH0593_for_SB.pdf

Arneson confirmed that Highway Foreman, Pete Gosselin, measured and confirmed that it is within standard regulation.

Sander moved to approve access permit number AC2026-001 for an access at 593 Williams Hill Rd.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of approving a request to close the following roads on Saturday, July 25, 2026 for the Round Church Women’s Run: Farr Rd., Thompson Rd. and the eastbound lane of Cochran Rd. from 7:25am – 9:15am
Timestamp: 0:24
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3h_2026_letter_to_town_manager_Round_Church_Womens_Run.pdf

Sylvester-Cross summarized the request to hold the annual 5K & 10K road race to help benefit Girls on the Run Vermont and the general public.

Filkins moved to approve the Round Church Women’s Run to be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 and to close the following roads Farr Rd., Thompson Rd. and the eastbound lane of Cochran Rd. from 7:25am – 9:15am on the day of the event.  Sander seconded
Roll call Vote follows discussion.

Sylvester-Cross confirmed that there was a plan for public safety.  Arneson stated that the Richmond Police Department might have some capacity this year.

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


Update from the Volunteers Green and Browns Court Committee
Timestamp: 0:28

Barnard reviewed the history and progress of the Committee.  They are working on the Browns Court parking lot and Volunteers Green pavilion.  


Consideration of approving up to $22,000.00 from the Special Projects Reserve Fund for an engineer to design a pavilion for Volunteers Green
Timestamp: 0:32
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3j_2026-02-20_Richmond_Green_Pavilion__1_.pdf

Barnard confirmed that this would be to replace the current Bandshell.  Barnard reviewed how Bob Neeld performed a current evaluation of the Bandshell.  John Linn and Ben Bush designed two different pavilions to replace the Bandshell.  Thomas stated that in order to bring the current Bandstand up to handicap accessible standards, it would have cost between $165,000-$204,000.  

Linn presented the two plans that the Committee thought the most feasible.  Wood thanked John and Ben for doing all this work pro-bono.  Linn stated that there is a simple and complicated version. Barnard stated that Gary Bressor has been to a lot of their meetings as he built the original Bandshell.  Barnard summarized that the pavilion would be ground level with no need for handicap ramping and at the back there would be two handicap accessible bathrooms with a storage area.  Barnard stated that they would like to use the first three fee proposals:  the schematic design for the two pavilion options, the final design for the chosen option, and the floodplain consulting.

Hill stated that in the fiduciary interest of the Town, the Selectboard should always pay attention to both the money and the process for procurement of services.  Rabideau stated that flood resilient construction is a must. Rabideau observed that some people are doing major timbering in Town so maybe they can get some lumber donated.

Thomas confirmed that a brand-new playground would move up to the pavilion and the old bathrooms down by the ball fields would be demolished.  Barnard stated that there would be a nice fence where children would be safe from the river and the road.   

Arneson reviewed that $426,000 remains in the Special Projects Reserve Fund because they already put some money into the pickleball courts.  
   
Hill moved to enter into an agreement with Engineering Ventures for final design of a pavilion at Volunteers Green in an amount not to exceed $22,000.00 with funds to come from the Special Projects Reserve Fund that are earmarked for use in the parks.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote follows discussion.

Wood stated that they will have to hire an estimator as the contractor is not going to give a fine number on two different items.  Rabideau stated that it is good to conduct periodic estimating to make sure they are not designing themselves in a blind corner.  

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


Consideration of approving up to $9,691.50 from the Special Projects Reserve Fund for materials for a parking lot at Browns Cout which will be constructed by the Richmond Highway Department
Timestamp: 0:51
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3k2_Browns_Court_Plans.pdf

Barnard reviewed that the DRB already approved this and the Committee would layout the parking lot with markers before they dig.  Thomas reviewed that most estimates were $40,000 or higher to build the parking lot.  The Highway Department could put it on the Spring schedule and absorb the labor/equipment costs.  Hill asked about pedestrian movement at the intersection with Browns Court.  Thomas stated that there is room along the 10-foot setback and a pedestrian could walk around the parking lot and out to the road without any trouble.  Wood suggested not using Hinesburg Sand and Gravel stone for this project as it is mostly river run and it will not last.  Wood stated that McCullough’s is the gold standard for nice crushed gray stones. 

Sander moved to approve the use of up to $12,000.00 from the Special Projects Reserve Fund for materials for a parking lot at Browns Court. These funds will come from the funds that are earmarked for use in the parks.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of making an appointment to the Conservation Commission
Timestamp: 1:04
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3l_RCC_Stanger__Trevien.pdf

Wood reviewed that this is for a vacant seat and the Conservation Commission endorsed his application.  Rabideau stated that he was impressed with the resume for this position.  Filkins stated that she worked with him many years ago and he is wonderful.  Pratt, the Conservation Commission Chair stated that he actively recruited him for the vacant position.

Sander moved to appoint Trevien Stanger to the Conservation Commission to fill a vacant seat with a term that is expiring in 2027.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of approving a request to use $115.00 from the Conservation Reserve Fund to cover the cost of equipment for the Save Our Salamanders Network project
Timestamp: 1:07
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3m_2026_RSOSN_CRF_App_Final_Draft.pdf

Pratt reviewed that this is the 3^rd year that the Conservation Commission is leading the charge on the Richmond Save Our Salamanders Network project.  There are a number of amphibians crossing with a lot of traffic along Cochran Rd and Rt 2.  They are trying to save them by getting them across the road but also counting them so they can report the data to North Branch Nature Center.  

Pratt wondered if it was an issue if this was a request from the Conservation Commission.  Hill observed that the Save Our Salamanders Network does not have a 1-to-1 correspondence with the Conservation Commission.  Filkins stated that she thinks it is a matter of calling out the appearance of bias or a conflict of interest.  Wood stated that the Selectboard is the check and balance when the request is coming from the Conservation Commission.  Rabideau stated that the Selectboard always reserves the rights to say this looks inky to us.  Wood suggested making a note that lists the Conservation Commission as the requester, how the funds will be used, and the request will not enrich any individual member.  

Filkins moved to approve the use of $115.00 from the Conservation Reserve Fund to cover the cost of equipment for the Save Our Salamanders Network project.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of approving the use of $50.00 from the Conservation Reserve Fund to join the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions
Timestamp: 1:18

Pratt reviewed that this is for the whole Conservation Commission.  This helps them not reinvent the wheel and identify grant opportunities.  The Selectboard debated if it should come from the Conservation Reserve Fund or Association Dues in the Administration Budget.

Hill moved to approve the $50.00 fee to join the Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions with funding to come from the Association Dues in the Administration Budget.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Discussion of purchase of a banner for the Conservation Commission to use for tabling at the Richmond Farmers Market and other events
Timestamp: 1:23

Pratt summarized that this is about recruitment and education as they have done tabling at the Farmers Market.  The banner or sign would do a better job engaging the public.  Pratt confirmed that he would research the cost.  Wood confirmed that there is precedent for having a banner made for a Department’s or Commission’s purpose of recruiting.  Arneson stated that the Fire Department and Planning Commission has a budget line item for such purposes.  Arneson reviewed that it is probably $100-$200 that could come out of the Conservation Reserve Fund or Advertising in Administration.  Wood and Filkins stated that a banner should probably not come out of the Conservation Fund but a different budget.  Wood stated that they should take it out of a budget line item that most reflects the use, even if that line item goes over budget.  Rabideau stated that ought to be available to other boards and commissions and the Selectboard could develop some sort of standard for how the Town is represented.  Filkins summarized that the Selectboard will expect the Conservation Commission to come back with a budget approval and design they would like to see.

  
Consideration of setting a date for a Special Meeting for a vote to reconsider traffic ordinance amendment that would allow for stop signs to be installed on Huntington Rd. and Bridge St. where these roads intersect with Thompson Rd. and Cochran Rd., setting a date for a Public Informational Meeting, and review of materials to have available for the Public Informational Meeting
Timestamp: 1:30
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3p1_ELECTION_SPECIAL_MTG_WARNING_SPRING_2026_DRAFT.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3p2_Traffic_Ordinance_from_hearing_on_1-5-26_pending_vote_due_to_submittal_of_petition.pdf 

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3p3_RTC_THBC_Intersection_Alternatives_Presentation_4-2024.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3p4_THBC_Intersection_Pros___Cons_Revised_3-26-2024.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3p5_FINAL_Richmond_VHB_BridgeStreetCorridorStudy_TechnicalMemo_8-27-21-compressed__1_.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3p6_Crash_and_Speed_Data.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3p7_THBC_Intersection__1_.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3p8_Richmond_Accidents_2012_to_2024.xls

Wood reviewed that the Selectboard has 60 days from the receipt of the petition to warn the Public Informational Meeting and Special Meeting for the vote.  The two dates proposed for the Special Meeting would be Thursday, April 16 or Tuesday, April 28 (both of those days are not during school break, Apr 20-24).  Arneson summarized that they need at least three Selectboard members for the Public Informational Meeting.  Arneson listed the three optimal dates for the Public Informational Meeting (setup by MMCTV in the Library) as March 31, April 14, and April 16.  Haskins suggested pushing it out an additional week or two after the school break because it is not going to be a priority for anybody getting back to their normal lives.  Arneson summarized that early voting would open 20 days prior to this.  Filkins suggested having the Info session on April 14 and the vote on April 16.  Arneson observed the downside is it only gives people 2 days to vote after the Public Informational Meeting.  Filkins stated that if the Special Meeting is on April 16, then it provides early voting that does not overlap with April break for school.     

Rabideau moved to warn a Special Meeting on April 16, 2026 and an Informational Meeting on March 31, 2026, to reconsider the amendments that were made to the Traffic Ordinance on January 5, 2026.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

 

Arneson presented the different items they would include in the packet for the Informational Meeting.  Rabideau summarized that people will not be voting on their preferred choice at the intersection but voting yes or no to what the Selectboard already decided to change in the Traffic Ordinance.  Filkins stated that people can look at it themselves in their own time if they put it all in the packet.  Wood stated that it is important to put all that in there, simply to show the history of the discussion and how it's evolved and taken shape.  Wood reviewed that the Selectboard collectively voted that stop signs were the least bad option, but they do not want to put anything in the packet to specifically sway people.  Arneson stated that he would get the meeting warned the next morning:
https://www.richmondvt.gov/calendar/meeting/selectboard-3-31-26
https://www.richmondvt.gov/calendar/meeting/selectboard-4-16-26 


Update on Chittenden Country Regional Planning Commission’s Municipal Elected Official Forum
Timestamp: 1:52
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/3q_Letter_on_March_30_Municipal_Elected_Official_Forum.pdf

Wood stated that he would enjoy going as the current Selectboard Chair.  Filkins cannot go on that day.  Filkins stated that last year, it was helpful to have other folks dealing with a lot of the same things.  Arneson stated that people need to register by March 23 and the Forum is on March 30, 6-8 PM.  Rabideau stated that he would plan to go as well.  


 

Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants

Minutes:

Sander moved to approve the minutes of March 2, 2026.   Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Purchase Orders:  

Rabideau moved to approve purchase order number 5368 to Pyrotecnico for fireworks on the Fourth of July in the amount of $22,000 with $15,000 to come from the budgeted fireworks line and $7,000 to come from the Fourth of July Reserve Fund.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Consideration of using the Town Center Reserve Fund to pay for repairs to the water heater at the Richmond Free Library

Sander moved to approve the use of $2,646.96 from the Town Center Reserve Fund to pay for the replacement of the water heater at the Library.  Hill seconded. 

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

 

Warrants:

Sander moved to approve the warrants as presented.  Filkins seconded. 
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Next Meeting Agenda
-Southview update
-Police Department update


Adjourn

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

Meeting adjourned at:  9:07 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
01:36:58          Jean Haskin:    Can you push it out another week

01:52:34          Jean Haskin:    Many people asked for data