Selectboard 3/2/26

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Town of Richmond 
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of March 2, 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, Alexis, amiedeprince, Andrew Bessette, B Johnsom, Ben Kinnaman, Bonny Steuer, Brendan Buxton, Brendan Filkins, Brian Youngberg, Caitlin Littlefield, Clint Buxton (Town Moderator), Connie van Eeghen, Dave Reisman, Dave Thomas, Debbie, Doug Thompson, Ed Wells, Emilie Tenenbaum, Emily Mitchell (Amy M), Erin Farr , Fran Huntoon, Gerald Feenan, Gretchen Paulsen, Hegg, iPhone, Irwin Langer, Jayne Couillard, Jean Haskin, Jeanne, Jeff Forward, Jessica Arendt, Jessie Heiser, JoEllen Swaine, John Linn, John Rankin, Jon, Judy Bush, Katie Novogroski, Knakal, Logan Hegg, Margaret Cole, Mary Houle, Noa, Paige Kaleita, Peter Swaine, Reid Webster, Rose's iPad, Rusty Charpentier, Ryan Home, Sarah Volinsky, Steve Coia, Steve Coua, Susan Wells, Theodore Lyman, Tim Clark, Velma

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/KfcuwUN3wZk?si=IHjO7uaaeEE9y1me 

Call to Order: 7:03 PM

 

Welcome by:  Wood

 

Public Comment:  

Wood stated that Item e) was to formally receive the petition as the first step in getting that process going.  The Selectboard is not going to dedicate any time to discussing the merits of stop signs at tonight’s meeting.

Houle mentioned that the Town Reports were a little late.  She observed the Common Level of Assessment (pg. 39), commented on the Selectboard report (pg. 40), and stated that the upcoming 250^th Anniversary of our Country was absent.

Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda:  None


Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present



 

Reminder of annual outreach for volunteers to apply to serve on Town committees
Timestamp: 0:03
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3a_Volunteer_Outreach_for_Committee_Membership.pdf

Arneson illustrated the information on the website and in the packet.


Reminder of Town Meeting on March 3, 2026
Timestamp: 0:04
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3b_Link_to_Information_On_Town_Meeting.pdf

Wood provided a reminder about Town Meeting Day:  10 AM at CHMS.  


Consideration of approval of an agreement for engineering for the Southview Stormwater 3-Acre Permit and update on discussions with Vermont Agency of Natural Resources regarding progress on submitting Notice of Intent
Timestamp: 0:05
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3c_Southview-SOW-2-25-26.pdf

Filkins recused herself as a resident of Southview.

Arneson reviewed the agreement in the packet from Watershed Consulting for Selectboard approval.  Arneson stated that it was a productive meeting with the State to secure the grant funding and get the NOI submitted on time.    

Hill moved to approve the agreement with Watershed Consulting to complete the work to submit a full Notice of Intent for the Southview Stormwater 3-Acre Permit.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: 

Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins abstain.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving participation in the Climate Smart Communities Initiatives grant which focuses on flood hazard mitigation activities
Timestamp: 0:14
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3d1_Climate_Smart_Community_Initiative_Proposal.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3d2_Richmond_-_Climate_Smart_Communities_Initiative_-_Letter_of_Support_v2.pdf

Littlefield summarized the letter of support if the Selectboard is interested in serving as a formal municipal partner on this grant proposal.  Littlefield confirmed that any staff time would be less than 8-hours total unless interest emerges from other Town resources, such as the Town Plan.

Filkins moved to approve the letter of support for the Climate Smart Communities Initiative grant.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of planting a tree near the Volunteers Green playground and planting a tree at the Town Center
Timestamp: 0:17

Littlefield reviewed how the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry program would provide a tree to replace the oak and a tree planting workshop surrounding Mother’s Day.  Littlefield stated that Houle helped secure another tree to do some interplanting below the maples that are in front of the Town Center.

Filkins moved to approve planting a tree near the Volunteers Green playground and planting a tree at the Town Center.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Review of procedural process at Town Meeting and procedural options specifically related to Article 3: Shall the voters of the Town of Richmond adopt the following pledge? WE AFFIRM our commitment to freedom, justice, and equality for the Palestinian people and all people; and WE OPPOSE all forms of racism, bigotry, discrimination, and oppression; and WE DECLARE ourselves an apartheid-free community, and to that end, WE PLEDGE to join others in working to end all support to Israel’s apartheid regime, settler colonialism, and military occupation
Timestamp: 0:21
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3f_2026_Procedural_Notes_Regarding_Article_3.pdf

Arneson read Article 3.  Wood illustrated that the Town Moderator, Clint Buxton, would provide some procedural insights.  

BuxtonC stated that the Town Meeting will be conducted using Robert’s Rules of Order except when superseded by Vermont State Law (paper ballots and reconsideration).  All remarks and motions should be directed to the Moderator, and those comments need to stick to the merits of the question.  All Articles must be moved, seconded and restated by the Moderator before discussion can begin.  All motions and amendments are to be made in the affirmative, such that clarity is assured. Non-voters may not vote by voice or by any other means. Voting on an Article starts with a voice-vote and then, if necessary, a division of the house by standing or raising a hand.  A paper-ballot may be requested provided that seven voters call for such a ballot per Vermont State Law.  All Articles can be amended and that amendment may be amended once.  Amendments should be presented in writing such that it can be read to the assembled.  Amendments should be made in the affirmative and must be germane to the original Article. There is no reconsideration on an Article once the vote is declared and the next Article is announced.  State Law allows discussion of warned Articles on Australian ballot with the exception of voting on Town or School officials.  Voters have the right to ask for this discussion, not the Selectboard, nor the School Board, nor the Moderator.  The Moderator asks for a motion to discuss the article, entertain a discussion, and cease the discussion.  If somebody has a question, wait for the Moderator to recognize the person, then stand and state name for the record.  The person that moves the Article onto the floor has a right to speak first. Citizens have the opportunity to speak twice on the Article motion after everybody has a chance to speak once.  Robert's Rules provides a time limit of 10 minutes to speak but if there's no objection, BuxtonC will limit the speaker to 5 minutes. Robert's Rules restricts the reading of printed material and prioritizes conversational, germane debate.

BuxtonC explained the process for “postponing indefinitely” an Article that has been moved to the floor.  If someone requests “postponing indefinitely” an Article, it requires a second, then the merits of the question can still be debated. The “postponing indefinitely” motion is not amendable and it requires a simple majority to pass.  If it passes, then the Article could still be added to a future Town Meeting.  Someone may request to call the question (or cease debate) after being recognized by the Moderator.  A two-thirds majority vote is required to uphold ceasing discussion.  BuxtonC stated that this is the preamble he gives at Town Meeting to inform and educate the citizens.  BuxtonC reviewed that this applies to all Articles and not just Article 3. BuxtonC summarized that anyone can request a paper ballot at any time, as long as seven other people second it. Debate would continue until the question is called.  BuxtonC illustrated that an affirmative amendment needs to be clear to the body of the Article with a positive statement and not a negative connotation. BuxtonC described that he can use his gavel to declare the debate out of order if people become invective and start engaging in personal attacks.  If things get really unruly then the Constable can come in to help maintain a civil environment.  

BuxtonC reviewed that once an Article is moved and seconded onto the floor, the body owns it (not the Selectboard) and decides what to do with it.  Arneson summarized that the Town of Richmond has voted to put budget items on Australian ballot but has not voted to put general public questions on Australian ballot. That is why Article 3 is not on Australian ballot.  Arneson stated that in the future, there could be a vote at a public meeting to move something like Article 3 to Australian ballot.  BuxtonC reviewed that even if the first person to speak makes a motion to “postpone indefinitely” then they body still debates the merits of the question.  The only time the debate can be ceased is if someone calls the question and it is approved by a two-thirds majority to cease discussion.  BuxtonC clarified that since Article 3 is on the Warning, they are going to have some discussion on it.  The only exception would be if the first person speaking makes a motion to “postpone indefinitely” with a second and the next person speaking calls the question and two-thirds of the room votes in agreement.  BuxtonC stated that it is a Richmond tradition that everyone should be able to speak on an Article as it is the civil thing to do.  

BuxtonC noted that the Secretary of State's website has a couple of great resources on Town Meeting:  
https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/election-info-resources/town-meeting-local-elections/         
  

Acknowledgement of receipt of a petition which is opposed to the traffic ordinance amendment that would allow for stop signs on Huntington Rd. and Bridge St. to be installed where these roads intersect with Thompson Rd. and Cochran Rd., and discussion of next steps
Timestamp: 0:52
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3g1_Petition_opposed_to_proposed_new_stop_signs.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3g2_Traffic_Ordinance_from_hearing_on_1-5-26_pending_vote_due_to_submittal_of_petition.pdf

Wood summarized that the petition was received on February 18 and the Town Clerk confirmed it was a valid petition. The Selectboard needs to warn a Public Meeting within the first 60 days (the meeting does not have to occur within the 60 days).  The petition will be voted on by Australian ballot and not a Special Meeting of the Selectboard.  The vote has to be warned not less than 30 but not more than 40 days prior to the voting date.  

Arneson illustrated that the Selectboard has to have a Public Informational Hearing within 30 days of the vote (there will be no decision at the Public Informational Hearing).  The Town Attorney confirmed that the vote would be to disapprove of all the proposed amendments to the Town of Richmond, Vermont Traffic Ordinance approved on January 5, 2026 (and not just the amendments associated with the stop signs on Huntington Rd, Bridge St, Thompson Rd, and Cochran Rd).  Arneson estimated that the Selectboard would consider a late April or early May timeframe for a vote.  Arneson will coordinate with the Town Clerk and the Justices of the Peace for an actual date.  The Town Clerk thinks that the vote can occur at the Town Center with the option of early voting.  Arneson illustrated how any petition against a proposed amendment goes right to Australian ballot.  Wood reviewed that the Public Informational Hearing would discuss the intent of the amendments and the proposal of the petition.  The Australian ballot vote will occur on a previously warned day after the Hearing.  

Arneson illustrated the expenses associated with the vote.  The Board of Civil Authority does not get paid.  The Town can print their own ballots on cardstock with a question and yes or no option.  There are other minimal costs associated with newspaper Warnings.  Arneson estimates that it will cost under $1,000.  Arneson stated that it was under $2,000 to put in the stop signs at the intersection.  Wood summarized that the Selectboard was planning to put in the stop signs for a trial period.  Haskins requested that the Selectboard provide the State of Vermont statistics about the potential for accidents at that location.  Filkins suggested using https://www.localminutes.org/ to summarize the history and information that has been discussed over the last year and a half.  Farr suggested checking the April school vacation dates for scheduling the Informational Meeting.  Wood summarized that the Selectboard does not think this is a perfect solution, so they are willing to talk about the process and change their minds.      


Consideration of approval of a request for an easement, and approval of related Notice Of Sale of Municipal Real Estate, for 1) an existing wastewater line that serves 10 East Main St. but runs under the municipal parking lot at 27 Bridge St. and 2) an existing concrete pad for dumpsters at 10 East Main St. that is partially on the 27 Bridge St. property, possible executive session
Timestamp: 1:11
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3h_Greensea_Easement_Request_and_site_plan.pdf

Wood summarized the easement request from the 2/17/26 Selectboard meeting.  Wood reviewed that they wanted to put some language in the easement.  The sewer line would be straightened out and brought to current code if it were ever dug up.  It would be a sale of Town Property because they would be selling easement rights. There is a formal easement for the portion of the concrete pad that is half on Town property.  Arneson reviewed that if the Selectboard approved the easement, they would then post the Notice of Sale and then there is a 30-day waiting period after it is published.  They would finalize the sale if there was not a petition to stop the easement.  Arneson confirmed that the easement specifies 10-feet on either side of the sewer line and he can update the site plan with a dotted line to show where it is.  Rabideau suggested having it written in the metes and bounds description which is legally durable for a land dispute.  Arneson displayed the easement descriptions for the “10-foot wide easement for the use, maintenance, repair and replacement of underground sewer line” and “in the event the current sewer line needs to be replaced” that the “sewer line be moved so that is in more of a direct straight line from its source on the Grantee’s property to its connection to the sewer line on the property located easterly of the Grantee’s property…”.

Filkins moved to approve the conveyance of a 10’ sewer line and access easement to a concrete pad to Greensea Holdings, LLC across the northeasterly boundary of the Town’s parking lot located at 27 Bridge Street by Quit Claim Deed in exchange for the Town’s expenses in conveying the easement, to authorize the posting and publication of a Notice of Sale of Municipal Real Estate for the same, and to authorize the Selectboard Chair and Town Manager to execute the Quit Claim Deed, Notice of Sale and any other instruments necessary or advisable to close on the conveyance of the easement.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

 

Wood clarified that they are not actually selling any real estate but technically selling rights to that piece of property.

 

Consideration of approval of a contractor to make repairs to Old Jericho Rd., a class 4 road currently in use as a walking trail, which sustained damages to the trail and bridge in the 2023 flood. Cost of repairs are eligible for reimbursement by FEMA
Timestamp: 1:27
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3i1_006-32_Richmond_Old_Jericho_Road_Rec._to_Award_Letter_2026-02-18.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3i2_C522-Contract-for-Construction-of-a-Small-Project_-_Old_Jericho_Road.pdf

Arneson summarized that Old Jericho Rd is primarily used as a walking trail or biking trail.  In the 2023 flood there was erosion to the trail and the footbridge at the end of the trail, the gabions were totally washed out.  This is covered by FEMA, and the project would restore the trail and the bridge without having the gabions in the channel of the creek.  The total cost of engineering construction is $132,000 with FEMA covering 90%, the State covering 7%, and the Town covering 3% (~$4,000).  They received 5 bids, so it was a competitive quote.  Filkins stated that you cannot use the Old Jericho Rd trail without the bridge.  Wood stated that it seems like a lot of money for a walking trail.  

Sander moved to enter into an agreement with MSI Trucking & Sitework for repairs on Old Jericho Rd. in an amount not to exceed $117,350.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of approval of a liquor license for Richmond Market and Beverage and an Outside Consumption permit for Papa McKee’s Pizzeria
Timestamp: 1:31
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3j1_Liquor_License_Application_Richmond_Market_and_Beverage.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/3j2_Outside_Consumption_Permit_Application_-_Papa_McKee_s_Pizzeria.pdf

Sander moved to approve a Second Class liquor license for AGS Vermont Inc. doing business as Richmond Market and Beverage. Hill seconded.

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

 

Sander moved to approve an Outside Consumption permit for LJM Enterprises Inc. doing business as Papa McKee’s Pizzeria. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants

Minutes:

Sander moved to approve the minutes of February 17, 2026.   Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Sander moved to approve the minutes of February 23, 2026, Special Meeting to hold a public informational meeting.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander in favor.  Wood abstains.  Motion approved.


Purchase Orders:  
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/02/4_Memo_regarding_change_for_dump_truck_purchase.pdf

Filkins moved to approve purchase order number 5192 to Nucar of St. Albans for the purchase of an F350 pickup truck in the amount of $33,031.00 with funding to come from the Highway Capital Reserve.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Filkins move to approve purchase order number 5191 to Iroquois Truck Bodies and Sales for the plow package for the F350 in the amount of $17,466.00 with funding to come from the Highway Capital Reserve.  Hill seconded
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Sander moved to void purchase order number 5187 to RR Charlebois for the purchase of a single axle truck in the amount of $152,419.00.  Rabideau seconded.

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

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5189, to Allegiance Trucks for the purchase of a new dump truck in the amount of $147,565 with funding to come from the Highway Capital Reserve fund.  Filkins seconded.  
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5193 to Champlain Valley Equipment for the purchase of a new tractor with bucket in the amount of $16,758.58 with funding to come from the Highway Capital Reserve.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Warrants:

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


Next Meeting Agenda
-Electing officers 
-Stop sign
-Town Meeting Recap


Adjourn

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

Meeting adjourned at:  8:53 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
00:37:11          Alexis: Can you explain what "affirmative" means for amendments?

00:41:20          Bonny Steuer (she/her):          Does the maker of the motion get to speak prior to a move to table?

00:43:35          Jean Haskin:    Haha! who is the constable?

00:45:11          Connie van Eeghen, she/her:   Our constable is Andy Squires

00:47:36          Bonny Steuer (she/her):          my mistake - not maker of the motion - the person who has brought the article.

00:49:08          Bonny Steuer (she/her):          Super. Thanks for the clarification Clint. Much appreciated.

00:53:37          Connie van Eeghen, she/her:   Thank you, Clint!

00:54:08          Bonny Steuer (she/her):          There is good work that has done between the various parties on this topic. Please come with an open heart to this discussion.

00:59:23          Andrew Bessette:        If you keeping putting off the decition on stop signs, school will be out for the summer and the traffic problem go awy untill fall.

01:52:12          Logan Hegg:   Astonishingly engaged!

01:52:29          Jean Haskin:    Reacted to "Astonishingly engage…" with 👍

01:52:31          Logan Hegg:   Reacted to "Astonishingly engage…" with 👍

01:53:06          Logan Hegg:   Thank you!