Public Information Meeting Regarding Vote on Stop Sign Amendment to Traffic Ordinance 3/31/26

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Special Selectboard Minutes 03-31-26 4 MB

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Town of Richmond 
Special Selectboard Meeting
Public Information Meeting Regarding Vote 
on Stop Sign Amendment to Traffic Ordinance 
Minutes of March 31, 2026

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

 

Absent: Wood, Filkins arrived at 7:45 PM

Staff Present: Josh Arneson, Town Manager; Duncan Wardwell, Deputy Town Manager; Susanne Parent, Town Clerk; Matthew Cohen, Police Chief

Others Present: Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Alyssa's iPhone, Andrew Bessette, Asta Chastain, Autumn, Bailee, Cara LaBounty, Connie van Eeghen, Dave Thomas, Erin Farr, Gretchen Paulsen, James personal iPhone, Jay Moltz, Jean Haskin, Jeanne, Jeff Wettstein, Jenna, Jessica Arendt, John Linn, Jon, Jon Kart, Logan Hegg, Mark Fausel, Marshall Paulsen, Mary Houle, Nat Merrill, patriciamiller, Polly's iPad, Rebecca, Rose's iPad, Sarah, Sarah Volinsky, Steve Bower, Susan Wells, Theodore Lyman, Toby Buxton, Tom Butler, Velma, Wil's iPhone

MMCTV Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/hpXnXIUdF58?si=KwgLjaIOxpHaaaLx 

Call to Order: 7:07 PM

 

Welcome by:  Rabideau

 

Public Comment: Rabideau summarized that this meeting is about the Ordinance itself.  He wants to provide everybody with a chance to speak.  Please keep remarks concise for two minutes.  Once everybody has a chance to speak, he will give a second chance to those who already spoke.


Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present


Review and discuss Article 1: Shall the voters of the Town of Richmond disapprove of the proposed amendments to the Town of Richmond, Vermont Traffic Ordinance approved on January 5, 2026? 
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/2a01_Special_Town_Meeting_Explained.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/2a1_ELECTION_SPECIAL_MTG_WARNING_SPRING_2026_v2_-_clean_03-13-26_-_signed.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/2a2_Traffic_Ordinance_from_hearing_on_1-5-26_pending_vote_due_to_submittal_of_petition.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/2a3_RTC_THBC_Intersection_Alternatives_Presentation_4-2024.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/2a4_THBC_Intersection_Pros___Cons_Revised_3-26-2024.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/2a5_FINAL_Richmond_VHB_BridgeStreetCorridorStudy_TechnicalMemo_8-27-21-compressed__1_.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/2a6_Crash_and_Speed_Data.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/2a7_THBC_Intersection_v3.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/03/2a8_Richmond_Accidents_2012_to_2024.xls

Rabideau reviewed the history of the January 5^th Selectboard’s amendment to the Traffic Ordinance. Rabideau summarized that if the majority vote “YES” then the amendment will be disapproved and the stop signs would not be installed. A “NO” vote would mean the stop signs would be installed.  Rabideau stated that the Selectboard was looking at several options, some of which cost hundreds of 1000s of dollars.  The notion was to try, on a temporary basis, putting in a four way stop to see if it helped the problem.  Rabideau read the changes in the Ordinance.
 
Houle stated that at the proposed stop sign at Huntington Rd, there is not a receiving sidewalk there or down Thompson Rd. Houle is not in favor of the stop signs. Houle observed that 3 of the documented accidents were on Cochran Rd where there already is a stop sign and the other one happened in the marked crosswalk on Bridge St.  Hill observed that State Statute obligates drivers to stop for pedestrians in any intersection regardless of a stop sign.

Haskin stated that the stop signs would create a mess with traffic and preferred the previous suggestions of putting in a blinking crosswalk.  The stop signs would create more issues than it would solve.

Arneson read the chat from Toby Buxton: “What are the means and methods established by the Selectboard to determine if this effort is a success? Or a failure?”  Hill summarized that the Police Chief has baseline data on the speed of cars going through the intersection with is a baseline to see if the speed changes with stop signs.  Hill stated that public feedback is also an important consideration. Sander stated that the Selectboard was seeking feedback for 30, 60, 90 days to see people’s impression of the effectiveness.  Rabideau confirmed that the Chief of Police and Town Highway Foreman will keep an eye on the intersection and see how it goes.  Hill stated that looking at baseline speed data will be some objective evidence.  The traffic engineers suggested that the Town do something at this intersection because it's not a safe as currently configured.  Buxton observed that there are other intersections in Town like this one. Buxton stated that they ought to understand the means and methods to determine whether it's a success or a failure and whether we have to look at something different.  Rabideau summarized that the packet includes crash data analysis and extensive traffic studies conducted as part of the civil engineering process.

Harding supports the Selectboard’s decision to put in stop signs.  Harding summarized that she drives through that intersection frequently and it feels very dangerous.  She doesn't think anybody can measure her increased comfort from driving through that intersection once they put up stop signs.

Arendt stated that putting in the stop signs is not going to have the desired effect for the data on the speed at that intersection.  The stop signs bring all traffic (~5,400 vehicles per day) to a complete stop 24/7, in the winter and in the dark.  Arendt observed that there are two crosswalks within 100 yards, one up Bridge St and the other up Huntington Rd, each of which offer an opportunity to cross at a much safer place.  Removing the crossing at the difficult intersection would be a good solution that would not cost anything.  Arendt stated that the four-way stop does not improve the intersection for pedestrians. Knowing how they are going to assess the efficacy of this move would be of much interest to her.  Hill reiterated that pedestrians have the right of way at the intersection, and they cannot circumvent or overrule State Statute.

Bessette stated that he is in favor of the stop signs because it is the least expensive option and he wants to see if it does help.  Bessette stated that he often waits a long time trying to pull out from Cochran Rd due to the steady stream of cars.  Rabideau confirmed that the Selectboard heard testimony about the inability of residents on Thompson and Cochran Rd to get into the traffic stream.          

Wells stated that the speed bumps on Cochran Rd do not slow down traffic going through the intersection as they put on their brakes right before the speed bumps.  Wells summarized traffic studies that state this is a dangerous intersection because there is no turning lane.  Wells stated that the traffic experts did not recommend flashing crosswalks because of the speed and volume of traffic going through the intersection. 

Farr stated that if the stop signs do not go in then they should do a better job or marking that intersection.

Arneson read the chat from Autumn: “Hello, would the panel tell us whether installation of a pedestrian crosswalk signal (such as one in front of the library) was considered? The kind where the pedestrian pushes a button and lights flash for drivers. If so, would they tell us the pros and cons of this as an option to increase pedestrian safety at this curve?”  Hill recalled that the Regional Planning Commission does not suggest too many active crosswalks near each other because then people tend to ignore them.

Fausel stated that the safety numbers do not have any accidents at that intersection and asked if they should be putting stop signs at Governor Peck or Fay’s Corner.  The speed limit is going to be reduced because everybody has to come to a complete stop.  Fausel suggested putting another crosswalk on the other side of the Round Church on Cochran Rd.  Fausel stated that the Town has not painted a single stripe up at the intersection. Fausel suggested putting an arrow that showed the road turns towards Huntington.  Fausel stated that the voters should disapprove of the Ordinance and vote “YES” to not put in the stop signs.  Rabideau reviewed that putting in the four-way stop was one of the options presented by the civil engineers who studied this issue.

Volinsky suggested using the Police force at that intersection to deal with the concerns about speed.  Volinsky stated that the intersection is missing some markings in the road that might make it clearer.  Volinsky observed that Thompson Rd and Cochran Rd have two other outlets.  As an environmentalist, she does not think it makes sense to stop 5,000 cars a day for 20 walkers a day.  The complete stop is bad for the environment and would create a ton of noise.  Volinsky encouraged everyone to vote “YES” against the stop signs.

LaBounty requested a display of the ballot to see how people would comprehend how a “YES” vote means no stop sign.  Parent summarized that the ballot is displayed over at the Town Clerk’s Office.  Parent showed a card that people will see in the voting booth:
NO Vote = Yes, I want Stop Signs
YES Vote = No, I do not want Stop Signs
(I disapprove of the new stop sign ordinance)

LaBounty stated that one of the options for improving the intersection was to do nothing but improve signage and enforcement.  LaBounty stated that if the signage is still not improved and white stripes are not maintained on the ground then they have fallen short promises that occurred over the past three years.  LaBounty summarized that the cheapest thing is to maintain what they have and enforce the current speeds.  LaBounty observed that there are currently three flashing signs on Bridge St in the same speed zone as this intersection.  LaBounty stated that enforcement is one way to solve the problem and wants to know the number of tickets that have been written at that intersection within the past 10 years.  

Arneson confirmed that if the stop signs were installed there would be a communication plan through electronic methods and renting the flashing boards that alert people a stop sign will be coming up.  There would be Stop Sign Ahead signs with yellow flashing light and a Stop sign with red flashing lights.  It would cost about $3,300 including the message boards for a week.         

Arneson confirmed that Highway paints the stop bars and crosswalks every spring but tends to get worn out throughout the winter.  Sander confirmed that Highway trimmed the bush back around the existing signs.

Hegg stated that the problem at the intersection is a false premise.  The data from the traffic study showed it is a problem but the data from the State does not suggest an actual problem.  Hegg observed that the number of signs already there would make it a mess, more confusing, and ugly.  Hegg stated how other people mentioned pollution and traffic, so they are better off without stop signs and disapproving of this.

Haskins stated that all last summer, the crosswalks were not painted to make it visible for people to cross the road.  Haskins felt the Selectboard reacted to a lot of emails and calls to approve the stop signs.  Haskins stated that she is disapproving this amendment.

Filkins stated that the Selectboard’s decision to make the stop signs happen was a temporary measure and to test it was a means to take a step forward.  

Kart stated that the issues with that corner emanated from a 2010 report.  Kart summarized that the Transportation Committee heard issues from community members whether they were driving or walking or being near that intersection.  One of the reasons the Selectboard voted to do this project was to address not just pedestrian issues, but driver issues.  Kart stated that he appreciates the opportunity to test out this idea and see if it works.

Linn stated his desk faces Huntington Rd and he feels like there is a lot of fast traffic. Linn observed that more than 50% of the vehicles going by are above the speed limit. Linn stated that he supports the stop sign as a calming measure. There are more cyclists in the summertime and cars are doubling the speed limit.  Linn stated that the stop signs are the most cost effective and least impactful way.  

Moltz stated he lives at the corner of the intersection, so he is very familiar with excessive speed.  Moltz observed that the crosswalks are painted every spring but might be done more frequently.  Moltz stated that there is a daycare on Thompson Rd and a lot of foot traffic when the weather gets nicer.  Moltz stated that it is a huge opportunity that he is willing to try even though it will make the air and noise around his house much worse.

Sander summarized how changing the Traffic Ordinance as it was amended gives the Selectboard the option to put the stop signs in, but it doesn't compel them to put the stop signs in.  It gives the Selectboard authorization to try it and if it doesn't work, they are not committed.  Filkins confirmed that the Selectboard would have both qualitative and quantitative data that they would look at to determine a means of success.  

Wagg stated that she has been listening to these conversations for years and thinks it is a good idea to test this out.  Wagg summarized that she is also in favor of the Selectboard taking these stop signs out again quickly if it proves to be trouble.  

Rabideau thanked everybody for participating.  Rabideau summarized that a “NO” vote means you want the stop signs. A “YES” vote means you do not want the stop signs.  The Ordinance does not require that the Selectboard put these stop signs in, but it does authorize them do so.  Parent and Filkins confirmed that early voting is in the Town Office Mon-Thu 8 AM – 4 PM and Fri 8 AM – Noon.  
           

Adjourn

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

Meeting adjourned at:  8:55 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
00:32:18          Toby Buxton:  What are the means and methods established by the Selectboard to determine if this effort is a success? Or a failure?

00:32:40          Autumn:          Hello, would the panel tell us whether installation of a pedestrian crosswalk signal (such as one in front of the library) was considered? The kind where the pedestrian pushes a button and lights flash for drivers. If so, would they tell us the pros and cons of this as an option to increase pedestrian safety at this curve?

00:34:19          Cara:    can we please see a copy of the ballot?

00:35:30          Autumn:          Replying to "Hello, would the pan..."

I understand that this meeting is not for identifying alternatives, but the answer to this would impact my vote.

00:37:26          Toby Buxton:  So data will be gathered? Will that information be published?

00:38:56          Jeanne:            What about traffic pile up on school day mornings? This will make it worse.

00:40:32          Jeanne:            Reacted to "Hello, would the pan…" with 👍

00:41:36          Jean Haskin:    Obviously stop signs will reduce speed!,

00:47:09          John Linn, AIA:          Replying to "Hello, would the pan..."

The cost estimate from the Richmond Transportation Committee for the crossing flashers lists the cost at $6.4k per unit.  Installation is called out as $20-$30k at each location.  I'm assuming those would be needed at each of the 4 locations that pedestrians cross for visibility purposes (you wouldn't be able to see the flashers if they were around the corner).  I think that means it's a $125k proposal.

00:51:28          Jeanne:            Reacted to "The cost estimate fr…" with ☹️

00:56:45          Autumn:          Replying to "Hello, would the pan..."

Thank you

00:57:43          Jean Haskin:    So I guess the blinking light crosswalks must not be safe on Bridge street!

01:08:23          Jean Haskin:    Mark the crosswalks and put up crosswalk signs first, then talk about stop signs

01:17:37          Jean Haskin:    We’ve had police coverage

01:17:40          Chief Matthew Cohen:           I just signed on. I can work on grabbing a rough estimate of enforcement over last 10 years in about 15 minutes

01:22:09          Toby Buxton:  Flashing lights on the stop signs? That will improve the character of the neighborhood?

01:25:45          Asta Chastain: Replying to "Flashing lights on the stop signs? That will improve the character of the neighborhood?"

Yes, it will. Improved safety for all is an improvement to character.

01:29:28          Toby Buxton:  Replying to "Flashing lights on t..."

Wait till the out of town bicyclists ride on the side walks so they don’t have to wait in traffic at the stop signs. That will not improve safety.

01:30:30          Chief Matthew Cohen:           What I was able to locate quickly for enforcement data that goes back to 2018 to today. It shows 84 enforcement actions across all law enforcement agencies for stop sign violations across the entire town.

01:30:48          Asta Chastain: I absolutely agree markings are crucial. My question is how many months of the year are road markings visible? There needs to be more done(stop signs) to also help during the large portion of the year that road markings aren’t visible.

01:33:46          Cara:    Please post again on FPF with the simple message 4-way stop sign voting is open now at the Town Clerk's office.

01:34:11          Jean Haskin:    Reacted to "Please post again on…" with 👍

01:34:43          Asta Chastain: Reacted to "Please post again on FPF with the simple message 4-way stop sign voting is open now at the Town Clerk's office." with 👍

01:34:55          Jean Haskin:    Reacted to "What I was able to l…" with 👍

01:35:15          Jean Haskin:    Reacted to "Flashing lights on t…" with 😩

01:35:56          Jean Haskin:    Replying to "Flashing lights on t…"

Wouldn’t you love to live near those blinking lights

01:41:54          Jeanne:            Josh, please read comment from Chief.

01:44:33          Jean Haskin:    Reacted to "Josh, please read co…" with 👍

01:47:16          Jean Haskin:    Replying to "Hello, would the pan…"

The board needs to have documented stop sign test criteria as success or failure

01:48:13          Jean Haskin:    Replying to "Hello, would the pan…"

What are negative effects criteria?

01:51:36          Jean Haskin:    Replying to "Hello, would the pan…"

Speed hump will slow down speeders

02:00:10          Jean Haskin:    If people go weirdly fast thru that intersection why don’t the police park there?

02:00:39          Jean Haskin:    How many speeding tickets are issued there

02:03:31          Jean Haskin:    Please post voting hours on FPF

02:04:41          Toby Buxton:  Thank you for your time.

02:04:51          Asta Chastain: Reacted to "Thank you for your time." with 👍