Selectboard 4/6/26

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Town of Richmond 
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of April 6, 2026

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

 

Absent: Filkins left a 7:40 PM

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

Others Present: Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Chelsye Brooks, Connie van Eeghen, Corali Bisbee, Dan Martin, Erin Farr, Jazmyn- Round Church Women's Run, Jeffrey's iPhone, jilld, John Linn, Marcy Harding, Marshall Paulsen, Mary Houle, MG, Nick George, Noa, Steven Brownlee, Trevor Brooks, Zach

 

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/TqtGAmozAVs?si=ikuJDqMDZCBafX1U 

Call to Order: 7:03 PM

 

Welcome by:  Wood

 

Public Comment: Houle recommended Mow N Maintain for the mowing contract as they are extremely courteous and careful around the flowers.  

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: 0:01
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3a_Volunteer_Outreach_for_Committee_Membership.pdf

Wood reviewed that if anyone is interested there is a list on the Town website:
https://www.richmondvt.gov/boards-meetings/vacancies-committees-commissions 

Arneson stated that April 8^th is the deadline to apply for most committee’s expiring terms.  Wood stated that there are a lot of vacant seats which can be filled anytime.  Arneson stated that there is nothing in the ethics policy that says spouses cannot serve on the same committee.  


Reminder of Special Meeting on April 16, 2026 regarding a vote to reconsider the 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
Timestamp: 0:02
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3b1_ELECTION_SPECIAL_MTG_WARNING_SPRING_2026_v2_-_clean_03-13-26_-_signed.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3b2_Special_Town_Meeting_Explained.pdf

Wood reviewed that the Selectboard has the Informational Meeting last week and the April 16 meeting is the last day to vote. There is early voting so you can vote anytime until April 16.  Arneson summarized that the Town Clerk’s Office is open for voting, Mondays through Thursdays (8am to 4pm) and Fridays (8 AM to Noon) and on April 16^th (7 AM – 7 PM) 


Announcement of promotion of Matthew Cohen to position of Richmond Police Chief
Timestamp: 0:04

Arneson announced that Matthew Cohen has been promoted to the position of Richmond Police Chief.  Arneson summarized that along with Comfort Canine Duke, Cohen has led community style policing throughout Richmond.  

Cohen read a statement: “It is a profound honor to be appointed as your next Chief. I want to extend my gratitude to the Selectboard and the residents of Richmond for placing your trust in me to lead the Department. Richmond is a special community defined by its vibrant spirit and strong connections. My commitment to you is one of transparent, approachable and proactive leadership. Together, we will build one on the Department's solid foundation to ensure a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works and visits our beautiful Town. I'm eager to hit the ground running, listen to your priorities and work alongside our dedicated officers to navigate a path ahead. The future of the Richmond Police Department is incredibly bright, and I am proud to serve as your Chief.”

Arneson stated that there will be a swearing in on April 29, 2026.  Wood stated that he was very impressed over the last year with the initiative showed coming to the Selectboard with solutions to problems instead of explaining problems.  


Discussion with Police Chief Matthew Cohen regarding the Richmond Police Department’s role if there were to be a protest regarding an action by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents
Timestamp: 0:07

Cohen stated that he is not looking at individual officer actions, per se, but decisions for the Department on where to lead. Cohen summarized that on March 11 (in South Burlington) law enforcement chose to maintain public safety during hostile and tense moments between protests and ICE agents.  Cohen stated that once a judge says there is a warrant, that is when local law enforcement policy says that they can provide aid or get out of the way.  Cohen reviewed that it is against the law to put law enforcement officers in between the federal government and our civilians.  Cohen stated that if someone calls Richmond Police and asks them to be in the middle to stop ICE from doing their actions, they can't do that step. Cohen reviewed that the policy is written for crowd control, or local law enforcement can be in the middle for public safety.  The Police can be on the outside of the crowd and just be traffic control around the crowd. Cohen summarized that he would direct his officers to provide mutual aid to other towns by either performing outside traffic control or by covering other calls for service in that town.  

Cohen confirmed that he will direct his officers to be known and make sure their name tag is visible and their face is visible.  

Rabideau stated that they only have one Chief and a few Officers hired to keep an eye on Richmond.  Rabideau encouraged citizens to review the information on the website (https://www.richmondvt.gov/news/post/resources-for-interactions-with-federal-agents) 

Filkins recommended that the Richmond Police watch from the perimeter and ensure everyone's safety and keep the peace.  

Houle stated that there are laws for the State of Vermont that define what Police Departments can do with cooperation and mutual aid.  There's only so much the Selectboard can do to direct a Police Department.  

Cohen stated that he is happy to receive feedback at any point because it will help them make a decision and game plan ahead of time.

Wood summarized that he is impressed with the current policy of providing mutual aid for support but keeping a distance from policy decisions that do not line up with our policies.  Wood stated that the Selectboard will put this back on the agenda for the first meeting in May.  Sander encouraged that open dialogue should continue.  


Consideration of reducing the size of the Planning Commission from seven members to five members and adding one alternate member
Timestamp: 0:37

 

Wood reviewed that this request came from the Planning Commission.  They currently have five of the seven seats filled, making it challenging to get a quorum.  Oborne confirmed that the State Statue allows for as low as three and as high as nine.  Oborne confirmed that the Alternate would serve in place of an absent member.  

Sander moved to reduce this size of the Planning Commission from seven members to five members and to add a seat for an alternate member.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving request to place signs in the Town Right of Way for the Round Church Women’s Run
Timestamp: 0:40
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3f_SIGN_Round_Church_Women_s_Run_07-25-26.pdf

Jazmyn reviewed the request for one sign to let the community know that they will be hosting a race.  Jazmyn confirmed that the signs would go up no more than seven days before the event.  

Sander moved to approve the request by the Round Church Women’s Run to place signage in the Town’s Right of Way to promote the event for two weeks prior to the event which will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026.  Hill seconded.

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


Consideration of renewing an agreement with Umiak for use of the ladder to exit the Winooski River and the use of one parking space at Overocker Park
Timestamp: 0:44
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3g_RID25-004_Agreement_With_Umiak_for_Ladder_Use_3-31-26.pdf

Brownlee reviewed how Umiak wants to keep maintaining the steps up from the riverbank.  The steps were in great shape when he pulled them out last year and they will do an inspection before they are installed.  He will notify the Town when he plans to install them (~middle of June).  Brownlee also requested the availability to park a trailer at Overocker’s during the times of operation.  Brownlee confirmed that Umiak will provide a $15 rate for citizens to use the shuttle service.  Brownlee confirmed that they carry general business insurance for all participants.  


Hill moved to approve the Agreement for Facilities Use between the Town of Richmond and Umiak as presented and/or modified by mutual agreement.  Rabideau seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent.  Motion approved.

 

Update on progress to submit a Notice of Intent for the Southview Stormwater Permit
Timestamp: 0:48

Arneson reviewed that he had a conversation with Watershed Engineering and they are on track to get the Notice of Intent completed and submitted by the end of June.  There is one wrinkle in the State wanting to memorialize the disconnections on private property for perpetuity.  Arneson stated that they might be able to add one chamber to one of those structures to treat some more storm water without being too costly.  If they have to add a whole new chamber that is $100,000 per chamber.  Another option is to ask the State for a waiver to say they cannot treat the additional half-acre of stormwater, which is a $7,500 one-time penalty.  There will be more information from the State in a week or two.

Wood reviewed that the disconnections become permanent encumbrances to the property.  Any driveway pieces or large lawns are going to require an easement.  Hill observed that if somebody removes or builds a garage it changes the impervious surface of a property, so it is virtually impossible to regulate the cubic or square yards of impervious surfaces and drainage.      


Discussion of proposal from the Andrews Community Forest Committee regarding development and maintenance of a standalone visitor rules document for the Andrews Community Forest which would be separate from the Management Plan
Timestamp: 0:53
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3i1_ACFC_Rules_Document_Proposal.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3i2_Andrews-Community-Forest-MPlan-FINAL-adopted-11-19-18-small-file-size-31.pdf

Wood summarized that the ACFC would like to setup a set of rules or expectations for using the Town forest separate from the Management Plan.  There is a strict process to amend the Management Plan.  

Pratt estimated that the ACFC is one meeting away from being done with the Management Plan.  Anytime they update the Management Plan it requires approval from the Selectboard and the Vermont Land Trust.  The ACFC thought it would be easier to have a separate document for visitor rules in the forest.  Pratt outlined that the ACFC could be an advisory body that brings recommendations to the Selectboard for their approval or the Selectboard could empower the ACFC to make and post the new changes.

Rabideau stated that he is in favor of maintaining this independently as long as it is directly in the spirit of the Management Plan.  Hill agreed as long as it is congruent with the Management Plan.  Hill suggested calling them “guidelines” as “rules” follow a more rigid and prescribed process.  Wood felt that “guidelines” sounded optional.  

Pratt summarized that everyone would have a chance to weigh in on the Management Plan as it will go to the Conservation Commission and Trails Committee with a possible topic of discussion at a Selectboard meeting.  Hill stated that the Management Plan should refer to the rules and the rules should refer to the Management Plan.  Wood stated that it sounds like the Selectboard is on board with two separate documents and delegating that to the ACFC.


Review of request to convey a Town owned segment of Stage Rd. to the owners of 2040 Stage Rd. with the Town maintaining the Right of Way for Stage Rd. on this segment
Timestamp:  1:11
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3j1_Request_to_convey_a_portion_of_Stage_Rd._to_the_previous_owner_of_the_land.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3j2_Town_of_Richmond-Harding_Martin-Stage_Road-Quit_Claim_Deeds.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3j3_Property_Survey_for_Portion_of_Stage_Road__July_1985_.PDF

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3j4_2040_Stage_Road_Parcel_Survey__March_1990_.PDF.pdf

Arneson presented the maps from the packet.  Harding asked the Selectboard to consider conveying a small strip of land back to her and her husband, Dan Martin.  They gave it to the Town back in 1985.  Harding stated that this was not a land sale but a land swap.  Harding described and Arneson displayed the land swap survey from 1985.  Harding stated that in 1990 their land was surveyed and they learned the Town did not own any portion of the road except for the land they conveyed in 1985.  When the maps had to be digitized in 2017, there were questions about where the strip of land was within or extended beyond their five-acre exclusion.  In January of this year, GMP approached them about extending the power to the owner of a lot to the north.  Harding stated that they do not want this Town-owned strip of land to be a problem for the next owner who might not know the history.  Harding is not sure if there is an actual right-of-way for Stage Rd, which is why the Town needs an attorney.  Arneson reviewed that the attorney said it would be simple to give a deed to Dan and Marcy. They would now own that land and in exchange, the Town gets an easement to say that it has all the usual rights of a road in that section.  Arneson stated that we will ask the attorney about the northern and southern sections of the road.  Hill suggested giving the green light to the attorney to figure out the correct way to do this.  Wood stated that it doesn't make sense to have a quarter mile of this road be on paper and everything else exists on the ground.  Arneson stated that he will ask the attorney to drop a deed to convey the road back and ask the question about an easement for use of the road.


Review of the Highway Department Summer Work Plan
Timestamp: 1:35
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3k_PROPO_HIGHWAY_DEPARTMENT_SUMMER_2026_WORK_PLAN.pdf

Gosselin reviewed the work plan for the 2026 Summer season as presented in the packet.  They have not completed everything in the month of March as Mother Nature has not been working well with them.  Gosselin stated that if there are any washouts or major flooding like in 2023 & 2024 then it throws the plan out the door.  Gosselin confirmed that they stripe the crosswalks and intersections every single year.


Consideration of approving a letter of intent for the Grant In Aid Program for financial assistance with stormwater projects on municipal roads
Timestamp: 1:45
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3l1_Microsoft_Word_-_SFY27_Grants_in_Aid_Program_Announcement.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3l2_SFY27_Grants_in_Aid_Letter_of_Intent_-_Richmond.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3l3_SFY27_Initial_offers.xlsx.pdf

Arneson reviewed that this is related to a general permit which says they have to treat stormwater on municipal roads.  The estimated $21,000 goes towards that budget. Gosselin picks a few sections every year.  Arneson stated that this is a non-competitive grant and every town in Vermont gets some money with a letter of intent.

 

Hill moved to approve the letter of intent for the Grant In Aid Program.  Sander seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving grant applications for the VTrans Municipal Highway Class 2 Roadway Paving Grant and the VTrans Municipal Highway Structures Grant
Timestamp: 1:47
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3m1_SFY27_TA_60_Annual_Financial_Plan_PDF_Form_-_Richmond.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3m2_Certification_of_Compliance__Codes_and_Standards_.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3m3_Structures_Grant_Application_-_Richmond.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3m4_Paving_Grant_Application_-_Richmond.pdf

Arneson stated that these are competitive grants and the Town has received a grant two years in a row.  Gosselin confirmed that he always applies for these grants that have a $200,000 cap and a 20% match by the Town.  

Gosselin described the Highway Class 2 Roadway Paving Grant line items from the packet which are broken down by square-yard tonnage over a 24-month span.  

Gosselin described that the Structures Grant is for 35-inch diameter culverts or greater which includes anything from guardrails to headwalls.  Gosselin stated that he has been wanting to upsize one culvert on Stage Rd since 2018.   

Sander moved to approve form TA60, the Certificate of Compliance for Town Road and Bridge Standards, and to apply for the Structures and Highway Paving grants and to name Pete Gosselin as the Grant Program Manager.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent.  Motion approved.


Consideration of selecting a contractor for grounds maintenance
Timestamp: 1:55
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n01_MowingSummary2026.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n02_Mowing_Bid_Summary_2022-2026.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n03_Richmond_Town_Property_Mowing_Trimming_2026.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n04_L_D_Property_Maintenance.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n05_Stromme.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n06_Mow_N_Maintain.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n07_Lund_Landscape_Services.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n08_Freddie_s_Lawn_Care___Snow_Plowing.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n09_Wagner_s_Landscaping.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n10_Jeffrey_Danaher.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3n11_Elite_Vision.pdf

Arneson reviewed that grounds maintenance is basically mowing around the Town grounds.  This used to be done by the Highway Department but in 2022 they focused more on highway projects like culverts and ditches.  Arneson stated that the Selectboard has not always selected the lowest bidder.  Arneson presented the bid history since 2022.  Arneson summarized that Mow ‘N Maintain has been selected the last 3 years because they have a larger staff, they are located close to Richmond, are responsive to feedback from the Town and the Cemetery Commission.  Sander stated that it would be foolish to save $230 with a new contractor with a new learning curve.  Rabideau observed that Mow ‘N Maintain knocked off $1,000 from last year’s price.  George, from Mow ‘N Maintain, stated he has a more efficient mower for Volunteers Green which allowed him to lower his bid.  

Hill moved to award the grounds maintenance bid to Mow ‘N Maintain. Sander seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approval of Local Emergency Management Plan

Timestamp: 2:03
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3o1_Richmond_LEMP_2026_4-6-26_-_with_maps.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3o2_Richmond_2026_LEMP_Municipal_Adoption_Form.pdf

Arneson reviewed that this is an annual update to make sure all inventories and contacts are correct and current.  It is part of receiving additional money from the State in the event of a flood.  Arneson stated that it is really a guidebook of communications and resources to an emergency.  Arneson stated that he will distribute this to different Town Departments.

Sander moved to approve the Local Emergency Management Plan.  Rabideau seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent.  Motion approved.


Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants

Minutes:

Sander moved to approve the minutes of March 16, 2026.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent.  Motion approved.

Rabideau moved to approve the minutes of March 31, 2026. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Filkins absent.  Motion approved.

Purchase Orders:  

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5306 to Town of Richmond Water Department for Fire Protection in the amount of $37,488.00. Rabideau seconded

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

 

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5311 to M&T / Wilmington Trust for the Millet St. loan for the Highway portion which amounts to $7,046.26.  Rabideau seconded

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

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5312 to the County of Chittenden for the 2026 County Tax in the amount of $29,649.00.  Rabideau seconded

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

 

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5373 to Swenson Granite Co. LLC for granite curbing in the amount of $24,198.00.  seconded

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

 

Consideration of approval of use of Town Center Reserve Fund to pay for repairs to the Richmond Free Library Elevator

Sander moved to approve the use of $3,800.00 from the Town Center Reserve Fund to pay Alpha Elevator Company for repairs to the elevator in the Richmond Free Library.  Rabideau seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Filkins absent.  Motion approved.

 

Warrants:

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


Next Meeting Agenda
-Southview stormwater update
-Stage Rd update

-Update on Traffic Ordinance vote


Adjourn

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

Meeting adjourned at:  9:16 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
00:05:02          Trevor Brooks:            Can a spouses serve on the same committee?

00:08:17          Trevor Brooks:            Congratulations

00:40:38          Susanne Parent:           Congratulations Chief Cohen!

00:40:47          Connie van Eeghen, she/her:   Reacted to "Congratulations Chie..." with 👍

01:34:20          Chelsye Brooks:          If the town never owned what was “traded” wouldn’t that make this whole thing and the quit claim null and void. 

Would this affect the ability of homes further up stage road to develop?