Selectboard 5/4/26

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Town of Richmond 
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of May 4, 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; Matthew Cohen, Police Chief; Gerald Levesque, Fire Chief

Others Present: Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Alexis, Bonny Steuer, Carina Hamel, Chuck, Chuck Gilroy, Connie van Eeghen, Denise Noble, Emily Mitchell, Erin Farr, Fran Thomas, Gretchen Paulsen, Hegg, Jean Haskin, Jeff Forward, John Rankin, Logan Hegg, Marshall Paulsen, Matt Steen, Patty Brushett, Sarah Reeves (CSWD), Trevor Brooks

 

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/cRJTD2bmHEI?si=iZfqcn4X54G6V6P7 

Call to Order: 7:00 PM

 

Welcome by:  Wood

 

Public Comment: None

Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda:  None


Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present


Announcement of hiring of Finance Director to fill the role after the current Finance Director retires at the end of May 2026
Timestamp: 0:01

Arneson reviewed that current Finance Director, Connie Bona, is retiring at the end of May.  Katy Fogell has been hired and today was her first day.  She is going to have a month of overlap with Bona. Arneson stated that Fogell has a good background in finance and payroll.  Arneson thanked Filkins and Town Treasurer, Jim Feinson, for serving on the search committee.  


Consideration of approving the use of $621.76 from the Special Projects Reserve Fund to cover the actual costs of the Brown’s Court parking lot which exceeded the $12,000.00 that was initially approved
Timestamp: 0:03

Wood summarized that this work was completed by Highway.  The equipment was significantly more expensive, and they used more base-grade gravel. Arneson stated that Highway also added some more bollards and chains on the wooded side to create a better separation between walkers and the cars.

Rabideau moved to approve the use of $621.76 from the Special Projects Reserve Fund to cover the actual costs of the Brown’s Court parking lot which exceeded the $12,000.00 that was initially approved. This money will come out of the funds earmarked for projects in the parks.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of authorizing the use of up to $1,700 from the Special Projects Reserve Fund to rehabilitate the Welcome To Richmond signs that are located on Rt. 2 as you enter the village
Timestamp: 0:06
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3c_Welcome_Signs.pdf

Thomas reviewed the 45-year-old history of those signs.  Thomas stated that she has a vested interest in the signs.  The one by the Fire Department is in terrible shape.  The one on the other side had to cleaned of weeds and vines but is not in bad shape.  Thomas stated that Ken Wyman from Bird’s Eye rehabilitated the signs previously and provided a quote of $700 a sign.  The signs would also need to be mounted on new 4x4 posts. Thomas stated that the signs are redwood.  Arneson confirmed that Highway could help with removing and replacing the 4x4 posts which might be in a slightly different spot.  Gilroy stated that he was involved in the Eagle project when those signs were rehabbed in the past.  Gilroy wondered if there is a possibility of repurposing the signs for another entrance. Thomas clarified that she is advocating to rehab the signs and not replace them.  If the Town wants to replace them, then they would have to work through the politics of what a new sign would be.  Hill summarized previous discussions to put welcome signs other places. Wood suggested a small roof that would shed water and extend the lifespan.  

Sander moved to approve up to $1,700 from the Special Projects Reserve Fund to rehabilitate the Welcome To Richmond signs that are located on Rt. 2 as you enter the village. This will not come from the funds earmarked for use in the parks.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote follows discussion.

Hill suggested future agenda items to address the question of weather resistance and the possibility of additional signs at other locations.

Filkins suggested that she has a friend who has a ton of flower beds and expressed interest in planting in the beds below the signs. 

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


Consideration of closing Bridge St. for a parade to celebrate Winter Olympians with ties to Richmond on the evening of Thursday, May 21, 2026
Timestamp: 0:17

Hamel summarized that Ben Ogden and Julia Kern both live in Richmond, Ryan Cochran-Siegel grew up here and Paula Moltzan lives in the valley.   The best day is May 21 due to the athletes’ schedules.  Wood summarized that the Selectboard had a lot of info about the other activities that night.  Arneson confirmed that the May 23 date did not work due to conflicts with Fire and Police. Arneson expressed concern with the additional traffic on Thursday.  Two Police officers are available on May 21 to help with road closures.  The Fire Department will have a skeleton crew. They will probably have to cancel Little League for that night.  Arneson stated that he hopes the parade permit turns around quickly and they have to post the roads a week in advance.  The parade will probably be staged on Lemroy Ct.  The last time they held an Olympic parade it was staged at CHMS but there are athletic events going on up there that night.  The parade will go west down Rt 2, take a left at the light and go down Bridge St to Volunteers Green.  Hamel summarized that the plan was to do a parade from 6:00-6:45 PM with food vendors and athlete autographs from 7-8:30 PM at Volunteers Green. 

Filkins move to close Bridge St. from 5:30 – 7pm, on Thursday, May 21, 2026 for a parade to honor winter Olympians with ties to Richmond.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving the Chittenden Solid Waste District’s Proposed FY 26 Budget
Timestamp: 0:23
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3d1_Richmond_FY_27.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3d2_CSWD_Proposed_FY_27_Budget_-_SelectBoard_packet_4.26.2028.pdf

Reeves presented the summary and explanation of the budget from the packet.  Reeves stated that CSWD does not receive revenue from the member cities and towns, they are not a line item in the Richmond budget, and they do not receive any revenue from income, sales, or property taxes.  The legislative bodies of each member municipality vote on the annual budget, and each Selectboard has one vote, so they are not weighted by population.  The member cities or towns do not bear the burden of closing what is now a project funding gap for the new Materials Recycling Facility (MRF).  The increased revenue generation will hopefully occur in FY27. All of that revenue will be directed to the new MRF.  CSWD will be seeking a short-term bank loan as the Capital Reserve will take 2-3 fiscal years.  Reeves illustrated the bottom-line budgeted revenue of $19,451,432.  Reeves presented how the revenue and expenses are divided. Reeves illustrated the Fee Changes for Drop-Off Centers and other Facilities.  Reeves reviewed the fund balances at the end of FY25.  Reeves confirmed that CSWD increased the line item in the budget to include supplemental insurance for phishing scams.    

Rabideau moved to approve the Chittenden Solid Waste District’s Proposed FY 27 Budget.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving the FY27 purchase of a police cruiser and accessories
Timestamp: 0:42
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3f_Police_Cruiser_Purchase_Information.pdf

Hill stated that he will generally recuse himself from Police matters as he has a family relationship with one of the Officers.  

Cohen stated that he put together different quotes from different vendors.  Cohen summarized that this cruiser would provide a canine kennel for Duke.  This would replace the Tesla.  The service length of the car is about 4-5 years.  They currently have two Dodge Durangos in the fleet and this would be the third.  Most of the quotes, except for the last one, include transportation costs. Cohen confirmed that the vehicle gets shipped to an outfitter.  Cohen presented the total cost of ~$96,000 with the FY27 budget at ~$105,000.  Cohen confirmed that most of the equipment like radios, lights, and control boxes can be transferred between cars.  Cohen summarized that he chose the Dodge over the Ford Explorers due to pricing and maintenance having been better with Dodge. It also keeps all the fleet the same. Forward suggested purchasing an electric vehicle as a cruiser.  Cohen stated that the current electric cars do not fit a canine cage.  The Dodge also has space for a prisoner transport system. Cohen stated that they get over 100,000 miles on these cars.  Cohen confirmed that all the quotes are the same trim level for a pursuit package. Cohen summarized how he searched for these vehicles.  Cohen stated that the companies know they are looking to purchase around July 1.

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5402 for the purchase of a police cruiser and various vendors for the cruiser accessories in the amount not to exceed $95,439.71.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Hill recused. Motion approved.


Update on parking enforcement plans for the eastern end of Cochran Rd., Wes White Hill, and Dugway Rd.
Timestamp: 1:11
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3g1_High_fine_zone_parking_warning_sign_v3.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3g2_Link_To_Parking_Landing_Page.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3g3_Signage_Map_for_High_Fine_Zone.pdf

Wood summarized the changes in the parking ticket amounts.  Arneson reviewed how he went out with the Road Foreman and two members of the Parking Advisory Committee (PAC) to talk about where to put signs in the high fine zones.  Arneson presented the details provided in the packet.

Arneson confirmed that the yellow sections on the map (https://www.richmondvt.gov/community/parking) illustrate the high fine zone so parking is allowed off the road and in legal parking areas.  The orange sections on the map is no parking at all.  Hill stated that the signs should tell you where you should park and not where you can’t park.  Arneson stated that the problem they are trying to solve is people parking in the wrong spot.  Cohen stated what is enforceable on his end is telling people what they cannot do. Wood stated that they should clearly explain the consequences of where they shouldn’t park and also find a way to clearly point them towards where they should park.  Filkins stated that parking there is bad and dangerous and would rather tell people do not do this.  Cohen estimated that there are 50 parking spaces across the entire length of Dugway Rd.  During warm days, there will be over 100 cars parked on Dugway Rd.  Arneson reviewed that the PAC did not like the idea of having signs to show where to park keeping in mind the residents that live there do not want that many signs.  Arneson illustrated how the QR code on the sign shows a full interactive map of where to park.  Rankin, a member of PAC, reviewed that they attempted to park here signs, but they were vandalized.  Farr requested that they put one of those signs behind her house that leads to the Johnny Brook trail.  


Follow up 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: 1:29
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3h_Richmond_Police_Department_ICE_Guidelines_1_.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3h2_RRE_Recomendations_for_Richmond_PD_role_in_case_of_ICE_Action.pdf

Cohen summarized that after speaking with a number of community members including Richmond Racial Equity and reviewing the Fair and Impartial Policing Policy (FIPP), he came up with a guide for Officers if they come across an ICE incident.  Cohen illustrated the main points from the packet.  

Cohen summarized that Officers would have no knowledge or discretion if an individual is being targeted.  If a warrant is issued, they are compelled to act on it.  

Cohen confirmed that they have a policy where they only ask for identification from individuals involved in the offense. 

Cohen confirmed that Richmond Police would not be assisting ICE in any enforcement actions and follow the FIPP.

Cohen confirmed that the public right-of-way includes the road shoulder, the breakdown lane and any of the shoulders and sidewalks.

Cohen confirmed that sometimes they have to dig into lease agreements if there are landlord and tenant issues.  

Cohen confirmed that people can set up whatever boundary rules they want on their property.  Cohen stated that on public land, they can set up protest areas, especially if there are contentious protests in the same space.  They can set up two different spaces for two different groups. 

Cohen confirmed that body cameras are required to be active in an event like this.  Cohen stated that they are not allowed to give legal advice or aid during an incident.  They cannot respond if someone asks if they should open the door for ICE agents with a detainer.

Cohen reviewed that they would not provide mutual aid for crowd control for an ICE incident.

Cohen summarized that Officers adhere to Statewide Use of Force Policy which includes the duty to intervene if an officer witnesses another officer using excessive force.  Cohen confirmed that the policy does not differentiate between officers.  

Cohen confirmed that the body camera footage is held for 18 months unless it is flagged as an incident to be held longer. 

Cohen confirmed that he should be notified of any major incident with ICE presence in town.  

Cohen confirmed every public incident that the Police go to has an incident number and a report.  

Cohen stated that the term immigration enforcement includes ICE and Border Patrol as it covers all the enforcement actions that the Federal government will take.

Brushett presented the Richmond Racial Equity document from the packet.  Brushett summarized that they are responding to the Federal government being lawless and potentially hurting citizens.  Brushett stated that the document illustrates general overarching guidelines and training for right now.  All these practices are already mandated by FIPP and must be affirmed by the Selectboard, and Police Officers must be trained to them.  Cohen confirmed that he would document the training.  Cohen confirmed that every year they do a Use of Force review and four hours of hands-on training that covers the duty to intervene.         


Consideration of setting a date for a special meeting to discuss options for the Thompson Rd., Huntington Rd., Bridge St., and Cochran Rd. intersection
Timestamp: 2:29

Wood summarized the legal requirement to have a four-way stop as if an always stop warrant is met, it still does not require the installation of an always stop, discretion is given to the engineer or engineering study.  Hill suggested having one of the CCRPC staff attend the meeting to have some dialog on what they should do.  Filkins stated that she would be very nervous if someone brought the Town to court. Filkins summarized a scenario where the intersection was grandfathered but as soon as a change is made, it may no longer be grandfathered.  

Filkins moved to hold a special meeting to discuss the Tompson Rd., Huntington Rd., Bridge St., and Cochran Rd. intersection on June 8, 2026 at 7pm.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Update on change of dates for Greensea to use four parking spaces at the Town owned parking lot at 27 Bridge St. to place a dumpster being used for debris from renovations to the building at 10 East Main St to May 4 – 7, 2026 and May 19 – June 12, 2026
Timestamp: 2:40

Arneson reviewed that Greensea wanted to move it up a week.  The Town Manager or Road Foreman have the authority to approve this, but this is an update for the Selectboard.  


Consideration of adopting the updated Town Road and Bridge Standards
Timestamp: 2:41
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3k1_Road_and_Bridge_Standards_Summary.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3k2_2026_Town_Road_and_Bridge_Standards_ready_to_be_signed.pdf

Arneson summarized that the standards changes mostly around the authority to upsize culverts if it gets washed out or over-topped.  This is supposed to help get easier funding from FEMA.

Sander moved to adopt the Town Road and Bridge Standards that were updated on January 21, 2026.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving a 4’ x 8’ project sign for the Tilden Ave, Bridge St. and Cochran Rd. Waterline Replacement Project to be displayed at the Town Center for four months this spring and summer during the timeframe of the project

Timestamp: 2:43

Wood stated that the signs will have information about the cost, contact info, and some mandatory EPA language. Arneson stated that the Water and Sewer logo will be on it.  Arneson stated that the engineer and the State handle exactly what information goes on the sign.  

Sander moved to approve displaying a 4’ x 8’ project sign for the Tilden Ave, Bridge St. and Cochran Rd. Waterline Replacement Project to be displayed at the Town Center for four months this spring and summer during the timeframe of the project.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander in favor.  Wood not in favor. Motion approved.


 

Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants

Minutes:

Sander moved to approve the minutes of April 27, 2026.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Purchase Orders: 

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5316 to Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District for payment of school taxes for quarters 3 and 4 in the amount of $4,404,383.61.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Consideration of approval of the use of $687.50 from the Town Center Reserve Fund for repairs to the elevator in the Richmond Free Library

Filkins moved to approve the use of $687.50 from the Town Center Reserve Fund for repairs to the elevator at the Richmond Free Library.  Hill seconded.  
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Warrants:

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


Next Meeting Agenda
-Town Center projects
-CSWD suggestion about supplemental insurance
-Huntington Road speed
-Speed bump standards

-Welcome to Richmond signs cover and other locations
-Policy strategy and annual priorities


Adjourn

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

Meeting adjourned at:  10:01 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
01:29:27          Alexis :            The solution is to ride bikes.

01:32:22          Logan Hegg:   Reacted to "The solution is to ride bikes." with ❤️

01:35:02          Connie van Eeghen, she/her:   Reacted to "The solution is to r..." with 👍

02:16:45          Denise Noble (she/her):          Very much agree. Thanks to all who have worked together on this.

02:27:12          Jeff Forward (He/Him):          It might be useful to try to figure out how to do role playing.  I know from the Know Your Rights Trainings, role playing was really helpful.

02:27:36          Denise Noble (she/her):          Reacted to "It might be useful t..." with 👍

02:27:45          Connie van Eeghen, she/her:   Reacted to "It might be useful t..." with 👍

02:31:34          Jeff Forward (He/Him):          Bonnie’s question speakers to a Derek Chauvin type of incident.  Several police officers were standing around him as he essentially choked George Floyd to death and did not intervene.

02:32:44          Denise Noble (she/her):          Thanks everyone!!! Chief Cohen, you are doing an outstanding job. Thank you! Thanks Patty for all your time!