Selectboard 6/1/26

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Town of Richmond 
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of June 1, 2026

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

 

Absent: None

Staff Present:  Duncan Wardwell, Deputy Town Manager; Keith Oborne, Town Planner

Others Present: Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Alexis, Brad Elliott, Breck Knauft, Connie van Eeghen, John Linn, Lou Borie, Patty Brushett, Sam Pratt, Susan Glennon

Tom Carpenter

 

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/V7t9AQiK_Po?si=C7MN4VI89NnBP5a4 

Call to Order: 7:05 PM

 

Welcome by:  Wood

 

Public Comment: Sander stated that the Olympic Parade was another opportunity for him to realize how special our community is. Sander stated that he did not hear any complaints and heard a lot of praise.  Filkins observed the Fire Department, the ambulance, and the volunteers who organized the parade and parking was impressive.

Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda:  None

Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present


Reminder of Special Selectboard Meeting on Monday, June 8 at 7:00pm at the Town Center to discuss the Thompson Rd., Huntington Rd., Bridge St., and Cochran Rd. intersection
Timestamp:  0:02
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3a_Special_Selectboard_Meeting_Agenda_for_6-8-26_DRAFT.pdf 

Wood announced the Special Selectboard Meeting for next Monday.


Announcement of torch run for Special Olympics taking place on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 2:00pm
Timestamp:  0:02
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3b_information_about_the_special_olympics_torch_run.pdf 

Wood stated that Chief Cohen is taking part so there is an opportunity to run alongside or watch the event.  It is planned to conclude at 2:15 PM at the Richmond schools.


Consideration of setting a date for a special meeting to receive public feedback on the draft Andrews Community Forest Management Plan
Timestamp:  0:04

Wardwell stated that the Co-Chair of the ACFC is not available for July 7 or 13.  Wood confirmed that this is not yet the Public Hearing but the Selectboard looking for the public to review the plan and provide questions and suggestions. 

Filkins moved to hold a Special Selectboard meeting to receive feedback on the draft Andrews Community Forest Management Plan at 7pm on Monday, June 29.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of request to close Pleasant St. on Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm for a block party
Timestamp:  0:07
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3d_Request_to_Close_Pleasant_St..pdf 

Wood summarized the request. Rabideau stated that it is a dead-end street and they have a long history of managing it.

Sander moved to close Pleasant St. on Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm for a block party.  Hill seconded.

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

 

Discussion of goals and projects for the Selectboard for the next year
Timestamp:  0:08

Wood summarized that this idea came from a meeting with surrounding Selectboards.  They could pick one or two things that would be worthwhile extra focus. The recommendation was to pick something that was prominent from the Town Plan or an issue that was drawing lots of public attention.  Rabideau suggested a process to deal the the Town Center building and incremental improvements.  Rabideau listed things like windows, heating systems, and flood resilience.  Wood summarized that housing is a topic that comes up with discussions in the community.  Rabideau stated that the Housing Committee wants to educate the public on various funding mechanisms.  Hill suggested looking at policies related to the use of the Town Center. Filkins stated that there are big foundational things in the historical context of the Town Center building. Filkins suggested planning for the Town Center that allows them to grow into the future of Richmond.  


Review of update from Planning and Zoning Department
Timestamp:  0:18
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3f_Planning_and_Zoning_Update.pdf 

Oborne observed that there is an Implementation Table within the 2026 Town Plan that will be given to different Committees.  Oborne presented the Update from the packet which summarizes the calendar year. Oborne stated that the Zoning Administrative Officer, Dante Denault, has transformed the Planning and Zoning office. 

Oborne stated that they have had a lot of inquiries about infill development.  Oborne reviewed that the Planning Commission is getting some rules in place for stormwater erosion and sedimentation on infill development.  Oborne confirmed that they have received some interest in ADUs and they have permitted 1 single-family dwelling all year long as opposed to 14 dwelling units built last year.


Update on Chittenden Country Regional Planning Commission’s (CCRPC) Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) project to study the Jolina Ct, Railroad St., and Bridge St. intersection, at no cost to the Town
Timestamp:  0:22
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3g_FY27_Richmond_UPWP_letter.pdf 

Oborne reviewed that they have to do a build out study.  There are 3 lots in the back of the Richmond Rescue building that is right for development. Oborne summarized the level of service needed for the safety of vehicles and pedestrians as it is a tough intersection. Oborne stated the study will probably not happen until September when school is back in session.   


Discussion of concerns about speeding on Huntington Rd.
Timestamp: 0:26
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3h_20220207_Richmond_SpeedStudy_Final.pdf 

Wood summarized that a speed study lowered the speed limit from 45 to 40 MPH, but it never got re-signed until recently. Wood reviewed that the process for setting speed limits is based on the recommendations or serious mitigating circumstances.  Hill observed that the traffic coming down Huntington Rd around school/work has significantly increased.  There is tension between the people who want to get through that area quickly as they commute from one place to another and the people who live there and want it to be safer and at slower speeds.  Hill requested a traffic count before school lets out.  Wood observed that without continuous enforcement or physical changes to the road, the speed limits do not impact the speeds at which people drive. Rabideau suggested a soft enforcement effort.  Wood suggested using the portable speed sign.  Wood stated that another speed study might recommend raising the speed limit. 


Consideration of a request to use $3,000.00 from the Conservation Reserve Fund to partially pay for a Conservation Easement at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) property
Timestamp:  0:37
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3i1_VYCC_Conservation_Easement_Conservation_Reserve_Fund_Request.pdf 

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3i2_VYCC_CRF_4-24-26.pdf 

Knauft, from the VYCC, presented that the request for $3,000 from the Conservation Fund is part of a larger easement budget.  It would support ongoing stewardship and oversight by Richmond Land Trust, that would hold the easement.  The goal is to ensure continued agricultural use of the land between the two Monitor Barns. Pratt reviewed that the Conservation Commission reviewed the request and voted unanimously to approve it.  Borie illustrated the stewardship contribution which covers future costs of the property which include monitoring, marking boundaries, or dealing with easement violations.  Borie confirmed that one of the main goals of the Land Trust is to protect agricultural land.  Borie illustrated that the new stormwater pond is on the edge but inside the easement. The easement language recognizes stormwater constructed wetland, or gravel wetland.  

Hill moved to approve the request to use $3,000 from the Conservation Reserve Fund to partially pay for a Conservation Easement at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) property.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

 

Consideration of Richmond Racial Equity’s request to hold a Juneteenth celebration on the Town Center lawn on June 19, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:30pm
Timestamp:  0:49
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3j_Juneteenth_Celebration_Request.pdf 

Brushett summarized the proposed celebration of the National Holiday.

Rabideau moved to approve Richmond Racial Equity’s request to hold a Juneteenth celebration on the Town Center lawn on June 19, 2026, from 3:00 – 4:30pm.  Sander seconded.
Roll call vote follows discussion.

Hill summarized that since this is not a Selectboard event and therefore establishes precedent for other groups. Filkins illustrated that the Town Center lawn is a limited public forum.  Sander stated that it could be recognized as a Juneteenth Holiday celebration event. Wood stated that if other people wanted to organize other events for National Holidays, then the Selectboard would be receptive to that.    

Rabideau accepted a friendly amendment to move in recognition of a National Holiday, a Juneteenth celebration on the Town Center lawn on June 19, 2026 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of a request to use the Town Center on Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 7:00am – 5:00pm for the Richmond Holiday Market, with setup to begin on the evening of Friday, December 4, 2026
Timestamp:  0:59
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3k1_Holiday_Market_Request.pdf 

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3k2_HolidayMktApplication2026.pdf 

Sander moved to approve the request to use the Town Center on Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 7:00am – 5:00pm for the Richmond Holiday Market, with setup to begin on the evening of Friday, December 4, 2026.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving a request to place signs promoting the Richmond Farmers Market on the Town Center Lawn and in the Town Right of Way
Timestamp:  1:01
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3l_RFM_Parking_Sign_Request_05-27-26.pdf 

Wood summarized the two sign requests.
  
Sander moved to approve the signage requests from the Richmond Farmers Market to allow them to post a Parking sign on the Town Center lawn on the Friday’s when the Market is being held and to place a sign promoting the Market on the Town Center Lawn, Volunteers Green, and Cochran Rd at Cochran’s Ski Area every day during the Farmers Market season. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving spending from the July 4th Celebration Fund for expenses related to the July 4, 2026 celebration
Timestamp:  1:04
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3m_2026_4th_of_July.pdf 

Wood summarized that the $6,000 budget covers the events and services of the July 4^th Celebration. Carpenter reviewed that by approving the budget, they can buy something once they get the Town Manager’s permission without going to the Selectboard.

Filkins moved to approve spending from the July 4th Celebration fund of up to $6,000.00 and not to exceed what is in the account at the time to be used on items as presented by the Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Committee, or similar items with approval of the Town Manager, with the condition that anticipated revenue is fully realized and the balance of the fund is equal to or greater than $6,000.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of closing Jericho Rd. (from School St. to Bridge St., 10:15 – 10:45am), Bridge St., Thompson Rd., and Farr Rd. (10:15am – Noon), and Esplanade St. (8am – 10pm), on July 4, 2026 to allow for the parade and 4th of July celebration
Timestamp:  1:09

Sander moved to close the following roads for the following times on July 4, 2026.
•           Jericho Rd. from the traffic light to School St. from 10:15am – 10:45am.
•           Bridge St., Thompson Rd., and Farr Rd from 10:15 am to Noon.
•           Esplanade St. from 8am to 10pm, with the exception of vehicles belonging to residents on the street, vehicles for the classic car show, and water and wastewater staff.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving a coin drop to be held on Saturday, June 13, from 8am – 2pm at the intersection of Bridge St. and Rt. 2, to support the Fourth of July Celebration
Timestamp:  1:12
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3o_2024_Coin_Drop_Policy.pdf 

Sander moved to approve the Parade and Fireworks Committee to hold a coin drop on Saturday June 13, from 8am – 2pm at the intersection of Bridge St. and Rt. 2 to support the Fourth of July Celebration.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving the sale of water and soda by the Parade and Fireworks Committee at the Fourth of July Celebration
Timestamp:  1:14

Sander moved to approve the sale of water and soda by the Parade and Fireworks Committee at the Fourth of July Celebration.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of setting the rate of increase for the FY27 pay grid
Timestamp:  1:16

Wood reviewed the discussion of this agenda item from the previous meeting.  The debate is whether the Selectboard sticks with the 3% from the budget or use the 4% from the CPI.

Hill moved to increase the Town pay grid by 4% for Fiscal Year 2027.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Hill recused himself from the Police discussion.  Wood reviewed that the Police pay grade is contractually set to a maximum of 2% annually.  Sander reviewed that the recent 20% pay grid increase for the Police was to move them in line with market conditions.

Filkins moved to increase the Police Pay Grid by 2% for Fiscal Year 2027.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Hill recused. Motion approved.


Consideration of suspending the following committees and volunteer positions, effective until, and if, the Selectboard votes to activate them: Town Plan Steering Committee, Recreation Committee, Gardening Committee, Transportation Committee, Service Officer, Police Governance Committee
Timestamp:  1:45

Wood summarized that these Committees have dwindling/no membership or unnecessary based on their mandate.

Hill moved to suspend the following committees and volunteer positions, effective until, and if, the Selectboard votes to activate them: Town Plan Steering Committee, Recreation Committee, Gardening Committee, Transportation Committee, Service Officer, Police Governance Committee.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Wood in favor.  Sander absent.  Motion approved.


Consideration of applying for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Step 2 loan for the preliminary and final design for the Wastewater Treatment Facility 20 year study
Timestamp:  1:46
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3s1_02_CWSRF_Loan_Application_-_Richmond_WWTF_Step_II_Final_Design_05-24-26.pdf 

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3s2_EJCDC_Agreement_-_Richmond_WWTF_Upgrade_Step_II_-_2025-10-30__1_.pdf 

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3s3_PCS_-_Richmond_WWTF_ESA_1.2___2.0-SRF_-_STEP_II_Loan_Highlighted.xlsx 

Rabideau stated that the Water Sewer Commission had a significant amount of discussion about this earlier tonight.  Hill reviewed that the final design of the wastewater treatment plant lets them look at the costs which is a precursor to a bond vote.  The Commission is compelled to do the 20-year study and upgrade by the State associated with the wastewater treatment license.  Hill stated that the Selectboard has fiscal authority to approve this, but the customers and users of the wastewater treatment facility are the ones who pay it back.  

Filkins moved to approve applying for the CWSRF Step 2 loan for the preliminary and final design for the Wastewater Treatment Facility 20-year study.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.



Review of rides offered to qualified Richmond residents through the Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities Transportation Program in FY27
Timestamp:  1:50

Wood summarized that this program has suffered a funding yo-yo in the last year and a half.  Wardwell stated that this is a review of the program which currently provides one round trip per week in any category other than social/personal, which are two round trips per month.  There will be an update from the Town Manager if anything changes regarding the budgets and rides. Wood stated that they try to adjust the rides accordingly so there is some reliability for people using the program.


Discussion of adding “Welcome to Richmond” signs to more roads entering Richmond
Timestamp:  1:52

Hill observed that the current signs are really a welcome to the Village center.  Traffic patterns have changed but Hill is not sure if they need to put a sign on every road.  Wood suggested the main roads coming from Huntington, Hinesburg, and Jericho.  Filkins stated that if they were to do something at other places, they should prioritize the condition of the current signs.  They could prioritize 1-2 new signs a year realizing that would also need to maintain those.  Rabideau suggested public outreach and citizen engagement.  Filkins stated that since it is not something that is a need, they should find the right people to volunteer to put together a proposal of what those signs look like and how they are maintained.  Sander suggested reaching out to the Highway Foreman to get his feedback on Entering Richmond sign options.  


Discussion of insurance coverage, staff training, and internal controls related to, email phishing scams
Timestamp:  1:57

Wood reviewed that the Town does not do online payments except for direct deposits for employees where the Finance Director enters in the totals and the Town Manager reviews it for approval.  A lot of these issues fall into training and awareness on the employee level.  Sander stated that insurance companies are not noted for paying out these types of claims.  The Town Manager is waiting for a response from the Town’s insurance company, PACIF.  Filkins reviewed the risk of engaging with an email that opens up the entire system’s information.  Wood summarized that the Town Manager is exploring the training options & costs


Review of project lists for the Town Center
Timestamp:  2:08
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3w1_Town_Center_Renovation_2024_Proposal_Cost_Breakdown__1_.pdf 

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/05/3w2_Richmond_Town_Center_Property_Management.pdf 

Wardwell confirmed these lists were the output of the previous Town Center Committees.  This illustrated all the major stuff that needs to be replaced in the building.  Wardwell stated that the Town recently contracted with Colliers to put together a larger scale model that focuses on the Town Center building.  Rabideau suggested looking for a creative solution to replace single glazed windows and storm systems.   Rabideau stated that they should pick some achievable goal and start doing it.  Wood mentioned that Peter Cahill, the Town Center Property manager, can help get the information flowing.  Wardwell reviewed how Cahill has a contractor who is looking at the re-pointing the bricks at the entrance and the ramp beside the Post Office.   Filkins suggested prioritizing some of the safety items like the fire escape stairs, sprinklers, and fire alarm systems.


Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants
Timestamp:  2:26

Minutes:

Sander moved to approve the minutes of May 18, 2026. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor.  Rabideau abstains.  Motion approved.

Purchase Orders: 

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5386 to VLCT/PACIF for property casualty, workers compensation and assigned risk insurance for the first half of fiscal year 2027 in the amount of $73,000 which is allocated for the General and Highway expenses. Filkins 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
-Insurance bidding timeline
-Policy goals
-Selectboard priorities
-Housing Committee update
-Town Plan goals


Adjourn

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

Meeting adjourned at:  9:41 PM

Chat file from Zoom:  None