Selectboard 6/16/25
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Monday,
June 16, 2025
7PM – 9 PM
Minutes
Draft
Minutes
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Town of Richmond
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of June 16, 2025
Members Present: Bard Hill, Jay Furr, David Sander, Caitlin Filkins, Adam Wood
Absent: None
Staff Present: Town ManagerJosh Arneson;Assistant to the Town ManagerDuncan Wardwell, Planning and Zoning Director Keith Oborne, Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Levesque.
Others Present: MMCTV Erin Wagg, Stefanie Hartsfield, Abrum Alexander, Connie Van Eeghen, Chelsye Brooks, Maya’s iPhone, Rod West, Trevor Brooks, Rich, Wright Preston, CCRPC Charlie Baker, Michael Parent, Ben Owens.
MMCTV Video: Recorded by MMCTV by Erin Wagg
https://youtu.be/2njrdbmiJHQ?si=PIGHTMoSLp1kVjY1
Call to Order: 7:01 p.m.
Welcome by: Furr
Public Comment: None
Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda
Timestamp: 0:01
Change the word until to at in item D.
Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present
Announcement of retirement party for Fire Chief Dennis Gile to be held at Stone Corral on Wednesday, June 18 from 4 – 6pm
Timestamp: 0:02
People who participated in discussion: Furr
Everyone is invited.
Consideration of approving a request from Project All Together Now VT to utilize $2,000 in Community Wellbeing funds
Timestamp: 0:03
People who participated in discussion: Furr,
Furr explained that this is a program for youth mental health and well-being and helping people with mental health issues or substance abuse. The budget item for this is $5,000, and $3,000 has already been used. The request is to use the remaining $2,000.
Wood moved to approve the use of $2,000 from the Community Wellbeing budget to support the work of Project All Together Now. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Hill, Filkins, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Consideration of approving a request from the Richmond Land Trust to use funds from the Conservation Reserve Fund to convert the 10 vehicle grass parking lot at Beeken Preserve to a 20 vehicle gravel lot
Timestamp: 0:07
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/06/3c2_Motion_from_RCC.pdf
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Preston, Oborne, Hill
Preston stated Richmond Land Trust has an older park lot in this location (off Cochran Rd), but they want to expand and renew it to a 20-car gravel lot for a total cost of $30,170. Zoning has approved this. The lowest bid for this job was $28,170, but there is a $2,000 addition for around 30 trees to be planted by volunteers. Furr emphasized that this is outside of the floodway. The project will take about 2 weeks. Hill thinks this is a better location for parking than the previous one. Preston said this property could be plowed, and he compared it to the Gillette Pond lot that they put in last year which is used daily. Oborne said that RLT needs to apply for Zoning for signage.
Filkins moved to approve Richmond Land Trust’s request to use $30,170 from the Conservation Reserve Fund to convert the 10 vehicle grass parking lot at Beeken Preserve to a 20 vehicle gravel lot. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Hill, Filkins, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Consideration of opting in for the Tier 1B designation which would provide an exemption from Act 250 for housing projects in the town designated growth area (“Village Center” on the Zoning Map) that are 50 units or less and 10 acres or less at 2027
Timestamp: 0:21
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/06/3d6_Zoning_Map.pdf
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Oborne, Clarke, Van Eeghen, Filkins, Hill, Baker, Brooks, Wood
Furr reminded people that this was discussed at the last meeting. Wagg asked if these changes would happen before or after 2027, which Furr said this is for after 2027. Van Eeghen wants the Selectboard to send a message about growth opportunities in Richmond. She wants this to move forward and that there is a need for change in Richmond and not to keep waiting for 2028. Oborne warned of the need for oversight of roadways and parking with such a structure, as was stated at the last meeting. Filkins wants the Town to move towards allowing more comprehensive housing that will send a message that housing development is available in Richmond. Hill doesn’t see any risk in terms of allowing housing of this size. CCRPC Baker explained that this has no impact on funding. Brooks wants the Town to be mindful of the Act 250 wetlands protection rules and that there needs to be more oversight at the Town level. Woods is positive to opting in and that would allow the Town to oversee the area more closely. He doesn’t think this is such a large area that the Town can’t control it. Baker continued that he has been pushing smaller Towns to move their decision forward, because the effects of this is still a year out and he thinks adjustments can be made down the road. Filkins said there are not as many areas in Richmond to build such properties that would be serviced by Town Sewer and Water. Furr read from a letter that was submitted by CCRPC.
Filkins moved that the Town of Richmond hereby requests that the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission seek the Land Use Review Boards’ approval to have the Town’s mapped Future Land Use map the Village Center and Planned Growth Area be mapped for Act 250 Tier 1B area status. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Hill, Filkins, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Announcement of hiring a police officer
Timestamp: 0:46
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Arneson, Wood, Filkins, Hill, Sander
Arneson described that a new officer has been hired to the Richmond police department. This officer has been under investigation previously by the Bristol Police department for misplacement of funds. Hill asked when he starts, which Arneson said is on June 23, 2025. Wood supports this officer being hired. Filkins also supports this. Sander supports this hiring. Furr stated that the State’s attorney says this officer handled the investigation and case admirably and to point out that he was never charged.
Update on amending and extending the agreement with Hinesburg for police services and the search for an interim shared chief, possible executive session
Timestamp: 0:51
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Arneson, Hill, Wood
Arneson reported that the committee is still meeting and discussing how this relationship with Hinesburg will function. He said being able to exchange and interchange officers to serve in both Towns is positive. The Union has been brought in to iron out details. Jim Baker, former Police Chief has been hired to help find a new Chief. Hill said people have approached him with questions about why the Richmond Police Department isn’t absolved and to only use the Hinesburg Police Department, which he thinks will affect the emergency dispatch plan. He is afraid of relying on an entity that may or may not agree with Richmond’s values. Wood thinks the narrower and stricter this agreement is the harder it will be to fulfill. Arneson said the relationship with Hinesburg has worked well in the past, but he hopes Baker will help us find a strong leader to help with this symbiosis.
Consideration of approving expenses from the July 4th Celebration Reserve Fund
Timestamp: 1:02
People who participated in the discussion: Furr, Arneson
Furr explained that the July 4th fund pays for the fireworks. There are funds available in the budget. Arneson broke down exactly the use of funds and stated the total is now $3,150.
Filkins moved to approve the use of $3,150.00 from the July 4th Celebration Reserve Fund for expenses related to the July 4th events as presented. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Furr, Filkins, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Update on Property and Casualty Intermunicipal Fund’s determination that Fire Department Engine 1 is a total loss, due to damage from an accident earlier this spring when it slid off the road and into the roadside ditch; consideration of accepting the insurance payment with or without the salvage value; and discussion of whether to replace the truck
Timestamp: 1:06
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Arneson, Levesque, Wilson, Sander
Furr said there was an accident earlier in the spring and the truck went into the ditch. Arneson said the cab needs to be completely replaced and the insurance company has said this is a total loss, but useable equipment can be salvaged off the truck. Sander asked about the year of the truck, which Wilson told him it is a 2001. Wilson said it can be fixed. Levesquestated the mirror on the cab and the side of the truck cab is destroyed. Furr showed images. Sander recalled that this was built to spec and perhaps there are not things to salvage; he continued that fire trucks are ridiculously expensive and hard to sell. Levesque added since there will be a new truck arriving next year so he doesn’t think this one needs to be fixed. Sander said they won’t find a replacement for this truck for the insurance money. Hill wonders if it’s possible to get an interim truck if they take the insurance payment. Arneson suggested taking out a short term loan if another truck was needed in the interim until the new truck comes in.
Wood moved to accept the offer from PACIF of $132,950 for the damaged fire truck and turn the title of the truck over to PACIF BLANK and to deposit the money into the fire department reserve fund. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Furr, Filkins, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Consideration of closing Esplanade St., Bridge St., Thompson Rd., Farr Rd., and portions of East and West Main St. on July 4, 2025
Timestamp: 1:35
People who participated in discussion: Furr, Arneson
Furr explained this is for the Parade route and the Fun Run. Furr warned that you cannot park withing 250 feet of the Water treatment plant, where people parked illegally in the past.
Wood moved to close the following roads for the following times on July 4, 2025.
Jericho Rd. from the traffic light to School St. from 10:15am – 10:45pm.
East and West Main St. in the immediate vicinity of the intersection with Bridge St. from 10:15am to Noon.
Bridge St. from the intersection with East and West Main St. to Volunteers’ Green from 10:15 am to Noon.
Thompson Rd. and Farr Rd from 10:15am 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.
Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Furr, Filkins, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, Warrants
Timestamp: 1:40
Minutes:
Sander moved to approve the draft Selectboard Minutes of 06/02/25 as presented. Wood seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Furr, Sander, Filkins, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Motions for Purchase Orders:
Sander moved to approve Purchase Order number 5181 to VLCT Property & Casualty and workers comp for Town property and casualty insurance in the amount of $62,269.96.00. Wood seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Furr, Filkins, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Filkins moved to approve Purchase Order number 5259 to the Highway Dept for various vendors for the gravel plan and aggregates not to exceed the amount of $120,000.00. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Furr, Filkins, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Sander moved to approve Purchase Order number 5260 to Hinesburg Sand and Gravel in the amount of $35,000.00. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Furr, Filkins, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Wood moved to approve Purchase Order number 5294 to RHR for the budget audit in the amount of $34,800.00. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Furr, Filkins, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Warrants:
Wood moved to approve the Warrants as presented. Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Furr, Sander, Filkins, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Discussion about annual review of the Town Manager
Timestamp: 1:46
People who participated in discussion: Furr
Furr stated that this will require an executive session, to discuss the possibility of moving Arneson up one pay grade.
Sander moved to find that premature public knowledge about the evaluation of a public officer would cause the Town or person to suffer a substantial disadvantage. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Sander, Filkins, Furr, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Sander moved that we enter executive session to discuss the evaluation of a public officer under the provisions of 1 VSA 313(a)(3) and to invite Town Manager Josh Arneson into the executive session. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Furr. Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Sander moved to exit the executive session to discuss the evaluation of a public officer under the provisions of 1 VSA 313(a)(3). Wood seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Furr. Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Wood moved to bump Town Manager Josh Arneson pay grade up from grade 10 step E at $97,701 annually up to grade 10 step F at $102, 896 annually this will be in effect July 1, 2025. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Furr, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Adjourn
Wood moved to adjourn. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Sander, Furr, Wood in favor. Motion approved.
Meeting adjourned at: 9:01 p.m.
Chat file from Zoom:
00:11:44 Abrum Alexander: Thank you for your time and approving the funding! -Abrum Alexander, youth Co-Chair, Project All Together Now
00:12:16 Stefani Hartsfield: Many thanks for the continued support.
00:28:10 Chelsye Brooks: I would love CCRPC to clarify for the Selectboard the subject of funding. It’s been implied that the town MUST opt into tier 1B for funding opportunities for developers. I don’t believe that’s accurate.
00:31:46 Chelsye Brooks: Also can CCRC please clarify that this is not only applicable to parcels served by municipal water and sewer. It would also apply to parcels within planned growth mapping that can be served by shared septic systems.
00:48:58 Connie van Eeghen, she/her: Thank you, everyone. Great discussion
00:50:51 Keith Oborne: Have a great night folks!
01:18:06 Chelsye Brooks: How soon does a decision need to be made? If the insurance money is only $6500 maybe someone will pay more.
Perpetual parade float?
Someone’s weekend ride?
Agenda
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Web version
Meeting of the Town of Richmond Selectboard June 16, 2025
Richmond Town Center Meeting Room, 3rd Floor – 203 Bridge Street, Richmond, VT.
Meeting may also be joined online or by phone
Join Zoom Meeting Online:
us02web.zoom.us/j/84130907209
Join by Phone: +1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 841 3090 7209 Passcode: 898412
7:00 PM 1. Welcome and Public Comment
7:03 PM 2. Additions, Deletions, or Modifications to Agenda
7:05 PM 3. Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present
a) Announcement of retirement party for Fire Chief Dennis Gile to be held at Stone Corral on Wednesday, June 18 from 4 – 6pm # (5 min)
b) Consideration of approving a request from Project All Together Now VT to utilize $2,000 in Community Wellbeing funds* # (10 min)
c) Consideration of approving a request from the Richmond Land Trust to use funds from the Conservation Reserve Fund to convert the 10 vehicle grass parking lot at Beeken Preserve to a 20 vehicle gravel lot* # (10 min)
d) Consideration of opting in for the Tier 1B designation which would provide an exemption from Act 250 for housing projects in the town designated growth area (“Village Center” on the Zoning Map) that are 50 units or less and 10 acres or less until 2027* # (30 min)
e) Announcement of hiring a police officer (5 min)
f) Update on amending and extending the agreement with Hinesburg for police services and the search for an interim shared chief, possible executive session (5 min)
g) Update on the Property and Casualty Intermunicipal Fund’s determination that Fire Department Engine 1 is a total loss, due to damage from an accident earlier this spring when it slid off the road and into the road side ditch; consideration of accepting salvage value; and discussion of whether to replace the truck* # (15 min)
h) Consideration of approving expenses from the July 4th Celebration Reserve Fund* # (5 min)
i) Consideration of closing Esplanade St., Bridge St., Thompson Rd., Farr Rd., and portions of East and West Main St. on July 4, 2025* (5 min)
8:35 PM 4. Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants*
a) Minutes of 6/2/25
8:45 PM 5. Discuss Items for Next Agenda
8:55 PM 6. Executive Session
a) Evaluation of an employee
9:10 PM 7. Adjourn
Time is available at each meeting for public comment. Documents related to this meeting are available at
http://www.richmondvt.gov/documents/selectboard-meeting-documents/ If you would like to schedule a time with the Board or need assistance to participate in the meeting, please call Josh Arneson, Richmond Town Manager at 434-5170 or email jarneson@richmondvt.gov. Links to videos of Selectboard meetings can be found at http://mtmansfieldctv.org/
*Denotes Action Item # Indicates documents in the packet