Selectboard 8/17/26

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Town of Richmond 
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of August 17, 2026

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

 

Absent:  Caitlin Filkins  

Staff Present:  Josh Arneson, Town Manager; Duncan Wardwell, Deputy Town Manager; Keith Oborne, Town Planner; Matthew Cohen, Police Chief; Kyle Leggett, Assistant Highway Foreman

Others Present: Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Ash Kreider, Chelsye Brooks, Chuck Gilroy, Connie van Eeghen, Danny Peet, Darcie Rankin, Gabbi Berthiaume, Jean's iPad, John Rankin, Mary Houle, Matt Buckley, Nick Chiarelli, Susan Glennon, Tom Carpenter, Trevor Brooks

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/YIGU-SkpEuM?si=XApVgBu28f36t0jQ  

Call to Order: 7:00 PM

 

Welcome by:  Wood

 

Public Comment:  Houle stated that yesterday the Governor of Massachusetts signed into law what she considers infanticide.  She hopes Town and State representatives pay attention, so it doesn’t creep northward. 

Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda:  None

Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present


Review of Chittenden Country Regional Planning Commission’s (CCRPC) Group Expectations
Timestamp:  0:03
3a CCRPC Meeting Guidelines

Wood summarized the intent to post these in the meeting room and to review them at the beginning of the meeting. Rabideau encouraged everyone to focus on the topic on the table and not make it personal.  Rabideau stated that he stands to learn from this process as it is a two-way dialogue.  Hill stated that the purpose of this is to improve people’s self-regulation when they are upset, anxious, or angry.  The Selectboard should adopt something to hold each other accountable.  Sander stated that he would support a standalone universal code of conduct.  It would be a good idea to review expectations at the meeting, keep comments germane to the article being presented, and provide public comment at the beginning for items on the agenda.  Hill suggested putting something on the Town letterhead and bring it back at a future meeting.


Consideration of approval of request by Radiate Art Space to place signage in the Town Right of Way to promote the Art Crawl which is being held on Sunday, September 27, 2026
Timestamp:  0:08
3b RadiateArtSignSept27

Arneson reviewed the request from the packet.

Sander moved to approve the request by Radiate Art Space to place signs in the Town Right of Way promoting their Art Crawl for two weeks prior to the event which is planned for Sunday, September 27, 2026 and to allow them to place signs the day of the event at the Town Center and at the corner of Bridge St. and Church St.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving a request by the Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Committee to hold a coin drop at the intersection of Bridge St. and Rt. 2 on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 8:00am – 2:00pm
Timestamp:  0:12

Carpenter stated that the Committee is looking for more public support and participation.  They are doing another coin drop to have more funds to do some things for the kids.  Glennon stated that the last coin drop was the most they ever made ($4,320).  Houle stated that keeping two different coin drops is an important precedent.  

Sander moved to approve the request from the Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Committee to hold a coin drop at the intersection of Bridge St. and Rt. 2 on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 8:00am – 2:00pm.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approving a request from Project All Together Now for $2,000 from the Community Well Being budget line
Timestamp:  0:18
3d Project All Together Now Funding Request

Berthiaume reviewed that the request covers stipends for the prevention coalition that is run by high school interns. Arneson stated that the budget link is funded with an offset from the Opioid Reserve Fund.  Berthiaume confirmed that they work closely with the MMU School District and they serve a majority of people from Richmond.  

Rabideau moved that the Town of Richmond allocate $2,000 from the Community Well Being budget for the Project All Together Now intern stipends. Sander seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of approval of Access Permit AC 2026-002 for an access to 20 Apple Tree Lane
Timestamp:  0:21
3e AC2026-002-Heco-AP0020 application 

Arneson reviewed that there is a limited spot where there can be an access.  The Highway Foreman confirmed that the line of sights are good as long as a few trees are cut down.

Sander moved to approve Access Permit AC 2026-002 for an access to 20 Apple Tree Lane.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of request to create a “No Parking” zone on portions of Dugway Rd. that run along the Aldrich Farm property in exchange for providing the Town with an easement for repairs to Dugway Rd. that are necessary due to damages from the 2023 and 2024 floods
Timestamp:  0:23
3f1 No Parking Request
3f2 No Parking Request Map

Arneson reviewed that the Town needs easements to repair damage from the floods in 2023 & 2024.  There was a completion date of November 2026, but Vermont Emergency Management is providing an extension of 6 months (to end of May) but all of the river work needs to be done by the end of December.  Arneson illustrated the Parking and No-Parking areas currently on Dugway Rd.  Aldrich stated that they had asked for 10 years with no response from the Town. Aldrich reviewed the reasons that were discussed at the last meeting.  Wood illustrated that the Selectboard would be lying if they said they could give a No Parking zone because it requires an Ordinance change with the potential of a petition to undo the change.  Houle observed that the Selectboard has created Ordinances for parking related to private land, Bombardier Field which is privately owned by the Richmond Land Trust.  Rabideau stated that he visited the site and walked with Aldrich.  It would be helpful to have an actual plat map.  Rabideau stated he would be interested in modifying the Parking Ordinance but not based on the current map.  Rabideau stated that the Selectboard owes it to all the people who live on Dugway Rd to get the road in good repair before it blows out again. Arneson illustrated that there are about 5-6 parking spots in Aldrich’s road frontage.  

Gilroy, a resident of Dugway Rd, stated that Aldrich could stick two big logs in the right-of-way to block the parking spaces, but he is trying to do it the right way.  Gilroy illustrated that they are trying to protect two agricultural businesses in an Agricultural-Residential Zone.  This is bigger than somebody annoyed about parking. If Aldrich posted his land, the river would be totally denied for a long way.  It looks like they could easily have guardrails the whole way except for the one place to access the one lower field.  Gilroy stated that if it were brought back to the Parking Advisory Committee there is no guarantee that they will agree with providing No Parking spaces. 

Hill stated that the proper way for the Town to close off something is to put up guardrails and put signs up.  Buckley, a Dugway Rd landowner and member of the Parking Advisory Committee, stated that this situation is unique to Aldrich and he doesn’t want precedence that suggests other people can ask for a parking change.  Rankin, a Richmond resident and member of the Parking Advisory Committee, summarized the process for changing parking was based on the goal to allow emergency vehicles to get through.  Arneson reviewed the process for an Ordinance change and how it could be overturned by a petition and a public vote.  Rabideau stated that he would commit to bringing back an improved map that shows the trouble areas.  Rabideau stated that they need some kind of Memorandum Of Understanding between the Town and Aldrich family for the matter of the Dugway Rd repairs.  BrooksC suggested pursuing an Ordinance change to eliminate the parking spaces but if the Town is unable to follow through then there is some financial compensation for Aldrich.  Gilroy stated that he flagged the beginning and end of both sides of the road with green flagging to get a scope of the parking spaces.  Arneson stated he will review guardrail placement with the Highway Foreman which might eliminate the parking without an Ordinance change.  


Discussion of the Vermont Police Academy Criminal Justice Council’s review of the Richmond Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) Policy and their conclusion that the policy is not compliant with the statewide model FIP Policy
Timestamp:  1:10
3g1 FIP Policy Update July 2026
3g2 Letter to Richmond PD re FIP
3g3 Model FIP Policy updated 04.23.24 - Migrant Justice alternative with parenthetical - Richmond
3g4 Model FIP Policy updated 04.23.24 - Migrant Justice redline edits parenthetical highlighted
3g5 Model FIP Policy updated 06.05.24 0.pdf 

Cohen reviewed the adjustments to the Richmond Policy where made with the advisement from Racial Equity and Migrant Justice.   This year the Academy stated that the Richmond Policy was non-compliant and had to follow the State mandated policy.  Cohen discussed with the Academy and Attorney General’s office how this affected the community and Police Department.  Cohen was told that there's a Vermont law that says if there is a model policy, all Departments must follow that model policy.  Departments are allowed to adjust a model policy, but they cannot eliminate any pieces to the model policy.  The language that was removed from the model policy dealt with what offices were able to communicate or not communicate with Federal Agents based on Federal Laws.  If they didn't follow the model policy, the Department could be discredited, or no longer obtain law enforcement powers in the State of Vermont.  All Federal Grants also include fine print saying the Town will follow/obey all Federal Laws.  Cohen determined to work for the best interest of the Town and put back the model Federal Fair and Impartial Policing Policy.  Cohen suggested that any changes to the Policy should be discussed at a joint meeting with the State Attorney General’s office.  Hill stated that the authority derives from the Criminal Justice Council.  Cohen confirmed that the differences between the two policies is minimal.  van Eeghen, a member of the Richmond Racial Equity group, suggested working together to understand what can be adjusted in the Policy to include migrant justice.  Arneson summarized how Racial Equity and Migrant Justice could provide some key points that zero in on focusing the Selectboard conversation.  


Discussion of discontinuing Legal Trail #2
Timestamp:  1:25
3h1 Rosen 2003 Subdivision Plat Slide 98 
3h2 Strode 2023 Subdivision Plat Macro Slide 165 
3h3 Strode 2023 Subdivision Plat Micro Slide 165 
3h4 Legal Trail Property Owner sketch

Rabideau recused himself from this topic. Wood reviewed that from the previous meeting, there was approval of a license agreement for a driveway to go on Legal Trail #2.  The Selectboard approved an engineering plan to upgrade and grade it up to driveway standards for the development of a lot.  The landowner verbally requested that the Town gives up its rights to the road as a Legal Trail.  Arneson reviewed that he will come back with an outline on the process which will probably include a Special Selectboard meeting for a site visit.  Chiarelli, the landowner, stated that a Legal Trail is going to look like a nice place to park when it is a driveway.    


Consideration of approving an amount for a surety to include in the license agreement to develop a driveway on Legal Trail #2
Timestamp:  1:37

Wood reviewed that the surety would be a form of assurance that funds are available to restore the trail to its earlier condition if the construction were to fall through at any given point.  Wood stated that since the Selectboard is starting the process to discontinue the Legal Trail, there might not be a use that the Town would be insuring.  Wood confirmed that the Selectboard was comfortable striking the section of the agreement that includes a surety.
 

Discussion of request for waiver from VTrans A76 Standards for the development of a Town owned strip of land off of Mary Dr. to rural road standards and discussion of updated offer for the conveyance of the same strip of land
Timestamp:  1:41
3j1 Narrative - Waiver Request 8-6-26 1 
3j2 SH.2 - PLAN PROFILE 4-16-2026 1 
3j3 Proposed T turnaround
3j4 SH.2 - PLAN PROFILE - A76 alternate
3j5 email with State regarding stormwater permit
3j6 Offer for Lot K

Arneson summarized recent discussions around stormwater management, the development of Mary Dr, and how that would intersect with the road maintenance agreement.  Peet is requesting a waiver for the driveway plan that is not compliant with A76 Standards but that has to come from the DRB.  Since this is Town owned land, there are conversations about conveying it and ensuring that existing property owners have access to the road maintenance agreement.  The Selectboard might agree to convey the land with the following stipulations:  receipt of approval amendments to Sadler Meadow subdivision (which allows for Lot 12 to be developed), receipt of DRB approval from the rural road for the design for Mary Dr subdivision amendment (may or may not include a waiver and adherence to A76 standards), and a signed road maintenance agreement between Peet and existing property owners (for the design and maintenance of the road).  Arneson summarized that the proposed hammerhead turnaround is a Zoning waiver that the Selectboard has authority over.  Oborne stated that the DRB might require a technical review.  Peet reviewed the two plans (one with an A76 waiver and one without a waiver) for the DRB to consider.  Arneson confirmed that Watershed Consulting will provide feedback if the plans fit withing the current 3-Acre permit without a need for amendment.  Wood stated that the Selectboard will wait for Watershed’s review to make sure there are not major implications for stormwater.

Wood reviewed Peet’s offer to convey attorney’s fees and $5,000 for upgrade to the Browns Court ballfield.    


Update from Planning and Zoning Department
Timestamp:  2:06
3k1 3 - P Z Monthly - July - August
3k2 3z - July 2026 Zoning Office s Selectboard Report

Oborne presented the update from the packet and stated that not much has changed since last month.  He is thinking of making this a quarterly rather than monthly report.


Consideration of approving a project from the Flood Mitigation Alternatives Analysis for the Winooski River and its Tributaries to move forward to the Concept Design Phase
Timestamp:  2:08
3l1 AlternativesAnlaysis Presentation v2
3l2 Richmond AlternativesAnalysisMemo Compiled

Arneson stated that the presentation from the last meeting is included in the packet.  Stone Environmental is looking into the concerns about the flood mapping modeling versus real-life ground experience and will provide an update. The last phase is to advance a project to the Conceptual Design Phase.  

Hill moved to direct Stone Environmental to focus on the Stage Rd culverts as a system.  Sander seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of using $3,800.00 from the Town Center Reserve Fund to pay for duct cleaning at the Town Center
Timestamp:  2:19
3m Town of Richmond 203 Bridge Street Duct Cleaning

Sander moved to authorize $3,800.00 from the Town Center Reserve Fund to pay for duct cleaning at the Town Center. Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of accepting a Grant In Aid grant from the State of Vermont in the amount of $23,000.00 to help pay for upgrades to hydrologically connected road segments
Timestamp:  2:20
3n GA1342 RichmondTownof.pdf 

Arneson reviewed that there are road segments that are not in compliance for outside ditching which is mostly for phosphorous runoff.  This money goes directly towards Highway time and materials.  
Rabideau moved to accept Grants In Ad from the State of Vermont in the amount of $23,000 to pay for hydrologically connected road segments.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


FY26 Quarter 4 update from Richmond Rescue
Timestamp:  2:21
3o FY26 Q4 Richmond Rescue Update

Arneson reviewed the update from the packet.  They have added training and expertise to the crew where they can do more in the ambulance before they get to the hospital.


Consideration of moving the first Selectboard meeting in September to Tuesday, September 8, 2026 due to the holiday on Monday, September 7, 2026
Timestamp:  2:22

Sander moved to move the first Selectboard meeting in September to Tuesday, September 8, 2026, due to the holiday of Labor Day falling on Monday, September 7.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Wood and Sander realized that they both might be gone during that time in September.  Hill will be joining via Zoom, but he does not know how well he will be able to connect.

Sander moved to move the first Selectboard meeting in September to August 31, due to schedule conflicts.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants

Minutes:

Sander moved to approve the minutes of August 3, 2026.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Sander moved to approve the minutes of August 4, 2026. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander in favor.  Wood abstains.  
Motion approved.

Purchase Orders: 

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5637 to Mow N Maintain for grounds maintenance for summer and fall of FY27 in the amount of $23,333.32. Hill seconded
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Warrants:

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


Discuss Items for Next Agenda: 
-Rule of Conduct
-Fair and Impartial Policing Policy
-Dugway/Aldrich Easement
-Legal Trail #2
-Mary Drive


Adjourn

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


Meeting adjourned at:  9:27 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
00:30:10          Chelsye Brooks:          I couldn’t unmute in time to comment on the apple tree lane access permit. Josh- does the town know at what point the 3acre permit would need to be amended for development within Greystone? Also, is the town going to do anything to follow through with the maintenance agreement for Stormwater running into the Kemp farm? I think apple tree lane is at the top of a ravine that goes right down toward the horse fields. Answers not expected now but perhaps something that could be circled back on.

00:43:27          Jean’s iPad:     Can’t you just put giant boulders to prevent parking?

00:58:35          Chelsye Brooks:          How much grant money is on the line here with the road repair?

01:48:00          Chelsye Brooks:          Has Watershed looked at the plans as Andres suggested?  This is important if they plan to fall under the umbrella of the Mary drive permit.

01:53:20          Chelsye Brooks:          This was required all along which is why I kept bringing it up.

01:53:31          Connie van Eeghen, she/her:   Reacted to "This was required all along which is why I kept bringing it up." with 👍

01:59:26          Chelsye Brooks:          Thanks.

02:18:59          Chelsye Brooks:          It’s nice to hear the Selectboard interested in Stormwater impacts from riparian areas as the PC actively works on Stormwater bylaws.