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Selectboard 8/18/25

  • Monday, August 18, 2025
    PM – 9 PM

Selectboard

Minutes

Selectboard Minutes 08-18-25v2 222 KB

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Selectboard Minutes 08-18-25v2 222 KB

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Town of Richmond
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of August 18, 2025

Members Present: Bard Hill, Jay Furr, David Sander, Caitlin Filkins
 

Absent: Adam Wood

Staff Present: Josh Arneson, Town Manager; Duncan Wardwell, Deputy Town Manager; Susanne Parent, Town Clerk; Matthew Cohen, Police Sgt; Peter Gosselin, Highway Foreman; Gerald Levesque, Fire Chief; Jim Feinson, Town Treasurer

Others Present: MMCTV Erin Wagg, 18023553391, Alan Oliver, Alexis, Cara LaBounty, Bonny Steuer, Carolyn Marshall, Chuck Gilroy, Connie van Eeghen, Dave Thomas, Denise Barnard, Emily M (Amy M), Fran Thomas, Frank's iPhone, Ian Bender, Jayne Sheridan, John Cohn, John Rankin, Judy Rosovsky, June Heston, Kathy Gruber, Mark Schiewetz, Martha Waterman, Mary Claire Carroll, Mary Harrison, Mary Houle, Matt Moultrop, Melissa Wolaver, Molly Dugan, Morgan Wolaver, Patty Brushett, Reid Webster, Rod West, Sarah Tomasello, Tam Smith, Tess Storrs, Tim & Marie Schonholtz (T&M), Tom Bednar, Tom Lyle

MMCTV Video: Recorded by MMCTV by Erin Wagg
https://youtu.be/gpOFWJJA0aQ?si=pLX1vlbIr8iHD7Cp

Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.
 

Welcome by: Furr

Public Comment: Houle observed that the Vermont billboard law was initiated in 1968, and the last billboard came down in 1974. Thomas observed that the weeds are coming out at the road and intersections. Thomas suggested that the Selectboard should not discuss the Black Lives Matter flag until they have a sign policy.  Barnard observed that the pedestrian parkway sign was slowing down traffic on Bridge St. 

Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda: LaBounty suggested moving Item h. Furr confirmed moving Item h to before Item e. 

Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present

Consideration of amending the resolution to display the Black Lives Matter Sign and Flag to change the display timeframe to year-round and include messaging that All Are Welcome Here
Timestamp: 0:04

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3a_Revised_Resolution_for_DEI_in_Richmond.8.14.25.DRAFT.pdf

The discussion of this topic is best viewed via the MMCTV video at https://youtu.be/gpOFWJJA0aQ?si=vPvyfovXXe1fit8R&t=242


Furr shared the Town of Richmond’s the Declaration of Equity and Inclusion.

Steuer presented Richmond Racial Equity’s request to post the sign 365 days a year.
LaBounty stated that the Selectboard can approve a sign, but it doesn't mean it can be there without a permit
After many shared many perspectives, the following motion was moved:


Filkins moved to amend the resolution with updates to display the Black (and Brown) Lives Matter sign and flag to change the display timeframe to year round and include messaging that All are Welcome Here, welcoming to all including all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, or disability. . Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Furr, Sander in favor. Hill abstains.  
Motion approved.


Consideration of a request to use Conservation Reserve funds to purchase trees, garden hoses, and benches with cement pads to be installed near the pickleball courts at Browns Court
Timestamp: 1:04

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3b1_email_on_motion.pdf


https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3b2_2025_The_3_Parks_CommitteeGrant_application_for_CC_Funds.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3b3_Item_1._D._Figure_3_BC_Rec_Field_Designs.pdf


https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3b4_DRB_Decision_on_Site_Plan_May_2025.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3b5_Documents_on_authority_over_conservation_commission_fund.pdf

Barnard summarized the request and Rosovsky confirmed the process to approve the purchase. Thomas reviewed the importance of the concrete pads. Wolaver stated that this is too much money for one project from the Conservation Reserve Fund mostly for pickleball.  Rosovsky stated that these ADA compatible amenities are important in allowing all people to have access to recreation, even if they can't play, they can watch.  Gosselin confirmed that concrete pads prevent trip hazards.         

Sander moved to approve the request to use $12,703.07 from the Conservation Reserve Fund to purchase trees, garden hoses, and benches with cement pads to be installed near the pickleball courts at Browns Court. Hill seconded.

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

Discussion of management of the pickleball courts

Timestamp: 1:25


Furr reviewed the request to organize a small group of volunteer enthusiasts who maintained the courts and scheduled time for groups on the court. Thomas observed that the Town does not have a Recreation Committee or Director, but current players would be willing to facilitate community access.


Consideration of approving engineering plans for the Notice of Intent for the Greystone 3 Acre permit

Timestamp: 1:31

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3d1_GERA_EFA_011224.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3d2_Construction_Cost_Estimate_Greystone.xls

Furr summarized the Greystone 3-Acre permit discussions at previous meeting. Furr stated that the 3-Acre rule is about cleaning the stormwater not redirecting it. Furr stated that the division of cost will be 44.5% Town and 55.5% homeowners’ association.

Sander moved to approve the plans for the Greystone 3 Acre Permit. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Furr, Hill, Sander in favor. Filkins abstains. Motion approved.


Discussion of creating a sign policy
Timestamp: 1:43


https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3h_Links_to_Information_on_Signs.pdf

Furr reviewed the current Zoning Ordinances for signs. Arneson presented the VLCT policy on flags. LaBounty suggested that the Planning Commission analyze the impact it has on all other properties in Town. Hill observed that the next Selectboard could rewrite the policy.


Hearing to consider a grievance from the Police Department, possible executive session
Timestamp: 2:01


Furr stated that the attorneys don't see this as something that would merit an executive session. The grievance is based on the number of contract hours worked in Richmond and Hinesburg. Cohen reviewed that when Richmond/Hinesburg are off, there's a contract to cover each other's Towns.  Hill & Cohen reviewed the current agreement between Richmond and Hinesburg coverage.

Hill moved to grant the agreement for both General and Patrol services.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Furr, Hill, Sander in favor. Motion approved.
Discussion of parking signs and enforcement on Dugway Rd., Wes White Hill, and the eastern end of Cochran Rd.
Timestamp: 2:37


https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3f1_Parking_Ticket_Information.pdf

https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3f2_Parking_Informational_Flyer.pdf

Cohen reviewed the current condition of parking enforcement. Gilroy stated that there is a 2-mile stretch on Dugway Rd that is a Tow Away zone for Fire or Rescue. Cohen suggested making it a one-way road for part of the year when they need more parking.  Gosselin is not in favor of a one-way road.  LaBounty suggested jacking up the parking fee to an outrageous amount of money and have the tow companies have at it.  SchonholtzM suggested signage so it's safe for us to turn off Wes White onto Cochran Rd.  Cohen reviewed the Ordinance would need to change for a towing contract.  Bender stated that it would be really hard for a towing company to be up there on a busy day without a policeman.  Gosselin suggested a parking constable.  Filkins stated that paid parking is an option that we could enforce.    


Update on progress on the Highway Summer Work Plan
Timestamp: 3:09


https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3g_Summer_Work_Plan_2025.pdf

Gosselin provided a summary of the Highway Summer Work plan with March, April, May, June and July completed as outlined.  The bad news is they had unforeseen failed culverts and sink holes.  They installed new pedestrian crossing at Railroad St and delineators in front of the Richard Market.  The pedestrian delineator on the double yellow line in front of Sweet Simone's is completely demolished as it was run over by several trucks a week ago.  Additional work was they shim patched from the iron bridge all the way around to fire road.  The brand-new roadside mower detonated but it is covered under warranty.  Another excavator failed so they had to rent a small one to continue to sidewalk project.  The Ventrac sidewalk machine and dump truck also need work done.  Gosselin was quoted $10,300 to rent a machine to mow the roads for two more weeks.  Hill suggested hiring a contractor.  Gosselin said the rental equipment would not be available until September 15.  Arneson will ask Williston if they have something they could borrow.  


Consideration of request to use the Soccer Fund to pay for field marking paint for soccer fields at Volunteers Green
Timestamp: 3:27


https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3i_Marking_Paint_Receipt.pdf

Hill moved to approve the use of $1,610.20 from the Soccer Reserve Fund to purchase field marking paint for soccer fields at Volunteers Green. Filkins seconded
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Furr, Hill, Sander in favor. Motion approved.


Review of Richmond Rescue FY25 Fourth Quarter Statistics and Report
Timestamp: 3:28


https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2025/08/3j_Richmond_Rescue_Quarterly_Report_to_Towns__-_2024-2025_Q4.pdf

Furr stated that the Selectboard is deeply grateful.


Consideration of moving the first meeting in September to September 2, 2025 due to the holiday on September 1, 2025

Timestamp: 3:29


Hill moved to move the first meeting in September to September 2, 2025 due to the holiday on September 1, 2025. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Furr, Hill, Sander in favor. Motion approved.


Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants

Timestamp: 3:30

Purchase Orders:

Sander move to amend Purchase Order number 5079 to Watershed Consulting for engineering for the Southview 3-Acre Permit to $34,159.87. Hill seconded.

Roll Call Vote: Furr, Hill, Sander in favor. Filkins abstain. Motion approved.
 

Sander moved to approve Purchase Order number 5349 to Mow N Maintain for grounds maintenance in the summer and fall of 2025 in the amount of $24,000. Hill seconded.

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

Sander moved to approve Purchase Order number 5350 to Hinesburg PD for police services and police chief services in FY26 in the amount of $122,520.00. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Furr, Hill, Sander in favor.
Motion approved.
 

Minutes:

Sander moved to approve the Selectboard Minutes of 8/4/25 as presented.   Hill seconded.

Roll Call Vote: Furr, Hill, Sander in favor. Filkins abstain. Motion approved.
 

Warrants: 

Sander moved to approve the warrants from the August 18, 2025 meeting. Hill seconded. 
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Furr, Hill, Sander in favor. Motion approved.
 

Next Meeting Agenda

-Brainstorm list of parking interventions
-Sign policy

 

Adjourn

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

Meeting adjourned at:  10:36 PM

Chat file from Zoom:  None
 

Printable version

Selectboard Meeting Agenda for 8-18-25 135 KB

Web version

Meeting of the Town of Richmond Selectboard                       August 18, 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/83885158632


Join by Phone:  +1 929 205 6099                Meeting ID:    838 8515 8632    Passcode:  285086

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)    Consideration of amending the resolution to display the Black Lives Matter Sign and Flag to change the display timeframe to year-round and include messaging that All Are Welcome Here* # (20 min)
b)    Consideration of a request to use Conservation Reserve funds to purchase trees, garden hoses, and benches with cement pads to be installed near the pickleball courts at Browns Court* # (10 min)
c)    Discussion of management of the pickleball courts (15 min)
d)    Consideration of approving engineering plans for the Notice of Intent for the Greystone 3 Acre permit* # (10 min)
e)    Hearing to consider a grievance from the Police Department, possible executive session (20 min)
f)    Discussion of parking signs and enforcement on Dugway Rd., Wes White Hill, and the eastern end of Cochran Rd. # (20 min)
g)    Update on progress on the Highway Summer Work Plan # (15 min)
h)    Discussion of creating a sign policy # (10 min)
i)    Consideration of request to use the Soccer Fund to pay for field marking paint for soccer fields at Volunteers Green* # (5 min)
j)    Review of Richmond Rescue FY25 Fourth Quarter Statistics and Report # (5 min)
k)    Consideration of moving the first meeting in September to September 2, 2025 due to the holiday on September 1, 2025* (5 min)

9:20 PM    4. Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants*
a)    Minutes of 8/4/25

9:30 PM    5. Discuss Items for Next Agenda 

9:35 PM    6.Executive Session if necessary

9:50 PM    7.  Adjourn
Time is available at each meeting for public comment. Documents related to this meeting are available at
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 mtmansfieldctv.org/ 
*Denotes Action Item  # Indicates documents in the packet