Selectboard 8/3/26

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Selectboard Minutes 08-03-26 224 KB

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Town of Richmond 
Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of August 3 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; Dante DeNault, Zoning Administrator; Matthew Cohen, Police Chief

Others Present: Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Alison Aiken, Andrew Bessette, Cara LaBounty, Chelsye Brooks, Ian Bender, Jean's iPad, John Rankin, Mary Houle, Nick Chiarelli, Paul Parker, Susan Wells, Trevor Brooks

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/22H70rDWTWw?si=nfUYA5mcNgUrxtJk 

Call to Order: 7:00 PM

 

Welcome by:  Wood

 

Public Comment:  

Houle congratulated the Camels Hump Little League team.  Arneson confirmed that CHLL won the State Championship and will be competing for the New England Regional Championship this weekend.

Bessette stated that he opposes the speed bumps on Cochran Rd because cars just speed up again, it causes pollution and slows down the response times for ambulance and fire trucks.

LaBounty stated that Cochran Rd is a Truck Route because the Selectboard at the time did not want trucks traveling through the higher populated Village.  LaBounty asked the Selectboard to think about all of the traffic as a whole and understand how it impacts everybody.

Arneson stated that when the Tax Bills were mailed, one of the addresses was listed as PO Box 288 and not PO Box 285. He will communicate in the next week to nip it in the bud.  Be sure to mail your tax payment to PO Box 285.  Arneson stated that if they receive a late tax payment then they will look at the postmark to see if it got re-routed.

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:  0:13
3a CCRPC Meeting Guidelines

Hill observed that the CCRPC started using group expectations (from packet) and posts them briefly as the beginning of each meeting.  Hill stated that he thinks that it would be useful as guidance for the Selectboard and other citizens.  Sander suggested printing them on postcard size stock and leaving them on the table. Wood stated that they would touch on it again next meeting.  


Reminder of special meeting being held at 7pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at the Richmond Free Library for the presentation of the Flood Mitigation Alternatives Analysis for the Winooski River and its Tributaries
Timestamp:  0:18
3b Special Selectboard Meeting Agenda for 8-4-26

Arneson summarized that Stone Environmental is presenting their current study which includes ~40 different potential projects.


Consideration of request to close Baker St. for a block party on Saturday September 12, 2026 from 3:30 – 8:00pm with a rain date of Saturday, September 19, 2026
Timestamp:  0:19
3c Baker St. Block Party Request

Sander moved to close Baker St. for a block party on Saturday September 12, 2026 from 3:30 – 8:00pm with a rain date of Saturday, September 19, 2026.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Consideration of making an appointment to the Trails Committee
Timestamp:  0:20
3d Trails MollyDugan 07-30-26

Sander moved to appoint Molly Dugan to fill a vacant seat on the Trails Committee with a three-year term that expires in 2029.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Discussion 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:  0:21
3e1 No Parking Request
3e2 No Parking Request Map

Arneson summarized the damage to Dugway Rd in 2023 and 2024.  In March, the reached out for easements because the right-of-way is is only so wide and there is a bottom portion of about 5-20 feet that is owned by another property owner, Andy Aldrich.  Arneson stated that FEMA has a completion date at the end of November and FEMA has not been forthcoming with additional extensions.  

Aldrich stated that a parking area was created when the Town resurfaced that road with gravel a number of years back. It is wider for 3-4 cars to physically park out of the traveled portion of the road.  That creates extensive problems for property owners.  Aldrich is requesting no parking on that section as it would greatly decrease the problems.  Aldrich confirmed that his property is on both sides of the road and both side of the river.  Aldrich illustrated some of the problems associated with being intimidated by other people and fecal/urine left from people and dogs.  Aldrich stated that Dugway Rd has such a reputation that a contractor would not deliver a maple evaporator because at times it is not passable. Aldrich listed other issues with dog owners, dogs, backcountry skiers, and mountain bikers.  He loses money and time on these issues.  Aldrich suggested signing it, enforcing the laws, and putting physical barriers in place.  Aldrich stated that when it comes to the easement, these aren’t directly linked. Rabideau stated those things are unacceptable and deserve a response.  Aldrich stated that the amount of land is not significant, but this is the first time he has ever had any leverage.  

Arneson confirmed with Chief Cohen that there are about 6 legal parking spaces off the traveled portion of the roadway in that section.  There are about 50 parking spaces on the entirety of Dugway Rd not in the Red Zone, illustrated on the map.  Rankin illustrated the cooperative efforts of the Parking Advisory Committee to change the parking regulations so that emergency vehicles could get through and make things safer.  Rankin stated that if you remove those 6 spaces then it potentially cascades the problem down Dugway Rd.  Rankin stated that people use those parking spaces to walk down to the Land Trust or walk on part of Dugway Rd.  Hill suggested posting No Trespassing signs.  Parker stated they have 3 towing companies in Town and with proper signage, people who park illegally will get the message quickly.  Rankin stated that the parking fines have gone up substantially this year.  Cohen stated that if Aldrich posts his property then the Police can address the problems when they happen.  A No Parking zone would be year-round which would include people who might visit the Aldrich Tree Farm.  Cohen confirmed that the Police have stepped up enforcement with a high number of tickets and towing illegally parked cars that are blocking the roadway.  

Rabideau stated that there is a near-term problem of needing to do some road repair and a long-term problem to improve Aldrich’s quality of life.  Wood stated that there is a discussion to be had about the merits of this request, whether it is tied to the easement or not.  Aldrich asked why he would want to give the Town something when he is getting no help whatsoever.  Wood stated that the parking issue needs to be done in a calculated, Committee-vetted way, and it requires an Ordinance change.  Wood asked that Aldrich would like to see to enable the Selectboard to get the grant funding for the repairs, knowing that parking progress is not going to be a sure thing.  Aldrich stated that the family members on the Title with him need commitment.  Rabideau suggested crafting a Memorandum of Understanding between the Selectboard and the Aldrichs to reach amenable closure with the understanding that it is going to take more time than the parameters of the grant.  Arneson suggested coming back at the August 17 meeting with draft Ordinance change language and date for a hearing.  


Discussion of installing a radar speed feedback sign on West Main St.
Timestamp:  1:16
3f1 Rt. 2 Traffic Stop Data
3f2 Petition for Radar Speed Feedback Signs on Rt. 2

Arneson summarized that in 2023 the Selectboard did approve installing radar speed feedback signs on Rt2 both entrances to the Village.  The State wanted more engineering about the signs being put up from the Permit 1111 application.  There was also discussion on the solar power radar signs not working well enough on Cochran Rd.  Arneson stated that they started to look into other speed feedback signs around the 2024 flood.  

Parker stated that he is in support of the petition to have a speed study done on East Main St.  Since the overpass was reconstructed, it is a much straighter shot into Town.  Speed is a big problem.  VTrans needs a speed study done before they would consider a radar speed feedback sign. Arneson stated that he would confirm with the State if they can use the previous study in 2023.  Arneson stated that he would look at cost differences between solar powered and higher quality signs.  Arneson reviewed that you need a permit to put the temporary radar up to collect the data and then the permit application requires specific information about the engineering behind the signs they want to put up.  Filkins reported the data from a radar sign recently put up by Cohen at the Fire Department: the median speed was 42 MPH, the 85^th percentile was 48 MPH.  Wood stated that the feedback is a small lever to make some impact.  Wood stated that they should put signs at both ends of Main St.


Consideration of replacing one or more of the speed humps on Cochran Rd. with speed tables
Timestamp:  1:27
3g Burlington Speed Tables design

Filkins stated that they should not take action at this point as they are looking into the data and alternatives.  Filkins summarized that she has gotten a lot of feedback from both sides and from people who walk in that area,.  Because of the speed information that they have, she wouldn't feel comfortable making a change at this point in time.  Hill observed that there are a variety of speed bumps and speed tables in Chittenden County.  Wood stated that the use of the road has changed a bit since it was designated a Truck Route.  Rabideau stated that as a recreational user on Cochran Road, he feels like slowing people down is a good idea.  He has received emails from citizens that have been against the idea of getting rid of speed bumps.  Filkins summarized that she is working on the data with Chief Cohen for a future agenda to improve the situation.  Hill and Filkins suggested reviewing the topic in early to late winter.  Haskins suggested an advisory vote at Town Meeting. Arneson summarized that it would have to be an in-person question because it is advisory.  The only things that can go on Australian ballot are elections for individual offices and budgetary items.  Wood suggested also doing a survey to compare the results.


Discussion of options to consider regarding the request to improve Legal Trail #2 (off of Dugway Rd.) to a driveway, including 1) a license agreement for the improvements and/or 2) discontinuation of the Legal Trail
Timestamp:  1:38
3h 1500 Dugway Approved Driveway Plans

Rabideau recused himself on this issue.   

Arneson reviewed that in 2022 there was an access permit and road name for a potential driveway in the future.  The Selectboard did approve the access permit, knowing that there would be an additional house at the end of this Legal Trail at some point. The DRB approved to add the house and the application indicated that it was a Legal Trail.  People can walk on the Legal Trail as it's open to the public. When Chiarelli went to the Zoning Office to get a permit to develop the driveway, the Zoning Administrator asked about what to do with the Legal Trail.  Arneson stated that they reached out for legal advice.  One of the options is the Town could discontinue the Trail (after following the hearing process), so that it would revert back to the underlying landowners, and the Town would extinguish its rights.  Another way is a license agreement, which provides the right to develop and maintain the driveway at the landowner's expense, but it would still be open to the public to walk on the Trail.  Chiarelli has pending commitments for developing the driveway in the next few weeks to months.

Chiarelli stated that it has been 25 years trying to build this driveway and it has been approved many times because they required it to go from 14% to 12%.  In order to get the house built in the spring, he needs the driveway in the fall. In 2025, there was approval from the DRB with contingencies. One contingency is that the impervious area had to be below 30%.  The second contingency was that the two lot owners have to come to a road maintenance agreement, which he provided to the |Town already.  Chiarelli stated that he has concerns about it being a Legal Trail when he hears about what is going on Dugway Rd.  Chiarelli would rather go through the process to get the Legal Trail relinquished.  Wood stated that the only way to get on a construction schedule would be with a license agreement and then pursue relinquishing the Legal Trail.  Wood stated that he is comfortable entering into a license agreement as the driveway engineering is well vetted.  It is going to be safe and there will be no stormwater impacts on anyone around.  Sander agrees to proceed with the licensing agreement.  Arneson stated that he will have the Town attorney draft an agreement and possibly schedule a Special Meeting before the August 17 Selectboard agreement.  Wood stated that he is comfortable with Arneson authorizing him to execute the agreement.  

Sander moved to agree to enter into a licensing agreement for a driveway on Legal Trail #2, and designate Town Manager Josh Arneson as the duly authorized representative to sign the licensing agreement after it's drafted by the Town Attorney.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Sander, Wood in favor.  Rabideau abstains.  Motion approved.


Update from Road Foreman on culvert installed on the Class 4 section of Johnnie Brook Rd. and consideration of retroactively approving the installation of this culvert
Timestamp:  1:55

Arneson stated that the Road Foreman was very happy with the way the culvert was installed.  

Sander moved to retroactively approve the replacement of a failing culvert on the Class 4 section of Johnnie Brook Rd. Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.


Update on timetable for installation of signage at the intersection of Thompson Rd., Huntington Rd., Bridge St., and Cochran Rd.; and the installation of speed advisory signs on the Cochran Rd. speed humps
Timestamp:  1:59

Arneson stated that they do not have the advisory speed signs in stock.  The Road Foreman put in one order for all the signage and expects them to be installed within a couple of weeks.  The rectangular rapid flashing beacon for Huntington Road will arrive here by the end of August.  The Road Foreman will it with the radar speed feedback sign once the crosswalk comes in. 


Consideration of approving that the ballot for Justices of the Peace for the November 3, 2026 election be printed on the backside of the General Election ballot and be mailed to all registered voters in Richmond at the expense of the State
Timestamp:  2:01

Arneson reviewed that the State is mailing the General Election ballot to all registered voters, but the Selectboard needs to approve the municipal election item.  If not approved then the Town Clerk would have a separate process which is more expensive and complicated.

Sander moved to approve that the ballot for Justices of the Peace for the November 3, 2026 election be printed on the backside of the General Election ballot and be mailed to all registered voters in Richmond at the expense of the State. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, 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 July 20, 2026.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Consideration of approving the use of Town Center Fund to pay for repair to the Richmond Free Library elevator

Hill moved to approve the use of $4,749.16 from the Town Center fund to pay for repairs to the Library elevator.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Purchase Orders: 

Sander moved to amend purchase order number 5191 to Iroquois Truck Bodies and Sales to $18,315.00.  Hill seconded.  
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor.  Motion approved.

Warrants:

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

Discuss Items for Next Agenda:
-Dugway Rd easement
-CCRPC Expectations

Adjourn

Sander moved to adjourn.  Hill seconded. 
Roll Call Vote: Filkins, Hill, Rabideau, Sander in favor.  Wood not in favor.  Motion approved.


Meeting adjourned at:  9:17 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
02:14:13          Jean’s iPad:     Elevator repair salary, national median is $51.24/hr
02:18:00          Jean’s iPad:     Expert/senior can make $71.76+/hr
02:18:11          MMCTV Erin Wagg:  Local options tax for elevator riders?