Special Selectboard Meeting 4-27-26

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Special Selectboard Minutes 04-27-26 237 KB

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Town of Richmond 
Special Selectboard Meeting
Minutes of April 27, 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; 
Others Present: Recorded by MMCTV Erin Wagg, Gerald Feenan, Jared Katz, Jayne Couillard, Jean's iPad, John Linn, Logan Hegg, Marcy Harding, Mark Fausel, Noa, Paige Kaleita, Peter Cahill, Rose's iPad, Rroose, Steve Bower, Steve Coia, Susan Wells, Trevor Brooks

MMCTV Video: https://youtu.be/FPj9_MaZKjE?si=ICmpM45Iitv4PNKq 

Call to Order: 7:01 PM

 

Welcome by:  Wood    

 

Public Comment: Wood summarized that the Selectboard did not hold their regular meeting on April 20 due to a lack of a quorum.   The Selectboard will meet at their next regular meeting on May 4. 

Additions, Deletions or Modifications to Agenda:  None


Items for Presentation or Discussion with those present

Announcement of swearing in Matthew Cohen as Police Chief on Wednesday, April 29 at 3pm at the Town Center, residents are invited to attend
Timestamp: 0:02

Wood confirmed the swearing in ceremony of Chief Matthew Cohen

Follow up on results of Special Meeting on April 16, 2026 regarding a vote to reconsider the traffic ordinance amendment that would allow for stop signs to be installed on Huntington Rd. and Bridge St. where these roads intersect with Thompson Rd. and Cochran Rd
Timestamp: 0:02
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3b_Link_to_more_information_regarding_the_vote_on_stop_signs.pdf 

Wood stated that 307 people voted YES to reconsider the stop signs and 195 voted NO.  The Ordinance changes have been rescinded and there will be no new stop signs at that intersection. 

Katz asked if the Selectboard is considering other possibilities for that intersection.  Filkins stated that the Selectboard has a responsibility to continue to talk about what could be done there.  Hill summarized that the Selectboard talked about a variety of options before landing on stop signs which were the least expensive option. There was a combination of studies, feedback from the Transportation Committee, and CCRPC comments.  Wood stated that he considers a roundabout off the table.  Wood confirms that Highway repaints the crosswalk lines annually in the spring. Hegg observed that the crosswalk is in a terrible location.  

Wood wondered if the Selectboard will reconstitute a committee or consider doing it in a Selectboard open session. Hill observed that the former Transportation Committee was disheartened by the lack of progress on things that they recommended.  Hill summarized that under State Statute pedestrians have the right of way whether a crosswalk is marked or not marked.  Filkins stated that there is some debate on if that is a four-way intersection.  Harding observed that there are two issues at that intersection.  One is the pedestrian traffic and the other is traffic congestion on Cochran and Thompson Roads where at certain times of the day it is hard for cars to get into the traffic lanes.  

Rabideau encouraged people to write the Selectboard on what they perceive at that intersection.  It is a function of what time of day it is traveled and what part of Town you live in.  Rabideau stated that any projects with big construction costs need to be looked at very carefully given the status of budgets these days.  

Filkins suggested supplemental measures for the pedestrians like rectangular flashing beacons.  Filkins stated Vermont State Law 23 V.S.A. § 1025 (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/013/01025) might determine if they need to do something at that intersection.  

Fausel stated that they have not done striping which is the most basic thing.  Fausel observed that there is a sign that shows a four-way intersection with traffic going to the right for people coming from Bridge St.  There is a crosswalk 50 feet in front of that with pedestrian yellow signs, but you cannot see the stripes on the road.  Wood stated that Highway stripes the crosswalks every spring for the last three years.  Wood observed that striping and grinding the surface of the crosswalk might be a reasonable next step.  

Wood suggested that the Selectboard should hold a hearing to talk about this.  Hill suggested a special session of the Selectboard to talk about this for an hour or two.  By the time they could get a committee up and running it would take a couple of months. Hill stated that they could move forward with more frequent painting or exploring different types of paint. Signage is another thing that could be done that is pretty inexpensive.  Wood suggested that Arneson talk to Highway about equipment and skill set to cut in a more permanent crosswalk.  Filkins stated those might be supplemental solutions, but the traffic control solutions apply directly to Vermont law.  Wagg observed that Williston has funky painted bricks and stuff along Rt 2 that lasts longer.  Wood suggested that our Highway Foreman might have some insight on what surrounding towns are doing with equipment, budgets, and time constraints. Arneson stated that the center line striping is done by the State annually.  He will confirm the schedule for center and fog lines  


Update on Town Manager’s approval of request from Greensea to use four parking spaces at the Town owned parking lot at 27 Bridge St. to place a dumpster being used for debris from renovations to the building at 10 East Main St from May 11, 2026 to June 12, 2026
Timestamp: 0:25
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3c2_Traffic_Ordinance_effective_as_of_April_18__2026.pdf 

Arneson illustrated the brick work being done on the side of the Greensea building and the location of where they could place a dumpster.  The Town Manager and Highway Foreman have the authority to close down parking spots temporarily for work of this nature.  Arneson stated that he wanted to update the Selectboard and public as this is a very visible parking area.  Rabideau suggested that the dumpsters and barriers should not disable functional spaces up against Big Spruce.  Filkins stated that it makes a lot of sense, but the month timeline is tough because it is ice cream season.  


Consideration of request to use $727.68 From the Special Projects Reserve Fund to purchase mulch and four trees for the Brown’s Court pickleball courts and parking lot
Timestamp: 0:28
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3d_Browns_Court_Invoices.pdf 

Arneson reviewed that these expenses came up as Highway was putting in the parking lot at Browns Court.  They do need Selectboard approval, but the Volunteers Green and Browns Court Committee already purchased and spread the mulch, and the trees were installed before they put the pad for the Port-a-Potty. Arneson suggested for the next project including a contingency for the Town Manager in case they have to act quickly. Wood illustrated that there would still be oversight but a 3-5% contingency could be approved in case something comes up on a Friday afternoon.      

 

Sander moved to approve the use of $727.68 from the Special Projects Reserve Fund to purchase mulch and 4 trees for the Brown’s Court pickleball courts and parking lot. These funds will come from the portion of the Special Projects Reserve Fund that is earmarked for improvements in the parks.  Rabideau seconded.  
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Update on progress to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the Southview Stormwater Permit and receipt of letter extending the deadline to submit the NOI to August 31, 2026
Timestamp: 0:32
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3e_ARPA_3-Acre_Permit_Obtainment_Assistance_Milestone_2_Extension__3AP-HQ6-RKE5-GKQVV_.pdf 

Wood confirmed that they received a letter formally extending the deadline to submit the NOI to August 31.  This means that they have breathing room to get this done and still retain the grant funds.  Wood reviewed the need to document any disconnections with easements which would encumber the properties.  The engineer looked at different ways to avoid that such as establishing natural disconnections and treatments like he has done in other sites. Arneson reviewed some of the avenues he is looking at with the State like natural treatment in forested areas with good soil.  If the State accepts those options, then it might make some of the structures smaller or reduce the need for the whole structure.  Kaleita observed that there is a huge marshy area in front of her property where all the water drains and sits there.  Arneson suggested that she send him the details so they can see if it can be factored into the design


4th of July Parade and Fireworks Committee Items: Consideration of request to use up to $150.00 from the Parade and Fireworks Reserve Fund to purchase reflective vests for the coin drop; consideration of a request to use up to $150.00 from the Parade and Fireworks Reserve Fund to purchase a banner to promote fundraising, consideration of a request to place the fundraising banner on the Town Center lawn
Timestamp: 0:37

Arneson reviewed that the Committee needs some reflective vests for coin drops on Rt 2.  There might be about a dozen vests in the Fourth of July closet. Arneson stated that they need authorization to spend the money if it is necessary to get more or better vests.  

 

Roose summarized that they are doing fundraising to supplement the coin drop.  The banner would have a QR code and ask local businesses and community to donate to the Fourth of July.  The banner would be up until the Fourth of July.  Arneson confirmed that signage on Town property is mostly exempt from Zoning laws.  The Town attorney confirmed that it is a Town event and qualifies as public speech. Roose stated that the sign will be created so that it won’t have to be different year to year.  The sign will be about 2 feet by 3 feet for an estimate of $90. 

Sander moved to approve the use of up to $150 from the Parade and Fireworks Reserve Fund to purchase reflective vests for the coin drop, the use of up to $150 from the Parade and Fireworks Reserve Fund to purchase a banner to promote fundraising, and to approve the Parade and Fireworks Committee to place a banner to promote fundraising on the Town Center lawn.  Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

Arneson stated that the Committee will put together a budget for the Selectboard to review in mid-May so they can put in a few $100 worth of contingencies.  Because this is not a line item in the Town budget, the Reserve Fund expenses need to be approved by the Selectboard.  If the Selectboard approves contingencies with the authority of the Town Manager to approve expenses as the need comes up.


Presentation of the annual report for the Electric Vehicle Charging Station that is located at the Town Center
Timestamp: 0:44
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3g_Richmond_EV_Charging_Station_2021-2025_Report_to_SB_-_DRAFT__1_.pdf 

Bower summarized a couple of recommendations from the report in the packet.  The current two-head charging station was put in on a grant that expired in November. Bower stated that EV registrations in Vermont have gone up rapidly in the last 10 years.  There are currently fast chargers at the gas station at Exit 11. A fast charger works at up to 150 kilowatts while the current chargers at the Town Cetner work at 7 kilowatts.

Bower presented the data from Table 2: Annual Usage and Savings.  The number of days when both ports were occupied went up to 287 days, a significant percentage of the year.  Bower stated that he could use the session level data to figure out how many hours a day people are unable to use one of the ports.  The total fuel cost savings to users since 2021 is almost $10,000.

Bower presented the data from Table 3: Charging Sessions by Driver Origin.  About two thirds of the people who use the Town Center charging station come from Chittenden County.  One hope is that the charging station will bring people to Town who might not otherwise visit the Village.  

Bower presented the data from Table 8: Climate Impacts.  Bower stated that driving an EV is like driving a car that gets 110-150 miles per gallon in New England.  The societal cost savings are about $11,000 over 5 years.  

Bower summarized that the original 5-year grant covered the maintenance contract but now the Town pays for the maintenance.  The Town is recouping the cost of electricity but not the administrative or overhead costs.  If someone stays plugged in for more than 4 hours they pay a dwelling fee.  Bower presented Table 6: Town Revenue from Charging and Dwelling Fees.  The Town received about $10,600 from charging/dwelling fees.

Bower presented Key Recommendations for Consideration:
-1- Should the dwelling fees be increased?

-2- Should the Town add one or two additional charging heads?
If the Town wanted to put in another charger, then they could revisit the charging fees.  One of the issues is parking is sometime hard to get in the Town Center.  

Rabideau illustrated that with the slow chargers, an hour of charging only gets enough power to go to his house.  Bower confirmed that the current maintenance costs are about $1,300 per year.  Bower stated that transformer and capacitor upgrades are often required for a DC fast charger.  Bower estimates that a bare minimum of $50,000 to put in a DC fast charger at the Town Center.  Arneson stated he was looking at some grants with the State, and it was ~$100,000 because of a conduit under the road, a new transformer, and all the equipment.  ChargePoint or another company would actually own it and operate it.  Filkins suggested looking at more data now that the Police Tesla is sold and there was a change in the charger cost.  A quarter’s worth of data might help decide to change the extended session cost.  Wood illustrated that the price to charge goes up and down based on the demand and peak hours.  Hill illustrated the importance of knowing how the charging station installation will pay for itself and not be subsidized by the Town.  

 

Discussion of engaging with MGT to examine the pay grid with a focus on department heads
Timestamp: 1:27

Arneson reviewed that in 2022 they did a full salary and compensation study of all Departments and staff with the exception of the Police Department.  Every year, they increase the grid based on the cost of living.  Last year, they looked at how they compare to other Town’s benefits as they lost some employees.  Over the last few months, the Department Heads have sometimes earned about the same or less the second in charge when overtime is added to the hourly rate.  For $3,150, MGT can do an external market review where they use the same comparable towns from 2022.  For $1,125, MGT can do an internal review to investigate the compression between Department Heads and second in charge.  Wood reviewed that often the Department Heads work extra hours, but they are exempt from overtime as they are classified as salary.  Rabideau stated that he is supportive of spending the money to make sure they are tracking how they compare to other communities.  
  

Consideration of accepting easements for the Tilden Ave., Bridge St., and Cochran Rd. waterline replacement project
Timestamp: 1:34
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3i_Waterline_Easements_for_4-27-26_SB_Meeting.pdf 

Wood summarized that there are 21 easements for the project and they have accepted 19 of them so far.  Arneson confirmed that there is a pre-construction meeting on Thursday, so they are getting close to groundbreaking.  

Sander moved to accept the easements for the Tilden Ave., Bridge St., and Cochran Rd. waterline replacement project.  Rabideau seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


Consideration of submitting a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant application for engineering for two culverts, one on Cemetery Rd. and one on Snipe Ireland Rd.
Timestamp: 1:38
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3j_BRIC_Grant_Information.pdf 

Arneson stated that after he finalized the agenda, the State notified him that the Town is not invited to apply for this.  There is a follow-up meeting for some other funding opportunities.  


Consideration of approving a liquor licenses and an outside consumption permit for Stones Throw Pizza, and liquor licenses for Cumberland Farms and The Big Spruce
Timestamp: 1:41
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3k_Liquor_Licenses.pdf

Wood reviewed that a first-class liquor license is to serve beer and wine on site, a second-class license is to sell beer and wine to be consumed off premises, and a third-class license is to serve spirits on site which is regulated at the State level.  

Sander moved to approve first-class and second-class liquor licenses and an outside consumption permit for Pine Marten LLC doing business as Stones Throw Pizza. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

 

Sander moved to approve a second-class liquor license for Cumberland Farms of Vermont, Inc. Filkins seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.

 

Sander moved to approve a third-class liquor license for Chef’s Table by Christian Kruse doing business as Big Spruce. Filkins seconded.

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

Review of Richmond Rescue’s FY25 Q3 report

Timestamp: 1:43
https://www.richmondvt.gov/fileadmin/files/Selectboard/Meetings/2026/04/3l_Richmond_Rescue_FY26_Q3_Report.pdf 

Sander summarized how Richmond Rescue was very professional and took care of his mother-in-law who was recently injured.  Wood stated that having worked with Richmond Rescue as a member of the Fire Department, they are the gold standard for non-profit, independently run ambulance service.  Arneson reviewed the report from the packet.  

Approval of Minutes, Purchase Orders, and Warrants

Minutes:

Sander moved to approve the minutes of April 6, 2026.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Hill & Filkins abstains.  Motion approved.

Purchase Orders:  

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5314 to Union Bank for a payment on the fire truck loan in the amount of $49,851.57.  Hill seconded.
Roll Call Vote: Hill, Filkins, Rabideau, Sander, Wood in favor. Motion approved.


 

Sander moved to approve purchase order number 5363 to East Engineering for engineering services for repairs to Old Jericho Rd. in the amount of $15,256.00.  Rabideau seconded.

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

 

Warrants:

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

 

Next Meeting Agenda
-THBC intersection update
-EV chargers
-Police budgets
-Police and ICE updates

-Police cruiser

-Parking enforcement 

-New Town Road and Bridge Standards
-Stage Rd and Mary Dr land deal updates


Adjourn

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


Meeting adjourned at:  8:59 PM

Chat file from Zoom:
01:34:07          Trevor Brooks:            Can the dwelling fee be increased the longer a vehicle remains?

02:24:36          Trevor Brooks:            Thanks all.