Despite the tension and the controversy, Council has worked together on several initiatives to benefit the Town of Richmond. Council majority put aside our political affiliation to serve the residents and are moving forward in a positive direction. That includes working with town employees and volunteers serving on our boards and commissions. 

Parks and Recreation

We approved full funding from ARPA for new equipment at Beaver River Playground. We also supported our hard working volunteers on the Conservation Commission in a grant application to help remove invasive plants on the walking paths behind the playground.

The Official Dog Park opened! It is located near the Richmond Heritage Trail Trailhead off Rt 138. 

Community Services

In early 2023, I scheduled the first 211 Van to come to Richmond.

The prior council allocated ARPA funds towards a Human Services Director. Current Council discussed concerns and benefits at length. Members of the community and I championed for Council to keep this position. Kate Schimmel is available to help. If you, your neighbor, or someone you know could use help please reach out. 401-491-9824

We signed up for the Learn365 program – An opportunity funded by the governor to bring after school, and vacation educational programs to students.  We used a portion of these funds to Partner with the YMCA for use of their community room funded by Learn365.

Economic Growth and Business Support

I presented a proposal for a small business grant funded through ARPA. I attended EDC meetings and a workshop to determine the parameters. This received full council support and we issued nine $5,000 Grants to local small businesses.

We almost lost an important step in the long-term goal to revitalize Main Street when the Wyoming Design Study was cut from the Town Budget after it didn’t pass. President Trimmer suggested we use ARPA to fund the study. This received unanimous approval.

The town applied for the Municipal Technical Assistance Program. The specific goal is to evaluate infrastructure along the Wyoming/138 infill growth area. This evaluation will serve existing development and determine infrastructure needs of future development. The Planner’s request to apply for this grant passed council unanimously.

We supported the Planning Board’s recommendation to amend the Aquifer Protection Overlay District ordinances. The purpose of these ordinances is to allow a broader range of approved development. We added 27 new uses that were otherwise not available and set expectations to protect our water supply. Balancing both is absolutely essential to the future of Richmond. 

Retail Cannabis sales were approved in the 2022 election by the voters. Council approved ordinances recommended by the Planning Board that allow cannabis sales in the same districts where liquor is sold. A cannabis retailer will pay 3% sales tax to the town, should one choose to open.  I voted against a suggestion to restrict these sales to specific zones with the intention to make it difficult to find the store.

Items I voted against:

• The illegal appointment of Clay Johnson (3-2) and the subsequent hiring of counsel to defend the action (3-1).
• A resolution asking the state legislators to enable the Town Council to enter tax stabilization agreements with the Preserve with a public hearing instead of voter approval. (4-1)