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Richmond council authorizes grant pursuit, approves SRO MOU and backs school bond; several licenses and appointments also approved
Summary
The council authorized staff to pursue a Rhode Island Commerce site‑readiness grant, approved the annual SRO memorandum with the Cherry Hill Regional School District, adopted a resolution supporting the district’s bond authorization for the November ballot, and approved multiple licenses and appointments.
At its May 13 meeting the Richmond Town Council voted on a package of actions spanning economic development, public‑safety partnerships, licenses and appointments.
Grant authorization: The town administrator briefed the council on a competitive Rhode Island Commerce site‑readiness grant that can provide approximately $1,000,000 in funding for shovel‑ready redevelopment. The program requires a local monetary match and a tight application turnaround; the council authorised the town administrator to pursue and submit an application should an eligible private collaboration emerge.
School resource officer MOU: The council approved the annual memorandum of understanding with the Cherry Hill Regional School District to fund a school resource officer (SRO). Police leadership described the SRO’s role as a counselor and mentor with a visible presence that helps build relationships with students and staff; council asked staff to correct a year reference in the draft MOU before final signature.
School bond resolution: Vice President Reynolds introduced a resolution supporting state legislation (H8527/S3242) that would authorize the district to issue bonds for construction of a unified elementary school campus if voters approve a referendum in November 2026. The resolution asks for continued transparency and public engagement; the council adopted the resolution and directed transmittal to state legislators and the district.
Licenses and appointments: The council approved an outdoor entertainment license for the Southern Rhode Island 4‑H Leaders Association, several entertainment and holiday sales licenses (subject to tax and fee clearance and appropriate safety inspections), and multiple appointments and reappointments to town boards and commissions, including members of the senior activities commission and board of canvassers.
Other items: Council authorized the recreation director to hire summer‑camp counselors and an assistant director for the 2026 season without returning to council due to timing constraints, subject to background checks. The council also directed staff to advertise a proposed Environmental Resiliency Commission ordinance for public hearing after recommended edits.
Next steps: Staff will finalize grant application materials if eligible projects appear, correct dates in the SRO MOU and prepare the school bond resolution for distribution. Planning and permitting steps remain for projects that require special‑use permits or site reviews.
