Richmond Select Board votes to enter executive session to discuss Greystone stormwater agreement

The Richmond Town Select Board voted at a Jan. 12 special meeting to enter executive session to discuss a stormwater system maintenance agreement with the Greystone Estates Residents Association, citing concerns that premature disclosure would cause substantial disadvantage.

"I move to find the premature public knowledge about the storm water system maintenance agreement with Greystone Estate Residents Association for a 3acre storm water permit would cause the town or person to suffer a substantial disadvantage," said David (committee member), who moved the finding. Greg (committee member) seconded the motion. Board members recorded 'I' votes to approve the finding and then approved a separate motion to enter executive session. David moved that the board "enter into executive session to discuss the stormwater system maintenance agreement with Greystone Estates Residents Association for 3 acre storm water permit under the provisions of one BSA 313A1A of the Vermont State Statutes and to invite town manager Josh Arnison into this executive session," and Greg seconded.

The transcript records the board voting in favor of entering executive session (votes recorded as 'I' for David, Greg and Adam). The meeting later reconvened; the chair reported there were no other items on the agenda. The board then moved to adjourn and voted in favor (the transcript records additional 'I' votes, including Barta).

The item discussed in closed session was described on the public agenda as a contract or agreement related to maintenance of a stormwater system connected to a 3-acre stormwater permit and involvement of the Greystone Estates Residents Association. The board cited state statute when approving the executive-session motion; the motion text as recorded in the transcript references the Vermont state statutes (citation in the record: "one BSA 313A1A").

Town Manager Josh Arnison was named in the motion as an invited participant in the executive session; the transcript does not record his remarks. The meeting adjourned after the board returned from executive session.

The transcript does not include substantive public comment, details of the agreement discussed in executive session, or any vote on the agreement itself.

The Richmond Town Select Board is the governing body recorded in the meeting notice; the exact terms of the stormwater system maintenance agreement and any subsequent public actions were not disclosed in the public portion of the meeting.