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| E. Craig Dwyer, District 2 | |
| Council President Pro-Tem | |
| Stephanie M. Gemski, District 1 | Robert G. Shaw, Jr., District 5 |
| Council Member | Council Member |
| Lisa A. Beaulieu, District 3 | Michael L. Kinch, At-Large |
| Council Member | Council Member |
| Scott R. Schmitt, District 4 | Peter J. Bradley, At-Large |
| Council Member | Council Member |
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 AT 7:30 P.M.
CUMBERLAND TOWN HALL, EVERETT “MOE” BONNER, JR. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND
OPEN SESSION
The regular meeting was called to order at 7:37p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
President Dwyer, Councilors Gemski, Kinch, Shaw, Bradley, Beaulieu and Schmitt
Also present— Mayor Jeffrey Mutter; Town Clerk Sandra M. Giovanelli; Finance Director Ray Chauvin; Town Solicitor Kelley Morris Salvatore; Police Chief Desmarais; Planning Director Jonathan Stevens
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Following up on Councilor Bradley’s request from the previous meeting, Mayor Mutter passed out an itemized listing of the Blackstone River Theater building expenses that fall under the Town’s responsibility.
President Dwyer announced that R-19-95 and Ordinance 19-33 would be tabled to the March 4, 2020 Council meeting.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT ITEMS
There were none.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Acceptance of the minutes of the Joint and Special Meetings of February 3, 2020, and the Regular Meeting of February 5, 2020.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending January 31, 2020.
Budget to Actual
Finance Director Ray Chauvin presented his report and responded to questions from the Council.
Discussion ensued on various line items in the department summary.
B. Check registers for January 31, 2020.
There were no questions or discussions.
C. A request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve January 2020 abatements and supplemental bills
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE 2018 TANGIBLE ABATEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,097.23. VOTE 7/0.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE 2019 TANGIBLE ABATEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,130.19. VOTE 7/0.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2019 MOTOR VEHICLE SUPPLEMENTAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $51.44. VOTE 7/0.
D. Revaluation Trends by Ken Mallette
Tax Assessor Ken Mallette introduced project manager Stephan Bourque, 31 Maple Street, Hope Valley, RI, from Vision Appraisal. Mr. Mallette provided a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the processes of residential and commercial property evaluation.
The Council, Mr. Mallette and Mr. Bourque discussed the assessment appeals process and deadlines for residents to make an appeal.
OLD BUSINESS
A. RESOLUTIONS FOR PUBLIC HEARING:
1. R-19-95 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an amended lease agreement with T-Mobile Northeast LLC (tabled from February 5, 2020)
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KINCH, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO MARCH 4, 2020. VOTE 7/0
2. R-20-15 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey Mutter to enter into a contract with Pare Corporation in an amount not to exceed thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars ($36,500) (tabled from February 5, 2020)
Public hearing opened at 8:12p.m.
Solicitor Morris-Salvatore spoke to the additional cost to have Pare Corporation oversee the engineering design plan and permits for the dredging of the pond.
President Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.
Public hearing closed at 8:15p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ACCEPT R-20-15A IN PLACE R-20-15. VOTE 7/0
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE R-20-15A. VOTE 7/0
B. ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING:
1. #19-33 – An ordinance establishing Municipal Mobile Food Establishment Permits (last tabled from January 15, 2020)
Councilor Schmitt stated that the Ordinance Sub Committee has met three times on this ordinance. He asked that #19-33A be approved as a substitute and given to the Council and the public to review, and subsequently bring the matter back before the Council on March 4, 2020.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ACCEPT #19-33A IN PLACE OF #19-33. VOTE 7/0
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO MARCH 4, 2020. VOTE 7/0
2. #20-02 – An ordinance relating to the disposition of public property (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration
Councilor Schmitt stated that this had been heard the previous evening at the Ordinance Sub Committee meeting. The intent of the ordinance is to allow for the administration to dispose of property with an assessed value of less than $1,000.00. The Committee was recommending full passage to the Council.
Discussion ensued with the Council and the solicitor regarding the location of the change in the code and how a buyer might be determined.
Public hearing opened at 8:23p.m.
President Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.
Public hearing closed at 8:24p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 5/2
Nay: Councilors Bradley and Kinch
NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENTS:
HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR
Mayor Mutter introduced Ms. Boyan, who spoke briefly to her experience.
Councilor Bradley questioned whether this is a replacement of the Human Resources Director.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
President Dwyer noted that Roger Dunn had withdrawn his name from the list for the next two appointments. Mr. Dwyer heard the Planning Board appointment before the Parks and Recreation appointment.
PLANNING BOARD
Replacing Richard Aubin due to his resignation; term to expire January 31, 2023.
1. Roger Dunn (withdrawn)
Both Mr. Beatty and Mr. D’Ambrosia were present, introduced themselves and spoke to their experience.
President Dwyer asked the Council for nominations.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KINCH, TO NOMINATE STEVEN D’AMBROSIA, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Replacing Thomas Chen due to his resignation; term to expire December 31, 2020.
President Dwyer noted that Roger Dunn had withdrawn his name
2. Roger Dunn (withdrawn)
4. Steven D’Ambrosia (withdrawn)
Tom Letourneau, 8 Ford Avenue, and Daniel Stevenson, 2 Royal Court, were present to speak to their experience and answer any questions the Council might have.
President Dwyer asked the Council for nominations.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KINCH, TO NOMINATE THOMAS LETOURNEAU.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR GEMSKI, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, TO NOMINATE DANIEL STEVENSON.
President Dwyer called for a roll call vote.
Councilor Schmitt: Thomas Letourneau
Councilor Gemski: Daniel Stevenson
Councilor Beaulieu: Daniel Stevenson
Councilor Bradley: Daniel Stevenson
Councilor Kinch: Thomas Letourneau
Councilor Shaw: Daniel Stevenson
President Dwyer: Daniel Stevenson
Daniel Stevenson was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission on a vote of 5/2.
B. CLAIMS:
1. Kerstin Zink
Referred to the solicitor’s office.
C. RESOLUTIONS:
1. R-20-21 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter and the Cumberland Police Department to purchase equipment to upfit two (2) 2020 Ford Police Utility AWD Black vehicles (R-20-11) from Global Public Safety in an amount not to exceed $33,696.58.
Public hearing opened at 8:40p.m.
Police Chief Desmarais explained that this was the separate resolution to outfit the two vehicles approved at the previous meeting. Mr. Desmarais noted the difference in size of the 202 vehicles in relation to the department’s earlier model vehicles; they were not able to salvage equipment from those earlier vehicles. The money would be coming from the vehicle replacement line item in his budget.
It was also noted that a police vehicle had recently been totaled, and a third vehicle may be purchased in the future.
President Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.
Public hearing closed at 8:45p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
2. R-20-22 – A resolution requesting the General Assembly to enact H-7430 and S-2285 relating to the Primary Date
Public hearing opened at 8:45p.m.
Solicitor Morris-Salvatore explained the costliness of having a primary election the day after Labor Day, due in large part to the overtime expenses incurred on Labor Day for election setup. This legislation would move any primary that would fall on the day after Labor Day to the following day (Wednesday).
President Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.
Public hearing closed at 8:47p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTE TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
3. R-20-23 – A resolution formally adopting the Valley Falls Heritage Park Conservation and Management Plan.
Planning Director Jonathan Stevens explained the resolution, the evolution of the park and the groups willing to partner in the plan. If adopted, the recommendation is to have the Council review it in five years.
Discussion ensued with the Council about vegetation management, graffiti, maintenance, security.
Public hearing opened at 9:07p.m
Randy Toumisto, member of Friends of the Blackstone and the Cumberland Land Trust, spoke to the importance of targeting the area and their willingness to participate in its revival.
President Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.
Public hearing closed at 9:10p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR GEMSKI, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
4. R-20-24 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an assignment of lease and easement agreement with TPA, III, LLC for the payment of three hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($325,000.00)
Public hearing opened at 9:11p.m.
Solicitor Morris-Salvatore stated this had been heard in executive session prior to this meeting and explained the easement and transaction.
Kimberly McCarthy, 63 Rawson Road, spoke on behalf of the Monastery. She confirmed for the record that this is Monastery property and the assignee understands the terms.
Councilor Bradley asked that the record reflect that if any new revenue is acquired the town receives 60%.
Ms. Morris-Salvatore responded that unless the Conservation Easement is changed in some way, nothing new will be added that could bring in revenue.
President Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.
Public hearing closed at 9:14p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/1
Nay: Councilor Bradley
6. R-20-25 – A resolution amending the Diamond Hill Park Conservation and Management Plan
Solicitor Morris-Salvatore noted that at the February 5, 2020 meeting, the resolution was on the agenda for presentation and permission to advertise; but subsequently the last “whereas” clause had been modified and the final version was now in their possession. This resolution will supersede R-20-19.
Public hearing opened at 9:15p.m.
President Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.
Public hearing closed at 9:16p.m.
Councilor Shaw recommended that this plan and the Heritage Park Plan be forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Commission; the Mayor concurred.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR GEMSKI, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
6. R-20-26 – A resolution adopting the unsynchronized tax levy for portions of fiscal years 2019 and 2020
Mayor Mutter passed support material to the Council illustrating his reasoning behind presenting the resolution.
Discussion about remedying the unsynchronized levies ensued.
Public hearing opened at 9:46p.m.
Public hearing closed at 9:46p.m.
Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
7. R-20-27 – A resolution requesting the General Assembly to enact legislation to further the preservation of historic structures.
Public hearing opened at 9:50p.m.
Town Solicitor Morris-Salvatore stated that she had had issues with some of the language changes made at the last Council meeting, which she was not present for; and explained her reasoning.
President Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.
Public hearing closed at 9:54p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
D. ORDINANCES FOR PRESENTATION AND PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE:
1. #20-04 – An ordinance prohibiting parking on Industrial Drive (Presented by Councilor Shaw)
Councilor Schmitt felt this did not need to go to the Ordinance Sub-Committee. Councilor Shaw asked to amend the title to reflect which sides of the street parking will be allowed on; and the Council can vote on the matter on March 4, 2020.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 9:57 P.M. VOTE 7/0
____________________________________
Sandra M. Giovanelli, Town Clerk
FOR A FULL ACCOUNT OF THIS MEETING PLEASE REFER TO THE VIDEO RECORDING ACCESSIBLE ON THE TOWN’S WEBSITE, www.cumberlandri.org.
ADDITIONALLY, THE DVD OF THE ENTIRE MEETING IS AVAILABLE AT THE EDWARD J. HAYDEN LIBRARY.