MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020 AT 8:00 P.M.

VIRTUAL SESSION

OPEN SESSION

 

 

The regular meeting was called to order at 8:07pm

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

President Dwyer; Councilors Gemski, Kinch, Shaw, Bradley, Beaulieu and Schmitt

 

Also present— Mayor Jeffrey Mutter; Town Solicitor Kelley Morris Salvatore; Town Clerk Sandra M. Giovanelli; Chief of Staff Linda Teel; Finance Director Raymond Chauvin; Water Superintendent Chris Champi

 

President Dwyer read the following:

 

“To protect the health and well-being of our citizens, and in accordance with Governor’s Raimondo’s Executive Order 20-05 (relaxing the Open Meetings Act requirements) this meeting will be available to the public by video or telephone conference.  All members of the Town Council will be participating remotely. Members of the public can click on link posted on the agenda.

 

Comments can be emailed to publiccomments@cumberlandri.org including your name, address, and statement. Only comments including all required information will be read into the record.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Councilor Gemski stated that May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month and gave facts & statistics on the disease.

Town Clerk Sandra Giovanelli reported that the land evidence files are now online, for no charge through the end of May. Fees for searches and downloads will begin on June 1.

 

President Dwyer announced that he would take the four Mobile Food Establishment licenses at one time, as well as school resolutions R-20-59 through R-20-66. If any Council member wished to speak about any item individually, they could make that request.

 

UNANIMOUS CONSENT ITEMS

 

CONSENT AGENDA

A.    Acceptance of Minutes of the Special (executive) meeting of April 1, 2020, the Regular Meeting of April 15, 2020, the Special Meeting of April 20, 2020, and the Special Meeting of April 29, 2020.

 

B.     COMMUNICATIONS

1.  C-20-14 – a resolution from the Town of North Smithfield School Committee expressing support for funding of RIDE Transportation Offset ESSA

 

2.  C-20-15 – a resolution from the Town of North Smithfield School Committee expressing support for funding of The Categorical Fund for High Cost Special Education

3.  C-20-16 – a resolution from the Town of Smithfield School Department urging the continued appropriation of state and local revenues to support public education

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

President Dwyer paused the meeting at 8:14p.m. and resumed at 8:15p.m. to give any audience participants time to send an email or to ask a question via Zoom. There were no calls or emails.

 

LICENSES

 A.  MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT PERMIT:

1.   An application for a Municipal Mobile Food Establishment permit from Kona Ice Cumberland RI d/b/a Kona Ice Cumberland RI

 

2.   An application for a Municipal Mobile Food Establishment permit from Supa Dupa Food Truck, d/b/a Supa Dupa Food Truck

 

3.   An application for a Municipal Mobile Food Establishment permit from Twisted T’s, d/b/a Twisted T’s Food Truck

 

4.   An application for a Municipal Mobile Food Establishment permit from Poppy’s Waffles, d/b/a Poppy’s Waffles Food Truck

 

Councilor Schmitt reviewed the rules for the MFE licenses.

 

Public hearing opened at 8:15p.m.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:17p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR GEMSKI, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE ALL FOUR MFE LICENSES BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

OLD BUSINESS

A.    ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING:

1.  #20-06 – An ordinance amending the Salaries of the Executive Staff and Other Positions (tabled last from April 15, 2020)

 

Public hearing opened at 8:18p.m.

 

Mayor Mutter asked to table this item until the next meeting.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:19p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO MAY 20, 2020 BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

2.  #20-11A – An ordinance relating to Municipal Mobile Food Establishment permits (Presented by the Councilor President on behalf of the Administration)

 

Public hearing opened at 8:20p.m.

 

Councilor Schmitt commented that the Ordinance Sub Committee had reviewed this at their April 22, 2020 meeting, and with a 3-0 vote were recommending full passage. The Committee had made a change to the ordinance to allow the Town Clerk to issue the licenses and report them to the Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

Town Clerk Giovanelli made the Council aware that the State is allowing an extension to current MFE licensees due to the curtailment of State fire inspections during the Covid-19 crisis.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:22p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

B.  RESOLUTIONS:

1.  R-20-29 – A resolution relating to the adoption of the Cumberland Traffic Calming Policy and Procedure

 

Public hearing opened at 8:23p.m.

 

Councilor Schmitt stated that the Ordinance Sub Committee had heard this at their April 22, 2020 meeting, made a few grammatical changes, and had voted 3-0 to recommend passage.

 

Mayor Mutter commented that if this passed, meetings with the police department would commence the following week. The intent is to establish a process to curb incidents in certain areas.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:26p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 6/1.

Nay: Councilor Bradley

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

A.  APPOINTMENTS

      BOARD OF CANVASSERS

 

      Michael Connors, Alternate Member

 

Town Clerk Giovanelli stated that there is another alternate seat available. There may be more if Mr. Connors elects to move up to a permanent position. The requirement for bipartisan members was discussed.

 

No vote was required.   

 

B.  CLAIMS

      1.  Lourdes Fevrier

 

Referred to the Finance Committee

 

C.  RESOLUTIONS:    

1.  R-20-52 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a contract with Pare Corporation for Construction Phase Inspection and Administrative Services for the replacement of the Water Mains located in Diamond Hill Road for the Town of Cumberland Water Department in an amount not to exceed One Hundred Forty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($142,900.00).

 

Public hearing opened at 8:34p.m.

 

Water Superintendent Chris Champi referred to R-18-36A, contracting with Pare Corporation for the design phase of this project; they were entering phase 2 and it would make sense to award this to Pare as they were the original designers. This timing would also allow the town to combine the work with the DOT’s commitment to another restoration project in the area.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:35p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

2.  R-20-53 – A resolution recognizing May 16, 2020 as National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day in the Town of Cumberland

 

Public hearing opened at 8:39p.m.

 

Mayor Mutter spoke briefly about the resolution.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:40p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILORS SHAW & BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR GEMSKI, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 6/1.

Nay: Councilor Bradley

 

3.  R-20-54 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Jeffrey Mutter to enter into a contract with Katom Kitchen Supply, Inc. in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($22,500.00)

 

Public hearing opened at 8:41p.m.

 

Chief of Staff Linda Teel stated that this was a continuation of the CDBG grant of $500,000.00 for improvements to the Senior Center and gave specifics.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:44p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KINCH, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

4.  R-20-55 – A resolution engaging the Law Firm of Desautel Law as Special Counsel for Environmental Matters

 

Public hearing opened at 8:45p.m.

 

Solicitor Kelley Morris Salvatore stated that she had worked with Town Planner Jonathan Stevens to locate attorneys to assist the Town with remediation efforts at the Albion land fill. The Town had received a grant from DEM to assist with the cost.

 

A brief discussion ensued with the Council.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:47p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

5.  R-20-56 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey Mutter to enter into a contract with Coletta Contracting Co., Inc. in an amount not to exceed one hundred twenty-seven thousand eight hundred fifty dollars ($127,850.00)

 

Public hearing opened at 8:48p.m.

 

Chief of Staff Teel stated that this was to cover the costs of the complete kitchen renovation at the Senior Center and would result in a Board of Health approval upon completion.

 

Mrs. Teel and the Council discussed the bid process and details of the project.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:51p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

6.  R-20-57 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey Mutter to enter into a contract with GZA Geoenvironmental, Inc.and GZA-Iparametrics in an amount not to exceed Fourteen Thousand Eight Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($14,816.00)

 

Public hearing opened at 8:55p.m.

 

Finance Director Ray Chauvin gave details on this resolution.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:59p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR KINCH, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO REVISE LINE 45 TO A MAY 1, 2020 DATE, BY A VOICE VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AS AMENDED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

7.  R-20-58 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a contract with Boyle & Fogarty Inc. for the Diamond Hill Road Water Main Replacement Phase 2 between 2055 Diamond Hill Road and 1364 Diamond Hill Road in an amount not to exceed Two Million, Two Hundred Seventy-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred Fifty Dollars ($2,277,850.00)

 

Public hearing opened at 9:01p.m.

 

Water Superintendent Chris Champi gave details on the bidding process, the timeline expectations, and discussed the funding source.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 9:04p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

8.  R-20-59 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay AI Engineers in an amount not to exceed twelve thousand three hundred ($12,300.00)

 

9.  R-20-60 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay Environmental Consulting and Management in an amount not to exceed nine thousand eight hundred ten dollars ($9,810.00)

 

10. R-20-61 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay Garofalo Associates in an amount not to exceed twelve thousand twenty-two dollars ($12,022.00)

 

11. R-20-62 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay Greenwood Industries in an amount not to exceed eight thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($8,250.00)

 

12. R-20-63 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay Canavan & Associates in an amount not to exceed twenty-eight thousand five hundred ($28,500.00)

 

13. R-20-64 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay Odeh Engineers in an amount not to exceed twenty-four thousand dollars ($24,000.00)

 

14.  R-20-65 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay Torrado Architects in an amount not to exceed twenty-eight thousand eight hundred fifty dollars ($28,850.00)

 

15.  R-20-66 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay Colliers International in an amount not to exceed one hundred two thousand six hundred sixty-five dollars and 96/100 ($102,665.96)

 

Public hearing opened at 9:06p.m.

 

President Dwyer read the titles of all eight (8) resolutions.

 

Mayor Mutter commented that these resolutions were all previously approved by the School Building Committee. This was part of the stage 2 submission.

 

Discussion ensued with the Council and Finance Director Ray Chauvin.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 9:21p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE R-20-59 THROUGH AND INCLUDING R-20-66 BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

16. R-20-67 – A resolution recognizing the first week of June 2020 as “Cumberland High School Class of 2020 appreciation week.”

   

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

17. R-20-68 – A resolution ratifying Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter’s supplemental Declaration of State of Municipal Emergency, EO-20-04

 

Public hearing opened at 9:25p.m.

 

Mayor Mutter and the Council discussed the State guidelines and possible expiration dates.

 

There were no public emails or telephone calls.

 

Public hearing closed at 9:36p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS KINCH & SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

President Dwyer paused the meeting at 9:37p.m. and resumed at 9:38p.m. to give any audience participants time to send an email or to ask a question via Zoom. There were no calls or emails.

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 9:39P.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.