MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020 AT 7:30 P.M.

VIRTUAL - OPEN SESSION

 

 

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:51pm.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

 

Also present— Mayor Jeffrey Mutter; Chief of Staff Linda Teel; Town Clerk Sandra M. Giovanelli; Town Solicitor Kelley Morris Salvatore; Finance Director Ray Chauvin; Planning Director Jonathan Stevens; Tax Assessor Ken Mallette

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

Members of Boy Scout Troop 1 remotely led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Councilor Beaulieu asked the Mayor for an update on any plans for a virtual Memorial Day celebration.         

 

CONSENT AGENDA

A.  Acceptance of Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 8, 2020.

 

B.  COMMUNICATIONS

1.  C-20-17 – A resolution from the Town of Barrington recognizing the Month of June as Barrington Pride Month

 

2.  C-20-18 – RI DEM Wetlands application #19-0181

 

3.  C-20-19 – A resolution from the North Smithfield School Committee urging the continued appropriation of state & local revenues to support public education

 

4.  C-20-20 – A resolution from the Smithfield School Committee expressing support for funding of RIDE Transportation Offset ESSA

 

5.  C-20-21 –  A resolution from the Smithfield School Committee expressing support for funding of the Categorical Fund for High Cost Special Education

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Councilor Gemski spoke to a recent award of $4,000,000.00 from the Small Business Administration to the Blackstone Valley Prep School, funded by tax dollars, and stated that she would be bringing forward a resolution to inquire as to how and why the school was allowed to receive it.

 

President Dwyer paused the meeting at 7:55pm and resumed at 7:58pm. to allow any audience participants time to send an email or to ask a question via Zoom. There were no calls or emails.

 

LICENSES

A.  HAWKER’S LICENSE:

1.   An application for a Hawker’s License from John F. May of Keystone Novelties Distributors, LLC located at 3755 Mendon Road from June 23, 2020 to July 5, 2020 

 

Applicant representative Keith Lambert of East Greenwich was present via Zoom to answer any questions. 

 

Public hearing opened at 7:59pm.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:01pm.

 

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

 

B.  HOLIDAY LICENSE:

1.   An application for a Holiday License from John F. May of Keystone Novelties Distributors, LLC located at 3755 Mendon Road from June 23, 2020 to July 5, 2020

 

Public hearing opened at 8:02p.m.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:03p.m.

 

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

 

REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS

A.  Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report for March and April, 2020.

      Budget to Actual

 

B.  Check registers for March and April, 2020.

 

Finance director Ray Chauvin gave details on his report and answered questions from the Council.

 

C.  A request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve May 2020 abatements and supplemental bills

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNILOR KINCH, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE 2020 MOTOR VEHICLE ABATEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $665.36 BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE 2020 MOTOR VEHICLE SUPPLEMENTALS IN THE AMOUNT OF $11.43 BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2020 REAL ESTATE ABATEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,278.18 BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2020 REAL ESTATE SUPPLEMENTALS IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,120.03 BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 6/1.

Nay: Councilor Bradley

 

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 May 8, 2020)

 

Mayor Mutter stated that there should have been an ordinance 20-06A presented showing a change on line 39, for Senior Accountant, from $29,156.00 to $40,716.00 and asked the Council to accept that change and amend the ordinance

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUBSTITUTE 20-06 WITH 20-06A BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

Public hearing opened at 8:25pm.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the need for a full time Building Inspector, and the change to that salary line item.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:29pm.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE 20-06A AS AMENDED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 6/1.

Nay: Councilor Bradley

 

2.  #20-10 – An ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance to add a Landmark Buildings Historic District and to designate AP 35, Lot 14 (2211 Mendon Road) to be in the Landmark Buildings Historic District

 

Public hearing opened at 8:31pm.

 

Councilor Schmitt commented that the title in the agenda should read “AP35 Lot 147”. He further stated that the Ordinance Sub Committee had heard this matter at their April 22, 2020 meeting, and had voted 3-0 to recommend full approval by the Council.

 

Town Solicitor Kelley M. Salvatore summarized the agreement and the process with the Zoning and Planning departments. She also cautioned that going forward, there was still the potential that building might be demolished in the future if restoration proved ultimately unfeasible; but there would be some protection and a process in place before any owners could do so.

 

Planning Director Jonathan Stevens spoke to the history of the negotiations the town had had regarding preserving this historic building. It was noted that the lot number was incorrect on the agenda, and within the ordinance itself in several places.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AMEND THE TITLE ON THE AGENDA TO READ “AP 35, LOT 147”, AND ACCEPT 20-10A IN PLACE OF 20-10 BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

Councilor Gemski noted that in the Ordinance Sub Committee meeting she had expressed reservations that the house could ultimately be destroyed. Solicitor Morris-Salvatore gave suggestions to additional language that could be added to the ordinance.

 

Mayor Mutter recognized everyone who had participated in this negotiation.

 

President Dwyer asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against.

 

Mr. Ted Vecchio, 97 Cottage Street, Pawtucket, inquired about the lot changes and any accompanying restrictions.

 

Chief of Staff Linda Teel noted that two public letters had been sent in favor of the agreement, from Arthur Schacht and Joyce Koutsogiane.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:48pm.

 

Councilor Schmitt asked about the demolition stipulation. Councilor Bradley asked about impact fees on a second lot.

 

Planning Director Jonathan Stevens noted that this house was currently on the National Historic Register.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR GEMSKI, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO FURTHER AMEND 20-10 AS MENDED BUT ALSO “SUBJECT TO CHANGES TO LINE 44, SECTIONS 2 AND 3 OF THIS ORDINANCE, WHICH SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON THE PLANNING BOARDS’ FINAL APPROVAL OF THE APPLICANTS MINOR SUBDIVISION APPLICATION TO CREATE THE LOTS SHOWN ON THE MINOR SUBDIVISION PLAN AND UPON WITHDRAWING THE EXISTING DEMOLITIONS PERMIT”, BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 6/1.

Nay: Councilor Schmitt

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE 20-10A AS AMENDED TWICE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. 
VOTE 7/0.

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.  CLAIMS:

  1.  Adam Crown, LLC, the Howard Crown Trust, and Roddy Road, LLC

 

Referred to the Solicitor’s Office

 

B.  RESOLUTIONS:    

1.  R-20-69 – A resolution to adopt the New Pond Park Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2025

 

Public hearing opened at 9:09pm.

 

Planning Director Jonathan Stevens spoke to this plan identifying this 62-acre site Peterson/Puritan site and the future plans for a park, walking trails, playground and ball field and enhanced river access.

 

Discussion ensued regarding this Superfund site, the plans to remediate through removing contaminated soil, laying over impervious caps, covering it with clean soil and revegetating it.

 

Ted Vecchio of 97 Cottage Street, Pawtucket questioned the EPA determinations and status.

 

Public hearing closed at 9:19pm.

 

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

 

2.  R-20-70 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey Mutter to enter into a contract with Vision Government Solutions, Inc. in an amount not to exceed two hundred and seven thousand and two hundred and forty-eight ($207,248.00)

 

President Dwyer noted this amount was payable over 5 years beginning in 2021.

 

Assessor Ken Mallette spoke to his past recommendations to have the availability of both tax administration and collection software, and utility billing and collection software.

 

Public hearing opened at 9:30pm.

 

Finance Director Ray Chauvin spoke to the current 3% convenience fee charged, and the attempts to find options to reduce those fees. 

 

A brief discussion was held with the Council regarding the bid process, the findings and the final recommendation.   

 

Public hearing closed at 9:32pm.

 

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

 

3.  R-20-71 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a contract with WB Community Health for health care administration and costs for a 3-year contract resulting in a projected savings of five hundred fifty-four thousand three hundred forty three dollars ($554,343.00) for year one.)

 

Finance Director Ray Chauvin gave a brief overview and introduced the consultant who assisted in the bid and review process.

 

Public hearing opened at 10:08pm.

 

Consultant Rob Calise, 931 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, explained the RFP and bid results and made comparisons between the bidders on several items.

 

Discussion ensued regarding the complexity of the issue. All Council members felt they required more time to read through the plan before making a final decision.   

 

Public hearing closed at 10:26p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS SHAW & KINCH, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO A SPECIAL MEETING ON MAY 28, 2020 AT 7:00PM BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

4.  R-20-72 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a contract with Constellation New Energy, Inc to lock-in natural gas rates for 39 months resulting in a minimum projected savings of $35,000 based on current projected usage.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR GEMSKI, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AMEND THE TITLE ON THE AGENDA TO REPLACE “NATURAL GAS” WITH “ELECTRICITY”, AND MAKE THE SAME CHANGES TO LINE  8, LINE 18, LINE 23, LINE 28 AND LINE 39, AND REPLACE R-20-72 WITH R-20-72A BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 7/0

 

Public hearing opened at 10:28p.m.

 

Finance Director Ray Chauvin stated that this resolution was intended to take advantage of the current low energy prices. He introduced Frank Salisbury, 16 Sandy Way, Cumberland, who gave the presentation. Associate Bryan Yagoobian, of Best Practice Energy, 24 Salt Pond, Wakefield, was also present to comment.

 

Discussion ensued with the Council.

 

Public hearing closed at 10:41p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KINCH, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY R-20-72A AS AMENDED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 7/0

 

5.  R-20-73 – A resolution engaging the law firm of Desautel Law as Special Counsel for environmental matters relating to the Peterson/Puritan Operational Unit 2 Superfund site

 

Public hearing opened at 10:44p.m.

 

Solicitor Kelley M. Salvatore gave a brief overview of this resolution, and its relationship with R-20-69.

 

Public hearing closed at 10:45p.m.

 

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

 

President Dwyer took the next two resolutions related to school repairs together as one vote:

 

6.  R-20-74 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay Colliers International an amount not to exceed twenty-four thousand three hundred eighty-nine and 35/100 dollars (24,389.35)

 

7.  R-20-75 – A resolution authorizing the Finance Director to pay Torrado Architects an amount not to exceed fifty-two thousand six hundred five dollars ($52,605.00)

 

Public hearing opened at 10:48p.m.

 

There were no questions or comments.

 

Public hearing closed at 10:48p.m.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE R-20-74 AND R-20-75 BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 7/0

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Councilor Kinch briefly discussed three restaurants that had received approval for temporary outdoor seating.

 

President Dwyer paused the meeting at 10:49p.m. to give any audience participants time to send an email or to ask a question via Zoom, and resumed at 10:50p.m. There were no calls or emails.

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS GEMSKI & SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 10:52P.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.