MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 AT 6:30 P.M.

VIRTUAL - OPEN SESSION

 

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:34pm with a roll call of members.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

President Kinch, Councilors Metivier, Shaw, Magill, Beaulieu and Schmitt.

Absent: Councilor Bradley.

 

Also present— Mayor Jeffrey Mutter; Outreach Coordinator Sarah King; Town Clerk Sandra M. Giovanelli; Town Solicitor Kelley Morris Salvatore

 

Present from the School Department: Superintendent Robert Mitchell; Budget Manager Alex Prignano; Assistant Superintendent Antonio DiManna; HR Director Katherine Duncanson.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

President Kinch reminded any viewers that tonight was the first public hearing of the 2022 budget for the Town Council. Subsequent budget meetings will be held as follows:

 

      FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING - Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 6:30p.m.

 

      SECOND PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST VOTE - Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 7:30p.m.

 

      FINAL VOTE - Monday, June 7, 2021 at 6:30p.m.

 

Mayor Mutter stated that with recently reduced Covid restrictions the meetings on June 2, 2021 and June 7, 2021 will be scheduled at the McCourt Middle School to give everyone an opportunity to meet in person. Remote access and Zoom capability will be offered at that meeting as well.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

LICENSES

     A.  HAWKER’S LICENSE

1.  An application for a Hawker’s License from John F. May of Keystone Novelties Distributors, LLC located at 30 Industrial Drive from June 24, 2021 to July 5, 2021 (tabled from May 19, 2021)

 

The administration was objecting to this license on the grounds that this specific location was problematic. Kelley Morris-Salvatore showed a GIS image of the location. Public Works Director Bob Anderson and Ms. Morris-Salvatore reported that the proposed entrance is already a difficult one due to ongoing traffic accidents. There was also concern that customers would park in a neighboring business’s lot.

 

Keith Lambert was present to speak on behalf of Keystone. He proposed moving the tent on to the grass area of the proposed lot and have people enter through the back lot with no parking on the main street entrance and exit through another area.

 

Mayor Mutter commented that if there is a safer path that could be utilized it would alleviate his concerns.

 

Councilor Magill expressed doubts that all cars would leave via the second exit as instructed.

 

Mr. Lambert stated he understood the concerns, but the area is very large. They could also direct people to park in the rear, spray lines in the grass for foot traffic.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE FAILS 4/2. 

Nay: Councilors Shaw, Magill, Beaulieu and President Kinch

 

     B.  HOLIDAY SALES LICENSE

1.  An application for a Holiday License from John F. May of Keystone Novelties Distributors, LLC located at 30 Industrial Drive from June 24, 2021 to July 5, 2021 (tabled from May 19, 2021)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE FAILS 4/2.

Nay: Councilors Shaw, Magill, Beaulieu and President Kinch

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.  RESOLUTIONS

1.  R-21-38 – A resolution extending temporary outdoor restaurant service

 

Councilor Schmitt stated the Ordinance Sub-Committee took this up at their last meeting and reminded the Council of the history of the State executive order providing for outdoor seating to remain in effect until 100% of indoor seating was allowed. As that has happened our original ordinance has reached its sunset. The Ordinance Sub-Committee has come up with a resolution to allow continued outdoor service in Cumberland until October 31, 2021, when town outdoor service normally ceases, with some restrictions as listed in the resolution. On a vote of 3-0 the Ordinance Sub-Committee was recommending full passage to the Council.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 6/0

 

B.  ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING:

1.  #21-11 – An ordinance establishing the operating budget for the Town of Cumberland’s General Fund for fiscal year 2021-2022

 

Public hearing opened at 6.55pm

 

President Kinch read the total revenues and expenditures from the budget.

 

Mayor Mutter gave a quick overview of the budget and responded to Council questions.

 

Superintendent Mitchell and his team were present for questions. Mr. Mitchell presented Powerpoint visuals representing the school budget at this time and spoke to the challenges and issues they were addressing and their goal to move forward and never regress. The main desire is filling more essential positions. Some positions might be able to be paid for with Federal ESSER 2 and ESSER 3 funds, but those funds are time sensitive and temporary.

 

Discussion ensued between the Council and Messrs. Mitchell, DiManna and Prignano regarding details on ESSER funds, the needs, goals and wishes of the school department.

 

President Kinch asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or against. There was no one.

 

Public hearing closed at 7:59pm

 

      2.  #21-12 – An ordinance establishing the operating budget for the Town of Cumberland’s Water Department

 

Public hearing opened at 7:59pm

 

President Kinch read the revenue and expenditures totals.

 

Mayor Mutter gave a brief summary and responded to questions from the Council.

 

President Kinch asked if anyone wished to speak. There was no one.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:04pm

 

 

3.  #21-13 – An ordinance establishing the operating budget for the Town of Cumberland’s Sewer Department for fiscal year 2021-2022

 

Public hearing opened at 8:04pm

 

President Kinch read the revenue and expenditures totals.

 

Mayor Mutter summarized the budget, commenting that the long running deficit should be resolved by the end of 2021.

 

President Kinch asked if anyone wished to speak. There was no one.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:08pm

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 8:09P.M.  BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 6/0. 

 

 

 

_______________________________

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.