MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022 AT 7:30P.M.

CUMBERLAND TOWN HALL, EVERETT “MOE” BONNER, JR. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
OPEN SESSION

 

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:3  pm with a roll call of members   

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

In person: President Kinch, Councilors Bradley, Magill, Shaw, Schmitt and Beaulieu.

Absent: Councilor Metivier

 

Also present—Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter; Town Solicitor Kelley Morris Salvatore; Town Clerk Sandra M. Giovanelli

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Kinch made it known that the deadline for applicants wishing to be considered for the vacant School Committee seat had until 4:00pm on December 26, 2022 to send a letter of intent and resume.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

A.  Acceptance of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 7, 2022

B.  MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE    

      1.  Farm Coast Brewery LLC d/b/a Gnarly Vines Farm

      2.  Cultro LLC d/b/a Cultro

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.  VOTE 6/0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were none.

 

REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS   

A.  Report of Executive Session vote(s), as may be necessary  There were none.

 

B.  Update from the School Committee

Denis Collins stated that he would speak after Dr. Thornton finished his presentation.

At that time, Denis read a letter from School Committee Chairwoman Karen Freedman wherein she acknowledged Dr. Thornton and Anthony DiManna for their tireless work with the schools. Mr. Collins also gave kudos to the teachers and support staff for their tremendous efforts.

 

C.  Update on the RICAS scores from School Superintendent Dr. Phil Thornton

Through his presentation, pre-pandemic ratings vs. current RICAS scores in math and ELA were discussed as well as Star ratings. Discussion ensued with the Council.

 

H.  Discussion of School Committee vacancy appointment (moved up)

President Kinch outlined the upcoming position to be filled and hoped to have School Committee input to the process. He suggested that the applicants come to the podium at a special meeting to introduce themselves, having previously sent their resumes in. The Council could ask their questions and while the candidate was still there, Mrs. Freedman could add questions from the School Committee. Councilor Beaulieu suggested sending the resumes of each candidate to Chairwoman Freedman. It was agreed that a special meeting would be held on January 4, 2023 at 6:30pm.

 

D.  Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending November 30, 2022

 

E.  Check registers for November 30, 2022

 

F.  Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve November 2022 abatements and supplemental bills

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS BEAULIEU & MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2022 REAL ESTATE SUPPLEMENTAL BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,043.11. VOTE 6/0.

 

G.  Mayor to discuss the Town’s use of the Lusitana Club’s parking lot across from Town Hall

Mayor Mutter stated that he had been in discussions with the Club earlier that day. There is use of the parking lot by other entities beyond the Town, that the Club is also cognizant of. It is almost impossible to find a place to park in the lot. He will bring forward a different plan in January. Also under consideration is the revamping of the existing town hall lot to expand parking.

The existing lease with the Lusitana Club was discussed.

 

I.  Department Reports

      1.  Animal Control

      2.  Building Official

      3.  Library

      4.  Parks & Recreation

      5.  Planning Board

      6.  Police Department

      7.  Senior Services

      8.  Town Clerk’s Office

 

LICENSES

     A.  ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE – SPECIAL EVENT

1.   An application for a Special Event Entertainment License from 13^th World for Haunted Trails to be held Friday through Sunday starting September 30, 2023, through October 29, 2023, at Diamond Hill Park (tabled from December 7, 2022)

 

Mayor Mutter stated that at a meeting at Diamond Hill Park, it was determined that the ongoing construction would not impact this event. The solicitor commented that she had spoken to some people about alleged incidents with certain equipment.

 

Representative Zeke Fortier, Bellingham, MA, stated he had spoken to Parks & Recreation Director Mike Crawley to discuss and fulfill the accommodations that the solicitor had brought up.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. 
VOTE 6/0.

 

2.   An application for an Event Entertainment License from St. Joseph’s Church, Ashton, RI d/b/a Parish Hall, 1303 Mendon Rd.

Pending tax approval

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

3.   An application for an Event Entertainment License from Fatima Holy Name Society, dba Fatima Holy Name Society, 1 Fatima Drive

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

4.   An application for an Event Entertainment License from American Legion, dba Cumberland Post # 14, 695 Broad Street

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

B. EXTENDED HOURS LICENSE

1.  An application for a 24-hour license from Colbea Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Season’s Corner Market located at 2095 Diamond Hill Road (Presentation & Permission to advertise)

 

OLD BUSINESS

     A.  ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING    

1. #22-21 – An ordinance establishing and implementing a program of tax stabilization for the redevelopment of the Ann & Hope Mill, located at 100 Ann & Hope Way, and improvements thereupon, and the operation and maintenance of residential, commercial, retail or office users thereupon. (tabled from October 19, 2022)

 

Solicitor Morris-Salvatore gave an update on this ordinance.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO TABLE TO MARCH 1, 2023.  VOTE 6/0.

2.  #22-26 – An ordinance relating to Yard Sales (tabled from November 16, 2022)

 

Public hearing opened at 8:36pm.

 

Councilor Schmitt reported that the Ordinance Sub Committee, on a vote of 2-1, made the following changes: change line 18 to change the number of times per year from two days to four days; on line 33, the charge for the first offense would change from $25 to $100; and on line 35, the charge for an additional offense would be $200; and change line 7 on the second page to add “of this code of ordinances”. He added for the record, Councilors Schmitt and Beaulieu were for the changes, Councilor Metivier was opposed.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE 22-26A IN PLACE OF 22-26.  VOTE 6/0.

 

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

 

Public hearing closed at 8:43pm.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE 22-26A AS AMENDED.  VOTE 4/2.

Nay: Councilors Bradley and Magill

 

3. #22-30 – An ordinance relating to the Department of Children, Youth and Learning (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration) (tabled from December 7, 2022)

 

The administration asked to table to a future date.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO TABLE TO JANUARY 18, 2023.  VOTE 6/0.

 

4. #22-31 – An ordinance relating to salary ranges for the Executive Staff and other positions  (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration) (tabled from December 7, 2022)

 

The Finance Sub Committee had met on this and were asking to table again until the Mayor could complete the details.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO JANUARY 4, 2023.  VOTE 6/0.

 

5. #22-32 – An ordinance naming the driveway between Town Hall and 16 Mill Street (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

The Mayor asked to table again.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO TABLE TO FEBRUARY 15, 2023. 
VOTE 6/0.

 

     B.  RESOLUTIONS

1. R-22-99 – A resolution adopting the Town of Cumberland’s Small Business Grant Relief Program Procedures and allocating Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) to the Program (tabled from December 7, 2022)

 

Mayor Mutter stated that at the last meeting, there was discussion about the application. Working with Councilor Schmitt, changes were made for clarification. The outside consultant would determine compliancy from all the submissions. All applications that meet the compliancy qualifications will then go to a three-member board (one planning member or their designee, one council member, one designee from mayor’s office)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. 
VOTE 6/0.

 

9.  NEW BUSINESS

     A.  APPOINTMENTS

           ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

1.      Nicholas Goodier, term to expire January 31, 2026

2.      John Cartier, term to expire January 31, 2026

3.      Marie Sorman, term to expire January 31, 2026

4.      Charles Redihan III, term to expire January 31, 2026

5.      Kevin Perry, term to expire January 31, 2026

The Town Clerk stated that this is a seven member commission; there would be a press release going out soon to ask for applicants to fill any vacant seats on all Boards and Commissions.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE ALL FIVE APPLICANTS.  VOTE 6/0.

        

           PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

           1.  Jackie Hooper, term to expire December 31, 2024

           2.  Alexandria Evers, term to expire December 31, 2024

           3.  John Cavanagh, term to expire December 31, 2024

           4.  Kelly Validzik, term to expire December 31, 2024

 

Councilor Shaw noted that Alan Neville would no longer be able to serve on the Parks & Rec commission and thanked him for his tremendous contribution. The Mayor and Councilor Kinch added their gratitude.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.

 

           OPEN SPACE COMMISSION

1.      Melissa Travis, term to expire January 31, 2026

2.      Marcel Beausoleil, Land Trust Liaison, term to expire January 31, 2026

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

           PENSION BOARD

1.      Irene Schmitt, term to expire December 31, 2026

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 5/0.

Recused: Councilor Schmitt

  

     B.  CLAIMS

           1.  Penny Drahos

Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee

 

2.      Sharline Perez

Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee

 

3.      Lori Dumaine

Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee

 

     C.  RESOLUTIONS

1.  R-22-104 - A resolution authorizing and empowering the Town of Cumberland to provide grant funding to the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island in an amount not to exceed three hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) from the Town’s Community Recovery fund.

 

Mayor Mutter gave an overview of the resolution and what it covers. Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island President Gary Rebello, 3310 Diamond Hill Road, was present and stated that this grant would go toward  repairing/rebuilding the swimming pool.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

2.  R-22-105 - A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a three-year contract renewal with Retrofit Technologies for IT Managed Services, Microsoft Licensing, and Barracuda Security Licensing in an amount not to exceed one hundred and fifty-five thousand five hundred and eight dollars ($155,508) annually.

 

Alex McCormick from Retrofit was present via Zoom and explained the scope of the contract.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. 
VOTE 6/0.

 

C.  ORDINANCE FOR PRESENTATION AND PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE
      1.  22-33 –  Amending the Employee Handbook (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

Referred to Ordinance Sub-Committee

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mayor Mutter related that his office had received messages from the offices of Congressman Cicilline and Senator Whitehouse announcing a grant award to address the drainage issues on Industrial Road.

 

President Kinch wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah and thanked all the people who have served on Boards and Commissions this past year.

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 9:14PM. 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.