MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022 AT 6:30P.M.

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

45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND

OPEN SESSION

 

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:31 pm with a roll call of members

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

In-person: President Kinch, Councilors Metivier, and Schmitt.

Participating remotely: Councilors Shaw, Beaulieu, and Magill

Absent: Councilor Bradley

Also present—Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter; Outreach Coordinator Sarah King
                       

NEW BUSINESS

a.  A discussion of potential use of the American Rescue Plan Act Refunding

 

President Kinch advised that the meeting would be starting off with a presentation by the Mayor. Afterwards, the Town Council and town residents could give their input as to the use of the $10,500,00.00 the town will receive.

 

Mayor Mutter provided a Powerpoint presentation developed in his office which explained the four areas the money could be dedicated to, giving further details/breakdown of each.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

President Kinch asked for public comments.

Ted Vecchio, 584 Bound Road, Pawtucket, was present and was here to discuss his businesses in town – he would like assistance in recouping over $65,000.00 in lost business due to Covid which forced his wife’s dance business to close temporarily. He hoped that a grant process might help his business and other businesses in town.

 

Parks & Recreation Commission chairman Alan Neville suggested sidewalk enhancements to make Cumberland a safer community; streetscape improvements, civic beautification, particularly on Broad Street, opportunity for business growth; continue enhancement of the town’s parks. Anything to improve the livability, walkability and quality of life in Cumberland, access to parks and vibrant public spaces.

 

Mayor Mutter interjected that there is a resolution on the Council docket for the next night regarding a sidewalk study.

 

An extensive discussion ensued with the Council and Mayor regarding the many options for utilizing the ARPAR money, evolving a list of priorities, the deadline for spending the funds.

 

Outreach coordinator Sarah King advised that the survey is still on the home page of the town web site for any residents who wish to add their suggestions.

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 7:37PM. VOTE 6/0

 

 

 

 

 

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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.