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| Michael L. Kinch, At-Large | |
| Council President | |
| James K. Metivier, District 1 | Scott R. Schmitt, District 4 |
| Council Member | Council President, Pro Tem |
| Timothy C. Magill Jr., District 2 | Robert G. Shaw, Jr., District 5 |
| Council Member | Council Member |
| Lisa A. Beaulieu, District 3 | Peter J. Bradley, At-Large |
| Council Member | Council Member |
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022 AT 7:30 P.M.
VIRTUAL - OPEN SESSION
The regular meeting was called to order at 7:55pm with a roll call of members
MEMBERS PRESENT:
President Kinch, Councilors Bradley, Magill, Shaw, Metivier, Beaulieu and Schmitt
Also present - Town Clerk Sandra M. Giovanelli; Town Solicitor Kelley Morris Salvatore; Police Chief
Desmarais
MEMBERS ABSENT:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council President Kinch announced the dates of the public hearings on American Rescue plan act – February 15, 2022 and February 22, 2022. He also asked the Council if they had availability for a joint meeting with the School Committee on February 3, 2022.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT ITEMS
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Acceptance of Minutes of the Special and Regular Meetings of January 5, and the Special Meeting of January 13, 2022.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS MAGILL & SCHMITT, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
LICENSES
A. ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
1. An application for a Special Event Entertainment License from Blackstone Valley Garden Club for their annual Plant Sale to be held at the Monastery on Saturday, May 14, 2022
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIIVER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE, PENDING LEASE AGREEMENT AND INSURANCE POLICY, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A. Presentation and End of Year Update from the Northern RI Food Pantry
Bob Chaput, Jeff Whitfield, and Bob Dupont from the Food Pantry addressed the Council and spoke to the amount of food their distribution system handled; the dedication of their volunteers; the impact of Covid 19.
Bob Dupont spoke to the sources of their food donations; a seven-member panel created to look to the future and more resources to expand their benefits. A committee has presented an intermittent distribution plan for eggs, meat, bread and vegetables one Saturday a month, which could be rolled out by April.
Councilor Beaulieu asked about budget expectations. Bob DuPont responded to Councilor Beaulieu that they anticipate it will take 4-6 months to work the bugs out and assess the plan’s impact.
B. Report of Executive Session vote(s), as may be necessary
President Kinch reported there had been a motion during executive session by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Magill, to authorize the funding of a purchase of eight (8) properties on Ballou Street. The motion passed with a vote of 6/1, with Councilor Bradley as the nay vote.
C. A request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve December 2021 abatements and supplemental bills
President Kinch read the individual totals:
TOTAL 2021 REAL ESTATE SUPPLEMENTALS IN THE AMOUNT OF $583.46.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
TOTAL 2021 MOTOR VEHICLE ABATEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $637.34.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
D. Update from the School Committee
Denis Collins reported that the construction at the transitional building has been completed and the administrative offices have moved back into the building. Construction of classroom improvements has begun at Cumberland High School.
A webpage link to construction projects at each school will be available to the public soon.
Dr. Thornton and Assistant Superintendent DiManna will meet with each of the eight school improvement teams for input on the district strategic plan, to be finalized in the spring.
COVID-19 news – there is a decline in the high staffing absences; the Mayor has secured 300 rapid tests for schools.
MR. Collins commended numerous students who have been accepted to the state band and chorus.
E. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending December 31, 2021.
Budget to Actual
F. Check registers for December 31, 2021.
G. Department Reports
3. Library
Quarterly Department Reports
1. Human Resources Bradley asked how long we’ve been down 3 dispatchers? Mayor – for years -
3. Public Works
5. Office of Children, Youth, and Learning
OLD BUSINESS
A. ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING:
1. #21-28 – An ordinance in amendment of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, as amended, amending the Ordinances and map thereof with reference to Cumberland Assessor’s Plat 62, Lot 17 (tabled from January 5, 2021)
Councilor Schmitt informed the Council that at their January 18, 2020 meeting Ordinance Sub-Committee met and took a vote to recommend favorable passage of this ordinance. The request was to change the zone change from R-1 to C-1. The approval was made subject to the zone change being restricted to use code 30 (medical and dental) and to impose a height restriction of 35′ to be consistent with the neighborhood.
Attorney Nick Hemond thanked the ordinance sub-committee for their favorable recommendation. Dr. Chan was also present to answer any questions. Councilor Magill confirmed with Councilor Schmitt that there was no opposition from any neighbors.
Public hearing opened at 8:28pm.
Public hearing closed at 8:32pm
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS METIVIER & BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE, WITH THE CONDITIONS THAT THE CHANGE WAS RESTRICTED TO USE CODE #30 (MEDICAL AND/OR DENTAL) AND A 35′ HEIGHT RESTRICTION, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
2. #21–30 – An ordinance relating to Parks & Recreation (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration; tabled from January 5, 2022)
Councilor Schmitt reported that after a great deal of discussion the prior evening at the Ordinance Sub-Committee meeting, they were asking for continuance to the second meeting in February.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS SCHMITT & MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO FEBRUARY 16, 2022, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
3. #22-01 – An ordinance relating to the Department of Emergency Medical Services
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ACCEPT #22-01A IN PLACE OF #22-01, BY, A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
Public hearing opened at 8:37pm.
Councilor Schmitt stated that the Ordinance Sub-Committee had also heard this the night before. This ordinance is the result of a recently ratified contract; the deputy chief of EMS was taken out of the union. He is being brought into the executive staff, which is what this ordinance does.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AMEND LINE 30 FROM “…THE PERSON TO FILL “EACH OF THE POSITIONS” AND READ “…THE PERSON TO FILL THIS POSITION… “, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
President Kinch asked if anyone from the public wished to speak in favor or against.
Public hearing closed at 8:39pm.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS BEAULIEU & MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AS AMENDED, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
1. Mike Boday (replacing Devan Lippman) term to expire January 31, 2023
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
JUVENILE HEARING BOARD
1. Allison M. Liguori (replacing Mrs. Reilly’s expired term), term expiring December 31, 2024
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
B. CLAIMS
Referred to the Finance Sub Committee
C. RESOLUTIONS
President Kinch asked to hear R-22-06 first.
5. R-22-06 – A resolution authorizing the Town, acting through the Mayor to finance the purchase of equipment for the Cumberland School Department and the Town of Cumberland through a lease purchase agreement.
Mayor Mutter gave a brief overview of the resolution. The town’s portion would be put toward a new ambulance.
School district business manager Alex Prignano spoke to school items included in the lease purchase agreement.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
1. R-22-02 – A resolution in support of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s Zap 50 Initiative
Mayor Mutter outlined this resolution.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
2. R-22-03 – A Resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to execute a First Amendment to Lease with Algonquin Gas, relative to property within Diamond Hill Park
Solicitor Morris-Salvatore asked to table to February 2, 2022.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO FEBRUARY 2, 2022. VOTE 7/0
3. R-22-04 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffry J. Mutter to purchase two (2) 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD Black vehicles not to exceed Sixty-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred Sixty-Eight and 70/100 Dollars ($69,368.70)
Police Chief Desmarais spoke to the need for these vehicles. They were piggybacking their purchase with the Greater Boston Police Council as they have in the past. The cost comes out of an existing line item in his budget.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0
4. R-22-05 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffry J. Mutter to purchase equipment to upfit two (2) 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD Black vehicles from Global Public Safety in an amount not to exceed Thirty-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred Thirty-Three and 52/100 Dollars ($38,833.52)
Chief Desmarais explained the cost savings by upfitting these vehicles after the outright purchase and is also in conjunction with the greater Boston Police Council. One vehicle will be fully marked with all lights and equipment, the other is a low-profile vehicle with less equipment. The expenditure also comes out of an existing budget line item.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ted Vecchio, 584 Bound Road, thanked the Council for putting out the workshop dates. With humor, he also recognized Kevin and Theresa Reilly for successfully marrying off their third daughter; and thanked them for being a part of his family. Councilor Schmitt agreed with Mr. Vecchio’s assessment of the Reilly’s.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 9:20PM, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0
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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.