MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

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

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

45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND
VIRTUAL - OPEN SESSION

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:38pm with a roll call of members   

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

 

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

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Kinch offered condolences on behalf of the Council to Councilor Tim Magill on the loss of his father.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

 

B.  COMMUNICATIONS

1.  C-22-40 – A request from the Town of Coventry designating September 24^th as Coventry Community Wellness Day

 

2.  C-22-41 – A request from the Town of Warren requesting the State of Rhode Island in partnership with municipalities develop a comprehensive plan to provide high-speed broadband access

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Deborah Vine Smith, 88 Colonial Avenue, asked the community as a whole to help her fight light pollution to help migratory birds.

 

 

LICENSES

ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
A.  SPECIAL EVENT ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE

1.   An application for a special event entertainment license from Todd Brown of After Fire Victims Outreach, Inc. for a Touch a Truck event to be held from 10:00am – 3:00pm on October 16, 2022 at 30 Meeting Street

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BRADLEY, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING POLICE, FIRE AND BUILDING APPROVAL.  VOTE 7/0

 

REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS   

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

 

B.  Presentation from Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission Executive Director Christine Crocker

 

Ms. Crocker, Executive Director of the Police Accreditation Commission, Cumberland resident and former member of the Cumberland Police Department, awarded the Cumberland Police Department with their third award of Rhode Island Police Accreditation. She presented the award to Chief Matthew Benson and Captain Jolene Alves. The Chief expressed his thanks to Ms. Crocker, and to Captain Alves and Captain Iozzi, who was unable to be in attendance.

 

C.  Update from the School Committee

Denis Collins thanked the Mayor and team for substantial improvements to parking at BF Norton, and for their attendance at the ribbon cutting at Cumberland Hill School.

 

The School Dept is undergoing new, high quality curriculum implementation across all grade levels. ELA math curriculums are being prepared for future launching in the Middle and High schools. Another goal is to have K-5 ELA curriculum completely aligned across the district.

The latest RICAST scores should be available soon for grades 3-8, which will indicate the strength of the health and vitality of the school system and how effective were we are in closing the achievement gap from the pandemic.

 

Mr. Collins reported an enrollment increase of 75 students, largely due to the Pathways program. He spoke to ongoing construction at the various schools, and the number of students registered for fall sports in the middle and high schools.

 

D.  Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending August 31, 2022

 

E.  Check registers for August 31, 2022

 

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

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2022 REAL ESTATE ABATEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,494.17.  VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULEIU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2022 REAL ESTATE SUPPLEMENTAL BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,999.66. VOTE 7/0.

 

G.  Request for approval of disposition of Town-acquired tax sale property, i.e., 90 Weeks Street.

Tax assessor Al Wylie explained a 2019 amendment that requires Council approval for matters like these.

Solicitor Morris-Salvatore stated that she felt this should be approved via a resolution.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE UNTIL OCTOBER 5, 2022.  VOTE 7/0

 

H.  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

 

OLD BUSINESS

A.  ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING    

1.  #22-13A – 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 7, Lot 0237 (last tabled from September 7, 2022)

 

The petitioner has asked for a continuance to finalize the application.

 

Councilor Schmitt asked that the matter be referred back to the Ordinance Sub-Committee prior to the Council.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO OCTOBER 19, 2022.  VOTE 7/0

 

2.  #22-19 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of Stop Signs at the intersections of Lonsdale Farm Road and Chestnut Street and Lonsdale Farm Road and Woodland Street

 

Public hearing opened at 8:05pm.

 

Councilor Schmitt stated that the Ordinance Sub Committee had heard this the week prior, and at that time there had been no concurrence from the police Chief; which is now present.

 

President Kinch asked if anyone wished to speak on this matter.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:06pm.

 

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

 

3.  #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. (lasttabled from September 7, 2022)

 

Councilor Schmitt stated that the Ordinance-Sub Committee is waiting for input from the Administration.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OCTOBER 19, 2022.  VOTE 7/0.

 

4.  22-24A – 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 052, Lot 0343

 

Public hearing opened at 8:09pm.

 

Councilor Schmitt stated that the Ordinance Sub-Committee had voted 3/0 suggesting favorable recommendation, with the addition of an item 3, “parking will comply with that of a pre-school/ daycare”.

 

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AMEND #22-24A TO ADD AN ITEM #3 TO READ “PARKING WILL COMPLY WITH THAT OF A PRE-SCHOOL/DAYCARE.”   ROLL CALL VOTE 7/0.

 

Attorney Timothy Kane, 627 Putnam Pike, Greenville, was present to represent the petitioner, CSD, LLC d/b/a Cheryl’s School of Dance. He spoke to the petition and zone change.

 

President Kinch asked if anyone on the Council wished to speak. Councilor Shaw spoke in favor.

 

Town Planner Jonathan Stevens stated that the Planning Board also voted in favor. This encourages redevelopment and makes use of an existing vacant economic assets. It is an appropriate use and the Board was in favor of removing the requirement for a special use permit for this location.

 

Ted Vecchio, 584 Bound Road, Woonsocket called to speak in favor of this organization.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:20pm.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE #22-24A AS AMENDED.  ROLL CALL VOTE 7/0.

 

5.  22-26 – An ordinance relating to Yard Sales (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

The Administration and the Ordinance Sub-Committee had both voted to continue this to October 19, 2022.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO OCTOBER 19, 2022.  VOTE 7/0.

 

B. RESOLUTIONS

1. R-22-41 – A resolution related to abandoning a portion of Powhatan Road (Tabled last from September 7, 2022)

 

President Kinch noted that the petitioner had withdrawn the resolution. No action was required.

 

 

2.  R-22-68 – A resolution authorizing a Change Order to Vision Government Solutions to Add Imaging Services of Certain Properties (tabled from September 7, 2022)

 

Tax assessor Al Wylie commented that this would be external/exterior photography only.

 

Resident Deborah Vine Smith, 88 Colonial Avenue, asked for clarification on the ordinance.

 

Discussion ensued with the Council and the Assessor.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.  RESOLUTIONS

1.  R-22-71 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Davey Resource Group in an amount not to exceed sixty-three thousand dollars ($63,000) over a three-year period for the Tree Planting and Management Consulting

 

Planning Director Jonathan Stevens stated that the town received two grants; one from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, and one from the National Forest Service. The town’s match for the first grant is $63,000.00 over three years; the Infrastructure Bank is allowing the town to expend that money to hire a consultant to oversee both grants, to count as that match. The Forest grant provides 200 trees to be planted in urban areas. The Professional Services Committee did a

 

qualification search and of the two finalists, Davey Resource Group was chosen. Mr. Stevens reviewed the work they would do. Plans to engage abutters were outlined. The appointment of a tree warden was discussed.

 

Deborah Vine Smith, 88 Colonial Avenue, inquired as to the types of trees that might be planted, commenting that the RI Tree council has a tree warden class; and asked if the Conservation Commission is going to be doing outreach in Valley Valls to residents.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 5/2.

Nay: Councilors Bradley and Magill

 

2.  R-22-72 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase four Lucas 3 Automatic CPR Devices from Stryker Emergency Care of Chicago, Illinois in an amount not to exceed seventy-seven thousand thirty-six dollars and 10 cents ($77,036.10)

 

Mayor Mutter reviewed the resolution for the Council.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

3.  R-22-73 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Beta Group for Professional Landscape Architectural services at the Ruth Carpenter Memorial Garden in an amount not to exceed seven thousand and fifty dollars ($7,050.00)

 

Mayor Mutter gave perspective to this garden and the desire to better maintain some of the Town’s public gardens.

 

Mr. John Tew stated that his maternal grandmother Ruth Carpenter was a longtime resident at 551 High Street, and known for her many gardens; this garden behind the monastery was created in her memory by the Garden Club. He hoped the Council would approve this resolution to bring it back to its former glory to remain a place of beauty and respite.

 

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

 

4.  R-22-74 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase a John Deere 310 SL HL Loader Backhoe from United Construction and Forestry, LLC in an amount not to exceed One Hundred and Thirty-Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and Zero cents ($139,500.00) for the Cumberland Water Department

 

DPW Director Joe Duarte spoke to the resolution and answered questions for the Council.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

5.  R-22-75 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into agreements with Liberty Chevrolet of Wakefield, MA to purchase one (1) 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD 4WD Pick-Up Truck for an amount not to exceed Forty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Sixteen Dollars and Ninety Cents ($47,916.90) for the Cumberland Water Department.

 

Mr. Duarte confirmed for Mr. Bradley that this particular truck will not be used for street plowing.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

6.  R-22-76 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado MD Chassis 4WD Reg Cab CK56403 from Liberty Chevrolet for one-hundred and sixty-seven thousand three-hundred and seventy-two dollars and sixteen cents ($167,372.16) with a four year lease purchase agreement with All American Investment Group, LLC for a total not to exceed cost one hundred and eighty-four thousand one hundred and seventy-five dollars and seventy-two cents ($184,175.72)

 

Mr. Duarte described this heavy-duty vehicle.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BRADLEY, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

7.  R-22-77 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Underwater Solutions Inc. to inspect and remove sediment in five (5) Town of Cumberland Water Department Drinking Water Storage Tanks for an amount not to exceed seventy-four thousand thirty dollars ($74,030.00) for the Cumberland Water Department

 

Mr. Duarte explained the process of inspection, cleaning and sediment removal.

 

Discussion ensued with the Council.

 

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

 

8.  R-22-78 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase one 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV Utility Vehicle from Liberty Chevrolet of Wakefield, MA in an amount not to exceed forty-five thousand five-hundred and sixteen dollars ($45,516.00)

 

Mayor Mutter spoke to this being covered under the CDBG grant and bound by restrictions within the grant.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

       9.  R-22-79 – A resolution accepting improved streets for maintenance

 

Solicitor Morris-Salvatore explained this resolution.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

ORDINANCES FOR PRESENTATION AND PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE

1.  22-27 – An Ordinance in Amendment of the Code of Ordinances, amending the Zoning Ordinance and Map thereof, with reference to Assessor’s Plat 23, Lot 184.  

 

The petitioner was not ready to go forward – this will be reintroduced at a future date.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 9:38PM. 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.