MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023, at 7:30 P.M.

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

45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND

 

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:35pm with a roll call of members.   

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

 

Also present—Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter; Outreach coordinator Sarah F. King; Town Solicitor Kelley Morris Salvatore; Town Clerk Sandra M. Giovanelli; Planning Director Jonathan Stevens, Town Planner Glenn Modica; DPW Director Mike Crawley; Police Chief Matt Benson, Acting EMS Chief Scott  Dessert

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CONSENT AGENDA

A.    Acceptance of Minutes of the Special and Regular Meetings of November 15, 2023

 

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS 

There were none.

 

REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS

A.  Report of Executive Session vote(s), as may be necessary.

 

There was none to report.

 

Chief Benson asked to speak first to his new initiative before the annual report.

 

B.     Chief Benson announces new Community Police Initiative

The Chief introduced the department’s first canine community companion, “Clipper”, an 18-week-old Golden Retriever. Clipper comes from local canine business owner Brian Babb of HCC K9 Dog Training. Clipper will be working throughout the town with a dedicated officer, current school resource officer David Ring, who will also be trained to work with Clipper. All further training for Clipper and office Ring will be provided by Mr. Babb and his team. They will visit schools, community centers and events to spread comfort and cheer. Various community businesses have come forward to offer veterinary assistance, dog food, grooming, etc. John DeDonato from Impact marketing has offered to decal the cruisers that Clipper will ride in for no charge.

 

Discussion ensued with the Council.

 

Deborah Vine Smith, Colonial Avenue, asked if this dog might visit the Veterans Hall to help with PTSD, and was the dog being trained through being hand fed?

 

C.    Presentation of the Police Department’s Annual Report

Police Chief Matthew Benson presented an overview of the 2022 annual report, speaking of the goals and initiatives and their fulfillment, professional standards, operations and personnel; and responded to questions from the Council.

President Kinch asked if there were no objections, he would like to move up resolutions R-23-112, R-23-113, R-23-114, R-23-115 and R-23-120

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

D.    RESOLUTIONS

1.  R-23-112 – Authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a lease purchase agreement in an amount not to exceed Two Million Two Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($2,215,000.00), to finance acquisition of rolling stock for the highway, emergency services, police and school departments.

 

Mayor Mutter explained the resolution and responded to questions from the Council.

 

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

2.  R-23-113 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase nine outfitted Police SUV Vehicles from Colonial Municipal Group in an amount not to exceed six hundred and one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven dollars and ninety-nine cents ($601,857.99)

 

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

3.  R-23-114 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Glacier Computer LLC for the necessary computers and installation for nine Police vehicles in an amount not to exceed sixty-eight thousand eight hundred and sixty-two dollars and six cents ($68,862.06)

 

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

 

4.  R-23-115 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Motorola Solutions for radio equipment for nine police vehicles in an amount not to exceed an amount not to exceed sixty-five thousand and thirty-nine dollars and sixty-seven cents ($65,039.67)

 

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

9.  R-23-120 – A resolution authorizing master lease purchases for the Cumberland School Department in an amount not to exceed two hundred and fifty-five thousand dollars ($255,000)

 

Mayor Mutter commented that this was a ceremonial resolution for the Council’s information.

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

 

LICENSES

A.  PRIVATE DETECTIVE RENEWAL
1.  Nancy Sheldon

 

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

OLD BUSINESS

A.  ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING  

1.  #23-18 – An ordinance to change the Town of Cumberland Zoning Map – Assessor's Plat 39, Lot 292 (tabled last from November 15, 2023)

 

The Planning Board has provided favorable recommendation. Awaiting Ordinance Sub-Committee review.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS METIVIER & SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO DECEMBER 20, 2023.  VOTE 7/0.

2.  #23-24 – An ordinance establishing a Resident Only Parking Program (Presented by President Kinch on behalf of the Administration) (tabled last from November 15, 2023)

 

Awaiting Ordinance Sub-Committee review.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS BEAULIEU & MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO DECEMBER 20, 2023.  VOTE 7/0.

3.  #23-26 – An ordinance in amendment of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, as amended (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

Public hearing opened at 8:20pm.

 

Councilor Schmitt reported that the Ordinance Sub-Committee had heard this and voted to forward it to the Council without recommendation as there were so many questions.

 

Consultant Ashley Sweet from Weston & Sampson reviewed the changes that had been made to the ordinance, based on state mandates, illustrated on a Powerpoint presentation.

 

Discussion ensued with the Council and Town Solicitor Kelley Morris-Salvatore.

 

Public hearing closed at 9:01pm.

 

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

4.  #23-27 – An ordinance authorizing a “No Parking” zone on Tower Hill Road

 

Councilor Schmitt stated that at the request of the Ordinance Sub-Committee, police Captain Iozzi had determined where likely start and end points for parking signage might be placed on the road; Councilor Schmitt asked to table to the next meeting to offer them time to travel the route and review his findings.

 

President Kinch stated for the record that this request had originated from a resident on Tower Hill Road.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO DECEMBER 20, 2023. VOTE 7/0.

5.  #23-28 – An ordinance amending the salary ranges for the Executive Staff and other position (Presented by the Council President on behalf Administration)

 

Councilor Magill reported that the Finance Sub Committee had heard this matter but taken no action; and asked to table.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO DECEMBER 20, 2023. VOTE 7/0.

B.  RESOLUTIONS

1.  R-23-65 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a professional services agreement with Verra Mobility for a school bus safety camera enforcement program for a five-year term (tabled last from November 15, 2023)

 

Solicitor Morris-Salvatore gave the following update: she had sent comments from the School Committee to Verra Mobility and was waiting for a response. Once received, the answers would have to again be reviewed by the School Committee before the matter could come back to the Council for a vote.

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO JANUARY 3, 2024.  VOTE 7/0.

2.  R-23-89 – A resolution adding Eli Street to the Residents Only Parking Program (tabled last from November 1,  2023)

 

This resolution is tied in with ordinance #23-24 which has not yet been heard by the Ordinance Sub Committee.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO DECEMBER 20, 2023.  VOTE 7/0.

3.  R-23-101 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Frazer for the purchase of an ambulance, chassis, and associated communications equipment for the Cumberland Department of Emergency Medical Services in an amount not to exceed three hundred and thirty-three thousand and two hundred fifty-five dollars ($333,255) (tabled from November 15, 2023)

 

Chief Scott Dessert gave a brief overview of the resolution. The chassis order has been secured. There is a 12 month wait.

 

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

 

4. R-23-102A – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase a powered ambulance cot and power-LOAD cot fastener from Stryker Medical for the Cumberland Department of Emergency Medical Services in an amount not to exceed sixty-six thousand four hundred and seventy-seven dollars and sixty-four cents ($66,477.64) (tabled from November 15, 2023)

 

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

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.  APPOINTMENTS

     FRANKLIN FARMS FARMHOUSE BUILDING COMMITTEE

1.      Rob Mudge, Mayor’s appointment

2.      Rick Beaulieu, Mayor’s appointment

3.      Matthew Bessette, Council appointment

4.      Roberta Young, Council appointment       

 

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

 

 

B.  RESOLUTIONS

1.  R-23-112 – Authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a lease purchase agreement in an amount not to exceed Two Million Two Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($2,215,000.00), to finance acquisition of rolling stock for the highway, emergency services, police and school departments.  (heard earlier)

 

2.  R-23-113 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase nine outfitted Police SUV Vehicles from Colonial Municipal Group in an amount not to exceed six hundred and one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven dollars and ninety-nine cents ($601,857.99)  (heard earlier)

 

3.  R-23-114 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Glacier Computer LLC for the necessary computers and installation for nine Police vehicles in an amount not to exceed sixty-eight thousand eight hundred and sixty-two dollars and six cents ($68,862.06)    (heard earlier)

4.  R-23-115 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Motorola Solutions for radio equipment for nine police vehicles in an amount not to exceed an amount not to exceed sixty-five thousand and thirty-nine dollars and sixty-seven cents ($65,039.67) (heard earlier)

 

5.  R-23-116 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to submit a RIDEM Recreational Grant application in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to be used for the Diamond Hill Pump Track

 

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

 

6.  R-23-117 – A resolution amending the Town of Cumberland’s Community Recovery Fund Spending Plan

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

 

7.  R-23-118 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Oshean for Broadband Internet Network Infrastructure Improvements and Services in an amount not to exceed Two Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty-Two dollars and fifty cents ($273,432.50)

 

Mayor Mutter explained that this would replace Cox Cable and implement 100% fiber optics to the town departments and schools.

Representatives Cindy Lepore and John Domen from Oshean were present and gave a brief overview of their work and customer base.

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Bradley

 

8. R-23-119 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter an agreement with the Northern Rhode Island Conservation District for Three Forest Stewardship Plans in an amount not to exceed six thousand seven hundred and twenty dollars ($6,720).

 

Planning Director Jonathan Stevens explained these plans would identify short and long-term goals for the town’s forested areas and the environmental impact they hold.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Bradley

 

9.  R-23-120 –- A resolution authorizing master lease purchases for the Cumberland School Department in an amount not to exceed two hundred and fifty-five thousand dollars ($255,000) (heard earlier)

 

10. R-23-121 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a Tax Stabilization Agreement with Olneyville Housing Corporation dba One Neighborhood Builders

 

Per ordinance, this has to be advertised 10 days prior to the hearing.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO DECEMBER 20, 2023.  VOTE 7/0.

C.  ORDINANCES-PRESENTATION & PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE

1.  #23-29 – An ordinance relating to the Department of Planning and Community Development (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

Referred to Ordinance Sub-Committee

 

3.  #23-30 – An ordinance authorizing a memorial for Ray Andrews at Garvin Elementary School (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

Referred to Ordinance Sub-Committee

 

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.