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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, JULY 19, 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 7:59pm with a roll call of members.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
In person: President Kinch, Councilors Bradley, Shaw, Magill, Metivier, Schmitt and Beaulieu.
Also present—Community Outreach Coordinator Sarah F. King; Assistant Town Solicitor Peter Skwirz;
Town Clerk Sandra M.Giovanelli; Planning Director Jonathan Stevens; DPW Director Joe Duarte;
Police Chief Matthew Benson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Acceptance of Minutes of the Special and Regular Meetings of June 21, 2023 and the Special Meeting of July 12, 2023
B. MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT
C. Resolution R-BOL-23-01 heard by the Board of License Commissioners will be filed along with the Council resolutions.
D. C-23-39 – DEM Notice of Violation – Terrapin Development, LLC
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, 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 were none to report.
B. Update from the School Committee
Denis Collins, 5 Wedgewood Drive, reported the following:
School construction:
· Community School – on time, the cafeteria has been completed, waiting on new appliances. The new stage is nearing completion. The outside construction is moving quickly.
· Ashton School – the new addition is nearing completion. The school will be moving to the Transition Building this upcoming year while phase two of renovating the main building will be taking place.
· Garvin School – work on the main building continues with new flooring and windows going in; the main parts of the original building should be ready to open for the upcoming school year. The addition should be completed in four weeks.
There has been a change to the school calendar required as a RIDE mandates; two changes –
· RIDE has given approval to include two required instructional days of teacher training in “Right to Read” program. This will bring the number of actual school days from 180 to 178.
· Given the amount of instructional minutes required, early release on Wednesdays has been eliminated. Because Cumberland has an overage of school time, if there are snow days, the town will be forgiven for three of them.
President Kinch asked Mr. Collins if a representative from Colliers could attend a Council meeting for an update on the school construction projects.
C. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending June 30, 2023
D. Check registers for June 30, 2023
E. Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve June 2023 abatements and supplemental bills
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE 2023 REAL ESTATE SUPPLEMENTALS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,398.95.
VOTE 7/0.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE 2023 REAL ESTATE ABATEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,092.63.
VOTE 7/0.
F. Department Reports
4. Library
Councilor Bradley questioned Chief Benson about the difficulty in finding dispatchers.
1. Solicitor’s Office
3. OCYL
4. Public Works
H. Review of Resolution R-22-30B relating to the placement of (7) speed humps along Reservoir Road
Police Chief Benson stated that he considered the installation of these speed humps have been successful. The prior average speed was 11-17 miles over the speed limit, but since the speed humps have been installed the 85th percentile speed has dropped down to the 25mph speed limit. Complaints have also decreased drastically.
Area resident Russell Klowan, 15 Reservoir Road, stated he finds the traffic to be worse with the speed humps.
Chief Police Benson stated Mr. Klowan that the police had expended $3,122.60 on paint and signage.
DPW Director Joe Duarte spoke to costs, maintenance and efficacy of the speed humps. Based on the numbers reported by the Chief, they are working. To achieve 100% satisfaction the town would have to add additional speed humps.
Councilor Bradley referenced hearing several complaints, and sent a video he received from a resident to the Town Clerk.
LICENSES
A. SPECIAL EVENT ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
1. An application for a special event entertainment license from Our Lady of Fatima Church for Our Lady of Fatima Annual Feast located at 1 Fatima Drive, to be held September 1st through September 3rd, 2023.
Pending state promoter’s permit, updated retail sales permit, final tent inspection and insurance.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE SUBJECT TO PENDING ITEMS. VOTE 7/0.
B. PRIVATE DETECTIVE RENEWAL
1. Mark Ross
Pending updated photo and fingerprints.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE SUBJECT TO PENDING ITEMS. VOTE 7/0.
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 last from April 5, 2023)
President Kinch asked for a motion to table.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO AUGUST 16, 2023. VOTE 7/0.
2. #23-04 – An ordinance relating to door-to-door solicitation (tabled last from June 7, 2023)
President Kinch asked for a motion to table.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO AUGUST 16, 2023. VOTE 7/0.
3. #23-05 – 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
54, Lot 7 and 8 (tabled from April 5, 2023)
President Kinch announced that the applicant had withdrawn.
4. #23-09 – An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances relative to the Disposition of Public Property
(Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration) (tabled last from June 21, 2023)
President Kinch asked for a motion to table.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO AUGUST 16, 2023. VOTE 7/0.
5. #23-12 – An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinance regarding Winter Parking regulations (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration) (tabled from June 21, 2023)
Public hearing opened at 8:37pm
Councilor Schmitt noted that the Ordinance Sub-Committee had voted 2-0 to recommend positive passage to the Council. This amendment changes the location of the postings to the website and other social media.
Public hearing closed at 8:38pm.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0.
6. #23-13 – An ordinance amending the Zoning ordinance to add the Arnold Mills Historic District to the Zoning Ordinance and expand the Arnold Mills Historic District (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration) (tabled from June 21, 2023)
Public hearing opened at 8:42pm
The Ordinance Sub-Committee had heard this ordinance and voted 2-0 to recommend favorable passage.
Planning Director Jonathan Stevens stated that Arnold Mills is of great historical importance and gave a brief overview of its history. The Town had applied for and received an $8,000.00 grant from the RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission to enact a local historic district for this area. The local historic district is an ordinance which provides for Cumberland’s Historic District Commission to have authority over exterior alterations, demolition or new builds – altered in a way that ruins their character. they have no jurisdiction over interior work, paint colors, simple repairs or in-kind replacing roofs. This is a way to protect resources, so property values are strengthened. It is a fact that properties in historic districts nationwide achieve a higher value than other properties.
The Planning Department had reached out to 31 property owners on two occasions to be apprised of the plan; they were allowed to opt out if they chose to. The Commission also canvassed the area individually to make sure no one had been left out.
A presentation by consultant and preservation planner Elizabeth Warburton, Epsilon Associates, 3 Clocktower Place, Maynard, MA gave a brief presentation via Zoom on the Arnold Mills Historic District.
There were no questions or comments from the public or the Council.
Public hearing closed at 8:55pm.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE, BY A ROLL CALL. VOTE 7/0.
NEW BUSINESS
A. RESOLUTIONS
1. R-23-54 – A resolution authorizing the filing of an application for a Community Development Block Grant not to exceed one million thirty-three thousand five hundred dollars ($1,033,500) for projects that benefit low-to-moderate-income residents of the Town of Cumberland
Community outreach coordinator Sarah F. King spoke about the annual grant application. There are three programs within the application: $500,000.00 for the Amaral Building, to complete adaptive use and bring it to life; $500,000.00 for Franklin Farm; and $33,500.00 for Project Learn, which focuses on adult literacy and English language classes.
Pam Thurlow, Thomas Leighton Boulevard spoke of the $500,000.00 grant amount for the farm. To stabilize the structure of the barn. All of the farm’s equipment and useful items are stored in that barn.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
2. R-23-55 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase two (2) Ventrac Tractors for the Cumberland Highway Department from Turf Products LLC in an amount not to exceed one hundred and twenty thousand two hundred and twenty-six dollars and ninety-six cents ($120,226.96)
DPW Director Joe Duarte stated that the funds used to fulfill some of their equipment were part of the ARPA funds that had been designated for this purpose. Availability and supply chain issues are still an issue, and some of the preferred equipment they wanted will take 24 months to receive; but the need is here and now.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Bradley
3. R-23-56 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter an agreement with the HOPE Initiative on behalf of the Town of Cumberland for opioid abatement services in an amount not to exceed forty-three thousand and seventy-two dollars ($43,072) over a three-year period
Chief Benson addressed the Council and noted that this community is not immune to the opioid crisis. The HOPE Initiative was launched in response to the opioid settlement. Cumberland received funds totaling $261,450.51. The rules for expenditures are very restrictive and specific to opioid abatement. These will be used for a response mechanism where trained law enforcement officials will partner with a clinician/member of mental health services and respond collectively to help a person in an overdose situation. They are trying to present a more communal approach.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
4. R-23-57 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase various vehicles for the Cumberland Highway Department from Liberty Chevrolet in an amount not to exceed five hundred and thirty-nine thousand and seventy-two dollars and sixty-two cents ($539,072.62)
Mr. Duarte – this resolution is also part of the ARPA purchases and is for four trucks – all part of replacing older vehicles in their fleet.
The Council and Mr. Duarte discussed the funding source, supply chain issues, types of trucks.
Ted Vecchio, 584 Bound Road, Woonsocket asked if the vehicles were gas or diesel powered.
Mr. Duarte responded that the small ones are gas, larger are diesel.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
5. R-23-58 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase two (2) 2023 Chevrolet Blazer INR26 AWD LTS from Liberty Chevrolet in an amount not to exceed Seventy-Seven thousand seven hundred and ninety dollars ($77,790).
Also funded through designated ARPA funds, these vehicles are for use by staff of the DPW and Building Departments.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
6. R-23-59 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase one Tow and Collect 1220S for the Cumberland Highway Department from Tow and Collect in an amount not to exceed seven thousand one hundred eighty-eight dollars and seventy cents ($7,188.70)
Mr. Duarte stated that the primary use for this tow-behind unit would be to pick up goose droppings on the sports fields.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
7. R-23-60 – A resolution authorizing a change order to Bulldog Fire Apparatus for a chassis substitution on an ambulance for Cumberland EMS in an amount not to exceed eight thousand five hundred dollars ($8,500)
EMS Acting Chief Scott Dessert echoed Mr. Duarte’s frustration with supply chain issues. This vehicle should arrive by December.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
8. R-23-61 – A resolution directing the Director of the Department of Public Works to Request a Traffic Study and a Signalization on Diamond Hill Road by the Monastery
President Kinch explained the request of having a crosswalk with a flashing light at the entrance to the Monastery to protect folks crossing to go to the playground. Would like the DPW director to do an assessment to use to advise the state traffic commission with their traffic study which will be requested.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
C. CLAIMS
Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
2. David and Crossandra Osgood
Referred to the Solicitor’s office
Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
D. ORDINANCES FOR PRESENTATION & PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE:
1. #23-19 – An ordinance amending the Town of Cumberland Water Rates (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)
Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
2. #23-20 – An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances regarding notice of vacancy on Board or Commission (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)
Referred to the Ordinance Sub-Committee
3. #23-21 – An ordinance relating to parking of commercial vehicles and RVs, Motor Homes, or Campers (presented by Council President Kinch)
Referred to the Ordinance Sub-Committee
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chief Benson recognized Mr. Duarte and the staff of the Department of Public Works for their assistance in getting the 1931 roadster ready for the 4th of July parade and gave the history of the vehicle.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 9:44PM. 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.