Click 
to view the entire meeting or click any video icon below to jump to that section of the meeting.
| 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, APRIL 17, 2024, 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 7:30pm with a roll call of members.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Members person: President Kinch, Councilors Bradley, Shaw, Magill, Metivier, Beaulieu, and Schmitt.
Also present: Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter; Community Outreach Coordinator Sarah F. King; Town Solicitor Kelley
Morris Salvatore; Town Clerk Sandra M. Giovanelli; Acting Finance Director Melinda Brouillard;
Parks & Recreation Director Mike Crawley; Parks & Recreation Building Committee Chair Leonard
Bradley; EMS Chief Scott Dessert
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
President Kinch asked the Council to consider a date to reschedule the joint meeting with the Charter Review Commission which had to be cancelled the evening before. The Town Clerk would get back to them with date options.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Acceptance of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 3, 2024.
B. MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
1. Pit Stop, d/b/a Nick’s Pizza
C. COMMUNICATIONS
1. C-24-23 – A resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in support of SB 2016 an Act Relating to Towns and Cities – Low and Moderate Income Housing
2. C-24-24 – A resolution from the Town of Portsmouth endorsing the 2023 Ride Island Bike Plan as a guiding document in the planning of transportation related infrastructure for Portsmouth
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
President Kinch reported that on March 6, 2024, the Council met in Executive Session and made the following vote regarding Field vs. Town of Cumberland:
Motion by Councilor Magill, Seconded by Councilor Schmitt, to approve the settlement agreement of Field vs. the Town of Cumberland, allowing the Mayor to sign. Roll call vote 7-0.
The town settled with no damages; a dismissal stipulation was filed upon issuance of the building permit.
B. Update from the School Committee
Denis Collins reported:
· Good news from North Cumberland Middle School: Principal Bethany Coughlin earned the distinction of being named 2024 Secondary School Principal of the Year in the state of Rhode Island and will move on to the national contest. The national winner receives a financial award and attends a ceremony at the White house in Washington.
· The Ashton School project is on schedule
· There have been no new changes to enrollment
· Graduation will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024
· The School Committee passed the school bus camera resolution
Councilor Bradley asked Mr. Collins if the school bus camera resolution had gone out for bid? Councilor Schmitt commented that it had been mentioned that it was a sole source provider.
C. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending March 31, 2024
Councilor Beaulieu inquired about the miscellaneous revenue on page 2. Finance Director Melinda Brouillard referred to the solar credits rebate received and how those funds had been allocated.
D. Check registers for March 31, 2024
There were no questions from the Council.
E. Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve March 2024 abatements and supplemental bills
There were no abatements or supplements to require a vote.
F. Department Reports
4. EMS
5. Library
7. Planning & Community Development
G. Quarterly Reports
2. OCYL
3. Public Works
OLD BUSINESS
A. RESOLUTIONS
1. R-24-35 – A resolution adopting the unsynchronized Tax Levy for portions of Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025
Councilor Magill reported that the Finance Sub Committee had taken no action on this resolution at their meeting earlier this evening and were sending it to the Council with no recommendations.
Mayor Mutter reviewed the resolution for the Council members and responded to questions.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
B. ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. #24-06 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of Stop Signs on Ruth Street at the intersection of Branch Street (Presented by Councilor Shaw)
Councilor Schmitt stated that the Ordinance Sub Committee has not had an opportunity to review this yet and asked to table to May 15, 2024.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS BEAULIEU & METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO MAY 15, 2024. VOTE 7/0.
NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
1. Marcel F. Beausoleil (replacing Zachary Simpson’s expired term, term to expire January 31, 2026)
MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
B. RESOLUTIONS
1. R-24-37 – 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
Solicitor Kelley Morris-Salvatore stated that this had previously been put before the Council but withdrawn as they negotiated with the company. We needed to address the fact that Cumberland doesn’t own its own buses and had to confer with Durham Bus Company. There were also financial issues to ensure the town wouldn’t bear any cost. This is a no-cost contract, although the Town may realize some small revenue. The contract is based on Rhode Island state law that the police have to print, sign and issue tickets. The law requires a “wet signature” of the police officer. Verra Mobility installs cameras and proprietary software to all the school buses in town. They send the captured video/photo(s) of any traffic infractions of vehicles passing a stopped school bus to the police; the police verify, sign and send a summons to the offender. She noted that Cumberland Deputy Police Chief Alves was also involved with the discussions and details about this contract.
Discussion ensued with the Council.
Councilor Schmitt stated that he understood that for each ticket issued, 12.5% of the fine goes to the state, 12.5% to the town and Verra Mobility would receive 75%. The ticket fee is $500.00. Councilor Schmitt expressed his opposition to this type of surveillance. He also questioned if the town was allowed to contract for more than 3 years; and wondered if Durham Bus service was a party to this contract.
School Committee representative Denis Collins stated that based on their meeting, it appeared that Durham was unaware of having the equipment installed on their buses. Regardless of which bus company the school district contracts with, they will be required to have the equipment on their buses.
Ms. Morris-Salvatore stated she would explore a three-year contract with an option to extend with Verra Mobility.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR KINCH, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AMEND LINES 6, 38, 39 & 40 TO CHANGE FROM A 5-YEAR TERM TO A 3-YEAR TERM WITH AN OPTION TO EXTEND FOR 3 YEARS. ROLL CALL VOTE 7/0.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AS AMENDED. VOTE 5/2.
Nay: Councilors Schmitt & Bradley
2. R-24-38 – A resolution to approve payment to Colonial Masonry Restoration LLC for emergency work done at the OCYL Building in an amount not to exceed nine thousand two hundred dollars ($9,200)
Mayor Mutter spoke to the circumstances requiring this restoration work and to the funding source.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
3. R-24-39 – A resolution authorizing the use of 1512 Mendon Road by Rhode Island Community Training Center on May 19, 2024
Mayor Mutter commented that this training has occurred in previous years and been approved by the Council.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
4. R-24-40 – A resolution joining the State of Rhode Island’s “Keep Rhody Litter Free” pledge in support of the Litter Free Rhode Island Initiative
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
5. R-24-41 – A resolution authorizing a change order to Saccoccio & Associates contract in an amount not to exceed twenty-four thousand seven hundred and six dollars ($24,706)
Parks & Rec Director Mike Crawley and Building Committee chair Mr. Leonard Bradley explained that this change order is related to asbestos testing and removal work; and the RIDOT required additional surveying and engineering be done, which was not originally anticipated or included in the original estimate.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
6. R-24-42 – A resolution authorizing change orders to Tower Construction Corp’s contract in a total amount not to exceed one hundred twenty-three thousand two hundred and six dollars and eighty-seven cents ($123,206.87)
Mr. Bradley stated this resolution was for an unknown condition that was found: while working on the underground drainage system, the contractor had found a lot of underground fill such as buried tree stumps which would have to be dug out and replaced with appropriate material in order for the drainage system to work and to keep the parking lot stable. The excavated materials have to be sorted and sent away for disposal. Repairs to the electrical service as a result of the building demolition also have to be made.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
7. R-24-43 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Motorola Solutions to upgrade Firmware/Software for twenty-two existing portable radios in an amount not to exceed six thousand one hundred and two dollars and eighty cents ($6,102.80)
Acting EMS Chief Scott Dessert explained the details behind the resolution.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BRADLEY, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
8. R-24-44 – A resolution recognizing April 24, 2024 as “Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day” to commemorate the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to 1923, and in honor of Armenian-Americans
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
C. ORDINANCES – PRESENTATION & PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE
1. #24-09 – 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 53, 69, 93, 94 and 95.
Referred to the Ordinance Sub Committee.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 8:47PM. 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.