MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024, at 6:00 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 6:02pm.   

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

Absent: Councilors Shaw and Metivier

 

Also present—Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter, and Town Clerk Sandra M. Giovanelli; Special Counsel Joe Rodio

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.  RESOLUTIONS

1.  R-24-08 – A resolution ratifying a tentative agreement and authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter and the President of the Town Council to amend the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the General Teamsters Local 251

 

Mayor Mutter explained that this is an attempt to balance appreciation and compensation of our employees within the confines we find ourselves especially with the school bond this year.  Our legal counsel Joe Rodio is present to provide a brief explanation of the proposed amendments and answer any questions. 

 

Joe Rodio stated the current market has been very stable, but the environment is very different.  The objective of this agreement was a commitment to professional development.  The typical rate is 3.5 percent, but their hope is that the proposed 3.1 percent rate increase coupled with incentives will show appreciation of our employees and draw in new recruits.  Outside of several housekeeping items that address transition language from the previous bargaining unit to the Teamsters, some of the agreement highlights include allowance for Town professional gear for all employees, increased compensation for the Clerks, flexibility for management to request light duty assignments, and increased licensing/permitting compensation.       

 

President Kinch questions the reference to agency fees.

 

Mr. Rodio clarifies that those who opt out of the union may still be responsible for the agency fees because they continue to be covered by the bargaining unit.

 

Councilor Beaulieu asks if they feel the increases for the Clerks resolves the concern that they were compensated less in comparison to the laborers.

 

Mr. Rodio believes it made a good effort in resolving the concern.

 

President Kinch inquires if the agreement allows the Mayor to extend the probation period.

 

Mr. Rodio stated that typically under extreme circumstances, but not without both parties’ consent.

 

Councilor Bradley asks if there is any change to on-call members.

 

Mr. Rodio responds no.

 

Councilor Magill asks how this agreement compares to others.

 

Mr. Rodio believes this is a strong commitment to the members done in a thoughtful way.  It significantly increases the skill set of the employees that had fallen behind other communities.  It modernizes the agreement making it more manageable. 

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 5/0

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS  

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS MAGILL AND SCHMITT, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 7:04PM. VOTE 5/0

 

 

 

_____________________________
             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.