MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025 at 7:30 P.M.

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

45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

Council President Pro Temp Timothy C. Magill called the regular meeting to order at 7:34pm.

 

PRESENT: Councilors James K. Metivier, Shaw Jr., Magill, Beaulieu and Sweet.

 

ABSENT: Council President Kinch and Bradley.

 

Also, present were Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter; Kelley Morris Salvatore, Town Solicitor; Sandra M. Giovanelli, Town Clerk; Melinda Brouillard, Finance Director; Amy Vogel, Chairwoman, Cumberland School Committee.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Town Council observed a moment of silence to honor the passing of Mr. Everett Lindsay, a long-time resident of the Town of Cumberland and an active member of the Soccer community.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

A.  Acceptance of Minutes of the Special and Regular Meetings of December 18, 2024, and Special Meeting of December 30, 2024.

 

B.  MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE

      1.  Palagis Ice Cream

 

C.  COMMUNICATIONS

      1.  C-25-01 – Notice from the Woonsocket Water Division General Rate Filing

 

      2.  C-25-02 – A letter from the Board of Canvasser Chair Matt Perry regarding the 2024 Election  

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. VOTE 5/0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Hearing None

 

REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS  

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

 

Vote(s) recorded in Executive Session on December 18, 2024

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BRADLEY, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO DENY THE PURCHASE OF 323-334 ABBOTT RUN VALLEY ROAD ON A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE  5/2.

 

AYE: Council President Kinch, Councilors Metivier, Magill, Shaw, and Councilor Bradley.

NAY: Councilor Sweet and Beaulieu.

 

B.  C-24-26 – DEM Notice regarding Albion Hydro LLC, Assessor’s Plat 33, Lot 431

 

Planning Director Glenn Modica contacted Kelley Morris-Salvatore, the Town Solicitor, and the owner of the property, who he believes is located in Minnesota.  They slightly changed their plan on the DEM wetland permit.  There are no changes to the layout of their facilities or any structures.  It has more to do with the re-vegetation/re-forestation of the site and a slight change to the bio-retention basin.  The approved project was essentially the same.  The change has to do more with replanting and recreating wetlands.  It does not constitute a major change requiring going back to the Planning Board.  The change can be an administrative change within the Planning Department.

 

C.    Update from the School Committee

 

Amy Vogel updated the Council on behalf of the School Committee.  The New England School Council, a non-profit, provided a projection report, and Ms. Vogel spoke about the report and the future increase for student enrollments. In addition, there were multi-lingual learners in compliance with the RIDE federal compliance and regulations. Lastly, school construction is running on schedule. 

Councilor Beaulieu questioned the previous reports and if their projections were reliable, questioning if the spike in enrollment was projected in last year’s reports.  Ms. Vogel stated that the data that she has does not state historical data.  The report only shows a 2024 and future graph.

D. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending December 31, 2024

 

E.  Check registers for December 31, 2024

 

Councilor Beaulieu asked about check registers for December 31, 2024, and questioned Capital One on page 1.

 

The Finance Director stated this was an annual debt payment.   

 

F.  Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve December 2024 abatements and supplemental bills

                                        

There were no Abatements or Supplements to Review/Approve for December 2024) 

 

G.  Department Reports

1.  Animal Control

2.  Building Committees

3.  Building Official

4.  EMS

5.  Library

6.  Parks & Recreation

7.  Planning & Community Development

8.  Police Department

9.  Senior Services

10. Town Clerk’s Office

 

H.  Quarterly Reports

1.   Human Resources

2.   OCYL

3.   Public Works

4.   Water Department

 

LICENSES

A.    VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE

1.  An application for a First-Class Victualling House License from The Rogue Island Group LLC d/b/a Rogue Island Local Kitchen and Bar, 405 Mendon Road.

 

APPLICANT WITHDREW APPLICATION

 

B.  ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE

1.  An application for a Special Event Entertainment License from Mark Valois of Creeps Car Club LLC for the Hot Rhodes on the Hill event to be held at Diamond Hill Park on August 30, 2025.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE LICENSE PENDING CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE AND STATE PROMOTERS PERMIT. VOTE 5/0. 

 

C.  2024-2025 LICENSE RENEWALS

    1.  Pending 2024-2025 Liquor License Renewals; possible vote.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNAMINOUSLY VOTED TO EXTEND THE REMAINING 2024-2025 LICENSE RENEWALS UNTIL FEBRUARY 5, 2025. VOTE 5/0. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

A.    APPOINTMENTS

1.      OFFICE OF CHILDREN, YOUTH & LEARNING

  K-12 Programs Coordinator

  Meghan Mania

 

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

 

B.  ORDINANCES for PUBLIC HEARING 

1.  #24-25 –An ordinance authorizing the placement of Stop Signs on Quail Street at the intersection of Weeks Street.  (Tabled from December 4, 2024)

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 8:10 PM

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:10 PM

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 24-25 BY A ROLL CALL.  VOTE 5/0. 

 

2. #24-26 – An ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance to establish a Residential Compound Use by special use permit. (Tabled from November 6, 2024)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO FEBRUARY 5, 2025.  VOTE 5/0.

 

3.  #24-27 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of Stop Signs on Countryside Drive at the intersection of Honeywell Lane. (Tabled from November 6, 2024)

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 8:16 PM

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:16 PM

 

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

 

4.  #24-28 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of Stop Signs on Highland Avenue at the intersection of Williams Street. (Tabled from November 6, 2024)

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 8:17 PM

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:18 PM

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 5/0. 

 

5.  #24-29 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of a Stop Sign on Hiller Road at the intersection of Ronald Avenue. (Tabled from November 20, 2024)

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 8:19 PM

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:19 PM

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 5/0. 

 

6. #24-30 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of a Stop Sign on Hamilton Street at the intersection of Lonsdale Farm Road. (Tabled from November 20, 2024)

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 8:20 PM

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:20 PM

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 5/0. 

 

7.  #24-32 – An ordinance relating to the Department of Recreation. (Tabled from December 18, 2024)

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 8:23 PM

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:25 PM

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 24-32 BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 5/0. 

 

8.  #24-33 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of a stop sign on Abbott Street at the intersection of High Street. (Tabled from December 18, 2024)

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 8:26 PM

 

Ted Vecchio of 584 Bound Road, Woonsocket explained that he works in that area and there is already a sign in place. Mr. Vecchio also mentioned that there is an issue with parking which is blocking the view causing difficulty to get around.

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:30 PM

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS BEAULIEU AND SHAW, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 5/0. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.  CLAIMS

1.      Jennifer Josselyn

 

Referred to Finance Sub-Committee

 

B.     APPOINTMENTS

1.      JUVENILE HEARING BOARD

Consists of 7 Members, 3 Year term, 1 from each District and 2 At-Large, appointed by the Mayor

 

TERMS EXPIRED DECEMBER 31, 2024 – 3 Members

Dave Lamoureux, At-Large, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Andrea Trottier, District 2, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Samanatha Migliaccio, At Large, Letter of Interest to replace Allison Liguori, term to December 31, 2027

 

 

The Council has recommended tabling the appointment of Samantha Migliaccio to allow Chief Benson time to complete the interview process, per the Ordinance.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF DAVE LAMOUREUX AND ANDREA TROTTIER TO THE JUVENILE HEARING BOARD FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2027. VOTE 5/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE THE VACANCY TO THE JUVENILE HEARING BOARD UNTIL FEBRUARY 5, 2025.  VOTE 5/0.

 

2.      PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

           Consists of 8 Members, 2 Year term, appointed by the Town Council.

 

TERMS EXPIRED DECEMBER 31, 2024 – All 7 Members; 3 Members Resigned

Resignations: John Cavanagh, Michael Hutchinson, Mackenzie Malloy

 

Alexandria Ever, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Jackie Hooper, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Kelly Kelleher, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Jacques Dextradeur, Letter of Interest to replace one of the 3 resignations

Jeffrey Mei, Letter of Interest to replace one of the 3 resignations

Ted Vecchio, Letter of Interest to replace one of the 3 resignations

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE ALL APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION UNTIL FEBRUARY 5, 2025.  VOTE 5/0.

 

3.      ZONING BOARD OF REVIEW

           Consists of 5 Members (5 Year term) and 2 Alternates (1 Year term), appointed by the Town Council.

 

TERMS EXPIRED DECEMBER 31, 2024 – 2 Alternates

Diane Emerson, Alternate, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2025

Chris Alger, Alternate, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2025

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF DIANE EMERSON AND CHRIS ALGER TO THE ZONING BOARD OF REVIEW FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2025.  VOTE 5/0.

 

4.      LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Consists of 8 Members, 3 Year term, appointed by the Town Council.

 

The council clarified that the Library Board of Trustees consists of 8 members including the Library Director.

 

TERMS EXPIRED DECEMBER 31, 2024 – 3 Members

Joyce Polucha, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Nancy Chaput, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Will Enestvedt, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2027. VOTE 5/0.

 

5.      HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

Consists of 7 Members, 3 Year term, appointed by the Town Council.

 

TERM EXPIRED DECEMBER 31, 2024 – 7 Members; 1 Vacancy due to Gary Pelissier’s resignation

Joyce Hindle-Koutsogiane, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Arthur Schacht, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Glenn Killough, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Kathleen McKenzie, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Daniel Pedro, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Quinn Sullivan, re-appointment, term to expire December 31, 2027

Tammy McMichael, Letter of Interest to replace Gary Pelissier, term to expire December 31, 2027

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE FOREGOING REAPPOINTMENTS AND APPOINTMENT TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2027. VOTE 5/0.

 

6.      PLANNING BOARD

Consists of 9 Members, 3 Year term, 1 from each District appointed by the Mayor, and 4 At-Large appointed by the Town Council.

 

Bill Zuck, District 5, to replace Maria Vracic, term to expire January 31, 2028

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE FOREGOING APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE ON JANUARY 31, 2028. VOTE 5/0.

 

7.      BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW

Consists of 3 Members, 6 Year term, appointed by the Town Council.  There is 1 vacancy.  

 

TERM EXPIRES JANUARY 31, 2025 – 1 Member

Thomas Walsh, re-appointment, term to expire January 31, 2028

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE FOREGOING REAPPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2028. VOTE 5/0.

8.      PUBLIC SCHOOL RENOVATION BUILDING COMMITTEE

Consists of 6 Members, 2 Mayoral appointments, 2 Town Council appointments & 1 School Committee appointment.

 

Mark Fiorillo to replace Paul Gusmini (Town Council Appointment)

Andrew Bacon to replace Mark Fiorillo (School Department Appointment)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE MARK FIORILLO AS A COUNCIL APPOINTMENT TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL RENOVATION BUILDING COMMITTEE FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2028. VOTE 5/0.

9.         EXECUTIVE STAFF

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE FOREGOING LIST OF EXECUTIVE STAFF. VOTE 5/0.

 

C.    RESOLUTIONS  

1.  R-25-01 – A resolution requesting the General Assembly to consider amending legislation relating to accessory dwelling units. (Presented by Councilor Beaulieu).

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO FEBRUARY 5, 2025. VOTE 5/0.

 

2.  R-25-02 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter an agreement with Johnson Controls to replace horn strobes and NAC booster panels at the Cumberland Library per the Fire Marshal in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Dollars ($20,830).

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-02. VOTE 5/0.

 

3.  R-25-03 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter an agreement with Motorola Solutions for Public Safety communications equipment and services in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred and Ninety-Two Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty-One Dollars and Twenty-Four Cents ($592,221.24).

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-03. VOTE 5/0.

 

4.  R-25-04 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter an agreement with Motorola Solutions for Public Safety Communications console upgrades in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty Dollars ($558,330).

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-04. VOTE 5/0.

 

5.  R-25-05 - A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a contract with Providence Revolving Fund for consulting services for a housing rehabilitation program in an amount not to exceed Four Hundred and Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($403,550).

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-05. VOTE 5/0.

 

6.  R-25-06 – A resolution authorizing the acceptance of a credit, reducing Tower Construction’s contract by Four Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($4,100).

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-06. VOTE 5/0.

 

7.  R-25-07 – A resolution authorizing a change order to Saccoccio & Associates contract in an amount not to exceed Fifty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($57,600).

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-07. VOTE 5/0.

 

8.  R-25-08 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Vision Government Solutions for cloud services in an amount not to exceed Nine Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($9,500.00) annually for a three-year term.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-08. VOTE 5/0.

 

 

D.    ORDINANCES for presentation and permission to advertise     

1.  #25-01 – An ordinance relating to the Finance Department (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

(Referred to the Ordinance Sub-Committee)

 

2.  #25-02 – An ordinance amending salary ranges for the executive staff and other positions (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

(Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee)

 

3.  #25-03 – An ordinance relating to the Department of Public Works (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

(Referred to the Ordinance Sub-Committee)

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Hearing None

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:04 PM.  VOTE 5/0.