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| Michael L. Kinch, At-Large | |
| Council President | |
| James K. Metivier, District 1 | Jodi C. Sweet, District 4 |
| Council Member | Council Member |
| Timothy C. Magill, District 2 | Robert G. Shaw, Jr., District 5 |
| Council President, Pro Tem | Council Member |
| Lisa A. Beaulieu, District 3 | Peter J. Bradley, At-Large |
| Council Member | Council Member |
THE MEETING MINUTES OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025 at 7:30 P.M.
CUMBERLAND TOWN HALL, EVERETT “MOE” BONNER, JR. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND
CALL TO ORDER 
The Cumberland town council meeting for July 16 2025, was called to order at 7:38 PM by the Council President. It was noted that all council members were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Council President led the Pledge of Allegiance.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Shaw wished the U11 boys baseball team good luck in their state championship games.
CONSENT AGENDA
Acceptance of Minutes of the Regular and Special Meetings on June 18, 2025, and Special Meeting on June 30, 2025.
MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENS
3. Boba Wave
7. Ali & Eli’s Freshly Squeezed
COMMUNICATIONS
1. C-25-70 – A resolution from the Town of Burrillville opposing S-0909 and H-6273 relating to access to Public Records Act (ARPA).
2. C-25-71 – Notice from Rhode Island Energy regarding its proposed 2025 Vegetation Management Standards and Practices
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. VOTE 7/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Pat Ford addressed the council regarding the agenda item to approve the Burrillville Town Council resolution number 25-25 relating to the Access to Public Records Act (APRA). He expressed concerns about the proposed changes, stating that the current APRA laws are inadequate. Mr. Ford argued about the need for complete transparency in policing and criticized attempts to charge discretionary fees for APRA requests. He emphasized that there is very little transparency in Rhode Island government in general and suggested that publishing everything immediately would eliminate the need for APRA requests and complaints.
REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A. Presentation of the Rawson Pond Dam Design Basis Report by Pare Corporation
Dan Malaney, an engineer from Pare Corporation, presented the Rawson Pond Dam Design Basis Report. He explained that the earthen embankment dam, approximately 12 feet tall and 150 feet wide, had a granite and timber primary spillway that failed in January of the previous year. Pare Corporation was retained by the Town to design a temporary coffer dam to partially restore the impoundment, which was installed in the fall of the previous year.
Mr. Malaney outlined three conceptual designs for permanently replacing or removing the Rawson Pond Dam:
1. Cast-in-place concrete spillway: This option would expand the width from 35 feet to 85 feet to meet higher hydraulic requirements. The estimated cost range was $1.8 to $3.2 million.
2. Sheet pile wall spillway: This design would involve driving steel sheet piles through the existing bulk bag coffer dam and reusing the existing riprap slope for scour protection. The estimated cost range was $1.1 to $2 million.
3. Removal of the dam: This option would involve revegetating the impoundment area and allowing it to restore to a wetland. The estimated cost was around $500,000, with potential variability depending on sediment remediation needs.
Mr. Malaney addressed questions from the council members regarding maintenance, environmental considerations, and the potential lifespan of the different options. He stated that both rehabilitation designs would return the pool level to its previous state, while dam removal would take longer to stabilize a new ecosystem.
Mayor Jeffrey Mutter added that proper maintenance could have prevented the current situation, stating, "I strongly believe that proper maintenance, we wouldn't be here tonight."
B. Report of Executive Session vote(s), as may be necessary
Council President Kinch reported that the council took no votes in executive session.
C. Update from the School Committee
School Committee Chairwoman Amy Vogel provided an update on various projects underway in the Cumberland School District. She mentioned the completion of Community Elementary School, the six science labs in McCourt Middle School, the six science labs in North Cumberland Middle School, the remodeling of the transitional building's first floor for preschool, the remodeling of the transitional building's second floor for high school use, the Ashton School playground, and the Cumberland High School lighting project. Mrs. Vogel also noted that BF Norton School construction is set to begin in late August or early September.
D. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending June 2025
E. Check registers for June 2025
Councilor Metivier inquired about the Cumberland Animal Hospital expenses.
Finance Director Brouillard addressed the question about payment to Cumberland Animal Hospital, explaining that it was for animal control services when picked-up animals need assistance or medical care.
F. Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve June 2025 abatements and supplemental bills
There were no abatements or supplemental bills to report.
G. Department Reports
3. Building Official
4. EMS
5. Library
7. Planning & Community Development
I. Quarterly Reports
2. OCYL
3. Public Works
No questions or comments were raised regarding the department reports or quarterly reports.
LICENSES
A. VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE
1. An application for a Second-Class victualling house license from Vindu Foods LLC d/b/a Vindu, 356 Mendon Road.
Councilor Metivier questioned if this second-class victualling house license from Vindu Foods LLC is the same business that was on the previous liquor board agenda for a liquor license.
The Town Clerk explained that it is the same business. The applicant is concerned with the timeline to obtain the liquor license and the corresponding first-class victualling house license; therefore, he is applying for the 2nd class victualling house license so he can open earlier without alcohol sales.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE SUBJECT TO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RETAIL SPACE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL. VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Sweet
A. ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
1. An application for a special event entertainment license from Fatima Holy Name Society for their annual feast on Friday, August 29, 2025, through Sunday, August 31, 2025.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE SUBJECT TO FINAL TENT INSPECTION. VOTE 7/0.
2. An application for a special event entertainment license from McCoy Fit for their Ultra Trail Race at the Monastery from 7:00 a.m. September 27, 2025, to 7:00 a.m. September 28, 2025.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF INSURANCE CERTIFICATE AND PROMOTER’S PERMIT. VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Sweet
3. An application for a special event entertainment license from McCoy Fit for their FIT Challenge OCR at Diamond Hill Park on April 11, 2026, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF INSURANCE CERTIFICATE AND PROMOTER’S PERMIT. VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Sweet
4. An application for a special event entertainment license from Ocean State Brewing Company d/b/a Phantom Farms Brewing for their Phantom Farms Brewing Parking Lot Takeover at 30 Martin Street on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Councilor Shaw requested clarification on whether this event is similar to the event they held last year. He also noted that he thought they obtained proper authorization from the State, which is the licensing authority for breweries, to serve alcohol outdoors.
The Town Clerk replied that the event is similar to last year’s and covers the entertainment portion of the outdoor event. The State authorized the outdoor serving of alcohol.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
5. An application for a special event entertainment license from British Motorcars of New England for their reunion picnic at Diamond Hill Park on August 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The council discussed potential conflicts with other events at Diamond Hill Park on the same day.
Deputy Director Mackenzie confirmed that there were no events scheduled at the lodge on August 3rd.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
OLD BUSINESS
A. ORDINANCES for PUBLIC HEARING
1. #25-07 – An ordinance in amendment of the Code of Ordinances amending the Zoning Ordinance and Map thereof with reference to Cumberland Assessor’s Plat 053, Lot 1781, and hydroelectric generation facilities. (Tabled from the June 4, 2025 council meeting).
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU AND SWEET, AND IT IS VOTED TO TABLE TO SEPTEMBER 17, 2025. VOTE 7/0.
2. #25-15A – An ordinance amending the Town of Cumberland Water Rates. (Tabled from June 18, 2025 council meeting)
Council President Kinch requested a motion to accept the amended version Ordinance #25-15B received earlier in place of #25-15A.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO ACCEPT #25-15B IN PLACE OF #25-15A. VOTE 7/0.
Public hearing opened at 8:30 p.m.
Councilor Shaw reported that the Finance Committee had met earlier to discuss the water rates. The committee passed along a favorable recommendation to the council with a 2-0 vote.
DPW Director Romeo Mendes presented the history of the Water Department's financial situation, explaining that from 2015 to 2022, there were no water rate adjustments. He outlined the proposed rate increases: a 10% increase for 2026, an 8.5% increase for 2027, and a 6.5% increase for 2028. Director Mendes also discussed new fees being added to the Cumberland rate structure, including connection fees based on pipe diameter and assessments for fire lines.
The council discussed the impact on the average homeowner, with Director Mendes estimating an increase of about $30 per billing period. Council members also inquired about the timeline for paying back the general fund and establishing a fund balance for the Water Department. After discussion, the council voted to amend the ordinance by striking lines 26 through 28.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO STRIKE LINES 26 THROUGH 28. VOTE 7/0.
Public hearing closed at 8:51 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE AS AMENDED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Bradley
3. #25-16 – An ordinance clarifying “No Parking” zone on Ryan Avenue (Presented by Councilor Shaw).
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO SEPTEMBER 3, 2025. VOTE 7/0.
4. #25-17 – An ordinance naming 16 Mill Street (AP 2, Lot 96) the Amaral Building (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration).
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO SEPTEMBER 3, 2025. VOTE 7/0.
5. #25-18 – An ordinance amending the zoning ordinance relating to contract construction service and buffer requirements (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration).
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO SEPTEMBER 3, 2025. VOTE 7/0.
NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENTS
PLANNING BOARD- REPLACEMENT FOR KEN BUSH - TERM EXPIRES JANUARY 31, 2028
1. Josh O’Neill
Josh O'Neill introduced himself to the council, expressing his gratitude for being considered for the open position. He mentioned his previous experience working for the Town as a Town Planner about a decade ago and his knowledge of past planning efforts in Cumberland.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
BOARD OF CANVASSERS – REPLACEMENT FOR STEPHANIE GEMSKI
TERM EXPIRES FEBRUARY 28, 2031
Raymond Salvatore introduced himself to the council, thanking the Mayor and the Democratic Town Committee chairperson for putting his name forward. He expressed his interest in working with the Board of Canvassers and his flexible schedule
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Bradley
BOARD OF CANVASSERS – ALTERNATES – LIFE APPOINTMENT
1. George Gregory Sisca II – alternate
2. Jason King - alternate
Jason King introduced himself to the council, providing an extensive background of his experience in federal, state, and local government roles, as well as his educational background and volunteer work. He expressed his desire to serve on the Board of Canvassers and his willingness to help the community in any way possible.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
1. R-25-38 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a memorandum of agreement with Brown Emergency Medicine at a rate of $200/hr for FY 2026 and at a rate of $225/hr for FY 2027.
EMS Chief Dessert explained that this resolution was an update to a previously approved memorandum of agreement. The changes reflected the replacement of Dr. Smith with Dr. Nicholas Valentini as the assistant medical director and an increase in the hourly rate from $200 to $225 starting the following October.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
2. R-25-39 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a renewal agreement with Opengov for software services in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred and Seventeen Dollars and Six Cents ($27,217.06).
Finance Director Brouillard presented the request to renew the agreement with OpenGov for software services related to e-permitting and licensing. She explained that the software allows town residents to go through the process of permits and make payments online.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
3. R-25-40 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a contract with Active Network, LLC for collections services related to recreational programming.
Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Mackenzie Malloy explained that Active Network is the same software used by OCYL for program registration. She surveyed approximately 60 program participants, finding that the main critique was the lack of online registration options. The proposed agreement would allow the department to set up online registration for fall programs.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
4. R-25-41 - A resolution approving the financing of the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities throughout the Town by the issuance of not more than $52,000,000 general obligation bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness to finance the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, furnishing and equipping of a new elementary school and other related school facilities and the demolition of an existing elementary school on land presently occupied by the B.F. Norton school in the Town provided that the authorization shall be reduced by any grant received from the school building authority capital fund.
Mayor Mutter explained that this resolution was the final step in securing funding for the school construction project approved by voters in November 2023. He mentioned that the town would likely use a bond anticipation note initially, similar to the previous borrowing of $74 million. The Mayor also discussed the potential impact on the tax rate and debt service line in future fiscal years.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
5. R-25-42 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a contract with Haynes/De Boer Architecture for the architectural services related to the Franklin Farm Long Barn in an amount of Thirty-Six Thousand Dollars ($36,000) with a 10% Town-held contingency in a total amount not to exceed Thirty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($39,600).
Matthew Bissett, representing the Franklin Farm Building Committee, reported that the committee had reviewed and approved the proposal for architectural services related to the structural assessment and rehabilitation of the long barn at Franklin Farm.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
6. R-25-43 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with QinFLOW, Inc to purchase three Warrior Lite Blood/IV Fluid Warmers in an amount not to exceed Fourteen Thousand One Hundred Ninety-Six Dollars ($14,196.00).
EMS Chief Dessert explained that this resolution was part of a new initiative to carry whole blood on ambulances. The funds would be used to purchase three Warrior Light Blood IV fluid warmers, which are necessary for warming blood before administration to patients.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
7. R-25-44 -A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase three (3) Konica Minolta Bizhub C301I copier/printer/scanners for various Town departments in an amount not to exceed Seven Thousand One Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dollars and Forty-Eight Cents ($7,188.48) over a two-year period.
Mayor Mutter presented the resolution to purchase three Konica Minolta Bizhub copier/printer/scanners for various town departments. He explained that the existing machines had reached the end of their operable life and needed to be replaced.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
8. R-25-45 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into a contract with Digger’s Landscaping for the connection of the property located at 440 High Street to the town’s sewer system in an amount not to exceed Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($12,900).
Ems Chief Dessert explained that this resolution was to address a sewer connection issue for a property at 440 High Street. Due to a decision made in the mid-1980s, the sewer line did not pass this property. The proposed solution involves connecting the property to the sewer line on Dexter Street through a neighboring property, at a cost of $12,900.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Bradley
9. R-25-46 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to engage Construction Junction for repairs at 1512 Mendon Road for Sixty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty-Eight Dollars ($62,928.00) with a Town held 10% contingency for a total not to exceed value of Sixty-Nine Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Dollars and Eighty Cents ($69,220.80).
EMS Chief Dessert announced that the department had been awarded a $170,000 grant from Lowe's Hometowns for facility upgrades at the 1512 Mendon Road station. This resolution, along with R-25-47, would allow for improvements including new flooring, HVAC system upgrades, and other renovations.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
10. R-45-47 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to engage CAM HVAC and Construction, Inc for the replacement of the HVAC system at 1512 Mendon Road for Forty-One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine dollars ($41,999.00) with a Town held 10% contingency for a total not to exceed value of Forty-Six Thousand One Hundred Ninety-Eight Dollars and Ninety Cents ($46,198.90).
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Ford thanked the council for their hospitality and praised their practice of offering multiple public comment opportunities. He then discussed the history of the Rawson Pond bridges and urged the council to work towards restoring Rawson Pond to its former glory, emphasizing its importance to the Arnold Mills community.
Ted Vecchio from Dance Theater of Rhode Island informed the council that the organization would be attending its fifth consecutive world dance championship over the next two weeks. He expressed hope that they would bring home a world championship title to Cumberland this year.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 9:32 P.M. VOTE 7/0.
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