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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 |
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 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 June 18, 2025, was called to order at 7:30 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
The Council President requested a moment of silence for the passing of Joseph F. Neil Jr., which was observed.
Consent Agenda
A. Acceptance of Minutes of the Special Meeting of June 2, 2025, and Regular Meeting of June 4, 2025.
B. MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
C. COMMUNICATIONS
1. C-25-66 – A resolution from the Town of Hopkinton opposing S-0909 and H-6273 relating to access to Public Records Act (ARPA).
2. C-25-67 – A resolution from the Town of Exeter opposing S-0909 and H-6273 relating to access to Public Records Act (ARPA).
3. C-25-68 – A resolution from the Town of Smithfield opposing H-5436 and S-359 relating to gun control
4. C-25-69 – DEM Permit to Alter Freshwater Wetlands regarding Assessor’s 63, Lot 115
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. VOTE 7/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments were made during this section.
REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A. Report of Executive Session vote(s), as may be necessary
There were no reports from executive session.
B. Update from the School Committee
The Council President noted that Miss Vogel was not present but was expected to attend the next meeting.
C. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending May 2025
The Council President asked if there were any questions for the finance director or the mayor regarding the financial reports. No questions were raised.
D. Check registers for May 2025
The Council President asked if there were any questions about the check register for May 2025. No questions were raised.
E. Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve May 2025 abatements and supplemental bills
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2025 TANGIBLE ABATEMENTS FOR $1,112.73. VOTE 7/0.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2025 REAL ESTATE ABATEMENTS FOR $5,303.08. VOTE 7/0.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL. TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2024 AND 2025 REAL ESTATE SUPPLEMENTS FOR $22,038.91. VOTE 7/0.
F. Department Reports
4. EMS
5. Library
7. Planning & Community Development
The Council President read the list of department reports for the record and asked if there were any questions. No questions were raised about these reports.
LICENSES
A. ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
1. An application for a Special Event License from Le Petit Soap Company, 505 Reservoir Road, Cumberland, for an event on June 28, 2025, at the Vendor Fair located at Adams Farm, 158 Burnt Swamp Road.
The Council President noted that approval would be pending a promoter's permit.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF THE PROMOTER’S PERMIT. VOTE 7/0.
OLD BUSINESS
A. ORDINANCES for PUBLIC HEARING
1. #25-06 – An Ordinance amending the General Fund Budget for Fiscal year 2024-2025 (Tabled from the June 4, 2025 council meeting).
The Council President noted that the second hearing and vote on this ordinance would be on Tuesday, June 24th at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. He also noted a revised ordinance was provided, and a motion was requested to accept said amendment.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SUBSTITUTE #25-06 WITH #25-06A. VOTE 7/0.
The Council President then opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m.
The proposed amendments were read into the record, detailing changes in revenue and expenditure.
Mayor Mutter addressed the council, explaining that the amendment reflects how the fiscal year is expected to finish and reconciles the school department's budget. He noted that some departments, particularly public safety, had significant changes due to efforts to achieve certain staffing levels.
Councilor Shaw reported that the Finance Sub-Committee had heard this item the previous night and recommended it to the full council for passage with a vote of 2-0.
The public hearing was closed at 7:45 p.m. No public comments received.
2. #25-15 – An ordinance amending the Town of Cumberland Water Rates. (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration)
Mayor Mutter explained that there was a discrepancy between the proposals of the previous and current public works directors. He requested that the item be referred back to the Finance Committee for further discussion and adjustment of the rates.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO JULY 16, 2025. VOTE OF 7/0.
NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENTS
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD-TERM EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2027
1. Jocelyn Dutil (completing Edward Mulholland’s term)
Jocelyn Dutil introduced herself to the council, expressing her passion for working with older adults and adults with disabilities. She highlighted her professional experience with the YMCA and councils on aging in Massachusetts.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BRADLEY, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
B. CLAIMS
This claim was referred to the Finance Subcommittee.
This claim was referred to the Finance Subcommittee.
C. RESOLUTIONS
1. R-25-35 - A resolution authorizing a change order to Tower Construction Corp’s contract in a total amount not to exceed Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty-Three Dollars and Forty-Three Cents ($4,733.43).
Mayor Mutter explained that the change order was due to an incorrect estimate of allowance by the architects. He noted that the building committee had approved the change order.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
2. R-25-36 – A resolution authorizing the annual payment in the amount of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) to Beacon Mutual Insurance Co. for third-party administrator services for the Police and EMS Departments.
Mayor Mutter explained that this was an annual resolution that had been passed in previous years. He noted that the amount had remained at $6,000 for the past few years and was budgeted.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU AND SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
3. R-25-37 – 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 International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Cumberland Local 640.
Mayor Mutter provided details on the tentative agreement, which included salary increases of 3% for the current year, 4% for the following year, and 4.5% for the third year. He mentioned that the agreement also included provisions for reaching the top step patrol in 4 years instead of 8 years and allowed for hiring lateral transfers at a step commensurate with their experience.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
ORDINANCES FOR PRESENTATION AND PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE
1. #25-16 – An ordinance clarifying “No Parking” zone on Ryan Avenue (Presented by Councilor Shaw).
This ordinance was referred to the Ordinance Subcommittee.
2. #25-17 – An ordinance naming 16 Mill Street (AP 2, Lot 96) the Amaral Building (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration.)
This ordinance was referred to the Ordinance Subcommittee.
3. #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).
This ordinance was referred to both the Planning Board and the Ordinance Subcommittee.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 7:56P.M. VOTE 7/0.