| 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 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025 at 5:30 P.M.
CUMBERLAND TOWN HALL, EVERETT “MOE” BONNER, JR. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND
Call to Order
The Cumberland Town Council Special Meeting for June 30, 2025 was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by the Council President. It was noted that Councilors Metivier and Bradley were not present.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Council President led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comments
Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter, 12 Scotia Drive, passed information to the council regarding a recent School Committee decision. He explained that the School Committee had voted to add approximately $400,000 or potentially more to the FY 26 budget for changing school start times. The Mayor noted that this was never mentioned during budget discussions and expressed concern that the School Committee had not properly amended their budget to accommodate this additional expense. He emphasized that if action was not taken within the next week or so, this decision would become difficult to reverse once Durham began planning bus routes.
Councilor Beaulieu also expressed concern about the School Committee's decision. She noted that changing start times had not been presented as a priority during recent budget approvals, which had included funding for an additional specialist. Councilor Beaulieu disagreed with the action taken by the school committee and felt it could compromise the relationship between the Town Council and School Committee. Drawing from her past experience on the School Committee, she highlighted that changing start times is a complex task that requires significant planning time for parents and often involves logistical challenges.
Councilor Beaulieu also pointed out that during budget hearings, they had inquired about federal funding, which the School Committee had confirmed. However, more recently, it appeared that the anticipated federal funding amount might be less than expected, presenting an additional challenge for the School Committee.
Councilor Shaw expressed disappointment that the start time change was not mentioned during the budget process. He disappointed by the School Committee's actions, especially after the council had worked hard to find additional funding for the schools. Councilor Shaw suggested that this decision might negatively impact future efforts to secure extra funding for the schools. He hoped the School Committee would reconsider their decision.
There was a brief discussion about potentially drafting a resolution from the council to express their disappointment with the School Committee's decision. However, it was noted that such a discussion should not occur during the current meeting.
Councilor Sweet expressed frustration with what they perceived as a misrepresentation by the School Committee. Councilor Sweet recalled how the committee had previously emphasized their efforts to protect their fund balance, making the current decision seem contradictory. Councilor Sweet stated that this action damaged their trust in future presentations from the school committee.
The council members briefly discussed the possibility of scheduling a special meeting to address this issue, but it was decided that such a discussion should not continue in the current meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
A. ORDINANCES for PUBLIC HEARING
1. #25-06A – An Ordinance amending the General Fund Budget for Fiscal year 2024-2025 (Second hearing and vote)
The Council President opened the public hearing at 6:17 PM and read the proposed changes to the budget into the record. These changes included adjustments to various revenue and expenditure items.
Councilor Beaulieu inquired about a $40,000 increase in the Telecommunications budget. Mayor Mutter explained that this increase was related to the dispatch center. He emphasized the importance of having a separate entity in charge of the unit, with appropriate training and mentoring. The Mayor acknowledged that while this model was in the Town's best interest, they were struggling budget-wise to implement it fully.
With no further questions or comments from the council or the public, the Council President closed the public hearing at 6:28 PM.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #25-06A BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 5/0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL TO ADJOURN AT 6:28 P.M. VOTE 5/0.