THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 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 Kinch called the regular meeting to order at 7:36 pm.

Members Present: Council President Kinch, Councilors Bradley, Magill, Beaulieu, Sweet, and Shaw Jr.

Members Absent: Councilor Metivier

Also, present were Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter; Kelley Morris Salvatore, Sandra M. Giovanelli, Town Clerk; Kerri L. Rossi, Deputy Town Clerk; Melinda Brouillard, Finance Director; and Michael Crawley, Parks & Recreation Director

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Councilor Beaulieu has been participating in the Cumberland Climate Resilience audit.  The audit is working to identify opportunities to make regulations more resilient to the various climate hazards we've been seeing, like extreme temperatures, and rain flooding.  There will be a public workshop on March 18th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cumberland Public Library Meeting, Room 2 at the Monastery, 1464 Diamond Hill Road.  It's an opportunity to learn how the Town's regulations affect development, infrastructure planning, and environmental protection.  They're looking to get public input on their priorities for climate resilience and how the town's land use, planning tools, and policies should be strengthened.  It will be advertised in the Valley Breeze and the Town's website.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

1.      Acceptance of Minutes of the Special meetings of February 12, 2025, and February 19, 2025, and the Regular meeting of February 19, 2025.

 

MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE

1.      Bem Bom, LLC

 

COMMUNICATIONS

1.  C-25-09 – A resolution from the Town of Westerly seeking support of House Bill H 5457 relating to APRA requests.

 

2.  C-25-10 – A resolution from the Town of Portsmouth regarding the restoration of General Revenue Sharing to Cities and Towns.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

NONE

 

REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS

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

 

B.  Annual Audit Presentation

 

Kyle Connors from the auditor firm CBIZ, formally Marcum Accounting, was present to provide an overview of the 2024 financial statement audit results.  He noted that presenting this report in January is a huge testament to the hard work and communication of the Town’s Finance Director Melinda Brouillard and the School Department’s Business Manager Tim McGrath.  He also noted this report is a great benefit in preparing the 2026 budget.  He highlighted that the total fund balance decreased by $2.0 million, the unassigned fund balance is $11.9 million, the unassigned fund balance represents 13.6 percent of the operating budget, and the current level is within a healthy target of 8 – 16 percent of budgeted expenditures.  In 2024, the revenue was below budget by $162,000, so in the previous budget for the year, property taxes were $473,000 below what was anticipated, not due to current year taxes.  There were strong collections for 2024 taxes and investment income was $82,000.  From an expenditure standpoint, they were $79,000 below what was anticipated. There were favorable results in the Library of $132,000 or 7 percent of that budget, unfavorable on the Highway of about $174,000, about 4.5 percent of that budget, mostly due to master lease expenditures.

 

The School Department’s general fund, which is called the unrestricted fund, ended the year with a committed fund balance of $5.5 million which is 7.2 percent of their operating budget.  The fund balance increased in the current year by $168,000 and revenue items were consistent with the budget, there was no real over or under on the revenue side.  The expenditures were about $1.5 million and a half below what was appropriated.  Mostly favorable variances in salaries and fringe, the health claims were lower than what was expected by about $2 million, and that was offset by some positions being opened and some substitute expenditures being over budget.  He stated that it is important to note the school expended $4.3 million in Federal ESSER funds in 2024.  Those ESSER funds are on the last tranche.  Therefore, there isn't an SR4, and he believed it's important for the Council to know that the funding has relatively dried up.

 

The Water Department’s operating revenues were $6 million in 2024, a decrease from the prior year of $6.2 million.  The operating expenses were $5.9 million, a decrease from the prior year of $6.3 million.  Overall, the Water Department had an operating income of $170,000. 

 

He pointed out that the Town participates in 6 pension plans, and 5 of those plans are with the State of Rhode Island.  They tell you what your contribution is every year dating back to 2014, which is as much information as they have.  The Town has contributed the full ARK every year.  The Town does have its own private single-defined benefit plan for the Police, which was funded at 63 percent as of June 30, 2024.  He mentioned that the 60 percent level is very important because anything below 60 is considered critical, so to be above that line is great.  The last time the Town was above 60 percent was 2021.  The town also has an OPEB plan that provides healthcare benefits to retirees.  That plan is funded at 28 percent with a net zero OPEB liability of just under $20 million.  He explained that 28 percent may seem low, however, the OPEB liabilities hadn't started to get funded until four or five years ago.  He stated that 28 percent is higher than most communities OPEB plans throughout the state.

 

As far as recommendations, the last time Kyle presented the audit report, he spoke about some of the internal control issues that they felt were important to note about the Water Department.  Since then, there has been improved oversight.

 

The Water Department has started providing the Finance Department with monthly collection reports.  Any adjustments to the receivables that were not being tracked with formal authorization but are now being tracked with formal authorization and also being provided to the Finance Department.  They recommend that the Water Department provide monthly billing details and an updated revolving receivable report.  He also noted another recommendation is continued cybersecurity by performing vulnerability testing if it hasn't already happened in recent months.  He stated that from a compliance standpoint, they’ve selected two major programs for testing to ensure they are being spent appropriately, and that they're being reported to the State appropriately.  Those programs are the town's ARPA funds and the School's ESSER funds, and he is happy to report there is no non-compliance to bring to their attention about either of those programs this year.

 

President Kinch questioned where the shortage of the $162,000 in revenue.  Taxes were below about $73,000.

 

Kyle responded by stating that due to the town’s unusual tax cycle, when the budget is being drafted for your 2024 taxes and your 2023, it comes down to the timing of payments.  Sometimes the timing doesn't always line up, it's a challenge to budget for that line item for the purposes of your alternative tax cycle.

 

Councilor Beaulieu asked if he could speak to some of the remaining concerns regarding the Water Department’s controls after stating that there have been some significant improvements and whether there are any new areas of concern. 

 

Kyle stated that some information is not being provided to the Finance Department that they think could be, such as monthly billing details and information about accounts receivable on the water billing.  He also stated that there are no new areas of concern with the Water Department   

 

LICENSES

A.    VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE

1.   An application for a First-Class Victualling License from Ocean State Brewing Company d/b/a Phantom Farms Brewing, 30 Martin Street.

 

Jay Neveu of Ocean State Brewing Company at 30 Martin Streett explained that the purpose of the application of the non-transferable license and the first-class victualling house license is part of the application process for a Brewpub license through the State of Rhode Island to allow them to serve food.  Essentially, they’re amending their current brewing manufacturing license to a brewpub license to allow for food to be provided at their establishment.     

 

Councilor Shaw asked what kind of food they plan to provide. 

 

Mr. Neveu replied that the menu would be very minimal.  It would be more like a prep kitchen for charcuterie boards, pressed sandwiches, and quick-serve pizzas.  There will be no full fryolater, no full grease trap, and no full vented hood.  The purpose of all this is to allow them to serve some of their food, so they do not rely on food trucks. 

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE LICENSE PENDING INSURANCE CERTIFICATE, SERV SAFE LICENSE, AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BUSINESS LICENSE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

B.     ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE

1.   An application for a Special Event Entertainment License from Blackstone Valley Garden Club, Cumberland Monastery, 1464 Diamond Hill Road, the annual plant sale will be set up on May 16, 2025, and the event on May 17, 2025.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE LICENSE SUBJECT TO PENDING CERTIFICATE AND SIGNED LEASED AGREEMENT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

C.  2025-2026 LICENSE RENEWALS

All license renewals are issued pending payment of outstanding taxes, fire department approval and retail sales permit, when applicable.   

 

ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE:

1.      Amaya Primos Inc, d/b/a/ LaFamilia Restaurant, 1666 Diamond Hill Rd (22-43)

2.      American Legion, d/b/a Cumberland Post #14- 695 Broad Street (22-245)

3.      Angelos’s Pizza Inc., d/b/a Angelo’s Palace Pizza & Venue 131– 133 Mendon Road (22-40)

4.      Blackstone Herbs and Coffee Shop, d/b/a Apothica Inc, 3 dexter Street (24-12)

5.      Blackstone River Theatre d/b/a Blackstone River – 549 Broad Street (22-60)   

6.      Club Juventude Lusitana, Inc.- 10 Chase Street (22-225)

7.      Davenport’s Family Restaurant Inc. d/b/a Davenport’s Family Restaurant-1070 Mendon Road (22-35)

8.      Fatima Holy Name Society, d/b/a Fatima Holy Name Society – 1 Fatima Drive (22-244)

9.      Filibuster Club-23 High Street (22-99)

10.  Friendly Greene LLC d/b/a The Tap-1225 Mendon Rd (24-23)

11.  Friendly Sons of St. Patrick – 127 Broad St (22-242)

12.  Franks Incorporated d/b/a Bandidos Mexican Restaurant – 88 Broad Street (22-79)

13.  J.K. and Son LLC, d/b/a The End Zone Sports Pub – 958 Mendon Road (22-49)

14.  Jose Almeida d/b/a Valley Park Pub- 17 Mill St (24-5)

15.  Kidozland – 1726 Mendon Rd (23-106)

16.  MC T’s Tavern Inc., d/b/a MC T’s Tavern – 940 Mendon Road (22-61)

17.  Ocean State Brewing Co. d/b/a/ Phantom Farms Brewing- 30 Martin St (24-25)

18.  Phantom Farms II, LLC d/b/a Phantom Farms – 2922 Diamond Hill Road (24-13)

19.  Seven Cray Street Realty, Corp d/b/a Seven Cray Street – 7 Cray Street (22-17)

20.  SPG Group d/b/a Koury’s Tavern, 80 Manville Rd (24-11)

21.  Valley Falls Entertainment LLC, dba Mickeys Valley View Pub – 46 Carpenter Street (24-148)

 

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING OUTSTANDING TAXES, FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL, AND RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

FIREARMS:

1.      J. & A. Sales – 400 West Wrentham Road (22-16)

2.      Rui Felix d/b/a Tactical Concepts- 15 Amanda Drive (22-100)

3.      Bradley Victor Beaudoin d/b/a 401 Armory -35 Vivian Ave (23-40)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING OUTSTANDING TAXES, FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL, AND RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

HAWKER LICENSE:

1.      Blaise’s Holiday Shop d/b/a Blaise’s Holiday Shop – 2080 Diamond Hill Rd (22-81)

2.      John Delpivo d/b/a Pivo’s Landscaping – 2077 Diamond Hill Rd (22-73)

3.      New England Novelty – 36 School St, Ma (22-144)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING OUTSTANDING TAXES, FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL, AND RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

HOLIDAY LICENSE:

1.      1 Stop Deli & Grocery- 14 Bound Rd (22-93)

2.      732 High Street Market, Inc. d/b/a High Street Market – 732 High Street (22-32)

3.      3 B Thrift Shop llc-130 Broad St (22-157) 

4.      A Teixeira & Company, Inc. d/b/a Pop’s Liquor - 2080 Diamond Hill Road (22-19)

5.      Apollo Auto Sales, Inc. d/b/a Apollo Auto Sales– 625 Broad Street (22-21)

6.      AQS LLC d/b/a Smokers Haven -3450 Mendon Road (22-59)

7.      Aspire Dermatology LLC-2138 Mendon Rd Suite 201(22-76)

8.      Bestway 302 Inc., d/b/a Bestway, 302 Broad (24-15)

9.      Blackstone Quilting Co d/b/a -3751 Mendon Rd (23-33)

10.  Body Mechanics Inc. d/b/a Providence Pilates Center- 2364 Diamond Hill Road (22-95)

11.  Broad Street Food and Fuel Inc. d/b/a/ Mendon Express-290 Broad Street (22-94)

12.  C & M Beauty Spa LLC d/b/a C&M Beauty Spa-180 Broad St (24-14)

13.  Chapel Pharmacy Inc. - 2081 Diamond Hill Road (22-22)

14.  Colbea Enterprises d/b/a Seasons Corner Market – 2095 Diamond Hill Road (22-14)

15.  Cumberland Farms Inc. #1275 – 3440 Mendon Road (22-50)

16.  Cumberland Parcel LLC d/b/a The UPS Store-1800 Mendon Road (22-83)

17.  Dave’s Fresh Marketplace of Cumberland Inc.d/b/a Dave’s Marketplace– 2077 Diamond Hill Road (22-15)

18.  Diana Velez Beauty Salon Inc, - 8-10 Chamber Street (22-178)

19.  Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. d/b/a Dollar Tree – 70 Mendon Road (22-102)

20.  Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. d/b/a Dollar Tree – 3751 Mendon Road (22-101)

21.  Extra Space Management Inc. d/b/a Extra Space Storage #8894 – 197 Dexter Street (22-77)

22.  F & S- LLC d/b/a The Cumberland Spot – 1170 Mendon Road (22-54)

23.  F & Z LLC d/b/a Gulf Express – 3 Pine Swamp Road (22-39)

24.  Heroux Retail Group LLC d/b/a With Heart & Soul – 3751 Mendon Road (22-24)

25.  Iqbal & Sons Inc. d/b/a Cumberland Sunoco – 2093 Diamond Hill Road (22-67)

26.  JJT Inc d/b/a Mendon Wine & More – 2170 Mendon Road (24-175)

27.  Kidozland-1726 Mendon Rd (23-64)

28.  Latin Touch Barbershop ll -230 Broad St (22-141)

29.  JLM Refreshments Inc. d/b/a Del’s Lemonade – 170 Mendon Road (22-52)

30.  Kim & Gary’s Ice Cream, d/b/a The Ice Cream Machine – 4288 Diamond Hill Rd (22-74)

31.  Mamm Liquors Inc. d/b/a Cumberland Wine & Spirit -275 Broad St (22-78)

32.  Mendon Road Gulf Inc., d/b/a Gulf Express – 1754 Mendon Road (22-88)

33.  Mendon Smoke Shop Inc. d/b/a Game of Smoke-1726 Mendon Road (22-91)

34.  Nouria Energy Retail, Inc. d/b/a Cumberland Shell – 4120 Mendon Road (22-28)

35.  One Energy Inc. Inc., d/b/a Zoom Mart– 3492 Mendon Road (22-53)

36.  Phantom Farms ll LLC d/b/a Phantom Farms – 2922 Diamond Hill Road (24-13)

37.  RDMG Inc d/b/a Depault Hardware – 2000 Mendon Road, Suite 9 (22-72)

38.  Rhode Island CVS Pharmacy LLC d/b/a CVS Pharmacy, Inc., #2506 – 2125 Diamond Hill Road (22-58)

39.  Rhode Island CVS Pharmacy LLC d/b/a CVS Pharmacy, Inc., #37 – 1998 Mendon Road (22-56)

40.  Rhode Island CVS Pharmacy LLC d/b/a CVS Pharmacy, Inc., #728 – 315 Broad Street (22-57)

41.  Roger’s Hardware, Inc – 159 Broad Street (22-33)

42.  Rosario Grace Inc d/b/a Supercuts -1800 Mendon Rd (23-74)

43.  RPC d/b/a Rumford Pet Express -2000 Mendon Rd Suite 5 (23-22)     

44.  Sandoval Car Wash- 1700 Mendon Rd (22-236)

45.  S N K Inc., d/b/a Cumberland Convenience – 427 High Street (22-84)

46.  Sassy Mama Cuisine d/b/a Sassy Mama Cuisine- 132 Mendon Road Unit 1 (22-48)

47.  Seabra Foods III, Inc., d/b/a Seabra Supermarkets – 2000 Mendon Road (22-47)

48.  Sealit Ams Cumberland LLC, d/b/a Planet Fitness- 1800 Mendon Road (22-20)

49.  Shivanand Inc d/b/a Cumberland Hill Liquors-3450 Mendon Road 22-90

50.  Shivaram inc d/b/a Smoke Break-391Mendon Rd 24-3

51.  Shopnfeul, Inc. d/b/a Miles Mart, 1152 Mendon Rd (24-40)

52.  Shubhlakshmi Corporation d/b/a Paul’s Liquor – 132 Mendon Road 22-89

53.  Stop and Shop Supermarket Co LLC d/b/a Stop and Shop – 70 Mendon Rd (22-104)

54.  SROA 95 Industrial RI LLC d/b/a Storage Rentals of America-95 Industrial Road (22-44)

55.  U-Haul Company of RI d/b/a Cumberland Moving & Storage – 135 Mendon Road (22-87)

56.  Under the Willow Bakery INC.- 3383 Mendon Rd (22-75)

57.  Vape Pro Inc, d/b/a Puff Pro 1407 Mendon Rd (24-44)

58.  Valley Floor Covering – 144 Broad Street (22-29)

59.  Vikar Vahora Inc., d/b/a Bestway Gulf– 1178 High Street (24-16)

60.  Walgreens Eastern Co. d/b/a Walgreens #19263 -2136 Mendon Road (22-111)

 

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING OUTSTANDING TAXES, FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL, AND RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

 

JUNK AND SECONDHAND GOODS DEALER

1.      AChase Recycling LLC -79 Garden St (22-34)

2.      Auto Parts Group Southwest LLC d/b/a Pick-N-Pull – 70 Macondray Street (22-36)

3.      Centennial Leasing & Operating LLC d/b/a Anthony Desmarais-187 Dexter St (22-114)

4.      LKQ Northeast Inc. d/b/a LKQ Advanced Auto Recycling– 290 Curran Road (22-92)

5.      Moulton Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Dead Jeep-120 Ralco Way (22-31)

6.      3 B Thrift Shop, LLC d/b/a 3 B Thrift Shop, 130 Broad St (22-157) 

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING OUTSTANDING TAXES, FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL, AND RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

 

KENNEL LICENSE:

1.      Michael & Barbara Boday – 333 Nate Whipple Highway (22-23)                                     

2.      Lisa & Ed Ritchie, Pinebrook Farms, 21 Deerbrook Way (22-150)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING OUTSTANDING TAXES, FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL, AND RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

3.      Happy Pets at Home, 75 Wrentham Road (24-180)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING OUTSTANDING TAXES, FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL, AND RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 5/1.

 

Nay: Councilor Beaulieu

 

PRIVATE DETECTIVE:

1.      Adam Axelband (PD-18)

2.      Bethany Arnold (PD-16)

3.      Brandon Lowe (PD-9

4.      Brian Landry (PD-5)

5.      Christopher Fitzpatrick (PD-15)

6.      David McGrath (PD-33)

7.      Dean K. Volante (PD-8)

8.      Dennis Malloy (PD-13)

9.      Derrick Levasseur (PD-10)

10.  Domenic Bruzzi (PD-4)

11.  Henry Joseph Williamson (PD-6)

12.  Kevin Porter (PD-25)

13.  Michael Mastrangelo (PD-11)

14.  Michael V. Orchard (PD-12)

15.  Samuel Corso (PD-31)

16.  Zara Ghadeer (PD-32)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING OUTSTANDING TAXES, FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL, AND RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

OLD BUSINESS

A.     RESOLUTIONS

1.   R-25-14 - A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to engage National Security Fire Alarm Systems for security cameras at the new Diamond Hill Park Building in an amount not to exceed forty-seven thousand nine hundred and fifteen dollars ($47,915). (tabled from February 19, 2025)

 

Parks and Recreation Director Michael Crawley introduced Chris Moreau from National Security who would address the questions from the last meeting regarding the annual contract.  Mr. Crawley distributed a handout with additional contract details.  He summarized that if they do the two buildings it would be $2,060.40, but if they do not want to do the back of the park, the yearly base would be $1,730.40.  Chris can answer any questions.   

 

Councilor Sweet asked how long the data is stored on the cloud.

 

Mr. Moreau explained data is not stored on the cloud, everything is stored on a local network video recorder stored locally on-site.  Because the system is cloud-managed, it allows for better cyber security, updates, and easy remote access.  The data will be stored for a minimum of 30 days. 

 

Councilor Sweet stated that the $55 per year, which she believed at the last meeting said per month, is for the management of the cameras, the software, and upgrades only.  She asked if that amount included any service.   

 

Mr. Moreau verified that it also included all software updates.  Software updates are done automatically every month.  He noted there is a one-year warranty on the system, so if anything were to fail within that period, they’d come out at no charge to take care of that.  After that, they would have our service rates and come out and repair anything if needed.  The cloud services also include cloud connection, cloud management for easy and secure remote login, and management of the whole system.

 

Councilor Sweet asked if the $47.95 monthly monitoring fee is charged in the first year.

 

Mr. Moreau clarified that the cloud services are included in the first year, but the monitoring is not.  The monitoring is separate, it’s for the monitoring of the alarm system.  The proposal is also for the installation of the alarm system, contacting of the doors, and installation of motion sensors.

 

Councilor Sweet questioned if that is a flat fee to which Mr. Moreau verified it is.  She also asked what the expected life of the system.

 

Mr. Moreau replied that technology does improve over time and things become obsolete.  The average lifespan is anywhere from 5 to 10 years. but they have systems still working and operational for 25-plus years.

 

The Council President asked for clarification if the $47,915 referenced in the resolution included the bathroom cameras.

 

Mr. Moreau confirmed that it is yes, it includes everything.

 

Councilor Shaw and Sweet questioned if, for some reason, they become dissatisfied with the service, would they be able to have someone else take over management of the system, or is all the hardware proprietary.

 

Mr. Moreau responded no, the equipment is not proprietary to their company.  There are several dealers in Rhode Island and the surrounding areas that would also work on the same systems.

 

Council Shaw asked if they would approve this contract every year.

 

Mr. Moreau stated they typically sign a three-year contract locking in that rate, but it could be lowered to a year that would auto-renew each year.  Traditionally, the rates don’t go up.  The change may be the cloud service, which they are bound by the manufacturer.

 

Councilor Shaw pointed out that the resolution doesn’t include a time frame, and they are not in the practice of auto-renewing contracts.  Three-year contracts are the typical timeframe, however he differed with the solicitor’s opinion on whether they can add that language to the resolution.   

 

Solicitor Salvatore noted that the terms and conditions don't reference automatic renewal or a term, so they could approve it with a 3-year contract with no option to auto-renew.  She offered to work with the vendor on the terms. 

 

Mr. Moreau stated the proposal provided was for installation. He can also provide a copy of the contract, which they can review.

 

Solicitor Salvatore mentioned that depending on the fees, they may have to bring another resolution to the Council for maintenance fees.

 

Councilor Sweet pointed out that at the Ordinance sub-committee, Mr. Crawley mentioned trying to calculate all the operating costs for the building.  She asked if he accounted for this in his estimate.

 

Mr. Crawley replied that yes, this was part of his proposal to the Mayor with the budget for that building.

 

Councilor Magill inquired if this included user training, to which Mr. Moreau confirmed it is included in the proposal.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

B.     ORDINANCES for PUBLIC HEARING

1. #25-04A – An ordinance establishing the fee schedule for The Lodge at Diamond Hill at Diamond Hill Park. (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO MARCH 19, 2025.  VOTE 6/0.

 

 

9.  NEW BUSINESS

      A.  APPOINTMENTS

1.  Accounts Payable Administrator, Sarah Clary

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

2.   Town Engineer, James N’Tow

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

      B.  CLAIMS

1.   Carol Varden, Plaintiff, and St. Aidan Church Corporation Cumberland, Third Party Plaintiff

 

Referred to the Solicitor’s Office

 

2.   Justin Wilkes

 

Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee

 

3.   Brett Valkoun

 

Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee

 

C.  RESOLUTIONS

1. R-25-16 - A resolution recognizing and congratulating Cheryl Vaughn of Community School for being named Rhode Island’s Elementary School Principal of the Year. (Presented by Council President)

 

The Council President reads the resolution into the record and instructs the Town Clerk to forward this resolution to Ms. Vaughn at the Community School along with the Council’s congratulations.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

      NONE

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 8:18 P.M.  VOTE 6/0.