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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 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 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 called thee regular meeting to order at 7:40 PM
Members Present: Council President Kinch, Councilors Bradley, Magill, Beaulieu, Metivier, Sweet, and Shaw Jr.
Also, present were Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter; Kelley Morris Salvatore, Town Solicitor; Sandra M. Giovanelli, Town Clerk; Melinda Brouillard, Finance Director; and Michael Crawley, Parks & Recreation Director
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONSENT AGENDA
Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 5, 2025.
MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
1. A.I. Catering & Vending LLC d/b/a Alien Ice
2. Sport Graphics, Inc. d/b/a Berrysweets
3. Big Dog Eats
6. FYR Grill
COMMUNICATIONS
1. C-25-11 – A resolution from the Town of Burrillville requesting support of House Bill 2025 – H 5371 relating to State Affairs and Government - to Public Notice Act.
2. C-25-12 – A resolution from the Town of Burrillville requesting support of RI League of Cities and Towns 2025 Legislative Priorities.
3. C-25-13 – A resolution from the Town of Burrillville requesting support and subsidy for Transportation of Homeless Students.
4. C-25-14 – A resolution from Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District requesting support for Transportation Categorical Funds.
5. C-25-15 – A resolution from Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District requesting support regarding Transportation funds.
6. C-25-16 – A resolution from the Town of Charlestown requesting support of House Bill 2025-H5315 regarding retired election officials' ability to temporarily serve in election-related duties during critical times without forfeiting their pension benefits.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. VOTE 7/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
NONE
REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A. Report of Executive Session vote(s), as may be necessary.
B. Update from the School Committee
Chairwoman Vogel provided an update on the school budget process. She reported that the school district had held two budget meetings, with a third scheduled for Monday, March 24th. Ms. Vogel highlighted that Cumberland is in the top quadrant for academic achievement, while having the lowest cost per pupil in Rhode Island.
The superintendent's recommended budget ask was reported as $1,700,000 from the Town, representing a 3.39% increase. Ms. Vogel clarified that this figure did not include the bond payment. She also mentioned that the school district would be using $1.3 million from the fund balance if the budget was approved as presented.
Councilor Shaw inquired about the inclusion of the bond payment in the 3.39% increase, which was confirmed by Mayor Mutter to be separate from this figure.
Mayor Mutter commended the central leadership of the school district, particularly mentioning Superintendent Dr. Thornton, Assistant Superintendent Mr. Dimanna, Tim McGrath, and Will De Jesus. He expressed gratitude for their efforts and the positive results achieved.
C. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending February 28, 2025
D. Check registers for February 28, 2025
E. Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve February 2025 abatements and supplemental bills
There are no abatements or supplemental bills to approve for February 2025.
F. Department Reports
4. EMS
5. Library
7. Planning & Community Development
Councilor Beaulieu highlighted an upcoming event mentioned in the Library's report. She noted that March 2025 marks 50 years since the Monastery fire destroyed the guesthouse and church at the Monastery. The Library was planning to hold a Monastery history program on March 19 at 6:30 PM, featuring a talk by one of their reference assistants and resident experts.
LICENSES
A. VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE
1. An application for a First-Class Victualling House license from El Rodeo Family Mexican Restaurant LLC d/b/a El Rodeo, 405 Mendon Road.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOULSY VOTED TO APPROVE THE LICENSE PENDING FIRE INSPECTION, INSURANCE CERTIFICATE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BUSINESS LICENSE, SERVSAFE CERTIFICATE, CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING, AND PERMIT TO MAKE SALES AT RETAIL. VOTE 7/0.
2. An application for a First-Class Victualling House license from Clover Acres LLC d/b/a Everybody’s Favorite Family Restaurant, 1368 Mendon Road.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE LICENSE PENDING FIRE INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING. VOTE 7/0.
B. ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
1. An application for an Entertainment license from El Rodeo Family Mexican Restaurant LLC d/b/a El Rodeo, 405 Mendon Road.
MOTION BY COUNCILORS BEAULIEU AND SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE LICENSE PENDING FIRE INSPECTION, INSURANCE CERTIFICATE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BUSINESS LICENSE, SERVSAFE CERTIFICATE, CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING, AND PERMIT TO MAKE SALES AT RETAIL. VOTE 7/0.
2. An application for an Entertainment license from Ravenous Brewing Company located at 10 Industrial Road.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE LICENSE. VOTE 7/0.
C. HAWKER’S LICENSE
1. An application for a Hawker's license from Phantom Fireworks Eastern Region LLC d/b/a Phantom Fireworks with operating dates from June 26, 2025, through July 5, 2025, located at 1170 Mendon Road.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Shaw
2. An application for a Hawker’s license from JVS Enterprises LLC d/b/a No Stress JVS with operating dates of April 18, 19, 20, May 9, 10, and 11 located at 2701 Mendon Road.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
D. HOLIDAY SALES LICENSE
1. An application for a Holiday Sales license from Phantom Fireworks Eastern Region LLC d/b/a Phantom Fireworks with operation dates from June 26, 2025, through July 5, 2025, located at 1170 Mendon Road.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/1.
Nay: Councilor Shaw
OLD BUSINESS:
A. 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)
Chairwoman Beaulieu reported that the administration had requested to table this ordinance to the next regular meeting on April 2. She mentioned that additional draft changes were shared, including exemptions for sponsored events by Parks and Recreation and the Senior Center, as well as Town departments being exempt if approved by the Council. The committee also provided feedback on setup fees and holiday rates management. A meeting was scheduled for March 24 at 5:30 PM at the Library to discuss further.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE THE ORDINANCE UNTIL APRIL 2, 2025. VOTE 7/0.
NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENT
1. Mackenzie Malloy, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director
Mayor Mutter introduced the appointment, citing Article 3, Section 306, and asked for favorable consideration from the Council. He noted that there were many strong candidates, but Miss Malloy had distinguished herself.
Mackenzie Malloy addressed the Council, introducing herself as a Senior at Johnson and Wales University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. She mentioned her previous experience as a Parks and Rec Commission member and expressed excitement about the opportunity to work on the new building and make the Town proud.
MOTION BY COUNCILORS SHAW AND BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF MACKENZIE MALLOY. VOTE 7/0.
B. CLAIM
Council President Kinch stated that claims by George Mastin and Alberto Lopez would be referred to the Finance Sub-Committee.
1. R-25-17 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter an agreement with Pare Corporation for professional engineering services related to an evaluation of the Church Street bridge.
Mayor Mutter requested to withdraw this resolution, explaining that the Department of Transportation (DOT) would be handling all aspects of the issue. He confirmed that the bridge was not unsafe and referred to a memo from Public Works Director Romeo Mendez that should be available on Clerkbase.
2. R-25-18 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to engage Haynes/De Boer Architecture for the architectural services related to the Franklin Farm Long Barn.
Mr. Mudge from Franklin Farm addressed the council regarding the choice of Haynes DeBoer for the project. He explained that Haynes DeBoer was selected from four bidding companies due to factors such as continuity, their existing relationship with the firm, lower rates due to local presence, and their familiarity with the project, which would likely translate to lower costs.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOULSY VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-18. VOTE 7/0.
3. R-25-19 – A resolution opposing FERC preliminary application P-15370, Hydro Development
Mayor Mutter introduced the resolution, explaining that it was brought forward due to a potential development on a piece of property significant to the Town. He noted that the Town had not been consulted prior to the submission of the proposal.
Councilor Shaw mentioned this project is 200 yards from his home and caught this project at its infant stage. Mr. Shaw wanted to thank John Marsland and Dave Newton for their diligence and concern regarding the Blackstone River in the Town. Mr. Marsland and Mr. Newton bring a lot of history regarding this area. There is a concern with having a huge building on the bank of the Blackstone River. A huge thanks to the Friends of the Blackstone and Blackston River Watershed Council.
Councilor Shaw introduced John Marsland, President of the Blackstone River Watershed Council, and Dave Newton, who provided information about the FERC application process and the potential impact of the proposed hydro development on the Manville Landing site.
Mr. Marsland and Mr. Newton explained the historical and environmental significance of the site, its importance for public access to the river, and concerns about the impact of the proposed development on the existing cap on the property and its recreational use.
Council members expressed appreciation for the advocacy and information provided by Mr. Marsland and Mr. Newton. They discussed the importance of preserving the site for public access and recreational use.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET AND COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-19. VOTE 7/0.
D. ORDINANCES for presentation and permission to advertise
1. #25-05 – An ordinance amending the tax rate ordinance (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)
Councilor Shaw confirmed this ordinance is being referred to the Finance Sub-Committee with a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 2 at 6:00 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
NONE
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:28 PM. VOTE 7/0.