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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 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 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 Michael Kinch called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., noting that Councilor Beaulieu was absent.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 7, 2025.
B. MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
1. BunzUp Inc.
3. Burrito Bowl
4. Chick-Fil-A
C. COMMUNICATION
1. C-25-47 – A resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in support of H5201 relating to Education.
2. C-25-48 – A resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in support of H5204 relating to Education.
3. C-25-49 - A resolution from the Town of Hopkinton opposing S0851 relating to State Affairs and Government.
4. C-25-50 – A resolution from the Hopkinton Town Council opposing specific land use legislation.
5. C-25-51 – A resolution from the Town of Hopkinton opposing H5887 relating to legislation holiday and days of observance.
6. C-25-52 – A notice from the Town of Barrington regarding National Public Works Week Proclamation.
7. C-25-53 – A resolution from the Town of Barrington supporting the 2025 Composting and Organic Waste Diversion Act (H5915/S104).
8. C-25-54 – A resolution from the Town of Barrington in support of S57 and H5393 regarding the maintenance of sidewalks.
9. C-25-55 – A resolution from the Town of Exeter in support of amendments to the RIGL 16-21.1-1 regarding funding of student transportation.
10. C-25-56 – A resolution from the Town of New Shoreham opposing a Statewide non-owner-occupied property tax.
11. C-25-57 – A resolution from the Town of Warren requesting the General Assembly amend the duties of public utilities.
12. C-25-58 – A resolution from the Town of Warren requesting the General Assembly provide a full state funding for private school transportation
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A. Report of Executive Session vote(s), as may be necessary
There were no votes to report.
B. Presentation by Bowman on Cumberland, RI Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan
Planning Director Glenn Modica introduced Eric Weiss from Bowman Consulting. Director Modica explained that they had been working with Weiss for about a year, developing the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan. The project was funded by the Federal Highway Administration with funds distributed in Rhode Island by RIPTA. Cumberland was one of 31 municipalities in the state to have these plans written for them.
Eric Weiss presented the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan. He explained that the plan was part of a US DOT grant-making program to significantly reduce and ultimately eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on roadways. The plan was based on the safe system approach and included data analysis, project selections, and policy recommendations.
Weiss detailed the three types of analysis performed: baseline crash analysis, high-risk network analysis, and high injury network analysis. He also discussed public engagement efforts and equity considerations made in the plan.
The plan included recommendations for 14 locations in Cumberland, based on the Federal Highway Administration's proven countermeasures. Weiss provided an example of recommendations for the intersection of High Street and Blackstone Street.
Councilor Metivier asked questions about the details of the other 13 locations and the implementation process.
Weiss explained that all the details were in the plan and that the Town could choose which recommendations to implement based on priorities and budget.
Council President Kinch moved the related resolution up in the agenda to follow this presentation.
1. R-25-28 – A resolution adopting the Cumberland, RI Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan (tabled from May 7, 2025).
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
2. R-25-34 – A resolution authorizing the filing of an application for a Community Development Block Grant not to exceed One-Million Dollars ($1,000,000) to revitalize Valley Falls Heritage Park to benefit low- to moderate-income residents of the Town of Cumberland.
Planning Director Modica explained that this is the annual application for the Community Development Block Grants, which are intended to benefit low to moderate-income households. The past few years, we've received funding to rehabilitate the Amaral building, rehabilitate the Long Barn at Franklin Farm, and rehabilitate the Senior Center at the Monastery. This year, we are applying for a million dollars in funding for the revitalization of Valley Falls Heritage Park.
Stoss Landscape Urbanism completed a master plan for the project, and they're the landscape architect of record for the project. To implement the entirety of the plan would cost several million dollars. So we've broken down the park project into phases, and we're going to be applying the grant funding that we're applying for through the first 2 phases, which would be the improvements to Mill Street. There are going to be streetscape improvements. And if you attended the Amaral tour, we're going to make the connection between the Amaral building and the park and create a new entrance there. There's going to be landscaping, sidewalk reconstruction, and a new overlook at the new entrance to the park. The other phase is going to be done on what we call the island, the part surrounded by all the mill races. There'll be drainage improvements, native plantings, as well as a raised structure on the island for gatherings, and an educational space, which ties into another grant fund that we have that we're using towards the park.
Council President Kinch asked if there is a match required, which Mr. Modica verified there is no match required.
C. Update from the School Committee
Amy Vogel, School Committee Chair, reported that the total district enrollment was 5,083. She announced that the Cumberland Hill playground had its ribbon cutting, and Rosanna Santana of BF Norton Elementary School was awarded Teacher of the Year. Vogel reminded the council that graduation for Cumberland High School seniors would be on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
D. Request from Susan Joseph from the Hotel for Homeless Dogs for a reduction of the rental fee for the use of The Lodge at Diamond Hill, possible vote.
Susan Joseph from the Hotel for Homeless Dogs requested a reduction in the rental fee for The Lodge at Diamond Hill. She explained that the organization planned to hold an educational event about their work, flying in speakers from Georgia. The event would be open to the public, with no admission charge, and was expected to have around 150 attendees.
Council members discussed the implications of granting a discount, considering the precedent it might set for other nonprofits. They debated various discount options and the potential impact on the lodge's operations.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW TO DISCOUNT RATE AT THE WEEKEND NON-PRIME $900, TOTALLING A $300 DISCOUNT. VOTE 2/4.
Nay vote – Councilors Bradley, Metivier, Magill, and Kinch.
The motion failed in a roll call vote, with 4 council members voting against and 2 in favor.
E. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending April 30, 2025.
F. Check registers for April 30, 2025
G. Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve April 30, 2025 abatements and supplemental bills
Council President Kinch noted there are no abatements or supplemental bills, so no motion was required.
Department Reports
4. EMS
5. Library
7. Planning & Community Development
LICENSES
A. ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
1. An application for a Special Event Entertainment license from Arnold Mills Parade Association, PO Box 7473, Cumberland, for the Arnold Mills July 4th Parade and Road Race located at Nate Whipple Highway, Route 120 on July 4, 2025.
Amy Farrell, parade Treasurer and board member, represented the association. She explained that the event would be similar to previous years, with potential changes to the bib pickup location. Farrell also mentioned concerns about water balloons and water guns, and noted that next year would be the 100th parade.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
B. PEDDLER/HAWKER LICENSE
1. An application for a Peddler/Hawker License from Keystone Novelties Distributors LLC d/b/a Keystone Fireworks Tents, 531 N 4th Street, Denver, PA, with a start date of June 23, 2025, through July 5, 2025 located at 3751 Mendon Road, Cumberland.
Ed McMahon represented the company and explained that they had held this license in previous years without issues. He assured the Council that signage would be on the tent itself, not on the street.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 5/1.
Nay Vote - Councilor Shaw
C. HOLIDAY LICENSE
1. An application for a Holiday License from Keystone Novelties Distributors LLC d/b/a Keystone Fireworks Tents, 531 N 4th Street, Denver, PA, with a start date of June 23, 2025, through July 5, 2025 located at 3751 Mendon Road, Cumberland.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 5/1.
Nay Vote - Councilor Shaw
OLD BUSINESS:
A. resolutions
1. R-25-28 – A resolution adopting the Cumberland, RI Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan (tabled from May 7, 2025).
This resolution was addressed earlier in the meeting following the presentation by Bowman Consulting.
2. R-25-29 – A resolution authorizing a change order to A.N.J Electric Eye, LLC’s contract for the installation, programming, and testing of a new fire alarm system at the 1512 Mendon Road EMS Station in a total amount not to exceed Twenty-Four Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty-Six Dollars and Seventy-Six Cents ($24,956.76). (tabled from May 7, 2025)
EMS Chief Scott Dessert presented additional information requested at the previous meeting. He read a response from Security Supply explaining why certain issues were not found during the initial design of the fire alarm system. Chief Dessert also provided a letter from Fire Chief Anderson summarizing the changes and their necessity for full compliance.
Councilor Bradley asked questions about the bidding process and the number of bids received. It was clarified that only one bid was received and that it was advertised as required by ordinance.
Councilor Shaw expressed his appreciation for the explanation on behalf of Councilor Beaulieu.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6.0.
B. ORDINANCES for PUBLIC HEARING
1. #25-08 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of two additional stop signs at the intersection of Pollett and Meadowcrest streets to create a four-way stop. (Presented by the Councilor Metivier).
President Kinch noted the ordinance will be tabled to allow the Ordinance Sub-Committee to review. The subcommittee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 3rd at 5:30 p.m. at the Library’s Hayden Center.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS METIVIER AND SWEET, TO TABLE TO JUNE 4, 2025. VOTE 6/0.
2. #25-09 – An ordinance in amendment of the Code of Ordinances, amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Disposition of Public Property to include Habitat for Humanity. (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)
President Kinch stated this ordinance will also be tabled for the Ordinance Sub-Committee to review. The subcommittee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 3rd at 5:30 p.m. at the Library’s Hayden Center.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS MAGILL, TO TABLE TO JUNE 4, 2025. VOTE 6/0.
NEW BUSINESS
NOMINATIONS AND VOTE TO APPOINT FIRE COMMITTEE
(fulfilling Dana Jones’s term expiring November 2026)
3. John Bessette Jr.
The Council heard brief introductions from each candidate. After a written ballot vote, Jacques Dextradeur was selected for the position.
Town Clerk Giovanelli read the votes into the records: Mr. Dextradeur received 4 votes, and Mr. Sheppard and Bessette received 1 vote each.
Voted for Jacques Dextradeur - Councilor Bradley, Metivier, Shaw, and President Kinch
Voted for Ryan Sheppard – Councilor Sweet
Voted for John Bessette Jr. – Councilor Magill
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS VOTED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE TO APPROVE JACQUES DEXTRADEUR'S APPOINTMENT TO THE FIRE COMMITTEE. VOTE 6/0.
B. RESOLUTIONS
1. R-25-31 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to engage Vision Government Solutions for 2025 Statistical Revaluation Services in an amount not to exceed One Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand Dollars ($159,000).
Tax Assessor Al Wylie explained that the State of Rhode Island requires all Towns to do re-evaluation every three years, with Cumberland due for re-evaluation on December 31, 2025, for the 2026 billing year. The re-evaluation is revenue-neutral and done to resolve inequities in the tax base. The State reimburses 60% of the contractual cost.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
2. R-25-32 – A resolution authorizing Narragansett Electric Company to install barbed wire at 1595 Mendon Road.
George Watson, attorney for Narragansett Electric Company, explained the request to extend the existing barbed wire fence around a new parking lot and catch basins at the property.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, TO AMEND LINE 25 OF THE RESOLUTION TO ADD "AND CATCH BASINS" AFTER "PARKING LOT". VOTE 6/0.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AS AMENDED. VOTE 6/0.
3. R-25-33 - A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to transfer the tax title for 6 Leddy Road to ALR Group LLC.
Assessor Wylie explained that the Town acquired a tax lien on this property in 1994. ALR Group LLC is an abutter who acquired adjacent lots to rehabilitate a vacant building. They discovered complications with the marketable title due to the septic system infringing on adjacent lots. The resolution would allow the transfer of the tax title to ALR Group LLC, so they can move forward with acquiring the title of the property.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
4. R-25-34 – A resolution authorizing the filing of an application for a Community Development Block Grant not to exceed One-Million Dollars ($1,000,000) to revitalize Valley Falls Heritage Park to benefit low- to moderate-income residents of the Town of Cumberland.
This resolution was addressed earlier in the meeting following the presentation by Bowman Consulting.
C. ORDINANCES for presentation and permission to advertise
1. #25-10 – An ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's General Fund for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration).
2. #25-11 – An ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's Water Department for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration).
3. #25-12 – An ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's Sewer Department for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration)
4. #25-13 – An ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's Recreation Fund for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration).
Council President Kinch announced the schedule for budget hearings and votes:
- First public hearing: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:00 PM at McCourt Middle School
- Finance subcommittee hearing: May 29, 2025, 6:30 PM at Cumberland Town Hall
- Second public hearing and vote: Monday, June 2, 2025, 6:00 PM at Cumberland Town Hall
- Final vote: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 7:30 PM at Cumberland Town Hall at the regular town council meeting
5. #25-14 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of a stop sign on Alaska Street at the intersection of New York Avenue. (Presented by Councilor Beaulieu)
Referred to the Ordinance Sub-Committee
6. #25-15 – An ordinance amending the Town of Cumberland Water Rates. (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration)
Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Pat Ford, a resident of Cumberland, expressed concerns about the operation of The Lodge at Diamond Hill. He discussed his recent APRA request for financial information related to The Lodge and criticized the lack of detail in the response he received. Mr. Ford questioned various aspects of The Lodge's financial management and expressed his intention to present a detailed profit and loss statement to the Town if the requested information is not provided.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, TO ADJOURN AT 9:04 PM. VOTE 6/0.