MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 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 of the Cumberland Town Council to order at 7:41 p.m.

Members Present: Councilors Kinch, Bradley, Magill, Shaw, Beaulieu, and Sweet

 

Members absent: Councilor Metivier

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

No announcements

 

CONSENT AGENDA

A.    Acceptance of Minutes of the regular meeting of August 20, 2025

 

B.     MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE

1. RaRa’s Surf Shack  

2. The Hot Potato

 

a.      COMMUNICATIONS

1.  C-25-74 – A resolution from the Town of Westerly opposing RIPTA service cuts.

2.  C-25-75 – A resolution from the Town of Westerly opposing State firearms legislation.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

 

REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS

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

 

The Council President stated that there were no votes in executive session to report.

B.     Update from the Superintendent’s Office and School Committee

 

Superintendent Dr. Thornton and School Committee Chairwoman Vogel presented updates on enrollment and school construction projects.

Dr. Thornton reported that enrollment is climbing significantly, with 115 more students than projected by NESDEC. He noted this represents one of the biggest increases in recent memory, with the last comparable increase being 173 students in 1997-98. The increase translates to approximately $680,000 in additional state aid if the numbers hold through March 1st, as the state provides just under $6,000 per student.

The Superintendent provided enrollment figures for each school:

●       Preschool: 109 students (2 less than last year), with 7 full classrooms at the newly opened permanent location at the Transition building, and an 8th classroom expected to open in winter

●       B.F. Norton: 384 students

●       Garvin: 464 students, exceeding RIDE's aspirational capacity of 432

●       Community: 525 students, below aspirational capacity of 575

●       Cumberland Hill: 417 students, below aspirational capacity of 432

●       Ashton: 448 students, exceeding aspirational capacity of 432

●       Middle schools: 474 and 648 students

●       High school: Growing from the low 1,400s

Dr. Thornton explained the difference between "functional capacity" (what can actually fit per contract and space) and "aspirational capacity" (RIDE's preferred square footage per child for programming). He noted that kindergarten is essentially full at Ashton, B.F. Norton, Cumberland Hill, and Garvin, with only Community School having space for new kindergarten students. Additional teachers were added at Ashton for grades 2 and 3, creating four sections of each grade.

Regarding construction projects, Dr. Thornton reported that eight projects were completed over the summer - the most ever. These included:

Community School ($21 million): Major renovations addressed 20-year-old leaks, new roof, windows, flooring, paint, and restrooms. The old basement cafeteria was converted into an art room and media center. Every elementary school now has a special education program. The front entrance was reconstructed to address flooding issues and includes enhanced security with a "man trap" double-door system.

Playgrounds: Three playground projects totaling approximately $420,000-$460,000 each were undertaken at Cumberland Hill (completed), Garvin (completed with added tar trail to address flooding), and Ashton (due for completion by end of next week). Fencing will be added around Cumberland Hill's playground.

Middle School Science Labs: Both middle schools received renovated science labs at approximately $1.5 million each. The 1970s-era soapstone islands were replaced with modern furniture featuring pull-down electricity and water connections. The projects required extensive work including digging up floors to relocate water lines.

Preschool at Transition Building: The first floor was renovated for preschool use with seven classrooms opening September 4th. Each classroom includes bathrooms with child-sized fixtures. The courtyard received refreshing with crushed stone and new curbing.

High School: The second floor of the Transition building was returned to high school use with an open concept design featuring movable furniture and a forthcoming maker space. The space was compared to "an Apple Genius Bar" in its openness. Additionally, the worst leaking roof section near guidance was replaced for $393,000.

B.F. Norton: Earth has begun for the new project. A ring road is planned for completion by November/Thanksgiving to help with traffic congestion. Current traffic patterns have parents entering via a yellow route for drop-off while buses continue using the blue route around back. Plans include potentially adding a walkway from Kilbourne Street down to the property if the budget permits.

Councilor Beaulieu asked about the enrollment increase's impact on state aid timing. Dr. Thornton explained that while the increase would generate approximately $680,000 in additional state aid, it wouldn't be received until July, and he would recommend putting it back into fund balance. He noted there's no "pay-as-you-go" option for enrollment-based state aid increases.

Regarding playground maintenance, Councilor Beaulieu inquired about creating a maintenance fund. Dr. Thornton indicated they would use part of their capital funds for maintenance to keep the new playgrounds in good condition.

On the topic of preschool and high school interaction, Dr. Thornton mentioned they're starting a pathway for students interested in teaching preschool, with labs downstairs and coursework upstairs, though enrollment numbers weren't yet available.

Councilor Shaw asked about the Cumberland Hill playground fence, which Dr. Thornton confirmed would be black chain link (5 feet in back, 4 feet in front) with gates always open, plus a camera on a 10-foot post with motion light for security.

Councilor Bradley inquired about Pathway Program students from out of district. Dr. Thornton estimated over 100 students, with quite a few from Woonsocket, and growing numbers each year. Chairwoman Beaulieu added that CTE programs have grown steadily over the past 5-10 years at a higher percentage than expected, with many out-of-district students participating.

Councilor Beaulieu provided additional CTE enrollment data from June, showing growth from 64 students in 2018 to 502 projected for this year (547 including LEA programs). The biggest increases were in law and public safety, business, and digital communications. Programs include pathways in education, performing arts, healthcare, digital communication, pre-engineering and robotics, law and public safety, IT, business management and finance, and biomedical science. Non-resident enrollment grew from 79 students in 2024-25 to 95 projected for 2025-26.

Councilor Shaw asked about tracking CTE students' pathways to college and graduation rates. Dr. Thornton acknowledged they don't currently do a good job tracking this data, but agreed it was a good point to consider.

 

LICENSES

A.    VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE

1.      A transfer application for a First-Class Victualling House License from McT’s Tavern LLC to Carlton Catering & Services LLC d/b/a McT’s Tavern, 940 Mendon Road.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE, LETTER OF GOOD STANDING, FIRE APPROVAL, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, T.I.P.S. CERTIFICATION, AND RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

B.     ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE

1.   An entertainment license application from Carlton Catering & Services LLC d/b/a McT’s Tavern, 940 Mendon Road.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING RETAIL SALES PERMIT.  VOTE 6/0.

 

2.   An entertainment license application from The Historic Metcalf Franklin Farm, 142 Abbott Run Valley Road, for the Harvest Festival on September 27, 2025 with a rain date of September 28, 2025.

 

Councilor Sweet encouraged residents to volunteer for the event through the farm's website, noting they're always doing great things for the community.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING FINAL TENT INSPECTION.  VOTE 6/0.

 

OLD BUSINESS

A.  RESOLUTIONS

1.  R-25-53 – A resolution adopting Liquor License Regulations. (tabled from the August 20, 2025 council meeting)

 

Council President Kinch presented the updated liquor license regulations, which had been tabled from the August 20, 2025, meeting.  He explained that the regulations had been significantly streamlined, reducing them by 10-12 pages by removing redundant state regulations already in existence.  The updated version includes a calendar of events to help licensees understand the process at both the town and state levels, and addresses new business types, including breweries.   President Kinch emphasized that the goal was to make the regulations clearer and more understandable for anyone seeking licenses while welcoming new businesses to Cumberland.

 

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

 

B.  ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING

1.      #25-16 – An ordinance clarifying “No Parking” zone on Ryan Avenue (Presented by Councilor Shaw).

 

The public hearing was opened at 8:45 pm.

 

Councilor Beaulieu reported that the Ordinance Committee heard this matter and passed it 3-0. The ordinance adds no parking on one side of Ryan Avenue to help clear traffic congestion when entering or leaving the roadway.

 

Councilor Shaw, the sponsor, explained that the request came from a resident living behind The Tap.  Due to The Tap's wonderful success, patrons often park along Mendon Road, creating congestion where only one lane remains available, and visibility is poor around the turn. The no-parking zone would extend from the telephone pole to the corner. Councilor Shaw noted he had spoken with all affected businesses, including The Tap, which was supportive of the restriction. A sign will be placed to provide a visual indication of the no-parking area.

 

The public hearing was closed at 8:48 pm.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET TO APPROVE.  ROLL CALL VOTE 6/0.

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)

The public hearing opened at 8:49 pm.

 

Sarah King from the administration presented a detailed history of the building through slides:

●       Built in 1890 by Valley Falls Company for office space

●       Served as Valley Falls Post Office and Free Library until 1920

●       1921-1940: Owned by Cardona and Perez (Portuguese immigrants) who operated a market on the first floor with an apartment above

●       1940-1988: The Amarals operated J. Amaral's Market for nearly 40 years while living upstairs

●       2007: Town purchased the building following Mr. Amaral's passing at age 101

 

Ms. King highlighted the Amaral’s' community service, including providing credit during WWII rationing, delivering groceries to those in need, and Mrs. Amaral feeding schoolchildren who had nowhere else to get meals. Mr. Amaral also served on the Zoning Board for over 30 years.  The building renovation process has included extensive community engagement through workshops, dinners, and tours, revealing many fond memories of the neighborhood and building. Carlos Neves (grandson) and Lindsey Neves (great-granddaughter) have been actively involved, serving on the Amaral Adaptive Reuse Building Committee and Heritage Park Building Committee, respectively. Ms. King shared quotes from the family, with Carlos noting his grandfather was more in it for socialization than running a market, and Lindsey stating that if they were alive today, they wouldn't believe this. Neither of them liked attention. They were always just behind the scenes. They'd be proud, and I am too.

 

The public hearing closed at 8:56 pm.

 

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

 

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).

The public hearing was opened at 8:57 pm.

Director Modica explained that the ordinance, as written two years ago, didn't distinguish between businesses with outdoor storage and those operating wholly inside. The current requirement mandates all contract construction businesses to landscape around the entirety of their property lines. This amendment creates separate categories for contract construction services with outdoor storage (which must screen their property) and those without outdoor storage (operating wholly inside). Additionally, the ordinance adds buffer zone requirements for open space areas.

Councilor Beaulieu confirmed the Ordinance Committee heard this matter and gave it a 3-0 favorable vote.

The public hearing was closed at 9:00 pm.

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

 

4.  #25-19 – An ordinance establishing a tax stabilization agreement with Hartford Holdings, LLC, owner of the Historic Ann & Hope Mill located at 100 Ann & Hope Way (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)

 

Solicitor Salvatore announced her recusal regarding this matter.

Councilor Beaulieu reported that the Ordinance Committee discussed the tax stabilization agreement with the developer and legal counsel present. The developer provided a general description of improvements, including planned spillway, sidewalks, and other buffer-related improvements.  They discussed the 20-year term constraints, with the developer explaining that prior to COVID, terms could range from 15-20 years, but financing organizations are now more restrictive and risk-averse. The tax assessor recommended updating rates to fixed dollar amounts rather than percentages to mitigate risk for both parties.  The developer indicated willingness to discuss improvements related to parks and community areas with the administration. The Committee tabled the matter for the September 15th meeting, with presentation materials to be available.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO SEPTEMBER 17, 2025.  VOTE 6/0.

 

5.  #25-20 – An Ordinance Requiring Monthly Operating Reports for The Lodge at Diamond Hill (Presented by Councilor Bradley)

 

The public hearing was opened at 9:05 pm.

 

Councilor Beaulieu reported the Ordinance Committee heard this matter and voted 2-1 against it, finding sufficient reporting through existing audits, monthly reports, check registers, and monthly finance summaries.

 

Councilor Bradley, the sponsor, stated the ordinance was simply for guaranteed transparency.

 

Patrick Ford of Arnold Mills district addressed the Council, emphasizing his comments were about financial controls and transparency rather than debating whether construction should have occurred. He argued that when taxpayers fund a facility outside core municipal responsibilities that charges thousands of dollars, it's reasonable to require business-like financial controls and reporting.  Mr. Ford challenged the characterization that it's not a business, arguing that any facility charging thousands for a conference room is running a business, even under municipal guise. He noted that surrounding restaurants and wedding venues must now compete against a municipally financed organization.  He addressed claims he was "late to the party," acknowledging this was true, but stated he had trusted Cumberland not to build what he characterized as an obsession with stadiums. He criticized current municipal documents for not including building depreciation or the carrying costs of the $2.5 million bond.  Mr. Ford disputed the mayor's characterization that $2.5 million was "de minimis" compared to school bonds, arguing that school bonds are necessary while a conference room is not. He noted that the facility cannot support summer camps or related events and contrasted spending on a glorified conference room with the high school's 27% math proficiency rate, according to the Rhode Island Department of Education.  He concluded by stating this was about whether the town wants to honestly report on an investment that a lot of people are rethinking based on the failure to properly support our schools.

 

The public hearing closed at 9:11 pm.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BRADLEY, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  ROLL CALL VOTE FAILED 5/1.

 

Nay: Councilors Shaw, Sweet, Beaulieu, Magill, and Kinch.

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.    APPOINTMENT

1.   Mark Dew, Tree Warden, annual re-appointment

 

Planning Director Glenn Modica explained that Mark Dew has served as Tree Warden for the past year and a half. The position has a $10,000 budget line item and is required for every municipality. The position will be primarily on-call/as-needed, handling issues with trees encroaching on property, deceased trees, and trees affecting cemeteries. Mr. Dew bills at $140 per hour for approximately 70 hours annually.

Council President Kinch requested that the director pass along his cell phone number to Mr. Dew regarding trees in Mercywood that the land trust had inquired about.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 5/0. 

Councilor Magill was temporarily absent.

                                                      

2.   Tammy L. Ducharme, OCYL Registrar

 

OCYL Director Liz White introduced Tammy Ducharme as a candidate for the registrar position at 19.5 hours per week. Ms. White noted Ms. Ducharme brings decades of management and administration experience and will serve as the front desk person - the first point of contact for families with questions, registration needs, and concerns.

 

Ms. Ducharme introduced herself, stating she has experience in customer service management and human resources in various capacities, expressing her happiness to work for the town if approved.

 

Councilor Beaulieu commented positively on Ms. Ducharme's thorough experience with background check adjudication, to which Ms. Ducharme confirmed would not be a problem.

 

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

 

B.     CLAIM

1.   Derek Smith - REFERRED TO THE SOLICITOR’S OFFICE

 

C.    RESOLUTIONS

1.      R-25-54 – A resolution abandoning a portion of Kilburn Street (FOR PRESENTATION & PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE)

 

2.      R-25-55 - A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter a contract amendment with Pare Corporation for Rawson Pond Dam spillway engineering, design, and permitting services in an amount not to exceed one hundred and thirty-eight thousand three hundred dollars ($138,300).

 

The public hearing was opened at 8:17 p.m.

 

Alan Orsi from Pare Corporation presented updates on the Rawson Pond Dam spillway replacement project.

 

Mr. Orsi reviewed that the spillway failed in January 2024, and a temporary cofferdam was constructed in the fall of 2024 to partially re-impound the pond. He presented historical research showing the dam was built between 1822-1838 for industrial purposes, including cotton mills, sawmills, and ice harvesting through the early 1900s, with residential development occurring in the 1950s-60s.

 

Due to the site's likely historic significance, Pare will bring on Public Archaeology Lab to conduct a historical evaluation and determine eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. Through pre-application meetings with the Army Corps and the Rhode Island Historical Commission, Mr. Orsi reported that they don't seek to stop the project but want adequate mitigation, possibly including preservation of stonework and interpretive signage.

 

Mr. Orsi explained that the engineering work completed included hydrologic/hydraulic studies and subsurface exploration. The sheet pile wall spillway option appears to be the preferred alternative. A life cycle cost analysis assuming sheet pile replacement at 50 years versus no concrete maintenance for 100 years still showed sheet pile as more cost-effective long-term.

 

The proposed timeline includes authorization to begin designing this fall, permit submissions this winter, permits expected March/April 2026, bidding in spring, contractor on board early summer, and work completion in fall 2026.

 

During public comment, Jennifer King of 47 Newell Drive, representing the Rawson Pond Alliance, thanked councilors who voted to continue the dam project and urged others to vote yes for the permanent dam option. She emphasized two main points: promises and uncertainty.

Regarding promises, Ms. King noted the town purchased the dam in 2017 with a resolution to preserve Rawson Pond's integrity. She argued that choosing removal would fall short of this commitment and could raise legal questions and potential exposure from abutters.

On uncertainty and costs, Ms. King challenged the $500,000-800,000 removal estimate, citing three areas of hidden risks:

●       Storm water and sewer systems requiring major re-engineering, referencing Exeter, NH where dam removal required over $5 million in unexpected pump station and sewer upgrades

●       Environmental remediation is likely needed due to potential metals and PCBs in 140-year-old industrial watershed sediments

●       Multiple New England examples of costly remediation: Middletown, CT (repair $2.5M vs removal plus remediation $5M+); Seymour, CT ($47M driven by contaminated sediment); Pittsfield, MA ($4M+ for PCB disposal); Fitchburg, MA ($20M for 35,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment)

Ms. King calculated that Rawson Pond's 30 acres with 1-2 feet of sediment could mean 50,000-100,000 cubic yards requiring removal at $150-500 per cubic yard, potentially costing millions. She also noted the town's 2017 commitment could face legal challenges from abutters with easement rights and homeowners who purchased in good faith.

Jean O'Connor Jackson of 67 Newell Drive thanked town officials and emphasized she was speaking about the moral and legal obligation to uphold the 2017 resolution. She described the pond as an "incredible asset" with extraordinary wildlife diversity developed over 140 years, noting it was unlike anything she'd experienced despite living in 26 different places, including on conservation land, rivers, and bays.

Ms. Jackson shared that walkers still stop her to discuss missing the wildlife and "play of light on the water." She argued the pond "eased your soul, lowered your blood pressure" and provided peace and well-being. She emphasized the town is on a critical DEM timeline requiring action within two years, noting the temporary dam becomes a recoverable investment as either a coffer dam or foundation for sheet pile construction.

She cited PARE Engineering's presentations showing removal costs likely equal or exceed rebuilding when including drainage redesign, sediment handling, and environmental remediation. Ms. Jackson noted that invasive species growth has already begun in dry areas, with 40% of dam removal sites requiring remediation for invasive species. She urged the Council to vote yes to protect already-spent funds and avoid inflation, tariffs, supply chain costs, and rising permitting costs.

The public hearing was closed at 8:27

Councilor Sweet stated this issue is in her district, and she has walked the area extensively since deciding to run for office. She noted her support was contingent on price and commitment to public access, which residents have supported. She praised residents for being "calm and reasonable" despite this being a passionate issue. While not loving that the town passed a resolution to maintain dam integrity without fully understanding costs, she compared it to buying a house where unexpected expenses arise. She expressed concern about increased water damage on Rawson Road since the dam breach, noting the road was "like Swiss cheese" by spring. She concluded that the "fiscally responsible and civically responsible thing to do is for us to vote in favor of this."

Councilor Bradley asked Mayor Mutter about public access plans.

The Mayor confirmed there has always been public access through Franklin Farm, which he believes is the appropriate access point, and he does not believe any other access to the driveway or easement is appropriate.

When asked about funding sources, Mayor Mutter provided extensive context about the 2017 purchase decision. He explained the purchase was for "water protection" to "protect the town's water supply located on town-owned lands in the vicinity of Franklin Farm and preserve the integrity of Rawson Pond." He noted the Franklin Farm well building, which opened recently, wasn't built in 2017, but the property purchase provided redundancy even though it wasn't within the 400-foot radius of wells.

The Mayor acknowledged the well building at Franklin Farm produces 950 gallons compared to 750 at Sneech Pond, saving the town money. He admitted there should have been a maintenance plan for the dam and that long-standing water department members confirmed none existed. He stated, "Every problem that occurs here… I own them" and "This administration… let you down."

However, he argued the reasons for purchase remain valid - if well relocation became necessary, the town might be glad for the property. He emphasized the facility is making money now and will make more, and without it, the town would face much higher costs to purchase water elsewhere. The Mayor concluded: "A promise made is a promise kept… If we tell you that we're going to do something, we do it. And even for the people who have to pay for it, there should be some solace that if the roulette wheel lands on them, we'll do the same."

He noted the water department is the appropriate funding source since that's what the property was purchased for, though he would investigate ways to fund it differently to avoid rate impacts. He argued residents who made investment decisions based on abutting Rawson Pond "didn't do anything wrong" and "deserve to have it put back the way it was."

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 5/1.  Councilor Magill voted nay. 

 

3.  R-25-56 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to lease purchase three mechanical ventilators from Hamilton Medical, Inc. for an amount not to exceed fifty-five thousand and two hundred dollars ($55,200) over a five-year period and enter into an annual service contract for an amount not to exceed seven thousand and eighty dollars ($7,080) per year.

 

EMS Chief Dessert presented the need to lease purchase three mechanical ventilators from Hamilton Medical, Inc. for $55,200 over five years with annual service contracts of $7,080.

The Chief explained that a review of critical patient care equipment identified that current ventilators may not fully meet patient or provider needs. Crew feedback indicated patients often have difficulty tolerating current ventilators and the user interface can be confusing and cumbersome. The Hamilton T1 ventilators use a turbine mechanism providing smoother, more natural breathing leading to higher patient tolerance. They're considered the gold standard in pre-hospital care transport with an intuitive user interface.

Councilor Shaw asked about the age of current ventilators (3-4 years old) and recycling plans.

The Chief explained they would trade in three ventilators and keep two as backups, with a goal to completely replace them over time.

 

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

 

4.  R-25-57 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase EMS equipment mounting devices from Technimount Systems LLC in an amount not to exceed six thousand one hundred and fifty dollars ($6,150.00).

 

Chief Dessert requested authorization to purchase specialized mounting devices from Technimount Systems LLC for $6,150. These mounts are for two cardiac monitors currently without mounts (four other monitors already have them) and three mounts for the new Hamilton ventilators. The mounts allow secure storage in ambulances and integrate with stretcher equipment.

 

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

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Patrick Ford returned to express disappointment with the outcome of his transparency ordinance, characterizing it as the battle between transparency and financial reporting versus a fear of the obvious having lost. He stated he would submit requests for financial statements monthly himself.

Regarding the tax stabilization agreement, Mr. Ford argued that such agreements are essentially an acknowledgment that our tax system is in failure when special breaks are given to some over others. He applauded the council committee for recognizing the impact on schools from residential development, noting that developers' claims of no children cannot be guaranteed in statutory language, as young people cannot be denied education.

He criticized the takeaway sales technique used by developers, threatening to withdraw if demands aren't met, calling it "balderdash." He argued the town already inadequately funds schools and shouldn't provide tax breaks to developers while small businesses like pizza shops and hairdressers receive none. He urged the council to "find out what the true cost" would be, including schools, ambulance services, and other impacts, stating if the town "can't finance our schools properly, then that should be the primary issue."

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 9:20 pm.  VOTE 6/0.