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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 |
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026 at 7:30 P.M.
CUMBERLAND PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM
1379 DIAMOND HILL ROAD, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND
CALL TO ORDER 
Council President called the Regular Meeting of the Cumberland Town Council to order at 7:57 p.m. All council members were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
No general announcements were offered by council members.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Acceptance of Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 7, 2026 and Special and Regular Meetings of July 15, 2026
B. MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
1. Ali & Eli’s Freshley Squeezed
3. Hector Marina Food Truck LLC
C. COMMUNICATIONS
1. C-26-48 – A communication relating to the effort to Save Rural Rhode Island
2. C-26-49 – DEM Freshwater Wetlands Permit for Assessor’s Plat 27, Lots 274 and 275
3. C-26-50 – ACLU – Remote access to Public Meetings
4. C-26-51 – RI Housing – Environmental Legal Notice
5. C-26-52 – Town of Richmond ordinance regarding “The No-Knock Registry”.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE7/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No members of the public came forward during the first public comment period.
REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A. Report of Executive Session vote(s), as may be necessary
Council President Kinch reported that the council took no votes during the executive session.
B. Update from the School Committee
School Committee Chairwoman Amy Vogel, of 10 Wampum Trail, Cumberland, provided the following update:
Chairwoman Vogel announced the start of the new 2026–27 school year, noting that grades 1 through 9 would return on August 26th, with all grades returning on August 27th. She explained that the earlier-than-usual start date was necessitated by Labor Day falling particularly late this year. On enrollment, Chairwoman Vogel reported that Cumberland's student population stands at 5,171—an increase of 88 students from the same time the prior year—reflecting the town's continued growth. She also reported that the B.F. Norton construction project remains on time and on budget, adding that she had been assured at the most recent meeting that completion would be fully on schedule.
Councilor Shaw inquired about the publication timeline of the bus schedule and whether there would be any impacts to transportation this year.
Chairwoman Vogel confirmed there would be no impacts to transportation this year. She explained that the district is beginning a trial for an opt-in model, but that participation in the opt-in would not affect current bus riders. The opt-in model would instead be used for the 2027–28 school year to assess actual ridership and better determine bus capacity needs, with the goal of avoiding overspending on busing. Regarding the schedule itself, Chairwoman Vogel indicated it was expected to be published either that day or the following day, possibly in the Valley Breeze, though she acknowledged some uncertainty on that point.
C. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending July 2026
No questions were raised by council members regarding the monthly and quarterly financial report ending July 2026.
D. Check registers for July 2026
No questions were raised by council members regarding the check registers for July 2026.
E. Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve July 2026 abatements and supplemental bills
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTER TO APPROVE THE JULY 2026 SUPPLEMENTAL BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,827.39 WAS MADE. VOTE 7/0.
F. Department Reports
4. EMS
5. Library
7. Planning & Community Development
9. Senior Services
No council members raised questions on any of the department reports.
LICENSES
A. ENTERTAINMENT LICENSES
1. An application for a Special Event Entertainment license from Blackstone River Glass LLC for Island Night at BRGC event on September 11, 2026 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. located at 30 Meeting Street.
Councilor President noted that approval would be pending a promoter's permit. No discussion was held.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
2. An application for a Special Event Entertainment license from Adams Farm LLC for Weekends at the Farm event on September 12 and 13, September 18, 19 and 20, September 25, 26 and 27, October 2, 3 and 4, October 9, 10, 11 and 12, October 16, 17 and 18, October 23, 24 and 25, October 30, 31, and November 1, 2026 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. located at 158 Burnt Swamp Road.
It was noted that the approval would be pending the promoter's permit. No discussion was held.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
3. An application for a Special Event Entertainment license from Franklin Farms for Cumberland Fire Department Family Day event on September 19, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. located at 142 Abbott Run Valley Road.
Councilor Beaulieu asked whether there was a rain date associated with the event. A representative from Franklin Farms, who was present in the chamber, confirmed it is not their event, but he was not aware of a rain date.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
4. An application for a Special Event Entertainment license from Phantom Farms II LLC for Fall Fest event on September 12 and 13, September 19 and 20, September 26 and 27, October 3 and 4, October 10 and 11, October 17 and 18 and October 24 and 25, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. located at 2920 Diamond Hill Road.
Before calling for a motion, Council President Kinch asked whether any council member wished to pull a specific date for separate consideration.
Councilor Beaulieu indicated she wished to separate September 26th from the other requested dates. She stated that she supported approval of all other dates but had concerns about September 26th due to its proximity—both in date and geography—to Franklin Farms' Harvest Festival, which she described as a full volunteer event important to the farming community in Cumberland. She noted that the proximity of Adams Farm was sufficiently distant, distinguishing it from this situation.
Council President Kinch then invited the Phantom Farms representative to the podium. Jordan Dalpe the new events coordinator for Phantom Farms and Phantom Brewing introduced herself. She acknowledged that if September 26th were denied, she would consult with the general manager and owner. She indicated that on that date, they could simply refrain from operating the Fall Fest activities—specifically the bounce houses and hayrides—and that this would not require a new application. The Fall Fest format encompasses activities across every weekend in September and October, so no rescheduling to another date was contemplated.
Councilor Sweet raised questions about parking, noting that during the prior year's Fall Fest, overflow parking had spilled into multiple surrounding streets, creating public safety concerns because emergency vehicles were unable to pass through. Councilor Sweet indicated that an upcoming no-parking ordinance would address this and asked whether Phantom Farms had plans to expand on-farm parking to offset anticipated restrictions on adjacent streets.
Jordan explained that management had been testing an alternate parking arrangement during a recent vendor fair event, opening a lower area of the farm property that accommodated approximately 100 vehicles. She said the results had been encouraging, with few if any neighborly complaints, and that the plan going forward for Fall Fest would be to use that lower parking area in conjunction with a rescheduled hayride to allow vehicles to park and then be transported up by hayride. She confirmed this approach was a priority for the upcoming season.
Councilor Sweet then pressed on the question of anticipated attendance, noting that the application listed 100 people, but that last year's event clearly far exceeded that number based on the volume of cars that had filled surrounding streets. She expressed concern that public safety planning—police detail, EMS—is based on the stated attendance figure and encouraged the representative to submit a more realistic estimate.
Jordan acknowledged the difficulty in answering precisely, as Phantom Farms only charges for children's tickets, and that each ticketed child could represent multiple accompanying adults. She estimated that the average was approximately 98 children's tickets per day but acknowledged that true attendance was likely considerably higher when accounting for parents, grandparents, and other accompanying adults.
Councilor Sweet asked whether Phantom Farms would proactively reach out to the police department to assess whether a detail was warranted, rather than requiring the council to impose one as a condition.
She confirmed willingness to pay for a police detail if requested and stated that safety is equally important to the management. She committed to flagging the alternate parking arrangement as a top priority.
EMS Chief Dessert, who was present, provided additional context. He noted that previously Phantom Farms had occasionally canceled scheduled EMS details last-minute via email, citing lower-than-expected ticket sales—and that a medical event had occurred at the farm during one such instance when the EMS detail had been canceled. Chief Dessert stated he would no longer allow cancellations based solely on ticket sales, as there was no practical way for him to verify attendance remotely, and that public safety would not be put at risk going forward.
Councilor Shaw noted with some relief that unlike the vendor fair events, Fall Fest would not include vendor participants, meaning the significant number of parked cars attributable to vendors would not be a factor. Councilor Shaw also raised a concern about the application's indication that alcohol might be served on-site through Phantom Farms Brewing, but the representative clarified that, as of now, Phantom Brewing would not be present at the farm for Fall Fest events, and that there would be no vendors and no alcohol of any kind. She acknowledged that this had been a source of confusion because an F-license application had been submitted at an earlier stage before it was determined that the brewery could not operate in that capacity.
Town Solicitor Salvatore confirmed that Phantom Brewing holds a state brewery license and a Town Class B license, but that neither permits service at the separate farm property. She further confirmed that once the pending winery license is issued, Phantom Brewing would be ineligible to apply for an F-license. The representative confirmed she had spoken with the State and understood the constraints, indicating there were currently no plans to serve alcohol at Fall Fest.
A resident, Linda Perrilla of 1 Thompson Hill Drive, came to the microphone during the discussion. She acknowledged that parking had improved somewhat at the most recent event compared to last year, particularly since the gate had been closed to prevent traffic and more cars appeared to be parking further down the farm. However, she characterized last year's Fall Fest parking as "absolutely horrendous," stating she had been unable to exit her street and that she personally observed a minimum of 15 cars parked in front of her property alone, with turnover throughout the day. She estimated that attendance was far beyond the 100 stated on the application, based on typical car occupancy.
Ms. Perrilla also provided additional context on the liquor licensing question. She stated she had corresponded with the Rhode Island Division of Business Regulation (DBR) and was informed that until the winery license formally issues, an application for a Class F license remains technically available to the brewery—and that once issued, any non-produced alcohol would require a caterer's license. Town Solicitor Sandra clarified that the town does not regulate state licenses, and since Phantom Farms was not currently seeking an F-license, the matter was not immediately before the council.
Ms. Perrilla also asked what could be done about overflow parking should the no-parking ordinance not be in place before Fall Fest begins.
Councilor Sweet responded that she had consulted with police, fire, and EMS chiefs before drafting the ordinance, and all confirmed that parking on both sides of those streets did not allow emergency vehicles to pass. Councilor Sweet expressed confidence that the ordinance subcommittee would hear the parking ordinance at the next available opportunity—potentially on the same evening as the next council meeting—to get signage in place before Fall Fest begins. She also noted that temporary signs could be deployed if necessary, and that the ordinance, if passed, would still permit parking on at least one side of the street adjacent to the farm.
Following all discussion, the council voted to approve all dates except September 26th.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS VOTED TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL EVENT ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE FOR PHANTOM FARMS II LLC FOR FALL FEST FOR ALL REQUESTED DATES EXCEPT SEPTEMBER 26, 2026. VOTE 7/0.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS VOTED TO DENY THE SPECIAL EVENT ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE FOR PHANTOM FARMS II LLC FOR FALL FEST FOR THE DATE OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2026. VOTE 6/1. Councilor Bradley voted nay.
5. An application for a Special Event Entertainment license from Ocean State Brewing Co dba Phantom Farms Brewing for Parking Lot Takeover event on September 5, September 20, and October 3, 2026 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. located at 30 Martin Street.
Jordan Dalpe returned to the podium to speak to this application. She described these events as a concert series held in the brewery's parking lot, with bands performing on the loading dock. She anticipated at least 500 guests per event, with two food trucks on site and the brewery serving its own beer. She noted that the food truck vendors had not yet been finalized. She confirmed that security personnel are hired to check IDs and manage entry, and that she had reached out to Lieutenant Forrest of the police department that day regarding a possible police detail, having seen a note in the licensing portal indicating that police detail had been requested, but had not yet received a call back.
Councilor Shaw noted that 500 expected attendees should trigger some form of public safety detail and asked whether EMS had also been required at past similar events.
Chief Dessert returned to the podium and confirmed that for events exceeding certain thresholds, he historically mandates an EMS detail, and that Phantom Farms had previously canceled a detail at the last minute by citing lower-than-expected ticket sales—during which a medical event did in fact occur at the property. He stated he would not accept last-minute cancellations going forward.
Town Solicitor Salvatore advised the council that if there is no existing regulation mandating a detail at a given attendance threshold, and the council wishes to ensure one is present, they have the option to make it a condition of approval.
Councilor Sweet reminded the representative that the council recently passed an ordinance requiring license applications to be submitted at least six weeks in advance to give public safety agencies adequate time to review and coordinate. The representative confirmed she was aware of the new requirement and had already factored it into her calendar.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
6. An application for a Special Event Entertainment license from Franklin Farms for Harvest Festival event on September 26, 2026 with a rain date on September 27, 2026 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. located at 142 Abbott Run Valley Road
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
OLD BUSINESS
A. ORDINANCES for PUBLIC HEARING
1. #26-06A – An ordinance amending the code of ordinances regarding the disposition of public property (Tabled from July 15, 2026 council meeting)
Council President Kinch asked for a motion to accept the amended version of Ordinance #26-06A.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS SWEET AND SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ACCEPT ORDINANCE #26-06A AS AMENDED. VOTE 7/0.
The public hearing was opened at 8:34 p.m.
Ordinance Subcommittee Chairwoman Beaulieu reported that the ordinance had been heard in subcommittee earlier that same evening and received a favorable recommendation by a vote of 3–0. She explained that the ordinance addresses the disposition of both real property and tangible personal property such as equipment. Its intent is to streamline the processes for both categories. For vehicles and equipment, the ordinance would allow the Town to utilize state bid lists or similar public procurement mechanisms.
Councilor Sweet, who had been instrumental in drafting the ordinance, added that the original motivation was to give the town more options beyond the single, lengthy, and convoluted process that had existed since the original ordinance was enacted in 1996—a process that had, in practice, likely never been fully executed. The revised ordinance, Councilor Sweet noted, still preserves the original method while adding additional streamlined options, all of which continue to require council approval, and mirrors approaches used by neighboring communities.
The public hearing was closed at 8:36 p.m.
Councilor Bradley asked whether the ordinance would allow the town to sell property on the open market.
Councilor Sweet confirmed that it would, through a real estate agent, public auction, or direct sale to a neighboring property owner, as well as through platforms such as MuniBid for surplus equipment and vehicles.
Councilor Bradley expressed support for the MuniBid approach, noting he had raised that idea five to seven years prior without any action taken, but stated his opposition to the town selling real property on the open market except in cases where it would be added to an abutting owner's parcel.
Town Solicitor Salvatore clarified her reading of Section A of the ordinance, indicating that she believed a council resolution would be required before any property—real or tangible—could be sold, meaning the council would have an opportunity to weigh in on the manner of sale. She noted, however, that she could be mistaken and that the language might be interpreted differently. She also flagged a spelling error on line 101 where the word "qualified" was misspelled.
Following a brief recess to allow review and drafting of the precise amendment language, Councilor Sweet proposed an amendment to line 101 to add the phrase "upon approval by the council" following "the mayor or his designee," ensuring unambiguous council oversight over any sale of property.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, TO AMEND ORDINANCE #26-06A BY ADDING THE PHRASE "UPON APPROVAL BY THE COUNCIL" ON LINE 101 AFTER “HIS DESIGNEE” AND CORRECTING THE SPELLING OF "QUALIFIED" ON THE SAME LINE. VOTE 7/0.
Councilor Sweet responded to Councilor Bradley's earlier objection, arguing that it would not make logical sense for the town to be locked out of selling property it may have acquired and no longer needs—particularly when the only alternative would be selling exclusively to an abutter, which would unfairly privilege neighboring property owners.
Councilor Bradley countered that selling property for residential development brings in one-time revenue but adds children to the school system without corresponding adjustments to impact fees, representing a net cost to existing homeowners. He indicated that if impact fees were updated accordingly, he might view such sales differently.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #26-06A AS AMENDED. VOTE 6/1. Councilor Bradley voted in the negative.
2. #26-17A – An ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Cumberland, Rhode Island (Tabled from July 15, 2026 council meeting)
Council President Kinch called for a motion to accept the amended version of Ordinance #26-17A.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW TO ACCEPT ORDINANCE #26-17A AS AMENDED. Vote 7/0.
The public hearing was opened at 8:49 p.m.
Chairwoman Beaulieu reported that this ordinance had also been heard in the ordinance subcommittee earlier that evening and received a favorable recommendation by a vote of 3–0. She explained that the ordinance amends the town's stormwater management, flood hazard, soil erosion and sediment control, and utilities provisions to comply with requirements from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). She noted the ordinance corrects deficiencies in language that had been approved in the April 15th council meeting, specifically replacing the term "stormwater basins" with "stormwater control measures." Additionally, the ordinance provides planning department guidance on the implementation and design of buffers where commercial or industrial zones abut agricultural, open space, or residential zones.
Chairwoman Beaulieu noted that the ordinance had been reviewed by the Planning Board at its June 25th meeting, continued to the July 30th meeting, and received a unanimous 9–0 favorable vote. She further noted that the state had requested the town update the ordinance by the end of August, making timely passage important.
The public hearing was closed at 8:50 p.m.
Chairwoman Beaulieu made a brief comment commending the Director of Planning and Community Development for preparing an accessible and well-organized summary of the complex ordinance changes, and moved passage.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #26-17A AS AMENDED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 7/0.
3. #26-18 – An ordinance amending Chapter 38, Article III (entitled parking, stopping, and standing) of the Town of Cumberland’s Code of Ordinances (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration)
The public hearing was opened at 8:51 p.m.
Chairwoman Beaulieu reported that this ordinance was also heard in the ordinance subcommittee earlier that evening, receiving a favorable recommendation by a vote of 3–0. She explained that the ordinance amends Chapter 38, Article III of the Town Code to add Hope Street to the list of locations for accessible parking signage. Chairwoman Beaulieu noted that Councilor Metivier had coordinated with the police department to confirm this was the appropriate and best-fit location, and that a letter from the department was to be submitted as a pending action accompanying the ordinance.
Councilor Metivier confirmed he had spoken with the chief, who was in the process of sending a letter to accompany the application.
The public hearing was closed at 8:53 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #26-18, SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF THE LETTER FROM THE POLICE CHIEF. VOTE 7/0.
NEW BUSINESS
A. CLAIM
Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
2. Jason Barry
Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
Referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
B. APPOINTMENTS
1. DEPUTY PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR
Mayor Mutter noted that Ms. Clark had been serving in an acting capacity for some time and had performed outstandingly in that role. He indicated that she was replacing the previous Deputy Director, who had departed, and requested favorable passage.
Council President noted that Ms. Clark was present by zoom and suggested she be recognized.
Ms. Clark came forward briefly, and Council President Kinch thanked her for the work she had done filling in during the transition, noting that her performance had spoken for itself.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
2. SENIOR CENTER ASSISTANT
Mayor Mutter noted he had not been personally involved in the interview process but confirmed that Ms. Goyette had received the necessary approvals from Mr. Crawley and Chief of Staff Brelsford, and he asked the council for favorable action. Ms. Goyette was not present in the chamber or virtually.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
3. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Mayor Mutter noted that the position had previously been held by the town's new Deputy Finance Director, and that the administration was very pleased to bring Ms. Bilodeau on staff.
Ms. Bilodeau was present in the chamber and was welcomed by the council.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
C. RESOLUTIONS
1. R-26-35 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase one 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab from Liberty Chevrolet in a total amount not to exceed forty-nine thousand two hundred and ninety-nine dollars ($49,299).
EMS Chief Dessert explained that a prior resolution from June had authorized the purchase of a Ford F-150, but that vehicle was no longer available, and no Ford F-150 meeting the department's specifications could be found from any vendor in the New England region. Ordering one directly would have exceeded the time constraints tied to lease funds that were required to be expended by early September. The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was identified as a suitable alternative that would meet the department's needs, particularly for trailering and moving the special operations trailer.
Council President Kinch asked how many miles were on the vehicle.
Chief Dessert confirmed it was brand new, adding with some amusement that he had asked the same question himself.
No further questions were raised.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
2. R-26-36 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter into an agreement with Strobes n' More for the purchase and installation of emergency warning equipment, vehicle console, accessories, and related upfitting for a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in an amount not to exceed eighteen thousand nine hundred nineteen dollars and ninety-eight cents ($18,919.98).
Chief Dessert explained that this resolution would fund the complete outfitting of the new deputy vehicle, including lights, siren, center console, mounting equipment, and the installation of a radio and antennas.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOULSY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
3. R-26-37 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to engage ME O’Brien and Sons, Inc. for the purchase and installation of equipment at Valley Falls Heritage Park in an amount not to exceed eighty-six thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight Dollars and fifty cents ($86,778.50).
Sarah King, Community Outreach Coordinator, addressed the council with a brief presentation. She noted that it was almost exactly two years since she had appeared before the council on August 21st to request approval for the E.W. Berman contract to begin construction at the Amaral Building—and that this resolution represented the next phase of that broader project. Ms. King provided context on the funding structure. She explained that the project had been supported by two separate funding sources: a Community Development Block Grant of $1,000,000 designated solely for the Amaral Building, which funded the building from design through construction; and a State Multipurpose Community Learning Center Grant of $3,100,000, which completed the Amaral Building and provided additional funds for improvements at Valley Falls Heritage Park. The grant requires that park expenditure directly enables education, health, and job training activities.
She recounted the extensive community engagement process that had informed the master plan for Valley Falls Heritage Park, including a community dinner and design workshops. That process identified common themes: education, gathering spaces, and opportunities for field trips connected to the Blackstone River watershed through the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. These themes led to a focus on creating an outdoor classroom space as the first phase of the park's multi-phase master plan. She described the proposed installation in detail. ME O'Brien and Sons would replace existing picnic tables with new ones, install new trash receptacles, and construct a large shade structure in the open island area of the park. Beneath the shade structure, amphitheater-style benches and a stage would be built and installed. The project includes grading of the area, removal of grass in the footprint of the shade structure, and installation of compacted granite—a material chosen to facilitate easier maintenance and maintain ADA accessibility.
Ms. King noted that ME O'Brien and Sons is part of a cooperative purchasing agreement, allowing the town to engage them directly without competitive bidding. She also noted the firm's familiar track record with the town, including the monastery playground and all new elementary school playgrounds. She noted that all work was expected to be completed by the end of October.
Council President Kinch asked about plans for maintaining and programming the outdoor classroom, noting concern that a school group might walk to the space only to find it unusable or uncleaned.
Ms. King acknowledged the concern, noting that B.F. Norton students already conduct walking field trips to the park annually. She emphasized that the materials and design had been specifically selected for ease of maintenance—including a synthetic, anti-slip surface material for the stage and compacted granite in place of grass—and that the team would make every reasonable effort to keep the space in good condition.
Councilor Metivier asked whether the planned pedestrian entrance connecting the Amaral Building to the park via Mill Street was still moving forward.
Ms. King confirmed it was, explaining that it falls under a separate streetscape-specific grant. That project centers on a new crosswalk—where there has been some back-and-forth with public safety regarding location and whether the crosswalk could be elevated given snow-plowing considerations—along with sidewalk repairs, tree plantings, clearing of overgrown brush, and creation of a more visible entryway from Mill Street. Ms. King confirmed that both this phase and the Mill Street entrance work represented the currently secured and funded portions of the project, while additional grant applications for further phases of the park's master plan were actively being pursued.
Councilor Beaulieu offered remarks of enthusiasm, expressing excitement to see the project coming together and noting the strong public use already evident at Diamond Hill Park and the monastery.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
D. ORDINANCES for presentation and permission to advertise
1. #26-19 – An ordinance authorizing temporary parking on Tower Hill Road on September 7 on westbound from 100 ft. before Pole 60 and continuing to Pole 61 (Presented by Council President Kinch)
Referred to the ordinance sub-committee
2. #26-20 – An ordinance in amendment of the Code of Ordinances, amending the zoning map thereof with reference to Cumberland Assessor’s Plat 058, Lots 81, 82, & 83
Referred to the ordinance sub-committee
3. #26-21 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of stop signs at the intersection off Rabbitt Hill Road and England Street (Presented by Councilor Beaulieu)
Referred to the ordinance sub-committee
4. #26-22 – An ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance relating to Data Centers (Presented by Councilor Sweet)
Referred to the ordinance sub-committee
5. #26-23 – An ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Cumberland, Rhode Island (Presented by Council President on behalf of the Administration)
Referred to the ordinance sub-committee
6. #26-24 – An ordinance establishing “No Parking Zones” on Thompson Hill Drive, Thomas Drive, and Westbrook Way.(Presented by Councilor Sweet)
Referred to the ordinance sub-committee
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Several members of the public addressed the council during the second public comment period. The discussion centered on two emerging issues: the town's use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, and the proposed zoning ordinance regarding data centers.
Janet Provencher, 3383 Mendon Road, Cumberland, prefaced her remarks by noting that she had contacted the council via email ahead of the meeting to request the topic of Flock Safety cameras be placed on the agenda, and that the ACLU of Rhode Island had sent a similar request around the same time. This was prompted in part by a federal lawsuit filed by a woman from East Providence alleging that Flock cameras were used to misidentify her, leading to a wrongful arrest. She noted that Council President Kinch had informed her that while the matter could not be formally agendized at this meeting due to the pending lawsuit, a complete review would occur once the town solicitor had assessed the situation.
Ms. Provencher then offered an informational presentation on ALPR technology and Flock Safety's specific practices. She explained that while the cameras are marketed as license plate readers, they capture significantly more: the full vehicle, roof racks, bumper stickers, and even the occupants. She noted that an investigator accessing the Flock system can retrieve up to 30 days of photographs of any particular vehicle, enabling reconstruction of an individual's daily routine—including pharmacy visits, school drop-offs, and gas station stops. She pointed out that Flock cameras are currently active on Mendon Road at these very locations.
Ms. Provencher went on to describe the data retention provisions in Flock's updated contracts, which she characterized as granting the company a perpetual right to use customer data and complete discretion over how, when, and in what format that data is accessed—effectively giving Flock the ability to do with it whatever they wish, forever. She cited incidents of abuse, including a Massachusetts police officer allegedly using the Flock system to stalk an ex-girlfriend, and noted that search logs frequently listed only "investigation" as the stated reason, with no further justification required. She also warned that the cameras present significant cybersecurity risks and that, without proper safeguards, outside actors could potentially access the camera feeds remotely. She urged the council to use the upcoming contract renewal as an opportunity to end the town's relationship with Flock Safety, noting that cameras continue to record after contract cancellation unless physically removed.
Jonah Filbert, also of 3383 Mendon Road, Cumberland, identified himself as a development and operational engineer at a medtech company, where vetting software and hardware components for security vulnerabilities is part of his professional work. He stated that he uses the National Security Vulnerability Database as a key tool, and that even a single relevant entry in that database would disqualify a component from use in a medical device. He reported that Flock cameras have 57 entries and 33 confirmed vulnerabilities in that database—a figure he described as unprecedented in his professional experience.
Mr. Filbert then walked the council through one specific vulnerability in accessible, non-technical language. He explained that the cameras include a diagnostic mode, which can be triggered by repeatedly pressing the power button or by any physical damage to the device. Upon entering this mode, the camera broadcasts a WiFi hotspot intended for technician use. This hotspot exposes the device's domain name server on port 53, an HTTP server on port 8080—a protocol so insecure that web browsers actively warn users against using HTTP links—and the live camera feed directly on port 1234. The hotspot is password-protected, but, he noted with considerable irony, the password is the same on every single Flock device, hardcoded in plain text: the word "security," with no capitals or symbols. He concluded that the cameras represented "the sloppiest piece of hardware" he had ever had occasion to review and stated with certainty that they had not undergone any third-party security audit. He urged the council to remove the cameras at the earliest opportunity and to scrutinize how they came to be installed in the first place.
Robert Potter, 51 Front Street, Apartment 335, Cumberland, identified himself as a member of Rhode Islanders for Personal Privacy and a Cumberland resident. He spoke primarily in support of Ordinance #26-22 relating to data centers, thanking Councilor Sweet for proactively addressing the issue. He explained that from a privacy perspective, data centers are concerning not merely for their physical footprint but because of their role in enabling AI models that continuously collect personal information through internet usage. As a Cumberland resident, he also cited direct community impacts: increased energy costs for other residents, long-term maintenance costs for upsized utilities, potential increased water usage, and in the case of air-cooled turbine-based data centers, air quality concerns and health effects from elevated noise levels.
John Downey, 61 Pinehurst Avenue, Providence, representing both Rhode Islanders for Personal Privacy and Climate Action Rhode Island, expressed support for Ordinance #26-22. He echoed the environmental concerns raised by the prior speaker, emphasizing that data center noise has been a consistent complaint in every community that has hosted one, and that turbine-based models have been shown to generate pollutants. He briefly addressed the Flock camera issue as well, noting that in Providence—a city with many Flock cameras—very few residents feel safer as a result, with many reporting increased paranoia. He cited recent reporting that Flock cameras have been found to lock onto Bluetooth signals emitted by people's phones, despite the company's denials, and noted that police officers in other jurisdictions, including Pawtucket, have come forward with their own concerns about the system's security.
Randall Rose, 20 Lewis Street, Providence, also a member of Rhode Islanders for Personal Privacy, expressed support for Ordinance #26-22 on data centers. He noted that as a non-resident he felt it was appropriate to leave the substance of any decision to Cumberland residents, but expressed appreciation that residents were speaking up and asserting a voice in local governance. He observed that many national and state leaders have encouraged indiscriminate data center construction without adequate local input. He offered his background as a former software engineer to lend context to his concern about data center heat generation, noting that each generation of computing hardware produces more heat and presents greater cooling challenges. He also provided brief additional commentary on the Flock camera issue, noting that in every town contract he has reviewed, Flock's agreements prohibit the municipality from conducting an independent security audit—a practice he described as a deliberate strategy that contributes to the cameras' persistent and unaddressed vulnerabilities, and one that leaves systems open to exploitation including by foreign adversaries.
Natalia Rosemill, an employee at 3383 Mendon Road, Cumberland, also a member of Rhode Islanders for Personal Privacy, stated she had not originally intended to speak but wished to publicly express support for Councilor Sweet's data center ordinance and the broader concerns raised about Flock cameras. She emphasized that both issues carry profound community impact, and that the most important thing in either case is ensuring that the public is meaningfully consulted and that residents have a voice in decisions that so directly affect them.
Ron Carlstrom, 7 Old Forge Road, Cumberland, participated via Zoom. He recalled that in 2024, the chief of police had presented the cameras to the council as license plate readers, and suggested that most council members at the time would have understood that in straightforward terms. He acknowledged that the cameras have yielded positive results—citing the identification of a suspect in a robbery in Attleboro—but recognized that serious concerns have since emerged. He recommended that the council invite the chief of police back to provide a fuller account of current policies and procedures, including what the cameras are actually capturing, how long data is stored, and how officers are permitted to access the system. He concluded that if the cameras are indeed functioning solely as license plate readers with appropriate safeguards, that may be acceptable—but that the council needs answers before the contract renewal comes up.
Council President Kinch thanked all speakers and acknowledged that a full review of the Flock Safety matter would be forthcoming, noting that the public hearings on Councilor Sweet's data center ordinance would also provide another opportunity for community input.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL TO ADJOURN AT 9:34 PM. VOTE 7/0.