MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026 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 the regular scheduled meeting of the Cumberland Town Council to order at 7:32 PM.

He noted for the record that all council members were present.

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Kinch announced that he, Mayor Mutter and Recreation Director Crawley met with the president of US Soccer to discuss possibly partnering with Central Falls to maximize their connection to Gillette Stadium and the upcoming World Cup. The goal was to see if they could get some of that roll off from Gillette Stadium to come to Cumberland, perhaps having visitors participate in local restaurants or other activities. He mentioned potential crossover games with Central Falls. A federal grant is available for this initiative, though the specific amount was not yet known. The representatives want to be present at the first meeting in March.

 

The President then requested a moment of silence for Charlie Delisle, a firefighter in town who had recently passed away. He shared that he had the pleasure of working with Delisle when he was a police officer, describing him as "a great guy and a great asset to the town." The assembly observed a moment of silence.

CONSENT AGENDA

A.    Acceptance of Minutes of the Special and Regular Meetings of January 21, 2026.

 

B.   MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE

       1.  Newport Chowder

  2.  Totten Foods LLC dba Big Dog Eats

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No members of the public wished to address the council.

REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS

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

 

The council had no executive session votes to report.

B.     Request from Rocely Urizar for a time extension from 10:30 p.m. to Midnight on April 11, 2026 for a wedding at The Lodge at Diamond Hill, possible vote.

 

The President asked if the applicant was present in person or joining online. When neither was confirmed, he expressed that it would be tough to decide without hearing from her about why she would need the extension. He asked the council if anyone saw any issue with extending for that short time.

Councilor Sweet quickly voiced her opposition to the extension, citing three primary concerns: the impact on the surrounding residential neighborhood, the logistical burden on staff responsible for cleanup, and the need for consistency. Regarding the latter, she reminded the council that they previously denied a nonprofit's fee reduction request because the lodge had not been open long enough to assess its operations—a logic she argues still holds true since they have yet to reach the one-year mark.

The President asked if she wanted to make a motion to deny it now. Councilor Sweet suggested there could be further discussion on the license.

Councilor Metivier pointed out that it isn't uncommon for a wedding to go until midnight.

President Sweet and President Kinch stated they would probably feel better if the applicant was present to explain why the extension was needed.

Councilor Sweet pointed out that according to the documentation attached, the reception will not begin until 7 p.m. She elaborated that she might be more amenable to 11:30, but people still must clean up and get out of there. And, again, it is a neighborhood that people live in, and I think that it might be a little too late to have the event run until midnight. She concluded that without applicants being present and trying to go all the way to midnight, I'm not in favor of it.

 Discussion continued about whether to amend the request or take a vote to approve until 11:30. Councilor Sweet reiterated she would be more amenable to 11:30 but felt midnight was too late, especially since it hasn’t been done before, and she doesn't want to make a habit of people being there until midnight.

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO FEBRUARY 18, 2026.  VOTE 7/0.

 

LICENSES

A.    2025-2026 LICENSE RENEWALS

SECOND CLASS VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE

1.      The Keep Inc dba The Keep, 2360 Mendon Rd (Pending Retail Permit)

The Keep Inc dba The Keep, 2360 Mendon Road (Pending Retail Permit) - The President noted he understood this was all set, so no extensions were needed. Everything was in order, and the license had been issued.

 

      THIRD CLASS VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE

1.   Roses Italian Bakery dba Juliana’s Italian Bakery, 1181 High St (Pending Fire Approval and Building)

 

The President read a note indicating the fire department and building permit were waiting for the property owner/license holder to schedule the reinspection for compliance. There was no contact in some time.

Councilor Kinch asked what and when he says no contact in some time, what does that mean? When told it was three weeks or more, discussion ensued about giving them one more extension with firm contact requirements.

Councilor Beaulieu asked if there were any new expectations for this business and whether the fire inspection was done annually.

The President expressed concern about the lack of contact, stating, it’s not that hard to just say, you know, we're busy right now. We'll let you know.

Councilor Sweet noted that last year they had a similar situation with a different restaurant on Mendon Road that had past violations, and they gave them more time. She suggested giving them another extension and if they don't comply or respond then they can discuss next action.   

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO FEBRUARY 18, 2026.  VOTE 7/0.

 

B.     ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE

1.    An application for a Special Event Entertainment License from Cumberland Parks & Recreation, 4097 Diamond Hill Road for the 2026 Diamond Hill Park Food Trucks and Events dated April 2 (weather permitting), April 30, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, with rain dates of September 3 and 26, 2026 if necessary, and August 8 for the Community Celebration, with a rain date of August 9, 2026. (tabled from January 21, 2026 council meeting)

The President noted this was tabled from the January 21st meeting. He explained he had talked to Director Crawley, and the question back then was that they were unclear who was sponsoring this. He clarified it is Parks and Recreation. He asked if Director Crawley was joining them, to which the Clerk noted he was not on zoom.

With no further discussion on the license, the President called for a motion.

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MELIVIER, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

OLD BUSINESS

a.  ORDINANCES for PUBLIC HEARING  

1.   25-07 –  An ordinance in amendment of the Code of Ordinances amending the Zoning Ordinance and Map thereof with reference to Cumberland Assessor's Plat 053, Lot 1781, and hydroelectric generation facilities. (tabled from January 21, 2026 council meeting)

 

The President noted that the project which started this ordinance had since been withdrawn but turned it over to Councilor Beaulieu.

Councilor Beaulieu explained that this ordinance changes the zoning designation for Assessor's Plat 053, Lot 1781 from I-2 general industrial to OS open space. It changes the use table to not allow hydroelectric generation facilities in open space zones, and it adds the use of large hydroelectric generation facilities and defines its new use.  She reported that the ordinance was heard on Monday by the ordinance subcommittee and received favorable passage on a 2 to 0 vote, with Councilor Metivier absent that night. She noted there was a lot of discussion about the community's interest in supporting this ordinance.  While many statements during that session indicated support for the idea of hydroelectric generation facilities in general, the concern specific to the applicant's request at that time was that we had no ability to control where potentially the hydroelectric facility would be placed. That would be determined, in in a next stage of efforts.  The ordinance received favorable passage with favorable public comments from all those in attendance.

 

The President turned to the sponsor, Councilor Shaw.  Councilor Shaw thanked Madam Chair Beaulieu, for running great meeting Monday night. For the record he noted that this ordinance was brought forth to correct the zoning and to support green space. He stressed that they were at no time anti green energy.  He explained that this space should have been zoned open space 8 or 10 years ago, and we wouldn't have been here doing it now, but they are now.  He expressed gratitude to the community by saying that it wasn't for the attentiveness of the community and community members involved in like  the Friends of the Blackstone and the Watershed Council Collaborative.  As he has said many times, they have these niche groups that have people within them that have interests in whatever that group is. And if it wasn't for them paying close attention to what was happening to their passion and then bring it forth to me, we wouldn't have had such a successful outcome in this matter.  He again thanked them and noted their actions are what he would constitute the meaning of community and what it is to be in a community that cares. And it's shown not just in this, but it's shown all the time. And I think that it's just great to be able to recognize these individuals.

The President echoed the sentiment and opened a public hearing at 7:48 PM.

John Marsland of 6 Valley Stream Drive, and the president of the Blackstone River Watershed Council, friends of the Blackstone introduced himself for the record.  He explained when this issue came up, he was surprised because it came out of the blue, and he saw it at the library at which time he contacted Councilor Shaw.  They met at the site with all the community members that were mentioned. Councilor Shaw took the information we gave him and brought it back here and set up other meetings with leaders of the community to make it known that this property should be zoned open space and not a place where it can be industrial or hydroelectric.  Mr. Marsland concluded by thanking Councilor Shaw for making that effort and other members of the community, like Dave Newton, National Park Service, friends of the Blackstone, and some members of the land trust were there too to, bring this forward and to get a good outcome to, rezone this open space.

The President thanked him and acknowledged the work he does for them all the time.

The President closed the public hearing at 7:49 p.m.

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MELIVIER, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED BY A ROLL CALL VOTE TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.    CLAIMS

1.      Brien Ramsey

2.      Joe Parenteau

3.      Lisa Crocker

4.      David Vale

 

The Council President referred claims 1-4 (Brien Ramsey, Joe Parenteau, Lisa Crocker, David Vale) to the Finance Subcommittee.

5.      Arthur S. Russo Jr. & Brad M. Russo

 

The President referred this claim the Solicitor’s Office.

RESOLUTIONS

1.  R-26-04 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase a wide format printer, scanner, copier from RICOH for use by multiple town hall departments in a total amount not to exceed $8,996.50.

The mayor explained that this scanner/copier is used by the planning department, town clerk, building, and public works. It is on the MPA and will be funded through some line items in those department budgets, and then there's a line item for scanning in the in the building department as well as a contingency in the building department. There is the potential of budget transfers. There'll be no effect on the tax rate as suggested in the fiscal note.

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

2.  R-26-05 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase ten (10) Zoll AEDs and the associated equipment for a total amount not to exceed $20,850.

The Mayor noted they were all familiar with AEDs and referenced whereas clauses explaining why it was appropriate. He stated there was over $400,000 in the opioid fund and this was an allowable use of those funds.

The President asked if the 10 units were for police cruisers, recalling they had them in his day. He wondered if the funds were big enough and whether other town buildings might need one, specifically asking about the Lodge.

The Mayor confirmed they had one at the Lodge and believed they were good everywhere else.

Councilor Sweet highlighted that Cumberland is larger than some small towns but still has a small-town feel. She knows not everybody might watch the meeting might read these things, but I think it's important to point out that they've said in 10 years, our police department has responded to 272 incidents involving overdoses, and 45 of those they had to provide first aid, which is much more than she would have expected. She thanked the Police Department. 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

3.  R-26-06 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase a 2026 Silverado 2500 Utility Body from Liberty Chevrolet in an amount not to exceed $74,938.51.

Assistant Director of the Water Department addressed the council by stating that the department seeks their approval in the purchase of a 2026 Silverado utility body. The newer operators become more independent and more experienced, more frequent bottleneck that we're experiencing in workflow is just the ability to get our crew to sites. Compound that with our agent fleet and downtime for existing vehicles, causing me to be here in front of you today.

Councilor Bradley asked if it came equipped with a plow.

The Assistant Director replied that it doesn’t come from the dealership with a plow, noting that it would cost an additional $7,000 versus what they expected to pay after the fact. They do plan to install a plow, but not from the dealership.

When asked if this was off the state bid list, the Assistant Director confirmed it was.

Councilor Bradley commented that he thinks there's a lot of products sitting around on the lots. He thinks if they went out to bid, you'd probably get something cheaper, but it's off the state bid list so it’s okay.

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

4.  R-26-07 – A resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase a 2019 S70 Bobcat Skid-steer loader from   Bobcat of Rhode Island for Sidewalk Snow Removal in a Total amount not to exceed $29,011.

 

Director Mendes explained that the highway department presently has a unit like this, bigger than this, that's specifically for clearing sidewalks. He pointed out that it's 11 years old, breaks down continuously, and is inadequate for what we need to do presently, especially after the event we had a week ago.  He explained that the highway superintendent had asked to look for something new or better. Bobcat of Rhode Island, which is on state MPA (though this technically wouldn't apply as it was used equipment), had given them a quote. The machine had approximately 300 hours on it, which he characterized as "not bad" and "more toward the new side." He felt it was worthwhile use and would be very useful for doing Mendon Road whenever they had snowfall, especially around schools.  Director Mendes noted that after the 16 inches of snow they received, there was a clamor for clearing as many of these houses as we could. Due to limitations, they decided to contract it out. While he thought they did well with what they were charged, "it would have been better if we had the equipment and the manpower to tackle it ourselves." He added that the machine was already set up for rear power, so if they wanted to purchase a spreader, they could salt the sidewalks right after clearing them.

The President asked if someone had looked at the used equipment to ensure it was in good working order.

Director Mendes said they would evaluate it tomorrow if the council approved the purchase, noting they would go to inspect it.

When asked about warranty, Director Mendes stated that they didn't immediately volunteer that information but guessed it might be something like 60-90 days. He could confirm.

Councilor Bradley asked if they investigated just renting one. 

Director Mendes replied that they have not. 

Councilor Bradley pointed out that because it would only be using it for 3 months of the year might be cost effective. 

Councilor Shaw asked if they would have other uses for it outside of snow, wondering if they were using the 11-year-old machine for other purposes.

Director Mendes said that would be more of a question for Highway Superintendent Jim Pereira. 

Councilor Sweet mentioned a previous conversation about how some of the neighboring cities and towns have come up with some solutions for people that have on street parking that might not have anywhere to go. She asked I he thought if we have a smaller vehicle, we might be able to maybe find some room for them in a lot we own and still be able to get through and make some paths so they could dig themselves out after the storm. 

Director Mendes confirmed this machine would work for that purpose, as would another piece of equipment presently at Franklin Farm that they intended to put into similar use. He noted this had a 92-inch attachment that would clear that width.

The President expanded on Councilor Bradley's question about rental timing, expressing concern that if they rented it, they would have to rent ahead of the season and hold it. He worried they might be too late on the draw to rent it and then be stuck with nothing.

Councilor Beaulieu asked if they knew how many hours there were on their current machine.

Director Mendes stated that it was a good question that he could follow up with the highway superintendent.

Councilor Sweet asked about the cost of contracting out the sidewalk clearing.

Director Mendes revealed the snow removal line items that are in the highway budget, this amount, which was to do Menden Road from approximately Nate Whipple to CVS was $24,000. Then to do Valley Falls, Broad Street, and some of the side streets was $15,000. So altogether, it was $40,000 to do that. He noted they cleared not just the sidewalk but the gutter as well.

Councilor Bradley asked if the contractor used this type of machine.

Director Mended said they were using big equipment, not this type.

Councilor concluded he doesn’t have a problem with this equipment he would just like to see them try it before they buy it.

Director Mendes agreed, saying he and the highway superintendent could take a ride out first thing tomorrow to do just that.

Councilor Bradley clarified he meant to use like renting one for some time.  He suggested United Rentals or other rental companies might have them available.

Director Mendes noted it was possible one of the highway crew had operated one of these, which would be the first thing to check.

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 6/1.

Nay: Councilor Bradley

PUBLIC COMMENTS

John Marsland

John Marsland (6 Valley Stream Drive, Cumberland) returned to the podium. Mr. Marsland stated that since ordinance 25 -07 was passed, he would like to recommend that it be posted at the library under Manville, so if any other hydro operator might think about putting hydro on the dam will see that there a passed ordinance

The President asked the clerk if they were able to do that. Mr. Marsland offered to help if needed. The President agreed it was a very good idea.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL TO ADJOURN AT 8:11P.M. VOTE 7/0.