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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, JANUARY 7, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
CUMBERLAND TOWN HALL, EVERETT “MOE” BONNER, JR. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Mutter called the meeting to order at 7:33 PM. He noted that all council members were present.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 
Mayor Mutter announced that the town has officially recognized today as Russell Gusetti Day, a celebration he noted has received a warm response on social media. He reflected on the history of the Blackstone River Theatre crediting Councilor Anthonyy Nobrega for making the original motion in 2000 to include funding for the Mason building in the general fund, which paved the way for the theatre's creation. Mayor Mutter admitted that at the time, he did not support Nobrega’s proposal, acknowledging there was significant dissension surrounding the decision. He emphasized that while local leaders may disagree, it is vital to recognize when a different vision leads to something important for the community. Ultimately, he praised Councilor Nobrega’s foresight, stating that his efforts resulted in a highly successful venture for Cumberland.
Council President then made his own announcement, requesting a moment of silence for former school committee member Bill Dennen, whose mother had recently passed. The council observed 15 seconds of silence for the Dennen family.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Acceptance of Minutes of the Special and Regular Meetings of January 7, 2026.
B. COMMUNICATIONS
1. C-26-03 – A resolution from the Town of Exeter regarding the restoration of General Revenue sharing to Cities and Towns.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Council President opened the first public comment period. 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. Update from the School Committee
School Committee Chairwoman Amy Vogel reported that the NESDEC (New England School Development Council) information was received, and from 2017 to 2025, the information has been about 98 percent accuracy, which is really good compared to the past.
Vogel noted that enrollment projections are about 4800 students this school year, and for 10 years from now, 2035-36, they're projecting about 5300 students, again, if all things remain the same.
She also reported that BF Norton elementary school construction project is going well and on time as of right now.
C. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending December 2025
Councilor Beaulieu questioned the building repair expenditures for the police and EMS departments, pointing out that the police budget was overextended by $29,000, leaving a balance of roughly $15,000.
The Finance Director offered to provide a detailed summary but noted that the facility has faced persistent problems, specifically with its HVAC System.
Mayor Mutter reinforced this, stating that the building has suffered significant failures across multiple systems. He admitted that past decisions regarding the facility were unsuccessful and described an ongoing struggle to maintain functional heating and cooling for the staff. To address the deficit, the Mayor suggested the administration might reclassify these costs as capital projects. He explained that officials would eventually need to balance the budget through a formal budget amendment or by identifying alternative funding sources to cover the overages. Regarding a $21,791 deficit in the EMS repair budget, Mayor Mutter clarified that the issue is identical to the police department's. Since both departments share the Public Safety Complex on Diamond Hill Road, repair costs for the single facility are appearing across both departmental budgets.
D. Check registers for December 2025
E. Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve December 2025 abatements and supplemental bills
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL TO APPROVE THE SUPPLEMENTS. THE MOTION PASSED BY A VOTE OF 7-0.
F. Department Reports
4. EMS
5. Library
7. Planning & Community Development
G. Quarterly Reports
2. OCYL
3. Public Works
LICENSES
A. 2025-2026 LICENSE RENEWALS
SECOND CLASS VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE
The Keep Inc dba The Keep, 2360 Mendon Rd (Pending Retail Permit)
Yovanis Pizzeria LLC dba Yovani’s Pizzeria,40 Macondray St (Pending Fire Approval, Retail Permit, OH, & Food Safety)
Councilor Shaw asked if this licensing is being held up on the State or Town’s side.
The Town Clerk reported she spoke to the owner earlier who confirmed she finally resolved the issue with the State Health Department and is just awaiting the receipt of the Permit. As far as For Yovanis, they have informed our office they closed the business on January 5th.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL TO EXTEND THE KEEP INC LICENSE RENEWAL FOR 2 WEEKS UNTIL FEBRUARY 4, 2026. VOTE 7/0.
THIRD CLASS VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE
1. Roses Italian Bakery dba Juliana’s Italian Bakery, 1181 High St (Pending Fire Approval and Building)
The Town Clerk noted that the Fire Department and Building Official have not approved the renewal.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL TO EXTEND THE LICENSE RENEWAL FOR 2 WEEKS UNTIL FEBRUARY 4, 2026. VOTE 7/0.
FOURTH CLASS VICTUALLING HOUSE LICENSE
1. Cumberland Farms Inc #1275 dba Cumberland Farms Inc #1275, 3440 Mendon Rd (Pending Fire Approval)
The Town Clerk informed the Fire Department verified the establishment is in compliance and the license was issued. No action necessary.
B. ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
1. An application for a Special Event Entertainment License from Creeps Car Club LLC for Hot Rods on the Hill at Diamond Hill Park on September 5, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
approval was pending application fee, insurance certificate, promoters permit, signed lease agreement, and approval from the building official, police department, fire, and EMS. No representative was present.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING THE APPLICATION FEE, THE INSURANCE CERTIFICATE, THE PROMOTERS PERMIT, THE SIGNED LEASE AGREEMENT, AND APPROVAL FROM THE BUILDING OFFICIAL, POLICE DEPARTMENT, FIRE, AND EMS. VOTE 7/0.
2. An application for a Special Event Entertainment License from B.F. Norton PTO for the Spring Fling at McCourt Middle School on May 8, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVED PENDING APPROVAL FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND BUILDING OFFICIAL. VOTE 7/0.
3. An application for a Special Event Entertainment License from Cumberland Parks & Recreation for the 2026 Easter Egg Hunt located at Cumberland Monastery, 1464 Diamond Hill Rd, on April 4, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS BEAULIEU, SHAW, AND METVIER TO APPROVE PENDING THE PROMOTER’S PERMIT. VOTE 7/0.
4. 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.
Councilor Shaw raised questions about sponsorship. He noted in the past, it had always been the town sponsoring the event or was it the gentleman with the food truck that would come in and have his name on it and sponsor the event. And if that's the case, is that where the promoter's permit is pending, or is this a town event now?
Mayor Mutter responded that he doesn’t know.
Councilor Shaw explained he would like clarification, because he is all for a town event. But in the past, it's been the promoter.
The mayor agreed there is no rush and suggested getting clarification.
Director Crawley attempted to join virtually to clarify but was not able to be heard.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU TO TABLE TO FEBRUARY 4, 2026. 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 December 3, 2025 council meeting)
Councilor Shaw initially requested to table the second meeting in March. Mayor Mutter intervened, asking if it could be moved up a little sooner. He requested the opportunity to get it before the ordinance committee in February rather than March noting there is a matter that has come up just recently that may be impacted by it.
After discussion with Councilor Beaulieu about whether the ordinance committee could meet before February 4th, with confirmation the subcommittee can meet before February 4th.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE FEBRUARY 4, 2026. VOTE 7/0.
NEW BUSINESS
A. CLAIM
1. Jenna Manley
The matter was referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
B. APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Mutter noted that this was approved in August, but there was legislative prerequisites for appointments to be made annually by January 31st. We would appreciate a favorable passage to put us in compliance with the legislative process.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE MARK DEW AS TREE WARDEN. VOTE 7/0.
1. CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Consists of 7 Members, 3 Year term, 1 for each District and 2 At-Large, appointed by the Town Council
TERM EXPIRES JANUARY 31, 2026 – 3 Members
Michael Boday, re-appointment, term to expire January 31, 2029
Kevin Grady, re-appointment, term to expire January 31, 2029
Hannah Dean to replace Susan Evers, resigned, term to expire January 31, 2029
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MCGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILORS SHAW AND BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE ALL THREE APPOINTMENTS. VOTE 7/0.
3. OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
Consists of 3 Members, 3 Year term, appointed by the Town Council
TERM EXPIRES JANUARY 31, 2026 – 1 Members
Melissa Travis, reappointment, term to expire January 31, 2029
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
4. PLANNING BOARD
Consists of 9 Members, 3 Year term, 1 from each District appointed by the Mayor, and 4 At-Large
appointed by the Town Council.
TERM EXPIRES JANUARY 31, 2026 – 1 Members
Steven D’Ambrosia, reappointment, term to expire January 31, 2029
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
RESOLUTIONS
1. R-26-02 – A resolution authorizing matching funds for critical transportation infrastructure improvements and approving the issuance of bonds and/or notes therefore in an amount not to exceed $374,143.
The mayor explained that the current request represents the final stage of a state-funded program. For the past few years, the governor has included a budget provision that offers a two-third state match to a one-third municipal contribution, designed to help local governments expand their road repair efforts. Cumberland’s required one-third share totals $374,143, which the town intends to finance through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. The Infrastructure Bank has offered an interest rate of 2.74 percent. The town is currently weighing two repayments schedule a 20-year note with annual payments of approximately $25,000 and a 10-year note with annual payments of approximately $40,000. The majority of these funds are designated for repairs on Mendon Road. The mayor specifically noted that this section suffered significant damage due to a series of major water main breaks.
Councilor Metivier sought to confirm whether the infrastructure project in question is specifically regarding Mendon Road or was intended for water pipe installation or road paving. He was informed that the project's purpose is for paving rather than subsurface utility work.
The mayor clarified that DOT had required certain repairs on Mendon Road to their standards due to the main water breaks that had occurred. When Councilor Metivier asked if it was a state road, the mayor confirmed they still had to pay for it because the damage was caused by their water main repairs.
Councilor Beaulieu noted that the public comment attached to R-26-03 was duplicated on R-26-02 and suggested the one for R-26-02 could be removed as it wasn't related.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
2. R-26-03 - A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter an agreement with Cruz Construction for the repairs to a wall at the Cumberland Public Library in a total amount not to exceed nine thousand eight hundred dollars ($9,800).
Acting Library Director Jacob Lauder explained they had a wall that fell, which is not generally a good thing when you have any kind of building. It's above the Hayden Center. If you're standing across the parking lot at the Hayden Center, you can see that the whole wall has collapsed. He detailed that water had gotten behind the exterior synthetic stucco wall, causing it to crumble in March. A claim to the trust was denied. He characterized the $9,800 repair as essentially a Band Aid fix until we can get something a little bit better there.
The Council President asked about a staircase issue at the library. Mayor Mutter acknowledged there was a staircase in need of repair but clarified it wasn't connected to this wall issue. Regarding funding, the mayor explained that he will take note of resolution R-26-03 inside the library general fund budget is $5,000 dollars, effectively a pass through that that for many years actually didn't make its destination, but you the council approved that in years past. And so that is the funding source that we are using for this expenditure. The mayor expressed hope for additional funding soon.
The Council President mentioned that in the spring they would look at wiring the library sign, noting it took us a long time to get those 2 very nice lanterns on there and expressing hope that the lighting up the, the actual sign will not take nearly as long.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 7/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Mutter addressed a conflict stemming from a recent school committee decision. He noted that he waited until this moment to speak because the school committee chair had been absent from their previous meeting.
As chair of the building committees for the elementary and B.F. Norton projects, he informed the council that the school committee now insists on approving every change order, regardless of the amount. He noted that while he couldn't discern their specific concerns from the meeting minutes, he found the new requirement impractical. He argued that calling multiple meetings with 48-hour notices just to approve minor $3,000 expenses would stall progress.
He defended the building committee’s record of keeping projects on schedule and under budget. He viewed the school committee’s unanimous vote to revoke the $25,000 discretionary threshold as a lack of trust in the administration. Consequently, he stated he would not participate in a process that subjects volunteers to unnecessary second-guessing.
Crucially, the Mayor reminded the Town Council that they—not the school committee—serve as the final funding authority for the bonds. He suggested the Council might need to step in if the process remains obstructed. He also highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that missing construction deadlines could jeopardize essential housing aid reimbursements.
Councilor Beaulieu recommended placing the issue on the February 3rd joint meeting agenda, a move the council supported.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL TO ADJOURN AT 8:21P.M. VOTE 7/0.