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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, JUNE 17, 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 meeting to order at 7 p.m., noting Councilor Beaulieu is absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
A councilor Shaw extended best wishes to all Cumberland students for a happy and safe summer.
The Council President congratulated the Kolek family, and Tyler Kolek in particular, on winning the NBA championship, noting that Cumberland was proud of his achievement.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 3, 2026 and Special Meeting of June 8, 2026
B. MUNICIPAL MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
1. Turner Bros
2. JA Patty RI
C. COMMUNICATIONS
1. C-26-44 – A resolution from the Town of South Kingstown in support of House Bill 2026 -8030 entitled an act relating to Towns and Cities – General Powers.
2. C-26-45 – A resolution from the Town of Hopkinton
a. Opposing house bill 7632 relating to age-appropriate design code
b. Supporting Senate bill 2239 regarding local authority over unfunded education mandates
3. C-26-46 – A resolution from the Town of Little Compton in support of Rhode Island Senate Bill 2481
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
One member of the public, Michael Chopoorian from 9 Fairway Drive, Cumberland, addressed the Council virtually regarding the Flock Safety cameras deployed around Cumberland. He acknowledged the potential law enforcement value of the cameras but raised concerns about privacy and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. He cited findings by independent cybersecurity researchers and journalists who discovered that Flock cameras had been streaming live video and 30-day historical archives to the public internet without password protection. He further referenced a registered vulnerability in the National Vulnerability Database confirming that Flock's Android-based applications expose administrative API endpoints without authentication, potentially allowing unauthorized access, data theft, and remote code execution. He requested that the Council review the contract with Flock and, if cancellation was not possible, consider not renewing it at the 2027 renewal date.
Council President thanked the speaker and noted that, as the item was not on the agenda, the Council could not deliberate on it at that time. He directed the resident to contact Police Chief Benson, who could address preliminary questions regarding the department's policy on the cameras.
REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
A. Report of Executive Session vote(s), as may be necessary
B. Update from the School Committee
School Committee Chairwoman Amy Vogel, 10 Wampum Trail, provided the following update: graduation for the Class of 2026 was held successfully; the last official day of school was the following day, June 18th; BF Norton construction remained on schedule; and for the first time in several years, school would resume in August before the Labor Day holiday.
C. Monthly/Quarterly Financial Report ending May, 2026
No questions were raised
D. Check registers for May, 2026
No questions were raised
E. Request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve May, 2026 abatements and supplemental bills
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE 2026 REAL ESTATE ABATEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,149.52. VOTE 6/0.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE 2026 REAL ESTATE SUPPLEMENTAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,241.04. VOTE 6/0.
Councilor Shaw asked for an explanation, as the deferment period stretched back to 2005. Tax Assessor Whitley explained that under the senior deferment program, a qualifying resident's tax is frozen at a base-year assessment, with the difference accruing with interest and becoming due upon the resident's passing or conveyance of the property. In this case, the program participant had enrolled in 2005 and passed away earlier in 2026, triggering the repayment obligation. He noted this was the longest-standing deferment in his records. The Council confirmed this represented revenue the town expects to receive.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTES TO APPROVE THE 2005–2025 SENIOR DEFERMENT PAYOFF IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,658.74. VOTE 6/0.
F. Department Reports
2. Building Committees
4. EMS
5. Library
7. Planning & Community Development
LICENSES
A. ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
1. A special event entertainment license from Dips Dips Catering LLC for Food Truck Fridays at Adams Farm on June 26, July 10, August 14, & October 2, 2026.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
2. A special event entertainment licenses from Ocean State Trail LLC dba FIT Events for the below events:
a. Ultra FIT 34 Hour, 2 day event, Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 7 a.m. to Sunday, October 4, 2026 ending at 5 p.m., Cumberland Monastery
b. FIT Frills, November 1, 2026, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m., Cumberland Monastery
c. FIT Turkey Trot, November 28, 2026, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Cumberland Monastery
d. FITmas, December 12, 2026, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Cumberland Monastery
e. FIT Rock Trail Race, March 14, 2027, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Cumberland Monastery
f. FIT Challenge OCR, April 10, 2027, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Diamond Hill Park
g. FIT King of the Hill, May 22, 2027, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Diamond Hill Park
h. FIT 50k, June 5, 2027, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Cumberland Monastery
A member of the public, Michael Bear of 3 Arnold Drive, Cumberland, addressed the Council virtually to raise concerns about the environmental impact of ongoing events at Diamond Hill Park, noting visible signs of erosion and trail damage on the hill itself. He asked whether event organizers had any restoration obligations and whether the town was requiring them to put money back into the park.
Council President indicated he was not immediately aware of restoration requirements and suggested the matter be referred to Recreation Director Crawley.
Town Solicitor confirmed that all parties who rent town property are required to sign an agreement obligating them to leave the property in the condition in which they found it, and that staff is expected to monitor compliance.
Councilor Sweet added that while use contributes to wear, the trails in Diamond Hill Park and Mercy Woods are also experiencing significant erosion during the current period of drought, with loose rocks and degraded paths. She noted that unauthorized use of all-terrain vehicles has become a serious problem compounding the damage and encouraged continued stewardship of these resources.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE PENDING INSURANCE CERTIFICATE. VOTE 6/0.
3. A special event entertainment license from Phantom Farms II LLC dba Phantom Farms for a Plant Vendor Fair located at 2922 Diamond Hill Road on July 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain date July 19, 2026.
This item was withdrawn and removed from consideration.
4. A special event entertainment license from Phantom Farms II LLC dba Phantom Farms for a Moana Character Event located at 2922 Diamond Hill Road on July 19, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., rain date July 26, 2026.
The General Manager described the event as a small, private children's event capped at approximately 35 children, featuring a bouncy house. Parking would be entirely on-farm, and traffic impact was expected to be minimal. All required documentation was in order.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR METVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
5. A special event entertainment license from Phantom Farms II LLC dba Phantom Farms for the Annual Craft & Vendor Fair located at 2922 Diamond Hill Road on August 15, 2026, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., rain date August 16, 2026.
The General Manager noted that traffic and parking management measures from the prior vendor fair would be replicated, including a police detail, no-parking signage on neighboring properties, expanded on-farm parking, and on-site staff directing vehicles.
Council President noted the improvements made after the previous event were well-received.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR METVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SWEET, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
6. A special event entertainment license from Secret Beauty Spa for a Women Owned Collaborative event located at 3965 Mendon Road on June 28, 2026, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Applicant Brooke Contreras of 3595 Mendon Road described the event as a small outdoor gathering in the salon's parking lot to network with local small business vendors. Approval was conditioned upon receipt of a promoter's permit.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
7. A special event entertainment license from Gary Grenier for a Wedding Reception at Diamond Hill Park, 4097 Diamond Hill Road, on October 3, 2026 from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
OLD BUSINESS
A. ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1. #26-04 – An ordinance amending Code of Ordinances relative to truck routes (Presented by Councilor Metivier-tabled from May 20, 2026)
The public hearing at 8:11p.m.
Councilor Metivier explained that the ordinance corrects a typographical error in the truck route ordinance, changing "Highland Road" to the proper designation, "Highland Avenue."
The public hearing was closed at 8:12 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR METVIER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 6/0.
2. #26-05 – An ordinance authorizing the placement of a one-hour parking sign on E. Kilburn Street (Presented by Councilor Metivier-tabled from May 20, 2026)
The public hearing at 8:13 p.m.
Councilor Metivier explained that the ordinance establishes one-hour parking on East Kilburn Street during business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week) to support a local barbershop whose customers had been displaced by parking congestion related to nearby BF Norton school construction. Councilors discussed the limited number of spaces affected and noted that construction workers had been parking on multiple surrounding streets. Councilor Metivier acknowledged the ordinance could be revisited once construction concludes.
The public hearing was closed at 8:14 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. VOTE 6/0.
3. #26-06 – An ordinance amending the code of ordinances regarding the disposition of public property (Presented by Councilor Sweet-tabled from May 20, 2026)
At the request of Councilor Sweet, this ordinance was tabled to July 15, 2026.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO JULY 15, 2026. VOTE 6/0.
4. #26-07 – An ordinance amending the code of ordinances regarding special event entertainment licenses (Presented by Councilor Sweet-tabled from May 20, 2026)
At the request of Councilor Sweet, this ordinance was tabled to July 15, 2026.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO JULY 15, 2026. VOTE 6/0.
5. #26-08 – An ordinance setting certain tax exemptions on real and personal property (Presented by the Council President on behalf of the Administration-tabled from May 20, 2026)
The public hearing at 8:18 p.m.
Tax Assessor Albert Wylie came forward to present the ordinance but noted that the version on ClerkBase did not reflect the corrected "sub-A" version reviewed by the ordinance subcommittee, which contained updated assessment figures. A brief discussion ensued between the Tax Assessor, Town Solicitor, and Mayor's office regarding whether to proceed with floor amendments or to continue the matter to align it with the upcoming special meeting on the budget amendment.
Tax Assessor Wylie explained the purpose of the ordinance: all tax exemptions in Cumberland's current ordinance are assessment-based. Following the recent town-wide revaluation, assessment values changed significantly, and without adopting updated exemption figures, affected taxpayers would see a reduction in their actual dollar benefit. The ordinance is intended to ensure no taxpayer loses exemption value as a result of the revaluation.
The public hearing was opened, no public comment was received, and the matter was continued to a special meeting scheduled for July 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO JULY 7, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M. VOTED 6/0.
6. #26-09 – An ordinance repealing chapter 4, Article I § 4-6 relating to household pets in buildings over a certain height (Presented by Councilor Sweet-tabled from May 20, 2026)
At the request of Councilor Sweet, who indicated the Council intends to make more extensive amendments to the full section, the ordinance was tabled to July 15, 2026.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO JULY 15, 2026. VOTE 6/0.
7. #26-10 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances relating to Claims (Presented by Councilor Shaw-tabled from May 20, 2026)
The ordinance was tabled to July 15, 2026, and referred to the Finance Subcommittee.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTER TO TABLE TO JULY 15, 2026 AND REFER TO THE FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE WAS MADE. VOTE 6/0.
8. #26-11 – An ordinance amending the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's General Fund for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 (First Hearing - Tabled from June 3, 2026 meeting)
Council President opened the first public hearing on Ordinance 26-11 at 8:27 PM and read the proposed amended budget figures into the record:
| Category | Proposed FY26 Amendment | Proposed Difference |
| Total General Revenue | $82,471,009.72 | +$382,258 |
| School Receipts Total | $32,996,519 | +$1,272,943 |
| State Aids and Grants | $11,752,128 | +$752,742 |
| Total Revenue | $127,622,635 | +$2,407,943 |
| Total Town Expenditures | $15,541,268 | +$550,560 |
| Total Public Safety Expenditures | $11,423,117 | +$575,000 |
| Total General Expenses | $1,652,902 | +$185,000 |
| Total Debt Service | $8,005,14,873 | +$110,000 |
| Total Town | $42,888,943 | +$1,430,000 |
| Total School Department | $84,733,692 | +$972,943 |
| Total General Fund Expenditures | $127,622,635 | +$2,402,943 |
Mayor Mutter addressed the Council, apologizing for not having the public hearing opened at the June 3rd meeting when the item was first tabled, which he noted had created a timing challenge. He explained that the town cannot open Fiscal Year 2027 until FY26 is closed, making it necessary to schedule a special meeting before the regular July 15th meeting. He described the budget amendment as a reconciliation of actuals against the adopted budget, addressing the following: the amended school department budget; actual state aid received under the motor vehicle phase-out, telephone tax, and school housing aid programs; and expenditure overages in the EMS, police, and highway departments. The public safety overages were attributed primarily to police retirements, driving salary costs above budget and EMS overtime correlated with engine-on-duty hours. Highway overages were largely due to snow removal costs. The Mayor confirmed the amendment has no impact on the already-approved tax levy.
The public hearing was closed at 8:34 PM, and the matter was continued for a second public hearing and vote to a special meeting on July 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO JULY 7, 2026 AT 6:30 PM. VOTE 6/0.
9. #26-16 – An ordinance amending code of ordinances relative to truck routes (Presented by Councilor Sweet)
At the request of Councilor Sweet, the ordinance was tabled to July 15, 2026, pending information from the Highway Department.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE JULY 15, 2026. VOTE 6/0.
NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENT
1. BOARD OF CANVASSERS
(3 members for 6yr terms & 2 alternates for 6yr terms, appointed by the Mayor from a list provided by the Town Committee Chair)
Fatima Miller, alternate, replacing Jason King, expiration March 1, 2031
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTED 6/0.
B. RESOLUTIONS
1. R-26-29 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase two (2) 2026 Chevrolet Blazers from Liberty Chevrolet in an amount not to exceed seventy-nine thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight dollars ($79,878).
The Mayor noted the purchase is funded through the balance remaining on the most recently approved master lease, which he indicated would be expended across several resolutions before the Council that evening. The vendor is on the MPA cooperative procurement contract. The existing vehicles are expected to be retained and resold rather than traded in or disposed of.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR MCGILL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE 6/0.
2. R-26-30 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase two riding mowers for the Cumberland Highway Department from Ed and Matt Equipment in a total amount not to exceed thirty-six thousand seven hundred and sixteen dollars and eighty cents ($36,716.80).
Mayor Mutter presented Resolution 26-30, authorizing the purchase of two riding mowers for the Cumberland Highway Department from Ed and Matt Equipment in a total amount not to exceed $36,716.80. The purchase was recommended by the Highway Superintendent. The vendor is on the MPA cooperative procurement contract, and the purchase is drawn from the same master lease balance.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE. VOTE. 6/0.
3. R-26-31 – A resolution authorizing and empowering Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to purchase one 2026 Ford F150 4x4 responder for Cumberland EMS from McGovern Municipal HQ in a total amount not to exceed forty-nine thousand three hundred and ninety-one dollars ($49,391).
The Chief explained the vehicle would replace the Deputy Chief's 2015 Ford Explorer Interceptor, which has approximately 110,000 miles and cannot tow. Currently, EMS is using a primary community paramedicine SUV to tow the special operations trailer, creating operational constraints. The new truck, fitted with a cap, will provide dedicated towing capacity and additional storage. The existing Explorer is expected to be repurposed, with animal control identified as a potential recipient.
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SWEET, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED. VOTE 6/0.
C. ORDINANCE for presentation and permission to advertise
1. # 26-17 – 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 Subcommittee.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MAGILL, AND OT WAS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 8:45P.M. VOTE 6/0.