MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 AT 7:30 P.M.

CUMBERLAND TOWN HALL, EVERETT “MOE” BONNER, JR. COUNCIL CHAMBERS

45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND

OPEN SESSION

 

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:30p.m. by President Bradley    

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

President Bradley, Councilors Dwyer, Kane, Shaw, Metivier, Beaulieu and Schmitt

 

Also present—Mayor William Murray, Town Solicitor Thomas Hefner, and Sandra M. Giovanelli, Town Clerk

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Murray recognizes the Cumberland High School’s Wrestling and Basketball teams’ recent win of the State Championship. 

 

President Bradley announces for those in attendance that ordinance 17-03 will be tabled to April 19^th at the request of the applicant. 

 

UNANIMOUS CONSENT ITEMS

 

CONSENT AGENDA

A.  Acceptance of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 1, 2017.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

REPORTS

1.  General Fund report as of February, 2017

 

Finance Director Jason Parmelee states that before them is the February report which includes the General Fund Revenue Expense, the Sewer Fund Revenue Expense, the Water Fund Revenue Expense, and the Recreation Fund Revenue Expense.  He asks if there are any questions on any of these funds. 

 

Councilor Beaulieu asks him to speak on snow removal.

 

Mr. Parmelee explains that snow removal is currently exceeded its budgeted line item.  They have an action plan to take some cost savings from the rubbish collection line item for transfer to cover those overages.  He is not sure how they are going to balance out this year based on how this past storm.  He assumes that this year they will be over, but will look to setup a contingency fund to make sure any of these overages can be covered in the future. 

 

Mayor Murray notes that it has been very difficult to get the sand they need.  Even though we have had a light winter, we have been hit with some storms that have required more sanding than plowing.  Both these issues have contributed to the increase in the numbers for the snow removal line item. 

Councilor Shaw assumes the increase in payroll is due to the timing of some of these storm falling on the weekend. 

 

Mayor Murray concurs.  During yesterday’s storm there were vendors that either didn’t show up or were asked to leave due to poor service which trigger more work for the highway workers.  Additionally, he made the decision to close Town Hall like some surrounding communities due to the State Offices closing.  Contractually that closure will also contribute to an increase in payroll as the highway personnel will receive compensation for working the hours Town Hall was closed.  Fortunately, the Highway Superintendent Frank Stowik has been doing this for many years and does a great job managing the expenses as they go along.

 

Councilor Beaulieu asks Mr. Parmelee to speak to the property revaluation on page 12. 

 

Mr. Parmelee states that they have received the reimbursement; he is not sure why it isn’t reflected as of February 28^th.  It is possible that is was posted the first week of March.  He will check on that and follow up. 

 

Councilor Beaulieu also questions the causality and liability insurance line item on the same page.

 

Mr. Parmelee explains that line item is in conjunction to our vehicles and buildings policies.  At this time he cannot speak to why it is over by so much.  He guesses that an allocation hasn’t happened backwards to the Sewer or Water Department for their share, but he will verify that for them. 

 

Councilor Beaulieu inquiries about the summer camp and Winter Wonderland revenue.

 

Mr. Parmelee refers to line item 400, Recreation Miscellaneous where the revenue has been posted that has not been allocated out against all other line items yet.  As far as summer camp, most of those revenues come in at the end of May thru early June when the camp starts.

 

2.  A request from the Tax Assessor to review and approve February, 2017 abatements and supplemental bills

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KANE, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2015 MOTOR VEHICLE SUPPLEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $82.46 FOR APPROVAL.  VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KANE, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2016 MOTOR VEHICLE SUPPLEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $829.26 FOR APPROVAL.  VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KANE, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2014 MOTOR VEHICLE ABATEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $142.25 FOR APPROVAL.  VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KANE, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2015 MOTOR VEHICLE ABATEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $510.46 FOR APPROVAL.  VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KANE, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOTAL 2016 MOTOR VEHICLE ABATEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $81.01 FOR APPROVAL.  VOTE 7/0.

 

LICENSES

 

JUNK AND SECONDHAND GOODS LICENSE:

1.  An application for a Junk and Secondhand License from Ashley Ann Imondi for Odds and Ends located at 2376 Mendon Road

 

Public hearing opened at 7:43p.m.

 

Applicant, Ashley Imondi, explains that she currently works from home selling antiques, homemade crafts and secondhand goods online.  She intends on opening the store front to sell those same items as well as larger items. 

 

Public hearing closed at 7:44p.m.

 

Councilor Schmitt inquires if this is located Cumberland House Plaza where the pawn shop use to be to which Ms. Imondi confirmed it is.  He also asks if there isn’t a similar shop located in the rear of the building. 

 

Mr. Imondi responds that is their garage sales business open on the weekends.  This will be a separate business open full time.    

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR DWYER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR METIVIER, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE.  VOTE 7/0.

 

OLD BUSINESS

A.  ORDINANCES FOR PUBLIC HEARING:  

1.  #17-03 – An ordinance in amendment of the Town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, Zoning Map with regard to Assessor’s Plat 16, Lots 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 & 729 (tabled from March 1, 2017)

 

President Bradley informs that the applicant has requested the matter be table to April 19, 2017.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR DWYER, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SHAW, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO TABLE TO APRIL 19, 2017.  VOTE 7/0.

 

2.  #17-04 – An ordinance authorizing a handicap parking place at #16 Rosemont Street (Presented by Councilor Beaulieu) (tabled from March 1, 2017)

 

Public hearing opened at 7:46p.m.

 

Councilor Beaulieu states that before them is an ordinance requesting handicap parking at 16 Rosemont Avenue.  She discussed this request with the Police Chief who met with the resident to determine the need.  The Chief supported a letter in support of the request.  She notes that the resident, Mrs. Costa could not be present as the treacherous weather affects her health however Mr. McKeon

 

George McKeon spoke on behalf of his wife Maria Costa who couldn’t be present because she is on oxygen making it is tough for her to get out in this cold weather.  He noted that the address is 16 Rosemont Avenue not Street.  

 

Councilor Dwyer inquires if she has a handicap plague for the vehicle to which Mr. McKeon responds yes.  Councilor Dwyer cautions that the handicap sign is not necessarily reserved just for her; anyone with a handicap plaque can park in that spot.

 

Public hearing closed at 7:50p.m.

 

Councilor Shaw is in favor of the ordinance, but he has voiced his concerns to the Chief that the passage of this ordinance could open Pandora’s Box.  He would like to see the process changes to include a hearing before the Sub-Committee where they could hear from the applicant and abutters prior to the Chief weighing in on the matter. 

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AMEND THE REFERENCE OF “STREET” TO “AVENUE”.  VOTE 7/0.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KANE, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE AS AMENDED.  VOTE 7/0.

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.  RESOLUTIONS:

1.  R-17-06 – A resolution authorizing Mayor William Murray to enter into an agreement with True American Classic, Inc. for the purchase of a Cargo Trailer for the Recreation Department

 

Public hearing opened at 7:54p.m.

 

Mr. Parmelee informs that he had a conversation earlier with Councilor Beaulieu ………when he prepared this, he didn’t prepare a budget amendment to add this to revenue and expense on recreation fund 342 based on their discussion that is how it should be moving forward to include the budget ordinance.  They are going to continue with their presentation with the hope there is approval with a subsequent budget ordinance that comes to them next meeting that sets this in stone.  He apologizes for not providing it with the packet, he was unaware that it needed to accompany it.      

 

Parks and Recreation Director Michael Crawley went out to bid to purchase a cargo trailer able to store and transport their train; currently the train is stored at Diamond Hill Park.  They receive several requests from Town organizations to utilize the train but they do not have a secure or practical way to do so.  If they are able to purchase this trailer, we will have to establish a rental policy for the train.

 

Councilor Shaw asked if this trailer is similar to a landscaper trailer; Mr. Crawley replied yes.

 

Councilor Beaulieu asked if there is a State bid on these types of trailers to which Mr. Crawley stated he didn’t not see it on the State list.  She also questioned where the trailer will be stored.

 

Mr. Crawley states that as of yet they haven’t determined the best area to store it.  They have a few options such as Diamond Hill Park or basically anywhere as needed because it is secured. 

 

Councilor Beaulieu explains her reason for asking is that she has received some people regarding the storage containers and other items around the park.  For that reason, she asks that they be informed as to where they decide to store it or a regular basis.

 

Councilor Beaulieu inquires if there is any plans to erect some type of a building to structure for storage purchases. 

 

Mr. Crawley informs that they looked into last year but there was some concern with the permanent nature of that so they decided on the pods that could be moved if necessary.   

 

Mayor Murray mentions that the Planning Department is working on a master plan for the park to present to the Council once it complete.  They will be apply for a grant that will tie into the Ski Lodge and if awarded the grant will change the whole landscape of the park.     

 

Councilor Beaulieu makes a motion to table two weeks with the expectation that the Council would approve this moving forward once they receive a budget amendment. 

 

There was a discussion between Councilor Dwyer and Mr. Crawley regarding the cargo features such as what type of hitch.  Based on Mr. Crawley’s comments, Councilor Dwyer believes we will be able to pay for this trailer from the proceeds of the rental.  Mr. Crawley is confident they can. 

 

Councilor Dwyer claims that they don’t normally through the course of the year make budget amendments unless it is for large amounts; he asks Mr. Parmelee to weigh in on if the budget amendment is a normal procedure.

 

Mr. Parmelee states that based on his research, every time an item like this has been presented in the past it was done so without a budget amendment.

 

Councilor Dwyer asks if it would be proper to approve this tonight subject to a budget amendment to which Mr. Parmelee stated it would be an appropriate process.  Councilor Dwyer makes a motion to approve subject to a budget amendment. 

 

President Bradley interjects to remind Councilor Dwyer there is already a motion on the floor to table. 

 

Councilor Dwyer understands there a motion that wasn’t seconded, therefore, he makes his motion before there is no further discussion to see if his motion will be seconded.

 

Public hearing closed at 8:12p.m.

 

President Bradley asks the Assistant Solicitor Chris Alger if they can have two motions at the same time.

 

Mr. Alger explains that if the first motion hasn’t received a second, another motion can be entertained. 

 

Councilor Kane also asks Mr. Alger if they can approve something subsequent to a budget amendment being made which Mr. Alger assured him they could. 

 

Councilor Schmitt seconds the motion to table subject to receiving the budget amendment with the intent to move things along.

 

MOTION BY COUNCILOR BEAULIEU, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SCHMITT, AND IT IS VOTED TO TABLE TO APRIL 5, 2017 SUBJECT TO A BUDGET AMENDMENT BY A ROLL CALL VOTE.  VOTE 5/2. 

Nay:  Councilors Dwyer and Shaw

 

B.  COMMUNICATIONS:

   1.  Presentation regarding the purchase of street lights from Prism

 

Mayor Murray announces that they are tabling the matter to the next meeting as the gentleman who was to present the program was unable to attend.  They intended on making the presentation this evening followed by a resolution to be voted on at the next meeting; they now might just do both at the next meeting.  A packet of information was provided with the agenda, he asks that the Council address any questions to his office in order for them to be prepared to answer at the next meeting. 

 

Councilor Schmitt comments that he has been following this for the time they have been involved and believes this is a wonderful way to save a tremendous amount of money.

 

Councilor Beaulieu questions if they know what the outlay of cost is on the Town side, and how will they pay for that.

 

Mr. Parmelee estimates the purchase of the street lights will be $88,000.  The changeover to LED conversion is amount $1 million dollars.  The Town is requesting funding from the Infrastructure Bank for a low interest loan to purchase the street lights.  Installation is not covered, so we have to find $500,000 elsewhere possibly a lease or some funding obligation for a period of time.  The cost savings just to purchase the street lights is about $300,000 a year. 

 

Councilor Beaulieu feels it would be helpful to know what the next step would be. 

 

Mayor Murray states that they will be happy to provide a timeline as they move forward. 

 

Mr. Parmelee points out that there are some renewal energy fund grants that are given to communities after they complete the projects, so it something they are looking into.    

 

2.  Update from Mayor Murray

 

Mayor Murray states during the past storm the Highway Department collaborated with the School Department to address the snow removal at the Garvin School parking lot similarly to how they have done at the High School in past years. 

 

The Mayor mentions they have received very few calls regarding the reevaluation, but it is clear that there is a misunderstanding on its intent.  They are required by law to do the re-evaluation, it is meant to be an equalization and revenue neutral.  The tax rate will be going down as they will see in the tax levy they will be discussing at the next Council meeting.  Anyone who is not satisfied with their assessment can schedule an appeal hearing, the information is on our website. 

 

The Mayor points out that on the agenda for presentation is an ordinance relating to Historic cemeteries which he believes is a waste on money.  They should’ve received a letter from the Tax Assessor outlining that this legislation only affects two properties and his concern regarding enforcement of the maintenance.  It is up to the Council, however, might not be worth the cost of the required advertisement.

 

The Mayor announces that there is a small amount of money remaining for the paving projects.  He asks the Council to contact his office with any possible issues in their districts so as to create a list of priority. 

 

He distributes information about the library receiving 25 percent aid from the State which goes along way with the budget. 

 

He will be meeting with our Senators and Representatives to discussing several bills that if passed could hurt the town and they want to work together to fight their passage. 

 

The Mayor questions if the procedure for the Administration presenting an ordinance before the Council has changed.  He has attempted several times to present an ordinance relating to cell phone use in the Chambers and it hasn’t been allowed on the agenda.  He doesn’t use his cell phone during the meetings, but he has heard comments of how they can be distracting in meetings, but he insulted that as Mayor he is not being allowed to present legislation. 

 

C.  ORDINANCES FOR PRESENTATION AND PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE:

1.  #17-05 – An ordinance relating to Tax Abatement for Historical Cemeteries (Presented by Council President)

 

Referred to the Ordinance Sub-Committee and the Finance Sub-Committee

 

Councilor Schmitt questions if by their action there will be an advertisement, and if so, what is the estimated cost of said advertisement.

 

The Town Clerk replies yes, their action will result in the placement of an advertisement which can run from $100 to $150. 

 

2.  #17-06 – An ordinance in amendment of the Town of Cumberland Zoning Map on Assessor’s Plat 052, Lot 343

 

Referred to the Ordinance Sub-Committee

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

President Bradley asks for a moment of silence for the passing of Walter Eithier, a longtime resident and town employee.

 

Representative McLaughlin handed out a copy of a memorandum of understanding that he also provided to the Mayor, Water Superintendent, Finance Director, and the Public Works Director.  He would like to see a twenty to thirty year infrastructure plan created to address the responsibility of Department of Transportation.  He also asks that they get together and hold a workshop to hold the State responsible for their part of the drains and paving of the State roads in order to save a significant amount of money. 

 

The Mayor appreciates the Representative efforts, but while they have been working on this since last Fall, he just received the agreement this week and hasn’t been looked at it in detail.  Obliviously, they will anything that will save us money, but they need to thoroughly review it before they can hold a workshop; it is far from a final draft.

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR KANE, AND IT IS UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN AT 8:43P.M.  VOTE 7/0.

 

 

 

 

___________________________________

Sandra M. Giovanelli, Town Clerk

 

 

 

FOR A FULL ACCOUNT OF THIS MEETING PLEASE REFER TO THE AUDIO RECORDING ACCESSIBLE ON THE TOWN’S WEBSITE, www.cumberlandri.org.

ADDITIONALLY, THE DVD OF THE ENTIRE MEETING IS AVAILABLE AT THE EDWARD J. HAYDEN LIBRARY.

 

 

TELEPHONE: 401-728-2400, Ext. 138     ·  www.cumberlandri.org