Cumberland, RI

Regular Town Council Meeting

The council will adopt the June 17 minutes, approve a slate of municipal mobile food licenses, hear departmental reports, consider several pending ordinances, and vote on two resolutions authorizing payments for a well motor replacement and emergency parking lot work.

• Consent agenda: acceptance of minutes from the June 17, 2026 meeting
• Municipal mobile food establishment licenses for 12 vendors
• Ordinance #26-11A amending the operating budget for FY 2025/2026 (second hearing & vote)
• Resolution R-26-33 authorizing up to $18,403.50 to replace the well motor for Manville satellite #1
• Resolution R-26-34 authorizing up to $44,900 for emergency work on the town hall parking lot

Ordinance Sub-Committee Meeting

The Ordinance Sub-Committee will meet to discuss several proposed changes to the town's code of ordinances. These items include rules regarding public property, event licensing, and vehicle regulations.

• Ordinance #26-06: Disposition of public property
• Ordinance #26-07: Special event entertainment licenses
• Ordinance #26-09: Repeal of household pet rules for buildings over a certain height
• Ordinance #26-16: Truck routes
• Ordinance #26-18: Parking, stopping, and standing (Chapter 38, Article III)

Regular License Commission Meeting

The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners will accept the minutes from the June 17, 2026 meeting and then consider three licensing applications: a temporary outdoor serving license for Fatima Holy Name Society’s annual feast (September 4‑6, 2026); a Class F1 one‑day full liquor license for Bev Voyage baby‑shower events at Phantom Farms (August 22, 2 p.m.–5 p.m. and August 29, 4 p.m.–9 p.m., 2026); and a Class F one‑day beer and wine license for the Cumberland Beagle Club’s Layla’s Dream fundraiser (September 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., rain date September 20, 2026). Public comments will follow before adjournment.

• Acceptance of minutes from the regular meeting of June 17, 2026.
• Temporary outdoor serving license for Fatima Holy Name Society’s annual feast, September 4‑6, 2026.
• Class F1 one‑day full liquor license for Bev Voyage baby‑shower events at Phantom Farms on August 22 (2 p.m.–5 p.m.) and August 29 (4 p.m.–9 p.m.), 2026.
• Class F one‑day beer & wine liquor license for Cumberland Beagle Club’s Layla’s Dream fundraiser on September 19 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) with rain date September 20, 2026.

Special Town Council Meeting

The Cumberland Town Council will convene a special meeting to vote on entering an executive session to discuss pending litigation and provide a quarterly update. The session is scheduled for July 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cumberland Town Hall.

• Executive session vote for pending litigation updates
• Quarterly Litigation Update discussion

Special Town Council Meeting

Regular License Commission Meeting

Regular Town Council Meeting

Special Town Council Meeting

This is a special meeting of the Cumberland Town Council, but the agenda shows the council immediately voted to enter executive session to discuss a quarterly litigation update under state law. The only public action was the unanimous vote to go into closed session and to seal the minutes. No other business was conducted in open session.

• Vote 6/0 to enter executive session for pending litigation (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2))
• Quarterly Litigation Update discussed in closed session
• Vote 6/0 to seal the executive session minutes
• Meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

Finance Sub-Committee Meeting

The Cumberland Finance Sub‑Committee will review an ordinance amending the town's General Fund operating budget for fiscal year 2025/2026. It will also consider an ordinance updating Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances on claims, and address several previously tabled individual claim items.

• Ordinance #26-11A – amendment to the Operating Budget for the General Fund, FY 2025/2026
• Ordinance #26-10 – amendment to Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances relating to claims (presented by Councilor Shaw)
• Review of claim items for Jamie Belanger, Carmen Campbell, Don Corriveau, Jennifer Jutras, and Daniel Ward (tabled from May 6, 2026)
• Public comment period
• Acceptance of minutes from the May 26, 2026 meeting

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Cumberland Town Council held a regular meeting on July 15, 2026, addressing routine items and several ordinances. The most consequential action was approving an ordinance restricting through-trucking on North Attleboro Road due to safety and infrastructure concerns from increased heavy truck traffic. The council also approved a budget amendment for the General Fund, a claims ordinance, and tabled or withdrew other items.

• Approved ordinance #26-16A restricting through-trucking on North Attleboro Road (6/1 vote)
• Approved ordinance #26-11A amending FY 2025/2026 General Fund budget: revenues to $127,340,377, expenditures to $127,622,635
• Approved ordinance #26-10 adding claim filing requirements with a six-month sunset deadline
• Approved ordinance #26-07A requiring six-week advance application for special event entertainment licenses (5/2 vote)
• Approved $3,082.04 in June 2026 tax abatements and supplemental bills

Regular License Commission Meeting

The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners held a special meeting on July 15, 2026, to consider three temporary liquor license applications. All three were approved unanimously (7-0), with two contingent on final tent inspections and one on a promoter's permit. The board also approved the minutes from the June 17, 2026 regular meeting.

• Approved temporary outdoor serving license for Fatima Holy Name Society's annual feast, Sept 4-6, 2026, pending tent inspection and promoter's permit
• Approved Class F1 one-day full liquor license for Bev Voyage for two baby showers at Phantom Farms on Aug 22 and Aug 29, 2026, pending tent inspection
• Approved Class F one-day beer & wine license for Cumberland Beagle Club's Layla's Dream Fundraiser on Sept 19, 2026, with rain date Sept 20
• Layla's Dream fundraiser expected to surpass $100,000 in cumulative donations for sepsis research at Hasbro Children's Hospital

Zoning Board Meeting

The Zoning Board heard a Dimensional Variance petition for 204 Leigh Road (Zone R‑1, Assessor's Plat 064, Lot 0044). Testimony was provided by applicant Ronnie C. Ramos, attorney Richard Pacia, and urban‑planning expert Edward Pimentel. Board members expressed opposition to granting the variance. The Board voted to continue the matter for 90 days, scheduling the next hearing for October 14.

• Dimensional Variance petition for 204 Leigh Road, Zone R‑1, Assessor's Plat 064, Lot 0044
• Testimony from applicant Ronnie C. Ramos and expert Edward Pimentel
• Board members voiced inability to support the variance due to prior unpermitted construction
• Board approved a 90‑day continuance with no objections
• Next hearing set for October 14

Special Town Council Meeting

The Town Council will hold a second hearing and vote on an amendment to the General Fund Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. The body will also consider tax exemptions and a contract renewal for IT services.

• Ordinance #26-11: Amending the General Fund Operating Budget for FY 2025/2026
• Ordinance #26-08A: Setting tax exemptions on real and personal property
• Resolution R-26-19: Contract renewal with Retrofit Technologies for IT and security licensing
• Resolution R-26-32: $6,000 annual payment to Beacon Mutual Insurance Co. for Police and EMS administrator services
• Ordinance #26-18: Proposed amendments to parking, stopping, and standing codes

Special Town Council Meeting

The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting to approve a $127,340,377 amended FY2025/2026 General Fund budget, responding to the federal denial of disaster relief for the February snowstorm and reconciling school department figures. The Council also unanimously approved an ordinance updating tax exemption values after revaluation, renewed an IT managed services contract with Retrofit Technologies, and authorized a $6,000 payment to Beacon Mutual Insurance Co. for third-party administrator services.

• Approved Ordinance #26-08A updating real and personal property tax exemptions after revaluation (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance #26-11A amending FY2025/2026 General Fund budget to $127,340,377, including $690,000 receivable for denied snowstorm disaster relief (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R-26-19 renewing contract with Retrofit Technologies for IT managed services, Microsoft licensing, and Barracuda security (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R-26-32 authorizing $6,000 annual payment to Beacon Mutual Insurance Co. for Police and EMS third-party administrator services (5-0)
• Referred Ordinance #26-18 amending parking, stopping, and standing rules to Ordinance Subcommittee

Planning Board Meeting

The Cumberland Planning Board will meet on June 25, 2026 to approve May 28 minutes, hear a director's report, and hold several public hearings. A vote may be taken on a major land development proposal by The Homes at Waterman Pond, LLC for 18 condominium units at 106 and 110 Bear Hill Road. The board will also hear a minor subdivision plan for 282 Scott Road, a variance recommendation for 204 Leigh Road, and a review of amended land development and subdivision regulations.

• Public Hearing Major Land Development/Conservation Development – The Homes at Waterman Pond, LLC, 106 & 110 Bear Hill Road, R-3 zoning, 18 two‑bedroom condo units; vote may be taken
• Public Hearing Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plan – Dana Jones, 282 Scott Road, A-2 zone, subdividing 4.33‑acre parcel into two lots with setback relief requests
• Recommendation to Zoning Board of Review – Ronnie C. Ramos and Daniele A. Ramos Family Revocable Living Trust, 204 Leigh Road, R-1 zoning, dimensional variance for side and rear setbacks
• Public Hearing for Review of Amended Land Development and Subdivision Regulations – ordinance changes to buffer and stormwater control requirements
• Approval of Planning Board Minutes: May 28, 2026

Regular License Commission Meeting

The Board of Licensing reviewed and approved several temporary liquor license applications for local events. The board also granted a one-day extension of business hours for a local club.

• Approved Class F license for Phantom Farms II LLC at 2920 Diamond Hill Road for August 15, 2026
• Approved Class F1 license for Gary Grenier at Diamond Hill Park for October 3, 2026
• Approved Class F1 license for EZBar LLC at The Lodge at Diamond Hill for July 10, 2026
• Approved business hour extension for Clube Juventude Lusitana for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Games

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Cumberland Town Council met on June 17, 2026 and unanimously approved several financial and regulatory measures. It approved real estate tax abatements of $3,149.52, a supplemental payment of $8,241.04, and a senior deferment payoff of $11,658.74, and adopted ordinances correcting a truck‑route typo and establishing one‑hour parking on East Kilburn Street. The council also granted mobile food establishment licenses to five vendors and approved multiple special‑event entertainment licenses for locations such as Adams Farm, Cumberland Monastery, Diamond Hill Park, and other sites.

• Approved real estate tax abatements $3,149.52, supplemental $8,241.04, and senior deferment payoff $11,658.74
• Ordinance #26-04 correcting “Highland Road” to “Highland Avenue” in truck route ordinance
• Ordinance #26-05 establishing one‑hour parking on East Kilburn Street (9 AM‑5 PM)
• Approved mobile food establishment licenses for Turner Bros, JA Patty RI, Off the Rhode BBQ, The Hot Potato Food Truck, and Alainas Mobile
• Approved special‑event entertainment licenses for events at Adams Farm, Cumberland Monastery, Diamond Hill Park, and other venues

Special Town Council Meeting

The Cumberland Town Council voted to approve the operating budget ordinances for the General Fund, Sewer Fund, Water Fund, and Recreation Fund for fiscal year 2026/27. A resolution (R‑26‑28) adopting an unsynchronized tax‑levy placeholder for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 was also approved. Ordinance #26‑11 was tabled to the July 15, 2026 meeting. Public comments included an update on the town's $25,000 FIFA World Cup grant.

• Ordinance #26‑12A – operating budget for General Fund FY 2026/27 (final vote, 5‑1)
• Ordinance #26‑13 – operating budget for Sewer Fund FY 2026/27 (final vote, 6‑0)
• Ordinance #26‑14 – operating budget for Water Fund FY 2026/27 (final vote, 6‑0)
• Ordinance #26‑15 – operating budget for Recreation Fund FY 2026/27 (final vote, 6‑0)
• Resolution R‑26‑28 – unsynchronized tax‑levy placeholder for FY 2027‑2028 (approved, 6‑0)

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Council held a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026/2027 operating budget, which includes a total revenue increase of $483,909. Members discussed school funding gaps, severance payouts for police and EMS, and a failed motion to increase the tax levy from 4% to 5%.

• Proposed total revenue of $129,998,820 for FY 2026/2027
• Proposed school department total of $85,699,222
• Victualling House License approved for 3M Boba Café at 3400 Mendon Road
• Entertainment License approved for El Rodeo Family Mexican Restaurant for July 4th
• Hawker/Peddler license approved for New England Novelty at Tucker Field

Planning Board Meeting

The Cumberland Planning Board will hold public hearings on four development applications, including a multifamily condominium project. The board will also hold pre-application meetings for a commercial development and a residential subdivision.

• Proposed 18-unit condominium project (four buildings) at 106 and 110 Bear Hill Road
• Proposed 7,200 square foot commercial development at 3 Pine Swamp Road
• Proposed subdivision of 3307, 3311, and 3922 Diamond Hill Road into five lots for single family dwellings
• Preliminary plan to subdivide 12 Hillside Road into two lots with dimensional variances
• Proposed merger of eight lots into five for five single-family dwellings at 24 Park View Trail

Special Town Council Meeting

The Cumberland Town Council held a public hearing on Ordinance #26-12 to adopt the operating budget for the General Fund for fiscal year 2026/27. The agenda included the superintendent’s presentation of the school department budget and a request for $558,000 to fund the Essentials tier‑2 intervention program. Council members and members of the public discussed the budget figures, enrollment growth, and potential funding gaps for the school system.

• Ordinance #26-12 – operating budget for the General Fund FY 2026/27 (total revenues $129,514,911; total expenditures $44,283,598)
• Superintendent’s request for $558,000 to fund six Essentials program teacher positions
• Proposed $243,000 increase in town budget for school funding (1.6% rise over prior year)
• Master lease payment of approximately $890,000 noted as not part of the Maintenance of Effort calculation
• Public comments urging additional funding for the Essentials program and highlighting enrollment growth

Finance Sub-Committee Meeting

The Finance Sub‑Committee will consider ordinances to amend the General Fund operating budget for FY 2025/26 and to establish operating budgets for the General Fund, Sewer Fund, Water Fund, and Recreation Fund for FY 2026/27. The items are listed as agenda numbers #26-11 through #26-15. No other business is noted.

• #26-11 – ordinance amending the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's General Fund for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
• #26-12 – ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's General Fund for Fiscal Year 2026/2027
• #26-13 – ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's Sewer Fund for Fiscal Year 2026/2027
• #26-14 – ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's Water Fund for Fiscal Year 2026/2027
• #26-15 – ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's Recreation Fund for Fiscal Year 2026/2027

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Town Council approved several mobile food establishment licenses and special event permits. The body also reviewed school enrollment growth and approved April 2026 tax abatements and supplemental bills.

• Approved mobile food licenses for 8 vendors including Team GottaQ BBQ and Benji’s Seafood
• Approved Hawker License for Keystone Fireworks Tents at 3751 Mendon Road (June 24–July 5, 2026)
• Approved entertainment license for Community Car Show at 15 Arnold Mills Road on June 6, 2026
• Approved 'Touch A Truck' event at Diamond Hill Park for August 30, 2026
• Approved April 2026 tax abatements and supplemental bills

Special Town Council Meeting

The special meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with all members present except Council President Kinch, who joined via Zoom. Residents voiced concerns about a rat infestation on East Earle Street during public comments, but no resolution was adopted. The council’s new business presented five ordinances (#26-11 through #26-15) to amend and establish operating budgets for the General Fund, Sewer Fund, Water Fund, and Recreation Fund for fiscal year 2026/27. Hearing and vote dates were set for May 26‑27, June 3, and June 8, 2026.

• #26-11 – amendment to the General Fund operating budget for FY 2025/26
• #26-12 – establishment of the General Fund operating budget for FY 2026/27
• #26-13 – establishment of the Sewer Fund operating budget for FY 2026/27
• #26-14 – establishment of the Water Fund operating budget for FY 2026/27
• #26-15 – establishment of the Recreation Fund operating budget for FY 2026/27

Special License Commission Meeting

The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners accepted the minutes from the April 15, 2026 meeting by unanimous vote. The board held a public hearing and unanimously approved a Class F (one‑day beer and wine) license for Above and Beyond Bartending's baby shower at The Lodge at Diamond Hill, 4097 Diamond Hill Road, on June 14, 2026, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. All seven commissioners were present and voted in favor of the motions.

• Unanimous approval of minutes from the April 15, 2026 regular meeting (vote 7‑0)
• Approval of Class F one‑day beer & wine license for Above and Beyond Bartending event at The Lodge at Diamond Hill, 4097 Diamond Hill Road, June 14, 2026, 12:30‑3:30 p.m. (vote 7‑0)
• Public hearing for the license opened at 7:31 p.m. and closed at 7:32 p.m.

Regular Town Council Meeting

The council unanimously approved a change order of up to $23,800 for engineering services on the Ashton and Berkeley sewer replacement project. It also adopted a $19,222.16 change order for roof repairs at the Old Police Station and passed a resolution supporting municipal collaboration on affordable housing laws. Several special event entertainment licenses were approved, including the Fourth of July Celebration at Tucker Field and the Arnold Mills July 4 Parade.

• R-26-24: Change order authorizing up to $23,800 for engineering services on the Ashton and Berkeley sewer replacement project
• R-26-25: Change order authorizing up to $19,222.16 for Roofmasters work on the Old Police Station roof
• R-26-23: Resolution supporting municipalities collaborating on affordable housing legislation
• Approval of special event entertainment licenses for the Fourth of July Celebration at Tucker Field, Youth Baseball Opening Day Parade at 3587 Diamond Hill Road, and Arnold Mills July 4 Parade on Nate Whipple Highway
• Approval of municipal mobile food establishment licenses for vendors such as Twisted Churros, Supa Dupa Food Truck, and Pretty in Pink

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board will hold pre-application meetings for three development projects. A vote may be taken regarding a subdivision request and dimensional variances for a property on Hillside Road.

• Proposed subdivision of 3307, 3311, and 3922 Diamond Hill Road into five lots for single family dwellings
• Proposed 7,200 square foot commercial development at 3 Pine Swamp Road requiring a zoning change from C-1 to C-2
• Proposed subdivision of 12 Hillside Road into two lots with dimensional variances for frontage on Diamond Hill Road and Hillside Road

Special Town Council Meeting

The Town Council met for a special session to discuss the disposition of publicly held property and receive a quarterly litigation update. The council voted 7/0 to seal the minutes of the meeting.

• Discussion on disposition of publicly held property
• Solicitor's Quarterly Litigation Update

Regular Town Council Meeting

The Cumberland Town Council approved its consent agenda, which included accepting the April 1 minutes, licensing eight mobile food vendors, and a series of resolutions from neighboring towns. The council voted 7‑0 to adopt the resolutions, one of which opposes a proposed water rate increase by Veolia Water Rhode Island, Inc. (public utilities commission docket 25-30-WW). Other resolutions express support for various Rhode Island House Bills and environmental legislation.

• Acceptance of minutes from the April 1, 2026 regular meeting
• Licensing of eight mobile food establishments: Burrito Bowl; Braised Birds Nest; Birds Nest; Berrysweets; Mac & Cheese, Please; Reds Kitchen; Chubby Chickpea; What’s Up Cupcake
• Resolution opposing Veolia Water Rhode Island, Inc. water rate increase (docket 25-30-WW)
• Resolution supporting House Bill 2006-7971 on public property and contractor labor/payments
• Resolution supporting Rhode Island Bottle and Extended Producer Responsibility Bills (H 7911 and S 3012)

Special License Commission Meeting

The Board of License Commissioners held a special meeting to review liquor license applications and amendments. The board voted on a license transfer for a tavern, a seating area relocation for a restaurant, and a one-day event permit.

• Approved Class C Liquor License transfer for Jones Street Tavern LLC at 8-10 Jones Street
• Approved amendment to El Rodeo Mexican Family Restaurant's Class BNT Liquor License to relocate outdoor seating
• Approved Class F one-day beer and wine license for Blackstone River Glass LLC (30 Meeting Street) for a June 6, 2026 fundraiser

Technical Review Comm. Meeting

The Technical Review Committee will evaluate five development applications. These include a request for 50 new dwelling units and various subdivision and zoning requests for residential and commercial properties.

• Request to construct 50 new dwelling units at 30 Martin Street
• Proposed commercial building and zone change to C-2 at 3 Pine Swamp Road
• Request to subdivide three lots into 5 lots and create a street at 3307, 3311 & 3922 Diamond Hill Road
• Request to subdivide two lots by moving lot lines at 3507 Houtman Avenue and 3507 Mendon Road
• Request to subdivide property at 12 Hillside Road requiring dimensional variances for frontage

Zoning Board Meeting

The Cumberland Zoning Board continued its current officers and approved the minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting. It then granted a 24.6‑foot side‑yard setback variance for an ADU at 11 Tower Hill Road (Zone A‑1). The board also approved a 10‑foot rear‑yard setback variance for a residence at 4 Kazan Street (Lot on 1 Grants Mill Road, Zone A‑2). All motions were adopted unanimously.

• Dimensional variance – 24.6‑ft side‑yard setback relief for an ADU at 11 Tower Hill Road, Zone A‑1
• Dimensional variance – 10‑ft rear‑yard setback relief for a residence at 4 Kazan Street (Lot on 1 Grants Mill Road), Zone A‑2

License Commission Meeting

The Board of License Commissioners approved the minutes from the previous meeting and unanimously voted on three liquor license applications. The agenda also included a public hearing for a temporary outdoor serving license.

• Approval of March 4, 2026 meeting minutes
• Class C Liquor License for Jones Street Tavern (8-10 Jones Street)
• Class BNT License amendment for El Rodeo Mexican Family Restaurant
• F1 One-day Liquor License for The Lodge at Diamond Hill (May 3, 2026)
• Temporary outdoor serving license for Lusitania Club Juventude (June 19-21, 2026)

Town Council Meeting

The Cumberland Town Council approved a consent agenda and several licenses, including a Hawker's license for JVS Enterprises LLC and special event licenses for a 5K run and a brewery event. They appointed Jennifer Geller as K‑12 Program Coordinator and extended the town's on‑call engineering services list for one year. The council also approved two resolutions granting easements to Narragansett Electric and Verizon New England for distribution system work on assessor’s plat 45, lots 33 and 79. Two other resolutions were tabled for the April 15 meeting.

• R-26-17: Approved easement for Narragansett Electric and Verizon on assessor’s plat 45, lot 33
• R-26-18: Approved easement for Narragansett Electric and Verizon on assessor’s plat 45, lot 79
• R-26-15: Extended the on‑call engineering and related services list for one year
• Hawker’s license for JVS Enterprises LLC at 2701 Mendon Road (April 3‑5 and May 8‑10, 2026)
• Special Event Entertainment License for Cole Constant Foundation 5K at 1464 Diamond Hill Road on May 17, 2026