Cumberland public meetings in 2020
48 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special virtual meeting on December 16, 2020, consisting entirely of a closed executive session. The council voted unanimously to discuss updates on collective bargaining for the CTEU and IAFF (police) unions. No public decisions, contracts, or ordinances were announced, as the session was sealed.
- Executive session to discuss collective bargaining updates for CTEU and IAFF
- Minutes of the special meeting were sealed by unanimous vote
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met virtually and approved a resolution authorizing a $185,596 contract with GZA Geo Environmental for Phase 1 site investigation of the Albion Town Landfill remediation project. The council also approved several appointments, including to the Parks & Recreation Board and Library Board of Trustees, and tabled multiple ordinances pending sub-committee review.
- Approved R-20-122: $185,596 contract with GZA Geo Environmental for Albion Town Landfill Phase 1 site investigation
- Approved R-20-123: Resolution urging Governor Raimondo to place a moratorium on evictions and promote eviction diversion program
- Approved November 2020 real estate abatements totaling $5,004.83 and supplemental bills totaling $533.21
- Tabled ordinances on recreational fire pits, Ann & Hope Way zoning changes, stop signs on Hines Road, secondhand goods fees, and executive staff salaries
- Appointed Alexandria Evers, Kelly Validzic, and John Cavanagh to Parks & Recreation Board; Erin Redihan to Library Board of Trustees
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board met via Zoom and handled several zoning matters. It granted a dimensional variance to Deborah B. Hall for an accessory dwelling unit and an expanded accessory structure at 29 Blissdale Avenue. The board also continued a violation appeal and a garage variance request, and heard a request from Freedom Bank for sign variances at 2152 Mendon Road, which was discussed but not voted on in the provided text.
- Granted variance to Deborah B. Hall for 1,010 sq ft accessory dwelling and accessory structure 25-31 ft in front of main residence at 29 Blissdale Avenue
- Continued Tammy L. LaCoste's appeal of a notice of violation for more than two living units at 14 Torrey Road to February 10, 2021
- Continued Joseph J. Pacheco's garage rear yard setback variance at 112 Dexter Street due to his absence
- Continued Erik Brouillard's shed rear yard setback variance at 9 Tuscan Court to February 10, 2021
- Heard Freedom Bank's request for sign variances (height, area, setback) at 2152 Mendon Road; no vote recorded in text
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase a 2-acre lot at 500 Nate Whipple Highway for $600,000 to secure a buffer zone around proposed new wells, ensuring town control of its water supply. The council also approved routine licenses, re-appointments, and a resolution on state aid during the COVID-19 emergency, and tabled an entertainment license for a haunted trails event pending review.
- Approved purchase of AP42, Lot 2 at 500 Nate Whipple Highway for $600,000 (vote 6/1)
- Approved Fourth-Class Victualling and Holiday licenses for Safa d/b/a Bestway at 302 Broad St
- Tabled Special Event Entertainment License for 13th World's Haunted Trails at Diamond Hill Park to Finance Sub Committee
- Approved resolution R-20-120 on State Assistance during COVID-19 Emergency
- Re-appointed members to Parks and Recreation, Library Board, Zoning Board, and Tax Assessment Board
Organizational Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its organizational meeting, swearing in members and electing leadership. Councilor Kinch was elected president, and Councilor Schmitt was elected president pro-tem. The council also selected chairs for the Board of License Commissioners. No public comments were made.
- Elected Michael L. Kinch as Town Council President (4-2-1 vote)
- Elected Scott R. Schmitt as President Pro-Tem (4-3 vote)
- Elected James Metivier as Chairperson of Board of License Commissioners (5-2 vote)
- Elected Timothy Magill as Vice-Chairperson of Board of License Commissioners (5-2 vote)
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special virtual meeting on November 23, 2020, to report and vote on a resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase a property for the water department. The council approved the purchase of AP42, Lot 2, at 500 Nate Whipple Highway for $600,000, with Councilor Bradley voting against. The meeting also included approval of the prior meeting's minutes and public comments.
- Approved R-20-119: purchase of 500 Nate Whipple Highway for $600,000 for water department
- Vote was 6-1, with Councilor Bradley opposed
- Executive session vote on November 18, 2020 was 6-1 to approve purchase and sales agreement
- Discussed eminent domain, appraisals, payment structure, and future water improvements
- Approved minutes of November 18, 2020 special meeting
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met virtually and approved a $173,565 contract with Nationwide Construction for roof repairs at the senior center, funded partly by a new $300,000 CDBG grant. The council also tabled three ordinances (fire pits, stop signs, secondhand goods) to December 16, 2020, and approved October abatements and supplemental bills totaling $9,245.62. The meeting included routine consent items and a resolution recognizing Small Business Saturday.
- Approved $173,565 contract with Nationwide Construction for senior center roof repairs
- Tabled ordinances #20-22 (fire pits), #20-29 (stop signs), #20-30 (secondhand goods) to Dec 16
- Approved October abatements: $210.45 motor vehicle, $916.48 real estate, $8,118.69 supplemental bills
- Approved resolution recognizing Nov 28, 2020 as Small Business Saturday
- Granted mobile food permit to Sunnyside on the Street, 1435 Iron Mine Hill Rd
Special Town Council Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Cumberland Town Council held virtually in closed session. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the acquisition or disposition of public property and updates on collective bargaining agreements. The minutes were sealed, and the meeting adjourned after about 42 minutes.
- Executive session under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5) for property acquisition/disposition
- Executive session under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2) for collective bargaining updates
- Motion to seal minutes passed 7-0
- Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board met via Zoom and voted 5-0 to grant a four-foot front-yard setback variance to Roger and Brenda Farrell for a home addition at 14 Westwood Drive. The board also approved a 5-0 motion granting JAK Realty variances for a freestanding sign at 2295 Diamond Hill Road. Several other matters were continued to the December 9 meeting, including an appeal by Tammy LaCoste and a sign variance request by Freedom Bank.
- Granted 4-foot front-yard variance to Farrell at 14 Westwood Drive (Plat 033, Lot 0318, Zone R-1)
- Granted sign height and setback variances to JAK Realty at 2295 Diamond Hill Road (Plat 024, Lots 0016 & 0130, Zone C-1)
- Continued appeal 20-11 by Tammy LaCoste (14 Torrey Road) to December 9
- Continued sign variance 20-08 by Freedom Bank (2152 Mendon Road) to December 9
- Continued garage variance 20-06 by Joseph Pacheco (112 Dexter Street) to next month
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a contract with Blueskies Construction & Design, LLC for up to $235,200 to install a trailhead restroom facility with three bathrooms. Two ordinances related to the Comprehensive Community Plan and zoning changes were tabled to December 16, 2020, pending Planning Board and Ordinance Sub Committee review. The council also approved numerous food establishment and entertainment licenses.
- Approved $235,200 contract with Blueskies Construction & Design, LLC for trailhead restroom facility (vote 6/1)
- Tabled ordinances #20-26 (Comprehensive Community Plan amendment) and #20-27 (zoning changes for Assessor's Plats 11 and 12) to December 16, 2020
- Approved victualling license for V R Foodies, LLC d/b/a Godavari RI at 356 Mendon Road
- Approved special event entertainment license for McCoy F.I.T. Challenge at Diamond Hill Park on April 10, 2021
- Approved 2020-2021 license renewals for numerous food establishments, including extended hours licenses
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met on November 4, 2020, and unanimously approved all 2020-2021 liquor license renewals for restaurants, bars, clubs, and stores. They also approved a new Class BNT license for Godavari RI at 356 Mendon Road, despite the applicant not being present. A request by Chucky's Creamery for a Class BNT license was deferred pending review of zoning history.
- Approved new Class BNT license for V R Foodies LLC d/b/a Godavari RI, 356 Mendon Road (7-0)
- Approved renewals for 5 Class A liquor stores, including Pop's Liquors and Cumberland Wine & Spirits
- Approved renewals for 8 Class BNT restaurants, including Andrew's Bistro Destino and Bollywood Grill
- Approved renewals for 15 Class BV bars/restaurants, including The End Zone Sports Pub and Adeline's Speakeasy
- Deferred Chucky's Creamery Class BNT application pending zoning history review
Special Town Council Meeting
This is a record of a special virtual meeting of the Cumberland Town Council held on November 4, 2020. The council unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss the acquisition and disposition of publicly held property, citing a state law exemption. The minutes were sealed, and the meeting adjourned after the closed session. No other business was conducted.
- Unanimous vote (7-0) to enter executive session under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5)
- Unanimous vote (7-0) to seal the minutes of the executive session
- Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met in a virtual closed session on October 29, 2020. The body discussed potential litigation involving Bradley vs. Town of Cumberland and the acquisition or disposition of publicly held property. The minutes were voted to be sealed by a 5-2 margin.
- Discussion of potential litigation: Bradley vs. Town of Cumberland, C.A. No. SU-2020-0063-A
- Discussion of acquisition and disposition of publicly held property
- Vote to seal minutes: 5-2 (Nay: Beaulieu, Bradley)
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special closed session to discuss potential litigation involving the Albion Road Landfill and a case against JTL Landscaping, LLC. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session and subsequently voted to seal the minutes of the meeting. No public decisions or specific outcomes were disclosed in the document.
- Discussion of potential litigation regarding the Albion Road Landfill and potentially responsible parties
- Discussion of potential litigation in the case of Town of Cumberland vs. JTL Landscaping, LLC (C.A. No. PC-2018-5685)
- Vote to seal the minutes of the special meeting
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review denied an appeal by JAK Realty, LLC, to restore a non-conforming sign at 2295 & 2311 Diamond Hill Road, ruling that the sign's relocation voided its grandfathered status. The Board voted 3-2 to sustain the Building Official's decision to deny the appeal. Four other dimensional variance petitions were continued to November 11 because the Planning Board had not yet provided advisory opinions.
- Appeal 20-10 by JAK Realty, LLC, regarding a sign at 2295 & 2311 Diamond Hill Road was denied 3-2.
- Petition 20-06 by Joseph J. Pacheco for a garage addition at 112 Dexter Street was continued to November 11.
- Petition 20-07 by Roger and Brenda Farrell for an addition at 14 Westwood Drive was continued to November 11.
- Petition 20-08 by Freedom Bank for a sign at 2152 Mendon Road was continued to November 11.
- Petition 20-09 by JAK Realty, LLC, for a sign at 2295 & 2311 Diamond Hill Road was continued to November 11.
Regular Planning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Planning Board held a virtual meeting to review three new zoning board of review (ZBR) dimensional variance applications. The agenda also included updates on two administrative sub-division applications and approval of previous minutes. No specific dollar amounts or contract awards were listed in the agenda text.
- Dimensional Variance request for 14 Westwood Dr. (AP 33 Lot 318) by Roger & Brenda Farrell
- Dimensional Variance request for 112 Dexter St. (AP 7 Lot 676) by Joseph J. Pacheco IV
- Dimensional Variance request for 2295 Diamond Hill Rd. (AP 24 Lot 16 & 130) by JAK Realty
- Administrative Sub-Division update for 63 Prospect St. (AP 1 Lots 5, 6, 7) by Andrew Bouchard
- Administrative Sub-Division update for Abigail Rd. (AP 64 Lots 521 & 522) by Wayne & Ann Manley
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met virtually and approved several items, including a $135,896 contract for Epheta Park construction, a zoning amendment for landscaping, and a PTO rollover extension. They also tabled ordinances on recreational fire pits and traffic on Sun Valley Drive, and heard updates on traffic calming and school ventilation.
- Approved $135,896 contract with Mill City Construction for Epheta Park
- Approved zoning ordinance 20-05B amending landscaping requirements
- Approved ordinance 20-20 extending PTO rollover use (5-1 vote)
- Tabled ordinances on recreational fire pits and Sun Valley Drive traffic
- Approved $33M bond anticipation note for school building project
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a $2,437,675.00 contract for the 2020-2021 Town Wide Street Pavement Improvements Project, amending the resolution to award it to JH Lynch instead of the original lowest bidder D'Ambra Construction. The council also approved a one-day entertainment license for a fitness event, tabled four ordinances, and authorized payments for water system compliance and financial/legal services.
- Approved R-20-100A: $2,437,675.00 street paving contract to JH Lynch (6/1 vote)
- Approved one-day entertainment license for McCoy Fit Challenge at Diamond Hill Park on Nov 21, 2020
- Tabled ordinances #20-20 to #20-23 (PTO rollover, no parking on Sumner Brown Road, fire pits, Sun Valley Drive traffic) to Sept 16
- Approved R-20-103: consent agreement with RIDEM for water discharge into Sneech Pond
- Approved payments of $4,000 to Hilltop Securities and $5,048.92 to Schechtman Halperin Savage for master lease services
Executive Session of the Town Council
The Cumberland Town Council met in a special virtual closed session on September 2, 2020. Members voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation and the disposition of publicly held property, where public discussion could harm public interest. They also voted to seal the minutes of the session and adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
- Unanimous vote (7-0) to enter executive session
- Discussion of potential litigation under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2)
- Discussion of publicly held property disposition under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5)
- Unanimous vote to seal the minutes
- Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved financing for school security upgrades and computer equipment through a lease-purchase agreement with U.S. Bancorp, increasing the amount to $832,000. They also approved a resolution to finance up to $83 million in bonds for school construction and renovation, subject to state aid. The council discussed and voted on procedures for licensing large events, approved entertainment and other licenses, and reviewed financial reports and tax abatements.
- Approved R-20-97A: $832,000 lease-purchase for school security upgrades and computer equipment (5/1 vote)
- Approved R-20-98: $83,000,000 bond financing for school construction/renovation (6/0 vote)
- Approved procedure for licensing large events, with license approval contingent on COVID guideline compliance (6/0 vote)
- Approved entertainment licenses for Food Truck/Concert Nights at Diamond Hill Park and a cycling/camping event (6/0 votes)
- Approved beer service at Diamond Hill Park food truck events, contingent on insurance and police detail (5/1 vote)
Executive Session of the Town Council
The Cumberland Town Council held a special closed executive session on August 19, 2020, to discuss litigation and a CTEU collective bargaining update. The council voted unanimously to enter the closed session and subsequently voted to seal the minutes, preventing public disclosure of the specific discussions. The meeting was virtual, with Councilor Beaulieu absent and Councilor Gemski arriving late.
- Vote 5-0 to enter executive session to discuss litigation (R.I.G.L. § 42-46-5(a)(2))
- Discussion of CTEU collective bargaining update
- Vote 6-0 to seal the minutes of the executive session
- Meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
CANCELED Aug. 19, 2020 - Regular License Commission Meeting
The August 19, 2020 regular meeting of the Cumberland Board of License Commissioners is cancelled. The only new business item, a Class F license application from Trinity Brewhouse for community food truck events at Diamond Hill Park, will be addressed at a future Regular Town Council Meeting instead.
- Meeting cancelled; item 3A deferred to Regular Town Council Meeting
- Trinity Brewhouse (186 Fountain Street, Providence) applied for Class F license for food truck events at Diamond Hill Park on Aug 27, Sep 12, Sep 20, Oct 11, Oct 29
- Virtual meeting access via Zoom and Clerkbase live stream was planned but cancelled
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special virtual meeting on August 4, 2020, approving two items. First, they passed an ordinance (20-18A) allowing temporary stop signs to be installed quickly by the traffic management group, with a 90-day limit extendable to 180 days by Council resolution. Second, they unanimously approved a resolution (R-20-95) establishing a temporary committee to review large gathering and event applications, as required by state regulations. Both items were approved after public hearings.
- Ordinance 20-18A: temporary stop signs, approved 5-1 (Councilor Bradley opposed)
- Resolution R-20-95: temporary committee to review large gathering applications, approved 6-0
- Public hearing held for both items
- Councilor Bradley stated he felt the stop sign ordinance was unenforceable
- Mayor Mutter confirmed traffic management group must track temporary signs and report to Council
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a contract for water well maintenance and several tax adjustments. They also approved licenses for a food business and a private event. The council tabled a plan for the Albion Town Landfill to allow for further cost assessment and revised language.
- Approved contract with Weston & Sampson CMR, Inc. for well reconditioning up to $131,990.00
- Approved second-class victualling license for V R Foodies, LLC d/b/a Godivari RI at 356 Mendon Road
- Approved special event entertainment license for a private graduation party at the Monastery
- Approved 2020 real estate abatements totaling $5,300.37 and supplementals totaling $10,320.30
- Tabled resolution R-20-92 regarding the Albion Town Landfill Conservation and Management Plan to August 19, 2020
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special virtual meeting to approve food service licenses and a temporary outdoor seating permit. The body also amended an ordinance regarding mobile food establishments to delay the leasing provision until May 1, 2021, due to pandemic conditions. Finally, the council passed a resolution urging Rhode Island to allocate a portion of federal relief funds to a small business grant program.
- Approved temporary outdoor seating permit for Ollie’s Diner at 802 High Street
- Approved Fourth-Class Victualling House License for Valley Falls Market Place at 130 Broad Street, Unit B
- Approved Holiday License for Valley Falls Market Place at 130 Broad Street, Unit B
- Amended Ordinance 20-16 to revise the effective date for municipal mobile food establishment leasing to May 1, 2021
- Passed Resolution R-20-90 urging the state to allocate at least 10% of $1.25 billion in Federal CARES Act funds to small business grants
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Town Council held the second hearing and first vote on the FY2020-2021 operating budgets for the General, Water, and Sewer departments. All three budget ordinances were approved unanimously, with a final vote scheduled for June 30, 2020. The council also approved a resolution to purchase a tractor for the Highway Department and renumbered an ordinance regarding the Open Space Account.
- Approved Ordinance #20-12 establishing the General Fund budget with total revenue of $105,870,771
- Approved Ordinance #20-13 establishing the Water Department budget with total revenue of $6,450,005
- Approved Ordinance #20-14 establishing the Sewer Department budget with total revenue of $589,827
- Approved Resolution R-20-88 authorizing the purchase of a Kubota F Series Tractor for $17,651.49
- Approved Ordinance #20-15 extending the suspension of funding to the Open Space Account
Special Town Council Meeting
The Town Council held a special meeting to conduct first readings of the FY2020-21 operating budgets for the General, Water, and Sewer departments. The General Fund budget totals $105,870,771, with the School Department accounting for $73,202,777 of expenditures. The Water Department budget is $6,450,005, and the Sewer Department budget is $589,827. No votes were taken on the budget ordinances during this first hearing, and the Council announced subsequent hearings for June 25 and June 30.
- Ordinance #20-12: First hearing for the General Fund operating budget, totaling $105,870,771 in revenue and expenditures.
- Ordinance #20-13: First hearing for the Water Department operating budget, totaling $6,450,005, including a $319,000 debt service increase for water main replacement.
- Ordinance #20-14: First hearing for the Sewer Department operating budget, totaling $589,827.
- Consent approval of a permit for temporary outdoor seating for Reds Street Kitchen.
- Public comments regarding the retention of school counselors in the proposed school budget.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Town Council approved a resolution to purchase six Dell computers for remote work and referred three budget ordinances for the General, Water, and Sewer departments to a Finance Sub-Committee. The meeting also approved permits for temporary outdoor seating and mobile food establishments. No public comments were received during the virtual session.
- Resolution R-20-82 approved to purchase six Dell computers for $8,000
- Ordinance #20-12 referred for FY2021 General Fund budget
- Ordinance #20-13 referred for FY2021 Water Department budget
- Ordinance #20-14 referred for FY2021 Sewer Department budget
- Permits approved for Jerry’s Friendly Tap and Eggs Up outdoor seating
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board of Review met remotely on June 10, 2020, to review one new matter. The board considered a petition for a dimensional variance and special use permit to establish a day care center. The agenda included standard procedural items such as the approval of prior minutes and public comment.
- Petition 20-04 by Ross Silva for a Dimensional Variance and Special Use Permit for a Day Care Center
- Property located at 3191 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 02864 (Assessor’s Plat 037, Lot 0816)
- Request cites Article 18-2, Section (a) and Article 18-3 (b) for Maximum Lot Coverage in Zone R-1
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a $4,410,000 contract with Hart Engineering Corporation to build the Franklin Farm Well Facility for the Water Department. The body also authorized purchases for a police vehicle and recreation field repairs, and appointed Brad Ward as Building Official. All items passed with unanimous 7-0 votes during the virtual meeting.
- Approved R-20-76: Contract with Hart Engineering Corporation for Franklin Farm Well Facility up to $4,410,000.00
- Approved R-20-77: Purchase of one 2020 Ford Police Utility AWD vehicle for $33,939.80
- Approved R-20-78: Contract with Sports Turf Specialties, Inc. for Diamond Hill recreation fields up to $72,605.82
- Approved R-20-79: Contract with Romtec, Inc. for trailhead bathroom installation up to $94,868.79
- Appointed Brad Ward as Building Official
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met virtually and approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter to enter a 3-year contract with WB Community Health for health care administration, projected to save $554,343 in year one. A motion to table the decision to June 3 failed 4-3, and the resolution then passed 4-3. The council also unanimously approved temporary outdoor seating permits for four local restaurants.
- Approved R-20-71: 3-year WB Community Health contract, $554,343 year-one savings (vote 4-3)
- Motion to table R-20-71 to June 3 failed (vote 4-3)
- Approved outdoor seating permits for Davenport's Restaurant, Skeff's Neighborhood Pub, McT's Tavern, Adeline's Speakeasy Kitchen Bar (vote 7-0)
- Meeting held virtually per Governor's Executive Order 20-05
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board approved three requests during its May 21, 2020 meeting. The most significant decisions involved granting a use variance to allow residential space on the first floor of a building at 118 Broad Street and a dimensional variance to allow the subdivision of a property at 2211 Mendon Road. The board also granted a one-year extension to a previous variance request for a property at 75 Valley View Drive.
- Approved use and dimensional variances for Cardoso Enterprise, LLC at 118 Broad Street to convert first-floor commercial space to residential, with conditions for landscaping and trash shielding.
- Approved dimensional variance for Paula M. Keefe at 2211 Mendon Road to subdivide the lot, waiving the 'land unsuitable' requirement to include freshwater wetlands in the total area calculation.
- Granted a one-year extension to Robert Bibeault at 75 Valley View Drive for a dimensional variance, noting this is the final extension period allowed under statute.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a virtual meeting to approve several financial contracts and zoning changes. Key decisions included a multi-year software contract, the adoption of a conservation plan for a former Superfund site, and the designation of a historic district. One healthcare contract was tabled for further review.
- Approved Resolution R-20-70 authorizing a $207,248 contract with Vision Government Solutions, Inc. for software services.
- Approved Ordinance 20-10A to add a Landmark Buildings Historic District and designate AP 35, Lot 147 (2211 Mendon Road).
- Approved Resolution R-20-69 to adopt the New Pond Park Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2025 for the 62-acre Peterson/Puritan site.
- Approved Resolution R-20-72A to lock in electricity rates with Constellation New Energy, Inc. for 39 months, projecting minimum savings of $35,000.
- Tabled Resolution R-20-71 regarding a 3-year healthcare administration contract with WB Community Health to a special meeting on May 28, 2020.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a virtual meeting on May 8, 2020, and approved a series of resolutions and licenses. The most consequential item was a $2,277,850 contract for Phase 2 of the Diamond Hill Road water main replacement. The council also approved four mobile food establishment permits, a traffic calming policy, and several other contracts, including for Senior Center renovations.
- Approved $2,277,850 contract with Boyle & Fogarty Inc. for Diamond Hill Road Water Main Replacement Phase 2
- Approved $142,900 contract with Pare Corporation for construction inspection on Diamond Hill Road water main project
- Approved $127,850 contract with Coletta Contracting Co. for Senior Center kitchen renovation
- Approved ordinance #20-11A allowing Town Clerk to issue mobile food establishment permits
- Approved Cumberland Traffic Calming Policy and Procedure (R-20-29) by 6-1 vote
Special Town Council Meeting
The Town Council held a virtual special meeting to approve two mobile food permits and amend the General Fund operating budget for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. The body also set property tax exemptions and ratified the Mayor's extension of the State of Municipal Emergency until May 6. A new ordinance regarding mobile food permits was referred to the Ordinance Sub Committee for further review.
- Approved Municipal Mobile Food Establishment permits for Haven Brothers Mobile, LLC and Shishkaberry’s of New England
- Approved Ordinance #20-08A amending the Operating Budget for the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
- Approved Ordinance #20-09 setting certain tax exemptions on Real and Personal property
- Ratified Resolution R-20-49 extending the State of Municipal Emergency (EO 20-03) until May 6
- Referred Ordinance #20-11 relating to Municipal Mobile Food Establishment permits to the Ordinance Sub Committee
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special virtual meeting to announce a public hearing for Ordinance #20-09, which sets exemptions on real and personal property. The hearing is scheduled for April 20, 2020, and will be conducted virtually in accordance with state executive orders regarding public gatherings. No other business was decided, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Ordinance #20-09: Setting Certain Exemptions on Real and Personal Property
- Public hearing scheduled for April 20, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. via virtual meeting
Special Town Council Workshop
The Cumberland Town Council held a special virtual workshop on April 7, 2020, to learn and test the Zoom platform for conducting remote meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting was held in accordance with Governor Raimondo's executive orders relaxing Open Meetings Act requirements and restricting gatherings. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned with a unanimous 7-0 vote.
- Workshop to learn and test Zoom virtual meetings platform
- Meeting held virtually due to COVID-19 executive orders 20-05 and 20-09
- Public participation via Zoom webinar and telephone conference call
- Adjourned at 6:57 p.m. by unanimous roll call vote 7-0
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on April 6, 2020, conducted via conference call due to COVID-19 restrictions. The council unanimously approved a $21,671.71 contract with Retrofit for a server and software, a $90,000 purchase of land on Abbott Street for a sewer project, and a resolution ratifying the mayor's emergency declaration. A first reading of a budget amendment for FY 2019-2020 was held with no vote, and a contract with New Vision Systems Corporation was approved.
- Approved R-20-40: contract with Retrofit for server and software, not to exceed $21,671.71 (7-0)
- Approved R-20-36: agreement with New Vision Systems Corporation for online land evidence and e-recording (7-0)
- Approved R-20-43: purchase of AP 2 Lot 145 on Abbott Street for $90,000 for sewer expansion (7-0)
- Approved R-20-44: ratified mayor's State of Municipal Emergency declaration through April 15, 2020 (7-0)
- First hearing on ordinance #20-08 amending the FY 2019-2020 General Fund operating budget; second hearing and vote set for April 15, 2020
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Town Council approved several resolutions including a contract for Senior Center improvements and sewer manhole repairs along Mendon Road. The body also authorized the issuance of Tax Anticipation Notes and engaged special counsel for the process. One ordinance regarding staff salaries was tabled to a later date, and a contract with New Vision Systems was deferred to a special meeting.
- Approved R-20-34: Contract with HP Electric for $23,050.00 for Senior Center improvements funded by a CDBG grant.
- Approved R-20-35: Purchase of cast iron sanitary sewer manhole frames and covers from Core & Main LP for $20,454.73 for Mendon Road.
- Approved R-20-37: Engagement of Shectman Halperin Savage, LLP as Special Counsel for Tax Anticipation Notes (not to exceed $12,000).
- Approved R-20-38: Authorization to issue Tax Anticipation Notes pursuant to RIGL Section 45-12-4 or 45-12-4.1.
- Approved R-20-39: Contract with Atlantic Golf and Turf for $49,484.05.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on April 1, 2020, and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the acquisition of real property, citing Rhode Island law. The council also voted to seal the minutes of that session and adjourned shortly after. No other business was conducted.
- Unanimous vote (7-0) to enter executive session under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5) for real property acquisition discussions
- Unanimous vote (7-0) to seal the executive session minutes
- Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting on March 18, 2020, during the COVID-19 emergency, with public participation via conference call. The council unanimously approved several licenses, including holiday, victualling, and entertainment licenses, as well as contracts for water treatment plant computers and senior center boiler replacements. They also tabled a zoning ordinance amendment and introduced several budget-related ordinances for future public hearings.
- Approved contract with Woodard & Curran Inc. for two Dell T5820 computers for Sneech Pond Water Treatment Plant, not to exceed $27,428.00
- Approved contract with Automatic Temperature Controls, Inc. for Senior Center boiler replacement, not to exceed $22,850.00
- Approved holiday license for Shivanand Inc. d/b/a Cumberland Hill Liquors at 3450 Mendon Road
- Approved victualling and entertainment licenses for DJP Marques Churrasqueira at 100 Mill Street
- Tabled zoning ordinance #20-05 on landscaping requirements to April 15, 2020
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on March 18, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. The body voted unanimously to enter an executive session to discuss the acquisition of real property and the disposition of publicly held property. The minutes for the executive session were sealed, and the meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m. No public decisions or specific property details were recorded in the open session minutes.
- Vote to enter executive session under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5) for real property acquisition and disposition (6-0).
- Vote to seal the minutes of the executive session (6-0).
- Meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m. (6-0).
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners approved two pending alcohol license applications during its March 18, 2020 meeting. Both items were tabled from the previous meeting on March 4. The board voted unanimously to approve a Class A license transfer and a Class BNT license, with the latter subject to several regulatory conditions.
- Approved transfer of Class A license to Shivanand Inc., d/b/a Cumberland Hill Liquors at 3450 Mendon Road (7-0 vote)
- Approved Class BNT license for DJP Marques Churrasqueira at 100 Mill Street (7-0 vote)
- Class BNT approval conditioned on tips certification, insurance, sales permit, health department, and building official approval
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on March 4, 2020, that consisted entirely of procedural votes. The council voted unanimously to enter an executive session to discuss litigation and the disposition of publicly held property. No public agenda items, contracts, or ordinances were discussed or decided in the open session.
- Unanimous vote (7-0) to enter executive session for litigation and property disposition
- Unanimous vote (7-0) to seal the minutes of the executive session
- Unanimous vote (7-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a $325,000 assignment of lease and easement agreement with TPA, III, LLC, a transaction involving Monastery property. The body also authorized a $33,696.58 purchase to upfit two police vehicles and adopted a conservation plan for Valley Falls Heritage Park. Several other items, including a T-Mobile lease and mobile food permits, were tabled for the March 4 meeting.
- Approved R-20-24: $325,000 assignment of lease and easement agreement with TPA, III, LLC (6-1 vote)
- Approved R-20-21: $33,696.58 purchase to upfit two 2020 Ford Police Utility AWD vehicles from Global Public Safety
- Approved R-20-23: Adoption of the Valley Falls Heritage Park Conservation and Management Plan
- Approved R-20-26: Adoption of the unsynchronized tax levy for portions of fiscal years 2019 and 2020
- Approved Ordinance #20-02: Allows administration to dispose of public property with an assessed value under $1,000
Town Council Joint Meeting with the School Comm.
The Town Council and School Committee held a joint meeting to discuss pre-budget consultations and three-year forecasting. Superintendent Robert Mitchell presented a budget strategy addressing a $4,000,000 deficit, noting that $625,000 in fund balance is already reflected in the current budget. The committee also discussed a RIDE Stage II application being finalized by Colliers International, which is scheduled for submission on February 17. No public comments were received, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Discussion of a $4,000,000 deficit in the school budget
- Review of $625,000 in fund balance usage
- Discussion of RIDE Stage II application submission on February 17
- Negotiations regarding expiring union contracts and health care rates
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on February 3, 2020, where it approved six resolutions authorizing payments totaling $269,650.15 for school construction-related work, all previously authorized by the School Committee. The council also held the first public hearing on an ordinance to amend the Water Department's FY 2019-20 operating budget, increasing revenues and expenditures by $350,000 to fund the Diamond Hill Road water main project. No vote was taken on the ordinance at this first hearing.
- Approved R-20-05: $8,199.15 payment to Colliers Project Leaders USA NE, LLC for school construction work (5/0 vote).
- Approved R-20-06: $110,666.00 payment to Torrado Architects for school construction work (5/0 vote).
- Approved R-20-07: $76,800.00 payment to Torrado Architects (5/0 vote).
- Approved R-20-08: $63,960.00 payment to Torrado Architects (5/0 vote).
- Approved R-20-09: $5,225.00 payment to Torrado Architects for a speed/traffic study; Councilor Kinch voted against (4/1 vote).
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Town Council approved $8,000,000 in Tax Anticipation Notes and a $20,000 grant to the Cumberland Land Trust for open space acquisition. The body also passed an ordinance exempting roof-mounted solar systems from major land development review and approved several business licenses. Items regarding the T-Mobile lease and mobile food permits were tabled for further review.
- Approved $8,000,000 in Tax Anticipation Notes (R-20-03)
- Approved $20,000 grant to Cumberland Land Trust for open space (R-20-02)
- Passed Ordinance #19-34A exempting roof-mounted solar from major land development review
- Approved $11,600 contract with Viewpoint Government Solutions for electronic permitting (R-20-01)
- Tabled T-Mobile lease amendment and Mobile Food Establishment ordinance to February 5, 2020