Cumberland public meetings in 2021
49 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting on December 15, 2021, approving several contracts and licenses. Key actions included a $52,800 contract for a three-year emergency notification system for K-12 schools and municipal buildings, a $10,000 condition assessment of the Old Post Office, and $11,300 for professional services related to the Diamond Hill Pond Project. The council also tabled two ordinances for further review and approved a street name change.
- Approved R-21-77: $52,800 contract with Raptor Technologies for emergency notification system in K-12 schools and municipal buildings
- Approved R-21-76: $10,000 contract with Northeast Collaborative Architects for Old Post Office condition assessment
- Approved R-21-78: $11,300 contract with Pare Corporation for Diamond Hill Pond Project services
- Approved R-21-79: Renamed Eden Court to Kelsey Eden Way
- Approved R-21-80: Submitted RIDEM grant applications for $100,000 and $400,000 for Diamond Hill Park improvements
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a collective bargaining agreement with EMS workers (IAFF Local 2725), a contract with Active Network for children's programming collections, and two special event entertainment licenses. They also received a site investigation report on the Albion Town Landfill, tabled a zoning ordinance to December 15, and announced upcoming public workshops on American Rescue Plan Act fund allocation. All votes were unanimous 6-0, with Councilor Shaw absent.
- Approved collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 2725 for EMS workers
- Approved contract with Active Network, LLC for OCYL collections services
- Approved entertainment licenses for Fit Challenge (April 9, 2022) and Esc Enduro Bicycle Race (April 24-25, 2022) at Diamond Hill Park
- Received Albion Town Landfill site investigation report; next phase is DEM approval
- Tabled ordinance for Assessor's plat 62, Lot 17 to December 15, 2021
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Town Council approved ordinances to amend the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map for Plat 18, Lot 173. The Council also passed an ordinance changing qualifications for Police Officer applicants to include certain military service. Other items regarding tax abatements, library repairs, and various appointments were also decided.
- Approved zoning amendments for Cumberland Assessor’s Plat 18, Lot 173
- Approved $13,742.85 contract with Johnson Control for library fire alarm panel work
- Approved $2,330.39 in real estate abatements and $14,071.25 in real estate supplementals
- Approved ordinance #21-31 regarding Police Officer applicant requirements
- Denied private detective license application for Anya Rose
Special Town Council Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Cumberland Town Council, held in closed session to discuss collective bargaining with the IAFF (firefighters' union). The council voted unanimously to enter executive session and to seal the minutes, then adjourned. No public decisions were made.
- Closed session on collective bargaining with IAFF (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2))
- Vote to seal executive session minutes (7-0)
- Meeting held at Cumberland Public Safety Building, 1379 Diamond Hill Rd
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on November 10, 2021, with four of seven members present. The only substantive action was approving a resolution authorizing the mayor to modify a contract with Nation Wide Construction for up to $30,000. The meeting was brief and otherwise procedural.
- Approved R-21-71A, authorizing Mayor Jeffrey Mutter to modify a contract with Nation Wide Construction for up to $30,000
Special Town Council Meeting
The Town Council met in a closed session to discuss specific legal and labor matters. The agenda focused on updates regarding IAFF collective bargaining and litigation involving the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
- Update on collective bargaining for the IAFF unit
- Discussion of litigation: Town of Cumberland vs. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Board reviewed and voted on various 2021-2022 liquor license renewals across multiple license classes. The meeting also included a one-day extension request for Clube Juventude Lusitana.
- Approved one-day extension of hours for Clube Juventude Lusitana for New Year's Eve
- Approved Class A liquor license renewals, including Pop’s Liquors and Mendon Wine & More
- Approved Class BNT (Non Transferable) renewals for businesses such as Andrew’s Bistro and Bandidos Mexican Restaurant
- Approved Class BV renewals for establishments including La Familia and Adeline’s Speakeasy Bar & Grill
- Approved Class OSPE (Outside Serving Permanent) permits for several locations
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Town Council voted to approve numerous victualling house license renewals and extended hours for several businesses. The Council also approved several appointments to the Conservation, Planning, Zoning, and Open Space commissions.
- Approved various business licenses including First through Fifth Class Victualling House licenses
- Approved extended operating hours (up to 5:00 a.m.) for several businesses
- Approved R-21-68A to amend the Cumberland Traffic Calming Policy and Procedure
- Authorized Federal Hill the Beginning, LLC to film at 1380 Diamond Hill Road
- Reappointed or appointed members to Conservation, Planning, Zoning, and Open Space commissions
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a zoning ordinance amendment (21-21A) to allow Moulton Enterprises (Dead Jeep) to operate at 120 Ralco Way, along with its junk dealer license. They also approved a $48,500 contract for tree removal at Heritage Park, purchased two lab analyzers for $23,150.58, and approved several stop sign ordinances. Two ordinances were tabled to November 17, and two resolutions were tabled to November 3.
- Approved zoning amendment #21-21A for Moulton Enterprises (Dead Jeep) at 120 Ralco Way, with changes to vehicle storage time and removal of 75% online sales requirement
- Approved junk and secondhand goods dealer license for Moulton Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Dead Jeep
- Approved resolution R-21-65 authorizing contract with Warwick Tree Service for $48,500 for tree removal at Heritage Park
- Approved resolution R-21-66 to purchase two Abbott Handheld Lab Analyzers from Henry Schein Inc. for $23,150.58
- Approved stop sign ordinances for Hidden Meadow development and at Iroquois Road and Phillips Avenue
Special Town Council Meeting
This special meeting consisted solely of a closed executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the IAFF firefighter union, followed by adjournment. No public decisions or votes on substantive matters occurred; the only votes were to enter executive session and seal its minutes.
- Executive session on IAFF collective bargaining (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2))
- Vote 5/0 to enter executive session
- Vote 5/0 to seal minutes
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting on October 6, 2021, approving several ordinances, resolutions, licenses, and appointments. Key actions included amending the zoning ordinance for educational institutions, approving a parking ordinance for Dexter Street, and authorizing multiple contracts for services such as demolition, landscaping, and architectural work. The council also appointed members to the Diamond Hill Park Renovations Building Committee and approved a payroll administrator.
- Approved amended zoning ordinance #21-18 for educational institutions (elementary through high school)
- Approved ordinance #21-24A for one-hour parking at 27-29 Dexter Street, amended to two-hour parking with Sundays excluded
- Approved R-21-56A lease agreement with Club Juventude Lusitana, Inc. for 3 years with $500 annual increase in years 2 and 3
- Approved R-21-60 grant matching funds up to $150,000 for Franklin Farm Historic Farmhouse Rehabilitation Project
- Approved R-21-61 contract with Digger's Landscaping Inc. for sediment removal at Diamond Hill Park Pond, not to exceed $28,900
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a contract for the Diamond Hill Park Baseball Field reconstruction, a water main replacement on Meadowbrook Drive, and several appointments. It also tabled a junk dealer license and a lease agreement, and referred multiple zoning and ordinance changes to committees.
- Approved $249,708 contract with RAD Sports for Diamond Hill Park Baseball Field reconstruction (6-1)
- Approved $73,836 contract with Digger's Landscaping for water main replacement on Meadowbrook Drive (7-0)
- Tabled lease agreement with Club Juventude Lusitana, Inc. to October 6, 2021
- Tabled junk dealer license for Moulton Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Dead Jeep at 120 Ralco Way to October 20, 2021
- Approved appointments: Celeste Beauparlant (HR Director), Tracey Methot (Confidential Legal Assistant), John Pliakas (Assistant EMA Director) — all 6-1
Special Town Council Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Cumberland Town Council that consisted entirely of a closed executive session. The council voted unanimously to discuss litigation against the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the status of the Peterson/Puritan/OU-2 site. No public decisions were made; the meeting adjourned after the closed session.
- Executive session to discuss litigation: Town of Cumberland vs. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, C.A. PC-2021-05056
- Executive session to discuss Peterson/Puritan/OU-2 status
- Vote to seal minutes of executive session (7-0)
Special Town Council Meeting
The Town Council met in a closed session to discuss litigation involving the Town of Cumberland and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
- Executive session discussion regarding Town of Cumberland vs. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, C.A. PC-2021-05056
Special Town Council Meeting
The Town Council met in a closed executive session to discuss ongoing litigation involving the Town of Cumberland and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The council also voted to seal the minutes of this session.
- Discussion of litigation: Town of Cumberland vs. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (C.A. PC-2021-05056)
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met virtually to handle liquor license matters. The board tabled a Class BNT license application for Nellie's Lounge on Broad Street after a neighbor objected and questions arose about the property's kitchen. A one-day beer and wine license application was withdrawn, and another BNT application was postponed.
- Tabled Class BNT license application for Nellie's Lounge, LLC d/b/a Nellie's Lounge, 433 Broad Street, to August 18, 2021 (vote 4/3)
- Withdrawn application for one-day Class F1 license from Maia V. Mata for a Sweet 15 party at Diamond Hill Park on August 14, 2021
- Postponed Class BNT license application from Aihu Corporation d/b/a Chucky's Creamery, 48 West Wrentham Road, until August 21, 2021
- Public hearing held on Nellie's Lounge application; abutter Joao Carvalho, 17 Vineyard Avenue, voiced objection
- Approved minutes of the June 16, 2021 regular meeting (vote 7/0)
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting, approving a stop sign ordinance with corrections, authorizing the purchase of an aerial bucket truck for $109,869, and approving several other resolutions and licenses. The council also heard public concerns about flooding risks related to a proposed home at 45 Canning Street and voted to engage a solicitor to protect the town's interest in that matter.
- Approved ordinance #21-14 codifying stop signs, with corrections to Old Meadow Lane and adding a sign at Arnold Mills Road/Nate Whipple Highway
- Authorized purchase of a Duralift aerial bucket truck and Dodge Ram 5500 chassis from RBG, Inc. for $109,869
- Authorized audio-visual equipment purchase from Ambient Sound Inc. for $31,741.66
- Approved a change order with Retrofit Technologies for communications upgrades at the Pascale property for $13,412.09
- Voted to engage solicitor Marisa Desautel to file court action regarding wetlands permits for 45 Canning Street
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met virtually for a special meeting that consisted entirely of a closed executive session. The council voted unanimously to enter the session to discuss collective bargaining and potential litigation, and to seal the minutes of that discussion. The meeting adjourned after the closed session with no public action taken.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2) for collective bargaining and potential litigation
- Unanimous vote to seal the executive session minutes
- Meeting held virtually via Zoom with in-person attendance at Town Hall
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board voted to deny a dimensional variance for an existing chicken coop due to failure to meet required standards. The Board also approved a request to continue a residential setback matter for 71 Scott Road until the August 11 meeting.
- Denied variance for a chicken coop at 86 Spring Street to allow a 17-foot side yard setback instead of the required 25 feet
- Continued hearing for a single-family residence dimensional variance at 71 Scott Road to August 11, 2021
- Approved minutes from the June 9 meeting
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met virtually and voted to reduce the number of Class BV (beer/wine) licenses from 18 to 15, with three currently unused. The board also tabled a one-day beer/wine license application for a Sweet 15 party at Diamond Hill Park and scheduled a public hearing for a new Class BNT license application.
- Voted 6/1 to reduce Class BV licenses from 18 to 15; Commissioner Bradley voted no
- Tabled one-day Class F1 license for Maia V. Mata's Sweet 15 party at Diamond Hill Park on Aug 14, 2021, to July 21
- Scheduled public hearing for July 21 on Class BNT license application from Nellie's Lounge, LLC at 433 Broad Street
- Approved minutes of June 2, 2021 regular meeting, 7/0
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Jeffrey Mutter to enter into a three-year audit agreement with Marcum Accountants & Advisors for up to $213,000, with a 6-1 vote (Councilor Bradley dissenting). The council also approved several licenses, including a BioBlitz event at Mercy Woods and Fourth of July fireworks, and tabled multiple items to the July 21 meeting. Updates were provided on Council Chambers upgrades for hybrid meetings.
- Approved audit contract with Marcum Accountants & Advisors, not to exceed $213,000 for FY2021-2023 (6-1 vote)
- Approved special event entertainment license for RI BioBlitz 2021 at Mercy Woods, Oct 1-2, pending insurance
- Approved special event entertainment license for Fourth of July Fireworks at Tucker Field on July 3, 2021
- Tabled junk dealer license for Dead Jeep at 120 Ralco Way due to zoning prohibition
- Approved May 2021 abatements and supplemental bills totaling $42,295.14
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board approved a dimensional variance for Sebastian Foppema to build a garage with an accessory dwelling unit above it at 13 Cook Road. The board continued the application for Paula Malloy at 71 Scott Road to the July 14 meeting. The board heard testimony but deferred its decision on the chicken coop variance for David Dugre and Paromita Ghosh at 86 Spring Street until July 14.
- Approved 5-0 dimensional variance for Sebastian Foppema at 13 Cook Road for a 7-foot, 11-inch height relief to build a garage with an accessory dwelling unit.
- Continued application 21-02 for Paula Malloy at 71 Scott Road (rear yard setback variance) to the July 14, 2021 meeting.
- Deferred decision on application 21-08 for David Dugre and Paromita Ghosh at 86 Spring Street (chicken coop side setback variance) to the July 14, 2021 meeting.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special virtual meeting and voted to approve three ordinances establishing operating budgets for fiscal year 2021-2022: the General Fund, the Water Department, and the Sewer Department. Each ordinance passed by a 5/1 roll call vote, with Councilor Bradley voting nay and Councilor Metivier absent. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
- Approved ordinance #21-11 establishing the General Fund operating budget for FY2021-2022 (vote 5/1)
- Approved ordinance #21-12 establishing the Water Department operating budget for FY2021-2022 (vote 5/1)
- Approved ordinance #21-13 establishing the Sewer Department operating budget for FY2021-2022 (vote 5/1)
- Councilor Bradley voted nay on all three budget ordinances
- Councilor Metivier was absent
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met on June 2, 2021, and approved two one-day beer and wine licenses for upcoming events. The board also approved the minutes from its May 19 meeting. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned after about 11 minutes.
- Approved Class F one-day beer/wine license for Cumberland Beagle Club, 425 Nate Whipple Highway, for Layla's Dream Fundraiser/bike run on June 26, 2021, 9am-5pm.
- Approved Class F one-day beer/wine license for Cumberland Youth Activities Council for Cumberland Fest at Diamond Hill Park, Aug 6-8, 2021, pending insurance, police approval, and tent/liquor area inspection.
- Approved minutes of May 19, 2021 regular meeting.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a regular meeting on June 2, 2021, where the primary action was the first vote on the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 operating budgets. The Council approved the General Fund, Water Department, and Sewer Department budgets, each by a 6/1 vote with Councilor Bradley dissenting. The Council also approved two resolutions for major equipment purchases and a water main replacement contract, and granted two special event entertainment licenses.
- Approved FY2022 General Fund operating budget (Ordinance #21-11), vote 6/1
- Approved FY2022 Water Department operating budget (Ordinance #21-12), vote 6/1
- Approved FY2022 Sewer Department operating budget (Ordinance #21-13), vote 6/1
- Authorized purchase of Aquatech catch basin cleaner/jetter truck for up to $299,834.51 (R-21-39)
- Authorized contract with Woodard & Curran for Meadowbrook Drive water main replacement, up to $41,783 (R-21-40)
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its first public hearing on the FY2021-2022 operating budgets for the General Fund, Water Department, and Sewer Department, with votes scheduled for June 2 and June 7. The council also rejected a hawker's license and a holiday sales license for Keystone Novelties at 30 Industrial Drive due to traffic and parking concerns, and approved a resolution extending temporary outdoor restaurant service through October 31, 2021.
- Public hearing on General Fund operating budget for FY2021-2022 (Ordinance #21-11)
- Public hearing on Water Department operating budget (Ordinance #21-12)
- Public hearing on Sewer Department operating budget (Ordinance #21-13)
- Approved resolution R-21-38 extending temporary outdoor restaurant service until October 31, 2021
- Rejected hawker's and holiday sales licenses for Keystone Novelties at 30 Industrial Drive (votes failed 4-2)
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met virtually and approved the minutes from the April 21, 2021 meeting. They also approved a temporary outdoor serving license for Club Juventude Lusitana's annual Saint John's Feast, pending a final tent inspection. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Approved temporary outdoor serving license for Club Juventude Lusitana, 10 Chase Street, for June 25-26, 2021
- Approval pending final tent inspection
- Unanimous votes (7-0) on all actions
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting on May 19, 2021, approving several contracts, licenses, and abatements. The Council also set the schedule for the upcoming FY2021-2022 budget hearings and first votes. The meeting included reports from the Police Department and updates on the Council Chambers renovation.
- Approved change order with Retrofit Technologies for email backup/archiving, up to $19,260 annually
- Approved two change orders for Senior Center roof replacement with Nationwide Construction, up to $10,591
- Approved agreement with Pare Corporation for Water System Risk Assessment, up to $43,000
- Approved contract with Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp; tonnage rate $47/ton FY22, $54/ton FY23
- Approved $23,044.71 change order with OpenGov for Town Clerk permitting/licensing software
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board held a virtual meeting on May 12, 2021, approving a dimensional variance for a proposed two-lot subdivision at 3 Blissdale Avenue, a special use permit and dimensional variance for a ground-mounted solar array at 3100 Diamond Hill Road, and continuing several matters to the June 9 meeting, including a chicken coop variance and a height variance. The board also approved the prior meeting's minutes.
- Approved 5-0 variance for Silva subdivision at 3 Blissdale Avenue (Lot A: 1,570 sq ft; Lot B: 6,346 sq ft relief)
- Approved 5-0 special use permit and dimensional variance for 250-kW and 110-kW solar array at 3100 Diamond Hill Road
- Continued to June 9: chicken coop variance at 86 Spring Street (notice issue)
- Continued to June 9: height variance at 13 Cook Road (needs Planning Board review)
- Continued to June 9: rear yard setback variance at 71 Scott Road
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met virtually on May 5, 2021. They discussed the status of executive orders easing business restrictions and temporary outdoor seating permits, referring the matter to the Ordinance Sub Committee. They also heard a report from the Parks & Recreation Commission on a proposed new fee structure for recreation fields.
- Approved consent agenda including municipal mobile food establishment permits for My Bros' Gyros, Barbara's Quick Lunch, Atomic Burger, and Incred-A-Bowl
- Approved temporary outdoor seating permits for J Gray's Tavern (405 Mendon Rd) and La Familia (1666 Diamond Hill Rd)
- Tabled four hawker's and holiday sales licenses for Keystone Novelties Distributors to May 19, 2021
- Approved R-21-29, increasing the contract with Union Studio Architecture by up to $8,850 for construction management services
- Referred three claims to the Solicitor's Office or Finance Sub-Committee
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met in a special virtual closed session to discuss potential litigation. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session and to seal the minutes of that discussion. The meeting was brief, lasting about 29 minutes, and no public business was conducted.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation
- Unanimous vote to seal the minutes of the executive session
- Meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. after a unanimous vote
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners held a special virtual meeting. The board unanimously approved an application from Davenport Family Restaurant at 1070 Mendon Road for a permanent outdoor expansion of its premise to serve alcohol. The board also approved the minutes from its April 7, 2021 regular meeting. No public comments were made.
- Approved permanent outdoor alcohol service expansion for Davenport Family Restaurant at 1070 Mendon Road (vote 7/0)
- Approved minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 7, 2021 (vote 7/0)
- Meeting held virtually and adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Special Town Council Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Cumberland Town Council held virtually. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the potential acquisition or disposition of publicly held property, citing that public discussion could be detrimental to the public interest. The minutes of the session were sealed, and the meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Vote to enter executive session (7-0)
- Vote to seal minutes (7-0)
- Discussion of acquisition or disposition of publicly held property (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5))
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved several licenses, a food truck ordinance, and contracts, including a $461,535 roof replacement for the senior center funded by CDBG grants and a $7,165 radar purchase for police funded by a grant. The council also approved tax abatements, a property redemption, and declined to exercise its right of first refusal on a property.
- Approved $461,535 contract with Nationwide Construction for senior center roof replacement
- Approved $7,165 purchase of five Raptor RP-1 radars for police, grant-funded
- Approved ordinance #21-10 delaying food truck bidding process by 11 months (vote 6/1)
- Approved licenses for US Energy Inc. (290 Broad St), Shine Bright LLC (3753 Mendon Rd), T-Mobile (1800 Mendon Rd)
- Approved not exercising right of first refusal for 75 West Wrentham Rd property ($450,000)
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a zoning change for 48 West Wrentham Road, allowing a business to serve alcohol with restrictions on hours and types of beverages. The council also approved several licenses, including special event entertainment licenses for Haunted Trails at Diamond Hill Park and the McCoy Fit Challenge Ultra Trail Race, and renewed second-hand dealer licenses. Multiple ordinances were passed, including one allowing accessory family dwelling units for care of family members aged 62 or older, and several resolutions authorized purchases for the police and parks departments.
- Approved zone change for 48 West Wrentham Road with restrictions: alcohol service noon-9pm, no liquor/spirits, business closed by 10pm, restricted BNT license only (vote 4/3)
- Approved ordinance #21-01 allowing accessory family dwelling units for care of family members 62+ (vote 6/1)
- Approved purchase of two 2021 Chevy Malibu LS police vehicles, not to exceed $37,002
- Approved purchase of ten X26P Tasers from Axon Enterprise, Inc., not to exceed $15,246.60
- Approved three-year contract with Atlantic Golf and Turf, not to exceed $185,386.32
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met virtually and approved the minutes from March 17, 2020. The only old business item, an application from Davenport Family Restaurant for a permanent outdoor alcohol service expansion, was erroneously listed and will be rescheduled for April 21, 2021. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned after about three minutes.
- Approved minutes of March 17, 2020 meeting (7-0)
- Davenport Family Restaurant, 1070 Mendon Road, outdoor alcohol expansion hearing postponed to April 21, 2021
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a first public hearing on an ordinance amending the General Fund Budget for fiscal year 2020-2021. No vote was taken on the amendment itself; a second hearing and vote are scheduled for April 7, 2021. The Council unanimously voted to rename a line item from 'Proceed on Land Sales' to 'Healthcare Reserves'.
- First hearing on ordinance #21-09 amending FY2020-21 General Fund Budget
- Line item renamed from 'Proceed on Land Sales' to 'Healthcare Reserves' (vote 6/0)
- Second hearing and vote scheduled for April 7, 2021
- Public hearing held virtually; no public comments
Special Town Council Workshop
This was a special workshop, not a regular decision-making meeting. The council heard presentations from the RI Ethics Commission on conduct rules, the town solicitor on the Open Meetings Act and public records, and the mayor on the levy sheet and fund balance. No votes were taken except to adjourn, and there were no public comments.
- Presentation by RI Ethics Commission staff on rules of conduct for elected and appointed officials
- Presentation by Town Solicitor on Open Meetings Act (RIGL §42-46-1) and access to public records
- Presentation by Mayor Jeffrey Mutter on levy sheet and fund balance
- Meeting held virtually under Governor's Executive Order 20-25
- Adjourned 4-0 at 8:33 p.m.
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board met via Zoom and approved the prior meeting's minutes. All three substantive matters on the agenda were continued to the next meeting on April 14, 2021: a dimensional variance for a home at 71 Scott Road, a garage addition at 112 Dexter Street, and an appeal of a notice of violation at 14 Torrey Road. No final decisions were made on any of these items.
- Continued dimensional variance for single-family residence at 71 Scott Road (Plat 039, Lot 0219, Zone R-1) pending Planning Board recommendation
- Continued dimensional variance for garage addition at 112 Dexter Street (Plat 007, Lot 0676, Zone R-2); applicant absent, stop work order to be issued
- Continued appeal of Notice of Violation for more than two living units at 14 Torrey Road (Plat 057, Lot 0090, Zone A-2); State Building Code Commission hearing set for April 8
- Approved minutes of February 10, 2021 meeting by 5-0 vote
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met virtually and approved several items, including a new form for residents to report power outages to strengthen the town's case with National Grid, and the appointment of Sara Brelsford as Chief of Staff. The council also discussed National Grid's transmission line upgrade project, which will have a public hearing in late March, and approved a new periodic reporting system for town departments. Several ordinances and resolutions were tabled to the March 17 meeting.
- Approved new power outage reporting form for residents to report outages to the town
- Discussed National Grid's J16S 115 kV Transmission Line Thermal Upgrade Project; public hearing scheduled for late March
- Approved periodic department reporting to Council, including monthly financial reports from the school department
- Approved Hawker's license for Phantom Fireworks at 1170 Mendon Road (5-2 vote)
- Approved appointment of Sara Brelsford as Chief of Staff
Special Town Council Meeting
This special meeting was a closed executive session, with no public discussion or decisions. The council voted unanimously to discuss the acquisition or disposition of publicly held property, and to seal the minutes of that discussion. The meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Closed executive session under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5) for property acquisition/disposition
- Vote 7/0 to enter executive session
- Vote 7/0 to seal the minutes
- Meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved the purchase of a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe for Emergency Medical Services at a cost not to exceed $41,606.24. The council also approved a mobile food establishment permit for two food trucks, a holiday license for Rumford Pet Express, and December 2020 tax abatements, with the exception of a $30,521.65 abatement for Narragansett Electric pending review. Several zoning ordinance amendments and a resolution on mobile food truck locations were tabled or referred to the Ordinance Sub-Committee.
- Approved purchase of 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV for EMS, not to exceed $41,606.24
- Approved mobile food establishment permits for Supa Dupa Food Truck and La Guaguita Del Saber
- Approved holiday license for RPC Inc d/b/a Rumford Pet Express at 2000 Mendon Road, Suite 5
- Approved December 2020 real estate abatements totaling $34,151.77, except $30,521.65 for Narragansett Electric
- Tabled zoning ordinance amendments for Ann & Hope Way and employee handbook severance changes
Special Town Council Meeting
This special meeting was a closed executive session, with no public discussion or decisions. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2), and voted to seal the minutes. The meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session for potential litigation discussion
- Unanimous vote to seal the minutes of the executive session
- Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board met via Zoom and approved a dimensional variance for a shed at 9 Tuscan Court, and continued an appeal of a notice of violation for 14 Torrey Road to the next meeting. The board also approved the minutes from the January 10, 2021 meeting and adjourned.
- Granted dimensional variance to Erik Brouillard for shed at 9 Tuscan Court (Plat 029, Lot 0178), side yard variance of 14 feet and rear yard variance of 20 feet, approved 5-0
- Continued appeal 20-11 by Tammy L. LaCoste of 14 Torrey Road regarding notice of violation for more than two living units on one parcel, to March 10, 2021
- Approved minutes from January 10, 2021 meeting, 5-0
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met virtually and approved several items, including a secondhand goods ordinance, a salary ordinance for executive staff, and licenses for a bakery and park events. They tabled an ordinance on accessory family dwelling units for further review. The council also discussed vaccine distribution and approved a beer permit for Diamond Hill Park events.
- Approved ordinance #20-30 on Secondhand Goods and Fees (7-0)
- Tabled ordinance #21-01 on accessory family dwelling units to March 3, 2021 (7-0)
- Approved ordinance #21-03 amending salaries of Executive Staff (6-1, Bradley nay)
- Approved beer permit for Trinity Brewhouse at Diamond Hill Park (6-1, Schmitt nay)
- Approved entertainment license for Music in the Park/Food Truck Event at Diamond Hill Park (7-0)
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a resolution authorizing a contract with BETA Group, Inc. for landscape architecture and engineering review services at the Peterson Puritan Superfund site, not to exceed $70,000. The council also approved a victualling house license for Saki's Pizzeria, tabled several ordinances and appointments, and approved appointments to the Historic District Commission and Conservation Commission.
- Approved R-21-08: $70,000 contract with BETA Group for Peterson Puritan Superfund site review
- Approved second-class victualling house license for Saki's Pizzeria at 2339 Diamond Hill Rd
- Approved December 2020 real estate abatements totaling $4,931.48
- Tabled ordinances on sewer use fees, accessory dwelling units, and executive staff salaries to Feb 3
- Approved Joe Santoro to Historic District Commission and Joe Luca to Conservation Commission
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met in a virtual special meeting and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2). The council also voted to seal the minutes of that session. No other business was conducted, and the meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session for potential litigation discussion
- Unanimous vote to seal the executive session minutes
- Meeting held virtually and adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met in a virtual special meeting and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the IAFF firefighters' union. The council also voted to seal the minutes of the session, with one councilor opposed. The meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Executive session on IAFF collective bargaining (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2))
- Vote to seal executive session minutes (6/1, Councilor Bradley opposed)
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a regular meeting on January 6, 2021, where it approved a new ordinance regulating recreational fire pits, authorized stop signs at two intersections, and approved the purchase of two police vehicles and related equipment. The council also tabled several items, including a secondhand goods ordinance and a sewer fee ordinance, and referred new ordinances on accessory dwelling units and salary changes to subcommittees.
- Approved ordinance #20-22A regulating recreational fire pits, with amendments (6-1 vote)
- Approved ordinance #20-29 placing stop signs at Hines Road and Waumsett Ave. and Hines Road and Pequot Ave. (6-1 vote)
- Approved R-21-01A to purchase two 2020 Ford Police Utility vehicles, not to exceed $68,079.60
- Approved R-21-02 to purchase equipment to upfit one police vehicle from Global Public Safety, not to exceed $18,565.38
- Tabled ordinance #20-30 (secondhand goods) to February 3, 2021, and ordinance #20-32 (sewer fees) to January 20, 2021