Cumberland public meetings in 2022
55 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a $500,000 Small Business Grant Relief Program and a $350,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island for pool repairs. They also approved a three-year IT services contract with Retrofit Technologies worth up to $155,508 annually, and passed an amended yard sale ordinance with increased fines. Several other items were tabled, including the Ann & Hope Mill tax stabilization ordinance and a salary range ordinance.
- Approved R-22-99: $500,000 Small Business Grant Relief Program
- Approved R-22-104: $350,000 grant to Boys and Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island for pool repairs
- Approved R-22-105: 3-year IT contract with Retrofit Technologies, up to $155,508/year
- Approved Ordinance 22-26A: Yard sales allowed 4 days/year, fines raised to $100 first offense, $200 subsequent
- Tabled Ann & Hope Mill tax stabilization ordinance to March 1, 2023
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board met on December 14, 2022, approving a dimensional variance for a garage/shed at 39 Staples Road and continuing a similar request for 330 Scott Road to the February meeting. Both matters involve front yard setback relief.
- Approved 5-0: Dimensional variance for Michael Taylor, 39 Staples Road, for front yard setback relief (Plat 44, Lot 41, Zone A-2)
- Continued 5-0: Dimensional variance request by Daniel T. Carr for 330 Scott Road (Plat 66, Lot 90, Zone R-1) to February 8, 2023
- Approved 5-0: Minutes from November 9, 2022 meeting
- Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved several resolutions, including funding for police body-worn cameras, a grant to the Northern RI Food Pantry, and a contract for a website redesign. Several items were tabled to future meetings, including zoning ordinance changes and a small business grant program. The meeting also included approvals for special event licenses and board appointments.
- Approved R-22-103: purchase of 50 body-worn cameras, not to exceed $100,000 annually, totaling $500,000 over 5 years
- Approved R-22-100: $125,000 grant to Northern RI Food Pantry over 4 years from ARPA funds
- Approved R-22-101: $82,797.12 contract with North American Rescue Simulation Inc. for training simulator
- Approved R-22-102: $33,035.20 contract with CivicPlus for website redesign and hosting
- Tabled R-22-99: Small Business Grant Relief Program with $500,000 allocation to December 21, 2022
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting to handle license matters. They approved an entertainment license for Club Juventude Lusitana and extended all victualling house and extended hours licenses to January 4, 2022, with conditions for some establishments to sign indemnification agreements. The meeting was brief and focused solely on these license actions.
- Approved entertainment license for Club Juventude Lusitana, 10 Chase St., subject to stipulations from earlier show cause hearing
- Extended first class victualling licenses to Jan 4, 2022, with Andrew's Bistro required to sign indemnification agreement
- Extended second class victualling licenses to Jan 4, 2022, with multiple establishments required to sign indemnification agreements
- Extended third and fourth class victualling licenses to Jan 4, 2022, with conditions for The New Spot, 1 Stop Deli & Grocery, and F&S LLC
- Extended extended hours licenses to Jan 4, 2022, with GB Donuts required to sign indemnification agreement
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved two contracts: a $24,000 agreement with Horsley Witten for the town's Hazard Mitigation Plan, and a $43,174 contract with CAE Healthcare Inc. for EMS training equipment. The council also approved several license renewals, appointed members to the Amaral Building Committee, and referred two ordinances to subcommittees.
- Approved R-22-96: $24,000 contract with Horsley Witten for Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Approved R-22-97: $43,174 contract with CAE Healthcare Inc. for EMS training
- Approved 2022 real estate supplemental bills totaling $2,546.82
- Approved 2021 & 2020 motor vehicle supplemental bills totaling $229.73
- Appointed Bruce Lemois and Jeremy Scott to Amaral Building Committee
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board reviewed and voted on several dimensional variances and a special use permit. The decisions involved residential modifications, solar energy installation, and garage construction.
- Approved 12-foot rear yard variance for 273 Abbott Run Valley Road to allow house extensions
- Approved dimensional variances and a Special Use Permit for ground-mounted solar at 20 Blissdale Avenue
- Approved 17-foot rear yard variance for 25 Dulles Street to construct a 25x30-foot double garage
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a public hearing and unanimously approved numerous victualling house, entertainment, holiday, and extended hours licenses, along with a private detective license renewal. They also approved a $17,500 contract for a roof replacement at the Water Department offices and tabled two zoning ordinance amendments to December 7, 2022. The meeting included a public comment about the slow distribution of ARPRA funds to small businesses.
- Approved $17,500 contract with Dome Construction for shingle roof replacement at Water Department Administrative Offices
- Tabled zoning ordinance #22-13A (Assessor's Plat 7, Lot 0237) and #22-25 (Plats 24 and 25) to December 7, 2022
- Approved first-class victualling house licenses for Blackstone Herbs & Coffee Bar (3 Dexter St) and Broad Street Sports Lounge (433 Broad St)
- Approved entertainment licenses for Blackstone Herbs & Coffee Bar and Broad Street Sports Lounge
- Approved 2022-2023 license renewals for over 100 establishments, with several items removed for later hearing
Special License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners held a show-cause hearing regarding incidents at Club Juventude Lusitana, 10 Chase Street, on October 22, 2022. The club's attorney requested a continuance, and the police chief read a list of proposed safety conditions for continued operation. The board voted unanimously to continue the matter to November 29, 2022, with stipulations agreed to on the record.
- Show-cause hearing for Club Juventude Lusitana, 10 Chase Street, related to October 22, 2022 incidents
- Police Chief Benson read proposed conditions including event managers, security officers, and police detail requirements
- Club agreed to no entertainment until the next hearing
- Matter continued to November 29, 2022 at 6:00 PM by unanimous 6-0 vote
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners voted on liquor license renewals and two new Class B Non-Transferable (BNT) licenses. The board approved a BNT license for Blackstone Herbs & Coffee Bar (Apothica Inc.) at 3 Dexter Street, allowing evening cocktail service, and for Broad Street Sports Lounge LLC at 433 Broad Street. All 2022-2023 liquor license renewals were approved, with two items tabled to later dates.
- Approved Class BNT license for Blackstone Herbs & Coffee Bar (Apothica Inc.), 3 Dexter Street, to serve cocktails evenings, vote 5/2
- Approved Class BNT license for Broad Street Sports Lounge LLC, 433 Broad Street, vote 6/1
- Approved all Class A liquor renewals including Pop's Liquors, Mendon Wine & More, Cumberland Wine & Spirits, Cumberland Hill Liquors, Paul's Fine Wine & Spirits
- Tabled Club Juventude Lusitana renewal to Nov 29 and American Legion Post #14 to Nov 16
- Approved 9 outside serving permanent expansion (OSPE) licenses for restaurants including Andrew's Bistro, Bandidos, Bollywood Grill
Special Town Council Meeting
This is the approved minutes of a special Town Council meeting held entirely in executive (closed) session. The council discussed a litigation update and collective bargaining with the IBPO police union, and voted to seal the minutes. No public business was conducted.
- Vote 7/0 to enter executive session
- Discussion of litigation update under RIGL 42-46-2(a)(2)
- Collective bargaining update for IBPO union with potential votes
- Vote 6/0 to seal the minutes
- Councilor Bradley recused from litigation discussion
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved several contracts and resolutions, including a $253,004.10 radio system upgrade with Cyber Communications and Motorola Solutions, a $244,000 Diamond Hill Park pond improvement with Tower Construction, and a $65,000 agreement with Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center for a domestic violence advocate. The council also tabled multiple ordinances, including the Ann & Hope Mill tax stabilization, and approved new parking and animal control fines.
- Approved $253,004.10 contract with Cyber Communications Inc for radio coverage improvements
- Approved $187,328.00 contract with Motorola Solutions for radio equipment
- Approved $244,000 agreement with Tower Construction for Diamond Hill Park pond improvements
- Approved $65,000 agreement with Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center for domestic violence advocate
- Tabled Ann & Hope Mill tax stabilization ordinance to December 21, 2022
Zoning Board Meeting
This meeting was cancelled because the board lacked a quorum after one member tested positive for Covid-19. The meeting is rescheduled to November 9, 2022, at the Public Complex Safety Complex instead of Town Hall, which will be used for Election Day voting. No agenda items were discussed.
- Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
- Member Rachael Guadagni tested positive for Covid-19
- Rescheduled to November 9, 2022 at Public Complex Safety Complex
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met on October 5, 2022, and unanimously approved the minutes from its June 1 and August 17 meetings. The board received applications for two Class B Non-Transferable liquor licenses, one from Blackstone Herbs & Coffee Bar d/b/a Apothica Inc. at 3 Dexter Street and one from Broad Street Sports Lounge LLC at 433 Broad Street. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
- Approved minutes of June 1, 2022 and August 17, 2022 meetings (7-0)
- Application for Class B Non-Transferable license from Blackstone Herbs & Coffee Bar d/b/a Apothica Inc., 3 Dexter Street
- Application for Class B Non-Transferable license from Broad Street Sports Lounge LLC, 433 Broad Street
Special Town Council Meeting
This is a special Town Council meeting that consisted solely of an executive session to discuss litigation in the case of Town of Cumberland vs. Joseph Caffey, et al. The council voted to enter executive session and to seal the minutes, then adjourned. No other business was conducted.
- Executive session to discuss litigation (RIGL 42-46-2(a)(2)) in Town of Cumberland vs. Joseph Caffey, et al.
- Vote to enter executive session: 5-0, with Councilor Bradley recused and Councilor Beaulieu absent.
- Vote to seal executive session minutes: 6-0, with Councilor Bradley recused.
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved several police-related contracts, including a three-year $16,200 Police Detail Tracking System agreement, a $51,058.90 Chevrolet Tahoe for the police department, and a $24,930 IT security upgrade with Retrofit Technologies. The council also discussed the draft Cumberland Pandemic Recovery (ARPA) Plan, with the mayor noting the figures are placeholders. Two zoning ordinance changes were tabled pending Planning Board decisions, and two new ordinances on parking fines and animal control penalties were referred to the Ordinance Sub-Committee.
- Approved $16,200 contract for Police Detail Tracking System
- Approved $51,058.90 purchase of 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe SSV 4WD for police
- Approved $24,930 IT security upgrade with Retrofit Technologies
- Discussed draft ARPA Pandemic Recovery Plan (placeholders only)
- Tabled zoning changes for Plat 016 Lot 0893 and Plat 24 Lots 14/409, Plat 25 Lot 22
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved several equipment purchases and contracts, including a $139,500 backhoe, $77,036 in CPR devices, and a $63,000 tree consulting agreement. They also approved a zone change for a dance school, a stop sign ordinance, and tabled several other items to future meetings.
- Approved R-22-74: $139,500 John Deere backhoe for Water Department
- Approved R-22-72: $77,036.10 for four Lucas 3 CPR devices
- Approved R-22-71: $63,000 over 3 years with Davey Resource Group for tree consulting (5-2 vote)
- Approved ordinance #22-24A: zone change for Cheryl's School of Dance at Plat 052, Lot 0343
- Approved $12,494.17 in real estate abatements and $18,999.66 in supplemental bills
Special Town Council Meeting
This was a special meeting of the Cumberland Town Council. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining updates for the IBPO police union, then voted to seal the minutes and adjourned. No public decisions were made.
- Voted 5/0 to enter executive session on IBPO collective bargaining
- Voted 7/0 to seal the executive session minutes
- Voted 7/0 to adjourn at 7:29 p.m.
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board approved four dimensional variances for a solar carport project at the 30 Martin Street mill. The requested relief includes adjustments to minimum side yard, maximum height, and setbacks from the edge of the roof surface.
- Approved four dimensional variances for a solar carport at 30 Martin Street
- Variance requests included side yard, building height, and parking setbacks
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a public hearing and voted to approve the Ann & Hope mixed-use zoning district, which includes a 20% affordable housing requirement for 241 residential units. The council also approved the abandonment of Study Hill Road and several contracts for sewer and stormwater work. Other items, including a tax stabilization ordinance and a road abandonment, were tabled to a later date.
- Approved ordinance #22-11 amending the Comprehensive Plan for the Ann & Hope Mixed Use Zoning District (6-0, Councilor Bradley recused)
- Approved ordinance #22-12B creating the Ann & Hope Mixed Use District for Assessor's Plat 11, Lot 159, with 20% affordable housing deed-restricted for 99 years (5-1, Councilor Metivier opposed)
- Approved resolution R-22-42 abandoning Study Hill Road (6-0, Councilor Bradley recused)
- Approved contract with Pare Corporation for stormwater system design on Industrial Road, not to exceed $47,850
- Approved $11,050 contract with Boydco Inc for electrical and mechanical services at Highland Corporate Park Sewer Pump Station
Special Town Council Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Cumberland Town Council. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss litigation, then voted to seal the minutes and adjourned. No other business was conducted.
- Executive session on litigation (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2))
- Vote to seal executive session minutes (6-0)
- Meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved an ordinance regulating tree cutting in town parks and amended police hiring requirements with a sunset clause. Several zoning and tax stabilization items related to the Ann & Hope Mill were tabled to September 7, 2022, and the council approved multiple contracts and licenses.
- Approved ordinance #22-22 regulating tree cutting in town parks, with DEM requiring replanting of 25 trees in Valley Falls Heritage Park
- Amended police hiring ordinance #22-23 with sunset clause effective until October 18, 2024; vote 5/1
- Tabled Ann & Hope Mixed Use zoning ordinances #22-11, #22-12, #22-13A and tax stabilization #22-21 to September 7, 2022
- Approved $8,000 contract with Epsilon Associates for historic designation study of ~30 Arnold Mills properties
- Approved $23,666 purchase of Variable Frequency Drive from Harbor Controls for Water Department
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met and approved two temporary alcohol licenses: one for Our Lady of Fatima Church's annual feast and two one-day Class F licenses for the Cumberland Beagle Club. Both were approved unanimously after public hearings.
- Approved temporary outdoor alcohol license for Our Lady of Fatima Annual Feast, Sept 2-4, at 1 Fatima Drive, pending fire and building inspection
- Approved two one-day Class F liquor licenses for Cumberland Beagle Club: Boy Scout cigar smoker on Sept 10 and annual game dinner on Sept 18
- Approved minutes of June 20, 2022 meeting
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved multiple contracts and resolutions, including design services for a new Diamond Hill Park Ski Lodge ($306,400), playground equipment for B.F. Norton Elementary ($215,395.16), and a ballot question on adult recreational marijuana sales for the November 2022 election. Several zoning and road abandonment items were tabled to August 17, 2022, pending Ordinance Sub-Committee review.
- Approved $306,400 contract with Saccoccio and Associates for Diamond Hill Park Ski Lodge design
- Approved $215,395.16 purchase of playground equipment for B.F. Norton Elementary from M.E. O'Brien and Sons
- Approved $67,000 contract with Pare Corporation for water main replacement inspection under Newell and Grants Mill bridges
- Approved $113,100 contract with Beta Group for Abbot Street Pumping Station replacement design
- Approved resolution to place adult recreational marijuana sales question on November 8, 2022 ballot
Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board reviewed a petition from Desmar Real Estate Ventures, LLC for a dimensional variance to build a single-family home. The request included relief for minimum side and rear yard setbacks and maximum lot coverage on a corner lot. The board voted unanimously to approve the application.
- Approved dimensional variance for 116 Curran Road (Assessor's Plat 006, Lot 0045)
- Approved relief for side yard and rear yard setbacks
- Approved relief for maximum lot coverage on a corner lot
- Approved minutes from the June 8, 2022, regular meeting
- Approved minutes from the June 9, 2022, special meeting
Special License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met and approved a single item: a one-day Class F liquor license for the Cumberland Beagle Club's Annual Layla's Dream Motorcycle Run on July 16, 2022 (rain date July 17). The approval was unanimous (6-0) and is pending Fire and EMS approval. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Approved one-day Class F liquor license for Cumberland Beagle Club
- Event: Annual Layla's Dream Motorcycle Run on July 16, 2022, rain date July 17
- Expected 50-100 motorcycles, per applicant Fred Lermer
- Approval pending Fire and EMS approval
- Vote: 6-0 unanimous
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on June 20, 2022, approving two entertainment licenses and a change order for water main work. The council also discussed an ordinance to add stop signs at two intersections, which was referred to a subcommittee. All votes were unanimous with one councilor absent.
- Approved special event entertainment license for Fourth of July Fireworks at Tucker Field on July 3 (rain date July 5)
- Approved special event entertainment license for Cumberland Beagle Club's 4th Annual Layla's Dream Motorcycle Run on July 16 (rain date July 17)
- Approved Change Order to Digger Landscaping for Water Main Replacement on Meadowbrook Drive, not to exceed $13,745.02
- Ordinance #22-19 to place stop signs at Lonsdale Farm Road and Chestnut Street, and Lonsdale Farm Road and Woodland Street, referred to Ordinance Sub-Committee
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a second-reading amendment to the FY 2021-2022 General Fund Budget, an ordinance creating an ADA compliance coordinator position, and several resolutions including a new refuse/recycling contract with Mega Disposal, LLC. The Council also tabled two zoning ordinance amendments pending Planning Board recommendations and voted to join a multi-district lawsuit over potential water contaminants.
- Approved amended FY 2021-2022 General Fund Budget (Ordinance #22-10B)
- Approved ordinance establishing ADA coordinator position (#22-18A)
- Authorized refuse/recycling contract with Mega Disposal, LLC (R-22-47)
- Authorized up to $32,731.24 for Parks and Recreation equipment from Ed & Matt's Equipment (R-22-50)
- Voted 4-2 to join multi-district litigation lawsuit on potential water contaminants
Special Town Council Meeting
The Town Council held a special meeting to finalize the operating budgets for fiscal year 2022-2023. The council voted to approve the General Fund, Water Department, Sewer Department, and Recreational Special Revenue budgets. Two claims were referred to the Finance Sub-Committee, and public comments addressed school funding and state aid.
- Ordinance #22-14B: General Fund budget of $111,212,891.00 approved by a 4-2 vote
- Ordinance #22-15A: Water Department budget of $6,753,962.00 approved unanimously
- Ordinance #22-16A: Sewer Department budget of $592,378.00 approved unanimously
- Ordinance #22-17: Recreational Special Revenue budget of $188,000.00 approved unanimously
- Claims from Leo & Rachel Emery and Jen Fisher referred to the Finance Sub-Committee
Special Zoning Board Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review, acting as the Board of Appeal, heard an appeal from Anthony J. Poirier regarding a building official's decision. The appellant sought to classify a property at 12 Lenox Street as a three-family dwelling rather than a two-family dwelling. The Board voted unanimously to sustain the Building Official's original decision.
- Appeal of Building Official's Decision for 12 Lenox Street (Assessor's Plat 013, Lot 061)
- Approval of May 5, 2022, meeting minutes
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held first public hearings on four ordinances establishing the FY2022-23 operating budgets for the General Fund, Water, Sewer, and Recreational Special Revenue. The Council unanimously accepted amended versions of each ordinance (22-14A, 22-15A, 22-16A, 22-17A) in place of the originals. No votes were taken on the ordinances themselves; the hearings were informational. The Mayor noted the amendment to the General Fund budget was due to the state's motor vehicle phaseout, and the School Superintendent cited growing student population and increased multi-language learners as future budget concerns.
- Ordinance #22-14A: General Fund operating budget for FY2022-23 (first public hearing)
- Ordinance #22-15A: Water Department operating budget for FY2022-23 (first public hearing)
- Ordinance #22-16A: Sewer Department operating budget for FY2022-23 (first public hearing)
- Ordinance #22-17A: Recreational Special Revenue operating budget for FY2022-23 (first public hearing)
- Mayor cited state motor vehicle phaseout as reason for General Fund amendment
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met and approved a one-day Class F liquor license for the Cumberland Youth Activities Council's Cumberlandfest event at Diamond Hill Park, pending receipt of insurance, plot plan, lease agreement, and approvals from town departments. The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned shortly after opening.
- Approved one-day Class F liquor license for Cumberlandfest at Diamond Hill Park, Aug 5-7, pending insurance, plot plan, lease, and town department approvals
- Approved minutes of May 4, 2022 regular meeting
- Public hearing on liquor license opened and closed within one minute
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on June 1, 2022. The council voted unanimously to enter an executive session to discuss matters pertaining to litigation.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session regarding litigation
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a 3-year employment agreement for new Police Chief Matthew J. Benson, authorized purchase of a state-owned parking lot at Mendon Road and Manville Hill Road, and approved a $100,000 contract for an economic revitalization plan for Valley Falls and Lonsdale. The council also approved several licenses, including Cumberlandfest and the Arnold Mills Parade, and tabled a budget amendment and kennel license to June 15.
- Approved 3-year Chief of Police employment agreement with Matthew J. Benson (R-22-46), 6-0 vote
- Authorized purchase of Assessor's Plat 54, Lot 221 parking lot from State of Rhode Island (R-22-36), 7-0 vote
- Approved $100,000 contract with 4ward Planning for economic revitalization and social equity plan for Valley Falls and Lonsdale (R-22-40), 7-0 vote
- Approved special event entertainment licenses for Cumberlandfest (Aug 5-7) and Arnold Mills Parade (July 4), pending conditions
- Tabled General Fund budget amendment #22-10A and kennel license for Pinebrook Farm to June 15, 2022
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Town Council approved a contract with HCH Enterprises for American Rescue Plan Act services not to exceed $20,250. The Council also directed the Department of Public Works to request a traffic study and signalization at Saint Joseph's Church on Mendon Road.
- Approved HCH Enterprises contract for ARPA services up to $20,250
- Directed traffic study and signalization request for 1303 Mendon Road
- Approved $4,593.50 in total 2022 real estate abatements
- Approved annual Hawker's License for New England Novelty
- Approved holiday license for Latin Touch Barbershop II at 230 Broad Street
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting to discuss the Mayor's appointment of Chief of Police Matthew Benson. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session and to seal the minutes of this discussion.
- Executive session regarding Mayor’s appointment of Chief of Police, Matthew Benson
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Town Council approved an ordinance to install seven speed humps along Reservoir Road, with a provision that the installation will be reconsidered one year after implementation. The Council also approved several special event licenses and a $1,465,000 lease for high school boiler replacements.
- Approval of seven speed humps on Reservoir Road to be reconsidered after one year
- Resolution authorizing a master lease up to $1,465,000 for Cumberland High School boilers and univents
- Approval of special event licenses for Boys and Girls Club Flag Football, Summer Solstice Festival, and St. John’s Annual Feast
- Appointment of Nicole Cioffi as Assistant Animal Control Officer
- Approval of Keystone Fireworks seasonal sales license on Mendon Road
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met and unanimously approved all items on the agenda, including a permanent outdoor expansion for La Familia, a stock transfer for Cumberland Hill Liquors, a temporary outdoor serving license, and a one-day liquor license. No public comments were made.
- Approved permanent outdoor expansion of premises for La Familia at 1666 Diamond Hill Road
- Approved Class A stock transfer to Mayur Patel of Shivanand Inc. d/b/a Cumberland Hill Liquors at 3450 Mendon Road
- Approved temporary outdoor serving license for Club Juventude Lusitana at 10 Chase Street for St. John's Annual Feast on June 24-25, 2022
- Approved one-day Class F liquor license for Blackstone River Theatre at 549 Broad Street on June 18, 2022
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met to discuss a budget amendment ordinance and a tax levy resolution. The council voted to table the General Fund Budget amendment until May 18, 2022, and approved an amended resolution for the unsynchronized tax levy.
- Amended Resolution R-22-25 to replace $70,700,000 with $68,500,000 in line 16
- Approved Resolution R-22-25 adopting unsynchronized tax levy for portions of FY 2022 and FY 2023
- Tabled Ordinance #22-10A regarding General Fund Budget amendment to May 18, 2022
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met on April 20, 2022, and handled routine approvals, public hearings, and new business. The most significant item was a resolution to install seven speed bumps on Reservoir Road, which was tabled to May 4 after many residents spoke against it. The council also approved several contracts and licenses, and tabled a budget amendment to a special meeting.
- Tabled R-22-30: seven speed bumps on Reservoir Road to May 4, 2022 (vote 4/1)
- Approved R-22-27: EMS trailer purchase up to $21,225 from Wright Trailers
- Approved R-22-28: Turfscape LLC contract up to $6,400 for senior center renovation
- Approved R-22-29: East Coast Construction tree planting at Heritage Park up to $23,450
- Approved R-22-31: sensory play equipment for Epheta Park up to $26,822.75
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting to approve various business licenses and conduct a public hearing on a budget amendment. The council also voted to accept an amended version of Ordinance #22-10A regarding the General Fund Budget.
- Approved First-Class Victualling House and Entertainment licenses for Koury’s Tavern at 80 Manville Hill Road
- Approved Junk & Secondhand Goods Dealer and Holiday licenses for Legit Sneakerheads at 1270 High Street
- Accepted Ordinance #22-10A amending the General Fund Budget for fiscal year 2021-2022
Special Town Council Meeting
This is a special Town Council meeting that consisted solely of an executive session to discuss potential litigation under R.I.G.L. 42-46-5(a)(2), followed by adjournment. The minutes were sealed. No public business was decided or discussed.
- Voted 6-0 to enter executive session for potential litigation discussion
- Voted 6-0 to seal the executive session minutes
- Meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m. after about 16 minutes
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting on April 6, 2022, and voted unanimously on several items. The council approved purchases for the Highway Department, including a traffic sign system and a vehicle lift, and granted entertainment licenses for events at Diamond Hill Park. Several ordinances and resolutions were tabled or referred to subcommittees for further review.
- Approved $18,799 for a Traffic Sign and Design System from URW America for the Highway Department.
- Approved $8,789 for a vehicle lift from Gary Bloom Sales, Inc. for the Highway Department.
- Approved a special event entertainment license for a car show at Diamond Hill Park on July 2, 2022, with no music competition.
- Tabled a zoning ordinance for Assessor's Plat 016, Lot 0893 to May 18, 2022, pending a Planning Board recommendation.
- Referred a resolution adopting an unsynchronized tax levy for FY2022 and FY2023 to the Finance Sub-Committee.
Regular License Commission Meeting
The Board of License Commissioners approved applications for outdoor alcohol service expansion at Koury’s Tavern and J. Grays Tavern. The board also reviewed upcoming applications for La Familia and Cumberland Hill Liquors scheduled for May.
- Approved Class B Non-Transferable license for Koury’s Tavern at 80 Manville Hill Road with a limit of 20 outdoor seats
- Approved permanent outdoor expansion for J. Grays Tavern at 405 Mendon Road subject to an annual review
- Scheduled hearing for La Familia outdoor expansion for May 4, 2022
- Scheduled hearing for Cumberland Hill Liquors stock transfer for May 4, 2022
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special virtual meeting to approve several license renewals and confirm the mayor's appointment of Joe Duarte as Public Works Director. All votes were unanimous (6-0). The meeting was brief, lasting about nine minutes.
- Approved 2022-2023 holiday license renewal for Vape Pro, 132 Mendon Road Unit 3
- Approved junk and secondhand license renewal for Centennial Ventures, 187 Dexter Street
- Approved firearms license name revision for Rui Felix
- Unanimously approved Joe Duarte as Public Works Director
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting on March 16, 2022, approving several licenses, ordinances, and appointments. The council also accepted grants for a new ski lodge at Diamond Hill and a playground at B.F. Norton school, and discussed the use of ARPA funds.
- Approved $400,000 grant for new facility to replace old ski lodge at Diamond Hill
- Approved $100,000 grant for handicapped accessible playground at B.F. Norton school
- Approved entertainment licenses for bike race, bike clinic, and car show at Diamond Hill Park
- Approved firearms license for Rui Felix, 15 Amanda Drive
- Approved ordinances #21-30A, #22-02, and #22-04A
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved several ordinances and contracts, including a salary range ordinance for executive staff, a water system study contract, and a property revaluation contract. They also tabled a zoning ordinance repeal and a plain language ordinance, and approved numerous license renewals.
- Approved ordinance 22-06A setting salary ranges, with EMS chief range equal to police chief and deputy chief range up to $100,000
- Approved contract with Woodard & Curran for water system study (amount not specified)
- Approved $451,000 contract with Vision Government Solutions for property revaluation
- Approved CDBG grant application up to $1,272,000 with $625,000 match for projects including old post office reuse
- Tabled ordinance 22-02 repealing Chapter 18 Article III and ordinance 22-04 on plain language
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting to discuss potential uses of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Mayor Jeffrey Mutter presented a PowerPoint on eligible funding areas and a capital plan. Councilors and residents suggested projects, including fire department equipment, sidewalks, parks, and small business relief. No formal decisions were made; the discussion is part of an ongoing process.
- Discussion of ARPA fund allocation for capital projects
- Councilor Schmitt proposed $500,000 for high school bridge restoration
- Proposed $1,000,000 for Tucker Field replacement
- Proposed $2,000,000 for sidewalks and $2,000,000 for water/sewer infrastructure
- Public comments on fire department needs and small business assistance
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a $45,280 contract with Pare Corporation for a town-wide sidewalk assessment, along with several other resolutions and licenses. The council also tabled a parks ordinance and a roundabout maintenance agreement, and referred multiple claims to the finance subcommittee.
- Approved R-22-14A: $45,280 contract with Pare Corporation for town-wide sidewalk assessment
- Approved R-22-13: $10,000 contract with Applied Geographics for voting district redrawing
- Approved transfer of Junk & Secondhand Dealers License for AChase Recycling at 79 Garden Street
- Approved special event entertainment license for Food Truck events at Diamond Hill Park
- Tabled R-22-01 on Diamond Hill Road Roundabouts maintenance to March 2, 2022
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting to discuss potential uses of the $10,500,000 the town will receive from the American Rescue Plan Act. Mayor Mutter presented four areas for the funds, and the Council and residents offered input, including a request for business grant assistance and sidewalk/streetscape improvements. The meeting was adjourned after discussion, with no formal decisions made.
- Discussion of $10,500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds
- Public comment from Ted Vecchio seeking over $65,000 in Covid-related business losses
- Parks & Recreation chairman suggested sidewalk and streetscape improvements on Broad Street
- Mayor noted a sidewalk study resolution on the next night's docket
- Resident survey on ARPA fund use available on town website
Town Council Joint Meeting with the School Comm.
The Cumberland Town Council and School Committee met jointly to discuss pre-budget consultations and three-year financial forecasting, as required by state law. Superintendent Philip Thornton and Business Manager Alex Prignano presented budget projections, and Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter outlined property revaluations, the tax levy, and debt service. The meeting included discussion of teacher and staff funding, bus transportation, and student proficiency concerns, followed by public comments.
- Pre-budget consultations and three-year forecasting with School Committee per RIGL 16-2-21 through 16-2-21.3
- Superintendent and Business Manager presented budget actuals and projections
- Mayor presented property revaluations, tax levy, and debt service outlook
- Discussion on teacher/staff funding and bus transportation
- Public comment on counselor-to-student ratio
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved resolutions to finance equipment for the town and school department, including a new ambulance, and to purchase and upfit two police vehicles for a combined $108,202.22. The council also approved a zone change for Assessor's Plat 62, Lot 17, restricted to medical/dental use with a 35-foot height limit, and tabled a Parks & Recreation ordinance to February 16, 2022.
- Approved R-22-04: purchase of two 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD vehicles, not to exceed $69,368.70
- Approved R-22-05: upfitting the two police vehicles by Global Public Safety, not to exceed $38,833.52
- Approved R-22-06: lease-purchase agreement for school and town equipment, including a new ambulance
- Approved zone change for Assessor's Plat 62, Lot 17 from R-1 to C-1, restricted to use code 30 (medical/dental) with 35' height limit
- Approved $583.46 in 2021 real estate supplementals and $637.34 in motor vehicle abatements
Executive Session of the Town Council
This is a special meeting of the Cumberland Town Council that was called to order and immediately moved into executive session. The council voted unanimously to discuss the acquisition and disposition of publicly held property and potential litigation, citing state law exemptions. The minutes of the executive session were sealed, and the meeting adjourned shortly after. No public business was conducted.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session (6-0)
- Discussion of acquisition/disposition of public property (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5))
- Discussion of potential litigation (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2))
- Unanimous vote to seal executive session minutes (7-0)
- Meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Executive Session of the Town Council
The Town Council met in a special virtual session and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the acquisition and disposition of publicly held property, citing that public discussion would be detrimental to the public interest. The minutes of the executive session were sealed, and the meeting adjourned shortly after. No other business was conducted.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5)
- Unanimous vote to seal executive session minutes
- Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Regular Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met on January 5, 2022, and voted to table several items to the January 19 meeting, including an ordinance for Assessor's plat 62, Lot 17, a Parks & Recreation ordinance, and a resolution to authorize the mayor and council president to enter a maintenance agreement with the RI Department of Transportation for the Diamond Hill Road roundabouts. The council also heard a presentation on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant guidelines and approved a consent agenda that included resolutions from neighboring communities supporting an increased school housing ratio and more frequent police training academy classes.
- Tabled resolution R-22-01 authorizing Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter and Council President Kinch to agree with RI DOT to maintain Diamond Hill Road roundabouts
- Tabled ordinance #21-28 amending the zoning map for Assessor's plat 62, Lot 17
- Tabled ordinance #21-30 relating to Parks & Recreation
- Approved consent agenda including resolutions from Smithfield, North Smithfield, and Lincoln supporting school housing ratio extension and more police training classes
- Discussed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant parameters with state Pandemic Recovery Office
Executive Session of the Town Council
The Cumberland Town Council held a special executive session on January 5, 2022, to discuss litigation under R.I.G.L. § 42-46-5(a)(2). The council voted unanimously to enter the closed session and to seal the minutes. No public decisions or specific case details were recorded in the agenda.
- Vote to enter executive session for litigation discussion: 7-0
- Vote to seal minutes: 7-0
- Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.