Cumberland public meetings in 2023
51 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a $6.9 million contract for the demolition of the existing ski lodge and construction of a new building at Diamond Hill Park, along with a $25,300 engineering services agreement for the Kent Street garage and salt shed. The council also approved a tax stabilization agreement for a 44-unit affordable housing development at the old St. Patrick's church location, and tabled several zoning and parking ordinances to a January 3, 2024 meeting.
- Approved R-23-123: $6,737,000 contract with Tower Construction for Diamond Hill Park ski lodge demolition/rebuild, plus $150,000 in alternates (total $6,887,000), vote 4/3
- Approved R-23-122: $25,300 agreement with Pare Corporation for engineering services at Kent Street garage and salt shed
- Approved R-23-121: Tax Stabilization Agreement with Olneyville Housing Corporation for 44-unit affordable housing at old St. Patrick's church, vote 6/1
- Approved ordinance #23-27: No Parking zone on Tower Hill Road from pole #10 to 258 Tower Hill Road, both sides
- Tabled ordinances #23-18 (zoning map change, Plat 39 Lot 292), #23-24 (Resident Only Parking), #23-29 (Planning Dept), #23-30 (Ray Andrews memorial) to January 3, 2024
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved several resolutions authorizing major purchases, including a $2.2 million lease for rolling stock, nine police SUVs with computers and radios, and EMS equipment. They also tabled multiple ordinances and resolutions for further review, including a zoning map change, a resident-only parking program, and a school bus camera enforcement agreement. The council introduced a new community police dog and received the police department's annual report.
- Approved lease purchase up to $2,215,000 for highway, emergency, police, and school vehicles
- Approved $601,857.99 for nine police SUVs from Colonial Municipal Group
- Approved $68,862.06 for police vehicle computers from Glacier Computer LLC
- Approved $65,039.67 for police vehicle radios from Motorola Solutions
- Approved $333,255 for a new ambulance from Frazer
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met to review a request for an extended operating hour. The board approved permission for Clube Juventude Lusitana to remain open until 2:00 a.m. on January 1, 2024.
- Approved one-day extension of hours for Clube Juventude Lusitana for New Year's Eve celebration
- Approved November 1, 2023, meeting minutes
Special Town Council Meeting
This is a special meeting that consisted entirely of an executive session to discuss pending litigation and a possible real property acquisition or lease. The council voted unanimously to enter the closed session and to seal the minutes, then adjourned. No public decisions were made.
- Executive session on pending litigation including Field vs. Town of Cumberland and Redwood Realty II, LLC vs. Cumberland Town Council
- Discussion on acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes
- Vote 7-0 to enter executive session
- Vote 7-0 to seal the minutes
- Meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved several resolutions including selling the communications tower at 1380 Diamond Hill Road for $20,000, purchasing a 2023 Ford F-150 Police Responder for $66,171.13, and contracting for demolition of 21 Bryant Street for up to $69,487. The council also tabled multiple items, including a school bus safety camera program and an ambulance purchase, to future meetings.
- Approved sale of communications tower at 1380 Diamond Hill Road for $20,000 (R-23-96, vote 6/1)
- Approved purchase of 2023 Ford F-150 Police Responder for $66,171.13 (R-23-106)
- Approved demolition of 21 Bryant Street for up to $69,487 (R-23-108, vote 6/1)
- Tabled school bus safety camera program with Verra Mobility to Dec 20 (R-23-65)
- Tabled ambulance purchase from Frazer for up to $333,255 to Dec 6 (R-23-101)
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a $25,324 purchase of a portable air compressor for the Water Department, despite a 4-3 roll call vote and discussion about competitive bidding. The council also tabled several items, including a zoning ordinance amendment, a residents-only parking resolution, and a resolution to sell a communications tower, to future meetings. Annual license renewals for numerous food establishments were approved unanimously.
- Approved R-23-99: purchase of portable air compressor for Water Department from Phoenix Contracting LLC, $25,324 (4-3 vote)
- Approved R-23-100: engineering services agreement with Pare Corporation for Cumberland Hill Fire Station repairs, $30,360
- Tabled R-23-96: sale of communications tower at 1380 Diamond Hill Road for $20,000 to November 15, 2023
- Tabled R-23-89: Eli Street Residents Only Parking Program to December 6, 2023
- Approved 2023-2024 license renewals for numerous food establishments, including removal of Slam Associates (Third Base Sports Bar & Grill)
Special Town Council Meeting
This special Town Council meeting scheduled for November 1, 2023, was cancelled. The agenda had included an executive session to discuss pending litigation and a potential real property acquisition, but no public business will occur.
- Meeting cancelled
- Executive session on pending litigation (Field, Pesaturo, Amaral, Yeghian cases, 5 Taylor Court, 18-20 Eli Street)
- Discussion on acquisition or lease of real property for public purposes
License Commission Meeting
The Board voted to approve a large group of annual liquor license renewals across several classes, including Class A, BNT, BV, C, D, and DL. The vote included approvals for various establishments such as Pop's Liquors and Andrew's Bistro. Chairman Metivier recused himself from the specific vote regarding Club Juventude Lusitana.
- Approval of 2023 liquor license renewals for multiple business classes
- Approval of Class A licenses including Pop’s Liquors and Cumberland Wine & Spirits
- Approval of Class BNT (Non-Transferable) licenses including Andrew’s Bistro and Bollywood Grill
- Approval of Class BV licenses including La Familia and Modern Bistro
- Approval of Class D license for Club Juventude Lusitana
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting, approving several ordinances and licenses, and tabling multiple items to future meetings. Key actions included approving zoning amendments for the Arnold Mills Historic District and entertainment licenses, while tabling a school bus safety camera program and a communications tower sale for further review. The council also approved a soil monitoring contract and discussed a potential wellness hub combining the Amaral Building with Heritage Park.
- Approved zoning ordinance amendment for Arnold Mills Historic District (6-0)
- Approved ordinance #23-25 relieving businesses with recorded background music from annual entertainment license fees (6-0)
- Tabled school bus safety camera program with Verra Mobility to Nov 15
- Tabled sale of communications tower at 1380 Diamond Hill Road for $20,000 to Nov 1
- Approved $41,600 soil monitoring/testing agreement with GZA (6-0)
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board voted 5-0 to approve a dimensional variance for a single-family home at 88 Weeks Street, granting relief from side yard setbacks and lot coverage limits. The applicant, Steve Girard Building and Remodeling, LLC, sought the variance for an undersized pre-existing lot. Several neighbors spoke against the application, but the board found the relief met legal standards.
- Approved dimensional variance for 88 Weeks Street (Plat 053, Lot 1003) for side yard setbacks and lot coverage
- Variance includes 3-foot and 1-foot side setback relief and 5.2% lot coverage increase
- Applicant must improve road frontage to town standards
- Neighbors testified against the application
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a $148,230.50 contract amendment with Pare Corporation for Industrial Road stormwater improvements, and tabled several items including the school bus safety camera program and a residents-only parking ordinance. The council also approved payments for emergency flood work and water pipe purchases, and discussed the stalled Peterson Puritan Superfund site cleanup.
- Approved R-23-88A: $148,230.50 contract with Pare Corp for Industrial Road stormwater improvements
- Approved R-23-91: $71,751.50 payment to Digger's Landscaping for emergency Scott Road flood work
- Approved R-23-92: $14,170 water pipe purchase from Putnam Pipe (6-1 vote)
- Tabled R-23-65: School Bus Safety Camera Enforcement Program with Verra Mobility
- Tabled R-23-90: Route 122 sidewalk maintenance agreement with RIDOT
Special Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board of Review is holding a special meeting for a joint workshop with the Planning Board to discuss 2023 land user bills. The agenda includes public comment before adjournment, with no specific votes or decisions listed.
- Joint workshop with Cumberland Planning Board on 2023 Land User Bills
- Public comment period
- Special meeting at 45 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting on September 20, 2023, approving several items including the sale of town-owned property to the Cumberland Land Trust for $9,600, an ordinance adding a handicap parking spot at 69 Cumberland Street, and a $200,000 non-profit grant assistance program. The council also tabled several items, including a school bus safety camera program and a stormwater improvement contract, for further review.
- Approved sale of town-owned property to Cumberland Land Trust for $9,600
- Approved ordinance adding handicap parking spot at 69 Cumberland Street
- Approved $200,000 Non-Profit Grant Assistance program
- Tabled school bus safety camera program with Verra Mobility (5-year term) to October 4
- Tabled $148,230.50 stormwater improvement contract with Pare Corporation to October 4
Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board approved two dimensional variance requests. The first allowed Todd Hawkins and Barry Cormier to build a 240-square-foot shed at 104 Pollet Street with reduced setbacks and increased lot coverage. The second allowed Kevin M. Joyce to build a smaller single-family house at 62 Pine Road with reduced side setbacks and a small lot coverage increase. Both motions passed 5-0.
- Approved dimensional variances for a 240 sq ft shed at 104 Pollet Street (Plat 010, Lot 0274)
- Approved variances for a 30x36 house at 62 Pine Road (Plat 063, Lot 0115)
- Side yard variance of 5 feet and rear yard variance of 20 feet for the shed
- Lot coverage variance of 22 square feet for the Pine Road house
- Chairman John McCoy recused himself from the Joyce matter
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved several contracts and licenses, including a $410,447 agreement for Phase II work at the Franklin Farmhouse and a $67,000 payment for Mendon Road paving. Two resolutions were tabled to September 20, including a school bus safety camera program and a property sale to the Cumberland Land Trust. The council also discussed a town-wide ethics seminar and approved a contribution to a legal challenge of the Lifetime Contracts Law.
- Approved $410,447 contract with Martone Service Company for Franklin Farmhouse Phase II work
- Approved $67,000 final payment to Digger's Landscaping for Mendon Road paving
- Approved $9,800 agreement with GZA GeoEnvironmental for underground storage tank work at Amaral Building
- Approved $40,900 contract with Central Nurseries for Ruth Carpenter Memorial Garden work
- Tabled $9,600 property sale to Cumberland Land Trust and Verra Mobility school bus camera program to Sept. 20
License Commission Meeting
The Board of License Commissioners approved a Class F1 liquor license application for the Cumberland Beagle Club's annual game dinner. The event is scheduled for October 1, 2023, at 425 Nate Whipple Highway, pending a final fire department tent inspection.
- Approval of Class F1 liquor license for Cumberland Beagle Club annual game dinner
- Approval of minutes from the August 16, 2023, special meeting
CANCELED Aug. 28, 2023 - Special Town Council Meeting
This special Town Council meeting, scheduled for Aug. 28, 2023, did not occur because a quorum was not reached. The agenda included a tour of Community School with a school representative, public comments, and adjournment. No decisions were made.
- Special meeting canceled — quorum not reached
- Scheduled tour of Community School, 15 Arnold Mills Road, with school representative
- Public comments period listed on agenda
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met in special session and approved three items: a resolution allowing Narragansett Electric to install barbed wire at 1595 Mendon Road, a contract with Turfscape LLC for landscaping at the Public Safety Complex, and discussed solar credits owed to the town. The council also voted to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation regarding Hunting Hills Development and a personnel matter.
- Approved R-23-78: barbed wire installation at 1595 Mendon Road (5-0)
- Approved R-23-79: $55,895.70 landscaping contract with Turfscape LLC for Public Safety Complex (5-0)
- Discussed solar credits: Town discovered it paid $600,000 of BVP's electric bill; $1 million in credits accrued
- Entered executive session for potential litigation on Hunting Hills Development and personnel discussion
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met in special session and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining and litigation, including an update on lifetime contracts and the case Bruce Field, et al. v. Town of Cumberland. The minutes were sealed, and the meeting adjourned without any public action.
- Executive session under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2) for collective bargaining
- Lifetime Contracts Litigation update
- Bruce Field, et al. v. Town of Cumberland, et al. (PC-2023-01251)
- Motion to seal minutes (5-0)
- Adjournment at 7:22 PM (5-0)
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on August 8, 2023, to consider three applications for special event entertainment licenses. All three were approved unanimously. The meeting was brief and included no public comments.
- Approved special event entertainment license for Cumberland Public Library Summer Concert with Bill Harley on August 10, 2023 at the Monastery
- Approved special event entertainment license for New England Mountain Bike Association Diamond Hill Fun Ride on August 13, 2023 at Diamond Hill Park
- Approved special event entertainment license for Cumberland Firefighters Local 2722 Touch A Truck event on August 27, 2023 at Diamond Hill Park
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved a Community Development Block Grant application for over $1 million, several ARPA-funded vehicle purchases for the Highway Department, and an opioid abatement agreement with the HOPE Initiative. They also passed ordinances creating the Arnold Mills Historic District and updating winter parking regulations, while tabling several other items to August 16.
- Approved CDBG application for $1,033,500 (Amaral Building, Franklin Farm, Project Learn)
- Approved purchase of 2 Ventrac Tractors for $120,226.96 (6-1 vote)
- Approved purchase of 4 trucks from Liberty Chevrolet for $539,072.62
- Approved HOPE Initiative opioid abatement agreement for $43,072 over 3 years
- Approved ordinance creating Arnold Mills Historic District
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting and unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the filing of an application for an Affordable Housing Community Development Block Grant, not to exceed $300,000, to support the Steeple & Stone project. The funds would go toward purchasing Saint Patrick's Church from the Providence Diocese. The project is 100 percent affordable housing and aims to increase the town's affordable housing rate, which has dipped to 5 percent of the required 10 percent. A second public hearing for the competitive grant application will occur at the next meeting.
- Approved R-23-53 authorizing CDBG grant application up to $300,000 for Steeple & Stone project
- Grant funds would support purchase of Saint Patrick's Church from Providence Diocese
- Project is 100% affordable housing (44 units)
- Town's affordable housing rate is 5% of required 10%
- Vote was unanimous 4/0
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on June 21, 2023, and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining agreements with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Cumberland Local 640, and General Teamsters Local 251. The council also voted to seal the minutes of the session and then adjourned. No other business was conducted.
- Executive session to discuss tentative agreement with International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Cumberland Local 640
- Executive session to discuss tentative agreement with General Teamsters Local 251
- Vote to seal minutes of executive session (7-0)
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met on June 7, 2023, primarily to handle procedural items. The board approved the minutes from the May 17 meeting. The only substantive item, a show cause hearing for Club Juventude Lusitana regarding incidents from October 22, 2022, was tabled to June 21, 2023, because of improper notice. The meeting adjourned shortly after the call to order.
- Show cause hearing for Club Juventude Lusitana, 10 Chase Street, tabled to June 21, 2023
- Approval of minutes from the May 17, 2023 meeting
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting to consider a resolution asking the state legislature to let voters decide on issuing up to $52 million in bonds for a new elementary school at the B.F. Norton site. After public comment and debate, the council approved the resolution as amended, with a 4-2 vote. The council also held first public hearings on the FY2023-24 operating budgets for the general fund, water, sewer, and recreation, with no votes taken.
- Approved R-23-41A: $52M bond resolution for B.F. Norton school, amended to require a special election (vote 4-2)
- Rejected amendments to guarantee a minimum 54.3% or 50% state reimbursement in the resolution (both 3-3 votes)
- Public hearing on FY2023-24 General Fund operating budget (first hearing, no vote)
- Public hearing on FY2023-24 Water Department budget (first hearing, no vote)
- Public hearing on FY2023-24 Sewer and Recreation Fund budgets (first hearings, no votes)
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners held a special meeting to approve a temporary outdoor serving license. The application was submitted by Club Juventude Lusitana for their St. John's Annual Feast scheduled for June 23 and 24, 2023. The vote was unanimous, with the approval contingent on pending inspections by fire, EMS, and building officials.
- Approved temporary outdoor serving license for Club Juventude Lusitana at 10 Chase Street
- License covers the St. John's Annual Feast on June 23 and 24, 2023
- Approval is pending final inspections by fire, EMS, and building officials
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council met in special session and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the acquisition of the Peterson/Puritan OU-2 site and collective bargaining with Cumberland EMS Local 2075. The minutes were sealed, and the meeting adjourned shortly after. No public action was taken.
- Executive session discussion on Peterson/Puritan OU-2 site acquisition
- Executive session on collective bargaining with Cumberland EMS Local 2075, IAFF
- Vote to seal executive session minutes (7-0)
- Meeting adjourned at 7:36 PM
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council heard a detailed presentation on a proposed $52 million general obligation bond to fund a new B.F. Norton elementary school and other district improvements. The bond would replace an $8 million renovation plan and would go to voters in November if approved. The council also approved the consent agenda, including mobile food establishment licenses and several resolutions from other towns.
- Resolution R-23-41: $52M bond for new B.F. Norton school and other improvements
- New school would hold 575 students, adding 244 seats
- Includes $12M for other projects: high school roof, ADA, security, playgrounds
- State reimbursement estimated at 39.3% to 54.3%
- Approved consent agenda: mobile food licenses for The Daily Grind and The Ish LLC
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met to review a special event application. The board voted unanimously to approve a Class F license for an annual after-festival music session.
- Approval of Class F License for Blackstone River Theatre (549 Broad Street) for June 17, 2023
- Approval of minutes from April 5, 2023, and April 19, 2023, special meetings
Planning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Planning Board scheduled a public informational meeting regarding a proposed three-story self-storage facility at 90 Industrial Rd. However, the applicant has requested a continuance for this item.
- Continuance of major land development master plan for Storage Rentals of America
- Proposed zoning ordinance amendment for a three-story self-storage facility at 90 Industrial Rd.
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council is considering a resolution to adopt an unsynchronized tax levy for portions of fiscal years 2023 and 2024. The mayor presented a detailed plan to eliminate reliance on the general fund surplus, using a revenue stabilization fund to hedge against collection rate uncertainty. The council discussed the impact of the recent property revaluation on tax rates and the upcoming $83 million school bond borrowing.
- Resolution R-23-29: adopting the unsynchronized tax levy for portions of FY2023 and FY2024
- Proposed tax levy increase of 3.27% with a residential rate of $11.62 per $1,000 assessed value
- Plan to use up to $700,000 from the revenue stabilization fund if tax collection rate falls short
- Discussion of $83 million voter-approved school bond and planned August 2023 long-term borrowing
- Budget amendment eliminating general fund surplus appropriation, with $35,021,330 in projected revenues
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners held a special meeting to review an application for a Class BNT License from Trilogy Bar & Grill Corporation. After a public hearing where residents raised concerns about noise and parking, the owner agreed to eliminate the proposed outdoor seating. The commission voted 6-1 to approve the license for indoor serving only, subject to a revised plot plan and fire and building approvals.
- Approved Class BNT License for Trilogy Bar & Grill at 422 High Street (Vote 6-1)
- License restricted to indoor serving only; outdoor seating removed from application
- Hours of operation set at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Approval contingent on revised plot plan, fire and building approval, and Division of Taxation clearance
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council heard a presentation on a townwide sidewalk assessment, discussed funding options, and received updates on school construction and enrollment. The council approved licenses, tabled several tax-related ordinances and resolutions, and made appointments to the Conservation Commission and Charter Review Commission.
- Sidewalk assessment presented by Pare Corporation, covering all five districts, with cost estimates of $40-$45 per cubic yard
- Approved victualling and entertainment licenses for Trilogy Bar & Grill at 422 High Street (6/1 vote)
- Tabled firearms license application for 401 Armory at 35 Vivian Ave to May 3, 2023
- Tabled ordinance #23-09 on disposition of public property to May 3, 2023
- Tabled ordinance #23-10 on tax exemptions and resolution R-23-29 on tax levy to April 25, 2023
License Commission Meeting
The License Commission approved a Class A liquor license stock transfer for Pop's Liquors at 2082 Diamond Hill Road. The commission also voted to table a new license application for Trilogy Bar & Grill due to proposed floor plan changes.
- Approved Class A liquor license stock transfer for Pop's Liquors (2082 Diamond Hill Road)
- Tabled Class BNT License application for Trilogy Bar & Grill (422 High Street) until April 19, 2023
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held its regular meeting on April 5, 2023, covering a consent agenda, license renewals, and multiple ordinances. The most consequential action was tabling the tax stabilization ordinance for the Ann & Hope Mill redevelopment to July 19, 2023, at the applicant's request. The council also approved several other ordinances, including amendments to the Employee Handbook and mobile food truck regulations, and made police appointments.
- Tabled tax stabilization ordinance for Ann & Hope Mill (100 Ann & Hope Way) to July 19, 2023
- Approved Employee Handbook amendment (Ordinance #22-33) 6-1
- Approved mobile food truck ordinance amendment (#23-03) 7-0
- Approved $129,876 contract with Northeast Collaborative for Amaral Building design (16 Mill Street)
- Approved $157,000 street tree planting agreement with Stillwater Construction
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting on March 30, 2023, that consisted of a tour of the in-progress construction of the new addition at B.F. Norton Elementary School. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. and included the Town Council, School Superintendent Phil Thornton, B.F. Norton Principal Sandra Lariviere, Assistant Principal Christine Homen, Architect Luis Torrado, Colliers Engineering project manager Holly Demers, and School Committee members. The only action taken was a unanimous vote to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.; no other business was discussed or decided.
- Tour of in-progress construction of the new addition at B.F. Norton Elementary School
- Meeting included School Superintendent Phil Thornton, B.F. Norton Principal Sandra Lariviere, and Assistant Principal Christine Homen
- Architect Luis Torrado and Colliers Engineering project manager Holly Demers were present
- School Committee Chair Karen Freedman and members Denis Collins and Amy Vogel attended
- Unanimous vote to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. (4-0)
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met to review a Class BNT license application for Trilogy Bar & Grill Corporation at 422 High Street. The board also approved the minutes from the March 1, 2023, meeting.
- Class BNT License presentation and permission to advertise for Trilogy Bar & Grill at 422 High Street
- Approval of March 1, 2023, meeting minutes
Special Zoning Board Meeting
The Cumberland Zoning Board of Review is holding a special meeting to hear an appeal by RI Mayoral Academy Blackstone Valley of a Planning Board decision regarding the expansion of the school and construction of a parking lot. The board will also take public comment before adjourning.
- Appeal 23-03 by RI Mayoral Academy Blackstone Valley of Planning Board decision for school expansion and parking lot
- Property at 65 Macondray Street and 5 Jones Street, Cumberland, RI
- Assessor's Plat 002, Lots 0003 and 0158, Zone C-1
- Public comment period
License Commission Meeting
The Board of License Commissioners met to review a Class BV license transfer and a Class A license application. The board approved the transfer of the Cumberland House of Pizza license, pending Fems approval.
- Approved transfer of Class BV license from Cumberland House of Pizza to Cumberland House of Pizza Inc. at 2360 Mendon Road
- Presented application for a Class A License stock transfer for Pop's Liquors at 2082 Diamond Hill Road
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved an additional $558,332 for the Small Business Grant Program to fully fund all compliant applications, and tabled six ordinances to April 5, 2023, including tax stabilization for the Ann & Hope Mill and mobile food truck regulations. The council also approved numerous license renewals and a Charter Review Commission resolution.
- Approved $558,332 additional allocation to Small Business Grant Program
- Tabled ordinance #22-21 for tax stabilization at Ann & Hope Mill (100 Ann & Hope Way)
- Tabled ordinance #23-03 amending mobile food truck regulations
- Approved Charter Review Commission (R-23-14A) with 5-1 vote
- Approved transfer of Cumberland House of Pizza victualling license
Special Town Council Meeting
This is the approved minutes of a special Town Council meeting held February 23, 2023. The council voted 4-0 to enter executive session to discuss investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct, civil or criminal, under R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(4). The minutes of that session were sealed by a 5-0 vote, and the meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m. No other business was conducted.
- Vote to enter executive session for investigative proceedings on misconduct allegations (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(4))
- Vote to seal the executive session minutes
- Meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m. by roll call vote
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met to handle routine licensing matters. The board voted unanimously to approve the Class D license renewal for Club Juventude Lusitana, Inc., following police approval of its security plan. The board also scheduled a public hearing for March 21, 2023, regarding a license transfer for Cumberland House of Pizza Inc. at 2360 Mendon Road.
- Approved Class D license renewal for Club Juventude Lusitana, Inc. at 10 Chase Street (Vote 6/0)
- Scheduled public hearing for March 21, 2023, for license transfer of Cumberland House of Pizza Inc. at 2360 Mendon Road
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved the purchase of a 2021 Ford F-150 for Animal Control, named the driveway between Town Hall and 16 Mill Street 'Ray Lane' after the current town sergeant, and tabled a resolution to establish a Charter Review Commission. The council also approved several licenses, appointments, and referred two ordinances to subcommittee.
- Approved R-23-13: purchase of 2021 Ford F-150 XL 4WD for Animal Control, not to exceed $37,708.90 (vote 6/1)
- Approved ordinance naming driveway between Town Hall and 16 Mill Street as 'Ray Lane'
- Tabled R-23-14: resolution establishing a Charter Review Commission to March 15, 2023
- Approved 3-year lease agreement with Club Juventude Lusitana for parking lot across from Town Hall
- Referred ordinances #23-05 (Plat 54, Lots 7 and 8) and #23-06 (stop signs on Eddy Street at Davis Street) to Ordinance Sub-Committee
License Commission Meeting
The Cumberland Board of License Commissioners met on February 1, 2023, to handle procedural items and one pending license renewal. The body approved the minutes from the previous meeting and tabled the Class D license renewal for Club Juventude Lusitana to March 1, 2023, at the request of Police Chief Matthew Benson. No other business was decided, and the meeting adjourned after four minutes.
- Approved minutes from the January 4, 2023 meeting (Vote 5/0)
- Tabled Class D license renewal for Club Juventude Lusitana, 10 Chase Street, to March 1, 2023 (Vote 5/0)
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved resolutions to build a pump track and improve the amphitheater at Diamond Hill Park, funded partly by grants. It also approved buying new police handguns, replacing the Town Hall boiler, and passed several ordinances. A discussion on forming a Charter Review Commission was deferred to the next meeting.
- Approved R-23-10: $300,000 agreement with American Ramp Company for pump track design/installation at Diamond Hill Park
- Approved R-23-11: $150,000 agreement with Ambient Sound for amphitheater improvements at Diamond Hill Park
- Approved R-23-12: $11,500 purchase of 50 Glock 22 handguns for police
- Approved R-23-06: $18,987 emergency boiler replacement at Town Hall
- Tabled license renewal for Club Juventude Lusitana to March 1, 2023
Town Council Joint Meeting with the School Comm.
The Cumberland Town Council and School Committee held a joint meeting to discuss pre-budget consultations and three-year financial forecasting as required by state law. Superintendent Thornton projected at least a $1.7 million increase in state aid due to higher enrollment. District Business Manager Prignano and Mayor Mutter presented fund balance and budget projections for FY2020-2026. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational.
- Projected $1,700,000 increase in State Aid
- Discussion of FY20-FY22 results and fund balances
- FY2020-FY2026 budget actuals and projections presented
- Mayor's presentation on fund balances, tax levy, and town projections
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting to fill a School Committee vacancy left by Paul DiModica, whose term expires in November 2024. After a multi-round ranked voting process, the Council unanimously approved Amy Vogel for the appointment. The meeting also included public comments from the School Committee chair and the new appointee.
- Appointed Amy Vogel to the School Committee, filling Paul DiModica's term until November 2024
- Approved a scoring method for candidate selection, amended by Councilor Shaw, by unanimous vote (7-0)
- Ranked voting results: Tracey Cook (28 points), Amy Vogel (25 points), Timothy Iwuc (20 points), Paul Young (19 points), Jim Higgins (13 points)
Town Council Exec. Sess.
The Cumberland Town Council met in a special session and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss real property acquisition for public purposes and a litigation update, as permitted by state law. The council then voted to seal the minutes of that session and adjourned. No public action was taken on the underlying items.
- Executive session on real property acquisition for public purposes (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(5))
- Executive session on litigation update (R.I.G.L. §42-46-5(a)(2))
- Vote to seal executive session minutes (7-0)
- Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
License Commission Meeting
The Board of License Commissioners reviewed several 2022-2023 license renewals. The board denied the renewal for Slam Associates Inc. (Third Base Sports Bar & Grill) and voted to table other applications until February 1, 2023.
- Denied Class BV license renewal for Third Base Sports Bar & Grill at 422 High Street
- Tabled Class D license renewal for Club Juventude Lusitana at 10 Chase Street pending police security plan review
- Tabled Class D license renewal for St. Joseph's Church Parish Hall at 1303 Mendon Road
- Tabled Class D license renewal for Filibuster Club at 23 High Street
Special Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council held a special meeting to interview candidates for a School Committee seat vacated by Paul DiModica, with the term expiring in November 2024. After hearing from 16 applicants, the Council voted unanimously to continue the selection process to January 18, 2023, and to research a rank-choice voting system to narrow the field. No appointment was made at this meeting.
- School Committee vacancy: 16 applicants interviewed, 2 withdrew, 1 disqualified
- Council voted 6/0 to continue selection to January 18, 2023
- Council voted 6/0 to adopt a rank-choice voting system for candidate selection
- Applicant Armen Casparian withdrew during public comments
Town Council Meeting
The Cumberland Town Council approved resolutions to purchase two police SUVs and related computer equipment, totaling about $123,360. The council also tabled several victualling and extended-hours license renewals to February 1, 2023, denied two license requests, and made appointments to the Conservation Commission and an Animal Control Assistant position.
- Approved R-23-01: purchase of two police SUV vehicles from Colonial Municipal Group, not to exceed $108,891.10
- Approved R-23-02: agreement with Glacier Computer LLC for computers/installation for two police vehicles, not to exceed $14,468.68
- Denied extended hours license for Season's Corner Market, 2095 Diamond Hill Road (6-0)
- Denied first-class victualling license for Third Base Sports Bar & Grill, 422 High St (6-0)
- Tabled Stop & Shop license renewals (70 Mendon Rd) to Feb 1, 2023, with certified letter warning of revocation for nonpayment