Minutes
Town Council · from the Town's website · 8 pages · 1.9 MB
open the file ↗ · original at the source ↗
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2020
Under the Rules and Procedures of the Winthrop Town Council, Council President Boncore called the Remote
Participation Town Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM
Notifies Public that all involved in this meeting are from a remote setting.
Notifies Public of email address (councilclerk@town.winthrop.ma.us) or phone 781-808-6014 to inquire about
any questions concerning the Public Health and Safety of the Town.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Boncore
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Requests moment of silence for the first Winthrop Covid-19 death victim, the current people with the virus and
our first responders.
ROLL CALL
Councilor Ruggiero Present-Remote
Councilor Flockhart Present-Remote
Councilor DeMarco Present-Remote
Councilor Christopher Present-Remote
Councilor Honan Present-Remote
Councilor Ferrino Present-Remote
Councilor LoConte Present-Remote
Council Vice President Letterie- Present-Remote
Council President Boncore Present-Remote
MINUTES
Motion by Vice President Letterie
2" by Councilor Flockhart
Motion Passed: 8 - 0
Voting For: Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey
Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-(Abstain) Councilor Rich Ferrino, Councilor Jim Letterie, President Philip Boncore,
Councilor Stephen Ruggiero —
PUBLIC HEARING
None
CORRESPONDENCE
Concerns with the CBD Ongoing Project
Rebecca Ferullo
Steve Malios
Judy Hanlon
Diane Sands
Debbie Kneeland
Robert Leary
Donna Segretti Reilly
John Vitagliano
Susan Maguire
Astrid Weins
Robert DiMento
Frank Constantino
Jean Luc Pierre
Dottie Donofrio concerns with C-19 and update
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2020 PAGE 1
PUBLIC COMMENT-REMOTE ACCESS-RETURNED CALLS
Ms. Drohan-Had concern about a shrub missing from a grave site
DPW Calla will look investigate
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee
Vice President Letterie reports on Agenda Item that was continued and has been approved with a
positive recommendation from the Finance Committee and will be voted on in Old Business
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Reports that he heard the community quite clearly on the impacts of the current project in the CBD water
service interruptions and reports there will be no water interruptions. Ground broken on 4-6-20, French Sq.
no trees and other items in Center is gong and will remain until 2021. Project is well under way and fits
within the parameters of the Governors Report and other communities as essential construction.
In addition he visited Revere and construction is still ongoing, Mass State Police Station and other
residential projects. Construction has died down in smaller conditions but with essential state projects they
are continuing.
Taking all precautions that is needed within this unique public health emergency, received a site plan from
contractor detailing their worksite health hazards on their work site. All is being done to state specifications
Can ensure contractor will keep their employees safe.
Covid -19 Update:
53 total confirmed cases , 1 deceased / 7 recovered /45 isolation
Masks and gloves were dropped off by the National Guard
617-539-5848 EOC number
Still looking for people under quarantine, please contact Health Dept.
Yard waste open
Schools currently closed until May 4, 2020
Parks closed
Doing best to defer people from congregating on public area
Food Bank Delivery only...call EOC
M-Thurs. Food Drop Off Cummings School 11-1
Town Hall offices continued closed to public for foreseeable future, multiple ways for information to be
given to Town Hall, email, website, lock box front door.
Council President thanks, the First Responders, Town Manager, DPW and all involved.
DPW Calla explains how there will be no water interruption during the current CBD Project and the full
scope will be put on by pass and any time a section cannot be isolated, he will address, feels confident very
little to no interruption of water. No houses should be interrupted as of now.
Councilor Boncore thanks our Health Officer, Meredith Hurly who has been dealing with this Covid-19
Emergency over and above duties.
Meredith Hurley reports how she has been dealing with a state dashboard and how she is finding out
someone may have contracted the Covid-19 and works to make sure the public, if necessary, certain people
will be made aware of quarantine.
Reports cases and that she believes we are doing well considering entire state.
Councilor Flockhart commends Town Manager for work being done and DPW Calla hero of the week!
Councilor Letterie also commends leadership team and thanks all for their hard work.
Has questions on CBD Project if there would be any ramifications if CBD project was to be delayed?
Town Manager reports yes, there would be ramifications that could be costly, and ground has been broken.
TRAE nr eronnera as Saarinen aon anna @ Anan ninna
Councilor Ferrino also thanks all for their leadership. He is getting emails, phone calls that are upset and
want CBD Project shut down due to health questions during this public health emergency.
Requests a better explanation why we should not shut down.
Town Manager reports that this is an essential project. He made comment that this project was first talked
about financially in 2013 when there was a definite need. This is a critical project that was found out in the
80’s how critical it is.
The amount of water and climate change this project is an emergency that is needed. If it was unsafe, he
would not be sending people in. If there was a problem with this project continuing, he would be hearing
from the State in reference to it.
Councilor Ferrino appreciate this information.
Requests from Meredith why the BOH did not shut project down. It has been discussed and the best
approach, from the public health standpoint and now that water will not be interrupted that is great relief.
There will be dedicated Covid Safety monitors on project site checking to make sure all security safety is
being done correctly. This is a new normal and there will be new safety procedures that will now be in place
not only in construction but in everyone’s everyday life.
Council Honan reads a statement for Council and for the Community....(See Attached)
Councilor Christopher requests Meredith Hurley to reiterate on construction safety protocols.
It is in the contractors court” and procedures with Gioso. A preparedness and response plan has been
detailed. (Copy can be requested)
Councilor DeMarco requests project be paused for 30 days, if Revere is going forward, his understanding is
that Everett has completely shut down on projects...
Town Manager understands his position and is not trying to look at a worse case best case scenario, if
contractor can ensure their safety and liability lies within the contractors, not the Town. Everett has not shut
down critical work that is essential. This project is very essential with Winthrop. If we pause at this point,
due to covid-19, how could we actually begin it again? We are working to keep all safe.
DPW Calla reports contractor is very professional and feels timing is right as feels this project should
remove ahead and feels secure in this.
Councilor Letterie does think project is legally ok to go but is it morally. There is no doubt this is critical to
town but currently it is unfortunate since people are just going through so much now concerning their safety.
Town Manager reports that parking should not be an issue, if there is please contact his office, the WPD or
Mike DiLuiso our Parking Clerk.
Councilor Ruggiero requests if street sweeping will be delayed.
Town Manager reports that there will be no ticketing during this due to the parking is an issue.
Councilor Ruggiero asks if there is financial help for our residents during this time.
Town Manager reports yes, they are working on extensions and he and CFO Anna Freedman is working
with guidance from state. Also, the town will work with any citizens in a financial crisis.
Asks about food for Food Bank and if more food is needed? How can it be helped?
Town Manager reports what items are needed, mostly perishables.
Chief Delehanty reports on this on incredible donors who have helped with this entire Food Bank.
Gap has been filled for at least a week and we have been guaranteed future purchases.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Council President reports that meeting was remote, and Superintendent Howard kept all informed and
continues to do so daily with the Board of Education for updates,
Budget voted: Needs Budget FY21- of 23,989,083 increase of $2,656,333 from FY 20
Level Fund Budget FY21- $ 22,833,906 increase of $1,501,156 from FY20
Town Manager reports that the Towns presentation will be ready for our next meeting on April 21, 2020 and
will present already filmed and to be presented during meeting.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2020 PAGE 3
OLD BUSINESS
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council to vote to
transfer $$ 35,400 from the Special Revenue Fund
#520/Technology Grant to fund the second year of a three-year software agreement with Open Gov.
(See Attached Motion
No 2"! Needed
Motion Passed: 9- 0
Voting For: Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher,
Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Councilor Jim Letterie,
President Philip Boncore, Councilor Stephen Ruggiero Voting Against: None
NEW BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
Karin Chavis wishes to thank everyone in our town that has been keeping our town safe and thanks
Town Manager Faison for his hard work.
Vice President Letterie reports what an outstanding job the Inspectional Services are doing in inspecting the
restaurants during this time.
Councilor Ferrino wants to thank all employees and first responders for all their hard work
Councilor Flockhart backs this up and very impressed.
Councilor President presents a Declaration of Emergency Curfew for the Town of Winthrop with meeting
earlier with the Winthrop Health Department (Please see attached)
Councilor LoConte asks what is the impact of passing this?
Town Manager states this is s local emergency declaration, a local motion that can be made that supports
what was done by the Governor and the President. In terms of a curfew it can be done by the BOH with
support from the Town Council president. This motion gives town a curfew from 10pm to 6am with limited
enforceability. Trying to encourage people not to congregate overnight.
We should declare emergency information if the state financially allows in the future.
No arrests, just encouraging people.
Requests information that allows Town Council President
Under MGL Chap 111 $104-Allows the municipalities Executive Officer to approve.
Councilor Letterie doesn’t feel this is a bad idea but now reflects that any stores that are open after 10 will
feel this financially and asks why this is so important but yet we are continuing construction in the CBD and
will there be nightly construction?
DPW Calla states that work on Pauline St. will be done for two water mains that will require night work
Councilor Letterie states information pertaining to CBD keeps changing? When will this proposed night
work be happening?
DPW Calla states in about 3 weeks
Councilor DeMarco asks about how enforcement will be done with this curfew?
Council President reiterates common sense after 10 pm will be allowed.
Chief Delehanty will be practical about any enforcements.
As of now, private homes cannot be enforced without legal aspects.
Will break up large groups....appreciate cooperation received from the residents.
Councilor President is asking people to please be safe .
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 7. 2020 PAGE 4
Councilor Ferrino reflects that Meredith Hurley should have more enforcement allowed to her.
Town Manager replies that the Inspectional Services have this authority,
The BOH has the authority to direct the Public Health Director more enforcement.
Councilor President reports that the Health Department and the Inspectional Services are inspecting all
restaurants.
Emergency Declaration will be provided to the public.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Dottie Donofrio (P4)-Follow up on how the town gets the information and pass along to the state and the
how the state gets its report.
Meredith Hurley states she is dependent on the State for the information and information from individual
calling her.
People are saying they have the virus, but it is not tested. Unfortunately, our testing capacity has been
limited.
Town Manager reports we are always looking for prioritized for testing.
Jack Dowd (P3) there seems to be a State of Emergency accept in the Center Business District asks that
town reflects on better decisions.
Donna Segretti Reilly requests that the CBD Project be delayed until after virus emergency and is
concerned of the contractor and confirms who to speak with in case of problems during construction.
Nick Tsiotis (P5) Comments that he would like to hear from Councilor Christopher in reflection of the CBD
Project.
Councilor Christopher reflects that he has concern for the community with this CBD project and agrees that
if there are any immediate emergencies during this project, it will be addressed.
Councilor Letterie is very disappointed that as a whole the CBD project should be shut down and we should
be pro active and not wait for a problem.
Councilor DeMarco agrees with Councilor Letterie and also concerned with the benches taken out of French
Sq.
DPW Calla addresses this issue that the benches are at the Winthrop Dean House and volunteers will be
helping to refurbish these benches and they will be re-installed at the Lewis Lake Area.
Diane Sands has a comment on the CBD Project, and no one wants to prolong this, but it should be continued
due to the pandemic.
The Town Council apologizes for technical problems with Public Comments with Public Comment and
will be working on to improve
Councilor Honan reports that Frank Constantino has worked tirelessly on keeping the benches from French
Sq. in order and will preserve, also the Flagpole will be moved to the Landing.
PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS
Budget Presentation hopefully will be presented in April
Grab and go behind High School
Food Bank Donations Mon & Wed 11-1 Cummings School
Food Bank Pick Ups 11-1 Tues & Thursday
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilor Honan to Adjourn at 9:05 pm
2™ by Councilor Flockhart
Motion Passed: 9 - 0
Voting For: Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher,
Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Councilor Jim Letterie
President Philip Boncore, Councilor Stephen Ruggiero
Voting Against: None
2
A DVD of this meeting is available from WCAT / www.youtube.com
Public Documents used in the meeting are available at Town Managers Office.
Documents Used in this Meeting:
Handwritten Notes / Committee Openings Documents Roll
Call Log
Written Motions / Verbal Motions
Respectfully submitted,
Town Council Clerk
Denise Quist
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2020 PAGE 6
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-846-5458
Austin Faison
Town Manager
_ Town Council Motion
February 13, 2020 Fiscal Year 2020
Motion Summary
Title: Continued Agreement Opengov Budgeting & Planning Software
Motion ID: TCM20-028
Motion Details
Motion Type: Transfer from Special Revenue
Submitted by: Austin Faison, Town Manager
Date Submitted: 03/03/20
Text of Motion
MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to transfer $35,400 from the special revenue fund
#520 known as Technology Grant to account 0196052-588172 in order to fund the second year of
a three-year software agreement with Opengov for enhanced budgeting and planning software; or
taken any other action thereto.
Funding Details
Funding Source Funding Destination
Account Description Amount Account Description Amount
520 Technology Grant {$35,400 |0196052- (GF Special Article [$35,400
88172
03/03/20 Technology Grant Fund Balance: $ 94,846.86
Amount Requested: $ 35,400.00
Grant Fund Balance after motion approved: $ 59,446.86
3-10-20
Motion by Vice President Letterie to refer to the Finance Committee
2™4 by Councilor DeMarco
Passed Unanimously
3-24-20
Finance Committee Continues
4-7-20
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation
No 2" Needed
Motion Passed: 9- 0
Voting For: Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco,
Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick
LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Councilor Jim Letterie, President Philip
Boncore, Councilor Stephen Ruggiero Voting Against: None
It is my firm belief that in times like these it is imperative that we do not let fear direct our decision
making, that we do not make decisions based ona level of panic. Feelings are not facts, and we need to
look at the facts when we are deciding how to proceed on these issues. Over these past few days, the
level of panic has reached a fever pitch. | believe there is a degree of fearmongering happening here,
and | fear that some of that fearmongering is being disseminated by some who have been selected to
lead in these types of crises, and that is unfortunate. Panic is contagious and can spur others to panic.
Panic is not in any way constructive. We need to remain calm, follow instructions, and listen to our
public health experts. We are and will be following all health and safety protocols during all of the
construction.
Councilor Honan Meeting 4-7-2020