Minutes
Town Council · from the Town's website · 8 pages · 2.0 MB
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 5, 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 https://www.town.winthrop.ma.us or phone 646-558-8656 for any questions concerning this meeting Zoom ID #87980160669 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilor Ferrino MOMENT OF SILENCE Request moment of silence for Covid-19 death victims, 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 LoConte Present-Remote Councilor Ferrino Present-Remote Council Vice President Letterie- Present-Remote Council President Boncore Present-Remote MINUTES Motion Councilor Ruggiero 2™ by Councilor Ferrino 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 — GENERAL INFORMATION & RECOMMENDATIONS Michael Goodman-Economic Projections Reflects Economy During and After this Covid Pandemic- (See Attached Information) Discussion: Councilor Ferrino asks if there is anything preventative or proactive work for next year? M. Goodman replies that we must take full advantage of the Legislation Councilor Flockhart asks if there is any idea on when communities may look at aid? M. Goodman replies that unfortunately, this is political, there will be something, but no idea as to how much or when. Town Council thanks M. Goodman for his presentation Presentation / Update: Zero Waste Committee Committee Members Charles Southworth, Carol Walker and Rosalind Mott review Recommendation Briefs (See Attached Information and will be posted on Zero Waste Committee Website) Discussion: Councilor Flockhart asks if recycling is still worth doing? C. Southworth replies that we should be working with a recycling partner. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 5, 2020 PAGE 1 Councilor Ferrino asks if any cost analysis grants vs. not recycling costs. Manager Faison replies that if we do recycle there would be more grants available. Councilor Ferrino asks if delivery companies (Amazon) would be offering grants for their packaging that should be recycled. Manager Faison replies that this is a Legislation issue , effective producer responsibility and is currently being reviewed Councilor Flockhart discusses the Virtual Notarization and Electronic Signatures and would like to make a motion for Town Council to accept under new business. Councilor Letterie discusses the polling locations during the Covid-19 Pandemic. No one knows if this pandemic will continue or return in Sept. should we be reviewing moving polling locations out of schools and Sr. Center? This matter will be referred to Town Clerk Carla Vitale for review. PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearing Open- FY21 Budget Councilor Letterie reports that the Finance Commission will be interviewing Dept. Heads at their next several meetings and requests Town Council to attend or review these meetings and if have any questions to any Dept. Heads let it be known to each one for discussion on their budget with the Town Council. Wendy Page (P2) Requests Tabs for clarification on Budget Book Manager Faison requests any questions on budget to be directed to his office. Motion by Councilor Ferrino to continue Public Hearing until the next Town Council Meeting 5-19-20 2"! by Councilor DeMarco 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 — PUBLIC COMMENT Karin Chavis (P1)-Comments on budget book page numbers CFO/Assistant Town Manager Freedman replies that the final printing will be navigated and up to date. Printed copies of the Budget are available upon request. CORRESPONDENCE Lt. Nancy Dalrymple of the Winthrop Police Department requests the Town Council to consider seek an Act through the Legislature authorizing the Town of Winthrop to continue her employment after reaching the age of 65? This will be discussed at the May 19, 2020 Town Council Meeting COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee Vice President Letterie reports the Finance Commission will be reviewing the FY21 Budget And meeting with Dept. Heads which will be reported back to the Town Council and the Town Council should address each Finance Commission if they have any questions for Dept. Heads. The Finance Committee will hold meeting after Finance Commission report is done and want to try and review the Finance Commission amendments and keep amendment individual which would be easier for all to review and if Town Council has any amendments, these could be discussed at this Finance Committee meeting. Possibility that the timeline for budget could be extended if opportunity presents itself. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 5, 2020 PAGE 2 Joint Committee Rules & Ordinance and Economic Development Councilor Honan reports on joint committee meeting of the Middle School Rezoning, introduce new engineer and how the public will be included in community outreach... (Please see copy of minutes) Appointments, Commission & Committees Councilor DeMarco reports that evaluation forms will be completed by the Town Council Employees and phone calls to review with each employee will be set up prior to next Town Council Meeting and will have a final report at the 5-19-20 Town Council Meeting. Town Clerk Vitale will review the polling locations and requests volunteers for the polling locations due to this Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing Chief Delehanty reports on the compliance of the Face Covering Ordinance... (Please see attached Ordinance) TOWN MANAGER REPORT Requests Public Health Director Meredith Hurley to give update on the Covid-19 in the Town of Winthrop Director reports she is cautiously hopeful of the opening of the town but there are still requirements that must be met and adhered too...(Please see daily updates on the Town Website) Town Manager Faison thanks all employees for their hard work during this situation though not sitting at their desks daily work is continuing and public access is available for any citizens with questions. Town Survey has been completed on our current health report and living arrangements, importance of effective communication is our number one priority. There were 614 responses in a town of 18,000, very good odds. 90% are following the Covid-19 public safety regulations. Councilor Christopher requests more committee Zoom Webinar Meetings to include any citizens that would like to participate, wants to know if 2-3 could happen at same time Manager Faison replies yes as we are working with several licenses for the Zoom Meetings. Vice President Letterie is hopeful that the Harvey Room will be ready for Zoom Meeting participation. Also, remarks on the Waste Disposal Contract being a $1.2 Million dollar line item and hopes not to increase it. He would like a vision of shared expenses on this particular line item in the future. Manager Faison reports that this will be examined for shared resources and the Town Council will review these costs when made available. The Zero Waste Committee is currently looking into grants to cover new barrels and other costs of towns waste. SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT President Boncore reports that the School Committee has begun Phase II of Remote Learning. Students are preparing transition to the next grade with current work and marks Students will be notified as to when they will be able to collect their belongings from the 2020 School year since abruptly being closed. OLD BUSINESS Vice President Letterie tables the FY 21 Budget discussion until the May 19, 2020 Town Council Meeting NEW BUSINESS Motion by Councilor DeMarco that the Town Council consider the vote to Transfer $50,000 from Free Cash to a Special Article FY 20 Covid-19 Fund and Emergency Motion 2™ by Councilor Christopher Discussion Councilor Ferrino discusses the breakdown and discusses the Overtime Costs Chief Delehanty discusses the overtime costs and times Councilor Letterie would like this motion to be referred to the Finance Committee for review, asks if the town is hiring people to make statements to the press and cost? TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 5, 2020 PAGE 3 SA VP XOOISUAUE LU WIL LYAGUGBM 1 UCU EUPULLS LU@L Le Lia’ VUOLD Will UL LaUL avaliauIL UUL LL Utd 19 UL considered an emergency motion, the dept. will have to be responsible for costs and will go in the negative. Motion Passed: 8-1 Voting For: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Jim Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against-Vice President Letterie Motion by Councilor Flockhart to accept main motion as addressed 2"! by Councilor Ruggiero Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Jim Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None Motion by Councilor Honan that the Town Manager request National Grid Gas & Electric, Comcast and MWRA to provide discounts.....(See Attached Motion) 2"4 by Councilor DeMarco Discussion Town Manager will research and pursue Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Jim Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None PUBLIC COMMENT Collen Murphy (P4)- Requests if parking in front of Yirrell Beach could be for residents only? Councilor Flockhart points out that not all have parking tickets if you have personal parking you may not need it. Colleen reflects maybe a beach permit sticker. Kathleen Capuccio (P2)-Thanks all the first responders of town for the amazing work being done. Requests regards to the Joint Committee Rules & Ordinance and Economic Development meeting when the public would have access to this meeting minutes. Councilor DeMarco would like to reiterate that all correspondence be reviewed during the meeting. Vice President Letterie asks about the Charter Review Committee and if the members will be decided on? Council President asks anyone interested to get in touch with the Town Website and complete an application or give a call if interested. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilor Ferrino to Adjourn at 9:29 pm 2" by Vice President Letterie Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Jim Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None 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 MAY 5. 2020 PAGE 4 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 May 5, 2020 Fiscal Year 2020 Motion Summary Title: FY20 COVID-19 Emergency Response — 2"4 Funding Request Motion ID: TCM20-033 Moton Details Motion Type: Emergency Special Article Appropriation Submitted by: Austin Faison, Town Manager Date Submitted: 05/5/20 Text of Motion MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to transfer $50,000 from Free Cash to General Fund Special Article FY20 COVID-19 Response in order to fund certain costs associated with the current public health emergency; or take any other action there to. Funding Details Funding Source Funding Destination Account Description Amount Account Description Amount (0199052-596000 [Transfer Out $50,000 (0196151- FY20 COVID-19 $50,000 13100 Response Free Cash Balance before pending Motion: $ 414,628.40 Motion Pending: $ 50,000.00 Balance: $ 364,628.40 5-5-20 Motion by Councilor DeMarco 2" by Councilor Christopher Voting For: Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-Councilor Rich Ferrino President Philip Boncore, Councilor Stephen Ruggiero — Voting Against-Vice President Letterie Motion Passed: 8-1 > 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 Costs Posted to COVID-19 Special Article to Date (5/4/2020) ee a eee Account Description = > teeta Carry Fwd Orig Bud Amended Encumb Expend _ 961 - COVID-19 ARTICLES 0196151-513100 OVERTIME $ 6,500.00 $ 18,346.91 $ (11,846.91) 0196152-529001 PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES $ 25,000.00 $ 1,489.75 $ 23,510.25 0196153-530000 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $ 1,000.00 $ 3,844.99 $ (2,844.99) 0196153-530400 LEGAL SERVICES $ 1,000.00 $ 3,212.50 $ (2,212.50) 0196154-542300 OFFICE SUPPLIES $ 4,000,00 $ 704.66 $ 3,295.34 0196154-545100 CLEANING SUPPLIES $s 3,000.00 $ 1,748.60 $ 3,259.90 $ (2,008.50) 0196154-549400 EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLIES $ 500.00 $ 1,965.00 $ (1,465.00) 0196155-558900 MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES $s 1,000.00 $ 2,238.00 $ 357 $ (1,243.57) 0196152-520000 PURCHASED SERVICES $s 7,000.00 $ 1,20000 $ 6913.99 $ (1,113.99) 0196158-585000 EQUIPMENT $s 1,000.00 $ 3,602.77 $ (2,602.77) 961 - COVID-19 ARTICLES Total $ 50,000.00 $ 5,186.60 $ 43,346.04 $ 1,467.36 Details 1) Overtime (EOC) (*Note, not all OT costs have been posted in the accounting system yet due to payroll timing etc.) ¢ Week 1 $9,292 ¢ Week 2 $3,666 © Week 3 $5,158 e Week 4 $5,067 © Week 5 $5,878 e Week 6 $6,006 © Week 7 $5,058 2) Professional Cleaning Services — Cleaning deemed necessary per public health (town building and otherwise). 3) Professional Services — Communications assistance for responding to media inquiries and certain community updates. Technology services to make certain required upgrades at EOC. 4) Legal Services — Labor attorney and Town attorney costs necessitated by COVID-19 5) Office supplies — supplies for EOC set-up. 6) Cleaning supplies — for building maintenance to ensure safety (masks, gloves, disinfection supplies) 7) Emergency Food Supplies — for senior meals (where Meals on Wheels is at capacity). Also seeking use of COA grants to offset this cost. 8) Mise Supplies — food for EOC 9) Purchased Services — installation of germ shields in Assessing Dept, Treasurer/Collector, Town Clerk’s Offices, Police Booking Area (may be able to receive 100% funding from grant account for this). Additionally, certain technology services to make required upgrades at EOC. 10) Equipment — public safety equipment (Helco safety equipment corp., Majestic Safety Apparel, WB Mason etc.) and hardware for installation of germ shields. Other costs pending (not yet finalized in accounting system): ¢ Home Depot — New door for EOC $159.98 ¢ Complete Cleaning Company — Electrostatic cleaning services $10,000.00 TOWN OF WINTHROP OFFICE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-846-1742 MOTION Submitted By: Councilor Honan Date: 4-29-20 TEXT OF MOTION MOTION: That the Town Manager request National Grid Gas and Electric, Comcast, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to provide a discount to all rate payers in the Town of Winthrop for the duration of the state of emergency, as declared by the Governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker. 5-5-20 Motion by Councilor Honan 2"4 by Councilor DeMarco Discussion Town Manager will research and pursue Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Jim Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None Michael Goodman Associate Professor / Chairperson, Public Policy Department:Public Policy Office: Chase Road Center (128 Chase Road, Dartmouth) Voice: 508-910-6986 Fax: 508-999-8374 Email: mgoodman@umassd.edu Biography Michael Goodman is Professor of Public Policy and Executive Director of the Public Policy Center at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The Public Policy Center is the University’s applied social science research, technical assistance, and public service unit based in the College of Arts and Sciences and affiliated with its Department of Public Policy. An interdisciplinary applied public policy research and technical assistance Provider, the Center seeks to inform evidence-based policymaking at the state, regional, and local level through collaborative engagements with public, private, and non- partners. Professor Goodman joined the faculty at UMass Dartmouth in 2009 after serving for eight years as the Director of Economic and Public Policy Research at the UMass Donahue Institute. Between 2009 and 2014 he served as the Chair of the Department of Public Policy and the Graduate Program Director of the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. An economic sociologist, Professor Goodman is a three time Past president of the New England Economic Partnership, a nonprofit organization made up of leading regional analysts that produces semi-annual economic forecasts of the economic outlook for each of the six New England states. He currently serves as Co-Editor of MassBenchmarks, the journal of the Massachusetts economy published by the UMass Donahue Institute in cooperation with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Dr. Goodman earned his MA and Ph.D. at Boston University.