Minutes
Town Council · from the Town's website · 7 pages · 1.7 MB
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 19, 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 312-626-6700 or 646-558-8656 for any questions concerning this meeting Zoom ID #87594547302 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 Vice President Letterie 2! by Councilor Ferrino Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara F lockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Letterie, President Philip Boncore GENERAL INFORMATION & RECOMMENDATIONS 5.b Presentation Dick Hingston- Update Water/Sewer projections for FY20 and FY21, Discusses water and sewer budget and how the rates are determined. The water and sewer rates for FY19 had gone down from FY1 8.Unfortunately the use goes down but the rates increase, to set the budget. The rate revenues the showed a deficit of $2 15,000. Bill usage is down about 2% which cost about $176,000 less in billings. SEE ATTACHED INFORMATION AND TOWN WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE DISCUSSION OF WATER/SEWER PROJECTIONS Town Manager does believe due to state mandates the rates may be increased bya $1.00. This is an undesirable thing to do and are still exploring. There are costs associated with this. Councilor LoConte asks for an option if money could be transferred from other accounts to keep rate from being increased. There is a choice. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2020 PAGE 1 Town Manager requests of Councilor LoConte exactly where he would like him to look to cut the budget, it would be closed to $430,000. Councilor LoConte respects the Town Managers advice and asks for this review and report back to the Town Council Vice President Letterie agrees that no one’s wants an increase but at this time it would be near impossible for the Town Manager to locate $430,000 in budget cuts. Asks that we look more into future funding of projects that we may not be able to afford and use those funds. Presentation-Tufts Team /Winthrop Planning Dept. Tufts Team Presenters Patrick Higgins, Adrian Tanner, Alisha Patel and Ethan Pepin presents the Town Council through the Town Manager office a feasibility study on a Winthrop Planning Department. PLEASE SEE PRESENTATION ATTACHED AND ON THE TOWN OF WINTHROP WEBISTE Councilor Honan is very thankful for such a comprehensive presentation Councilor Ferrino reiterates Councilor Honan and is looking forward to a Planning Dept. especially working with Grants for the Town. Councilor Flockhart asks if the Grant Funding would cover the salary of a Planner? Patrick Higgins believes it would be possible depending on staff member hired. Councilor Flockhart has always wondered how the town has not had a Grants Manager, feels the town has left money on the table. Realizes this will be a financial hardship and the cost is ridiculous but adding a Planner would bring much benefit to the town, Town Manager reiterates that the salary savings from the Assistant Town Manager Position as well the Project Managers Position’s salary is funded for this Planning Department. He feels very important for a Planning Dept. and sacrificing the Assistant Town Managers Position. Councilor Christopher asks if there is any way these presenters could point us in the right direction of who to hire with Federal Granting and low interest loans being made available. He is answered that anyone with prior Federal Grant writing capabilities would be crucial. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING-FY21 LK EU BLIC HEARING-FY21 Public Hearing Opened Karin Chavis calls in asking that though there may be funding available for a Planning Dept. please review this Cost as these funds could be used for so many other departments at this time. Vice President Letterie clarifies that this original public hearing was advertised, which it was for the May 5, 2020 Town Council Meeting and continued. Motion by Vice President Letterie to continue this public hearing until our next Town Council Meeting of June 2, 2020 2" by Councilor Flockhart Motion Passed: 9 - 0 ; Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Letterie, President Philip Boncore TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2020 PAGE 2 eta tet BUN AMYYS IY WULIVML LAL INUIUD alu Ae Surauun Ui Cuviu VPS anu usar vy wu will take these under consideration as what is best for the Town. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Reports following the State on Opening Phases and Winthrop will work with these Phases. Public Health Director Hurley reports Covid Cased: 223 Confirmed Cases, 151 Recovered, 24 Deaths There has been some optimistic stats and continues to work with the State and what the safe guidance on openings would be. Chief Delehanty discusses that more time is really needed before openings as there are several needed factors to be reviewed. The EOC is available for all information for these people on opening. Reports on stolen motor vehicles, SCHOOL DEPARTMENT REPORT President Boncore reports that the School Nurses contract passed. Senior Parade on May 22, at 3:30 PM...High School staff will visit each of the 128 students’ homes, Senior prom postponed until further notice, Senior Class night will take place on June 3 — Location TBA Graduation June 6 at 3 PM — Location TBA Remote learning continues. All school buildings closed until June 29" so Summer Programs are on hold, Kindergarten registration is online process. Superintendent working to finalize budget. OLD BUSINESS FY21 Budget- Motion by Vice President Letterie to continue 2" by Councilor Ruggiero Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Letterie, President Philip Boncore Town Employee Evaluations Motion by Councilor DeMarco to accept the committee’s recommendation to approve the grades given to the Towns Council employees No 2" Needed Coming from Committee Discussion He is willing to designate these evaluations to this committee and agrees with the job done. Councilor LoConte will be abstaining from the evaluation of Town Clerk Carla Vitale He is not comfortable with not all councilors being involved in this process. Vice President Letterie has not had the Opportunity to review these evaluations and requests his Town Council privilege to postpone this until the next Town Council Meeting of June 2, 2020. NEW BUSINESS WPD, Lt. Nancy Dalrymple- Continue Employment after the age of 65 Lt Dalrymple is allowed to speak on her request of this process. Council President reiterates that there is no motion to vote on and a motion will be on the June 2, 2020 Town Council Meeting. Lt Dalrymple seeks approval for continued employment after age 65 and requests the Town Council to approach the Legislation for a Bill allowing this. She then goes on to reflect on her past experiences, education, and training in the Winthrop Police Department. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2020 PAGE 4 Social Security, Today things are different, and people live into their 80’s and feels this is outdated and should be changed. Town Manager reiterates this is a state level rule. Other municipalities have allowed individuals to have time extensions on their retirement ages. Councilor DeMarco asks Chief Delehanty if after retirement they can continue working a certain number of hours? Chief Delehanty will provide this policy of becoming a Special Police Officer. Lt. Dalrymple is not asking to be a Special Police Officer, she is asking to work until 2023. No Further Comments Motion by Vice President Letterie to refer to Finance that the Town Council transfer $17,325 from Free Cash to FY20 Risk Advisor Services. ... (See Attached Motion) 2! by Councilor Ferrino Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara F lockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Letterie, President Philip Boncore Motion by Vice President Letterie to refer to Finance that the Town Council transfer $15,000 for remainder of FY20 for Pest Control... (See Attached Motion) 2" by Councilor Ferrino Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Cc hristopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-Councilor Rich F errino, Vice President Letterie, President Philip Boncore PUBLIC COMMENT Wendy Millar Page-Asks where space of Dog Park will be? It will be behind the bleachers of Miller Field to Veterans Rd, Concerned of drainage run off. Has this been approved, is this necessary? Will Parks be opened, request clarifications on Parks and playgrounds? As of now, just foot walking parks only. Town Manager has not received state information on this yet. Outside legal counsel has been asked to review. She is on the Horrible Parade Committee and will talk to Peter Gobiel tomorrow on this event to have more information on the 4" of July events. Sarko Gergerian discusses his opposition of Lt. Nancy Dalrymple’s request to continue employment after 65. He is asking the Town Council to follow the current procedures and not allow this request. Kurt Millar asks about how we can help our businesses down the Center, ; President Boncore is waiting until the Governor makes and announcement on this procedure. Councilor Christopher is having a Rules and Ordinance Committee meeting to prepare for when they can open. Councilor DeMarco is having a Virtual Town Hall Councilor Meeting on Thursday Evening for any callers. Town Manager Faison’s Win2030 Committee is having a meeting Saturday. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2020 PAGE 5 PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS Councilor Honan reports on the Horrible Parade Committee Correspondence and they ask if the Town Council if they can decide on the 4" of July events sooner than later, Small Memorial Service will be at the Cemetery on May 22, 2020 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2020 PAGE 3 If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the Charter Review Committee, please email the Town Council at towncouncil@town.winthrop.ma.us or call 617-846-1742 x 1034. Applications are on Town Website TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2020 PAGE 2 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Vice President Letterie to Adjourn at 10:22 pm 2™ by Councilor Ferrino Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Letterie, President Philip Boncore 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 19, 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 a _TownCouncilMotion May 19, 2020 Fiscal Year 2020 Motion Summary Title: Risk Advisor Services — Municipal Insurance Procurement Motion ID: TCM20-035 Amount: $17,325.00 Funding Source: Free Cash Motion Details Motion Type: Budgetary Transfer Submitted by: Austin Faison Town Manager Date Submitted 5/14/2020 Text of Motion MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to transfer $17,325 from Free Cash toa new special article in the General Fund to be named FY20 Risk Advisor Services in order to fund certain costs associated with seeking new coverage on the municipal insurance market; or take any other action thereto, Funding Details Funding Source Funding Destination Account | Description Amount Account Description Amount 199052-596000 r transfer Out $17,325 |New FY20 Risk Advisor $17,325 Services Free Cash Balance before pending Motion: $ 349,628.40 Motion Pending: $ 17,325.00 Balance: $ 332,303.40 5-19-20 Motion by Vice President Letterie to refer to Finance Committee 2™ by Councilor Ferrino Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Letterie, President Philip Boncore 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 19, 2020 Fiscal Year 2020 Motion Summary Title: Pest Control Replenishment Motion ID: TCM20-034 Amount: $15,000.00 Funding Source: Free Cash Motion Details Motion Type: Budgetary Transfer Submitted by: Austin Faison Town Manager Date Submitted 5/14/2020 Text of Motion MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to transfer $15,000 from Free Cash to replenish the General Fund Special Article Pest Control as estimated for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020; or take any other action thereto. Funding Details Funding Source Funding Destination Account Description Amount Account Description Amount (0199052-596000 [Transfer Out $15,000 _|0196052-588127 Pest Control $15,000 __| Free Cash Balance before pending Motion: $ 364,628.40 Motion Pending: $ 15,000.00 Balance: $ 349,628.40 5-19-20 Motion by Vice President Letterie to refer to Finance Committee 2™ by Councilor Ferrino Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte-Councilor Rich Ferrino, Vice President Letterie, President Philip Boncore