Minutes
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 2020 CALL TO ORDER Council President Boncore calls the meeting to order at 7:02 pm Reads the Zoom information for meeting attendance and Public Comment 312-626-6799/ ID# 89757253610 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilor DeMarco leads the Pledge of Allegiance ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara F lockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Council Vice President James Letterie, President Philip Boncore MINUTES 4.a Approve the Minutes of 8-4-20 as circulated Motion by Council Vice President James Letterie 2™ by Councilor Rich Ferrino. Vote For: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara F lockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Council Vice President James Letterie, President Philip Boncore Abstain: Councilor LoConte GENERAL INFORMATION & RECOMMENDATIONS Public Health Director Meredith Hurley discusses the current Covid information, up to date cases and the new dashboard introduced by the Governor. Please see information attached and all updated information is available on the Town Website. Councilor Letterie thanks Meredith for the hard work...questions looking back and the cases, and asks about the isolation, if not in isolation, less people have it. Interested in the data for the last 14 days, total test, 794, accumulated 5300. Interested in the 794, the more tests, the more positive. How many tests have there been or only when data gets released on Wednesday? Meredith replies tabulation has only been since the end of May, there has been a significant increase since the end of July. Confusion with college students as if tested prior to leaving, it will be considered in Winthrop, if tested at school, it will be in that area. Councilor DeMarco asks about the time frame of when we receive the positive count, it could be most are through isolation during the testing or are not isolating. Councilor Ruggiero asks if we might be joining the map of red and yellow geographically Covid infected, E. Boston is the highest of our neighbors. What does it mean if we go in the Red? It means that community spread is continuing. If community is in the red, we must push towards remote learning, which we are. Council President thanks Meredith for her hard work, Council Christopher, any information about hospitalization rates and compare to other communities? We do not have solid data, contact tracing has been helpful with their reporting system, they have the ability if someone has been hospitalized, it is just unfortunately not tracked. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2020 PUBLIC HEARING- 6.a Town Council vote to amend section 10.16.90 of the Town Ordinances Public Hearing Opened Council Christopher will explain the Ordinance Amendment. 10.16.090 any place not permitted to park, will be added to the ordinances for the town. This proposal was for any area of George St. Discussion Council President did receive a personal visit from neighbor that sign be put back. Councilor Ferrino did attend TSAC meeting and neighbors vented issues. Will this be a hindrance to our Public Safety? What is the premise other than someone’s personal convenience? If we allow this to happen the entire town will want to request. He disagrees with the reasoning and the recommendation of the resident. Did have one participant, a neighbor who is not in favor of this sign. Councilor Letterie did receive correspondence from a Bowdoin St. resident that is not in favor and he is aligning with that. Councilor DeMarco also received correspondence echoing same Public Hearing Closed PUBLIC COMMENT Kurt Millar brings up the Ferry and you that you can rent Ferry, bring your own liquor, sign up for excursions. The concern is we are sending a mixed message with Town Hall closed, Library closed but using town property to host events. Do we have the liability? Council President will review this. Bill Rice-Brings up point of the resident sticker at the Pt. and there has been a Ig. number of complaints and acknowledgement that the enforcement of this parking is not being taken seriously with the WPD. Enforcement is a problem. Residents call and WPD are not sending cruisers. CORRESPONDENCE Reads information from Stephen Dalton and Suzanne Leonard regarding the Library. See Attached Correspondence COMMITTEE REPORTS Rules and Ordinance Councilor Christopher discusses the merging of TSAC and the Transportation Committee. He would like to thank Mike Diluiso for all his information about both these committees. Voted 3-2 not to be put in Ordinances. Thought about what TSAC should be focusing on and what Transportation Committee should be worked on. Changes made same dept. heads. Expand citizen involvement. TSAC will be 7-9 total members 3-5 of the public who can participate Expanded what they will be tasked to do to follow the Transportation work that they have been doing in the past. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2020 10. Committee voted 3-0 on this. Miller Field Committee: Councilor Letterie reports on the meeting and the Golf Shed, Fence, Tennis Courts, Dog Shed. Fencing will be taking place next week Paving Inside field house Tennis Court and parking area Sub Committee has come up with a comprehensive plan. Lighting was discussing and at this time, it may not be needed a hindrance to the neighbors. Golf Shed and approve funds to be allocated. Permitting and Conservation Committee must be permitted, and project is ready to go. Signage on Miller Field signs, and dedication, looking for dates but now with sports not happening and gathering restrictions it will be reported later. Committee on Diversity and Community Relations-Council President reports on the first meeting, Chair is Andrea Baez, and Secretary if Fr. Walter Nas Patel 3 yr. term John, Suzanne 2 yrs. John Sid Anthony 1 yr. All introduced themselves and reasoning of wanting to be on committee, John Morgan reports very excited about all talking about themselves and looking forward to each other’s experiences for our committee to run the best possible way. Memorials Committee-Councilor Letterie reports on meeting and there was a motion to unanimously recommend the Field house to be named Anthony Fucillo Governors Park is ready to begin conversation. Public Safety will set up a meeting. 9.a Rules & Ordinance Miller Field Committee Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations (CDICR) Memorials Committee TOWN MANAGER REPORT Reports on community entering the Red Zone of the Covid cases. Right now, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. School plans were changed because of this. He needs to continue to express.... that areas are trending to yellow and red, we need to social distance, wear masks, not have events. Governor will supply increase testing, maybe in Winthrop, drive thru site maybe. We must segregate ourselves from people that have this virus. Would love to test all in Town Hall but not at this point. Nothing else matters until virus is dealt with. Mainly concerned with people’s health, The contractor Gioso for the CBD requested to work later in season, Town Manager is reviewing if this will be feasible. The Bike Study from engineer has been completed and results have been passed to DPW Director Steve Calla for further review. Working with Revere on the Greenway with Regional Climate. State grants were appropriated to town for Parklets from the state TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2020 ii. Discusses the Library -Will be engaging with the Union in September, has been working with library director and Assistant Town Manager on how staff will be managed and address community concerns. Finance related questions about library: Anna Freedman informs on these issues. Any savings from payroll will remain in the Library budget. Once Town Council votes on budget, the Tow Manager cannot just move the money, the Town Council must approve any transfers. Town Manager is asking for patience with library, trying to keep people safe. Town Hall is not open to public and only skeletons crews are working. Pick up and drop off being done, working on virtual learning. This is a public health emergency. It cannot be what it once was. Will work with Union and have a palpable way for all to come back. The director has been working very hard with all decisions to be made. Councilor DeMarco is all library employees coming back? Town Manager-Yes. Is the CBD running on time? DPW Director Call reports that original schedule is running about a month and 1/2 behind on utility work. Council Christopher, no appetite for transferring any library funds. What is plan with recognized savings? Anna-Recommends caution with making plans for any savings as we are not aware of Covid Revenues. Right now, it is a drastic trend of going down. Urge caution that these savings may increase. CARES ACT money is set aside for resources to accommodate COVID Social Distancing, plexi glass, etc. Councilor Ruggiero discusses the letter that the Town Council does not want to use any library funding. Questions digital services and how accessible this will be. Town Manager -we are working very hard with all children to have a Chrome Book and internet to make this work. Working with people to get more materials out there to the citizens. Want to provide same types of library services as other communities. Councilor Letterie thanks Austin for addressing, he had asked for in New Business. He thinks it would be great for all to do the best they can. At next meeting have the Library director at our next meeting. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE Council President reports on the School Committee report and the outstanding report that Superintendent Lisa Howard provided to the Committee. The Governor offered a new metric and due to this the schools have decided to go totally remote for all students. If we do not get numbers down, we will be in the Red for the rest of the year and this is not good. He is very worried about it. He is worried about the passing of Covid and how many people one person could affect. School Committee voted that remote learning will be done. He believes this was the right decision for the children and the families of Winthrop. Wear masks, socially distance.... we must get our numbers down. Councilor DeMarco thanks for listening to him about the school reopening. He does believe the best should be done for the children; he has read the risk of them not going back is worse than going back. He believed the Hybrid had actions if numbers increased. He feels this was more administrative. The kids need to go back. He wanted to stay the course with the Hybrid. Council President believes that his thought is wrong, it was not administrative, it was for the children. It is also the law from the governor. It is a very emotional decision for all involved. It will be re-visited on Nov. 13 and there is a possibility child could go back. Town Manager backs up Lisa Howard, there are no good decisions here. People must have compassion for people that must make these very difficult decisions. There are not good decisions, we just do not want people to get sick. Hopes the community realizes the decision was made to their best of the limited information she has, she did not take any plan lightly. Superintendent made a recommendation, the School Committee voted on this. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2020 12. OLD BUSINESS 13. 12.a Town Council discussion to name the new Field House at Miller Field after Anthony Fucillo Discussion: Council Ruggiero approves this as he was coached and taught by Coach and both on and off field Coach has had an impact on many of his students. This was referred to the Memorials Committee who positively recommend it be named after Anthony Fucillo. Motion by Council Vice President James Letterie to Approve. 2™ by Councilor Rich Ferrino. 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, Council Vice President James Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None 12.b TSAC Committee Discussion Please see motion Motion by Councilor Peter Christopher No 2nd needed Motion Passed: 9 - 0 Voting For: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara F lockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Council Vice President James Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None 12.c Town Council vote to amend section 10.16.90 of the Town ... (see attached motion) This came out of Rules & Ordinance without a positive recommendation and not accept this amended motion. Motion Defeated 8-1 Voting to Accept the recommendation of the Rules & Ordinance Committee Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Council Vice President James Letterie, Voting Against Rules & Ordinance Recommendation: President Philip Boncore NEW BUSINESS 13.2 Town Council vote to Amend the Approved Town Managers FY21 Budget... (see attached motion) Discussion: Anna, this was recommended by our Bond Counsel, it is beneficial for Town Council to approve to protect us on any Bond issues now and in the past. Does not have to go to the Finance Committee and would be beneficial if Town Council voted on tonight as we have a bond issue in September. Bond Counsel has issued their opinion that this does not have to be advertised or referred to the Finance Committee Motion by Council Vice President Jim Letterie 2"* by Councilor Rob Demarco, Motion by President Philip Boncore to refer to the Finance Committee TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2020 14, 13.b Motion by Council Vice President Letterie Town Council vote to Amend the Approved Town Managers FY21 Budget 2": by Councilor Ferrino President Boncore refers to the Finance Committee 13.d Motion by Council President Boncore to re-appoint Stephen Machcinski to the Conservation Committee 2" by Councilor Rich Ferrino, Motion: 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, Councilor Jim Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None 13.¢ Town Council discuss September Town Council Meetings dates due to Election Motion by Council Vice President James Letterie to amend Council Rules and change the meeting schedule for September 2020 to the 2" and 4! Tuesday of the Month (Sept. 8" & Sept. 224) 2" by Councilor Rich Ferrino . . Councilor DeMarco asks why not Just move to the following day? Council Vice President reflects there are 5 Tuesdays in September Motion Passed: 8 - 1 Voting For: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara F lockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor Nick LoConte, Councilor Rich Ferrino, Councilor Jim Letterie Voting Against: President Philip Boncore PUBLIC COMMENT Stephen Dalton reiterates on his letter and the opening of the Library and the staff being reinstated. Mikayla Dalton -Supports the library opening and the staff being reinstated. Compares other libraries. Maybe extended hours different from normal. Dottie Donofrio Discusses that Carla had a good zoom for poll workers and thinks Town Clerk is more than prepared to work with voting. Requests younger people who did not seem to take this virus seriously it is now affecting many. School Committee did a remarkable job in caring Suzanne Leonard-Discusses the library and it is opening and staff Because of these layoffs we lost Ellen Nickerson, no children’s librarian and schools are remote. Lack of stewardship a harder situation is now being faced. Would like an update from Library at next TC Meeting. Gina Cassetta- Chair of the Airport Hazards, reports on a recent article in the Transcript and significant progress made on federal level of appropriation bill of soundproofing. There is a meeting tomorrow evening for all concerned citizens. Council President appreciates all the hard work from this committee. Committee opening... Elizabeth Alessi-Would like library open. Frustrating there is a plan but no progress. Wendy Millar....is there a way to look at a mask mandate? Asks Town Council to consider this with enforcement. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2020 15. 16. Amanda Languirand- Motion by DeMarco to allow her to speak as does not live in Winthrop 2nd by Councilor Ferrino Passed She asks please bring back the library staff. Karin Chavis Strong feelings about schools on both sides, agrees that maybe been on hold until November. Library, very touchy, does not know solution, can one of the two people do some evening hours. Alternative to no wearing a mask is that the Governor will close all down and start over. Please wear a mask, BOH is considering a mask mandate. PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS 15.a Early Voting in the Town Hall, Harvey Hearing Room August 22, 2020 through August 28, 2020 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Vice President to Adjourn 9:26 PM 2"¢ by Councilor Ferrino Motion: 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, Council Vice President James 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 OF AUGUST 18, 2020 TOWN OF WINTHROP OFFICE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1742 MOTION Submitted by: Councilor Letterie Date: 8-18-20 TEXT OF MOTION Motion by Councilor Letterie to dedicate the new High School Field House under Anthony Fucillo 2™ by Councilor Rich Ferrino. 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, Council Vice President James Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None 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 Christopher Date: 8-18-20 TEXT OF MOTION MOTION: Within rule nine, section a of the Town Council’s Rules and Procedures to strike the text in section f in its entirety and add in its place the following: Transportation Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC). This committee shall be a 7-9-member committee made up of the directors or their designee from the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, the Parking Department and between three to five members of the community. This committee will respond to citizen and town-initiated traffic safety or transportation improvement requests which require a public process. The scope of work for the committee entails but is not limited to improving the safety, quality, and accessibility of multi-modal transportation options, supporting modal shift to decrease Congestion, and issues relating to a traffic safety requests. The committee will make advisory opinions to the Town Manager and Town Council. The committee may receive and take up requests regarding an advisory opinion at the request of any member of the Town Council or the Town Manager 8-18-20 Motion by Rules & Ordinance No 2" Needed 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, Councilor Jim Letterie, President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None 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 August 11, 2020 Fiscal Year 2021 Motion Summary Title: Bond Premium Authorization Motion ID: TCM21-001 Motion Details Motion Type: Adopt Bond Premium Authorization Submitted by: Austin Faison, Town Manager Date Submitted: 8/11/2020 Text of Motion MOTION: I move that the Winthrop Town Council adopt the following order: ORDERED: That, to the extent such language is not already included, each loan order authorizing a borrowing that was passed by this Town Council prior to the date hereof is hereby amended to provide that any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes pursuant to such loan order, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of project costs approved by the loan order in accordance with M.G.L. c.44, §20, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such project costs by a like amount. 8-18-20 Motion by Council Vice President Jim Letterie 2™ by Councilor Rob Demarco. Motion by President Philip Boncore to refer to the Finance Committee