Minutes
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES JANUARY 19, 2021 CALL TO ORDER Council President calls meeting to order at 7:00 pm and includes all zoom information for the public. ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher President Philip Boncore PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice President Christopher MOMENT OF SILENCE Richard “Dick” Dimes Donated 70 yrs. Selectman, Planning Board, many accomplishments in our town. Public Works building is named after him. Officer Robert “Bobby” McFarland 50 years of service to the Winthrop Police Department MINUTES 6.a Approval of Jan 5, 2021 Minutes, as circulated Motion by Council James Letterie to Approve. 24 by Councilor Rich Ferrino. Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None GENERAL INFORMATION & RECOMMENDATIONS Council President introduces Councilor Honan who will make a personal statement about the riot attack on our Capital which includes the The Town Council do not make political statements, but each Councilor does have a right of Freedom of Speech. This statement is a joint statement on behalf of Councilor Honan, Councilor Christopher, and Councilor Ruggiero. Please see copy of statement attached. Town Manager introduces the MAPC Presentation on the Win2030, thanks the Advisory Committee that has helped work on this. This has been one of his main goals since coming to Winthrop. We do our annual budget, but very rarely do we think about what the community will be like in 10 years. It is very important to know what the community would like to see in 10 years...this is a visionary quest. This is the beginning of a Town Wide Master Plan. Carolos Montanez from MAPC shares his screen and presents his Win2030 Presentation for the town. Please see attached copy of this Final Draft of the Win2030 Vision Report on Town Web Page Citation for Susan Maguire of the Board of Health Susan thanks the Councilors for their citation and it has been her honor and privilege to serve on the Board of Health and looks forward to supporting our community in different efforts. She is currently working with Meredith Hurley on contact tracing. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearing Opened Town Council appropriate $272,250 for costs of Emergency Repair of collapsed sewer main/Revere St Finance Committee address the $272,250 emergency repair of the water sewer main on Revere St. Councilor Letterie discusses this was included in the Finance committee meeting, 75% of this funding ($75-80,000) is a grant and the amount that is left., it will be taken from the water sewer reserve account. Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council accept the recommendation of TSAC on Terrace Ave/Park Ave & Cottage Ave Vice President Christopher reports on Rules & Ordinance Meeting and motion was amended on Terrace and Park Ave, Cottage will not be a one way. Phil Ronan reflects on this motion and with the concern of parking on Cottage St. The petition signed by 100 neighbors not to change Cottage St. parking is greatly appreciated. Urges the committee to take review the children involved in this neighborhood... this is a good starting point. Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council accept the recommendation of TSAC 4 way stop sign Grover/Highland. Vice President Christopher discusses this motion which was passed unanimously for this stop sign. Councilor Letterie doesn't disagree but remembers Metcalf Sq. 4 way stop and remembers there are certain restrictions that must be met for this 4 way stop...have these thresholds been met? Vice President reports that the Winthrop Police and DPW were aware and if any thresholds must be met, they would abide by this. Mike Diluiso also answers and states it was discussed TSAC and it comes very close to meeting guidelines, but not hard-set rules. There have been 4 accidents, 5 was threshold to make a recommendation. Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Parking on Portion Beach Rd. Vice President Christopher reports that this another recommendation from TSAC, there is a section right side towards beach on going toward Highlands...there is no parking on one side, likely is a wider passage needed, kudos to TSAC, they worked to increase parking in this neighborhood. Recommended unanimously. Public Hearing Closed PUBLIC COMMENT Julia Wallerce-Thanks Councilors for statement on our Capital, it means a lot to hear from our councilors. Thanks Carlos with a great presentation and thanks MAPC and the TM for initiating process. A new Town Planner will work well with our new data and decision making. Looking forward to being part of process. Peter Gill-Please to see the Middle School project will be referred to the WPB...very complex and it needs to be addressed. Urge people interested be aware and watch for these public meetings...last time people felt they were not informed. He feels it was out there, but people did not hear...urges all to pass the word. Suzanne Martucci mention how well stated Councilors Honan’s statement was and thank you and other Vice President Christopher and Councilor Ruggiero TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2021 nN 10. CORRESPONDENCE Dianne Sands against Honan statement being discussed at a Town Council Meeting Donna Reilly thanks Councilor Honan, Vice President Christopher, and Councilor Ruggiero COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee Councilor Letterie reports on meeting and agenda items addressed $272,250 Emergency Sewer and Water Emergency repair -Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation. FY 22 Budget Discussion-CFO will keep updating. Trash Contract-Looks like it has increased close to $300,000 from FY20-21, will be reviewing. Water Sewer Audit discussion-Our bills seem to be higher... our water loss seems to be over 20% and not sure where this is coming from. Wants a study recommendation by next TC Meeting. Funding appropriated with Covid and has been re-imbursed and make sure put where belongs. Two Special elections...the cost associated...close to $40-42,000 make sure funds allowed to be allocated and a small reimbursement will be done by state. Rules & Ordinance Committee Vice President Christopher reports on this meeting that discussed 3 motions with TSAC. Did do an Amendment on Cottage St. recommendation from TSAC but will issue all issues with a Positive Recommendation from the Committee TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager reports on Win2030 and has been talking about this since he came to Winthrop...he wants to work with a plan and hope this strategy will work to achieve this plan. Excited that additional progress on our solid waste with finance and the zero-waste committee...wants to get the best for our community. Last Year during summer, town received a grant from shared streets program. We ordered parklets (little outdoor seating area) and they are arriving within the next couple of weeks. another asset in the Center Business District Director of Public Safety Meredith Hurley does Covid Update...please see copy of slides and are available on website.... Town Council President asks will Winthrop ever get their own vaccinations or continue going through Revere? Director-State giving some leeway but not sure currently. Once we receive it must be used within 30 days, each multi dose viral punctured must be used within 6 hrs. Each municipal must justify to state if vaccinations used that are unaccounted but needed to be used. Want to get to most vulnerable. Councilor Letterie has vaccine questions. Has there been any neg. effects from the vaccine? Director states, No of 400 people done so far, with Cataldo Ambulance available...there were none. Inside Testing for Covid will be middle school gym hrs. goals are moderate and opportunity to increase. Tues Thurs 8-8 Mon W Fr 8-5 Coordinate with the Hockey Rink for parking to make sure it is appointments only and more controlled and predictable. Assuming all the health issues have been addressed? TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2021 Town Manager states that Project Beacon has addressed and handle the setting up the sites. Councilor Letterie asks why the testing site could not be at the Ferry Building? Director replies that this location was just not big enough. Councilor Ruggiero asks what active method should be taken if you are within the current phase? Director reports that there has been a lot of frustration and confusion as for obtaining an appointment. The state and federal are working together to better grasp each municipal capacity to vaccinate? Winthrop said 500 people and once it is committed, the 500 will be pushed out immediately. we have to be concerned with the homebound and the elderly, disabled...etc...we will start seeing more of transportation for particular needs. If you cannot make a plan online, people will be out there to help. Councilor Letterie asks about the parklets? Are they all inclusive of tables and chairs? Do they take up parking spaces? Town Manager replies that these are quite easy to contain and move if necessary. Council President reports that constituents have called them as they have received information from Xfinity that due to more users on the internet, the costs could go up. Town Manager reports that unfortunately due to the extra high volume of use; this is Xfinity call and there is really nothing that the town can do. In terms to the internet with our buildings, town, and schools, are also having internet problems that we are currently dealing with. 11. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE There was no meeting due to holiday but did talk to the Superintendent. Hybrid school is going very well, there has been no school spreading in the schools. They are bringing in rapid tests, athletics up and running...all students have been doing a great job. 12. OLD BUSINESS 12.a Town Council appropriate $272,250 for costs of Emergency Repair of collapsed sewer main/Revere St Motion by Council Letterie to Approve No 2nd needed. Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, , Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None 12.b Motion by Vice President Christopher that the Town Council accept the recommendation of the Transportation Safety Advisory committee from their December 16, 2020 meeting to make Terrace Avenue a one-way street between Park Avenue and Cottage Avenue by amending section 10.24.010 of the town ordinances titled “Schedule of one-way streets” as follows: Insert the following line into the table: Name of Street Location Terrace Avenue From Park Avenue to Cottage Avenue No 2"! Needed. Discussion Councilor Letterie all for their hard is very reluctant to vote on one way, there are plenty of issues in this town with street patterns. He believes there should be a trial prior to approving. Councilor DeMarco asks if there was any negative public comment on this? Vice President Christopher answer’s: No Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher President Philip Boncore Voting Against: Councilor Letterie Motion Passes 8-1 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2021 Motion by the Rules & Ordinance that the Town Council accept the recommendation of TSAC from their Nov. 18, 2020 Meeting to install a 4 way stop sign at the intersection of Grover’s Avenue and Highland Avenue amending Town Ordinance 10.20.20 “Scheduled of Stop Intersection.” As follows: Insert the following line into the table: Name of Street Direction of Travel At Intersection of Highland Northeast-bound Grover’s Avenue Avenue and Southwest- bound Please note that Grover’s Avenue already has two stop signs in place at this intersection, so this is the only change necessary to make this intersection a four-way stop. No 2" Needed. Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None Motion by the Rules & Ordinance that the Town Council accept the recommendations of the Transportation Safety Advisory committee from their September 16, 2020 meeting to allow parking on a portion of Beach Road where it is currently prohibited and amend section 10.16.090 of the town ordinances titled “Parking prohibited upon certain streets,” as follows: Delete the following line from the table: Name of Street Side Location Beach Road Both From Winthrop Shore Drive to Locust Street Insert the following lines into the table: Name of Street Side Location Beach Road West From Winthrop Shore Drive to Locust Street Beach Road East From Winthrop Shore Drive to a point 250 feet Southwesterly Beach Road East From Locust Street to a point 30 feet Northeasterly No 2" Needed. Discussion Councilor Ferrino asks if this parking will interfere with traffic from Crest Ave. to Winthrop Shore Dr. Vice President Christopher answer’s that parking is at bottom of Beach St. No 2" Needed. Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher President Philip Boncore Voting Against: None 13. NEW BUSINESS 13.a Town Council transfer $44,000 for Town Clerk’s Office for upcoming election costs... (See Attached Motion) Council President refers to the Finance Committee for their recommendation. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2021 13.b Town Council vote to authorize $2,012.37 to pay unpaid bills of prior year... (See Attached Motion) Council President refers to the Finance Committee for their recommendation. 13.c Town Council adopt Council Rules to include permanent Zoom participation at all future meetings. Councilor DeMarco requests that if people want to keep on zoom and watch, the more participation the better, it will allow the Town Council to be more transparent for attending. Councilor Letterie asks if this is permanent.... are there rules that we cannot participate remotely? Is this just with pandemic that Town Council can continue zoom? Councilor President refers this motion to the Rules & Ordinance for their recommendation. 13.d Town Council move to the Joint Committee recommendation on the Middle School Zoning Councilor president is still waiting for a recommendation from Waiting for Geoffrey Logan and our new Planner Rachel Kelly to review Council President Refers to the Joint Economic Development & Rules & Ordinance Committee for recommendation on Zoning. 13.e Discussion-Election Polling Location(s) Lisa Howard speaks on the special election on March 2 and March 30 for the School Dept. and the precincts that vote at the High School and Cummings Schools are both school days. Given short notice but doing some research, she did a risk benefit of holding this election and having to cancel school. Cafeteria space where elections take place are currently set up as dual space for learning. If have to close schools, during hybrid, Mondays & Tuesdays are already missing two days of in person learning due to holidays and do not really need to lose any more days This creates an equity issue. If school cancelled, they would have to be added and runs into teacher contracts... Notification has to be given to precincts in due time. She is not recommending that children be in school during election especially now during Covid. and not in favor or kids losing out in person days. Town Manager has been discussing with Assistant Town Clerk Joanne DeMato, and early voting is not required since this is a special election, there will be vote by mail. Considering the gymnasium at the old Middle School and the Sr. Center is also a feasible location but must be walked through and set up correctly. Town Manager asks to take Superintendent Howards concerns into account. Councilor Letterie suggests 1-2-5 back to middle school. 4 Golden dr. 3-6 Sr. Center Town Council President refers this polling information from Kopelman &Paige to Rules & Ordinance for their recommendation for their decision on Precincts 1-2-5 in the gymnasium and Precincts 3& 6 at the Sr. center. Precinct 4 at O’Connell Hall Councilor Flockhart completely agrees with Councilor Letterie and suggest following Superintendent Howards request. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2021 14. 15. 16. PUBLIC COMMENT Wendy Millar Page- e Thanks Councilor Honan, Councilor Ruggiero, and Vice President Christopher on their statement on the capital riot... Looking to regionalize their solid waste...can we do this? Talk to our other communities? Thanks for the Zoom motion to stay on included in meetings. Emphasizes communication on the Zoning for Middle School, for neighbors, Overkill notifications. Thanks Town Manager for the Win2030 and as we move forward look for a master plan. PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS Last day to register for the Primary is Feb. 10, 2021... Last day for the November 2021 election is March 10, 2021. Opening on the Town Committees ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Councilor Ruggiero at 9:18PM 2" by Councilor Ferrino Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher 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 JANUARY 19, 2021 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 _ io December 30, 2020 Fiscal Year 2021 Motion Summary Title: Revere Street Sewer Repair Project Motion ID: TCM21-008 Amount: $375,000 (total project cost) $272,250 (total amount requested for this borrowing authorization) Funding Source: MWRA Inflow/Infiltration Loan Program (75% grant / 25% loan) for the $272,250 authorization (a separate motion will be filed for the remaining amount to transfer from Water/Sewer Retained Earnings) Motion Details Motion Type: Borrowing Authorization Submitted by: Austin Faison, Town Manager Date Submitted: 12/30/2020 Text of Motion MOTION: I move that the Winthrop Town Council adopt the following order: ORDERED: © That the Town appropriates the sum of TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($272,250) to pay costs of emergency repair of a collapsed section of 8-inch VC sewer main on Revere Street and installation of a CIPP structural liner to prevent further collapse of the 8-inch VC sewer main on Revere Street found to be structurally degrading, including all costs incidental and related thereto; that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §8(14), or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the “Authority”) and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or financial assistance agreement with the Authority and otherwise to contract with the Authority with respect to such loan and for any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof; that the Town Manager is authorized to accept and expend any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof, provided that the amount of the authorized borrowing for the project shall be reduced by the amount of any such grants or aid received; that the Town Manager is authorized to take any other action necessary to carry out this project; and that any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this 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 costs approved by this order in accordance with M.G.L. c.44, §20, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount. Funding Details Funding Source Funding Destination Account Description Amount Account Description Amount IMWRA BORROWING _ [$272,250 New- Revere Street $272,250 Water/Sewer Sewer Repair Project 1-5-21- Council President refers this motion to the Finance Committee for Recommendation 1-19-21- Motion Approved by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation No 2"! Needed Approve: Councilor Stephen Ruggiero, Councilor Barbara Flockhart, Councilor Rob Demarco, Councilor Peter Christopher, Councilor Tracey Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Council Vice President Jim Letterie, President Philip Boncore Motion Passes 9-0 TOWN OF WINTHROP OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-846-5548 Austin Faison Town Manager Town Council Motion December 29, 2020 Fiscal Year 2021 Text of Motion MOTION: That the Town Council accept the recommendations of the Transportation Safety Advisory committee from their September 16, 2020 meeting to allow parking on a portion of Beach Road where it is currently prohibited and amend section 10.16.090 of the town ordinances titled “Parking prohibited upon certain streets,” as follows: Delete the following line from the table: Name of Street Side Location Beach Road Both From Winthrop Shore Drive to Locust Street Insert the following lines into the table: Name of Street Side Location Beach Road West From Winthrop Shore Drive to Locust Street Beach Road East From Winthrop Shore Drive to a point 250 feet Southwesterly Beach Road East From Locust Street to a point 30 feet Northeasterly 1-19-21 Motion by Rules & Ordinance No 2"4 Needed Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Chris- topher 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: 617-846-5548 Austin Faison Town Manager Town Council Motion December 29, 2020 Fiscal Year 2021 Text of Motion MOTION: That the Town Council accept the recommendation of the Transportation Safety Advisory committee from their December 16, 2020 meeting to make Terrace Avenue a one- way street between Park Avenue and Cottage Avenue by amending section 10.24.010 of the town ordinances titled “Schedule of one-way streets” as follows: Insert the following line into the table: Name of Street Location Terrace Avenue From Park Avenue to Cottage Avenue 1-19-21 Motion by the Rules & Ordinance No 2™ Needed Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher President Philip Boncore Voting Against: Councilor Letterie Passed 8-1 TOWN OF WINTHROP OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-846-5548 Austin Faison Town Manager Town Council Motion December 29, 2020 Fiscal Year 2021 Text of Motion MOTION: That the Town Council accept the recommendation of the Transportation Safety Advisory committee from their November 18, 2020 meeting to install a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Grovers Avenue and Highland Avenue and amend section 10.20.020 of the town ordinances titled “Schedule of stop intersections” as follows. Insert the following line into the table: Name of Street Direction of Travel At Intersection of Highland Avenue Northeast-bound and Grovers Avenue Southwest-bound Please note that Grovers Avenue already has two stop signs in place at this intersection, so this is the only change necessary to make this intersection a four-way stop. 1-19-21 Motion by Rules & Ordinance No 24 Needed Voting For: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, , Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher 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 January 14, 2021 Fiscal Year 2021 Motion Summary Title: Unpaid Bills of a Prior Year Motion ID: TCM21-010 Amount: $2,012.37 Funding Source: Current Year Departmental Budgets Moton Details Motion Type: Budgetary Submitted by: Austin Faison, Town Manager Date Submitted: 01/14/2021 Text of Motion MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to authorize Unpaid Bills of a Prior Year to be paid from current year departmental budgets as noted below; or take any other action thereto. Funding Details Department Invoice Description Amount Account Shred-it (document Police shredding) 168.00 | 0121053-538201 W.B. Mason (office Human Resources | supplies) 219.77 | 0115354-542300 Clean and Safe (paper Parks and Rec towels and Soap) 236.00 | 67163055-558900 Epic Sports (basketball Parks and Rec hoops) 1,089.43 | 67163053-535100 Police GEM Auto Parts (battery) 152.01 | 0121054-548200 Police GEM Auto Parts (oil filter) 8.62 | 0121054-548200 Police GEM Auto Parts (battery) 138.54 | 0121054-548200 1-19-21 Council President refers to the Finance Committee for their recommendation.