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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 6, 2021
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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilor Ruggiero
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Michael DeGregorio
MINUTES
Motion by Councilor DeMarco to accept Minutes of March 23, 2021
2"4 by Councilor Flockhart
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan,
Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Council Vice President Peter Christopher,
President Philip Boncore
Motion Passes 9-0
GENERAL INFORMATION & RECOMMENDATIONS
NEY PPR inte rins :
Congratulations to Winthrop’s Own, Jeff Turco our new State Representative.
Citation- Jillian Dempsey- Jill is very honored and thanks you all for this honor.
Abrahams Consultants-Introduction to Water Loss & Water Rate Study-Mark Abrahams & Matt Abrahams
Mark & Matt Abrahams from the Abrahams group along with Ryan Tryhan from Environmental Partners
discuss the water loss and water rate study for the Town of Winthrop (Please see
attached information which can also be found on the Town’s website.
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing Opened
Motion to transfer $19,211 for Harbormaster Engine Replacement
Councilor Letterie reports that reimbursement of 75% of the cost will be provided by the Clean Vessel Act
program ran by the state-Positive Recommendation from the Finance Committee
Total cost to town will be $4,803.
Public Hearing Closed
Public Hearing Opened
Motion to transfer $50,000 transfer from capital stabilization for Ingleside park playground repairs.
Councilor Letterie reports this was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting along with Director Sean
Driscoll of Parks and Rec and was given a Positive Recommendation from the Finance Committee
Councilor Letterie asked CFO Anna Freedman if this could possible be transferred from Free cash, but
CFO feels it is best to be from the Stabilization Fund.
Karin Chavis asks total cost.
Councilor Letterie -approx. $120,000 town will need $72,000 to cover...$50,000 is our deductible.
Karin asks if the people involved are being held for any restitution.
Council President -The insurance company will be looking for restitution.
Chief Delehanty-Case was referred from the DA to the WPD to deal with juveniles, since juveniles names
cannot be discussed. The processed has begun and he has participated as well as community
representatives and how community impacted. This is a 34-month process. If not satisfactory results, it
will be sent back to WPD for criminal charges.
Karin reiterates that there will be no restitution and the town must pay $50,00
Chief-Not entirely correct, we could possibly could still receive money towards
Public Hearing Closed
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 1
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jack Dowd- Comments/ concerns of Planning Board meetings. ..at the last of 4 recent meetings it was decided that
parcel 2 would be put in the CBD area. If the council goes along, the neighborhood site will have the same type of
development as Somerset Ave. Discusses town ordinances of height and parking on this site. According to the
WPB no less than 25% of the first floor shall be used for business. Suggested that it would be a good location for
a grocery store. Please do not let the Planning Board can think they can sell Ingleside Park.
Council President states that the Joint Meeting with the Town Council and Planning Board is 4-22-21
PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED
CORRESPONDENCE
None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee
Councilor Letterie reports that the Finance Committee had two meetings...
Contract with Capitol Waste motioned with a Positive Recommendation,
Trash Fee and Enterprise Fund...still be discussed,
$15,000 PR-Pest Control-Would like to see more put in budget, but we have seen more rodents in town, maybe
from covid and people being home-Motioned with a Positive Recommendation
Motion to transfer $19,211 for Harbormaster Engine Replacement — Motion with a Positive Recommendation
Motion to transfer $50,000 transfer from capital stabilization for Ingleside park playground repairs-Motioned with
a Positive Recommendation
Trash Enterprise Fund discussed with Town Manager and CFO and are still reviewing this Enterprise Fund but has
hopes that there will be an Enterprise Fund by July 1, 2021
Rules & Ordinance
25% back to Licensees on their Fees-Motion with a Positive Recommendation
Appointments Commisssions & Committees
Councilor DeMarco discusses this committee evaluates the Town Council employees, Town Auditor, Town Clerk
and Council Clerk.
Each employee sent their evaluation in for review and after review they voted on the following of a scale from 1-5:
Town Auditor, Dick Hingston Rated 5 (3-0 Vote))
Town Clerk, Carla Vitale due to her situation that could not be prevented Incomplete
Council Clerk, Denise Quist Rated 5 (3-0 Vote)
Town Manager, Austin Faison Rated 4 (2-1 Vote)
Council President would like to vote on this tonight, any objections?
Councilor Letterie would like to review and would like to put off until next meeting as for Town Council Members
to review the evaluations.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Town Manager Faison reports that the Town received new Town Share Grant of from State gave us 4 locations to
put new bus stops, we will have 4 more than now have in town.
Director Hurley gives Covid Update...report is on Town Website
2151 confirmed 35 deaths...no additional deaths in last few weeks... greater than 3 months 48 isolated.
2072 recovered, over 7,000 have received vaccines.. .220 second doses ,20 additional home bound.
Tomorrow will be giving 70 additional.
Local supplies as eligibility goes to general population, state would like people go to general vaccination sites.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 2
Her recommendation. ..go ahead and register, wait for date.
EBNHC has been phenomenal.
Town Manager asks Director Call to update the CBD Project that is beginning again actively working.
Please see town website for all updates ....
Councilor DeMarco asks Town Manager asks $156 Million Dollars allocated to Suffolk County and Covid relief,
do we know how much Winthrop will be receiving?
Town Manager replies, Winthrop will be getting at total of $5.4 Million from the American Rescue Plan of which
we will receive in 2 allocations... which includes previous $1.8 received.
We will receive during calendar FY22, we can use through end of calendar FY24.
This is not necessarily a found money situation it must be funded correctly. There should be school related funds
but believes states intention would be like chapter 70.
$10 Billion for the Boston Region Transportation, most will go to the MBTA He has meeting with Boston Mayor
to see if we can use for ferry...money intent is for loss revenue and try to mitigate the impacts of the last year to
some standard. Sean Cronin DOR is still not giving discretion on these funds...a lot of sorting out of what we can
do with funding...very exciting until we test rules on how to spend.
Councilor Letterie asks about in person meetings starting in May.
Town Manager reports that a Fiberoptic cable must be run from our IT server room and Harvey and this is going to
happen, right now it will affect laptops and unfortunately cannot use zoom and cameras at same time.
Looking for May | and is trying to push for Spring Forum.
Also, in person Town Hall and Library...the seniors have been homebound, but we have done an incredible job of
vaccinated...is there a chance the Sr. center can open?
Town Manager-Kathy has been working all year with the seniors and is working on cleaning the outside, had a
parklet installed where people could congregate...
As vaccinations rise, it is something to have Kathy can think through with Director Hurley and how we can keep
safe but let congregate...he will have Kathy Dixon give update...
Councilor Ruggiero asks if rooms still must be sanitized...plexi glass still used...?
What is cost with having in person meetings if we still doing this.
Town Manager reports Harvey Room is easier to use as we use this room daily. Staring on May 1, the public will
be able to make appointments. Rooms are still cleaned but our custodians are aware on the procedures. The in-
person meeting, mixed groups...some people in room, some people not.... we are working on technical problems.
Cleaning costs are lower now that we have equipment.
Council President Town Council keeps Zoom going if we can for the public audience attendance.
The School Committee has been meeting with both and it seems awkward to him.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Council President reports on the School Committee meeting of 4-5-21
Very successful first day back at school for kids...the kids were very flexible and handled the day great... little
problem with lunches...but worked out...Tents are being set up by next week. Kids were happy to be back in
school, seeing teachers and friends.
Binex testing all set., permission slips sent out...this test is for covid results in 10 mins...If positive special rooms
to put kids in.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 3
Approved their preliminary budget will be coming to the Town Council, it is looking $23,469,695 increase
$1,228,995 due to salaries and current expenses.
OLD BUSINESS
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation for the Town Council to approve the Town
Manager to sign a 5 Year Contract with Capitol Waste- PR 2-1 Based that contract starts 2020 not 2021...
No 2"4 Needed.
Discussion
Can we discuss contract being 2021 to 2025?
Councilor Letterie wants Town Manager contract updated from 2020 to 2025.
Town Manager did have contract updated with these dates.
Councilor Letterie reports he was the one that did not vote for this in the Finance Committee he just wishes this had.
Come sooner and acted a lot earlier...he cannot back this contract, too many questions but committee did 2-1
Councilor Ferrino, the committee did discuss putting 4-unit buildings in the mix, would this effect contract?
Councilor Letterie comments that all that have been picked up by Capitol will continue to be picked up by Capitol and
Town Manager will confirm, there will be ordinance changes as there will be a fee involved and ordinance reviews will
be involved.
CFO Freedman replies the contract is written reflecting the ordinance is currently written what ordinance language is. If
ordinance is changed, contract could be changed to reflect this change.
Councilor Letterie disagrees with signing a contract if we do not know 100% who is getting trashed picked up.
Councilor Christopher asks if this has been an issue raised by Capitol or is this us stating it might be an issue.
Town Manager states Capitol has not brought this up.
Capitol does have a list of 4-unit buildings that they do not pick up from.
The Ordinance does have to get updates, this could be the opportunity to add in the 4 units. Some of this information is
not information that the Town or Capitol has on hand...this is an extension of our contract. Trying to implement new
Solid Waste ideas on top of a legacy contract.
Town Manager stated that a 5-year contract is financially friendlier than a 5-year contract. If the Town Council votes
against a 5-year contract the Town Manager has the right to sign a3 year one.
Council President is clear that the contract says 1-3 family residents... any changes can be done administratively.
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor
Ferrino, Council Vice President Peter Christopher,
President Philip Boncore
Against: Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie Councilor Ferrino
Motion Passes 6-3
Proposed Trash Fee
Table to next meeting
Motion from the Rules & Ordinance to direct the Town Manager to provide a 25% discount on License Fee
for FY22.... (Please see attached copy of Motion)
No 2™ Needed.
Discussion
Councilor Letterie asks how many businesses and if involves $ it should go back to the Finance Committee.
Council President reiterates that both committees have looked at this.
Councilor Ferrino asks Town Manager we will be getting money from CARES act will this be ok to give to these
businesses?
Town Manager wants to utilize America Rescue Plan money...cannot necessarily reduce revenue but could try a
grant program for these businesses.
As before, he is still getting different directs on the American Rescue Plan funding and how it can be used.
Councilor Christopher believes it is important that received licenses and paid and could not use...not trying to
save business just give a little back. Understands budget very tight, but we are talking on next year budget not
this year.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 4
CFO Freedman just wants to make sure additional information for motion. Right now, the FY22 budget will be
preliminarily proposed.... this does not add up to a lot of money, but we have closed over a IM budget deficit, if this
is voted on, she will have to go back to the fF Y2 budget and do some maneuvering of monies.
We have no specific guidelines for the ARP $ and do not know if we can assume using this for licensing fee.
She does not know if she can use ARP to offset this budget... maybe use ARP for a grant funding
Which would not affect budget.
Councilor Letterie commends Councilor Christopher for his thoughts, admirable and cannot argue with what he
wants to do but there are many things that a lot of us paid and could not use...taxes, library...etc...he would
wholeheartedly use for a grant program for these businesses.
We could knit pick many items for loss revenues it is just impossible as Finance Committee chair, he cannot support
this motion with the budget now trying to be balanced.
Councilor Ruggiero states this is not a novel concept, other communities have done this...we are not talking
anything close to other volume or magnitude, but this is the right thing to do, let the businesses know we have their
back...
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Honan, Councilor
LoConte, Council Vice President Peter Christopher,
President Philip Boncore
Against: Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino
Motion Passes 7-2
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation to transfer $15,000 for Pest Control.
No 2™ Needed.
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor
Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore
Motion Passes 9-0
Motion by the Finance Committee to transfer $19,211 for Harbormaster Engine Replacement ...
(Please see copy of motion)
No 2" Needed.
Discussion
Councilor Honan reiterates that the total this will cost the town is $4,803.
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor
Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore
Motion Passes 9-0
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation to transfer $50,000 transfer from
capital stabilization for Ingleside park playground repairs.... (Please see copy of motion)
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor
Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore
Motion Passes 9-0
NEW BUSINESS
Council President refers to the Finance Committee that the Town Council authorize the payment of
$5,487 for Prior Year Unpaid Bills
PUBLIC COMMENT
Kathleen Cappuccio- Appalled that the Town Council approved the Town Manager to sign a contract when we are
not sure of exactly the 3-4 Unit pickups. If Capitol waste does not go and the taxpayers have been paying their
taxes, what will happen then?
Kurt Millar -Reminds that Thursday night there will be a Public Hearing on the Ordinance Review Committee
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 5
Shannon Poulos, we must look past to be better in the future. ..please do not let past year and pandemic go by us
and learn from it.
Chief Delehanty piggybacks on Shannon comments...
Also, Meredith Hurley has been tracking things gone wrong as well as his department... there is a list being done
to review and how to do better in the future.
Month of April is Autism Awareness Month
Next Saturday night at the Rink will be a fundraiser, all star between WPD and all stars of Winthrop.
Councilor Ferrino- P1 Meeting tomorrow night at 7:00 Pm
14. PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS
Immediate Committee Openings for Airport Hazards, Board of Appeals, Planning Board, & TSAC
Public Hearing Ordinance Review Committee 4-8-21 6:00 PM
FY22 Budget Proposal 6:00 PM & Spring Forum April 20, 2021 7:00PM
Joint Public Hearing with Planning Board-Middle School Zoning on 4-22-21 7:00 PM
16. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilor Ferrino to Adjourn at 8:57 PM
2"¢ by Councilor Ruggiero
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor
Honan, Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore
Motion Passes 9-0
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 APRIL 6, 2021 PAGE 6
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1852
MOTION
Submitted By: Rules & Ordinance Date: 4-6-21
TEXT OF MOTION
Motion: To direct the Town Manager to provide a 25% discount to licensees on their
respective licenses for FY2022 to businesses who received a common Victuallers license
for calendar year 2020 and were forced to halt operations due to the COVID-19
emergency public health orders from the Governor or the Winthrop Board of Health upon
request from the licensee to the town manager’s office or the town manager's designee.
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
December 10, 2020 Fiscal Year 2021
Moton Summary
Title: ISD Purchased Services Replenishment
Motion ID: TCM21-007
Amount: $20,000
Funding Source: Town Council Reserve
Moton Details
Motion Type: Budgetary Transfer
Submitted by: Austin Faison Town Manager
Date Submitted: 12/10/2020
Text of Motion
MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to transfer $20,000 from the Town
Council Reserve to replenish the Inspectional Services Purchased Services account due to
extraordinary pest control expenses as estimated for the remainder of Fiscal Year 202 is
or take any other action thereto.
Funding Details
Funding Source Funding Destination
Account Description Amount Account Description Amount
(0111057-578100 [Town Council Reserve [$20,000 _(0124152-520000 Purchased Services _ {$20,000
TC Reserve Balance: $75,000
Amount Requested:_ $20,000
TC Reserve after motion approval: $55,000
12-15-20
Motion by Councilor Ferrino to refer to the Finance Committee
2"4 by Vice President Letterie
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
1-5-21
Motion by the Finance Committee
No 2"4 Needed.
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 MANAGER
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-846-5458
Austin Faison
Town Manager
_ Town Council Motion _
March 17, 2021 Fiscal Year 2021
Motion Summary
Title: Ingleside Park Playground Repairs
Motion ID: TCM21-020
Amount: $50,000
Funding Source: Capital Stabilization Fund
Motion Details
Motion Type: Transfer from Capital Stabilization
Submitted by: Austin Faison, Town Manager
Date Submitted: March 17, 2021
Text of Motion
MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to transfer $50,000 from the Capital
Stabilization Fund to General Fund Special Article #0196058-588193 FY21 Ingleside
Park Playground Repairs; or take any other action thereto.
Funding Details
Funding Source Funding Destination
Account Description Amount Account Description Amount
964 Capital Stabilization {$50,000 — (0196058-588193 |FY21 Ingleside Park [$50,000
Fund Playground Repairs
Capital Stabilization Balance before pending Motions: $ 2,972,395.94
Motion Pending: 50,000.00
Balance: $ 2,922,395.94