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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 1, 2021
Council Vice President Christopher calls the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and gives Zoom information for Public
Comment and gives zoom information.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan,
Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilor DeMarco
MINUTES
Motion by Councilor Letterie to accept Minutes of May 18, 2021
24 by Councilor Ferrino
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan,
Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher
Motion Passed 7-2 (President Boncore & Councilor LoConte absent)
GENERAL INFORMATION & RECOMMENDATIONS
Update of Water Loss and Rate Study Presentation by the Abrahams Group
Ryan Trahan
Mathew Abrahams
Mark Abrahams
Director Calla explains they were brought in to look at our unaccounted water and rate structure and audit of our
billing procedures and procedures of water / sewer dept.
Abrahams Group
Ryan Trahan will brief with water loss brings up a power point slide.... Please see copy of Town Website.
Goal is real looked at meter size and age ...still waiting to hear back from MWRA to make sure water purchasing
is accurate...sources of unmetered detection being reviewed as for leak detection, history, how often
repaired...unaccounted calculations that have been done.
Couple of outstanding items...but nearly completed with software program which will give areas to concentrate on
a hard copy map.
Apparent real loss is estimated water use.... DPW doing good with new meters, modernize record keeping and
invoicing citizens are being brought up to date.
Mark Abrahams
Progress on rate setting...
Cautionary Note...these numbers are not final...mgr. setting rate mid-month.
Matt Abrahams
Scope: Detail item reviewing possibility of looking at a tier structure for billing.
Councilor Letterie wants to make sure that the metering is working correctly...thought by doing a replacement
meter, we should not be waiting for them to tell us meter working well.
Mathew: Not sure of replacement meter but is still waiting for information from MWRA to check on calibration
method and see if adds up.
Councilor Ferrino Asks how far are you in this process?
Mark: Will return to Town Council with full report and more manageable for public understanding
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 1, 2021 PAGE1
Interim Town Manager Delehanty states to keep in mind and our borrowing from MWRA is much exhausted
through 2030....without ability to borrow through MWRA there are systems in place that is expected to be going
for next 3-4 years...estimating about $1Mil in repairs, per DPW Director...
Councilor Letterie: Asks our water loss is pretty substantial @ 20% and state avg. around 10% or under... have
other municipalities also have these numbers and how has it been addressed.
Ryan: We have seen other areas in this same for various reasons, therefore audit so we can tackle exactly
needs...We have seen water loss decrease... if it larger it may have to be funded? It just depends on timing of
implementation...
Town Council thanks Presenters
PUBLIC HEARING
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
John Stanley P6- States that this evening a delivery truck came down Wave way dropping off new trash bins to
each house. His house (3 apt) they dropped off 4 barrels. He puts on small barrel out a week, and one recycle...he
has nowhere to put them.... he is confused on exactly what is happening in this town, claims most citizens do not
understand what is happening.
No announcement of dropping off.... who is going to pick up? Very bad communication
DPW Director Calla- Capital Waste is deploring the barrels.... confused as to why 4 barrels...no one should be
getting more than 3 and he will review...
DPW will remove any excess barrels... with this program, every unit who receives a barrel will receive a trash fee.
John Stanley asks if he is one or 3 family.... he is answered 3 family and Mr. Stanley very upset that he is being
charged a fee for barrels he does not need....
Carol Walker Remarks on batch of trees removed despite widespread opposition...we only know that there was
one homeowner that claimed a tree was threatening their retaining wall. June 7 is Public Hearing....but Tree
Committee approved their removal.
Mikalya Dalton....Requests a Tree Moratorium
Joanne Hillman-Requests a Tree Moratorium,
Diane Veins-Echoes all above.... tree moratorium, we need an ordinance.
Julia Wallerce...echoes on all and we should have a process to ensure the community that is transparent for tree
removal...please try and stop the meeting June 7" for removal of trees.
Steve Dalton-Calling to voice support on the Tree Issue, request moratorium, get someone with expertise to review
any tree removal.
CORRESPONDENCE
Several emails in reference to a Tree Ordinance, please see attached.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilor Letterie: Finance Commission-Goal is to have the FY 22 Budget recommendation to Town Council by
email before next meeting.
Finance Committee-Discusses the unpaid invoices from last year.... total $1570.78 will come from the Finance
Committee with a Positive Recommendation
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 1, 2021 PAGE2
Ingleside Park 72,456.70 Insurance Fund transfer... more of an accounting and procedural motion will come from
the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation
Town Council vote to accept donation for Ingleside Park for $2750.00 from the Finance Committee with a
Positive Recommendation
Any donation goes into Town Donation fund and then transfers accordingly.
Thank you, Seth Williams, for your generous donation.
Miller Field Committee has not met.... Bid openings for dog park and golf shed are being reviewed, came in higher
than expected....do we want to go forward with project but may consider sending out again for bidding.
Rules & Ordinance
Councilor Ruggiero 5-27 and 6-1 both meetings discussed the Middle School Zoning, committee still awaiting a
legal opinion from K&P the towns counsel...
Solid Waste Enterprise passed with Positive Recommendation.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT.
Golf shed and dog park bids came in about $125,000 more than budgeted...Miller Field Committee will review and
discuss what funding might be available on the School Building Assistance Committee and review
Will sharpen pencils and look for more funding... Winthrop Foundation, Miller Field all have committed to this
fund...
Our main goal is not to disappoint anyone.
Ingleside Park construction starting 6-2-21
Parks & Rec July 8" 3 concerts... please see website...
Summer Program on Parks & Rec website, please remember this is an Enterprise account... needs funding.
Summer job programs...still waiting for Massport, funding looks positive.
Beaches and beach monitors July 8"
Delivery of barrels was not anticipated and were supposed to be sent to us in stages, apologizes for this, and
encourages people to use barrels if they have them.
Policy decisions to be made.... with the $160 Fee. Town Council must consider how this will be implemented.
Interim Town Manager is implementing $160 Fees and trash will be picked up, we will review tipping costs...
Excess of barrel use we will be looking into bags, stickers...etc...
Currently working with the Zero Waste Committee in reducing costs...educational materials for the community to
keep our fees down....
Ferry Update: Trying to get and running...staffing is an issue...need a Captain....working M-F first then
weekends...Quincy is helping with the hiring of a Captain. An alcohol license is needed for commercial boating,
this is being pursued by the Board of License Clerk.
Interim Town Manager has heard the people...he also loves trees... CBD were already public hearings and
removed.,..these trees will be replaced...
DPW Director Calla states 6 trees have been taken down as part of original Landscape Architect....these will be
replaced...
Councilor Flockhart....Asks what the percentage of Vaccinated people is in Winthrop.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 1, 2021 PAGE 3
Interim Town Manager Delehanty states about 50%...if people do not want to participate in full in person.... we
must defer back to pre-covid times and Town Council could implement members, boards.... remote participation if
a quorum is being met...
Councilor Flockhart....if we moved to Sr. Center do, we have availability for Town Council and the public to
participate by zoom....
Interim Town Manager Delehanty would make sure prior to any meetings that video & audio information will be
set up.
Councilor Ferrino...asks Interim Town Manager Delehanty since the trash fee was voted on, during the discussion
was removing old trash barrels....is this still being done and if yes, should be corresponded to Capital
DPW Director Calla, he did have a conversation with Capital, and they will take old bins...
Not due normal trash pickup they will advertise when this is happening...
Councilor Ruggiero-Also advocate that there is a remote option especially for public comment.
Councilor DeMarco has same feelings...best of both worlds...zoom and in person.
Councilor Flockhart-Does she understand that barrels dropped off today and old ones not picked up is too much
for people to store.
DPW...these are not replacement bins.... we are hoping to convert to the blue bins.... any old barrels would be
removed.... each barrel has serial number and chip...every address will have 1-2-3 serial numbers.
For annual billings... there will be some adjustments to make sure billing correct.
Councilor Ferrino...please attend the Zero Waste Meetings...
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE
President Boncore Absent
OLD BUSINESS
Councilor Ruggiero states that the Middle School Zoning still awaiting legal advice prior to any motion being
made.
Councilor Ruggiero reports that the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) Recommendations is still tabled and
being reviewed...ORC has requested to continue work throughout the year
Councilor Honan states that the ORC should make a change and add a Tree Ordinance...
Vice President Christopher is going to send this request to the R&O Committee to take up before next meeting.
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council vote to authorize
unpaid bills of a prior year in the amount of $1,570.78.
No 2"™ Needed
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan,
Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher
Motion Passed 7-2 (President Boncore & Councilor LoConte absent)
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council vote to authorize.
That the Town Council transfer $72,456.70 from the Insurance Recovery Fund to General Fund Special Article
for Ingleside Park Playground Repairs
No 2" Needed.
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan,
Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher
Motion Passed 7-2 (President Boncore & Councilor LoConte absent)
TOWN COUNCIL. MEETING JTINE 1. 2921 PAGE 4
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation to accept a $2,750 donation for Ingleside
Park.
No 2"™ Needed
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan,
Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher
Motion Passed 7-2 (President Boncore & Councilor LoConte absent)
Motion by R&O with a Positive Recommendation establish a Trash Fee Enterprise Fund
No 2"4 Needed
Discussion.
Councilor Ferrino, wants to make sure this funding goes directly to the Enterprise Fund...
Council Vice President states this is what has been proposed to Councilor Letterie....yes... Town Council has final
vote...
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan,
Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher
Motion Passed 7-2 (President Boncore & Councilor LoConte absent)
NEW BUSINESS
FY22 Budget -Councilor Letterie wanted to make sure all were aware of this vote that will take place at next Town
Council Meeting
Council Vice President Refers to the Finance Committee Town Manager Legal Services Replenishment
Council Vice President Refers to the Finance Committee Library Surplus Items
Council Vice President Refers to the Rules & Ordinance Committee the Ordinance parking: Ocean View Street
Council Vice President Refers to the Finance Committee $3200 from Town Council Reserve to Veterans Agent
Account.
Public Comment
Diane Veins appreciates the review of a Tree Ordinance.
CBD tree removal was traumatic ...this incident was a tipping point not a catalyst.
If removal of trees preordained in advance of hearing?? Several members rejected and were not listened too...what
is the next step....as for the Public Hearing on June 7, 2021....
Vice President Christopher states that the process in place is that the Tree Warden is having a Public Hearing and
the Tree Committee has discretion.
DPW Director Calla reiterates that the Tree committee is having hearing, the Tree Warden does have discretion to
remove dead and dangerous without a hearing...but these have been placed for several different reasons....
Not sure of any other action that could be taken if citizens do not like outcome.... It is state law...
Interim Town Manager states it would be a court hearing......
Joanne Hillman....How do we get placed on the agenda for further discussion and who will review the Tree
Ordinance?
Vice President Christopher states this would be heard by the R&O
Joanne asks again...what is process?
Vice President Christopher states the Town Council will address but research must be done....
Sue Wolverton....not sure if moratorium would happen soon enough...
Vice President Christopher states unfortunately, this is reality of process.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 1, 2021 PAGE 5
PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS
Councilor Letterie reports on Sr. Week for seniors.... graduate on Friday night, they have had a crazy year,
congratulations to all.
Immediate Committee Openings for Airport Hazards, Board of Appeals, Planning Board, & TSAC
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilor Letterie to Adjourn at 8:42 PM
24 by Councilor Ferrino
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor
Honan, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher
Motion Passed 7-2 (President Boncore & Councilor LoConte absent)
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 JUNE 1, 2021 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
Town Council Motion
May 13, 2021 Fiscal Year 2021
Motion Summary
Title: Unpaid Bills of a Prior Year (Third Round)
Motion ID: TCM21-022
Amount: $1,570.78
Funding Source: Current Year Departmental Budgets
Moton Details
Motion Type: Budgetary
Submitted by: Terence Delehanty, Interim Town Manager
Date Submitted: 05/13/2021
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 j Account
Parks and Rec_| Joseph's Transportation (Bus for Nashoba Valley Ski) | 675.00 | 67163053-535100
MIS Northeast Electrical (Network Project) 358.60 0115557-579100
Ferry Cummins Sales and Service (Filters, Coalescing) 537.18 | 66066052-524106
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 13, 2021 Fiscal Year 2021
Motion Summary
Title: Ingleside Park Playground Repairs
Motion ID: TCM21-023
Amount: $72,456.70
Funding Source: Special Revenue - Insurance Proceeds
Motton Details
Motion Type: Transfer from Special Revenue
Submitted by: Terence Delehanty, Interim Town Manager
Date Submitted: May 13, 2021
Text of Motion
MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to transfer $72,456.70 from the Insurance
Recovery - Recreation Fund (#720) 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
(720 Insurance Recovery - ($72,456.70 |0196058-588193 |FY21 Ingleside Park {$72,456.70
Recreation Playground Repairs