Minutes
Town Council · from the Town's website · 11 pages · 2.1 MB
open the file ↗ · original at the source ↗
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 17, 2021
Meeting begins after Executive Session
President Boncore Opens Meeting to order at 7:0 8PM, with the Zoom information
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan, Councilor
Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore
Absent: Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ruggiero
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilor DeMarco
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Delores Hickey
MINUTES
Motion by Vice President Christopher to accept Minutes of August 3, 2021
2"4 by Councilor Letterie
Passed Unanimously
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
General Info-President Boncore asks Director Hurley to give an update on Covid information
Town Manager states policy for all town employees, masked unless vaccinated and certified letter for
medical reasoning of not wearing a mask. Result of two separate dept. having covid
Director Hurley:
We are where we were in August of 2020 already by today in August 2021, seeing increases...we are
around 2.3%, we were in the 5% in the winter...not in crisis mode but has caught her attention. People
needing tests are being sent to Beth Israel on Broadway....Project Beacon, Lynn still available, but small
staff, long wait
East Boston NHC, results about 48 hrs...
Vaccines...CVS in Winthrop....no appt. think you can go on mass vax site for vaccine preference
There are plenty of locations around us...made request for a mobile vaccine unit last week of August,
people more comfortable staying in community.
Age counts:
Not consistent trend in last couple months...differences by ages...
Vaccine % lowest 12-15 but just most recently eligible
50-64 yr. old lowest, why?? Resistance
35 cases are breakthrough, in later June seeing about 17% breakthrough
First was 3-29-21 in their 80’s .... now seeing all ages some symptomatic, some asymptomatic
FDA will approve 3. dose, we are seeing fair amount 60-80 breaking through, question is why?
Councilor DeMarco states 40 + cases this month, 35% vaccinated
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 17, 2021, PAGE 1
Councilor Flockhart asks, Are these people with underlying problems.
Director Hurley states, some are, and some are not, struggle has also been after May the commonwealth
ramped down contact tracing and public health dept. not being made aware, they are beginning to
revamp up again.
Councilor Letterie asks about 35 % are breakthrough so been vaccinated is there any percentage or is
there 0 of people who have had covid before that have gotten again
Director Hurley states she has not seen any re-infection so that is why they call the subsequent testing of
positive, there were some suspected during Covid, but there is no data on this.
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing Opened:
Councilor Letterie discusses this transfer and has been approved with a Positive Recommendation
FY21 Year End Budget Transfers
Public Hearing Closed
Transfer $147,000 from Capital Stabilization to General Fund for Sidewalks and Police Car
This Motion has been tables
Public Hearing Opened:
Town Council Accept the SRF funding for $ 9.9 million dollars for Ingleside Park Project
Councilor Letterie states that the Finance Committee did meet on this motion for the town to receive a
loan for $9.9 Million, it would address the flooding in Ingleside, it was looked at 3-5 yrs. ago, price is in
$11-$13 Mil range...there were two projects at that time, Morton St., and Ingleside. The town not ready
at time to go into SRF (Morton)project so chose the Ingleside Project. This would put a pumping station
and 1—-2-Million-gallon storage...the CBD new pipes have dramatically allowed water into Ingleside...we
will always have a problem when tide full, the thought process this would store it.
Committee had questions on the rate increase on citizens.... this could increase 4-7 %
Another municipality chose not to do this, so it was passed to Winthrop
This $9.9 will not be total cost of project, instead could be $11-12 million dollar project.
The Finance Committee does not think currently the town has the money.
It came out of the Finance Committee with a Negative recommendation
Councilor Flockhart states given the report that was in the newspaper that within the next 10 years the
tide will be considerably more...we will likely have more flooding...is this wise not to do this project?
Councilor Letterie believes it is wise not to do it, but does not speak for TC
Councilor Letterie states park will still flood, ocean tides or not
Councilor Letterie states he would have been more sympathetic with this loan if it had included Morton
St. due to the homeowners that have been affected.
Interim Town Manager Comments to Councilor Flockhart that water in park and on Walden St. is not
flood inundation, it’s from the lack of being able to push the water through our drainage out of
Donovan’s Beach while
there’s a high tide, unlike Morton St. and Pico where there is flood inundation, this was discussed and
considered.
Councilor DeMarco asks Councilor Letterie that we have grant money of $9.9 Million?
Councilor Letterie states no it is a loan and would require an additional $1-2 Million.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 17, 2021, PAGE 2
Jack Dowd-works with engineer that designs projects...like this.... Ingleside is in a flood-controlled area.,
it is going to flood...an underground tank will not alleviate problem in this flood-controlled area
Eileen Collins asks if the CBD project is going to make park worse? Flood more?
Councilor Letterie answers that the thought process instead of 18” now 48” but they will also hold more
water...depends on tides...not increased flooding...don’t think it will affect homes...
Jack Dowd-states that people ask questions over the oversize pipes in question, the 2 million tank
proposed new pipes in the CBD have nothing to do with Ingleside Park flooding...
** ARE NEW CBD PIPES CONNECTED DOWN TO DONOVAN BEACH, he would like this
answered.
Dianne Veins...this is not a grant, it is a loan, it may be low interest but will raise water bill, this will tack
on more money to complete. This is not scoped out in present day. This needs hard evidence and
engineering, other communities have passed on this loan, we should not take on this huge amount.
Wendy Page- States that behind middle school that consistently floods, will this effect RFP for this
building?
Would this have alleviated some of this water.
Interim Town Manager, states Yes, this project would mitigate behind Middle School and Rink, but
cannot specify how much...
$9.9 cannot be used for applications do not do a full engineering cost...this will be an additional
cost...you are not going to pay $100-200,000 to apply.
Public Hearing Closed
Public Hearing Opened
Group Petition — Please see attached
Town Council must act on this petition
Council President sends this to the rules and Ordinance Committee for review
Council President asks if any petitioners want to be heard...
Miriam Regan Fiore petitioner comments on petition and the health and environment concerns and
thanks the committee for their work on the Tree Ordinance
Jack Dowd comments on the Tree Wardens Handbook that this is out of the hands of the Tree Warden
now, it is up to the Town Council prior to any tree removal.
Diana Veins, petitioner, comments on the petition and the importance of our trees
Kurt Millar comments on the tree canopy in town must be reviewed, but they are asking for an arborist
which can put a strain on the town to be paid for.
Miriam Regan Fiore comments that she has asked for back information on Tree Committee meetings that
shows that there are many trees that have been removed and she does not feel there was public
transparency.
Kathleen Cappuccio comments that the town is not able to pay any money on trees
Marilyn Regan-Comments that spending money on consulting a tree is much cheaper than cutting down
one.
Carol Homeyer would like to improve the transparency of the government especially with this petition
and what is important for the community.
Council President refers this petition to the Rules and Ordinance Committee to return to the Town
Council at the next meeting with a recommendation on whether to approve this petition.
Public Hearing Closed
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 17, 2021, PAGE 3
PUBLIC COMMENT.
Jack Dowd-hoping 151 Pauline St. would be addressed...discusses the town forum this was done by
Town Council President and made public this night, the town owns 7.76 acres, Planning Board advocates
selling 3.14 acres... WPB using GIS system to establish developers, yet the Front page on Assessor’s
website states this does not warranty these measurements.
Why can’t we use the Master Plan....where is 10 acres laid out on map which was reduced from 13 acres
from original because right of way of railroad was 30’ law took another 40’
Master Plan has caused difficulties.... most notably the former Town Council President states screw in
his tire, Tom Reilly had gotten threatened and at a different council meeting Mr. Boncore asked me what
I would do with Ingleside Park:
Jack stated, take bldg. down and plant grass for the future of the community.
After meeting outside doors when then Mr. Boncore commented you and your grassy Knowle, Jack.
Jack asks for an apology for this comment.
States to Town Council President under your leadership the town has lost all top mgt., Assistant Town
Manager Rodrigues, Town Manager Faison, CFO Freedman and Treasurer, and then Mr. Dowd
comments no one left to get rid of, just you.
Town Council President asks if there are any more comments that are not political and have to do with
the town.
Karin Chavis-comments that the Police Chief stated the $147,000 police chief said cruiser could be
omitted and understands the sidewalk money can come from ARPA. As far as Ingleside Project....if this
bond is added to current water rate...puts us in a $26-27 dollar rate...homeowners cannot afford this, it
could add close to $200 -$300 increase on water bills. Please think about this project prior to approving.
Also had asked for bonding on new public safety building to be considered on the ballot, this time is
done...this is a project that will just be discussed for another 30yrs., hates being negative, but it has been
taking so long.
Tennis Courts should be under town control.... up to Town Council to decide on name...lock system same
as Ingleside...schools have priority over town people using courts...signs will be posted...
Miller Field also under the town control...schools’ priority.... maintenance funds must be set up
John Stanley wants no more funding to go towards the Ferry....whole idea we would get funding for new
town pier...we have this...ran ferry for 2 years, if not successful, we could close ferry... $5,000 a week...
how much more in reserves left...bleeding money...
Ryan Bonassar recently moved to Winthrop....from Connecticut, he is having difficulty having parking
pass
Town Manager asks him to contact Mike Diluiso and ask for a Treasurer exemption...
Paul P1-Not really worried who might be responsible for towns problems...people come and go, not just
this town...but we must get rid of Ferry, his real is the Flag issue. We do not need a flag policy, it’s
asking for trouble, fly our US Flag, state flag, official police, or fire...these are the flags to be flown.
Close Public Comment
CORRESPONDENCE
Julia Wallerce—Positive for the Sidewalk replacement
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 17, 2021, PAGE 4
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee
Councilor Letterie reports on this meeting:
Dog Park and Golf Shed...still reviewing for additional funding needed
FY21 Y/E Budget Transfers-Positive Recommendation
$147,000 Capital Stabilization....Table for further review
$9.9 Million SRF Funding....Negative Recommendation
Rules & Ordinance
Vice President Christopher reports, there has not been a meeting but is still reviewing the Flag Policy and
bring back a recommendation to the Town Council
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Thanks, public safety for their support and professionalism with another horrific event that happened in
our community.
CBD schedule is going to run about 2 mos. beyond...will be back in March due to change orders that are
the request of the town--Drainage & Sewer on Putnam-Pipe on Jefferson St.
Councilor Letterie was correct, the project that moving as fast as it should...
Waterfront overlay, asked town planner and ISD...where could we make improvement and build up
revenue...
Will review and make recommendations so that the Town Council can refer to the Planning Board
RFP...Middle School-Bring a consultant on board that handles these commercial RFP
Sr. BBQ 8-25-21...Fire and police assisting, behind middle high school...still not congregating, it will be
drive through.
Ferry-Talked to Senator Boncore and Mass DOT is awarding $280,000 this will get through remainder of
this year, but matter should stay in front of us as for future.
Trash Tonnage slightly lower this month than last year
Single stream slightly higher comparing to last year
Look at trends and check next month.
Watching month by month
Maintenance shed and dog park construction has begun. Changes in area are being worked on
There is a Strip land 413-415 Shirley St....please mark on agenda...seeker needs about 800 sq. ft. and
requesting Town Council to approve. Town Manager prefers to bring this to the Town Council prior to
doing an instrument survey, boundaries, etc. and approve funding.
Conservation Commission has emailed him about quorum issues and not having quorum...two members
should be removed
Abrams Report, they not getting meter readings from MWRA, the Fire Chief has reached out to MWRA,
and they now have this information to update report for Town Council
Interim CFO Steve Cirillo has recommended that he brings forward to the Town Council for their
consideration and it is on our free cash allocations and this recommendation reverses the percentages to
capital and general stabilization, reverse the 30/40 we are currently do.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 17, 2021, PAGE 5
Council President refers this memorandum from Interim Steve Cirillo to the Finance Committee
so that they may prepare a motion, if necessary
Would like to schedule Interim CFO to review our FY23 in Sept.
Miller Field will return to school use on the August 20th
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
President Boncore reports on School Committee meeting that was a very long one...
Hot temperaments of people on both sides of mask issues
School Committee voted to put in a temporary differentiated policy, which means that they are following
the DESI recommendations and the Mass Health Dept. of our Superintendent and our Health Director
which includes the following:
Pre-K. to Grade 6 Masks will be mandatory for all students, indoors
Grade 7-12, it’s a mandated mask policy, but may be exempt if they are vaccinated, must show cards
Mandated masks in nurses’ office, and all school buses
No masks needed outside
0 in school transition last year,
Employees currently wearing masks
155 out of 161 of employees are vaccinated
Rapid test if anyone shows symptoms.
OLD BUSINESS
Motion from the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council Vote
FY21 Year End Budget Transfers... (See attached motion)
No 2"™ Needed
ROLL CALL VOTE
Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan, Councilor
LoConte, Councilor Ferrino, Council Vice President Christopher, President Boncore
Absent: Councilor LoConte, Councilor Ruggiero
Motion Passed 7-2
Motion Tabled: Transfer $147,000 from Capital Stabilization to General Fund for Sidewalks and
Police Car
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Negative Recommendation that the Town Council Accept
the SRF funding for $ 9.9 million dollars for Ingleside Park Project... (See Attached Motion)
No 2™ from any Councilors
Motion is defeated
Dog Park and Golf Shed, is remaining on the Finance Committee agenda
Tennis Courts have already been established and voted on that they would remain in town custody
Miller Field will continue the Finance Committee’s agenda with the Superintendent invited to meeting as
far as
this being turned over, Miller Field project is still ongoing until it depends on when the Dog Park and
TOAWN COTINCTT NEE TING ATIOTICT 17 9098 DAMHE
Golf Shed are complete prior to it being transferred, it is important that we enter an MOU with the
schools for the use of the facility during the school year, and maintenance must be discussed.
He feels, town should maintain and upkeep property, but schools must have priority.
Interim Manager will enter into an agreement with the Superintendent on August 20", field will be used
for schools.
Councilor Ferrino requests meeting with the Finance Committee and Capital Assets as to review the
maintenance plan for Miller Field
Tennis Courts punched list has been 99% completed, locks being put on, same as Ingleside Park
locks...verbal commitment courts ready to open...want written authorization that courts are complete for
use.
Council President would like a Grand Opening on these Tennis Courts....
Still in Rules and Ordinance Committee: Flag Policy & Trash Policy, drafts have been done and are in
review.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilor President refers motion to the Finance Committee that the Town Council authorize a 7-yr lease
-purchase 2022 Seagrave Marauder Pumper Engine/$689,996.00
Chief Flanagan discusses this motion
Motion by Council President Boncore to appoint Leilani Bernal to the Commission for Diversity,
Inclusion and Community Relations
Passed Unanimously
Real Property Disposition-Veterans Rd.
Interim Town Manager refers to the Town Ordinance that this must be advertised that the town is selling
the property and a sealed bid will come in and up to Town Council to accept. Prior to this, the town
manager is requesting the Town Council
Council Ferrino does not agree with agreeing with the requester unless they clean up the area and not use
for a parking lot for construction.
Interim Town manager states it will not be used as a parking lot and this can be a condition of the sale.
Town will need to do a survey, publicize, send out for bids and sealed bids will be reviewed by Town
Council.
Motion by Councilor Honan to allow Interim Town Manager to explore the selling of the
Disposition of Real Property of about 800 sq. ft. on Veterans Rd. area that has been discussed
2" by Councilor DeMarco
Passed Unanimously
PUBLIC COMMENT
-Michael DiMento discusses that the $9.9 million dollars discussed to improve Ingleside Park drainage is
still not enough to complete this project.
-Karin Chavis-Discusses the $280,000 Grant from the DOT for the Ferry will carry us through this year.,
please keep in mind the Ferry needs to be privatized. Because funded publicly, FY22 does not mean we
are out of woods, please don’t let this go, someone must start looking into privatizing this. The Town
cannot be in the Ferry business, we do not know how to run a Ferry Business.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 17, 2021, PAGE 7
PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS
Winthrop Meat Market Appreciation Day-Aug.4, 2021 (5:30-8:00 PM)
Arbor Party-Fundraisers for Trees/ E.B. Newton Cultural Center Aug. 7, 2021 (1-4 PM)
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Councilor Letterie to adjourn at 8:55 PM
24 by Councilor Flockhart
Motion Passed
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 Motion
Respectfully submitted,
Town Council Clerk
Denise Quist
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 17, 2021, PAGE 8
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-
846-5458
Terence Delehanty
Interim Town Manager
Town Council Motion
July 29, 2021 Fiscal Year 2021
Motion Summary
Title: Year-End General Fund Inter-Budgetary Transfers
Motion ID: TCM21-042
Motion Details
Motion Type: General Fund Inter-Budgetary Transfers
Submitted by: Terence Delehanty, Interim Town Manager
Date Submitted: 07/29/2021
Text of Motion
MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote modify the following General Fund
Budgets to facilitate the June 30, 2021 closing of the FY2021 Fiscal Year; or take any
other action relative thereto.
Funding Details
Budgetary Funding Source Budgetary Funding Destination
Account Description Amount Account Description Amount
0113151-511100 Personnel - Grants 30,000.00 | 0114151-511100 | Personnel - Assessing §59.32
ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL CHOICE
0132153-532400 | ScuooL 6,934.00 | 0182053-532100 | Se noiNG TUITION 17,418.00
0191051-517520 | Group Ins-School 60,000.00 | 0115153-530400 iano ~ Town 8,340.95
0191081517220 | UNEMPLOYMENT 12,181.86 | 0129251-511100 | Personnel - Animal Control 554.88
FY20 REPLACEMENT FY21 Police Cruiser
0121058-58710020 | Verictes 2,511.79 | 0193058-584128 | Po nacement 2511.79
0196052-588079 Cote, Newton East 664.86 | 0142351-512120 | Snow/lce Manpower 72,762.14
FY20 HEARING ROOM SNOW REMOVAL
0196058-588188 | Fret RUCTURING 1,675.12 | 0142355-563201 | S\ppLirs 6,869.04
FY18 SCHOOL DEPT FY20 Risk Advisor
0196052-588163 | GuroME BOOKS 136.02 | 0196058-588190 | oo iices 828.85
FY19 COSTAL RES.
0196052-588171 | GoUGHLIN PARK 0.50 | 0196052-588175 | FY19 MASTER PLAN PHIll 3,145.18
FY19 WEBSITE FY18 COUGHLIN PARK
0196052-588176 | \BGRape 4,000.00 | 0196052-588153 | Tecan s pE 5,170.00
FY20 CEMETERY
0196058-588183 | BUILDING DEMOLITION B6.00
Total $118,160.15 Total $118,160.15
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-846-5458
Terence Delehanty
Interim Town Manager
Town Council Motion
August 3, 2021 Fiscal Year 2022
Motion Summary
Title: Ingleside Park Drainage Loan Order
Motion ID: TCM22-003
Amount: $9,940,005
Motion Details
Motion Type: Loan Authorization
Submitted by: Terence Delehanty, Interim Town Manager
Date Submitted: August 3, 2021
Text of Motion
MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to authorize the Town Council Loan Order; or take any other
action thereto.
Town Council Loan Order
ORDERED: That the Town appropriates the sum of NINE MILLION NINE HUNDRED FORTY THOUSAND FIVE
DOLLARS ($9,940,005) to pay costs of the Ingleside Park drainage project, including costs of upgrading undersized and
aging storm drain infrastructure and constructing approximately 4,000 linear feet of 18-inch through 60-inch diameter
drain pipe, an underground detention system to store storm water runoff during rising tides, a new pump station and force
main, restoration of site amenities impacted by the proposed improvements and upgrades to an existing outfall and tide
gate to meet current design standards and forecasted sea level rise, and all other 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, §7(1) and/or M.G.L. c.29C, 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 Clean Water Trust (the “Trust’”) established pursuant to M.G.L.
c.29C of the General Laws and in connection therewith the Treasurer is authorized to enter into a loan agreement with
the
Trust and the Town Manager is authorized to enter into a project regulatory agreement with the Department of
Environmental Protection; 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. ¢.44, §20, thereby reducing the amount authorized to
be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.
8-3-21
Motion by Council President Boncore to refer this to the finance committee and advertise for a public hearing
ROLL CALL VOTE
Approve: Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Honan,
Councilor Ferrino, Council Vice President Christopher, President Boncore
Motion Passed 8-1 (Councilor LoConte, absent)
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-846-5458
Terence Delehanty
Interim Town Manager
Town Council Motion
July 29, 2021 Fiscal Year 2022
Motion Summary
Title: Transfer from Capital Stabilization to General Fund for Sidewalk Repair and Police
Cruiser
Motion ID: TCM22-002
Amount: $147,000
Funding Source: Capital Stabilization Fund
Moton Details
Motion Type: Transfer from Capital Stabilization
Submitted by: Terence Delehanty, Interim Town Manager
Date Submitted: July 29, 2021
Text of Motion
MOTION: I move that the Town Council vote to transfer $147,000 from the Capital
Stabilization Fund to General Fund for Sidewalk Repair and a Police Cruiser; or take any
other action thereto.
Funding Details
Funding Source Funding Destination
Account Description Amount Account Description Amount
964 Capital Stabilization Fund {$147,000 |0193058-584124 |Sidewalk Repair $100,000
0193058-584128 | Police Cruiser Replacement _| $47,000
Capital Stabilization Balance before pending Motions: $ 2,923,316.24
Motion Pending: _ 147,000.00
Balance: $ 2,776,316.24