Minutes
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021 President Boncore Opens Meeting to order at 7:00PM opens meeting and announces Zoom Information ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilor Ruggiero MOMENT OF SILENCE Winthrop Citizen and Tree Committee Member Chris Zike Frank Constantino eulogizes Chris …..(Attached Copy) MINUTES Motion by Councilor DeMarco to accept Minutes of October 21, 2021, as circulated 2 nd by Councilor Letterie ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion Passes 7-1 GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Northeast Vocation High School Presentation- “A New Beginning”--- Funding for the new N.E. Vocational High School Superintendent David DiBari, Finance Officer Charlie Lyons, elected Winthrop Official to the N.E. Regional School, Rob O’Dwyer and project manager introduce a presentation in reference to the building of a new Vocation High School—(Please see copy of presentation and also on Town Web Site) After presentation, Councilor Letterie asks if this includes and new fields? He is told no extravagant fields Councilor Ferrino asks if the Unions were contacted about this as many of the graduates took up union jobs and it could be helpful with building. He is answered unfortunately any 3 rd party funding would come off the grant. Representative Turco has been working on State Funding which would be enormously helpful for all communities. Lastly, the representatives from the N.E. Vocational are looking for inspiration from the Town Council for funding this much needed new school. Interim Town Manager Delehanty speaks on behalf of the N.E. Vocational school and how they have a friend to Winthrop, this school has helped our students in need, this is equity in education and as a citizen he will be supporting the vote on a ballot. Representative Turco fully supports this project and is excited to be working with his colleagues in hopes of helping to fund this project. Councilor Flockhart reports she had signed up for the Winthrop Citizens Police Academy and felt this was a great opportunity and feels more should become involved. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021 PAGE 1 Public Health Director gives a Covid Update (All up to date Covid Materials on the Town Website or can be requested from the Public Health Dept.) There will be a clinic set up after Thanksgiving . 1. PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearing Opened National Grid-Pleasant St.- Discussion that Atlantis Marina needs these two temporary poles to replace poles for a temporary amount of time so they can complete their siding project. Councilor Flockhart wants to make sure this doesn’t affect any trees National Grid-It will not affected any trees. Councilor Ruggiero asks if this is the only way? National Grid-Yes, it is at this time Councilor Letterie ask how the project was first done when Atlantis Built National Grid-Poles were not there at that time. Town requests guarantees this is only temporary Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council appropriates $750,000 / MWRA Lead Line Replacement Cost (Contract 9) Finance Committee reports this will be passed with a Positive Recommendation. Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council appropriates $250,000 / Phase 3-SSES Sewer I/I Assessment Study Finance Committee reports this will be passed with a Positive Recommendation. Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council adopt new Fees for the Department of the DPW Finance Committee and Rules and Ordinance reports this will be passed with a Positive Recommendation. Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council vote to transfer $36,700 form Capital Stabilization to General Fund for WPD Firing Range Air Unit Replacement Finance Committee reports this will be passed with a Positive Recommendation. Public Hearing Closed PUBLIC COMMENT Karin Chavis P2-Discusses after listening to the Fall Forum on the new Public Safety building is discouraged not on Town Council Agenda this evening. States DPW idea was interesting their idea of a new public safety building but not feasible. It would prob. 8 years before a new school and 2-3 years for a new public safety building. Our fire fighters deserve a better home and the WPD deserve a better environment….a firing range should not make the decision on the little league field not being chosen. Does not hope goes until next year…has been listening to it since 1992 Julia Wallerce-Discusses Grant Item under old business, Mass Trailers and hope the Town Council considers this grant opportunity. PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021 PAGE 2 CORRESPONDENCE Several emails read into the record, please see attached to minutes. COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee Finance Committee reports on meeting and will reflect in Old Business Joint meeting with Rules and Ordinance will also reflect in Old Business Rules & Ordinance Vice President Christopher discusses the Signage Ordinance and the Vicious Dog Ordinance, both need to be updated in light of legislative and constitution. A new Vicious Animal Ordinance….2013….law by legislature…this will continue to be reviewed Council President refers the Signage Ordinance to the Winthrop Planning Board for their recommendation. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY Councilor Flockhart reports on meeting … (Please see minutes attached and on Town Webpage) TOWN MANAGER REPORT Reports on current Covid information (Please see website for all updates) Recognizes four Boston police officers that were injured while in the line of duty Reports he will be out of the office November 29 th & 30 th Thanks Frank Constantino and the Beautification Committee for their beautiful job on the front lawn of the Town Hall The Board of Health will pass a trash regulation, of which once it is, it will be reviewed for financial impacts. Thanks the Rules & Ordinance for reviewing the current Sign Ordinance. The Trees in CBD were explored to see if species were recommended by tree committee.. Councilor Honan asks to prepare info on motion for public safety building….he will get this to her in next couple days… Town Manager Contract to help guide the search committee has been signed …. The Town Manager Search Committee should be discussed Public Skating Opens FY 22 Parking Stickers on line Ferry closes 11-9-21 11-17 & 18 th .will be the leave pick up, please use correct lawn bags. Councilor Ferrino—requests update on E.B. Newton--- DPW. Calla states it is with the procurement officer…..bid documents were drafted…he will find out when in central registry for review. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021 PAGE 3 Councilor Letterie comments on the Public Safety Bldg. presentation, he has issues with both sides….One thing said , due to infrastructure not to consider the Little League Field. DPW Calla…not infrastructure…it is a major storm drain….to correct problem have to go up to Locust street to relay this pipe….extremely detailed work, this drains about 1/3 of the town. Councilor DeMarco discusses the meeting that the public already held for their input on the A field and the golf course 7 th hole being considered for the Public Safety Building, this was tabled after public input, asks why did we spend money to have this looked at? Was reported this meeting was prior to this information. Councilor Flockhart believes it was not the Town Manager that took the different locations off in reference to the Public Safety Building, it was the committee…they were instructed not to use these sites….Interim Town Manager reports that this was in reference to the Middle School Site SCHOOL COMMITTEE Met last night and had informative meeting and a training program for teachers. This past week, Covid had 4 students and 2 staff members positive but no outbreaks… Oct. 27 th cancelled, school will now end June 15 th Both boys soccer and football have made playoffs and one first game… Drama will be hosting musical Sponge Bob, Square Pants…Nov. 13 & 14 Mask Mandate until Jan 15 th OLD BUSINESS Town Council votes on Northeast Vocational School’s funding request for new school Discussion: Councilor Letterie reads motion that came out of Finance Committee with an unfavorable recommendation… Finance Committee wants to approve the funding… Needs to put this motion forward… Motion Discussion: No means yes Yes means no Discussion Councilor Ruggiero states this will most likely be on the ballot no matter how we vote unless two communities change their minds…. Motion by the Finance Committee that the Town hereby approves the $317,422,620 borrowing authorized by the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Committee for the purpose of paying costs of designing, engineering, construction and equipping….(Please see attached Motion) No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Dis-Approve : Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion does not Pass 7-1 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021 PAGE 4 Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town appropriates the sum of SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($750,000) to pay costs of replacing lead water service lines, 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, §7(1), 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. No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion Passes 7-1 Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town appropriates the sum of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($250,000) to pay costs of a sewer system infiltration and inflow assessment study, including engineering services and surveys 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(7), 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. No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion Passes 7-1 Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation to approve the DPW Fee Schedule as presented No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion Passes 7-1 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021 PAGE 5 Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council vote to transfer $36,700 from Capital Stabilization to General Fund for WPD Firing Range Unit Air Replacement No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion Passes 7-1 Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council accept the Grant Awarded by the Mass Dept. of Conservation and Recreation….(See Attached Motion) No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion Passes 7-1 NEW BUSINESS Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council vote to transfer $35,000 from Town Council Reserve to Town Clerk Account for the Special Elections Cost….(See Attached Motion) Discussion Amendment by Councilor Letterie to read coming out of Town Council Reserve NOT Free Cash No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion Passes 7-1 Motion by Council President to refer National Grid Petition to the Public Safety Committee Motion by Councilor Letterie that the Town Council authorizes Deputy Assessor Stephen J. Roche to sign any/all documents in our name relating to certification of values, setting taxes and the Tax Classification Process 2 nd by Councilor DeMarco ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion Passes 7-1 Motion by Council President to refer this to the Finance Committee Town Council vote to authorize the Town of Winthrop to accept $449,825.00 in the form of a grant awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Community Health and Prevention Motion by Council President to refer this to the Finance Committee that the Town Council appropriate $50,000 from the Sale of Town Property Fund to a Special Article for the purpose of real estate consulting services related to the sale of the Old Middle School property TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021 PAGE 6 Motion by Town Council President to appoint the following: Chris Aiello to the Tree Committee Kathy Driscoll to the Council on Aging ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, Councilor Demarco, Councilor Letterie, Councilor Ferrino, Vice President Christopher, President Boncore Absent: Councilor Honan Motion Passes 7-1 PUBLIC COMMENT Diane Veins- States a great decision on Vocational School Confused with Ordinance Committee- what animals….need clarity? No word on Tree Ordinance? Submitted in June…would love update. Thank Franks and all for kind words on Chris Zike Jennifer Powell-Clarification it is Sponge Bob Sq. Pants….not Charlie Brown being shown at the school PUBLIC RELATIONS/UPCOMING EVENTS 11:00 am Veterans Day program Class of 2023 Fair on 11-18-21 6-8 St. Michaels gym Councilor DeMarco thanks Nick LoConte for his time on the council Town Council did receive his resignation on November 2, 2021 Ruggiero a lot of tree branches during storm…thanks DPW… Motion to adjourn by Councilor Ferrino to adjourn at 9:00 PM 2 nd by Councilor Flockhart Passed Unanimously 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 OF NOVEMBER 9, 2021 PAGE 7