Minutes
Town Council · from the Town's website · 8 pages · 250 KB
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 18, 2022 President Letterie calls meeting to order at 7:00 PM and gives Zoom information ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Demarco, Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Ruggiero, President Letterie PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilor Aiello Council President welcomes new members Councilor Belcher, Councilor Fucillo and Councilor Aiello MINUTES Motion by Councilor Flockhart to accept Minutes of January 5. 2022, as circulated 2 nd by Councilor DeMarco ROLL CALL VOTE Approve: Present: Councilor Demarco, Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Ruggiero, President Letterie Abstain: Councilor Aiello Motion Passed GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Charlie Lyons from the Metropolitan Northeast Vocational School congratulates new members of the town council, and then begins discussion of the great need for a new vocational school. The vote for this project is Jan. 25, 2022, from 11 am to 6 pm. Please consider a yes vote. Council President discusses the trash fee, which was implemented last July of 2021 of $160 Fee. We are incredibly respectful for all the residents that have done so well with new trash rules. Council President reiterates these new rules. We are being charged on tonnage and the less the better. As of now, extra trash will be picked up if it is in a barrel. Continues discussing potential with the new trash services. Wanted to make all aware that a policy was confirmed…town picks up trash in a 3 family or less. PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearing Opened Town Council vote the use of Retained Earnings in the Waterways Fund in the amount of $48,854 Public Comment None Town Council Comment Councilor Aiello has several questions as to this motion, as if it is replacement, new, garaging, cost benefit, own truck and what was done in the past, operation cost, insurance…what is health of reserve fund in terms of long term? Interim Town Manager Delehanty discusses this Harbormaster’s truck and the need for it as it is replacing a 2008 vehicle. His office did review to make sure it was a needed truck and has addressed Councilor Aiello concerns. Motion by Councilor Ruggiero to close Public Hearing 2 nd by Councilor Fucillo Passed Unanimously Public Hearing Opened Town Council vote to transfer $35,500 from the Salary Reserve Account to various departments Personnel accounts Public Comment None Town Council Comment Councilor Ruggiero asks for more information from Interim Town Manager TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 1 Interim Town Manager discusses this is the result of the contract negotiation with the Clerical Union. Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened National Grid Petition # 30478309-Terrace Ave Representative from National Grid discusses the need for this from one home to another Interim Town Manager wants to make sure there will be adequate parking during this work Yes, there will be Councilor Ruggiero asks anticipated time line National Grid, the customer has requested to also do some sidewalk work, the conduit situation will take no longer than a day. Public Hearing Closed PUBLIC COMMENT -Peter Gill-Speaks on behalf of Karin Chavis being nominated for the seat of Precinct 2 -John Macero-Speaks on behalf of Karin Chavis being nominated for the seat of Precinct 2 -Bill Schmidt-Congratulates all new councilors and speaks on behalf of John Munson being nominated for seat of Precinct 2 -Doug Chalmers asks about the double phone polls and when they will be addressed Council President asks Interim Town Manager to review these poles. National Grid may not be responsible for some poles, but he will ask. Councilor Flockhart agrees and does question the double poles and has asked them to be responsible as jobs have been denied due to their not honoring our request. Council President will continue to review this problem. Diana Veins-Discusses Precinct 2 Councilor that will be nominated and addresses that our Precinct deals with major town business and advocates for Karin Chavis Robert O’Dwyer-Representative for the Town of Winthrop and the N.E. Vocation Schools and thanks all for support and welcomes new members. He wants to get the vote out for Jan. 25 th , shares the polling locations. CORRESPONDENCE Council Clerk reports receiving 12 letters of support for Karin Chavis and one for Kurt Millar for Precinct 2 seat. COMMITTEE REPORTS Council President discusses there are no committee reports as they committees have not been named yet for the New Year. Once these are appointed, committee reports will begin. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Public Health Director discusses the current Covid situation (See Attached information and also on the Town Website) Interim Town Manager discusses the Covid cases will skyrocket especially after holidays, we should be prepared during holiday seasons a bump in spiking. Speaks on the Vocational school and this is our equity education opportunity. This school is valuable to our students that need this opportunity for their education. Please consider a yes vote at this election. Parking stickers have had a problem with being mailed out. Please contact our Parking Clerk , Mike DiLuiso Comments on the town wide notification of lead in the water, it is non-harmful lead at this point and pipes that need to be replaced are being worked on. It will take close to 5 years to complete the town wide replacement of these pipes. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 2 Electric Vehicle charging stations are being installed in the CBD. Parks and Rec will be doing an investigation on all parks in the town. Fire Dept. received over $15,000 grant for vehicle operation tools. Budget discussion continues with all dept. heads, which will be entering their information. Councilor Ruggiero follows up on the lead situation. If understood correctly in 5 years’ time our town will be completing lead free for residents. Yes, they will be. If you were an identified home with lead, have they been notified? Should residents be testing their water? Interim Town Manager states that the DPW Director works with residents in testing their lead . Councilor Aiello comments the public data base will help the residents with questions they may have. Interim town Manager reports any residents doing kitchen project has to replace their pipes themselves. This is DEP mandated. Councilor De Marco asks Director Hurley about Covid numbers. He is seeing now home tests are not being reported. He asks from a public safety perspective, how should we be handling to make sure all safe? Director reports that if you’ve been exposed and show symptoms, take a test especially if unvaccinated. Also cautions testing can create a false sense of security, please still be careful of the compromised people , and be sensible as to what you have done in your life and how you might visit people. SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT Council President reports that the meeting focused on the challenges and successes of the return to school from Christmas break. Attendance saw 100 per school absent…percentages usually average around 94% it dropped around the holidays. Schools have been prepared, teachers are prepared. Schools have been kept open and all activities remain ongoing, which we have been very lucky with. Mask mandate has been extended until Feb. 28, 2022. Superintendent Howard discusses the faculty absences have been directly related to Covid. OLD BUSINESS Precinct (2) Nomination for open Seat Council President reads the Charter Section 2-11 which describes the vacancy for Precinct 2 Names 3 candidates: Karin Chavis Kurt Millar John Munson Motion by Councilor Flockhart to open for nominations 2 nd by Councilor Aiello Floor is open for nominations: Councilor Fucillo nominates Karin Chavis for the Precinct 2 seat 2 nd by Councilor DeMarco Councilor Honan nominates John Munson for the Precinct 2 seat 2 nd by Councilor DeMarco Councilor Belcher nominates Kurt Millar for Precinct 2 seat 2 nd by Councilor Ruggiero Motion by Councilor Aiello to close nominations 2 nd by Councilor DeMarco TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 3 Council President asks if each accept their nomination and asks each nominee to speak on their behalf of their interest in this seat and why they feel it would benefit the council if they are nominated for this seat. Motion by Councilor DeMarco to begin discussion 2 nd by Councilor Aiello Discussion is open -Councilor DeMarco comments on each candidate and how they are all valuable to the council and the town. -Councilor Honan seconds with Councilor DeMarco and has respect for all 3 candidates but nominated John Munson and reads her comments on her belief that John Munson is the best candidate for this position. -Councilor Aiello speaks on behalf of the candidates and has a disadvantage of not really being involved with any of these candidates and he took the time to speak to each and listen to each. He was astounded of the different strength and skills each has. Each would be a great candidate and it is a very difficult decision. He was listening for certain qualities to make his decision. Council President states that all three of these candidates are extremely worthy of this position and looks forward to more people being involved. Whoever does not get this seat, he asks still is involved with town government. Council President states that while investigation each candidate he has belief that Karin Chavis could fulfill this position. We had several people write letters of recommendation in support of Karin Chavis. We have a council that wants to be successful for this town. We do need experience of municipal finance and we have this in Karin Chavis. Motion by Councilor Fucillo to close discussion 2 nd by Councilor Belcher A successful candidate needs 5 votes ROLL CALL VOTE FOR CANDIDATE –PRECINCT 2 Councilor Demarco Karin Chavis Councilor Honan John Munson Councilor Fucillo Karin Chavis Councilor Belcher Kurt Millar Councilor Flockhart John Munson Councilor Aiello John Munson Councilor Ruggiero John Munson President Letterie Karin Chavis 4 Total John Munson 3 Total Karin Chavis 1 Total Kurt Millar Needing 5 votes, Mr. Millar will be removed and another roll call vote will take place 2 nd ROLL CALL VOTE FOR CANDIDATE –PRECINCT 2 Councilor Demarco Karin Chavis Councilor Honan John Munson Councilor Fucillo Karin Chavis Councilor Belcher John Munson Councilor Flockhart John Munson Councilor Aiello John Munson Councilor Ruggiero John Munson President Letterie Karin Chavis John Munson receiving 5 of the votes will fill the Precinct 2 Seat TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 4 Motion by Council President to re-appoint Interim Town Manager Terry Delehanty effective Jan. 25, 2022 until April 25, 2022 2 nd by Councilor Aiello Passed Unanimously Motion by Councilor Aiello to suspend Council Rule 12 2 nd by Councilor Flockhart Passed Unanimously Discussion None Motion by the Town Council vote the use of Retained Earnings in the Waterways Fund in the amount of $48,854..(See Attached Motion) Roll Call Vote Approve: Councilor Demarco, Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Ruggiero, President Letterie Motion Passed Motion by Councilor DeMarco to suspend Council Rule 12 2 nd by Councilor Aiello Passed Unanimously Discussion None Motion by the Town Council vote to transfer $35,500 from the Salary Reserve Account to various departments’ personnel accounts Roll Call Vote Approve: Councilor Demarco, Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Ruggiero, President Letterie Motion Passed NEW BUSINESS Elect Town Council Vice President Motion by Councilor Honan to nominate Councilor Ruggiero for Council Vice President 2 nd by Councilor DeMarco Motion by Councilor Fucillo to nominate Councilor DeMarco for Council Vice President 2 nd by Councilor Aiello Motion by Councilor Flockhart to close nominations 2 nd by Councilor Aiello Councilor’s Ruggiero and Councilor DeMarco thank their colleagues for their vote of confidence and express their hopes of being voted in as Town Council Vice President ROLL CALL VOTE ON NOMIATION OF VICE PRESIDENT Councilor Demarco Councilor DeMarco Councilor Honan Councilor Ruggiero Councilor Fucillo Councilor DeMarco Councilor Belcher Councilor Ruggiero Councilor Flockhart Councilor Ruggiero Councilor Aiello Councilor Ruggiero Councilor Ruggiero Councilor Ruggiero President Letterie Councilor DeMarco Councilor Ruggiero has been voted in as Council Vice President TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 5 Town Council vote to appropriate Certified Free Cash ….(See Copy of Attached Motion) Council President refers this to the Finance Committee Winthrop Taxi Rate Increase Referred to the Finance Committee Discussion-Town Council Sub Committee Assignments These are not ready to be named as of yet, will be by next Town Council Meeting Ordinance & Charter Review Committee: The town had one in 2010 and 2015, another began in 2020 but due to Covid delayed this committee in finalizing any decisions. Council President discussed with the town legal counsel and we can appoint another committee to fulfill this committee and return to the Town Council with recommendations. A Review Committee will be named by the next Town Council meeting. Motion by Council President Letterie that the Town Council votes to eliminate the Golf Course Area and Little League “A” Field from being considered possible sites for the Public Safety Building 2 nd by Councilor Aiello Discussion Council President reports on the presentation by Kaestle and Boos who did this study and they returned with recommendations of cost. Council President believes a public safety building in some form needs to be addressed by the Town Council but feels these two choices are not the right choices for this public facility building. Council President would like to take these two sites off the table Councilor DeMarco was on the committee that reviewed this and at a meeting, there were vested interest that these sites not be considered. Councilor Aiello, believes both the Golf Course and the Little League Field needs to know if their site is in jeopardy. The Golf Course site was astounding to him as for Conservation alone he does not think a permit could be issued. He agrees that this was an ill founded investigation of this site. He worries about hard votes on this particular motion. He believes these should not be pursued but would like it to be further considered Councilor Belcher remembers this being discussed at the Fall Forum, is there any way this could be considered a cost prohibited problem in lieu of the Town Council just voting to just omit these two sites? Council President reiterates that he thinks that these sites should not be considered. Councilor Flockhart believes since we do not have costs on these sites, we should not just omit these without further investigation. Councilor Ruggiero believes in the spirit of this motion that these are not the ideal locations for the public safety building but does not know if there is a spot in the town, but should consider this motion. Council President states that to come to decisions, options must be narrowed down. Interim Town Manager states consultants work for the town and get direction from the town. There were a list of 8 sites, this will be a policy decision. Councilor DeMarco uses his Town Council privilege to table this until the next Town Council meeting. Town Manager Search Committee: The Town has entered into a contract with a consultant the Paradigm Group to search for a Town Manager , applications are open until Jan. 28, 2022. The Town Manager Search Committee will be named at the next Town Council meeting. Town Council Goals and Priorities : Council President would like a meeting as a round table discussion for the Town Council to be able to review their obligations as a councilor and also invite K&P Law firm for any questions the councilor have. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 6 PUBLIC COMMENT Karin Chavis asks the Town Manager for a copy of the Certified Cash retained earnings. As far as the Vocational School Vote, please visit the work done by their students at Miller Field, they saved our town money. Jack Dowd consider the circumstances of the lead water problem, are these people notified? Interim Town Manager reiterates that homeowners are made aware and if there is a bigger problem for one than another, they would be notified immediately. Bill Schmidt: Thanks Kurt and Karin for their interest in Precinct 2 seat but is satisfied with results. PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS District Wide Election/N.E. Vocational – January 25, 2022 Councilors discuss that the NE Vocational is an exceptional school who does help students Councilor Flockhart has a personal reason as her granddaughter is in a Vocational school and doing exceptionally well with being an electrician! ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Councilor Ruggiero to adjourn at 9:30PM 2 nd by Councilor Aiello Passed Unanimously 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 Denise Quist Town Clerk Council Clerk TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 7