Minutes
Town Council · from the Town's website · 9 pages · 851 KB
open the file ↗ · original at the source ↗
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 5, 2022 President Letterie calls meeting to order at 6:00 PM ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Councilor Munson 6:45 Councilor Flockhart 6:50 Absent Councilor Aiello TOWN COUNCIL TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(3)— To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation, an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body if the chair so declares: Mediation with Mass Cops Sargent Patrol Unit Motion by Councilor Belcher to enter into Executive Session 2™ by Councilor DeMarco ROLL CALL YES: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Motion by Councilor Belcher to adjourn Executive Session 2" by Vice President Ruggiero ROLL CALL Yes: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Councilor Munson 6:45 Councilor Flockhart 6:50 OPEN SESSION President Letterie calls meeting to order at 7:00 PM and gives Zoom information ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Munson, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart , Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Aiello PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilor Belcher MINUTES Motion by Councilor Belcher to accept Minutes of February 15, 2022, as circulated 2" by Councilor DeMarco Roll Call Vote: Present: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Munson, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart , Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Aiello Motion Passes TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 5, 2022 PAGE 1 CONTINUED OLD BUSINESS: NOMINATION OF TOWN MANAGER President Letterie thanks our consultant Paradigm Associates and especially John Petrin, also thanks to the Town Manager Search Committee and doing an incredible job. This process was meticulously done, transparent and prompt. It has been one week shy of 11 mos. without having a Permanent Town Manager in place. We have much to deal with, closing out FY21 Budget, finalizing and instituting FY22 Budget, losing a CFO, an Assessor and a Treasurer, along with a retiring Fire Chief, throw in an election, covid and a new Town Council. Leading us through this transition has been the remarkable Terry Delehanty, his leadership, compassion and undying love for this town has been on full display once again as Interim Town Manager and we were so lucky to have him. The nomination I am about to make was made extremely difficult because of the qualities, experience and preparedness of all three candidates. All three took the time to get to know the town, by walking, driving, meeting the citizens, enjoying the beautiful views and reaching out and greeting our Dept. Heads and they all equally very much enjoyed the process and appreciated what a special place Winthrop is. All three of these candidates have the core attributes he believes would make them a good Town Manager for Winthrop. He cannot thank all of them for taking the time to apply, go through the rigors process and share with us all the equalities that they possess. In the end, he chose a candidate he feels completely confident that has all the skills, attributes experience necessary to lead our town in the future. ...a candidate highly skilled in financial management and mentoring and coaching a staff, a hands on candidate, has the skill set to think outside the box when needed. He has come up through the ranks, as Dept. Head, Assistant Town Manager and Town Manager. Lam placing into name for nomination Anthony Marino to the position of Town Manager of the Town of Winthrop. Requests discussion and then a roll call vote. Requests any discussion: Councilor Munson very impressed...experience with a seaside town as Ipswich is a perfect fit for us, glad he was chosen. Vice President Ruggiero-Echo’s comments on Interim Town Manager Delehanty Councilor DeMarco-From his perspective being on Town Manager Search Committee, feels good 3 totally competent candidates brought the table. No Further Comment ROLL CALL VOTE FOR NOMINATION OF ANTHONLY MARINO FOR WINTHROP TOWN MANAGER Yes: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Munson, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart ,Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Aiello Nomination is Passed Congratulations to Mr. Marino, John Petrin will reach out to Mr. Marino and other candidates. Council President will begin discussion of terms of employment and hiring date. A Special Town council Meeting will be set up for review of new contact. GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Council President states that we will be giving Jillian Dempsey a Citation. A Winthrop native, Harvard Grad, great hockey player and a great all around young lady. Huge part of Boston Pride Team. Requests a Vote of Confidence Town Council Votes Yes Councilor DeMarco also states that he would like to include Jenna Letterie for a citation for herself being a great hockey player. Town Council Votes Yes Blue Line Closing has been postponed as soon as Haymarket is opened. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 5, 2022 PAGE 2 Sumner Tunnel- Spring 22 -23 Weekend Closure and from May 23 to Sept. 23 a full closure and from Fall of 23 to Winter of 23 a full closure... PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearing Opened Town Council vote to appropriate $290,000 Certified Free Cash / Shared Expense Lines Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation No Public Comment Public Hearing Closed PUBLIC COMMENT Todd Sacco Gabriella Anderson Marianne Nicoletti Laura Lopez Skip Marcella Celeste Heinonen Corinne Walsh..... All above are appalled and insulted by Italian Heritage remark made by Councilor Flockhart to a candidate for Town Manager. Most believe that an apology should have been stated immediately after this remark, it is too late now and resignation is in order. Bill Schmidt-He cringed at remark but believes plenty of people have made a remark they regret, this is the first time this has happened with Councilor Flockhart and understandably people are upset, but should consider some compassion. Diane Modica-Secretary of the Sons of Italy understands some remarks can be made but there is education for this type of behavior that the Sons of Italy offer. Several residents wrote their public comments of which requested to be recorded in the minutes: Gus Martucci Julie Barry Residents who wrote in reference to this comment made by Councilor Flockhart who feel insulted. Kathleen Capuccio Melissa Ferrara Shannon Poulos Carla Vitale Julie Barry Councilor Flockhart offers her apology. Unfortunately, she repeated what she heard without thinking, she confirms she met nothing ill willed by this unfortunate remark and by no means meant to upset or offend any people from the Italian Heritage. She wishes to apologize for her thoughtlessness as it was not her intention to hurt anyone’s feelings and she is deeply sorry this was the outcome. She is perfectly content with Italian people as she group up with many in New Jersey. She will be more careful and thoughtful in the future of what she says. Jack Dowd-Discusses the Tree Ordinance and would like a Greenery Program to be considered by the Town Council for planting trees. CORRESPONDENCE Julia Wallerce-Approves Tree Ordinance Ali Sherwood-Requests update on Ferry Mike DiMento-Questions on Ingleside Park Several emails in reference to above Public Comment TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 5, 2022 PAGE 3 COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee Councilor Fucillo reports on the meeting and one item on the agenda, Town Council vote to appropriate $290,000 Certified Free Cash / Shared Expense Lines- which was approved by the committee with positive recommendations TOWN MANAGER REPORT Looks forward to working with new Town Manager Anthony Marino and thanks Robert Powers and Steve Cirillo for their help on our budget. Working with MBTA Police working with the state so tunnel and trains will not be shut down same dates. Updates will be scheduled. Engineering Traffic Study and Design for E.Boston entrance and Pleasant St to Winthrop. and will have our Planner start to review this and start looking for Grant Funding. Middle School land survey, discussion must be ongoing. Wanted to try and get things in “Q” for new Town Manager. He is moving forward with land survey. Rink is excluded from this project by vote back in 2018, lot must be subdivided. Spring Fling is May 21, 2022 with Parks and Rec. Mass Conference of Police Explorers 287 children signed up for flag football through Parks and Rec. Miller Field Ownership-Town Council had discussions and voted to retain ownership of tennis courts but we have to decide if the town or schools will be maintaining Miller Field. The turf will be about $800,000 to be replaced in about 4 years... Tennis Court dedication will be scheduled IT studies moving forward with the Collins Center Homeland Security will fund all networks and infrastructure changes throughout the town. Departments will be funded for their need. DPW Director MESA filings in order, going in front of Conservation and will be able to get back on Yirrell beach to rake. Water & Sewer, DPW Director received estimates of the 1140 meters that need to be replaced, estimated at $400- $600,000 dollars to install, these are approx. number’s comparing to other communities. To install all at once and quicker than we doing it, will this amount, this will increases the water and sewer rate. Asking MWRA if they might have any low interest loans to help with these costs. Representative Turco has secured a $100,000 earmark of which DPW Director has submitted a request for this money for sidewalks. Also, there is a $50,000 earmark from Representative Turco for the Public Safety building and this will help getting through the design phase of the public safety building. This project has not been forgotten but funding is being reviewed. 413-415 Shirley St. requested a couple of months back if the town was interested in selling a square patch of land on the Veterans Rd. side. We have a public transparency process through our charter that we advertise what we want to sell and accept a bids. The Town Council showed concern due to the way the property being fenced around as it belongs to the town. He stated this was done to drug paraphernalia being dropped there. Looking for direction from Town Council on this. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 5, 2022 PAGE 4 An agreement has been approved by the Attorney General’s office with an opioid suite that had taken place. Most funds will be presented to the Public Health Director. Our health insurance came in much higher than expected which affected our budget. Autism t-shirts and hats available around town, please support Toiletry Drive for the people in need, recovering addiction, getting into, this is a good cause. Box at town hall, library and select business. Parks and Rec. summer job applications online, due by April 12, 2022 For this Ferry season , he is reviewing funding ,we need at least $81,000 to close our deficit. The longer we wait for funding the shorter the season will be, we have problems with employment and the boat must be maintained. He wants to make sure all is information is transparent to the town. We must wait for the state or the Town Council must appropriate funds. Council President is hoping we get an answer on the Ferry. Also, interested in where the swings are at Ingleside Park, looking to be replaced in a timely manner. Interim Town Manager reports swings are in but hardware order is delayed. Councilor DeMarco asks about pricing on Ferry to open. Interim Town Manager states this is difficult as we cannot commit there will be a season. Vice President Ruggerio, happy to hear that the entrance from Winthrop from E. Boston is being reviewed. Requests update on Tips Project. Interim Town Manager believes it will be at least 3-4 mos. Of which approx... $130,000 will be requested from the Town Council for funding. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Operating budget passed by the School Committee. John and Abigail Adams Scholarships received by several students Winthrop Drama Society awarded best Ensamble Awards to several students and won the Regionals. OLD BUSINESS Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council vote to appropriate $290,000 Certified Free Cash / Shared Expense Lines..... No 2" Needed Roll Call Vote Approve: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Munson, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart ,Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Aiello Motion Passes NEW BUSINESS Council President refers to the Finance Committee that the Town Council declare as surplus a 1991 Boston Whaler 25-Guardian, thereby authorizing the Treasurer Collector to post for sale through an approved auction site; or take any other action relative thereto Motion by Councilor DeMarco to suspend Town Council rules for the 2"! Town Council meeting to be April 26" in lieu of April 19th as the Spring Forum is scheduled for April 26, 2022 2" by Councilor Belcher Motion Passed TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 5, 2022 PAGE 5 Council President reflects that one of the candidates that interviewed had discussed about their diversity committee and they included liaisons from the Police, Fire and School Dept. School, he would like to send this to Committee on Committees for review. Council President refers the Tree Ordinance, that was submitted by Councilor Honan, to the Rules and Ordinance Committee Councilor President requests a goal setting meeting for the Town Council on the First or Second Meeting in May for discussion. Council President appoints Karen Blake-Cultural Council and asks Town Council to approve All in Favor State Yes: Appointment Approved Council President appoints Joanne Hillman ~ Tee Committee and asks Town Council to approve All in Favor State Yes: Appointment Approved Council President appoints David Stasio-Board of Assessors and asks Town Council to approve All in Favor State Yes: Appointment Approved PUBLIC COMMENT Skip Marcella asks the Town Council if the Charter includes a recall on a public official. Council President states there is no provision in the charter currently, the Charter Review is having a meeting that all public can attend. Gabriella Anderson comments on Bill Schmidt comments and thought about it, but yet cannot forgive Councilor Flockhart or her apology. Todd Sacco comments that the Town Council has not addressed Councilor Flockharts comment. Elizabeth Sorrentino comments on being of Italian descent and what her family went through being Italian and finds Councilor Flockharts remark is bringing us backwards. Skip Marcella comments he feels Councilor Flockharts comments insulted all races, not just Italians. Jack Dowd comments on the water quality of this town . Shannon Poulos comments that though she wrote to the Town Council on Councilor Flockharts remark she now must remark that since the meeting coming to a close she is upset about the lack of the Town Council not addressing this issue and Councilor Flockharts apology not being genuine and feels this incident should only be addressed by her resignation. Councilor Flockhart once again apologizes as to how this actually came about and in requesting information on this Town Manager was told certain comments that she should have paraphrased but instead got too involved with what the remark presented that she just did not think and again is very sorry. Marianne Nicoletti comment on being Italian and the ethnicity comment made was totally insulting. Diana Veins comments the survey for the Middle School, she feels as living in Precinct 2, the citizens have zero interest in selling any part of Ingleside Park to a developer. Interim Town Manager does not know where these figures came from mentioned but it includes the vacant building, knows nothing from the CBD moving into the Ingleside Park. Council President believes this belief is due to the map showing Ingleside Park. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 5, 2022 PAGE 6 PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS April 27, 2022-Charter & Ordinance Review Committee Public Hearing April 26, 2022-Winthrop’s Spring Forum/"Budget & Other Spending Matters” Council President asks each Town Councilor for any last remarks. Council Munson comments on Councilor Flock hart’s remark and wants to make sure that no one believes he would be a part of any racism. There is a big issue, a lot of character issues; did she make a verbal gaff? If she were harboring racial feelings he would also feel she should resign, but she does not come off to him as a racist, or harbor racist feelings, he is asking all to give context to her mistake, her apology was not as he wanted, she should have stated more on herself and her character as a good person. Skip Marcella would like on record he disagrees with Councilor Munson’s opinion. Councilor DeMarco reflects on Bill Schmidt’s background. He agrees nobody really knows a person’s heritage, you cannot judge a book by its cover. Issues come from heart come from love. Councilor Ruggiero reports on Saturday May 7, 2022 at Miller Field the WINAC: Run, walk roll event will take place. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Councilor Belcher to adjourn at 8:30PM 2"™ by Councilor DeMarco 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 APRIL 5, 2022 PAGE 7 into the record under correspondence at the next council meeting. Thanks gus From: GUS MARTUCCI Sent: Friday, April 1, 2022 2:42 PM To: towncouncil@town.winthrop.ma.us <towncouncil@town.winthrop.ma.us>; Denise Quist <dquist@town.winthrop.ma.us>; Terence Delehanty <tdelehanty@winthropfoundation.us>; Jeffrey Turco <[removed]> Subject: Hello all, | just finished watching the first town manager interview (Mr. Ansaldi) on you tube and | am absolutely appalled, insulted, disappointed, hurt and really shocked at Ms. Flockharts racial insults towards Mr. Ansaldi and my proud Italian heritage. | cannot believe the audacity of her comments pertaining to the great Italian people and the rude disrespectful treatment of Mr. Ansaldi. Myself and my family are proud, hard working Italian Americans, we have all been and continue to be productive citizens of Winthrop, we were taught by our parents and grandparents (all Italian Americans) to give back to this great town and we have done so for many years but to have to hear this type of racially condescending comments is extremely troublesome. If this is the way you conduct yourself Ms. Flockhart with racial disparity, then | would ask you to step down as a councilor as you clearly cannot make unbiased decisions based on your disgusting conduct during this very important interview. Additionally | will be contacting my attorney to explore legal action on this serious matter. Thank you, Gus Martucci From: Julie Barry Sent: Friday, April 1, 2022 2:28 PM To: towncouncil@town.winthrop.ma.us Subject: Re: Illegal Comments During Interview Sorry | didn’t sign this properly this is Julie Barry, School Committee Vice-Chair. > > Dear Town Council Members, > > | just saw a video online of an interview of a potential Town Council candidate and | was shocked and appalled to hear the interviewer mention to the gentleman that he’s been known to “get his Italian up” or something along those lines. Worst case this is illegal and you will be forced to hire him to avoid a lawsuit whether he is the best person for the job or not. Best case, we look like a town of fools. The only obvious choice you have here is to call for an immediate resignation of the person in question. It’s important to note also that the use of “air quotes” does not make this less egregious. > > I'd be happy to share the video in question but you were there for a front row seat and now the entire world can watch on YouTube. > > Thank you for your attention to this wildly unsettling situation. > > Julie