Minutes
Town Council · from the Town's website · 8 pages · 347 KB
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 President Letterie calls meeting to order at 6:00 PM ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Munson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice President Ruggiero TOWN COUNCIL TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION Pursuant to G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(6)— To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. Motion by Councilor Fucillo to enter into Executive Session 2 nd by Councilor Belcher ROLL CALL Approve: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Munson Motion by Councilor Fucillo to adjourn from Executive Session and enter into Open Session at 6:50 PM 2 nd by Councilor Belcher ROLL CALL Approve: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Munson Return to Open Session: 7:00 PM MINUTES Motion by Councilor Belcher to accept the Minutes of January 31, 2023 as circulated 2 nd by Councilor Fucillo Amendment by Councilor Flockhart to correct the vote on ORC item #9 showing it was approved Passed Unanimously GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS None PUBLIC HEARING(S) Public Hearing Opened Water Bonds Loan Amendment of Original Vote June 21, 2022 to increase original from $2,912,000 to $4,890,101 - TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 PAGE 1 DPW Director reviews this amendment due to the increase in materials costs and night work needed Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation Public Comment Jack Dowd P1-Understand it’s a water main, but what destination and if not on schedule will it affect other project? DPW Director explains this particular project in reference to the current TIPS Project Vice President Ruggiero requests public discussion on this project as for affecting the Highlands DPW Director states no notices have been sent to the public as we are awaiting schedule Councilor Aiello would like to make sure if roads are closed a good deal of communication is done with the residents. Councilor Belcher wants to make sure the MBTA is also aware Night work will be 10pm to 6am Council President concern with residents and night work, wants to make sure not too inconvenient. Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council vote to appropriate $143,900 Water Retained Earnings to pay for Revere St. PRV Project Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council vote to appropriate $69,989.04 Monitoring & Compliance Module (Gas Fob) Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council vote to approve to amend the Code of Ordinance (1.12.30 / 12.40.130 / 12.40.150) Wetlands- TABLED Public Hearing Continued Public Hearing Opened Solid Waste Ordinance Town Manager Marino discusses this draft policy that will discuss lay out containers, fees, bills out, barrels, refer the existing BOH regulations As of July 1 that does not fit will have to purchase additional trash bags….30 lb bags…could be $3 per bag Town Council President Letterie states-Cost for smaller barrel $60 vs. $85/Just about half size PUBLIC COMMENT Bill Schmidt P5- (Chair BOH)….States good job on this draft. Mary Ellen Sharkey is concerned of people to keep recycling Peter Gill P5- Asks what if someone puts out more without correct bag Town Manager states that Capital will put a sticker on it and it will not be collected No Fines will be issued in the beginning Will bags cause rodent problem? No—it must be in the barrels and it can be a personal barrel TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 PAGE 2 Karin Chavis states this is not in effect until 7-1-23 Will there be a guestimate for FY24 Solid Waste Costs Town Manager Yes Carina Campobasso - P3 Asks if worried about people taking trash to other containers? (parks) Town Manager explains town is pretty aware sure how much bags weighs, if it more….we can check Motion by Councilor Flockhart to continue Public Hearing 2 nd by Councilor Aiello Passed Unanimously PUBLIC COMMENT Paul Lucerto-Swetts Liquor Store Discusses the parking in the CBD…14 unit apartment building in CBD District are taking spots up in the center from businesses…. Car in front of store for 10 days Car with flat tire was there one week Did a walk thru reviewing 12 vehicles, 3 current…2 out of date and resident no stickers…and old inspections stickers…. Given situation, CBD should be up to speed with parking in the CBD….suggests go to tenants and teach them where parking is… During holidays he asked people to move as there was a truck deli very and they refused….these people are disregarding parking Town Council President-does understand as some businesses are putting up business parking only signs, Can we not get temporary signs? Enforcements are needed…and signage DPW Director gives update on signage and Mike D working on language key and use signs we have to replace or re word….all CBD signs originally done are wrong… Benda Christopher P2 states It’s the blatant disregard of parking….none have valid parking permits….these have to be enforced….over 6 weeks Jack Dowd P1-A Friend of his is losing business with this parking problem in the CBD Jack Dowd P1-Has concern on the Tips Project….sidewalks on Revere St. layer down on 1938…. Discusses that bike paths should not be on this hill….Land is protected by Article 97 TIPS project is disgraceful…Requests Town Council not to approve Carinea Campobaso P3 Mothers out Front are here to support vote on Community Choice Aggregation Contract with the Electric Service…other communities have saved money for residents… CORRESPONDENCE : John Stanley requests Town Councilors to talk into Mics so audience can hear better TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 PAGE 3 COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee-Chair Rich Fucillo reports: Water Bonds Loan Amendment of Original Vote June 21, 2022 to increase original from $2,912,000 to $4,890,101 Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation Town Council vote to appropriate $143,900 Water Retained Earnings to pay for Revere St. PRV Project Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation Town Council vote to appropriate $69,989.04 Monitoring & Compliance Module (Gas Fob) Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation Town Council vote to transfer $6,000 from Finance Dept./ $4,800 Conservation Salary Line for BOA Salary Line Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation Town Council vote to approve to amend the Code of Ordinance (1.12.30 / 12.40.130 / 12.40.150) Wetlands-Tabled Economic Development / Capital Assets- Councilor Aiello-meeting with Town Manager to review the Capital Improvement plan…will meet again on 2-28 at 5:30 SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT School Committee- major FY24 budget…they are looking at a new format and will discuss over next couple meeting. Getting projections in from each school TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager reports Berry & Dunn study on Parks and Rec should be available for viewing in April Ferry engines almost done…will do coastguard inspections…talking a new Airport Stop at hotel Our S&P rating call and our Town was notified bond rating from AA to AA+ we can save money with this rate Capital Meeting Meeting with School Committee on 2-27 to review budget Finance Team to discuss with Town Council on 3-7-21 3-14-23 First Finance Commission Meeting to begin discussions on the FY24 Budget TSAC sidewalk accessiblilty assessment of roadways and sidewalk…partial work has been done…. Will be scheduling a Complete Streets Meeting soon Donated $5000 to a family with a family in need child that has cancer… Councilor Aiello- follow up with CBD…WPD really has to enforce. He does not think he sees enough tickets. On signs wants to follow up any way of getting temp signs…we have to show businesses this will be solved… Councilor Flockhart…reiterates on Councilor Aiello’s remarks that we need CBD parking enforced….immediately Vice President Ruggiero inquiries about the Paying Class study update-Town Manager we will have but does not impact FY24 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 PAGE 4 COMMISSION OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS Town Manager reports – Discussed the CBD Parking Chamber sponsors Calendar Year… Flag policy –Town Manager asked CDICR for their input OLD BUSINESS Ordinance Review Committee Recommendations (Ordinance Recommendations 4-8-11-12) Tabled for In Counsel Review Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council vote the Water Bonds Loan Amendment of Original Vote June 21, 2022 to increase original from $2,912,000 to $4,890,101 No 2 nd Needed Discussion: Councilor Aiello would like report from Consulting Engineering …we should have known night work cost, we know materials cost increased…but an engineering company should not be surprised….would like a formal explanation Approve: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Munson Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council vote to appropriate $143,900 Water Retained Earnings to pay for Revere St. PRV Project No 2 nd Needed Approve: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Munson Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council vote to appropriate $69,989.04 Monitoring & Compliance Module (Gas Fob) No 2 nd Needed Approve: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Munson Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council vote to transfer $6,000 from Finance Dept. / $4,800 Conservation Salary Line for BOA Salary Line No 2 nd Needed Approve: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Flockhart, Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Munson Solid Waste Ordinance-Will be continued, please send any remarks to the Town Manager for review Committee Handbook-Still in Committee-Meeting March 6, 2023 for final discussion Motion by the Town Council President to appoint Tom Dederian to the Street Policy Committee 2 nd by Councilor Belcher Passed Unanimously TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 PAGE 5 NEW BUSINESS Town Council vote to authorize $12,719.80 for Unpaid Bills of a Prior Year – Council President refers to the Finance Committee Town Council vote to authorize $15,000 for ISD Pest Control- Council President refers to the Finance Committee Town Council vote to review current Winthrop Fire Dept. Fees – Council President refers to the Finance Committee Flag Policy-Town Manager reviewing will be distributed shortly Motion by Councilor Belcher that the Town Council votes to authorize Town Manager to research new electricity service options for town 2 nd by Councilor Flockhart Passed Unanimously Town Manager discusses the plans and what residents can do in hopes of cheaper energy to be purchased in Winthrop Vice President Ruggiero wants to make sure to potential customers are aware that this is through the service department not from the Town. Town Hall Parking Lot Town Manager reviewing with TSAC reviewing making 4-5 spots in Town Hall Parking lot for Town Hall and Library Business only Rink/Locker Room Expansion Council President refers that back in 2018, the Town Council voted to keep the Rink…. The Rink put in $60,000 to expand locker room…these need to be updated immediately….they are antiquated….asked to put on hold, which they did, not it is a necessity Bonding authority was given to the Rink…. Will be coming back with more information…. Bring rink up to ADA standard… Feasibility Middle School Gymnasium Decisions must be made …need thoughts and possibly having a building assessment done to have an idea… Community space is needed…. Town Manager will look into Building Assessment for Bldg. Councilor Flockhart-When we were building new Middle High School the auditorium and gym was available to town. We are assuming we do not have this available in the new school and we do. It is available to the public but it must be available to schools first…there is only 1 gym…there are multiple uses… Councilor Aiello still has questions on this proposal for the rink and gym but does not disagree with the Town Council President that the community needs community space. Councilor DeMarco states that for a while we have been talking revenue. He asks what is best for Winthrop, Discussion will continue Winthrop Beach Access Points-will be further discussed. PUBLIC COMMENT Mary Alice Sharkey-Mothers out Front..Carol Walker P5 Carina P3 Barbara Bishop P2 Thanks Town Council in reviewing alternative plan for electric service…. Will still be getting National Grid but we can look for different sources…some sources can help to supply TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 PAGE 6 15-20% less. They will be looking for a greener power…..hydro, wind., solar….Maybe we need a bullet flyers….people must understand it better. More community communication Bill Schmidt P5-CBD…States that people do not understand what live parking means….trucks could not get down Cottage Park due to vehicles being parked in a live spot but left care unattended. Middle School Development…He is willing to pay more taxes, Winthrop is a special town. When looking at the Middle School, what would max revenue be? Look at rink and gym as a community center…Advocate for Proposition 2 ½ Override Jack Dowd P3 Discusses he has brought a contractor in for removal of building and they stated they would honor their first estimates, approx... Gym 3 Mil and Auditorium 5 Mil Rink- Needs expansion Please consider what he has just mentioned…most valuable land is waterfront…use this frontage…. Concerning Beach…he has asked what is state cultivating on Winthrop Shore Drive….beach looks like a horror movie. Rag weed was brought in and this will take over entire town if state does not do something about this…it is blowing around town and the DCR denied it. PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS- March 21, 2023 7:00 PM Spring Forum –DeLeo Sr. Center Before asking for motion to adjourn, Council President Letterie asks each Town Councilor if they have anything further to discuss Councilor Honan- None Councilor Fucillo – None Councilor Munson- Absent Councilor Belcher- Thanks the Library for the Author Night of the Great Molasses Flood Councilor DeMarco- Daughter would like town to by Mona Lisa Councilor Aiello- None Councilor Flockhart- None Vice President Ruggiero- None ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Councilor Belcher to adjourn at 9:10 PM 2 nd 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 MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 PAGE 7