Minutes
Town Council · from the Town's website · 9 pages · 1.5 MB
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 2, 2023 President Letterie calls meeting to order at 7:00 PM ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Munson, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Flockhart, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice President Ruggiero MINUTES Motion by Councilor Belcher to accept the Minutes of April 18, 2023 2" by Councilor Aiello Passed Unanimously GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Council President thanks all that were involved with the fire on Veterans Rd. PUBLIC HEARING(S) None PUBLIC COMMENT Jack Dowd: Complains that Councilor Munson is holding secret meetings at the Oddfellows Hall of which there is supposed to be no political meetings held there States the survey at 141 Pauline St. is inadequate...it cannot be shown without metes and bounds and proper boundaries Concerning pathways and stairways and believes a thorough review is needed on each pathway...each one should be evaluated on its own. Bill Schmidt: He has a different respective from Mr. Dowds belief in Councilor Munson’s meetings. States Councilor Munson has had 4 meetings and they are not in secret...these are informational meetings....they are not political. He thinks they are helpful for the community. CORRESPONDENCE: There were several emails received in reference to the public pathways/wallways in the town that reflect the charm of Winthrop and the old railroad and these should be kept and maintained. COMMITTEE REPORTS Appointments, Commission & Committees Councilor Belcher reports on the Town Council Employee Evaluations which are near completion and will be submitted to the Town Council for review. Finance Commission Councilor Belcher reports the Commission met with the School Committee to discuss their FY24 Budget TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 2, 2023 PAGE 1 SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT Councilor President reports on meeting that met a week ago. During the meeting, the School Committee passed the 23-24 Needs based budget which is approx...36,000,000.There was a different aspect to this year’s budget and it brought more transparency to the actual budget. It is still approx... $1.5 Million below what is needed. The Town Budget will be voted on June 13" Other item discussed is the 2-23-2024 School Year. The first day of school will be August 30, 2023 and the last day June 11(weather permitting) TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager Marino updates on Tips project, there will be a public hearing on May 16" of the notice of taking of easement on the Revere St. TIPs Project. The Ferry engine work has been completed. ..waiting to get to Gloucester for Coast Guard Inspection, once this done, the hull inspection will be done and he is looking hopefully for the end of May for the Ferry Opening. He attended the Metro Mayer’s Meeting which was very informative. Thanks all for meeting Gov. Healy at the Belle Idle Marsh. The application for the Green Community Act is due May 4", which it will be completed and sent in for review. Discusses the impact the fire on Veterans Road had on so many people that are now homeless. There are approx. 15-20 Long Term residents that need help in finding a place to live. The Town of Winthrop, the Winthrop Foundation and a Go Fund Me Page has been set up to fund this issue. Council President discusses the speeding in Winthrop, especially is an area of Pleasant St. Town Manager agrees and discusses that maybe a speed bump or rumble strip, ideas that won’t impact plowing and maintenance of the streets. He will keep all updated...A Grant for this particular subject has been awarded but has to be put out to bid. Vice President Ruggiero thanks the Town Manager for his efforts on the Fire on Veterans Rd. The Town Manager states all the help given was town wide within our departments.. There are many that deserve thanks. Councilor Flockhart states the light up sign for speed on Revere St. has been effective! Councilor Aiello...states there are several of these signs that should be deployed throughout the town. There is a speeding problem and people will begin to get injured. Councilor Aiello requests more communication on Town Wide Projects. The current TIP’s project was not advertised enough for communication purposes, we need to relieve some congestion with these projects advancing. We need to communicate and regional deployment of police, we have failed to have a full detour plan posted.....if we ca not get right on small project...bigger once will be a mess... Councilor Munson asks about traffic situation at Douglas on Main St. There had been a circuit board issue.... TM...the parts have been ordered and they will be updates... TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 2, 2023. PAGE 2 Vice President Ruggiero requests info on the future projects schedules on traffic larger projects and asks where we are as for road closures. The Town Manager states that they will work at night and the next phase is National Grid who will complete their work and then waiting until spring for Mass Dot schedules to continue on TIPs Project. Councilor Belcher states that TSAC has begun discussion on the town wide engineering study on where to put crosswalks and is waiting for report. Town Manager believes that a Bump out on sidewalks improves the site line and your standing between 2 cars. Councilor Flockhart piggy backs on Councilor Aiello communication statement and also states that there has been traffic disruptions in the Highlands for over a year and has not seen good communication on this projects progression. This must be improved. COMMISSION OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS Meeting is scheduled for May 10, 2023 OLD BUSINESS ¢ Winthrop Beach Access Points-Still awaiting for meeting with DCR to discuss further. ¢MBTA Review- There is a meeting scheduled which will be reported on at the Next Town Council meeting e Town Council Employee Evaluation —Will be completed and sent to Town Council for review. Council President reports that the Ordinance Review information has been sent to Town Counsel and hopefully a packet of information for the Town Council to review will be available by end of May. Councilor Aiello asks in respect to the Use Ordinance that we have to understand what the outside market has to inform us. We would also need a new Fee Structure for annual registrations and penalties for violations. Would like to spend more time on this after the FY 24 Budget Vote. NEW BUSINESS The Town Manager presents a proposal of the FY24 Budget to the Town Council for review. The Town Council will vote on the FY24 Budget at their June 13, 2023 Town Council Meeting The Finance Commission goes page by page of the budget for them to submit their report to the Town Council Vice President Ruggiero reports that the public and Council should attend the Finance Commission Meetings in order to really understand the Budget Process. Town Council Proclamations for the Town Flag Poles: Proclamation #1- Pride Month is read by Council President ...(Please see attached for complete Proclamation) Motion by Vice President Ruggiero that the Town Council recognizes June 5" _ June 18", 2023 to raise the Pride Month Flag Discussion Councilor Flockhart asks if the CDICR was involved. Vice President Ruggiero states that according to the Flag policy it is up to the Town Council to make the decision 2"! by Councilor Belcher Passed Unanimously Proclamation #2- Juneteenth is read by Council President .. . Please see attached for complete Proclamation) Motion by Vice President Ruggiero that the Town Council recognizes June 19" as Juneteenth and raises the flag for this day. 2™ by Councilor Aiello Passed Unanimously TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 2, 2023 PAGE 3 Council President thanks Vice President Ruggiero for the initiative on these Proclamations Councilor Munson would like a bar to be recognized of what flags can be proclaimed and which may not. Motion by Councilor Aiello to vote to establish consent for the Special Employees Motion 2" by Councilor Belcher ROLL CALL Approve: Councilor Munson, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Flockhart, Vice President Ruggiero, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor DeMarco Motion Passes Motion by Councilor Aiello that the Town Council consider all Town Committee Board Members be considered Special Municipal Employees of the Town of Winthrop 2" by Councilor Belcher Passed Unanimously Council President reports there has been a stamped site plan done on the Middle School. This plan confirms what was thought on the projects boundaries. He is asking the Town Manager to get pricing of demo on the middle school and auditorium. Also would like to review the plot lines and ifneed to do motions for reconfiguring, consider this for review. PUBLIC WAYS-Council President has asked for a list and would like information on how to maintain these properly and limit our liability. PUBLIC COMMENT John Morgan P4-Would like to review the signs for the speed limits. He believes for as many signs there are people have to still look. The clearest message is a set of blue lights in the rear view mirror. He asks that maybe more enforcement. Suzanne Swope P4- Discusses the Cross Walks and believes there are 14 between Seal Harbor and Read St. The Problem is that people tend to stand between cars before the crosswalks and they are not in the view of the driver. Karin Chavis P2- Questions public ways in reference to pvt. Ways. Council President reiterates that we are talking about public ways not private ways. Jack Dowd P1- Reviews that he has reviewed public ways and is concerned with sewer pipes that might be under these ways. The cost of replacing the sewer pipe is up to homeowner from the main to the street and this could be quite costly. Bill Schmidt P5-Discusses the traffic speed and coming from Main St. to Sargent St is extremely dangerous. Wonders what might be able to be done at this corner. PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS- May 17, 2023 —Winthrop Engages-EB Newton Cultural Center 6-8 pm-Participants representing Town Boards, Committees or Departments ---Contact Mary Lou Osborne at Winthrop Library TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 2, 2023 PAGE 4 Before asking for motion to adjourn, Council President Letterie asks each Town Councilor if they have anything further to discuss Councilor Honan- Councilor Fucillo- Councilor Belcher- Councilor Munson Councilor DeMarco- Councilor Aiello- Councilor Flockhart- Vice President Ruggiero- Absent Absent None Oddfellows is offering a lunch for all first responders and residents of the Veterans Rd. on May 13, 2023 from 12-2 pm Absent Attended the independent Film Festival of Boston to see “Never be a Punching Bag for Nobody” Winthrop was prominent and a local business. It will be showing in June at the EB Library and it is a wonderful piece of history that is worth seeing None May 7 Deer Island, WINARC will have their annual walk and roll Rabies Clinic came and went and Town Clerk states it was a success ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Councilor Belcher to adjourn at 8:30 PM 2"! by Councilor Munson 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 MAY 2, 2023, PAGE 5 TOWN OF WINTHROP OFFICE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1852 PROCLAMATION A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a historic celebration that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, and the recognition of the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a day to honor the contributions of African Americans to our society, to celebrate their culture, and to recognize the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality; and WHEREAS, On Thursday, June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law: S. 475, the “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act,” which designates Juneteenth National Independence Day as a legal public holiday and; WHEREAS, The Town of Winthrop understands impact of hate and discrimination all too well as evidenced by the hate crime the occurred in our community on June 26, 2021 that took the lives of David Green and Ramona Cooper; and WHEREAS, the Town of Winthrop recognizes the importance of celebrating and supporting the African American and Black communities, and acknowledges that we must continue to work towards full equality for all members of our community, regardless of their race or ethnicity; and WHEREAS, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter;” NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed that the Winthrop Town Council extends its support in the celebration of Juneteenth, and encourages all residents to join in the commemoration and recognition of the many contributions of our African American and Black neighbors, friends, and family members. We urge our community to come together to support and uplift the African American and Black communities in Winthrop, to stand in solidarity against all forms of racism and discrimination, and to work together to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for all. We call upon all citizens to celebrate the diversity and strength of our community, and to continue working towards a future where everyone can live without fear, prejudice, or discrimination. FURTHER, be it proclaimed that in recognition of the federal holiday of Juneteenth, the Town Council authorizes the Town Administration to fly the Juneteenth Flag on the holiday, June 19th, 2023. TOWN OF WINTHROP OFFICE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1852 PROCLAMATION A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING PRIDE MONTH WHEREAS, the Winthrop Town Council recognizes that June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other gender identities and sexual orientations (LGBTQIA+) community; and WHEREAS, the Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising, which took place in New York City in June 1969, marked a turning point in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and inspired a new era of activism; and WHEREAS, in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and the subsequent first Pride march in New York City in June 1970, millions of Americans across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Nation regularly celebrate the advances made by, and diversity of, the LGBTQIA+ community, and raise awareness of the ongoing struggles of the community each June; and WHEREAS, the Town of Winthrop recognizes and celebrates the many contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community, and strives to continue to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, The Town of Winthrop recognizes the accomplishments of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the first state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, and the Commonwealth’s continued promotion and fostering of the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, as proclaimed by the federal government, "We recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to American society and culture, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle for full equality"; and WHEREAS, as Speaker of the House Bob DeLeo stated in Governor Charlie Baker's 2017 Pride Month proclamation press release, “Pride Month is an invaluable opportunity to recognize the gains we’ve made in ensuring civil rights and to celebrate LGBTQ culture, while reflecting on the work ahead of us,””: NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Winthrop Town Council that June 2023 shall be recognized as Pride Month in the Town of Winthrop, and that we encourage all residents to join in celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community; and FURTHER, be it proclaimed that in recognition of Pride Month, the Town of Winthrop authorizes the Town Administration to fly the LGBTQIA+ Pride Flag to represent all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and all of their intersectionalities from June 5th, 2023 through June 18th, 2023 consistent with Town Policy. 1 White House, Briefing Room, Presidential Actions; A Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month, 2021. June 1, 2021. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/202 1/06/01 /a-prociamation-on-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-and-queer-pride-month-2021/ 2 State Library of Massachusetts, Office of the Governor, Press Releases; Governor Baker. House Speaker DeLeo and Senate President Rosenberg Declare June as LGBT Pride Month, June 6, 2017; https://archives.lib.state.ma.us/handle/2452/7 24775 TOWN OF WINTHROP OFFICE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1852 MOTION Submitted By: Rules and Ordinance Date: 3-29-23 TEXT OF MOTION That the Town Council adopt the following policy: Town Council of the Town of Winthrop, Massachusetts Policy: Use of Flagpoles on Town Property Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the display of flags on property owned by the Town of Winthrop. It is the policy of the Town that flags should be displayed in conformance with federal and state policies as stated in the federal “Our Flag” publication of the United States Congress, House Document No. 96-144; Chapters 2 and 2A of the Massachusetts General Laws. 1. Application. This policy applies to all flagpoles that are, and from time to time may be, in use on real property belonging to the Town of Winthrop and under the control of the Town Council and the Town Manager. Such flagpoles include, without limitation, those located at the Town Hall, the EB Newton School, French Square, and Miller Field. This policy does not apply to flagpoles on Town property under the control of other public bodies, including those at the Winthrop Schools, which are governed by the School Committee and School Superintendent. 2. Expression of Official Sentiment, Not a Public Forum. Town flagpoles are not intended as a forum for free expression by the public. Rather, the decisions of the Town Council or the Town Manager concerning which flags to fly, and when, and from which flagpoles are intended as an expression of official Town sentiment. Flags permitted by the Town Council or the Town Manager to be flown from any Town flagpoles may or may not have some connection with groups using space on Town property, but in each instance, the discretionary choice of the Town Council or the Town Manger to fly or not to fly a flag reflects the will of the Town government, and no group or individual shall have a right to dictate that choice. 3. American Flag. Except during inclement weather, the flag of the United States shall regularly be flown during daylight hours from at least one flagpole at each Town facility that has one or more flagpoles. It shall not be flown at night except when illuminated. It shall be flown at half-staff whenever ordered by the President of the United States, the Governor of Massachusetts, or the Town Manager of the Town to honor the death of a public officer. No flag or banner may be displayed above the flag of the United States, and no flag other than the POW- MIA flag shall be displayed below the American flag on any Town flagpole. The flag of the United States shall be flown in accordance with all applicable laws, including 4 U.S.C. §§ 1 — 10. In the event of any inconsistency between such laws and this policy, such laws shall take precedence. 4, POW-MIA Flag. In accordance with Mass. Acts 1986, c. 399, § 1, the POW-MIA flag shall regularly be flown during daylight hours from a flagpole on the grounds of at least one Town facility. 5. Other Flags. The Town flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public. The following flags may be displayed on the community flagpole at the EB Newton School by the Town as an expression of the Town’s official sentiments: a. Flags Displayed in Conjunction with Official Events or Ceremonies. By resolution of the Town Manager or proclamation of The Town Council, other flags may be displayed at the community flagpole at the EB Newton School. b. Flags of Local or Professional Sports Teams. The Town Council may order the display of a professional or local sports team's flag to commemorate a significant achievement involving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the Town of Winthrop. c. Flags Displayed by Proclamation. By proclamation of the Town Council, other flags may be displayed but may not be displayed in place of the flag of the United States of America. No flag shall be displayed for more than 14 days on the Community flagpole at the EB Newton School with the exception of the flag of the Town of Winthrop. 6. Prior Policies Rescinded. All previous policies regarding Town flags and flagpoles are hereby rescinded. This policy shall take effect upon adoption by the Town Council.