Minutes
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 1, 2023 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER 7:00 ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Munson, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart President Letterie PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilor Flockhart MINUTES Motion by Councilor Belcher to Approval of Minutes, July 18, 2023, as circulated 2nd by Councilor Fucillo Passed Unanimously GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS None PUBLIC HEARING(S) None PUBLIC COMMENTS There are many citizens here at the meeting and Town Council President Letterie reiterates the respectful protocol that should be addresses by every person that wishes to speak. He also wants to bring the audience up to speed on how this decision was discussed Back in 2018 the Town Manager hired an engineer Kessler & Boos 2019 Televised with several sights as an option 2021 Televised with two specific sights 7th Hole of Golf Course and A Field Little League 2022-2023 Focused on two different sights current station on Pauline St. and the proposed site on Winthrop St. The Middle School site the town feels should be used as economic stimulus for the town. Proposed sights, the current firehouse and the proposed site on Winthrop St. both include eminent domain takings. The Winthrop St. site included two “friendly” takings while the current Fire House would include several takings including some which could have been “hostile” takings. Also discussed displacement of the existing firehouse if this was chosen. Winthrop prides itself on businesses and does not want to lose any and the Town Manager has already begun discussion with the owner of the Wadsworth Building on tenants that may want to relocate. The process from now until November will include all updates on this proposal which is online. Tonight there will be a Fire House Building Committee formed which will educate and answer any questions anyone might have. In November there will be a debt exclusion vote on the ballot with no set cost, but in the next several months, there will be more detail in costs. Monday 2-4 and Wednesday 5-7 President Letterie will be available for any meetings. Sandro Camino along with his brother Patsy make a statement in reference to their business, the Meat Market which is a Winthrop Business for over 30 years and explains that they just found out about the potential sale of the building that they lease the business in and immediately started to think about what their future will hold? TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 1, 2023 PAGE 1 Will any move affect their customer rate, increase rent, moving costs; loyal customers….They will not be closing their business as this is their primary income for their families. He hopes that the Town Council will support this business; they support the Fire House but also want support for their business. Terry Delehanty P6- Strong supporter of the Meat Market especially for all they have done for this community. They are considered family and not just a business to so many, especially the police and fire departments. He expects as a taxpayer that these businesses are taken care of and also understands that the Fire House needs to be completed. Eric Gaynor P4-Being involved with numerous non-profit organizations in this town he explains the importance of the Meat Market and how they have donated so much of their time and is asking Town Council to listen to the sentiment of the community. Frank Costantino P2- Business owner and frequent customer of Meat Market. Feels the residence of this community has to be more informed. No public input was asked for this proposed sight and there are several other sights available. P2-Asks the Town Council to consider another location for the Fire House. Discusses the Middle School and the towns decision not to use it and use it for economic stimulous….it can be developed several different ways…we do not need more traffic from any housing that may be put there. Complaint about parking on Winthrop St with the parking. Why would a public safety building be put near a day care. Daniel Felcia P3-Agree we need a new Fire Station but is concerned that more time and distant would be a hazard to Point Shirley Residence Vasilli Malios P5-Not in favor of more development at the Middle School but feels we could use for a complete Public Safety Building. Asks why with 50 acres of the Golf Course is not considered. Feels that the town instead of visiting other options keeps increasing our taxes of which people are going to have to leave town as they cannot afford it. We have to move this town forward and look at a bigger picture. Jack Dowd P1- Has been talking about the Middle School and Ingleside park for several years and the map that has been used is incorrect and has been. He has done research and this is Parkland that has a process that must be used. Kathleen Capuccio P3-Asks that in the future consider the crowd and used a larger venue. She reiterates that this will be a NO VOTE in November. She is in favor of a new Fire Station but this area is wrong and Town Council should go back to the drawing board. Josh P5-Engineer and gets the impression that the process is backwards in the town with this proposed project. Every sight has a different design that should be reviewed. He discusses the details of this project and how the turning radius is, how will the trucks pull out in comparison to the Middle School which could developed this new Fire House Project. The town needs to rethink this process. Council President reiterates that all the locations that were discussed were with different designs. Betsy Shane-Winthrop Chamber of Commerce. Would like to keep in mind there are numerous businesses in the Wadsworth Building and reiterates that the town has limited space for these small businesses. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 1, 2023 PAGE 2 Andrew Gilfoyle P6-Asks about the Metcalf Memorial if it will be moved? Town Council President answers NO, the memorial will not be touched. Ray Cariello P2-Feels that the Fire Station and Police Station both needs updates. Has the town considered if they do the Safety Building at the Middle School has anyone considered adding a 2nd floor to be able to rent space John Stasio P3-Questions on Wadsworth Building and asks if this is a Historic Building? It is a historical building but not a historical district. He thinks it seems why not use the current Fire House and expand on this. Lois Baxter P2-Totally opposed to building this project at this proposed location. Totally believes that the Middle School should be used for both Fire and Police Station. Darlene Brown cannot find minutes on line and asks that they be brought up to date. She had trouble finding them. Comments were made on the Ex. Session Meeting and Town Council President reiterates this meeting was not on the Wadsworth Building. Town Council President discusses that no one wants to put anyone out of business and asks that people understand the process and plans. Trisha Noonan P6-Asks about the vote and it is voted down does that mean no Fire Dept. at all? Town Council President discuses that no, we would lose the proposed sight not that we need a Fire Station. Public Comment Closed 5 Min Recess Return back to open session CORRESPONDENCE Several emails in reference to the Proposed Fire Station Also one in reference to a gas tank on her property of which Deputy Chief Calliandro reported back. COMMITTEE REPORTS Rules & Ordinance Vice President Ruggiero reports on the past meetings which discussed the Town Hall Municipal Lot and it was voted on with a Positive Recommendation but will be voted on after a Public Hearing at the next Town Council Meeting. Air BnB discussion and discussed general themes that the Town Council and Town Counsel must review. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT REPORT The next meeting is next Monday TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager is currently out of Town TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 1, 2023 PAGE 3 COMMISSION OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS- Next Meeting 8-9-23 OLD BUSINESS Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a positive recommendation that the Town Council Rules & Procedures Rule #11 Section B (6) include the following: Council members are expected to dress, at a minimum, in “business casual” attire at all Town Council meetings including subcommittee meetings. No 2nd Needed Approve: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Munson, Councilor Belcher, Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart President Letterie Opposes: Councilor DeMarco Motion Passes Motion by Councilor Belcher to accept the Appointment made by Council President Letterie to appoint Marc Chapdelain to the Board of Appeals 2nd by Councilor Fucillo Discussion Vice President Ruggiero asks if this will fill the board and if not how many needed? Passed Unanimously Motion by Councilor Fucillo to accept the Appointment made by Council President Letterie to appoint Jason Pollutro to the Planning Board 2nd by Councilor Belcher Discussion Vice President Ruggiero asks if this will fill the board and if not how many needed? Yes-5 No-0 4-Abstain Motion Passes Motion by Councilor Fucillo to accept the Appointment made by Council President Letterie to appoint Rachel Alabiso to the Commission of Diversity, Inclusions and Community Relations 2nd by Councilor DeMarco Discussion Vice President Ruggiero asks if this will fill the board and if not how many needed? Passed Unanimously Motion by Councilor DeMarco to accept the Appointment made by Council President Letterie to appoint Karin Chavis, Joe Hanlon and Shannon Poulos to the Finance Commission 2nd by Councilor Belcher Discussion Passed Unanimously Motion by Councilor Belcher to accept the Appointment made by Council President Letterie to appoint Alice Haskell and Linda Cronin to the Council on Aging 2nd by Councilor Fucillo Discussion Passed Unanimously TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 1, 2023 PAGE 4 Motion by Councilor Belcher to accept the Appointment made by Council President Letterie to appoint Patricia Singarello and John Dowd to the Parks Committee 2nd by Councilor Fucillo Discussion Passed Unanimously Motion by Councilor Fucillo to accept the Appointment made by Council President Letterie to appoint Richard Ferrino to the Historical Commission 2nd by Councilor Fucillo Discussion Passed Unanimously Motion by Councilor Fucillo to accept the Appointment made by Council President Letterie to appoint Julia Wallerce to the TSAC Commission 2nd by Councilor Fucillo Discussion Councilor Munson asked that if this is a position she is interested in, yes she is 7 Yes 1-Abstain 1 No NEW BUSINESS Vice President Ruggiero recognizes Council President Letterie Motion by Council President Letterie that the Proclamation read will make August 26, 2023 Mike Eruzione Day and the Olympic Flag be raised (See copy attached) 2nd by Councilor Aiello Approve: Councilor Honan, Councilor Fucillo, Councilor Munson, Councilor Belcher, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Aiello, Vice President Ruggiero, Councilor Flockhart President Letterie Motion Passes Council President Appoints members to the Fire House Building Committee to educate and articulate the thoughts of the Town Council, Town Manager, Fire Chief and pass this on to the residents for information. Members Jim Letterie or Designee Scott Wiley or Designee Frank Costantino Karin Chavis Kim Dimes Tom Chiudina Josh Castellano Jill Dorr Chris Boyce Joe Aiello Alternates Joe Aiello Charles Flanagan Anthony Marino Dennis Boudrow Honary Member Richard Bangs Paul Flanagan Larry Powers TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 1, 2023 PAGE 5 PUBLIC COMMENT Jack Dowd P1-Discusses the Ex. Session could have been a discussion on the Proposed Fire Station Project and does not think the Odd Fellows Building should be left out of this equation. Council President cannot respond to anything in Ex. Session but believes the Police Station will need to be addressed in the very near future. Karin Chavis P2-Reports that there is still 1 member needed for Finance Commission Discusses that the residents are still very confused on this project and would like the public educated on Exactly what will happen if this vote does not go through? PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS- Committee Openings: Board of Appeals, CDICR, Citizens Finance & Airport Hazards Movie Night August 26, 2023 Miracle on Ice shown on Winthrop Beach Nomination Papers for the 11-7-23 Election are now available at the Town Clerks Office/Deadline to Return 9-19-2023 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 Comments as a Business Owner how heartwarming that the residents came together for the Meat Market and thanks all for their concerns and interaction Councilor Belcher-None Councilor DeMarco- Agree to 80-90% of Councilor Munson Councilor Aiello-None Councilor Flockhart-None Vice President Ruggiero-August 9th Basketball games grades 6th through 8th ran by the WPD & CASA at the Walden St. Courts Council President thanks Chief Wiley for his presence at this meeting as the Town Manager is away and asks if he has anything to say? Chief Wiley thanks all for their commitment and reiterates how desperately this town needs a new Fire Station and that the doors to the Fire Station are always open and if anyone wants to see the condition of the building please come by and take a tour. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Councilor DeMarco to adjourn at 8:45 PM 2nd by Council Vice President Ruggiero 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, Council Clerk TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 1, 2023 PAGE 6