Minutes
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 3, 2024 President Letterie calls Town Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Harvey Hearing Room ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Absent: Councilor DaRos MINUTES Motion by Vice President Belcher to Approve the Approval of Minutes of November 19, 2024 as circulated. 2 nd by Councilor Swope Councilor DeMarco abstains Motion Passed GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Nate Cramer and Kathleen Hickey of the Assessor’s Office discuss the FY25 Towns Tax Classification Please see copy of Presentation on Town Website PUBLIC HEARING(S) Public Hearing Opened Town Council appropriate the sum of $368,000 to pay for the Design and Engineering cost of water main replacements Discussion Public Hearing Closed Public Hearing Opened Town Council vote to authorize the Town to accept & expend the amount of $475,000 in the form of a Grant from Clean Water Trust Discussion Public Hearing Closed PUBLIC COMMENT Peter Gill P5-Opposes Fires Station at the Middle School Site. Believes the Basketball courts is a better suited location. The Middle School site should be used for housing. Requests Town Council to discuss this matter at the meeting. Jack Dowd P1-Gives information to Councilor Swope on the Winthrop Pathways and Walkways Requests a re-evaluation on the current Fire House to review if could be reconstructed. Marci Hamilton P2-Commented on the Town Council vote on 3A. Requests Town Council to report updates with MWRA and Massport Contracts. Todd Sacco P5-Discusses the Town Council Abandonment Clause Lois Baxter P2-Discusses the endorsement of the Pauline St. location to be chosen for the new Fire Station. Motion by Councilor Tassinari to allow a nonresident, Attorney Kuzinski to speak on behalf of 76 Summit St. Easement 2 nd by Councilor DeMarco Passed Unanimously Attorney Kuzinski continues discussion on this easement and requests Town Council to approve this request. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 1 CORRESPONDENCE Brian Perrin’s letter is read into the record of his opposition of the town releasing the public pathway on 76 Summit Ave. COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee Vice President Belcher reports on meeting and that motions reviewed were both voted with a positive recommendation and reviewed the FY25 Tax Classification and did discuss a residential exemption to be reviewed in the future and was voted with a positive recommendation. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE Town Council President reports that the School Override Question and reviewing budget to ask for another election to be held was discussed. A warrant was voted on. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager report is now issued electronically and posted on the website for any questions or comments. The Town Manager did want to include that the authorization for the sidewalk study has been completed and he will schedule a presentation to the Town Council in the future. Councilor Swope requests that though the Town Manager may believe not voting for 3A will be difficult for the town, she requests he still support the vote. Requests pathways are included in any sidewalk studies in the future. Councilor Aiello asks if there has been any correspondence with the AG on 3A. Town Manager reports we are not out of compliance until 12-31-24 Councilor Aiello asks all updates be posted on website. Reports unfortunately, the Town Council did not ask for a formal presentation from the WPB to discuss and he has two comments he would like clarification on -CBD and whether the guidance read to us is in fact irrelevant with our draft settlement with the state…they were accepting our zoning -All other language that was read…if you intend to create a new mixed use development does not impact us…WPB said the CBD will not be a 3A district and not subject to mixed use… TM-Yes, this is a true statement… Councilor Aiello asks our town attorney if the Town Council has any personal liability since the voted against the State on MBTA 3A. Attorney Cipoletta discusses and explains the town might be considered in violation of the law and how the Governor and Attorney General can request a court order of the town violating this law. There is a broader explanation of what the future holds on communities that did not comply with this law. Vice President P Belcher requests on next TM report an update on Yirrell Beach… Councilor Tassinari…Discusses the .FY26 Budget planning and requests a consultant review a Master plan and a physical impact study …we making decisions that have no contribution to what we want our town to look like in the next 30 years and would like this to change and be updated. We need to consider the climate resilience and the future costs Councilor Munson…He wants this on record that this report should be read allowed and discussed He thought Morton St. gathering great….sandbag plan worked on where to install these bags in the best place…worked with DPW Calla and neighbors… Best place for these bags were against the property. There has been a resolution on traffic during flood times. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 2 Engineering Design quote will be brought forward to the Town Council Monies have been set aside for coastal towns., but, these grants are contingent on being 3A compliant. Councilor Tassinari requests follow up on Morton and Banks design…do we have follow up on Girdlestone and Tileston? Director Calla reports that hydraulic is complete and have a memo report…will discuss with the Town Manager This also includes Pico area… Councilor Costigan asks if vehicle buy out parking effects 3A? Town Manager reports ,no He requests that though the Town Council voted no on 3A, the Town Managers office respect this while in discussions with the state. Town Manager Marino reports he and his staff will always be the greatest advocates on any discussions with the State in reference to the Town. Whether he agreed with vote or not, he will always push for Grant monies. CDICR No Meeting UPDATE POLICY MAKING COMMITTEES Up to Date on Committee Meetings OLD BUSINESS Motion by Councilor DeMarco to waive the reading of the motion 2 nd by Councilor Swope Passed Unanimously Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council appropriate the sum of $368,000 to pay for the Design and Engineering cost of water main replacements... (Motion was attached) No 2 nd Needed Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Absent: Councilor DaRos Motion Passes Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council vote to authorize the Town to accept & expend the amount of $475,000 in the form of a Grant from Clean Water Trust ..(Motion was attached) No 2 nd Needed Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Absent: Councilor DaRos Motion Passes TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 3 Motion by the Finance Committee with a positive recommendation that the Town Council maintains a shift of one single class rate between residential and commercial property, not recommending a discount to be granted to open space, a residential exemption or a small commercial exemption No 2 nd Needed Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Absent: Councilor DaRos Motion Passes FIRE STATION DISCUSSION Town Council President reports that the survey sent out for location was roughly 55% favored Pauline St. and 45% favored Walden St. He requests a vote on this and goes forward with this discussion of the debt exclusion vote for the new Fire Station. Vice President Belcher is leaning towards the Walden St. location. Councilor DeMarco asks about a backup plan if the vote is opposed. Councilor Aiello discusses the School Override and the need for more discussion and explanation of this vote, he believes would have helped the outcome of this vote. He requests a more detailed question for the Schools. He asks discussions on all be stopped and put everything together to discuss what this town needs and how to dig us out of the hole. We have no plan, we are not read to vote. Councilor Tassinari requests the removal of the Middle School as well Councilor Munson does not want to prolong process and believes the Walden St. location for the Fire Station would be best. Councilor Aiello does not feel that costs are sufficient, we need more information. We are not voting in favor for the taxpayers…we need more options… He will be voting against both Overrides at this point. Town Council President reiterates that we have received information from the residents that we are ready to begin this vote and move forward with this Fire Station. The conditions that our Fire Men are living is deplorable. We need to ask the public what they want. To not continue this conversation is unjust. We have been incredibly attentive to our town’s infrastructure but we also have to be aware of costs. Town Council President is open to a motion to vote… Motion by Vice President Belcher to consider the Walden St. location for the Fire Station Debt Exclusion Vote to be on a future ballot No 2 nd was given Motion does not pass Town Council President reports discussion of Fire House will again be continued….. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 4 Summit Ave Pathway Councilor Swope reports months of discussion on this project. There have been several committee meetings on this particular project and the committee was voting with a positive recommendation until further comments from the public opposing the town releasing this pathway came into light… Discussion continues that these pathways are an important part of history for this town and we should consider some maintenance for these pathways to be restored. Motion by the Town Council to release this pathway to the homeowner on 76 Summit Ave. to put in a driveway ROLL CALL No: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Munson, Councilor Aiello, Councilor Swope, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie Yes: President Letterie Absent: Councilor DaRos Motion Does Not Pass COUNCILOR ATTENDANCE Town Council President discusses the last meetings and the attendance has not been favorable by certain councilors. At this point he council would have to motion for the current abandonment clause not to take effect. There are two councilors that have technically abandoned their positions. The town deserves proper attendance by all councilors. This will continue at next Town Council Meeting for a motion Town Council President reports on developing a committee an Advisory Committee on Affordable Housing PUBLIC COMMENT -Marci Hamilton P2-Requests information and updates on all flooding areas in town be discussed at each Town Council meeting. -Todd Sacco P5-Discusses the State trying to bully towns with the forcing them to vote yes on 3A in order to be considered for grants. It is just wrong. -Lois Baxter P5-Consider public safety building on Pauline St. -Cassie Withause P6-Does thank all TC and does not think paid enough and thanks all ….it would be helpful to have an estimate on the Fire Station…make it clear to all on what is familiar….pass out in town….build awareness and educate people…. Excited a new affordable housing committee will be considered….there are guidelines that will have to be followed….there are a lot of offers out there that we can research. Transparency and accountability are very important…. -Charles Scott P6-Thanks the Town Council considering the request for the path….also would like to add that path way stairs should be replaced but lighting is very important….he can name several…but cost should be considered…. -Mark Sennot feels fire house debt exclusion is in jeopardy Prior to 3A, Town Council has committed to take care of the flooding victims…this flooding has nothing to do with 3A…It is a flooding issue separate from 3A…6 mos prior to 3A ever being discussed… -Gina Edgett P6-Discussed the camera staying on the Summit Ave pathway…she has video on drug use… She would like it to stay for safety reasons….dept. of public works please take care of the pathway…it needs a lot of repair work… -Marci Hamilton P2-Do we have an ER Plan in case of a catastrophe? TM Yes we do…. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 5 -Karin Chavis P2-This Town Council abandonment clause was not done intentionally to hurt anyone…it was for scheduled meetings only and for Town Councilors that chose not to come, but why? She cannot believe that this Town Council would not vote on the Fire House….it is wrong…why is Fire Station being postponed AGAIN…..she only gets involves with what she believes in and she believes our fire men deserve better. Hopes all Town Councilors that did not vote are very happy with themselves and asks that they once again visit our current Fire House and how safety personnel are are living. Lisa Howard – Superintendent of Schools would like to clarify the School Override Question and this particular subject has been discussed in complete detail. If the Town Council ever had a problem with this Override Question why did you not attend a School Committee Meeting, why did you not ask the Town Council President who is on the School Committee. Her comments are for a full clarity of this transparent and detailed information of the limited funds the school has had over the years. She is stumped that any Town Councilor does not understand the need of this Override. She is open for any questions from anyone, especially the Town Councilors. -Vasilli Mallios P5-Gives shout out to new fencing on River Rd that DPW put in -Kathleen Capuccio P5-Lisa Howard said everything she wanted to say….and believes it outrageous any councilor would make any derogatory comments on the School Committee and the Override Question She is amazed that there was no 2 nd on the Fire Station Motion. Our Firefighters are working in non- compliant facilities. PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS Closing 12-24-24 at 12:00pm / Closed 12-25-24 / Open 12-26-24 from 8:00am-4:30pm Closing 12-31-24 at 4:30 pm / Closed 1-1-25 / Open 1-2-25 from 8:00am-4:30pm ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Vice President Belcher at 9:00 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 DECEMBER 3, 2024 PAGE 6