Minutes

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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 
President Letterie calls the meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the 
ROLL CALL TOWN COUNCIL 
Present: Councilor Aiello, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Swope
Councilor Daros, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 
Councilor DeMarco 
MINUTES 
Motion by Vice President Belcher to Approve the Minutes of August 12, 2025, as circulated. 
2 nd by Councilor Tassinari 
Motion Passed 
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 
Citations: 
Water Rescue Citations: 
Kevin Janelis 
Dennis DeCarney 
Donny Lancelot 
Police Chief Good discussion on E-Bikes, Mopeds and Motorized Scooters. The Police are taking these bikes
more seriously as they are being driven incorrectly and some illegally in our town. 
PUBLIC COMMENT 
Sheryl Howard P2- Thanks all of approx. the 2,000 citizens who signed on the Petition to Recall Councilor
Tassinari, it was a great effort on everyone’s part and all should be proud of the hard work that was done. 
Also, Thanks Rep. Turco for his hard work on the Bills to exempt Winthrop from MBTA 3A Zoning. 
Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt P1- Comments on people refraining from wearing an ICE uniform, it can be a showing
of disrespect. 
Norm Hyett P4- Discusses that the town has lost $1.2 Million due to the town being in non compliance with
MBTA 3A Zoning. Asks the Town Council that voted against 3A find funds to cover this grant lost. 
Diane Sands P5-Requests that the Proclamation be read and corrected. This is from Vice President Belcher, not
the Town of Winthrop. Asks how many have housed the immigrants the Lt. Gov. has asked citizens to do, how
many work in food pantries, homeless shelters…etc.. 
Anna Leary P1- Discusses the grant funding that the town has lost due to the town being non compliant with
MBTA 3A. Winthrop will not receive any funding due to this non compliance. These neighborhoods deserve
protection and now an explanation of how this funding will be completed. She requests the Town Councilor
voted NO on 3A to please fund the $1.2 Million that has been lost. 
Marci Hamilton P2- Discusses the letter she wrote to the Town Council on agenda requests. 
Ali Santiago P5 -Discusses the arresting from the ICE Agent in our town and how unlawful this was. 
Mike Kinlin P2- Discusses the funding that it would cost for drain work in the town, close to $75-100 Million
that the town will be asking the people of the town to pay. Our citizens cannot afford this. Delaying the project
only will cost the town more. 
Todd Sacco P5-Discusses the ICE arrests and how the people that were arrested were not as innocent as all
think. He states he can legally wear the attire he has on. Disagrees with the Proclamation that the Town
Council is considering. 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 PAGE 1

Jack Dowd P2- Discusses Woods Hole Study on the towns flooding. 
Patrick Donovan- Discusses that the Town is a good place to call home. He asks who is going to care for
people? 
Cathy Sennot P3- Dicusses that there ate 10 major flooding areas in Winthrop and these are big issues that
have to be addressed. 
William Demo P5- Does not want to reiterate about the consequences of the MBTA 3A issues in our town but
there are issues and they must be addressed. He hears both sides but is troubled by the 3A substance and how
people are going to be victimized? 
Kathleen Cappuccio P2 -Asks where the evidence is with the Proclamation on the Agenda, disagrees with
what is included in this Proclamation and requests this evidence to be forwarded. 
Erin Barcellos P2- Discusses the ICE issue and how wrong this was to her. She was there, she heard what was
said. Hearing the people talking in this room these people need to be protected and that is wrong. 
Mary Crisafi P4- She does not believe there is a lot of Hate in Winthrop, yes disagreements…the problem is
the policy of the 3A, not our government. She discusses that we should not be bullied by the state and them
imposing on not granting or funding our funds for the town. 
Kim Dimes P2- Shares the Beach Clean up, this Sunday on Yirrell Beach 
Buddy Felt P4- Discusses our town becoming a Sanctuary Town, takes away Federal Funds not state. 
Irena Privale P4 -Discusses the emotions in this town, she encourages all to try and deal with just Winthrop
problems. 
Alana P2 -Discusses the WPB who recommended what should be done and this it what people should agree
with. 
Carina Campobasso P3- Had requested that a re-vote for 3A be put on the agenda in hopes that it would help
with a grant that ends Friday, but it was not. What was on agenda is Rep. Turco’s Bills and she feels the state
does not care whether or not we agree with these Bills. The council needs to re-vote on MBTA 3A and get in
compliance. 
Catherine Walker P5- Asks Town Council to reconsider and vote Yes on MBTA 3A 
Lee Foley P6 -Thanks Vice President Belcher for the proclamation on the agenda. 
Mark Sennott P2- Mandate of 3A is to build, not paper compliant. 
Jill Fornick P3- General comments on immigration and reflecting what she has seen on line 
Lois Baxter P3 -Say no to MBTA 3A…flooding is everywhere, we are not going to lose money due to 3A, the
state has no money to give. 
Lisa Alberghini P4 -Does not feel correct to raise taxes for the Town Council’s wrong doing. Solution is not to
take from elsewhere in our town budget…get it from the state…Vote Yes, 3A and asks that the Town Council
vote for the proclamation. Due Process for all. 
Brian Martykewics P3 -MBTA 3A is a slippery slope as the state wants to come in and tell us what to do but
the Federal Government is making people disappear. Please vote for the proclamation. 
Kurt Millar P2- The Effect of being in non compliance will have a lasting effect. We should also be fighting to
be exempt. As for Grants applied for , we also have to think how we will be using these funds long term. 
We should be asking each other “why” not just attack each other. 
Kim Witthause P6- Important to know facts of all subjects in discussion 
Cassie Witthause P6- People should not be scared about MBTA 3A..regulations still have to be followed. All
people deserve due process. Please make sure you vote !! 
Ms. Jones P1- Asks what is the plan for the flood victims in this town? If we don’t comply, then what are you
going to do to help save these peoples, my home? 
Nick Agri P2- Looking for the citizens to find common ground with the problems we face. 
Deandra Adasio P3- Questions the funding that we are not receiving due to not being in compliance with 3A. 
Vasili Mallios P1 -Asks the Town Council to support Rep. Turco Bills 
Ms. Henry P1 -Discusses that if we updated the number of people in Winthrop, the state would approve
granting. 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 PAGE 2

Motion by Councilor Tassinari to allow more public comments 
Passed Unanimously 
Diane Sands P5- People are affected by MBTA 3A. You should compare to where you live, how would you
like it. Not sure but believes we are not guaranteed grants from the state. Still do not have the Condo Docs that
have been asked for about MBTA 3A in Seal Harbor. 
Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt P1 -We are being stripped of grants and it is because we are not in compliance with
3A..we either accept the alternative to an exemption or go paper compliance. 
Todd Sacco P2 -The State has continuously changed the rules and regulations to MBTA 3A…it is very clear,
they reserve the right to continue to keep changing the rules. These Grants are not being denied just because of
3A. 
Motion by Councilor DeMarco to defer from Council Rules and take Vice President Belchers
Proclamation motion out of order 
2 nd by Councilor DaRos 
Roll Call Vote 
Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Swope
Councilor DaRos, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie 
Motion Passes 
Motion by Vice President Belcher that the Town Council adopt that the Town of Winthrop is a
welcoming and inclusive community that values the dignity, rights and contributions of all residents
regardless of their immigration status. 
2 nd by Councilor Tassinari 
Discussion 
Vice President Belcher Discusses the Proclamation and especially what it is Not…. 
Each Town Councilor Discusses their views of this proclamation. 
Roll Call Vote: 
Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Daros, Vice President Belcher 
No: Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Swope, Council President Letterie 
Motion for Proclamation Does Not Pass 
Motion by Councilor Aiello to defer from Council Rules and take Rep. Turco’s Bill’s out of order 
2 nd by Councilor Tassinari 
Rep. Turco has filed 3 Bills: 
Passed Unanimously 
Motion by Council President that the Town Council Vote on the following Bills by Rep. Turco: 
#2343 Legislation to repeal the MBTAS communities act, so called. Municipalities and Regional Government 
#2344 Legislation to require safe harbor exceptions to the multi-family zoning as-of-right in certain MBTA
Communities. Municipalities and Regional Government 
#2345 Communities of less than two square miles be exempt from provisions of the MBTA communities act,
so called. Municipalities and Regional Government 
2 nd by Councilor Tassinari 
Discussion 
Each Town Councilor reviews and discusses each Bill … 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 PAGE 3

Councilor DeMarco asks Town Manager Marino if last year when we were compliant with 3A , did we get the
MVP Grant. Town Manager replies No. 
Motion by Councilor DaRos to vote on each of Rep. Turco’s Bills separately 
2 nd by Councilor Tassinari 
Discussion 
Council Tassinari states that we did have a 3A paper compliance in place and we voted NO, this
exempted us. 
Passed Unanimously 
Roll Call Vote on Each Bill: 
#2343 Legislation to repeal the MBTAS communities act, so called. Municipalities and Regional Government 
Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Swope
President Letterie 
No: Vice President Belcher, Councilor DaRos 
Motion Passes 
#2344 Legislation to require safe harbor exceptions to the multi-family zoning as-of-right in certain MBTA 
Communities. Municipalities and Regional Government 
Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Swope
Councilor Daros, Vice President Belcher, President Letterie 
Motion Passes 
#2345 Communities of less than two square miles be exempt from provisions of the MBTA communities act,
so called. Municipalities and Regional Government 
Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor DeMarco, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Swope Vice
President Belcher, President Letterie 
No: Councilor DaRos 
Motion Passes 
CORRESPONDENCE 
• Scott Mahoney Wright would like the Council to refer to Council Decorum and 3 mins during public
comment 
• The Following would like the Town Council to reconsider their vote and vote to be in compliance with
MBTA 3A: 
• Ryan Bradshaw, Nick Agri, Alyson Casey Dewer, Nellie Kurtz, Julia Wallerce as homeowner in
Winthrop, Gary Skomro, Carina Campobasso, Norm Hyett 
• Approves of Proclamation-Alyson Casey Dewer 
• Dis-Approves Proclamation-Sheryl Howard 
• Marci Hamilton requests Chief of Police to do an immigration and ice policy presentation 
• Vasili Mallios requests that all Town Councilors vote to approve Rep. Turco’s 3A Bills 
COMMITTEE REPORTS 
Fire House Building Committee-Monday Sept. 29, 2025 5:00 PM Next Meeting 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 PAGE 4

SCHOOL COMMITTEE 
Council President reports it was a back to school meeting. First day of school went well, Superintendent did
first day of school report, well received. Hired 30 new position (fills). First Football game this Friday. 
4:30 will be a dedication to Coach DeFelice 
UPDATE POLICY COMMITTEES 
No updates 
TOWN MANAGER REPORT-See Attached Report 
Please see copy attached….. 
Update on Yirrell Beach 
Markers for Fire Hydrants are no longer needed. They are all marked with GPS. 
Update on Tree on Bowdoin St. will be on the Town Website 
Councilor Swope discusses that Rich Ferrino would like to be part of the historic with the new Fire House
Building. 
Vice President Belcher asks if there any updates on Yirrell, the cost, the source of funding will be winter
protection for beach…any progress with DEP on reclassification? 
Councilor Tassinari thanks Town Manager and DPW Director on the Revere St. Project and have sidewalks
ready. 
Councilor Aiello asks about the ADU’s and if people can actually request an ADU without our own
Ordinances. 
OLD BUSINESS 
Town Council vote to approve the draft of the ADU Ordinance without a recommendation from the Planning
Board-Council President refers to the Rules & Ordinance 
Ordinance Review Committee recommendation-Town Council Change-To be continued 
Abandonment-This will be tabled until 9-16-25 Town Council Meeting 
NEW BUSINESS 
Airport & Nautical Committee- Council President Requests any interested parties please complete an
application 
Motion to request the Planning Board to review the current parking requirements in the CBD to consider
possible modifications- Council President refers to the Planning Board 
Motion by Councilor DaRos that the Town Council vote to Accept MGL c.138 §12D that On Premise
Wine & Malt Current License Holders can trade their license 
for a An All Alcohol On Premise Liquor License (ABCC Application must be completed and approved by
our BOL and submitted to the ABCC for final approval) 
2 nd by Councilor Swope 
Roll Call Vote 
Yes: Councilor Aiello, Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Swope, Councilor DaRos, 
Vice President Belcher, President Letterie 
No: Councilor DeMarco 
Motion Passes 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 PAGE 5

PUBLIC COMMENT 
Ariana -Comments on the Proclamation and ICE being in our town randomly abducting people. 
Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt P1 -Perplexed how some did not approve the Proclamation. 
Kathleen Cappuccio P2- Remarks that a Council Member that has been sanctioned should accept we all have
opinions. 
Jack Dowd P2- Comments on immigration. Wants town not to have to spend on flooding. 
Brendan Cooper P2 -The Town has a moral responsibility to help the flooding victims. He does not feel safe
that the town will help. 
Kurt Millar P2 -Discusses the Liquor License and this new law will help out our businesses. Maybe transition
our Brown Bag Licenses? 
Mike Kinlin P2 -States it is hard not to get emotional with issues in our town. If the town has to ask for a debt
exclusion all our taxpayers should not have to pay for this. Everything is not the same as it was in
1985…..Sandbags is not the answer for these flooding victims in our town. 
Lee Foley P6- Discusses the issues that ICE has with immigrants and what is happening to these people
especially morally. 
Mark Sennott P2 -Does this make more Liquor Licenses available with the new MGL 
Sheryl Howard P2 -Fees very bad for Flooding Victims…has a question…who approved the Berm Removal of
Morton St. Since this walkway, the flooding has been worse? 
Erin Barcello P5- Eye opening! 
Lisa Alberghini P6-Cannot believe the Town Councilors that are not supporting 3A, what is the problem? How
do you plan on helping these flooding victims. Cannot understand the concerns of the Town Councilors that
voted against the Proclamation. Concerned for the lack of concern for the Winthrop residents. 
Vasili Mallios P1 -Informational session should be done on MBTA 3A zoning. Bring all up to date. An initiative
petition has been mentioned. Believes there is one out there for the AG Office. 
Todd Sacco P5- Discussses MBTA 3A State Problems with this law 
Councilor Aiello explains he has a great deal of respect for Ms. Cappuccio as she does for him, he was
concerned when the young lady who described herself as an immigrant was beginning to “get into it” with Ms.
Cappuccio, he became concernred of this issue getting worse. Since the other public speaker had the floor he
asked Ms. Cappuccio to refrain from talking, he is sorry she did not appreciate it, he meant no disrespect. 
PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS 
o Nomination Papers for the Local Election 11-4-25 Available Clerks Office/Deadline September 16, 2025 
o Farmers Market Every Sunday June through Sept. 9-1pm-Ingleside Park 
o Committee Opening for Board of License Member 
ADJOURNMENT 
Motion to adjourn by Councilor Tassinari at 10:05 pm 
2 nd by Vice President Belcher 
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 SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 PAGE 6