Minutes

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Listening Post Session Meeting Minutes 
January 28, 2026 
Harvey Hearing Room 6-7 pm 
Vice President Swope-Precinct 4 
Attendance: 
Zoom: 
Erin Barcellos 
Lenora Foley 
Carol Meitzsch 
Diana Viens 
In person: 
William Demo 
Jack Dowd 
Carl Eckstein 
Jim Gallagher 
Kirt Millar, Councilor at Large 
Purpose: The purpose of this listening post is designed to gather contributions Winthrop residents might consider
making to improve our community and to hear concerns, compliments and suggestions regarding our ongoing work.
These sessions are meant foster community dialogue. As indicated, this is an opportunity to listen. 
Ideas presented: 
Why not consider the Ferry area in 3A? (Erin Barcellos) 
I recommend that we include with the planning board's recommendation on 3A a provision stating that, should an
exemption be granted, this plan would become null and void. (Erin Barcellos) 
Wants a deeper discussion about 3A due to conflicting arguments. (William Demo) 
How will the concerns over 3A be addressed in the future? (Diana Viens) 
Kurt Millar and Carl Eckstein expressed their opposition to 3A. Kurt also stressed the need for practical steps to make
Winthrop safer and less densely populated. 
Jack Dowd expresses his disappointment with how the exemption case is being challenged. He believes that if the
State were to take control of Winthrop, it would have catastrophic consequences. According to Dowd, many people
misunderstand Section 3A, wrongly assuming that no changes will occur, a view with which he strongly disagrees. 
Appreciation for the opportunity to engage in continued open dialogue on shared challenges like infrastructure.
(Diana Viens, Carol Meitzsch) 
Recommendation to broadcast this meeting on WCAT? (Lenora Foley) 
How can one ensure a positive living experience in Winthrop? It is essential to focus on fundamental aspects—
effective governance, quality public services, and strong educational institutions. (Jim Gallagher) 
Meeting Ended at 7:05 PM