Minutes
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2026 President Letterie calls the meeting to order at 6:30 PM ROLL CALL Present: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES Motion by Councilor Dimes to Approve the Minutes of March 24, 2026, as circulated. 2 nd by Councilor Millar Motion Passed GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS PUBLIC HEARING(s) o Public Hearing Open Town Council Appropriate Retained Earnings in Waterway/Harbormaster Enterprise Fund/Repair Maint. Floats Discussion Public Hearing Closed o Public Hearing Open Town Council Vote to Modify General Funds Budgets for FY26 Discussion Public Hearing Closed o Public Hearing Open Amendment to Add New Ordinance 8.37.00-Land Disturbance and Erosion Control Discussion o Public Hearing Closed PUBLIC COMMENT Brianna Rizzotti speaks on behalf of the Girls Winthrop Varsity Softball Team and the deplorable conditions of the softball field at Ingleside Park that was promised to them to be ready for the beginning of their season. Not only is there a problem with this field, the entire team feels “slighted” the way they are treated in comparison to not only the boys teams but in using Cellucci Field which is their alternative field but the soccer players and coaches take over and prevent them from using this as they need. Director of Parks and Rec, Sean Driscoll understands the frustration and has worked hard to have this field completed and with the final stages of our last two snow storms and Mother Nature just not cooperating at all it has been very hard to complete the field but he promises to work with the crew in hopes of expediting the condition of this field for the girls and will discuss problems happening at Cellucci Field. Also reminds all that the schools schedule takes priority of any other teams. There should be some type of maintenance team that works to keep these fields up for the town and schools. Chris Evans the Vice President of the Little League has vendors that he would like to share with the town in getting these fields ready as they have already completed the maintenance of several fields already. These girls should not have to play on baseball fields as the structure is different from softball and not safe. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 7, 2026 PAGE 1 John Morgan P4-Discusses the new Commission on Disability 2 nd Edition Hand Books…these books are extremely helpful with many resources. Please contact the Commission or Town Clerks Office for a copy. These will soon be on our town website electronically. Jack Dowd P4-Discusses the funding Massport received from their passengers tickets to help with the cost of soundproofing homes. CORRESPONDENCE None COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee Councilor Tassinari reports on the Finance Committee Meeting and had discussion on two motions that were both voted on with positive recommendations : • Town Council Appropriate Retained Earnings in Waterway/Harbormaster Enterprise Fund/Repair & Maint. Floats- • Town Council Vote to Modify General Funds Budgets for FY26 Motion by Councilor Dimes to take these two motions out of order 2 nd by Vice President Swope Motion Passed Councilor Tassinari reads motion in full…. • Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council Appropriate Retained Earnings in Waterway/Harbormaster Enterprise Fund/Repair & Maint. Floats… No 2 nd Needed Motion Passed Unanimously Councilor Tassinari reads motion in full…. • Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the Town Council Vote to Modify General Funds Budgets for FY26 No 2 nd Needed Motion Passed Unanimously Public Health Safety & Works Committee Vice President Swope reports on the motion that the Town Council vote to approve National Grid Installation Pole 22 Pauline St. came out of committee with a positive recommendation Motion by Councilor Romano to take this motion out of order 2 nd by Councilor Tassinari Passed Unanimously Motion by Vice President Swope to amend this motion by adding that pursuant to the applicant contacting the Tree Committee to advertise for a public hearing prior to the removal of this tree 2 nd by Councilor Romano Main Motion as Amended Passed Unanimously Discussion continues and Town Councilors along with DPW Director Calla are very interested in contacting both National Grid and Comcast to review the poles in our town of which some are in great need of attention. Vice President Swope discusses her Listening Post Meeting of which has questions that will be further discussed. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 7, 2026 PAGE 2 Rules & Ordinance Councilor Millar reports on the meeting discussion of: • Amendment to Add New Ordinance 8.37.00-Land Disturbance and Erosion Control, Voted on with a positive recommendation • Town Council vote to Approve Video Recordings of Committee Meetings to be Posted- This is still being discussed in committee Motion by Councilor Romano to take the motion Amendment to Add New Ordinance 8.37.00 out of order 2 nd by Councilor Tassinari Passed Unanimously Motion by Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation to approve the addition of the Amendment to Add New Ordinance 8.37.00-Land Disturbance and Erosion Control to the Town Ordinances No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie No: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Romano Motion is Passed SCHOOL DEPARTMENT REPORT President Letterie reports on the school committee meeting, relatively short meeting, still in discussion is contract negotiations and budget presentation. UPDATE ON POLICY MAKING COMMITTEES Please see attached TOWN MANAGER REPORT Town Manager Marino reports that his office has had meetings with the MWRA on the 250 year celebration of our country on July 4 th . Further information to follow as to how our town will celebrate. He did sent a list of grants applied for and what we did receive and did not receive in reference to not being in compliance with MBTA 3A. Unless your community is in compliance with MBTA 3A, we have been told not to even bother applying for them. Councilor Costigan discusses the Tall Ships arriving in Boston Harbor and is quite surprised that Councilor Romano was not included in an discussions with MWRA on the celebration, especially since this impacts his area of Precinct 3, he would like to request that Councilor Romano is included in any further discussions that he knows are scheduled with the Town Manager and MWRA. Town Manager Marino states that he was not requested that Councilor Romano be included and will discuss with MWRA is attendance is possible as it includes security issues as well as internal information not yet being released to the public, but he will ask. Councilor Tassinari thanks the Town Manager for the grant information and understands any funds not received will not impact our Capital Plan. Also remarks that the earmarked funds for the Fire House may still not be made available. Comments that the Town Council is here to advise the Town Manager it is not really the councils place to be included in various meetings. Town Manager discusses that as sometimes many meetings happen during the day which prevents any from attending due to a conflict of schedules. But will make every effort to try and include who he can. Councilor Millar appreciates the grant spreadsheet. He would like this to be put on the Town Website. As for the Tall Ships he asks if there will be parking stickers as there were for the 200 yr. celebration? Town Manager reports this is being discussed. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 7, 2026 PAGE 3 Councilor Swope asks that there is a follow up on the Cool Corridors Grant that was not approved as she believes the group on this grant stated that the town should not have been turned down as it has nothing to do with being in compliance with 3A. Town Manager agrees to follow up on this, though the letter we received denying this grant stated due to not being in compliance with 3A. Councilor Dimes thanks the Town Manager for the updates. Councilor Romans requests the traffic report for the 4 th of July celebration and would like to be included in discussions. Town Manager reports that he wants to be clear that per the Charter, day to day operations of this particular subject is under the jurisdiction of the town managers office as well as department heads, but he will certainly keep all up to date on any discussions. Councilor Finn thanks the Town Manager for all the hard work and discusses maybe a parade for the 4 th of July Celebration. Would like to continue this discussion. Town Council President asks about meetings on Yirrell Beach and the Town Manager reports that there will be a neighborhood meeting on Yirrell Beach to bring all up to date prior to the summer and the celebration for the 4 th . OLD BUSINESS Town Council to discuss Ordinance Amendment 17.52.030 Use Variance Council President refers this to the Rules & Ordinance, Winthrop Planning Board & Board of Appeals Town Council vote to Approve Video Recordings of Committee Meetings to be Posted- This is still in committee to be discussed at our next Town Council Meeting NEW BUSINESS Town Council vote to Adopt the Retirement Boards recommendation to increase the Retirees COL from $14,000 to $16,000 Councilor President refers to the Finance Committee Motion by Councilor Dimes that the Town Council suspend TC Rules & Procedures time of April 21, 2026 Town Council meeting to begin at 6:00 PM 2 nd by Councilor Millar Discussion Council President explains our meeting of April 21, 2026 includes the Spring Forum of which in the past the Town Council Meetings have been scheduled to begin at 6 PM in lieu of the normal time of 6:30 PM. Councilor Romano discusses this is close to his end of day and would like to amend it to begin at 6:15 PM. Council President reiterates that this is a limited meeting and if there is an agenda item that Councilor Romano would like to be hold, it can most definitely be held for him. Councilor Romano agrees Motion Passed Unanimously Motion by President Letterie to approve the appointments of Hannah Belcher and Charles Newman to the Fire House Re-Use Committee for a term until committee needed. MBTA 3A Discussion and potential next steps-Still awaiting information from Attorney Cipoletta for a full update. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 7, 2026 PAGE 4 Motion by Councilor Romano for the Town Council to joint the exemption of the court case by Diana Viens. Council President does not believe this motion is appropriate and will check legally and have an answer as soon as possible for further discussion. Motion by Councilor Romano that he disagrees with Council President and Appeals his Decision, per Roberts Rules and considers this meeting out of order 2 nd by Councilor Costigan Council President refuses this motion as it is out of order Councilor Romano insists a legal motion has been made and 2 nd . And would like the council to vote and he requests the record to show his motion was denied. PUBLIC COMMENT None PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS Annual Rabies Clinic-April 11, 2026 at the Town Landing Harbormaster Building 10-12pm Town Council Spring Forum on Budget-April 21, 2026-WHS Shapiro Auditorium 7:00 PM Executive Session has been cancelled ADJOURNMENT Motion to Adjourn by Councilor Dimes at 8:48 PM 2 nd by Councilor Millar Councilor Romano insists per Roberts Rules that he may ask for a roll call for adjournment ROLL CALL No: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope There is disruption in Councilor Finns voting No, as Councilor Romano directed him to vote No. Councilor Roman asks for the vote to be retaken, which is denied. Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, President Letterie Motion to Adjourn is Not Passed Councilor Romano would like to continue his motion for the Town Council to vote for the exemption case….. Council President is not allowing any motions other than to adjourn Meeting sits in silence as adjournment has not been voted unanimously…. Jack Dowd P4 continues disruption and is asked to please not disrupt meeting again or he will be asked to leave. He continues to disrupt meeting but refuses to leave as asked by the Town Council President. Mr. Dowd is escorted out of the meeting by a Winthrop Police Officer. Discussion from President Letterie that he could be wrong, Councilor Romano could be wrong, there is ample evidence of both sides. He would like to discuss further with counsel for a determination and report at next meeting which could be tomorrow evening as there is a Special Town Council Meeting called. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 7, 2026 PAGE 5 Councilor Romano continues that he would like to continue making this motion …. Silence continues…. Vice President Swope requests a moment with Councilor Romano in private. Council President approves this. Councilor Romano would like to make a motion.. Council President states he is not recognized… Councilor Romano appeals the Chairs decision… Councilor Romano requests what the Executive Session purpose was, Council President reads the Executive Session on litigation… Motion by Councilor Costigan for a 10 minute recess 2 nd by Councilor Romano Motion by Councilor Dimes to Amend to 5 minutes 2 nd by Councilor Millar ROLL CALL Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie No: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Romano Motion is Passed as Amended Main Motion as Amended ROLL CALL Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie No: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Romano Main Motion as Amended is Passed There will be a 5 minute recess until 9:09 PM Return from Recess Town Manager requests from the Town council President to read Rule 2 of the Town Council Rules , Council President allows and Town Manager proceeds to read the rule. Councilor Romano discusses that 3A is on the agenda and can be address per Roberts Rules. It is discussed that you can address but a motion that was not considered previously is not allowed without certain specifications to be followed. It is pointed out that Town Council Rules and Procedures supersedes Roberts Rules and there must be a unanimous vote by the council to introduce a motion that was not expected. Per Councilor Romano if a topic is on the agenda then a motion can be made. This continues to be discussed as to whether this is a correct understanding or not. Councilor Romano disagrees with the Town Manager…. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 7, 2026 PAGE 6 Discussion continues on whether a motion that was not introduced prior to meeting can be made… A motion is needed to allow Councilor Romano’s motion to be introduced and Councilor Romano protests this act. Councilor Tassinari states you are allowed to make a motion to add a motion and that requires a unanimous vote. Council President asks if another Councilor would like to make a motion to consider a new motion and if that does not get a unanimous vote, the motion is not allowed, then he can consider the act on the motion and if not accepted meeting can be adjourned. Councilor Romano asks to just make his original motion and is denied and it has been proven by the Town Council Rules & Procedures… There is ample discussion on both sides…. If another councilor makes any motion and not passed unanimously, meeting will end. Motion by Councilor Tassinari to adjourn 2 nd by Councilor Dimes ROLL CALL Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, President Letterie No: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, Motion does not Pass Vice President Swope asks if the council can start the Special Meeting on April 8, 2026 with Councilor Romano’s motion and discussion and a vote. Council President reports, no, anything brought up in that meeting is new business and may not be voted on. Council Romano questions if the motion can be voted on at tomorrow night’s meeting and discussion on this continues…. Motion by Councilor Dimes to take up Councilor Romano’s motion 2 nd by Councilor Romano Discussion Councilor Romano would like this at least discussed and on the agenda ROLL CALL Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope No: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, President Letterie Motion Does Not Pass The Chair seeing no further business, this meeting is adjourned….. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 7, 2026 PAGE 7