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WINTHROP TOWN COUNCIL
Lown Council Members MEETING AGENDA
Town Council President James Letterie
Precinct 1 Councilor Costigan APRIL 21, 2026
Precinct 2 Councilor Dimes
Precinct 3 Councilor Romano
6:00 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Precinct 4 Councilor Swope WINTHROP HIGH SCHOOL
Precinct 5 Councilor Reardon
Precinct 6 Councilor Finn NEIL SHAPIRO AUDITORIUM
Councilor at Large Millar
Councilor at Large Tassinari
CALL.TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. MINUTES
Approval of Minutes April 7, 2026 as circulated
2.
Swearing In Ceremony- Winthrop Fire Fighters
3.
FY 27 Budget
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
5. CORRESPONDENCE
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance
7. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT REPORT
8. UPDATE- POLICY MAKING COMMITTEES
9. TOWN MANAGER REPORT
10.
Town Council discuss Ordinance Amendment 17.52.030 Use Variance (In Committee- Rules & Ordinance & WPB)
Town Council vote to Approve Video Recordings of Committee Meetings to be Posted (In Committee- Rules & Ordinance)
Motion to Amend Town Council Rules & Procedures Rule 2 (b) (/n Committee- Rules & Ordinance)
Town Council vote to Adopt the Retirement Boards recommendation to increase the Retirees COLA from $14,000 to $16,000
11. NEW BUSINESS
Town Manager Proposed FY27 Budget
Town Council Appropriate and Transfer $85,617.41/ Fund 527 Health Cycle Program to the Tipping Fees-Solid Waste Enterprise Fund
Town Council Appropriate $30,000 from the Handicap Parking Fines Account /Expenses Benefit Persons with Disabilities
Town Council Review Ordinance Committee Recommendations on Town Ordinances
Town Council Review Ordinance Recommendation from the Tree Committee
Appointment
12. PUBLIC COMMENT
13. PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS.
4-29-26 Sr. Center 1:00 PM-Discussions on ADU’s
14. ADJOURNMENT
TOWN COUNCIL SPRING FORUM TO FOLLOW
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1742 Fax: 617-846-5458
Anthony Marino
Town Manager
MOTION
TEXT OF MOTION
Submitted By: Town Manager Marino Date: 3-25-2026
Subject: Retirees Cola Increase
TEXT OF MOTION
Motion: That the Town Council vote to adopt the Winthrop Retirements Board
recommendation to increase the Town’s retirees’ COLA base from the current $14,000 to
$16,000;or take any other action thereto
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER
. Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-846-5458
Anthony Marino
Town Manager
Town Council Motion
April 16, 2026 Fiscal Year 2026
Motion Summary
Title: Solid Waste Fund Transfer — Tipping Fees
Motion ID: TCM26-010
Amount: $85,617.41
Funding Source: Fund 527 Health-Recycle Program
Moton Details
Motion Type: Appropriate
Submitted by: Anthony Marino, Town Manager
Date Submitted: April 16, 2026
Text of Motion
MOTION: I move that the Town Council appropriate and transfer $85,617.41 from Fund
527 “Health-Recycle Program” to the Tipping Fees account line in the Solid Waste
Enterprise Fund. The funding source is a legacy fund that is where bulk item fees were
deposited prior to establishing the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, this transfer will close
out that old fund. The transfer is necessary due to the increased cost for disposal of trash
and recycling; or take any other action thereto.
Funding Details
Funding Source Funding Destination
Account Description Amount Account Description Amount
527 Health-Recycle $85,617.41 16705-529201 jTipping Fees $85,617.41
Program
Balance as of 04/16/2026 $85,617.41
Requested $85,617.41
Ending Balance $0.00
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1077 Fax: 617-846-5458
Anthony Marino
Town Manager
Town Council Motion
April 16, 2026 Fiscal Year 2026
Motion Summary
Title: Commission on Disabilities Appropriation
Motion ID: TCM26-009
Amount: $30,000
Funding Source: Handicap Parking Fines Account
Motton Details
Motion Type: Appropriate
Submitted by: Anthony Marino, Town Manager
Date Submitted: April 16, 2026
Text of Motion
MOTION: I move that the Town Council appropriate in the Handicap Parking Fines
Account, the amount of $30,000, to be used for expenses to benefit persons with
disabilities in accordance with MGL Chapter 40 Section 22G; or take any other action
thereto.
Funding Details
Funding Source Funding Destination
Account Description Amount Account Description Amount
1753-359000 |Fund Balance {$30,000 (7535-520000 Purchased Services {$30,000
Handicap Parking Fines Fund Balance: $87,575
Amount Requested: $30,000
Handicap Parking Fines after motion approval: $57,575
TOWN OF WINTHROP
CHARTER COMMISSION
Town Hall 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone 617-846-1742 Fax 617-539-5814
Feb. 9, 2026
Council President Letterie and Town Council Members:
In accordance with Section9-6 of the Town Charter: Periodic review of the Charter and Ordinances shall be done
in each year ending in a five or zero by a committee consisting of nine members”. Pursuant to this requirement a
nine-member committee was appointed by the Council President on February 25, 2025. This committee is referred
to as the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC).
e Chair: Karin Chavis - Medical Field e Timothy Callinan Esq. — Legal
Clerk: Carole Mietzsch — Information e Vincent Crossman — Public Safety
Technology e Kurt Millar — Global Manager
e Hannah Belcher — Higher Education e Shannon Poulos — Finance
Administration e Denise Quist — Municipal Government;
e Kaitlyn Burroughs — Project Manager Winthrop Town Clerk
Between October 1, 2025, and February 5, 2026, the ORC held 12 meetings. All meetings were posted on the
Town Calendar along with the agenda and were announced in the Town Manager weekly Newsletter.
The primary focus of the ORC during this review cycle was to review Town Ordinances and recommend changes
as indicated and add Ordinances as necessary. All ORC recommendations were forwarded to Town Attorney
James Cipoletta for review and approval.
Included with this letter are all Ordinances that the ORC is forwarding to the Town Council for review by the
Town Council Committee on Rules and Ordinances. This committee will have the opportunity to review and
submit Motions to entire Town Council as indicated.
The Parking Ordinances in Winthrop need to be looked at and updated. The ORC with 100% input from Vice
President Swope, submitted for review, Ordinance changes to Town Attorney Cipoletta. Attorney Cipoletta has
notified the ORC this appears to replace current Ordinances and is under Review.
A special thank you to Town Manager Administrative Assistant Laurisa Wojick, who sent notifications to all
Department Heads requesting they send to ORC any Ordinances they wanted to change or add new Ordinance.
DPW Director Calla and Chief of Police Goodwin with Lt. Callinan responded to the request.
To Attorney Cipoletta who accepted all correspondence from ORC and attended meetings to help us in this
process, thank you.
The ORC would also like to recommend the Department Heads review the Ordinances that affect their department
on a regular basis. A few over a period of time, would help with every five-year review that is done by Charter
Section 9-6.
On a personal note, thank you to committee members who put forth the effort to complete the task assigned to
ORC by Town Council President Letterie. Special thank you to Vice President Swope for attending 90% of our
meetings and her valuable contributions.
Karin Chavis - Chair ORC
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1852
MOTION
Submitted by: Council President Letterie Date: 4-16-26
TEXT OF MOTION
MOTION: That the Town Council vote to adopt the following Recommendation from the Ordinance Review
Committee:
Ordinance 10.04.010
Ordinance 12.44.020
Ordinance 12.44.050
Ordinance 13.08.030
Ordinance 13.08.040
Ordinance 13.04.110
Ordinance 13.04.120
Ordinance 8.20.071
Amendment-Traffic Definitions
Amendment-Street Sweeping
Amendment-Public Notifications
Amendment-Construction by Town / New Construction/Replacement of Particular Sewers
Amendment-Add Definition
Amendment-(Title) Meter Tampering
New Ordinance-Removal of Lead/Required Material for Water Services
New Ordinance-Motorized Scooters/Electric Bikes
Amendments to Traffic Definitions
Introduction and Purpose of Amendments
The following amendments to Section 10.04.010 (Definitions) of the Town of Winthrop
Vehicles and Traffic Code are proposed to enhance legal clarity, ensure consistency
with the Town Charter and Massachusetts General Laws, and address gaps identified in
the current code. These changes are intended to improve enforcement, reduce ;
ambiguity, and facilitate the effective administration of traffic and parking regulations
within the Town. By updating and expanding the definitions section, the Town will better
align its ordinances with prevailing legal standards and community needs.
Amendment to Definitions Section (10.04.010)
The definitions section of Chapter 10.04 is hereby amended as follows:
|. Additions
The following definitions shall be inserted in alphabetical order:
Bicycle
“Bicycle” means every device propelled by human power upon which any person may
ride, having two tandem wheels, except scooters and similar devices. For purposes of
this chapter, bicycles shall be subject to all applicable traffic regulations unless
otherwise provided by law or ordinance.
Commercial Vehicle
“Commercial vehicle” means any vehicle used or maintained for the transportation of
property or passengers for compensation, or any vehicle bearing commercial
registration plates as defined by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. This
includes vehicles used for business purposes, delivery, or livery, but excludes vehicles
registered solely for personal use.
Handicapped Parking
“Handicapped parking” means any parking space designated for use by persons with \
disabilities, as defined by Massachusetts General Laws and regulations, and marked by
official signage or curb markings in accordance with state and federal requirements.
Pedestrian ;
“Pedestrian” means any person afoot, including those using assistive mobility devices
such as wheelchairs, walkers, or similar equipment.
Resident
“Resident” means any natural person whose principal domicile is within the Town of
Winthrop, as evidenced by documentation acceptable to the revenue collections
department, including but not limited to-a.valid driver's license, motor vehicle \
registration, utility bill, lease agreement, or other proof of residency as may be required
under Section 10.48.030. |
Il. Clarifications to Existing Definitions
The following existing definitions afe amended for clarity and consistency:
Officer
“Officer” means any police officer designated by the chief of police to enforce the
provisions of this chapter, as well as any investigator, examiner, or inspector of the
registry of motor vehicles, constable, or special officer, provided that their badge of
office is displayed. For purposes of this chapter, “officer” refers exclusively to individuals
authorized to enforce traffic and parking regulations under municipal and state law.
Parking
“Parking” means the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than
temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading, in
obedience to an officer or traffic signs or signals, or while making emergency repairs or,
if disabled, while arrangements are being made to move such vehicle. This definition
shall be read in conjunction with residential parking regulations and does not supersede
more restrictive provisions elsewhere in the code.
Vehicle
“Vehicle” means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be
transported or drawn upon a street or highway, except devices moved by human power
or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. For purposes of this chapter, bicycles
and other human-powered devices are subject to specific provisions as defined herein
and by Massachusetts General Laws.
Ill. Cross-References and Construction
in the event of any conflict between definitions in this section and those
contained in the Town of Winthrop Charter, the Charter definitions shall prevail
for matters of governance; definitions in this section shall apply to traffic and
parking enforcement except where otherwise provided.
Any term not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to it by
Massachusetts General Laws or, if not defined therein, its ordinary meaning.
All definitions shall be construed liberally to effectuate the purpose of the code
and the Charter.
IV. Formatting and Language
All definitions shall be listed alphabetically.
Gender-neutral language shall be used throughout.
Where a definition references another section or external law, a citation shall be
included.
[Drafted amendments above are to be incorporated into Section 10.04.010 of the Town
of Winthrop Vehicles and Traffic Code.]
Implementation and Transition
The amendments to Section 10.04.010 shall become effective on [EFFECTIVE DATE],
following approval by the Town Council and publication in accordance with applicable
municipal procedures. Notice of these changes shall be provided to all relevant town
agencies, including the police department, revenue collections department, and the
office of the tax collector. All related documents, enforcement protocols, and public-
facing materials should be updated to reflect the revised definitions. Training and
guidance should be provided to enforcement personnel to ensure consistent application
of the amended code.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The adoption of these amendments will enhance legal clarity, promote consistent
enforcement, and ensure alignment with both Massachusetts General Laws and the
Town of Winthrop Charter. It is recommended that the definitions section, along with
related ordinances, be reviewed periodically—at least every five years as required by
the Charter—to maintain ongoing relevance and compliance with evolving legal
standards. These measures will support effective governance and protect the interests
of the Town and its residents.
Steet Sw. +pl~ 4
. For this purpose please edit 12.44.020 to
add the specific language as seen below:
42.44.0205 Town-wide street sweeping regulations.
‘The director of public works shall oversee the street sweeping program. The
program requires that residents, on their regularly scheduled trash day during the
last full week of each month and who own a vehicle, remove their vehicles from
the public ways from 7AM. - 3PM so not to impede the street sweeper from
cleaning the public way. AS scheduled by the director of public works, the
program requires that all vehicles be removed from business centers and
~ municipal lots so not to impede the street sweeper, which may fall on the first,
- second, or third week of each month. ;
so we should also update the langua foy{2.44,050°Pu ;
only include the following: nguage fortes blic Notifications" to
A. Programme sign boards will be displayed at each entrance to the Town
rem na residents of the scheduled town-wide sweeping operation. These si n
Swill be deployed on the Friday prior to the scheduled sweep k ;
will remain in place for the duration of the sweeping operation ameskone
B. Th i i
- Ae specific dates for the sweeping operations for the specific calendar year
posted on the Town web-site and broadcasted on WCAT.
3. Ordinance,13.08.030-~Construction by town" is outdated and inaccurate.
Please re-titie this ordinance to "13.08.030 > New Construction / Replacement of
Particular Sewers" and strike all existing language and re-word as follows:
(13.08.00 —-New Construction / Replacement of Particular Sewers
- If an applicant requests a permit from DPW to build a new particular sewer or to
replace an existing particular sewer, the new sewer lateral must be constructed of
-a.six inch fully gasketed push-joint system installed to the specifications set fort,
by the Director of Public Works. All such work must be performed by a licensed
drain layer listed on the permit application.
4. Add definitions to the language of 13.08.040 which speaks to the
All particular sewers shall be maintained and kept clean by the owner of the
premises connected by such particular sewér; provided, however, that any labor
on particular sewers occasioned by defects or obstructions in the common sewer
Shall be paid for by the town. 7
For clarity purposes, please add the following two definitions to the ordinance _
I .
A. The Particular sewer is the privately owned sewer lateral that connects the
Common Sewer to a particular building's internal plumbing.
'B. The common sewer is the Town owned sewer main that collects and conveys
sewage to the treatment facility. ‘ oo
5. Please correct the Title for Ordinancé 13.04.10 from "Meter tampering] -
installation of unauthorized service values* fo “Meter tampering/installation of
unauthorized service valves" ;
6. We need to create a new ordinance 13.04.120 titled "Removal of Lead/
Required Material For Water Services" in order to comply with the DEP mandates
_ for the Lead and Copper Rule which is a sub section of DEP's Clean Water Act.
As you know, the Town has been spending a Jot of money to remove lead
services throughout our water distribution system due to DEP's mandates. As
such, I'd like to create this new ordinance with the following language:
13.04.120 - Removal of Lead / Required Material For Water Services
For all "New Construction” a continuous copper water service must be installed at
the owner's expense from the basement of the new home to the Town's water
main in the street. For all "Full Gut" renovation projects a continuous copper water
service must be installed at the owner's expense from the basement of the home
to the Town's water main in the street. If a full copper service already exists prior
to the "full gut" renovation, it will be the homeowner's obligation and
responsibility to prove that lead no longer remains within the service line in order
to close out their permit requirements and receive a "full occupancy” status.
Mew bbe.
: @,20,071
Motion to Prehibit Electric Bicycles and Motorized Scooters
on Natural Surface Trails and in Town Parks
Motion:
I move that the Town Council adopt the following policy and
direct Rules and Ordinance Committee to implement
corresponding amendments to the Municipal Code.
WHEREAS,
- Town parks and natural surface trails are intended to provide
safe, quiet, and environmentally sustainable recreational
opportunities for pedestrians, hikers, runners, and non-
motorized users; and
-Electric bicycles (e-bikes) and motorized scooters are
capable of higher speeds and acceleration than traditional
non-motorized bicycles, increasing the risk of collisions
and injuries on narrow or unimproved paths; and
- The operation of motorized devices on natural surfaces can
cause soil erosion, trail widening, vegetation damage, and
degradation of sensitive habitats; and
«Many park users, including children, seniors, and individuals
with disabilities, reasonably expect a low-speed, low-noise
environment in parks and on natural surface trails; and
- The Town has a legitimate interest in protecting public
safety, preserving natural resources, and maintaining the
intended character of its parklands;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED that:
1. Prohibition.
The operation of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and
other motorized personal mobility devices shall be
prohibited on:
© All natural surface trails; and
° Allbeaches | . i,
* All parkland, including but not limited to parks,
conservation areas, greenways, and nature preserves,
except where expressly designated by the Town.
2. Definitions.
For purposes of this section:
¢ Electric bicycle (e-bike) means a bicycle equipped with
an electric motor that provides assistance or
* propulsion.
* Motorized scooter means a device designed to
transport one person, with handlebars, a standing or
seated platform, and powered by an electric or other
motor.
* Natural surface trail means any trail composed of
grass, dirt, gravel, mulch, or other unpaved material.
3, Exemptions.
This prohibition shall not apply to:
* Mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities
as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA);
* Town, emergency, or maintenance vehicles operated in
the course of official duties.
4, Enforcement. MGL Chapter 277 Section 70C
Violations shall be enforced as a civil infraction, subject to
fines or penalties as established by ordinance, and may
include warnings during an initial education period.
5. Signage and Public Notice.
The Department of Parks and Recreation, in coordination
with the Town Manager, shail install clear signage at park
entrances, natural trail surface paths, and conduct public
outreach regarding the new restrictions. ©
6. Effective Date. ;
This policy shall take effect **/**/ ** following
adoption.
G20. 071
TOWN OF WINTHROP
OFFICE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152 Telephone: 617-846-1852
MOTION
Submitted by: Council President Letterie Date: 4-16-26
TEXT OF MOTION
MOTION: That the Town Council vote to adopt the following Recommendation from the Tree Committee
Ordinance 17.44.060 Amendment
17.44.060 - Materials for review—Required (for multifamily, commercial and industrial
projects only).
modified
The applicant shall submit one or more of the following additional materials as may be required
by the APRC:
A. Surface Water Pollution: A report on the impact of stormwater runoff on adjacent and
downstream surface water bodies, subsurface groundwater and the water table.
B. Soils: The potential dangers of erosion and sedimentation caused by the operation and
maintenance of the proposed development.
C. General Environmental Impact: A report on the relationship of the proposed
development to the major botanical, geological and hydrological resources of the site,
and compatibility of the proposed development with adjacent or surrounding Jand uses
and neighborhoods. The applicant shall submit such material as may be required
regarding design features intended to integrate the proposed new development into the
existing landscape and environment, to enhance aesthetic assets, and to screen
objectionable features from neighbors. If applicable, a shadow study and an assessment
report pursuant to Chapter 21E of the M.G.L.
D. Traffic Impact: A report on existing traffic volume, composition, peak hour levels, and
existing street capacities, estimated average daily traffic generation, composition peak
hour levels, and directional flows resulting from the proposed development, proposed
methods to mitigate the estimated traffic impact, and the methodology and sources
used to derive existing data and estimations.
E. Aplan for the control of erosion and sedimentation caused by the proposed
construction.
F. Water and Sewerage: A report on the impact of the water and sewer system.
G. Developer Tree Plan: A Developer Tree Plan that has been approved by the Tree Warden
and that is consistent with Section 13 of “Title 12 - STREETS SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PLACES,
Chapter 12.48 — TREES”.
Proposed Section 12: Developer Tree Plan (previous Section 12 to be renumbered Section 13)
In conformance with 17.44.060, applicants seeking to construct multifamily, commercial, and
industrial projects must submit a Developer Tree Plan, which shall be subject to review and
approval of the Tree Warden, that includes the following:
a)
b)
c)
qd)
The total cumulative DBH of all trees with a DBH greater than 2.4” to be removed from
the project site as a result of the project. This shall include the cumulative DBH of any
trees removed from the site in the 2 years prior to filing of the project application.
For Multifamily projects: A Developer Tree Plan that indicates the species, size, and
location of trees, which shall be subject to approval by the Tree Warden, to be planted
as a part of the Multifamily project. The plan shall include 3 trees for every 8 residential
units, but no less than 1 tree, and 1 tree for every 2.5” of cumulative DBH as calculated
pursuant to section a. Subject to approval from the Tree Warden, the Developer Tree
Plan may include the planting of street trees in the vicinity of the project.
For Commercial projects: A Developer Tree Plan that indicates the species, size, and
location of trees, which shall be subject to approval by the Tree Warden, to be planted
as a part of the Commercial project. The pian shall include 1 tree for 1000 sqft of
commercial space, but no less than 3 trees, and 1 tree for every 2.5” of cumulative DBH
as calculated pursuant to section a. Subject to approval from the Tree Warden, the
Developer Tree Plan may include the planting of street trees in the vicinity of the project.
For Industrial projects: A Developer Tree Plan that indicates the species, size, and
location of trees, which shall be subject to approval by the Tree Warden, to be planted
as a part of the Industrial project. The plan shall include 3 trees for 500 sqft of the lot,
but no less than 1 tree, and 1 tree for every 2.5” of cumulative DBH as calculated
pursuant to section a. Subject to approval from the Tree Warden, the Developer Tree
Plan may include the planting of street trees in the vicinity of the project.
For projects requiring a Developer Tree Plan no certificate of occupancy shall be granted until
the Tree Warden certifies that all trees specified in a Developer Tree Plan have been planted in
accordance with the Developer Tree Plan.