Minutes
Finance Commission · from the Town's website · 2 pages · 108 KB
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Finance Commission Minutes Thursday April 30, 20226 6pm Town Hall/ Harvey Hearing Room Meeting called to order at 6 pm by Chair Matt Gorzkowicz ROLL CALL: Present: Matt Gorzkowicz, Karin Chavis, Bill Gault, Kim Dimes, Paul Reardon. Zoom participation: Shannon Poulos, Joe Hanlon, Michael Gillespie, Max Tassinari Absent: Christian Buonopane On Zoom: Robbie Powers/ Asst’ CFO Zoom info: Meeting ID 867-3067-1761 Passcode 959489 phone # 1-646-931-3860 Chair introduced Al Legee/Commissioner of Inspectional Services and Russ Sanford/ Chief Building Inspector. Accomplishments for 2026: 1. ADU compliance for state mandated housing code.. 2. Implementation of new permit soft- ware that is used by all involved departments. 3. Temporary permit parking once need is established and verified 4. Conducting habitable inspections for rental properties that are not owner occupied. This included Pillar House and Pond Street and other larger rental properties. 6. Enforcing boat yard regulations 7. Addressing hoarding and overcrowding 8. Inspections of auto mechanic shops for adhering to their license for storing vehicles for repair work Goals for 2027 1. Inspection of restaurants, monitor proper disposal for grease traps and new system for letter grading, not the food but the actual Health rules and regulations for the establishment. 2. Air B&B and VRBO are continuous issue, 3 licensed Air B&B in Winthrop. At the MMA Expo in January a demonstration of new soft -ware showed 300 AIR B&B in Winthrop. This is being looked at by the TM. One residence on Court RD has been under watch, several cease and desist issued, owner goes right back to renting. Next step is for Attorney Cipoletta to proceed with legal filings in court. 3. Increase in cost of denial letters to $50.00 4, Beach inspections for pollution to be starting, enjoyed by Mr. Legee. 5. There is a PT code enforcement officer who is out on weekends and holidays. He finds work being done with no permit, work is stopped and violator needs to go to ISD on next business day to obtain the proper permits. Chief Goodwin/ Winthrop Police Department. Current staffing 1Chief/ 2 Deputy Chiefs/ 4Lts./ 6/Sgts, 23 Patrol. 5 in academy at present. 1 about to graduate and 4 in Octaber. Chief presents a 26 page informational booklet on what the WPD is enforcing and accomplishments. 2026 Accomplishments and 2027 Goals and Objectives 1. Balance of law enforcement/engaging youth, Explorers, youth academy in summer 2. CLEAR program (Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery Program) nationally recognized. Recent Innovation award at IACP. Police agencies from all over the US come to Winthrop to learn this program. Staffed by Lt. Gergerian, Sgt. Hamilton, Officers Joyce and Oyola in partnership with Winthrop Public Health. This is support for recovery, mental health assist, and substance abuse provided services within Winthrop. 3. Running monthly meetings at Senior Center to keep them informed on what makes them vulnerable. 4, POST (Police Officer Standards and Training). This program improves public confidence by implementing mandatory certification. UASI (Urban Area Safety Initiative) this is Homeland Security money to enhance regional preparedness and capabilities in high threat/high density areas. 5. SRO for schools, ongoing and continues to be a positive addition to system 6. Continue with traffic and parking control 7. E bikes and scooters seem to be better but will continue to be watched closely. Staffing will be tight over the summer, but manageable. Retention is better, due to education credits towards salary and assist with education cost. This is a young department, no anticipated retirements. Possible 2 transfers, 1 to Revere and 1 to Everett. Harbormaster. Integrate the WPD into daily operations. 1 Sgt. Assigned and 1 PT Harbormaster. There is also a Sgt in partnership from Sheriff's Department. Per Diem Deputy Harbormasters. Increased revenues through better technology and increase moorings. Better response to water emergencies. Building continued relationships with Yacht Clubs and Marinas. 911 call center Still in partnership with Revere and will have Chelsea on board July 1, 2026. New center being built in Revere with grant money that will encompass the 3 municipalities. This new partnership will heip with decreasing the cost to Winthrop. Minutes by, Karin Chavis