Minutes

Town Council · from the Town's website · 8 pages · 43 KB
open the file ↗ · original at the source ↗

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2026 
President Letterie calls the meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Harvey Hearing Room 
Motion by Councilor Dimes to enter in Executive Session 
2 nd by Councilor Romano 
ROLL CALL 
Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, 
Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie 
Enter into Executive Session 
Motion by Councilor Millar to Adjourn Executive Session 
2 nd by Councilor Finn 
ROLL CALL 
Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, 
Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie 
Adjourn Executive Session 
ENTER INTO OPEN SESSION 
ROLL CALL 
Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, 
Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-Councilor Romano 
MOMENT OF SILENCE 
John Lyons - DPW Employee Kevin
Trainor-State Police Officer 
MINUTES 
Motion by Councilor Dimes to Approve the Minutes of May 5, 2026, as circulated. 
2 nd by Councilor Romano 
Motion Passed 
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 
WPD-Officers Swearing In 
Officer Michael Connolly Promoted to Sargent 
Office David Brown Promoted to Sargent 
Public Health Director Meredith Hurley 
Presents the Safety Net Program (Please see website for Slide Presentation) 
PUBLIC HEARING 
None 
PUBLIC COMMENT 
Marcy Hamilton P2 -Discusses the action plan for Winthrop, and we don’t want cheaper we want it done correctly…our
climate issues are not going away, we have to think of the future…. 
Celeste Ribiero Hewitt P1 -Discusses the CDICR and the challenges that are faced. 
Mark Sennott P2 -Discusses the easement at PPYC and why are we negotiation? We should just be notifying them
where the easement is going. The parking a lot they use for the boats is not correctly used. 
Terry Delehanty P6- Comments on budget and thanks the Public Health dept. for the Health Safety Net. 
Fears the budget will be cut and after 10 years the advancement that this department has made will be at a loss. 
Lee Foley P6 -Comments that she requested certain phone records as a public request and has not
received the information requested. 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2026 PAGE 1

CORRESPONDENCE 
None 
COMMITTEE REPORTS 
Rules & Ordinance-Councilor Millar reports on the committee currently reviewing the Houseboat Ordinance, The Use
Variance, Rule 2(c), Video recordings, Tree Committee Ordinance. 
Councilor Swope reports on her meetings on the Public Health Safety & Works Committee 
Please see website for all committee meeting minutes. 
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT REPORT 
Council President reports that Graduation is May 29 th . Ongoing negotiations are still moving ahead and have come
to an agreement, WTA will be ratifying contract for FY26, 
UPDATE ON POLICY MAKING COMMITTEES 
None 
TOWN MANAGER REPORT 
Memorial Day Services begin at 9:45 AM. Preparing for the Girdlestone & Tileston Rd. project. We need to move the
current easement as currently the foot and diameter of the pipe will not fit. We need an estimate of 20’. This is why it is
being rerouted. 
Councilor Romano asks about the Shirely St. paving project. 
DPW reports it has been completed today. 
Councilor Dimes reports the meeting for the 250-year celebration on July 4 th is going well. We can definitely use more
volunteers…. 
Vice President Swope discusses the grant due on May 30 th ., 
Town Manger reports, the Assistant Town Manager is working on it. 
Vice President Swope also comments on the Climate Grant not being allowed and that the state should not have denied it
due to MBTA 3A. 
Town Manager is still reviewing…. 
Vice President Swope discusses on the list of past issues that should be brought to all attention and reported on. 
Councilor Millar asks about parking for the July 4 th festivities and not forgetting about the traffic that the town will be
involved with with the Tall Ships Visit. 
Councilor Costigan questions about the pipe fitting that is needed for the Girdlestone and Tileston project. 
DPW Director discusses the size of the current pipe being too small for the new pipe coming in. 
Requests a cost comparison of this project and the plans. He is curious if other areas in this location will be tied into this
project that could elevate the cost and we have responsibility for cost for the public. 
OLD BUSINESS 
Motion by Council President that the Provisions of Section 17.52.030 of the Winthrop Town Ordinances, titles
Variances, be amended by striking the words “use or” be sent to the Winthrop Planning Board for review. 
(Please see copy of entire motion) 
Vice President Swope sent a draft that she is interested in the Planning Board also reviewing . 
Town Manager reports the Planning Board can review all drafts sent by the Town Council 
Council President reports that all drafts will be sent to the Planning Board. 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2026 PAGE 2

Motion by Councilor Romano that the Town Council vote to Approve that all multiple member body meetings that
have zoom or other virtual attendance capabilities shall be recorded and posted to the Town’s website… (Please
see copy of motion) 
2 nd by Councilor Costigan 
Motion by Councilor Romano to include all Town Council Sub Committee Meetings 
2 nd by Councilor Finn 
Amendment Passes 
Discussion 
Mike Cabral at WCAT stated as long as meetings are zoomed, they can be posted. He asks that the committee
begin and end the meeting in a clear condition. 
Councilor Tassinari asks if there is a cost to the town for storage of these videos. 
Town Manager reports there will not be. 
Main Motion as Amended 
Roll Call Vote 
Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, 
Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President 
Main Motion as Amended Passes 
Amend Town Council Rules & Procedures Rule 2 (c)- 
Town Attorney Cipoletta reports that he submitted this to the AG Office for review and our current rule 2 (c)
violates this. 
He discusses and explains the current proposal that has been submitted. It seems with the Open Meeting Law this
boils down to the public and what is going to be deliberated on and the OML requires that the agenda must list all
topics the chair reasonably anticipated. This is a notice to the public about what is going to be discussed and the
OML requires that the agenda must list all topics that will be discussed. If there is something else within the 48
hours that is anticipated, a new agenda can be amended, but considering our current Rule 2 (c) should be reviewed
to change from majority to unanimous would also be in violation of this current rule. 
The AG Open Government Division did state that the Town Council can consider a topic not on agenda only if the
circumstances demand immediate action, other than that the AG Office states it should be on an agenda properly
noticed to the public. 
The motion should not be considered as there is a question on our current Rule 2 (c) being in violation and should
be reviewed for further consideration. The public should be made aware of what will be discussed on the agenda.
A new topic can be discussed but should be put on the next agenda for review so the public is made more aware. 
Vice President Swope asks if there is a topic on the agenda and not stated clearly, can it still be discussed? 
Town Attorney agrees, he believes the word “majority” should be deleted. 
The Open Meeting Statue wants to make sure the public is well aware of what will be discussed at a meeting. 
Councilor Romano does not believe that most of this information is irrelevant and since the Rules & Ordinance
has already voted on this with a Positive Recommendation, he would like to continue with this motion and 
vote on it. 
Attorney Cipoletta states he expects the chair to know what will be discussed and understands that it is the chair
who is responsible for what is on the agenda. 
Councilor Romano states that he has not read in the law that if you want to discuss something on the agenda, it
should be able to be discussed, it is an intent of the law and the majority of the council should be able to add
something to the agenda, nothing in the law prohibits this. 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2026 PAGE 3

Attorney Cipoletta understands what Councilor Romano believes but the chair should not take up any information
that is not noticed on the agenda, this is really what the Open Meeting Law consists of, and it should not be done. 
This motion would allow something to be discussed that is not on the agenda and this is not being transparent to
the public. 
Councilor Tassinari states we are taking a risk as there could be other liabilities involved. 
Attorney Cipoletta reports that if something comes to the attention of the Council President it can be posted on the
agenda as an amended agenda. 
Councilor Tassinari comments that the Town Council has already amended Rule 2 (b) which would actually allow
this. 
Councilor Dimes believes it is very clear that the council is here to serve the public, why would the council ever
consider passing a motion that is in clear violation of the Open Meeting Law? We are here to be transparent. 
Vice President Swope asks if it was an unusual circumstance could that be discussed if 4 councilors requested is
this acceptable with Rule 2 (b). 
Councilor Romano asks how the AG Challenge works? 
Attorney Cipoletta states someone would have to make a notice or claim to the Open Government Division to be
investigated. 
It would be up to the AG Office for them to make a decision on what would happen in this case. Something that
was adopted could be struck down. 
Councilor Tassinari believes that though the AG Office could strike something down it is more of a risk to us if the
public does not this, we are transparent with information…. 
Councilor Millar believes our constituents should know what is on the agenda with a reasonable amount of time. 
Council President states having something come up unanimously or majority is wrong if not on agenda and the
public not aware. 
He does not believe anyone’s intention is to have something “get by” but it could be argued if something that is not
on the agenda for the public to be made aware of it could be construed this way. 
Attorney Cipoletta brings up conception. The Town Council must be transparent…. 
Motion by Councilor Romano that other than amendments to existing motion, no business shall be
considered by the Town Council unless: There is a unanimous vote of the Council to waive this rule. 
2 nd by Councilor Costigan 
Discussion 
Councilor Dimes once again states this motion should not be a considered. 
Attorney Cipoletta states he takes the law as his legal opinion, he may not like it, but it is the law. 
Council President asks Attorney Cipoletta that though this motion seems to be in violation, can the council
still vote. 
Attorney Cipoletta states, he does not see how they can’t…. 
ROLL CALL VOTE 
Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn 
No: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Vice President Swope, President Letterie 
Motion does Not Pass 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2026 PAGE 4

Town Council Review Ordinance Committee Recommendations -Scooters (Continue Rules & Ordinance) 
Vice President Swope would like items to be considered and voted on in a quicker manner. President Letterie agrees but
unfortunately government does not do things quickly. 
Town Council Review Ordinance Recommendation from the Tree Committee -Attorney Cipoletta opinion will
be sent to the Planning Board for review. 
Motion by Vice President Swope to waive the reading memo from Attorney Cipoletta 
2 nd by Councilor Romano 
Motion Passed 
NEW BUSINESS 
President Letterie refers to the Finance Committee that the Town Council vote to appropriate
Certified Free Cash/Revolving Fund Close out FY26. 
President Letterie refers to the Finance Committee that the Town Council vote to authorize
Unpaid Bills of Prior Year 
Proclamation-Juneteenth-Councilor Tassinari 
Councilor Tassinari reads the Juneteenth Proclamation (Please
see copy on Website) 
President Letterie believes in the proclamation but disagrees
with raising different flags. 
ROLL CALL VOTE ON PROCLAMATION 
Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, 
Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie 
Motion by Councilor Romano to send a letter to the MBTA Letter – 
2 nd by Vice President Swope 
Discussion 
Councilor Romano has drafted a letter that will be sent to the MBTA in reference to the Point Shirley
Stops for bus 712/713. 
Town Manager reports that the MBTA may change their schedule on that point and has mentioned bus
shelters. 
1-Abstention-Councilor Tassinari 
Motion Passes 
PUBLIC COMMENT 
Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt P1 -Comments on flag issue and as a member of the CDICR, she is in favor
of raising all flags. Comments on violation of open meeting law have been witnessed at the Council
Table and the fact that several councilors voted to ignore Attorney Cipoletta’s opinion and vote to
break the open meeting law is wrong. 
Karin Chavis P2 -Comments on several factors of the town’s problems and believes if one is
effective by any bus stop’s being stopped, that is one too many….it is time for MBTA to listen to
Winthrop and at least maintain what we have. Winthrop has no breaks on paying to enter the tunnel
or take the bridge as E. Boston and Chelsea residents do. She comments on the OML and that one
time she was brought up against a committee she was on was written up for a violation. To see that 4
councilors voted for something totally against the Open Meeting Law was a disgrace. 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2026 PAGE 5

Jack Dowd P4 -Discusses the last Rules & Ordinance Meeting he attended and was not happy how it
was run. 
Erin Barcellos P5 -Discusses the OML are there for us, we need more people to be engaged in our
government. The blatant disregard for the OML in reference to a vote tonight was totally wrong.
Comments on her public records request which have not been answered yet. Disagreements are
expected by blatant disregard of the law, is wrong. 
Marcy Hamilton P2 -Hopes that we all have a copy of the Climate Commission Plan, we need to
have funding and be ready to begin. 
Lisa Plotnick P6- Comments on being happy with the shuttle service for our 250 yr. celebration. 
Happy to hear the words of support for the residents in reference to the MBTA. She suggests asking
about the last MBTA Survey, a lot have not been honored. 
Terry Delehanty P6 -Comments on the engineering trust he has in DPW Director Calla and his
knowledge of not only today’s problems but the problems of the future, especially with the
Girdlestone and Tileston Project. Thank the Council for not violating his statutory rights. The public
needs to be aware of what is on an agenda, prior to the meeting. 
PUBLIC RELATIONS / UPCOMING EVENTS 
Memorial Day Celebration 
WHS Graduation May 29th 
No further business in front of the Town Council, President
Letterie considers this meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM 
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2026 PAGE 6

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2026 PAGE