Minutes
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TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 President Letterie calls the meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Harvey Hearing Room ROLL CALL Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- Vice President Swope MINUTES Motion by Councilor Romano to Approve the Minutes of August 18, 2026, as circulated. 2 nd by Councilor Dimes Motion Passed Unanimously GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS None PUBLIC HEARING(S) Public Hearin Opened Town Council appropriates the sum of ($1,500,000) to pay costs of water main replacement Discussion- Finance Committee voted with a Positive Recommendation Public Hearing Closed Motion by Councilor Romano to suspend Town Council Rules and take this motion out of order 2 nd by Councilor Dimes Motion Passes Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that the That the Town appropriates the sum of ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,500,000) to pay costs of water main replacement at Winthrop St, including costs incidental or related thereto; that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §8(5), or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager, is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the “Authority”) and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or financial assistance agreement with the Authority and otherwise to contract with the Authority with respect to such loan and for any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof; that the Town Manager is authorized to accept and expend any grants or aid available for the project or for the financing thereof, provided that the amount of the authorized borrowing for the project shall be reduced by the amount of any such grants or aid payments received prior to the issuance of such bonds or notes; and that the Town Manager is authorized to take any other action necessary or convenient to carry out this project. No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2026, PAGE 1 Public Hearing Opened Ordinance Amendment-One-Way on Court Road Discussion-Neighbors agree with the one way but are still concerned with the speed of the vehicles. Request this to be reviewed and have thoughts of a speed bump. Public Hearing Closed Motion by Councilor Romano to suspend Town Council Rules and take this motion out of order 2 nd by Councilor Dimes Motion Passes Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation That the Town Council approve TSAC is recommending Court Rd become a one-way From the Southwestern corner of the intersection of Court Rd and Circuit Rd near 265 Court Rd to Pleasant St. This distinction is important because Court and Circuit intersect twice. The section of Court Rd between Circuit and Sargent St where Court Rd becomes Johnson Ave would remain two-way at this time so that cars coming out of the Southern end of Circuit aren’t forced back into the maze. No 2 nd Needed ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes Public Hearin Opened Ordinance Amendment 17.52.030 Use Variance Discussion-Has been recommended to the Planning Board of which the time frame has allowed Town Council to vote Attorney Cipoletta discusses the approval of this ordinance change, along with the new MGL laws and it is allowable Public Hearing Closed Motion by Councilor Romano to suspend Town Council Rules and take this motion out of order 2 nd by Councilor Dimes Motion Passes Motion by the Rules and Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation that the provisions of Section 17.52.030 of the Winthrop Town Ordinances, titled Variances, be amended by striking the words “use or” in the fist sentence. The amended ordinance shall read as follows: 17.52.030 - Variances. The board of appeals may authorize a variance from the terms of this title for a particular parcel of land or for an existing building where, owing to conditions especially affecting such parcel or such building but not affecting generally the district in which it is located, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this title would involve substantial hardship, financial or otherwise, to the appellant and where desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without nullifying nor substantially derogating from the intent or purpose of this title. Before any variance is granted the board of appeals must find all conditions to be present as specified in G. L. c. 40A. No 2 nd needed ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2026, PAGE 2 Public Hearing Opened Ordinance Amendment Tree 17.44.60 Section G Discussion-Tree Warden Derderian discusses this motion and it is confirmed that this motion will include the Planning Board Recommendations Public Hearing Closed with a Motion by Councilor Romano to defer this vote until the next meeting 2 nd by Councilor Dimes Motion Passed Public Hearing Opened Ordinance Amendment-Deletion of Taxi Fares 5.28.130 & 5.28.140 Discussion-John Morgan P4 Disagrees with motion / Jack Dowd P4-Disagrees with motion Public Hearing Closed Motion by Councilor Romano to suspend Town Council Rules and take this motion out of order 2 nd by Councilor Dimes Motion Passes Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation That the Town Council Delete the following Taxi Fare Ordinances (5.28.130 & 5.28.140) from the Town’s Ordinances. • 5.28.130 - Fares Fares for transportation shall be as follows: For transportation of senior citizens (sixty-five (65) years of age and older) between one point in the town and another: seven dollars ($7.00); For transportation of others between one point in the town and another: eight dollars ($8.00). The minimum Livery Service shall cost a minimum of thirty-five dollars ($35.00). The town council may from time to time amend the schedule of fees as provided in Section 5.28.140 . • 5.28.140 - Amendments to fees and fares. The town council, after a public hearing, notice of which shall be published fourteen (14) days prior to the date of such hearing, may amend the license fees and schedule of fares established under this chapter. Such amendments shall be made by vote of the town council and shall become effective seven days following publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the town. ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes PUBLIC COMMENT John Morgan P4 -Discusses the Commission on Disabilities 3 rd Accessible Adventures at Deer Island and what a great event this is and we are so lucky for the volunteers and having this event at no cost to anyone. Marci Hamilton P2- Discusses the next process of the moving forward with the flood issues on Girdlestone, Tileston and Pico. Also request Town Council to recognize Anita Preble for her continued hard work with the town and schools. Jack Dowd P4- Passes out information on the constitution and freedom of speech and reflects that this is very important to be able to speak your voice at every meeting, you should be able to video and record anything in the meeting rooms. Requests who runs the security camera’s in the Harvey Room and who is authorized to turn these off? Discusses the project at Ingleside Park and the water being collected in the storm drains…asks where this water leads out, it is answered Donovan’s Beach shown in a utility map. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2026, PAGE 3 Max Correa P3 -Discusses his opposition to the current Flock Camera’s within the Town and states it is impossible to leave the town without being put on camera. He was advised to begin a petition for the removal of these camera’s and discusses a public records request that more information should be available for the companies of these flock camera’s and who they are contracted with. Erin Barcello P5 -Agrees that these flock cameras are a problem in the town and states that we should know who is in control of this information. Pleased with the Court Rd. decision of becoming a one way. Brings up the infrastructure of Main and Pleasant and the safety issue of crossing this location. Mark Sennot P2 -Questions where water coming from at the New Fire House Location. DPW states is from a large drainage basin. The water pumping is ground water. CORRESPONDENCE None COMMITTEE REPORTS Finance Committee Councilor Dimes reports committee voted with a positive recommendation on the agenda motion Rules & Ordinance-August 13, 2026 Councilor Millar reports on Rules & Ordinance Meeting discussing the items on the agenda and will continue with their review of several items that will be reported at the Town Council meeting(s) SCHOOL DEPARTMENT UPDATE School is back in session, all going well. Thanks DPW for their hard work of making sure the children are safe walking. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Please see attached Town Manager Report- Currently on agenda is the Easement Grant with the Pleasant Park Yacht Club Discusses the Closed Caption and it was a trial basis. We are currently reviewing current pricing to continue. States by weeks end, we will all be made aware of the new Chief of Police Councilor Dimes follows up on signs for E.-Bikes. Vice President Swope discusses the letter from Carol Facella in reference to DCR and beach. RFP has been sent out for parking study and will continue to review and keep Town Council updated. Vice President Swope asks about the consultants and Town Manager states Community Paradigm does strategic analysis and we have used them in the past. They are well versed with this reporting. Town Manager passes out up to date Grant information. Assistant Town Manager McCormick reports that grants are being denied and several are due to the town not being in compliance with MBTA 3A. At this point, the state will not allow an application to be completed if not in compliance. OLD BUSINESS Town Council President Requesting a Public Comment Answer Period/Next Meeting- Motion will be supplied by the Rules & Ordinance at next Town Council Meeting Deletion of the Rules & Ordinance Sub Committee- Continued in Rules & Ordinance Motion to Amend Town Council Rules & Procedures- Continued in Rules & Ordinance Small Commercial Vehicle Allowance for Resident Parking Sticker- Continued in Rules & Ordinance TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2026, PAGE 4 Motion by the Rules & Ordinance with a Positive Recommendation that New/Re-appointment Members to policy/ non- policy committees…(Please see copy of motion) Discussion Councilor Romano requests applications must be given 5 days in advance all information. Every policy making committee must include application and resume With a policy making board, Rules & Ordinance requests more information on the actual knowledge and experience of any applicants. Councilor Dimes disagrees with re-appointments having to come before the Town Council , feels it undermines previous councilors vote to appoint. Vice President Swope would like to get to know an appointee and it would also educate each councilor. Councilor Dimes states that each councilor should attend a meeting and council could reach out to the Board Members Chair and request their opinion on the re-appointment Council President does reach out to each chair prior to re-appointments and requests their approval/disapproval It is one thing to get people on a committee, it is more difficult to get “experts” on committees. Councilor Romano believes that an application and resume is not a lot to ask of an appointee but does agree that appearing in person may be unnecessary and did not originally include in his motion, Rules & Ordinance had added at this time. Motion by Councilor Romano to amend main motion Section D to read after pursuant to the authority granted to the Town Council under the Town Charter section 2-10 to investigate candidates and require their appearance each nominee for appointment or re-appointment shall appear before the Town Council or committee designated by the Town Council prior to a confirmation vote when required by the majority of the Town Council. 2 nd by Councilor Costigan Discussion Council President refers the charter refers shall investigate not shall require…. Councilor Romano sees both sides of this motion but supports this motion and amendment Main Motion as Amended ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes Motion by Council Dimes that the Town Council approve the appointment made by Council President of Scott Bocchio to the Board of Appeals 2 nd By Councilor Reardon Discussion Councilor Romano states that no resume has been sent on this applicant Councilor Romano requests this be continued until new motion of appointment/re-appointments is complete Councilor Dimes would like this appointee to be appointed as to not prolong the Board of Appeals with out a quorum. Councilor Costigan agrees with Councilor Romano and would like a resume. Council President withdraws this until the next Town Council Meeting TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2026, PAGE 5 NEW BUSINESS Motion by Council Romano that the Town Council approve the appointment made by Council President of Fred Guiterrez to the Board of Appeals 2 nd By Councilor Dimes ROLL CALL VOTE Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Councilor Finn, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Tassinari Motion Passes Election Update-State Primary Election Complete – 25% turn out for town Easement Grant- Council President refers to the Rules & Ordinance-Councilor Romano requests the Town Attorney to review Legal Advertising for this Easement. Clarification on Town Manager Report -Council President clarifying what discussion is on report and to Town Manager Proposed Ordinance Amendment(s) Center Business District (CBD) Councilor Costigan reads into the record- Council President refers to Rules & Ordinance PUBLIC COMMENT Karin Chavis P2 -Thanks the Town Clerks office for hard work during election. Not only the State Primary but now a State Election. Thanks all custodians and thanks all for the new refurbishing of the restrooms in the old school gym. Jack Dowd P4 -Comments on the Rules & Ordinance Meeting comments on the Chair limiting the public speaking 2 mins. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND UPDATED EVENTS Senior Center National Grid 10-2 pm Oct. 9 th Sept. 13 th Music on the Landing Farmers Market 3 Left Winthrop Foundation, Rep. Turco and Council Present -Concert Sat. Sept. 19 th North Shore Philharmonics Fall Forum Oct. 6, 2026 Sr. Center Vice President Swope bring up discussion with Katelyn Burroughs of her interest of helping the town with interns, free of charge. She has drafted a letter of what would be the most appropriate reasoning for an intern. ADJOURNMENT With no Further business for the Town Council, the Town Council President Adjourns Meeting at 9:20 PM Public Documents used in the meeting are available at Town Managers Office. Documents Used in this Meeting: Handwritten Notes / Committee Openings Documents Roll Call Log Written Motions / Verbal Motion Respectfully submitted. Denise Quist Town Clerk Council Clerk TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2026, PAGE 6