HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-15-2010 Draft Town Council MinutesELECTED OFFICIALS:
Mark S. Sideris
Council President
Stephen P. Corbett
Vice President
John A. Donohue
Councilor At Large
Susan G. Falkoff
Councilor At Large
Anthony Palomba
Councilor At Large
Angeline B. Kounelis
District A Councilor
Cecilia Lenk
District B Councilor
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.
District C Councilor
John J. Lawn, Jr.
District D Councilor
Watertown Town Council
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6470
Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Richard E. Mastrangelo Chamber
Administration Building
MINUTES
1. ROLL CALL: A regular meeting of the Town Council was called to
order at 7:15 pm, in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Chamber,
Administration Building. Present for the meeting were Councilors
John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline
B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr.,
Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S.
Sideris. Also present were the Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll,
Town Attorney Mark Reich and Council Clerk Valerie Papas.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: August 10, 2010. Councilor Lawn
moved to accept the minutes, seconded by Councilor Piccirilli.
Councilor Kounelis requested and moved an amendment to the
minutes by adding the following language under 8 New Business
"Councilor Kounelis thanked Mr. Hayward, Mr. Magoon and Mr.
Mee for paying for, securing and installing plaques which were
stolen from Fillipello Park"; seconded by Vice President Corbett.
The minutes as amended were adopted by voice vote with
Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba,
Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J.
Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor.
4. PUBLIC FORUM
The Chair opened up the public forum and recognized:
1. Fire Chief Mario Orangio — noted that October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month and that the International Association of
Firefighters along with local firefighters will be promoting Breast
Cancer awareness month. A booth will be at the Faire on the
Square where tee shirts can be purchased. Mr. Thibaut added
that the goal is to education for early detection which is key to
survival.
1
2. Firefighter Thomas Thibaut — spoke in support of a SAFER
(Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant
which has a September 17th deadline for submission of an
application to the Department of Homeland Security. Mr.
Thibaut also spoke in support of military pay benefits for local
1347 firefighters that have served in the military and continue to
serve. He noted that other town employees have been and
continue to receive this benefit. Firefighter Patrick Benton
indicated that he served in Kuwait and Iraq in 2003 and
respectfully requested that the town fulfill their duty with respect
to military pay compensation.
The Chair indicated that due to the SAFER grant having a
September 17th deadline, the matter cannot be referred to
subcommittee for study and recommendation. Councilor
Kounelis stated that since the council cannot meet to address
the issue, it should be taken care of by the manager. She noted
that this has been utilized in the police department and is asking
why not the fire department.
The Chair recognized Chief Mario Orangio who stated that the
grant would pay 100% of a firefighter's salary for two years with
the stipulation that the town pay the third year. The Chief
indicated that he did not apply for the grant due to fiscal
constraints. The Manager indicated that discussions on the
matter were held last spring and that the requirements of the
grant were onerous due to the budget crisis. He noted that he
has not seen the document handed out tonight. The Chair
asked that the manager report back to the council on the matter
by the September 17th grant deadline.
With respect to the military pay issue, the manager indicated
that the matter has to be resolved within the local fire union's
Memorandum of Agreement. He indicated that he has not
heard back from the union with respect to the Memorandum of
Agreement but that the town auditor, veterans' agent and others
have been working on this matter in order to remedy the
situation. The Chair asked that the Manager report back to the
Council on the matter before the next town council meeting.
3. Rena Baskin, 15 Franklin Street - forwarded a petition regarding
the Franklin Street neighborhood vision as it relates to a
proposed development at 53 Rear Franklin/30 Rear Washburn
Streets.
4. Janet Lee — spoke regarding her concern over a parking ticket
she received. The Chair indicated that he will take the
information and get back to Ms. Lee on the matter.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to bring forward agenda item 10 a)
Update on Double Poles prior to taking up the matters of
petitions, seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by voice
vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent
J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor.
The Manager provided an overview of progress made with respect
to the removal of double poles within the agreed upon 90 day
period. He indicated that out of 224 double poles 57 were
removed, leaving 172 needing to be addressed.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND VOTES:
a) On a petition by National Grid to install and maintain
approximately 40 feet, more or less, of 6 -inch gas main in Madison
Avenue, from the existing 6 -inch main in Madison Avenue at house
#97 westerly for new gas service to House #81 Nyack Street. —
Dennis Regan, National Grid. The Chair opened up the public
hearing. There being no comments, the hearing was closed.
Mr. Regan indicated that a list was previously requested of bad or
inferior patches, which is presently being compiled. Councilor
Piccirilli stated that he appreciates the level of cooperation taking
place. The Chair asked if National Grid has an existing data base
of work orders, patches and the like. Mr. Peter Nagel from National
Grid's Community Services division stated that there is a data base
to track projects with added notations regarding patches, etc., Mr.
Mee stated that an official from National Grid was in the office and
that they are working on the data base and Public Works permit
process. He further noted that yesterday, visits to various locations
were undertaken as well.
The Chair stated that this is the only opportunity the Council has in
addressing outstanding issues with utility companies, while not
singling out any one company the Council does need to take the
opportunity to address issues of importance and/or constituent
complaints. Councilor Palomba thanked those involved with
respect to the Nyack Street work which was a request of a resident.
Councilor Piccirilli moved the petition, seconded by Councilor
Palomba and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A.
Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B.
Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr.,
Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S.
Sideris voting in favor.
b) On a petition by NSTAR to install and maintain approximately
39 feet of conduit in Fayette Street to provide underground electric
service for 3 new condominium buildings known as Nally Estates at
Waverly Avenue & Fayette Streets — Sheila Gillis, NSTAR. The
Chair recognized Ms. Maureen Carroll, NSTAR representative
filling in for Ms. Gillis. The Chair opened up the hearing to the
public. There being no comments, the hearing was closed.
Councilor Piccirilli reiterated the double pole removal agreement.
He also noted the work on Pleasant Street has been on hold due to
the need to remove double poles. This is high priority and asked
Ms. Carroll for a commitment to this. Ms. Carroll stated that she
will contact all those involved in order to set up a meeting with Mr.
Mee.
The Chair stated that all the utility companies are here tonight,
while the Council does not want to reject projects, the Council is
concerned with these double poles which must be resolved.
The Manager asked for a commitment with a response tomorrow.
This project needs to be completed and is being held up by poles
that need to be removed.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve the petition, seconded by
Councilor Palomba and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John
A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B.
Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr.,
Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S.
Sideris voting in favor.
c) On a petition by Comcast to place a single 3 -inch conduit from
pole# 11 on Waverly Avenue and crossing Waverly Avenue
approximately 50 feet; boring under existing sidewalk 4 feet to
enter property of Nally Estates; trench will continue approximately
50 feet to location of said building at corner of Waverly and Fayette
Streets. It is the developer's responsibility to place Comcast
conduit from this building to each of its two buildings on the site —
Michael Cooke, Comcast. Mr. Foster, Comcast Supervisor
acknowledged the issue of poles noting that this will be addressed
promptly. Councilor Piccirilli noted that Comcast is down the list
but there needs to be coordination between the companies. He
asked Mr. Foster to put this on high priority. Mr. Foster stated that
the buck stops with him and that Mr. Mee will be contacted.
Councilor Lenk asked for assurances that the street will be put
back in better condition. Mr. Cook stated that Waverly Avenue will
be restored and in better condition than before. Councilor Piccirilli
moved the petition, seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by
voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J.
Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett,
and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor.
d) On a petition by Verizon to place one 4 -inch duct 35 feet
southerly from pole# 26 Fayette Street to the property line of Nally
Estates on Waverly Avenue/Fayette Street in order to provide
service to new residence — John Callahan, Verizon. The Chair
opened up the hearing to the public. There being no comments,
the hearing was closed. Councilor Piccirilli reiterated the pole
removal concern, specifically Pleasant Street, not forgetting the
other poles. Councilor Lenk echoed Councilor Piccirilli's comments
and asked that the issue be dealt with as a high priority. Councilor
Lawn asked that a double pole in front on the new police station,
552 Main Street, be removed due to the blockage of a pylon. Mr.
Mee stated that there has been some activity on it but it is a
Verizon pole which is in a poor location. Councilor Piccirilli moved
the petition, seconded by Councilor Donohue and adopted by voice
vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and
Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor.
e) On a petition by Verizon to place one 4 -inch duct 52 feet
easterly from pole# 144/10 Waverly Avenue to the property line of
Nally Estates on Waverly Avenue/Fayette Street to provide new
service to residence — John Callahan, Verizon. Mr. Callahan
indicated that this petition has been withdrawn by the contractor.
6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
a) Committee on Public Works report on Tree Regulations and/or
Ordinance and action on the re -appointment of Ms. Ernesta
Kraczkiewicz to the Stormwater Advisory Committee. Councilors
Falkoff and Piccirilli read the report. It was noted that the
Committee interview Mr. Kraczkiewicz for re -appointment. The
Committee also discussed tree pruning practices, proposed local
regulations and state-wide regulations. The subcommittee will
meet on October 5th to review revised local regulations and on
November 30th to discuss road projects. Councilor Kounelis moved
to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by
voice vote. Councilor Falkoff moved to reappointment Ms.
Kraczkiewicz for re -appointment, seconded by Councilor Lenk and
adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan
G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen
P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor.
7. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
a) Resolution authorizing a contract term in excess of three years
for the purchase of Energy Management and Related Services.
The Chair recognized Ms. Rayleen Parsons, Purchasing Director
who stated that the solar panel installation will take approximately
three months, followed by Broadway Electric maintaining the
system; in which the produced energy will be sold back to Public
Works for 3 cents per kilowatt hour as opposed to the current 17
cents. The clean energy electricity will provide 14% of the
department's needs with the remainder of the needs being met by
current means. The town will save $919,800 over fifteen years
assuming rate of 17 cents remains in effect for the fifteen years.
The Chair read the resolution. Councilor Lawn moved the
resolution, seconded by Councilor Falkoff and adopted by voice
vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and
Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor.
8. NEW BUSINESS
Councilor Lawn indicated that the Personnel & Town Organization
Committee met earlier this evening to discuss a full time Principal
Clerk position to be shared by the Town Treasurer/Collectors Office
(20 hours) and Town Assessor's Office (17.5 hours). Councilor
Lawn stated that the Manager provided an overview of the position.
It was noted that this position will be interim until it has been
reviewed to see if it meets the needs of the two departments. The
review will be undertaken within the next six or seven months with a
report back to the Town Council. Councilor Lawn stated that the
Committee voted to unanimously support the proposed revision of
the position. Vice President Corbett moved to accept the report,
seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by voice vote with
Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba,
Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J.
Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor.
Councilor Lawn moved to approve the proposed position as
outlined, seconded by Vice President Corbett and adopted by voice
vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and
Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor.
Councilor Kounelis stated that she highly supports the fire
department pursuing the SAFER grant. Councilor Kounelis
requested that a letter from Mr. Omartian regarding establishing a
committee to study the Charles River dam for alternative energy be
forward to the Environment and Energy Efficiency committee.
9. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
a. The Chair stated that he will be presenting a resolution on the
FY 2012 Budget process at the next meeting.
b. Communication from Councilor Lenk regarding a proposed
neighborhood conservation district. Councilor Lenk indicated that
she would like to refer to subcommittee the creation of
neighborhood conservation districts and a proposed re -zoning of
certain areas currently zoned industrial to be re -zoned as
residential. The Chair asked for a motion to refer the two items to
the subcommittee of Economic Development and Planning for
discussion and report back. Vice President Corbett moved the
matter, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by voice vote
with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and
Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
c. Noting the recent retirement of a public work's employee, the
Chair asked that the Personnel and Town Organization
subcommittee look at the structure of the public works department
to see if the way it is currently structured is working for the town or
should it be changed going forward. Councilor Falkoff moved the
matter, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by voice vote
with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and
Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
a. Regarding evaluations and the manager's contract, the Chair
asked that the Personnel and Town Organization subcommittee
review the evaluation tools for the manager, auditor and clerk as
well as the town manager's contract. Councilor Lawn moved
the matter, seconded by Vice President Corbett and adopted by
voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent
J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
b. Regarding concerns voiced at a recent Charter Commission
meeting by the Manager, the Chair asked that the Personnel
and Town Organization subcommittee examine the
reorganization and structure of the manager's position as it
relates to the need for an assistant and/or a reorganization of
the structure. Councilor Lawn moved the mater, seconded by
Councilor Piccirilli and adopted by voice vote with Councilors
John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba,
Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John
J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER:
a) Update on Double Poles
b) Request for Confirmation — appointment and reappointments to
the Cable Access Corporation Board of Directors — referred to the
Education and School System Matters subcommittee.
The Manager thanked the Ad Hoc Charitable Committee for their
efforts in providing $100,000 to charitable groups.
Regarding a bill signed by Governor Patrick, Chapter 188,Chapter
10 — Emergency Relief Act to develop targeted early retirement
programs, the Manager noted that he will not be recommending the
local adoption of the Act given the purpose of the Act and the
town's desire to maintain the current staffing levels. The Act, he
indicated, is not in the best interest of the community at this time.
Regarding a resident's comments during public forum related to a
parking ticket dispute, the Manager indicated that there are
provisions that allow any resident to appeal or dispute a parking
ticket, and that the process does not include coming to the town
manager or town council. He further noted that the Parking Clerk
has the ability, if the matter is not resolved, to bar or hold the
registration. The Manager thanked the Chair for making sure that
everyone can express their opinion but not make statements
against someone's character.
11. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Councilor Donohue asked for a list of stumps, cost of removal and
timeline for removal.
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Lawn invited the public, Thursday, September 30th at
5:15 pm to tour the new police station building.
Councilor Lawn announced that the Recreation Department will
hold a public meeting on October 5th at 7:00 pm to discuss the re-
design of the park behind the police station; an architect will be
there to answer questions from the public.
Councilor Lenk announced that there will be a meeting on
September 20th at 7:00pm at the Watertown Free Public Library to
discuss the Franklin Street/Washburn Street proposed
development. The town's planning director, Mr. Steve Magoon to
discuss the planning process, along with Andrew Friedman to
discuss the clean-up of the parcel and Terry Morris, representing
the developer.
Councilor Kounelis requested that a thank you letter be sent to
Tufts Health Plan for the clean-up efforts at the Mt. Auburn
Cemetery. The Manager requested that the letter include a thank
you for the donation of three defibrillators as well.
Councilor Corbett announced that the Planning Department will
host on September 30th at 6:30 pm at the High School a meeting to
discuss the Economic Development Study.
Councilor Falkoff announced the Faire on the Square event on
September 25th from 10am to 4pm. The Chair reminded the
Council that they have a table at the faire to meet and greet
residents.
The Chair, on behalf of the Charitable Committee members,
thanked Mary Power, Vice President of Harvard University Public
Relations.
The Chair announced that at the September 28th Town Council
meeting, the Council will have a presentation on school
renovations/repairs that took place this past summer.
13. PUBLIC FORUM — none noted.
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION — To consider the purchase, exchange,
taking, lease, or value of real property. Vice President Corbett
moved to adjourn the Town Council meeting at 9:00 pm and go into
executive session to discuss the above stated purpose. It was
noted by the Chair that discussing the matter in public session may
have be a detriment to the community. The motion was seconded
by Councilor Donohue and adopted by unanimous roll call vote with
Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba,
Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J.
Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Addendum — Adopted matters of business.