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HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 02-08-2011ELECTED OFFICIALS: Mark S. Sideris Council President Stephen P. Corbett Vice President John A. Donohue Councilor At Large Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6470 Town Council Meeting Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 7:15 pm Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber Administration Building DRAFT MINUTES Susan G. Falkoff Councilor At Large 1. ROLL CALL: A regular meeting of the Town Council was called to order Anthony Palomba at 7:15 pm, in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber, Councilor At Large Administration Building. Present for the meeting were Councilors John Angeline B. Kounelis A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, District A Councilor Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Cecilia Lenk Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris. Also present District B Councilor were the Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll, Town Attorney Mark Reich Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr. and Council Clerk Valerie Papas. District C Councilor 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE John J. Lawn, Jr. District D Councilor 3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: January 25th. Vice President Corbett moved to adopt the minutes as written, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous 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. 4. PUBLIC FORUM: Ruth Thomasian, Arlington Street — asked that residents and businesses shovel the snow on sidewalks down to the bare cement. She noted several Main Street businesses that did not do a thorough job removing the snow. She thanked those residents and businesses who did. 5. PUBLIC HEARING AND VOTE: a) Public hearing and vote on a petition by Comcast to install 3 inch conduit from pole# 5/12 on Arsenal Street crossing Arsenal Street for approximately 70 feet. The trench will be 24 inches wide; 24 inches in depth and restored to the Town's standards and requirements. The work is necessary in order to provide Comcast service to the Arsenal Mall — Michael Cooke, Comcast. The Chair read the petition and 1 recognized Mr. Cooke who provided an overview. The Chair opened up the hearing to the public. Michael Donham, Royal Street — stated that work on Louise Street was not restored to good standards and asked for an explanation. The Chair recognized Mr. Gerald S. Mee, Jr., Superintendent of Public Works who stated that Royal Street received a patch and that the street will be restored to the Town's standards and requirements in the spring. There being no further comments, the hearing was closed. Councilor Kounelis emphasized the issue of trenches; to be mindful of them so they don't turn into sink and/or pot holes. Councilor Piccirilli moved the petition, seconded by Vice President Corbett and adopted by unanimous 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. Vice President Corbett moved to Suspend the Rules in order to bring forward agenda item 9A Acceptance of Proclamation honoring Mr. Christopher J. Hayward, Conservation/Preservation Agent, Tree Warden — Mark S. Sideris, Council President, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous 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. The Chair read the proclamation. Mr. Hayward thanked the Council for honoring him tonight. He also thanked audience members who came to recognize him. Ruth Thomasian, Trees for Watertown — praised Mr. Hayward for his dedication to his work; noting his consistent attendance at their monthly meetings which enhance communication between town groups and the administration. Annie Clark, Trees for Watertown — concurred with Ms. Thomasian and thanked Mr. Hayward for his support, care and maintenance of the Town's shade trees. Steve Magoon, Planning Director — stated that Mr. Hayward is someone who consistently takes care of everything that is brought to his attention and his diligence is much appreciated by all. Michael Donham, Royal Street — indicated that the Maple tree in front of the Library survived due to the dedication of Mr. Hayward. Councilor Falkoff moved to accept the proclamation, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous 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. 6. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM TOWN OFFICIALS: a) Report of the Commission on Disabilities related to Closed Captioning — Stephen P. Corbett, Commission on Disabilities member. Vice President Corbett stated that this is truly an exciting development and a great benefit to the community. He noted that the community should be proud to be a leader in this effort; the first community in the state to take this step. Vice President Corbett thanked the joint effort between the Commission on Disabilities and Watertown Cable Access Corporation for the financial backing of the first year; which will cost approximately $15,000. Sponsorships, he indicated, will be sought on an ongoing basis. Vice President Corbett acknowledged the following individuals: Stenographer Stephanie Farrell; Personnel Director and member of the Commission on Disabilities Gayle Shattuck; Tamarah Green director of the Watertown Cable Access Corporation; Commission on Disabilities Chair George Donahue; Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) Carol Menton; Judith Hurtzberg and Alex Liazos, members of the Commission on Disabilities. He further recognized MCDHH Commissioner Heidi Reed; MCDHH Technology Manager Jon O'Dell; MCDHH Case Manager Stan Potrude; and Alan and Elaine Gifford of Kingston, Massachusetts of the Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf. Vice President Corbett noted that Mr. George Donahue could be not hear tonight but indicated his excitement for this endeavor and this special thanks to Carol Menton for her efforts and persistence in ensuring that this goal was achieved. Ms. Green provided a brief overview of the Closed Captioning program noting that she hopes to expand the program to include other key town/board meetings. Ms. Menton thanked all those who assisted in this endeavor. The Chair and Councilors also extended their thanks to everyone involved in this project. 7. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Committee on Human Services report and action on the re -appointment of Dr. John H. Straus to the Board of Health — John A. Donohue, Chair. The Chair recognized Councilor Donohue who read the Committee report. Councilor Falkoff moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous 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. Councilor Donohue moved the reappoint of Dr. Straus to the Board of Health, seconded by Councilor Falkoff and adopted by unanimous 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. 8. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS: a) Acceptance of Proclamation honoring Mr. Christopher J. Hayward, Conservation/Preservation Agent, Tree Warden — Mark S. Sideris, Council President. Previously taken up. 9. NEW BUSINESS: None noted. 10. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None noted. 11. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER: a) Town -wide Emergency Parking Ban The Manager recognized Public Works Superintendent Gerald S. Mee, Jr., who addressed the recent snow -storm issues including high snow banks and narrow streets. Mr. Mee indicated that his crews have completed the clearing of bus stops and cross walks; and are now in process of going back into the schools to widen those areas to provide parking and safety for the children. Mr. Mee noted that this effort will be followed by widening the street "corner roundings" over the next few days. Mr. Mee also stated that he will survey all remaining areas to address line sight issues and visibility issues. Mr. Mee emphasized the extremely high level of collaborative efforts between his department and that of the Fire Department, Police Department and the School Department. Councilor Falkoff indicated that the public is generally pleased with how things are progressing with snow removal. She urged all residents to shovel their sidewalks noting the need for public cooperation. Councilor Lenk indicated that passage on Morse Street is extremely narrow. She further stated that visibility issues are serious and asked what the timeframe is for all the issues. Mr. Mee stated that work crews have been escalated to address the magnitude of the problems with corner roundings being a top priority and then looking at ice shelf issues. He noted that crews are working around the clock. Councilor Kounelis asked how enforcement is being taken care of with respect to the town -wide parking ban. Police Chief Edward P. Deveau stated that they have received a lot of compliance and cooperation from the public. With respect to enforcement; Chief Deveau stated that in the last 48 hours; 300 tickets have been issue. Chief Deveau noted that the Police knock on doors from time to time and use discretion along with common sense on enforcement. Councilor Corbett stated that with respect to sidewalks in business districts; the town has an ordinance and that discussions should take place on how that can be enforced in the most effective and efficient way possible. Councilor Palomba thanked the public for their cooperation and asked what the best way for residents to deal with emergencies and or issue that arise. Chief Deveau stated that residents should notify the police department when an issue arises so that the police can address those issues. Councilor Palomba inquired about snow removal equipment. Mr. Mee stated that a new sidewalk tractor is in the FY 2012 budget. b) Appointment of Retired Police Officers as Special Police Officers The Manager briefly reviewed various materials regarding the subject and requested that the matter be referred to the Subcommittee on Public Safety for review and consideration of the filing of a Home Rule petition authorizing the appointment of retired Watertown Police Officers as Special Police Officers, up to the age of 65, which is the same maximum age restriction as applied to regular police officers. Councilor Kounelis moved the referral request, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous 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. The Manager stated that it is a wonderful evening when we have an opportunity to have persons with hearing disabilities to have access to 5 town programming. He acknowledged the Commission on Disability and Watertown Cable Access Corporation along with Carol Menton who worked on this for a very long time. He noted the work and amount of time and discussion put into this endeavor should be acknowledged with a debt of gratitude. 12. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: Councilor Falkoff stated that the color coded signs in the municipal lot and surrounding areas no longer have any validity and asked if they could be removed. 13. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Councilor Falkoff announced that every Tuesday in February, residents patronizing Not Your Average Joe's will have a portion of the proceeds donated to the Library; residents patronizing Half Way Cafe on Thursday, February 10th will have a portion of their bill donated to the Hosmer School PTO. Councilor Palomba gave a special recognition to MCDHH Commissioner Heidi Reed. Ms. Reed thanked everyone for their efforts regarding the Closed Captioning endeavor that is now underway in Watertown. 14. PUBLIC FORUM — none noted. 15. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Town Council, Councilor Donohue moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm, seconded by Councilor Falkoff and adopted by unanimous 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. Addendum