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
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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
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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