HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 04-14-2015_201504240905460751 JB30
Watertown Town Council
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
^CH COW, Phone: 617-972-6470
ELECTED OFFICIALS: TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Mark S.Sideris, TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 @ 6:15 PM
Council President RICHARD E. MASTRANGELO COUNCIL CHAMBER
Stephen P.Corbett, ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Vice President DRAFT MINUTES
Aaron Dushku,
Councilor At Large
1. ROLL CALL: A regular meeting of the Town Council was called to order at 6:15
Susan G. Falkoff, m in the Richard E. Mastran elo Council Chamber. Present for the were
Councilor At Large p g ounc er. e meeting
Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis,
Anthony Palomba,Councilor At Large Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., >Kenneth M. Woodland and Council President
Mark S. Sideris. Councilor Corbett was absent. Also present were Town Manager
Angeline B.Kounelis, Michael J. Driscoll Town Attorney Mark Reich and Council Clerk Valerie Papas.
District A Councilor � y I�
Cecilia Lenk,
District B Councilor Councilor Dushku moved to go into executive session for the below stated purpose,
Vincent J. Piccirilli,Jr., seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous roll call vote with
District C Councilor Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis,
Kenneth M.Woodland Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President
District D Councilor Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION—6:15 PM:
a) To discuss strategy with respect to Collective Bargaining with the DPW Union,
Town Hall Associates Union, Library Union, Fire Union, Police Patrol Union, Police
Supervisors Union; and to discuss strategy with respect to litigation(Fire Union—
MUP-15-4376; and Civil Action No. 158ICV01551 ), as an open meeting may have a
detrimental effect on the Town's bargaining and litigating positions.
3. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION: 7:15 PM
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. EXAMINATION OF THE MINUTES: March 24, 2015.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to adopt the minutes, seconded by Councilor Woodland and
adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.,
Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
6. PUBLIC FORUM—none noted.
7. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: the chair read a Letter to FAA and asked for a motion
to send said letter to Ms. Amy Lind Corbett, FAA Regional Administrator. The letter
was so moved by Councilor Piccirilli, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by
unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M.
Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND VOTES:
a) Public hearing and vote on a proposed Ordinance Temporarily Modifying Hours of
Operation of the Administration Buildings. The Chair recognized the Manager who
provided a brief overview of the proposed Ordinance. The Chair opened up the hearing
to the public. There being no comments, the hearing was closed.
Councilor Piccirilli moved the Ordinance, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by
unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M.
Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
b)Public hearing and vote on a Proposed Loan Order authorizing the Town Treasurer with the
approval of the Town Manager to borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of$770,000
under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(3A)of the General Laws, or pursuant to any other
enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor for the costs of flooring
replacement at the Watertown Middle School(approximate cost of$175,000), and costs of
purchasing and installing unit ventilators at the Hosmer School(approximate cost of
$595,000). Additional Information
The Chair recognized the School Business Director Charles Kellner and Director of School
Facilities and Transportation Jay Francione who provided a brief overview.
The Manager provided a brief overview of the financing aspects of the loan order.
The Chair opened up the hearing to the public. There being no comments,the hearing was
closed.
Councilor Piccirilli moved the loan order, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by
unanimous roll call vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff,Anthony
Palomba,Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,Vincent J. Piccirilli,Jr.,Kenneth M.Woodland,
and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
9. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
a) Acceptance of Proclamation: recognizing the 1001h Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. The Chair read the proclamation. Councilor Piccirilli moved to adopt said
proclamation, seconded by Councilor Dushku and adopted by unanimous voice vote
with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff,Anthony Palomba,Angeline B. Kounelis,
Cecilia Lenk,Vincent J. Piccirilli,Jr.,Kenneth M.Woodland, and Council President Mark S.
Sideris voting in the affirmative.
The Chair stated that the State will be recognizing this anniversary on April 24'at Ashburton
Park.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to Suspend the Rules in order to bring forward agenda item
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Committee on Budget and Fiscal Oversight report
and action on recommendations on the FY2016-2020 Capital Improvement Program—
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr. The Motion was seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by
unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M.
Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Councilor Piccirilli read the 23 recommendations in the report. Councilor Piccirilli
moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Lenk.
Councilor Falkoff asked if we are being too ambitious as many items are carried over to
the following years. Town Auditor Thomas Tracy stated that he did not think the list
was too ambitious and that the town is starting to catch up.
Councilor Dushku asked that we work harder on getting done the proposed community
path.
Councilor Palomba noted that a lot of the recommendations or policy questions that
have no dollar amounts attached to them. He spoke in support of the parking meter
improvements.
Councilor Palomba asked where he would find the figure of how much we are
borrowing for fiscal 2016. The Auditor noted that the figure can be found under the 16
column.
The Manager stated that attachment A page 3 or 48 of preliminary budget overview
would provide that information.
Councilors Lenk and Kounelis spoke in support of the recommendations noting that
they were fully vetted in subcommittee.
The report was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku,
Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J.
Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in
the affirmative.
ACTION ITEMS AND VOTES:
1. Councilor Piccirilli moved to adopt the 23 recommendations, seconded by Councilor
Kounelis and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan
G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
2. Councilor Piccirilli moved that the Manager adjust the FY 2016 capital spending so
that it does not exceed 8% of the submitted FY 2016 operating budget in order to meet
the Town Council Budget Policy Guidelines that the Town should seek to make capital
expenditures equal to at least 7.5-8% of the operating budget, seconded by Councilor
Kounelis and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan
G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
b) First Reading on a proposed Order authorizing the Town Treasurer with the approval
of the Town Manager to borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of$262,800 under
and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(3A) of the General Laws, or pursuant to any
other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor for the costs
of a roofing project involving the Administration and North Fire Station Buildings.
The Manager provided a brief overview of the matter and noted that a public hearing
and vote will take place at the April 281h Town Council meeting as advertised in the
local paper.
c) First Reading on a proposed Order authorizing the Town Treasurer with the approval
of the Town Manager to borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of$530,000 under
and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(3A) of the General Laws, or pursuant to any
other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor for the costs
of infiltration/inflow projects at various location in the Town including Prescott Street,
Gilbert Street, Edward Road, Rutland Street and Evans Street. Any borrowing pursuant
to this order may be obtained through the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's
Infiltration and Inflow Local Assistance Program or through the Massachusetts Clean
Water Trust. The borrowing authorized by this order shall be reduced to the extent of
any grants received by the Town on account of this project.
The Manager provided a brief overview of the matter and noted that a public hearing
and vote will take place at the April 281h Town Council meeting as advertised in the
local paper.
d) First Reading on a proposed Order authorizing the Town Treasurer with the approval
of the Town Manager to borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of$900,000 under
and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(3A) of the General Laws, or pursuant to any
other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor for the costs
of water main replacement on Edenfield Avenue and Hovey Street. Any borrowing
pursuant to this order may be obtained through the Massachusetts Water Resources
Authority's Local Water System Assistance Program or through the Massachusetts
Clean Water Trust. The borrowing authorized by this order shall be reduced to the
extent of any grants received by the Town on account of this project.
The Manager provided a brief overview of the matter and noted that a public hearing
and vote will take place at the April 281h Town Council meeting as advertised in the
local paper.
e) Resolution authorizing a transfer to the Fiscal Year 2015 Fire Department Overtime
Account. The Auditor provided a brief over view of the transfer.
Councilor Piccirilli moved the resolution, seconded by Councilor Woodland and
adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.,
Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a. Committee on Budget and Fiscal Oversight report and action on recommendations
on the FY2016-2020 Capital Improvement Program—Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.
Previously read and voted.
b. Committee on Human Services report and recommendation on the 2024 Olympics
committee—Anthony Palomba, Chair. Councilor Palomba read the recommendations
of the committee.
Councilor Palomba moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Dushku and
adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.,
Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Councilor Palomba moved to establish the Ad Hoc Committee for the 2024 Summer
Olympics, seconded by Councilor Dushku.
Councilor Lenk stated that while she supports all the work done on this and for the
enthusiasm for the 2024 Olympics, she cannot support the creation of an ad hoc
committee for the following reasons: it has the appearance of a defacto endorsement
for the Olympics coming to Boston; that the various groups named to participate in this
ad hoc committee were not at the subcommittee meeting and may not share in the
enthusiasm. She lastly noted that this is best left for our local legislatures to work on
and in concern with them.
Councilor Kounelis concurred with Councilor Lenk and noted that the proposed
Olympic venues and events are not in the immediate area of Watertown and that it is
too premature to form such a committee. She stated that there is nothing to prevent us
from visiting this again in the future.
Councilor Dushku state that he does not see the proposed committee is not an
endorsement of the Games. He indicated that he supports this so that Watertown will
be represented if indeed the Games do come to Boston and that Watertown is included
in some form. He further noted that our local legislatures are in favor of this idea and
that no one will be forced to be on the committee and that there will be a seat there if
they decide to serve.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that the Olympics 2024 would be a once in a life time
experience and could be very exciting; he noted that while he won't vote to support the
task force as proposed because of a process standpoint and that perhaps a staff position
as part of the administration may be a better idea. He indicated that that this point it is
premature and that there will be plenty of time to plan in Watertown becomes a part of
the Olympics. He asked that more work be done by the subcommittee on this.
Councilor Palomba stated that the proposal states that it will be up to the Council
President and the Manager to appoint the committee members. He indicated it is a
committee to explore the idea and noted that the marketing and planning is taking place
presently and we should not wait on it.
Councilor Falkoff stated that she will support this as she was impressed that Senator
Brownsberger and Representative Hecht had such strong support for it; but
Asked; if we might consider postponing the vote tonight.
The Chair disagreed that this will not cost the town anything. He stated that the mayor
of Newton and other surrounding mayors are trying to put together a meeting on this as
more towns being involved may result in a better process in a collaborative effort.
Councilor Piccirilli asked if it would be appropriate to send a letter asking them to
reconsider putting Watertown on the list; as it currently is omitted.
Councilor Dushku noted that the proposed committee would be a low cost option to
participate in future meetings.
Councilor Lenk stated that it is really important for our administration to participate
fully in these discussions with the surrounding mayors and legislatures and put together
something were we are all at the Table in a strong and clear way.
Councilor Palomba withdrew his motion to create an ad hoc committee. Councilor
Dushku withdrew his second on the motion.
Councilor Palomba moved:
1. the Human Services subcommittee takes in consideration the comments made
tonight and determine if another hearing should be held.
2. the Council President in working with the Town Manager explore any future
meetings that might take place and appoint people to attend;
3. a letter be drafted to the Boston 2024 Olympics Committee noting that Watertown is
interested in being included in discussions of the Games
Councilor Piccirilli seconded the motion and it was adopted by unanimous roll call vote
with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B.
Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
11. NEW BUSINESS:
The Manager brought forward an Acceptance of a Tangible Gift to the Police
Department; an automatic external defibrillator. Councilor Piccirilli moved the matter,
seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with
Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis,
Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President
Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
12. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER:
a) Request for Confirmation of appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals. So
referred to committee.
One Boston Day—tomorrow clean-up of Fillepello Park.
Yard Waste pickup—this Friday
Patriot Day—Monday; Town Hall will be closed.
Household Hazardous Waste—this Saturday. No registration needed.
13. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION:
Councilor Kounelis:
1 noted that a response will be forthcoming from Mr. Mee regarding planting strips.
2 asked for an update on Calvin Road issue
3 asked for an update on Prentiss Street issue
All items were previously submitted.
Councilor Falkoff read a list of request for information.
14. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilor Dushku:
Charles River clean up as part of Earth Day 4/25.
4/29 at Traffic Commission meeting—Mark Chase to speak on parking issues.
4/30 Design Guideline discussions continue
511 Dancing with the Stars fundraiser—Hellenic Cultural Center.
Councilor Palomba:
5/21 Fillipello Park re-design meeting provided by the Recreation Department Library
6/4 Watertown Public Transit Taskforce forum—Library
The Chair:
5/6 Joint meeting with the Planning Board at the Middle School—Comprehensive Plan
Budget hearing dates as follows:
5/18 @ 6pm
5/21 @ 6pm
5/26 @ 8pm
5/30 @ 9am (Saturday)
6/2 @ 6pm
15. PUBLIC FORUM:
Elliot Freedman, Church Street—spoke of the necessity for speed with respect to
planning for the 2024 Olympics.
Bob Erickson, Lloyd Road—concurred with Mr. Freedman and spoke of the importance
of lobbying on behalf of Watertown being included in the 2024 Olympics.
16. ADJOURNMENT: there being no further business to come before the Town
Council, Councilor Woodland moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 pm, seconded by
Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku,
Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J.
Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in
the affirmative.
Addendum