Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 04-22-2014_201404300954370285ELECTED OFFICIALS: Mark S. Sideris, Council President Stephen P. Corbett, Vice President Aaron Dushku, 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 Kenneth M. Woodland, District D Councilor Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6470 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 AT 7:15 PM RICHARD E. MASTRANGELO COUNCIL CHAMBER ADMINISTRATION BUILDING DRAFT MINUTES 1. ROLL CALL: A regular meeting of the Town Council was called to order at 7:15 pm in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber. Present for the meeting were Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris. Also present were the Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll, Town Attorney and Council Clerk Valerie Papas. Councilor Lenk was absent. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. EXAMINATION OF MINUTES: April 8th and April 15th Councilor Piccirilli move the minutes of April 8th, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Councilor Piccirilli moved the minutes of April 15th, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 4. PUBLIC FORUM: 1. Travis Estes; Director of Outreach for Next Step Living — spoke with respect to Solarize Watertown and noted that they now offer a 0 down PPA as part of the bid. 2. Amy Donohue; Watertown Community Foundation — read a statement with respect to 501 © fundraising. 3. Michael Dattoli, 61 Carroll Street - thanked the Council for the proclamation recognizing the Armenian Genocide and also spoke in support of making funds available to the Schools. 5. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Proclamation recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Vice President Corbett read the proclamation. Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the proclamation, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND VOTES: a) Public hearing and vote on a proposed Ordinance Modifying the Hours of the Administration Building. The Manager provided an overview of the proposed ordinance. The Chair opened up the hearing to the public. There being no comments, the hearing was closed. Vice President Corbett moved the Ordinance, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. b) Public hearing and vote on a joint petition by NSTAR and Verizon to relocate existing joint owned pole #12/9 on the northeasterly side of Bellevue Road and southerly property line of #152 Bellevue Road approximately 15 feet westerly to provide services to renovated property and remove obstruction to driveway (old pole to be removed). Director of Community Development and Planning, Steve Magoon provided an overview of the petition. The Chair opened up the hearing to the public. There being no comments, the hearing was closed. Councilor Piccirilli moved the petition, seconded by Councilor Woodland. Councilor Kounelis asked that if the sidewalk panel needs to be replaced because of damage, it will be replaced by the owner. Councilor Piccirilli stated that when the driveway is expanded, the apron must also be replaced as well by the homeowner. Mr. Magoon concurred with both councilors' queries and stated that that is the town's policy already. The motion was adopted with the above stated conditions by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. c) Public hearing and vote on a joint petition by NSTAR and Verizon to relocate one pole #195/17 approximately 8 feet westerly on Edenfield Avenue from its current location at 135 Edenfield Avenue. The petition is necessary to alleviate obstruction to driveway (old pole to be removed). Director of Community Development and Planning, Steve Magoon provided an overview of the petition. The Chair opened up the hearing to the public. There being no comments, the hearing was closed. Councilor Piccirilli noted his concern regarding a street tree in the vicinity of the proposed work and asked that the tree be replaced if damaged and they work with the Tree Warden. Councilor Kounelis reiterated her previous comments regarding sidewalk replacement if necessary and Councilor Piccirilli reiterated his previous comments regarding the driveway apron. Councilor Piccirilli moved the petition with the above stated conditions, seconded by Councilor Woodland. Mr. Magoon concurred. The motion was adopted with the above stated conditions by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 7 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS: a) An Order Transferring Care, Custody and Control of Property off Church Street, Currently Held for Off -Street Parking Purposes, to the Town Manager for Purposes of Off -Street Parking and for Purposes of Conveyance. The Manager provided an overview of the Order. It was noted by Mr. Magoon that the building "Trescas" encroaches by 2.25 feet onto town owned property and running the length of the building. It was further noted that granting the easement would have minimal impact upon the town's property interest. With respect to a query from Councilor Dushku, Mr. Magoon stated that there will be no impact to the proposed bike path with respect to this granting of easement. Councilor Piccirilli moved to grant the easement as proposed, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. b) Resolution authorizing a transfer of $31,265 from the Fiscal Year 2014 Town Council Reserve Account to the Fiscal Year 2014 Police Department Overtime Account. The Manager provided a brief overview of the matter which was related to security for the wake/funeral of firefighter Edward Walsh. Councilor Piccirilli moved the transfer, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 8. COMMITTEE REPORT: a) Education and School System Matters amended report on the continuation of discussion for financial and administrative vehicles for public/private partnerships; continuation of progress report on school department budget development; update on the school district infrastructure study and a draft WCEC— Aaron Dushku, Chair. Councilor Dushku read the committee report. Councilor Palomba moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Woodland. Councilor Piccirilli moved an amendment to fix a typo and to include the draft WCEC be attached, seconded by Councilor Kounelis and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. On the main motion as amended; Councilor Piccirilli so moved the report, seconded by Councilor Dushku and adopted by unanimous voice vote Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Vice President Corbett moved to send the draft WCEC to town attorney for review, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 2. Councilor Dushku moved that the Town Council request the Town Manager to investigate and report back on the use of the following ideas as potential sources of new funds for the school department: (a) a real estate transfer tax on property sales, (b) increases in parking meter fees, (c) a space for voluntary `write-in' amounts on real estate tax bills The motion was seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 9. NEW BUSINESS: Councilor Dushku moved to meeting with various actors in the Watertown community to find ways to support their funding raising initiatives for education, seconded by Councilor Palomba. Councilor Piccirilli stated that the ESSM subcommittee have taken the referral of February 11th, and turned it into something else which was not voted on by the Council as they were not tasked with creating a funding raising mechanism. Councilor Palomba indicated that the committee wanted something for a point of discussion so he drafted the WCEC document was done with no intention on the part of the committee to form anything but to work with a lot of people to increase funding for the schools. Councilor Kounelis stated that we are starting to lose sight of what a subcommittee does and what they are charged with and it is not appropriate. She noted that we are not Washington tasked with finding solutions but are charged with giving direction to the Council. Councilor Falkoff stated that she would like to see discussion with people involved with fundraising; first. Councilor Dushku concurred. Councilor Piccirilli agreed with another meeting and questioned whether the WCEC document should not be referred to the town attorney at this point. Councilor Dushku disagreed and stated that a review by the attorney would be helpful to the subcommittee. The Chair agreed that a review by the attorney would be helpful and that the committee convening a discussion with all groups will be helpful in order to gather more information. Councilor Woodland concurred with the Chair and moving forward with more discussion and continue down the path with what the committee was charged with. On the motion, it was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. It was clarified by the Chair that the attorney would only review the role of elected officials and town employees because of the conflict of interest. 10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER: a) Proposed Dog Park Improvements. The Manager reviewed the cost of the proposed dog park improvements. Councilor Dushku asked that they look at a secondary fence to keep dogs inside. Mr. Magoon stated that the Dog Officer also suggested that and if it comes within the budget it will be included. Councilor Palomba 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, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. b) The Manager read a statement with respect to the Fiscal Year 2015 budget process. 11. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION: Councilor Falkoff asked for an update on the Comprehensive Plan. Councilor Palomba voiced concern regarding how to have a meeting with colleagues without violating the open meeting laws. He noted that he would like to continue to discuss matters with the public on issues of importance. He respectfully disagreed with Councilor Kounelis previous comments regarding her opinion regarding the charge of subcommittees. He indicated that he strongly feels that the subcommittee meetings provide a legal way to discuss issues outside of this forum and an opportunity to generate and discuss new ideas. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Councilor Palomba announced that on Saturday, April 26th from 10-2 at the Police Station — unwanted prescription drop off. Councilor Dushku announced Earth Day and that on Saturday at loam there will be a River cleanup day. He also noted that on May 1St at 7pm; the Watertown Task Force on Public Transit will meet at the Library. Councilor Palomba announced that on Saturday from 3:30-5:00 pm there will be a — Peace Pole at the Library to celebrate diversity and harmony. 13. PUBLIC FORUM: Peter Centola noted a proud moment for the community on Saturday at the 5k road race and walk to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing event in Watertown. 14. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Town Council, Councilor Palomba moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Addendum