HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 06-26-2013_201307081126116615ELECTED 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
Kenneth M. Woodland,
District D Councilor
Watertown Town Council
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6470
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013 @ 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, Administration Building. Present for the meeting
were Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council
President Mark S. Sideris. Councilor Palomba arrived at 7:45 pm. The Council Clerk was
absent.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. EXAMINATION OF MINUTES: June 11, 2013. Councilor Piccirilli moved the minutes,
seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John
A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, 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 — none noted.
5. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: The Chair announced that tomorrow evening at 6:00 pm, The
First Responders Ceremony will take place at the Perkins School for the Blind.
6. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATON;
a) Informational Presentation on a proposed Housing Production Plan — Steven Magoon,
Director of Community Development and Planning. Mr. Magoon reviewed the proposed
Housing Production Plan as attached. MAPC representative, Matt Smith provided a power
point presentation. The Chair opened up the presentation for questions from the Council.
Councilor Falkoff stated that some people prefer to live in single family homes and we
are not increasing this type of house. Mr. Smith concurred and commented that the lack
of open space makes single family home construction difficult to accomplish financially.
She also asked for information about how the average mortgage liability compares to
the average home value.
Vice President Corbett asked that if the Town is working on a housing production plan, is that
sufficient to ward off a hostile 40B project. Mr. Smith answered, no. But said there is an
opportunity to make it a friendly 40B project if you hit certain housing goals.
Councilor Kounelis commented that she sees parking problems with people parking on the
grass, etc. and that she does not support changing the parking requirements.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that if there is one fatal flaw in this plan, it is that we will never reach
the ten percent threshold which would require 540 affordable units.
Councilor Lenk stated that the larger units coupled with the parking makes this plan difficult for
Watertown and a real challenge as the community has very little undeveloped land.
Councilor Palomba asked about the smaller projects. Mr. Magoon stated that the problem with
the smaller projects is that it changes the financial calculus with less profit for the developer
Councilor Woodland asked about the likelihood that 156 units would expire. Mr. Magoon
stated that he does not think that is likely.
The Chair asked how this overall affects the comprehensive plan we are working on. Mr.
Magoon stated that some of the findings will be a starting point for the housing element.
The Chair stated that this will go before the Planning Board and then back to the Town Council
for further discussion.
PUBLIC HEARING AND VOTE:
a) Public hearing and vote on a proposed Order establishing Water and Sewer
Rates and Charges for Fiscal Year 2014. The Manager provided an overview of
the proposed water and sewer rates and charges.
The Chair opened up the hearing to the public. There being no comments, the
hearing was closed.
Councilor Piccirilli moved the proposed water and sewer rates, seconded by
Councilor Woodland.
Vice President Corbett asked that we consider using some of the reserves
($50,000) in order to reduce the increase and soften the blow.
Councilor Donohue concurred and stated that it would be very beneficial to the
community.
The Chair stated that it would be $50,000 for the water and $50,000 for the sewer.
Councilor Palomba stated that it doesn't seem like it would be a huge dip into the
reserve and thus support the idea.
Councilor Lenk also agreed.
Councilor Kounelis asked Mr. Tracy to explain the statement that if retained
earnings are used now, we will have a bigger increase next year.
Mr. Tracy stated that Mr. Woodland included that, next year you would have to
make up the increases and the use of retained earnings.
Councilor Piccirilli state that he does not believe it is a good idea to use the
reserved funds this year as it is not a good practice unless there is an emergency
which this is not and essentially you are just kicking the can down the road. He
further stated that this is something the Town Council criticized the School
Committee for doing and that we use retained earnings for capital projects.
Vice President Corbett stated that this is the time to moderate this type of fee and
we have the opportunity to do this.
Councilor Falkoff concurred with Councilor Piccirilli.
Councilor Lenk stated that she did not think the $50,000 for water and sewer is a
major risk and moderate this increase which is higher than she wanted to see this
year.
Councilor Woodland stated that he sees the big picture in the long term and that
he agrees that this just kicks the can down the road.
Councilor Palomba stated that this does not seem like a lot of money in order to
help a lot of people and he is in support of using the retained earnings to reduce
the rates.
Councilor Kounelis also spoke in support of using retained earnings to offer some
relief to the residents.
The Chair stated that we have been very prudent in budgeting our funds through
the years and since the reserves were developed to smooth rate increases he
supports using retained earnings for lowering the water and sewer rates and noted
that it is still a rate increase.
AMENDED MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Lenk moved to amend the motion as
follows: to use $50,000 from each of the water and sewer rates to ameliorate the rate
increase proposed for water and sewer, seconded by Councilor Kounelis and adopted by
a roll call vote of 6 for and 3 against with Councilors John A. Donohue, Angeline B.
Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative and Councilors Susan G. Falkoff, Vincent J.
Piccirilli, Jr., and Kenneth M. Woodland voting against.
On the Motion to approve the rate including a transfer of $50,000 each from the water
and sewer fund; it was adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors John A.
Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, 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) First Reading 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
$207,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority for
the costs of various improvements to school buildings as follows:
Project Estimated Cost
Cunniff School Playground — Walking Path Replaced $30,000
Cunniff School Gate Installation at Cove Entrance $12,000
Complete Preschool HVAC at Hosmer School $60,000
Install Drainage at Hosmer School Lower Gym $20,000
Replace Middle School Main Entrance $45,000
Install Central Air — Phillips School 3rd Floor Offices $40,000
The Chair read the first reading and recognized the Manager who provided a brief
overview of the Loan Order noting that the matter will be advertised for a public
hearing and vote on July 16th
b) Resolution authorizing the Expenditure of a Gift of funds in the amount of $8,650.00
for Watertown's First Responders' event. Councilor Piccirilli moved the matter,
seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John
A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vincent
J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
The Chair asked for a motion for a late agenda item. Councilor Piccirilli moved the matter,
seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue,
Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S.
Sideris voting in the affirmative.
The Manager introduced a Gift of Personal Property for the First Responders Event. Councilor
Piccirilli moved the matter, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice
vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
c) Consideration and action on a proposed Intermunicipal Agreement with the
Town of Belmont for Electrical Inspection Services. The Manager provided an
overview of the Agreement. Councilor Piccirilli moved to authorize the Manager
to execute this Agreement, seconded by Councilor Lenk.
Councilor Kounelis clarified that the wiring inspector no longer serves on the
Traffic Commission. Mr. Magoon stated that he will make the correction.
Councilor Piccirilli noted that he is happy that this is happening.
Upon a voice vote, the motion was adopted by unanimous vote with Councilors
John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony
Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Committee on Public Works report and action a reappointment to the EEE Committee
(Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee) and a report on summer 2014 Road
Projects; Mt. Auburn Street Update and an MWRA request for Pleasant Street work —
Cecilia Lenk, Chair. Councilor Lenk read the report. Councilor Piccirilli moved the report,
seconded by Councilor Lenk.
Councilor Kounelis stated; that about the recommendation we need citizen input and for
them to be part of the process.
The report was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue,
Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J.
Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
ACTION ITEM AND VOTE: Councilor Lenk moved the reappointment of Mr. Acer-
Green to the EEE Committee, seconded by Councilor Donohue and adopted by
unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B.
Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M.
Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris
voting in the affirmative.
ACTION ITEM AND VOTE: Councilor Lenk made a motion to move forward with a
25% design phase for Mt. Auburn Street and instruct the Administration to give a full
presentation to the Town Council on the cost estimate and timeline for the 25% design
phase, seconded by Councilor Woodland.
Councilor Palomba asked if the motion for the 25% design coincides with the Committee
report items #3 and #4.
Mr. Mee explained that the 25%; depends on the timeframe moving forward as time goes on
the costs goes up with the idea of multiple phases having plenty of input from the public at
each phase.
Councilor Palomba asked about the safety elements are a separate piece of work. Councilor
Lenk stated that it is included in this part of the phase.
Councilor Falkoff stated that she is not prepared to vote to okay to the 25% design at this
time.
The Chair stated that the Council needs a refresher on this and asked for an informational
presentation at the next meeting.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that we have not started the project yet; all the public input would
begin only when the Council authorizes it to begin and stated that if you look at the motion
it asks for an informational presentation and that maybe the motion should be changed as
we may be putting the cart before the horse.
Vice Corbett stated that until you get into the process you can't get in the cue for federal
and state TIP monies.
Councilor Falkoff noted that she does not feel clear about the delays they have had to date.
Councilor Lenk moved to amend her previous motion to instruction the Administration to
give a full presentation on Mt. Auburn Street including a cost estimate for entire project and
the 25% timeline, seconded by Councilor Piccirilli.
The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue,
Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J.
Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
ACTION ITEM AND VOTE: Councilor Lenk moved to endorse the DPW
recommendation to allow the MWRA to proceed with their work with the MWRA to
perform compete and full restoration of Pleasant Street, seconded by Councilor Piccirilli
and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G.
Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.,
Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark
S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
b) Committee on Personnel and Town Organization report and first reading on a salary
adjustment for the Town Auditor and Council Clerk for Fiscal Year 2013 and a request
to the Collins Center regarding the Public Works study — Susan G. Falkoff, Chair.
Councilor Falkoff read the report and asked that the draft organization study be included.
Councilor Woodland moved to accept the report as amended, seconded by Councilor
Palomba and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan
G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President
Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
ACTION ITEM AND VOTE: Councilor Falkoff moved to have the Council Clerk and
Town Auditor evaluated starting next April and each April thereafter, seconded by Vice
President Corbett and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A.
Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and
Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Councilor Falkoff provided a first reading of the salary increase for the Town Auditor and
Council Clerk which will be advertised for a public hearing and vote on July 16`''
ACTION ITEM AND VOTE: Councilor Falkoff asked that a letter be sent to the
Collins Center asking that the public works study be completed in 30 days, seconded by
Vice President Corbett and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A.
Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and
Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
c) Committee on Human Services report and action on an appointment to the Board of
Health — Anthony Palomba, Chair. Councilor Palomba read the report. Councilor
Woodland moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by
unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B.
Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M.
Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris
voting in the affirmative.
ACTION ITEM AND VOTE: Councilor Palomba moved the appointment of Mr.
Arnold, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with
Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President
Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER
The Manager announced that additional toters are now available at Public Works for $180.00
for the life of the contract with Republic Services.
The Manager announced the First Responders Ceremony tomorrow night at 6:00 pm at Perkins
School for the Blind.
10. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
Councilor Falkoff requested to know when the new Recycling Center will be open.
11. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Donohue announced that a Street Hockey tournament took place this weekend to
raise money for the Watertown High School Hockey Team.
Councilor Donohue announced that a 5 k race took place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery to raise funds
for the Watertown Baseball Team. He thanked all the volunteers for their help in both of these
events.
12. PUBLIC FORUM
Paul Fahey stated that Watertown's 911 Dispatch were honored at the NEMA conference in
Charlotte, North Carolina.
13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Town Council,
Councilor Donohue moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 pm, seconded by Vice President
Corbett and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G.
Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.,
Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S.
Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Addendum