HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 09-10-2013_201309170951188291ELECTED 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
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 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. Present for the meeting were Councilors John A.
Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, 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
Mark Riech and Council Clerk Valerie Papas.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. EXAMINATION OF MINUTES: August 13, 2013. Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve
the minutes, seconded by Councilor Woodland 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., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
4. PUBLIC FORUM:
Nancy O'Leary — 408 School Street — spoke in support of improvements to the Davenport Delta
with park benches, new trees, etc. for recognition of its historical significance.
Councilor Kounelis thanked Mr. Mee for refurbishing the bench at the Delta.
Ben Lewis — School Street — echoed Ms. O'Leary's comments regarding improvements.
5. PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
The Chair announced that the School Committee has ratified a memorandum of agreement with
the Teacher's Association — Unit A.
The Chair noted the recent retirement of Ms. Barbara White, Assistant Town Treasurer with
more than 33 years of service to the Town. The Chair read the Proclamation which was
previously presented to Ms. White during a coffee hour in her honor. The Manager spoke to her
many achievements and long time service to the citizens. Councilors praised her work ethic and
professionalism.
The Chair recognized Ms. White who thanked her fellow colleagues past and present and the
Council for the recognition.
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Councilor Kounelis moved to approve 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., Kenneth M. Woodland,
Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to Suspend the Rules in order to bring forward agenda item 9A,
seconded by Councilor Donohue 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., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President
Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
a) Public hearing and vote on a proposed petition by A T & T to install and maintain
approximately 30 feet of 2, 4 inch conduit to pole # 46/5 to the Town Boundary with
Belmont in order to provide service to properties on the opposite side of Belmont
Street. The MBTA requires that this service be placed below ground in order to
avoid conflict with the catenary wires above. The Chair recognized Mr. David Edgar
who provided a brief overview of the petition. The Chair opened up the hearing to
the public. There being no comments, the hearing was closed.
Councilor Piccirilli noted an error regarding the pole number in the public hearing
notice, which should be been noted as pole number 118/11. He noted that pole #
46/5 was for the Belmont petition. Mr. Magoon apologized for the error stating that
he had received both petitions for Watertown and Belmont. He stated that the error
in the pole number was discovered prior to the hearing tonight and the Clerk was
sent a correction.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve the petition, seconded by Councilor Woodland.
Councilor Kounelis noted the absence of a set of plans. Mr. Edgar provided a map to Ms.
Kounelis and the Council Clerk.
The motion to approve the petition was adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors
John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, 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.
8. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION:
a) Informational Presentation on Staffing and Organizational Assessment of the Public Works
Department — Robin Haley and Monica Lamboy — Edward J. Collins, Jr., Center for Public
Management. Mr. Haley and Ms. Lamboy provided a power point presentation.
The Chair opened up the presentation for comments from the Council.
Councilor Palomba stated that the study was fascinating and well written.
Councilor Falkoff stated that the study was useful and noted that there have been too many
vacancies in that department for too long which is concerning to her.
Councilor Woodland concurred asked that the vacancies be looked into and addressed. He
asked what the going rate is for CMS. Mr. Haley stated that the mid range is between $15-
30,000.
Councilor Lenk stated that the presentation was excellent.
Councilor Piccirilli noted his appreciation for all the research all in one place and stated that it
will be gone through with the subcommittee in order to come up with a meaningful solution.
The Chair asked that a motion be made to refer the report to the joint committees of Public
Works and Personnel and Town Organization. Councilor Donohue made the motion, seconded
by Councilor Woodland 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., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President
Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
The Chair called a five minute recess.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND VOTES:
a) Previously taken up.
b) Public hearing and vote on a Proposed Loan Order authorizing the Town
Treasurer with the approval of the Town Manager to borrow monies in the amount
of $370,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority
for the construction, reconstruction, and improvements of municipal outdoor
recreational and athletic facilities at Casey Park, including the payment of all costs
incidental or related thereto; which sum shall be in addition to the amount of
$259,200, which has previously been appropriated for park improvements and
included in the tax levy.
The Manager provided a brief overview.
The Chair recognized Mr. Peter Centola, Recreation Director who provided a
history and the timeframe of the Casey Park improvements.
Following the overview, the Chair opened up the hearing to the public.
Mike Venezia spoke in support of the loan order on behalf of his father, Artie,
who was very involved with youth sports and who recently passed away.
Thomas Sullivan, former Recreation Director — spoke in support of the loan order
and improvement to the park noting that it is a real boost for the residents.
Holly Masters, Theruer Park and Field Hockey Coach — spoke in support of the
ice hockey rink.
Greg Salvucci, Youth Baseball president — asked that the Council reconsider and
look at the number to add the improvements to the baseball park.
There being no further comments, the Chair closed the hearing.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve the loan order as presented, seconded by
Councilor Donohue.
Councilor Donohue spoke in support of the loan order noting that Casey Park is
the centerpiece for the residents of the south side.
Councilor Lenk spoke in support of the loan order noting that the park is heavily
used.
Vice President Corbett concurred.
Councilor Falkoff stated that she needs help in understanding the use for an
outdoor hockey rink which is reliant of cold weather to stay frozen.
Mr. Centola stated that yes, it may thaw during the winter months if the weather
does not permit the freezing; but the rink will then be used for street hockey or
other sports as the rink surface is made of solid acrylic. He noted that if it thaws;
the surface can be easily drained and used for other sports.
Mr. Centola recognized Glenn Howard who noted that the ice hockey rink was
priced out at $112,000. He concurred with Mr. Centola on the alternative uses for
the rink.
Councilor Woodland spoke in support of the loan order and asked that the
baseball field be revisited when funds become available.
Councilor Kounelis spoke in support of the loan order as a well needed amenity
for the neighborhood.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that the improvements make sense financially.
The Chair stated that he was previously very concerned about the cost of the ice
hockey rink but he has since changed his mind as the Town will use funds it
already has. He also noted that the neighborhood is very supportive of this and
therefore he respectfully has changed his mind and will support the loan order.
The Loan Order was adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors John A.
Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, 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.
10. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
a) Resolution authorizing Acceptance and Expenditure of a Gift of Funds in the
amount of $7,500.00 to offset expenses related to the "Faire on the Square 2013."
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The Manager provided a brief overview of the resolution. Vice President Corbett moved
the Gift of Funds, seconded by Councilor Woodland 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., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen
P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Committee on Economic Development and Planning report and action on Ce11
Towers and a Housing Production Plan - Stephen P. Corbett, Chair. The Chair
recognized Vice President Corbett who read the committee report. Councilor Donohue
moved to accept the report, 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., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President
Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Vice President Corbett moved to accept the Housing Production Plan as presented, seconded by
Councilor Falkoff.
Councilor Kounelis asked if we are only acceptance the concept noting that she has objections
to the parking requirements in the housing production plan.
Vice President Corbett answered in the affirmative.
Councilor Palomba asked; is it the understanding that we would revisit the concepts in order to
meet the housing goal? Mr. Magoon stated that we should look at it as a strategy to do just that.
Councilor Falkoff stated that it became very apparent in subcommittee hearings that these
conversations should be held in a very public setting.
Vice President Corbett stated that the major reason the Council should approve a housing
production plan is that it puts the Town in a much better position should a developer come
forward with a project, as it gives the Town much better standing in dealing with the State in
negotiating an objectionable 40B proposal.
The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G.
Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, 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.
b) Committee on Public Works report and action on plowing of private ways — Cecilia
Lenk, Chair. Councilor Lenk read the committee report. Councilor Piccirilli moved to
accept the report, seconded by Councilor Kounelis 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., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Councilor Lenk stated that the town attorney redrafted the document as a resolution
which captures the full intent and conditions of the original ordinance and adds a new
clause which clarifies the matter in her mind.
Councilor Lenk read the clause.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that he is extremely pleased with the resolution and thanked
Attorney Reich for his guidance.
Councilor Kounelis stated that she has always stressed the public safety aspect of this.
Councilor Lenk noted that the private ways will not be part of the winter parking ban but
that residents will have to remove their cars during the storm.
Superintendent Mee concurred and stated that if it is going to snow the onus is on them
to remove their cars.
Councilor Kounelis reminded Mr. Mee of the situation on Oliver Road when residents
left their motor vehicles on the road during a storm.
Mr. Mee stated that this has now been brought to the forefront and everyone is well
aware of what is expected of them if they want their roads plowed on private ways.
Attorney Reich reviewed a portion of the resolution which addressed that issue of
communication to these owners.
Vice President Corbett added that this is the right solution to a difficult problem.
Councilor Palomba stated that it is nice to see that we will go forward with a petition to
the legislature.
Councilor Donohue concurred and noted that the Council worked together to find a
solution.
The Chair noted the potential risk if it went on the ballot and thanked Attorney Reich
and the subcommittee for coming up with a solution. It was noted by the Chair that a
letter will be sent to the residents of private ways.
Councilor Lenk stated that the subcommittee will meet next week to review the list of
streets and guidelines and then have a letter forthcoming from that.
Councilor Lenk moved to approve the resolution, 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., Kenneth M.
Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in
the affirmative.
Councilor Donohue moved to rescind the prior vote in August by the Town Council to
put this on the ballot, 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., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
The Chair announced that as a result of this vote, the issue will no longer be on the ballot in
November.
12. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER:
The Manager noted that there will be a presentation of the Financial Review at the
September 24th Town Council meeting.
The Chair noted that he will entertain several referrals at this point.
Councilor Lenk moved to refer to Public Works subcommittee the Recycling Advisory
Committee to look at their goals and priorities, 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., Kenneth M.
Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in
the affirmative.
Councilor Donohue moved to refer to Public Works subcommittee the issue of the
intersection of Orchard/Common/Church Streets noting a recent accident there,
seconded by Councilor Woodland 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., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
13. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION - none noted.
14. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Palomba announced that on September 10, 17, and 24th Not Your Average
Joes will donate to the Watertown Youth Coalition; so please patronize the restaurant on
those dates.
15. PUBLIC FORUM — none noted
16. ADJOURNMENT — There being no further business to come before the Town
Council, Councilor Donohue moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 pm, seconded by
Councilor Woodland 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., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President
Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Addendum