Loading...
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. 1 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." 4 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