HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 09-13-20_1ELECTED 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
John J. Lawn, Jr.
District D Councilor
Watertown Town Council
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6470
Town Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber
Administration Building
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., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and
Council President Mark S. Sideris. Also present were the Town
Manager Michael J. Driscoll, Town Attorney Mark Reich and Council
Clerk Valerie Papas.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: August 9th. Vice President Corbett
moved to accept the minutes, seconded by Councilor Piccirilli and
adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G.
Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
4. PUBLIC FORUM: The chair recognized:
Jim Loughlin, 465 Arsenal Street — who invited councilors to a Planning
Board meeting on Wednesday, September 14th in opposition to the
proposed 42 space parking lot project at Arsenal Apartments courtyard.
5. PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
The Chair asked for a motion to refer to the Public Works
subcommittee the development of a policy to name squares, town
buildings, town hall rooms, parks, etc in honor of residents. Councilor
Piccirilli moved the matter, seconded by Vice President Corbett and
adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G.
Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P.
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Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
The Chair asked the Personnel Committee to keep moving forward with
discussions regarding town reorganization.
6. PRESENTATIONS OF PETITIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND
SIMILAR PAPERS AND MATTERS:
a) Public hearing and vote on a petition by Comcast requesting
permission to install a single 3 inch conduit from pole #3 on Pleasant
Street, crossing for approximately 35 feet. This work is necessary in
order to provide service to the businesses of 9 Galen Street. The Chair
recognized Mr. Brian who provided a brief explanation of the
petition. The Chair opened up the hearing to the public. There being
no comments, the hearing was closed.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that he had a conversation with Mr. Frank
Foss of Comcast today regarding concerns with double poles.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that he is satisfied with Mr. Foss's response
regarding this matter.
Councilor Piccirilli moved the petition, seconded by Councilor Falkoff
and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G.
Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
Acceptance of Proclamation honoring Patriot Day. The Chair asked
for a motion to accept a proclamation honoring Patriot Day which was
previously read on 9/11. Vice President Corbett moved the
proclamation, seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by voice vote
with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.,
John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Committee on Economic Development and Planning report and action
on the appointment of Mr. Neal Corbett to fill an unexpired term on
the Planning Board — Stephen P. Corbett, Chair. Vice President
Corbett read the Committee report. It was noted that Mr. Neal Corbett
is not related to Vice President Corbett. Councilor Donohue moved to
accept the report, seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by voice
vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr.,
John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Vice President Corbett moved the appointment of Mr. Neal Corbett,
seconded by Councilor Donohue and adopted by voice vote with
Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba,
Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J.
Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President
Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
b) Committee on Public Works report on a Recycling Center — Susan G.
Falkoff, Chair. Councilor Falkoff read the Committee report.
Councilor Kounelis moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor
Falkoff and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue,
Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia
Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President
Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in
the affirmative.
c) Joint Committee on Economic Development and Planning and Public
Works report on cell towers — Stephen P. Corbett and Susan G.
Falkoff, Chairs. Vice President Corbett read the Committee report.
Councilor Lawn moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor
Donohue and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A.
Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis,
Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President
Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in
the affirmative.
It was noted by Councilor Piccirilli that the second report from earlier
in the evening will be forwarded to the Clerk.
d) Works Charitable Ad Hoc Committee reports and action on the 2011
Harvard/O'Neil/Watertown charitable awards — Council President
Sideris. The Chair read the Committee reports. Councilor Donohue
moved to accept the reports, seconded by Councilor Kounelis and
adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G.
Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
The Chair asked for a motion to adopt the proposed charitable awards
for 2011. Councilor Donohue moved the awards, seconded by
Councilor Kounelis and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A.
Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis,
Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President
Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the
affirmative.
8. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
a) Action on the cell tower recommendations per the joint Public Works and
Economic Development and Planning committee report.
MOTION: Vice President moved to direct, through the Manager, the
Planning Department to convene a meeting of the involved departments;
fire, police, public works; to assess their emergency needs and develop a
scope of work to arrive at an integrated system and to identify a cost to hire
such a consultant to design such a system, seconded by Councilor Lawn.
Councilor Kounelis asked if by accepting the motion; does it mean the
recommendations are accepted to place antennas on town buildings?
Vice President Corbett stated; no — that is separate.
Councilor Palomba asked if a deadline is needed? Mr. Magoon, Planning
Director; stated this can be done in 60 days and that no deadline is needed.
Councilor Falkoff asked if there was a Homeland Security mandate
regarding a time frame? Mr. Magoon stated that it was not a mandate.
The motion was adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue,
Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
MOTION: Vice President moved that the Town Council approve the
development of an RFP to retain a consultant to assess the coverage of the
major cell carrier throughout the town and identify potential town owned
locations for cell towers at a cost not to exceed $10,000., seconded by
Councilor Donohue.
Councilor Kounelis asked if by accepting this motion; would it open us up to
accepting cell locations at the Brigham House, Coolidge School
Apartments? Mr. Magoon stated that it would not be the intent of the study
to identify or eliminate any town properties but to look at the scope of where
service needs are and where that coincides with town property.
Councilor Palomba asked if this motion ties the hands of Mr. Magoon in
finding a consultant who is within the bidding laws. Mr. Magoon stated that
if a single company could be found within the confines of the laws, than an
RFP would not be needed.
Councilor Lawn spoke in support of the motion indicating that it is a
worthwhile study to conduct on our own and not rely on studies put forth by
cell companies.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that health issues have been studied regarding cell
towers and antennas which show no risk to the public. Councilor Piccirilli
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also stated that towers should be camouflaged so that they are hidden from
view and by offering municipal properties, we can prevent less desirable
placement of antennas.
Councilor Lenk stated that in order to get the best use of our monies we
should make sure that we get a very detailed map.
Mr. Magoon concurred and stated that it would be beyond what is made
available by carriers and more detailed that what is available on the internet.
Councilor Falkoff stated that she is in favor of going forward with the study
but not necessarily in favor of the town placing antennas on town owned
buildings.
Councilor Kounelis concurred with Councilor Falkoff.
The Chair stated that the town gathering its own information on where cell
coverage is needed is very beneficial and prevents the town from relying on
information gathered by cell carriers.
The motion was adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue,
Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P.
Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
b) Action on the recycling center recommendations per the Public Works
committee report.
MOTION: Councilor Falkoff moved to ask the Public Works Department
evaluate moving the recycling center to the Schick property and report back
to the subcommittee by November 1St for feasibility cost for moving it and a
conceptual design, seconded by Councilor Lawn.
Councilor Kounelis stated that she will not support the moving of the
recycling center to the Schick property because it involves a cost; the Schick
property is too small and we will only be able to use the property for ten
years.
Vice President Corbett stated that he will support moving forward with a
study but is leery about moving the recycling center to the Schick property
because of concerns of its size and the cost.
Councilor Lenk stated that she is in support of moving the recycling center
to the Schick property and noted that down the line in ten years; we won't
know what the needs will be at that time and moving it now will give the
town time to find a more permanent site if a site is needed.
The Chair asked if the site is still available at this point. Mr. Magoon stated
that it is available.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that we keep hoping for something to happen but
that nothing ever does and that we need to find a solution and make
decisions based on hard facts. Councilor Piccirilli stated that he believes that
with the new contract and in moving toward single stream recycling; it will
change the way we currently recycle and how we do business at the recycling
center. He stated that the town should do the study first; think about
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recycling service in the future; do we need separate bins; do we need to haul;
look at future compacting of yard waste. Lastly, Councilor Piccirilli noted
that he did not think it would be expensive to move recycling to the Schick
property as it will be rent free for ten years.
Councilor Lawn concurred with Councilor Piccirilli.
Councilor Palomba asked Superintendent Gerald S. Mee if he has enough
time and the funds in his budget. Mr. Mee indicated that he will have the
money in his budget; as he believes the cost will be minimal and that he can
make it happen within the timeframe.
The motion was adopted with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G.
Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J.
Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S.
Sideris voting in the affirmative and Councilor Kounelis voting no.
MOTION: Councilor Falkoff moved that the Public Works Department
close the recycling center at Filipello Park by April 1St whether or not
another location has been identified at that time, seconded by Councilor
Lenk.
Councilor Donohue stated that while he supports 100% moving the recycling
center; he cannot support closing the current site without a backup plan as it
would leave our residents without a place to bring their recyclables which
would not be fair to them.
Councilor Falkoff stated that this has gone on long enough and that it has to
leave the current site.
Councilor Palomba asked Mr. Mee how long it would take to move the
recycling center to the Schick property if the study shows that it is feasible to
do so.
Mr. Mee stated that he envisions it would be relatively easy; perhaps 30 days
with no construction on the site.
Councilor Lenk stated that the recycling center needs to go and there needs
to be a hard deadline.
Vice President Corbett stated he finds the motion irresponsible and therefore
he cannot support it.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that he is in support of a solution and a good faith
effort and is open to suggestions.
The Chair stated that he is not opposed to moving the recycling center but
not in support of punishing ourselves and our citizens. The Chair asked for
a motion that provides the community with a sense that we are working
collaboratively and is interested in hearing from Mr. Mee regarding a date.
Councilor Palomba asked Mr. Mee about April 1st for single stream
recycling. Mr. Mee stated that he is interested in getting single stream up
and running as soon as possible first.
Councilor Palomba suggested a July 1st date.
The Chair asked Attorney Reich for an opinion regarding the matter and a
possible middle ground.
Attorney Reich stated that Mr. Mee should be given an opportunity to carry
out the evaluation process; look at the contracting issues; and tie in the
whole process and reorientation of the recycling center with a contingency
that allows the roll out of the new recycling center to be tied to the new
program and not have recycling abandoned midstream through the whole
process.
The Chair called for a five minute recess for closed captioning.
Upon reconvening of the meeting, the Chair continued discussion on the
recycling center asked the Council to wait until Mr. Mee comes back before
the Council on November 1st
MOTION: Councilor Donohue moved to Table the motion, seconded by
Councilor Falkoff.
Councilor Kounelis provided a history of Filipello Park as it relates to the
recycling center. She asked if the Administration agrees with the opinion of
the Conservation Commission in that the recycling center should never have
been placed at the park site.
The Manager stated that in 2005 the State indicated that the recycling center
needs to be removed from the parkland and that he is not willing to spend
taxpayer dollars to determine through the courts if the recycling center can
remain there or not.
Upon a roll call vote to Table the matter until November 1, 2011, it was
adopted unanimously with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
c) Resolution approving the Acceptance and Expenditure of a gift of funds
in the amount of $9,850 to offset expenses related to the "Faire on the
Square 2011". The Manager provided an overview of the resolution.
Councilor Donohue moved the matter, seconded by Councilor Kounelis and
adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,
Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
The Manager read Policy guideline Fiscal Year Policy Guideline 4F:
Create a comprehensive plan for the town dealing with broad spectrum of
issues, including development, zoning and transportation, in order to
encourage town government and its citizens to work in concert towards
common goals. Incorporate all previous resources, such as the Economic
Development Study, the Open Space Plan, the Pleasant Street Corridor
District Study, etc. Include traffic and transportation resources and
improvement, and a review of the Zoning Ordinance" and noted that the
Planning Department is getting close to moving forward with a draft
proposal and asked the Council to consider referring the draft report to
subcommittee for their review. Councilor Donohue moved the referral,
seconded by Vice President Corbett and adopted by voice vote with
Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba,
Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn,
Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S.
Sideris voting in the affirmative.
10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER
1. Faire on the Square 2011 Saturday, September 24th from loam — 4pm.
2. Yard Waste Pickup — Friday, September 16th
3. List of Flu Clinics — available on line and at the Health Department.
11. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION — none noted.
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilor Palomba noted his appreciation for the tour of TILL (Toward
Independent Living & Learning), a human services agency that supports
individuals with developmental disabilities.
Councilor Kounelis concurred and also noted her support for the new
agency.
13. PUBLIC FORUM — none noted.
14. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the
Town Council, Councilor Lawn moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 pm,
seconded by Councilor Piccirilli and adopted by voice vote.
Addendum
I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the Town Council for which a
quorum was present, the above minutes were adopted by voice vote on
September 27, 2011.
Mark S. Sideris, Council President