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HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 10-14-2014_201410221019479433ELECTED 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, OCTOBER 14, 2014 @ 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 Aaron Dushku, 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 Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll, Town Attorney Carolyn Murray, and Council Clerk Valerie Papas. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. EXAMINATION OF MINUTES: September 23rd. Councilor Piccirilli moved the minutes of September 23rd, seconded by Vice President Corbett and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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: John Yobaccio, Bacon Street — submitted a petition and spoke against the new dog park noting the noise and cars parked at blind spots along the street. Ed Shinebark, 275 Main Street — asked that the light in the square at Church/Main Street be synchronized with a left turning arrow. 5. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: a) The Chair read a statement which outlined the Victory Field Phase II Project Process. Councilor Piccirilli moved to proceed with the process as read and proposed by the Chair, seconded by Councilor Lenk. Councilor Woodland noted that this is an excellent approach. Councilor Lenk concurred with this proposal as a way to address the issues which were raised by residents. Councilor Piccirilli noted his support indicating that this approach gives a good balance to all the key stakeholders. Vice President Corbett stated that it is a reasonable approach. Councilor Palomba praised the Chair for his efforts which he noted demonstrates his sensitivity to issues. Councilor Falkoff applauded the Chair for once again mediating a very complex issue. The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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. The Chair stated that the roads program presentation will be made at a later date. c. The Chair announced the preliminary budget overview will be presented on October 28tH 6. PUBLIC HEARING AND VOTE: a) Public hearing and vote on an amendment to section 5.07 of the Watertown zoning ordinances regarding Affordable Housing Requirements. Mr. Magoon provided an overview of a power presentation. The Chair opened up the hearing to the public and recognized: Fred , Housing Partnership — stated that we are failing to get or approach the 10% number and by increasing this slightly we will creep toward that number. Jennifer VanCampen, 49 Phillip Street - stated that this is a good public policy and an easy way to help get the town to the 10%. Elodia Thomas, Marion Road stated that she does not understand exactly how this gets us toward the 10%. Will Twombly, Marion Road — spoke in support of the amendment noting that we need more affordable housing. Alice Lyndsey, 90 Dexter Avenue - spoke in support of the amendment. Jean Humez, 69 Lowell Avenue — asked why are not being a little more ambitious and going for 13, 14 or 15% affordable housing. Cliff Cook, 21 French Street — noted that Cambridge is also looking to increase affordable housing and that this proposal will not hurt developers given the demand for housing. David Leon, Housing Partnership Board — stated that this will help balance the high rent units in town and give people an opportunity to live and stay here. Councilor Piccirilli moved the amendment, seconded by Council Lenk. Vice President Corbett stated that he supports affordable housing but that he does not support this proposed change as it is not equitable as it mandates a 25% increase which benefits the whole community but is being paid for by a small segment of the community. He spoke in support of a more equitable solution to affordable housing such as an incentive to developers. Councilor Lenk spoke in support of the proposal as a modest increase and an affordable one for developers. She asked that at some point we take another look and see if it is moving us toward our goal. Councilor Kounelis spoke in support of the amendment and asked if this will impact any current projects. Mr. Magoon stated that it will not affect any project right now and will take effect upon adoption effecting developments 6 units or more. Councilor Falkoff spoke in support of the proposal noting that it is a step in the right direction. Councilor Palomba spoke in support of the proposal asking that we continue to look at the percentage to make sure we get to that 10% noting that it is to the benefit of the community that we move toward that 10%. He further asked that the town send a letter to the developer of 202-204 Arsenal Street and ask them to abide by this amendment. Councilor Woodland spoke in support of the proposal and noted that it is a worthwhile goal and sound policy as a municipality and indicated that developers anticipate the 10% goal. Councilor Piccirilli stated this is well crafted and well balanced change to address the inequity. Councilor Dushku spoke in support of the amendment in a philosophical sense as well; noting that a big part of the community is to make sure that when our kids grow up — they can afford to live here as well. Mr. Magoon stated that because the change in the CMR was not part of the advertisement, he asked that a motion include a friendly amendment to make that change as well. Councilor Piccirilli moved the friendly amendment as proposed by Mr. Magoon, seconded by Councilor Falkoff and adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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 Main motion as amended was adopted by a roll call vote of 8 for and 1 against with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative and Vice President Corbett voting against. The Chair called for a five minute recess. 7. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a) Committee on Public Works report and attachment regarding Stormwater regulations; recycling advisory goals/priorities; Stanley Avenue easements; and Town -wide water meters — Cecilia Lenk, Chair. Councilor Lenk read the committee report. Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Lenk. Councilor Dushku asked, with respect to Stormwater matters, what is an example of an unnecessary burden on homeowners. Councilor Lenk stated that the Committee did not go into detail but wanted to make sure the ordinances were fair to all. The report was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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. ACTION ITEMS: I. Councilor Lenk moved to ask the Manager to dissolve the Recycling Advisory Committee, seconded by Vice President Corbett. Councilor Dushku noted remaining recycling issues. Councilor Lenk stated that in talks with Mr. Mee, they will look for advocates to serve on a more specialized and focused ad hoc committee recognizing that there are ongoing recycling issues. Councilor Falkoff asked that letters be sent to recycling committee members thanking them for their service. The Chair asked Mr. Magoon to send letters as requested. The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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. II. Councilor Lenk moved the approval of the Stanley Avenue easement as presented at the September 10th meeting, seconded by Councilor Palomba. Mr. Magoon reviewed the benefits of the easement. The motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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) Joint Committees on Rules Ordinances; Public Safety & Economic Development report; Legislation; potential list/locations regarding additional liquor licenses. Vice President Corbett read the committee report. Councilor Piccirilli moved the accept the report, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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. NEW BUSINESS: Councilor Dushku moved to refer to Human Services subcommittee the discussion of a policy with respect to park renovations and enhancements, seconded by Councilor Palomba. Councilor Falkoff asked for clarification. The Chair stated that what they are asking for is if the Council would like to develop a formal policy with respect to park renovations. Councilor Piccirilli noted, and not discussing specific renovations. Councilor Palomba stated that this is what subcommittee should be doing; discussing and recommending policy for the Council consideration. Vice President Corbett indicated that we have to be careful of the parks under school control. Councilor Kounelis concurred with Vice President Corbett noting that there are lots of issues and that it would be difficult to set up policy guidelines as we don't necessarily know the needs of each park as would the recreation director. Councilor Lenk stated that we have taken a very important first step with the Chair's process outlined for Victory Field Phase II and that it is true that each park is unique and it might be hard to come up with a meaningful set of policy guidelines. Councilor Palomba stated that it is not the intention to come up with a policy for each park but a policy/guidelines of how park renovations are considered; noting that it may end up being a discussion with no policy being brought forward — but that a discussion on the matter is helpful. Councilor Falkoff stated that she certainly does not object to the subcommittee having a discussion on the matter. Councilor Dushku stated that he appreciates the comments and feedback from Councilors. The Chair stated that he will support the motion as it is worthy of having a discussion on the matter. The motion was adopted by voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative with Councilor Kounelis voting no. Councilor Palomba moved to refer to Whole and Finance an interview process for Planning Board and Zoning Board reappointments/appointments rather than having that take place in subcommittee, seconded by Councilor Dushku. The appointments are central in town development and that the interviews should take place in front of the whole town council. Councilor Piccirilli stated that he is confused by this and that any councilor may listen to the interviews and ask questions in subcommittee. Vice President Corbett stated that interviewing candidates in a forum of the whole council is more awkward to do. Councilor Falkoff asked if this is an attempt to solve a different problem; dissatisfaction in the community with the boards and maybe that is where the discussion should be. Councilor Palomba stated that the timing of the subcommittee meetings are determined by the Chair and the three members. If there is nothing to hide then there should be no problem in the meeting be more public. Councilor Kounelis stated that it is up to Councilors to have a backbone in public that we are oppose to a candidate. She noted that the three candidates she voted against are no longer on the board. Councilor Dushku concurred with Councilor Palomba noting that these position have the power to transform the town and that it is difficult to be at all the subcommittees every day of the week. Councilor Lenk stated that the current process is a good one for all the boards and commissions. The process is open and transparent and she would not want to pick someone who holds a particular view but someone who is involved in the profession and who has seen a lot and will bring a lot to the board. Vice President Corbett stated his concern for politicizing the process and spoke against the motion. Councilor Falkoff stated that you want to make it welcoming to serve on these boards and commissions and that it would be a concern if the boards were subject to political pressure. She noted however; that she hears a lot of sentiments from people and there is a sense that the community feels helpless to influence these decisions and that she is in favor of more discussion. Councilor Woodland spoke in support of the motion and for further discussion on the matter. The Chair stated that he attends various subcommittee meetings when he needs more information on a particular matter and noted that asking candidates to come before the Council in a formal setting before cameras; will make it more difficult to have an informative interview. The motion was defeated by a roll call vote of 4 in favor and 5 against with Councilors Dushku, Falkoff, Palomba and Woodland in favor and Councilors Lenk, Piccirilli, Corbett, Kounelis, and Sideris against. 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER: a) Request for Confirmation of an appointment and reappointments to the Board of Assessors. So referred to Personnel and Town Organization subcommittee. 10. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION: Councilor Kounelis noted her previous four items. 11. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Councilor Palomba: Friend of Family Network — Halloween Party October 24th Brigham House; One year Anniversary of Social Services Resources Specialist party — annual report will be provided — 5-7pm. Councilor Lenk: Tomorrow night a meeting on Design Standards and Guidelines at the Middle School; 7pm. Councilor Dushku: Education Foundation meeting; Watertown Saving Bank; 7pm. 5K at Hosmer School Sunday morning. Councilor Palomba: Neighborhood Solar; October 23rd 7pm, Coolidge School Apartments. 12. PUBLIC FORUM: Elodia Thomas, Marion Road — asked that the Recreation Department post their meeting minutes. Joslin Tager, Robbins Road — spoke in support of Neighborhood Solar. 13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Town Council, Councilor Lenk moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 pm, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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