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HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 10-25-2011 (2)ELECTED 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, October 25, 2011 at 7:15 pm Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber Administration Building DRFT MINUTES 1. ROLL CALL: A regular meeting of the Town Council was called 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, Anthony Palomba, 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: October 12, 2011. Councilor Donohue moved the minutes as written, seconded by Vice President Corbett and adopted by voice vote 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. 4. PUBLIC FORUM — none noted. 5. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM TOWN OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES: a) Informational Presentation on Victory Field Fundraising Committee's efforts to date — Councilor Cecilia Lenk and Recreation Director Peter Centola. Mr. Peter Centola provided a power -point presentation on the progress of renovations to Victory Field which included new artificial turf for multi- purpose field; new energy efficient field lighting; new dugouts, bull -pens and batting cages; wall of fame, ticket booth improvements; scoreboards; fencing and retaining walls; and water drainage improvements. He noted that the process and the cost have made this project an exceptional value and amenity for the community. Councilor Lenk reviewed fundraising efforts to date noting that the Town has received a $100,000.00 donation each from Watertown Savings Bank and 1 Toyota of Watertown. The fundraising goal is for $1.5 million which will pay for 50% of the project. She thanked committee members: Robert J. Airasian; Peter Centola; Lauren Hegarty-Tattrie; Joanna Johnson; Bethany Rogers; Michael Venezia; and Sarah York. Councilor Lenk is also a member of the fundraising committee. Councilor Falkoff moved to send a letter of thanks to Watertown Savings Bank and Toyota of Watertown, seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by voice vote 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. 6. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: The Chair announced that there will be a Special Town Council meeting on Tuesday, November 1st at 7:00 pm in order to further discuss trash collection and single stream recycling. The Chair recognized the Manager who stated that all bids were rejected in the RFP for trash collection/recycling pickup following comments made by Councilors on the matter. He noted that the rejection of all bids will provide for greater flexibility and for all councilors to have further discussion prior to moving forward with the procurement process. The Manager further indicated that the Invitation to Bid will include costs for what the Town currently provides to residents and for a weekly recycling pickup. 7. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, PROCLAMATIONS AND SIMILAR PAPERS AND MATTERS: a) Acceptance of Proclamation recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Hellenic Educational Progressive Association — Councilor Kounelis. Councilor Kounelis read the proclamation. Councilor Lawn moved to accept the proclamation, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by voice vote 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. b) Acceptance of Proclamation recognizing the United States Army Field Band — Council President Sideris. The Chair noted that the evening of band music was enjoyed by many residents free of charge and thanked Mr. Erickson for scheduling the event. Councilor Falkoff moved to accept the proclamation, seconded by Vice President Corbett and adopted by voice vote 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. 8. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS: a) Resolution and background information on designating the Tyler Bigelow House located at 77 Riverside Street as a Historic Landmark. The Chair recognized Jay Jones, member of the Historical Commission who reviewed the matter regarding designating 77 Riverside Street as a historic landmark. He noted that the property is the 4th oldest house in Watertown 2 and reviewed in depth its rich history which was provided by Chairman David Russo in a report to the Town Council. Councilor Palomba thanked Mark and Ernesta Kraczkiewicz for offering their house as a historic landmark and noted that future renovations will be in the hands of the historic Commission for the benefit of Watertown. Councilor Kounelis also thanked the Kraczkiewicz's and stated that the home is well preserved and beautiful. Councilor Lenk thanked the Historical Commission as well as the Kraczkiewicz's noting that it is a welcoming first step in preserving historical homes. Councilor Piccirilli requested that the Mr. Russo's fascinating report be linked to the minutes. Vice President Corbett thanked Mr. Russo for the impressive and interesting report on the home and surrounding area. The Chair also noted his appreciation to all those involved in the endeavor. Councilor Kounelis moved the designation, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by voice vote 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. 9. NEW BUSINESS: The Chair recognized Councilor Piccirilli who stated that the Budget and Fiscal Oversight Committee will meet on November 21St, 28th and December 5th to discuss and prepare the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Policy Guidelines and asked Councilors to submit any changes by November 16th at 5pm to the Clerk. The Chair recognized Vice President Corbett who, on behalf of the Commission on Disability, asked to refer a matter regarding Residential Snow Removal to the Subcommittee of Public Works to discuss the matter and draft a policy for the Council's consideration, seconded by Councilor Donohue and adopted by voice vote 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. 10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER The Manager thanked the Victory Field Fundraising Committee members and presenters Councilor Lenk and Mr. Centola. The Manager indicated that he will have several agenda items for the November 9th meeting including a budget amendment to the FY 2012 budget; first 3 readings on the tax levy and tax exemptions along with a preliminary budget presentation. 11. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Councilor Falkoff requested a report regarding conversations between the Town Assessor and Walmart officials regarding future tax assessments as well as any other conversations with other town officials. Councilor Falkoff asked when the Public Works department will be fully staffed and asked for a timeline. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Councilor Kounelis stated that the October 19th meeting regarding the Belmont Trapelo Road project was well attended and thanked Mr. Harry Palmer for his input. She noted that the plans will be before the Traffic Commission on November 30th if all goes as planned. Councilor Kounelis announced that on November 10th a meeting will be held at the Middle School on post office closings. Surveys are available at the post offices and a petition is being circulated by residents. 13. PUBLIC FORUM Pat Gold, Duff Street — stated that she voted early and discovered that the Charter amendments were at the bottom of the ballot, which might be easily missed by voters. The Manager stated that the Town Clerk will be notifying the general public about the Charter amendments which will appear on the upcoming ballot. Mark Kraczkiewicz, 77 Riverside Street — thanked the Town Council for approving the Historic Landmark status for his home and to David Russo for the excellent report. 14. ADJOURNMENT — There being no further business to come before the Town Council, Vice President Corbett moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm, seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by voice vote 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.