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
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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
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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
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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.