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HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 11-12-2014_201411180931046399ELECTED 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 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 @ 6:00 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 6:00 pm in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber, Administration Building. Present for the meeting were Councilors Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris. Councilor Dushku and Lenk arrived shortly after the call of the roll. Councilor Woodland was absent for the meeting. Also present were Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll, Town Attorney Joe Fair and Council Clerk Valerie Papas. 2. EXECUTIVE SESSION — 6:00 pm: To discuss strategy with respect to Collective Bargaining with the DPW Union, Town Hall Associates Union, Library Union, Fire Union, Police Patrol Union, Police Supervisors Union; and to discuss strategy with respect to litigation (Fire Union JLMC 12-22F), as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the Town's bargaining and litigating positions. Councilor Palomba moved the executive session as noted above, seconded by Vice President Corbett and adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 3. RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION: 7:15 pm. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 5. EXAMINATION OF MINUTES: October 28th. Councilor Piccirilli moved the minutes, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 6. PUBLIC FORUM: Chico Sajovic, 41 Sacramento Street, Cambridge — read a statement with respect to the offered railroad property. He urged the Council to not exercise their rights to buy this parcel. Randal Emi, Designer and tenant of 70 Philips Street — spoke to the issue of retaining the current parking practices at 70 Philips Street which is part of the railroad property and a right of way. 7. PRESIDENT'S REPORT — none noted. 8. PUBLIC HEARING AND VOTE: a) Public hearing and vote on a proposed Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget. The Manager provided an overview of the proposed amendment. The Chair opened up the hearing to the public. There being no comments, the hearing was closed. Councilor Piccirilli moved the Amendment, seconded by Councilor Kounelis 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., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 9. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS: a) First Reading on a proposed Order allocating the property tax levy among or between property classes for Fiscal Year 2015. The Chair provided a first reading on the matter and recognized the Manager who provided a brief overview of the proposed Order which will be advertised for a public hearing and vote on November 25th Town Council meeting. b) First Reading on a proposed Order setting optional tax exemptions for Fiscal Year 2015. The Chair provided a first reading on the matter and recognized the Manager who provided a brief overview of the proposed Order which will be advertised for a public hearing and vote on November 25th Town Council meeting. c) Resolution approving the Acceptance of Gift of Personal Property (additional refreshments) from Watertown Savings Bank for "A Musical Tribute for Veterans through the Decades;" The Manager provided an overview of the resolution. Councilor Piccirilli moved the matter, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a) Committee on Personnel and Town Organization report and action on appointment/reappointment to the Board of Assessors — Susan G. Falkoff, Chair. Councilor Falkoff read the Committee report. Vice President Corbett moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Falkoff and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Councilor Falkoff moved the appointment of Mr. Anthony Paolillo, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Councilor Falkoff moved the re -appointment of Mr. Richard Moynihan, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Councilor Falkoff moved the re -appointment of Mr. Frank Golden, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. b) Joint Committees on Economic Development and Planning; Rules and Ordinances; and Public Safety report on additional liquor licenses. Vice President Corbett read the Committee report. Councilor Falkoff moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. It was noted that an additional meeting is scheduled for December 2nd at 7:00 pm in the Council Chamber. c) Committee on Economic Development and Planning report on Offered Railroad property — Stephen P. Corbett, Chair. Vice President Corbett read the Committee report. Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative Vice President Corbett moved to express an interest in purchasing the parcel for $35,000.00, seconded by Councilor Piccirilli. Councilor Dushku asked if the town must honor the abutters' right of way to the property. Mr. Magoon stated that yes, the town must honor the deeded right of way. Councilor Dushku asked if the town must maintain it with an access to motor vehicles or can it be just a bike/pedestrian path. Mr. Magoon stated that the town cannot put up a gate or block access to the site or vehicles from the abutter. He also stated that the town should establish bicycle/pedestrian lanes if it makes sense; negotiate with abutting property owner; in conjunction with the re -development of abutting properties; i.e. Greystar. Councilor Dushku spoke in support of acquiring the property. Councilor Lenk stated that the town should make sure that current rights of the property owner is maintained and concerns of neighbors for parking is preserved and work out how best to utilize the property. Councilor Palomba concurred with Councilor Lenk and stated that the town should respect the rights of the abutters for parking; etc. and asked if there is enough room for parking and a bike path. Mr. Magoon stated that the town will work out how to go about putting in a multi -path and maintain parking. Councilor Piccirilli stated that it makes sense to be able to access the parcels without turning it into an extension of Philips Street or a cut through. The intention is to provide a public pedestrian path and not to turn it into a public way to Philips Street. Councilor Kounelis stated that everyone should work together with abutters and developers. Vice President Corbett stated that at the committee discussions, it was noted that the parcel is central to have leverage as it is a connector to two very large developments and not to disrupt the current use. Councilor Falkoff asked; do we have to buy it; can we simply express an interest in it to have control of what we want; but not buy it and see what is best for everyone. Councilor Palomba noted that if we buy it; then we are responsible for it and we have to maintain it. The Chair asked for a revised motion — to express interest in the property and asked that the previous motion and second be withdrawn. Vice President Corbett withdrew his previous motion. Councilor Piccirilli withdrew his second. REVISED MOTION: Vice President moved: To take favorable action on the recommendation of the Committee to express to MassDOT interest on behalf of the Town in acquiring the subject railroad property for transportation purposes, subject to confirmatory vote and approval of the necessary appropriation for the purchase of the property to be taken at the next Town Council meeting, seconded by Councilor Kounelis and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. d) Committee on Education and School System Matters report and action on_ appointment/reappointment to the Cable Access Corporation Board of Directors — Aaron Dushku, Chair. Councilor Dushku read the Committee report. Councilor Palomba moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Councilor Dushku moved the appointment of Ms. Kristina Fraser, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Councilor Dushku moved the re -appointment of Mr. Robert Kaprielian, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Councilor Dushku moved the re -appointment of Ms. Shirley Lundberg, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. 11. NEW BUSINESS: Councilor Dushku moved to refer to the SFRG subcommittee the crafting of a letter to the MBTA regarding transportation improvements, seconded by Councilor Palomba. Councilor Kounelis stated that this matter is currently with Representative Hecht and Senator Brownsberger and not within the realm of the Town Council. Councilor Dushku indicated that in speaking with Mr. Hecht he feels that there is no harm in moving forward with a letter. Councilor Lenk asked that if it is referred to committee, the Chair of the committee should invite the two gentlemen to the meeting to make sure everyone is on the same page. The Chair stated that before we start muddying the waters again, he can follow up with a letter to the MBTA working with Attorney Reich and Mr. Magoon; rather than going back to square one. Councilor Palomba stated that with the repeal of the gas tax, it is a good idea to keep the pressure on with a letter. Councilor Lenk stated that the Chair made an excellent suggestion. Councilor Piccirilli concurred with the Chair's suggestion. Councilor Kounelis thanked the Chair for bringing forward the compromise. Councilor Dushku stated that he will withdraw his referral motion and moved to have the Chair work with Attorney Reich and Mr. Magoon in sending a letter, seconded by Councilor Kounelis adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Councilor Dushku asked the Chair to send a letter/comments in response to the I 90 transportation project that is currently with Allston but will eventually impact Watertown, seconded by Councilor Palomba. Councilor Palomba suggested that perhaps someone should attend this meeting in Allston and get a sense of what will happen there. Councilor Falkoff suggested Mr. Magoon or someone on his staff. The Chair stated that he will speak with the Manager and have him assign the appropriate person. Councilor Dushku asked about getting the letter in by the deadline. Councilor Piccirilli stated that this meeting is about the environmental impact to Allston and not about transportation issues. Councilor Dushku stated that we should proceed with a letter to the project team. Councilor Palomba concurred. Councilor Kounelis stated that she is not privy to the material in question. Councilor Lenk stated that this is a major project that will impact Watertown via exit 17; she noted that a letter now would be premature but that the Planning Department staff be aware of this and that there will be many opportunities to address any concerns for Watertown in the near future in a more substantive way. Upon a roll call vote, the motion to send a letter was defeated by 2 in favor and 6 against with Councilors Aaron Dushku and Anthony Palomba in favor and Councilors Susan G. Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting against. 12. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER: Yard Waste Pickup — November 2151 Announcement - Watertown police officers will be honored with Metal of Honor — l0am; House Chambers; November 19th 13. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION: Councilor Dushku requested that the Council have a presentation on an exemption for small businesses when tax classifications are considered at the next Town Council meeting. 14. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Councilor Lenk announced Arsenal Project is having a lighting and mural celebration; November 21st at 7pm. Councilor Piccirilli provided a brief update on the 3rd party review of the school budget. The RFP has been finalized with proposals due in December; with work completed in mid -April 2015. The process has had a high degree of participation. Councilor Palomba announced that the Transit committee will meet on November 18th at 7pm. Location to be determined. Councilor Dushku announced discussion on the Design Guidelines at the Middle School November 22nd. Thursday night at 7pm — Education Foundation will meet at the Watertown Savings Bank. Councilor Kounelis announced that the CVS project hearing has been continued to the December meeting. The Chair announced that the Watertown Girls Field Hockey team success will culminate at WPI Sunday at 2pm. 15. PUBLIC FORUM: Ed Shinebart, Main Street - asked if the public can attend the Medal of Honor ceremony. The Chair called for a Moment of Silence for the passing of Recreation Director Peter Centola's brother, Quinn. 16. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Town Council, Councilor Falkoff moved to adjourn he meeting at 9:00 pm, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative. Addendum