HomeMy Public PortalAboutmin 12-09-2014 draft_201501090950555188ELECTED 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, DECEMBER 9, 2014 @ 6:15 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 6:15 pm
in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber, Administration Building. Present for
the meeting were Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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 Mark Reich and Council Clerk Valerie Papas.
Councilor Falkoff arrived shortly after the call of the roll.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION — 6:15 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 to meet in executive session as stated above, seconded by Councilor Woodland
and adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, 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.
3. RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION: 7:15 pm
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. EXAMINATION OF MINUTES: November 2561. Councilor Piccirilli moved acceptance of
the minutes, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted by unanimous voice vote with
Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan 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.
6. PUBLIC FORUM: The Chair recognized:
Rob Mannix, Firefigher/union president local 1347 - stated that he is still optimistic that
firefighters will get a yes vote tonight on the transfer of funds for the arbitration award
regarding the firefighters' contract.
Bob McCarthy, former Watertown firefighter and President of Professional Firefighters of
Massachusetts — respectfully requested that the Council vote the fund transfer tonight. He
stated that the time is now as there is no need to go another year with bargaining.
Ed Kelly, Boston firefighter and President of Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts — stated
that collective bargaining is a way that firefighters take care of their families; a fair award was
determined by arbitration and he asked that the Council vote to fund the award.
Jay Colbert, Somerville firefighter and Chairman of joint labor management — stated that this
award is not a windfall of cash for the firefighters and asked that this be put behind us to give
firefighters piece of mind.
Mike Mullani, International Vice President for firefighters — asked that the Council give
firefighters a fair shake and fund the arbitration award; if it isn't voted, he noted that the next
step will bring enormous resources to this area to tell the people of Watertown what happened.
Rich Paris, Boston firefighter and President of Local 718 — stated that firefighters did the right
thing by sitting down at the bargaining table. He asked that the Council be fair to the firefighters
of Watertown.
Kathy Malone, sister of the late Ed Walsh — asked that the Council show they care for the
firefighters and fund the arbitration award.
Steve Tolman, AFLCIO President — stated that in the last 30 years workers have taken it on the
chin with inflation. He noted that firefighters abided by an arbitration process. He asked that
the Council not turn their backs on firefighters and do the right thing by funding the arbitration
award.
Mike Dattoli, resident — echoed previous comments and stated that the arbitration award should
be trusted and funded.
7. PRESIDENT'S REPORT - none noted.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to Suspend the Rules in order to bring forward agenda item 9A,
seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron
Dushku, 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.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a) Resolution authorizing the transfer of funds in the amount of $2,739,759 from the
Fiscal Year 2015 Town Health Insurance Account and the Fiscal Year 2015 Town
Council Reserve Account to various Fiscal Year 2015 Fire Department Accounts in
order to fund the Joint Labor -Management Committee Arbitration Award in the matter
of the arbitration between the Fire Union and the Town of Watertown.
The Chair read the agenda item and noted that a motion was previously on the Table.
Councilor Piccirilli stated that the arbitration award includes a 3% cost of living raise for
2009 and because of that, he cannot support the transfer, pointing out a fairness issue to
all the other unions that did not get an increase for that year. He noted that a decision
was made that no raises be granted for 2009 and 2010 in order to avoid massive layoffs
with the other five unions agreeing.
Councilor Kounelis stated that she hasn't always agreed with all the votes taken by this
Town Council, noting Victory Field and the recycling center in particular; and indicated
she seriously considered voting this award. She questioned the fairness to all the other
unions. She stated that there is a level of fairness here, and that she cannot support this
tonight because she has to be fair to taxpayers and all the other Town employees.
Councilor Dushku stated that he cannot support the award due to the fairness issue and
noted that although it might appear to be a drop in the bucket, a lot of drops fill the
bucket and all unions must be negotiated with after this decision.
Vice President Corbett stated that this award is not comparable as it is a 60% greater
wage increase than all the other union employees. All other groups agreed to stay within
the parameters that were established by the Town Council during the worst recession we
have all seen and noted that this arbitration award does not.
Councilor Lenk stated that she does not believe that this wage increase is fair and
equitable to all the other Town employees or taxpayers. She indicated that we still have
limited tax resources and many demands from our residents and employees. She urged
that everyone go back to the bargaining table and work this out.
Councilor Falkoff stated that she wished it would be possible to support this contract.
She noted that the Town didn't have the money back when other unions got 0%. There
will be another contract moving forward and that would be the time to negotiate.
Councilor Woodland stated that this isn't a matter of deserving or character. He noted
that it is the fairness aspect that is undeniable. He stated that everyone wants to give
firefighters this award, but at the same time the Council has to be fair to all the other
employees.
Councilor Palomba stated that he will support this award tonight because firefighters
went through a process that deserves to be respected. He noted that he does not know
what the consequences of voting this will be but hopes that all the other unions will
follow their own processes independent of what the firefighters' union does.
The Chair thanked everyone for their efforts and noted that on both sides, the issue was
fairness and that this arbitration award did not allow for fairness. He asked the Manager
to reach out to the firefighters.
Upon a roll call vote, the transfer was defeated by a vote of 1 for and 8 against with
Councilor Palomba voting in the affirmative and Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan
Falkoff, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth M.
Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris
voting against.
The Chair called a five minute recess.
8. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION: One- year update on the Social Services Resource
Specialist. Ms. Danielle DeMoss provided a power point presentation. The Chair thanked Ms.
DeMoss for the update.
Councilor Kounelis noted that under "churches" there are no east end contacts. Ms. DeMoss
stated that that is part of the next step.
Councilor Dushku asked what additional resources were needed. Ms. DeMoss stated that
affordable housing is limited in Watertown and is the greatest need.
Councilor Palomba asked what the $5,000 grant was used for. Ms. DeMoss stated that it was
used for interpretive services and for the translation of materials.
9. Previously voted.
10. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
a) Resolution approving the Acceptance and Expenditure of a Gift of Funds in the
amount of $6,501.40 which will be used to purchase two treadmills for the Watertown
Police Department. The Manager provided an overview of the resolution. Councilor
Piccirilli moved acceptance of the Gift of Funds, seconded by Councilor Lenk and
adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan 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) Resolution authorizing a transfer of funds in the amount of $35,000 from the Fiscal
Year 2015 Town Council Reserve Account to the Fiscal Year 2015 Acquisition of Land
Account in order to purchase a parcel containing approximately 3,300 square feet
( Reference # 14C-9) from Boston and Maine Corporation. The Manager provided a
brief overview of the resolution. Councilor Piccirilli moved the transfer, seconded by
Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors Aaron
Dushku, Susan Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and
Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
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11. COMMITTEE REPORT:
a) Committee on Budget and Fiscal Oversight report and action on the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget
Priority Guidelines — Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Chair. Councilor Piccirilli read the report and
changes to the budget priority guidelines.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Woodland and adopted
by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan Falkoff, Anthony
Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth
Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris
voting in the affirmative.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Councilor Piccirilli moved that the Town Council recommend that the Public Works
subcommittee assess the feasibility of completing the design of the Community Path
using one time FY15 funds, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous
voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline
B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth Woodland, Vice President
Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
2. Councilor Piccirilli moved that the Town Council recommend that the Budget and
Fiscal Oversight subcommittee develop a formal multi -year policy on the use of portion
of the unreserved fund balance above the 7-10% target per resolution #2012-72 Section
1.A, seconded by Council Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors
Aaron Dushku, Susan Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk,
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and
Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to adopt the FY 2016 Budget Policy Guidelines, seconded by
Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku,
Susan Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J.
Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council
President Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
It was noted that rankings of the priority guidelines are due Tuesday, December 16th by
9:00 am.
12. NEW BUSINESS — none noted.
13. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER:
4th quarter tax bill will go out next week.
A discussion was held with Representative Hecht regarding the filing of a home rule petition in
order to have flexibility for a potential residential exemption above 20%.
Holiday open house at Commanders Mansion — December 18th.
Administration Building closed at noon on the 24th, and closed the 25th and the 26th of
December.
14. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
Councilor Kounelis noted a request regarding holiday lights at Sullivan Park;
15. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilor Kounelis announced that tomorrow evening at Planning Board meeting — CVS
proposal will be heard.
Councilor Palomba announced winter coats collection at the middle school until January 10th.
Councilor Dushku announced that a great event was held today with Mass DOT and MBTA
making a presentation to address many of the ongoing transportation issues.
16. PUBLIC FORUM — none noted.
The Chair asked for a Moment of Silence for nine year old, Savannah -Maria O'Neill,
daughter of Officer Brandon O'Neill.
17. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Town Council,
Councilor Palomba moved to adjourn the executive session at 8:45 pm, seconded by Councilor
Lenk and adopted by unanimous voice vote with Councilors Aaron Dushku, Susan Falkoff,
Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., Kenneth
Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett, and Council President Mark S. Sideris
voting in the affirmative.
Addendum