MassVoter.com← Watertown City CouncilWatertown City Council · 2018–2019 Council · Regular meeting
August 13, 2019
30 recorded votes, 30 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Present: Caroline Bays, Anthony J. Donato, Susan G. Falkoff, Lisa J. Feltner, Angeline B. Kounelis, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Kenneth M. Woodland, Mark S. Sideris
Absent: Anthony Palomba
Every vote, in order
EXAMINATION OF RECORDS OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Minutes of the July 9, 2019 Town Council Meeting
Accept the minutes as written
EXAMINATION OF RECORDS OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Minutes of the July 9, 2019 Town Council Meeting Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the minutes as written;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
Acceptance of Proclamation Honoring Deborah Dunn, Program Coordinator at the Council on Aging, on Her Retirement
Accept the Proclamation: Acceptance of Proclamation Honoring Deborah Dunn, Program Coordinator at the Council on Aging, on Her Retirement
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the Proclamation;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Acceptance of Proclamation Honoring Marie Maguire on Her 100th Birthday
Accept the Proclamation: Acceptance of Proclamation Honoring Marie Maguire on Her 100th Birthday
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the Proclamation;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
Public Hearings
Hear Item 8 out of order
PUBLIC HEARINGS Councilor Piccirilli moved to hear Item 8 out of order;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Public Hearing and Vote on a Petition by NSTAR ELECTRIC Company dba
Provide NSTAR ELECTRIC Company dba EVERSOURCE ENERGY a grant of location to install Northerly on Irving Street from pole 78/8, approximately 146 feet north of Arsenal Street, a distance of 9± feet...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to provide NSTAR ELECTRIC Company dba EVERSOURCE ENERGY a grant of location to install Northerly on Irving Street from pole 78/8, approximately 146 feet north of Arsenal Street, a distance of 9± feet of conduit to provide underground electric service to 57 Irving Street;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Provide NSTAR ELECTRIC Company dba EVERSOURCE ENERGY a grant of location to install conduit in Marion Road Southwesterly from pole 93/13, approximately 106 feet northwest of Sydney Street, a...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to provide NSTAR ELECTRIC Company dba EVERSOURCE ENERGY a grant of location to install conduit in Marion Road Southwesterly from pole 93/13, approximately 106 feet northwest of Sydney Street, a distance of 8± feet of conduit to provide underground electric service to 78 Marion Road;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Provide NSTAR ELECTRIC Company dba EVERSOURCE ENERGY a grant of location to install conduit in Elm Street, Westerly from pole 112/11, approximately 239 feet north of Munroe Avenue, a distance of...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to provide NSTAR ELECTRIC Company dba EVERSOURCE ENERGY a grant of location to install conduit in Elm Street, Westerly from pole 112/11, approximately 239 feet north of Munroe Avenue, a distance of 3± feet to provide underground electric service to 80 Elm Street Councilor Woodland seconded the motion.
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Public Hearing and Vote on a Petition by National Grid for a Grant of
Provide a grant of location to install and maintain approximately 350 feet more or less of 12-inch gas main in Lexington Street, Watertown from the existing 12-inch gas main in the traffic island...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to provide a grant of location to install and maintain approximately 350 feet more or less of 12-inch gas main in Lexington Street, Watertown from the existing 12-inch gas main in the traffic island across from house #309 to the Belmont town line in the intersection of Lexington Street and Belmont Street;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Falkoff)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PRIOR MEETINGS Committee on Rules and Ordinances Report Regarding the Review of Fees for...
Accept the report
Councilor Woodland moved to accept the report;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Woodland, second: Feltner)
Have the Town Council implement a fee structure wherein Chapter 73 Liquor License grantees would pay a reduced annual fee of $2,700 until such time as they receive a Certificate of Occupancy
Councilor Piccirilli moved to have the Town Council implement a fee structure wherein Chapter 73 Liquor License grantees would pay a reduced annual fee of $2,700 until such time as they receive a Certificate of Occupancy;
No: Bays, Donato, Falkoff, Feltner, Kounelis, Piccirilli, Sideris, WoodlandThe minutes give the count as 0 to 8, which matches the 8 councilors present; each is shown voting no.
From the minutes
“The motion failed on a voice vote of 0-8..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
First Reading and Referral to the Planning Board for Public Hearing a Request to Amend the Zoning Ordinance to Amend...
Refer to the Planning Board for a public hearing a request to amend the Zoning Ordinance to amend the Assisted Living Overlay District to clarify the Purpose Clause and create a consistent...
First Reading and Referral to the Planning Board for Public Hearing a Request to Amend the Zoning Ordinance to Amend the Assisted Living Overlay District to Clarify the Purpose Clause and Create a Consistent Affordable Housing Requirement Councilor Piccirilli made a motion to refer to the Planning Board for a public hearing a request to amend the Zoning Ordinance to amend the Assisted Living Overlay District to clarify the Purpose Clause and create a consistent affordable housing requirement;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
First Reading and Referral to the Planning Board for Public Hearing a Request Regarding the Effects of the Removal...
Refer to the Planning Board for a public hearing a request regarding the effects of the removal of ledge from a construction site that created excessive vibration and machinery noise
First Reading and Referral to the Planning Board for Public Hearing a Request Regarding the Effects of the Removal of Ledge from a Construction Site that Created Excessive Vibration and Machinery Noise Councilor Piccirilli made a motion to refer to the Planning Board for a public hearing a request regarding the effects of the removal of ledge from a construction site that created excessive vibration and machinery noise;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
First Reading and Referral to the Planning Board for Public Hearing a Request to Amend the Zoning Map of Watertown...
Refer to the Planning Board for public hearing a request to amend the zoning map of Watertown by removing the parcels of land located at 70, 78, 84-86, and 88 Galen Street from the Limited...
First Reading and Referral to the Planning Board for Public Hearing a Request to Amend the Zoning Map of Watertown by Removing the Parcels of Land Located at 70, 78, 84-86, and 88 Galen Street from the Limited Business District and Into the I-2 (Industrial-2) Zoning District in Keeping with Abutting Properties Councilor Piccirilli made a motion to refer to the Planning Board for public hearing a request to amend the zoning map of Watertown by removing the parcels of land located at 70, 78, 84-86, and 88 Galen Street from the Limited Business District and into the I-2 (Industrial-2) Zoning District in keeping with abutting properties;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Falkoff)
Committee on Human Services Report Regarding Affordable Housing Trusts – Anthony Palomba, Chair
Accept the report: Committee on Human Services Report Regarding Affordable Housing Trusts – Anthony Palomba, Chair
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Committee on Media and Public Outreach Report Regarding Kitchen Table Conversations – Anthony Palomba, Chair
Accept the report: Committee on Media and Public Outreach Report Regarding Kitchen Table Conversations – Anthony Palomba, Chair
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
Committee on Media and Public Outreach Report Regarding Follow Ups to the Kitchen Conversations – Anthony Palomba...
Accept the report: Committee on Media and Public Outreach Report Regarding Follow Ups to the Kitchen Conversations – Anthony Palomba, Chair ACTION ITEMS: 1) That the Town Council Have the Public...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
For the Town Council to alter the Public Forum sheet so that contact information may be captured and whether the speaker requests a follow-up
Councilor Piccirilli made a motion for the Town Council to alter the Public Forum sheet so that contact information may be captured and whether the speaker requests a follow-up;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Falkoff)
Would authorize President Sideris to determine how to follow-up to the Public Forum comments prior to the following Town Council Meeting
Councilor Piccirilli made a motion that the Town Council would authorize President Sideris to determine how to follow-up to the Public Forum comments prior to the following Town Council Meeting;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
Committee on Personnel and Town Organization Report Regarding An Orientation Packet for Newly-Elected Councilors...
Accept the report: Committee on Personnel and Town Organization Report Regarding An Orientation Packet for Newly-Elected Councilors – Caroline Bays, Chair
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Committees of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight and Public Works Report Regarding Policy Guidance for the 2019 Road...
Accept the report: Committees of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight and Public Works Report Regarding Policy Guidance for the 2019 Road Program – Vincent J
Councilor Woodland moved to accept the report;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Woodland, second: Piccirilli)
Committees on Public Works and Rules and Ordinances Report Regarding Tree Protection – Vincent J. Piccirilli, Chair...
Include the following in the report: “6: Committees on Public Works and Rules and Ordinances Report Regarding Tree Protection – Vincent J. Piccirilli, Chair, Public Works; Anthony J. Donato...
Councilor Feltner raised the concern that the report did not include reference to the discussion of public trees on private property and moved to include the following in the report: “6.
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“the report was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (second: Falkoff)
Ask the Administration to investigate adding the new tree-planting flyer in the envelope with the assessor’s mailing of the new homeowner residential property tax exemption application form
Councilor Piccirilli moved that the Town Council ask the Administration to investigate adding the new tree-planting flyer in the envelope with the assessor’s mailing of the new homeowner residential property tax exemption application form;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Remove the word “person” in the plan and insert the words “developers and redevelopers”
The following points were made during the discussion: − How would the Town Warden know if a tree was planted and how it affects the tree canopy − The counting would consist of major developments, the Tree Warden’s own initiatives and efforts, and the efforts of non-profits working collaboratively − The canopy can be captured with satellite imagery − It is agreed that some tree reporting may not be completed and the count may not be 100% accurate − “Non-municipal organizations and persons” is a term of art that includes corporations and other businesses and the words developments and redevelopments is not necessary − This is a program for annual review and the report will be changed as needed and be viewed as a progress plan Councilor Falkoff moved to remove the word “person” in the plan and insert the words “developers and redevelopers”;
Yes: Falkoff, FeltnerNo: Bays, Donato, Kounelis, Piccirilli, Sideris, WoodlandThe count in the minutes text is broken by a page footer (“a 2 … 6 vote”); the names listed give 2 in favor and 6 against (Anthony Palomba was absent).
From the minutes
“The motion was defeated on a 29 of 15 6 vote..” (Motion: Falkoff, second: Feltner)
Reports Of Committees
Committees on Public Works and Rules and Ordinances Report Regarding Tree Protection – Vincent J. Piccirilli, Chair, Public Works; Anthony J. Donato, Chair, Rules and Ordinances AGENDA ITEMS:
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion regarding the Tree Warden’s Strategy plan was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..”
Regional Electric Scooters – Referral to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning
Refer the matter to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning
Councilor Piccirilli moved to refer the matter to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Request for Confirmation of Appointment and Reappointments to the Conservation Commission.
The request for confirmation be referred to the Committee on Public Works
Councilor Piccirilli moved that the request for confirmation be referred to the Committee on Public Works;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
Request for Confirmation of Reappointments to the Planning Board.
The request for confirmation be referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning
Councilor Piccirilli moved that the request for confirmation be referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Falkoff)
Request for Confirmation of Appointment and Reappointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The request for confirmation be referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning
Councilor Piccirilli moved that the request for confirmation be referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Woodland)
Request for Confirmation of Reappointments to the Traffic Commission.
The request for confirmation be referred to the Committee on Public Safety
Councilor Piccirilli moved that the request for confirmation be referred to the Committee on Public Safety;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
Recess Or Adjournment
Adjourn the meeting
RECESS OR ADJOURNMENT Councilor Piccirilli moved to adjourn the meeting;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Falkoff)
From the Watertown City Council’s official minutes, posted on the city’s meeting portal (linked from the City Council page on watertown-ma.gov). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Watertown News (watertownmanews.com) candidate Q&As, candidate letters and articles that name each councilor; Mark Sideris photo by Charlie Breitrose. The city’s website has no councilor photos.
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