MassVoter.com← Westwood Select BoardWestwood Select Board · 2021–2022 Board · Regular meeting
April 11, 2022
11 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: John Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
2022 Annual Town Meeting - Quorum Reduction Discussion
The Select Board, in consultation with the Town Moderator, reduce the 2022 Annual Town Meeting quorum from 175 registered voters to 45 registered voters, and for the Town Clerk to notify the...
J. Hickey moved that the Select Board, in consultation with the Town Moderator, reduce the 2022 Annual Town Meeting quorum from 175 registered voters to 45 registered voters, and for the Town Clerk to notify the Attorney General of the adjusted quorum requirement.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved that the Select Board, in consultation with the Town Moderator, reduce the 2022 Annual Town Meeting quorum from 175 registered voters to 45 registered voters, and for the Town Clerk to notify the Attorney General of the adjusted quorum requirement. R. Gotti Seconded. Unanimous Vote 3-0. J. Hickey, aye. R. Gotti, aye. M. Walsh, aye. F. Fusco, 20 Pine Lane, inquired as to why the Board did not allow public comment on reducing the quorum. P. Ahearn stated it was mandated by statute to advertise the Select Board discussion had to be conducted publicly and to notify the public on how they could view the discussion. Any public comment is under the discretion of the Chair. The Chair instructed Ms. Fusco to submit her comment via the Q/A chat function in zoom. F. Fusco, 20 Pine Lane, stated she is not in favor of lowering the quorum, if the Select Board is concerned about COVID affecting the quorum, conduct the meeting outdoors like last year. M. Walsh responded that weather plays a factor, and the decision was made to move the Town Meeting indoors at a point when all data were declining. The Legislature gave towns options to reduce the quorum if residents do not stay for the entire Town Meeting. In addition, the cost to hold an outdoor Town Meeting is significantly greater than holding the meeting indoors. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
Algonquin Gas - Request for Temporary Work Space Agreement
Approve and sign the Temporary Workspace Agreement with Algonquin Gas for the property located at 7 Downey Terrace, for the term of May 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023
J. Hickey moved that the Select Board vote to approve and sign the Temporary Workspace Agreement with Algonquin Gas for the property located at 7 Downey Terrace, for the term of May 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved that the Select Board vote to approve and sign the Temporary Workspace Agreement with Algonquin Gas for the property located at 7 Downey Terrace, for the term of May 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023. R. Gotti Seconded. Unanimous Vote 3-0. J. Hickey, aye. R. Gotti, aye. M. Walsh, aye. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
Entertainment License Modification - Casa Loca
Modify Casa Loca's Entertainment License to include live music on its existing entertainment license. The language to be added to the license will read "live music permitted on May 5th annually...
J. Hickey moved that the Board vote to modify Casa Loca's Entertainment License to include live music on its existing entertainment license. The language to be added to the license will read "live music permitted on May 5th annually from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm; the live music will be acoustic in nature and not include drums". Also, for the electronic signature of the Select Board Clerk to be affixed to the modified Entertainment License. R. Gotti asked Town Counsel if the Select Board can grant authority for future licenses, or if that needed to be granted on an annual basis. Per N. Loughnane the request is for multiple years but is tied to the license that will expire on December 31, 2022. J. Hickey amended the motion to reflect that the language is solely for 2022, not annually as noted.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved that the Board vote to modify Casa Loca's Entertainment License to include live music on its existing entertainment license. The language to be added to the license will read "live music permitted on May 5th annually from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm; the live music will be acoustic in nature and not include drums". Also, for the electronic signature of the Select Board Clerk to be affixed to the modified Entertainment License. R. Gotti asked Town Counsel if the Select Board can grant authority for future licenses, or if that needed to be granted on an annual basis. Per N. Loughnane the request is for multiple years but is tied to the license that will expire on December 31, 2022. J. Hickey amended the motion to reflect that the language is solely for 2022, not annually as noted. R. Gotti Seconded. Unanimous Vote 3-0. J. Hickey, aye. R. Gotti, aye. M. Walsh, aye. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
Request to Extend Temporary Outdoor Seating Approvals
Extend the temporary seating approvals for Chiara Bistro, Bibi's Café, and the Toast Office until April 1, 2023, per the "Act making appropriations for fiscal year 2022" as signed into law on...
J. Hickey moved for the Board to extend the temporary seating approvals for Chiara Bistro, Bibi's Café, and the Toast Office until April 1, 2023, per the "Act making appropriations for fiscal year 2022" as signed into law on April 1, 2022.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved for the Board to extend the temporary seating approvals for Chiara Bistro, Bibi's Café, and the Toast Office until April 1, 2023, per the "Act making appropriations for fiscal year 2022" as signed into law on April 1, 2022. R. Gotti Seconded. Unanimous Vote 3-0. J. Hickey, aye. R. Gotti, aye. M. Walsh, aye. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
School Committee - Request to Submit Sheehan School Statement of Interest
School Committee - Request to Submit Sheehan School Statement of Interest
(the minutes do not repeat the motion at this vote)
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
Energy Manager Update and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Approve the plan for an Electric Vehicle Charging Station at the Westwood Police Station and at Wentworth Hall; and to authorize the Town Administrator to sign a letter of intent allowing...
R. Gotti moved for the Select Board to approve the plan for an Electric Vehicle Charging Station at the Westwood Police Station and at Wentworth Hall; and to authorize the Town Administrator to sign a letter of intent allowing Eversource to build an electric vehicle infrastructure at the Westwood Police Station and Wentworth Hall, once the letters of intent are received.
Yes: Gotti, WalshNo: Hickey
From the minutes
“R. Gotti moved for the Select Board to approve the plan for an Electric Vehicle Charging Station at the Westwood Police Station and at Wentworth Hall; and to authorize the Town Administrator to sign a letter of intent allowing Eversource to build an electric vehicle infrastructure at the Westwood Police Station and Wentworth Hall, once the letters of intent are received. M. Walsh Seconded. Vote 2-1. R. Gotti, aye. J. Hickey, nay. M. Walsh, aye. RESULT: APPROVED [2 TO 1] MOVER: Robert Gotti, Board Member SECONDER:Michael Walsh, Board Member AYES: Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti NAYS: John M. Hickey.” (Motion: Gotti, second: Walsh)
Hearing Officer Recommendation - (Dog Hearing - January 26, 2022)
Approve the Hearing Officer recommendation and decision of the Public Dog Hearing held on January 26, 2022, and to incorporate a copy of the decision in the April 11, 2022, minutes. a) That the...
J. Hickey moved that the Select Board approve the Hearing Officer recommendation and decision of the Public Dog Hearing held on January 26, 2022, and to incorporate a copy of the decision in the April 11, 2022, minutes. a) That the dog be humanely restrained; provided, however, that no order shall provide that a dog deemed dangerous be chained, tethered or otherwise tied to an inanimate object including, but not limited to, a tree, post or building; b) That when removed from the premises of the owner or the premises of the person keeping the dog, the dog shall be securely and humanely muzzled and restrained with a chain or other tethering device having a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds and not exceeding 3 feet in length; c) That the owner or keeper of the dog provide proof of insurance in an amount not less than $100,000 insuring the owner or keeper against any claim, loss, damage or injury to persons, domestic animals or property resulting from the acts, whether intentional or unintentional, of the dog or proof that reasonable efforts were made to obtain such insurance if a policy has not been issued; provided, however, that if a policy of insurance has been issued, the owner or keeper shall produce such policy upon request of the hearing authority or a justice of the district court; and provided further, that if a policy has not been issued the owner or keeper shall produce proof of efforts to obtain such insurance; d) That the owner or keeper of the dog provide to t
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved that the Select Board approve the Hearing Officer recommendation and decision of the Public Dog Hearing held on January 26, 2022, and to incorporate a copy of the decision in the April 11, 2022, minutes. a) That the dog be humanely restrained; provided, however, that no order shall provide that a dog deemed dangerous be chained, tethered or otherwise tied to an inanimate object including, but not limited to, a tree, post or building; b) That when removed from the premises of the owner or the premises of the person keeping the dog, the dog shall be securely and humanely muzzled and restrained with a chain or other tethering device having a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds and not exceeding 3 feet in length; c) That the owner or keeper of the dog provide proof of insurance in an amount not less than $100,000 insuring the owner or keeper against any claim, loss, damage or injury to persons, domestic animals or property resulting from the acts, whether intentional or unintentional, of the dog or proof that reasonable efforts were made to obtain such insurance if a policy has not been issued; provided, however, that if a policy of insurance has been issued, the owner or keeper shall produce such policy upon request of the hearing authority or a justice of the district court; and provided further, that if a policy has not been issued the owner or keeper shall produce proof of efforts to obtain such insurance; d) That the owner or keeper of the dog provide to the licensing authority or animal control officer or other entity identified in the order, information by which a dog may be identified, throughout its lifetime including, but not limited to, photographs, videos, veterinary examination, tattooing or microchip implantations or a combination of any such methods of identification. R. Gotti Seconded. Unanimous Vote 3-0. J. Hickey, aye. R. Gotti, aye. M. Walsh, aye. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
Police Superior Officers Association - MOA FY23
Sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Westwood and the Westwood Police Superiors Association for FY2023
J. Hickey moved that the Select Board sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Westwood and the Westwood Police Superiors Association for FY2023.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved that the Select Board sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the Town of Westwood and the Westwood Police Superiors Association for FY2023. R. Gotti Seconded. Unanimous Vote 3-0. J. Hickey, aye. R. Gotti, aye. M. Walsh, aye. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
Lifeworks Lease Authorization to Sign
Authorize the Town Administrator, Christopher Coleman, to sign the lease with Lifeworks, Inc. for the property located at 15 Clapboardtree Street
J. Hickey moved that the Select Board authorize the Town Administrator, Christopher Coleman, to sign the lease with Lifeworks, Inc. for the property located at 15 Clapboardtree Street.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved that the Select Board authorize the Town Administrator, Christopher Coleman, to sign the lease with Lifeworks, Inc. for the property located at 15 Clapboardtree Street. R. Gotti Seconded. Unanimous Vote 3-0. J. Hickey, aye. R. Gotti, aye. M. Walsh, aye. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
Poet Laureate Selection Committee
Clarify the motion approved on February 28, 2022, to read as follows. On February 28, 2022, the Select Board approved a Poet Laureate position and Teen Poet Laureate position for the town. The...
J. Hickey moved that the Select Board clarify the motion approved on February 28, 2022, to read as follows. On February 28, 2022, the Select Board approved a Poet Laureate position and Teen Poet Laureate position for the town. The Library Director will be tasked to create and appoint the Poet Laureate Selection Committee, and such Committee will recommend the Poet Laureate and Teen Poet Laureate candidates for appointment by the Select Board.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved that the Select Board clarify the motion approved on February 28, 2022, to read as follows. On February 28, 2022, the Select Board approved a Poet Laureate position and Teen Poet Laureate position for the town. The Library Director will be tasked to create and appoint the Poet Laureate Selection Committee, and such Committee will recommend the Poet Laureate and Teen Poet Laureate candidates for appointment by the Select Board. R. Gotti Seconded. Unanimous Vote 3-0. J. Hickey, aye. R. Gotti, aye. M. Walsh, aye. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
Regular Meeting Minutes - March 29, 2022 and April 1, 2022
Approve the April 1, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented
J. Hickey moved for the Board to approve the April 1, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented.
From the minutes
“J. Hickey moved for the Board to approve the April 1, 2022, regular meeting minutes as presented. R. Gotti Seconded. Unanimous Vote 3-0. J. Hickey, aye. R. Gotti, aye. M. Walsh, aye. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John M. Hickey, Board Member SECONDER:Robert Gotti, Board Member AYES: John M. Hickey, Michael Walsh, Robert Gotti.” (Motion: Hickey, second: Gotti)
From the Westwood Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s iQM2 meeting portal. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Marianne LeBlanc Cummings (her 2022 candidacy announcement, via Westwood Minute), Joseph Previtera (his 2023 candidacy announcement, via Westwood Minute), Erin Sibley (erinsibley.com), Westwood Minute (Robert Gotti, 2021 candidate profile) and the Massachusetts Municipal Association (Michael Walsh, 2022). No photos yet for former members John Hickey and Nancy Hyde.
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