MassVoter.com← Winthrop Town CouncilWinthrop Town Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
June 30, 2026
18 recorded votes, 15 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Note on these minutes: Two versions of these minutes are posted; they differ only in the date of the minutes approved (June 9 in this version, June 2 in the other).
Present: Patrick Costigan, Max Tassinari, Kurt Millar, Kim Dimes, Joseph Romano, Paul Reardon, Suzanne Swope, James Letterie
Absent: Martin Finn
Every vote, in order
MINUTES
Approve the Minutes of June 2, 2026, as circulated
Motion by Councilor Romano to Approve the Minutes of June 2, 2026, as circulated.
The minutes say only "Motion Passed", with no count and no names.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to Approve the Minutes of June 2, 2026, as circulated. 2nd by Councilor Dimes Motion Passed.” (Motion: Romano, second: Dimes)
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Take this motion out of order
Motion by Councilor Romano to take this motion out of order
The minutes say only "Motion Passed", with no count and no names.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to take this motion out of order 2nd by Councilor Tassinari Motion Passed.” (Motion: Romano, second: Tassinari)
Approve the Memorials Committee recommendation to name the Middle School Basketball Court after Manny Coutinho and to have a street sign named for Richard Honan
Motion by Councilor Romano to approve the Memorials Committee recommendation to name the Middle School Basketball Court after Manny Coutinho and to have a street sign named for Richard Honan
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to approve the Memorials Committee recommendation to name the Middle School Basketball Court after Manny Coutinho and to have a street sign named for Richard Honan 2nd by Vice President Swope Discussion Motion Passed Unanimously.” (Motion: Romano, second: Swope)
PUBLIC HEARING(S)
Waive council rules and take this motion out of order
Motion by Councilor Romano to waive council rules and take this motion out of order
The minutes say only "Motion Passed", with no count and no names.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to waive council rules and take this motion out of order 2nd by Councilor Tassinari Motion Passed.” (Motion: Romano, second: Tassinari)
Transfer $250,000 from General Stabilization Fund to Snow & Ice Account
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that Town Council Transfer $250,000 from General Stabilization Fund to Snow & Ice Account
The roll call lists Martin Finn as absent. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that Town Council Transfer $250,000 from General Stabilization Fund to Snow & Ice Account No 2nd Needed Roll Call Vote Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano Councilor Reardon, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Finn Motion Passes.”
Waive council rules and take this motion out of order
Motion by Councilor Romano to waive council rules and take this motion out of order
The minutes say only "Motion Passed", with no count and no names.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to waive council rules and take this motion out of order 2nd by Vice President Swope Motion Passed.” (Motion: Romano, second: Swope)
Modify General Fund Budgets to Facilitate Closing of the 2026 Fiscal Year
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that Town Council Vote to Modify General Fund Budgets to Facilitate Closing of the 2026 Fiscal Year
The roll call lists Martin Finn as absent. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that Town Council Vote to Modify General Fund Budgets to Facilitate Closing of the 2026 Fiscal Year No 2nd Needed Roll Call Vote Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano Councilor Reardon, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Finn Motion Passes.”
Waive council rules and take this motion out of order
Motion by Councilor Romano to waive council rules and take this motion out of order
The minutes say only "Motion Passed", with no count and no names.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to waive council rules and take this motion out of order 2nd by Councilor Dimes Motion Passed.” (Motion: Romano, second: Dimes)
Appropriate $110,000 Certified Free Cash
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that Town Council Vote to Appropriate $110,000 Certified Free Cash
The roll call lists Martin Finn as absent. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that Town Council Vote to Appropriate $110,000 Certified Free Cash No 2nd Needed Roll Call Vote Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano Councilor Reardon, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Finn Motion Passes.”
Waive council rules and take this motion out of order
Motion by Councilor Romano to waive council rules and take this motion out of order
The minutes say only "Motion Passed", with no count and no names.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to waive council rules and take this motion out of order 2nd by Vice President Swope Motion Passed.” (Motion: Romano, second: Swope)
Appropriate $800,000 from Retained Earnings in the Water-Sewer Fund/Transfer to the Water-Sewer Capital Stabilization Fund
Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that Town Council Vote to Appropriate $800,000 from Retained Earnings in the Water-Sewer Fund/Transfer to the Water-Sewer Capital Stabilization Fund
The roll call lists Martin Finn as absent. The motion came from a council committee, so no mover or seconder is named.
From the minutes
“Motion by the Finance Committee with a Positive Recommendation that Town Council Vote to Appropriate $800,000 from Retained Earnings in the Water-Sewer Fund/Transfer to the Water-Sewer Capital Stabilization Fund No 2nd Needed Roll Call Vote Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano Councilor Reardon, Vice President Swope, President Letterie Absent: Councilor Finn Motion Passes.”
OLD BUSINESS
Accept the re-appointment of Stephen Machinski to the Conservation Committee
Motion by Councilor Tassinari to accept the re-appointment of Stephen Machinski to the Conservation Committee
Yes: Dimes, Letterie, Millar, Reardon, TassinariAbstained: Costigan, Romano, SwopeThe roll call lists Martin Finn as absent.
From the minutes
“Councilor Romano requested applications from each Attorney Cipoletta discusses that the Charter refers to appointment not re-appointments Council President discusses Mr. Machinski's experience with the Conservation Committee Attorney Cipoletta refers to the Charter 10-2 and if a current sitting member is not renewed, their seat is to continue as to continue government. Councilor Romano agrees but wants to see applications and resumes on every appointment. Councilor Tassinari states that appointment / re-appointment means same thing Attorney Cipoletta discusses that in the Charter there is a policy / non making policies may require presence at the meeting but not a resume. Councilor Romano states a resume can still be requested. Councilor Romano reiterates that if these people are not re-appointed they will continue on their committees until a re-appointment is done. Attorney Cipoletta reports yes, as in the case of the Board of Appeals we must have quorum to keep with expiring dates with projects, could cause legal issues. Councilor Romano asks Councilor Tassinari and Councilor Dimes to withdraw their motion until applications are received Councilor Dimes refused. Council President reiterates the procedures of re-appointments, and we do not have a flood of people waiting to be appointed. Councilor Dimes discusses that she has worked with Mr. Machinski and he is very qualified to be on the Conservation Committee Councilor Romano does not disagree but does not understand why new resumes and applications cannot be obtained. Vice President Swope feels we as a new council are not necessarily familiar with these committee members and applications, resumes and a presence at our meetings would be very helpful. Councilor Tassinari does not want to see the board lose any members but believes appointment/re- appointments should be considered the same and an application should be requested. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 30 , 2026 PAGE 5 Councilor Romano does not want to insult anyone, he just thinks this is a procedural matter that should be completed. Councilor Romano will abstain from any votes until applications and resumes are received. Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Reardon, Council President No: Abstain: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Romano, Vice President Swope Absent: Councilor Finn Motion Passes.” (Motion: Tassinari, second: Dimes)
Accept the re-appointment of John Young to the Board of Appeals
Motion by Councilor Tassinari to accept the re-appointment of John Young to the Board of Appeals
Yes: Dimes, Letterie, Millar, TassinariAbstained: Costigan, Reardon, Romano, SwopeThe roll call lists Martin Finn as absent. The minutes record this motion as not passing even though more councilors voted yes than no.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Tassinari to accept the re-appointment of John Young to the Board of Appeals 2nd by Councilor Dimes Discussion continues with Councilor Romano asking what is the quorum on the Board of Appeals Attorney Cipoletta reports currently it was increased by statue from 3 members to 5, a quorum would be 4 Councilor Romano for same reasons will abstain Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Council President No: Abstain: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Vice President Swope Absent: Councilor Finn Motion Does Not Pass.” (Motion: Tassinari, second: Dimes)
Accept the re-appointment of Jason Wright to the Board of Appeals and also advance to Full Member
Motion by Councilor Tassinari to accept the re-appointment of Jason Wright to the Board of Appeals and also advance to Full Member
Yes: Dimes, Letterie, Millar, TassinariAbstained: Costigan, Reardon, Romano, SwopeThe roll call lists Martin Finn as absent. The minutes record this motion as not passing even though more councilors voted yes than no.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Tassinari to accept the re-appointment of Jason Wright to the Board of Appeals and also advance to Full Member 2nd by Councilor Dimes Discussion Councilor Romano requests difference full member / associate members, if they can vote Attorney Cipoletta replies yes. Councilor Romano for same reasons will abstain Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Council President No: Abstain: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Vice President Swope Absent: Councilor Finn Motion Does Not Pass.” (Motion: Tassinari, second: Dimes)
Accept the re-appointment of Peter Gill to the Board of Assessors
Motion by Councilor Tassinari to accept the re-appointment of Peter Gill to the Board of Assessors
Yes: Dimes, Letterie, Millar, Reardon, TassinariAbstained: Costigan, Romano, SwopeThe roll call lists Martin Finn as absent.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Tassinari to accept the re-appointment of Peter Gill to the Board of Assessors 2nd by Councilor Dimes Discussion Councilor Romano for same reasons will abstain Council President reports that knowing Mr. Gill, nothing for his experience should have to be requested Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Reardon, Council President No: Abstain: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Romano, Vice President Swope Absent: Councilor Finn Motion Passes.” (Motion: Tassinari, second: Dimes)
Accept the re-appointment of Judi Buono the Historical Committee
Motion by Councilor Tassinari to accept the re-appointment of Judi Buono the Historical Committee
Yes: Dimes, Letterie, Millar, Reardon, TassinariAbstained: Costigan, Romano, SwopeThe roll call lists Martin Finn as absent.
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Tassinari to accept the re-appointment of Judi Buono the Historical Committee 2nd by Councilor Dimes Discussion Councilor Romano for same reasons will abstain Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Reardon, Council President No: Abstain: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Romano, Vice President Swope Absent: Councilor Finn Motion Passes.” (Motion: Tassinari, second: Dimes)
NEW BUSINESS
Accept the appointment made by Council President of Lisa Stefano and Heidi Fantasi to the Board of Health
Motion by Councilor Romano to accept the appointment made by Council President of Lisa Stefano and Heidi Fantasi to the Board of Health
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to accept the appointment made by Council President of Lisa Stefano and Heidi Fantasi to the Board of Health 2nd by Councilor Costigan Discussion Councilor Romano appreciates the applications being sent in Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Vice President Swope, Council President Motion Passes.” (Motion: Romano, second: Costigan)
Accept the appointment made by Council President of Merril Frank and Ila Brown to the Board of Health
Motion by Councilor Romano to accept the appointment made by Council President of Merril Frank and Ila Brown to the Board of Health
From the minutes
“Motion by Councilor Romano to accept the appointment made by Council President of Merril Frank and Ila Brown to the Board of Health 2nd by Councilor Costigan Discussion Councilor Romano appreciates the applications being sent in TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 30 , 2026 PAGE 7 Roll Call Vote: Yes: Councilor Costigan, Councilor Tassinari, Councilor Millar, Councilor Dimes, Councilor Romano, Councilor Reardon, Vice President Swope, Council President Motion Passes.” (Motion: Romano, second: Costigan)
From the Winthrop Town Council’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every vote against the members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Member photos: Winthrop Sun Transcript (candidate announcements for Letterie, Millar, Dimes and Romano; Costigan and Swope from a captioned June 2026 Strawberry Festival photo by Salza). Former members and Tassinari, Reardon and Finn show initials for now.
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