TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Under the Rules and Procedures of the Winthrop Town Council, President Reilly called the meeting to order along with the School Committee at 7:03 PM in the meeting room of the Senior Center 35 Harvard Street. All members were present.
President Reilly recognized Paul Marks, Chairman of the School Building Committee. Mr. Marks read the final report on the creation of the Gorman Fort Banks School and the Arthur T. Cummings School. His remarks are attached to these minutes.
President Reilly then recognized former Town Moderator Dave Hubbard. Mr Hubbard read a letter of commendation to the School Building Committee for their dedication and hard work. A copy of said letter is attached to these minutes.
Chairperson of the School Committee, Pat Milano spoke on behalf of the Superintendent and the School Committee and presented Citations to the School Building Committee Members from both the School Committee and Town Council.
MaryAlice Sharkey spoke on behalf of the Winthrop Teachers Association and also thanked the Committee.
MOTION by Vice President Boncore
2ND by Councilor Letterie
VOICE VOTE
VOTED: to accept the School Building Committee’s final report and discharge said Committee with thanks for their dedication and hard work.
President Reilly then opened the Fall Public Forum on Town Services. All Department Heads were in attendance. Town Manager Rick White introduced Fire Chief Larry Powers to the podium. Chief Powers gave a brief overview presentation discussing the operational and financial status of the Fire Department. After Chief Powers Rick White introduced new building inspector Jim Soper to give an overview of the Building Department and new procedures that Jim had recently implemented. Finally our Town Manager introduced, Michael Bertino, Finance Director. Michael gave an overview of the recently reorganized finance departments that now fall under his supervision and how they are related.
Resident Tom McNiff asked Mr. Bertino how long Winthrop was bound by the decision to join the state’s GIC health insurance group. Michael answered that joining the GIC was a cost savings to Winthrop not just this year but for years to come and that Winthrop had committed to six years.
Several residents from the Prescott Street Area were present to talk about frustration over the new parking sticker program.
Tom McNiff again spoke this time with questions regarding the newly appointed Assistant Police Chief and if this new position took away from street patrol officers. Mr. White’s answer was no that it did not take away from street patrol and in fact production numbers were up in the police department since the creation of the position.
Nick Tsiostis spoke of quality of life issues as it relates to the new housing development proposals in Town.
President Reilly closed the public forum at approximately 8:45pm.
Councilor Letterie asked that the Town Manager’s Contract Discussion be placed on the next agenda.
Councilor Maggio reminded people of the upcoming Flu Clinic.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00pm.
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