BOARD OF SELECTMEN MONDAY EVENING, March 28, 2005
MINUTES OF MEETING SELECTMEN’S OFFICE 7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 PM with the following members present: Richard Di Mento, Chairman; Martin O’ Brien, Selectman; Susan J. Bolster, Selectwoman and Virginia L. Wilder Executive Secretary/CAO.
Charter Commission Presentation
Several of the Charter Commission members came before the Board of Selectmen to formally present a final copy of the proposed Charter. The following Charter Commissioners were present: Tom Reilly, James Letterie, Russ Sanford, Michael Carney and Richard Gill.
The members informed the Board that copies were available at the Selectmen’s office, the Library as well as online. They also told the Board that a copy of the Charter would be delivered to every household that had a registered voter at least two weeks before the election.
Finally the Commissioners offered their assistance at any time over the next few weeks to answer any questions or concerns residents may have in regards to the Charter. They stressed that the decision before our community is an important one and urged residents to become informed.
The Board of Selectmen thanked the Commissioners for their time in volunteering over the last year to gather information and create this Charter for our town to vote on. The Selectmen then also urged the voters to educate themselves and get out and vote on May 2, 2005.
Harbormaster Update
Harbormaster Charles Famolare came before the Board of Selectmen to give an update of the Harbormaster Department. Harbormaster Famolare first stated how excited and impressed he was with his team over the past year. He said their hard work and renewed excitement has been energizing and he thanked them for the great job they do!
Harbormaster Famolare then explained how happy he was to report that the new harbormaster boat is expected to arrive shortly. He explained that this new boat will be able to travel up to 60 miles an hour and be a great help with the Harbormaster patrols in Winthrop waters.
He then briefly discussed the mandatory drug testing regulation for Deputy Harbormasters. He noted that a local company has been engaged to conduct the testing and help the Town of Winthrop formulate a draft policy that will be ready soon for the Board of Selectmen’s review.
Chairman Di Mento thanked Harbormaster Famolare as well as his whole team for their continued efforts to improve and protect Winthrop’s waterways.
General Business
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to approve a change in manager’s name only to a common victualler’s license for the Lucky Garden Restaurant at 522 Shirley Street. The new manager is Zi Rong Zou.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to approve the minutes of the February 28, 2005 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to approve the appointment of Gary Bernstein of Myrtle Avenue to serve on the Storage Container Committee.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to approve Darren Baird, the Planning Board’s designee to the Storage Committee.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to appoint Eva Belanger to the Tree Committee.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to approve Fire Chief Larry Powers request to call for an eligibility list from Civil Service for one new firefighter due to a retirement.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to approve a sidewalk permit for the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce to have a sidewalk festival on May 20 and May 21st.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to appoint local attorney David Stasio as Special Counsel to the Town of Winthrop for the purpose of representing the Town in matters relative to private encroachment on public land in the River Road/ Lewis Lake area.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to approve draft proposal of Winthrop’s Liquor and Beverage Regulations to be modified at a later date.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to approve the request of DPW Director Dave Hickey to hire Winthrop resident Brian Cleary for a position with the DPW.
Revere Street Traffic
Chairman Di Mento spoke relative to the recent increase in speeding on Revere Street. He informed residents that increased signage has been added to the area as well as increased police presence to enforce speeding limits.
Selectmen O’Brien urged Winthrop residents to keep in mind the residents of Revere Street and their safety. He said “if you wouldn’t speed down your street – don’t speed down Revere Street – it is all our community”.
Stop Sign Issue
A resident proposed stop sign at Shirley and Cross streets was referred to the Public Safety Committee for further review.
Selectmen Comments
Chairman Di Mento made these comments:
q He offered to be the liason from the Board relative to the potential overhaul of the Winthrop Bus Route with Paul Revere Bus Company and the MBTA.
q He reminded residents that Coughlin Park has not been forgotten and will be taken care of come Spring.
q Potholes are being filled as soon as time and manpower allows.
VOTED: on a Motion by Selectman O’Brien, 2nd by Selectwoman Bolster and made unanimous by Chairman Di Mento to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing MWRA negotiations.
ROLL CALL: Chairman Di Mento - Yes
Selectman O’Brien - Yes
Selectwoman Bolster- Yes
Respectfully submitted,
Carla Vitale
Administrative Secretary
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Richard F. Di Mento
Chairman
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