Watertown Town Council Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6470 Town Council Meeting

Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 7:15 pm Richard E. Mastrangelo Chamber Administration Building MINUTES 1. ROLL CALL: A regular meeting of the Town Council was called to order at 7:15 pm, in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber, Administration Building. Present for the meeting were Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris. Also present for the meeting were Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll, Town Attorney Mark Reich and Council Clerk Valerie Papas. The Chair recognized the Town Manager who announced the passing of Mrs. Liz Hauswirth, a longtime employee in the Treasurer/Collectors Office. He noted that Mrs. Hauswirth was a dear friend to all her co-workers as well as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. The Manager noted the outpouring of support to her family in their time of grief. He stated that it was an honor to have known her. The Chair called for a moment of silence for the passing of Liz Hauswirth. 2. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: September 28, 2010 Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the minutes as written, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. PUBLIC FORUM: None noted. 1

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Mark S. Sideris Council President Stephen P. Corbett Vice President John A. Donohue Councilor At Large Susan G. Falkoff Councilor At Large Anthony Palomba Councilor At Large Angeline B. Kounelis District A Councilor Cecilia Lenk District B Councilor Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr. District C Councilor John J. Lawn, Jr. District D Councilor

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COMMITTEE REPORTS: a) Committee on Public Works report on proposed Tree Regulations Susan G. Falkoff, Chair. Councilors Falkoff and Piccirilli read the committee report on proposed Tree Pruning Regulations and a Business Trash Policy. It was noted that the Committee will meet again to review the next draft of the Tree regulations on October 26th. It was further noted that there was discussion regarding the discontinuing of pruning of street trees other than for safety reasons and/or at the discretion of the Tree Warden. Councilor Falkoff moved to refer the matter of adding additional staff to the Forestry Department for Fiscal Year 2012 to the subcommittee of Budget and Fiscal Affairs, seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. Councilor Kounelis asked if the Work Orders currently compiled will be discontinued, noting a resident on Jensen Road is on a list for tree trimming. Mr. Mee stated that those currently on the list for tree pruning will be addressed, and any new work orders generated and/or reviewed by the Tree Warden will be addressed. Mr. Mee noted that hazardous tree pruning will continue to be a first priority. Councilor Kounelis moved to accept the report, seconded by Vice President Corbett and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. b) Committee on Education and School System Matters report and action on the re-appointments of Steven Singer and John M. Airasian to the Cable Access Corporations Board of Directors Cecilia Lenk , Chair. Councilor Lenk read the Committee report. Councilor Donohue moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Kounelis and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice 2

President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. Cecilia Lenk moved the reappointments of Mr. Singer and Mr. Airasian for a three year term to expire on September 15, 2013. Councilor Piccirilli moved a friendly amendment to also approve the reappointment of School Committee member Christopher Beech to a three year appointment to expire on September 13, 2013 and the appointment of the School Superintendent Steve Watson to fill an unexpired term to expire on September 15, 2011, as they both serve as ex-officio members and do not require an interview by the Committee. Councilor Lenk accepted the friendly amendment which was adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. The main motion as amended was adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor.

c) Committee on Economic Development and Planning report and first reading on Stretch Energy Code Steve Corbett, Chair. Vice President Corbett read the Committee report. He reviewed the Stretch Energy Code regulations and procedures contingent on the Town qualifying as a Green Community. Councilor Donohue moved to accept the report, seconded by Councilor Lawn and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. d) Committee on Rules and Ordinances report and action on the Council Rules Tony Palomba, Chair. Councilor Palomba noted that the matter is ongoing and asked for the matter to be re-referred to the subcommittee for further study, discussion with a report back to the Town Council. 3

Councilor Donohue moved the matter, seconded by Councilor Kounelis and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. Councilor Falkoff requested a red-line version in advance if any changes are made to the Council Rules. 6. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATIONS: a) Informational Presentation on the Schools Summer 2010 Capital Improvement Projects - School Committee Chair, Anthony Paolillo and Jay Francione, Director of Facilities: Mr. Paolillo indicated that an updated spreadsheet was provided to the Town Council. Jay Francione provided a power point presentation on the CIP which included $525,000 improvements to the High School, Middle School; Phillips School and the Hosmer, Cunniff and Lowell Elementary Schools. Following the presentation, the Manager thanked the Town Council for appropriating more than $47,993,700 in loan orders for renovating and equipping all of the schools since 1995. Regarding the presentation, he noted that a picture is worth a thousand words. The Manager queried Mr. Paolillo on the Toddler/Infant rooms noting that he had been expecting dialogue on the matter early and often and prior to the School Department moving forward with the business venture/project. He asked if it was decided not to move forward with the project, what would you have done with the renovated rooms. He indicated that he was skeptical of the business model. Mr. Paolillo stated that it was not a matter of if they would go forward with the Toddler/Infant project; but a matter of when. It is the intent to make the business model work, he noted. Councilor Lenk stated that the Autism program was slated to receive $25,000 in renovations but very little money has been spent so far; she asked what happened. Mr. Francione stated that they are looking for a re-design noting that the project is in need of an architect. Councilor Piccirilli stated that it is a fantastic amount of work and noted that it has come under budget by 4

approximately $38,700.00 which is good news. He queried what the plan is for using the remaining monies. Mr. Paolillo indicated that a new 250 gallon high efficiency water boiler is needed which will cost between $14,00018,000. Councilor Lenk stated that when all the dust has settled, she would like to see a list of completed and itemized projects. Councilor Palomba thanked the School Committee and Mr. Francione for the update noting that the renovations look fantastic. The Chair noted that the power point presentation was extremely helpful and important to the public, as taxpayers are the ones paying for the projects. b) Informational Presentation and First Reading on the Stretch Energy Code Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development and Planning. The Chair recognized Mr. Steve Magoon, Economic Development and Community Planning Director who provided a brief review of the Green Community Act and its 5 criteria/components. It was noted that the Stretch Energy Code, which is one of the components, has been advertised for a public hearing and vote for the October 26th Town Council Meeting. Other components to the Green Community Act will be forthcoming with another component being brought forward in November. The components once adopted by the Town Council are enacted in 6 month increments and concurring periods in January and July to give contractors an opportunity to comply with the new mandates. At the request of Councilor Palomba, Mr. Magoon provided a brief overview of the remaining four components to the Green Community Act. 7. MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS: a) Consideration and vote on a proposed Resolution regarding Question 3.The Chair read the Resolution which opposes the State Ballot Question 3 that mandates the reduction of the state tax from 6.25% to 3%. The Chair indicated that such a reduction in state tax will have a detrimental if not devastating effect on local communities. Councilor Falkoff stated that she is proud that the Town Council is weighing in on this important issue and moved the adoption of the resolution, seconded by Councilor Donohue.

Councilor Kounelis stated that it is important as a Councilor that she speak against and vote no on Question 3, which if voted by the people, will have a detrimental impact on all of our services. She noted that as consumers we must all bite the bullet and pay the additional sales tax in order to help our community. Councilor Palomba noted his appreciation to the Chair for bringing this forward. He indicated that this is an example of how we may be able begin to engage each other and members of the public in questions that really do affect how we finance what we do here in the town. Upon a roll call vote, the resolution was adopted by unanimous vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. b) Resolution authorizing a transfer in the amount of $15,244 from the Fiscal Year 2011Town Council Reserve Account to the Fiscal Year 2011 Fire Department Full Time Salaries Account in order to fund military training pay to eligible Fire Department Employees. The Manager reviewed the transfer and noted that there are two primary military pay statutes; military leave pay for eligible employees called up to active duty and paid leave for military training for eligible employees. The Veterans Agent researched this second statute and it was discovered that the town had adopted Chapter 33, Section 59 in 1978; and thus the town is moving forward with the 4 employees eligible to receive compensation for this training. Councilor Piccirilli moved the transfer, seconded by Councilor Lenk and adopted by unanimous roll call vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. 8. NEW BUSINESS a) Councilor Falkoff moved to accept a written report from the subcommittee of Economic Development and Planning regarding Stretch Energy Code which was presented verbally at the September 28th Town Council meeting. She indicated that it was stated at the last Town Council meeting that once 6

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the written minutes were completed, they would be brought forward to the Town Council for formal adoption. The motion was seconded by Councilor Piccirilli and adopted by voice vote with Councilors John A. Donohue, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Jr., John J. Lawn, Jr., Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris voting in favor. . PRESIDENTS REPORT: None noted. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER: a) Update on Senior Citizen Municipal Parking Lot Permit. The Manager reviewed correspondence related to the parking lot permit program for seniors. He thanked the Council on Aging Director, Caryl Fox and the Traffic Commission for their work on this program. b) Update on Employee Parking The Manager reviewed correspondence regarding employee parking at the town hall and municipal lot. He noted that the new employee parking configuration seems to be working. c) Flu Clinics are being conducted and a list of dates and locations can be viewed at the Towns website. d) Last chance for residents to register to vote or make party changes is tomorrow. The Clerks Office will be open from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm to assist residents.

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Councilor Kounelis summarized a memorandum she forwarded to the Manager on October 4th regarding an employee on administrative leave. She noted that after requesting more information on the matter from the Manager, she received a response and indicated that as a councilor her hands are tied; but that she wanted the public to be informed about the matter. Councilor Falkoff requested an update on the Towns online tracking system to see how well it is working.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: None noted. PUBLIC FORUM: None noted. ADJOURMENT: There being no further business to come before the Town Council, Vice President Corbett moved to 7

adjourn the meeting at 9:00 pm, seconded by Councilor Palomba and adopted by voice vote. Addendum. A DVD of the meeting is available upon request. I hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the Town Council for which a quorum was present on October 26, 2010, the minutes for October 12, 2010 were adopted by unanimous voice vote. Mark S. Sideris, Council President