Council Discusses Illegal Airbnbs

The Winthrop Town Council met on Tuesday, Feb. 1, where it discussed concerns about Airbnbs in town operating illegally.

Airbnb Concerns

Residents noticed that there is a discrepancy between the number of Airbnbs registered with the town and those that are currently being advertised. Airbnbs operating without being registered are in violation of the town ordinance on short-term rentals.

Town Manager Terence Delehanty said there was “absolutely a discrepancy,” adding that the Inspectional Services Department that would enforce the ordinance is short-staffed. He is looking into additional funding for the department.

There is an upcoming ordinance and charter review, and the language around Airbnbs can be revised if necessary. Councilor Joseph Aiello suggested taking cues from Boston’s short-term rental ordinance, and said that Airbnbs “distort the character of the neighborhood.”

Storm Cleanup

Town Manager Delehanty praised the DPW for its work cleaning up after the recent snowstorm. Crews moved 2,500 tons of snow out of the business district, school areas, intersections and side streets to less populated areas.

The town manager also reported that residents were throwing snow and cursing at DPW workers in their cleanup efforts, and urged the public to have patience and behave civilly.

“We don’t want to fine people,” he said. “We’d rather have cooperation.”

Delehanty emphasized that the DPW is short ten employees, with the director and assistant director having to drive front-end loaders themselves. He said he will look into expanding the department’s budget in the future in order to attract more workers. In the meantime, he asked residents to “do a little bit more” than is required when it comes to clearing streets and walkways.

Council Sub-Committees

Council Pres. James Letterie established a Town Manager Search Committee to oversee the vetting process for the new town manager. An outside company is currently reviewing applications, which it will then send to the search committee.

The Town is supposed to conduct an ordinance and charter review every five years, but COVID postponed the 2020 review. Appointments will be made at the next council meeting.

COVID

COVID numbers are steadily decreasing. The percent positive rate from Jan. 9 to Jan. 22 was 18.8, down from 25 the week prior. DPH Director Meredith Hurley expects that number to continue to decline.

Seventy-three percent of Winthrop residents have reported getting at least one dose of the vaccine, and 38 percent report being boosted. Residents can contact the DPH to schedule a booster shot.

Director Hurley will be receiving a UMass Community Salute award for her exemplary work during the pandemic. She was nominated by resident Karen Chavis, and Town Manager Delehanty called the recognition “well-deserved.” The award is presented by the Massachusetts State Lottery.

General Updates

Three major boilers in town are in need of simultaneous repairs. The town is waiting for proposals to repair boilers in the library, the police station and the fire department. The historical EB Newton Clock Tower is also in need of a complete overhaul.

The council voted to appropriate $2,274,052 in free cash allocated by the state. Thirty percent will go toward capital stabilization, 10 toward building stabilization and 40 toward general stabilization. The remaining balance will be just over half a million.

The council asked Town Manager Delehanty to come up with other solutions for the public safety building than the Golf Course Area and Little League “A” Field.

The latest water study report will be presented at the next council meeting on Feb. 15.

There will be a blood drive on March 11, from 12-5pm, at the Zenith Lodge at 196 Winthrop St. All eligible residents are encouraged to donate due to the national blood shortage.