Council Remembers Binns; CBD Project Enters Final Phase

The Winthrop Town Council met on March 1, where it honored a veteran and heard updates on construction projects around town.

Reflection

Council Pres. James Letterie started the meeting with a moment of reflection on the recent passing of DelBrook E. Binns of Winthrop, who passed away on Feb. 5 at the age of 93. Binns was a veteran of WWII and Korea and a Tuskeegee Airman.

A scholarship fund created in Binns’ honor is available to a Winthrop High School student who is the child or grandchild of a veteran. Send donations to Rockland Trust, 15 Bartlett Road.

Construction Projects

The Center Business District will be entering its final phase after March 15. Signage in the area forbids large trucks from driving on certain roads due to the high probability of damaging parked cars. Construction should be complete by June 30, though additional work may extend past that date on Pauline St. and Pleasant St.

National Grid Revere St. project will move into its second phase, which involves removing direct burial cables and installing conduits.

The Bartlett Rd. water main project will enter its initial phase, installing a temporary water main. The existing main has a history of leaks and low water pressure.

As always, progress on all construction depends on weather conditions.

General Updates

Pres. Letterie congratulated Winthrop resident Andrew Biggio, a Marine Corps veteran, for being one of three recipients of the AFCF Award. Biggio is the founder of Boston’s Wounded Vet Run, New England’s largest motorcycle ride dedicated to severely wounded veterans. He will collect his award at the St. Patrick’s Day Gala.

DPW Dir. In his absence, Steve Cala thanked his staff for their storm cleanup and thanked the Departments of Public Health and Inspectional Services for responding to a recent danger.

Quincy awaits word from Winthrop on whether or not the ferry will be running this year. It reached out to MassDOT for funding its side of the deal. The Council still needs to identify a funding source.

The Town sent out over 6,000 trash bills. Almost one-sixth of those—approximately 960—remain delinquent. Accounts that remain unpaid after March 21 will accrue interest.

Council voted to appropriate $109,841 to replace municipal boilers. It also supported a rate increase for Winthrop Taxi from a $6 base fee to $8. Senior rates will increase from $5 to $7.

For Kids Only Afterschool Program has vacated the EB Newton building, and the Winthrop Dept. of Public Health (DPH) will be moving into that space. The bid for the clock tower repair opens on March 10.

The Town has purchased Docusign software, which will track all Town contracts and signatures.

After the previous one accepted another position, Winthrop is seeking a new assistant assessor. It also needs members for the Board of Assessors, the Conservation Board and the Retirement Board.