Watertown City Council
Tuesday January 9, 2024
Clickable Transcript Printable Transcript Agenda
The order of items in transcripts appear in the chronological order in which they were taken up. Some Agenda items may have been skipped.
Agenda Item 3. A.
The council conducted its procedural activities for organizational structure, beginning with the excitement expressed about the process. It was noted that the council typically selects a vice president followed by determining seating assignments, implying possible changes in seating for members. The floor was then opened for nominations for the vice president role, during which Councilor Izzo was nominated and subsequently thanked their colleagues for selecting them as the vice president once again.
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Agenda Item 3. B.
During a council meeting, Sideris addressed the process of seat selection, which is determined based on the length of service among the council members. Councilor Palumba, identified as the longest-serving member present, was given the first choice of seat. Sideris acknowledged the change in seating arrangement for all members and asked for patience over the next few meetings as he adjusts to the new seating positions, preemptively apologizing for any confusion this adjustment might cause.
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Agenda Item 4.
In this section of a public hearing, the agenda moves to the public forum, inviting members present and at home to participate by raising their hand to speak. An interruption occurs with a reminder that the forum is not for an unspecified subject, but it's quickly dismissed as there are no participants stepping forward to speak. Consequently, the public forum portion of the hearing is closed due to the lack of public input.
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Agenda Item 5. A.
In the session, Magoon made a motion to adopt the minutes from December 12th as they were written. This motion was seconded by Sideris. Following a brief opportunity for discussion, a vote was conducted. With all members in agreement, and no opposition, the motion to adopt the December 12th minutes as written was unanimously approved.
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Agenda Item 6. A.
The president's report included a request to postpone the budget submittal date to April 23rd, 2024. The motion was proposed, seconded, and put to a vote. After a brief opportunity for discussion, the members present voted in favor, with no opposition, effectively approving the request to move the budget submittal date.
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Agenda Item 6. B.
The section outlines a segment of a public hearing during which the manager's goals for the fiscal year 2024 were presented as part of the weekly packet. A motion was called to accept these goals for FY24, which was initiated by a person named Samud and seconded by another unidentified individual. The chairperson asked for any questions or comments regarding the goals, and upon finding none, proceeded to close the discussion. A vocal vote was conducted to finalize the acceptance of the goals, with all present members expressing agreement ("Aye"), leading to the unanimous approval of the manager's goals for the fiscal year 2024 as there were no opposing votes.
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Agenda ITem 6. C.
The speaker discussed maintaining the status quo regarding city council members' committee assignments for the new term, opting against reshuffling roles due to the complexity and potential disruption it could cause. The decision was influenced by the absence of new members and a belief that stability would best serve the community's interests. The speaker emphasized the importance of committees addressing their assigned matters promptly and expressed a forward-looking approach to managing city affairs under the established assignments.
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Agenda Item 6. D.
A proposal to review the city council rules for the current term was introduced and referred to the Committee on Rules and Ordinances. Following the motion and a second, a brief discussion took place before a vote was called. Council member Sideris, among others, voiced their approval with an "Aye." There were no objections, resulting in unanimous agreement to move forward with the review.
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Agenda Item 7. A.
The public hearing and vote on a proposed ordinance regarding snow and ice removal in Watertown focused heavily on the specifics of the ordinance, enforcement mechanisms, exemptions, and concerns from the public. The proposed ordinance aims to amend the existing code to require snow and ice removal on sidewalks adjacent to residential properties (one, two, or three-unit buildings) within 24 hours after snow or sleet stops, with penalties ranging from warnings to fines of up to $300 for repeated violations. The ordinance also includes provisions for exemptions based on age, disability, and income levels, with the city manager having the authority to extend deadlines under certain conditions or grant exemptions. The discussion also entailed concerns about liability for homeowners, the practicality of enforcement, and the city's capacity to manage the added responsibilities. Various residents expressed concerns about the fairness, necessity, and potential repercussions of the ordinance, while others supported it as a means to improve pedestrian safety and walkability in the city. City officials emphasized a gradual, educative approach to enforcement and acknowledged the need for public outreach and the establishment of a clear process for exemptions. The hearing concluded with council members expressing varied opinions on the ordinance, reflecting concerns about its implementation and the impact on residents, including the most vulnerable.
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Agenda Item 7. B.
The discussed ordinance mandates closed captioning on public-facing televisions to improve accessibility for the hearing impaired, stimulated by a recommendation from the Commission on Disabilities and modeled after a Boston ordinance. After a first reading and review by a subcommittee, the proposal aims to ensure that establishments with public televisions provide closed captioning, facilitating accessible communication in public spaces. The council expressed its straightforward nature of the ordinance and opened the floor for questions, indicating a collaborative effort to enhance inclusivity.
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Agenda Item 7. C.
The proposed loan order for $498,000, aimed at funding improvements at Salt Installed Park, was presented for its first reading. This sum is intended to cover the costs of demolishing and replacing existing lighting and furnishing with new sports lighting. Mr. Proakis highlighted that this borrowing would primarily address the upgrade of sports field and court lighting systems, mentioning specific planned work on Lowell Stalls Taught Lot and Upper Saltonstall Park. The latter project is to be funded through a state earmark and possibly Community Preservation Committee funds, pending council approval. The $498,000 specifically targets sports lighting enhancements, as further detailed in a supplemental handout. It was clarified that the initially intended $300,000 from the 2019 Capital Improvement Plan was insufficient, leading to the decision to seek additional borrowing capacity to cover project costs, contingencies, and construction management. DPW staff is expected to discuss this matter in further detail at the next meeting, which will include a public hearing on the topic.
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Agenda Item 8. A.
In the session, Sideris introduced items regarding a variety of easements related to 66 Galen Street, including a private way easement agreement, a highway easement agreement also extending to 50 and 51 The 57 Water Street, and a public parks easement. These easements were to be reviewed to be potentially conveyed to the city of Watertown, with the city manager authorized to execute these easements on behalf of the city. Proakis then took the floor, acknowledging the presence of these easement documents which had been reviewed by Catherine Klein of KP Law, and deemed consistent with the zoning approval and intent for the 66 Galen Street project by the Department of Community Development and Planning. Proakis noted that the department's staff was present to address any further inquiries or provide additional details. The session concluded with the proposals being approved.
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Agenda Item 8. B.
An amendment to the cultural district resolution, initially approved on November 14, 2023, was discussed to extend the effective timeframe of the district from five years to 10 years, following a recommendation from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The amendment aimed to update the resolution to a 10-year duration for the cultural district's operation. The proposal was moved, seconded, and, after a brief discussion, unanimously approved by the attendees.
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Agenda Item 9. A.
The Committee on Economic Development and Planning met on December 18, 2023, as a hybrid session to conduct Historic District Commission interviews. Chaired by Councilor Feltner, with Councilor Piccirilli attending remotely, the committee intended to interview Elizabeth Hayes, who was absent, and subsequently reviewed reappointments for two members. Robert Bloomberg, aiming for reappointment as the historical society appointee, emphasized his commitment to preserving history and the potential for enhancing the district's character through street signage. Jae Yong Kim, an architect seeking another term as the American Institute of Architects appointee, spoke of his eagerness to continue serving, drawing on his experience with historic commissions in other areas to advocate for signage that highlights the historic district. The committee approved the reappointment of both candidates by a unanimous vote. The city council accepted the committee's report and confirmed the reappointments of Bloomberg and Kim for terms expiring on November 15, 2026.
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Agenda Item 10.
The council addressed a new item involving the appointment to the board of health due to a member's retirement. Kim Netter, who has gone through the necessary process, was recommended to fill the vacancy. The council decided to refer the appointment to the Committee on Human Services. Council member Magoon made a motion to proceed with this referral, which was seconded by Speaker5. After a call for discussion and a vote, the motion was approved unanimously, indicating that the process to officially appoint Kim Netter to the board of health would move forward.
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Agenda item 11. A.
The manager presented a request for the confirmation of Jason Wilson's appointment to the Public Arts and Culture Committee for a term ending November 15, 2024, to fill a vacancy. Additionally, the reappointments of Roberta Miller and Aaron Webb were proposed, with their terms set to expire on November 15, 2026. These nominations, having been reviewed and recommended by the residents advisory committee, were forwarded to the council for approval. The matters related to these appointments and reappointments were assigned to the council's public edge, economic development, and planning committees, with Council Feltner mentioned in the discussion.
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Agenda Item 11. B.
At a public meeting, the discussion commenced with a request for the reappointment of Sandra Hoffman to the licensing board, emphasizing the procedure of seeking recommendations from the resident advisory committee. The conversation shifted towards an in-depth analysis of naming city structures and memorials in honor of individuals, with a focus on establishing clear guidelines and forming a committee to manage such requests systematically, distinct from the veterans' hero square system. Moreover, significant attention was dedicated to the Mount Auburn Street project, where concerns about engaging Newport Construction, potential overruns, and the project's impact on local businesses and infrastructure were thoroughly deliberated. The public official articulated strategies to mitigate risks associated with the project, including close collaboration with District 6 and state authorities to ensure timely and responsible execution. The meeting also covered logistical announcements related to Christmas tree collection, trash and recycling management due to construction, upcoming vote-by-mail instructions, early voting details, and the 2024 local census. Additionally, a community forum on health and human services and a meeting concerning Sullivan Playground's renovation were announced, concluding with a reminder about the administrative building's closure for Martin Luther King Junior Day.
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Agenda Item 12.
Councilor Peace raised questions during the session regarding regulations, specifically about snow shoveling concerns brought forward by residents. There were issues needing clarification, one of which involved whether handicapped placards or license plates would suffice to demonstrate eligibility for certain accommodations. Additionally, there was significant apprehension over the requirement to display tax forms. Queries were made about whether these documents would be retained on file at the town hall or if residents could simply present them as needed and retain their personal copies.
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Agenda Item 13.
Councilor Bays announced the Watertown Unity event in honor of Martin Luther King Day on January 15th, which will be a virtual event this year. The event was mentioned to feature, as its keynote speaker, Dr. Charmaine Jackman, a Harvard-trained psychologist and founder of InnoPsych Inc., an organization aimed at disrupting racial disparities in mental health. The event will begin at 10 AM with music starting at 9:30 AM and can be accessed through unitybreakfast.org or watched on WCA TV. There was also mention of an in-person component that occurred concurrently, preventing some from attending.
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Agenda item 14.
This section indicates a call for public comments during a public forum, inviting attendees either present or participating remotely to speak. However, no responses were noted, indicating a lack of public participation at this moment in the hearing.
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Agenda Item 15.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, promptly moved and seconded by participants. Following a unanimous agreement with voices of "Aye" in favor, the meeting was officially adjourned with thanks.
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