Watertown

Watertown City Council

Tuesday January 9, 2024

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The order of items in transcripts is the chronological order in which they were taken up. Some Agenda items may have been skipped.

Section 1

The proposed ordinance for snow and ice removal in Watertown includes adding a definition for sidewalk and small residential property, requiring removal of snow and ice within 24 hours or using sand or melting agents if necessary, and penalties for violations. The city manager also has the authority to grant exemptions for residents with physical or financial limitations. However, there is no current enforcement team to issue tickets for failure to shovel snow, and implementing such a system would require additional staffing and consideration from the city council.

Section 2

and the ice does accumulate. And I know in previous years, I've seen, you know, children walking by and I'll sprinkle some salt on the sidewalk, but I'm not sure that that's adequate. So I guess I'm inquiring. What is the liability to the homeowner if we do have ice retained and someone does slip? So in the event that we do clear our sidewalk, but the ice does accumulate, does that, does that protect us from liability? Thank you. SIDERIS - Thank you. I'm going to ask attorney Rich to address that. REICH - Yes, Mr. president. Thank you. Again, it's, every case is going to be different, and the ordinance doesn't address civil liability. It's a public policy decision whether to adopt this ordinance. It, you know, it, it's a cost benefit analysis. It's, you know, a question of whether or not the city wants to require additional responsibility for residential homeowners, you know, in this area. It doesn't necessarily translate to civil liability. So, you know, I can't make a determination, all I can say is it's not resolved simply by paying a fine or failure to pay a fine. And, you know, a failure to meet an obligation under the ordinance ultimately could result in potential enforcement an enforcement action. SIDERIS - Thank you. Amy, you're allowed to speak. Please identify yourself and unmute yourself. AMY HOFFMAN - RESIDENT - Hi. Can you hear me? SIDERIS - Yes. HOFFMAN - Hi. My name is Amy Hoffman. I live at 21, Kendall Avenue. I am a resident of Watertown, also a member of the Watertown Community Foundation. I'm speaking in the support of the snow removal ordinance. I think this is a common sense solution to what is a very common problem. I have lived in Watertown for almost 10 years. In that time, I have walked, taken the bus, both with my children, and now as a wheelchair user with my scooter, to work, to school. I walk for exercise. I walk, just because, and I'm not exaggerating, when I say I've never once been able to walk from my home on Kendall Avenue, to my office at the Watertown Savings Bank on Main Street, without having to traverse treacherous sidewalks.

Section 3

People are discussing an ordinance in Watertown that would require homeowners to clear their sidewalks of snow in a timely manner. Some residents support the ordinance because it would make sidewalks safer for pedestrians, but others argue that it is unfair to force homeowners to do this unpaid labor. Concerns are also raised about the allocation of resources and the potential for fines and punishments. However, many feel that the ordinance is necessary and a step in the right direction to ensure clear sidewalks for all residents. Some also suggest that the city should use its resources to assist with snow removal rather than relying solely on homeowners.

Section 4

7/8 We need a snow ordinance and we need it now. As a resident of 24 years, I am frankly embarrassed that we do not have a snow ordinance in place. Please vote, yes, on the proposed ordinance. If it needs tweaking down the road, so be it. But let's get this ball rolling. SIDERIS - Thank you. Is there anyone else that wants to speak that hasn't spoken? Step right up and identify yourself for the record. SUDHAKAR - RESIDENT - Name is Sudhakar. I live in Watertown. Actually, I have two points. The 1st is, I think it's a great idea to include the businesses. I think that point was raised by one of the earlier speakers, and I think that's a good idea. The 2nd is, I think I'm a little concerned about the time limit of six hours because often when it snows, it snows at night and I think people won't be able to clear snow at night. So, if I miss the six hour limit, what happens to me? So I think that's a little concerning. I would suggest maybe 12 hours or 24 hours. I think that would be more reasonable for residents. Thank you. SIDERIS - Thank you. Is there anyone else in the room that wishes to speak that hasn't spoken? Okay. I recognize Dennis again. DENNIS COSTIS - RESIDENT - Thank you, Madam Chair. A couple of things. I think it's interesting. I think it's funny that we're talking about this, and we're not taking care of business in the back of the house. I'm referring to the complaints that we're getting from residents and businesses that are not getting their snow removed. If this ordinance is so important, and I think it is, why isn't the existing ordinance regarding snow removal being enforced? That's the 1st thing. The 2nd thing is, you know, I think it's interesting that you have a lot of people that are for this ordinance are the people that can afford to have somebody shovel the snow for them. The people that are against this are the people that can't afford to shovel the snow for them. I think that's an important point. I can't afford to have somebody shovel my snow, so I'm going to be out there doing it. I

Section 5

Many residents expressed concerns and objections to the proposed snow shoveling ordinance, stating that it is unnecessary, unfair, and goes against the culture of the community. They also mentioned the lack of data and potential negative impact on certain demographics, such as senior citizens and absentee landlords. Some suggested alternative solutions, such as using 311 to report issues, implementing a snow removal service for a fee, or hiring city plows to clear sidewalks in heavy snowfall. Others argued that the ordinance would create a culture of responsibility and encourage homeowners to do their part in keeping sidewalks clear. The ordinance would also include written statements for first-time offenders rather than immediate fines.

Section 6

This content is about a public hearing on a proposed snow removal ordinance in Watertown, which has raised concerns among some residents. The ordinance would require property owners to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after a storm, with potential fines for non-compliance. Some residents and council members have raised concerns about the difficulty of enforcing the law for certain properties and the potential for liability issues. Others have suggested revisions to the regulations and potential exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities. The ordinance is currently being reviewed by the city manager and would not go into effect until next year.

Section 7

00:30/|, I believe, are pretty clear about the process for exemptions. And I think it makes perfect sense to say, I think councilor, your suggestion is a good one that the council When we get to that point, you can make. Or, I suppose, you could consider a friendly amendment to the regulation when we get there, but I think, in terms of the ordinance, I think that that is really more safely addressed somewhere else. GARDNER - I will I will withdraw the amendment for the ordinance and then at the regulation stage. Thank you. The second one has to do with the postal service. And I was just reading the town of Brookline ordinance, and they had a provision for the postal service. And I was just wondering if that is something that we could adopt. The town of Brookline ordinance says, after the first violation, the commissioner of public works shall give written notice to the postmaster of the United States Postal Service, that the property owner has failed to comply. And it goes on to say, in the event the property owner falls to comply with the ordinance, the commissioner of public works shall cause the snow and ice to be removed, the actual cost of which shall be charged the property owner, period. So I guess my thought is that we would incorporate that same language, to make sure that we aren't just creating an unfunded mandate for the city that we're creating a mandate, where the city is also under obligation, to follow up and enforce. SIDERIS - Attorney Rich. REICH - Mr. president. If I may, the ordinance, anticipates that the city would have that ability to go on to properties and remove the snow. I also have concerns about a requirement that the city give notice to the postmaster. I think it makes great sense for us to be, you know, to be aware of the issue. And I agree, in general. GARDNER - Sorry. I wasn't I wasn't I didn't interrupt. But is that a legal concern? Is that a concern that there's some sort of a privilege between the city and the postal service and that we're somehow abrogating that privilege? REICH - No, it's not privilege. It's it's not legal privilege. It's a practical privilege. I think the issue is that the United States Postal Service is one where we would expect you know, I give them more

Section 8

The city of Watertown is considering implementing an ordinance that would require residents to shovel their sidewalks in front of their homes. This idea was brought up by a local resident and supported by the Living Well Watertown group, with the intent of making the city more walkable and safe for pedestrians. The ordinance would exempt certain groups such as seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income homeowners. Many other cities in the area, such as Boston, Cambridge, and Newton, already have similar ordinances in place. The administration plans to take a gentle approach to enforcement, primarily relying on complaints rather than actively seeking out non-compliant properties. The joint committee that worked on this ordinance will reconvene in May to review data on compliance.

Section 9

Councilor Izzo? SPEAKER17 - Yes. Councilor Keryc? SPEAKER21 - Yes. Councilor Lipsitt? SPEAKER18 - Yes. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIRILLI - No. PICCIR

Section 10

19 SIDERIS - Thank you. This goes to the committee on personnel. The next item is approval of minutes. Can I get a motion to approve the minutes of December 14th, 2020? MAGOON - So moved. SIDERIS - Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. SIDERIS - Correspondence. I received a letter from the public records division regarding the appeal of the city council's, remote meeting policy. And they have remanded it back to us with some guidance. And I will, pass it on to the city this to the city clerk. And then I have received an email from the human rights commission regarding the, the presentation that we've, that was done at our last meeting. And I will make sure that everybody on the council has a copy of that. Okay having no other business, I will accept a motion to adjourn. MAGOON - So moved. SIDERIS - Is there a second? 2nd. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you. The Watertown City Council met to discuss several issues, including a proposed ordinance requiring closed captioning for public facing televisions, a loan order for improvements at Saltonstall Park, and appointments to various committees. The council also discussed and approved minutes from a previous meeting and addressed correspondence regarding the appeal of the city council's remote meeting policy and a letter from the Human Rights Commission. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Section 11

The city of Watertown is in the process of establishing a committee to advise on how to name things after people, particularly in memory of individuals. The administration's position is that the city council should be the approval body for such determinations. The Mount Auburn Street project, which is set to begin this spring, has faced some challenges, including concerns about the chosen contractor, Newport Construction. However, MassDOT has a system where they prequalify bidders and the city risks losing federal funding if they try to change the contractor at this point. The city will work with MassDOT to ensure the contractor performs on time and may seek liquidated damages if there are delays.

Section 12

City administrator provides updates on city projects, including plans for the construction season and efforts to limit potential contractor errors. He also discusses upcoming events and reminds residents to properly dispose of Christmas trees and participate in the local census. Councilors request clarification on snow shoveling regulations and announce upcoming events, including the Watertown Unity Breakfast in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No public comments are made. Meeting is adjourned.