Watertown City Council
Tuesday January 23, 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.
Section 4
During a public hearing, residents of the community voiced various concerns and suggestions regarding city ordinances and issues affecting their daily lives. Dean Martino raised concerns about the potential liability for homeowners following a snow shovel ordinance, suggesting that homeowners may need additional liability insurance. Linda Scott questioned the process behind amending the Traffic Commission ordinance, seeking clarity on the decision to change the member composition without apparent public input or documentation. Annemarie Clennan expressed frustration over enduring traffic issues caused by school parents, emphasizing the impact on residents’ lives and safety, as well as potential legal liabilities for homeowners due to uneven sidewalk snow removal. Vincent Piccirilli relayed emails requesting amendments to a snow ordinance to exempt disabled individuals, and critiquing the inclusion of a special interest group in the traffic commission. Jack Dargon echoed concerns about traffic chaos during school drop-off and pickup times blocking driveways. Steven Rich argued that the winter parking ban creates unreasonable hardship and fails to achieve its stated goals, proposing a weather-dependent parking restriction as a compromise. The session concluded with these varied appeals for reconsideration and action on city policies.
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4. A.
SIDERIS initiated the review of the minutes from January 9th by seeking a motion for their approval. PICCIRILLI motioned to approve the minutes as written, which was seconded by FELTNER. With no discussion on the matter, a vote was called, resulting in unanimous approval for the January 9th minutes, as indicated by the collective "Aye" from those present, with no opposing votes.
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Section 6
The president reported on recent false alarms at the Kind of School, Cut the Lowell, and the Hawsmere, attributing them to the newness of the buildings and their systems. The administration and staff are actively addressing the issue, with plans to implement new protocols to prevent future occurrences. The president emphasized the importance of communication on this matter due to the concerns raised by many individuals.
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6. A.
The Watertown City Council presented a proclamation honoring Dr. Barbara Beck for her 28 years of dedicated service to the community. Dr. Beck, who earned degrees from Bryn Mawr College and Tufts University and has served as a visiting scientist at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, was recognized for her work as a principal toxicologist, risk assessor at Gradient, and her contributions to toxicology and risk assessment. Appointed to the Board of Health in 1995 and later as vice chair of the Science Advisory Board to the US EPA, Dr. Beck's efforts during the global pandemic were particularly highlighted. In her response, Dr. Beck expressed honor in serving the community, from hazardous materials recycling initiatives to biotech matters during the pandemic. The council extended its appreciation for her invaluable service, and the proclamation was formally accepted following a unanimous vote.
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7. A.
In this section, City Manager George Proakis presents a proposed loan order for Phase B improvements to Arsenal Park in Watertown, requesting an appropriation of $10,359,500 for renovations. These renovations include the demolition and removal of existing park features and the installation of new amenities such as a playground, splash pad, skate park, and various sports courts, alongside construction and administrative costs. Proakis highlights the importance of this project as a key development for Watertown's park system and notes the challenges faced due to construction bids exceeding initial estimates by a significant margin. To accommodate the higher-than-expected costs without scaling back the project, the city plans to adjust the timing of other projects to ensure borrowing capacity. Proakis expresses his intention to discuss this strategy further in the next public hearing, anticipating questions and providing additional details on how the city plans to manage the financial aspects of the project.
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7. B.
The agenda included a first reading of a proposed zoning amendment ordinance focused on short-term rentals. This proposal is scheduled to be reviewed by the planning board, which will hold a public hearing on the matter. Following the planning board's examination and public hearing, the ordinance will return to the original body for a comprehensive public hearing, ensuring thorough community input and deliberation before any decision is made.
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7. C.
At a public hearing, there was a discussion and subsequent vote on a proposed ordinance to amend the city manager's salary based on an excellent annual review. It was proposed to adjust the manager's salary by 2.5% along with a 1.5% performance bonus. The ordinance establishes the city manager's annual salary at $226,200, effective July 1, 2023. Despite the opportunity for public comment, no one came forward. The city council moved to approve the ordinance, successfully passing it with the support shown through a roll call vote. Following the approval, expressions of gratitude were exchanged, highlighting the city manager's valued contributions to the community.
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7. D.
The discussed item involves a $498,000 loan for improvements at Saltonstall Park, specifically for the replacement and upgrade of sports lighting for the ball field and basketball courts. This project, stemming from the 2019 capital improvement fund, also considered but ultimately postponed the renovation of a playground area to a later date due to budget restraints and the need for comprehensive upgrades. Competitive bids for the lighting project were received, with allowances made for rising market costs. Additionally, questions from the council addressed the inclusion of push-button lighting activation, project timelines suggesting work could commence in winter, and the installation of a new camera system with ball-tracking software for the basketball court. The system, aimed at enhancing viewing experiences for community members, represents a novel effort for the park. The council moved to approve the loan and proceeded to vote following clarification and discussion on these points.
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8. A.
The session involved the introduction of an amendment related to the planning board alternates ordinance, which was proposed to be referred to the committee on economic development and planning. Following the proposal, a motion was made and seconded without any ensuing discussion. The motion received unanimous approval from those present, with voices in favor and no opposition, leading to the decision that the amendment would indeed be referred to the specified committee.
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8. B.
SIDERIS proposed an amendment to the traffic commission ordinance which involves interviewing commission members by the committee on public safety. Following his proposal, a motion was moved, seconded, and after a brief discussion, unanimously approved to refer the matter to the committee on public safety.
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9. A.
At a meeting convened by the Watertown City Council's Personnel and City Organization Committee on January 17, 2023, chaired by Councilor Caroline Bays, committee members interviewed Earl Smith, John Labadini, and Sandra Hoffman for their respective reappointments to the Board of Assessors and Licensing Board. Smith discussed the impact of new growth on city assessments and his forthcoming reevaluation. Labadini shared his restaurant experience and its benefits to his role, while Hoffman emphasized the Licensing Board's significance to the city's development. Following the interviews, the committee unanimously recommended the reappointment of all three candidates for new terms. The City Council later confirmed these recommendations, with Earl Smith's term expiring on May 15, 2026, John Labadini's on February 15, 2026, and Sandra Hoffman's on February 15, 2027.
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9. B.
The Committee on Climate and Energy of the Council of Palumba held a meeting on January 9th to conduct interviews for reappointment to the Watertown Environmental and Energy Efficiency Committee (WE3C). Chaired by Anthony Palomba, with Councilor Bays and Secretary John Arjan, they interviewed Brian Heibasen, a 14-year committee member who discussed his contributions and future plans including a new building and emission reduction ordinance. Heibasen emphasized continued climate action plan monitoring and highlighted the importance of micro transit. Following his interview, Ellen Parker Menounos, the co-chair of WE3C, was interviewed, discussing her role, the committee's accomplishments, and the importance of team cohesion. Both reappointments were recommended unanimously. The meeting concluded with the council moving to accept the Committee on Climate and Energy report and confirm the reappointments of Heibasen and Menounos, with their terms expiring on November 15, 2026, which were approved without opposition.
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9. C.
The Committee on Climate and Energy convened on January 11, 2024, to conduct interviews for reappointment and appointment to the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee (WE3C). Laurie Murphy, seeking reappointment, highlighted her achievements in member recruitment and her aim to advocate for electrification over fossil fuels. Additionally, she spearheaded the Watertown Electro Electricity Choice program, aiming to increase its participation and educational events. Marsha Serra, applying for the first time, expressed her interest in energy conservation and her background in graphic design, hoping to contribute by creating a WE3C newsletter. Both recommendations for the reappointment of Laurie Murphy and the appointment of Marsha Serra were unanimously approved by the committee. The City Council subsequently confirmed both decisions.
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9. D.
On January 17, 2024, the Committee on Human Services convened to consider the appointment of Kim Netter to the Board of Health for a term expiring on February 1, 2027. The committee, led by Councilor Palomba, with Vice Chair Councilor Bay and Secretary Councilor John Gannon, heard from Ms. Netter about her extensive experience in the health care industry, including 40 years focusing on strategic planning, promotion, and management, especially in public health areas such as mental health, substance abuse, violence prevention, and diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Having retired, Netter expressed a desire to serve her community’s public health needs more actively and improve the relationship between the Board of Health and Watertown Public Schools, especially in response to public health crises like the COVID pandemic. A motion to approve Netter's appointment was unanimously passed by the committee members. Thereafter, the City Council also unanimously approved Netter for the Board of Health, underscoring the urgency in filling the role to ensure the Board's effectiveness in addressing community health needs.
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Section 11
In this section of the public hearing, the council moved to discuss any new business that needed to be addressed. However, there were no new matters brought forward for discussion, indicating either a lack of pressing issues at the moment or that all necessary topics had already been covered in the meeting.
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11. A.
The council meeting addressed the submission of the fiscal year 2025 to 2029 capital improvement plan, totaling $210 million, with general obligation bonding at $93 million. The plan aims for an annual capital fund expenditure of 7.98% of the general fund budget, aligning with the city's target of 7.5 to 8%. It includes significant allocations for community development and park renovations, with adjustments made to accommodate cost overruns and repurpose funds effectively. The meeting also highlighted the importance of addressing escalating costs and interest rates in planning, the contribution of ARPA funds to city capital projects, and the need for a funding source for a $2.1 million portion of a high school project. There was a mention of shifting school department items to maintain tax revenue constraints and the initiation of various public works projects, including streets and sidewalk improvements. The meeting brought up a significant plan for a new senior center with a proposed budget of $32 million in fiscal year 28, though a funding source has yet to be identified. The necessity for realistic adjustments in light of financial and operational challenges was underscored, alongside the strategizing for more efficient energy usage in public buildings.
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11. B.
The recommendation for Jill Ayers to be appointed as a member of the conservation commission, with a term ending on February 15, 2025, was presented for referral. This recommendation, supported by her attached resume, was made through the resident's advisory committee.
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Section 14
Councilor Nicole Gardner of Watertown City Council announced two upcoming community forums. The first, taking place on February 12th at the Hosmer School, is a "meet the Chiefs" meeting with Chief Hanrahan and Chief Nicholson, allowing the public to engage with the newly appointed chiefs. The second forum, scheduled for February 20th at the Hosmer Learning Commons, aims to gather community feedback on repurposing Courts at Filippillo Park into six permanent pickleball courts while maintaining multifunctional futsal and basketball courts. Additionally, a reminder was issued about a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting concerning a request to extend a special permit and site plan review for 99 Water Street, emphasizing its relevance to district B.
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Section 15
At a public forum, Dennis Holland, a resident of 29 Nyack Street, addressed the manager, acknowledging the distinction between politicians and public servants. He congratulated the manager on their recent success, presumably in an election or appointment, but then promptly shifted focus to expectant responsibilities, specifically referring to a need for cleaning up a mess downtown, hinting at an issue or problem in need suitable resolution, following the manager's new position and implied raise. The forum then continued, seeking further public input.
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Section 16
A motion to adjourn the meeting was proposed by Piccirilli and subsequently seconded by Feltner. The chair, Sideris, called for a vote, which resulted in unanimous agreement in favor of adjournment, as no objections were raised, indicating that all attendees agreed to end the meeting.
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