Watertown

Watertown City Council

Tuesday March 26, 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 first item on the agenda is a meeting being broadcast and recorded by Watertown Cable Access. The meeting is a hybrid meeting and the information for joining via Zoom, telephone, and email can be found on the city's website. The clerk is asked to call the roll, and councilors respond with "present." The next item is a reminder that the meeting is experiencing technical difficulties with the monitors, but it can still be viewed on cable or through Zoom. The next item is public forum, where a resident asks about the ban on Airbnb rentals and if it will be discussed in the future. The council president responds that it will be discussed at the next meeting on April 9th. A former councilor's email is read expressing concerns about a proposed city logo. The next item is the examination and approval of meeting minutes from March 12th. The president announces that the next meeting on April 9th will have a large agenda with a public hearing on the short term rental ordinance, so a special meeting will be held on April 30th to discuss the FY 25 budget. Next, there is a public hearing for an amendment to the FY 24 budget to fund the Watertown Municipal Employees Group agreement. The city manager explains that funds will be moved from collective bargaining stabilization to the council reserve to fund the contract. This is followed by a public hearing and vote on adding an alternate to the planning board. The proposal is approved. The next item is a public hearing and vote on an amendment to the FY 24 budget to fund the DPW collective bargaining agreement. The city manager explains that funds will be moved from other financing sources to the council reserve to fund the contract. This is followed by a vote to accept a gift of funds from Watertown Savings Bank to offset expenditures for the Whoville Jubilee and Official Tree Lighting, and a vote to accept a gift of funds from Roche Brothers for the Watertown Food Pantry. The last item is a resolution to transfer $15,000 from the FY 24 city council reserve to the city attorney litigation account. The city manager explains that the funds are needed to cover legal services for contract negotiations. The resolution is approved.

Section 2

The city manager, Mr. Proakis, has been working with a graphic designer to create a new brand and logo for the city of Watertown. The purpose of this project is to create a more cohesive and identifiable image for the city. The new logo features shades of blue and reflects the water and movement of Watertown. It also conveys optimism, inclusivity, resilience, and innovation. The logo is designed to be dynamic and flexible, with different versions for different contexts. The blank center allows departments to create subversions for their own use. If approved by the city council, the new logo will be gradually rolled out with low or no cost changes to digital items such as email signatures and presentations. The city manager is not mandating that all departments use the new logo.

Section 3

Here's my plan. :| You know, everyone says, "What a great idea. Let's do that." And they go out, and they build it, and then it doesn't fit the community. The city of Watertown is currently considering implementing a new logo and branding for the city. This would include using a consistent color scheme and message across various formats, such as business cards and city vehicles. The city manager discussed this proposal with the city council and plans to have further discussions in committee meetings. The city has also been actively pursuing grants, with multiple departments receiving funding for various projects and initiatives. The city is also hosting a meeting on April 4th to discuss plans for the redevelopment of Watertown Square, including potential changes to zoning and streetscape. The city is aiming to have these changes implemented by the end of 2024.

Section 4

The speaker is discussing a community process and the importance of considering community input. They clarify that the numbers mentioned regarding housing units are not a mandate to build a specific number of units, but rather a measure of zoning capacity. The speaker also reminds the council of upcoming meetings and city hall closures. An announcement is made for an upcoming city council meeting and the grand opening of Watertown Cable Access Coop. The council chair announces the creation of an ad hoc committee to interview Human Rights Commission applicants. The meeting is then adjourned.