The following information was provided by the Watertown Town Manager’s Office:
Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll is seeking Watertown citizens interested in serving on the following Town Boards, Commissions and Committees in accordance with Ordinance # 2007-46, an Ordinance on the Timing and Process of Appointments to Town Boards, Commissions and Committees.
Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by email to townmgr@watertown-ma.gov or Town Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472.
Board/Commission: Zoning Board of Appeals
Description: Board of Appeals grants all special permits and variances needed for certain construction and development projects. Candidates should have knowledge of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, the Zoning Act, as well as architecture, engineering, landscape design, construction, planning, law, or related field. Board meets once a month, usually the last Wednesday of each month; special meetings, as required.
Board/Commission: Planning Board
Description: Planning Board makes recommendations on all special permits, variances, site plan reviews, and Zoning Ordinances-Map amendments. Conducts other land-use planning studies as needed. Candidates should have background in architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, land-use planning, construction, or any related fields. Board meets 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Board/Commission: Conservation Commission
Description: Conservation Commission acts on all petitions relating to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8C, the Wetlands Ordinance, and other matters relating to the conservation protection and enhancement of watershed, open space, passive recreational, and natural resource areas. Candidates should have background or knowledge of environmental science, landscape design, horticulture or related field. Commission meets 1st Wednesday of each month.
Board/Commission: Licensing Board
Description: Licensing Board members vote on all licenses issued by the Town. Candidates should have background in law, business or related field. In order to be in compliance with General Law C.138, Section 4, this Licensing Board appointee may be a registered voter of Any Party for a
minimum of two years. Hearings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month. This Licensing Board appointee must be a registered member of the Republican Party for a minimum of two years.
Board/Commission: Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
Description: The Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee works to promote non-motorized transportation in Watertown. The primary activities of the Committee are advocacy for the interests of bicyclists and pedestrians in road construction projects; sponsorship and organization of special bicycling events; administration of the Safe Routes to School program in Watertown elementary schools; advocacy for improved bicycle parking facilities; promotion of commuting alternatives; and providing relevant materials, both on-line and printed, for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Committee meets the 1st Monday of each month.
Board/Commission: Traffic Commission
Description: The duties and responsibilities of the Traffic Commission shall include: study the traffic situation in the Town and shall suggest and advise the Town Manager in ways and means to regulate traffic in the Town and recommend changes and amendments to the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Town with a view towards reducing accidents and relieving traffic congestion. The Traffic Commission meets the last Wednesday of each month.
Board/Commission: Board of Assessors
Description: The Board of Assessors are responsible for the fair and equitable valuation of all real and personal property. Candidates should have background in assessment administration, real estate appraisal, law or related fields. Board meets as needed.
Board/Commission: Watertown Housing Authority
Description: Commissioners are responsible for establishing operating procedures and policies for the Authority. Persons with an understanding and appreciation for the housing needs of low-income residents in the community are encouraged to apply. The Housing Authority meets the second Monday of each month.
Board/Commission: Council on Aging
Description: The Council on Aging identifies needs and interests of older residents in Watertown, educates the community about the needs of seniors, formulates policies, and promotes services and programs to meet senior needs and work with professional staff and volunteers to provide programs. Board meets second Wednesday of each month.
Board/Commission: Stormwater Advisory Committee
Description: The Stormwater Advisory Committee acts as an advisory body to the Superintendent of Public Works. The Committee will identify and advocate for stormwater funding through grants and other sources; develop educational programs to increase public awareness of stormwater management; and perform any other tasks relevant to assisting the Superintendent of Public Works with the implementation of best practices for stormwater management. The Committee shall also make an annual progress report to the Town Council. Committee meets the third Thursday each month.
Board/Commission/Committee: Cable Advisory Committee
Description: The non-profit corporation will work cooperatively with the Watertown School Department to manage a state-of-the-art studio located at Watertown High School. The Board of Directors will be charged with hiring an executive director and staff that will be responsible for day to day management of cable access programming.
Boards/Commission: Historical Commission
Description: Conducting research on places of historic or archeological value; provide advocacy, advice and recommendation for the preservation, rehabilitation and development of historic properties and locations; and for the purpose of protecting such places, make recommendation that any such place be certified as an historical landmark. The Historical Commission meets the second Thursday of each month.
Board/Commission: Commission on Disability
Description: Research local concerns experienced by people with disabilities and their families. Advise/assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws affecting people with disabilities. Coordinate/carry out programs designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families. Assist with the development of policies, procedures, and services affecting people with disabilities and their families. Provide information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance in all matters pertaining to disability. Help coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes. The Commission on Disability meets the third Wednesday of each month.
Board/Commission: Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee
Description: The committee shall research energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Watertown; advise and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with relevant national, regional, and state laws, regulations, and programs that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, activities and facilities of departments, boards or agencies of the Town as they relate to energy conservation and emissions reduction; provide information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in matters relating to energy conservation and emissions reduction; whenever possible and desirable, coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes. The Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee meets the first Monday of each month.
Board/Commission: Historic District Commission
Description: The purpose of the commission is to safe guard the education, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public throughout the preservation and protection of distinctive characteristics of buildings of Historic or architectural significance and to encourage growth, development or improvements. Also to affect and accomplish the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of such improvements and features and of districts which represent or reflect elements of Watertown’s unique cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history. The Historic District Commission meets the fourth Wednesday of each month.