Charlie Breitrose
City Manager Michael J. Driscoll announced he is seeking Watertown citizens interested in serving on the following City Boards, Commissions and Committees in accordance with Ordinance # 2007-46, an Ordinance on the Timing and Process of Appointments to City 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 Citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472.
Board/Commission: Board of Health
Vacancy/Term: Two Members, Three Year Term.
Description: Provide for fulfillment of its duties under M.G.L. 111:5, 26-33 and other sections including enforcement of the state Sanitary and Environmental Codes, reporting diseases dangerous to the public health, and enforcement of other applicable state and local laws and regulations. The Board of Health determines the health needs of the community (and the health services available to the community) in terms of the size and characteristics of the population, specific health problems, and environmental conditions. Candidates should have background in public health, medical or related field. Board meets once a month.
Board/Commission: Community Preservation Committee
Vacancy/Term: One Member, Three Year Term.
Description: The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is responsible for making recommendations for how Community Preservation Act funds are spent in the four Community Preservation Act program areas: Community Housing, Historic Preservation, Open Space and Recreation. Candidates should have knowledge of M.G.L. Chapter 44B. Committee meets once a month. One current member holding the position wishes to serve another term.
Board/Commission: Board of Appeals
Vacancy/Term: Two Full Members, Five Year Term and Two Alternate Members, Two Year
Term.
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
Vacancy/Term: Two Members, Three Year Term.
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. Two members holding the position wishes to serve another term.
Board/Commission: Conservation Commission
Vacancy/Term: Three Members, Three Year Term.
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
Vacancy/Term: One Full Member, One Alternate Member, Three Year Term.
Description: Licensing Board members vote on all licenses issued by the City. 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. Two members
holding the position wishes to serve another term.
Board/Commission: Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
Vacancy/Term: Four Members, Three Year Term.
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. Two current members holding the position wishes to serve another term.
Board/Commission: Traffic Commission
Vacancy/Term: Two Members – Two Years
Description: The duties and responsibilities of the Traffic Commission shall include: study the
traffic situation in the City and shall suggest and advise the City Manager in ways and means to
regulate traffic in the City and recommend changes and amendments to the Traffic Rules and
Orders of the City with a view towards reducing accidents and relieving traffic congestion. The
Traffic Commission meets the last Wednesday of each month. One current member holding the
position wishes to serve another term.
Regarding the Conservation Commission, were are a seven member appointed commission charged with implementing the State’s wetland requirements as well as Watertown’s wetland ordinance. They are set in place to protect our wetlands and the land around those wetlands. Hopefully our work has helped to improve the quality of our wetlands. Of course we have the Charles River, our biggest area of wetlands. But we also have nine ponds, and two streams/brooks (Sawins Stream and an un-named brook in the Gore Estate). We review developments that may impact these wetlands.
We currently have five members with one of our current members just announcing that he will not be continuing on when his appointment is completed in February.
Bottom line is that we need folks to join us in helping to protect Watertown’s wetlands and environment. We generally meet once a month. There are packets to review for each meeting that can take 2 to 3 hours depending on the size of the project.
If you are interest, please submit your resume to Mr. Driscoll.
Thanks