Government

Reorganization of City Government Includes Changes to Planning, DPW and Other Departments

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When the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, they also approved a reorganization of Watertown’s municipal government. Some changes impact who directly reports to the City Manager or the Deputy Manager. Other positions have been moved into new departments, and some departments have been split into divisions. One department with new divisions is Community Development and Planning, which will have Planning and Building Divisions and a third for community events and the Commander’s Mansion. The Planning Division includes a Current Planning Group and a Planning Director to oversee long-range planning.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Pair Arrested After Fight Involving Knife, Man & Woman Caught Doing Fentanyl

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

June 19, 7:16 a.m.: A man parked his car on Mt. Auburn Street in front of Dunkin’ near Watertown Square but he was not fully in the spot. A passing car honked its horn to have him move his car. The man, identified as Yesner Espinal, gave the driver an obscene gesture and yelled at him.

Business

Watertown Business Coalition Holding Joint Event With Charles River Chamber

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Two groups supporting Watertown businesses and organizations will be getting together for a networking event in July. The Watertown Business Coalition and the Charles River Regional Chamber will hold a coffee connect on Wednesday, July 19 starting at 8:30 p.m. The event will be held at Arsenal Yards the green space between Buttermilk & Bourbon and Shake Shack. The event is free for members of either group, and also for non-members. Coffee and goodies will be available. Click here to Register.

Around Town

City Reminds Residents Outdoor Burning Prohibited, Don’t Shoot Off Fireworks

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Courtesy of the City of Watertown

Having an open outdoor fire, except for a barbecue, is prohibited in Watertown, City officials said, and they also reminded residents not to set off fireworks. The City sent out the following announcement:

Did you know that open burning (fire pits, chimineas or outdoor wood burning fireplaces/stoves) is NOT ALLOWED in Watertown? This does not apply to the use of charcoal and propane grills for cooking, that meet all the necessary requirements. Read more here. If you have any questions or concerns regarding open/outside burning regulations, please call the Watertown Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 617-972-6510.

Around Town

See How the Fourth of July Will Impact City Facilities & Trash Pickup

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Multiple City-run facilities will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday, and many residents will see their trash and recycling collection pushed back a day. The City of Watertown announced that Watertown City Hall, Library, and Senior Center will closed on Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. City officials added that trash and recycling pickup schedule is Monday, July 3, and then a one-day delay for trash and recycling pickup on July 4th, which moves both pickups to Wednesday, July 5 – Saturday, July 8, 2023. The Recycling Center will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Around Town

Water & Sewer Rates Rising, City Could Use ARPA Funds to Lessen the Impact

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Watertown water and sewer bills will be going up more than 5 percent this year, but the City could soften the blow by using federal COVID relief funds to pay for infrastructure projects. On Tuesday, the City Council approved the water and sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2024, which includes a 5.5 percent increase for water, and a 6 percent jump for sewer. For an average residential customer who uses 1,800 cubic feet of water a quarter the combined water and sewer bill would go up $16.88 from the current year to $306.76 ($107.56 for water, $199.20 for sewer). City Manager George Proakis said that a study by the City’s water and sewer consultant, The Abrahams Group, found that if the City uses the ARPA funds to pay for the $1.25 million in water and sewer projects from Fiscal Year 2025 to 2028, the rate increase would drop. The City Council has received 32 proposals for how to use the $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from City departments as well as outside organizations.