Government

Watertown Group to Present Police Reform Initiatives to Public Safety Committee Friday

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Watertown’s Town Hall. The following announcement was provided by Watertown Joint Police Reform Group:

The Joint Police Reform Group encourages community members to attend the upcoming meeting of the Town Council Public Safety Committee this Friday, March 12, from 4-6 pm. The official notice and Zoom link for the meeting are here. The Zoom link is https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/j/96451613926. Please join the meeting to learn about our 10 proposed initiatives and share their own concerns about Public Safety. 

Government

Plan to Add Bike Lane to Section of Waverley Ave. Approved by Council

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An illustration of the new bike lanes on the uphill part of Waverley Avenue between Orchard and Belmont streets. Bike lanes will be added on the uphill parts of the section of Waverley Avenue near Orchard Street, in a plan that will also add curbing and planting strips along the roadway. The Town Council approved the renovation of the section of the roadway running between Orchard and Belmont streets at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. The option was chosen over another that would have had cyclists share the roadway with motor vehicles and would have preserved more on-street parking. Both options studied by the Department of Public Works would have met the Town’s Complete Streets goal, which calls for Watertown’s roadways to be designed for a variety of transportation options, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transportation.

Government

LETTER: Councilor Discusses Upcoming Meetings Look at Police Services in Watertown

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The following statement was first read by Councilor Lisa Feltner at the March 9 Town Council meeting:

Watertown is very proud of its police department. The men and women who have served here, have served with distinction, and we appreciate overall their dedication to keeping us safe. They put their lives on the line for us every day. There are members of our community that have some concerns, which is understandable given all that has happened over the past year and in light of the pandemic, which has prompted questions about municipal and societal priorities across the country. The Town Council unanimously recommended the Public Safety Committee hold meetings to discuss current services and operations of our police department.

Government

State Sen. Brownsberger Hosting Virtual Office Hours, See How to Participate

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

State Sen. Will Brownsberger will host virtual office hours for Watertown residents on Saturday, March 13. The meeting, which will be conducted on Zoom, will take place from 2-4 p.m. on March 13. Brownsberger said he plans to have a smaller group discussion during people can raise concerns. See the Zoom meeting information below:

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/92820069846?pwd=VEpNbXJWMXMvOFh1c3dCaUtSZ1VnQT09

Meeting ID: 928 2006 9846Passcode: 692210One tap mobile+13017158592,,92820069846#,,,,*692210# US (Washington DC)+13126266799,,92820069846#,,,,*692210# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)Meeting ID: 928 2006 9846Passcode: 692210Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/avt7wQIqp

Government

Town Meetings: Waverley Avenue Renovations, Planning Board Hears Cases & Zoning Changes

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Watertown’s Town Hall. On Tuesday, the Town Council will hear about proposed designs for Waverley Avenue and will consider a resolution on declaring a climate emergency. Also during the week of March 8-12, the Planning Board will hear three cases, including a move by the Town’s first marijuana dispensary and changes to the Arsenal on the Charles. Town Council

On the Town Council agenda is a vote on a resolution “Endorsing the Declaration of a Climate Emergency.” See the resolution here.

Business

Town Taking Application for Additional Outdoor Seating at Restaurants

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Deluxe Town Diner was one of several Watertown restaurants approved to have outdoor seating in 2020. Restaurants can apply again in 2021. Diners may have more outdoor dining opportunities in 2021 as the Town of Watertown is allowing restaurants to apply for additional outdoor space for temporary seating. Last year, the Town allowed some restaurants to have seating on the sidewalk in front of their business, or other places on their property, and 15 did so. The temporary permits were given to allow for increased capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government

Charter Review Proposal: Work on Current Government Now, Do Deeper Dive in a Few Years

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Watertown Town Hall

The Charter Review Committee was given something to think about at the end of Tuesday’s meeting: a proposal to look at changes to the current form of government this year, but hold the next review a few years down the road to allow for an in-depth look at whether Watertown should make major changes to its government. The question was posed by Michael Ward, one of the Town’s consultants from the Collins Center at UMass Boston. He also put out the idea of removing the Town Council from the next Charter Review Committee. Town Council President Mark Sideris, who chairs the Charter Review Committee, said there would be no discussion of the proposal on Tuesday, but wanted the Committee members to have time to think about the proposal so they could discuss it at the next meeting on March 16. In the proposal, Ward suggested that the next Charter Review be held in four years (or possibly three or five) rather than waiting another 10 years.

Government

Applicants Sought for Watertown Town Boards & Committees

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The following information was provided by the Town Manager’s office:

Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll is seeking Watertown citizens interested in serving on the following Town Boards, Commissions and Committees with appointment dates in February 2021 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@watertownma.gov or Town Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472. Board/Commission: Board of HealthVacancy/Term: One Member, 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.