Government

Town Conducting Fire Hydrants Leak Detection Survey, Hydrants Still in Service

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The Watertown Department of Public Works will be examining the fire hydrants in town for leaks, and while the hydrants will have a “out of service” covering on them, the hydrants will still be operational in an emergency. The leak detection survey will begin on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, and will be conducted by the DPW and contractor Liston Utility Services. The work is expected to take about three weeks. To do the survey, microphones will be placed on the fire hydrants to listen for leaks, said Town Engineer Matthew Shuman.

Government

Stormwater Catch Basin Cleaning Beginning This Week

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The Department of Public Works will start stormwater catch basin cleaning during the week of Sept. 21. The following information was provided by the Department of Public Works:

Beginning the week of September 21, 2020, the Town will be cleaning stormwater catch basins throughout Town, utilizing a contractor, BMC Corp. There are about 3,200 catch basins in Town and it will take about a month to clean them all. Catch basins carry stormwater off the streets and into the Town’s drainage system, which ultimately flows to the Charles River.

Board of Health

Face Covering Requirement Relaxed by Watertown Board of Health

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Watertown had one of the strictest face covering requirements in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but on Wednesday the Board of Health voted to bring Watertown’s rules in line with those set by Massachusetts officials. The main difference between Watertown’s rules and the state’s was that people over age 5 had to wear face coverings everywhere in public, inside and out, in Watertown. The state guidelines have a face covering requirement when outside only when you cannot stay 6 feet or farther apart. People violating Watertown’s order face a possible fine of $300. Along with changing when face coverings must be worn, the amendment also makes the first violation punishable by a warning, and the second violation could result in a $300 fine.

Around Town

Watertown Library Bids Farewell to Employee After 56-Year Career

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Pat Farrell is retiring from the Watertown Library after a 56-year career. The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Library:

When Pat Farrell was first hired as a library page, she made $1.15 per hour, minimum wage at the time. She was 14 years old. On Friday, Sept. 18, Pat will retire after working for 56 years at the Watertown Free Public Library.

Business

Find Out About the Microenterprise Grants, Deadline Approaching

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Businesses with five or fewer employees can apply for microenterprise grants. The following information was provided by the Watertown Department of Community Development & Planning:

Building on its commitment to supporting Watertown residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Watertown has established a $175,000 emergency rental assistance program. The program will allow income-eligible tenants to apply for up to three months assistance if they have lost income and are having trouble paying rent as a result of the pandemic. The deadline to complete the application is Thursday, September 24. “During this difficult time, it is important that we help Watertown residents stay in their homes and help ensure their health and safety,” said Assistant Town Manager Steven Magoon.

Government

Council Roundup: Fire Department Radios Approved, Election, DPW Openings

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The Watertown Fire Department will be replacing a key piece of equipment after the Town Council approved matching funds for a grant to pay for new portable radios. The Fire Department has 35 portable radios ranging in age from 1 year to 19, Fire Chief Bob Quinn told the Town Council on Sept. 8. Some of the radios have recurring battery failures and others lack clarity, Quinn said. “Communication is a critical part of a Department being able to operate efficiently at incidents each and every day,” Quinn said.

Government

Basketball Rims Being Removed from Park Due to Non-Mask Wearing

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The rims have been removed from the basketball courts at Watertown’s Casey Park because of repeated violations of the face covering requirement by people using the courts. Watertown Recreation Director Peter Centola announced Saturday that the basketball rims will be removed from a town park after people were found playing basketball without face coverings. Centola said he has been dealing with people playing basketball at Casey Park on Watertown Street for several weeks and he warned them they need to be wearing face coverings. He has even had to call police when a group refused to wear masks and continued to play. Last week, two rims were removed (one from each of the full basketball courts) in hopes that people would shoot around on the half courts but not play games, Centola said.

Government

Watertown Receives a Gift of BlueBike Stations

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Watertown will be getting seven Bluebike stations, with the first few already installed. Watertown received more than $200,000 in gifts to establish BlueBike rental stations in town. The move was made so that the Town did not have to own the bicycles or be responsible for the upkeep. The Town of Watertown received a gift of $224,257.06 worth of items to install six BlueBike Stations with 38 bicycles to be rented. The items were donated by MetroFuture Inc., a non-profit charitable organization, said Town Manager Michael Driscoll.