Government

OBIT: Watertown Historic District Commissioner Carolyn “Nicki” Famiglietti

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The members of the Historic District Commission of Watertown regretfully announce the passing of Carolyn M. “Nicki” Famiglietti, the Secretary to the Historic District Commission for 6 years, announced Preservation Agent Chris Hayward. As a practicing lawyer, and graduate of Boston University School of Law, Carolynn brought exceptional intelligence that was mixed with common sense to the body of this commission and every meeting. She always possessed an awareness of the oftentimes competing aspects contained in each project. Carolyn had an ability to apply the rules of the Historic District Ordinance in a way that honored the rules themselves, the applicants appearing before the commission, and each of the residents of the Historic District over her years of service to the community. It has been an honor to work with Carolyn throughout the years and she will be missed as a valued member of the commission as well as a friend.

Government

Watertown Police Writing Policy for Dealing with Immigrants, Sanctuary City Question Remains

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The Watertown Police Department will soon be releasing a written policy about how officers deal with immigrants, and will be reviewed by the Town Council. Town Manager Michael Driscoll told the Town Council Tuesday night that he expects it to be finished sometime in June. The Town Council has also been asked to pass a Sanctuary City ordinance to join other communities that have vowed to protect immigrants, documented or not. Town Council President Mark Sideris said Tuesday that he has not scheduled a date to discuss the subject. “I want to wait for the (Police Department’s) policy to see what it says, first,” Sideris said.

Business

Get Ready for Watertown’s Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance

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Watertown’s bring your own shopping bag ordinance begins on July 1, meaning that plastic bags will not be available at stores in town. 

The Town Council passed the ordinance in June of 2016, aiming at banning single-use plastic bags because they sometimes end up in the Charles River, in trees and other places. The ordinance was originally proposed by ReThink Plastic, a citizens group. The ordinance also encourages people to bring their own reusable shopping bag. Businesses will be able to use up their existing supply of plastic bags after the ban begins. After that paper bags and other degradable bags will be allowed, and customers will be able to bring reusable bags.

Government

Medical Marijuana Facility Passes Last Hurdle with Approval by ZBA

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The Zoning Board voted unanimously to approve the medical marijuana dispensary in East Watertown on Wednesday night, giving the facility the final approval needed from the town to open. 

ZBA members had questions about the building and also the operations of the medical marijuana facility. East End Town Councilor Angeline Kounelis told the board members that they should remember while it is in an industrial zone, there are many homes near the facility. “Abutters of the site are vehemently opposed (to the dispensary),” Kounelis said. “They are not here. These residents are burnt out.

Government

Residents Can Apply to Serve on Several Town Committees & Boards

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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: 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.

Government

No Increase in Water/Sewer Rates Recommended, Expenses Expected to Fall

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Watertown residents and water customers are expected to get a break from increasing water and sewer rates in Fiscal Year 2018, while the expenses are actually expected to be lower than the previous year. Chris Woodcock, the town’s consultant for the Water and Sewer enterprise funds, told the Town Council Tuesday night that he recommends that water rates be kept the same as the current year. “I come to you with not terrible news tonight,” Woodcock said. “I estimate revenues in each case (water and sewer) to exceed expenses so you don’t need to have rate increases, but I don’t recommend you reduce rates.” Woodcock recommends revenues in the Water Enterprise Fund to be more than $322,000 than expenses, and Sewer Enterprise Fund revenues to be more than $135,000 above expenses.

Government

School Committee Member Leaving Town, Creating an Opening on the Board

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Watertown School Committee member Candace Miller announced this week she will be leaving town and the School Committee, too, this summer. 

Miller will leave less than two years into her four year term, so an opening will be left on the School Committee. Because of the timing, Town Clerk John Flynn said the Watertown Town Charter offers are a couple of options for filling the seat. The Town Charter reads “If a vacancy shall occur on the school committee during the first 24 months of the term for which the school committee member is are elected, the vacancy shall be filled by a held forthwith and no earlier than 64 days from the day the election is called.” The charter gives the Town Council the option of voting to have he vacancy filled by appointment by the remaining members of the School Committee. To move ahead with this option, six Councilors would need to vote for the option.

Election 2017

One Watertown Town Councilor Will Not Run for Re-election This Fall

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As candidates begin pulling papers to run in the 2017 Watertown Town Election, one longtime Town Councilor will not be seeking another term. 

Councilor At-Large Susan Falkoff said she has decided to step down from the Council at the end of her term. “It’s just time,” Falkoff said. “I feel like I have made a good contribution. A lot of things I have worked on have come to fruition.” She was first elected in 2003, but lost in 2005 “along with the CPA,” Falkoff said.