See Which Roads Will Be Repaired in 2023, Condition of City’s Roadways Declining

Six roads made the City’s road repair list for 2023, and another will be part of the longer-road program. City Councilors also heard a report of a meeting where the Department of Public Works said the City’s road rating had dropped. Repair List

On Dec. 13, the City Council approved the funding for the annual road repair program, as well as longer street projects in future years. Roads that will be repaired in 2023 are: Bates Road, Bates Road East, Essex Street, Nash Street, Francis Street and Bradshaw Street.

See When City Facilities Will be Closed for the Christmas Holiday

Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

City Hall, the Watertown Library, and the Senior Center will be closed certain days in observance of Christmas. On Friday, Dec. 23, Watertown City Hall and the Watertown Senior Center will close at noon, but the Watertown Library will be open. The Library will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 24 and Sunday, Dec.

City Buying Former Parker School, Council Approves Funds & Deal

City of WatertownThe City of Watertown will purchase the former Parker School building on Watertown Street. The City of Watertown will purchase the former Parker School, now an office building, and use it for municipal offices as well as renting out space. The purchase was approved by the City Council on Dec. 13, along with transferring $12 million to help with the deal. The total cost will be $14 million, and City Manager George Prokis said he expects the purchase to be completed by mid-January 2023.

Watertown Will Buy Walkers Pond Property After Council Approves Deal

Leo MartinWalkers Pond, on the Westside of Watertown, will be purchased by the City of Watertown for open space. Watertown will expand its public open space and take control of one of the few wetlands in the city limits after the City Council voted to approve the acquisition of the Walkers Pond property. The vote came Tuesday night, and City Manager George Proakis said the deal to buy the property on the Westside of town could be completed within the next week. The 6.67-acre parcel will be purchased for $11.25 million. Leo Martin, chair of the Watertown Conservation Commission, thanked the Council for the final approval, adding that Council President Mark Sideris and former Town (and City) Manager Michael Driscoll “put up with him” as he continued to push for the acquisition of the property.

Rodent Control to be Discussed at Follow Up Meeting by Human Services Committee

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashRodent control will be discussed by the Committee on Human Services on Dec. 15, 2022. The following announcement was provided by City Councilor Tony Palomba:

Please join me and my colleagues on the Council’s Committee on Human Services for a follow-up meeting on the rodent problem in Watertown and efforts to establish a citywide rodent control plan. The meeting of the Committee is on Thursday of this week, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the Second Floor of City Hall, 149 Main St.

Residents Wanted to Serve on Multiple City Boards & Committees

The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

Are you interested in serving on a City of Watertown Board, Commission or Committee? Apply to serve on City of Watertown Boards, Commissions and Committees

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown citizens interested in serving on the following City Boards, Commissions and Committees with appointment dates in February 2023 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: 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.

Councilor Tony Palomba Holding Three Meetings with Public

City Councilor At-Large Tony Palomba. As part of the changes to the Watertown Charter all City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public. City Councilor At-Large Tony Palomba announced dates for three meetings. See info below. City Councilor Tony Palomba is inviting you to join him at one or all of three Annual Councilor Meetings:

Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM in the Watertown Savings Bank Room on the first floor, Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main Street, Watertown.

City Councilor Caroline Bays Invites Public to Annual Meeting

Caroline Bays seeks re-election as a Town Councilor At-Large. As part of the changes to the Watertown Charter all City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public. City Councilor At-Large Caroline Bays announced the date of her meeting. See info below. Caroline Bays will hold her annual meeting in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 149 Main St., on Dec.