Government

Residents Wanted to Serve on Environment & Energy Efficiency, Public Arts & Culture Committees

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, and also on the Public Arts & Culture Committee. 

Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee shall research energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Watertown; advise and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with relevant national, regional, and state laws, regulations, and programs that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, activities and facilities of departments, boards or agencies of the Town as they relate to energy conservation and emissions reduction; provide information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in matters relating to energy conservation and emissions reduction; whenever possible and desirable, coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes. The Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee meets the first Monday of each month. 

Public Arts & Culture Committee

The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee’s mission is to provide access to arts and culture to all Watertown residents and visitors through inclusive public projects that honor and engage cultural experiences across generations, identities, and geographies. We believe in the revelatory power of arts and culture to encourage contemplation, inspire new ideas, and spark dialogue. 

Interested applicants for both committees 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.

Government

New Public Pedestrian Path to Go from Walnut St. to Arsenal St. Through Private Property

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A Google Map with the pedestrian path shown in green. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to get from Arsenal Street to Walnut Street through private property after the City Council approved an easement agreement with the owners of the property. On Tuesday night, the City Council approved the agreement between the City and the owners of the property at 85 Walnut Street — BP3-BOS4 250 Arsenal Place LLC — for the pedestrian path, as well as for a sewer line, said Assistant City Manager Steve Magoon. The City will pay $1 for the easement according to the agreement. The path runs to Walnut Street through a pocket park, then goes through the parking lot of the 85 Walnut St.

Government

Watertown Hires First Human Resources Director

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Colleen Doyle has been hired as Watertown’s first Human Resources Director. (Courtesy of the City of Watertown)

The City of Watertown hired the new, and first, director of the Human Resources Department. The department replaces the Personnel Department. The City sent out the following announcement of the new hire:

City Manager George Proakis is pleased to announce that Colleen Doyle will join Watertown on Oct. 12, 2023 as the City’s first Director of our new Human Resources department.

Government

Early Voting in 2023 Election Approved by City Council; Fewer Days Than Prior Years

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Watertown voters will have the opportunity to cast ballots in person before election day in the 2023 Watertown City Election, but there will be fewer early voting days than previous elections. Under the state’s VOTES Act cities and towns have the opportunity to offer early voting, but must opt in. For Watertown that means a vote of the City Council, said City Clerk Janet Murphy. Voters will also be able to vote by mail, and at voting locations on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.

Government

Final Draft of Comprehensive Plan to be Reviewed by City Council & Planning Board

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Watertown’s primary planning document, the Comprehensive Plan, is being updated and the final draft will be reviewed and discussed at a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Board. The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

The Comprehensive Plan is near the finish line! The final draft will be reviewed at a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Board on Thursday, September 21, 2023. The meeting, including public comment, will start at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers, second floor in City Hall, 149 Main Street. This draft includes changes recommended by the City Council’s Economic Development & Planning Committee. Read/download the draft (PDF).

Government

Desired Qualities of Next Police Chief to be Discussed by Council’s Public Safety Committee

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Watertown City Hall

The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a meeting to discuss the desired qualities for Watertown’s next Police Chief. The meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber in City Hall, 149 Main St. The meeting will also be available for remote participation at: https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/j/84458822834, as well as audio only by phone: (877) 853-5257 or (888)475-4499 (Toll Free) and enter Webinar ID: 844 5882 2834. Public may comment by email by sending a message to vpiccirilli@watertown-ma.gov

The meeting will be televised through WCATV (Watertown Cable Access Television):http://vodwcatv.org/CablecastPublicSite/?channel=3

Government

Property Takings Pave Way for Start of Mt. Auburn Street Project, Expected to Last 4 Years

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The City Council approved some property takings on Tuesday to make way for a $30 million federally-funded reconstruction of one of Watertown’s biggest streets. With the easements in place, the City will be able to go to bid in September on the Mt. Auburn Street Reconstruction project that will be paid for by federal Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) dollars which are awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Most of the easements will be temporary, for a five year period, and a few will be permanent, said City Manager George Proakis. “All easements allow for construction to occur on the Mt.

Government

LETTER: Candidate Kicks off Campaign for Council President

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Clyde Younger

Clyde Younger for City Council President and School Committee Member

I am excited to announce that I am running for City Council and School Committee Member. I am starting my campaign by reaching out to you my friends, neighbors and the community asking for your help. In 1973 Friends Suggested I Run on the Theme “He Listens”

In 2023 “I Can Still Do It”

I am honored to have been elected to serve this Community as a Town Meeting Member, School Committee Member, Elected Charter Commissioner and Town Council President and School Committee Member. I relocated to Watertown after CDC transferred me to assist in managing Boston’s Tuberculosis Program. Over the years I have witnessed the rich values of the Community; its commitment to service and dedication to ensuring that the needs of neighbors are addressed and met.