Government

Watertown’s New Director of Senior Services Has ‘a Commitment to Seniors’

By |

Lydia McCoy has been appointed Watertown’s new Director of Senior Services. Watertown’s new Director of Senior Services, Lydia McCoy, comes to town with range of experience working with seniors. Last week, City Manager George Proakis announced McCoy’s appointment. She will oversee the Council on Aging, the Watertown Senior Center, and the Watertown Food Pantry. “Ms. McCoy has a broad range of experience, an educational background, and a real commitment to seniors,” Proakis told the City Council.

Government

City Splitting Up Financial Positions After Failing to Find “Unicorn”

By |

Watertown City Hall

After the City Council struggled to hire someone to replace retired Auditor and Financial Director Tom Tracy, City Manager George Proakis recommended that the job be split into two. Last week, Proakis told the City Council of his plan to split up the duties that Tracy had, rather than trying to find someone with the same skills. Tracy retired in October after working for nearly 30 years in Watertown, and has stayed on part-time to help Proakis with his first budget as City Manager. “We’ve done a pretty broad search, we hired a consultant and we made some real progress in searching all corners for this type of position,” Proakis said. “After taking a significant look at this I have come to the conclusion that the combined chief financial officer/auditors are unicorns.

Government

Internships Available in State Sen. Will Brownsberger’s Office

By |

State Sen. Will Brownsberger

The following information was provided by State Sen. Will Brownsberger’s office:

The Office of Senator Will Brownsberger is accepting applications for part-time, unpaid, internships for the summer of 2023. There are two types of opportunities available – general office internships and legislative internships. All applications are due Monday, April 10, 2023. General Office Internships are designed for applicants in the beginning stages of exploring policy-making and government, seeking opportunities to learn more and refine their interests. Legislative Internships are designed for those who have already gained some experience, either professionally or academically, and are looking to delve deeper into a topic of interest.

Government

City’s 5-Year Capital Plan Includes Park Projects, School Improvements, and Demolishing the Old Police Station

By |

The five-year Capital Improvement Plan includes 43 items, including 19 new items for Fiscal Year 2024. Projects in the pan include the new Watertown High School, the Victory Field track and courts area, the second part of the Arsenal Park renovation, and the demolition of the old Police Station. In addition, the capital plan also includes a field house at Victory Field, an extension of the Community Path, replacement of the spray pad at Filippello Park, lighting improvements at Saltonstall Park, improvements to the baseball field at Casey Park, and improvements to Sullivan Playground. There are also multiple projects at Watertown’s schools, improvement projects at the Library, the newly acquired Parker School office building, and at the John A. Ryan Skating Arena. Purchases of vehicles and equipment for the Fire Department and the Department of Public Works also made the list.

Government

Deadline Approaching to Take Comprehensive Plan Survey

By |

The City of Watertown released the draft Comprehensive Plan update in late February and held an open house on March 9. Those who did not have a chance to comment on the plan then can still do so by filling out an online survey. The deadline to fill out the survey is Friday, March, 24. The survey also covers the draft Open Space and Recreation Plan. “Your participation will help the City better understand your interests and incorporate your ideas in the plans and their implementation,” the City’s announcement said.

Government

City Buildings Closing Early for Storm, Council Meeting Postponed

By |

The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

The City Manager is closing City Hall, the Library, and the Senior Center at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, as storm conditions are expected to worsen this afternoon. All afterschool and evening recreation programs are also canceled. All items scheduled for this evening’s City Council meeting will be continued to a new meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 16th. As a reminder, a snow emergency went into effect at 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 14. On-street parking is banned, and cars left on the street are subject to towing.

Government

City Looking Keep Watertown’s Recyclables “Valuable,” Composting Program Successful So Far

By |

Watertown DPWCurbside composting toters, like the one on the left, were recently added to the Watertown trash and recycling program. Watertown’s trash and recycling contract is up for renewal, and City officials are trying to do more to reduce the amount of trash being thrown out and increase the amount of recycling as rates increase. Last week, the City Council approved the recommendations of the Department of Public Works as it works on the new contract. In the previous contract, Watertown was able to guarantee a rate for recycling, which would not depend on the market for recyclables. In recent years there have been large fluctuations in the prices, said Public Works Superintendent Greg St.

Government

City Manager Gives Outlook on Watertown’s Budget, Philosophy on Contract Negotiations

By |

Watertown City Manager George Proakis. This week, School officials announced an agreement on the Watertown teachers’ contract, but even when that is signed Watertown has six unions on the municipal side yet to be settled. This week, the City Manager revealed his philosophy when approaching these negotiations and how the City budget could impact the talks. He released a memo to the City Council outlining the contracts and the Watertown budget at Tuesday’s Council meeting. While making the budget, Proakis said he and his team are following the Council’s budget priorities, which include creating walkable neighborhoods and small business programs, improving infrastructure, using green vehicles, and upgrading parks and playgrounds.