Around Town

DPW Recommends Seven Watertown Roads to be Repaved in 2021

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The roads in Watertown proposed to be repaired in 2021. The Department of Public Works recommended that seven roads around Watertown be reconstructed during the 2021 construction season. The list of roads to undergo full reconstruction, including sidewalks, was presented to the Town Council’s Public Works subcommittee on Sept. 24. The roads that made the list are:

Alden Road Sheldon RoadHazel Street (Quimby Street to Dexter Avenue) Gertrude StreetGoldie StreetElmwood AvenueGrandview Avenue (Chapman Street to Copeland Street)

Town Engineer Matt Shuman explained that the roads were chosen were in the greatest state of disrepair.

Government

Watertown Schools Respond to State Letter; Gov. Relaxing Restrictions

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Watertown School officials responded to the letter from state education officials asking them to reopen the schools to in-person learning, saying the Town’s school will remain on their schedule to have students return to elementary schools in late October and to secondary schools in November. Meanwhile, Gov. Charlie Baker announced the relaxing of some of the state’s COVID-19 rules. Last week, the Watertown Schools, and 15 other districts, received a letter from Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley strongly urging the schools to return to in-person learning because the communities have low rates of Coronavirus infections. Watertown remains a “green” community, meaning it is at lower risk of COVID-19 spread. The latest weekly statistics released by the State, as of Sept.

Around Town

Watertown Group Hosting Discussion on Charter Review Process

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The Charles River from Watertown Square

A newly formed group will host a discussion on the once-a-decade review of Watertown’s Town Charter — the document that lays out how the town’s government works. Watertown Forward will host a virtual discussion on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 3-4:15 p.m. The meeting kicks off the group’s effort, which is intended to inform and bring a voice to residents about the Charter Review process. Attendees can learn more about the group and how to get involved. Town officials review the Charter every 10 years, and the 2020 Charter Review process will begin this fall.

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.