Police/Fire

Police Log: String of Car Break-ins, Employee Theft at Target

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

None

Incidents

Jan. 25, 1:28 p.m.: Target conducted an investigation on an employee suspected of stealing products from the store. Target security found that an employee working in the online order fulfillment department was selecting additional items not on the order list and placing them into a carriage. He put the items in separate bags, and at the end of his shift he would take the bags and leave the store.

Government

Watertown Calls Snow Emergency for Sunday’s Snow Storm

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A Watertown Department of Public Works snow plow. Watertown’s Superintendent of Public Works Gregory St. Louis announced a snow emergency for Sunday’s snow storm. The Watertown DPW sent out the following announcement:

The Superintendent of Public Works is declaring a Snow Emergency effective 12:00 Noon, Sunday, February 07, 2021. Watertown is expecting approximately 6-8 inches of snow with additional storms forecasted for later this week.

Government

See What’s in the Charter Review Committee’s Poll

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The Charter Review Committee wants to hear from the public, and has posted an online poll about several issues that have come up during the group’s meetings. Questions include whether the length of Town Councilor terms should be extended, should the Town add a public information officer position, and should the town start a 311 service for a “one-stop” number that residents can call with their questions and concerns. Also, should the Town Council’s compensation be reviewed, should the Town Manager and Council President be required to hold at least two meetings a year where residents can come to get their issues addressed, and should the Town Council be able to hire an analyst to help Councilors with their work. The final question is: “Do you think a mayor-city council would be more responsive than our current government of Town Council and Strong Town Manager?” See the poll by clicking here.

Charter Review Committee

Charter Review Committee Debates Vision for Town, Ways to Improve Government

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Watertown Town Hall

This week’s Charter Review Committee meeting covered a range of topics, from a vision for Watertown to how the charter could be changed to make the government more accountable and responsive to the public, and even the debate of keeping the Town Manger type of government or changing to a mayor. At times the discussion became heated, both between committee members and even members of the public participating in the virtual meeting. The biggest question before the group of 15 (nine Town Councilors and six members of the public) will be taken up directly in upcoming meetings. Town Council President Mark Sideris said the merits of mayor and strong manager forms of government will be on the agenda of the next meeting, and future ones. Tuesday’s agenda called for reviewing the panel discussions with at the two previous meetings with elected officials from other cities and towns.

Around Town

Watertown Offering Vaccine Clinic for Residents 75 & Older

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Health Department:

The Watertown Health Department has received a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines and per state requirements is hosting a clinic for Watertown residents age 75 and older only (anyone born prior to 1945). The Watertown Seniors Over 75 Clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, February 10. To register and for more information, go to: https://www.maimmunizations.org/clinic/private_registration/46e75165-f79b-4a45-aff3-8114d48036ac

Pre-registration is required for all appointments and seniors requiring assistance with registering can call the Senior Center at (617) 972-6490 for assistance in making an appointment. Residents who have other means to get the vaccine (Veterans who utilize the VA; persons with transportation to get to mass-vaccination clinics) are encouraged to schedule appointments at those sites as soon as possible so they can get an early appointment. Because the clinic is limited, attendees will be required to provide proof of Watertown residency and are advised to wear loose clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm for administration of the vaccination. If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card with you.

Around Town

Recycle Styrofoam, Shred Paper at Public Works Event

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Recycle your Styrofoam at the special DPW event. The Watertown Department of Public Works sent out the following announcement:

Styrofoam and Paper Shredding Event

Feb. 20, 2021, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

124 Orchard St., Waterotwn

Bring your styrofoam and shredding only to the Department of Public Works at 124 Orchard St., Watertown, MA 02472 on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

COVID-19 safety precautions: Masks and safe distancing is required. When you arrive on the site please observe signs and directions from staff in order to safely and orderly unload your vehicle.

Schools

State Officials Have Questions About High School Project, May Delay Final Vote

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A conceptual design of the preferred option for the New Watertown High School, looking down Common Street toward Mt. Auburn Street. The date of the public vote on funding for the Watertown High School project may have to be pushed back after state officials had questions about the size and design of the proposed new school. After reviewing the preferred design of the new WHS, the Facilities Assessment Subcommittee of the Mass. School Building Authority sent back comments, and request for more investigation into other options after their meeting on Jan.

Around Town

MassDOT Grant Funds Watertown Bluebike Station, Other Improvements

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A Bluebike station in Watertown Square was paid for by a state grant. Watertown received a grant from the Mass. Department of Transportation to build a Bluebike station in Watertown Square and make other road and sidewalk improvements. The $280,218 grant was part of the third round of the Baker-Polito Administration’s Shared Winter Streets and Spaces program. The bike share station is next to the entrance to the Charles River Path in Watertown Square.