Around Town

Charter Review Committee Adds Resident Advisory Committee, Decides on Spokesperson in Emergencies

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The proposed changes to Watertown’s Charter, which will go to voters for approval in November, include the addition of a committee to work with the Town Manager to recruit and evaluate candidates for town boards and committees. Another addition defines when the Council President can act as the spokesperson during an emergency situation. These were some of the changes discussed at the June 15 meeting of the Charter Review Committee. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 6 at 6 p.m.

Resident Advisory Committee & Diversity

The Charter changes would create a Resident Advisory Committee. The group would help the Manager recruit and evaluate candidates nominations for appointed committees and boards.

Homepage Featured

Police Log: Couple Tries to Scam Autistic Man, Man Wanted on Five Warrants Arrested

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

June 22, 7:51 p.m.: Watertown Police were called to the Inn on Arsenal (the former Super 8 Motel) to check on a man who had not responded to a friend’s calls. They found the man in his room, and he said he had fallen asleep and missed the call. When police were there they found that the man had five warrants for his arrest: one from New Bedford District Court for unarmed robbery; two from Dedham District Court (one for attempting to commit a crime and one domestic-related charge); one from Falmouth District Court for uttering a false check, check forgery, and larceny under $250 from someone over 60 years old; and a domestic-related charge from Malden District Court. Michael J. Perry, 39, of Somerville, was arrested on the warrants.

Charter Review Committee

Council Vice President Term Limits & Council Compensation Discussed by Charter Review Committee

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Charlie BreitroseResidents packed the Council Chamber for a Town Council Meeting. The Charter Review Committee tackled a couple of issues impacting the Town Council, including whether the Vice President should have term limits, and when and how the Council should determine its own salaries. At the June 15 meeting, the Charter Review Committee was asked to propose changes that were not already proposed by the consultants from the Collins Center at UMass Boston. Vice President Term Limits

Councilor Tony Palomba proposed a change to the Charter that would have the vice president of the Council to be chosen for a two-year term and not be allowed to serve for more than two consecutive terms. The position, which is currently nominated and voted on by the Council, currently is chosen at the beginning of the two-year term and there are no limits to how many terms someone can serve. Palomba said he believes it is a position where Councilors can learn a lot about how the government works.

Around Town

LETTER: School Mental Health Professional, Mother of 2 Running for School Committee

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Jessica Middlebrook announced her run for School Committee. She is shown with her two daughters at Watertown Town Hall. My name is Jessica Middlebrook and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Watertown School Committee. In the wake of the most disruptive and painful school year in living memory, our community needs experienced, empathic leaders who will build connections, foster difficult but important conversations, and work toward creating equitable school cultures where all students feel valued and safe. With my experience as a parent and school mental health professional, my strong progressive values, and my abiding love for our community, I know that I can help our schools work better for all our kids and families.  

My husband, David, and I have been residents of Watertown for the past 12 years. We were drawn here to start our family because of its diversity and caring, engaged community.

Government

Council Backs Rules for Short-Term Rentals (Like Airbnb), No Decision on Max Number of Renters

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The Town Council moved forward proposed rules that would apply to short-term rentals — such as those booked through Airbnb or Vrbo — in Watertown, but could not come to an agreement on what the maximum number of guests at a rental would be. On June 22, the Town Council approved proposed changes to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance to allow short-term rentals as an accessory use. The short-term rentals rule will now go to the Planning Board, which will review them and give their recommendation, and then they will come back to the Council for final approval. Under the rules, short-term rentals will be allowed in Watertown, but operators will have to register with the Town and have the units inspected. There will also be community impact fees charged each time a unit is rented, with the funds coming back to the Town.

Elections

LETTER: Watertown Mother, Educator Running for School Committee

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School Committee candidate Jennifer Nicholson, her husband Ryan Nicholson (Assistant Fire Chief on the Watertown Fire Department), and their children. My name is Jennifer (Holt) Nicholson and as a lifelong resident of Watertown, I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Watertown School Committee. It would be a tremendous honor for me to serve with pride and give back to the community that has given so much to my entire family. My children, incoming third and first graders at Cunniff, are fourth generation students of Watertown Public Schools. My husband, who is currently Assistant Fire Chief for the Watertown Fire Department, and I both graduated from Watertown High School in 2003.

Around Town

Watertown’s Newest Eagle Scout Celebrated at Ceremony at Lowell School

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Troop 30Eagles with Watertown connections: State Rep. Steve Owens, USMC Private First Class Michael McNamara, Patricio Pino (Watertown’s newest Eagle), Troop 30 Scoutmaster Doug Syer, and Sons of Liberty District Chairman Steve Sookikian, whose childhood scouting experience was Troop 222 at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church. Watertown Troop 30 provided the following announcement:

In a ceremony highlighting the Eagle Scouts with Watertown connections, Troop 30 celebratedcelebrating Patricio Pino, Watertown’s newest Eagle. The event was held at the Lowell School, where Patricio attended grade school. On his way to the rank of Eagle, Patricio chose a service project where he worked with Troop 30and Pack 30 to collect coats for homeless veterans.

Arrests

Police Log: Man Arrested After Stealing Vehicle, Resident Charged After Making False 911 Call

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

None

Incidents

June 14, 12:26 a.m.: Multiple calls were received about a trash barrel on fire at Lowell Elementary School. Officers arrived and found a can on fire on the basketball court at the school. The Watertown Fire Department arrived and put out the flames. No suspect could be found after police searched the area.