Government

Water & Sewer Bills Will Rise Over 8%, Council Grudgingly Approves Rates

By |

Watertown residents will see their water and sewer bills increases by more than 8 percent with the approval of the Fiscal Year 2021 water and sewer rates by the Town Council on Tuesday night. The Council voted 8-1 to approve the rates, with Lisa Feltner voting “no.” All the councilors expressed concern and/or disappointment about the rate hike. Some asked for ways to give some relief, or even to create a fund for those who have trouble paying their bills, but nothing emerged from Tuesday’s meeting. Watertown’s Water and Sewer budgets pay for the expenses of running the systems through the money collected from customers.

Elections

Council Moves Polling Place from Senior Housing to Middle School

By |

After hearing from many people worried about having voters coming into a senior apartment building during the 2020 elections, the Town Council voted to move the polling location to Watertown Middle School. A temporary location for Precincts 11 and 12 is needed because the normal voting location, Cunniff Elementary School, is under construction. School construction at Hosmer Elementary School also impacted Precinct 2, which will move to the Hellenic Cultural Center. The locations will be used for the Sept. 1 State Primary and the Nov.

Around Town

Hatch Maker Space Reopening, Watertown Library Featured in Globe

By |

The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

Big news for makers: Hatch Makerspace is reopening for appointments next week. Beginning on Monday, August 17, you will have the option to use our sewing machine, vinyl cutter, or laser cutter. Workstations will be cleaned between each use. Review our new safety policies and schedule your appointment here: watertownlib.org/hatchbooking (See more info below)Since we can’t host gatherings at the Library right now, virtual programs continue. We hope to see you online! This week via Zoom, watch and discuss the sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, learn how to assemble wire armature for sculpting, and explore 3D modeling with Fusion 360. A full list of virtual programs for this week is included below.

Around Town

Council Preview: Proposed Polling Places Changes, Water/Sewer Rates, Noise Ordinance

By |

Watertown residents cast their ballots at Watertown Town Hall in the Massachusetts Presidential Primary. Early voting runs through Friday. The Town Council will discuss proposed changing the locations of three poling places for this fall’s elections on Tuesday. The agenda also includes the vote on the water/sewer rates. Beforehand, a Council subcommittee will discuss proposed changes to the Noise Ordinance.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Suspect Caught Sneaking Into Unoccupied Home, Co-Workers Get into Fight

By |

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

None

Incidents

July 28, 8:14 p.m.: A man from Waltham who works at a gas station on Mt. Auburn Street reported getting into a physical altercation with a co-worker. On July 23, he and another man got into an argument about getting in each other’s personal space. The man said he was pushed and fell, then the co-worker punched him in the face and chest.

Schools

See How the Watertown Schools Preparing to Return In-Person When Possible

By |

Lowell School in Watertown. When the school year begins, Watertown Public School students will start off learning from home, but officials have designed a plan to transition back to in-person learning without drastic changes to students’ schedules. Thursday night, the School Committee approved the “Bridge to Hybrid” plan proposed by Superintendent Dede Galdston. Under the plan students will start in remote learning, but Galdston said it will be more structured, and teacher focused than the spring. Meanwhile, the schools will be prepared to welcome back students while complying with COVID-19 heath and safety guidelines.

Schools

Watertown Schools Starting Remotely, Plans to Move to Some In-Person When Virus Allows

By |

The School Committee approved a plan from Superintendent Dede Galdston to have Watertown students start the school year learning remotely, but with eyes on moving to some in-person learning when the pandemic allows. The Watertown School Committee voted unanimously Thursday night. The decision was based on both safety and what is best for student learning, Galdston said. She said that the best option educationally would be to have al students in schools, but said the safety of students and staff also needed to be taken int account. Galdston also acknowledged that any decision will be seen as wrong by some people.

Around Town

Many Watertown Bus Routes Will See Service Changes in Fall

By |

The 71 bus will have increased service beginning Aug. 30. It is one of several MTBA routes serving Watertown that will see changes. Several bus routes serving Watertown will see changes in service beginning August 30, including increased service on the 70 and 71 buses. Other routes begin operating on a limited schedule, or route, one will have increased weekend service and one will continue to be suspended.