Government

Watertown Tax Relief Takes Step Toward Approval in State House

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Wikimedia Commons / ChensiyuanMassachusetts State House. A request that would provide relief to residential property owners in Watertown moved a step toward approval when the House of Representatives approved the Home Rule Petition recently. In August 2022, City Councilors John Airasian and Emily Izzo brought forward the request, which was approved by the Council, to request that Watertown be able to shift the tax burden from residential properties to commercial, industrial and personal properties. Airasian was pleased to see the petition make progress: “This should have a sizeable impact on the residential real estate taxes.” Izzo added in her email to constituents:

“The Home Rule Petition brought to the City Council by Councilor Airasian and myself has passed the House and is now pending approval by the Senate.

Government

Council Approves Human Rights Commission Ordinance After Debating Role of New Board

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The City Council approved the ordinance creating a Human Rights Commission after debating whether board will hear complaints and have a role in resolving disputes. The Human Rights Commission was created as part of the changes to Watertown’s City Charter in 2021. The ordinance was drafted by the Council’s Committee on Rules & Ordinances with input from residents. Resident Rita Colafella said that the creation of the Human Rights Commission is timely. “There is strong support for the creation of the commission.

Government

Council Gives City Officials & Boards Ability to Set Fees, Wants Further Study on Enforcing Fees & Fines

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Watertown City Hall

Tuesday night the City Council gave other city boards and certain City employees the ability to set “reasonable rates” for fees without getting approval from the City Council. In another item, the Council sent the item that would enforce fees and fines by attaching them to tax bills with a municipal lien to a committee for more discussion. City Manager George Proakis said that in other communities where he has worked certain fees could be changed by boards or “officers,” or designated city employees without going to the Council for a vote. “I am always looking for opportunities to create more efficient and effective processes to address the way that we work through the issues in city government,” Proakis said. He said the change allows the Watertown government to be more “flexible and creative in the way that we ensure that fees match services.”

Police/Fire

Perkins School Sheltered in Place After Getting Threatening Phone Call

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Perkins School for the Blind went into lockdown after the school received a threatening phone call on Tuesday morning. The School shifted to shelter in place while the school was searched by Watertown Police, who cleared the school to go back to normal activities at about 2:45 p.m.

The Watertown Police announced on social media that the phone call came in at around 10:45 a.m. and school officials contacted the police. At about 1 p.m. Watertown Police released a statement saying, in part: “We responded and are currently working with school officials to ensure the safety of the students and staff. As a precautionary measure Perkins initiated a lockdown. This is an ongoing investigation, and we will provide additional information as it becomes available.”

Business

Watertown Native Names New Whiskey After His Hometown & Got a Little Help from His Friends

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Drink creator Mikey Bortone named his coconut whiskey after his hometown. (Courtesy of Watertown Whiskey)

Watertown native Mikey Bortone’s eureka moment came when he was enjoying a whiskey, while trying to hydrate at the same time. After perfecting his recipe, and with some help from a couple hometown buddies, Watertown Whiskey has become a reality. The liquor named for his hometown brings together rye whiskey and coconut. It debuted in California, where Bortone now lives, and he plans to bring it to his home state.

Entertainment

Drizzly Day Did Not Dampen the Fun at the 2023 Faire on the Square (See Photos!)

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Faire goers check out one of the dozens of exhibitors on the field at Salonstall Park. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Despite forecasts of downpours, hundreds of visitors came out to enjoy the 2023 Faire on the Square on Saturday. Organizers switched to the Rain Plan, which meant that the mechanical rides were cancelled, but the rest of the festivities went on. The live music and a farmers corner set up under some large tents in the parking lot of the Watertown Library. Some small children take a look at the Watertown High School Robotics Team robot.

Around Town

Watertown VFW Named Post of the Year in Massachusetts

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A trolley from the Veterans Administration carries veterans in Watertown’s 2023 Memorial Day Parade. They trolley was purchased for the VA Hospital in Bedford by Watertown’s VFW Post 1105. (Photo Courtesy of Natalie Nigito Photography)

For the generosity of time and money by the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1105, the Watertown veteran’s organization received the VFW Post of the Year award. VFW 1105 was chosen for the award from the 150 posts across the Bay State for recognition, said Michael Raymond, the immediate past Commander of the State VFW. He also serves as the Veterans Services Officer in Mansfield.