Government

City Manager Speaks About Climate Efforts During Governor’s Visit

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Photo by City of WatertownGov. Maura Healy spoke about the State’s ClimateTech Initiative at Via Separations, a clean tech startup in Watertown. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Governor Maura Healey spoke in Watertown at the 64 Pleasant Street lab building on Thursday, May 2, 2024, to announce a 10-year, $1.3 billion investment proposal as part of the Mass Leads Act ClimateTech Initiative. The proposal is expected to generate $16.4 billion in economic activity in the Commonwealth and further Massachusetts’ position as a global leader in climate tech. City Manager George Proakis introduced the Governor, and he spoke about Watertown’s work in leading the way in climate mitigation and resilience in Massachusetts. The City Manager highlighted Watertown’s role in fostering climate innovation, speaking on the City’s aggressive Climate Action Plan and the early adoption of the Specialized Stretch Energy Code. 

The City Manager also spoke of the success of the life science industry and its fiscal impact on Watertown.

Government

NEW TIME: Councilor Feltner and City Manager Hosting Meet & Greet

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District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner. District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner will be joined by City Manager George Proakis for a Meet & Greet. The City sent out the following announcement:

Join City Councilor Lisa Feltner for a District B Meet and Greet with City Manager George Proakis on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 6:-7:30 p.m. at the Parker Annex, Suite 2E, 124 Watertown Street.

Around Town

First Annual State of the City Features Messages from Council President & City Manager

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Watertown’s first State of the City address will be held on Aug. 9 at the Watertown Library. The event is now required to be held annually after changes to the City Charter were approved by voters in 2021. Please join us at the First Annual “State of the City” address with Council President Mark Sideris and Manager George Proakis on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library in the Watertown Savings Bank Room, at 123 Main Street. The purpose of the “State of the City” is in our City Charter, SECTION 2-10 ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETINGS: “The council president, in conjunction with the city manager, shall prepare and deliver a yearly message to the residents describing the state of the city.

Around Town

Watertown City Manager Signs Pledge to Help Monarch Butterflies

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The City of Watertown provided the following information:

City Manager, George Proakis, signed the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge on March 30, 2023! 

The City pledges to do action items that focus on to support and expand monarch conservation city wide! 

The City already has been doing some action items in 2022 and for 2023, this will be expanded to do more such as communicating about monarch conservation, opportunities to do some community focused programs and demonstrations, and encourage changes in reducing pesticide use. Come join and be part of the larger conservation efforts for pollinator species! For any questions/comments, you can contact Katie Swan at kswan@watertown-ma.gov.

Around Town

Longtime Former Town Manager Michael Driscoll Passes Away

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The man who led Watertown’s municipal government for nearly three decades, former Town Manager Michael Driscoll, passed away on Saturday. Driscoll worked for the Town, and now City, of Watertown for 45 years, beginning as the manager of the John A. Ryan Arena in 1977, became treasurer collector in 1985 before becoming Town Manager in 1994. He grew up in Woburn and lived in Watertown with his wife, Jane. He has three daughters and one step daughter: Amy, Allison, Aileen, and Sarah. 

The City of Watertown sent out a statement that read, in part: “We are saddened to share the news that former Watertown City Manager Michael Driscoll passed away early on February 11, 2023 after receiving treatment for cancer over the past year. …

Government

Watertown City Manager Holding Meet & Greet in District A

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Watertown City Manager will be available to speak with the public during an event focusing on District A in the East End of Watertown on Jan. 18. A similar meeting was previously held in District D in November. The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

Please join us at the District A Meet and Greet with City Manager George Proakis on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 6:30-8:30 PM at the Hosmer School Cafeteria, 1 Concord Road, Watertown, MA.

Government

Five Members of Residents Advisory Committee Appointed

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

City Manager George J. Proakis is pleased to announce the establishment of Watertown’s first Residents’ Advisory Committee. The Residents’ Advisory Committee, as required by Section 3-7 of the new city charter, is designed to “assist with recruitment, evaluation and selection of candidates for appointment to multi-member bodies.” As noted in the charter, the committee and the City Manager will work together to “actively encourage a diverse pool of applicants for (these) multiple-member bodies.”

The City Manager has formed a five-member committee to serve in this role. He has appointed the following individuals to this committee. All members of the committee are residents of Watertown:

J. Elizabeth Cremens: Ms. Cremens is a retired Associate Justice of the Massachusetts District Court. Ms. Cremens has served in a number of volunteer roles in non-profits and local government.

Government

City Manager Hosting Meet & Greet for West Side Residents

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The following information was provided by Councilor Emily Izzo:

City Manager George Proakis will be having a Meet & Greet for residents of District D. This will be taking place on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 6-8 p.m. in the Watertown Police Station Community Room.  

This will be a great opportunity to meet our new Manager and introduce yourself, as well as discuss any questions or concerns for the West End of Watertown! Hope to see you there!