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

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.

Watertown City Manager Signs Pledge to Help Monarch Butterflies

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.

Longtime Former Town Manager Michael Driscoll Passes Away

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. …

Watertown City Manager Holding Meet & Greet in District A

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.

Five Members of Residents Advisory Committee Appointed

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.

City Manager Hosting Meet & Greet for West Side Residents

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!

City Manager Seeking Applicants for Residents’ Advisory Committee

Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Residents’ Advisory Committee.  

The Committee is being formed per the City Charter – Section 3-7 Residents’ Advisory Committee:  

“The city manager shall establish a Residents’ Advisory Committee to assist with recruitment, evaluation, and selection of candidates for appointment to multiple-member bodies. In making appointments to multiple-member bodies, the city manager shall seek to appoint individuals with relevant expertise or experience. The city manager shall work with the Residents’ Advisory Committee to establish policies and practices to actively encourage a diverse pool of applicants for multiple-member bodies. The city manager and Residents’ Advisory Committee shall recognize the importance of diversity in appointments, including, but not limited to, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity.”

Applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by Friday, November 4, 2022:  by email to citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472.

Watertown’s New City Manager Holding Pair of Meet and Greets

Watertown City Manager George Proakis. Watertown City Manager George Proakis, who started his new position in August, will be holding a pair of meet-and-greets where he will be available to speak with residents and members of the public. Proakis will hold the first Meet and Greet with residents on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022 from 6-7 p.m. in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 149 Main St. The event precedes that evening’s City Council Meeting (the agenda includes the FY 2024 preliminary budget overview).