Residents have the opportunity to apply to serve on multiple City of Watertown committees and boards, including the Residents Advisory Committee, the Licensing Board, the Historic District Commission, the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, the Watertown Cultural Council, and the Conservation Commission.
The City provided the following information:
City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on multiple committees and boards. Interested applicants should complete and submit a Universal Application.
The Licensing Board issues all licenses in the City and has jurisdiction over licenses to sell alcohol; entertainment licenses; common victualer licenses; motor vehicle repair licenses; taxicab and livery licenses; and other licensed activities in the City. Candidates should have a background in law, business, or a related field. Member requirements are defined to be in compliance with MGL c.138, s.4.
The Residents’ Advisory Committee assists with recruitment, evaluation, and selection of candidates for appointments to the City’s volunteer Boards, Commissions, and Committees. The Resident Advisory Board works with the City Manager to establish policies and practices to actively encourage a diverse pool of applicants, recognizing the importance of diversity in appointments, including, but not limited to, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity.
The Historic District Commission administers the Mount Auburn Street Historic District. In this role, the Commission seeks to preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history of the Commonwealth and its cities and towns; to maintain and improve the settings of those buildings and places; and to encourage new designs compatible with existing buildings in the district. The Historic District Commission reviews exterior architectural features from a public way and can prevent demolitions and inappropriate alternations within the district.
The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee (WE3C) has the following responsibilities: research energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Watertown; advise and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with relevant national, regional, and state laws, regulations, and programs that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, activities, and facilities of departments, boards, or agencies of the City as they relate to energy conservation and emissions reduction; provide information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses, and organizations in matters relating to energy conservation and emissions reduction; and coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes. Members should have a commitment to energy conservation.
The Watertown Cultural Council (WCC) promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. WCC is funded in large part by the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) and each year distributes this funding to organizations, schools, and individuals to provide initiatives in these areas. Duties of council members include review and discussion of grant applications once a year, administration of funds, record and bookkeeping, and on-going communication with the MCC. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in or record of service to the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences.
The Conservation Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL, c.131, s.40) and regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and the Watertown Wetlands Ordinance (City Code c. 154). In this capacity, they review plans for activities that may affect the City’s wetlands, manage open space, and address other matters relating to conservation protection and enhancement of watershed, open space, passive recreational, and natural resource areas. Candidates should have a background in or knowledge of environmental science, landscape design, horticulture, or a related field.