Dear Councilors Bays, Gannon and Gardner:
Following within this communication; are my thoughts as sent to the City Council on 03/16/2024. Still unanswered are the questions that I posed. I respectfully ask of the Committee, that all my queries receive a response.
I, along with many residents, disapprove of attempts to “brand” the City of Watertown with an avant-garde commercial rendering. The marvels of technology allow for easy transfer of the City Seal to all documents and surfaces. I have been reminded that the City created a simplified (line art) version of the City Seal that appears on the high density polyethylene trash and recycling toters, (image attached).
In my opinion, the City Seal exudes respect for the City and its people. Whether the Seal is affixed to City letterhead, business cards, vehicles or emblazoned on a trash receptacle. A generic “Logo” could be any business entity.
A municipality of the people honors its history, expressed as: “In Pace Condita” (founded in peace). I considered it an honor and privilege to serve under the City Seal of Watertown.
Best,
Angie
Angeline Maria B. Kounelis, Retired District A, East End, City Councilor
SUBMISSION FOR CITY COUNCIL FIRST PUBLIC FORUM ON 03/26/24
Re: Agenda Item 10. Communications from City Manager
A. City Logo
Greetings:
Has the cart been placed before the horse? As I read the narrative within the attached memorandum to the Honorable City Council, I wondered who initiated the City Logo project? Was the project fully vetted with the Legislative Body, prior to, not after the fact, to determine need, cost, implementation, etc., etc.
“My administration began working with Sabastian Ebarb of the graphic design company Nahi in 2023 to create a logo and associated brand for the City of Watertown.”
Who authorized the undertaking of the City Logo project in 2023, and at what cost? Was there a gratis arrangement with the design company? Carte blanche does not offer transparency when working with taxpayer dollars for municipal changes.
“Please note that the project does not affect the City seal, which will continue to be used for official purposes.”
In my opinion: the proposed “Logo” is the precursor to the gradual elimination of the City Seal. A segue to send the City Seal into obscurity for “official purposes”, only.
Once again; where was the community input? Who is “we believe” in the statement that follows:
“While implementation will take time, we believe this project will ultimately create unity and consistency in the image of the City we project to the community.”
Unity is: “In Pace Condita,” (founded in peace)
“Consistency” is the use of one, City of Watertown Seal that speaks for itself. Not to be confused with a second, branding of Watertown Logo.
Best,
Angie
Angeline Maria B. Kounelis, Retired District A, East End, City Councilor
I am in full agreement with Former Councilor Angie Kounelis. It appears the logo is being forced on the community for no sound or rational reason. Furthermore, why should we, as taxpayers, continue to allow the administration to spend money willy-nilly? What is the Branding for and what is the benefit the city derives from the logo? Who is the Manager attempting to please? Shouldn’t a need be identified before we expend valuable taxpayers monies on frivolous things?
Clyde L. Younger, Former Town Council President
Thank you, Angie!
I agree with Angie that our original Town Seal best represents us and our history. Just sayin’
I 100% agree with Ms. Kounelis in her implied request for complete vetting and transparency in any effort surrounding the idea of adoption of a new logo for the City of Watertown. I have lived here most of my life and love the history of this community. It was of great importance, in the establishment of the country during times of the American Revolution and a leader in early commerce, as well as, establishing a government of the people. The current seal of the City reflects these ideas in words found on that seal. With the many issues and real needs we have in this municipality I see no good reason to waste time and effort and taxpayer’s hard earned money on a new additional symbol for the town that some people “ believe will ultimately create unity and consistency in the image of the City”. Nonsense. Instead how about we use this extra energy to work on the real problems we face in really making this City a better place that we can all live in.
I agree that a change in the logo does not seem necessary. Why would we spend time and money on this project when we have so many other more serious issues to bring forth.
The image of exchanging a fish and a biscuit between the Indians and settlers portrays one of peace at the time. This is something we should be trying to achieve in these difficult times also. Why do we always need to change things that don’t need to be changed and cause more division among people?
It sometimes seems that in Watertown we are now changing things just for the sake of change, whether they are needed or not. I won’t provide examples of this as I don’t want to change the subject of this letter.
If the consideration of changing the log0 could possibly lead to the changing of the seal, let’s give it up. The seal should remain in place. We’ve already lost so much of our history; we don’t need to lose more.
Let’s concentrate on the more important issues going on in our City that can really have a serious impact on our lives.
I agree with Angelina. The wave graphic proposed to represent Watertown has no meaning. The purpose of symbols is to represent something memorable and iconic about what lies behind the symbol. The representation of Watertown’s founding and its motto shouldn’t be thrown away for something that represents absolutely nothing.
I absolutely agree with Angie. It is ridiculous to make a change in our history. It represents how they were able to get along then and now.