Government

City Council to Discuss Winter Parking Ban at Special Meeting

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Watertown City Hall

The City Council will discuss whether to continue the Winter Parking Ban after receiving a petition signed by more than 800 residents. The public an provide input at the special meeting scheduled later this month. The City sent out the following information:

A Special City Council Meeting to discuss the Winter Parking Ban has been scheduled for January 21, 2025 at 6 p.m. This is a Public Hearing that has been scheduled following the City Council receiving a petition asking for the Winter Parking Ban be lifted. The Hearing will be held in the City Council Chamber in Watertown City Hall at 149 Main Street. The Hearing’s agenda will be posted soon.

Government

Meeting Posting: Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, 10 a.m.

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The City of Watertown provided the following notice (First published on Dec. 31, at 11:45 a.m.):

In accordance with Chapter 87 of the Massachusetts General Laws, a Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing will be held via Zoom

On: Tuesday, January 7th at 10:00AMAt: https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/j/81211901286

This hearing is to consider the proposed removal of (1) one tree due to sewer reconstruction work. The species and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)

One (1) Lacebark Elm (10”DBH)

Location: 547 Main Street

Requested by: Water and Sewer Department

Reason for hearing: Proposed removal due to sewer reconstruction work. Questions or concerns regarding this posting should be directed to the

Tree Warden’s office at (617) 972-6420 or email: mmicieli@watertown-ma.gov

Government

See When Councilor John Airasian Will Hold His Annual Meeting with the Public

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City Councilor John Airasian. All City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public according to the recent changes to the City Charter. City Councilor At-Large John Airasian announced the date of his meeting. See info below. Join City Councilor John Airasian at his Individual Annual City Councilor Meeting on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 6 – 7 PM in the Watertown Police Station Community/Training room, 552 Main Street, Watertown, MA.

Government

Meeting Posting: Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, 10 a.m.

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The City of Watertown provided the following notice (First published on Dec. 19, at 4 p.m.):

In accordance with Chapter 87 of the Massachusetts General Laws, a Public Shade Tree Removal Hearing will be held via Zoom. On: Friday, December 27th at 10:00AMAt: https://watertown-ma.zoom.us/j/81211901286

This hearing is to consider the proposed removal of (1) one tree due to sewer reconstruction work. The species and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)

One (1) Lacebark Elm (10”DBH)

Location: 547 Main Street

Requested by: Water and Sewer Department

Reason for hearing: Proposed removal due to sewer reconstruction work. Questions or concerns regarding this posting should be directed to the

Tree Warden’s office at (617) 972-6420 or email: mmicieli@watertown-ma.gov

Government

2025 Watertown Property Taxes Rising, But Bills Still Lower Than 2022

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown’s City Hall. Property taxes will rise nearly 6 percent over last year, but will still be lower than they were in Fiscal Year 2022 (2021-22). On Tuesday, City Council approved a property tax rate with the maximum amount of the burden shifted from residential to commercial, industrial and personal properties, and the maximum residential exemption for owner-occupied homes. During the Property Tax Classification Hearing, the Council heard from people concerned about the rising taxes, as well as the recent five-year property revaluation process. Tax Bills

The Council got to choose the maximum exclusion for residential properties, either 33 percent (the same as last year), 34 percent, or 35 percent.

Government

Watertown’s New Director of Public Works Seeks to Get DPW Accredited

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Watertown has a new Public Works Director. Find out more about him in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown. Watertown City Manager George Proakis is excited to announce the hiring of Thomas Brady as the new Director of Public Works! Mr. Brady returns to Watertown after 23 years with the Town of Brookline where he served as a key member of the Brookline Department of Public Works (DPW) team in the role of Urban Forestry Manager, Tree Warden and Town Arborist. Tom has overseen forestry operations, coordinated storm responses, provided oversight for utility projects, and represented Brookline on the extensive Muddy River Restoration Project – a 20-year $70 million public works improvement on the Boston/Brookline line that served the combined roles of addressing flood control, water quality improvement, conservation and historic preservation.

Government

Public Review Period for Board of Assessors Conducting Property Revaluation is Dec. 2-6

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The following announcement was sent out by the City of Watertown Board of Assessors and first published on Nov. 26:

Following state statutes and Department of Revenue (DOR) regulations, the Board of Assessors is completing the FY2025 Quinquennial Revaluation of all real and personal property in Watertown. Revaluation is a year-long process when the DOR examines in detail all assessing methodologies used by the city, as well as the values derived through the mass appraisal system. These valuations are pending preliminarily approval by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The values are subject to change within this disclosure period.

Government

Two Years Worth of Road Construction Coming in 2025, Ratings of City’s Roads Have Dropped

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The City plans to do two years worth of road reconstruction work in the 2025 construction season, and nearly 30,000 feet of utilities line will be replaced around town. The City Council approved the 2025 Local Road Construction Program on Nov. 26, which includes five streets funded in Fiscal Year 2025, and five roads approved but not constructed in FY24. The Department of Public Works selects the roads to be reconstructed based on multiple factors, including the condition of the pavement, and utilities that have been replaced by the City or utilities, City Engineer Tyler Glode told the City Council’s Committee on Public Works. Based on these factors, the DPW chose to reconstruct Poplar Street, Partridge Street, Pequosette Street, north and south Irving Park and Royal Street, and Green Street during the 2025 construction season, from April to November.