Government

Residents Express Concerns About Using Flock License Plate Reading Cameras in Watertown

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Members of the Watertown Police Department discussed different technology used by the WPD, including a proposal to use the Flock Safety cameras. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A room full of residents expressed their concerns about the Watertown Police Department’s proposed use of Flock Safety cameras in town, with the biggest issues about how the images collected by the license plate capturing system would be used outside Watertown and who would have access. As the debate over whether cameras should be used in the City, legislation at the state level could help reduce concerns. The Flock cameras were one of several technologies available to the Watertown Police discussed during the Tech Talk at Hosmer School on Wednesday night. While body cameras, tasers, an AI-assisted police bulletin network, and other equipment interested the 30 or so in attendance, the Flock cameras garnered the most attention in the meeting that lasted nearly three hours.

Government

Residents Wanted to Serve on a City Board or Advisory Committee

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Make a Difference, Join a Board or Committee

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Historical Commission, Council on Aging, Human Rights Commission, Memorialization Committee, Public Arts and Culture, Stormwater Advisory Committee, and Traffic Commission. Please visit the Boards and Commissions page to learn more. Access the Universal Application

Join the Residents’ Advisory Committee! 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. Applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience to JoAnna Hand by email to jhand@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472.

Government

Watertown Property Owners Were Not Overcharged on Property Taxes, Confusion Caused by Change in Software

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Watertown City Hall

Watertown residents were not overcharged on the CPA surcharge on their tax bills, City officials said, but bills in fiscal year 2025 looked different from other years, leading to the appearance that they were calculated differently. The issue came to the Administration’s attention when former City Councilor Angeline Kounelis sent a letter after she could not figure out why her FY2025 bill was different from previous and later years. It appeared that the CPA surcharge was applied to the entire property value, before the residential exemption was applied. It wasn’t a matter of new math, but rather new computer software, according to the explanation video produced by Watertown Community Engagement Specialist Tyler Cote. “It’s really just taking two different paths to the same end,” Cote said.

Government

Watertown Renegotiating Contract for BlueBikes, Looks to Get More Beneficial Deal

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Arsenal YardsThe Bluebikes station outside Arsenal Yards. With Watertown’s contract with the Bluebikes bicycle share company expiring, City officials hope to sign a more favorable agreement. The contract ends in early 2026, and City Manager George Proakis told the City Council he hopes to sign a several year agreement. “This particular contract is a five year agreement with two optional two year renewals for a maximum term of nine years, which is designed to enhance service delivery, strengthen the sponsorship system, to make the system work better and support continued operations and stability in the bikeshare system here in Watertown,” Proakis said. Because the contract is longer than three years, the City Council had to vote to allow the City staff to enter into an agreement.

Government

Council President Lays Out Watertown’s Accomplishments & Future Challenges at Inauguration

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City Council President Mark Sideris gave his inaugural address on Jan. 2, 2026. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown’s elected officials face some key decisions that will impact the future of the City, including the future of Watertown Square and whether to build a new Middle School, said City Council President Mark Sideris, who also talked about the keys to successful governing of the City. Sideris spoke of what has been accomplished over the past few years, and the challenges facing the City Council, School Committee, and Library Board of Trustees during the Inauguration ceremony held on Jan. 2 at the Mosesian Center for the Arts.

Government

City Council, School Committee Bid Farewell to Departing Members

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City Councilor John Airasian, and School Committee member Lily Rayman-Read. Two Watertown elected officials served their final meetings in December, and each was bid farewell by their colleagues. City Councilor At-Large John Airasian departs the Council after two terms (four years), and Lily Rayman-Read finished two-four year terms on the School Commmittee. John Airasian

The City Council bid Airasian farewell at its Dec. 9 meeting with a proclamation in honor of his years of service to the community.

Government

Newly Elected Watertown Officials to be Sworn in During Inauguration Ceremony

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The City of Watertown’s inauguration ceremony will take place on Jan. 2, 2026 at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. See more information from the City of Watertown, below. Please save the date for the City of Watertown’s upcoming Inauguration Ceremony of our newly elected members of the City Council, School Committee, and Library Board of Trustees. The ceremony will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. This event is sponsored by the City of Watertown and graciously hosted by the Mosesian Center for the Arts.