Government

Candidate Q&A: Mark Sideris

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Watertown News: Please provide a brief description of yourself: your family, profession, any other relevant information. Mark Sideris: I am married with 3 children who all sucessfully graduated from the Watertown public schools. I am also the proud grandfather of a 14 month old granddaughter. My brother and I own an auto body shop in Waltham. WN: Please tell us about what inspired you to run for City Council President, and what experiences you have that would help you serve on the Council. 

MS: I want to continue as council president so I can work with my colleagues on the council and the school committee to keep the city moving forward on a number of issues we are working on.

Government

Learn About Serving on the Human Rights Commission

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Human Rights Commission recently established by the City Council Ordinance 0-2023-66 per Home Rule Charter Section 2-11-Human Rights Commission. The Commission shall work to ensure that all persons enjoy equal opportunity to participate in local affairs, including but not limited to housing, employment, education, public accommodation, access to city services, insurance, credit, banking and health care, regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, age, religion, disability, health status, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic status, ex-offender status, genetic and/or “protected class” status. The Commission shall promote human rights in Watertown through outreach, dialogue, educational forums, the development of an Action Plan, serving as a resource to persons with concerns of discrimination within the City, recommending policies or resolutions for adoption by City Council, City Manager or other City departments, boards or commissions, providing annually a written report to the City Manager and City Council on the Commission’s activities and hold a public forum and other charges and responsibilities set forth in the Ordinance 0-2023-66. There are nine Commissioners appointed by the City Manager and there are liaisons from the Watertown Police Department, the School Department and one from the student body. To Apply 

Applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by Friday, December 8, 2023: by email to citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472.

Government

Early In-Person Voting Taking Place in Watertown This Week

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The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

In-Person Early Voting for the Watertown Municipal Election will be held at City Hall located at 149 Main Street, Watertown in the Philip Pane Lower Hearing Room on the ground floor on the following dates and hours:

Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

If you have any questions, visit the City Clerk’s office at City Hall during regular business hours, or call 617-972-6486. https://www.watertownmanews.com/2023/10/18/missed-the-school-committee-candidate-forum-see-it-here/

Watch Videos from This Week’s Council President Forums, Catch the School Committee Hopefuls Monday

Government

OP-ED: Truth or Consequences — The MBTA Communities Law

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By Clyde YoungerWatertown Resident & Candidate for City Council President

I prefix my comments by saying, without any hesitation, the Planning Department must be re organized. It is my firm belief the Department is misleading the citizens of Watertown. The change must begin at the top. I am not saying the Assistant City Manager/Director of Planning and Development should be fired; however, the Buck ends with this position. My recommendation is he should be laterally transferred into a different position within the administration.

Government

Main Street Residential & Retail Project Approved by Zoning Board

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The project planned for 104 Main St. was approve by the Zoning Board of Appeals. This is a view from Main Street. (Courtesy of O’Connor Capital Partners)

Developers of the project at 104 Main St. knocked a story off the project and widened the public walkway from Main Street to Pleasant Street, and received approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Government

City Seeks Applicants for Residents’ Advisory Committee

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

Government

Residents to Get a Tax Break, ARPA Proposals to be Heard, Complaints Aired About Roads

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Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

Watertown homeowners should see a reduction in their property tax bills in the next Fiscal Year, City Manager George Proakis shared with the City Council Tuesday night. The Council also heard about the dates when they will hear the proposed uses of the City’s ARPA funds, and complaints about a pair of road projects. Property Taxes

The Fiscal Year 2024 tax rates will be presented by the Town Assessor on Nov. 14, but Proakis provided a preview on a key highlight of the presentation at the Oct. 24 City Council meeting: a reduction of about 10 percent for the average Watertown residential property tax payer.

Government

Watertown City Budget Looks Strong in Current Fiscal Year, Next Year Could be Tighter

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Watertown City Manager George Proakis gave his second Preliminary Budget Overview on Tuesday. City officials got some unexpected good news from taxes generated by new development in the current fiscal year, but City Manager George Proakis said he remains cautious about the good financial times continuing. Tuesday night, Proakis updated the City Council about the current year’s budget, Fiscal Year 2024, and presented the Fiscal 2025 Preliminary Budget Overview. The revenues in FY24 came in $5.3 million above the projection when the budget was made last spring. However, the current bottom line for next year’s Watertown budget (FY25) is a $2.4 million shortfall.