Government

Pair of Candidate Forums to be Hosted by Watertown News, WCA-TV

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Come hear from the candidates in contested races in the 2023 Watertown Election during a pair of candidates forums.

Watertown Cable Access Television and Watertown News will team up to host a pair of in-person forums. The public is invited to attend, and the forums will be broadcast on Watertown Cable. The forum for the Council President candidates on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Watertown Free Public Library’s Watertown Savings Bank Room. Incumbent Mark Sideris is being challenged by former Council President Clyde Younger. The library is located at 123 Main St.

Government

Save the Date: Watertown Square Planning Meetings

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Save These Dates for the Watertown Square Area Planning Events. The City will hold a public launch event for the Watertown Square Area Plan on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. On November 28 through 30, 2023 the City will hold a Design Charrette for the planning effort. Please save these dates so you can participate in this exciting initiative to reimagine Watertown Square! The Watertown Square Area Plan will address all aspects of how the City’s “downtown” works—including transportation, housing, public spaces and sustainability.

Government

UPDATED: This Week – Main Street Project WILL NOT be at ZBA, Council Making Multiple Votes, Snow Shoveling Ordinance & More

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The latest rendering of the proposed project at 104 Main St. It now has five stories, after previously having half a dozen stories. (Courtesy of O’Connor Management)

(UPDATE: The project at 104 Main St. will not be heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals Wednesday night). The final week of September is a busy one for local government in Watertown, with the project at 104 Main St.

Government

Sen. Brownsberger Appearing at 2 Community Events This Week

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State Sen. Will Brownsberger

State Sen. Will Brownsberger announced that he will be appearing at a pair of events in Watertown this week. Sen. Brownsberger’s office provided the following announcement:

Watertown Farmer’s Market – 9/20Senator Brownsberger and staff will host a table at the Watertown Farmer’s Market. The farmer’s market offers access to the local food system, fosters community connections through partner programs, and promotes healthy eating and lifestyles. Stop by to connect with our office, share a concern or learn about some state resources. Where: Saltonstall Park on Thaxter St, Watertown, MA 02472Date: Wednesday, September 20thTime: 2:30 PM-6:30 PM

Watertown Faire on the Square – 9/23The Senator’s office will also host a table at the 24th annual Watertown Faire on the Square. The event has something for everyone – live entertainment, exhibitors, a kid’s zone and food court & beer garden. Come by our table to say hello or have a chat.

Government

City Bulking Up Cyber Security After Council Approves Funding

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(Courtesy of City of Watertown)

The internet can be a treacherous place where identities can be stolen, scams are perpetrated, and websites get hacked. Watertown will take steps to keep the City’s websites secure, and up and running by increasing cybersecurity. On Sept. 12, the City Council approved funding to increase protection on municipal websites and networks. City Manager George Proakis told the City Council that he supports the efforts of Watertown’s Chief Information Officer Chris McClure.

Government

Residents Wanted to Serve on Environment & Energy Efficiency, Public Arts & Culture Committees

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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 Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, and also on the Public Arts & Culture Committee. 

Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee shall 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 Town 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; whenever possible and desirable, coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes. The Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee meets the first Monday of each month. 

Public Arts & Culture Committee

The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee’s mission is to provide access to arts and culture to all Watertown residents and visitors through inclusive public projects that honor and engage cultural experiences across generations, identities, and geographies. We believe in the revelatory power of arts and culture to encourage contemplation, inspire new ideas, and spark dialogue. 

Interested applicants for both committees 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.

Government

New Public Pedestrian Path to Go from Walnut St. to Arsenal St. Through Private Property

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A Google Map with the pedestrian path shown in green. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to get from Arsenal Street to Walnut Street through private property after the City Council approved an easement agreement with the owners of the property. On Tuesday night, the City Council approved the agreement between the City and the owners of the property at 85 Walnut Street — BP3-BOS4 250 Arsenal Place LLC — for the pedestrian path, as well as for a sewer line, said Assistant City Manager Steve Magoon. The City will pay $1 for the easement according to the agreement. The path runs to Walnut Street through a pocket park, then goes through the parking lot of the 85 Walnut St.

Government

Watertown Hires First Human Resources Director

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Colleen Doyle has been hired as Watertown’s first Human Resources Director. (Courtesy of the City of Watertown)

The City of Watertown hired the new, and first, director of the Human Resources Department. The department replaces the Personnel Department. The City sent out the following announcement of the new hire:

City Manager George Proakis is pleased to announce that Colleen Doyle will join Watertown on Oct. 12, 2023 as the City’s first Director of our new Human Resources department.