Government

City Buildings Closing Early for Storm, Council Meeting Postponed

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The City of Watertown sent out the following information:

The City Manager is closing City Hall, the Library, and the Senior Center at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, as storm conditions are expected to worsen this afternoon. All afterschool and evening recreation programs are also canceled. All items scheduled for this evening’s City Council meeting will be continued to a new meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 16th. As a reminder, a snow emergency went into effect at 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 14. On-street parking is banned, and cars left on the street are subject to towing.

Government

City Looking Keep Watertown’s Recyclables “Valuable,” Composting Program Successful So Far

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Watertown DPWCurbside composting toters, like the one on the left, were recently added to the Watertown trash and recycling program. Watertown’s trash and recycling contract is up for renewal, and City officials are trying to do more to reduce the amount of trash being thrown out and increase the amount of recycling as rates increase. Last week, the City Council approved the recommendations of the Department of Public Works as it works on the new contract. In the previous contract, Watertown was able to guarantee a rate for recycling, which would not depend on the market for recyclables. In recent years there have been large fluctuations in the prices, said Public Works Superintendent Greg St.

Government

City Manager Gives Outlook on Watertown’s Budget, Philosophy on Contract Negotiations

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Watertown City Manager George Proakis. This week, School officials announced an agreement on the Watertown teachers’ contract, but even when that is signed Watertown has six unions on the municipal side yet to be settled. This week, the City Manager revealed his philosophy when approaching these negotiations and how the City budget could impact the talks. He released a memo to the City Council outlining the contracts and the Watertown budget at Tuesday’s Council meeting. While making the budget, Proakis said he and his team are following the Council’s budget priorities, which include creating walkable neighborhoods and small business programs, improving infrastructure, using green vehicles, and upgrading parks and playgrounds.

Government

DATE CHANGE: West End City Councilor Emily Izzo Hosting Annual Public Meeting

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District D City Councilor Emily Izzo. As part of the changes to the Watertown Charter all City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public. City Councilor Emily Izzo, who represents the westside of the City, announced dates for her constituent meeting. See info below. Izzo announced the change of dates for the meeting:

Due to a conflicting event, I have changed the date of my annual councilor meeting.

Around Town

Longtime Former Town Manager Michael Driscoll Passes Away

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The man who led Watertown’s municipal government for nearly three decades, former Town Manager Michael Driscoll, passed away on Saturday. Driscoll worked for the Town, and now City, of Watertown for 45 years, beginning as the manager of the John A. Ryan Arena in 1977, became treasurer collector in 1985 before becoming Town Manager in 1994. He grew up in Woburn and lived in Watertown with his wife, Jane. He has three daughters and one step daughter: Amy, Allison, Aileen, and Sarah. 

The City of Watertown sent out a statement that read, in part: “We are saddened to share the news that former Watertown City Manager Michael Driscoll passed away early on February 11, 2023 after receiving treatment for cancer over the past year. …

Government

See How Much the City Proposes Charging New Developments to Fund Affordable Housing

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Watertown City Hall

The City of Watertown recently received approval from the state to charge linkage fees on new developments to raise money to create affordable housing. A zoning amendment has been proposed that would set the fee to be paid by new developments. The special legislation approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in December allows Watertown to charge up to $18 per square foot on projects over 30,000 sq. ft. The exact amount must be set by amending the Watertown Zoning Ordinance.

Government

Watertown City Councilor Elected to Mass. Municipal Councilor’s Association Board

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Lisa Feltner seeks re-election as District B Town Councilor. District B City Councilor Lisa Feltner has been elected to serve on the board of the Massachusetts Municipal Councilor’s Association. The group provides opportunities councilors to network and share ideas, pursue educational opportunities, meet with state leaders and subject-matter experts, and participate in the advocacy work of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). The following announcement was provided by the MMA:

Member groups representing the state’s mayors, councillors, town managers and administrators, and select board members elected their 2023 officers at their annual business meetings held during the recent Massachusetts Municipal Association’s (MMA) Annual Meeting & Trade Show in Boston. Women Elected Municipal Officials (WEMO) also named its 2023 Steering Committee at its annual Leadership Luncheon during the MMA Annual Meeting.

Government

City Councilor John Airaisan Hosting Annual Public Meeting

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Councilor At-Large John Airasian. As part of the changes to the Watertown Charter all City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public. City Councilor At-Large John Airasian announced dates for his constituent meeting. See info below. Join City Councilor John Airasian at his Individual Annual City Councilor Meeting on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the Watertown Police Station Community/Training room, 552 Main St., Watertown.