Watertown, MA

Zoning Board

Zoning Board

Community Preservation

The Community Preservation Committee will conduct a CPA presentation followed by breakout groups organized by CPA category. The meeting includes a period for open public comment.

• CPA Presentation
• Breakout Groups by CPA Category

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will consider several license applications for businesses on Arsenal Street, Main Street, and Mt Auburn Street. The board will also conduct show cause hearings for two entities. The meeting includes a follow-up on an incident involving Joyful Garden.

• Common Victualer License application for Halva Mediterranean Grill at 55 Main St
• Auto Repair License application for Victory Auto Service at 250 Orchard Street
• Wine and Malt and Common Victualer License transfer for Buff's Burgers and Wings at 46 Arsenal St
• Show cause hearings for New Watertown Lodge Land Trust (520 Pleasant St) and Ixtapa Mexican Grill And Cantina (18 Mt Auburn Street)
• Change of hours application for Shake Shack at 106 Arsenal Yards Blvd

Stormwater Advisory Committee

Tree Warden

The Watertown Department of Public Works will hold a public hearing to consider requests to remove five public trees identified by the Tree Warden. The trees are located on Channing Road, Elmwood Ave, Fairview Ave, and Webster St. Residents may submit written objections before or during the hearing.

• WT-2385-INV – Norway Maple, 26” DBH, 111 Channing Road
• WT-1951-INV – Lacebark Elm, 12” DBH, 10 Elmwood Ave
• WT-2292-INV – Kwanzan Cherry, 5” DBH, 4-6 Fairview Ave
• WT-225-INV – Japanese Pagoda, 26” DBH, 98 Webster St

Historic District Commission

The Commission will hold public hearings regarding two properties on Mt. Auburn St. The body will consider requests for certificates of appropriateness for window removals and residential development changes.

• Public hearing for 235 Mt. Auburn St. regarding the removal of two rear windows
• Public hearing for 72 Mt. Auburn St. regarding a new 7-unit residential building and site plan changes
• Review and acceptance of April 16, 2026, meeting minutes

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The committee will meet to review subcommittee reports and discuss the Summer Concert Series. The agenda also includes a discussion on public relations.

• Subcommittee Reports
• Summer Concert Series reports

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The Public Arts and Culture Committee will meet to review the timeline for the Edible Plants project. This is the only substantive item listed on the agenda.

• Review of Edible Plants project timeline

School Committee

Board of Assessors

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

Developer Community Meeting

The Watertown Planning and Zoning Boards are holding a public information meeting required by the zoning ordinance to present the proposed 3‑story, 9‑unit multi‑family building with a ground‑floor parking garage at 6 & 12‑14 Church Hill Street. The project team will share site context, plans, and answer community questions. No formal application or public hearing is scheduled at this meeting.

• Proposed 3‑story, 9‑unit multi‑family building with ground‑floor parking at 6 & 12‑14 Church Hill Street
• Public information meeting required by the Watertown Zoning Ordinance
• Meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, 6:30‑7:30 pm at Lower Hearing Room, Watertown City Hall, 149 Main St
• Project team: Community Matters Consultants, LP (contact Mike Mena)
• Purpose: present project details and allow community questions; no decisions will be made

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

Residents’ Advisory Committee

BioSafety Committee

BioSafety Committee

City Council

Historical Commission

School Committee

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

School Building Committee

Licensing Board

Community Preservation

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The committee will meet to discuss various programs and new project ideas. The agenda includes discussions regarding outreach event programs.

• Program Discussion
• Outreach Event Programs
• New Project Ideas

Board of Assessors

Zoning Board

Zoning Board

Historic District Commission

Residents’ Advisory Committee

BioSafety Committee

BioSafety Committee

City Council

Historical Commission

School Committee

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

Board of Health

School Building Committee

Board of Health

Board of Health

Community Preservation

City Council

Zoning Board

Zoning Board

Historic District Commission

Public Arts and Culture Committee

Board of Assessors

BioSafety Committee

BioSafety Committee

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

School Committee

Residents’ Advisory Committee

Historical Commission

City Council

Community Preservation

School Committee

Board of Health

Board of Health

Board of Health

School Building Committee

Historic District Commission

Board of Assessors

City Council

Zoning Board

Residents’ Advisory Committee

BioSafety Committee

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

City Council

Historical Commission

School Committee

School Building Committee

Community Preservation

City Council

Board of Assessors

Historic District Commission

Residents’ Advisory Committee

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

School Committee

City Council

Historical Commission

Community Preservation

Historic District Commission

Board of Assessors

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

Historical Commission

Community Preservation

Community Preservation

Community Preservation

Board of Assessors

Historic District Commission

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

Historical Commission

Community Preservation

Board of Assessors

Historic District Commission

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

Community Preservation

Community Preservation

Community Preservation

Community Preservation

Community Preservation

City Council

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust will review draft rules of practice, consider a funding request for site acquisition at 108 Water Street, and vote to enter an executive session regarding real property negotiations.

• Review of Draft Rules of Practice and Procedure
• Funding request from Metro West Collaborative Development for 108 Water Street
• Vote to enter executive session for real property negotiations
• Acceptance of June 16, 2026 meeting minutes
• Staff updates on development projects and CPC applications

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will review and vote on whether to submit updated committee protocols to the City Manager. The meeting includes reports from the Sustainability and Energy Managers, including a presentation on a heat pump incentive program.

• Vote on submission of updated committee protocols
• Presentation by Energy Advocate Em Schule on Heat Pump Coach & Incentive Program
• Discussion of ordinance updates

Developer Community Meeting

The Watertown Developer Community Meeting on July 20, 2026 will present the proposed addition to St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School. The project team will describe demolition of the existing structure at 56/58 Elton Avenue, a roughly 31,360‑square‑foot addition, and related site and circulation improvements. Attendees may ask questions and provide comments before the formal application and public hearing before the Planning Board.

• Demolition of existing structure at 56/58 Elton Ave
• ≈31,360 sq ft addition to the school on Elton Ave and Bigelow Ave
• Site and circulation improvements at 46 & 56/58 Elton Ave and 61 Bigelow Ave
• Public information presentation by project team and opportunity for community comments
• Meeting precedes formal application and Planning Board hearing

Community Preservation

City Council: Committee on Human Services

The Committee on Human Services will discuss the reappointment of members to the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust and the Council on Aging. These discussions involve terms expiring in May and June of 2029.

• Reappoint Cliff Cook to the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust (term expires June 30, 2029)
• Reappoint James O'Connor to the Council on Aging (term expires May 15, 2029)
• Reappoint Helen Oliver to the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust (term expires June 30, 2029)

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss a legal opinion regarding an Open Meeting Law complaint. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Review of legal opinion on Open Meeting Law complaint

Conservation Commission

The Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent for the redevelopment of warehouse buildings and site improvements at 59 Clarendon Street. The Commission will also discuss its Rules of Practice and Procedure, elect annual officers, and receive updates on Arsenal Park.

• Public hearing: 59 Clarendon Street warehouse redevelopment
• Annual election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Arsenal Park recreation shed update

School Building Committee

The committee will review progress, schedules, and upcoming milestones for the High School and Middle School projects. The meeting includes votes on monthly invoices for June 2026 and a change order for the High School project budget.

• High School Project: Approval of June 2026 monthly invoices
• High School Project: Total project budget update and vote on a change order
• Middle School Project: Approval of June 2026 monthly invoices
• Middle School Project: Design phase update

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will hear from guest speakers from the Watertown Recreation Department and All Out Adventures. The meeting includes several status updates regarding street intersections, sidewalk issues, and ADA signage.

• Sons of Italy ADA Accessibility Complaint Update
• Waverly-Belmont Street Intersection update
• Arsenal Street Trees & Sidewalk issue update
• Arsenal Park Amphitheater Path Surface update
• Curb Cut on Sidewalk at Watertown Mall (550 Arsenal Street)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to review the draft minutes from May 20, 2026. The agenda includes a permit application review for Resonance Life Sciences at 155 Arlington Street and a vote on a tobacco violation hearing for Main Street Mobile at 320 Main Street.

• Permit application review: Resonance Life Sciences, 155 Arlington Street
• Tobacco violation hearing and determination vote: 320 Main Street (Main Street Mobile)

City Council

The City Council will vote on several public hearings including a $750,000 loan for a fire engine and utility location grants. The meeting also includes multiple resolutions to transfer funds between various city accounts.

• $750,000 loan order for a Fire Department fire engine
• Eversource grant of location for Main Street at Whites Avenue bus stop improvements
• Eversource grant of location for utility pole relocation on Chapman Street
• Transfer of $1,250,200 from personnel accounts to capital improvements
• Transfer of $1,700,000 from debt services and council reserve to stabilization accounts

City Council: Committee on Parks and Recreation

The Committee on Parks and Recreation will discuss the appointment of three members to the Conservation Commission. Each proposed member is assigned a specific term expiration date.

• Appoint Erica Holm to the Conservation Commission (term expires February 15, 2029)
• Appoint Ian Edwards-Clancy to the Conservation Commission (term expires February 15, 2027)
• Appoint Rachel Slater to the Conservation Commission (term expires February 15, 2028)

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The committee will review the status of the Arlington-Nichols-Greenway intersection implementation and recap a LiveWell Watertown event. Discussion topics include updating Rules & Orders and potential new branding or subcommittee collaborations.

• Arlington-Nichols-Greenway intersection implementation update
• LiveWell Watertown collaboration recap
• Rules & Orders document update
• Mass Central Rail Trail entrance update

Cultural District Partnership

The partnership is reviewing past events including the Creative Chats conference and PorchFest. Members are also discussing outreach metrics, business partnerships, and preparations for the Mass 250th Celebration.

• Review of Art Pop-ups scheduled for July 11 and July 25
• Discussion of potential partners including Watertown Square small businesses and East End entities
• Update on joining the Greater Boston regional tourism council
• Planning for the Mass 250th Celebration in 2026

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will review staff reports regarding website design and FY26/FY27 budget updates. The meeting includes discussion on immigration enforcement, a recent complaint, and several upcoming local events.

• FY26 & FY27 Budget Updates
• Identification of HRC Member to Address Recent Complaint
• Immigration Enforcement Update & HRC Statement on the Supreme Court TPS Ruling
• Farmer's Market: July 22, 2026
• Faire on the Square: September 19, 2026

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to review previous meeting minutes and conduct a public hearing. The commission will determine if the house at 34 Gleason St. is preferably preserved and if a demolition delay should be imposed.

• Public hearing for 34 Gleason St. regarding preservation and potential demolition delay
• Review and acceptance of June 17, 2026, meeting minutes

City Council: Committee on Public Safety

The Committee on Public Safety will meet to discuss the Watertown Police Drone Program. No other business or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion on the Watertown Police Drone Program

Residents’ Advisory Committee

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet to conduct administrative business and review a pending case. The meeting includes officer elections and the continued discussion of a signage master plan for 66 Galen St.

• Officer elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Sign Special Permit for 66 Galen St regarding a Signage Master Plan and signs above 20' height

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will meet remotely to discuss preparations for the August 8 Arts Market at Arsenal Park. The agenda includes volunteer coordination, survey distribution, and updates to digital assets such as the website and social media.

• Arts Market on August 8 at Arsenal Park
• Flash Survey and Market Survey distribution
• WCC website and social media updates
• WCC Google Drive report storage

BioSafety Committee

The Biosafety Committee will meet remotely to review a permit application for Resonance Life Sciences located at 155 Arlington Street. The meeting also includes the approval of draft minutes from the June 4, 2026, meeting.

• Permit review: Resonance Life Sciences – 155 Arlington Street
• Approval of draft minutes from June 4, 2026

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will hold a remote meeting to review prior minutes and receive a report from the Director. The agenda also includes an opportunity for public comments.

• Director’s Report: COA Updates
• Public Comments

Board of Library Trustees

The Board will review financial reports including the FY26 and FY27 budgets. Members will also consider using the library as a polling place and review the 2027 Gallery Booking presentation.

• FY26 Budget report
• FY27 Budget report
• Burke Fund Report
• HATCH Financials
• Action on using the library as a polling place

BioSafety Committee

City Council: Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee

The committee will review and vote on its written rules and regulations. Members will also discuss the status and future plan for the Solid Waste Ordinance.

• Vote on Committee Rules and Regulations
• Discussion of Solid Waste Ordinance progress

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will meet remotely to discuss several ongoing matters. The agenda includes updates on immigration enforcement actions, special education developments, and a recent complaint filed with the commission.

• Update on Immigration Enforcement Actions and Possible Response
• Update on Special Education Developments and Community Discussions
• Update on Recent Complaint Filed and Next Steps for the HRC

The commission members reviewed a draft statement on recent ICE activity and a motion was made to approve it, but the minutes do not record a vote outcome. Jenna Bancroft agreed to speak with other staff liaisons to find ways the commission can address complaints without convening the full group. Mel Poindexter offered to handle the current special‑education complaint if no other member volunteers by July 13. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.

• Motion to approve immigration‑enforcement statement made by Corey Barr, seconded by Xin Peng (outcome not recorded)
• Jenna Bancroft to consult staff liaisons on handling complaints without full commission meetings
• Mel Poindexter to step in on special‑education complaint response if no other volunteer by July 13

Human Rights Commission

Human Rights Commission

Community Preservation

The committee will review the draft CPA Annual Report 2026 and discuss the annual public hearing program. The agenda also includes a coordinator update regarding CPA funds and project status tracking.

• Acceptance of May 21, 2026 minutes
• Coordinator update on CPA funds and project financial tracking
• Election of CPC Chair
• Discussion of Draft CPA Annual Report 2026
• Discussion of Annual Public Hearing Program

School Committee

The School Committee will meet for an executive session to discuss a complaint concerning the Director of Student Services, Kathleen Desmarais. The meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

• Executive session discussion regarding a complaint against Kathleen Desmarais, Director of Student Services

Historic District Commission

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review updated Rules of Practice and Procedure and consider nominations for officers. A developer will present a modified site plan for 550 Arsenal St following previous board approval.

• Review of updated Rules of Practice and Procedure
• Nomination and consideration of Board Officers
• Developer presentation of a modified site plan for 550 Arsenal St

The Zoning Board of Appeals accepted a modified site plan for the National Development project at 550 Arsenal St. The board also approved the May 27, 2026, meeting minutes and revised its Rules of Practice and Procedure.

• Approved May 27, 2026, meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved revised Rules of Practice and Procedure (5-0)
• Accepted updated site plan for 550 Arsenal St (4-0)

Traffic Commission

The Commission will review several requests to prohibit parking on Belmont Street, Pierce Road, Whites Avenue, and Irving Street. Members will also discuss safety improvements at the Watertown Greenway and Cottage Street intersection and potential new speed limit regulations.

• Parking prohibition request: south side of Belmont Street
• Parking prohibition request: east side of Pierce Road near #36 Pierce Road
• Parking prohibition request: west side of Whites Avenue near Summer Street
• Safety improvements at Watertown Greenway and Cottage Street intersection
• Parking prohibition request: west side of Irving Street from North Beacon Street

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will meet via Zoom to consider special one-day event requests. The agenda includes a FIFA Watch Party at 47 Nichols Ave scheduled for several dates in June and July 2026.

• FIFA Watch Party at 47 Nichols Ave (June 27, July 11, July 18, and July 19, 2026)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review and consider several tax-related warrants. The agenda includes votes for the May 26, 2026, meeting minutes and various property warrants.

• Acceptance of May 26th, 2026, minutes
• Preliminary Real Estate Warrant
• Preliminary Personal Property Warrant
• Motor Vehicle Excise Warrant 2026-3

City Council

The City Council will deliberate on the City Manager contract for George Proakis and a salary amendment. The meeting includes multiple resolutions regarding fund transfers for police vehicles, capital projects, and fire department equipment.

• Approval of City Manager contract for George Proakis
• Ordinance to amend the City Manager's salary
• $246,000 transfer from Police Salary accounts to Police Vehicle Replacement account
• $445,000 transfer to Public Buildings for Photovoltaic Array Installation
• $373,000 transfer to Public Buildings for Parker Renovations

City Council

The Committee on Education and School System will meet to discuss two board member appointments. The discussion involves appointing Adrienne Roberts and Lyndsay Graham to the Watertown Cable Access Corporation Board of Directors.

• Appointment of Adrienne Roberts to the Watertown Cable Access Corporation Board (term expires September 15, 2027)
• Appointment of Lyndsay Graham to the Watertown Cable Access Corporation Board (term expires September 15, 2029)

City Council: Committee on Human Services

The Committee on Human Services will discuss several appointments to the Council on Aging. The discussion includes one new appointment and two reappointments for terms expiring May 15, 2029.

• Appoint Phyllis Perrone to the Council on Aging
• Reappoint Ryan Nicholson to the Council on Aging
• Reappoint James O'Connor to the Council on Aging

City Council: Committee on Economic Development and Planning

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning will continue its review of proposed changes to the current Demolition Delay Ordinance submitted by the City Manager. The meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2026.

• Continued review of the City Manager's proposed changes to the Demolition Delay Ordinance

City Council: Committee on Economic Development and Planning

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning will discuss several board appointments. These include new members and a reappointment for the Cultural Council and the Historical Commission.

• Appoint Simone Worsdale to the Cultural Council (term expires May 15, 2027)
• Appoint Kevin Lee to the Historical Commission (term expires October 1, 2026)
• Reappoint Phyllis Perrone to the Cultural Council (term expires May 15, 2029)

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will review the fiscal year 2026 budget, including a surplus transfer that funds prepaid tuition for next school year. Members will vote on handbook updates that change rules for student conduct, wellness programs, and staff social media use. An executive session will address compensation strategies for district managers and hourly workers.

• FY26 budget update and transfer of surplus funds to FY27 prepaid tuition
• First reading of policy changes on student ceremonies, staff social media conduct, and wellness standards
• Second reading and vote on handbook revisions for elementary schools, Watertown High School, and district Part II policies
• Vote on non-aligned cost of living and salary adjustments for directors and managers
• Executive session to discuss bargaining strategy for non-aligned hourly employees and administrative staff

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to vote on non-aligned salary adjustments and the FY26 budget. The agenda includes several policy readings regarding school handbooks and staff conduct.

• Non-aligned cost of living and salary adjustments
• FY26 Budget update
• FY26 Budget surplus to FY27 prepaid tuition transfer
• First reading of WMS Handbook, IMD, IJNDD, and ADF policies
• Second reading and vote on Elementary, WHS, and WPS Handbooks

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The committee is reviewing reports from various project teams including the Community Sculpture Walk and Edible Watertown. Discussion includes updates on light murals in Coolidge Square and a planned retreat for October 26th.

• Light murals in Coolidge Square signage and benches update
• Summer Concert Series DJ confirmed for 8/26
• River of Light event scheduled for January 16, 2026
• Treaty Day event scheduled for July 18th
• Proposed outreach forums on 9/24 and 9/30

Community Preservation

Licensing Board

The Watertown Licensing Board will discuss a state pilot program allowing licensed venues to extend closing times by one hour through July 31, 2026. The board will review special requests from multiple businesses for later operating hours and vote on amendments to its own rules and regulations. It will also process license category changes, manager updates, and hear a show-cause case.

• Discussion of House Bill 5482 pilot extending liquor license hours through July 31, 2026
• Special requests from Bottleneck Watertown LLC (91 Arsenal Yards) and Donohue Holdings Inc. (87 Bigelow Ave) for extended closing times
• License application to change Red Lentil LLC (600 Mt Auburn St) category to all alcoholic beverages
• Vote on amendments to the board’s rules and regulations
• Show-cause hearing for Jalapeno Enterprises Inc dba Ixtapa Mexican Grill And Cantina (18 Mt Auburn Street)

Stormwater Advisory Committee

The committee will review minutes from the May 28 meeting and receive status updates on resident member recruiting and ongoing management projects. Members will also vote on leadership positions and review draft procedures.

• Approval of May 28, 2026, meeting minutes
• Status update on resident member recruiting
• Update on June 10, 2026, 7th grade stormwater walk
• Vote on Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Review of draft committee procedures and protocol

Historical Commission Preliminary Review

The Historical Commission will conduct preliminary reviews for two demolition projects. The Chair and one Commissioner will determine if the buildings are significant or if the applications must proceed to a full Commission hearing.

• 98 Westminster: Garage demolition without permit
• 27 Gilbert Street: Demolition of existing two family structure

The Historical Commission Chair and designee concluded preliminary reviews for demolition applications at 98 Westminster Avenue and 27 Gilbert Street. For both properties, the commission determined that no public hearing is necessary and the demolition applications may proceed.

• Demolition of garage at 98 Westminster Ave may proceed
• Demolition of two-family dwelling at 27 Gilbert Street may proceed

Commission on Disability

The Commission will hear from guest speaker Michelle Moon regarding open space and community design. The meeting includes reports on various accessibility topics such as sidewalk issues, signage, and pedestrian signals.

• Sons of Italy ADA Accessibility Complaint
• Waverly-Belmont Street Intersection update
• Arsenal Street Trees & Sidewalk issue
• Arsenal Park Amphitheater Path Surface
• Curb Cut on Sidewalk at Watertown Mall (550 Arsenal Street)

School Building Committee

The committee will review progress and financial updates for the High School and Middle School projects. This includes approving monthly invoices for both school projects.

• Approval of May 2026 High School Project monthly invoices
• High School Project progress, budget, and schedule update
• Approval of Middle School Project invoices
• Middle School Project design review update

Board of Health

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to review plans regarding a demolition delay imposed on January 9, 2026. The commission may hold a vote concerning the property at 22 Stoneleigh Circle.

• Review and potential vote on demolition delay for 22 Stoneleigh Circle

The Watertown Historical Commission voted 4-0 to lift an 18-month demolition delay on the property at 22 Stoneleigh Circle. The approval requires the owner to submit revised site plans and replicate existing architectural features like front columns, white window frames, and stucco gables. Existing brick must be reused where possible. This decision allows renovation work to proceed while preserving the home’s historic character for the neighborhood.

• Accepted May 14, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Lifted 18-month demolition delay for 22 Stoneleigh Circle with preservation conditions (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:50 p.m. (unanimous)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will meet remotely to discuss its current activities and next steps. The agenda includes planning for an action plan, upcoming events, and a logo celebration.

• Discussion of Human Rights Commission Activities & Next Steps
• Discussion of Action Plan & Next Steps
• Upcoming Events & Preparation
• Logo Celebration Planning

The Human Rights Commission talked about presenting its new logo at the School Committee meeting on June 22 and honoring the winning student. Members will review a summary document of the Commission's work at the next meeting and may share it with the City Council. The Commission also discussed participation in the Farmer’s Market, Faire on the Square, and a larger Human Rights Day event planned for December.

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust will hold a hearing regarding fund allocations for property improvements at 1060 Belmont St. The meeting also includes an update on the Affordable Housing Incentives Study and a vote to enter executive session.

• Hearing: $112,035 in FY26 and $107,000 in FY27 funds for 1060 Belmont St
• Update: Affordable Housing Incentives Study
• Executive Session: Real property purchase, exchange, lease or value

Human Rights Commission

The Commission will discuss several upcoming community events, including Indigenous People's Day funding and the Watertown Farmer's Market. Members will also receive a fiscal year 2026 budget update and discuss immigration enforcement.

• Indigenous People's Day Funding Request
• Human Rights Commission Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Update
• Watertown Farmer's Market- July 22nd
• Finalizing Human Rights Commission Logo & Announcement on June 22nd
• Treaty Day 2026

The Human Rights Commission approved a $100 gift‑card for the logo contest (7‑0). It approved payment of a $1,500 invoice for an Indigenous People’s Day chef (6‑1, 1 abstain). It authorized up to $650 for merchandise featuring the new logo (8‑0). It also approved co‑sponsorship of the city’s Treaty Day celebration (7‑1, 1 abstain) and decided not to renew its IAHA membership for 2026‑7.

• Approved $100 gift‑card for logo contest winner (7‑0)
• Approved $1,500 payment for Indigenous People’s Day chef invoice (6‑1, 1 abstain)
• Approved up to $650 for merchandise with new logo (8‑0)
• Approved co‑sponsorship of Treaty Day celebration (7‑1, 1 abstain)
• Decided not to renew IAHA membership for 2026‑7

Department of Community Development & Planning

Storage & Distribution Group LLC will present a proposed industrial mixed-use redevelopment project. The plan includes constructing a 5+ story self-service storage building and a single story industrial building to relocate a current tenant.

• Redevelopment of 60-80 Coolidge Avenue (aka 59 Clarendon Street)
• Construction of a 5+ story self-service storage building
• Construction of a single story industrial building

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee will discuss draft protocols due to the City Manager by July 1st and work to fill a committee vacancy. The Sustainability Manager will also present on the Heat Pump Coach & Incentive Program and ordinance updates.

• Discussion of draft WE3C committee protocols
• Recruitment for a WE3C vacancy
• Heat Pump Coach & Incentive Program discussion
• Ordinance updates

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee will discuss and vote on several school policies. Topics include the Middle School Handbook, student restraint policies, and various technology-related regulations.

• Middle School Handbook discussion and vote
• JKAA Time-Out, Seclusion, and Restraint of Students discussion and vote
• Review of five digital resource and technology policies
• Process for adding items to School Committee Meeting Agendas

City Council: Committee on Human Services

The Committee on Human Services will meet to discuss an Affordable Housing Incentives Study. No other business or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Affordable Housing Incentives Study discussion

School Committee

The subcommittee will review results from a Special Education/Student Services caregiver survey and listening session. Members will also preview draft documents regarding DEIB and a Special Education improvement strategy.

• Review of Special Education/Student Services Caregiver Survey and Listening Session Results
• Preview of Draft DEIB End-of-Year Report
• Preview of Draft Special Education Improvement Strategy

Cultural District Partnership

The partnership is discussing various organizational objectives including marketing, community development, and digital presence. The agenda includes items regarding budget reviews, website updates, and potential grant applications.

• Short term goals: rack cards, stickers, and webpage updates
• Mid term goals: district wide banners, partner directory, and SEO audit
• Community development: sponsorship/membership structure and grant research
• Long term goals: partnership with Boston and Cambridge marketing efforts

City Council: Committee on Public Works

The Committee on Public Works will discuss several member appointments for city committees. This includes a new appointment to the Stormwater Committee and reappointments to the Solid Waste & Recycling Committee.

• Appoint Christopher Coner to the Stormwater Committee through July 15, 2027
• Reappoint Eileen Ryan to the Solid Waste & Recycling Committee through May 15, 2029
• Reappoint Russ Arico to the Solid Waste & Recycling Committee through May 15, 2029

City Council: Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss metrics for achieving a 2030 goal and strategies to expand the Swap Shop volunteer pool. Members will also address the status and plan for moving forward with the Solid Waste Ordinance.

• Discussion of 2030 goal metrics: total tons of solid waste or 50% diversion rate
• Strategy to expand Swap Shop volunteer pool
• Status and progress plan for the Solid Waste Ordinance

Residents’ Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to accept the minutes from May 6, 2026, and discuss community outreach topics. An executive session is scheduled regarding employment or appointment applicants.

• Acceptance of May 6, 2026 minutes
• Outreach discussion including Civics Academy Graduation, Farmers' Market, and Faire on the Square
• Executive Session to consider or interview applicants for employment or appointment

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will conduct a remote meeting to review prior minutes and receive a report from the Director. The agenda also includes an opportunity for public comments.

• Director’s Report: COA Updates
• Public Comments

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct officer elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. The meeting includes a progress update on an extension request for 532/560 Pleasant St and a continuance request for a sign permit at 66 Galen St.

• Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Extension request for 532/560 Pleasant St (PB 2022-02 SP/SR)
• Sign Special Permit request for 66 Galen St
• Continuance request for 66 Galen St to July 8, 2026

The Planning Board approved a two-year extension for the life sciences project at 532/560 Pleasant Street, moving the expiration date to November 25, 2028. The decision includes a requirement for the developer to provide progress updates every six months. Minutes approval and officer elections were postponed until future meetings.

• Approved two-year extension for 532/560 Pleasant St to November 25, 2028 (5-0)
• Required six-month progress updates for 532/560 Pleasant St project (5-0)
• Postponed approval of May 13 minutes until July 8 meeting
• Deferred officer elections to a future meeting
• Granted continuance for 66 Galen St to July 8, 2026 (5-0)

Cultural Council

The Council will review April minutes and discuss updates to the handbook and flash survey status. The agenda also includes planning for an Arts Market at Arsenal Park on August 8.

• Review of Grantee Reception recap
• Handbook updates
• Arts Market on August 8 at Arsenal Park

The Council approved the April 2026 minutes. Discussion focused on preparations for the upcoming Arts Market on August 8 and updates to the WCC handbook and website.

• Approved April 2026 minutes (all in favor)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an Eversource application to install conduit near North Beacon Street for a MassDOT traffic project. Members will also consider two fund transfers totaling $3,754,600, including $3 million for Watertown Middle School feasibility planning and $754,600 from the City Council Reserve to capital projects. Additional items include a first reading on a proposed ordinance setting the city manager’s salary, amendments to the noise ordinance regarding lawn maintenance times, and reappointments to the Traffic Commission and Council on Aging.

• Public hearing and vote on Eversource location grant for conduit installation near North Beacon Street and Alfred Road as part of a MassDOT project
• Resolution to transfer $754,600 from the City Council Reserve to various Fiscal Year 2026 capital projects
• Resolution to transfer $3,000,000 from the Watertown Middle School Stabilization account to fund feasibility planning for the school
• First reading on a proposed ordinance establishing the city manager’s salary
• Recommendation for first reading of an amended noise ordinance updating allowed times for lawn maintenance activities

The City Council approved multiple fund transfers for capital projects, the middle school, and community preservation. Additional actions included approving various city proclamations and a grant of location for Eversource.

• Adopted May 26 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Referred Watertown Police Drone request to Committee on Public Safety (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved Pride Proclamation (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved Juneteenth Proclamation (unanimous voice vote)
• Accepted Steve Magoon proclamation (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved Eversource grant of location for North Beacon Street conduit (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $754,600 transfer to FY2026 Capital Projects (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved $3,000,000 transfer for Watertown Middle School feasibility (unanimous roll call vote)

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee will meet to discuss and vote on several items including staff social media use and student restraint policies. The meeting also includes discussions regarding religious education and the ADF- Wellness Policy.

• Vote on Staff Social Media Use
• Update on JKAA Time-Out, Seclusion, and Restraint of Students
• Discussion of Religious Education
• Discussion of ADF- Wellness Policy

BioSafety Committee

The Biosafety Committee will meet remotely to review several permit applications and one amendment. The committee also plans to conduct a reorganization and vote.

• Permit review: Profound Therapeutics, Inc., 99 Coolidge Avenue
• Permit review: Ampersand Biomedicines, 99 Coolidge Avenue
• Permit review: Abiologics, 99 Coolidge Avenue
• Amendment review: StudioDx, 313 Pleasant Street #3
• Reorganization and vote

The BioSafety Committee recommended approval of Abiologics, Ampersand Biomedicines, and Profound applications to the Board of Health, each with the condition to update the Emergency Action Plan and add an employee to the CHP. The committee also approved the May 7 minutes with an edit, nominated Brad Parsons as Chairman of the WBSC, and decided that a PBMC application should be handled as a registration. The StudioDx amendment was noted as not requiring Board of Health review. The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 PM.

• Approved Abiologics application to BOH with conditions (5-0)
• Approved Ampersand Biomedicines application to BOH with conditions (5-0)
• Approved Profound application to BOH with conditions (5-0)
• Approved May 7, 2026 minutes with edit (5-0)
• Nominated Brad Parsons as Chairman of WBSC (5-0)
• Determined PBMC application should be a registration (no vote recorded)
• Declared StudioDx amendment does not need BOH review (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review a request to close out an Order of Conditions for 99 Coolidge Avenue/DCR Bike Path. The meeting also includes a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan for 99 Coolidge Avenue and a presentation on carbon storage in trees at Whitney Hill Park.

• Certificate of Compliance Request for 99 Coolidge Avenue/DCR Bike Path (MassDEP filing #: 321-0187)
• Japanese Knotweed Management Plan for 99 Coolidge Avenue (MassDEP filing #: 321-0175)
• Presentation on carbon storage in Whitney Hill Park trees by Minerva Action Group, LLC

The Conservation Commission voted 4‑0 to issue a Certificate of Compliance closing out the Order of Conditions for the 99 Coolidge Avenue/DCR bike path. It also voted 4‑0 to accept a minor modification to the Order of Conditions allowing herbicide treatment for Japanese Knotweed at the same site. The May 6, 2026 minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 99 Coolidge Ave bike path (4-0)
• Accepted minor modification to Order of Conditions for Japanese Knotweed herbicide use (4-0)
• Approved May 6, 2026 minutes as amended (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council: Committee on Rules and Ordinances

The Committee on Rules and Ordinances will meet to discuss proposed local regulations. Discussion includes training materials for the Skip the Stuff Ordinance and a continuation of talks regarding a proposed Noise Ordinance.

• Review of proposed Skip the Stuff Ordinance training materials
• Continued discussion of a proposed Noise Ordinance

The Committee recommended a new Noise Ordinance to the City Council with updated lawn maintenance hours. They also voted to refer the matter of gas-powered lawn equipment to the committee for further study.

• Recommended Noise Ordinance to City Council for first reading (unanimous)
• Approved specific domestic and commercial lawn maintenance hours
• Referred gas-powered lawn equipment to the Committee for study (unanimous)

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees will review financial reports including the FY26 budget and Burke Fund. The meeting includes consideration of extending library hours for a World Cup Watch Party and updating the Library of Things policy.

• FY26 Budget report
• Burke Fund report
• HATCH Financials
• Extension of library hours for World Cup Watch Party
• Library of Things policy updates

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee will discuss and vote on student handbooks for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. This includes handbooks for elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as WPS Handbook Part II.

• Vote on Elementary School handbooks
• Vote on Middle School handbooks
• Vote on High School handbooks
• Vote on WPS Handbook Part II

School Committee

The School Committee will discuss a transition plan for the Director of Student Services and review various school handbooks. The meeting includes an executive session regarding strategy for non-aligned salaries and reports on enrollment and special education.

• Executive Session: Strategy regarding non-aligned salaries
• First Reading: Changes to Elementary, WMS, WHS, and WPS Handbooks
• Second Reading and Vote: BCA Ethics Policy
• Review of School Improvement Plans for Early Steps and Elementary Schools
• Update on Special Education Listening Sessions and Strategy Plan

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The committee will discuss roadway safety and enforcement with the Watertown Police Department Traffic Division. The agenda includes updates on the Arlington-Nichols-Greenway intersection and potential collaboration items with the Open Space Senior Planner.

• Discussion on roadway safety/enforcement with Sergeant David Sampson
• Updates on DPW steps for Arlington-Nichols-Greenway intersection
• Recap of Get Out Your Bike event and discussion of June 16 guided ride
• Discussion regarding Mass Central Rail Trail entrance on Beaver Street
• Inquiry from resident on Cottage Street

School Committee

The School Committee will discuss a transition plan for the Director of Student Services and review various school handbooks. The meeting includes reports on enrollment, special education strategy, and school improvement plans.

• Executive Session regarding non-aligned salaries
• First reading of changes to Elementary, WMS, WHS, and WPS Handbooks
• Second reading and vote on BCA Ethics Policy
• Review of School Improvement Plans for Early Steps and Elementary Schools
• Discussion of Special Education Listening Sessions and Strategy Plan Update

City Council: Committee on Parks and Recreation

The Committee on Parks and Recreation will hold a discussion regarding the use of lights at Victory Field and other lighted fields during late evening hours. This is a continued discussion item.

• Discussion on use of lights at Victory Field and other lighted fields

Historical Commission Preliminary Review

The Historical Commission will conduct preliminary reviews of demolition and construction applications. These reviews determine if a building is significant or if the application must proceed to a full Commission hearing.

• 67 Walnut Street: demolish and rebuild detached 2 car garage
• 34 Gleason Street: demolish existing SF dwelling and build new SF dwelling
• 885 Belmont Street: demolish existing garage and construct new accessory dwelling unit

Historic District Commission

Stormwater Advisory Committee

The committee will review past meeting minutes and receive status updates on Copeland St. and other stormwater management projects. Members will also discuss the City Administrative Code, future operating methods, and anticipated funding needs.

• Status of Copeland St. and other ongoing Stormwater Management Projects
• Recruitment of resident members
• Discussion of future stormwater policies and funding needs
• Stormwater Walk with Watertown Middle School in June 2026

The committee approved the November 20, 2025, and February 19, 2026, meeting minutes. Discussions focused on resident recruitment, staff roles, and upcoming community outreach including a seventh-grade stormwater walk. Updates regarding Copeland Street and future operations were tabled.

• Approved November 20, 2025 minutes
• Approved February 19, 2026 minutes
• Tabled status of Copeland Street and ongoing projects
• Tabled discussion on future operations

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review administrative updates including rules of practice and officer nominations. The board will also consider two new special permit requests regarding a dormer addition and a two-family use conversion.

• 67 Capitol St: Special Permit finding for a 3rd floor dormer addition (PZ-26-10)
• 235 Mount Auburn St Lot A: Special Permit for a new two-family use in the SC Zoning District (PZ-26-9)
• Review and approval of updated Rules of Practice and Procedure
• Board nomination and consideration of Officers

The Board approved a special permit for a third-floor dormer addition at 67 Capitol St. It also approved a special permit to allow a new two-family use at 235 Mount Auburn St Lot A. The April meeting minutes were approved with requested changes.

• Approved April 22, 2026, meeting minutes with changes (5-0)
• Postponed vote on Rules of Practice and Board Nominations
• Approved conditional Special Permit for dormer addition at 67 Capitol St (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for new two-family use at 235 Mount Auburn St Lot A (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Human Rights Commission

The commission will discuss goals related to communication, community inroads, and engagement. The meeting includes a progress update report and planning for summer community events.

• Discussion of Human Rights Commission Needs Assessment Goals 1, 2, and 4
• Human Rights Commission Progress Update Report
• Plan for HRC Engagement in Community Events over the summer

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. The agenda also includes a resolution to transfer $1,887,000 from various debt accounts to capital projects. Additionally, the council will meet in executive session regarding City Manager contract negotiations.

• Public hearing and vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
• Resolution to transfer $1,887,000 to IT, Public Buildings, and City capital projects
• Executive session for City Manager contract negotiations
• Memorial Day Proclamation
• Confirmation of appointments to the Cultural Council and Stormwater Committee

The City Council approved a resolution to transfer $1,887,000 toward various capital projects and debt reduction. The council also adopted the May 12 meeting minutes and a Memorial Day Proclamation.

• Entered into Executive Session for City Manager contract negotiations (unanimous)
• Adopted May 12, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Memorial Day Proclamation (unanimous)
• Authorized $1,887,000 fund transfer to reduce debt and fund capital projects (unanimous)
• Approved employee interest exemptions for library roles (unanimous)

Tree Warden

The town will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed removal of several protected public shade trees. This process is required by Massachusetts General Laws for healthy trees. Residents may submit written objections to the Tree Warden.

• Removal of Acer rubrum at 71 Gleason Street
• Removal of Platanus occidentalis at 37 Fairfield Street
• Removal of Quercus velutina at 45 Holt Street
• Removal of Acer rubrum at 42 Frank Street

Board of Assessors

The Board will review and vote on the April 28, 2026, minutes and a motor vehicle warrant. The office update includes progress on personal property listing and first quarter bill preparation. The board will also enter executive session to discuss confidential exemption applications.

• Motor Vehicle Warrant 2020.9: $56.13
• Review of April 28, 2026, minutes
• Discussion and vote on exemption applications in executive session

Community Preservation

The committee will discuss the Walker Pond Development Phase II CPA application and the 2027 CPA budget approval. The agenda also includes a CPA annual public hearing and the acceptance of previous minutes.

• CPA Application - Walker Pond Development, Phase II
• 2027 CPA Budget Approval
• CPA Annual Public Hearing
• Acceptance of 2026-4-16 Draft CPC Minutes

The committee recommended $990,000 for the Walker Pond Phase II project with specific reporting conditions. Members also approved the FY 2027 CPA budget distribution and the April 16 meeting minutes.

• Recommended $990,000 for Walker Pond project (9-0)
• Approved FY 2027 CPA Budget allocation (9-0)
• Accepted April 16, 2026, draft minutes (9-0)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will review several one-day event requests for festivals and parties. The agenda also includes license applications for motor vehicle letting and farmer market alcohol sales, as well as various license renewals.

• Greek Festival at Hellenic Cultural Center (June 12-14)
• Annual Picnic and two Graduation Parties at St James Armenian Church
• Motor Vehicle letting application for Eurocraft MotorSports Inc
• Alcohol Sales at Farmer Market application for Stormalong Cider LLC
• Show Cause hearing for Perfection Plus LLC and Las Amigas

The Board granted several special one-day event permits and various license renewals. Inversiones Lizeth Corp (doing business as Las Amigas) was found in violation and issued a one-day suspension for July 2, 2026.

• Granted Hellenic Cultural Center Greek Festival permit
• Granted St James Armenian Church Annual Picnic permit
• Granted St James Armenian Church Graduation Party permit (June 13)
• Granted St James Armenian Church Graduation Party permit (June 20)
• Granted Eurocraft MotorSports Inc motor vehicle letting permit
• Granted Stormalong Cider LLC alcohol sales at Farmer Market permit
• Issued one-day suspension to Inversiones Lizeth Corp/Las Amigas for July 2, 2026
• Approved Second-Hand Dealer, Motor Vehicle Letting, Open-Air Parking, and Auto Repair renewals

Commission on Disability

The Commission will review several accessibility topics including street intersections, signage, and park paths. The meeting includes a guest speaker regarding training and outreach materials.

• Update on Waverly-Belmont Street Intersection
• ADA Signage update based on KMA Report
• Arsenal Street trees and sidewalk issue
• Arsenal Park Amphitheater path surface
• Accessible entrances at City Hall

The Commission reviewed various accessibility projects including City Hall signage, the Sons of Italy complaint, and upcoming playground features. The Commission approved the April meeting minutes and the treasurer's report.

• Approved April meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved treasurer's report (8-0)

School Building Committee

The committee will review progress, schedules, and upcoming milestones for the High School Project. Members are also asked to approve monthly invoices from April 2026 for both the High School and Middle School projects.

• High School Project: Approval of April 2026 monthly invoices
• High School Project: Progress update, budget update, change order vote, and schedule update
• Middle School Project: Approval of April 2026 monthly invoices

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review permit applications for Camp4 Therapeutics Corp. and Quintara Biosciences Inc. The meeting includes a hearing and vote regarding a tobacco violation at Bus Stop Variety on Galen Street and several requests for hen variance adjustments.

• Permit application: Camp4 Therapeutics Corp., 100 Talcott Avenue
• Permit application: Quintara Biosciences Inc., 65 Grove Street
• Tobacco violation hearing and vote: Bus Stop Variety, 121 Galen Street
• Hen variance: 179 Edenfield Avenue (setback reduction)
• Hen variance: 10 Jewett Street (coop placement and enclosure)

City Council: Committee on Public Safety

The Committee on Public Safety will discuss the reappointment of two members to the Traffic Commission. The discussion includes terms expiring May 15, 2029.

• Reappoint Daniel Grieneisen to the Traffic Commission
• Reappoint Robert Airasian to the Traffic Commission

The Committee on Public Safety approved the reappointment of two members to the Traffic Commission. Both terms are set to expire on May 15, 2029.

• Reappointed Daniel Grieneisen to the Traffic Commission (3-0)
• Reappointed Robert Airasian to the Traffic Commission (3-0)

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust will review minutes from the April 21, 2026 meeting and discuss a potential funding application for affordable housing site control. The agenda also includes updates on the Housing Plan 2026-2030, an incentives study, and local preference policy.

• Potential funding application to Community Preservation Committee for site control and pre-development reserve
• Housing Plan 2026-2030 update
• Affordable Housing Incentives Study update
• Local Preference policy update
• Executive session regarding real property negotiations

The Trust approved a motion to authorize staff to apply to the Community Preservation Committee for a pre-development reserve fund. This fund is intended to help developers secure site control and conduct initial due diligence. The April 21 meeting minutes were also approved.

• Approved April 21, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Authorized application for $530,000 CPC funding reserve (7-0)

School Committee

The School Committee will review school improvement plans for the Middle and High Schools. The meeting includes a vote on the BCA Ethics Policy and a Canobie Lake field trip.

• Vote on Canobie Lake Field Trip
• Second reading and vote on BCA Ethics Policy
• Approval of May 4, 2026, meeting minutes
• Review of existing educational technology policies

Human Rights Commission

The Commission will discuss sharing immigration enforcement data with the Watertown Police Department liaison. Members will also review a draft outline of activities for potential presentation to the City Council.

• Immigration enforcement and data sharing discussion
• FY26 Budget Update
• Funding Request: Indigenous People's Day 2026
• Human Rights Commission Final Logo discussion
• Review of activity outline from Sept. 2024 to May 2026

School Committee

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The committee will review the Public Art Policy and a public survey launch. Members will also receive reports on several community projects including the Community Sculpture Walk, Edible Watertown, WaterTunes, and River of Light.

• Public Art Policy review and vote
• Public Survey launch
• Community Sculpture Walk opening reception report
• Edible Watertown mural unveiling report
• River of Light partnership with Newton

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee will review reports from the Energy Manager and Sustainability Manager. Discussion includes a recap of Eco-fest and an examination of Climate and Energy Plan metrics.

• Review of draft WE3C committee protocols
• Energy Manager Report
• Sustainability Manager Report regarding Climate and Energy Plan metrics

Historical Commission

The Commission will review plans and consider votes regarding demolition delays at 18-20 Washburn St. and 45 Mt. Auburn St. Members will also discuss the amendment of previous minutes and establish processes for motion wording and voting.

• Amendment to January 8, 2026, minutes regarding 22 Stoneleigh Circle
• Review of demolition delay at 18-20 Washburn St.
• Review of demolition delay at 45 Mt. Auburn St.
• Discussion on 'Historically Significant' and 'Preferably Preserved' definitions

The Historical Commission approved lifting demolition delays for two properties subject to specific preservation conditions. The commission also approved an amendment to the January 9, 2026, meeting minutes.

• Approved April 9, 2026, meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved amendment to January 9, 2026, minutes regarding 22 Stoneleigh Circle (4-0)
• Lifted demolition delay for 18-20 Washburn St. with conditions (4-0)
• Lifted demolition delay for 45 Mt. Auburn St. with conditions (4-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will discuss a proposed statement regarding ICE activity. The meeting also includes discussion on immigration enforcement in Watertown and across the United States.

• Proposed Statement on ICE Activity
• Potential recommendations to City Council on immigration enforcement and immigrant rights

City Council: Committee on Rules and Ordinances

The Committee on Rules and Ordinances will continue its discussion regarding a proposed update to the city's noise ordinance. This item is a continuation of a previous discussion held on May 5, 2026.

• Discussion on a Proposed Updated Noise Ordinance

The Rules and Ordinances Committee reviewed the Statement of Purpose and discussed trash collection regulations. The committee also addressed noise waiver policies and the appeal process.

• Approved wording for the Statement of Purpose regarding noise pollution hazards
• Directed staff to prepare a draft definition of 'persistent' noise for the next meeting
• Agreed to remove Section II from the proposed noise waiver policy
• Revised Section 95.08 (Penalty) to include standard city ordinance wording
• Requested a supplemental chart showing allowed hours and noise levels for construction and lawn maintenance

Tree Warden

The Tree Warden will conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed removal of three healthy public trees. Residents may submit written objections to the Tree Warden prior to or during the meeting.

• Removal of Acer rubrum at 71 Gleason Street
• Removal of Platanus occidentalis at 37 Fairfield Street
• Removal of Quercus velutina at 45 Holt Street

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will conduct a remote meeting to review prior minutes and receive a report from the Director. The agenda also includes a period for public comments.

• Director’s Report: COA Updates
• Public Comments

The Council on Aging approved the meeting minutes from March 11, 2026. Board members voted to have Helen Dempsey continue serving as Chairperson. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM.

• Approved March 11, 2026 meeting minutes
• Voted to retain Helen Dempsey as Chairperson

Planning Board

The Board will consider electing its Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. The agenda includes a special permit request for signs at 66 Galen Street and updates regarding the Watertown Square Open House and the new Housing Plan.

• Election of Board officers (Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk)
• Sign Special Permit request for 66 Galen St
• Watertown Square Open House on May 20, 2026
• Affordable Housing Trust's new 5-year Housing Plan

The Board approved the minutes from the April 8, 2026 meeting (4‑0). It voted to continue the public hearing for the 66 Galen project to the June 10, 2026 meeting (4‑0). The Board adopted the revised Rules of Practice and Procedure (4‑0) and agreed to postpone officer elections until the next meeting.

• Approved minutes of 4/8/2026 (vote 4-0)
• Approved continuance of 66 Galen public hearing to June 10, 2026 (vote 4-0)
• Adopted revised Rules of Practice and Procedure for Planning Board (vote 4-0)
• Delayed officer elections until the next meeting

School Site Council

The School Site Council will review the School Improvement Plan for the 2026-2027 school year. The meeting includes a review of prior action steps and other business matters.

• School Improvement Plan 2026-2027

City Council: Committee of the Whole

The City Council will meet as the Committee of the Whole to hold public hearings on the City Manager’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027. This meeting is part of a series of hearings covering various city departments and functions.

• Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund Budget proposal: $226,212,930
• Fiscal Year 2027 Water and Sewer Enterprise Budgets proposal: $25,320,380

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on a personnel compensation ordinance and two loan orders for street projects. The agenda also includes several resolutions to transfer funds between city accounts.

• $2,300,000 loan order for Forest Street and Springfield Street reconstruction
• $2,100,000 loan order for Forest Street and Springfield Street connector roads project
• $100,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for Old Burying Ground and Common Street landscape services
• $75,000 transfer from City Council Reserve to Litigation account
• $824,277 transfer from City Council Reserve to Snow and Ice accounts

The City Council approved two loan orders totaling $4.4 million for street work on Forest and Springfield Streets. Additionally, the council authorized $100,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for historic cemetery landscaping.

• Adopted April 28, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Endorsed policy statement on immigration enforcement (unanimous)
• Approved non-union personnel compensation and leave ordinance (8-1)
• Approved $2.3M loan order for Forest and Springfield Street reconstruction (unanimous)
• Approved $2.1M loan order for Forest and Springfield street connector roads (unanimous)
• Appropriated $100,000 from community preservation funds for cemetery landscaping (unanimous)
• Authorized $75,000 transfer to litigation account (unanimous)
• Authorized $824,277 transfer to snow and ice accounts (unanimous)

City Council: Special Meetings

The City Council will meet in an executive session on May 12, 2026. The session is scheduled to conduct strategy or collective bargaining sessions related to the City Manager contract.

• Executive session for City Manager contract negotiations

City Council: Committee of the Whole

The City Council Committee of the Whole is conducting public hearings regarding the City Manager’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027. This specific meeting focuses on departments including Human Resources, Public Buildings, Library, Recreation, School Department, Public Works, and Water & Sewer Enterprise Budgets.

• Public hearing for Human Resources, Public Buildings, Library, and Recreation Departments
• Public hearing for School Department and Department of Public Works
• Public hearing for Water & Sewer Enterprise Budgets
• Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund Budget of $226,212,930
• Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Water and Sewer Enterprise Budgets of $25,320,380

BioSafety Committee

The committee will review permit applications for Camp4 Therapeutics Corp. and Quintara Biosciences Inc. Representatives from Profound, Ampersand, and Abiologics are scheduled to explain their business models and relationships to the committee.

• Permit review: Camp4 Therapeutics Corp. – 100 Talcott Avenue
• Permit review: Quintara Biosciences Inc. – 65 Grove Street
• Amendment review: Triveni Bio. – 100 Forge Road
• Business model explanation: Profound, Ampersand and Abiologics

The BioSafety Committee approved the April 9, 2026 minutes (3‑0). It voted to recommend approval of the Camp4 Therapeutics Corp. permit with an updated Workman's Comp. affidavit (3‑0) and the Quintara Biosciences Inc. permit as submitted (3‑0). The committee also noted that the Triveni Bio amendment does not need Board of Health review. The meeting was adjourned (3‑0).

• Approved April 9, 2026 minutes (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Camp4 Therapeutics Corp. permit to BOH (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Quintara Biosciences Inc. permit to BOH (3-0)
• Determined Triveni Bio amendment does not require BOH review
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will review the Arsenal Park recreation shed and discuss updates to the Administrative Code and rules of practice. The meeting also includes reports on ongoing enforcement, the Minerva Action Group, and tree removal at 311 Arsenal Street.

• Arsenal Park recreation shed follow up
• Admin Code update and draft rules of practice and procedure
• Ongoing OOC enforcement
• Minerva Action Group
• 311 Arsenal Street tree removal

The Commission voted to remove a recreation shed from Arsenal Park and restore the area to its original design. The shed was identified as an item not included in the final approved plans for the River Front Area.

• Approved request to remove Arsenal Park recreation shed and replant vacated area (5-0)
• Approved February 4, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Approved March 4, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Approved April 8, 2026 minutes (5-0)

City Council

The committee will review the April 1, 2026, minutes and receive updates from the Department of Public Works. Discussion topics include a swap shop opening and Climate & Energy Plan metrics.

• Acceptance of April 1, 2026, minutes
• DPW updates
• Swap shop opening discussion
• Climate & Energy Plan Metrics review

City Council: Committee of the Whole

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the City Manager’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027. This meeting focuses on departments including Constituent Services, Information Technology, City Clerk/Elections, Community Development & Planning, Health and Human Services, and Public Safety.

• Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund Budget of $226,212,930
• Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Water and Sewer Enterprise Budgets of $25,320,380

Residents’ Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to review the April 4, 2026 minutes and conduct outreach. The meeting includes an executive session regarding employment or appointment screenings that will not reconvene in public.

• Acceptance of April 4, 2026 minutes
• Executive Session to consider or interview applicants for employment or appointment

The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and moved into an executive session to interview and consider applicants. Members discussed outreach plans for upcoming community events including Eco-Fest, Watertown Pride, and the Farmers' Market.

• Approved May 3, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session to interview/consider applicants (unanimous)

Board of Library Trustees

The Board will review the FY26 budget, Burke Fund, and HATCH financials. New business includes consideration of several transfer requests, fund allocations, and discussions regarding the Director annual review and by-laws processes.

• FY26 Budget report
• Burke Fund report
• HATCH Financials
• Action on Transfer Request
• Action on Treasurer Authorization for Transfers

City Council: Committee on Rules and Ordinances

The Committee on Rules and Ordinances will meet to discuss a proposed updated noise ordinance. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Discussion on a Proposed Updated Noise Ordinance

The Rules and Ordinances Committee reviewed several amendments to the noise ordinance, including discussions on vibration, tonal noise thresholds, and animal noise. The committee recommended referring the matter of vibration to the committee for further study and made various technical edits to the draft.

• Referred the matter of vibration to the Rules & Ordinances Committee for further study (unanimous)
• Set tonal noise threshold at 5dbA above ambient
• Removed exclusion for domestic animals on residential and commercial property
• Established measurement boundary at the property line or 50 feet from source in public spaces
• Striking language regarding 'willfully, negligently, or through failure to provide necessary equipment'
• Changed construction/demolition language to specify allowed hours rather than prohibited hours
• Added provision that each subsequent day of violation is a separate offense
• Requested Departmental Regulations be prepared for committee review

School Committee

The School Committee will review several district reports including enrollment and technology use. The meeting includes a second reading and vote on three new or revised policies regarding building access, religious observances, and personal electronic devices.

• Vote on Revised Policy ECAB: Access to Buildings and Grounds
• Vote on New Policy IMC: Religious Holidays and Observances
• Vote on New Policy: Personal Electronic Device Policy
• First reading of BCA: Ethics Policy
• Review of March and April subcommittee and committee meeting minutes

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The committee will discuss updates on intersection striping, pedestrian signals, and Mt. Auburn Street construction. Members are also coordinating staffing for local events including EcoFest and Get Out Your Bike.

• Arlington/Nichols/Greenway intersection striping implementation in Spring 2026
• Mt. Auburn Street construction and pedestrian detours
• EcoFest event on May 9, 2026
• Get Out Your Bike event on May 16, 2026
• Watertown Square Open House on May 20, 2026

School Committee

The Curriculum Subcommittee will review recommendations from the Student Services Task Force and a Special Education Task Force report. The committee will also engage in planning and discussion regarding local graduation requirement outcomes.

• Watertown Educators Association - Student Services Task Force Presentation
• Special Education Task Force Report
• Planning and Discussion for Reporting Local Graduation Requirement Outcomes

City Council: Committee on Economic Development and Planning

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning will meet to discuss the City Manager's proposed changes to the current Demolition Delay Ordinance. The meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2026.

• Review of City Manager's proposed changes to Current Demolition Delay Ordinance

Traffic Commission

The Commission will review requests for new traffic controls at two intersections. These include a potential flashing beacon or signalized signal at School Street and Maplewood Street, and an all-way stop at Bradshaw Street and Westminster Avenue.

• Request for rectangular rapid flashing beacon or signal at School Street and Maplewood Street
• Request for All Way Stop Control at Bradshaw Street and Westminster Avenue

The Commission denied requests for a rapid flashing beacon or signal at School Street and Maplewood Street, as well as an All-Way Stop at Bradshaw Street and Westminster Avenue. The Commission noted that the intersection at School Street did not meet required warrants for those devices. Engineering will evaluate the intersection at Bradshaw Street and Westminster Avenue for future discussion.

• Approved March 25, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Denied request for rapid flashing beacon or traffic signal at School Street and Maplewood Street (unanimous)
• Denied request to install All-Way Stop Control at Bradshaw Street and Westminster Avenue subject to future Engineering review (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board will consider the Willow Park and 103 Nichols Avenue LLC ownership structures. Members will also vote on March 24th minutes, motor vehicle warrants, and various exemption or abatement applications.

• Willow Park project presentation
• 103 Nichols Avenue LLC project presentation
• Motor Vehicle Warrant Commitment II - 2026 signing
• Review/vote on exemption applications
• Review/vote on abatement applications

The Board approved the Motor Vehicle Excise 2026.2 commitment and the March 24, 2026, meeting minutes. The Willow Park Project at 103 Nichols Avenue was presented by the Watertown Housing Authority for further discussion in May.

• Approved March 24, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Motor Vehicle Excise 2026.2 commitment of $576,579.22 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss several ordinances including a 'Skip the Stuff' waste reduction measure. The agenda includes first readings for loan orders to fund street projects and a transfer of city reserve funds.

• Public hearing and vote on 'Skip the Stuff' Waste Reduction Ordinance
• First reading of $2,300,000 loan order for Forest Street and Springfield Street reconstruction
• First reading of $2,100,000 loan order for Forest Street and Springfield Street connector roads
• Resolution to transfer $29,200 from City Council Reserve to Elected Official Salaries
• Resolution to accept a $2,500 gift from the Ed Walsh Foundation for Pequossette Summer Program

The City Council approved a new ordinance to reduce plastic waste by restricting automatic utensil service. Other actions included adopting previous meeting minutes, an ALS awareness proclamation, and several fund transfers and license authorizations.

• Adopted April 14, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Accepted ALS Awareness Month Proclamation (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved ordinance repealing duplicate sections of the Code of Ordinances (unanimous roll call vote)
• Adopted 'Skip the Stuff' waste reduction ordinance (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved authorization for wine and malt license holders to convert to all-alcohol licenses (unanimous voice vote)
• Authorized $29,200 transfer from City Council Reserve to Elected Official Salaries (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved acceptance of $2,500 gift from Ed Walsh Foundation to Pequossette Summer Program (unanimous voice vote)
• Tabled Committee on Rules and Ordinances report

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The committee is reviewing various subcommittee reports including public art policy, outreach initiatives, and the Community Sculpture Walk. Discussions include updates on the Edible Watertown project and the WaterTunes summer concert series.

• Review of Public Art Policy 'Evaluation'
• Community Sculpture Walk artist installations and deinstallations
• $5,000 MCC Creative Experiences grant application for Edible Plants
• WaterTunes DJ confirmation for August 26 Summer Concert Series
• River of Light event scheduled for January 16, 2026

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee will review membership and ordinance updates. The agenda includes reports from the Energy Manager and Sustainability Manager regarding Eco-fest planning.

• Membership updates
• Ordinance updates
• WE3C meeting protocols update
• Energy Manager Report
• Sustainability Manager Report

The committee approved the January and March meeting minutes. Members discussed updates on noise and gas-powered equipment ordinances, as well as a transition to a seven-member committee structure.

• Approved March minutes
• Approved January minutes
• Agreed to track all environmental ordinances regardless of stage
• Designated climate and energy plan metric revisions as an action item for the next meeting

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a single-story addition at 43 Bromfield St and a permit amendment for Target at 550 Arsenal St. The Board will also review updated Rules of Practice and Procedure alongside filing deadlines.

• Special Permit finding for a single-story addition at 43 Bromfield St (PZ-26-5)
• Amendment to Special Permit ZBA-1974-1136 at 550 Arsenal St to remove interior access condition between Target and the mall (PZ-26-7)
• Review of updated Board Rules of Practice and Procedure
• Review of updated Filing Deadlines for petitions
• Executive Session regarding litigation involving 61 Bigelow Ave, LLC and 11-13 Boyd St

The Board granted conditional approval for a side addition at 43 Bromfield Street. It also approved a minor amendment to remove an interior access requirement at 550 Arsenal Street, subject to a future landscape and safety plan update. The March 25 meeting minutes were approved.

• Approved March 25, 2026, meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved conditional Special Permit for side addition at 43 Bromfield Street (5-0)
• Approved minor amendment to remove interior access condition at 550 Arsenal Street (5-0)

City Council: Committee on Rules and Ordinances

The Committee on Rules and Ordinances will meet to discuss a proposed update to the city's noise ordinance. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Discussion on a Proposed Updated Noise Ordinance

The Rules and Ordinances Committee approved revised language for construction/demolition and emergency work definitions. The committee also established a definition for tonal noise and requested legal review of several enforcement provisions.

• Adopted new definition for construction and demolition work
• Adopted new definition for emergency work
• Agreed to retain the term 'sound' in the ordinance
• Accepted proposed definition for 'plainly audible' pending legal review by KP Law
• Adopted a definition for tonal noise
• Requested Public Health Director Abbey Myers attend the next meeting regarding tonal noise

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust will review the final draft of the 2026-2030 Housing Plan for a vote. Members will also consider a request to use HOME funds for interim capital needs at 1060 Belmont Street.

• Review and vote on Housing Plan 2026-2030
• Request for use of HOME funds for 1060 Belmont Street capital needs
• Potential amendment of FY26 and/or FY27 Annual Action Plans/Budget
• Executive session regarding real property negotiations

The Trust approved using all allocated FY26 and FY27 HOME funds for drainage and stair improvements at 1060 Belmont Street. Additionally, the members adopted the 2026-2030 Housing Plan subject to specific staff revisions.

• Approved March 17, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved use of FY26 ($112,035) and FY27 ($107,000) HOME funds for 1060 Belmont Street improvements (5-0)
• Adopted Housing Plan 2026-2030 with required staff revisions (5-0)

Community Preservation

The committee will receive a presentation on the Walker Pond Final Design and Eco-Study (Phase I) by IMEG Consultants. The meeting includes updates regarding CPA project financial tracking and available funds as of March 31, 2026.

• Walker Pond Final Design and Eco-Study (Phase I) presentation by IMEG Consultants
• Review of CPA Project Financial Tracking
• Report on CPA Funds as of 3.31.26

The committee reviewed a final design and eco-study presentation for the Walker Pond project. Members also approved the previous meeting's minutes and received financial updates regarding CPA funds.

• Approved March 19, 2026, draft minutes (9-0)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will review several one-day event requests and premises extensions for local businesses. The meeting also includes a vote on amending board rules and electing a new Chair.

• One Day Event: St Stephens Fun Run at 47 Nichols Ave
• Premises Extension: Condesa Restaurant & Tequila Bar at 80 Arsenal Yards Blvd
• Premises Extension: Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts at 321 Arsenal St
• Special One Day Events: Food Fest, Fall Festival, and Talent Show at 130 Arsenal Yards Blvd
• Beergarden requests for Mighty Squirrel at 249 Waltham St

The Board granted multiple one-day event permits for St Stephens and Arsenal Yards. Several Biergarten events at 249 Waltham St were also approved. Discussions regarding Rules and Regulations amendments and the Chair of the Board position were continued.

• Approved St Stephens Fun Run on May 2, 2026
• Granted Condesa Restaurant & Tequila Bar one-day extension of premises for May 5, 2026
• Granted Mosesian Center for the Arts one-day extension of premises for May 21, 2026
• Approved Arsenal Yards Food Fest on June 9, 2026
• Approved Arsenal Yards Fall Festival on September 23, 2026
• Approved Arsenal Yards Talent Show on October 7, 2026
• Granted multiple Biergarten dates at 249 Waltham St for May, June, July, August, and October
• Continued review of Rules and Regulations amendments and Chair vote until March 2027

School Site Council

The council will review notes from the March 26, 2026 meeting and receive a principal's update. Members are also tasked with drafting the School Improvement Plan for the 2026-2027 school year.

• Review of March 26, 2026 meeting notes
• Principal’s Update
• Drafting of SY26-27 School Improvement Plan

Stormwater Advisory Committee

The committee will review status updates for Copeland Street and other stormwater management projects. Members will also discuss the impact of a new City Administrative Code on committee membership and procedures.

• Status update on Copeland Street and ongoing Stormwater Management Projects
• Resident Advisory Committee resident recruiting status
• Discussion of New City Administrative Code effects on committee membership and regulations

Historic District Commission

The Commission will review proposals for new signage at 113 Mt. Auburn St. and property changes at 235 Mt. Auburn St. The meeting also includes the election of 2026 officers.

• Sign installation proposal for 113 Mt. Auburn St.
• Restoration and conversion to a 2-family house at 235 Mt. Auburn St. (Lot B)
• New two-family structure proposal at 235 Mt. Auburn St. (Lot A)
• Election of 2026 Officers

School Building Committee

The committee will review progress on the High School and Middle School projects. Discussion includes monthly invoices for March 2026, budget updates, and schedule milestones.

• High School Project: Approval of March 2026 monthly invoices
• High School Project: Total project budget update and vote on a change order
• High School Project: Progress and schedule updates
• Middle School Project: Approval of March 2026 monthly invoices
• Middle School Project: Design phase progress update

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review a permit application for LabShares at 66 Galen Street. The meeting also includes a hearing and vote regarding a tobacco violation at Bus Stop Variety located at 121 Galen Street.

• Permit application review: LabShares, 66 Galen Street
• Tobacco violation hearing: Bus Stop Variety, 121 Galen Street
• Vote on determination of tobacco violation

The Board recommended approval for the LabShares permit application at 66 Galen Street. A decision regarding a $1,000.00 tobacco violation for Bus Stop Variety was tabled until next month.

• Approved March 18, 2026 minutes (2-0)
• Recommended approval of LabShares permit application at 66 Galen Street (2-0)
• Tabled decision on Bus Stop Variety tobacco violation until next month (2-0)

Commission on Disability

The Commission will hear from guest speakers regarding the Watertown Community Fridge. Members will also receive updates on various accessibility topics including street intersections, signage, and city building entrances.

• Update on Waverly-Belmont Street Intersection
• ADA Signage update based on KMA Report
• Update on Skip the Stuff Ordinance Amendment
• Arsenal Street Trees & Sidewalk Issue update
• Arsenal Park Amphitheater Path Surface update

The Commission discussed accessibility barriers for the Watertown Community Fridge and reviewed several municipal ADA projects. The Commission approved the March meeting minutes and the Treasurer's report.

• Approved March meeting minutes (9-0)
• Accepted Treasurer's report of $163,088.09 (9-0)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will vote on a $1,000,000 loan order to fund storm water, electrical, and utility upgrades along the Mount Auburn Street Transportation Improvement Project, which affects local traffic flow and infrastructure maintenance. The council will also review the Fiscal Year 2027 budget submission, consider a proposed pet shop ordinance, and hold public hearings on city code changes and utility work near Belmont Street. Members will confirm appointments to several advisory committees and boards.

• Public hearing and vote on a $1,000,000 loan order for the Mount Auburn Street Transportation Improvement Project (storm water, electrical, and catenary pole removal)
• Public hearing and vote on a proposed Pet Shop Ordinance
• First reading of an ordinance repealing sections of the Code of Ordinances; referral of the Skip the Stuff Ordinance for adoption
• Submission of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget by the City Manager
• Public hearing on an Eversource location grant to install conduit near Belmont Street for electrical service at 198-200 Belmont Street

The City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting the commercial sale of puppies, cats, and rabbits. They also authorized a $1,000,000 loan for storm water and electrical improvements on Mount Auburn Street. Additionally, several committee appointments and various proclamations were approved.

• Approved pet shop ordinance prohibiting commercial sale of puppies, cats, and rabbits (Voice Vote)
• Approved $1M loan order for Mount Auburn Street transportation improvements (Roll Call Vote)
• Approved Eversource grant of location for Templeton Parkway (Voice Vote)
• Confirmed Jan Taylor to Public Arts and Culture Committee (Voice Vote)
• Appointed Dimitri Petrosian to Memorialization Committee (Voice Vote)
• Appointed Ani Aroyian to Memorialization Committee (Voice Vote)
• Confirmed John Labadini to Licensing Board (Voice Vote)
• Reappointed three members to the Human Rights Commission (Voice Vote)

School Site Council

The School Site Council will meet to review the School Improvement Plan and revisit previous action steps. The agenda also includes the acceptance of prior meeting minutes.

• Review of School Improvement Plan
• Revisit Action Steps

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will hold its April 13 meeting in person, focusing on policy revisions and budget updates. The agenda includes a first reading for three new policies regarding building access, religious holidays, and electronic devices. The committee will also vote on FY27 bus fees and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• First reading of Revised Policy ECAB: Access to Buildings and Grounds
• First reading of New Policy IMC: Religious Holidays and Observances
• First reading of New Policy: Personal Electronic Device Policy
• Vote on FY27 Bus Fees and Service Levels
• Approval of minutes from March 2026 committee meetings

Residents’ Advisory Committee

The Residents' Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting primarily to enter executive session to consider applicants for employment or appointment, as permitted by state law. Other items include approval of March 4 minutes, outreach, and announcements. The meeting will adjourn after the executive session without reconvening publicly.

• Acceptance of minutes from March 4, 2026
• Executive session to consider applicants for employment or appointment
• Outreach and announcements
• Next meeting scheduled for May 6, 2026

Human Rights Commission

The Watertown Human Rights Commission will meet to discuss several items, including updates from the Massachusetts Human Rights Commission and a report on a recent webinar. Commissioners will consider a possible expenditure for tabling materials and review plans for a Mother's Day Walk for Peace, immigration enforcement issues, and a film screening. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Potential expenditure of funds for tabling materials
• Massachusetts Human Rights Commission updates
• Leveraging Global Human Rights to Protect Our Cities webinar report
• Mother's Day Walk for Peace
• Screening of film "America's Family" in Watertown

The Commission approved the final logo designed by Chelsea Riley and authorized spending up to $200 for tabling materials. Members also discussed immigration enforcement activity and potential future task forces.

• Approved March 9th meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved March 17th Committee on Communication, Community Inroads, and Engagement minutes (5-0)
• Approved Chelsea Riley logo design with subcommittee finalization rights (7-0)
• Approved up to $200 for tabling and outreach supplies (7-0)

BioSafety Committee

The Biosafety Committee will hold a public hearing on permit and amendment requests from two biotechnology facilities. The agenda includes a review of a permit for LabShares at 66 Galen Street and an amendment for Corner Therapeutics at 99 Coolidge Avenue. The meeting will be conducted remotely.

• Permit review: LabShares at 66 Galen Street
• Amendment review: Corner Therapeutics at 99 Coolidge Avenue
• Approval of draft minutes from March 5, 2026
• Public comment period
• Discussion of future meetings

The committee recommended approving the LabShare application at 66 Galen Street to the Board of Health, contingent on an updated list of agents, materials, and cell lines. The committee also reviewed a relocation amendment for Corner Therapeutics at 99 Coolidge Avenue.

• Approved March 5, 2026 minutes (4-0)
• Recommended LabShare application to the BOH with updated agent/material lists (4-0)
• Reviewed Corner Therapeutics relocation amendment

Board of Library Trustees

The Watertown Board of Library Trustees will convene to review the FY26 budget, financial reports for the Burke and HATCH funds, and consider accepting donations and transfer requests. The meeting will also include a public forum and reports from the chair and director.

• FY26 Budget review
• Burke Fund Report
• HATCH Financials
• Acceptance of Donations
• Transfer Request

Historical Commission

The Watertown Historical Commission will review plans and potentially vote on a demolition delay imposed on 18-22 Washburn St. on October 9, 2025. Other business includes approval of minutes from the March 18 meeting and routine reports from the agent and CPC.

• Review and potential vote on demolition delay for 18-22 Washburn St. (imposed October 9, 2025)

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee meeting on April 8, 2026 will review how district buildings are currently used and the protocols governing those uses. Committee members will also consider proposals to set or adjust fees for renting school facilities. The agenda does not indicate any final decisions at this time.

• Review of current Watertown Public Schools building use, protocols, and rentals
• Consideration of building use and rental fee proposals

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider a site plan review permit for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 15-17 Dexter Ave in the Two-family zoning district. The board will also discuss updates to its Rules of Practice and Procedure and receive a status update on the Watertown Mall (550 Arsenal St) regarding a minor amendment to a special permit. No final decisions are scheduled on the mall project, which will be presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals on April 22, 2026.

• Approval of March 11, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of updates to Planning Board Rules of Practice and Procedure
• Status update on 550 Arsenal St (Watertown Mall) — minor amendment to Special Permit ZBA-1974-1136 and removal of condition no. 12
• Site Plan Review Permit request for a protected use ADU at 15-17 Dexter Ave in the T (Two-family) zoning district

The Planning Board approved a petition to renovate a basement into an accessory dwelling unit at 15-17 Dexter Road. The Board also discussed proposed updates to its Rules of Practice and Procedure regarding meeting structure, applicant requirements, and public testimony management. A discussion was held regarding site plan changes at 550 Arsenal Street.

• Approved March 11, 2026, meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved 15-17 Dexter Rd. basement ADU renovation petition (5-0)

Cultural Council

The Watertown Cultural Council will hold its regular meeting on April 8, 2026. Members will approve the March meeting minutes, vote to appoint officers for fiscal year 2027, and receive an update on FY26 grant returns. Additional items include a celebration for May grantees, a community survey, and discussion of the council handbook.

• Approval of March minutes
• Vote on FY27 officers
• Current status of FY26 grant returns
• May grantee celebration
• WCC community survey

The Council approved the March 2026 minutes and elected new officers for fiscal year 2027. Discussions included preparations for a grantee celebration, a community flash survey, and updates to the WCC Handbook.

• Approved March 2026 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved FY27 officers: Elektra (Chair), Morgan (Treasurer), and Angela (Secretary) (all approved)

City Council: Committee on Human Services

The Committee on Human Services will discuss reappointing Susan Musinksy, Lisa LaPlante, and Mel Poindexter to the Human Rights Commission for terms ending April 1, 2029. No other business is scheduled.

• Discussion of reappointing Susan Musinksy to the Human Rights Commission (term expiring April 1, 2029)
• Discussion of reappointing Lisa LaPlante to the Human Rights Commission (term expiring April 1, 2029)
• Discussion of reappointing Mel Poindexter to the Human Rights Commission (term expiring April 1, 2029)

The Committee on Human Services approved three reappointments to the Human Rights Commission. Susan Musinsky, Lisa LaPlante, and Mel Poindexter were each reappointed for terms ending April 1, 2029.

• Reappointed Susan Musinsky to the Human Rights Commission (3-0)
• Reappointed Lisa LaPlante to the Human Rights Commission (3-0)
• Reappointed Mel Poindexter to the Human Rights Commission (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Watertown Conservation Commission will hold a remote meeting to consider a request for a Certificate of Compliance for 580 Pleasant Street and a minor changes request for an approved plan at 93 California Street. The commission will also receive updates from the chair, the Community Preservation Committee, and the conservation agent, and will vote on approving minutes from February and March 2026 meetings.

• Request for Certificate of Compliance for 580 Pleasant Street (MassDEP filing #: 321-0173)
• Minor changes request to approved plan for 93 California Street (MassDEP filing #: 321-0182)
• Approval of minutes from February 4, 2026 and March 4, 2026 Conservation Commission meetings

The Commission approved minor changes to the previously approved plans for 93 California Street. It also approved a Certificate of Compliance to close out the Order of Conditions for 580 Pleasant Street. Minutes from February and March were tabled due to lack of quorum.

• Approved minor plan changes for 93 California Street (4-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 580 Pleasant Street (4-0)
• Tabled February 4, 2026 minutes (lack of quorum)
• Tabled March 4, 2026 minutes (lack of quorum)

Council on Aging

The Watertown Council on Aging will hold a remote meeting on April 8, 2026. The agenda includes a roll call, review of prior minutes, a Director’s Report with updates, and a period for public comments before adjournment. No decisions or votes are listed.

• Roll Call
• Review of prior meeting Minutes
• Director’s Report: COA Updates
• Public Comments for the Council on Aging
• Adjourn

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will meet remotely to discuss EcoFest planning, including table setup, promotion, and programming. The meeting will be conducted under Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.

• Remote participation and public hearing procedures
• EcoFest WE3C Table setup
• EcoFest Promotion planning
• EcoFest Programming discussion

City Council: Committee on Public Works

The Committee on Public Works will meet to discuss and vote on appointing two members to the Memorialization Committee. The meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Office on the second floor.

• Appoint Dimitri Petrosian to Memorialization Committee (term ends Sept 15, 2027)
• Appoint Ani Aroyian to Memorialization Committee (term ends Sept 15, 2026)

The Committee on Public Works interviewed candidates for the Memorialization Committee. The committee voted to recommend both Dimitri Petrosian and Ani Aroyian for appointment to the body.

• Recommended Dimitri Petrosian for the Memorialization Committee (3-0)
• Recommended Ani Aroyian for the Memorialization Committee (3-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will hold a remote meeting on April 6, 2026, to discuss several operational items. Topics include the commission's needs assessment goals for communication, community inroads, and engagement; criteria for participation in events; stakeholder mapping; involvement in upcoming city events; and a logo update. No votes or public hearings on specific projects or ordinances are on the agenda.

• Discussion of Human Rights Commission Needs Assessment Goals 1, 2, and 4: Communication, Community Inroads, and Engagement
• Discussion of criteria for Human Rights Commission participation in events
• Discussion of mapping of Human Rights Commission stakeholders
• Discussion of Human Rights Commission involvement in upcoming city events
• Discussion of Human Rights Commission logo update

The committee discussed ongoing initiatives including a public service announcement and an upcoming webinar. Members reviewed criteria for event participation and planned to work with city staff on stakeholder mapping. The committee also received an update regarding the finalization of a new logo.

• Agreed to raise stakeholder mapping issue with full Commission
• Agreed to work with city staff to develop a list of key stakeholders

Human Rights Commission

The Watertown Human Rights Commission will hold a remote meeting to discuss Goals 3 and 5 of its Needs Assessment, focusing on urgent issues, underserved needs, and accessibility, followed by prioritization and action steps. No votes are scheduled; the session is limited to discussion and public comment.

• Discussion of Human Rights Commission Needs Assessment Goals 3 and 5: Urgent Issues, Underserved Needs, and Accessibility
• Prioritization and action steps for key areas of need
• Public comment accepted via email or virtual meeting

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The Public Arts and Culture Committee will receive a Project Team Report on the Display of WaterTunes stories. The meeting also includes agenda items labeled Old Business and New Business, but no specific actions are detailed. No decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Project Team Report – Display of WaterTunes stories
• Old Business (unspecified)
• New Business (unspecified)

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee will hear a presentation from Zeke Mermell on the Watertown Study to Improve City-Supported Mobility and provide feedback for the Mt. Auburn Street project. The committee will also discuss updates on a snow removal ordinance letter to the City Council, receive subcommittee updates, and plan staffing for events like Bike to Work Day and EcoFest.

• Presentation on Watertown Study to Improve City-Supported Mobility by Zeke Mermell
• Feedback for WEC3 on Mt. Auburn Street
• Update on snow removal/ordinance/operations letter to City Council
• Committee staffing for Bike to Work Day (May 7), EcoFest (May 9), Get Out Your Bike (May 17)
• Approval of minutes from February and March 2026 meetings

The Committee reviewed a draft City-Supported Mobility Study featuring recommendations for transit expansion and the Watertown Connector. DPW confirmed that two-way painted bicycle crosswalks at Arlington, Nichols, and Greenway intersections will be implemented in Spring 2026.

• Approved February 2 and March 3 meeting minutes
• Confirmed readiness of snow removal letter to City Council
• Noted DPW implementation of bicycle crosswalks at Arlington/Nichols/Greenway for Spring 2026

Historical Commission Preliminary Review

The Historical Commission will conduct a preliminary review of a demolition permit application. The body will determine if the structure is significant or if the application should move to a full hearing.

• Preliminary review of demolition permit application for garage at 42 Frank Street

BioSafety Committee

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The Watertown Cultural District Partnership Marketing Subcommittee will review its marketing dashboard and discuss several action items. Members will select designs for rack cards and stickers, consider banner ad sizes and pricing for Watertown News, and plan the quarterly report. They will also schedule standing meetings for the sub‑committee. The meeting is remote via Zoom.

• Select rack card design
• Select sticker design
• Determine banner ad sizes and pricing for Watertown News
• Prepare WCD Quarterly report
• Schedule standing meetings for the sub‑committee

City Council

The Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee will meet to receive updates from the Department of Public Works. The committee will also discuss metrics related to the Climate & Energy Plan.

• DPW updates
• Climate & Energy Plan Metrics

The committee recommended updating the Waste Generation Rate metric to pounds per capita and increasing the composting metric to 5,000. The meeting also detailed upcoming Swap Shop dates and Earth Day event activities.

• Approved March 18, 2026 meeting minutes
• Recommended changing Waste Generation Rate metric to pounds per capita
• Recommended increasing composting metric to 5,000

School Site Council

The council will review the current School Improvement Plan (SIP) and discuss programs and curriculum for the upcoming year. The meeting focuses on developing the SIP for 2026-27.

• Review of current School Improvement Plan (SIP) progress
• Discussion of program and curriculum for next year
• Development of the 2026-27 School Improvement Plan

Developer Community Meeting

This public information meeting presents the proposed Gore Place Agrivoltaics project, a multi-phased development on the easternmost 10 acres of the property. The first phase includes installing solar panels on 3.5 acres that will also serve as sheep pasture, with later phases potentially adding pathways, an apple orchard, and screening vegetation. The project team will share plans and gather community input.

• Phase 1: solar panels on 3.5 acres used as pastureland for sheep
• Later phases: new pathways, screening vegetation, apple orchard, gateway at northern edge
• Project located on 10 acres bordered by Main Street, Waltham Street, a stream, and Edward Road
• Multi-phased project proposed by Gore Place and Hyperion Systems
• Meeting held March 31, 2026, 6:30 PM at Carriage House, 52 Gore Street, Waltham

School Committee

The Budget and Finance Subcommittee of the Watertown School Committee will discuss and vote on proposed changes to bus fees. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Discussion and vote on changes to bus fees

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will meet to discuss and vote on a proposed staff social media policy, religious and cultural observances, and school grounds usage. The meeting will also include a schedule for a summer policy review.

• Discussion and vote on Staff Social Media Policy
• Discussion and vote on Religious and Cultural Observances
• Discussion and vote on School Grounds
• Discussion of Schedule for Summer Policy Review

Licensing Board

The Watertown Licensing Board will meet remotely to review and renew licenses for several livery and limousine service providers. The public may attend the meeting online or submit comments via email.

• Hadi Coach (153 Pleasant St.)
• J-M Limousine Services (14 Lincoln St.)
• Mona Airport Livery (34 Madison Ave)
• North East Luxury Car Service (61 King Street)
• Road Education & Visa Consulting (54 Olney St)

The Licensing Board approved renewal applications for five livery services. No objections were filed by the Police, Building, Fire, Health, or Zoning departments.

• Approved Hadi Coach renewal (2-0)
• Approved J-M Limousine Services renewal (2-0)
• Approved Mona Airport Livery renewal (2-0)
• Approved North East Luxury Car Service renewal (2-0)
• Approved Road Education & Visa Consulting renewal (2-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will discuss the process for selecting a final logo from student finalists, including potential edits and formal announcement. A vote will be taken to select the final logo for approval by the full commission.

• Discussion of student finalists for the logo contest
• Process for potential edits to the final logo
• Process for bringing the final logo to the full commission
• Vote to select the final Human Rights Commission logo

The Logo Committee reviewed final student submissions and discussed potential edits to Logo 9. The Committee voted to recommend Logo 9 to the full Human Rights Commission for final selection and approval.

• Recommended Logo 9 to the full Human Rights Commission (3-0)

School Site Council

This is a routine meeting of the Watertown High School Site Council. The council will review and discuss the School Improvement Plan (SIP) Objective #4 and hear a principal's update. Approval of prior meeting notes is also on the agenda.

• Review of School Improvement Plan Objective #4
• Principal's update on school operations
• Approval of January 22, 2026 meeting notes

School Committee

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will meet to discuss and vote on the Superintendent's recommended budget for fiscal year 2027. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

• FY2027 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget (Action Item)
• Public Forum
• Roll Call

Historic District Commission

Traffic Commission

The Watertown Traffic Commission will meet to approve previous minutes and discuss four resident requests for traffic safety improvements, including speed bumps and signage.

• Approve minutes from January 28, 2026 meeting
• Request for speed bump at 199 Coolidge Avenue
• Request for flashing beacon at Lexington St & Bemis St
• Request for No Parking signage on Orchard St
• New Business

The Commission approved new parking prohibitions on Orchard Street near Lawrence Street. It also voted to study traffic calming on Coolidge Avenue and a flashing beacon at Lexington Street and Bemis Street.

• Approved January 28, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Ordered study of Coolidge Avenue speed data and contact with Cambridge (unanimous)
• Commissioned study for a flashing beacon at Lexington Street and Bemis Street (unanimous)
• Prohibited parking on the south side of Orchard Street from 30' west to 30' east of Lawrence Street (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals will first approve the minutes from its February 25, 2026 meeting. It will then consider a continued case for a 7‑unit multi‑family development and a 1‑unit historic preservation conversion at 72 Mt Auburn St, located in the Mt Auburn Historic District and WSQ2 zoning district. Finally, the board will hear a new case to demolish a 2‑story deck and add an enclosed structure in the rear yard of 53 Fuller Rd, which is in the Two‑Family (T) zoning district.

• Approval of meeting minutes from February 25, 2026
• Continued case: 72 Mt Auburn St – request for a 7‑unit multi‑family project and 1‑unit historic preservation conversion in the Mt Auburn Historic District (WSQ2 zoning district)
• New case: 53 Fuller Rd – request to demolish a 2‑story deck and replace it with an enclosed addition within a nonconforming rear‑yard setback (Two‑Family zoning district)

The Board approved a conditional special permit for an enclosed addition at 53 Fuller Rd. It also approved a 7-unit multifamily project and historic structure conversion at 72 Mt Auburn St with conditions regarding landscaping and trash management.

• Approved February 25, 2026, meeting minutes (5-0-1)
• Approved conditional special permit for enclosed addition at 53 Fuller Rd (5-0)
• Approved 7-unit multifamily project and historic conversion at 72 Mt Auburn St with conditions (4-1)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a $1,000,000 loan for the Mount Auburn Street Transportation Improvement Project and a $450,000 loan for Fire Department turnout gear replacement. The body will also consider transfers of funds to the Police Department and the Administrative Code.

• Public hearing and vote on $1,000,000 loan for Mount Auburn Street improvements
• Public hearing and vote on $450,000 loan for Fire Department turnout gear
• Resolution authorizing $4,052,660 transfer to Middle School Feasibility Study
• Resolution authorizing $8,000 transfer to Police Staff Development account
• First reading on a Proposed Pet Shop Ordinance

The City Council approved a $450,000 loan order for Fire Department turnout gear. They also authorized transferring over $4 million from elementary school project surpluses to the Middle School feasibility study and Watertown High School.

• Approved $450,000 loan order for Fire Department turnout gear (unanimous)
• Adopted March 10, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $4,052,660 from elementary schools to Middle School and High School accounts (unanimous)
• Approved $8,000 transfer to Police Staff Development account (unanimous)
• Approved $291,100 transfer to Police Personnel accounts (unanimous)
• Adopted the Administrative Code as amended (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Watertown Board of Assessors will meet on March 24, 2026, to review and potentially vote on the acceptance of prior meeting minutes, discuss a legal memo regarding Willow Park, and receive an office update on abatement applications, form processing, and quarterly tax bill file updates. The board will also schedule its next meeting and enter executive session to vote on confidential exemption and abatement applications.

• Review of Klein Hornig Memo on Willow Park
• Consideration and vote on acceptance of February 17, 2026, meeting minutes
• Office update on abatement applications (clause 61A), Form of Lists, income/expense questionnaires, and exempt institutions
• Processing of FY2026-Q4 real estate and personal property bill files for owner and mailing updates
• Executive session to vote on exemption applications and abatement applications

The Board approved the minutes from the February 17, 2026, meeting subject to a wording amendment. The Board also voted to enter an executive session regarding confidential abatement or exemption applications.

• Approved February 17, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session for applications for exemptions
• Adjourned regular meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee will discuss and vote on two policies: a K-12 Personal Electronic Device Policy and Policy BCA regarding School Committee Member Ethics. The meeting is in-person with remote access as a courtesy.

• Discussion and vote on K-12 Personal Electronic Device Policy
• Discussion and vote on Policy BCA: School Committee Member Ethics

City Council: Committee on Economic Development and Planning

The Economic Development and Planning Committee will consider appointing Jan Taylor as a member of the Public Arts & Culture Committee. The appointment would run until November 15, 2028. The meeting agenda includes a call to order, discussion of the appointment, and adjournment.

• Appoint Jan Taylor as a member of the Public Arts & Culture Committee (term expires Nov 15, 2028)

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning conducted an interview with Jan Taylor. The committee voted to recommend her appointment to the Public Arts and Culture Committee for a term expiring November 15, 2028.

• Recommended Jan Taylor for appointment to the Public Arts and Culture Committee

City Council: Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss the Administrative Code as submitted by the City Manager. Council members may vote to adopt, amend, or reject the proposed code revisions. No other agenda items are listed.

• Consideration and action on the Administrative Code submitted by the City Manager

The Committee of the Whole reviewed and discussed the City Manager’s proposed Administrative Code, which updates administrative policies and clarifies reporting lines for city boards. Members approved a change requiring the Community Preservation Committee coordinator to report to the City Auditor. The committee then voted unanimously to send the amended code to the full City Council for final approval; if passed, it will reorganize agency functions and centralize board information.

• Approved amendment directing Community Preservation Committee coordinator to report to the City Auditor (unanimous)
• Forwarded amended Administrative Code to full City Council for final approval (unanimous)

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will hold a public hearing on the FY27 Superintendent's proposed budget. The committee will also receive reports on special education and from the Chair and Superintendent. Action items include approving field trips for robotics and art, as well as minutes from several previous meetings.

• Public hearing on FY27 Superintendent's Budget
• Special Education Update (Athena report and Strategy Team)
• Robotics Field Trip Approval
• Art Field Trip Approval
• Meeting minutes from February 11 (Policy Subcommittee), March 2 (School Committee and Budget Committee), and March 3 (Curriculum Subcommittee)

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee will review the draft Public Art Policy and related surveys. It will discuss upcoming 2026 events and volunteer needs. The committee will vote on a $2,000 allocation from the Public Art fund for the "We Are Better Together" mural created by Watertown High School students. The meeting also includes routine reports and old business.

• Review of Public Art Policy draft (Evaluation pages 11‑14)
• Review of public survey results (Flashvote and Microsoft Form)
• Approval of $2,000 Public Art fund allocation for the "We Are Better Together" mural
• Planning of Community Sculpture Walk Reception on May 16, 11 am‑Noon at Saltonstall Park
• Discussion of new event supplies: table clips, bunting, face paint

City Council: Committee on Climate and Energy

The Committee on Climate and Energy will meet to discuss a Three Year Metrics Report from the Sustainability Group regarding the Climate and Energy Plan.

• Discussion of the Climate and Energy Plan Three Year Metrics Report

Stormwater Advisory Committee

The Stormwater Advisory Committee will review and approve minutes from its November 2025 and February 2026 meetings. It will receive status updates on resident advisory recruitment and on the Copeland Street stormwater project. The committee will hold a general discussion on the city’s administrative code, past activities, and initial plans for future roles, outreach, policies, and funding needs. The meeting will conclude with announcements about the next meeting on April 16, 2026.

• Approve draft minutes for November 20, 2025
• Approve draft minutes for February 19, 2026
• Status update on Resident Advisory Committee recruiting
• Status update on Copeland Street stormwater management projects
• General discussion of future SAC roles, outreach, policies, and funding needs

Community Preservation

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a public presentation on an application concerning the Old Burying Ground and Common St. Cemetery. The meeting will also include acceptance of the draft minutes from the previous session. A chair update and discussion of the CPA 5-year plan are also on the agenda.

• Presentation of Old Burying Ground and Common St. Cemetery application
• Acceptance of draft minutes (2026-2-19-CPC-Minutes)
• Chair update
• Discussion of CPC Chair matters
• Update on CPA 5-year plan

The committee approved a recommendation to fund architectural services for the Old Burying Ground and Common Street Cemetery. Members also voted to extend Bob DiRico's term as Chair until July 1st.

• Approved $100,000 for cemetery architecture services (9-0)
• Approved February 19, 2026, meeting minutes (6-0)
• Elected Bob DiRico as Chair until July 1st (7-0)

School Building Committee

The Watertown School Building Committee will vote on a change order for the high school project as part of a total project budget update. The committee will also approve monthly invoices for both the high school and middle school projects, and receive progress and schedule updates.

• Approval of SBC Meeting Minutes from 2/18/26
• High School Project – Approval of Monthly Invoices for February 2026
• High School Project – Total Project Budget Update & Vote on Change Order
• Middle School Project – Approval of Invoices
• Middle School Project – Update & Progress Design Review

City Council: Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee

The committee will welcome members, approve minutes from February 4, 2026, hear DPW updates, and review Climate & Energy Plan metrics. No major decisions or proposals are on the agenda. The meeting is purely procedural.

• Approve minutes from February 4, 2026 meeting

The committee reviewed updates on Earth Day, EcoFest, and hazardous waste collection dates. Discussions focused on improving waste data accuracy for the Climate Energy Plan and addressing tonnage discrepancies in large developments. No substantive votes or new ordinances were decided during this meeting.

• Approved previous meeting minutes without amendment

Commission on Disability

The Watertown Commission on Disability will hold a remote meeting to discuss several accessibility issues including official ADA accommodation request tracking, accessible entrances at City Hall, and automatic doors for the new high school. The commission will also receive updates on the Waverly-Belmont Street intersection, Arsenal Street trees and sidewalk issues, and hear a proposal to create braille and audio versions of the Watertown Visitors Guide.

• Discussion on official ADA accommodation request tracking and reporting process
• Update on accessible entrances at City Hall
• Update on automatic doors for Watertown's new high school
• Proposal to collaborate with Perkins to create braille and audio versions of the Watertown Visitors Guide
• Update on Waverly-Belmont Street intersection from Wayne Chouinard

The Commission approved the formation of a Safety and Access Sub-Committee to address accessibility concerns. The Commission also voted 8-0 to accept the December and February meeting minutes.

• Approved December and February meeting minutes (8-0)
• Formed Safety and Access Sub-Committee to track ADA accommodation requests

Board of Health

The Watertown Board of Health will conduct a public hearing and vote on a determination of a tobacco violation at Bus Stop Variety, 121 Galen Street. The board will also review a permit application from NeoSplice Therapeutics at 155 Arlington Street. Other agenda items include approval of draft minutes from February 18, 2026, staffing updates, and public comment.

• Public hearing on tobacco violation at Bus Stop Variety, 121 Galen Street
• Vote on determination of tobacco violation
• Review permit application for NeoSplice Therapeutics at 155 Arlington Street
• Review of draft minutes from February 18, 2026
• Staffing and department updates

The Board recommended approving the permit application for NeoSplice Therapeutics at 155 Arlington Street. A tobacco violation hearing for Bus Stop Variety at 121 Galen Street was tabled until April. The Department of Health will post a health officer position externally next week.

• Approved February 18, 2026 minutes (2-0)
• Recommended approval of NeoSplice Therapeutics permit application (2-0)
• Tabled Bus Stop Variety tobacco violation hearing until April meeting

Historical Commission

The Watertown Historical Commission meeting on March 18, 2026 includes a public hearing to consider whether the house at 85 Boyd Street should be preserved and whether a demolition delay should be imposed. The commission will also review updates on the property at 18‑20 Washburn Street. Minutes from the January 8 and February 11, 2026 meetings will be accepted.

• Public hearing on preservation and possible demolition delay for 85 Boyd St.
• Review and acceptance of minutes from the January 8, 2026 meeting.
• Review and acceptance of minutes from the February 11, 2026 meeting.
• Update on 18‑20 Washburn St. property.
• CPC Update

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will elect a committee chair and discuss goals 3 and 5 of the Human Rights Commission Needs Assessment Report. The body intends to identify, prioritize, and timeline action steps regarding urgent issues, underserved needs, and public accessibility.

• Election of Chair of Committee
• Discussion of Goals 3 and 5 of Human Rights Commission Needs Assessment Report
• Identification and prioritization of action steps
• Establishment of timeline for priority action steps

The Committee elected a new Chair and identified priority issues including housing, immigrant communities, and disability access. The Committee will report on these discussions at the full Human Rights Commission meeting on April 13th.

• Appointed Gabriel Camacho as Committee Chair (4-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will meet remotely to elect a chair and discuss goals for communication, community engagement, and action steps. The meeting is held pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.

• Election of Chair of Committee
• Discussion of Human Rights Commission Needs Assessment Goals
• Identification and Prioritization of Potential Action Steps
• Public Comment period
• Meeting held via Zoom Only

The Committee elected Sarah Zoen as Chair via a four-to-zero vote. Members discussed priority community events and potential action steps regarding organizational mapping and stakeholder engagement.

• Appointed Sarah Zoen as Committee Chair (4-0)

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust will review a draft of the 2026-2030 Housing Plan and accept public comments at the meeting or via email by March 31, 2026. A vote on the plan is expected at the April 21 meeting. Trustees will also receive an update on the March 26 public meeting for the Affordable Housing Incentives Study. The meeting will conclude with an executive session to discuss potential real property transactions.

• Minutes of February 17, 2026 meeting
• Review of draft Housing Plan 2026-2030; public comment deadline March 31
• Update on March 26, 2026 Public Meeting on Affordable Housing Incentives Study
• Vote to enter executive session for real property negotiation (G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(6))

The Affordable Housing Trust reviewed a draft of the 2026-2030 Housing Plan to gather feedback on topics including senior housing, inclusionary zoning, and older housing stock. A final draft is expected for a vote at the April meeting. The trustees also approved the minutes from the February 17, 2026, meeting.

• Approved February 17, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee will approve January meeting minutes and receive updates on the transition to in-person meetings and the committee's expansion to seven members. The main agenda item is a presentation from DPW Superintendent Tom Brady on the Tree Ordinance. Reports from the Energy and Sustainability Managers are also scheduled.

• Approval of January 2026 meeting minutes
• Transition to in-person meetings for spring
• Committee expansion to 7 members per revised administrative code
• Update on Tree Ordinance from DPW Superintendent Tom Brady
• Reports from Energy Manager and Sustainability Manager

City Council: Committee on Rules and Ordinances

The Committee on Rules and Ordinances will meet to discuss a draft ordinance regarding single-use food and beverage items. The committee will also consider the reappointment of John Labadini to the Licensing Board.

• Reappointment of John Labadini to the Licensing Board (term expiring February 15, 2029)
• Draft Ordinance Relative to Food and Beverage Single Use Items ('Skip the Stuff')

The committee confirmed John Labadini's reappointment to the Licensing Board for a term ending February 15, 2029. It approved a motion for sustainability staff to present training procedures and materials for restaurant workers and patrons. It also voted to refer the Skip the Stuff ordinance back to the City Council for adoption as originally recommended.

• Confirmed reappointment of John Labadini to Licensing Board (term expires Feb 15, 2029) – vote 3-0
• Approved sustainability staff appearance to discuss training procedures and materials – vote 3-0
• Referred Skip the Stuff ordinance back to City Council for adoption – vote 2-0-1 (present)
• Adopted motion to adjourn the meeting – vote 3-0

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will vote on athletic and extracurricular fees, bus fees, and the FY27 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget. The meeting will also include a discussion of the WHS Program of Studies.

• Vote on Athletic & Extracurricular Fees
• Vote on Bus Fees
• Vote on FY27 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget
• Discussion of WHS Program of Studies
• Presentation on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

City Council: Committee on Rules and Ordinances

The Committee on Rules and Ordinances will meet to discuss a proposed updated noise ordinance. The meeting will be held in-person at the Louis P. Andrews Third Floor Conference Room and streamed online.

• Discussion on proposed updated noise ordinance
• Meeting held at Louis P. Andrews Third Floor Conference Room
• Meeting streamed on WCATV (Comcast Channel 22, RCN Channel 13)
• Public can join via Zoom or phone
• Public can comment via email

The Rules & Ordinances Committee met on March 12, 2026 to review the proposed noise ordinance and heard public comment. Members identified gaps such as caps on noise levels, vibration impacts, tonal‑noise limits, and a commercial lawn‑maintenance exemption, and they asked staff to research these issues and revise several definitions. The committee also requested clearer language for “emergency,” “emergency work,” “construction and demolition,” and “plainly audible.” No formal adoption or amendment was voted on; the only vote was a procedural motion to continue the meeting, which passed 3‑0.

• Asked staff to research vibrations and report at a future meeting
• Requested staff to research tonal‑noise limits with neighboring towns
• Directed staff to provide revised language for the definitions of “emergency” and “emergency work”
• Directed staff to make the definition of “construction and demolition” more concise
• Directed staff to edit the definition of “plainly audible”
• Noted gap for commercial lawn‑maintenance in the draft and asked staff to address it
• Motion to continue the meeting passed 3‑0

Council on Aging

This is a procedural meeting of the Watertown Council on Aging with no major decisions or public hearings scheduled. The agenda includes roll call, review of prior minutes, a director's report on COA updates, and public comments.

The Council on Aging reviewed and approved the minutes from the February 11, 2026 meeting. A motion to adjourn was made and passed with all members in favor. The meeting was officially adjourned at 4:46 p.m.

• Approved February 11, 2026 meeting minutes
• Motion to adjourn passed (all in favor)
• Meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m.

Planning Board

The board will approve minutes from the February 11, 2026 meeting, consider an MHC determination for modifications at 311 Arsenal Street and 100 Talcott Avenue, and discuss a draft update to the Planning Board Rules of Practice and Procedure. It will also conduct site‑plan reviews for accessory dwelling unit requests at 108 California Street (Two‑Family zone) and 649 Main Street (Single‑Family zone, with demolition of an existing garage).

• Approve meeting minutes from February 11, 2026
• MHC determination for modification to Building 311 Arsenal St and 100 Talcott Ave
• Review draft update to Planning Board Rules of Practice and Procedure
• Site‑plan review for an accessory dwelling unit at 108 California St in the T (Two‑Family) zoning district
• Site‑plan review for a detached accessory dwelling unit at 649 Main St in the S‑6 (Single‑Family) zoning district, including demolition of an existing garage

The Board approved the March 11 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote (Rachael Sack abstained). It then gave conditional approval to an ADU at 108 California St and another ADU at 649 Main St, each by a 5‑0 vote. No formal action was taken on the Arsenal on the Charles historic‑preservation proposal.

• Approved meeting minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Conditional approval of ADU at 108 California St (5-0)
• Conditional approval of ADU at 649 Main St (5-0)
• No formal action on Arsenal on the Charles proposal

Cultural Council

The Watertown Cultural Council will discuss the status of FY26 grant returns and updates to the WCC Handbook. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, updates on the website and venue, and officer elections. Public comment can be submitted via email.

• Status of FY26 grant returns
• Discussion on WCC Handbook
• WCC website update
• Venue update
• Election of officers

The council approved the grantee reception to be held on May 13, 2026 at the Mosesian Center, with a cash bar request and cleaning fee covered by the WCC. February 2026 minutes were approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned after all items were addressed.

• February 2026 minutes approved (all in favor)
• Motion to host grantee reception at the Mosesian Center approved (all in favor)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting approved (all in favor)

School Site Council

The Watertown Middle School School Site Council will meet on March 10, 2026 at 4:30 PM in the school library and via Google Meet. The agenda includes routine items such as call to order, roll call, acceptance of prior minutes, meeting norms, revisiting action steps, and discussion of the School Improvement Plan. No specific contracts, dollar amounts, or formal decisions are listed.

• Acceptance of prior meeting’s minutes
• Revisit Action Steps
• Review of the School Improvement Plan
• Other Matters of Business

City Council

The Watertown City Council will vote on borrowing $750,000 for sewer system improvements and $450,000 for fire turnout gear replacement. The body will also consider reappointments to various commissions and committees.

• Public Hearing and Vote on $750,000 sewer system loan
• First Reading on $450,000 fire turnout gear loan
• Reappointments to Conservation Commission and Board of Health
• Recommendation to adopt 36 CIP conceptual recommendations
• Request for DPW memo on ADA compliance for Arsenal St sidewalk

The council unanimously approved a $750,000 loan order to fund sewer system improvements for the Department of Public Works. It also approved a $30,000 transfer to the Fire Replacement of Equipment account and ratified an intermunicipal agreement with Belmont for a shared therapeutic recreation position. Several committee appointments and reappointments were confirmed by unanimous voice votes.

• Approved $750,000 sewer improvement loan order (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved $30,000 transfer to Fire Replacement of Equipment account (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved intermunicipal agreement with Belmont for therapeutic recreation services (unanimous voice vote)
• Confirmed Alana Berman‑Gnivecki appointment to Solid Waste & Recycling Advisory Committee (automatic per rules)
• Approved appointment of Marie‑Sophie Rohwaeder to Conservation Commission (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved reappointment of Leo Martin to Conservation Commission (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved reappointment of Dominic Amirtharaj, MD to Board of Health (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved appointments of Laurel Schaider and Susan LaDue to Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee (unanimous voice vote)

City Council: Special Meetings

The City Council is meeting as the Watertown Redevelopment Authority. The session is primarily dedicated to an executive session regarding real estate matters.

• Executive session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real estate for the Watertown Square Area Redevelopment Demonstration Project