Watertown public meetings in 2024

Board of Assessors

The Watertown Board of Assessors will meet to approve November 19, 2024 meeting minutes and vote on signing fiscal year 2025 warrants for real estate, personal property, water/sewer liens, and other supplemental items. The agenda also includes old and new business, scheduling of the next meeting, and adjournment.

• Vote to approve FY25 Actual Real Estate Warrant
• Vote to approve FY25 Actual Personal Property Warrant
• Vote to approve FY25 Water and Sewer Lien Warrant
• Possible action on other Boat, Motor Vehicle and/or Supplemental Warrants
• Review and approval of November 19, 2024 meeting minutes

The Watertown Board of Assessors approved the November 19, 2024 meeting minutes and unanimously approved four warrants totaling $172,781,958.66, including water/sewer liens, FY25 personal property, FY25 real estate, and CPA taxes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved November 19, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $1,035,138.65 water/sewer lien warrant (unanimous)
• Approved $9,336,587.81 FY25 personal property warrant (unanimous)
• Approved $159,226,709.98 FY25 real estate warrant (unanimous)
• Approved $3,183,022.52 CPA warrant (unanimous)

Stormwater Advisory Committee

The Stormwater Advisory Committee will meet to introduce new members and review administrative updates. The body will discuss goals for 2025 and changes to regulatory items including the MS4 permit and Phosphorus TMDL.

• Discussion of 2025 goals
• Review of MS4 permit and Phosphorus TMDL regulatory changes
• Recruitment of new committee members

The Stormwater Advisory Committee met virtually and discussed its 2025 goals, including potential collaboration with the high school environmental club. Members also reviewed upcoming regulatory changes, including the draft MS4 permit and phosphorus TMDL requirements. No formal votes or decisions were taken.

City Council: Committee on Parks and Recreation

The Committee on Parks and Recreation will consider appointments to the Conservation Commission. The council will appoint Marilyn Salvas and Josh Coefer, and reappoint Rachel Danford, each to terms ending February 15, 2028. These appointments require council approval.

• Appoint Marilyn Salvas to the Conservation Commission (term expires Feb 15, 2028)
• Appoint Josh Coefer to the Conservation Commission (term expires Feb 15, 2028)
• Reappoint Rachel Danford to the Conservation Commission (term expires Feb 15, 2028)

The Committee on Parks and Recreation interviewed three candidates and voted unanimously to recommend all three for appointment or reappointment to the Conservation Commission. The recommendations will go to the full City Council for confirmation. The meeting was solely for these interviews and votes.

• Recommended Marilyn Salvas for appointment to Conservation Commission, term expiring Feb 15, 2028 (3-0)
• Recommended Josh Coefer for appointment to Conservation Commission, term expiring Feb 15, 2028 (3-0)
• Recommended Rachel Danford for reappointment to Conservation Commission, term expiring Feb 15, 2028 (3-0)

City Council: Committee on Human Services

The Human Services Committee will vote on appointing Elizabeth Aeschlimann as a member of the Human Rights Commission. The appointment would last until April 1, 2027. No other items are on the agenda.

• Appoint Elizabeth Aeschlimann to the Human Rights Commission (term expires April 1, 2027)

The Committee on Human Services voted 3-0 to recommend Elizabeth Aeschlimann for appointment to the Human Rights Commission, with a term expiring April 1, 2027. The recommendation will go to the full City Council for final approval. The meeting also included a discussion of her background and goals.

• Recommended Elizabeth Aeschlimann for Human Rights Commission appointment (3-0)

Commission on Disability

The Watertown Commission on Disability will hold a remote meeting to hear audience issues, a guest speaker from Willow Park Development and MASS Design, and numerous reports on accessibility projects and community initiatives. Commissioners will discuss updates on curb cuts, detectable warnings, Victory Field renovations, and the Reasonable Accommodation Policy before voting to accept the November meeting minutes. The meeting also includes a treasurer's report, committee updates, and a brief break before adjournment.

• Guest speaker presentation by Willow Park Development and MASS Design
• Report on Mt. Auburn‑Summer‑Irving intersection curb cuts and detectable warnings
• Accessibility features update for Victory Field renovations
• Detectable warnings at North Beacon & Beechwood locations
• Next steps for the Reasonable Accommodation Policy

The Commission on Disability approved an increased budget of up to $1,100 for a disability event, and discussed the Willow Park redevelopment, a DEI report, and accessibility issues. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved up to $1,100 for disability event (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved budget report (5-0)

City Council

The Watertown Licensing Board will consider several license applications, including changes of manager, new auto repair and livery licenses, and a common victualer permit. The board will also discuss a fee for the Farmer Series Pouring Permit required for serving alcohol by the glass at breweries. Additionally, one-day event permits for Arsenal Yards outdoor music series and private parties are on the agenda.

• Discussion of fee for Farmer Series Pouring Permit for alcohol service by the glass
• One-day event permit for Arsenal Yards 2025 Outdoor Music Series at 130 Arsenal Yards Blvd
• License applications: Frank Pepe's change of manager at 24 Eldridge Ave, Majestic 7 at 81 Arsenal Yards Blvd
• New auto repair license for Santoro Service Center at 250 Orchard Road
• New livery license for North East Luxury Car Service Inc at 61 King Street

The Watertown Licensing Board approved several licenses, including a special license for the 2025 outdoor music series at Arsenal Yards, a special all-alcohol license for a 50th birthday party, and a special all-alcohol license for a New Year's Eve dinner dance. The board also granted a change of manager for Majestic 7, approved a change of hours for Pleasant Car Care, granted a motor vehicle repair license to Santoro Service Center, granted a common victualer license to Plazita Mexico Tacos, and granted a livery license to North East Luxury Car Service. The board set fees for a farmer brewery license at $100 application and $1,500 renewal.

• Approved special licenses for 2025 outdoor music series at Arsenal Yards (3-0)
• Approved special all-alcohol license for 50th birthday party at Armenian Cultural Center (3-0)
• Approved special all-alcohol license for New Year's Eve dinner dance at St. James Armenian Church (2-1)
• Granted change of manager for Majestic 7 at Arsenal Yards (3-0)
• Approved change of hours for Pleasant Car Care to include Sundays (3-0)
• Granted motor vehicle repair license to Santoro Service Center (3-0)
• Granted common victualer license to Plazita Mexico Tacos (3-0)
• Granted livery license to North East Luxury Car Service (3-0)

Traffic Commission

The Watertown Traffic Commission will discuss a request from Lauren Clark to install traffic signals at the intersection of Belmont Street, Sycamore Street, and Prospect Street. They will also vote on approving the minutes from the October 30, 2024 meeting. The agenda includes a new business item for further discussion.

• Request by Ms. Lauren Clark for traffic signals at Belmont Street, Sycamore Street, and Prospect Street
• Approval of minutes from October 30, 2024 meeting
• New Business

The Watertown Traffic Commission unanimously approved a motion to ask the Administration to conduct further analysis of the intersection of Belmont Street at Prospect and Sycamore Streets to determine whether a traffic signal or other traffic control measures would meet warrants and be advisable. The request followed a resident's presentation about safety concerns at the crosswalk. The Commission also unanimously approved the minutes of the October 30, 2024 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of October 30, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved motion to ask Administration for further analysis of Belmont/Prospect/Sycamore intersection (unanimous)

School Building Committee

The Watertown School Building Committee will meet to approve meeting minutes, monthly invoices, and a project budget update for the High School construction. The agenda includes a vote on a Photovoltaic (PV) design and the selection of an Owner's Project Manager for the Middle School project.

• Approval of High School meeting minutes from Nov 20, 2024
• Approval of High School monthly invoices for November 2024
• Vote on Total Project Budget Update and Change Order
• Vote on PV Design Update
• Selection of OPM for Middle School Project

Board of Health

The Watertown Board of Health will meet remotely on December 18, 2024, to review draft minutes, discuss staffing updates including Body Works regulations, and consider permit applications.

• Review of draft minutes from November 20, 2024
• Discussion on Body Works Regulations
• Year-end wrap up
• Paralog Therapeutics permit application at 19 Coolidge Hill Road

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board will conduct public hearings on two cases: a continued request for multiple variances and a special permit amendment at 1 Rosary Dr to build a single-family and two detached two-family dwellings after demolishing the existing convent, and a new case at 77 Forest St for a second-story addition and a change of use from commercial to single-family residence. The board will also approve minutes from November 20, 2024, and a case at 6 & 12 Church Hill St has been continued to January 22, 2025.

• 1 Rosary Dr: request for variances and special permit amendment for three new buildings (one single-family, two two-family) on the site of the existing convent to be demolished
• 77 Forest St: request to allow a full second-floor addition, change of use from non-conforming commercial to single-family residence with no onsite parking
• Approval of meeting minutes from November 20, 2024
• 6 & 12 Church Hill St continued to January 22, 2025 meeting

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals approved variances and amended a special permit for a two-family development at 1 Rosary Dr, with conditions including updated zoning calculations. The board continued the 77 Forest St case to January 22, 2025, citing insufficient detail in plans and concerns about the extent of relief sought.

• Approved variances and amended Special Permit #86-87-17SP for 1 Rosary Dr (5-0)
• Continued 77 Forest St case to January 22, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust will conduct a public listening session for the WestMetro HOME Consortium Consolidated Plan for 2026-2030, inviting comment on housing needs, barriers, and strategies. The board will also receive an update on the Watertown-Belmont Church property and begin preliminary planning for a 2025 study of affordable housing incentives. The meeting ends with a vote to enter executive session to discuss potential real property transactions.

• Public listening session on WestMetro HOME Consortium Consolidated Plan for 2026-2030
• Update on Watertown-Belmont Church property
• Preliminary planning for 2025 study of affordable housing incentives
• Vote to enter executive session for real property negotiations
• Approval of minutes from October 15 and November 18, 2024 meetings

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust held a listening session on the WestMetro HOME Consolidated Plan for 2026-2030, receiving public comments including recommendations for deeper affordability and a housing director. Trustees also discussed developer interest in the Watertown-Belmont Church property and preliminary plans for a 2025 affordable housing incentives study. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting ended with a unanimous vote to enter executive session.

• Accepted minutes of October 15 and November 18, 2024 meetings (unanimous)
• Voted unanimously to enter executive session on real property matters
• Voted unanimously to adjourn public meeting

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will hold a regular meeting with several discussion items, including a partnership with World in Watertown on a Safe Space Project, planning for the January 20th Unity Breakfast, and exploring drinking water as a human right. Committee reports on rules and immigrant rights will be presented, along with a municipal policy analyst report. Public comment is invited.

• Partner with World in Watertown on Safe Space Project
• January 20th Unity Breakfast discussion
• Drinking Water as a Human Right discussion
• WFPL Panel on Sociopolitical Landscape of Immigration
• Statement on Immigrant Rights Committee report

The Watertown Human Rights Commission approved its November 18, 2024 minutes and voted to create a subcommittee to craft its action plan. The Commission discussed partnering with World in Watertown on an LGBT+ Safe Space Project, participating in the January 20 Unity Breakfast, and promoting drinking water as a human right. No public comment was offered.

• Approved November 18, 2024 minutes (8-0)
• Created subcommittee to craft action plan (8-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a confirmatory vote to ratify a 35% residential real property tax exemption previously approved on December 10, 2024, under state law. The council will also enter executive session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real estate at 1 Grove Street and 138 Waltham Street. Public comment is accepted via email before the meeting.

• Confirmatory vote on acceptance of G.L. c. 59, sec. 5C tax exemption equal to 35% of average assessed value of residential parcels
• Executive session to consider real estate negotiations for 1 Grove Street and 138 Waltham Street
• Roll call and recess/adjournment

The Watertown City Council held a special meeting on December 17, 2024, and took one substantive action: a confirmatory vote to ratify the 35% residential property tax exemption previously approved on December 10, 2024. The vote was unanimous by voice vote. The council also entered executive session to discuss real estate matters and then adjourned without returning to open session.

• Confirmed 35% residential property tax exemption (unanimous voice vote)
• Entered executive session to discuss real estate at 1 Grove Street and 138 Waltham Street (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:48 p.m. (unanimous roll call vote)

City Council: Committee on Personnel and City Organization

The Watertown City Council's Committee on Personnel and City Organization will discuss two items: a proposed change in Department of Public Works hours and the qualifications needed for a new Procurement Director. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion only. The public may participate remotely via Zoom or phone.

• Review and discussion of change in Department of Public Works hours
• Discussion of qualifications and qualities for a new Procurement Director with the City Manager

The Personnel and City Organization Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council make permanent the change in DPW front office staff hours from 7am to 3:30pm, aligning them with other employees. The committee also discussed qualities for a new Procurement Director, including certification, experience, and communication skills, but took no formal action on that item.

• Recommended making DPW front office hours permanent (unanimous)

City Council: Committee on Rules and Ordinances

The Committee on Rules and Ordinances will discuss a proposed ordinance to establish a Memorialization Committee. The council will decide whether to adopt the ordinance. No other items are listed for decision.

• Proposed Ordinance Establishing Memorialization Committee

The Rules and Ordinances Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council accept for first reading a new ordinance establishing a Memorialization Committee. The ordinance would replace the existing 2019 naming policy for non-veterans and create a broader process for naming public spaces and objects, with final approval by the City Council. The committee also agreed to include provisions for public participation and a review clause allowing the Council to remove names if public interest is no longer served.

• Approved motion to recommend ordinance creating Memorialization Committee for first reading (3-0)
• Agreed to insert purpose statement from existing resolution into proposed ordinance
• Agreed to add review provision allowing Council to remove naming if public interest not served
• Agreed to move existing resolution language and amend proposed text for new ordinance

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will meet to discuss a statement regarding immigrant rights. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Discussion of Statement on Immigrant Rights

The Immigrant Rights Subcommittee discussed signing on to the police department's immigrant rights policy and agreed to consider it further at future meetings. They also explored other actions like sharing legal aid contacts, collaborating with MIRA, and hosting a 'Know Your Rights' training. No formal decisions were made; the next meeting is set for January 7th.

• Agreed to further consider signing on to police department's immigrant rights policy
• Scheduled next meeting for January 7th at 6:30 PM

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee will meet to receive reports from the Energy and Sustainability Managers and working groups. Members will discuss a summary of existing, proposed, and needed ordinances. The meeting includes introductions for two new sustainability team members.

• Discussion regarding summaries of existing, proposed, and needed ordinances
• Introduction of Sustainability Planner Mia Kania
• Introduction of Energy Advocate Fang Shuei Jeung
• Reports from BERDO and Climate Outreach working groups

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee met on December 16, 2024, and approved the November minutes unanimously. The committee discussed a list of relevant ordinances, noting some are proposed, in place, or not started, and agreed to review the ordinance development process at the next meeting. No substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval and adjournment.

• Approved November meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 8:30 pm (unanimous)

School Site Council

The School Site Council will meet to review updates on school climate, culture, and curriculum. The body will also discuss the mid-year assessment calendar and DIB updates.

• Climate and Culture Update
• Mid-Year Assessment Calendar
• DIB Update
• Curriculum Update

Council on Aging

The Watertown Council on Aging will meet to review prior meeting minutes, receive the Director's report on COA updates, and take public comments. No votes on specific projects or spending are on the agenda.

• Director's report on Senior Services updates
• Public comments for the Council on Aging

Developer Community Meeting

The project applicant, Triad Alpha Partners, is hosting a public meeting to discuss the proposed Village at Washburn project. The development involves converting existing properties into 16 townhouse units.

• Proposed 16 townhouse units (14 market rate, 2 affordable)
• Redevelopment of 53R Franklin Street, 18-20 Washburn Street, and 30R Washburn Street
• Units ranging from approximately 2,400 sq ft to 2,900 sq ft

City Council

The Blue Ribbon Committee is meeting to discuss the salary for the Council President and a report to the City Council.

• Discussion of Council President salary
• Review of report to City Council

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a request to amend the Arsenal Yards Master Plan (PB-2016-03) to replace a portion of a surface parking lot with a new ~170,000 SF commercial/lab/R&D life science building and structured parking, incorporating a 10.43-acre lot. The existing Home Depot building at 615 Arsenal St will remain. The Board will also approve the minutes from November 13, 2024.

• Public hearing on amendment to Arsenal Yards Master Plan for a 170,000 SF lab building with structured parking at 615 Arsenal St
• Approval of meeting minutes from November 13, 2024

The Watertown Planning Board held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Arsenal Yards Master Plan (PB-2016-03) by 615 Arsenal Holding LLC and Boylston Properties to replace part of the Home Depot parking lot with a new commercial/lab building. The board discussed the proposal but took no final action, voting 5-0 to continue the hearing to January 8, 2025. The board also approved the minutes of the November 13, 2024 meeting.

• Approved minutes of 11/13/2024 meeting (5-0)
• Continued 615 Arsenal Holding LLC amendment to January 8, 2025 (5-0)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will review trends in FY25 WCC grants and discuss grant denial reconsiderations with originators. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding future processes before the council adjourns for the calendar year.

• Review of FY25 WCC grants trend analysis
• Discussion of grant denial reconsideration with grant originator
• Vote to accept October and November minutes

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee is meeting to discuss and refine a presentation they will give to the Watertown City Council at their January 28, 2025 meeting. They will review feedback from their December 2024 meeting and plan logistics for the council presentation.

• Discussion and iteration of presentation for City Council
• Recap of Bike-Ped Committee feedback from December 2024 meeting
• Logistics preparation for January 28, 2025 City Council meeting

The working group met to iterate on a slide deck for the upcoming City Council presentation, organizing accomplishments into planning, implementation, and education/events. They assigned tasks for a handout and graphic design, and discussed seeking authorization to finalize the presentation without further committee review. The presentation is scheduled for January 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.

• Discussed and iterated slide deck for City Council presentation
• Organized accomplishments into planning, implementation, and education/events
• Assigned Eileen to produce handout/appendix
• Assigned Jenny to graphically design slide deck
• Scheduled presentation for January 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
• Planned to present recap to full Committee on January 6, 2024

City Council

The Watertown City Council will vote on a loan order appropriating $180,000 to fund the installation of electric vehicle charging units at several city locations. The meeting also includes a public hearing on the property tax levy allocation for FY 2025 and reappointment recommendations for members of the Affordable Housing Trust and Housing Authority. Additional items include a first reading of a proposed ordinance to adjust the City Manager's salary and various committee reports.

• First reading of loan order to borrow $180,000 for EV charging units at Nichols Ave Lot, 30 Common Street, Skating Rink (1 Paramount Pl), Police Headquarters (552 Main St), and other locations
• Public hearing and vote on order allocating the property tax levy among property classes for FY 2025
• First reading of proposed ordinance adjusting the City Manager's salary
• Approval and acceptance of gifts of funds and personal property for the Merry Mingle
• Consideration of exemptions for city employee interests in contracts for seasonal program positions

The City Council voted unanimously to adopt the maximum property tax shift allowed by law (174.5%) from residential to commercial/industrial properties, and to increase the residential exemption to the maximum 35% for Fiscal Year 2025. The decision was made after a public hearing where residents expressed concerns about assessment increases. The council also approved several routine items, including accepting gifts for the Merry Mingle event and employee ethics exemptions, and took first readings on a $180,000 EV charging loan order and a City Manager salary adjustment ordinance.

• Adopted 174.5% tax shift from residential to commercial (unanimous)
• Approved 35% residential exemption (unanimous)
• Approved acceptance of gifts for Merry Mingle event (unanimous)
• Approved employee ethics exemptions for seasonal positions (unanimous)
• First reading of $180,000 loan order for EV charging stations
• First reading of ordinance adjusting City Manager's salary
• Referred Victory Field lighting discussion to Parks and Recreation Committee (unanimous)
• Referred Affordable Housing Study to Human Services Committee (unanimous)

Licensing Board

The Watertown Licensing Board will hold a virtual meeting on December 9, 2024, to conduct routine renewals of 2025 licenses. Licenses include all alcohol, wine and malt, BYOB, common victualler, amusement devices, and auto dealer categories. The meeting will also include comments from the Police and Board, followed by adjournment.

• Renewal of All Alcohol and Wine & Malt licenses (6 and 7 day, package goods)
• Renewal of Common Victualler, BYOB, and Sale of Food retail licenses
• Renewal of Entertainment, Music Box, and Amusement Device licenses
• Renewal of Auto Dealer Class I, II, and III licenses
• Police and Board comments to be heard

The Watertown Licensing Board voted 3-0 to approve the renewal of all licenses listed in the '2025 Renewal List' for the upcoming year. This includes alcohol, food service, entertainment, and auto dealer licenses. The meeting was held via Zoom and lasted 19 minutes.

• Approved all 2024 license renewals for 2025 (3-0)

Cultural District Partnership

The Watertown Cultural District Partnership will meet to discuss community engagement, website development with Artsopolis, and the adoption of the Porchfest event. The meeting is held remotely pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023.

• Official designation by the Mass Cultural Council on 11/13/2024
• Website development with Artsopolis
• Porchfest - Vote to Adopt
• YardArt
• Logo Contest

Human Rights Commission

The Watertown Human Rights Commission will discuss planning for upcoming events including a Meet Your HRC event, a Safe Space Project partnership, and the January Unity Breakfast, as well as a discussion on drinking water as a human right. No votes or concrete actions are scheduled.

• Discussion of December 10th Meet Your HRC Event with World in Watertown
• Partner with World in Watertown on Safe Space Project
• January 20th Unity Breakfast planning
• Drinking Water as a Human Right discussion
• WFPL Panel on Sociopolitical Landscape of Immigration

Community Preservation

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing and deliberate on an application regarding Willow Park, followed by a vote. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Willow Park Application: Deliberation and Vote

The Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously to recommend funding for the Willow Park affordable housing project, subject to conditions. The project, proposed by POAH and the Watertown Housing Authority, includes a $1.5 million purchase price for 95-97 Nichols Ave. The recommendation includes a perpetual affordable housing restriction and a goal of up to 70% local preference.

• Recommended Willow Park project for funding (9-0)
• Approved $1.5 million for 95-97 Nichols Ave purchase
• Added condition for perpetual affordable housing restriction
• Added condition for up to 70% local preference
• Added condition for CPA funds disbursement within 40 months of City Council approval
• Added condition for full financial closing before CPA funds disbursement

School Site Council

The Watertown High School Site Council will meet to receive the principal's updates and discuss Objective #2. The agenda is procedural and contains no specific proposals, budgets, or votes.

BioSafety Committee

The BioSafety Committee will meet to review a permit application and an amendment application for recommendation to the Board of Health. The meeting is conducted via remote participation.

• Permit application for Paralog Therapeutics at 19 Coolidge Hill Road
• Amendment application for Mariana Oncology at 100 Forge Road

The Watertown BioSafety Committee approved minutes from November 7, 2024, and recommended approval of an amendment for Mariana Oncology at 100 Forge Road and a permit application for Paralog Therapeutics at 19 Coolidge Hill Road. Both recommendations passed unanimously (4-0) and will go to the Board of Health, except the Mariana amendment which will not go before the BOH. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM.

• Approved minutes from November 7, 2024 (4-0)
• Recommended approval of amendment for Mariana Oncology at 100 Forge Road (4-0)
• Recommended approval of permit application for Paralog Therapeutics at 19 Coolidge Hill Road without conditions (4-0)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Watertown Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will hold a remote meeting on December 4, 2024. Members will provide updates to the committee webpage and discuss plans for outreach activities in 2025. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Welcome and introductions
• WE3C webpage updates
• Outreach planning for 2025

The WE3C Outreach Working Group met remotely and discussed updates to the WE3C webpage, a newsletter with community spotlight questions and a year-in-review, planning for a Sustainability Resource Fair, and a heat pump workshop. No formal decisions were made; items were assigned for follow-up, including reaching out to WCATV and reviewing ordinance involvement at the next full committee meeting.

• Discussed WE3C webpage updates
• Discussed newsletter community spotlight questions and year-in-review topics (BERDO, Watertown Square, Micro transit study)
• Discussed connecting Sustainability Resource Fair into schools
• Assigned FZ to contact WCATV about covering heat pump workshop
• Assigned LS to review WE3C ordinance involvement at next full committee meeting

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet remotely to discuss management and reporting for Whitney Hill. The body will also receive updates from the Community Preservation Committee and the Agent's site monitoring report.

• Whitney Hill Management Plan update
• 2024 Whitney Hill Annual Report
• CPC Updates
• Agent Report on ongoing site monitoring

The Watertown Conservation Commission met remotely on December 5, 2024, and approved the minutes from its September 4, October 9, and November 6, 2024 meetings, with amendments to the September and October minutes. The commission also discussed updates on the Whitney Hill annual report and management plan, the Willow Park affordable housing redevelopment project, and various conservation agent reports on winter monitoring, 99 Coolidge, Arsenal Park, and the DCR bike path. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved September 4, 2024 minutes with amendments (unanimous)
• Approved October 9, 2024 minutes with amendments (unanimous)
• Approved November 6, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees will discuss and potentially act on the FY26 budget submission, review a draft impact report, and receive financial updates on the FY25 budget, Burke Fund, and HATCH financials. The meeting also includes a new employee introduction and public forum.

• Consideration and action on FY26 budget submission
• Impact report draft review
• Financial report: FY25 budget, Burke Fund, HATCH financials
• New employee introduction - Ran Cronin
• Public forum

The Watertown Board of Library Trustees approved the FY26 budget submission unanimously. The board also approved the October 28 meeting minutes and the financial report. No public comments were made, and no other substantive decisions were taken.

• Approved FY26 budget submission (unanimous)
• Approved October 28, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved financial report including FY25 budget, Burke Fund, and HATCH financials (unanimous)

School Committee

The Athletics & Extracurriculars Subcommittee will review updates on Fall 2024 sports and extracurricular activities. The committee will also discuss and vote on recommendations regarding Victory Field Phase 2 to be sent to the full School Committee.

• Fall 2024 sports and recognitions update
• Winter registration and sport waivers
• Fall 2024 extracurricular activities update
• Vote on Victory Field Phase 2 recommendations

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will convene an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The agenda also includes recognitions for a field hockey coach and team, an educator award, and a teaching showcase by the Cunniff Elementary music program. Action items include approval of meeting minutes covering Victory Field Phase II changes, a science textbook surplus, and a Model UN field trip. Reports on class size, enrollment, and personnel are scheduled.

• Executive session for collective bargaining (strategy discussion)
• Recognition: Watertown field hockey coach Eileen Donahue named MIAA Coach of the Year
• Recognition: field hockey team as Division III State Champions
• Recommended changes to Victory Field Phase II (from Athletics & Extracurricular Subcommittee)
• Approval of science textbook surplus and Model UN field trip

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The Watertown Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee will review the minutes from its November 18 meeting, meet with City Engineer Tyler Glode, and discuss updates from its working groups on the committee website and branding. The committee will also debrief on portable bicycle racks and provide an update on its upcoming presentation to the City Council. No formal decisions are noted on the agenda.

• Accept minutes of the November 18, 2024 meeting
• Meet & greet with City Engineer Tyler Glode
• Working group updates on website and branding
• Debrief on portable bicycle racks
• Update on WBPC presentation to City Council

The committee met with City Engineer Tyler Glode to discuss DPW project prioritization and operations. They also discussed upcoming events, including a presentation to the City Council on January 28, and reviewed the use of portable bike racks. No formal votes were taken.

• Accepted November minutes
• Scheduled City Council presentation for January 28
• Discussed DPW project prioritization with City Engineer

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will adjourn to executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. They will also recognize the field hockey coach and team for state championship honors, and vote on approving meeting minutes that include recommended changes to Victory Field Phase II, a science textbook surplus, and a Model UN field trip.

• Adjourn to executive session for collective bargaining strategy
• Recognition of field hockey coach Eileen Donahue as MIAA Coach of the Year and team as Division III State Champions
• Recognition of Liz Schorr as MDSC Outstanding Educator of the Year
• Approval of meeting minutes including recommended changes to Victory Field Phase II
• Votes on science textbook surplus and Model UN field trip

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee will discuss and refine a presentation for the Watertown City Council and review feedback from a previous meeting. The group will also prepare logistics for a future Council meeting.

• Discussion of presentation content for City Council
• Review of October 2024 committee feedback
• Logistics planning for January 28, 2025 Council meeting

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee’s City Council Presentation/Update Working Group met to discuss and iterate a draft slide deck for an upcoming presentation to the Watertown City Council. The working group reviewed materials, organized accomplishments into planning, implementation, and education/events, and planned a tentative presentation date for January 28, 2025. No formal votes or substantive policy decisions were made during the meeting.

• Discussed and iterated draft slide deck for upcoming City Council presentation
• Planned presentation organization around 2024 accomplishments and 2025 opportunities
• Assigned Eileen Botti to produce a handout/appendix and Jenny Wang to design the slide deck
• Scheduled Sheila Fay to present a recap at the full Committee meeting on December 2, 2024

City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2025 Local Road Construction Program and the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Policy Guidelines. The body is also reviewing property tax levy allocations for Fiscal Year 2025 and an easement for an antenna system.

• Proposed $2.75 million loan for road construction on Poplar, Partridge, Pequosette, North and South Irving Park, Royal, and Green Streets
• First reading on allocating the Fiscal Year 2025 property tax levy among property classes
• Proposed adoption of Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Policy Guidelines
• Order to acquire an easement for an antenna system at Payson Estate on Oakley Hill Condominium
• Resolution to allow electronic publication of notices via special legislation

The City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Policy Guidelines and approved a $2.75 million loan for the 2025 Local Road Construction Program. The Council also authorized a petition for special legislation to allow legal notices to be published electronically to reduce costs.

• Approved resolution to petition for electronic publication of legal notices (Unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to execute antenna system easement at Payson Estate (Unanimous)
• Approved $2.75M loan for 2025 road construction on Poplar, Partridge, Pequosette, Irving Park, Royal, and Green Streets (Unanimous)
• Adopted FY2026 Budget Policy Guidelines (Unanimous)
• Referred Budget Policy Guidelines II-F and II-H to Public Works Committee (Unanimous)
• Requested analysis of non-zoning property tax exemptions for affordable housing (Unanimous)
• Confirmed Barbara Epstein and Jason Wilson to the Public Arts and Culture Committee (Unanimous)
• Referred Procurement Director vacancy to Committee on Personnel and City Organization (Unanimous)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee will hear reports from the Energy Manager and Sustainability Manager, conduct a Q&A with new sustainability office staff, and follow up on outstanding questions from October's discussion regarding the Watertown Mall redevelopment.

• Follow-up on Watertown Mall redevelopment questions from October Q&A with Buro Happold and Alexandria
• Q&A with new sustainability staff Mia Kania and Fangxue Zheng
• Energy Manager Report and Sustainability Manager Report
• Approval of October meeting minutes

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee met on November 25, 2024, and approved the minutes from the October 21 meeting. The committee received updates on the Green Communities Summit, the Miyawaki planting, and new staff. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.

• Approved minutes from 10/21/24 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn at 8:30 pm (unanimous)

Stormwater Advisory Committee

The Stormwater Advisory Committee will discuss goals for 2025 and upcoming regulatory changes to the MS4 permit and Phosphorus TMDL, including shifts in requirements and funding. The meeting also includes administrative updates and recruitment of new members.

• Discussion of goals for 2025
• Updates on MS4 permit and Phosphorus TMDL regulatory changes
• Recruitment of new committee members
• Brief reports on city staff coordination and meeting scheduling

Community Preservation

The Community Preservation Committee will meet remotely to discuss a CPA application for the Willow Park Redevelopment and review a housing consultant analysis. The meeting will also include the acceptance of draft minutes and a request from Mount Auburn Cemetery.

• Willow Park Redevelopment CPA Application presentation
• Housing Consultant Analysis discussion
• Acceptance of 2024-10-17-Draft-CPC-Minutes
• Mount Auburn Cemetery meeting request
• Remote meeting via Zoom

The Watertown Community Preservation Committee heard a presentation on the Willow Park redevelopment proposal, which seeks $4 million in CPA funds, but took no vote on funding. Members agreed to schedule an early December meeting to deliberate and develop funding conditions. The committee also accepted the October 17, 2024 minutes and agreed to a spring site visit with Mount Auburn Cemetery.

• Accepted October 17, 2024 CPC minutes (6-0)
• Agreed to schedule early December meeting to deliberate Willow Park funding conditions
• Agreed to spring site visit with Mount Auburn Cemetery

Licensing Board

The Watertown Licensing Board will meet to consider several special one-day event requests and license applications. Items include amendments to hours of operation, fundraising events, holiday parties, and a character extravaganza. License applications include a change of DBA for Belle's Burgers, a new common victualer for Natural Fruttiberri, and outdoor dining and entertainment licenses for Ole Tapas.

• Small Change Brewing Co. amending hours at 580 Mt. Auburn St.
• Armenian Youth Foundation fundraising event Nov 30 at 47 Nichols Ave.
• Hellenic Cultural Center holiday party Dec 4 at 25 Bigelow Rd.
• Arsenal Yards character extravaganza Dec 4 at 130 Arsenal Yards Blvd.
• Ole Tapas applying for outdoor dining and entertainment license at 645 Mt Auburn St.

The Watertown Licensing Board approved several special all-alcohol licenses for holiday events, including an extended hours request for Small Change Brewing Company at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. It also approved a name change for Belle's Burgers, a new common victualer license for Natural Fruttiberri, and an alteration of premises and entertainment license for Olespana Whiskey & Tapas. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved extended hours to 9:30 p.m. for Small Change Brewing's Mt. Auburn Cemetery event (3-0)
• Approved special all-alcohol license for Armenian Youth Federation fundraiser (3-0)
• Approved special all-alcohol license for Hellenic Cultural Center holiday party (3-0)
• Approved special all-alcohol license for Hellenic Cultural Center dance party (3-0)
• Approved one-day wine and malt license for Character Extravaganza at Arsenal Yards (3-0)
• Approved d/b/a name change to Belle's Burgers at 46 Arsenal Street (3-0)
• Granted common victualer license to Natural Fruttiberri at 127 Mt. Auburn Street (3-0)
• Approved alteration of premises and entertainment license for Olespana Whiskey & Tapas (3-0)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee is meeting to review updates to the WE3C webpage and plan content for the newsletter. The meeting is being held via remote participation only.

• WE3C webpage updates
• Newsletter content planning

The WE3C Outreach Working Group met remotely and discussed updating the WE3C webpage, including writing an introductory blurb and possibly creating a WE3C email address. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 12:30 PM.

• Discussed writing an introductory blurb for WE3C webpage updates
• Discussed possibility of creating a WE3C email address for chairs

Human Rights Commission

The Watertown Human Rights Commission is meeting to approve previous minutes and hold a general discussion. The agenda contains only routine procedural items with no specific substantive proposals or public hearings listed.

• Acceptance of previous meeting minutes
• General discussion (no specific topics listed)

The Rules Committee of the Human Rights Commission met to discuss draft rules, including co-chair and liaison responsibilities, a code of ethics, an action plan, and public comment rules in light of the Barron v. Kolenda decision. No formal decisions were made; the subcommittee only discussed how to proceed, including whether to finalize rules before meeting with the City Attorney. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous vote.

• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

School Building Committee

The Watertown School Building Committee will meet on November 20, 2024 via Zoom. The agenda includes approval of minutes from the October 16 meeting and approval of October 2024 invoices. Members will receive updates on the high school project's progress, budget, schedule, and photovoltaic design, and will vote on a change order for the project.

• Approve meeting minutes from 10/16/24 (high school business only)
• Approve monthly invoices for October 2024
• Update total project budget and vote on a change order
• Provide overall project schedule update and upcoming milestones
• Present PV design update and vote on it

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet remotely to discuss department staffing and general updates. The board is also scheduled to consider a permit application for a specific business location.

• Permit application for Mechanobiologix, LLC at 155 Arlington Street

The Board of Health recommended the approval of a permit for Mechanobiologix, LLC at 155 Arlington Street. The board also approved the minutes from the October 16, 2024 meeting.

• Approved October 16, 2024 minutes (2-0)
• Recommended approval of permit for Mechanobiologix, LLC at 155 Arlington Street (3-0)

Zoning Board

The board will first approve minutes from the September 25 and October 23, 2024 meetings. It will then continue hearings on special permit applications for new three‑family homes at 6 and 12 Church Hill Street, which involve demolition of existing structures. The board will also consider multiple variances and a special‑permit amendment for 1 Rosary Drive to add three new residential buildings on the former convent site.

• Approve meeting minutes from September 25, 2024
• Approve meeting minutes from October 23, 2024
• Special permit for 6 Church Hill St: new 3‑family dwelling, lot expanded from 2,266 sq ft to 2,797 sq ft, demolition of existing single‑family house
• Special permit for 12 Church Hill St: new 3‑family dwelling, lot reduced from 3,373 sq ft to 2,840 sq ft, demolition of existing 2‑family house
• Variances and special‑permit amendment for 1 Rosary Dr: three new buildings (single‑family and two detached two‑family dwellings) on former convent site

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on the proposed redevelopment of 1 Rosary Drive into five residential units, but took no final decision. The board voted 5-0 to continue the case to its December 18, 2024 meeting, and also continued the petition for 6 & 12 Church Hill St to January 22, 2025. The board approved minutes from September 25 and October 23, 2024, each by 4-0 votes.

• Continued 1 Rosary Dr redevelopment hearing to Dec 18, 2024 (5-0)
• Continued 6 & 12 Church Hill St petition to Jan 22, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved Sept 25, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved Oct 23, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will meet to review accessibility updates for various city intersections and buildings. The body will also consider votes regarding funding for the Watertown Food Pantry and CART support for upcoming events.

• Guest speaker: Boston Center for Independent Living
• Curb cuts and detectable warnings at Mt. Auburn-Summer-Irving and North Beacon & Beechwood
• Update on Snow Removal Ordinance
• Accessibility of River Works Health Building at 480 Pleasant Street
• Vote on Watertown Food Pantry Programs annual contribution

The Commission on Disability approved annual funding of $1,500 each to the Watertown Food Pantry and St. Patrick's Food Pantry, plus $500 to the Watertown Community Fridge, all in 8-0 votes. They also voted 7-0 to support ASL/CART for the World in Watertown Unity Breakfast and 8-0 for the Human Rights Commission event on December 10. The commission discussed accessibility issues at Francis Food Mart and Riverworks, and postponed trash/recycle bin sticker discussions until a new DPW director is appointed.

• Approved $1,500 to Watertown Food Pantry (8-0)
• Approved $1,500 to St. Patrick's Food Pantry (8-0)
• Approved $500 to Watertown Community Fridge (8-0)
• Approved ASL/CART support for Unity Breakfast (7-0)
• Approved ASL/CART support for Human Rights Commission event (8-0)
• Accepted meeting minutes (6-0, 2 abstentions)
• Approved treasurer's report (8-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will sign Motor Vehicle Warrants 2024.5 and 2024.6, discuss upcoming submissions to the Bureau of Local Assessment (sales file, housing inventory, new growth), and then enter executive session to review confidential exemption and abatement applications under state law. No major property tax rate or valuation decisions are on the agenda.

• Signing of Motor Vehicle Warrants 2024.5 and 2024.6
• Submissions to Bureau of Local Assessment (Sales File LA3, Housing Inventory LA4, New growth)
• Awaiting Preliminary Certification and scheduling open hours
• Review and vote on acceptance of October 22, 2024, minutes
• Executive session to discuss Attorney Mark Witkin's exemption application (8 of 58) and other exemption applications

The Watertown Board of Assessors unanimously approved the October 22, 2024 meeting minutes and two motor vehicle warrants (2024.5 and 2024.6) totaling $282,253.58. The board also discussed office updates, including accepted sales file submissions and an upcoming classification hearing on December 10, 2024. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned to executive session for confidential abatement applications.

• Approved October 22, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Motor Vehicle Warrant 2024.5 for $186,274.27 (unanimous)
• Approved Motor Vehicle Warrant 2024.6 for $95,979.31 (unanimous)
• Moved to executive session for confidential abatement applications (unanimous)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will discuss participation in human rights organizations and several upcoming community events. The body will also consider a commission statement on immigrant protection and ways to increase public exposure for the HRC.

• Proposed 'Meet Your HRC' event with World in Watertown on December 10th
• Watertown Unity Breakfast scheduled for January 20th, 2025
• Commission statement on immigrant protection
• Disability Awareness event and film screening with Watertown Free Public Library
• Participation in the International Association of Human Rights Agencies

The Human Rights Commission approved spending $200 to join the International Association of Human Rights Agencies and $100 toward food for a December 10 'Meet Your HRC' event with World in Watertown. It voted unanimously to create a subcommittee to craft a statement on immigrant protection, and approved its October 15 minutes. Other items, including a possible library panel on immigrant rights and the January 20 Unity Breakfast, were discussed without a decision.

• Approved minutes of 10.15.24 (8-0)
• Approved spending $200 of Commission budget to join International Association of Human Rights Agencies (8-0)
• Approved $100 of Commission budget for food at Dec 10 'Meet Your HRC' event with World in Watertown (8-0)
• Agreed to ask the city to help promote the Dec 10 event; Doug Newton agreed to do so
• Approved creating a subcommittee to craft a statement on immigrant protection (unanimous)
• Accepted offer from Dr. Ceronne Daly to send Anti-Bias Coalition meeting dates to Doug Newton for distribution
• Approved adjournment (8-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss and prioritize items for the Capital Improvement Plan, including the Senior Center, East End Fire Station, and Watertown Square Plan implementation.

• Discussion of Capital Improvement Plan items
• Senior Center / Recreation prioritization
• East End Fire Station prioritization
• DPW Staging Area prioritization
• Watertown Square Plan Implementation prioritization

The City Council voted 8-1 to add the Watertown Middle School renovation project as a high priority in the Capital Improvement Plan. The project is estimated at $84.8 million, financed with $70 million in debt and $14 million in cash. The Council also voted unanimously to proceed with the City Manager's plan to include the remaining unfunded capital items (Senior Center/Recreation, East End Fire Station, DPW Staging Area, Watertown Square) in the CIP.

• Added Middle School project as high priority in CIP (8-1)
• Approved City Manager's plan to include remaining capital items in CIP (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will hold a virtual meeting to discuss its own rules. No votes or public hearings are scheduled. The agenda consists of routine procedural items and one discussion item.

• Discussion of Human Rights Commission Rules

The Rules Committee of the Human Rights Commission met to discuss updates to its rules, including a code of conduct, incident report options, and officer elections. No formal decisions were made; the only action was to adjourn. The meeting was procedural and discussion-focused.

• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council: Committee on Economic Development and Planning

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning will discuss the reappointment of three members to the Public Arts & Culture Committee. The proposed reappointments are for Barbara Epstein, Archy LaSalle, and Jason Wilson, each with terms expiring November 15, 2027. The meeting is primarily procedural with no other substantive items.

• Reappoint Barbara Epstein to Public Arts & Culture Committee (term through Nov 15, 2027)
• Reappoint Archy LaSalle to Public Arts & Culture Committee (term through Nov 15, 2027)
• Reappoint Jason Wilson to Public Arts & Culture Committee (term through Nov 15, 2027)

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council confirm Barbara Epstein and Jason Wilson for reappointment to the Public Arts and Culture Committee, with terms expiring November 15, 2027. Both were interviewed during the meeting. Archy LaSalle, who was scheduled for an interview, declined to pursue reappointment.

• Recommended confirming Barbara Epstein to PACC, term to Nov 15, 2027 (3-0)
• Recommended confirming Jason Wilson to PACC, term to Nov 15, 2027 (3-0)

City Council: Committee on Climate and Energy

The Committee on Climate and Energy will continue its discussion of the city's Climate and Energy Plan, focusing specifically on transportation and mobility. No votes or concrete proposals are listed on the agenda; the meeting is a discussion session only.

• Continued discussion of the City's Climate and Energy Plan with a focus on Transportation and Mobility

The Climate and Energy Committee received updates on the Climate Action Plan (CAP), focusing on transportation and mobility. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational. Key updates included the award of an $800,000 Safe Streets for All grant, the purchase of electric vehicles by police and DPW, and progress on various sustainability initiatives.

• Heard update on $800,000 Safe Streets for All grant for bike lanes and speed study
• Noted police department purchased 3 EVs and DPW purchased 1 EV
• Discussed plan for 3-year CAP progress report in summer 2025
• Reviewed progress on tree ordinance, BERDO, and composting programs

City Council

The Public Arts and Culture Committee will hold a meeting to introduce and receive presentations on the 100 Years of Arshile Gorky project. Presentations will be given by Tina Chakarian with Nicole Burmeister and Studio Fresh, Kacy Jackson, and Brandon Marshall, each followed by Q&A. The public may submit comments via email.

• Introduction of the 100 Years of Arshile Gorky project
• Presentation by Tina Chakarian with Nicole Burmeister and Studio Fresh
• Presentation by Kacy Jackson
• Presentation by Brandon Marshall
• Public comment accepted via email to [email protected]

The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee unanimously selected Brandon's design for the Gorky mural and chose three sculptures for the Community Sculpture Walk, prioritizing existing pieces. The committee also discussed upcoming events and projects, including the River of Light and Edible Watertown.

• Selected Brandon's design for the Gorky mural (unanimous)
• Selected Serotonin, Empathy, and Octopus's Garden for the Community Sculpture Walk (unanimous)
• Prioritized existing sculpture Opposition, with Inheritance as second choice (unanimous)

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust will hold a remote-only meeting to discuss the Willow Park Redevelopment project and an update on Watertown Square zoning. The body will also review minutes from the previous meeting and consider entering an executive session.

• Review minutes from October 15, 2024
• Discuss Willow Park Redevelopment project
• Review Developer's Conference comments
• Discuss Accessory Dwelling Units engagement plan
• Update on Watertown Square zoning

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust voted 6-0 to send a comment letter on the Willow Park redevelopment Project Eligibility Application, focusing on the Trust's $400,000 grant and the city's affordable housing efforts. Trustees also discussed the upcoming Developer's Conference, an ADU engagement plan with Watertown Community Conversations, and noted the approval of Watertown Square zoning amendments on November 14, 2024. The meeting adjourned to executive session to discuss real property negotiations.

• Approved sending comment letter on Willow Park 40B application (6-0)
• Agreed Leo will represent Trust at Developer's Conference on Nov 20
• Discussed ADU engagement plan with Watertown Community Conversations for winter 2025
• Noted Watertown Square zoning amendments approved Nov 14, 2024
• Voted unanimously to enter executive session for real property discussion

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will vote on the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan and an updated FY26 budget calendar. The body will also discuss the Middle School Principal search and the FY25 budget.

• Vote on 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan
• Vote on updated FY26 Budget Calendar
• Request for WPS employee’s child to attend WPS
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy
• Reports on FY25 Budget and Middle School Principal Search

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee will hear reports from the Energy and Sustainability Managers, meet new sustainability office staff, and follow up on outstanding questions from October regarding the Watertown Mall redevelopment. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Energy Manager Report
• Sustainability Manager Report
• Q&A with new sustainability staff Mia Kania and Fangxue Zheng
• Follow-up on Watertown Mall redevelopment questions from October

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The Watertown Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee will discuss acceptance of prior meeting minutes, working group updates, and portable bike racks. Key items include planning a presentation to the City Council on January 8, 2025, and providing bicycle-pedestrian feedback on the Watertown Square Area Plan. The committee will also prepare for a meet-and-greet with DPW staff and finalize a branding logo.

• Acceptance of minutes from October 28, 2024 meeting
• Portable bike racks collaboration and ideas for events
• Presentation/update to City Council at their January 8, 2025 meeting
• DPW meet-and-greet with City Engineer Tyler Glode scheduled for December 2, 2024
• Bicycle and pedestrian general feedback discussion on Watertown Square Area Plan

The committee accepted the minutes from their October 28, 2024, meeting. Members discussed upcoming coordination with the Department of Public Works, branding efforts, and the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Accepted 10/28/24 meeting minutes

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will meet to approve meeting minutes, discuss an updated FY26 budget calendar, and consider a request for a non-resident child to attend WPS. A key item is reviewing the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan for school facilities. The meeting also includes a recognition of the field hockey coach as MIAA Coach of the Year and a teaching showcase from Hosmer Elementary.

• Approval of 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan
• Updated FY26 Budget Calendar
• Request for WPS employee's child to attend WPS
• Recognition of field hockey coach Eileen Donahue as 2023-2024 MIAA Coach of the Year
• Middle School Principal Search update

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will conduct preliminary reviews under the Demolition Delay Ordinance for two garage demolition permit applications at 22-24 Porter St and 111 Common St. The review determines whether the buildings are not significant or forwards the application for a full hearing. This is a remote meeting with public access via Zoom or phone.

• Preliminary review of demolition permit application for garage at 22-24 Porter St
• Preliminary review of demolition permit application for garage at 111 Common St
• Meeting held remotely under Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to determine if the house at 20 Keith St. is preferably preserved and whether a demolition delay should be imposed. The commission will also review and accept minutes from the October 10 meeting, receive updates from the CPC and agent, and approve meeting and filing dates for 2025.

• Public hearing on demolition delay for 20 Keith St., applicant Lior Rozhansky
• Review and acceptance of minutes from October 10, 2024 meeting
• Approval of meeting and filing dates for 2025

The Watertown Historical Commission reviewed a public hearing regarding the demolition of a house at 20 Keith St. Members voted to require the development team to provide additional information and evidence regarding the property's interior condition before making a final determination. The commission also approved the minutes from the October 10, 2024 meeting.

• Approved October 10, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled decision on 20 Keith St. demolition permit pending additional information (3-1)

City Council

The Watertown City Council meeting on November 14, 2024 includes a public hearing on adoption of zoning ordinance and map amendments. The amendments are intended to implement the Watertown Square Area Plan adopted in July 2024 and make complementary changes. The full text of the amendments and revised zoning map are available on the city website and at the Department of Community Development and Planning.

• Public hearing on adoption of zoning ordinance and map amendments to implement the Watertown Square Area Plan (July 2024)

The City Council unanimously approved the Watertown Square Zoning Amendments, implementing the Watertown Square Area Plan. The amendments create new zoning districts, establish a by-right multifamily overlay for MBTA compliance, and include provisions for affordable housing bonuses, accessory dwelling units, and updated sustainability standards. The Council also approved several amendments, including requiring LEED Gold certification for new developments in the new districts and reverting some zoning designations recommended by the Planning Board.

• Approved Watertown Square Zoning Amendments as amended (unanimous)
• Approved LEED Gold certifiable requirement for new developments in WSQ and NMU districts (unanimous)
• Reverted Arsenal Street parcels east of Irving Street to WSQ2 zoning (unanimous)
• Reverted Galen Street parcels to WSQ1 zoning (6-3)
• Removed parcels on south side of North Beacon Street from by-right designation (unanimous)
• Added language to open space in-lieu requirements (unanimous)
• Planning Board recommended zoning text and map changes (6-0)

Cultural Council

The Watertown Cultural Council will meet to review grant amounts for Fiscal Year 2025 and discuss grantee applications. The body will also vote on final grant allocations and denials.

• Review of FY25 WCC grant amounts
• Discussion of grantee applications
• Grant allocations and denials
• Meeting location: 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall 149 Main St
• Public comment via email: [email protected]

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Watertown Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold a semi-annual meeting on November 13, 2024. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes, nominations for chairperson and vice chairperson, and a tabletop exercise walkthrough.

• Approval of minutes from June 4, 2024
• Nominations for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
• Introduction to tabletop exercise walkthrough

City Council: Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee

The Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee will meet to approve minutes from June 2024, introduce new Recycling Coordinator Matt Bacon, and discuss the future of a proposed ordinance from the former coordinator. The committee will also consider its ongoing purpose and meeting frequency.

• Introduction of new Recycling Coordinator Matt Bacon
• Approval of minutes from June 2024 meeting
• Discussion on future of ordinance proposed in June by former Recycling Coordinator
• Discussion on committee's purpose and meeting frequency

City Council: Committee of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight

The Committee of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight will meet to discuss and make recommendations regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Policy Guidelines.

• Recommendations on Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Policy Guidelines

The Watertown City Council's Committee of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight reviewed and adopted the draft FY2026 Budget Policy Guidelines by a 3-0 vote. The committee also voted 3-0 to refer discussions of Public Works Department guidelines II-F and II-H to the Public Works Committee after a new DPW Director is hired. Additionally, the committee voted 3-0 to request that the administration provide an analysis of non-zoning property tax exemptions to encourage private creation of affordable housing.

• Adopted the FY2026 Budget Policy Guidelines as drafted (3-0)
• Referred Budget Policy Guidelines II-F and II-H to the Public Works Committee to occur after the new DPW Director is hired (3-0)
• Requested the administration provide an analysis of non-zoning property tax exemptions to encourage private affordable housing creation (3-0)

Planning Board

The Watertown Planning Board will hold a meeting and public hearing on November 13, 2024, to review meeting minutes and discuss the 'Watertown Mall Transformation Project' final site plan review. The meeting will be held in person at 149 Main Street and streamed via WCATV.

• Approval of September and October 2024 meeting minutes
• Request for extension on 313 Pleasant Street Special Permit
• Comment opportunity on Willow Park Chapter 40B project eligibility
• Final Site Plan Review of Phase 1 for 446, 458, 500 and 550 Arsenal St

The Watertown Planning Board approved a 2-year extension for the special permit/site plan review at 313 Pleasant Street (PB-2023-04), originally granted January 10, 2024. The board also voted to submit a letter of support for the Willow Park Chapter 40B project, which would replace 60 existing units and add 78 new units. Conditional approval was granted for the Master Plan Phase 1 plans at 446, 458, 500 & 550 Arsenal Street, with conditions including design changes to the awning and site furnishings. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved minutes of 9/11/2024, 10/9/2024, and 10/30/2024 meetings (5-0)
• Granted 2-year extension for special permit at 313 Pleasant Street (5-0)
• Approved staff to submit letter of support for Willow Park Chapter 40B project (5-0)
• Granted conditional approval of Master Plan Phase 1 plans for 446, 458, 500 & 550 Arsenal Street (5-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will conduct preliminary reviews for two demolition permit applications for garages at 22-24 Porter Street and 111 Common Street. The meeting is remote-only and will determine if the buildings are historically significant or if a full public hearing is required.

• Preliminary Review: 22-24 Porter Street (demolition permit—garage only)
• Preliminary Review: 111 Common Street (demolition permit—garage only)
• Meeting held remotely via Zoom and phone
• No public hearing scheduled; questions emailed to [email protected]

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold public hearings and votes on amending the Council Clerk's salary and the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Other business includes a first reading on establishing a Memorialization Committee, an order to acquire a multi-use path easement by eminent domain at 357-359 Main Street, and committee recommendations on continuing the Watertown Cares Program, updating TDM regulations, and opening Arsenal Street shuttles to the public. The meeting opens with an executive session on litigation regarding Right Turn Addiction Services (ARPA grant recipient).

• Public hearing and vote on amending Council Clerk's salary
• Public hearing and vote on Fiscal Year 2025 budget amendment
• First reading on ordinance establishing Memorialization Committee
• Order to acquire multi-use path easement by eminent domain at 357-359 Main Street
• Committee recommendation to continue Watertown Cares Program with Wayside Youth & Family Support Network

The City Council approved an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and authorized the acquisition of a multi-use path easement at 357-359 Main Street via eminent domain. The Council also approved a salary increase for the City Clerk and confirmed an independent audit firm for FY 2024.

• Approved City Clerk salary adjustment to $30 per hour (Unanimous)
• Approved FY 2025 Budget amendment, including $1.3M increase to Watertown Square Stabilization Fund (Unanimous)
• Confirmed Marcum LLP to conduct FY 2024 Audit (Unanimous)
• Approved Order of Taking for multi-use path easement at 357-359 Main Street (Unanimous)
• Approved continuing Watertown Cares Program #10 with Wayside Youth & Family Support Network as provider, subject to funds being recouped (Unanimous)
• Approved requests for Administration to update TDM Regulations and explore opening Arsenal St shuttles to the public (Unanimous)
• Referred proposed Memorialization Committee ordinance to Committee on Rules and Ordinances (Unanimous)
• Referred food and beverage single-use items request to Committee on Rules and Ordinances (Unanimous)

City Council

The Human Rights Commission is holding a virtual meeting to call to order, take roll call, accept minutes from a previous meeting, and hold a general discussion before adjourning. No specific agenda items beyond procedural matters are listed.

• Acceptance of Minutes 10.1
• General Discussion (no specific topics listed)

The Human Rights Commission Rules Committee met and approved the minutes from its first meeting by a 3-0 vote. The committee discussed the Open Meeting law, public anonymity, complaint handling, executive session use, future liaisons, and commissioner removal procedures. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.

• Approved minutes from first Rules Committee meeting (3-0)

BioSafety Committee

The BioSafety Committee will meet to discuss and vote on a permit recommendation for the Board of Health. The primary item of business is a permit request for a specific company location.

• Vote to recommend permit approval for Mechanobiologix, LLC at 155 Arlington Street

The Watertown BioSafety Committee voted 4-0 to recommend approval of a biosafety permit application from Mechanobiologix, LLC at 155 Arlington Street to the Board of Health, without conditions. The committee also approved the minutes from the October 10, 2024 meeting and reviewed supplementary documentation for the renewal application. No public comments were made.

• Recommended approval of Mechanobiologix, LLC permit application to Board of Health (4-0)
• Approved minutes from October 10, 2024 meeting
• Reviewed supplementary documentation for permit renewal application

City Council

This is a planning meeting of the Watertown Cultural District Partnership to discuss the YardArt program. The agenda includes background, introductions, timeline, outreach, task delegation, and scheduling a future meeting. No votes or binding decisions are expected.

• Discussion of YardArt program background and timeline
• Delegation of outreach and administrative tasks
• Public comment accepted via email at [email protected]

Residents’ Advisory Committee

The Residents' Advisory Committee will discuss recruitment and outreach efforts, including an update on a universal application system and current vacancies. The committee also plans to enter executive session to interview applicants for appointment.

• Update on CivicPlus/Universal Application for recruitment
• Discussion of current and upcoming committee vacancies
• Executive session to interview applicants for appointment
• Review of procedures and policies for outreach

The Residents' Advisory Committee approved its October 1, 2024 minutes and set its next meeting for December 4, 2024. Members discussed CivicPlus data management needs, outreach and recruitment for boards and committees, and a final draft of RAC Policies and Procedures that will be reviewed and voted on in December. At 5:30 pm the meeting moved into Executive Session to interview and consider applicants for appointments to Watertown boards, commissions, and committees, and did not reconvene as a public meeting.

• Approved October 1, 2024 RAC minutes
• Next monthly RAC meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 4, 2024
• RAC Policies and Procedures final draft distributed October 22, 2024; review and vote deferred to December meeting
• Moved into Executive Session at 5:30 pm to interview and consider applicants for boards, commissions, and committees
• Meeting did not reconvene as a public meeting

Conservation Commission

The Watertown Conservation Commission will hold a remote meeting on November 6, 2024, to consider a one-year extension of the Order of Conditions for Arsenal Park (Phase B) and discuss the 2025 filing and meeting calendar. Updates on Community Preservation Act funds, Whitney Hill, and routine site monitoring are also on the agenda.

• Arsenal Park Phase B (MassDEP# 321-0181): Request for one-year extension of the Order of Conditions
• Discussion of 2025 Conservation Commission filing and meeting calendar
• CPC (Community Preservation Committee) updates
• Whitney Hill update
• Agent's report on ongoing site monitoring

The Watertown Conservation Commission approved two Notices of Intent: one for re-purposing the structure at 10-30 Manley Way for light industrial/lab use, and another for Phase 1 of the Watertown Mall redevelopment at 480-550 Arsenal Street. Both approvals were unanimous among present members, with specific conditions. The commission also closed both public hearings and tabled the September 4, 2024 minutes for further review.

• Approved Notice of Intent for 10-30 Manley Way (MassDEP #321-0188) with conditions (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for 10-30 Manley Way (MassDEP #321-0188)
• Approved Phase 1 of Watertown Mall redevelopment at 480-550 Arsenal Street (MassDEP #321-0189) with conditions (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for 480-550 Arsenal Street (MassDEP #321-0189)
• Tabled approval of September 4, 2024 meeting minutes
• Approved July 10, 2024 meeting minutes as amended

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss outreach efforts and community engagement for the Cultural District. The session includes reviews of a job description and website development.

• Logo contest and elevator pitch outreach
• Community Engagement Specialist job description review
• Website development with Artsopolis
• YardArt planning

The Watertown Square Cultural District Partnership approved Kristen Kenny as the new Chair, with one abstention. The committee also discussed the logo contest, Porchfest 2025 plans, and the part-time Community Engagement Specialist position, but no other formal votes were taken.

• Approved Kristen Kenny as new Chair of the Cultural District (all in favor, one abstention)
• Accepted October meeting minutes (all in favor)

Cultural District Partnership

The Cultural District Partnership is meeting to elect a new Chair and discuss outreach strategies. The body will review a job description for a Community Engagement Specialist and plan for YardArt and Porchfest 2025.

• Vote for new Chair: Kristen Kenny
• Review of Community Engagement Specialist job description
• Planning for YardArt
• Discussion of Porchfest 2025
• Outreach logo contest and elevator pitch

Developer Community Meeting

Boylston Properties will host a community meeting to discuss an amendment to the approved Arsenal Yards Master Plan Special Permit. The meeting will review plans to add a 10.4-acre parcel and a 175,000 sq. ft. life science building to the existing development area.

• Community Meeting #2 scheduled for November 4, 2024
• Review of plans for a 175,000 sq. ft. life science building
• Discussion of a 10.4-acre parcel including a Home Depot Retail Store
• Meeting to be held via Zoom from 6:00-7:30pm
• Project contact: Andrew Copelotti, Principal at Boylston Properties

Blue Ribbon Committee

The committee will hold a Q&A session with Mary Flanders Aicardi from the Collins Center for Public Management. Members will discuss the layout, proposals, and figures for a forthcoming report to the City Council.

• Q&A with Mary Flanders Aicardi, Collins Center for Public Management
• Discussion on structure and layout of report to City Council
• Discussion on proposals and figures for report to City Council

The Blue Ribbon Committee voted to recommend a $15,000 salary for City Councilors. Discussions regarding the Council President's salary and the structure of the final report to the City Council were tabled for a future meeting.

• Approved October 1, 2024 minutes with amendment (7-0)
• Recommended $15,000 salary for City Councilors (7-0)
• Tabled discussion on Council President salary
• Tabled discussion on report structure
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will meet to discuss priorities for outreach and updates to the committee's webpage.

• WE3C webpage updates
• Outreach priorities discussion

The WE3C Outreach Working Group met remotely and discussed outreach strategies, including shortening the webpage intro, developing a heat pump ambassador program, and planning an energy fair. They also discussed upcoming recycling events with the Recycling Coordinator, including a shredding event and subsidized mattress/clothing collection on 11/16, and long-term goals for composting and a recycle ordinance. No formal decisions were made.

• Discussed shortening WE3C webpage intro paragraph
• Discussed heat pump ambassador program development
• Planned energy fair with events team mid-November
• Discussed newsletter content with resident interviews
• Discussed recycling events with Matt Bacon
• Noted shredding and mattress/clothing event on 11/16
• Discussed long-term composting expansion and recycle ordinance

City Council

The Watertown Traffic Commission will first approve the minutes from its September 25, 2024 meeting. It will discuss a request to reserve one parking space in front of 80 School Street for medical‑transport pickup and drop‑off between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The commission will also consider removing a parking space on the west side of Arlington Street near Elm Street and restricting right‑turns on red on Arsenal Street eastbound at Bond Street. New business will be addressed without further detail.

• Approve minutes of the September 25, 2024 Traffic Commission meeting
• Reserve one parking space at 80 School Street for medical transportation (8 am‑12 pm, Mon‑Fri)
• Remove one parking space on west side of Arlington Street prior to Elm Street
• Restrict right turns on red on Arsenal Street eastbound at Bond Street
• New Business (unspecified items)

The Watertown Traffic Commission denied a request by A-Game Physical Therapy to reserve a parking space for medical transportation pickups, citing concerns about setting a precedent. The commission also approved restricting parking on Arlington Street and restricting right turns on red at Arsenal Street and Bond Street.

• Denied request for medical transportation pickup/drop-off space at 80 School Street (unanimous)
• Approved parking restriction on west side of Arlington Street from 57 feet north of Elm Street to Elm Street (unanimous)
• Approved restriction of right turns on red on Arsenal Street eastbound at Bond Street (unanimous)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold a public hearing to consider adopting zoning ordinance and map amendments that implement the Watertown Square Area Plan adopted in July 2024, along with other complementary changes. The full text of the amendments and revised zoning map are posted on the city website and available at the Department of Community Development and Planning.

• Adoption of zoning ordinance and map amendments to implement the Watertown Square Area Plan

The Watertown Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend the proposed Watertown Square zoning text and map amendments to the City Council. The board discussed and incorporated several changes, including adding 'financial contributions' as valid in-lieu open space contributions, strengthening facade articulation language, and adding exceptions to sidewalk width requirements. No public comments were presented.

• Recommended zoning text amendments to City Council (6-0)
• Recommended zoning map amendments to City Council (6-0)
• Added 'financial contributions' as valid in-lieu open space contributions
• Strengthened facade articulation language from 'may' to 'will'
• Added exceptions to 12' sidewalk width requirement where 'detrimental or not feasible'
• Tied open space requirements to the definition of open space

City Council

The City Council and Planning Board are holding a joint public hearing. The body will consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Map to implement the Watertown Square Area Plan adopted in July 2024.

• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance and Map amendments for the Watertown Square Area Plan

The Watertown Planning Board voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend the proposed Watertown Square zoning text and map amendments to the City Council. The board discussed and incorporated several changes, including adding 'financial contributions' as valid in-lieu open space contributions, strengthening façade articulation language from 'may' to 'will', and adding exceptions to sidewalk width requirements. No public comments were presented.

• Recommended zoning text amendments to City Council (6-0)
• Recommended zoning map changes to City Council (6-0)
• Added 'financial contributions' as valid in-lieu open space contributions
• Changed façade articulation language from 'may' to 'will'
• Added exceptions to 12' sidewalk width requirement where 'detrimental or not feasible'

School Site Council

The School Site Council will meet to review MCAS results and receive a curriculum update. The meeting includes a period for open discussion.

• Presentation of MCAS results
• Curriculum update

City Council: Committee on Public Works

The Public Works Committee will discuss the 2025 Local Road Construction Program and make recommendations to the City Council. The meeting includes a public hearing with remote participation options. No other agenda items are listed.

• Review and make recommendations on the 2025 Local Road Construction Program

The Committee on Public Works reviewed the 2025 Local Road Construction Program and unanimously recommended that the City Council approve the Department of Public Works' plan. The recommendation uses a $2.75 million loan order to fund full reconstruction of Poplar Street, Partridge Street, Pequosette Street, north and south Irving Park and Royal Street, and Green Street. The committee also noted that five streets approved for Fiscal Year 2024 were not bid out due to staffing shortages in the Procurement Department and DPW.

• Recommended approval of 2025 Local Road Construction Program (3-0)
• Approved $2.75 million loan order for FY25 street reconstructions
• Selected Poplar, Partridge, Pequosette, Irving Park/Royal, and Green Streets for reconstruction
• No recommendations made for Long Street and Connector Program streets
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee meets to discuss implementation of the Public Arts Master Plan, review funding and governance, and advance several 2025–26 art initiatives including a Community Sculpture Walk, River of Light workshop, and mural project. The committee will also vote on expert pairings and hear updates on past events like Edible Watertown.

• Community Sculpture Walk: 2025–26 Call for Art closes November 10th
• River of Light: workshop update and January 18th planning
• Mural public meeting on 11/18/24 at 6pm for 100 Years of Arshile Gorky
• Edible Watertown celebration on 12/4 from 5–7pm at Mosesian Center for the Arts
• Expert Pairings: Application Review and Vote

The Public Arts and Culture Committee approved the artist-scientist pairings for the Edible Watertown Expert Pairings project, selecting four teams and two alternates. The committee also received updates on the River of Light festival, mural finalists, and the Watertown Cultural District designation. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved artist-scientist pairs: Jenn Houle with Patrick Fairbairn, Sophy Tuttle with Amber Siegel, Ira Klein with Jenny Yi Wang, Leah Craig and Nicole Webber (unanimous)
• Selected Simone Nimes as artist alternate and Julia Kaplan as scientist alternate
• Approved September minutes (unanimous)
• Confirmed finalists for Arshile Gorky mural: Tina Chakarian with Nicole Burmeister and Studio Fresh, Brandon Marshall, Kacy Jackson
• Received $25,000 Festivals Grant from MCC for River of Light event
• Received additional $25,000 anonymous donation for Gorky mural

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will hold a procedural meeting to review its roles, communication protocols, and long-term agenda. The committee will also discuss subcommittee processes and school tours before adjourning to an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Review of School Committee roles and responsibilities
• Discussion of operating protocols and communications
• Adjournment to executive session for collective bargaining strategy

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees will meet to review financial reports and the FY25 budget. The board is scheduled to take action on the FY26 Budget Capital Submission Memo and receive a presentation on the Language Access Plan.

• Action on FY26 Budget Capital Submission Memo
• Review of FY25 Budget
• Burke Fund Report
• HATCH Financials
• Language Access Plan Presentation

The Board of Library Trustees unanimously approved a motion authorizing Director Hewitt to submit an HVAC capital budget request for FY26, focusing on maintenance or replacement of units to prevent summer overheating. The board also approved the October 2, 2024 meeting minutes as amended and the FY25 financial report. No public comments were made, and no other substantive decisions were taken.

• Approved October 2, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved FY25 financial report (unanimous)
• Approved authorization for Director Hewitt to submit HVAC Capital Budget Request (unanimous)

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The committee is meeting to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and plan a January 2025 presentation to City Council. Members will discuss the Safe Streets for All grant award and the enforcement of the snow removal ordinance.

• Introduction of Safe Streets for All grant award and quick-build ideas
• Planning for meet & greet with Public Engagement Specialist Tyler Cote regarding snow removal ordinance enforcement
• Coordination for December 2 meeting with City Engineer Tyler Glode
• Selection of final BPC branding logo
• Discussion on bike parking guidelines and website updates

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee accepted prior minutes, approved adding 'Committee' to its logo, and authorized Jenny Wang to coordinate with the City communications team. They also discussed upcoming events, including a presentation to the City Council on January 28, 2025, and coordination with DPW. No major policy decisions were made; most items were informational or planning-focused.

• Accepted September 9, 2024 minutes
• Approved adding 'Committee' to WBPC logo
• Authorized Jenny Wang to talk with City communications team about logo variants
• Authorized Zeke to connect Amy with Tyler Cote to discuss snow removal enforcement
• Punted snow removal ordinance enforcement discussion to November

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is meeting to discuss a specific item regarding fire doors. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Discussion regarding fire doors at 9-11 Boyd St.

City Council: Committee of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight

The Watertown City Council Budget and Fiscal Oversight Committee will hold a public hearing to review the status of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) project grants. The committee will discuss the grants and make any needed recommendations. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Review status of ARPA project grants and consider recommendations

The Budget and Fiscal Oversight Committee unanimously voted to endorse the City Auditor's recommendation to issue a notice of default to Right Turn for failing to meet benchmarks and communicate regarding a $258,550 ARPA public health grant. The committee also unanimously recommended that the City Council continue the Watertown Cares Program #10 with Wayside Youth & Family Support Network as the alternative service provider if the funds are recovered.

• Endorsed City Auditor recommendation and authorized KP Law to send notice of default to Right Turn (unanimous)
• Recommended City Council vote to continue Watertown Cares Program #10 with Wayside Youth & Family Support Network as alternative service provider (unanimous)

City Council

The Watertown City Council and Planning Board will hold a joint public hearing to consider adopting zoning amendments and map changes to implement the Watertown Square Area Plan, adopted in July 2024. The meeting will also include a roll call and may recess or adjourn.

• Public Hearing on Adoption of Zoning Amendments: Watertown Square Area Plan implementation (Zoning Ordinance and Map amendments)

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee is meeting to discuss and vote on the naming of facilities. The body will also consider the consolidation or removal of the JBA/Harassment Policy.

• Vote on naming of facilities
• Discussion and vote on JBA/Harassment Policy consolidation or removal

Developer Community Meeting

Boylston Properties is hosting community meetings to discuss amending the Arsenal Yards Master Plan Special Permit. The proposal includes adding a 10.4 acre parcel currently containing a Home Depot and parking lot into the master plan area. The developer will present conceptual plans for a new life science building.

• Proposed amendment to the Arsenal Yards Master Plan Special Permit
• Incorporation of a 10.4 acre parcel including a Home Depot Retail Store and 254,000 sq. ft. parking lot
• Conceptual plans for a 175,000 sq. ft. life science building on 1.5 acres of the parking area
• Discussion of building design, parking, access, stormwater, and transportation

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review requests for Special Permits to build new three-family dwellings at 6 and 12 Church Hill St. The board will also consider a petition to amend site plans for a project at 1 Rosary Dr.

• Approval of September 25, 2024 meeting minutes
• Special Permit request for 6 Church Hill St (3-family dwelling)
• Special Permit request for 12 Church Hill St (3-family dwelling)
• Petition for variances and site plan amendments at 1 Rosary Dr

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals held a brief meeting with no public hearing. It voted 5-0 to table the September 25, 2024 minutes to November 20, and continued two cases—6 & 12 Church Hill St and 1 Rosary Dr—to the November 20 meeting, both with signed extension agreements. No substantive decisions were made.

• Tabled September 25, 2024 meeting minutes to November 20 (5-0)
• Continued case 6 & 12 Church Hill St to November 20, 2024 (5-0)
• Continued case 1 Rosary Dr to November 20, 2024 (4-0, Girard recused)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability is meeting to review accessibility updates and city projects. The body will hear from the Building Department and Community Development & Planning representatives.

• Curb cuts and detectable warnings at Mt. Auburn-Summer-Irving intersections
• Update on Snow Removal Ordinance
• Detectable warnings at North Beacon & Beechwood and Lexington & Main Streets
• Accessibility at Waverly-Belmont Street intersection
• ADA Self Assessment Plan funding request update

The Commission on Disability met with Building Commissioner Paul Johnson and Community Design Director Erika Oliver Jerram to discuss accessibility in buildings and parks. No formal decisions were made; the commission postponed votes on funding for CART/ASL services and discussed snow removal outreach and other topics.

• Accepted September minutes (6-0)
• Postponed vote on CART/ASL funding for Unity Breakfast
• Postponed vote on CART/ASL for December 10th event
• Discussed snow removal ordinance outreach, no action taken
• Discussed ADA self-assessment funding, decision pending

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will hold a preliminary review regarding a demolition permit application. The review will determine if the building is not significant or if the application should be forwarded to the Commission for a hearing.

• Preliminary review of demolition permit application for 42 North Beacon Street

The Watertown Historical Commission held a preliminary review of a demolition permit application for 42 North Beacon Street. The commission determined that a public hearing is necessary and the demolition application may not proceed at this time. No public members were present, and the meeting was brief.

• Determined public hearing before Historical Commission necessary for 42 North Beacon St. demolition
• Demolition application may not proceed at this time

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to sign a motor vehicle warrant and receive updates on valuation submissions to the Department of Revenue. The board will enter executive session to review and vote on confidential exemption applications.

• Signing of Motor Vehicle Warrant 2024.04
• Review and vote on exemption applications in executive session
• Update on VISION valuation submission to the Dept. of Revenue
• Appellate Tax Board update

The Watertown Board of Assessors approved the September 24, 2024 meeting minutes and the fourth motor vehicle warrant for 2024 in the amount of $244,071.83. The board also received updates on valuation work and scheduled the next meeting for November 19, 2024. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved September 24, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Motor Vehicle warrant 2024.4 for $244,071.83 (unanimous)

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee is meeting to discuss and iterate on a presentation. This presentation is intended for a future Watertown City Council meeting.

• Discussion of presentation for Watertown City Council

The working group met to prepare a presentation for the City Council, reviewing past materials and outlining accomplishments since 2019, with a focus on 2024 and opportunities for 2025. They created a rough slide deck and scheduled a facilitated input session for the full committee on October 28. The presentation is tentatively set for January 28, 2025, pending confirmation.

• Drafted initial slide deck for Council presentation
• Scheduled committee input session for Oct. 28
• Targeted Jan. 28, 2025 for Council presentation (pending confirmation)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold a regular meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process, review committee reports, and confirm reappointments to the Board of Election Commissioners and the WCAC Board of Directors.

• First reading on FY2025 budget amendment
• First reading on Council Clerk salary adjustment
• Confirm Christopher Dunn to Board of Election Commissioners
• Confirm George Skuse to WCAC Board of Directors
• Preliminary Budget Overview for Fiscal Year 2026

The City Council received the City Manager's preliminary FY2026 budget overview, which included options for the Watertown Middle School ranging from $76.7M to $132M, and referred the FY25 budget amendment to a public hearing. The Council approved multiple reappointments to the Board of Election Commissioners, WCAC Board of Directors, and WE3C, all unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved minutes from October 8, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved resolution regarding FY2026 budget process (unanimous)
• Approved proclamation for National First Responders Day (unanimous)
• Confirmed Christopher Dunn to Board of Election Commissioners (unanimous)
• Confirmed Adam Brewster to Board of Election Commissioners (unanimous)
• Approved reappointments of George Skuse, James O'Conner, Chris Mackenzie to WCAC Board (unanimous)
• Approved reappointments of Jeanne Trubek, Silas Fyler, and appointment of Bruce Gellerman to WE3C (unanimous)
• Referred FY25 budget amendment to public hearing and FY26 budget overview to Committee of the Whole

City Council

The School Committee will meet at Lowell Elementary School to conduct a Teaching and Learning Showcase. The body will also enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Teaching and Learning Showcase at Lowell Elementary School
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy
• Approval of October 7, 2024 School Committee meeting minutes
• Approval of October 10, 2024 Curriculum Subcommittee meeting minutes
• Approval of October 9, 2024 Budget & Finance meeting minutes regarding FY26 Budget Goals and Calendar

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will meet to discuss guidelines for outreach and recruitment, hear public announcements from the Energy and Sustainability Managers, and review a presentation on the Watertown Mall Transformation.

• Presentation on Watertown Mall Transformation sustainability plans
• Discussion of outreach and recruitment guidelines
• Announcements regarding new Sustainability Team staff
• Approval of previous meeting minutes

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee met on October 21, 2024, and approved the minutes from the August meeting. The main agenda item was an informal presentation by Alexandria Real Estate's team on sustainability practices for the Watertown Mall redevelopment, including energy use intensity reductions and renewable energy strategies. No formal decisions were made on the presentation.

• Approved August meeting minutes with corrected spelling of Julie Janiski's name (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to conduct a Teaching and Learning Showcase at Lowell Elementary School. The body will also enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Teaching and Learning Showcase at Lowell Elementary School
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy
• Approval of October 7, 2024 School Committee meeting minutes
• Approval of October 10, 2024 Curriculum Subcommittee meeting minutes
• Approval of October 9, 2024 Budget & Finance meeting minutes regarding FY26 Budget Goals and Calendar

City Council

The Watertown City Council will conduct ballot testing in preparation for the State Election on November 5, 2024. No other agenda items are listed.

• Ballot testing for the November 5, 2024 state election

Stormwater Advisory Committee

The committee will meet to elect a new chair and discuss recruiting more resident members. The agenda also includes updates on new stormwater regulations, water quality status, and education ideas.

• Vote on new chair
• Recruitment of resident members
• Update on new stormwater regulations
• Water Quality Status discussion

The Stormwater Advisory Committee met virtually and deferred voting on a new chair. Members discussed updates on the MS4 permit renewal, a new phase of the PO4 TMDL, and DPW's stormwater projects, including 47 installed tree trenches and 28 more planned. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational.

• Deferred vote on new chair
• Scheduled next meeting for 11/21/24 at 4pm

Community Preservation

The Community Preservation Committee will meet to review a draft document on committee roles and responsibilities. Members will also discuss the reinstallation event for City Hall paintings and the use of hybrid meetings.

• Draft document: CPC Roles and Responsibilities
• City Hall Paintings Reinstallation Event
• Discussion on hybrid meetings

The Community Preservation Committee adopted a statement of roles and responsibilities with specific revisions, including changing 'oversee management' to 'monitor' and 'liaison' to 'represent the CPC in matters related to...'. A separate motion to add a vice chair role for monitoring hybrid participation was amended and passed 5-4. The committee also discussed the City Hall paintings reinstallation event, scheduling it for early January, and received updates on various projects.

• Adopted roles and responsibilities statement with revisions (unanimous)
• Approved vice chair to assist chair in monitoring hybrid participation, if requested by chair (5-4)
• Accepted September 19, 2024 minutes as written (5-0)
• Scheduled City Hall paintings unveiling for early January
• Adjourned at 9:05 PM

Licensing Board

The Watertown Licensing Board will hold its regular meeting, accept the minutes, and review upcoming one‑day events. The board will discuss and decide on multiple license applications, including a livery service, an auto‑repair shop, alcohol transfer, and entertainment permits. Additional comments will be heard from the police before the meeting adjourns.

• License application – Asteria Transportation, 9 Hudson St, livery
• License application – D & G Towing and Auto Repair Services Inc, 70 No Beacon St, auto repair
• License application – 3D Group Inc dba Conleys Pub & Grille, 164 Belmont St, transfer of all alcohol
• License application – 3D Group Inc dba Conleys Pub & Grille, 164 Belmont St, common victualler entertainment (Sunday Entertainment, Music Box, Keno)
• License application – West on Main LLC dba West on Main, 451-453 Main St, entertainment (Sunday Entertainment, Music Box, Amusement Device)

The Watertown Licensing Board approved several special event licenses, business transfers, and entertainment permits during their October 17, 2024, meeting. The Board also addressed a rebranding issue at Wild Willy's, directing staff to issue a warning letter regarding unauthorized business name changes.

• Approved special licenses for Grace Chapel, Donohue's Bar & Grill, and St. James Church (3-0)
• Granted livery license to Asteria Transportation (3-0)
• Granted motor vehicle repair license to D & G Towing and Auto Repair Services (3-0)
• Approved transfer of liquor license to 3D Group, d/b/a Conley's Pub & Grille (3-0)
• Granted entertainment and music box licenses to Conley's Pub & Grille (3-0)
• Granted entertainment and music box licenses to West on Main (3-0)
• Authorized warning letter to Wild Willy's regarding unauthorized rebranding (3-0)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee will introduce a new Sustainability Planner and share information regarding outreach efforts in Watertown. The meeting is conducted via remote participation.

• Introduction of new Sustainability Planner
• Discussion of Watertown outreach and lessons learned

School Building Committee

The committee will review and approve invoices for the Lowell and Three Elementary School projects. Members will also discuss the high school project's progress, schedule, and total budget, including a vote on a change order.

• Lowell Elementary School Project: CTA Change Order No. 16
• Three Elementary School Project: Monthly invoices
• High School Project: Monthly invoices for September 2024
• High School Project: Total project budget update and change order vote
• High School Project: Progress and schedule update

City Council

The City Council and Planning Board will hold a joint public hearing to consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Map. These changes aim to implement the Watertown Square Area Plan adopted in July 2024.

• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance and Map amendments for the Watertown Square Area Plan

Board of Health

The Watertown Board of Health will meet remotely on October 16, 2024 to consider several agenda items. The board will review and approve a permit application for Abkyu at 155 Arlington Street and an amendment application for Enanta Pharmaceutical, Inc. at 4 Kingsbury Avenue. Additional items include acceptance of draft minutes from September 18, 2024, public comment, and departmental updates.

• Approve permit application for Abkyu – 155 Arlington Street
• Approve amendment application for Enanta Pharmaceutical, Inc – 4 Kingsbury Avenue
• Review and accept draft minutes of September 18, 2024
• Public comment period
• Staffing and department updates

The Watertown Board of Health approved a permit for Abkyu at 155 Arlington Street and an amendment for Enanta Pharmaceutical at 4 Kingsbury Avenue, contingent on the latter providing its COO and COI. The board also discussed future regulation of body work businesses and noted ongoing health department activities.

• Approved permit for Abkyu at 155 Arlington Street (2-0)
• Approved amendment for Enanta Pharmaceutical at 4 Kingsbury Avenue, contingent on COO and COI (2-0)
• Approved minutes for September 18, 2024 (2-0)

City Council: Committee on State, Federal, and Regional Government

The Committee on State, Federal & Regional Government will discuss reappointing Christopher Dunn to the Board of Election Commissioners, with a term ending on April 1, 2028. It will also consider reappointing Adam Brewster to the same board, with a term ending on April 1, 2027. No other agenda items are listed.

• Reappoint Christopher Dunn to the Board of Election Commissioners (term expires April 1, 2028)
• Reappoint Adam Brewster to the Board of Election Commissioners (term expires April 1, 2027)

The Committee on State, Federal and Regional Government conducted reappointment interviews and voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council confirm Christopher Dunn and Adam Brewster to the Board of Election Commissioners. Dunn's term would expire April 1, 2028, and Brewster's on April 1, 2027. Both votes were 3-0.

• Recommended confirming Christopher Dunn to Board of Election Commissioners, term to April 1, 2028 (3-0)
• Recommended confirming Adam Brewster to Board of Election Commissioners, term to April 1, 2027 (3-0)

Human Rights Commission

The commission will review participation in the Massachusetts Human Rights Commission and plan several community events, including a table at the Watertown Farmer's Market on October 23 and a disability awareness event with the Watertown Free Public Library on November 2. Additional items include a screening of "Borderland: The Line Within" and a Watertown Unity Breakfast. The meeting also includes a rules committee report and a municipal policy analyst's report.

• Participation in Massachusetts Human Rights Commission
• Community Table at Watertown Farmer's Market on 10/23
• Co-sponsoring Disability Awareness Event with Watertown Free Public Library on 11/2
• Screening of "Borderland: The Line Within" with Watertown Free Public Library
• Watertown Unity Breakfast

The Commission unanimously approved the ongoing rules process and expressed support for the slate of rules developed by the Rules Committee, and confirmed Mel Poindexter as Co-Chair alongside Sarah Zoen. The meeting also included discussions on community outreach events, including a farmer's market table, a disability awareness event, and a film screening, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from September 9th meeting unanimously
• Confirmed Mel Poindexter as Co-Chair unanimously
• Approved rules process and supported slate of rules unanimously

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust will review minutes from the September meeting and consider a pre-development funding request for Willow Park. The body will also discuss the WestMetro HOME Consortium Consolidated Plan for 2026-2030 and vote to enter an executive session regarding real property.

• Review minutes from September 17, 2024 meeting
• Willow Park: pre-development funding request
• WestMetro HOME Consortium Consolidated Plan for 2026-2030
• Vote to enter executive session for real property purchase
• Meeting held at 3rd FL Conference Room, Administration Building

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust unanimously approved a $400,000 grant to POAH for pre-development work on the Willow Park redevelopment project, with conditions on affordability levels and restriction terms. The board also agreed to host a public listening session for the WestMetro HOME Consortium's 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan and entered executive session to discuss real property negotiations.

• Approved $400,000 grant to POAH for Willow Park pre-development (unanimous)
• Accepted September 17, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Agreed to host a listening session for WestMetro HOME Consortium plan
• Voted unanimously to enter executive session for real property discussion

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to discuss MCAS updates and an overview of the Curriculum Review Cycle. The meeting will be held at the Phillips Administration Building on October 10, 2024.

• Discussion of MCAS updates
• Curriculum Review Cycle overview and update

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss outreach strategies and a proposal for their website. The agenda includes a review of the job description for a Community Engagement Specialist and planning for YardArt.

• Review of Community Engagement Specialist job description
• Review of website proposal
• YardArt planning

The Watertown Square Cultural District Partnership voted unanimously to engage Artsopolis as the website design team for the Cultural District Partnership website, following a side-by-side comparison with 3ThoughtCreative. The committee also accepted the September minutes, agreed to hold the logo contest after the first of the year in partnership with the Watertown Public Library, and discussed updates on outreach and the Community Engagement Specialist job description. No other substantive decisions were made; the job description vote is pending city attorney/HR review.

• Approved Artsopolis as website design team (unanimous)
• Accepted September minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to hold logo contest after first of year with Watertown Public Library
• Tabled Community Engagement Specialist job description vote pending review

Historical Commission

The Watertown Historical Commission will review and accept the minutes from its September 12, 2024 meeting. It will hold a public hearing to decide whether the house at 44 Pilgrim Rd should be preserved and whether a demolition delay should be imposed. The commission will also discuss fire‑door issues at 9‑11 Boyd St, provide a CPC update, and receive an agent report.

• Review and acceptance of minutes from the September 12, 2024 meeting
• Public hearing on preservation and possible demolition delay for the house at 44 Pilgrim Rd
• Discussion of fire doors at 9‑11 Boyd St
• CPC update
• Agent report

The Watertown Historical Commission held a public hearing on the house at 44 Pilgrim Rd. and voted 3-1 that the house is preferably preserved, then voted 3-1 to impose a 2-year demolition delay. The commission also discussed fire doors at 9-11 Boyd St., received updates on cemetery preservation reports, and heard about a research collection on Watertown cemeteries.

• Approved minutes of September 12, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Found house at 44 Pilgrim Rd. preferably preserved (3-1)
• Imposed 2-year demolition delay on 44 Pilgrim Rd. (3-1)

BioSafety Committee

The Watertown Biosafety Committee will meet remotely on October 10, 2024, to review permit applications for Abkyu at 155 Arlington Street and an amendment for Enanta Pharmaceutical, Inc. at 4 Kingsbury Avenue. The agenda also includes the renewal of permit and registration applications and the acceptance of the September 5, 2024, draft minutes.

• Review of permit application for Abkyu at 155 Arlington Street
• Review of amendment application for Enanta Pharmaceutical, Inc. at 4 Kingsbury Avenue
• Review of permit and registration renewal application edits
• Acceptance of draft minutes from September 5, 2024
• Meeting held via remote participation only

The Watertown BioSafety Committee recommended approval of two permit applications to the Board of Health: Abkyu at 155 Arlington Street without conditions, and Enanta Pharmaceutical at 4 Kingsbury Avenue with conditions. The committee also approved minutes and made edits to online registration and permit applications.

• Recommended approval of Abkyu permit application without conditions (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Enanta Pharmaceutical permit application with conditions (4-0)
• Approved minutes from September 5, 2024
• Reviewed and edited online registration and permit applications

School Committee

The Budget and Finance Subcommittee will discuss the FY26 budget calendar, priorities, and an equity tool. The committee will also review financial aid for 8th grade trips and Extended Day tuition.

• Financial aid for 8th grade Washington DC trip
• Sliding scale for Extended Day tuition
• FY26 Budget Calendar
• FY26 Budget Priorities
• Budget Equity Tool

Council on Aging

The Watertown Council on Aging will meet on October 9, 2024 at 4:00 PM. The agenda includes roll call, review of prior minutes, a Director’s Report on senior services updates, and a period for public comments. No decisions or actions are listed on the agenda.

• Roll Call
• Review of prior meeting minutes
• Director’s Report: Council on Aging updates
• Public comments for the Council on Aging
• Adjourn

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings regarding proposed developments at 10-30 Manley Way and 550 Arsenal Street. The body will also receive updates on Arsenal Park and the Walker Pond Project.

• Public hearing for 10-30 Manley Way regarding repurposing a structure for light industry, lab, or warehousing
• Public hearing for 550 Arsenal Street (Watertown Mall) regarding a 31.4-acre campus of office, residential, lab, and retail uses
• Informational updates on Arsenal Park Phase A and B (Pavilion, Athletic Field, and Community Garden)
• Updates on the Walker Pond Project and Lowell School Playground equipment siting
• Discussion of the 2025 Conservation Commission filing and meeting calendar

The Conservation Commission approved the Notice of Intent for the 10-30 Manley Way light industry project and Phase 1 of the Watertown Mall redevelopment. Both projects were approved with specific conditions regarding environmental and site management. The commission also accepted minutes from the July 10, 2024, meeting while tabling the September 4, 2024, minutes for further review.

• Approved 10-30 Manley Way project with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Watertown Mall Phase 1 project with conditions (unanimous)
• Accepted July 10, 2024, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled September 4, 2024, meeting minutes
• Tabled 2025 meeting and filing calendar
• Adjourned meeting at 9:46 pm (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review site plans for the Watertown Mall Transformation Project Phase 1. The board is also considering special permits for new multi-family dwellings on Church Hill Street and Rosary Drive.

• Final Site Plan Review for Phase 1 of the Watertown Mall Transformation Project at 446, 458, 500 and 550 Arsenal St
• Special Permit for a new three-family dwelling at 6 Church Hill St
• Special Permit for a new three-family dwelling at 12 Church Hill St
• Request for variances and special permit to build one single-family and two two-family dwellings at 1 Rosary Dr

The Planning Board voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend denial of a proposal to redevelop the former convent at 1 Rosary Dr. into five residential units, finding the application did not sufficiently justify the variance sought. The board also approved advisory recommendations for two three-family dwellings at 6 and 12 Church Hill St, expressing concerns about pedestrian safety and tree removal but not recommending denial. The Watertown Mall Transformation Project Phase 1 site plan review was continued to November 13.

• Recommended denial of 1 Rosary Dr. convent redevelopment (5-0)
• Approved advisory recommendation for 6 Church Hill St three-family dwelling (4-0)
• Approved advisory recommendation for 12 Church Hill St three-family dwelling (4-0)
• Continued Watertown Mall Transformation Project Phase 1 site plan review to Nov 13 (5-0)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council is continuing discussions on granting projects and reviewing project previews. The body is also managing liaison nominations and preparing for granting meetings in November.

• Gorky commemorative plaque and rock, approx $2.5K
• River of Light, $3 – 5K
• Mosesian Arts Center financial aid for art classes
• Mosesian Arts Center training for teens and seniors

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is meeting to perform preliminary reviews under the Demolition Delay Ordinance. The commission will determine if the identified buildings are significant or if the applications should be forwarded for a hearing.

• Preliminary review of demolition permit application for garage at 37-39 Pearl St
• Preliminary review of building permit application for 87 Bromfield Street
• Preliminary review of demolition permit application for 43 Morton Street

The Watertown Historical Commission held a preliminary review meeting on October 8, 2024, and determined that no public hearings were necessary for three applications. The demolition of the garage at 37-39 Pearl Street and the demolition of 43 Morton Street were allowed to proceed, as was the building permit application for 87 Bromfield Street. The meeting was brief, lasting about 10 minutes, with only two members present.

• Demolition of garage at 37-39 Pearl Street allowed to proceed (no hearing needed)
• Demolition of 43 Morton Street allowed to proceed (no hearing needed)
• Building permit application for 87 Bromfield Street allowed to proceed (no hearing needed)

City Council: Committee on Education and School System Matters

The Committee on Education and School System Matters is meeting to discuss the reappointment of three members to the Cable Access Corporation Board of Directors.

• Reappointment of George Skuse to the Cable Access Corporation Board (term expires Sept 15, 2027)
• Reappointment of James O'Connor to the Cable Access Corporation Board (term expires Sept 15, 2027)
• Reappointment of Christopher McKenzie to the Cable Access Corporation Board (term expires Sept 15, 2027)

The Committee on Education and School System Matters interviewed three candidates and voted unanimously to recommend the City Council approve the reappointment of George Skuse, James O’Connor, and Chris Mackenzie to the Watertown Cable Access (WCAC) Board of Directors, each for a term expiring September 15, 2027. All three motions passed 3-0. The meeting was procedural, focused solely on these interviews and recommendations.

• Recommended reappointment of George Skuse to WCAC Board (3-0)
• Recommended reappointment of James O’Connor to WCAC Board (3-0)
• Recommended reappointment of Chris Mackenzie to WCAC Board (3-0)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will convene an executive session to consider a purchase, exchange, lease, or valuation of real estate. The council will also consider recommendations to reappoint James Bensinger to the Historic District Commission and to appoint Sarah Baker to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Committee reports include a recommendation not to create a new Redevelopment Authority and a request to refer the naming of Arshile Gorky Square to the Public Works Committee. Updates will be given on the 2024‑2025 snow ordinance, electric‑vehicle infrastructure, and a draft Urban Revitalization Plan.

• Executive session to consider purchase, exchange, lease, or valuation of real estate
• Recommendation to confirm James Bensinger for reappointment to the Historic District Commission (term expires Nov 15, 2027)
• Recommendation to confirm Sarah Baker as a full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals (term expires Feb 15, 2026)
• Recommendation not to create a new Redevelopment Authority
• Request for referral to Public Works Committee for naming Arshile Gorky Square

The City Council voted unanimously to accept a committee recommendation not to create a new Redevelopment Authority, as the Council already holds redevelopment powers under Chapter 405 of the Acts of 1987, subject to confirmation by KP Law. The Council also confirmed two appointments, approved a preliminary 2026 budget timeline, and authorized drafting an Urban Revitalization Plan. Several other items were approved unanimously, including proclamations and a referral for naming Arshile Gorky Square.

• Approved not creating a new Redevelopment Authority (unanimous)
• Confirmed James Bensinger to Historic District Commission (unanimous)
• Confirmed Sarah Baker to Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary 2026 Budget process timeline (unanimous)
• Authorized drafting Urban Revitalization Plan (unanimous)
• Referred Arshile Gorky Square naming to Public Works Committee (unanimous)
• Accepted Disability Awareness and Gertrude Nemeth proclamations (unanimous)
• Approved September 24, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

School Site Council

The Hosmer School Site Council will meet to examine enrollment and ESL data. The body will review the 2024-2025 School Improvement Plan and discuss updates to literacy and connections programs.

• Review of 24.25 School Improvement Plan
• Overview of enrollment and ESL data
• Curriculum and program updates for Literacy and Connections

City Council: Committee on Climate and Energy

The Committee on Climate and Energy will meet to discuss a specific appointment. The body is considering appointing Bruce Gellerman to the Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee for a term ending November 15, 2025.

• Proposed appointment of Bruce Gellerman to the Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Climate and Energy Committee interviewed candidates for the Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee (WE3C). The committee unanimously recommended reappointing Jeanne Trubek and Sylas Fyler, and appointing Bruce Gellerman. These recommendations are pending final approval by the full City Council.

• Recommended reappointment of Jeanne Trubek to WE3C (3-0)
• Recommended reappointment of Sylas Fyler to WE3C (3-0)
• Recommended appointment of Bruce Gellerman to WE3C (3-0)

City Council: Committee on Public Works

The Committee on Public Works will meet to discuss the qualifications and qualities required for a new Department of Public Works Superintendent with the City Manager.

• Discussion of qualifications for a new DPW Superintendent

The Committee on Public Works met to discuss the qualifications and qualities for a new Department of Public Works Superintendent (Director) following the resignation of Greg St. Louis. The City Manager and a consultant outlined the candidate search process, and committee members shared their desired attributes. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational only.

• No action items; meeting adjourned 3-0

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will meet to vote on the first reading of policy FF regarding the naming of new facilities and the naming of a new WHS space. The body will also address 2024-2025 Superintendent goals and collective bargaining strategy in executive session.

• First reading on policy FF: Naming New Facilities
• Process and nominations for naming new WHS space
• 2024-2025 Superintendent Goals
• LABBB Collaborative Representative
• Executive session on collective bargaining strategy

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to vote on the first reading of policy FF regarding the naming of new facilities and the naming of a new WHS space. The body will also address 2024-2025 Superintendent goals and hold an executive session on collective bargaining strategy.

• First reading on policy FF: Naming New Facilities
• Process and nominations for naming of new WHS space
• 2024-2025 Superintendent Goals
• LABBB Collaborative Representative
• Reports on FY25 Budget and Building for the Future

School Site Council

The Watertown High School Site Council will meet to review the 2024-2025 School Improvement Plan and discuss Objective 1. The meeting is scheduled for October 3, 2024, at 4:00 pm.

• Review 2024-2025 School Improvement Plan
• Discuss Objective 1

School Site Council

The School Site Council will meet to review the 2024-2025 Watertown Middle School Improvement Plan. The body will also hold a discussion regarding Objective 1.

• Review of 2024-2025 WMS School Improvement Plan
• Discussion of Objective 1

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee is meeting to introduce an Energy Advocate and plan outreach activities for the fall. The meeting is being conducted via remote participation.

• Introduction of Energy Advocate
• Fall outreach planning

City Council: Committee on Personnel and City Organization

The Committee on Personnel and City Organization will meet to discuss the performance management process used to evaluate Council staff.

• Discussion on performance management process for Council staff

The Committee on Personnel and City Organization met to evaluate the performance management process for Council staff, which has not been reviewed in many years. They discussed best practices with HR Director Colleen Doyle and identified next steps, including recommending a liaison for each role and determining whether Council staff should develop 2025 goals. No formal decisions were made; the committee only outlined future actions.

• Reviewed performance management process for Council staff
• Identified next steps: recommend liaison for each role
• Identified next steps: determine if Council staff should develop 2025 goals
• Identified next steps: assess if City's performance management structure can be used for Council employees

Board of Library Trustees

The Watertown Board of Library Trustees meets to receive financial reports including the FY25 budget and donations, and to act on a new child safety policy and other administrative items.

• FY25 budget review and action
• Consideration and action on child safety policy
• Acceptance of donations (Burke Fund, HATCH)
• Introduction of new staff
• Consideration of Heckscher Loan

The Board of Library Trustees unanimously approved the FY25 action plan, which includes centralizing the audience, improving translation tools, cross-training staff, and strengthening the Friends of the Library group. They also accepted the child safety policy edits, authorized the appraisal and loan of Hosmer drawings and tools to the Heckscher Museum, and approved donations for FY25 Q1. The board discussed FY26 budget priorities, including a full-time archivist and social work services, but took no formal action on them.

• Approved August and September meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY25 financial report (unanimous)
• Approved FY25 Q1 donations (unanimous)
• Accepted child safety policy edits (unanimous)
• Authorized appraisal and loan of Hosmer drawings and tools to Heckscher Museum (unanimous)
• Approved FY25 action plan (unanimous)
• Appointed three trustees to Asa Pratt Trust Fund (unanimous)

City Council

The Human Rights Commission is meeting to discuss proposed rules and a report for the full commission meeting on October 15.

• Discussion of proposed rules
• Report for the October 15 Full Human Rights Commission meeting

The Blue Ribbon Committee interviewed four City Councilors to gather information for its review of councilor compensation. The committee approved minutes from previous meetings with edits and agreed to schedule future meetings via a doodle poll. No formal decisions on salary were made.

• Approved minutes from 7/10, 8/20, and 9/11 meetings with edits
• Agreed to take public comment out of order (unanimous)
• Agreed to schedule future meetings via doodle poll

Residents’ Advisory Committee

The Residents’ Advisory Committee will convene to review draft policies and procedures, discuss outreach efforts, and hear a report on the Faire on the Square event. The meeting also includes routine procedural items such as accepting past minutes and setting the next gathering.

• Discussion on Draft Policies and Procedures
• Report on Faire on the Square
• Outreach, Recruitment and Vacancies

The Residents' Advisory Committee approved the minutes from its September 4 and September 9, 2024 meetings. Members discussed draft Policies and Procedures, with edits to be made before a final vote at the next meeting. The meeting then moved into executive session to interview applicants for city boards and commissions, and did not reconvene publicly.

• Approved minutes for September 4 and September 9, 2024
• Tabled vote on draft Policies and Procedures until next meeting
• Moved to executive session to interview applicants for boards and commissions

Blue Ribbon Committee

The Blue Ribbon Committee will meet to review approved questions and conduct interviews with City Councilors. The body will also examine minutes from July, August, and September 2024.

• City Councilor interviews using approved questions
• Examination of minutes from 7.10.24, 8.20.24, and 9.11.24

The Blue Ribbon Committee approved past meeting minutes with edits, interviewed several city councilors regarding their time commitments and responsibilities, and heard public comment from a former city auditor. The committee also discussed future meeting scheduling and agreed to use a doodle poll to set upcoming dates.

• Approved minutes from the July 10, August 20, and September 11 meetings with edits (unanimous voice vote context)
• Agreed unanimously to take public comment out of order
• Adjourned the meeting at 9:02 PM

City Council: Committee on Economic Development and Planning

The Watertown City Council Committee on Economic Development and Planning will meet on September 30, 2024 at 6:00 PM in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber. The agenda consists of a presentation and discussion of an update on the Watertown Transportation Management Association, covering shuttles and transportation demand management monitoring. No other agenda items are listed.

• Presentation and discussion of update on Watertown Transportation Management Association (shuttles and TDM monitoring)

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning heard a presentation on the Watertown TMA and TDM program, then voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council request the Administration develop suggested updates to the TDM Regulations and explore options to open the Arsenal St shuttles to the public with a cost/benefit analysis. Both motions passed 2-0. No final decisions were made; the recommendations will go to the full City Council.

• Recommended City Council request Administration to develop TDM Regulation updates (2-0)
• Recommended City Council request Administration and TMA to explore opening Arsenal St shuttles to public with cost/benefit analysis (2-0)

School Committee

The School Committee is meeting to discuss and vote on the naming of facilities. The meeting is being held via Zoom.

• Discussion and vote on naming of facilities

Traffic Commission

The Watertown Traffic Commission will discuss and vote on a series of traffic and parking requests, including a Right‑on‑Red restriction on Grove Street Extension northbound at Coolidge Avenue. Other items include installing speed humps and signage on Edward Road, adding isolated stops on George Street, and relocating or removing handicap‑only parking spaces. The meeting will also approve June 26 minutes, consider nominations for commission chair, and review the experimental all‑way stop on School Street.

• Right‑on‑Red restriction on Grove Street Extension northbound at Coolidge Avenue (item 10)
• Installation of multiple speed humps on Edward Road and additional signage (item 8a‑b)
• Installation of isolated stops on George Street at Channing Road and Orchard Street (item 11)
• Relocation of handicap‑only parking from Elton Avenue to 589 Mount Auburn Street (item 9)
• Removal of handicap‑only parking at 18 Jewett Street from Traffic Rules (item 14)

The Watertown Traffic Commission approved new school zone traffic restrictions for Early Steps, denied a request for raised tables on Dexter Avenue, and made several parking and traffic control decisions. The Commission also made permanent two all-way stops and approved a right-on-red restriction.

• Approved school zone restrictions on Winthrop and Hancock Streets (unanimous)
• Denied raised tables on Dexter Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved handicap parking space at 36 Westminster Ave (unanimous)
• Approved temporary handicap parking at 21 George St for 12 months (unanimous)
• Approved parking restriction on east side of Otis St (unanimous)
• Approved parking restriction on both sides of Quimby St (unanimous)
• Made permanent all-way stop on School St at Maplewood St (unanimous)
• Made permanent all-way stop on Highland Ave at Copeland St (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider continuing two special‑permit applications for three‑family dwellings at 6 and 12 Church Hill Street in the Central Business (CB) zoning district. Both proposals involve demolition of existing structures and changes to lot sizes. The board will also approve the minutes from the July 24 and August 28, 2024 meetings.

• Approve meeting minutes from July 24, 2024
• Approve meeting minutes from August 28, 2024
• Continue special‑permit request for 6 Church Hill St (new three‑family dwelling, lot expanded from 2,266 sq ft to 2,797 sq ft)
• Continue special‑permit request for 12 Church Hill St (new three‑family dwelling, lot reduced from 3,373 sq ft to 2,840 sq ft)

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals held a brief meeting on September 25, 2024, with a light agenda and no public hearing. The board approved the minutes from its July 24 and August 28 meetings, and voted to continue the petition for 6 & 12 Church Hill St to the October meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved July 24, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved August 28, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Continued petition for 6 & 12 Church Hill St to October meeting (4-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will provide an office update regarding revaluation field work and a new hire. The board will enter executive session to vote on confidential exemption applications and discuss specific tax board cases.

• Review and vote on August 20, 2024 meeting minutes
• Update on VISION field work for revaluation
• Appointment of Drew Booras as Associate Assessor
• Vote on Exemption Applications in executive session
• Updates on NSTAR v. Watertown Board of Assessors and GRE Riverworks v. Watertown Board of Assessors

City Council: Committee on Climate and Energy

The Committee on Climate and Energy will discuss the reappointment of two members to the Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee. Both proposed terms would expire on November 15, 2027.

• Reappointment of Jeanne Trubek to the Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee
• Reappointment of Silas Fyler to the Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Climate and Energy Committee interviewed Jeanne Trubek and Silas Fyler for reappointment to the Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee (WE3C) and voted 3-0 to recommend both to the City Council. The committee also interviewed Bruce Gellerman for a new appointment and voted 3-0 to recommend him. All recommendations are subject to City Council approval.

• Recommended reappointment of Jeanne Trubek to WE3C for term expiring Nov 15, 2027 (3-0)
• Recommended reappointment of Sylas Fyler to WE3C for term expiring Nov 15, 2027 (3-0)
• Recommended appointment of Bruce Gellerman to WE3C for term expiring Nov 15, 2025 (3-0)

City Council: Committee on Human Services

The Committee on Human Services will meet to discuss the reappointment of Shannon Lawn to the Watertown Housing Authority. The proposed term expires May 15, 2029.

• Discussion of reappointing Shannon Lawn to the Watertown Housing Authority

The Committee on Human Services voted 3-0 to recommend that the full City Council approve Shannon Lawn's reappointment to the Watertown Housing Authority for a term expiring May 15, 2029. The committee discussed her background and the Housing Authority's operations, including the East End Willow Park redevelopment. The meeting was procedural and concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.

• Recommended Shannon Lawn's reappointment to Watertown Housing Authority (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will vote on a $900,000 loan order for Department of Public Works equipment and an order to authorize municipal liens for unpaid local charges. The meeting also includes a public hearing on zoning text amendments and the confirmation of reappointments to the Board of Election Commissioners.

• Public Hearing and Vote on $900,000 loan order for DPW equipment
• Order to authorize municipal liens for unpaid local charges
• First Reading of zoning text amendments for Watertown Square Area Plan
• Confirmation of reappointments to the Board of Election Commissioners
• Indigenous Peoples Day Proclamation

The City Council unanimously approved a $900,000 loan order to purchase seven new Department of Public Works vehicles and equipment, including a snow salter, trucks, and a forklift. The Council also unanimously approved a municipal charges lien order, allowing the city to place a lien on properties for unpaid fines, and authorized the City Manager to grant an easement at 99 Coolidge Avenue. A first reading was held for a major set of zoning amendments to implement the Watertown Square Area Plan, which will be referred to a joint public hearing with the Planning Board.

• Approved $900,000 loan order for DPW equipment (unanimous roll call)
• Approved municipal charges lien order for unpaid fines (unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to grant multi-use path and headwall easements at 99 Coolidge Ave (unanimous)
• Held first reading and referral for Watertown Square zoning amendments to joint public hearing
• Referred ARPA grant funding status review to Budget and Fiscal Oversight Committee (unanimous)
• Authorized letter to School Committee to name new high school auditorium after Michael Driscoll (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from September 10, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Indigenous Peoples Day Proclamation (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will perform a preliminary review of a building permit application for 2 Brigham Street. The body will determine if the building is significant or if the application should be forwarded for a hearing.

• Preliminary review of building permit application for 2 Brigham Street

The Watertown Historical Commission held a preliminary review of the building permit application for 2 Brigham Street (BP 24-776) and determined that no public hearing before the Historical Commission is necessary. The building permit application may proceed. The meeting was attended by Chair Elise Loukas and Member Joseph Panto, with no public present.

• Determined no public hearing before Historical Commission necessary for 2 Brigham Street permit
• Allowed building permit application BP 24-776 to proceed

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee is meeting to discuss building emission standards. The session focuses on reviewing draft state reporting and specific BERDO regulation versions.

• Review of Draft State Building Emission Reporting
• Review of draft Regulations for BERDO v1.7.1
• Review of Redlined BERDO v1.7.2

City Council: Committee on Economic Development and Planning

The Economic Development and Planning Committee will vote on two appointments. One is to reappoint James Bensinger to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 15, 2027. The other is to appoint Sarah Baker as a full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending February 15, 2026. No other business is listed.

• Reappoint James Bensinger to the Historic District Commission (term expires Nov 15, 2027)
• Appoint Sarah Baker as a full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals (term expires Feb 15, 2026)

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning voted unanimously to recommend James Bensinger for reappointment to the Historic District Commission and Sarah Baker for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Both recommendations will go to the full City Council for confirmation.

• Recommended James Bensinger for reappointment to the Historic District Commission (3-0)
• Recommended Sarah Baker for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals (3-0)

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The Public Arts and Culture Committee will review progress on the Public Arts Master Plan, discuss upcoming community events like the 2025-26 Community Sculpture Walk, and vote on Edible Plants programming for 2025-26. The meeting also includes updates on River of Light workshops and a mural application review.

• Public Arts Master Plan implementation review
• Community Sculpture Walk 2025-26 call launched
• Edible Plants 2025-26 call review and vote
• River of Light workshops in October and event in January 2025
• 100 Years of Arshile Gorky mural application review

The committee approved the ranking of artists for the Gorky Mural and voted to launch Phase 1 of the Edible Watertown project using remaining Climate Resiliency Project funds. The June meeting minutes were approved with amendments.

• Approved June meeting minutes with amendments (Unanimous)
• Approved launch of Edible Watertown Phase 1 and use of approximately $25,000 in Climate Resiliency Project funds (Unanimous)
• Approved artist rankings for Gorky Mural: 1. Tina Chakarian, 2. Brandon Marshall, 3. Kacy Jackson (Unanimous)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will consider several applications for one-day event permits and business licenses. This includes a request for a transfer of an all-alcohol license for West on Main. The board will also review common victualler applications.

• Transfer of All Alcohol License for West on Main at 451 Main St.
• Common Victualler application for BK Coffee INC DBA Four Seasons Cafe at 212 N. Beacon St.
• One-day event permit for German International School Boston Walk-a-Thon on October 5, 2024
• Special one-day event permits for Arsenal Yards, Watertown Community Foundation, Mighty Squirrel, and Small Change Brewing Company
• Entertainment and Keno license requests for West on Main at 451 Main St.

The Watertown Licensing Board approved six special event licenses for alcohol service at various events, including a school walk-a-thon, fall festival, talent show, community honors event, beer garden, and cemetery solstice event. The board also granted a common victualer license to BK Coffee Inc. (Four Seasons Café) with restricted hours and no alcohol, and approved the transfer of an all-alcohol common victualer license to West on Main LLC with conditions. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved special license for German International School Boston Walk-a-Thon (3-0)
• Approved one-day wine/malt and entertainment licenses for Fall Festival at 130 Arsenal Yards Blvd (3-0)
• Approved one-day wine/malt and entertainment licenses for Watertown's Got Talent event (3-0)
• Approved one-day all-alcohol license for Watertown Community Foundation event at Commander's Mansion (3-0)
• Approved one-day wine/malt license for Mighty Squirrel beer garden at Faire on the Square (3-0)
• Approved special all-alcohol licenses for Mt. Auburn Cemetery Winter Solstice event (3-0)
• Granted common victualer license to BK Coffee Inc. d/b/a Four Seasons Café with hours 6 a.m.-3 p.m., no alcohol (3-0)
• Approved transfer of all-alcohol common victualer license to West on Main LLC with conditions (3-0)

Community Preservation

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a remote meeting on September 19, 2024. The agenda includes a presentation by Ray Dunetz on the Old Burying Ground and Common St. Cemetery Preservation Plan. The committee will also consider the minutes from the August 15 meeting and receive updates from the chair, coordinator, and on meeting format. No specific actions or votes are listed in the agenda.

• Presentation on Old Burying Ground and Common St. Cemetery Preservation Plan
• Acceptance of minutes from 2024-08-15 meeting
• Chair update
• Coordinator update
• Discussion on in‑person/hybrid meeting format

The committee reviewed a Historic Preservation Plan for the Old Burying Ground and Common Street Cemetery but took no formal action on the proposal. The committee approved the minutes from the August 15, 2024, meeting.

• Approved August 15, 2024, meeting minutes (5-0)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee will meet remotely to discuss Faire on the Square planning and Farmers Market materials. No substantive decisions are listed on the agenda.

School Building Committee

The Watertown School Building Committee will review and approve meeting minutes and monthly invoices for both elementary and high school construction projects. It will receive updates on the high school project's progress, overall budget, schedule, and sustainability team roles. The committee will consider a change order to the high school project's total budget and vote on the final signage package design. All items are presented for discussion and possible approval.

• Review and approve elementary school project meeting minutes (Aug 21 2024)
• Review and approve elementary school project monthly invoices
• Approve high school project meeting minutes (Aug 21 2024) and August invoices
• Vote on high school project total budget change order
• Vote on final signage package design for the high school project

Developer Community Meeting

The project team will present revised redevelopment plans for Willow Park. The proposal involves replacing 60 existing public housing units and adding more 100% affordable housing. Residents can ask questions and provide comments on the development process.

• Redevelopment of Willow Park at 8-26 Quimby Street, 55-91 Melendy Avenue, and 88-90 Nichols Avenue
• Replacement of 60 current public housing units
• Addition of 100% affordable housing units

Board of Health

The Board of Health will consider a biosafety permit recommendation and vote on restrictions for a specific dog. The meeting also includes the introduction of a new Health Officer.

• Biosafety permit recommendation for Jana Care at 313 Pleasant Street 3W
• Vote on restrictions for a dog named Kafka at 101 Morse Street #306
• Introduction of new Health Officer

The Board approved a permit for Jana Care to use human blood for testing. The Board also designated a dog named Kafka as dangerous, requiring specific leash and muzzle restrictions. The Department provided updates on West Nile Virus and vaccine availability.

• Approved August 21 and August 28, 2024 minutes (3-0)
• Recommended approval of permit for Jana Care at 313 Pleasant Street 3W (3-0)
• Designated dog 'Kafka' as dangerous, requiring a 6-foot leash and muzzle outside owner's exclusive space (3-0)

Commission on Disability

The Commission on Disability will hold a public hearing and meeting via remote participation. Topics include updates on curb cuts, detectable warnings, snow removal, and a request for ASL interpreter support for a library event.

• Public hearing and meeting held via remote participation
• Update on Snow Removal Ordinance
• Library request for ASL interpreter support for November 2 event
• Detectable warnings at Lexington & Main Streets being referred to Mass Highway
• Discussion of Automatic Doors Access

The Commission voted to co-sponsor the November 2 Library Disability Employment Awareness Month event and approved up to $900 for ASL interpreters and CART services. They also approved a proclamation on Disability Awareness Month for the City Council and accepted the treasurer's report showing a balance of $59,703.58.

• Approved co-sponsorship of Library Disability Employment Awareness Month (8-0)
• Approved up to $900 for ASL interpreters and CART for the event (7-0)
• Approved proclamation on Disability Awareness Month (8-0)
• Accepted treasurer's report with $59,703.58 balance (7-0)

City Council: Committee on Economic Development and Planning

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning will meet to discuss the potential creation of a Redevelopment Authority. This discussion is in response to the Watertown Square Area Plan.

• Discussion on forming a Redevelopment Authority for the Watertown Square Area Plan

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning voted 3-0 to recommend that the City Council not create a new Redevelopment Authority, citing Chapter 405 of the Acts of 1987 which already vests those powers in the City Council, subject to confirmation by KP Law. A second motion to request funding and staffing for an Urban Revitalization Plan was withdrawn as premature and not on the agenda. The City Manager will bring the revitalization plan proposal to the City Council in a future memo.

• Recommended City Council not create a new Redevelopment Authority (3-0)
• Withdrew motion to request funding and staffing for an Urban Revitalization Plan

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust will approve minutes from July 10 and August 6, 2024. It will discuss overall funding sources and potential project uses for the Trust. The board will consider a pre-development funding request for Willow Park and an urgent heating systems funding request for 1060 Belmont Street. A vote may be taken to enter an executive session for real‑property negotiations.

• Approve minutes of July 10 and August 6, 2024 meetings
• Discuss funding sources and potential project uses for the Trust
• Willow Park: pre-development funding request
• 1060 Belmont Street: urgent funding request for heating systems
• Vote to go into executive session for real‑property matters

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust approved $87,500 (unanimously) to replace heating systems at 1060 Belmont Street, reduced from the requested $100,000. A $400,000 pre-development funding request for the Willow Park redevelopment was informally tabled until the next meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $87,500 for heating system replacement at 1060 Belmont Street (unanimous)
• Tabled $400,000 pre-development funding request for Willow Park redevelopment
• Accepted minutes of July 10 and August 6, 2024 meetings (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee will vote on several policies, including security camera use after school hours and nondiscrimination. The body will also decide on the naming of the new Watertown High School gym and auditorium.

• Vote on security camera use after school hours (Policy ECAG)
• Naming of new Watertown High School gym and auditorium
• Vote on food service substitute hourly rate increase
• Approval of 8th grade field trip to Washington DC
• Votes on nondiscrimination and sexual harassment policies (ACA, ACAB, ACGA)

School Committee

The School Committee will vote on several policies regarding nondiscrimination, harassment, and security camera use. The body will also decide on the naming of the new Watertown High School gym and auditorium and an hourly rate increase for food service substitutes.

• Vote on 8th grade field trip to Washington DC
• Naming of new Watertown High School gym and auditorium
• Vote on food service substitute hourly rate increase
• Policy votes: Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, Sexual & sex-based harassment, Civil Rights grievance procedure, Student Representatives on the School Committee, and security camera use after school hours
• Reports on FY24 and FY25 budgets

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will conduct a preliminary review of four demolition permit applications to determine if buildings are historically significant. The meeting is a remote-only session and does not include a public hearing.

• Preliminary Review: 110 Fayette St (demolition permit application—garage only)
• Preliminary Review: 44 Pilgrim Rd (demolition permit application)
• Preliminary Review: 128 Carey Ave (demolition permit application)
• Preliminary Review: 275 Edenfield Ave (demolition permit application)
• Meeting is remote-only and not a public hearing

The Watertown Historical Commission chair and designee conducted a preliminary review of demolition applications for four properties. They determined that a public hearing is necessary for 44 Pilgrim Road, halting the demolition application for now. The commission concluded that demolition applications may proceed without a public hearing for 275 Edenfield Avenue, 110 Fayette Street (garage only), and 128 Carey Avenue.

• 44 Pilgrim Road demolition application: Public hearing necessary, may not proceed at this time
• 275 Edenfield Avenue demolition application: No public hearing necessary, may proceed
• 110 Fayette Street (garage) demolition application: No public hearing necessary, may proceed
• 128 Carey Avenue demolition application: No public hearing necessary, may proceed

School Site Council

The Watertown Public Schools School Site Council will meet to review the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and hold an open discussion. The meeting is procedural with no formal decisions listed on the agenda.

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee is meeting to review the Draft State Building Emission Reporting. The body will also continue reviewing draft regulations for BERDO v1.7.1 and Redlined v1.7.2.

• Review of Draft State Building Emission Reporting
• Review of draft Regulations for BERDO v1.7.1
• Review of Redlined v1.7.2 regulations

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to determine if the house at 15 Pilgrim Rd. should be preserved. The body will also review the first year of the Demolition Delay Ordinance adopted in August 2023.

• Public hearing on preservation and demolition delay for 15 Pilgrim Rd.
• Review of the Demolition Delay Ordinance adopted August 8, 2023
• Southside Historical Property Survey agent report

The Watertown Historical Commission voted unanimously that the house at 15 Pilgrim Rd is not preferably preserved in its current form, allowing the owner's proposed renovations to proceed. The commission also accepted minutes from May and July meetings and reviewed first-year statistics of the Demolition Delay Ordinance, noting that 93% of final decisions had no delay imposed.

• Accepted May 9, 2024 meeting minutes as written (unanimous)
• Accepted July 13, 2024 meeting minutes as written (unanimous)
• Determined 15 Pilgrim Rd not preferably preserved (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 8:30 pm (unanimous)

Council on Aging

The Watertown Council on Aging will meet on September 11, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. The agenda includes roll call, a review of the prior meeting’s minutes, a Director’s Report on senior services updates, and a period for public comments. No specific actions or decisions are listed on the agenda.

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

Blue Ribbon Committee

The Blue Ribbon Committee will meet to discuss potential questions to ask city councilors. The meeting includes a roll call, public comment, and adjournment. Remote participation is available via email.

The Blue Ribbon Committee approved a final set of questions to ask City Councilors about their roles and compensation, including a detailed activity list for time tracking. They decided not to ask about future salary-setting processes or comparable jobs, and removed a question about required skills. Councilors may respond in writing, and the next meeting is scheduled for late September or early October.

• Approved final question on councilor hours with activity list (unanimous)
• Decided not to ask about future salary determination process (unanimous)
• Approved revised question on community comparison variables (unanimous)
• Struck question on comparable jobs (unanimous)
• Removed question on required skills (majority, Murninghan dissenting)
• Approved simplified question on role changes (unanimous)
• Kept catch-all question for additional comments
• Approved allowing written responses from Councilors

Planning Board

The Watertown Planning Board will meet on September 11, 2024, to conduct administrative business and continue two special permit requests for new three-family dwellings at 6 and 12 Church Hill Street. Both projects involve demolition of existing structures in the Central Business (CB) Zoning District.

• 6 Church Hill St: Special Permit request by William T. Conti for new three-family dwelling (lot expanded from 2266 to 2797 sq ft), demolition of existing single-family structure
• 12 Church Hill St: Special Permit request by Brianna LLC (manager William T. Conti) for new three-family dwelling (lot reduced from 3373 to 2840 sq ft), demolition of existing two-family structure
• Both projects in Central Business (CB) Zoning District
• Continued to October 9, 2024 meeting

The Watertown Planning Board held a brief remote public hearing on September 11, 2024, with no audience present. The only substantive action was to continue the petition for 6 & 12-14 Church Hill Street to the October 9, 2024 meeting. The board also approved the minutes from the May 8 and August 14, 2024 meetings.

• Approved minutes of 5/8/2024 and 8/14/2024 meetings (5-0)
• Continued petition for 6 & 12-14 Church Hill Street to October 9, 2024 (5-0)

Cultural Council

The Watertown Cultural Council will hold a routine meeting to approve minutes, review publicity plans for grantee applications, and receive a report on activities from the PAAC liaison. No major decisions are scheduled.

The Watertown Cultural Council met on September 11, 2024, and approved the August meeting minutes unanimously. They discussed promoting the current grant application period (9/1–10/16/24) and decided not to staff a table at the Faire on the Square, deeming it not worth volunteer time. The Council also discussed future logo development and distribution of additional 2025 funds, but made no final decisions on those items.

• Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided not to have members attend Faire on the Square on September 21
• Agreed to postpone logo contest and banner development to spring agenda
• Voted to decide on Sally's PAAC liaison renewal at October meeting

City Council

The council will hold public hearings and votes on six loan orders ranging from $65,550 to $1,500,000 to fund water and sewer infrastructure projects, including infiltration reduction, lead service line replacement, and water main upgrades. It will also consider resolutions to accept gifts of property, approve a police department electronic‑control‑weapon contract, and authorize a $900,000 equipment purchase for the Public Works Department. Additional agenda items include a resolution for a Bluebike station donation and a memorandum of agreement with Arlington and Newton for a Community Connections Grant.

• Loan order $330,000 for infiltration/inflow reduction and sewer rehabilitation
• Loan order $65,550 for replacement of the DPW water heater
• Loan order $1,500,000 for design, construction, and oversight of sewer system improvements
• Loan order $300,000 for replacement of approximately 60 lead goosenecks
• Loan order $1,000,000 for replacement of unlined cast‑iron water mains on Bigelow Street and nearby streets

The Watertown City Council unanimously approved six loan orders totaling $3,495,550 for sewer rehabilitation, water main replacement, lead gooseneck replacement, and other infrastructure improvements. It also authorized a five-year contract for the Police Department's electronic control weapons program (8-1), accepted gifts including a Bluebike station, and approved a grant agreement with Arlington for Bluebike expansion.

• Approved $330,000 loan for infiltration/inflow reduction and sewer rehabilitation (unanimous)
• Approved $65,550 loan for DPW water heater replacement (unanimous)
• Approved $1,500,000 loan for sewer system improvements (unanimous)
• Approved $300,000 loan for lead gooseneck replacement (unanimous)
• Approved $300,000 loan for underground utility ducts (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000,000 loan for cast iron water main replacement (unanimous)
• Authorized 5-year contract for police electronic control weapons (8-1)
• Approved MOA with Arlington for Community Connections Grant (unanimous)

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee will open the meeting, accept the previous minutes, and review outreach efforts and an elevator pitch. It will examine the job description for a Community Engagement Specialist and a proposal for the district website. The committee will then discuss and vote on the YardArt project before confirming the next meeting date.

• YardArt: Discussion and Vote
• Community Engagement Specialist: Job Description Review
• Website: Proposal Review
• Outreach: Event Attendance and Elevator Pitch
• New Business: Reschedule next meeting to Oct 7

The Watertown Square Cultural District Partnership voted unanimously to take over management of the YardArt program, with leadership to be formed by a general call. Members also discussed a website proposal, with a vote scheduled for October, and reviewed plans for a community engagement specialist position.

• Approved motion to take on YardArt program (unanimous)
• Accepted August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled website proposal vote for October meeting
• Action item: Liz to send job description for community engagement specialist to committee

Human Rights Commission

The Watertown Human Rights Commission will meet to elect officers and discuss plans for community tables at local events and the 2025 Unity Breakfast.

• Election of officers
• Community table at Faire in the Square
• Community table at Farmers Market on 10/23
• Plan to work with World in Watertown
• Representative for 2025 Unity Breakfast

The Watertown Human Rights Commission elected Sarah Zoen as Chair, Melvin Poindexter as Vice Chair, and Elizabeth Brusie as Secretary. The Commission also voted to create a Rules Committee to draft rules of procedure, and approved edits to a community handout for the Faire in the Square.

• Elected Sarah Zoen as Chair, Melvin Poindexter as Vice Chair, Elizabeth Brusie as Secretary (unanimous)
• Approved edits to community handout for Faire in the Square (unanimous)
• Approved creation of Rules Committee to draft rules of procedure (unanimous)

Developer Community Meeting

The Preservation of Affordable Housing and Watertown Housing Authority are presenting revised redevelopment plans for Willow Park. The project proposes replacing 60 existing public housing units and adding more 100% affordable housing units.

• Redevelopment of Willow Park at 8-26 Quimby Street, 55-91 Melendy Avenue, and 88-90 Nichols Avenue

City Council

The Residents’ Advisory Committee will meet to conduct an executive session. The session is designated for considering or interviewing applicants for employment or appointment.

• Executive Session to consider or interview applicants for employment or appointment

The Residents' Advisory Committee meeting on September 4, 2024, began at 6:04 pm and moved to executive session at 6:06 pm to consider applicants for appointments to Watertown boards, commissions, and committees. The meeting was not reconvened as a public meeting, so no substantive public decisions were made.

• Moved to executive session to consider applicants for appointments (unanimous, no public vote recorded)

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee will meet remotely to discuss infrastructure improvements, review past events, and plan a presentation to the City Council. The meeting will also cover coordination with the Department of Public Works and the selection of a documentary screening.

• Discussion of infrastructure improvements for pedestrians and cyclists
• Planning for a presentation to the City Council on November 12
• Coordination with City Engineer Tyler Glode regarding intersections
• Review of feedback on the BPC Fact Sheet
• Upcoming events: Faire in the Square and Farmers Market

The Committee approved moving their upcoming presentation to the City Council from November to late January. Members also approved a sticker design for the upcoming Faire on the Square and established a working group to prepare presentation materials.

• Accepted August 5, 2024, meeting minutes
• Approved sticker design for Faire on the Square
• Approved moving City Council presentation to late January

BioSafety Committee

The Watertown Biosafety Committee will meet remotely on September 5, 2024, to review permit applications and amendments for local businesses. The meeting will include a public comment period and the approval of draft minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approval of draft minutes from August 1, 2024
• Permit application for Jana Care at 313 Pleasant Street 3W
• Amendment application for Cultivarium at 490 Arsenal Way #110
• Remote participation and public comment via Zoom and email

The Watertown BioSafety Committee approved the minutes from August 1, 2024, and recommended approval of Jana Care's BSL-2 permit application to the Board of Health without conditions. The committee discussed but did not vote on Cultivarium's amendment request for using RG3 promoter sequences, with the chair stating it would not be presented to the Board of Health. No public comments were received.

• Approved minutes from August 1, 2024 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Jana Care permit application to Board of Health without conditions (4-0)

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees will review the FY25 budget and the FY25 action plan. Members will consider and take action on a gallery exhibition policy update and contracts with Hosmer Lending and O'Some.

• Gallery Exhibition Policy update
• Hosmer Lending Contract
• O'Some Contract
• FY25 Budget review
• Strategic Plan discussion

The Board of Library Trustees approved three contracts and policy updates: the Gallery Exhibition Policy update, the Hosmer Lending Contract for the Harriet Hosmer sculpture tools, and the O'Some contract with revised move-in and rent terms. All motions passed unanimously. The board also reviewed the FY24 Action Plan, noting most items were completed.

• Approved June 18, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report (unanimous)
• Approved Gallery Exhibition Policy update (unanimous)
• Approved Hosmer Lending Contract with professional packing and exclusive truck delivery (unanimous)
• Approved O'Some contract with October move-in and rent after operation (unanimous)

City Council

The Residents’ Advisory Committee will review recruitment and outreach updates, including the CivicPlus/Universal Application implementation, upcoming Faire on the Square on September 21, current vacancies, policies, and a report on a meeting with Tyler Cote. An executive session will consider interviewing applicants under MGL 30A, Section 21(a), Subsection (8). The meeting will conclude with scheduling the next board meeting.

• Update on CivicPlus/Universal Application implementation
• Faire on the Square scheduled for September 21
• Discussion of current and upcoming vacancies
• Executive session to consider interviewing applicants under MGL 30A
• Scheduling of the next board meeting

The Residents' Advisory Committee approved the minutes from August 7, 2024, with an added statement about distribution of its Procedures and Policies. They scheduled a special meeting for September 9, 2024, to make recommendations for the Human Rights Commission opening, and set the next monthly meeting for October 1, 2024. The committee discussed updates to the Universal Online Application and outreach efforts, then moved into executive session to interview applicants for board appointments; the meeting was not reconvened publicly.

• Approved August 7, 2024 minutes with added statement on Procedures and Policies distribution
• Scheduled special meeting September 9, 2024 for Human Rights Commission recommendations
• Set next monthly meeting for October 1, 2024
• Moved to executive session at 5:30 pm to interview applicants; not reconvened publicly

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will decide on wetland requests for Arsenal Park, 480 Pleasant Street, and 99 Coolidge Ave. The body will also hold public hearings regarding the repurposing of 10-30 Manley Way and the redevelopment of the Watertown Mall site.

• Arsenal Park (Phase A): Request for one-year extension of the Order of Conditions
• 480 Pleasant Street: Request for Certificate of Compliance
• 10-30 Manley Way: Notice of Intent for repurposing structure for light industry, lab, or warehousing
• 550 Arsenal Street (Watertown Mall): Notice of Intent for 31.4-acre redevelopment into office, residential, lab, and retail
• 500 Forge: Report on unpermitted work in the Riverfront Area

The Watertown Conservation Commission voted to extend the Order of Conditions for Arsenal Park Phase A by one year and approved a Certificate of Compliance for two EV charging stations at 480 Pleasant Street. The commission continued public hearings for 10-30 Manley Way and 480-550 Arsenal Street to October 9, 2024, and tabled approval of the July 10, 2024 minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Extended Order of Conditions for Arsenal Park Phase A by one year (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for EV charging stations at 480 Pleasant Street (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing for 10-30 Manley Way to October 9, 2024
• Continued public hearing for 480-550 Arsenal Street to October 9, 2024
• Tabled approval of July 10, 2024 meeting minutes

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee is meeting to continue the review of draft regulations for BERDO versions 1.7.1 and redlined 1.7.2.

• Review of draft Regulations for BERDO v1.7.1
• Review of redlined BERDO v1.7.2

School Committee

The School Committee will discuss and vote on a request from SEIU members to have their children attend Hosmer Elementary School. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

• Discussion and vote on SEIU children attending Hosmer
• Meeting held via Zoom
• Public participation available via Zoom

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss planning for the Faire on the Square and outreach efforts for the remainder of 2024.

• Planning for Faire on the Square
• Outreach planning for the rest of 2024

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to discuss special permits for two residential projects. Both requests involve the demolition of existing structures to build new three-family dwellings.

• 6 Church Hill St: Special Permit request for a new three-family dwelling and lot expansion to 2797 sq ft
• 12 Church Hill St: Special Permit request for a new three-family dwelling and lot decrease to 2840 sq ft

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a brief meeting with a light agenda, tabling the July 24, 2024 minutes to September 25 due to absent voting members. The board also continued the petition for 6 & 12 Church Hill St to the September 25 meeting. No substantive decisions were made.

• Tabled July 24, 2024 meeting minutes to September 25 (5-0)
• Continued petition for 6 & 12 Church Hill St to September 25 (5-0)

Board of Health

The Watertown Board of Health meeting on August 28, 2024 will be remote‑only. The agenda includes a dangerous‑dog hearing concerning a dark brindle pit‑bull mix named Kafka, located at 101 Morse Street #306. The board will vote on any determination or restrictions for the dog. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Remote‑only meeting with Zoom link and televised access
• Dangerous‑dog hearing for Kafka, Dark Brindle Pitbull mix, 101 Morse St #306
• Vote on determination or restrictions of the dog
• Call to Order
• Adjournment

The Board of Health held a hearing on whether Kafka, a dog involved in three biting incidents, should be deemed dangerous under Massachusetts law. After hearing testimony from the animal control officer, a witness, and the dog's owner, the board deferred its determination to the September 18, 2024 meeting. No restrictions were imposed at this time.

• Deferred dangerous dog determination for Kafka to Sept. 18, 2024 meeting
• Heard testimony from ACO Samantha Gatchell on three bite incidents (12/23/23, 7/21/24, 7/24/24)
• Heard witness testimony from Sara Goldman regarding the 7/21/24 incident
• Heard owner testimony from Miriam Hoffman on Kafka's training and incidents

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will meet remotely to continue reviewing draft regulations for the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) v1.4 and v1.6.

• Review of draft BERDO v1.4 and v1.6 regulations
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Public welcome to attend remotely via Zoom

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee working group on BERDO met and discussed numerous revisions to the draft regulations, including changes to appeals processes, penalties, and building type classifications. No formal votes were taken; the group agreed to task staff with incorporating the changes and to review the updated document at the next meeting.

• Agreed to remove building types appendix and reference EPA Portfolio Manager building types
• Agreed to update penalties section to match BERDO penalties, not Boston regulations
• Agreed to delete paragraph 17.2 in its entirety
• Agreed to remove notice of probable violation, keep notice of violation with potential for penalties
• Agreed to remove 'hearing' from violation dispute process; department to make decisions
• Agreed appeals of department decisions handled by department, not Review Board
• Agreed to eliminate section for notice of appeal hearings; appellant to publish notices
• Scheduled next meeting for Tuesday, September 3rd at 5:30 PM

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The Public Arts and Culture Committee will meet remotely to vote on launching a Community Sculpture Walk and discuss various public art initiatives, including the River of Light event and the Edible Watertown program.

• Vote to approve launch of Community Sculpture Walk
• Murals: 100 Years of Arshile Gorky call for artists closes September 15
• Edible Watertown expert pairings call closes September 15
• River of Light: Workshops in October, event in January 2025
• Discussion of Old Business: End of Summer Concert Series

The Public Arts and Culture Committee unanimously approved supporting the Pigsgussett Initiative's Indigenous People's Day event on October 13, clarifying it as a 'Supporter' rather than a financial 'Sponsor'. The committee also moved forward with the Community Sculpture Walk call for art and discussed interim leadership at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, with Roberta Miller stepping in as interim executive director for 6-9 months. June meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

• Approved support for Indigenous People's Day event (unanimous)
• Approved June meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Moved forward with Community Sculpture Walk call for art (unanimous)
• Approved moving forward with Edible Watertown workshops
• Discussed interim executive director appointment at Mosesian Center for the Arts

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will vote on the adoption of new handbooks for Watertown High School, Watertown Middle School, and the district's elementary schools. The meeting also includes approval of several sets of prior meeting minutes and first‑reading of policy proposals on nondiscrimination, harassment, grievance procedures, student representation, and security cameras. Additional reports on superintendent goals, personnel, and facilities will be presented.

• Approval of new handbooks for Watertown High School, Middle School, and elementary schools
• First reading of ACA nondiscrimination policy based on sex
• First reading of ACAB sexual and sex‑based harassment and retaliation policy
• First reading of ACGA civil‑rights grievance procedure
• First reading of BDC student representatives on the School Committee

School Building Committee

The Watertown School Building Committee will review and approve meeting minutes and monthly invoices for elementary school projects, and discuss high school project updates including budget changes and milestones. The meeting is virtual via Zoom.

• Review and approval of three elementary school project invoices
• Approval of Lowell Elementary School Project – CTA Payment Requisition No. 26
• High School Project budget update and vote on change order & Ai3 Amendment
• High School Project schedule update and upcoming milestones
• Approval of High School Project meeting minutes from July 17, 2024

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet remotely to discuss a Biosafety Committee amendment and receive department staffing updates. The meeting includes a review of the July 17, 2024, draft minutes.

• Biosafety Committee Amendment: Kymera Therapeutics – 500 North Beacon Street
• Staffing and General Department Updates

The Board of Health approved an amendment application from Kymera Therapeutics for its facility at 500 North Beacon Street, allowing an additional vivarium. The board also approved the July 17, 2024 meeting minutes. No public comments were made, and the meeting was adjourned after updates from the Health Department.

• Approved minutes of July 17, 2024 (2-0)
• Approved amendment for Kymera Therapeutics vivarium at 500 North Beacon Street (3-0)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council is meeting to discuss guidelines and priorities for FY95, which are due to the MCC SmartSimple by August 31. The discussion will include feedback from a recent flash survey.

• FY95 guidelines and priorities discussion
• Approval of June 21, 2024 minutes
• Financial update
• Report on PAAC activities
• ArtsMarket report for August 17 at Filippelo Park

City Council

The Watertown Board of Assessors will consider and vote on accepting prior meeting minutes, receive an office update, and move into an executive session to review exemption applications and appellate tax board matters. The executive session is called because exemption and abatement applications are confidential under state law. The board will also schedule its next meeting before adjourning.

• Vote on acceptance of June 18, 2024, meeting minutes
• Office update on Vision Software and Associate Assessor position
• Vote to enter executive session for confidential exemption applications and appellate tax board strategy
• Review and vote on May 21, 2024, executive session minutes
• Scheduling of the next Board of Assessors meeting

The Board of Assessors approved the minutes from its June 18, 2024, meeting. Members signed the Authorization for Submissions to the Department of Revenue and discussed the HERO Act before entering executive session to review confidential exemption applications.

• Approved June 18, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Signed Authorization for Submissions to DOR
• Voted to enter executive session to discuss Applications for Exemptions

Election Commission

The Watertown Election Commission will meet to conduct mandatory ballot testing for the upcoming State Primary on September 3, 2024. This procedural step ensures voting machines and ballots are accurate before the election.

• Ballot testing for State Primary on September 3, 2024

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee is meeting to continue its review of the draft Regulations for BERDO v1.4. This body is discussing standards related to building energy efficiency.

• Review of draft Regulations for BERDO v1.4

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee working group BERDO met remotely and made several revisions to draft regulations, including removing 'individual compliance schedules' and shifting notice-issuing authority from the Review Board to the Department. They scheduled a final regulation meeting for Tuesday, June 27th at 5:30 PM. No final decisions were made; the changes are part of an ongoing review process.

• Removed 'individual compliance schedules' from regulations
• Department to issue notices of violation instead of Review Board
• Kept 90-day deadline for department public hearings on appeals
• Appeals dismissed if appellant fails to provide acceptable explanation
• Department authorized to terminate compliance plans
• Scheduled final regulation meeting for June 27th at 5:30 PM

Blue Ribbon Committee

The Blue Ribbon Committee will meet to discuss council salary and benefits, following a presentation from a municipal policy analyst. The meeting will include a roll call, public comment, and adjournment. Remote participation is available via WCATV or email.

The Blue Ribbon Committee on Councilor Salaries discussed raising City Councilor pay, with members proposing figures from $15,000 to a $19,000-28,000 range based on comparisons with similar communities. No final decision was made. The committee agreed to interview current councilors using a set of drafted questions and tabled the idea of a public survey or flash vote.

• Tabled public survey or flash vote on council salaries
• Agreed to finalize councilor interview questions at a future brief meeting
• Consensus to consider an increase to Councilor salaries
• Drafted 7 questions for future councilor interviews

City Council: Committee on Human Services

The Committee on Human Services will discuss the reappointment of three members to the Affordable Housing Trust. These terms would expire on June 30, 2026.

• Reappointment of Clifford Cook to the Affordable Housing Trust
• Reappointment of Helen Oliver to the Affordable Housing Trust
• Reappointment of Zoe Weinrobe to the Affordable Housing Trust

The Committee on Human Services voted unanimously to recommend the reappointment of Clifford Cook, Helen Oliver, and Zoe Weinrobe to the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust, each for a term expiring June 30, 2026. The committee interviewed each candidate and discussed the Trust's progress, including site inventory and potential projects. The recommendations will go to the full City Council for final approval.

• Approved reappointment of Clifford Cook to Affordable Housing Trust (3-0)
• Approved reappointment of Helen Oliver to Affordable Housing Trust (3-0)
• Approved reappointment of Zoe Weinrobe to Affordable Housing Trust (3-0)

City Council: Committee on Human Services

The Committee on Human Services will meet to discuss the city's opioid settlements and related issues.

• Discussion of City's Opioid Settlements and Related Issues

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee will hear a presentation by Drew Rollert of Wada Hoppa about a planned zero‑emissions water taxi service. The meeting also includes reports from the Energy and Sustainability Managers and discussion of recruiting new committee members. Possible future guests and collaboration with the new Senior Planner for Economic Development are noted.

• Presentation by Drew Rollert on the WadaHoppa zero‑emissions water taxi
• Energy Manager report
• Sustainability Manager report
• Discussion of ideas for recruiting new committee members
• Consideration of future guests, including a senior planner for economic development

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is meeting to perform preliminary reviews under the Demolition Delay Ordinance. The body will determine if the identified buildings are significant or if the applications should be forwarded for a hearing.

• Preliminary review: 32 Chandler Street (building permit application)
• Preliminary review: 11 Stoneleigh Road (garage demolition)
• Preliminary review: 199 Lexington Street (demolition application)

The Watertown Historical Commission held a preliminary review meeting on August 15, 2024, with only Chair Elise Loukas and Member Edward McCourt present. They reviewed building permit applications for 32 Chandler Street and 11 Stoneleigh Road, and a demolition permit application for 199 Lexington Street. All three applications were determined to require no public hearing and were allowed to proceed.

• Building permit application for 32 Chandler Street may proceed (no public hearing necessary)
• Building permit application for 11 Stoneleigh Road may proceed (no public hearing necessary)
• Demolition application for 199 Lexington Street may proceed (no public hearing necessary)

Licensing Board

The Watertown Licensing Board will consider three license applications. One application seeks to modify the procedure for prior notice to the city for temporary alcohol sales at Oakley Country Club’s golf course. Another requests a change of manager for Kura Revolving Sushi Bar at 101 Bond Square. The third concerns a common victualler license for Panera Bread at 1 Mt Auburn Street.

• Oakley Country Club – modification of procedure for prior notice to City for authorized temporary points of sale of alcohol on golf course
• Kura Sushi USA Inc dba Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, 101 Bond Square – continued consideration of change of manager
• Boston Bread LLC dba Panera Bread, 1 Mt Auburn Street – application for common victualler license

The Watertown Licensing Board approved a Common Victualer License for Boston Bread LLC d/b/a Panera Bread at One Mt. Auburn Street, with conditions including no alcohol and specified hours. It also approved Randy Velez as manager for Kura Sushi USA Inc. at 101 Bond Street, subject to alcohol training conditions. The board confirmed a modified notice procedure for Oakley Country Club's temporary alcohol sales points.

• Approved Panera Bread Common Victualer License (3-0)
• Approved Randy Velez as manager for Kura Sushi (3-0)
• Confirmed modified notice procedure for Oakley Country Club temporary alcohol sales

Community Preservation

The Watertown Community Preservation Committee will consider the eligibility of the Willow Park Redevelopment project and a revised scope of work for a housing consultant contract. It will also discuss membership dues for the Community Preservation Coalition and provide updates on in‑person meeting plans. The meeting includes routine acceptance of prior minutes.

• Project Eligibility Form – Willow Park Redevelopment
• Housing Consultant Contract – revised scope of work
• Community Preservation Coalition membership dues
• Update on in‑person meeting plans
• Acceptance of June 27 and July 18 committee minutes

The Watertown Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved the Willow Park Redevelopment project as eligible for CPA funds, approved a $4,995 purchase order for a housing consultant, and renewed Community Preservation Coalition membership dues for $7,900. The committee also discussed the Willow Park application details, including financing deadlines and community concerns, and decided not to host a table at Faire on the Square this year.

• Approved Willow Park Redevelopment project eligibility for CPA funds (unanimous)
• Approved $4,995 purchase order for housing consultant Christine (unanimous)
• Renewed Community Preservation Coalition membership dues for $7,900 (unanimous)
• Accepted 2024-6-27-CPC-Minutes (5-0, with 4 absent)
• Accepted 2024-7-18-CPC-Minutes with amendments (unanimous)
• Agreed not to host a CPC table at Faire on the Square this year

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will hold a remote-only meeting to welcome attendees, discuss Faire on the Square planning, and address new business. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider special permit requests for the construction of two new three-family dwellings on Church Hill St. Both projects involve the demolition of existing structures.

• Special Permit request for 6 Church Hill St to build a three-family dwelling and expand the lot from 2266 to 2797 sq ft
• Special Permit request for 12 Church Hill St to build a three-family dwelling and decrease the lot from 3373 to 2840 sq ft

The Watertown Planning Board held a public hearing on two proposed three-unit residential buildings at 6 and 12-14 Church Hill Street. After hearing extensive public comment and board discussion about building height, parking, tree preservation, and neighborhood fit, the board voted 5-0 to continue both petitions to the September 11, 2024 meeting. No final approval or denial was issued.

• Continued petition for 6 Church Hill Street to September 11, 2024 (5-0)
• Continued petition for 12 Church Hill Street to September 11, 2024 (5-0)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold public hearings and votes on borrowing $500,000 for a new ambulance, $885,000 for a fire engine, and $2.2M for water/sewer infrastructure repairs. The meeting also includes first readings of loan orders for DPW upgrades and committee reports on parks, public works, and economic development.

• Public hearing and vote on $500,000 loan for new ambulance (Fire Department)
• Public hearing and vote on $885,000 loan for new fire engine (Fire Department)
• First reading of $330,000 loan for sewer rehabilitation and infiltration reduction
• First reading of $1,000,000 loan for replacing unlined cast iron water mains on Bigelow Street and Adams Street area
• First reading of $300,000 loan for replacing 60 lead goosenecks in water service lines

The Watertown City Council approved two loan orders totaling $1.385 million to purchase a new ambulance ($500,000) and a new fire engine ($885,000) for the Fire Department, both unanimously. The council also approved an Eversource grant of location for conduit work on Arsenal Street, an ethics exemption for a city employee, and several committee appointments. Multiple other loan orders for infrastructure projects were introduced for first reading but not voted on.

• Approved $500,000 loan order for new Fire Department ambulance (unanimous)
• Approved $885,000 loan order for new Fire Department fire engine (unanimous)
• Approved Eversource grant of location for conduit on Arsenal Street (unanimous)
• Approved ethics exemption for city employee to work in Library (unanimous)
• Approved appointments to Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Confirmed Sarah Scott as associate member of Planning Board (unanimous)
• Approved Jim Vershbow to Cable Access Corporation Board (unanimous)
• Approved proclamation honoring Kim Charlson (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to discuss and vote on several administrative and policy items. The agenda focuses on student representation and school guidelines.

• Vote on handbooks
• Vote on student representatives on School Committee
• Vote on pre-kindergarten policies

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will meet to continue reviewing draft regulations for the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom.

• Review of draft BERDO regulations
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Public welcome to join remotely via Zoom

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee met to review the draft BERDO regulations, assigning specific sections to members for rewriting and clarification. No final decisions were made; the group agreed on next steps for revisions and scheduled the next meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes (2-1, Pat and Jocelyn in favor, Brian seconding)
• Assigned Brian to rewrite section 16.3.2.B
• Assigned Pat to rewrite sections 16.4.1.A and 16.4.1.B
• Assigned Silas to update language on environmental justice and remove 'resiliency' from plan name
• Agreed to delete 'or 3 years' from section 16.3.2.D
• Agreed to consider expanding Emissions Fund scope, but no final decision
• Agreed to change program name to reflect emissions reduction and environmental justice focus
• Scheduled next meeting for the following Tuesday at 5 PM

Board of Library Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees will meet to discuss financial reports and a temporary license agreement with Arsenal Yards. The board will also consider a Code of Conduct policy and a staff day closure date.

• Temporary License Agreement with Arsenal Yards
• Code of Conduct Policy
• Staff Day Closure Date
• FY24/FY25 Budget
• Acceptance of donations

The Watertown Board of Library Trustees approved a temporary license agreement with Arsenal Yards to install a book drop near the movie theater, updated the Code of Conduct to bar preparing food and clarify outlet use, and changed the staff day closure to November 7, 2024. The board also approved the financial report and accepted donations, all unanimously.

• Approved Temporary License Agreement with Arsenal Yards for book drop (unanimous)
• Approved updated Code of Conduct Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Staff Day closure date change to November 7, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved financial report (unanimous)
• Accepted donations (unanimous)

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will meet to discuss and vote on revisions to Title IX policies, communications policies, and after-school hours video/security camera policies. The meeting is open to public participation in person or via Zoom and will be recorded.

• Vote on updated Title IX policies (Section A)
• Vote on communications policies
• Vote on after-school hours video/security camera policies

Residents’ Advisory Committee

The committee is meeting to review updates on application processes and community outreach efforts. The agenda includes an executive session to consider or interview applicants for appointment.

• Update on CivicPlus/Universal Application
• Community Table at Farmers' Market and Faire on the Square (September 21)
• Outreach to Watertown non-profits and interest groups
• Review of current and upcoming vacancies
• Executive session to consider or interview applicants for appointment

The Residents' Advisory Committee approved minutes from July 8, 2024, and agreed to increase the character limit for universal online applications from 250 to 350 characters. The committee also discussed updates to the Boards and Commissions website and the first meeting of the Human Rights Commission. The meeting moved to executive session at 5:30 pm to interview applicants and was not reconvened publicly.

• Approved minutes for July 8, 2024
• Agreed to increase application character limit from 250 to 350 characters

Human Rights Commission

The Watertown Human Rights Commission will convene at 6:00 PM on August 6, 2024, in the Louis P. Andrews Upper Conference Room at 149 Main Street. The meeting includes remarks from the City Council President and City Manager, followed by a discussion on the Commission’s duties and responsibilities. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust will review conceptual housing options for the Watertown-Belmont Church and discuss zoning incentives for the Watertown Square Area Plan. The meeting will conclude with an executive session regarding real property transactions.

• Conceptual affordable housing options for Watertown-Belmont Church
• Zoning incentives for deeper affordability in the Watertown Square Area Plan
• Executive session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property

The Watertown Affordable Housing Trust met remotely on August 6, 2024, and discussed conceptual plans for affordable housing at the Watertown-Belmont United Methodist Church site, but took no formal votes on the proposals. The trustees also discussed potential zoning incentives for deeper affordability in the Watertown Square Area Plan, but no decisions were made. The meeting adjourned to executive session to discuss real property negotiations.

• No vote on July 10, 2024 minutes due to lack of quorum
• Discussed four concept options for church site housing (no action)
• Consensus to reach out to affordable developers for church site
• Discussed zoning incentive for deeper affordability (no action)
• Voted unanimously to enter executive session
• Voted unanimously to adjourn public meeting

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss governance agreements and partner recruitment for the Cultural District. The agenda includes reviews of website proposals and a draft job description for a Community Engagement Specialist.

• Partnership Agreements governance
• Partner recruitment and annual events outreach
• Website proposals review
• Draft Community Engagement Specialist job description
• YardArt presentation and discussion

The Watertown Square Cultural District Partnership met remotely and accepted the June minutes. Members discussed outreach events and reviewed a website proposal from Artsopolis, which the Website Committee favored. The job description for a Community Engagement Specialist was tabled. YardArt presenters suggested the district take over regular maintenance, and feedback was positive, but no formal decision was made.

• Accepted June meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Tabled Community Engagement Specialist job description until next meeting
• Discussed website proposal from Artsopolis; no formal vote taken
• Discussed potential YardArt maintenance by district; no formal decision

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss working group updates and debrief recent events. The agenda includes planning for a City Council presentation in Autumn 2024 and coordination with the DPW.

• Discussion on Bike Parking Guidelines
• Arsenal Park improvements regarding bike facility connections toward Greenaugh
• Watertown Square Area Plan update
• Planning for a presentation to City Council in Autumn 2024
• Discussion on two vacancies in the Traffic Commission

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee met via Zoom and accepted the July 1, 2024 minutes. They discussed upcoming outreach events, including the Faire on the Square and Watertown Arts Market, and identified safety concerns at intersections like Arlington/Nichols. No formal votes or binding decisions were made; the meeting was primarily planning and discussion.

• Accepted minutes of July 1, 2024 meeting
• Discussed Faire on the Square outreach, including Blue Bikes stations and a possible sticker
• Planned website update review for September meeting
• Scheduled Watertown Arts Market participation for 8/17/24
• Discussed Safe Routes to School outreach and upcoming bike safety event
• Considered presenting at City Council meeting on 11/12/24, possibly postponed to January 2025
• Planned DPW meet & greet with City Engineer Tyler Globe on 12/2/24
• Noted Jesse Hammond's departure from the committee

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The working group discussed logistics for the Faire in the Square event, including portable bike racks, an outreach tent, and coordination with city staff. No formal decisions were made; the group agreed to meet again only if needed. The event is scheduled for September 21, 2024, at Saltonstall Park.

• Discussed portable bike racks and outreach tent for Faire in the Square
• Agreed to schedule another working group meeting only as needed
• Confirmed Faire in the Square date: September 21, 2024, 12-5pm at Saltonstall Park

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee working group on BERDO met and agreed on several amendments to the draft regulations, including deleting a requirement for recording decisions with the Registry of Deeds, adjusting record retention from 10 to 7 years, and removing references to specific sections. They also decided that board members will not be compensated but can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, and eliminated the annual application process for the Equitable Emissions Investment Fund. The next meeting was scheduled for August 8, 2024, at 5:00 PM.

• Deleted requirement for applicants to record hardship/deferral decisions with Registry of Deeds
• Adjusted record retention period from 10 to 7 years
• Removed references to sections 10 and 11 in regulations
• Decided board members not compensated, but reimbursed for reasonable expenses
• Eliminated annual application process for Equitable Emissions Investment Fund
• Agreed to note omission of Review Board meeting frequency and compensation for future consideration
• Scheduled next meeting for August 8, 2024, at 5:00 PM

BioSafety Committee

The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and reviewed two facility amendments. The Kymera Therapeutics vivarium amendment was forwarded to the Board of Health, while the Orna viral vector amendment was not forwarded. No new ordinances or budget items were decided.

• Approved July 11, 2024 minutes (4-0)
• Kymera Therapeutics amendment forwarded to Board of Health
• Orna amendment not forwarded to Board of Health

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss planning for the Faire on the Square. Members will also identify goals and projects for the rest of 2024.

• Faire on the Square planning
• Project goals for the remainder of 2024

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will meet to discuss and vote on two compensation items for FY25: a non-aligned hourly wage increase and extended day compensation. The meeting is held over Zoom with public participation available via the provided link.

• FY25 non-aligned hourly wage increase
• FY25 extended day compensation

School Committee

The School Committee is meeting to discuss and vote on pay adjustments for the 2025 fiscal year. The session focuses on non-aligned hourly wages and Extended Day compensation.

• Vote on FY25 non-aligned hourly wage increase
• Vote on FY25 Extended Day compensation

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to perform a preliminary review of a building permit application for 105 Langdon Ave. The review will determine if the building is significant or if the application should be forwarded to the Commission for a hearing.

• Preliminary review of building permit application for 105 Langdon Ave.

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, acting as the BERDO Working Group, will meet remotely to continue its review of draft regulations for the Building Energy Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). The meeting includes welcome, announcements, approval of minutes, and a continued discussion of the draft regulations. The public is welcome to attend via Zoom.

• Continued review of draft BERDO regulations
• Approval of meeting minutes
• Public can request future agenda items by contacting committee members

The BERDO working group reviewed draft regulations (version 1.4) and agreed on multiple revisions, including clarifying hardship and deferral compliance plans, removing certain sections, and setting compliance plan reviews at least every five years. They also discussed long-term lease concerns, renewable energy certificates, and review request costs. The next meeting was scheduled for August 2, 2024, and the meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Agreed to update section 12.2 to include 'hardship or deferral' after 'create'
• Agreed to remove sections 12.2.2.F, 12.2.2.G, 12.5.7, 12.7.2, 12.8.2.A, and 12.8.3
• Agreed to rewrite section 12.4 to define hardship and deferral compliance plans separately
• Agreed to update section 12.7.1.B to say 'at least every 5 years' instead of 'every 5 years'
• Agreed to change heading to use 'deferral' instead of 'hardship'
• Agreed compliance plans should not be granted indefinitely, max five years with review
• Agreed to remove the word 'permanently' from relief language
• Scheduled next meeting for 5:00 PM on 8/2/24

Historic District Commission

The Watertown Historic District Commission will hold a remote meeting on July 25, 2024, to review and accept minutes from the May 23 meeting and discuss initial conceptual plans for reusing an existing building at 72 Mt. Auburn St. The meeting is informational, with no final decisions expected on the reuse proposal.

• Review and acceptance of minutes from May 23, 2024 meeting
• Initial exploration of conceptual plans for reuse of existing building at 72 Mt. Auburn St. by 72 Mt. Auburn St., LLC and representative Terry Morris

The Historic District Commission held an informational meeting to explore conceptual plans for reusing the building at 72 Mt. Auburn St. for housing. No formal decisions were made; the commission provided feedback, and the applicant agreed to revise the design and return for further discussion. The commission also approved the minutes from the May 22, 2024 meeting as amended.

• Approved minutes from May 22, 2024 meeting as amended (unanimous)
• Discussed conceptual plan for 72 Mt. Auburn St. housing reuse; no vote taken
• Adjourned meeting at 8 pm (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for a second-floor addition and attic at 87 Bromfield St, with conditions including new siding and windows and designating the basement room as an office. The board also denied an appeal of Site Plan Review conditions for a childcare facility at 9, 11 & 13 Boyd St, ruling there was no jurisdictional basis. Both decisions were unanimous 4-0.

• Approved special permit for 87 Bromfield St addition (4-0)
• Denied appeal of Site Plan Review conditions at 9, 11 & 13 Boyd St (4-0)
• Approved June 26, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)

Community Preservation

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a continued public hearing on the draft FY2024 Annual CPA Report and the annual public hearing presentation, including an update on the Commander's Mansion Cultural Landscape Report. The committee will also discuss a housing consultant contract, elect chairs, consider an off-cycle application from the Housing Authority for affordable housing preservation, and decide on meeting format (in-person/hybrid/remote).

• Draft FY 2024 Annual CPA Report
• Commander's Mansion Cultural Landscape Report Update
• Housing Consultant Contract
• Housing Authority/Preservation of Affordable Housing Off-Cycle Application
• Election of Committee Chairs

The Watertown Community Preservation Committee held its annual public hearing, reviewed the FY2024 CPA report, and heard an update on the Commander's Mansion Cultural Landscape Report. The committee voted to re-elect Mark Kraczkiewicz as chair and Jon Bockian as vice chair, with two members voting against each motion. It also approved the minutes from May 16 and June 18 meetings and voted to hold future meetings in-person/hybrid.

• Re-elected Mark Kraczkiewicz as chair (5-2)
• Re-elected Jon Bockian as vice chair (7-2)
• Approved May 16, 2024 CPC minutes as amended (6-0-2 present)
• Approved June 18, 2024 CPC/AHT minutes as amended (7-0-2 present)
• Voted to hold in-person/hybrid meetings in the near future (7-2)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, acting as the BERDO Working Group, is meeting to continue its review of draft regulations for the Building Energy Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). The meeting includes welcome, announcements, and approval of minutes, with the main agenda item being the ongoing discussion of the draft regulations.

• Continued review of draft BERDO regulations
• Approval of meeting minutes
• Public welcome via Zoom

The working group reviewed draft BERDO regulations (version 1.4) and assigned specific revision tasks to members, including rewording sections on building type changes, RECs, and compliance plans. No formal decisions were made; the group agreed to continue working and scheduled the next meeting for July 25, 2024. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Assigned Brian to reword Section 9.1.2 on building type changes and reverification
• Assigned Silas to review Section 10.3.1 on Texas/Oklahoma wind RECs and emissions factors
• Assigned Silas to clean up Section 10.3.2 on RECs for PPAs
• Assigned Silas to clarify Section 10.4.1 on electricity generation credits and REC retirement
• Assigned Pat to rewrite Section 10.4.1 for clarity
• Assigned Silas to remove gray box in Section 12 and ensure consistency on hardship compliance timeframes
• Assigned Jocelyn to review Section 12.2.2.E on MassSave delays
• Scheduled next meeting for July 25, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Licensing Board

The Watertown Licensing Board will review applications for alcohol licenses and entertainment permits for several local businesses. The agenda includes requests for new Common Victualler licenses, a license transfer, and outdoor service alterations. The board will also hold a show cause hearing regarding Greg's Restaurant and approve one-day event permits.

• Application for Common Victualler license for ButterBird at 112 Bond Square
• Application for Common Victualler license for Panera Bread at 1 Mt Auburn Street
• Transfer of All Alcohol License from Shiraz Cuisine Inc to The Coolidge Kitchen and Bar at 72 Bigelow Ave
• Alteration of Premises for outdoor service at Oakley Country Club, 410 Belmont Street
• Show cause hearing for Paul's Grill Inc dba Greg's Restaurant at 821 Mt Auburn Street

The Watertown Licensing Board approved an alteration to Oakley Country Club's license, extending alcohol consumption to the entire golf course. The approval allows a permanent point of sale at the 9th hole snack shack and up to 20 days per year of temporary sales at two other locations, with conditions. The board also approved several other licenses, including a one-day suspension for Greg's Restaurant after a show cause hearing.

• Approved Oakley Country Club on-course alcohol service, with permanent 9th hole snack shack and up to 20 temporary days at two locations (3-0)
• Approved special licenses for Bone Marrow Donor Registry Walk-a-Thon, Arsenal Yards biergarten events, and Armenian Cultural Center graduation party (3-0 each)
• Approved Butterbird common victualer license at 112 Bond Square, no alcohol (3-0)
• Approved PTN Corp license transfer and entertainment licenses for The Coolidge Kitchen and Bar (3-0)
• Continued Kura Sushi and Panera Bread license hearings to August 15, 2024
• Imposed 1-day suspension on Greg's Restaurant for serving intoxicated patrons; suspension set for September 3, 2024

School Building Committee

The Watertown School Building Committee is meeting to review and approve meeting minutes and monthly invoices for the elementary school and high school projects. They will also receive updates on the high school project, including a total project budget update and a vote on a change order, as well as the overall project schedule and upcoming milestones.

• Approval of meeting minutes from June 26, 2024
• Approval of monthly invoices for elementary school projects
• Approval of high school project invoices for May 2024
• High school project budget update and vote on change order
• High school project schedule update and upcoming milestones

Board of Health

The Watertown Board of Health will hold a remote meeting to review a biosafety committee permit for Parallel Biosystems at 200 Dexter Avenue, discuss department updates including the SSRS quarterly report, and consider introducing dumpster regulations. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Biosafety permit for Parallel Biosystems at 200 Dexter Avenue
• Discussion on introducing Dumpster Regulations
• SSRS Quarterly Report
• Review of draft minutes from May 15, 2024

The Board of Health recommended the approval of a permit for Parallel Biosystems at 200 Dexter Avenue. The board also approved the minutes from the May 15, 2024 meeting.

• Recommended approval of permit for Parallel Biosystems (2-0)
• Approved May 15, 2024 minutes (2-0)

Commission on Disability

The Watertown Commission on Disability is meeting remotely to discuss various accessibility issues, including curb cuts, detectable warnings, and snow removal. A guest speaker from Alexandra Real Estate Equities will present, and the commission will review a variance request for 9 Boylston Street.

• Guest speaker: Michelle Lower, VP at Alexandra Real Estate Equities
• Update on Mt. Auburn-Summer-Irving intersections curb cuts and detectable warnings
• Review of 9 Boylston Street variance request
• Update on ADA Self Assessment Plan funding request
• Discussion of snow removal ordinance next steps

City Council

The City Council and Planning Board will hold a joint meeting to discuss and vote on the draft Watertown Square Area Plan, a long-term guide for development in the area. The agenda includes a reintroduction of the plan, public comment, deliberation, and separate votes by both bodies.

• Draft of Watertown Square Area Plan
• Department of Community Development and Planning recommendations
• Public comment period
• Planning Board vote
• City Council vote

City Council: Committee on Personnel and City Organization

The Watertown City Council's Committee on Personnel and City Organization is meeting to discuss the desired qualifications and qualities for the position of Chief Information Officer. The meeting is a discussion item only, with no votes or decisions scheduled. Public participation is available remotely via Zoom, phone, or email.

• Discussion of desired qualifications for Chief Information Officer position

The Committee on Personnel and City Organization met to discuss desired qualifications for the Chief Information Officer position. No formal decisions or votes were taken on hiring or policy changes. The City Manager noted that the job description is currently being collected based on a previous advertisement, with plans to formalize it after a Class and Comps study.

• Discussed desired skills for Chief Information Officer role
• City Manager stated job description will be redrafted after Class and Comps study
• Meeting adjourned by unanimous vote

City Council: Committee on Economic Development and Planning

The Watertown City Council Committee on Economic Development and Planning will hold a brief meeting on July 15, 2024. The sole substantive agenda item is the discussion and appointment of Sarah Scott as an Associate Member of the Planning Board for a term expiring February 15, 2027. The meeting consists of a call to order, this discussion, and adjournment.

• Appointment of Sarah Scott as Associate Member of the Planning Board (term expires Feb 15, 2027)

The Committee on Economic Development and Planning interviewed Sarah Scott for a new Associate Member position on the Planning Board. The committee voted to recommend her appointment to the City Council.

• Recommended Sarah Scott for appointment as Planning Board associate member (3-0)

City Council: Committee on Public Works

The Watertown City Council Committee on Public Works is meeting to discuss and vote on appointments to the Solid Waste & Recycling Advisory Committee. The agenda includes two new appointments and one reappointment, each with specified term expiration dates. No other substantive business is listed.

• Appoint Lise Paul to Solid Waste & Recycling Advisory Committee, term to expire May 15, 2027
• Appoint Andrew Thompson to Solid Waste & Recycling Advisory Committee, term to expire May 15, 2027
• Reappoint Judy Fallows to Solid Waste & Recycling Advisory Committee, term to expire May 15, 2025

The Committee on Public Works met July 15, 2024 to interview two new candidates and one incumbent for the Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee (SWRAC). By 3-0 votes, it recommended that the full City Council approve Lise Paul and Andrew Thompson as new members and Judy Fallows for reappointment. These are committee recommendations only; the minutes do not record final City Council action on the appointments.

• Recommended Lise Paul's appointment to SWRAC, term expiring May 15, 2027 (3-0)
• Recommended Andrew Thompson's appointment to SWRAC, term expiring May 15, 2027 (3-0)
• Recommended Judy Fallows' reappointment to SWRAC, term expiring May 15, 2025 (3-0)

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will vote on several action items, including approval of meeting minutes, gifts, FY25 nonaligned salary increases, and the composite evaluation of the Superintendent for 2023/2024. The agenda also includes reports on the FY24 budget, iReady benchmark data, and the 2023 Mobility Report, among others. Public forums are scheduled at the beginning and end of the meeting.

• Approval of FY25 Nonaligned Salary Increases
• School Committee Composite Evaluation of the Superintendent for 2023/2024
• FY24 Budget report
• iReady benchmark data report
• 2023 Mobility Report

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee will hold a virtual meeting on July 15, 2024, to review reports from the Energy Manager and Environmental Planner. The agenda includes a discussion on whether to invite Drew Rollert of WadaHoppa and representatives from Energy New England to a future meeting. The committee will also discuss strategies for influencing developers to align with the Climate and Energy Plan.

• Discussion on inviting Drew Rollert (WadaHoppa zero-emission water taxi) to a meeting
• Discussion on inviting Energy New England (ENE) to the August meeting
• Discussion on influencing developers to meet Climate and Energy Plan goals
• Energy Manager Report
• Environmental Planner Report

The committee approved the minutes from the June 17, 2024 meeting. Members discussed municipal decarbonization goals, the Watertown mall redevelopment, and potential future guests for the committee.

• Approved June 17, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Voted to invite Drew Rollert from Wada Hoppah to a future meeting

Developer Community Meeting

This is a developer-hosted information meeting, not a municipal decision. Alexandria Real Estate Equities will review proposed design details for Phase 1 of the Watertown Mall Transformation Project, including three buildings and site improvements. Residents can ask questions and submit comments on the plans.

• Review of final design details for three proposed buildings (OL-2, OL-3, and A-2)
• Update on Phase 1 of the Watertown Mall Transformation Project Master Plan
• Discussion of life science, retail, residential, and community uses at the site
• Public Q&A and comment session on landscaping and streetscape improvements
• Meeting location: 300 North Beacon Street; site address: 446-458, 500 and 550 Arsenal Street

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet remotely to review previous meeting minutes and receive updates from the CPC and Agent. The commission will also conduct a public hearing regarding whether the house at 100 Beechwood Ave. is preferably preserved and if a demolition delay should be imposed.

• Public hearing for 100 Beechwood Ave. regarding preservation and demolition delay
• Review of May 9, 2024, meeting minutes
• Review of June 13, 2024, meeting minutes

The Watertown Historical Commission approved minutes from June 13, 2024, continued May minutes to September, and determined that the house at 100 Beechwood Ave is not preferably preserved. An application for 20 Keith St was put on hold. The commission also received a CPC update and an agent report on hiring consultants for a historical property survey.

• Continued May 9, 2024 meeting minutes to September 12, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved June 13, 2024 meeting minutes as modified (5-0)
• Placed application for 20 Keith St on hold
• Found the house at 100 Beechwood Ave not preferably preserved (3-2)
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. (5-0)

BioSafety Committee

The committee will meet remotely to consider a permit application for Parallel Biosystems located at 200 Dexter Avenue. The agenda also includes the approval of draft minutes from the June 13, 2024 meeting.

• Permit application: Parallel Biosystems – 200 Dexter Avenue

The Watertown BioSafety Committee approved its June 13, 2024 minutes and voted 4-0 to recommend approval of Parallel Biosystems' permit application at 200 Dexter Avenue to the Board of Health without conditions. The committee heard a presentation from the company's Head of Immunology and discussed screening protocols and updates to emergency and chemical hygiene plans. No public comments were received, and the meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM.

• Approved June 13, 2024 minutes (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Parallel Biosystems permit at 200 Dexter Avenue to Board of Health without conditions (4-0, roll call)
• Noted an amendment is expected for the August meeting

Historical Commission

The Watertown Historical Commission will hold a remote public meeting to conduct a preliminary review of a building permit for 81 Bromfield Street. Under Section 153.04 of the Demolition Delay Ordinance, the commission chair and one commissioner will assess whether the property is historically significant. They will either document that the building lacks significance or forward the application to the full commission for a formal hearing. This session is a public meeting but not a public hearing.

• Preliminary review of building permit for 81 Bromfield Street under the Demolition Delay Ordinance
• Assessment of historic significance by the commission chair and one commissioner
• Remote public meeting format with recorded proceedings
• Contact email for preliminary review questions: [email protected]

The Historical Commission conducted a preliminary review of a building permit application for 81 Bromfield Street. The commission determined that no public hearing is necessary and the application may proceed.

• Approved building permit application for 81 Bromfield Street to proceed

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission Chair and one member are meeting to review submissions for a Request for Quotations. The goal is to select a proposal that meets the City of Watertown's requirements for a historical property survey of the Southside area.

• Review of Request for Quotations for a Southside historical property survey

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will hold a procedural and informational meeting with no scheduled votes or policy decisions. The agenda lists a discussion with the City of Watertown Communications Team, followed by updates on Farmers Market materials and the Faire on the Square. Public participation is available remotely via Zoom, phone, or email.

• Informational discussion with the City of Watertown Communications Team
• Review of Farmers Market materials
• Discussion on the Faire on the Square

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will conduct a regular meeting including a roll call and review of prior minutes. The agenda includes a report from the Director of Senior Services and an opportunity for public comments.

• Director’s Report: COA Updates

Watertown Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust will review minutes from previous meetings and discuss affordable housing options regarding the Watertown-Belmont United Methodist Church. The meeting includes a vote to enter an executive session regarding real property negotiations.

• Review of May 21, 2024 minutes
• Review of June 18, 2024 minutes
• Discussion of Watertown-Belmont United Methodist Church affordable housing options
• Executive session vote regarding the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property

The Trust agreed to have Arrowstreet prepare concept plans to determine how affordable housing could be integrated into the Watertown-Belmont United Methodist Church site. Members discussed the potential for high costs and the challenges of reusing existing structures. Concept plans are expected at the August 6 meeting.

• Approved minutes of May 21, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 18, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Agreed to assess Watertown-Belmont United Methodist Church site for affordable housing
• Voted to enter executive session to discuss real property (unanimous)

Blue Ribbon Committee

The Watertown Blue Ribbon Committee is meeting to complete organizational procedures, including swearing in members and selecting a chair. Municipal Policy Analyst Doug Newton will present information for committee review. This agenda is procedural boilerplate and contains no substantive policy decisions, rezonings, or budget items.

• Swearing in of committee members and roll call
• Selection of a committee chair
• Information presentation by Municipal Policy Analyst Doug Newton
• Open discussion among committee members

The Blue Ribbon Committee held its first meeting to begin reviewing City Council compensation. Members were sworn in, and the committee elected a chair and discussed the scope of research needed for their final recommendation.

• Elected Jack Bartley as Committee Chair (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding proposed work within regulated buffer zones at 10-30 Manley Way and the Watertown Mall site. The commission will also review updates on Arsenal Park Phase B.

• Notice of Intent: 10-30 Manley Way for light industry, lab/R&D, or warehousing
• Notice of Intent: 550 Arsenal Street (Watertown Mall) for office, residential, lab, and retail campus
• Wetland Decision: Arsenal Park Phase B - excess soil and ball field
• Update: Watertown Square and Faire on the Square

The Conservation Commission held two public hearings and continued both to September 4, 2024, without deciding on the underlying permits. The 10-30 Manley Way hearing was continued to follow up on tree impacts, sewer pipe condition, and spill procedures; the 480-550 Arsenal Street (Watertown Mall) hearing was continued with a request that the next submittal show only Phase 1. The Commission also voted to write a comment letter on the Watertown Square/MBTA Communities Act process and approved the June 5, 2024 minutes as modified.

• Continued 10-30 Manley Way Notice of Intent hearing to Sept 4, 2024 (all present agreed)
• Continued 480-550 Arsenal Street (Watertown Mall) Notice of Intent hearing to Sept 4, 2024 (all present agreed)
• Approved motion to write a comment letter on the Watertown Square/MBTA Communities Act third public meeting (all agreed)
• Approved June 5, 2024 meeting minutes as modified (all agreed)
• Adjourned the meeting at 10:33 pm (all agreed)

City Council: Committee on Education and School System Matters

The Committee on Education and School System Matters will meet to discuss a single appointment. The discussion involves appointing James Vershbow to the Cable Access Corporation Board of Directors for a term ending September 15, 2025.

• Appointment of James Vershbow to the Cable Access Corporation - Board of Directors (term expiring September 15, 2025)

The Committee on Education and School System Matters interviewed Jim Vershbow for a position on the Watertown Cable Access Corporation Board of Directors. The committee voted to recommend his appointment to the City Council.

• Recommended Jim Vershbow to the Cable Access Corporation Board of Directors for a term expiring September 15, 2025 (3-0)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold public hearings and vote on a $2,000,000 loan order to fund Morse Street reconstruction projects outlined in the city’s capital improvement plan. Members will also consider proposed water and sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2025, which apply to residential and commercial accounts starting next July. Additionally, the council will review first readings for a $500,000 ambulance purchase and an $885,000 fire engine purchase, alongside several budget transfers across city accounts.

• Public hearing and vote on a $2,000,000 loan order for Morse Street reconstruction projects
• Public hearing and vote on proposed water and sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2025
• First reading of a $500,000 loan order to purchase a new ambulance for the Fire Department
• First reading of an $885,000 loan order to purchase a new fire engine for the Fire Department
• Resolution authorizing multiple budget transfers, including $1,500,000 from debt accounts to capital project stabilization funds

The City Council approved a $2 million loan order to reconstruct Morse Street and adopted a 3.5% increase for FY2025 water and sewer rates. Several fund transfers were approved for fire department equipment and stabilization funds.

• Approved $2M loan order for Morse Street reconstruction (Unanimous)
• Approved 3.5% increase for FY2025 water and sewer rates (Unanimous)
• Approved $54,000 transfer to replace Fire Department emergency boat (Unanimous)
• Approved $368,000 transfer to ESCO Capital Project Stabilization Fund (Unanimous)
• Approved $1.5M transfer to Capital Projects Stabilization Fund (Unanimous)
• Approved $500,000 transfer to Acquisition of Land/Open Space Stabilization Fund (Unanimous)
• Approved $700,000 transfer to OPEB Trust Fund (Unanimous)
• Approved use of current evaluation form for 2024 City Council Clerk review (Unanimous)

Residents’ Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss updates on the CivicPlus/Universal Application implementation and outreach to local non-profits. Members will also address current vacancies and a potential increase in resident members for the Traffic Commission.

• Update on CivicPlus/Universal Application Implementation
• Outreach to Watertown Non-profits & Interest Groups
• Discussion of current and upcoming vacancies
• Traffic Commission increase of resident members
• Farmers' Market Table & Faire on the Square (September 21)

The committee reviewed a new online application process and discussed outreach efforts. The RAC recommended that a Human Rights Commission vacancy be posted with a note to consider previous applicants.

• Recommended Human Rights Commission vacancy be posted with a note to consider previous applicants

City Council: Committee on Parks and Recreation

The Watertown City Council's Committee on Parks and Recreation will meet on July 8, 2024, to discuss the desired qualifications and qualities for the Recreation Director position. The agenda lists remote viewing and participation options for the public. No votes or final decisions are scheduled for this session.

• Discussion of qualifications for the Recreation Director role
• Remote participation details via Zoom, phone, and WCATV
• Committee leadership roster (Chair Anthony Palomba, Vice Chair Lisa J. Feltner, Secretary Caroline Bays)

The Committee on Parks and Recreation met to discuss the desired qualities and qualifications for the Recreation Director position. No formal votes were taken or decisions made during the meeting.

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and review draft regulations for BERDO. The meeting includes a session for topics not reasonably anticipated within the 48-hour window.

• Review of draft Regulations for BERDO

The committee reviewed and edited the BERDO draft regulations, focusing on compliance schedules and building vacancy definitions. Members agreed to remove sections on individual compliance schedules and district energy systems from the current draft.

• Approved removal of section 11 on individual compliance schedules
• Approved removal of the section on district energy systems
• Approved minutes with minor changes
• Scheduled next meeting for Thursday, July 18th at 7:00 PM
• Adjourned meeting at 6:35 PM (unanimous)

Historical Commission

The Watertown Historical Commission will conduct a remote preliminary review for two properties under the Demolition Delay Ordinance. The commission will determine whether 15 Pilgrim Road and 22 Prentiss Street are significant enough to require a full hearing or can be cleared for permit processing. This session is a preliminary review, not a public hearing.

• Preliminary review of building permit for 15 Pilgrim Road
• Preliminary review of demolition permit for 22 Prentiss Street
• Review process per Section 153.04 of the Demolition Delay Ordinance
• Remote meeting with virtual and phone access for the public

The Historical Commission conducted preliminary reviews of two permit applications. One application was cleared to proceed, while the other requires a public hearing.

• Building permit application for 15 Pilgrim Road (BP-24-473) may not proceed pending a public hearing
• Demolition application for 22 Prentiss Street (DEMO #24-13) approved to proceed

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and conduct a review of draft regulations for BERDO. The meeting includes a session for topics not reasonably anticipated within the 48-hour window.

• Review of draft Regulations for BERDO

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee working group BERDO met remotely on July 1, 2024, and reviewed draft BERDO regulations version 1.3. Members discussed and made line-by-line edits, including deletions of sections 2, 3.2, 3.3, and 11, and changes to terminology and authority. Several items were held for later discussion, including the campus definition, section 6.5.2, and individual compliance schedules. The next meeting was set for 6:00 PM on 7/8/24, and the meeting adjourned at 6:35 PM with all approved unanimously.

• Held campus definition for later discussion
• Corrected name in section 1 Community Development and Planning
• Deleted section 2
• Deleted section 3.2
• Deleted section 3.3
• Changed authority in section 7.1 from review board to Department
• Changed 'emissions factors' to 'emission factor' throughout document
• Changed 'emissions standards' to 'emission standards' throughout document

Bike & Pedestrian Committee

The committee is discussing updates to bike parking guidelines and upcoming community events. Members are also reviewing Safe Routes to School conversations and potential changes to the Traffic Commission and committee structure.

• Bike Parking Guidelines update
• Safe Routes to School (Cunniff School) conversations
• Traffic Commission amendment discussion
• Watertown Square Area Plan updates
• Coordination with DPW regarding recent work and City Engineer Tyler Glode

The Watertown Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee met via Zoom on July 1, 2024. The committee voted to hold an in-person meeting on October 7 instead of November, and agreed to meet via Zoom on November 18 to debrief after a City Council meeting on November 12. Members discussed event planning, Safe Routes to School, and possible committee expansion, but took no other recorded votes. The committee also noted that the City Council approved an expansion of the Traffic Commission, though details on applications were not yet clear.

• Voted to hold in-person meeting on 10/7 (instead of November)
• Agreed to meet via Zoom on 11/18 as the November meeting, debriefing after City Council meeting on 11/12
• No vote recorded on Bike Parking Guidelines update (no updates since last meeting)
• No vote recorded on WBPC size or expansion ideas; discussion only
• No vote recorded on Safe Routes to School conversation; Tom will reach out to former member Jeannette
• No vote recorded on Traffic Commission amendment; City Council approved expansion but not directly a WBPC member

City Council

The City Council and Planning Board will hold a discussion regarding the draft Watertown Square Area Plan. The meeting includes scheduled deliberations and votes by both bodies.

• Draft Watertown Square Area Plan discussion

Community Preservation

The Community Preservation Committee will hold an open public hearing and continue a public hearing during this remote meeting. The agenda contains no specific project details or funding requests.

• Open Public Hearing
• Continued Public Hearing

The Community Preservation Committee held its required annual public hearing on June 27, 2024, then voted to continue it to Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 7pm. The minutes record no funding decisions, project approvals, or denials; the only action was the continuance. Five members were present and four were absent.

• Continued the CPC annual public hearing to Thursday, July 18, 2024, 7pm (5-0)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will meet remotely to conclude work on its website. The committee also plans for upcoming summer outreach activities.

• Website wrap-up
• Summer outreach planning

School Building Committee

The committee will review meeting minutes and monthly invoices for both elementary and high school projects. The agenda includes a budget update, a change order vote, and a design presentation for high school interior finishes.

• Review of three Elementary School Project invoices
• Approval of May 2024 High School Project invoices
• High School Project total project budget update and change order vote
• High School Project interior finishes design presentation

Zoning Board

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss two special permit applications at its June 26, 2024 meeting. The board will consider requests to modify existing structures at 133 School St and 8-10 York Ave. These permits determine whether property owners can exceed standard zoning limits for building size and setbacks.

• 133 School St: Request to increase floor area ratio to finish an attic and add a staircase.
• 8-10 York Ave: Request to rebuild and extend a garage and enclose a porch within non-conforming setbacks.
• Approval of the May 22, 2024 meeting minutes.

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for alterations at 133-135 School St. to allow habitable attic space and floor area ratio increases, with conditions regarding trash storage. The Board also approved a special permit for 8-10 York Ave. to rebuild and extend a non-conforming garage and rearrange rear stairs, with conditions on the exterior garage finish. Additionally, the Board approved the meeting minutes from May 22, 2024.

• Approved May 22, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved special permit for alterations at 133-135 School St. with conditions (4-0)
• Approved special permit for alterations at 8-10 York Ave. with conditions (4-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0)

Traffic Commission

The Commission will review several requests regarding parking changes, signage, and traffic safety improvements across Watertown. Items include potential meter hour amendments and various street-specific modifications.

• Parking restriction update for Highland Avenue from Lexington Street to #55 Highland Avenue
• Request to amend City meter hours of operation and rates
• Request for parking restrictions on the south side of Warren Street near Chapman Street
• Request for Do Not Block Driveway signage or striping at 131/151 Coolidge Avenue
• Request for two Handicap Only Parking spaces at 150 Arsenal Street

The Commission approved new parking restrictions on Highland Avenue, Warren Street, and Evans Street to improve visibility and safety. It also approved MBTA bus stop bump-outs and crosswalks on Main Street at Whites Avenue. Requests for meter changes at the library and an all-way stop at Fayette and Pearl Streets were denied.

• Approved parking restrictions on Highland Avenue from Lexington Street to #55 (Unanimous)
• Denied request to change library lot meter rates/hours; staff to consider short-term spaces (Unanimous)
• Approved parking restriction on south side of Warren Street 50' west of Chapman Street (Unanimous)
• Denied request for 'Do Not Block Driveway' signage/striping at 151 Coolidge Avenue (Unanimous)
• Approved study for potential HP Only parking space near 150 Arsenal Street (Unanimous)
• Approved further engineering analysis for traffic calming on Palfrey Street (Unanimous)
• Approved 'No Parking Here to Corner' sign on Evans Street 20' north of Waltham Street (Unanimous)
• Denied all-way stop request at Fayette Street and Pearl Street (Unanimous)

Election Commission

The Election Commission will meet to discuss the hours for early in-person voting. The agenda includes a call to order, roll call, and the acceptance of minutes.

• Discussion of Early In Person Voting Hours

City Council

The Committee on Personnel and City Organization will meet to discuss the review of the Council Clerk Evaluation Form. This is a procedural meeting for the committee.

• Review of the Council Clerk Evaluation Form

The Committee on Personnel and City Organization met on June 25, 2024, to discuss how the Council reviews the City Clerk. It voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve using the existing evaluation form for the Clerk's 2024 review. The committee also concluded that a broader review of the performance management process for Council staff is warranted and requested a referral to study it. No other decisions were recorded.

• Recommended (unanimous) that the City Council approve using the current evaluation form for the 2024 City Clerk review
• Concluded a review of the performance management process for Council staff is warranted
• Requested a referral on the performance management process for evaluating Council staff, with the PCO to recommend ways to strengthen it

City Council

The City Council will consider several financial orders including a $2,000,000 project for Morse Street and a $945,000 loan for Watertown Middle School. The meeting also includes a public hearing on Traffic Commission membership and a first reading of water and sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2025.

• $2,000,000 loan order for Morse Street reconstruction
• $945,000 loan order for Watertown Middle School HVAC improvements
• Proposed ordinance regarding Traffic Commission membership and leadership
• First reading of Fiscal Year 2025 Water and Sewer Rates and Charges
• Transfer of $1,730,000 from debt accounts to Public Buildings and City accounts

The City Council approved a $945,000 loan order for HVAC improvements at Watertown Middle School and an ordinance expanding the Traffic Commission to include four resident members. It also approved a $2,130,000 transfer for capital projects, a $2,160,000 transfer for city projects, and the FY2025 OPEB appropriation. First readings were held on FY2025 water and sewer rates (proposed 3.5% increase) and a $2,000,000 loan order for Morse Street reconstruction. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved ordinance amending Traffic Commission membership, leadership, and responsibilities (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $945,000 loan order for Middle School HVAC improvements (unanimous roll call)
• Approved FY2025 Retiree Health Insurance appropriation from OPEB Trust Fund (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $2,130,000 transfer to Capital Projects - Public Buildings Account (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $2,160,000 transfer to Capital Projects/City Account (unanimous roll call)
• Approved FY2025 expenditure limits for revolving funds (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved exemptions of interest for city employees in contracts (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved appointment of Warren Tolman to Stormwater Advisory Committee (unanimous voice vote)

Public Arts and Culture Committee

The committee will review several ongoing reports including outreach, governance, funding, and specific projects. The agenda also includes discussion of the Summer Concert Series and a note that there is no July meeting.

• Outreach Report
• Governance & Funding Report
• Mural Report
• Community Sculpture Walk Report
• Edible Watertown Report

The Public Arts and Culture Committee approved its May minutes and unanimously voted to cancel the July 22 meeting. It set an August 26 Zoom meeting and a September 23 in-person meeting, where members will send top selections to Liz in advance to guide the selection process. The rest of the meeting covered project updates, including grants for the Gorky mural project, the August 17 Arts Market, and River of Light workshops scheduled for October 18-21.

• Approved May minutes (unanimous)
• Cancelled July 22 meeting (unanimous)
• Set August 26, 2024 meeting over Zoom
• Set September 23, 2024 in-person meeting
• Adjourned (unanimous)

School Committee

The Watertown School Committee will vote on second readings for two policies: acceptable student use of digital resources and the installation of security cameras in schools. The committee will also allocate the FY24 budget surplus to an accrual account for project-related capital expenditures. Members will review year-end reports from the Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and the Superintendent, and hold an executive session to discuss a grievance filed by the Watertown Education Association.

• Vote on policy IJNDC for acceptable student use of digital resources
• Vote on policy ECAF for security cameras in schools
• Allocation of FY24 budget surplus to an accrual account for capital expenditures
• Executive session on a Level 3 grievance from the Watertown Education Association
• Review of year-end reports from the Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and the Superintendent

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and vote on new policies regarding digital resource use and school security cameras. The agenda also includes a discussion of the FY24 budget surplus for capital expenditures and year-end reports from the Superintendent and the Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

• Approval of June 10 School Committee and June 6 Athletics subcommittee minutes
• FY24 budget surplus to accrual account for project-related capital expenditures
• Policy IJNDC: Acceptable Student Use of Digital Resources
• Policy ECAF: Security Cameras in Schools
• Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Year-End Report

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will consider several special one-day event requests and various business license applications. Items include outdoor seating requests, changes of officers, and common victualler licenses.

• Special One Day Event: The Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co at 440 Talcott Ave
• Farmers-Series License: Stormalong Cider LLC at Saltonstall Park Farmers Market
• Special One Day Event: Watertown Yacht Club car show at 425 Charles River Road
• Special One Day Event: Tammy McKenna at 440 Talcott Ave
• License Application: Outdoor seating for GIK Inc dba Gerry's Italian Kitchen at 1072 Belmont Street

The Licensing Board approved four special licenses for alcohol service at events: a Tipsy Tea Party/Pride Event at Commander's Mansion on June 23, a Classic Car Show at Watertown Yacht Club on June 28, and a farmer-winery license for Stormalong Cider at the Watertown Farmer's Market on four dates. It also granted a new common victualer license to Aaditri Kitchen LLC (Chennai Eats) at 93 School Street and approved outdoor seating for Gerry's Italian Kitchen at 1072 Belmont Street. All votes were 2-0, with conditions requested by the Police Department.

• Approved special license for Mighty Squirrel Brewing at Commander's Mansion for Tipsy Tea Party/Pride Event on June 23 (2-0)
• Approved special all-alcohol license for Tammy McKenna at Commander's Mansion for Tipsy Tea/Pride Event on June 23 (2-0)
• Approved special wine and malt license for Watertown Yacht Club for Classic Car Show on June 28 (2-0)
• Approved farmer-winery license for Stormalong Cider at Watertown Farmer's Market on July 17, Aug 14, Sept 11, Oct 9 (2-0)
• Approved change in officers and directors for an unnamed licensee (2-0)
• Approved new common victualer license for Aaditri Kitchen LLC d/b/a Chennai Eats at 93 School Street (unanimous)
• Approved alteration of premises for outdoor seating at Gerry's Italian Kitchen, 1072 Belmont Street (2-0)

WE3C - Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee

The Environment & Energy Efficiency Committee will meet to review draft regulations for BERDO. The meeting includes a session for topics not reasonably anticipated within the 48-hour window.

• Review of draft Regulations for BERDO

The committee discussed the state's building energy reporting program and reviewed draft regulations for Watertown's BERDO. Members decided to maintain current language regarding data self-verification and confirmed that solar PV installations will be accepted anywhere in Massachusetts.

• Tabled decision on campus building definitions
• Reconfirmed solar PV acceptance across Massachusetts
• Maintained section 4.1.3 regarding data self-verification
• Scheduled next meeting for 6/27/24 at 5:30pm
• Scheduled meeting for 7/1/24 at 5:00pm
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 pm (unanimous)

Board of Assessors