Watertown City Council (Wednesday November 12, 2025)

November 12, 2025
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Watertown City Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date: November 12, 2025, at 12:00 AM Governing Body: Watertown City Council Type of Meeting: Hybrid Meeting (Broadcast and Recorded by Watertown Cable Access) Attendees: Councilor Nicole Gardner, Councilor Lisa J. Feltner, Councilor Vincent J. Piccirilli, Councilor John G. Gannon, Councilor Emily Izzo, Councilor Caroline Bays, Councilor Anthony Palomba, Council President Mark S. Sideris. Absent: Councilor John Airasian (not present this evening).

Executive Summary: The Watertown City Council convened to address several key issues, including public hearings on Eversource grant of location petitions and a significant loan order for Fifth Avenue reconstruction. A major focus was the fiscal year 2026 tax classification hearing, where the Council voted to adopt the maximum allowed tax shift and residential exemption. The meeting also included committee reports, communications from the City Manager regarding a demolition delay ordinance, a vacancy on the Residence Advisory Committee, and the upcoming tree lighting ceremony. Notably, the discussion and potential action on the middle school were tabled due to new information.

I. Call to Order and Roll Call

  • The meeting was called to order.
  • Roll Call:
    • Bays: Present
    • Feltner: Present
    • Gannon: Present
    • Gardner: Present
    • Izzo: Present
    • Palomba: Present
    • Piccirilli: Present
    • Sideris: Present
    • Airasian: Absent

II. Pledge of Allegiance

  • The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

III. Announcements

  • Council President Sideris announced that the agenda item regarding discussion and potential action on the middle school would be tabled due to new information received by the City Manager. This item will be taken up at a later date.

IV. Public Forum

  • Eileen Ryan, resident at 48 Pearl Street, member of the Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee, and leader of Beyond Plastics, Greater Boston, expressed strong support for the "Skip the Stuff" ordinance.
    • Summary of Remarks: Ms. Ryan highlighted that the ordinance, which aims to reduce single-use plastic cutlery, condiment packets, and straws automatically offered with takeout food, is popular and saves restaurants money. She noted that several Massachusetts cities (Wellesley, Newton, Needham, Brookline, Hudson) and major US cities (New York City, Washington D.C., Denver, Chicago) have already passed similar ordinances. She cited a study by Clean Water Action in New Jersey, which found that participating restaurants reduced single-use plastic items by 75% to 95%.
    • Key Quote: "This is a great way, a simple way to put a slight dent in the plastic pollution crisis that we are all experiencing."

V. Examination of Minutes

  • Motion: To adopt the minutes of October 28th as written.
  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Discussion: None.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

VI. President's Report

  • Council President Sideris announced that a moment of silence would be held before adjournment in memory of Councilor Airasian's father, who passed away recently.

VII. Public Hearings

A. Public Hearing and Vote on a Petition from NSTAR d/b/a Eversource for a Grant of Location in Cross Street

  • Petition Details: Installation of approximately 12 feet of conduit in Cross Street, westerly from Pole 38-1, approximately 60 feet north of Pleasant Street, to provide electrical service to 210 Cross Street.
  • Representative: Jacqueline Duffy, Eversource Energy.
  • Public Comment: None.
  • Motion: To approve the petition for the grant of location for the underground conduit to service 2-10 Cross Street.
  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Discussion: None.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

B. Public Hearing and Vote on a Petition from NSTAR d/b/a Eversource for a Grant of Location in Alden Road

  • Petition Details: Installation of approximately 14 feet of two 2-inch PVC conduit in Alden Road, westerly from poles 178-3, approximately 256 feet south of Belmont Street, to provide electrical service to 23 Alden Road.
  • Representative: Jacqueline Duffy, Eversource Energy.
  • Public Comment: None.
  • Motion: To approve the petition for Eversource to install a grantable location for underground conduit to provide service to 23 Alden Road.
  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Feltner inquired if this would increase service at 23 Alden Road and if existing overhead wires would be removed.
    • Ms. Duffy confirmed that existing overhead service would be relocated underground, and overhead wires would be removed.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

C. Public Hearing and Vote on a Petition from NSTAR d/b/a Eversource for a Grant of Location in Mount Auburn Street

  • Petition Details: Installation of approximately 14 feet of conduit in Mount Auburn Street, northerly from Pole 9890, approximately 120 feet west of Cottage Street, to provide electrical service to 780-784 Mount Auburn Street.
  • Representative: Jacqueline Duffy, Eversource Energy.
  • Public Comment: None.
  • Motion: To approve the petition for Eversource's Petition for a grant location for underground conduit to provide service to 780, 784 Mount Auburn Street.
  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Discussion: None.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

D. Public Hearing and Vote on a Proposed Loan Order for Fifth Avenue Reconstruction

  • Loan Order Details: Appropriation of $2,200,000 to pay the cost of construction and oversight of roadway, sidewalk, and utility reconstruction of Fifth Avenue, approximately 550 feet in length, as described in the city's Fiscal Year 2025 through 2029 Capital Improvement Program.
  • City Manager's Remarks: The project is consistent with the Long Streets and Connectors program, despite Fifth Avenue not being a particularly long street, due to its importance as a connector. It aligns with CIP recommendation number 27. The project includes substantial pedestrian and cycle infrastructure to enhance safety between California Street and Watertown Street, and for staff commuting between City Hall and the Parker Building, incorporating traffic calming consistent with the Complete Streets Policy.
  • Public Comment: None.
  • Motion: To approve the loan order for $2.2 million for reconstructing Fifth Avenue.
  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Feltner asked the DPW Director about the number of households requesting water service upgrades.
    • The DPW Director stated he did not have the specific information but would provide it the next day.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Bays: Yes
    • Feltner: Yes
    • Gannon: Yes
    • Gardner: Yes
    • Izzo: Yes
    • Palomba: Yes
    • Piccirilli: Yes
    • Sideris: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously (8-0).

E. Public Hearing and Vote on a Proposed Order Allocating the Property Tax Levy Among Property Classes for Fiscal Year 2026

  • City Manager's Remarks: The city continues to operate within the confines of Proposition 2 ½. Residential property values have increased, while commercial property values have softened, affecting the tax levy distribution. Fiscal Year 2026 is the last year for the current tax split home rule petition, which allows the city to shift up to the full cap. The tax rate estimation is consistent with the budget amendment presented to the Council, including an increased new growth number.

  • City Assessor's Presentation (Earl):

    • Classification: Massachusetts law allows municipalities to classify properties and split the tax rate between residential and Commercial, Industrial, Personal Property (CIP) classes. Watertown has historically split the tax rate.
    • Chapter 200 of the Acts of 1988: Allows Watertown to shift up to 1.75% from the residential class to the commercial class, provided residential taxpayers pay at least 50% of the full and fair cash value or the lowest residential percentage.
    • Home Rule Petition: A previously passed home rule petition allows Watertown to shift up to 1.75% for FY24, FY25, and FY26, provided the residential class pays a minimum of 50%. This is the last year under this petition.
    • Shift Impact: Shifting the maximum 1.75% would transfer $37,039,146 from the commercial class to the residential class.
    • Total Property Value (FY2026): $13 billion (approx.).
      • Residential Value: $9.4 billion (up from $9.1 billion).
      • CIP Value: Slightly down due to softness in the life science and office markets.
      • Residential portion of value: 72%.
      • CIP portion of value: 22%.
    • New Growth (FY2026): $3,530,622. This is lower than the three-year average of $7.7 million.
      • Multi-family market: $400,000 - $500,000 in new growth (e.g., 104 Main Street).
      • Single-family condominium market: Strong.
      • Commercial/Industrial market: Not strong, with little new development.
    • Calculating the Levy:
      • Last year's levy: $168,575,918.
      • Add 2.5% for Proposition 2 ½.
      • Add new growth.
      • Projected budget: $176,329,380 (approx.).
    • Single Tax Rate (without split): $13.45.
      • Residential rate: $17.24 (higher due to residential exemption excluding value).
      • Commercial rate: $13.45.
    • Maximum Shift (1.75%):
      • Projected residential tax rate: $12.21.
      • Projected commercial tax rate: $23.53.
      • Residential and commercial classes pay almost evenly.
    • Impact of 1.75% Shift vs. 1.5% Shift: The 1.75% shift saves the average taxpayer $3,640, compared to $2,427 with a 1.5% shift, a difference of $1,213.
    • Community Comparisons (FY2025): Watertown is the second lowest in tax burden for the average residential property with a residential exemption among neighboring communities ($6,886). Waltham is lower.
    • Average Residential Tax Bill (with exemption):
      • FY2026 Projection: $7,363 (up from $6,886 in FY2025, a 7% increase).
      • FY2023 (prior to special legislation): $7,307.
      • FY2016: $5,666.
      • Over 11 years (FY2016-FY2026), the increase is approximately $1,700, or less than $170 per year (under 3% annually).
    • Residential Exemption:
      • Watertown has had a residential exemption for over 35 years.
      • Definition: A reduction of a fixed assessment amount off the average residential value for owner-occupied domiciles.
      • Revenue Neutral: The investor class (larger residential apartment buildings) bears the majority of the cost.
      • Board of Assessors Recommendation: Maintain the maximum residential exemption.
      • Value Exclusion (FY226): $324,715, equating to a tax savings of approximately $3,965.
    • Final Recommendations:
      1. Adopt the maximum shift allowed by law (1.75%).
      2. Accept the provisions of Chapter 59, Section 5C, approving the residential exemption and 35% value exclusion from the average residential property value.

  • Public Comment: None.

  • Motion 1 (Tax Shift): To adopt the maximum commercial shift allowed by law, which is 1.75%.

  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]

  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]

  • Discussion:

    • Councilor Feltner clarified that this vote is for the current year and not dependent on the home rule petition extension.
    • Councilor Gannon commended the finance team and the Economic Community Development Agency for their efforts in maintaining a stable and growing tax base, noting the new growth number of $3.5 million represents a 2.2% increase in the levy, which is strong in a down economy.

  • Vote (Roll Call):

    • Gardner: Yes
    • Izzo: Yes
    • Palomba: Yes
    • Piccirilli: Yes
    • Bays: Yes
    • Feltner: Yes
    • Gannon: Yes
    • Sideris: Yes

  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously (8-0).

  • Motion 2 (Residential Exemption): To adopt provisions of Chapter 59, Section 5C, approving a residential exemption of 35%.

  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]

  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]

  • Discussion:

    • Councilor Gannon asked about the pros and cons of raising the residential exemption beyond 35%, noting that some towns go up to 40% or 50%.
    • Pros: Provides a larger tax break to domiciled residents.
    • Cons: Increases the challenge of verifying domicile, as a higher exemption incentivizes individuals to misrepresent their residency, leading to increased investigation efforts by the assessor's office to track down non-domiciled property owners.
    • Councilor Feltner thanked the assessor for the informative presentation, particularly the 10-year average comparison with other communities.

  • Vote (Roll Call):

    • Gardner: Yes
    • Izzo: Yes
    • Palomba: Yes
    • Piccirilli: Yes
    • Bays: Yes
    • Feltner: Yes
    • Gannon: Yes
    • Sideris: Yes

  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously (8-0).

VIII. Motions, Orders, and Resolutions

A. Discussion and Potential Action on the Middle School

  • Outcome: Tabled at this time due to new information.

B. Resolution Approving the Acceptance of Gifts of Tangible Personal Property

  • Details: Acceptance of six picnic tables from Home Depot.
  • City Manager's Remarks: Under Chapter 44, Section 53A ½, municipalities can accept gifts of tangible personal property with a City Council vote. Home Depot generously donated six picnic tables. Two will be placed at the Parker Building for employees and visitors, with other locations to be determined.
  • Motion: To accept the gift of six picnic tables from Home Depot.
  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Discussion: None.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

IX. Committee Reports

A. Committee on Education and School System Matters Report (Meeting on October 28th)

  • Reporter: Councilor Emily Izzo (Chair).

  • Meeting Details: Tuesday, October 28th, 5:15 PM, City Council Office.

  • Purpose: Interviews with candidates for reappointment to the Watertown Cable Access Board of Directors.

  • Attendees: Councilor Izzo (Chair), Councilor Nicole Gardner (Vice Chair), John Airasian (Secretary).

  • Candidate 1: Matthew McCarthy

    • Summary: Holds a communications degree, understands WCATV's importance to students and residents. Aims to provide oversight and leverage field experience. Seeks to improve outreach to multilingual students/families and promote news coverage.
    • Action Item: Councilor Airasian moved to recommend City Council approve Matthew McCarthy's appointment to the Watertown Cable Access Board of Directors for a term expiring September 15, 2028.
    • Seconded: Councilor Izzo.
    • Vote: 2-0.

  • Candidate 2: David Stokes

    • Summary: Entering his fourth term, brings valuable experience to the board and staff. Noted staff growth and training. Working with the Executive Director on budgeting due to a 10% quarterly loss of cable subscribers to streaming services. Hopes a fundraising coordinator will identify new revenue.
    • Action Item: Councilor Airasian moved to recommend City Council approve David Stokes' reappointment to the Watertown Cable Access Board of Directors for a term expiring September 15, 2028.
    • Seconded: Councilor Gardner.
    • Vote: 3-0.

  • Adjournment: 5:50 PM. Minutes prepared by John Airasian.

  • Motion: To accept the Committee on Education and School System Matters report.

  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]

  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]

  • Discussion: None.

  • Vote: All in favor.

  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

  • Motion: To approve the appointment of Matthew McCarthy and David Stokes to the Watertown Cable Access Board of Directors for terms expiring September 15, 2028.

  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]

  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]

  • Discussion: None.

  • Vote: All in favor.

  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

B. Committee on Rules and Ordinance Report (Meeting on October 7th)

  • Reporter: Councilor John Gannon (Chair).
  • Meeting Details: October 7, 2005 (likely a transcription error, should be 2025), 6:00 PM, Mestrangelo Chamber (hybrid).
  • Attendees: Councilor Gannon (Chair), Councilor John Airasian (Vice Chair), Councilor Lisa Feltner (Secretary), Laurel Schwab (Sustainability Program Manager), Steve Magoon (Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning), Councilor Nicole Gardner, Councilor Caroline Bays (via Zoom), Dean Martino, Greg Riemann (Charles River Chamber of Commerce).
  • Agenda: Discussion of a draft ordinance relative to food and beverage single-use items ("Skip the Stuff" ordinance).
  • Presentation: Laurel Schwab presented on how the draft ordinance aligns with the Climate Action Plan, referencing model legislation (nationwide "Skip the Stuff" campaign) and policies in neighboring municipalities (Newton, Needham, Wellesley). State legislative efforts to reduce plastic waste were also noted.
  • Discussion Points:
    • Concerns about online ordering platforms, availability, and potential additional costs for small businesses (approx. 85 restaurants).
    • Health department enforcement goals and suggested fine levels.
    • Approaches to community education, including a "quiet warning" period for compliance.
    • Examples of signage and flyers for businesses.
    • Stakeholder engagement, including businesses at Arsenal Yards.
    • Survey results from Economic Development Planner Erin Rath.
    • The committee acknowledged the need to avoid onerous requirements for businesses, especially those without dishwashers or facing staffing constraints.
    • Section 117.02 Definitions (D, H):
      • Discussion on prohibiting non-plastic items like napkins and wood chopsticks.
      • Ms. Schwab clarified that Needham and Wellesley's policies are narrower and do not include restricted packaging.
      • Mr. Riemann expressed concerns about Section B (restricted packaging) due to limited alternative materials and potential costs. He offered to provide feedback and communication materials.
      • Newton's broader sustainability ordinance was discussed.
      • The committee agreed to strike napkins as an accessory item in Section 117.02 to maintain common courtesy.
    • Section 117.05 Restricted Packaging:
      • The committee acknowledged recycling limits for small items (e.g., 4 oz sauce cups).
      • The prohibition on black plastic for all packaging was retained due to health and environmental concerns.
  • Amendments and Votes:
    • Motion: By Councilor Airasian, seconded by Councilor Feltner, to amend Section 117.02 Definitions in D (full service food establishment).
    • Vote: 2-1 (Councilor Gannon dissented).
    • Motion: To amend Section 117.02 Definitions in H (single use food wear accessory).
    • Vote: 3-0.
    • Motion: To strike Section 117.05 Restricted Packaging entirely.
    • Vote: 3-0.
  • Action Item: Councilor Airasian moved, seconded by Councilor Feltner, to recommend the amended draft "Skip the Stuff" ordinance with additional supporting materials from the Department of Community Development and Planning staff to the City Council for consideration and adoption.
  • Vote: 3-0.
  • Adjournment: 7:21 PM. Minutes compiled by Lisa Feltner.
  • Attachments: Marked-up draft ordinance, Laurel Schwab's presentation, emails from Barbara Ruskin and Charles River Chamber of Commerce.
  • Motion: To accept the Committee on Rules and Ordinance report.
  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Discussion: None.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
  • Next Steps: The "Skip the Stuff" ordinance will be placed on a future agenda for a first reading, public hearing, and action.

X. Communications from the City Manager

A. Proposed Changes to the Current Demolition Delay Ordinance

  • Background: Council President Sideris requested a review of the demolition delay ordinance at the January 26th City Council meeting. On April 8th, the administration submitted an eight-page memo with 11 potential measures.
  • Recommendations: Items 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 from the April 8th memo were recommended amendments to the ordinance. Other items related to grants, surveys, and consultants.
  • Committee Meeting (May 7th): The committee discussed the proposed measures and requested draft language incorporating all proposed amendments.
  • Current Draft: The attached ordinance fully rewrites the document for clarity and user-friendliness, incorporating the recommended changes. It reorganizes the document, clarifies the definition of "building," and outlines the process for determining significant buildings, preferably preserved buildings, and demolition review periods.
  • New Provision: The Council may determine that a building can be demolished after completing conditions (e.g., photographic or architectural documentation) instead of a delay period.
  • Referral: The City Manager requested referral to the Economic Development and Planning Committee for further discussion.

B. Vacancy on the Residence Advisory Committee

  • Purpose: The Residence Advisory Committee recruits and evaluates candidates for volunteer boards, commissions, and committees, promoting diversity in appointments (gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity).
  • Process: The committee vets candidates for the City Manager, who then makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Manager personally interviews candidates for this specific committee.
  • Vacancy: A vacancy exists due to a member joining the Council in January.
  • Call for Interest: The City Manager encouraged interested residents to apply.

C. Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Lighting

  • Speaker: Mike Maselli, Forestry Supervisor at the Department of Public Works and Tree Warden.
  • Announcement: A new tree will be planted at the Commander's Mansion to serve as a focal point for seasonal celebrations and a symbol of climate and environmental stewardship.
  • Event: The tree will be formally introduced and lit during the "Merry Mingle" at the Commander's Mansion on December 6th, which will also serve as the Arbor Day celebration.
  • Invitation: Council President, City Council members, and residents are invited.
  • Proclamation: An Arbor Day proclamation will be read at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 25th.
  • City Manager's Comment: This initiative provides a permanent, sustainable tree for annual holiday festivities, replacing the need for a cut tree.

D. Retirement of Assistant City Manager Steve Magoon

  • Announcement: Steve Magoon, Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning, will retire at the end of January after a long and successful career in public service.
  • Appreciation: The City Manager expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Magoon's work, particularly over the past three years, including completing the comprehensive plan update, working on the Watertown Square Plan, and serving on the senior leadership team.
  • Institutional Knowledge: Mr. Magoon's extensive knowledge of Watertown and planning has been invaluable.
  • Succession Plan: The Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning position will be posted in the coming days.

XI. Requests for Information

  • Councilor Gannon: Requested information on a city-owned property adjacent to North Beacon Street, near Greenough Boulevard and the DCR improvements leading to the former General Service Administration site. He asked for the parameters of the parcel to discuss its potential use as green space or parking to support green space, referencing legal records from 30+ years ago.

XII. Announcements

  • Council President Sideris:
    • Special Meeting: A special meeting will be held next Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber.
    • Agenda Items for Special Meeting:
      1. Budget amendment (recently had a first reading).
      2. Discussion of the administrative code (additional supporting documentation to be provided).
      3. Temporary Modification of Winter Parking Ban:
        • Proposal: To modify the winter parking ban for the upcoming season to start on January 1st and end on March 1st (instead of the typical Sunday after Thanksgiving to March 15th).
        • Rationale: To allow time for a parking study to be completed and to accommodate the two-week school holiday period.
        • Fines: Discussion on increasing fines for snow emergency situations, as current fines are minimal and do not deter non-compliance.
        • Notifications: Encouraging residents to sign up for snow emergency notifications.
        • Communication: Information about the modified parking ban and new fines will be included in the final tax bill for calendar year 2025 (mailed around December 29th-31st).

XIII. Public Forum

  • Email Comment: Councilor Piccirilli read an email from Rita Colafella.
    • Summary of Remarks: Ms. Colafella urged the Council not to proceed with building a new middle school at this time due to economic volatility. She is not opposed to a new school in five years or bringing the current one up to ADA code but advises prudence.

XIV. Moment of Silence

  • A moment of silence was observed in memory of Mr. John Airasian (Councilor Airasian's father).

XV. Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn.
  • Moved: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Seconded: [Unspecified Councilor]
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

Last updated: Dec 7, 2025

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