Watertown City Council (Tuesday June 9, 2026)

The meeting of the Watertown City Council was called to order on June 9, 2026, as a hybrid meeting broadcast via Watertown Cable Access and Zoom.

• Councilors Present: Caroline Bays, Lisa J. Feltner, John G. Gannon, Nicole Gardner, Emily Izzo, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, and Council President Mark S. Sideris.
• Councilors Absent: Theophilus Offei (excused for family issue).
• Staff Present: City Manager George Proakis and City Auditor Megan (last name not provided).

The following residents provided testimony during the public forum:

• Russell Rico (Fayette Street): Expressed strong opposition to the proposed parking garage in Watertown Square, comparing it unfavorably to downtown Malden. He stated, "do not turn Watertown Square into downtown Malden," and argued that the garage would destroy the city's historic character.
• Bruce Colton (Marion Road): Highlighted low voter turnout (nearly 80% non-voters in the recent election) and suggested the city commission a randomized poll of residents to better understand community needs and why people are not participating in government.
• Josh Rosmarin (29 Ashland Street): Co-founder of a housing advocacy group, he supported the call for a rigorous citywide poll to assess community sentiment and bridge gaps in civic discourse.

The Council voted to adopt the minutes of the May 26, 2026, meeting as written.

• Action: Motion passed unanimously.

Council President Sideris reported on the following items:

1. Police Drone Proposal: A request for referral to the Committee on Public Safety regarding the Watertown police drone proposal was approved.
2. City Manager Contract Extension: President Sideris introduced a proposed contract extension for City Manager George Proakis. Key terms include:
   • A four-year extension with a potential fifth year.
   • Salary adjustments consistent with other city employees: a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and a 2% merit/performance adjustment for two years.
   • Alignment of vacation accruals and deferred compensation with standard city policies.

The Council approved three proclamations:

• Pride Month: Proclaiming June 2026 as Pride Month in Watertown, affirming solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Juneteenth: Proclaiming June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Day, commemorating the end of slavery and celebrating the contributions of African Americans.
• Retirement of Steve Magoon: Honoring Assistant City Manager Steve Magoon for 17 years of service. The proclamation highlighted his leadership on the Watertown Square Area Plan, park redesigns, and the construction of net-zero schools. Mr. Magoon will continue to serve on the School Building Committee through the design development of the middle school.

A public hearing was held on a petition from Enstar Electric (Eversource) for a grant of location at North Beacon Street.

• Project: Installation of 58 feet of conduit to provide electric service to a relocated traffic control box near 22 North Beacon Street as part of the MassDOT local bottleneck reduction program.
• Discussion: Councilor Feltner raised concerns regarding "double poles" and ADA sidewalk clearance. DPW Director Tom Brady confirmed that five poles were recently relocated to ensure accessibility compliance.
• Action: The grant of location was approved unanimously.

The Council took action on several financial transfers and appropriations:

• Resolution 8A (Capital Projects): Authorized the transfer of $754,600 from the FY2026 City Council Reserve to various capital accounts. Projects include:

  • Lumber safety and weatherization.
  • Citywide BMS regional server.
  • Multi-sport rink deck systems at Moxley and Casey Parks.
  • Acceleration of Filippello Park Pickleball Courts to FY2027.
  • Library re-carpeting and Police Department UPS battery replacement.
  • Vote: Approved 8-0 (Roll Call: Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris).

• Resolution 8B (Middle School Feasibility): Authorized the transfer of $3,000,000 from the FY2026 Watertown Middle School Stabilization fund to the Feasibility fund for the design development phase. This phase will produce refined cost estimates for the Council's review.

  • Vote: Approved 8-0 (Roll Call: Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, Piccirilli, Bays, Sideris).

• Resolution 8C (IT Lease): Authorized a five-year lease agreement for server hardware and software at an annual cost of $40,543.59.

  • Action: Approved unanimously.

• Resolution 8D (CPA Funds): Appropriated $3,944,015 in Community Preservation Act funds for FY2026, allocated as follows:

  • 5% ($197,200) for administrative expenses.
  • 10% ($394,402) each to Affordable Housing, Historical Preservation, and Open Space/Recreation reserves.
  • 65% ($2,563,609) to the undesignated fund balance.
  • Vote: Approved 8-0 (Roll Call: Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, Piccirilli, Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Sideris).

Councilor Gardner presented reports from the May 13 and June 2 meetings regarding the Noise Ordinance and 'Skip the Stuff' Ordinance:

• Noise Ordinance: The committee reached a consensus on a statement of purpose and established permitted hours for lawn maintenance:
  • Domestic: Mon-Fri (7 AM - 8 PM); Sat-Sun/Holidays (8 AM - 7 PM).
  • Commercial: Mon-Fri (7 AM - 5 PM); Sat-Sun/Holidays (8 AM - 5 PM).
• Trash Collection: Legal counsel advised that state law (MGL Ch. 111, Sec. 31A) prevents the city from regulating commercial trash pickup hours, though noise levels can be addressed as a nuisance.
• Skip the Stuff: An education campaign will run for two years before enforcement begins in November 2026.
• Action: The Council voted to refer the matter of gas-powered lawn equipment to the committee for further study.

City Manager Proakis provided the following updates:

• Appointments: Referred the appointment of Phyllis Perrone and reappointments of James O'Connor and Ryan Nicholson to the Council on Aging to the Committee on Human Services.
• Tree Planting: Noted that street trees have a two-year warranty; the contractor is responsible for initial watering and replacement if they fail to take root.
• Events:
  • Farmers Market: Opens June 10 at Saltonstall Park (2:30 PM - 6:30 PM).
  • Juneteenth Barbecue: June 18 at the Senior Center.
  • Treaty Day: July 18, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Watertown with Native American nations.

Councilor Feltner requested information on the following:

• Plans for a new postal facility near the Phillips School.
• Noise complaints regarding the freight farm at Marshall Street.
• Availability of annual reports for 2024-2026.
• Employee parking policies.
• Transportation planning coordination for Arsenal Street (bike lanes vs. off-road options).
• Maintenance schedules for new tree supports and watering bags.