Watertown City Council (Tuesday June 9, 2026)

Okay, I'd like to call this meeting to order. This meeting is a meeting of the City Council of June 9th. This meeting is a hybrid meeting. It is being broadcast and recorded by Watertown Cable Access. It is a Zoom meeting. The Zoom information as well as telephone numbers and an email address are available on the city website. I'd like to ask the clerk to please call the roll.

Bayes, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Offei,

Offei will not be here tonight. It is a family issue.

Councilor Palomba?

Present.

Councilor Piccirilli? Present. President Sideris?

Present. Thank you. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands.

Thank you. Sorry about that. Technical difficulties. The next item on the agenda is public forum. If there's any member of the public that wishes to speak, please step up or raise your hand. We'll do them one at a time. Please identify yourself for the record. Doug, can you please move that chair so I can see the clock? Oh, thank you. And by the way, Attorney Rich has joined us tonight by Zoom. Welcome.

Russell Rico, Fayette Street, Mr. President, City Councilors, I've given you all this, and as the first page just says, this is downtown Malden, do not turn Watertown Square into downtown Malden. Now if you look at these pictures, it's one modern building after another. which is so far out of character for Watertown Square. And just look at every one of them. And then buildings, garages, buildings, garages. And this was taken right on Route 60. going right through Malden Center. And as you know, I've made reference to Malden many times here in reference to Watertown Square. So I felt that I wanted to bring you visuals of Malden. And again, I challenge anyone, do you really want Watertown Square to be similar to downtown Malden? I don't think so, okay?

and then in the last page, okay, if you take down the trees and build a parking garage, what you will do is recreate downtown Malden, a congested area with garages, buildings after building, a lack of any type of historic character. and I think we've lost our way with historic character here in Watertown. Considering the age of this city, it's a disgrace, truthfully, okay? And I'll say one thing. You know, it's too bad 50 years ago we didn't have the Astro Society because that beautiful old wooden church, the Unitarians, that beautiful wooden church would still be there. But anyways, be that all as it may. to any Watertown resident who thinks the garage is a plus, I challenge you to go to downtown Malden and then tell me this is what you want for Watertown Square. Now, last night, okay, the tooth came out. In this room, we need the garage to attract cars into Watertown Square to create a destination, okay?

You know, I've heard for 40 years about creating a destination in Watertown. Finally we created one. and it's called Arsenal Yachts. It's in one corner of the city. It does not conflict with any older neighborhood as Watertown Square does with a new development. Now, as far as I'm concerned, okay, and I hate to put it this way, but one thing about me, you hear the truth, even though some people don't want to hear the truth, okay? And this is what I say, with this garage, we become the useful idiots for the developers. Russ, your time is up, so one last sentence. Enough with this garage.

Thank you. Next, please identify yourself for the record.

Bruce Colton, Marion Road. for almost every election that I can remember, I falsely believed that that election would be the breakthrough election. the one where voters would turn out in record numbers. In Watertown, non-voters have been an overwhelming majority to the tune of about 75%. In our most recent election, the percentage of non-voters rose to just under 80%. that level of non-participation is reflected at most of our council meetings, committee meetings, and special meetings. In Watertown, as in many other cities and towns, too many major consequential decisions are made with declining public input. At a meeting of the middle school, at the middle school, regarding the Watertown Square area plan, a resident came to the microphone and said this to the council, the planning board, and the manager. quote, you published the results of a poll of a sort that attracts primarily activists.

Would you be willing to commission a polling organization to do a randomized poll of the residents of Watertown? End of quote. I think our system, where the vast majority of our residents are sitting on the sidelines, is a broken system. And I think that serious people who truly believe in a healthy, robust democracy should want to fix it. and here's what we should have learned over the past few years. It won't get fixed by expecting people to come to you. Commissioning a polling organization to conduct randomized polling of the residents of Watertown would give you a mechanism by which you could ask those who don't vote why they don't vote and why they don't come to meetings. You could ask them lots of questions like how they feel about dropping a parking garage and a couple hundred apartment units into the CVS parking lot. Maybe the very first thing you should ask them is simply how they are doing during these trying economic times. Their answer might be illuminating.

and the very act of reaching out might be the first step in fixing the broken relationship between our government and the people you are supposed to represent. Thank you.

Next.

and Josh Rosmarin, 29 Ashland Street. So I also want to share my support for the same kind of citywide poll of residents' views as a way to improve our civic discourse. I've gotten the opportunity to know Bruce better over the past few months, and he and I have a number of substantive disagreements, but one thing that unites us is a desire to see our community thrive. We believe that that's a common view held across involved citizens in Watertown regardless of what sides of an issue we might find ourselves on. However, Bruce and I have noticed that in the search for that thriving community, there are times when lacking a common frame of reference can present barriers to collaboration and compromise. So for instance, I was motivated to co-found a housing advocacy group because I wanted to work with my friends and neighbors to address the cost of living in Watertown. In the course of our work, I've encountered my share of neighbors who disagree with the work that we're doing, and that's completely fine. What presents a challenge is when questions about who represents whom in town get in the way of productive discourse.

We have biannual elections, of course, to sort that out at a high level. But what's challenging is when there's a more fundamental disagreement about what the majority of residents stand for. We have academic research from people like BU professor Katie Einstein showing that certain types of people like homeowners or older residents or white people are all overrepresented in community engagement processes. But while well-organized activist groups can try to address those imbalances, I'd also be the first to acknowledge that the people who engage in long-term community activism are outliers as well. and so we're left with this conundrum. How do we really know what the community wants and how can we assess that in a way that everyone believes is valid? And that's why Bruce and I, despite our differences, are strong believers in more of a rigorous assessment of community sentiment than we've had to date. A citywide poll of residents' top priorities and concerns can shed valuable light on where city leaders should prioritize time and effort.

Even with the best of intentions, our community engagement processes often fall short of reaching and representing everyone, and I'm hopeful that city councilors and the city administration will work with us to establish this as a tool to better understand our city.

Thanks. Is there anyone else in public forum that wishes to be heard? Seeing none, I close the public hearing and move on. The next item on the agenda is the examination of minutes. Can I get a motion on the minutes of May 26th?

Mr. President, I make a motion we adopt the minutes of May 26th as written.

Is there a second? Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Next is President's report. I have two items here. A request for a referral to the Committee on Public Safety regarding the Watertown police drone proposal that we talked about last week. So I'm looking for a motion to refer this to the Committee on Public Safety. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Next item I have is a review of a proposed contract extension for City Manager George Proakis. I put this on the agenda this evening along with further down what we have to do per the city charter when we adjust the salary of all of our four employees.

I put this here because I want to be able to just speak on it and then it will be placed on the website. There were a couple of clarifications I needed to finished today, but by tomorrow or Thursday, it will be on the website. And just I want to go briefly over some of the broad things that we're putting on the table. The proposed contract extension is going to be extending the manager for four more years. there would be a fifth year added if the sitting council at the time does not negotiate whether they want to keep the manager or not. So that's one of the changes from the contract that we had. A lot of other things in there are being brought into line some of the dates, some vacation accruals and things are being brought into line with every other city employee.

So we're trying to be consistent all across the board with that. the other major thing basically is the salary and 93% of our city employees are getting as part of the cost, the class and comp study that we did. So what we're doing with the manager and typically, with the manager, we do an annual review, which is required, and then we do a salary adjustment. based on that, usually it's a cola plus something. So I wanna just briefly touch on what those, most of the employees here are getting a, Kola, which is a cost of living adjustment, plus a step increase, which is very consistent even with the teachers in the community. They get a Kola.

and depending on where they are in their careers, they get a step increase as well. So what we have in this current contract for the city manager is consistent with most of our contracts, which is 2.5% COLA and a 2% performance, a merit adjustment. and then what we did differently in this year, and this is again for a public hearing next week, two weeks from now, we're adding the second year salary at the same rate at 2.5% COLA and the 2% merit adjustment. What this does is keeps us out of having to negotiate another salary, but it also coincides with all of our contracts expiring at the same time.

So if the city, state, the federal government run into problems with funding, with issues, we have an opportunity at the end of all these contracts to be consistent with everyone when we're looking at what we're going to do going forward. So I think it's a good step, and I'm going to be recommending that we do that in two weeks. So again, this is a brief overview. A lot of the contract language is the same as what's in the contract. It's the same that's been in this contract since we started giving contracts to the manager. Just some adjustments on some of the language, some of the deferred compensation. and it will be up on the website as soon as we get those clarifications worked into the contract. And that's all I have for tonight. Well, that's all I have for right now. I have more. The next item is presentation of petitions, proclamations, and similar matters.

First is a pride proclamation that I did actually read at the pride celebration on Saturday. I'm going to read it. It's a proclamation celebrating June as Pride Month, 2026. whereas our nation has officially celebrated Pride Month in June since 1999, and whereas during Pride Month, Americans everywhere recognize the right of each of us to live freely and authentically consistent with our country's vision of equality for all, and whereas society has made progress towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and more, which is LGBTQIA+, equality, We know that discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers, especially against transgender, non-binary,

gender nonconforming, and intersex people remain pervasive, underscoring the urgent need for education, awareness, and protective policies. and whereas the city of Watertown stands firmly and unequivocally in solidarity with LGBTQIA plus individuals, especially transgender and gender diverse residents and calls upon all members of our community to reject hate, dismantle prejudice, and promote dignity, equity, and safety for all. and whereas the Watertown Free Public Library and Watertown Public Arts and Culture are offering a robust month of programs including Pride Extravaganza to show the vibrancy and strength of the city of Watertown because of this diversity, and whereas celebrating Pride Month is not only a recognition of LGBTQIA plus identities and contributions,

but also a call to action to advocate for and defend inclusive laws and policies, support access to affirming healthcare services and public accommodations, protect LGBTQIA plus youth and elders and engage in open ongoing dialogue that advances acceptance and human rights. now therefore be it proclaimed that the City of Watertown hereby proclaims the month of June, 2026, Pride Month, and urges all citizens to join the celebrations and affirm their commitment to supporting, uplifting and defending the LGBTQIA plus community. in witness whereof, hereof, I have hereon to set our hand and cause the great seal of the city of Watertown to be fixed on this ninth day of June, 2026. can I please get a motion to accept this proclamation? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion?

All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. I have the next proclamation is a Juneteenth proclamation. whereas Juneteenth Independence Day was established as a federal holiday in 2021, and whereas Juneteenth celebrates the end of legal slavery in the United States, commemorating the announcement by a Union officer in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 of the end of the Civil War and of slavery almost two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. And whereas many black Americans have chosen since 1866 to celebrate their independence on Juneteenth, as their enslavers and those of their ancestors excluded them from the benefits of national independence declared in 1776 and observed on July 4th

and whereas Juneteenth celebrates the freedom, achievements and contributions of African Americans to the United States, and recognizes the historical struggles of black Americans in the face of slavery, racism and inequality and whereas the people of Watertown acknowledge the past and ongoing impacts of racism and discrimination in our community and affirm our commitment to promoting social justice, equity and inclusion for all residents, recognizing the need to learn from the past, confront the present, and strive towards a better future for all. Now therefore be it proclaimed that the City of Watertown hereby proclaims Friday, June 19 as Juneteenth Day and urges all residents to celebrate and honor the history and contributions of African Americans to learn more about the legacy of slavery and racism and to work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.

and witness whereof, I have here unto set our hand and cause the great seal of the city of Watertown to be affixed on this ninth day of June, 2026. Can I get a motion on the Juneteenth proclamation? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. I have another proclamation for Steve, and I'm going to go up to the podium. I feel it's important that I do that for our friend Steve. Steve is worth a deviator. So we have a proclamation honoring Steve Magoon. Whereas Steve Magoon moved from Charles County, Maryland, where he was the planning director in 2004, to Wakefield, Massachusetts, and became the City of Gloucester's Chief Administration Officer.

In 2008, he began working for the City of Watertown as the Director of Community Development and Planning and was promoted to Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning. and whereas Steve has been an integral part of the city and has provided essential leadership on planning, dedicating extensive time and resources to design and execute numerous long-range plans which will continue to shape our community, including the 2011 Strategic Framework for Economic Development, multiple comprehensive plans, the 2015 design standards and guidelines, the open space and recreation plan, the 2021 Resilient Watertown Climate and Energy Plan and the Watertown Square Area Plan.

and whereas Steve has contributed to many community projects, including substantial park redesigns for Filippello Park and Arsenal Park, implementation of the Watertown Community Path, and spinoff efforts for new public art installations. He has led the process to transform major corridors by prioritizing planning first, then implementing the zoning updates. Steve has also played a major role on the School Building Committee and the Building for the Future projects, resulting in two new world-class elementary schools a renovated historic Lowell Elementary School, and the new LEED Platinum 4.0 Net Zero Watertown High School, the first in the United States to achieve both designations.

and whereas Steve lives life to the fullest, traveling the world alongside his beloved wife Sheila and spending time with Billy, Savannah and the kids, cooking homemade specialty smoked meats and chili, tinkering away at camp projects in New Hampshire, and of course, playing hockey as often as he can. now therefore be it proclaimed that the City Council of Watertown hereby congratulate Steve Magoon on his retirement after 17 years of dedicated service to Watertown and wishes him and his family well in the exciting years ahead. In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the great seal of the city of Watertown on this ninth day of June, 2026. Steve, I'm gonna miss you and congratulations.

I thought it would be appropriate to wear the hockey jersey that I so generously got when we had an event at the Commander's Mansion. In the interest of time, and I know you have a full agenda, so I will be a lot more brief. You can have all the time you need. But I did want to note some of the people that have been significant over my time here in Watertown. It's been a real pleasure serving the community. and something I take a lot of pride in as well. And part of the reason I wore the jersey tonight. The consistent theme is the passion people have for this community. you know the public that I've worked with over the years has been not always in full agreement with everything I thought we should do but I've always been very impressed at the passion that people have for the community and

their honest, hard work and wanting the best for Watertown. And that's always been impressive. The boards and commissions I've had the honor to work with, a lot of them, the Planning Board, the Conservation Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, Stormwater Advisory Committee and on and on and on. I'm not gonna keep going because I'm sure I'll forget somebody and I don't wanna do that. but it's really been a pleasure working with all the boards and commissions. They've been a very impressive group over the years and again have done a lot of wonderful things for the city. Similarly, the city council and I think it, as I mentioned at the mansion has been a real blessing to have such consistent leadership in the community. Two city council presidents in all those years that I've been here, Clyde Younger and Mark Sideris.

And as I said at the mansion, It's been a real pleasure working with you, Mark. I think you're one of the most gifted politicians that I've had, elected officials that I've had the opportunity to work with. And I've always been impressed with the job you've been able to do in bringing this community together. and making decisions that really are in the best interest of Watertown. Not always popular and you guys, all of you, have been willing to make difficult decisions sometimes that I think are almost always the right ones. Not always the most popular, but always the right ones. Similarly, very consistent leadership with the city manager position. Mike Driscoll for a very long time and learned an awful lot from him.

a great job as city manager and then Tom Tracy who I consider to be a good friend for a short time and now George and you know George is one of the smartest people I've had the opportunity to work with and I think does a tremendous job for the community. all the other department heads and city staff that I've had the pleasure to work with over the years. They've been great. And the staff of the Department of Community Development and Planning just amazing. They're a great group of people and all those nice things that Mark had to say about me, almost all of those are due to the hard work and dedication of the people that work in the department. I might have been the person standing before you guys talking about things, but it was the hard work of that group of people, the things that they did to make that happen, and couldn't have done it without them. And of course, my wife, Sheila.

As you know, I spent a lot of evenings here and she's always been very supportive. Does a great job planning all those world travel trips so that we get to go and have some fun. and do things and it's meant an awful lot to me. So with that, I will let you get back to the rest of the agenda and thank you.

I'm just surprised that we didn't have you cooking something at some one of these cookouts that we have in one of these community events. Okay. I just want to add one thing that Steve has volunteered to stay on the school building committee if continuing through at least the design development of the middle school and his knowledge and expertise as I've noted in his proclamation is really beneficial to this community and the committee. Can I get a motion to accept the proclamation? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? I know, first of all, all those in favor? Aye. George.

Thank you. It's not a normal moment for a manager to comment on an item, but I just wanted a moment. to say first of all thank you to Mark and the Council for putting this proclamation together and thank you to Steve for all the work. A lot of it long before I got here but also helping me through the transition when I became a manager and also being both the voice of a steady lead of a very complex department as well as often the voice of institutional knowledge in this organization as so many other things have changed over the past few years and I really appreciate that. I also appreciate that I know that we all can still I'll call you and get a little bit of advice and stuff. As we are transitioning this position, there are a couple of projects that Steve has still been helping out with. appreciate that and then yes the involvement in the school building committee I know we'll still have a chance to connect every now and then but at the same time I really do hope you have an opportunity to travel more and get where you need to go and

no longer be limited by the number of vacation days you have and have the chance to be able to go off and spend time with grandkids and see the world and stuff. So congratulations and thank you and thanks Mr. President for the opportunity to speak.

And Sheila, by the way, thank you for letting him spend all those nights here. We appreciate that a lot. Thank you again, Steve. Next item on the agenda is public hearings, and 7A is a public hearing and vote on a petition from Enstar Electric doing business as Eversource. for a grant of location in North Beacon Street, northerly from Manhole MH 9899, approximately 10 feet north of Alfred Road to install approximately 58 feet of conduit. This work is to provide service to a relocated traffic control box closest to 22 North Beacon Street as part of a MassDOT local bottleneck reduction program. Welcome, and please let us know what you're doing.

Jackie Duffy, Eversource. We'd like to install 58 feet of conduit on North Beacon Street to provide electric service to the relocated traffic control box at number 40 Arsenal Street.

Thank you. This is a public hearing. If there's any member of the public wishes to be heard, please raise your hand. Seeing none, I close the public hearing portion and ask for a motion from the City Council.

Mr. President, I make a motion that we approve the grant of location for NSTAR Electric on North Beacon Street.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Councilor Feltner.

Thank you, Mr. President. I noticed that our director, Tom Brady, is online, and I'm wondering if he could speak a little more to the MassDOT bottleneck. Program, Reduction Program, if this is related to timing on Arsenal Street and North Beacon and Irving or what we're expecting the benefits to get from this.

Tom, you're allowed to speak if you're here, please. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President and members of the Council. Can you hear me okay?

Yes.

Okay, great. Thank you for the question, Councilor. This is the last and probably one of the most important pieces of infrastructure to go in with relation to the work that's gone into the Arsenal Street corridor. this new traffic cabinet will be among other things the central location for the hub that will control all the signals throughout the corridor. So that's really what we're most excited about in fairness. Once this new conduit is run, we will get the traffic cabinet singled up and we will install the mast arms on the traffic lights at that particular location. finish up some additional sidewalk work, and then we'll be ready to power up and start to program the synchronization to its fullest capacity.

Thank you. So that'll be great to hear about future work. And I'm excited about this project. I'm not against this grant of location per se, but I am concerned with the double poles that have gone up in Arsenal and Irving. I'm assuming that Those are replacing existing poles, but also the replacement of some of the new poles are interfering with the sidewalk for ADA clearance. So I don't know if somebody can speak to that.

Mr. President, I can speak to that if you wish.

Yes, please.

Our construction inspector, Antonio, with our department flagged the issue for me approximately three or four business days ago. We immediately reached out to Air Resource and stopped their work activity. They were very responsive. We had a meeting on site. Five poles were immediately relocated. in two locations that are consistent with the width that is currently allowed. We have a couple preexisting poles that do have accessibility challenges. My benchmark was they were not allowed to put any pole in place that would make anything more restrictive. so those polls have been relocated in the past two business days and I appreciate Eversource's response to that so I concur there were issues and those new polls have been relocated by Eversource.

They are to replace the existing poles that are there and in some cases you will see sections of poles that were removed above and below the walking corridor well below the walking corridor and we're just waiting for the last of the other utilities that hang on the pole to be transferred over so the last piece of the old infrastructure can then be removed.

Thank you very much. If I could just ask that the over-large signs that are being left in the sidewalk and they have nails sticking out and whatnot, I'm sure that maybe that I thought that was related to the Mount Auburn Street project that the crews left on all the side streets but maybe that is also for the poles if that could just be managed to keep the sidewalk safe that would be great. Thank you.

Thank you. Are there any other questions? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you.

Thank you. Have a nice night.

Next item is motions, orders, and resolutions. 8 is a resolution authorizing a transfer of funds in the amount of $754,600 from the fiscal year 2026 City Council Reserve to various fiscal 2026 capital projects accounts. Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. President. If I may, I'd like to have the city auditor provide a little bit of background on this. This is our next round of transfer of funds at the end of the year. There was a slight adjustment on this in order to make an adjustment on where and how the funds are working. But essentially, with the transfer of $754,600 in fiscal year 26, it allows us to stay ahead of some capital projects and the auditor can explain the details. Thank you, Mr. President.

Madam Auditor.

Thank you. So this transfer will allow for multiple capital projects and then in addition to the capital projects also a transfer to fund a light show and treaty dinner for Treaty Day. These capital projects range in what they are. To start, it's a start at lumber safety and weatherization. This is a new request that was brought before us when we were building the CIP this year that didn't make it into the CIP. And we had noted if we had funds at the end of the fiscal year that we would utilize that to get this project to move forward. as well as an implementation of a citywide BMS regional server that public buildings also requested. In addition to that, Recreation had two requests.

a multi-sport rink deck system at both Moxley Park and Casey Park which again similar to the public buildings projects where new requests had been brought forward when we were developing the CIP but didn't make it into this year's plan. And in addition to that, the Filippello Park Pickleball Courts, which... as you all are aware is currently slated for fiscal year 30 in our current capital improvement plan but it has been a very high discussed topic within the community. So we have the funding and we're hoping to be able to accelerate that project into fiscal 27 with these funds. Additionally, the library had requested lobby re-carpeting, which was currently slated for fiscal 28 in the capital improvement plan, so we're looking to move that up as well upon request of Kim Long, the library director.

and the police department was also requesting a UPS battery replacement, which was slated in fiscal year 28 and we're looking to move that up as well. If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them.

First, can I get a motion to transfer 754-600 as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Discussion? Council again.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President. Throwing around the use of acronyms, it's difficult for me to understand. Can you explain what the UPS battery replacement consists of and what are we powering with those batteries?

Manager Perowakis, can I kick that one back to you please?

Sure. Typically Typically, my understanding of this, the department may have more detail, is that that is essentially a backup battery for for IT and Information Systems as I have understood it in the past. And that basically with the sensitivity of police running the so it provides instant backup power and when you consider that you're running a dispatch center out of there and the data systems that police need in order to run dispatch and everything else typically what you're running when you're running a UPS battery replacement is you're looking to ensure that the police department has constant uninterrupted supply. UPS stands for uninterrupted power supply. So it basically means that there's no break in power if there's a power cut to the building itself.

Gardner. Thank you. Any other questions?

Thank you, Mr. President. I'm Manager Prowakis for Madam Auditor. Two questions on the recreation transfers. First, with regard to the pickleball course, which will bring joy to my husband's heart, Are those planned for next spring, summer, or do we have a sense yet when that might occur? Or is it too early to tell? At this point, I would say it's too early to tell. Okay, thank you. That makes sense. And then on the multi-sport rink deck systems, I know in the past we've talked about the sounds. that happened at Casey Park in the hockey arena. Is this a system that, does that belong inside that hockey rink? and if so, is there anything being considered that could also help mitigate that sound or deafen the sound?

So we did the most significant thing we can do to address the sound at Casey, which is basically insulating within the boards. and I know there was some work to be done to get that quite right. We went and had to push the contractor to fix a couple things to get it done right. I am not sure. I don't have any reason to believe that upgrading the deck system is going to further reduce the sounds. Realistically, I believe that the the efforts to muffle the sounds were done by insulating the sideboards because it's it's whacking things against those boards that creates the banging noise that's frustrating to residents and I can't quite speak as to how successful it was. I'm hoping we made the situation better. but essentially it is a recreation facility with hockey type activities and we've done what we can to insulate it as best we can

Okay, I mean, that's the key thing I want to hear is that as far as you know, there's nothing more that can be done while we're doing stuff on that deck. The sides are as insulated as they can be. Okay, thank you.

I will say on that, I was at the... Casey Park on Saturday, and the surface on the rink is horrible. That's probably what this is, and they did do the insulation around, so I clearly saw that there's, I'm glad that this is being done now, so. Any other comments? Councilor Feltner.

Thank you. I'm on that with Casey Park too. We might just need to update our website to correctly reflect what the design is because the rink is included in that. The state is being on hold, and I believe it's the rest of the KC Park that's on hold and not the rink, but so much time's gone by, I may have lost the thread on that. Just to clarify, at Casey Park it's just the hockey rink surface.

Yeah, there was a larger redesign project proposed for Casey Park that is on hold. This is essentially more of a... a simple replacement to make this particular piece better. The larger project is still on hold. If we have to do some details on the website to clarify that this is happening while the larger project remains on hold, we can do that.

Thank you.

Can I get a roll call please?

Bayes, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris.

Next item is a resolution authorizing a transfer of funds in the amount of $3 million from the fiscal year 2026 Watertown Middle School Stabilization Transfer out to other funds account to the fiscal year 2026 Watertown Middle School Feasibility Transfer in from other accounts. Mr. Manager, then Madam Auditor.

Thank you, Mr. President. As you know, we are moving the middle school project from the into the design development phase, which is what follows the schematic design phase. This covers the design process of that. We are continuing to move along design and do tests of the financial estimates for the particular project to determine if or when is the right moment in time to pull the trigger on doing the middle school project. Certainly we've been able to find some financial and operational benefits and savings by purchasing the modulars and our hope is that as we get through the These next phases will get more refined in better numbers and be able to continue to refine them as they fit in our capital plan and where the project fits in our capital plan.

for now we're looking to move to the next design phase and the auditor can answer other questions or add anything that I may have missed but that's the basics of it.

So I would just add the transfer before you is for $3 million, as the manager noted, to cover the design development phase. The AI3, the architect has determined the exact cost for this phase is actually The requested $3 million is also providing the necessary contingency to cover concurrent project management services from Vertex while we move forward through this next phase.

Can I get a motion on the transfer of $3 million? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Councilor Palomba.

I just need clarity on what would be the outcome of the next phase. What is the end result of this spending? What are we going to see at the end?

I'll take this one. you take this.

Yes.

Okay. So what we're looking to do is we went through a process to get to what the school needs Now the architects are designing what that would be to give us documents that would go out to bid for an estimate, so we could get a stronger estimate of what this is going to cost if we do the project. When we're done with this phase, we will be coming before the city council with a cost estimate done by two cost estimators to tell us what the middle school will cost. And at that point, I would... suggest that the manager will put on the agenda for discussion on do we do this or not. This is going to get us to a point which the city council requested to get us a better cost to make sure or to firm up what the cost would be.

That's what I wanted to be clear on. So this is basically the end result until we look at the figures. We're going to get some figures.

There are more steps. There's more things after this if the city comes, but we've chosen not to proceed further than this because we've done one cost estimate. were two estimators that was presented to the building committee about two months ago. And this is going to get us to the next phase, which is about as close as you can get without putting documents out to bid. Okay, thank you. Gannon.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President. It may have been addressed before, but what's the timeline on the outcome of the study?

we should have this in front of the building committee sometime either in the July meeting or the August meeting.

Okay, oh wow.

Yeah, we've moved it along significantly.

Very good, thank you.

and then we will, again, we'll discuss it with the manager and figure out what the next steps would be from the city council. Are there any other comments? Can I get a roll call, please?

Feltner? Yes. Gannon? Yes. Gardner?

Yes.

Izzo?

Yes.

Palomba? Yes. Piccirilli? Yes. Councilor Bays? Yes. President Sideris?

Yes, thank you. Next item is 8C, which is a request for authorization. to procure server hardware and software through a five-year lease agreement. Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. President. As you are aware, entering into a contract greater than three years requires a vote of the City Council. In this particular request, the Information Technology Department is seeking to essentially We upgrade and replace critical server infrastructure that works for business systems, cybersecurity, data storage, backup recovery, etc. and that rather than doing an equipment purchase, we do an equipment lease which ensures that we have maintenance and operational control of the particular equipment. and replacement of anything that breaks that timeframe. In order to amortize these lease payments and make this worth it, the best thing to do is an annual lease payment at $40,543.59. over the course of a five-year lease. So I'm recommending that we have the capacity to enter into the five-year because it will provide stability for the particular equipment.

and this is consistent with our capital budgeting efforts in IT and I would appreciate the council's support to do the five-year contract. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Can I get a motion to approve a five-year lease agreement as presented? So moved. Is there a second?

Second.

Any discussion? Councilor Feltner.

Thank you. I'm just wondering, are we anticipating any training needs in addition to this since training and end user support is not included in this contract?

Thank you and through you, Mr. President. My understanding is that I don't believe so. The intention here is that the between the HubTech team and the current staff, they have the capacity to do the day-to-day work with this particular equipment we're purchasing.

Thank you. Usually there's a lot of troubleshooting. Hopefully they won't need any troubleshooting since that's not included in the installation. But the only other thing is it says a one-for-one upgrade. I'm assuming that the director of IT has already assessed the equipment needs and we don't anticipate any other additional equipment. Just curious because that would change the, that would be like a change order, I guess.

Yeah, thank you. Again, through you, Mr. President, my understanding is that this covers what we need. We have a balance in our setup between on-site and cloud servers, and that the Chief Technology Officer believes this is workable for us for the term of the contract.

Thank you.

Any other questions? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Next is 9D. a motion to appropriate the Community Preservation Act funds for fiscal year 2026. Mr. Manager?

Thank you. If I may, I will have the auditor explain this as this is a part of our annual step with CPA. Thank you.

Madam Auditor, please.

Thank you. As you may be aware, at the Community Preservation Committee meeting on May 21st, It was voted to request that the city council appropriate and transfer from the fiscal year 2027 community preservation funds totaling $3,944,015. The following, 5%, which equates to $197,200 for the administrative expense of the CPC, and then 10% to each the affordable housing reserve, historical preservation reserve, and the open space recreation reserve. each in the amount of $394,402 with the remaining 65% to the undesignated fund balance, which totals $2,563,609. So I respectfully request that the Honorable City Council adopt this recommended action for fiscal year 27.

Can I get a motion to appropriate the Community Preservation Act funds as presented? So moved. Is there a second?

Second.

Gannon.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President. Megan, I wonder if you can give me a breakdown of each of the three tranches of money, the totals that this would bring us to for each tranche.

I don't have that available right in front of me, but I can get that to you tomorrow morning.

That'd be great, thank you.

Any other comments, questions? All those in favor? Aye. Oh, I'm sorry, I gotta do a roll call. Roll call, please.

Gardner.

Yes.

Councilor Izzo. Yes. Councilor Palomba. Yes. Councilor Piccirilli.

Yes.

Councilor Bayes. Yes. Councilor Feltner. Yes. Councilor Gannon. Yes. President Sideris.

Yes, thank you, and thank you, Attorney Rich. I can read your lips. 90 is a consideration and approval of exemptions of interests of existing city employees. I'm not going to read them all. I read them a couple weeks ago. Mr. Manager. Thank you, Mr. President.

As you are aware, Chapter 268A, Section 20B does require a request be submitted to the city council when we have a situation where employees working in one position in the city government also want to work in another position in the city government as we are coming upon Pequosset summer camp time. We have 13 requests here attached in the 55-page document here. for the most part, members of staff who work as a teacher, who want to participate in the summer as employees in Pequosset and appreciate your consideration in approving the 13 requests before you under this provision. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Can I get a motion to approve the exemptions of interests? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you. 9F is the first reading on a proposed ordinance establishing the city manager's salary. As I spoke earlier this evening, because we have to do this per the city charter. It's done by ordinance. So this is a first reading and the parameters were given earlier of a two and a half percent Cola, cost of living adjustment, and a 2% merit adjustment. That will be placed on the next agenda for a public hearing and vote. Committee reports. 9A will be postponed to the next meeting. 9B is a Committee on Public Safety report regarding its meeting from May 19. Councilor Gardner.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Public Safety Committee convened on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at 5.30 p.m. in the City Council Office. Present were myself, Chair, Councilor Vinnie Piccirilli, Vice Chair, and Councilor Emily Izzo, Secretary. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct two reappointment interviews for the Traffic Commission. The first person was Daniel Greneisen. Mr. Greneisen has served in the Traffic Commission for approximately eight months. He appreciates how engaged residents are on the local traffic issues and enjoys working through potential changes to city traffic rules. He discussed the strong community engagement during Russell Avenue curbside discussion noting how residents are actively involved in local issues. He shared that four-way stops were recently added to the School Street Maplewood area. The commission also has discussed implementing two-hour parking restrictions citywide and raised fines for violations of the overnight winter parking ban.

He mentioned the helpfulness of the packets organized by Sergeant Sampson and the importance of recommendations to the Department of Public Works for feasibility studies. Greenison moved to Watertown seven to eight years ago with his family and has school-aged children. He joined the commission to become more involved in his community and to help make improvements. particularly addressing safety concerns such as the shortage of crossing guards on Orchard Street and changes to the crosswalks near Hosmer School due to the Mount Auburn Street project. He expressed his desire to continue working to make the city safer and better for residents. Action item, Councilor Piccirilli made a motion seconded by Councilor Izzo reappoint Daniel Greenisen as a member of the traffic commission to a term expiring May 15th, 2029. The motion passed three to zero. The second person interviewed was Robert Eurasian. Mr. Eurasian reported the commission is functioning well despite the loss of longtime member Steve Magoon. The new additional members have been engaged and contributory.

He proposed developing clear rules and orders for the commission by adapting samples from other cities to add structure and to make procedures more accessible. He also recommended improving resident notifications and promoting sign-up options for updates. Mr. Eurasian supported the School Street Maplewood four-way stop and suggested an orientation for new members of the committee to accelerate their integration. He described the commission's focus as broadly aimed at traffic calming and improving safety. Action item. Councilor Piccirilli made a motion seconded by Councilor Izzo to reappoint Robert Eurasian as a member of the Traffic Commission to a term expiring May 15th, 2029. and the motion passed three to zero. The committee convened at 6.03 p.m. and thank you to Emily Izzo for preparing this report.

Thank you. Can I get a motion to accept the report?

So moved.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? The ayes have it. can I get a motion to appoint Daniel Gornison and Robert Arajan as members of the Traffic Commission to a term that expires on May 15, 2029?

So moved.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you. Nine C and D will take together. Committee on Rules and Ordinances reports regarding its meeting on May 13 and June 2. Councilor Gardner.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Rules and Ordinances Committee convened on Tuesday, May 13th at 6.30 p.m. in the third floor conference room with remote participation by Zoom. Izzo, President or myself, Chair, Councilor Lisa Feltner, Vice Chair, Councilor John Gannon, Secretary. Also present in the room were Public Health Director Abby Myers, Councilor Caroline Bays, Municipal Policy Analyst Doug Newton, Rosemary Sue and Rita Colafella. Joining by Zoom were Angie Kanellis, George Skews, Linda Scott, and Newton residents Cedar Pruitt and John Oliver. Chair Gardner called the meeting to order at 6. The purpose of the meeting was to continue a discussion of a proposed noise ordinance. Attachments to the report are as follows. A, Watertown's current noise ordinance. B, the proposed new Watertown noise ordinance as of March 12th, which was the committee's first meeting on the proposal.

Feltner, C, the proposed new noise ordinance as of May 6th prior to this meeting's edits being made, D, proposed language for the statement of purpose from Councilor Feltner, and E, the draft procedure for the noise waiver. The Committee began by reviewing Section 9501, Statement of Purpose, along with draft language and proposed changes from Councilor Feltner, which is Attachment D. After discussion, the committee agreed on the following language. Statement of purpose. Noise pollution is a serious hazard to public health, welfare, safety, and quality of life. A substantial body of science and technology exists by which noise may be measured and substantially abated, and the people have a right to and should be ensured an environment free from excessive noise that may jeopardize their health, welfare, or safety or degrade the quality of their life. This chapter serves to address persistent noise pollution

The committee also considered the possibility of defining persistent noise and agreed to have staff prepare a draft definition for the next meeting as well as to further consider if such a definition is necessary. The committee then turned to trash collection at industrial and commercial properties during early morning hours. Mr. Newton and Ms. Myers explained the following. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 111, Section 31A, municipalities cannot regulate the hours for commercial or industrial trash pickup. When investigating a noise complaint, the health department uses the zoning code and Watertown zoning map to determine the allowed pickup hours. For complaints in mixed use areas involving residential trash pickup, the department works with building managers to try to find solutions. However, most complaints involve commercial or industrial trash collection.

Councilor Feltner then asked how trash pickup issues would be handled in the newly created zoning districts in Watertown Square where new residential developments are planned. Gardner. Ms. Myers explained that these issues would be addressed early in the development process during the developer conferences. Councilor Gardner asked whether the trash pickup hours could be included as a condition of zoning relief under state law. Gannon noted that city assessor based property valuations on actual use rather than zoning classification. The committee agreed that more information from the administration and legal guidance were needed to clarify A, whether the newly created special districts are zoned as residential or commercial industrial, and B, whether limits on trash pickup hours could be conditioned for residential buildings located in non-residential zones. and whether those restrictions would remain in effect if ownership or use of property changes. Ms. Pruitt then spoke about the impact of early morning trash collection from businesses on Pleasant Street, saying it seriously affects her family's quality of life.

She noted that Milford and Belmont have rules setting trash hours, trash pickup hours, excuse me, and requiring dumpsters to be emptied only when full. She also referenced language allowing boards of health to adopt reasonable health regulations and asked the committee to consider similar approaches. Councilor Gannon responded that state laws override local regulations, meaning the city cannot control commercial trash pickup hours. Gardner asked whether staff could encourage or require businesses to use noise reducing technologies such as rubber landing pads. Miss Meyers said the department regularly reviews new technologies, but none currently seem practical. She explained that rubber or plastic materials are often damaged by rats, which can create additional public health concerns. Gardner asked whether the city could require commercial or industrial dumpsters to reach a certain minimum level of fullness before being emptied and whether that would be an effective solution.

Miss Meyers said this would not be practical because food waste left too long in dumpsters can create problems such as odors, maggots, and rats. Miss Cannella suggested that for existing buildings, residents should review the conditions attached to individual properties to see whether any existing requirements might help address the issue. Gannon. Ms. Myers responded that she did not believe local conditions could override state law. Councilor Gannon said that voluntary conditions might be possible. The committee agreed further research was needed on whether such conditions could be legally enforced. Mr. Oliver acknowledged that state law prevents cities from regulating trash pickup hours but noted that Newton addresses the noise level during pickup rather than the hours when pickup occurs. He added that trash collection is naturally loud and that there is currently no technology that significantly reduces the noise. However, he believed this approach was still worth exploring. Ms. Myers responded that she did not think regulating the noise level during trash pickup would be practical.

She said that when complaints arise, she does contact the companies involved, but she is not comfortable issuing penalties unless there is a clear violation of the law. Mr. Skews read from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards Model Noise Ordinance. Ms. Myers acknowledged the language noting that it dates back to 1999. She explained that it is not practical to reduce the noise from trash pickup due to the size of dumpsters and trucks used, and because materials like plastic and rubber are not resistant to damage from rats. Feltner suggested that Ms. Myers explore possible solutions earlier in the process during developer conferences for new buildings rather than waiting until developers appear before Zoning Board of Appeals, ZBA. Ms. Cannella spoke again, supporting the idea of setting conditions on trash pickup hours for new properties. She also emphasized the importance of the health department reviewing specific conditions on existing properties when complaints are received and noted that the code enforcement officer is responsible for enforcing those conditions.

Ms. Myers said that she and Mr. Mancini were closely together on enforcement. Miss Scott added that she had read a case study from Australia suggesting that physical screening is the most effective way to reduce noise. The committee then reviewed the proposed noise waiver policy attachment E and the types of activities that could qualify for a waiver. The committee agreed with Mr. Newton and Ms. Myers that Section 2, which lists activities generally eligible for noise waivers, should be removed. The committee also made minor wording changes. Councilor Feltner asked how the public would be informed about approved waivers. The committee discussed several communication methods including electronic billboards, notices on the City website, social media, the DPW weekly newsletter, paper notices or mailings, and Everbridge alerts. The committee agreed that 311 and all councilors should always be notified in advance. Ms. Meyer said that she would coordinate with the city's communications team and that the communication methods used would depend on the situation, such as how long the waiver would last.

The committee then discussed the appeal process. Ms. Myers explained that when noise readings are taken, excuse me, are close to the violation limit and not clearly in violation, she continues to take readings to gather data. and she asked the DEP to take additional readings if needed to make sure the city has enough evidence before issuing a violation. Appeals are handled by a clerk magistrate at Waltham District Court. The committee also revised the first sentence of Section 9508, Penalty, to add the phrase, quote, pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 21D of Massachusetts General Law and the city's non-criminal disposition ordinance. which is the standard wording used in the city's ordinances. Finally, the committee discussed ways to make the ordinance easier for businesses, residents, and others to understand. The committee asked staff to create a chart showing the allowed hours and days for construction and demolition work

and Lawn Maintenance, as well as the permitted noise levels, ambient and tonal DBA to be included as a supplement to the noise ordinance. The meeting was continued with a unanimous vote at 8-13 and I prepared this report.

Thank you. You can continue with the next one.

Thank you, Mr. President. The committee next met on Tuesday, June 2nd at 5.30 p.m. in the third floor conference room with Zoom access available. Present were myself, Chair, Councilor Lisa Feltner, Vice Chair, Councilor John Gannon, Secretary. Also attending in person were Public Health Director Abby Myers, Municipal Policy Analyst Doug Newton, Senior Economic Development Planner, Erin Rathie, and resident Rita Colafella. Present via Zoom were residents Angie Kanellis and Linda Scott. Gardner called the meeting to order at 532 p.m. The agenda included reviewing draft educational materials for the skip the stuff ordinance and continuing discussion of a proposed noise ordinance. The committee first reviewed the draft educational materials for the Skip the Stuff Ordinance. Ms. Rathia provided an overview of the education campaign developed by the Health Department, Sustainability Team, and Economic Development Office.

It will include educational visits to food establishments by Ms. Rathie to those businesses she has a relationship with and by health department officers during their biannual inspection visits. There will be a process to ensure every business is visited with the health department visiting any stragglers. Distribution of educational packets containing restaurant flyers, self-service station posters, Staff posters, brochures, and FAQs. Information on the City website and City newsletters and on City social media. Press releases to encourage coverage by WCATV and Watertown News. Coverage by the Charles River Chamber of Commerce and the Watertown Business Coalition in their newsletters and social media. For new food establishments, information will be included in OpenGov. Applicants will be required to review and acknowledge the ordinance. The Health Department will also have a conversation with them and will provide informational packets.

The City is currently evaluating which additional languages should be used for translated materials. The team expects to conduct education and outreach for approximately two years to help integrate this ordinance into our standard business practices. The committee reviewed the proposed draft materials and made the following suggestions. Remove the Watertown Business Coalition and Charles River Chamber logos from all materials Review and amend all texts and images to ensure they reflect Watertown's ordinance For example, references to paper napkins should be removed because Watertown does not regulate them The materials should also reflect that restaurants may ask customers which item they would like, rather than requiring customers to request them. Include contact information for both the Director of Public Health and the Economic Development Planner in the FAQ so businesses can direct questions to the appropriate person. In response to questions, Ms. Meyer and Ms. Rathey confirmed the following.

The Health Department will be the primary enforcement agency and may deputize the code enforcement officer to assist if needed. The Health Department will track violations in the same manner as other code violations, building a database over time. The ordinance will become enforceable in November 2026. The committee thanked the staff for their work and concluded that discussion. The committee then resumed its review of outstanding questions regarding the draft noise ordinance. Question one, definition of persistent. At the last meeting, the committee asked for advice on whether the word persistent, which appears only in the statement of purpose, should be defined. Attorney Rich advised that a definition was unnecessary because the statement of purpose is only explanatory. The committee agreed to retain the existing statement of purpose language without adding a definition. Question two, waste collection in special districts. At the last meeting, Councilor Feltner asked how waste pickup would be regulated in special zoning districts.

Attorney Rich explained that under MGL Chapter 111, Section 31A, municipalities may not restrict the hours during which solid waste is collected in areas zoned for commercial, business, or industrial use. Therefore, the hours for trash pick up by businesses could not be regulated. He also noted that regulating noise as a nuisance is different from regulating collection hours. The committee recalled that it had discussed this earlier and agreed regulation on those lines would not be practical. Question three, trash pickup conditions imposed during permitting. The committee asked whether conditions limiting trash pickup hours imposed through Planning Board or ZBA approvals would be enforceable. Attorney Rich advised that such conditions Gardner asked that further discussion to examine this more closely would be helpful and asked for a motion to refer the matter back to Rules and Ordinances Committee.

Feltner and Gannon both said they felt this was unnecessary since the Community Development and Planning Department, along with the ZBA and Planning Board, have been pursuing these and other conditions and mitigations with developers for many years. Gannon also expressed concern that replacing this case by case approach with a council directed requirement would make it no longer a voluntarily accepted condition negotiated as part of the development review process and thus unenforceable and no motion was made. The committee then reviewed a draft table outlining permitted hours for construction, demolition, and lawn maintenance activities. This table is intended to be posted on the City's website and other public-facing resources. No changes were made to the proposed construction and demolition hours. After extensive discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend the following lawn maintenance hours.

For domestic lawn maintenance hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for commercial lawn maintenance hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The committee agreed on these changes for two reasons. First, residents who work during the day and have responsibilities after work may need that extra evening hour to maintain their properties. Second, commercial landscaping crews generally begin work early in the day and typically finish before 5 p.m. Restricting relatively noisy commercial operations after 5pm would have limited business impact while preserving quieter evening hours for residents. The committee again discussed exemptions for city-sponsored events and acknowledged that some events can generate significant noise.

Members agreed that post-event reviews for activities such as Fair on the Square, the Arts Market, Pride, and Porch Fest should include consideration of noise impacts so adjustments can be made in future years if necessary. The committee, excuse me. The committee then discussed noise complaint reporting. Ms. Colafella expressed concern that anonymous noise complaints submitted through systems such as 311 could be misused to harass neighbors. Ms. Myers explained that the health department maintains records of complaints and would be able to identify patterns of repeated unfounded reports. If necessary, the department could respond appropriately, including notifying the police department. She also confirmed that these records are subject to public records request. Action items. Noise ordinance. Gannon, action item number one.

Councilor Gannon made a motion seconded by Councilor Feltner that the draft noise ordinance amended to reflect the new times for allowed lawn maintenance activities be recommended to the City Council for a first reading. The motion passed unanimously. Gas-powered lawn equipment. Councilor Feltner asked whether there was an active referral to rules and ordinances concerning gas-powered lawn equipment. The committee found no such referral on the council's list of outstanding referrals. Action item. Councilor Feltner made a motion seconded by Councilor Gannon that the City Council recommend a referral of the matter of gas powered lawn equipment to the Rules and Ordinances Committee for further study and report back with a recommendation. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote at 7.43 p.m. and I prepared this report with assistance from Doug Newton.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. Can I get a motion to accept the two reports as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Palomba.

First, I want to thank the committee for all the work. and all the attachments, I really found it very useful and helpful to be able to follow the noise ordinance changes along the way. So I want to appreciate that. I just had one question that caught me off. When I read the minutes from the May 13th meeting, Under the appeal, the right of appeal, it says Ms. Myers explained that when noise readings are close to violating the limit, but not clearly in violation, she would take readings and then ask DEP. Now, we're not talking about, in that sentence, are we talking about the construction violations or the general noise violations? Because I don't...

think we need to have DEP involved if someone says, hey, I think there's a violation next door with my neighbor. So I just wasn't sure what she was referring to there. Gardner.

Through you, Mr. President, I think I would prefer to have Ms. Myers here to respond, but my memory of the conversation is This is if, for example, there's a sustained noise violation over time continuously and she's taking readings and perhaps they're just barely above or just below or she's getting both kinds of readings. and they'll continue to try to get a clear reading. But if necessary, and they want to be certain before they would ever issue a violation, they will ask the DEP to come in. I think what you're describing is more of a one-off and they would not be involved in that.

Okay, thank you. And again, my appreciation for the minutes and all the attachments. Thank you.

And Councilor Feltner.

Mr. President, if I may, our policy analysts, municipal policy analysts can clarify that point about DEP involvement. Palomba's request, just so we're all on the same page. Doug Newton has the way in.

Yeah, what I would say is similar to what Councilor Gardner just explained. Abbey, it's not as a matter of course, they would always take multiple readings before issuing a finding just to make sure we're covering all our bases. Gardner, and what Councilor Gardner said is accurate. If it's a close call, they would run it a few times, but if you're getting different readings, sometimes over, sometimes under, it becomes pretty difficult to enforce.

Thank you.

Any other comments on the report itself or the reports themselves? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. can I get a motion as requested to price the draft ordinance on the next agenda for a first reading? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? You guys have it. Negative motion to refer the matter of gas-powered lawn equipment to the Rules and Ordinance Committee for further study and report back.

So moved.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you to the Rules Committee and the previous Rules Committee for many years of work to get us to this point. Communications from the City Manager. And the first is a request for confirmation of appointment and reappointments to the Council on Aging. Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. President. As always, it's great to have folks interested in the opportunity to get involved in committees as we did with the Council on Aging this time, recommending Phyllis Perrone for appointment. for a term expiring May 15, 2029, and the reappointment of James O'Connor and Ryan Nicholson also for... appointments expiring May 15th, 2029. And again, this is with the assistance of the Residence Advisory Committee that helped fill the vacant position and recommended the continuity for James O'Connor and Ryan Nicholson. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. This goes to the Committee on Human Services. Mr. Manager, continue.

A couple of announcements here. The first thing I wanted to do is make a quick note about our tree planting cycle this year because this just came up a couple times in the last day. When we go out and plant new street trees, which we are very excited about doing, we have a contractor that plants the trees. That contractor is also responsible for the primary period of post-planting watering of the trees. They're on a watering cycle and they work to water the trees. That said, our urban forestry division supplements that watering as we can. We always encourage residents who are willing and interested to water the new trees in front of their house as well, if at all possible. We are aware that some of the trees that we planted in this planting season have not been doing that well. and I will just note that those trees do come with a two-year warranty for the time period that are under the expense of the contractor and not us and that We're pretty good at enforcing that two-year warranty.

We really, really hope trees take and do well, and we certainly appreciate the assistance of residents, but it is primarily the contractor's job to make sure that they settle in and do well. and that our tree warden is working as carefully as possible in circumstances where there may be concerns about the plantings. I think generally our plantings have been successful. There just have been a couple of circumstances and streets where Things haven't taken very well this year and I just don't want anyone to think we're just abandoning the tree plantings where we just place them there and walk away. Our contractor's on the hook to make sure these work well and we're chasing that issue down. A couple of notes here. First of all, the farmer's market opens tomorrow and will be here every Wednesday through October 21st. We're at 2.30 to 6.30 at Salton Stall Park. You'll find local farms, specialty foods, artists and makers, and live music every week. Market offers a $15 snap.

Natch for people on the SNAP program and access to HIP farm vendors to help make fresh food More affordable. I will just note that the farmers market will be back in the upper side of Salt and Stall Park this year with the with the fences down and gone. If you've been over to Salt and Stall and looked, you'll notice that we've taken all the fences away from the stage. We will be using the stage surface. We are still waiting for a key piece of the Salt and Stall Park project for the project to be complete, and that is the the actual roof of the stage that goes on those fancy wooden posts that are there. We and our contractor are working very closely with the subcontractor that still needs to deliver that roof piece and install it. There may be some disruption at the time of installation, but for now we're fully using the park for the farmers market and whenever else we need it at this point while we wait for that last piece to be finished up. Juneteenth, June 19th.

First of all, join the Juneteenth barbecue at the Senior Center to kick off summer. Enjoy tasty food, games, and music from DJ Richie, plus live tunes by Don. Bring your summer spirit and sign up at 617-972-6490 or at myactivecenter.com. This event is June 18th from 4 to 6 at the Senior Center at 31 Marshall Street. I will also note that in observance of Juneteenth City Hall, the Parker Building, Senior Center, Library, DPW offices are all closed on Friday, June 19th. If you are marking your calendar for city events, I just wanted to make a note that you should mark your calendar for Saturday, July 18th for Treaty Day. This is Watertown's substantial contribution to the United States' 250th birthday. And this is a key important moment for Watertown as we will be celebrating the

signing of the first treaty that was signed in the United States of America after we became our own country. That is a treaty between the U.S. government and the and a few of the Native American nations that are located on both sides of the Canadian border. That treaty was signed right here in Watertown, which is why it's called the Treaty of Watertown. and representatives from those Native American nations will be joining us at Treaty Day on July 18th for a pretty substantial celebration of Watertown, of our 250th birthday and of the continued cooperation between those nations and Watertown and the United States. And I'm looking forward to that. It should be a great celebration. That is all I have today, Mr. President.

Thank you. Request for information. Any requests for information? Councilor Feltner.

Thank you, Mr. President. I do have several. Residents recently contacted me with concern because they heard from somewhere that there are plans for a new postal facility. to service all of the Watertown schools to be located at the parking lot at Marshall Street, Phillips School area. So wondering what the plans are and so what are the plans, how we might be handling are mitigating noise, traffic, etc. Similarly, complaints about noise being generated by the freight farm that was installed there and the lot. So what are we or can we do to address that? noise there. Third is I can't find the Watertown annual reports online that were expected for 2024, 25, and 2026. The last I see online are from 2023 based on fiscal year 22.

Next is what are our current parking policies and benefits that are made available to city employees? Next to last is we need an update on our transportation planning for all users. I'm hearing conflicting information that we're working with MBTA to optimize Arsenal Street, consider Boston Lane Lanes and 70 Route, but now residents recently contacted me because they're concerned that they heard staff is moving forward to narrow Arsenal Street in order to accommodate bikes. and instead of prioritizing the off-road option that has long been identified. So I'd like to know how we're coordinating all our different plans in collaboration with city council. and lastly, so when, how, who do the new tree supports, poles, watering bags get removed? For example, do these all stay in place for two years? Thank you.

Any other requests for information? Announcements, any announcements? Councilor Palomba.

Just a quick announcement that Monday the Committee on Human Services will be meeting here at 530. We're very excited about the presentation from MAPC of the incentive study, the housing incentive study. MAPC did a presentation in December and then a follow-up one in March and this is the final presentation so we will be having opportunity to hear their their final recommendations. I believe that the meeting we will focus primarily looking at the whole report, but we will hopefully look very carefully and have discussions about the recommendation on the incentives to increase affordable housing voluntarily increase in affordable housing in Watertown. So that's Monday right here at 5.30. Thank you.

Any other announcements? Public Forum. Any member of the public here or at home wish to speak? Yes.

Please identify yourself for the record. Good evening. My name is Joshua Erickson, 95 Jensen Road. I just wanted to make a brief statement regarding the middle school. I am a Master of Social Work student. and I've worked in the mental health field for the last five or six years and as an MSW student I would just like to promote the idea that the school building committee consider allocating funds dedicated to mental health and counseling spaces within the middle school. Middle school is one of the most formative and emotionally turbulent periods in an adolescent's life. Research is very clear that when students have access to these welcoming and also private spaces,

for counseling, for social, emotional support, that outcomes improve significantly long-term, both academically and socially. So I just want to say thank you for your time and continued investment in the youth of the community.

Thank you. Anyone else wish to be heard? Seeing none, can I get a motion to adjourn? So moved. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you.