Watertown City Council (Tuesday May 26, 2026)

The meeting was called to order by Council President Mark S. Sideris.

• Governing Body: Watertown City Council
• Meeting Type: Hybrid (In-person and Zoom)
• Date: May 26, 2026
• Attendees:
  • Councilor Caroline Bays (Remote)
  • Councilor Lisa J. Feltner
  • Councilor Nicole Gardner
  • Councilor Emily Izzo
  • Councilor Theophilus Offei
  • Councilor Anthony Palomba
  • Councilor Vincent J. Piccirilli
  • Council President Mark S. Sideris
• Absent: Councilor John G. Gannon

The Council moved to enter executive session to conduct strategy sessions regarding contract negotiations with non-union personnel (City Manager).

• Vote Outcome: Passed 8-0
• Roll Call Vote:
  • Yes: Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli, Bays, Feltner, Sideris

The following residents provided testimony during the public forum:

• David Cain (Pleasant Street): Expressed concerns regarding the Watertown Square redesign, citing US Census Bureau data showing population declines in "blue states" like Massachusetts. He stated, "The plans that the open house board... are designing will not make a difference because the population of this state is declining."
• Russell Rico (Fayette Street): Presented a petition with 51 signatures from the Watertown Square neighborhood opposing the replacement of the parking lot behind CVS with a parking garage. He urged the preservation of open space and trees, stating, "If you vote for this garage, you will commit hypocrisy after constantly committing to getting people out of their cars."

The Council considered the minutes from the May 12, 2026, meeting.

• Action: Motion to adopt the minutes as written.
• Vote Outcome: Passed 8-0
• Roll Call Vote:
  • Yes: Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli, Bays, Gardner, Feltner, Izzo, Sideris

Council President Sideris thanked Human Services Director Jennifer for her work organizing the Memorial Day Parade in the absence of a Veterans Services Officer (VSO).

The Council considered a proclamation designating May 25, 2026, as Memorial Day.

• Key Passage: "The City Council of the City of Watertown does hereby proclaim May 25 to be Memorial Day and urges all residents to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance."
• Action: Motion to approve the proclamation.
• Vote Outcome: Passed 8-0
• Roll Call Vote:
  • Yes: Piccirilli, Bays, Feltner, Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Sideris

State Representatives John Lawn and Steve Owens provided updates on state-level matters affecting Watertown:

• Tax Shift Legislation: Representatives are working with the Ways and Means Committee to address Watertown's specific tax levy shift needs, distinct from the City of Boston's issues.
• Chapter 90 Funding: Watertown's apportionment for FY26 is expected to be approximately $950,000, a significant increase from the $730,000 received in FY25.
• Fair Share Amendment: Reported $3.1 billion in revenue for the year; secured $100,000 for Watertown special education costs.
• Dealtry Pool: Discussion regarding a potential long-term lease or partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to bring the pool under municipal management.

The Council held a final public hearing on the FY 2027 budget.

Financial Summary:

• Total General Fund Budget: $226,212,930
• Education Department: $64,590,018
• Public Works: $17,459,737
• Fire Department: $16,290,358
• Police Department: $14,631,911
• Retirement Benefits: $14,124,495
• Water Enterprise Fund: $10,531,542
• Sewer Enterprise Fund: $14,788,838

Key Discussion Points:

• IT Department: President Sideris questioned the elimination of a long-term position. The City Manager confirmed impact bargaining with the Teamsters Union is ongoing to ensure a "soft landing" for the affected employee.
• Police Drone Program: President Sideris expressed support for the technology but requested a referral to the Public Safety Committee for policy discussion before implementation. The City Manager pledged no purchase would be made until deliberations conclude.

Action: The budget was adopted as presented. A motion for reconsideration failed 0-8.

1. Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of Funds ($1,887,000): Funds transferred to reduce debt associated with previously approved loan orders to strengthen the city's bond rating.
   • Vote Outcome: Passed 8-0 (Piccirilli, Bays, Feltner, Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Sideris)
2. Exemption of Interest (Project Literacy): Approval of an exemption under M.G.L. Chapter 268A, Section 20B for a city employee to perform summer work for Project Literacy within the Library Department.
   • Vote Outcome: Passed 8-0 (Bays, Feltner, Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris)

• Appointments: Simone Worsdale (Cultural Council) and Christopher Connor (Stormwater Committee) were recommended for appointment. These were referred to the Committees on Economic Development and Public Works, respectively.
• Sustainability: Mount Auburn Cemetery became the first in the U.S. to earn the AGZA Green Zone certification, reducing 16 tons of carbon emissions annually.

• Councilor Gardner: Public art installation reception in Coolidge Square on May 27, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM.
• President Sideris:
  • Annual Councilor Meeting (Town Hall style) on June 8, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM.
  • Grand Opening and Open House for the new High School on September 1, 2026.

The meeting was adjourned following a second public forum and a unanimous vote.