Watertown City Council Meeting (Tuesday September 22, 2026)

City Council
September 22, 2026
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AI Disclaimer: Summaries and transcripts above were created by various AI tools. By their nature, these tools will produce mistakes and inaccuraies. Links to the official meeting recordings are provided for verification. If you find an error, please report it to somervillecivicpulse at gmail dot com.

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Executive Summary

At its hybrid meeting on September 22, 2026, the Watertown City Council convened into executive session regarding real estate and collective bargaining before conducting regular business. The Council approved proclamations recognizing Eagle Scout Charles Curtis and designating September 27, 2026, as National Long-Term Care Reform Day. Significant actions included approving a $120,000 transfer from the City Council Reserve to police personnel accounts to implement a collective bargaining agreement update, raising the maximum property tax work-off benefit for seniors from $1,500 to $2,000, and confirming Antonio Molli to the Board of Election Commissioners by a vote of 6-0-2. Additionally, the Council referred roadway improvement plans for Watertown Square to the Committee on Public Works and announced the commencement of the five-year Charter Review Committee appointment process.

Call to Order, Roll Call, and Executive Session Motion

  • Council President Mark S. Sideris called the hybrid meeting to order and noted that Councilor John G. Gannon was participating remotely, requiring all votes to be conducted by roll call.
  • A motion was made to enter into executive session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real estate concerning the Watertown Square Demonstration Project and to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy.
  • The motion to enter executive session passed 8-0.

Public Forum

  • A member of the public raised concerns regarding proposed development densities and housing in Watertown Square, stating: "In order to keep a balance along with no garage, we must reduce the planned units." The speaker argued that anticipated economic conditions could result in unrented units, increased reliance on government subsidies, and strain on local community resources such as the food pantry.

Proclamation Commending Eagle Scout Charles Curtis

  • The Council read and presented a proclamation commending Charles Curtis on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout on June 16, 2026.
  • The proclamation highlighted his leadership in Pack 30 and Troop leadership, completion of 30 merit badges, receipt of the National Outdoor Achievement Awards for aquatics and camping, the National Conservation Award, and his service project constructing reusable stage scenery flats for the Watertown High School theater department.
  • Charles Curtis addressed the Council to thank his family, Scout leaders, volunteers, and high school woodshop instructor Dean Pellucci.
  • The motion to accept the proclamation passed 8-0.

Proclamation for National Long-Term Care Reform Day

  • The Council presented a proclamation designating September 27, 2026, as National Long-Term Care Reform Day in Watertown to coincide with the Roar National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform.
  • The proclamation emphasizes dignity, respect, high-quality care, and increased oversight and transparency for individuals relying on long-term care systems.
  • The motion to adopt the proclamation passed 8-0.

Charter Review Committee Formation Announcement

  • Council President Sideris announced the commencement of the five-year charter review process, noting the committee structure will consist of three city councilors and six residents who must be confirmed by the City Council.
  • Because charter language is ambiguous regarding who selects the citizen candidates, President Sideris will interview applicants and submit recommendations to the Council for approval.
  • The application period will remain open for three to four weeks, with applications directed to the Council Clerk through mid-October.
  • Following discussions with the City Attorney, resulting charter amendments are targeted for the municipal election ballot to prevent voter confusion with state ballot questions.

Transfer of Funds from City Council Reserve to Police Personnel Accounts (Item 10A)

  • The City Manager presented a resolution requesting a transfer of $120,000 from the Fiscal Year 2027 City Council Reserve to various FY 2027 police personnel accounts.
  • The transfer satisfies a wage re-opener clause (Item 19) in the Watertown Police Association memorandum of agreement, aligning compensation with other public safety bargaining units and transitioning members to a uniform 2% step increase schedule effective July 1st annually.
  • Direct quote of the motion: "A resolution authorizing a transfer of funds in the amount of $120,000 from fiscal year 2027 city council reserve to various fiscal year, 2027 police personnel accounts."
  • The motion to approve the transfer passed 5-0.

Property Tax Work-Off Program Adjustments (Item 10B)

  • The City Manager introduced a resolution adjusting the senior property tax work-off program to increase the allowable tax reduction limit from $1,500 to $2,000 in exchange for 125 hours of volunteer service in a given tax year.
  • The program is capped at 10 participants ($20,000 total relief), requiring applicants to be 60 years or older, retired, and owners/occupants of the subject property, with preference given to applicants earning within 300% of the federal poverty level.
  • A companion measure for the veterans' property tax work-off program will be introduced at a subsequent meeting.
  • The motion to approve the resolution passed 5-0.

Committee on State and Regional Government Report

  • Committee Chair Lisa J. Feltner presented the report from the September 9, 2026, meeting regarding the confirmation interview of Antonio Molli for the Board of Election Commissioners.
  • Councilor Gannon raised a procedural question concerning report phrasing regarding candidates not displaying political lawn signs; after discussion with the City Attorney confirming the report accurately recorded the committee proceedings, Councilor Gannon withdrew his proposed amendment.
  • The motion to accept the committee report passed 9-0.

Confirmation of Appointment to the Board of Election Commissioners

  • The Council considered the appointment of Antonio Molli to the Board of Election Commissioners for a term expiring April 1, 2030.
  • Councilor Theophilus Offei addressed the nominee's response during the interview regarding the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, noting that while he wished the response reflected personal affirmation rather than citing the Secretary of the Commonwealth's certification, he supported the appointment.
  • The motion to confirm Antonio Molli carried 6-0-2.

Watertown Square Intersection Roadway Improvement Plan Committee Referral

  • Council President Sideris moved to refer an update on the Watertown Square intersection roadway improvement plan to the Committee on Public Works to review project status and plan for community input, separate from parking garage matters.
  • The motion to refer the item passed 6-0.

Communications from the City Manager

  • Post Office Advocacy: Communications staff delivered 976 public support letters regarding the Watertown Square Post Office to the Newton Post Office; questionnaires remain open through October 1.
  • Primary Election Recount: Appreciation was expressed to the City Clerk's office and visiting municipal clerks for administering the recount. The recount affirmed election accuracy, with machine-to-hand ballot variances shifting by approximately two votes locally and one vote across four participating communities.
  • Fair on the Square: Thanks were extended to city departments, DPW, public safety personnel, and community volunteers for organizing the annual Fair on the Square.
  • Arsenal Street Sidewalk: A memorandum providing short-term and long-term remediation proposals for the Arsenal Street sidewalk was distributed to the Council and the Commission on Disabilities.
  • Personnel Recognition: Assistant Assessor Sean Delrose was recognized for his 11 years of municipal service upon his appointment as Chief Assessor for the Town of Maynard.

Requests for Information and Announcements

  • Request for Information: Councilor Feltner requested data on the number of non-school municipal employees who commute by car and the total number of employee parking passes issued.
  • Announcements:
    • Councilor Anthony Palomba commended the new Veterans Services Officer for engaging with residents at the Fair on the Square.
    • Council President Sideris announced that upcoming meetings will include an updated Capital Improvement Program review with middle school figures, followed by a preliminary budget overview.

Public Forum and Adjournment

  • A member of the public spoke in commendation of City Clerk staff and the integrity of the recent election recount, remarking: "Our elections are clean. Haven't seen a recount done many caucuses... It was very hard to find any votes, but it is a good thing that our elections function. They are clean. They work."
  • The motion to adjourn passed 8-0.

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Last updated: Sep 26, 2026

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