Watertown City Council (Tuesday February 10, 2026)

The meeting was called to order by Council President Mark S. Sideris. It was a hybrid meeting broadcast by Watertown Cable Access.

Attendance:

• Councilors Present: Caroline Bays, Lisa J. Feltner, John G. Gannon, Nicole Gardner, Emily Izzo, Theophilus Offei, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, and President Mark S. Sideris.

• Russell Rico (Fayette Street): Expressed opposition to the council deliberating on national issues, specifically the nuclear disarmament petition, arguing the council should focus on local governance.
• Adrian Hauk (Watertown Bike Ped Committee): Commended snow removal efforts but requested additional funding for code enforcement officers to ensure sidewalks on major arteries like Arsenal and Main Streets are cleared for accessibility.

The Council considered the minutes of the January 27, 2026, meeting.

• Action: Motion to adopt the minutes as written passed unanimously by voice vote.

• Capital Improvement Program (CIP): A request to move the FY 2027-2031 CIP recommendations presentation from February 24 to March 10 was approved.
• School Grants: Reported on a state grant for gardening and composting programs at the schools.
• High School Sustainability: Noted a successful tour of the new high school by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) focusing on net-zero energy goals.

The Council held a public hearing on a proposed loan order: 'That the sum of $300,000 is appropriated to pay costs of purchasing a Spark Charge Level 3 mobile electric vehicle charging platform for the police station.'

Discussion Highlights:

• Denise Maroney (Director of Public Buildings) and Silas Feiler (Energy Manager) explained the unit is a portable battery on wheels capable of 10 charges when full.
• The unit provides continuity during power outages and can support EVs in the field.
• Councilor Offei raised concerns regarding the long-term viability of the startup company Spark Charge.
• City Manager George explained that being a 'climate leader' requires adopting early-stage technology.

Vote Outcome: Approved 9-0 via roll call.

• Yes: Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli, Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Sideris.

The Council held a public hearing on a proposed loan order: 'That the sum of $900,404 is appropriated to pay costs of purchasing Level 3 electric vehicle chargers for the police station.'

Discussion Highlights:

• The project includes three dual-port Alpetronic units for the police fleet.
• The city is seeking 'make ready' grant funds from Eversource to offset costs.
• Public comment from Libby Shaw and Susan Falcoff emphasized protecting shade trees and green space during the installation of transformers and trenching.

Vote Outcome: Approved 9-0 via roll call.

• Yes: Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli, Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Sideris.

The Council heard a citizen petition (certified with over 500 signatures) requesting a resolution calling on federal leaders to support nuclear disarmament.

Resolution Summary: The resolution called on the U.S. to lead global efforts to eliminate nuclear arsenals, renounce 'first use' options, and cancel plans to replace the arsenal with enhanced weapons. It noted that Watertown taxpayers paid an estimated $4.77 million toward the nuclear arsenal in 2023.

Public Testimony:

• Proponents: Joseph Gerson, Jackie Gross, Lillian Koizumi, Jean Truebeck, Todd Gross, Steven Steadman, Stephanie Torello, Nathaniel Harris, Millie English, Dan Grossman, and Sue Ellen Hirschman argued that nuclear war is a local existential threat and that local resolutions build national momentum.
• Opponents: Joan Gumbleton, Bruce Colton, and Elodia Thomas argued the issue is outside the Council's jurisdiction and that the body should focus on municipal services.

Council Deliberation:

• Councilor Palomba: Supported the motion, stating his responsibility is to protect residents from all threats.
• Vice President Piccirilli: Opposed, stating he does not support symbolic legislation outside the Council's jurisdiction.
• President Sideris: Opposed, citing the need to focus on direct local impacts like the Watertown Square redesign.

Vote Outcome: Motion Defeated 4-5 via roll call.

• Yes: Offei, Palomba, Bays, Gannon.
• No: Piccirilli, Feltner, Gardner, Izzo, Sideris.

• 7A (Recreation Gift): Approved the expenditure of a $1,000 gift from Watertown Savings Bank for the community family paddle and canoe race.
• 7B (Conflict of Interest): Approved a M.G.L. c. 268A, § 20(b) exemption for Tyler Gardner to serve as an athletic trainer for the Recreation Department while employed by the School Department.

• Administrative Code: The Manager submitted the final redlined version of the Administrative Code for referral. It was referred to the Committee of the Whole.
• Pet Shop Ordinance: A proposed ordinance to restrict the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits was referred to the Rules and Ordinance Committee.
• Snow Report: The Manager reported that the January 25-26 storm dropped 20 inches of snow. DPW used 846 tons of salt and moved 30,000 cubic yards of snow. 69 tickets were issued at the new $100 rate.
• ICE Policy: The Manager clarified that the Watertown Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws, does not participate in civil raids, and does not ask about immigration status. He noted that while police respond to 911 calls, they cannot legally intervene to stop federal agents performing their duties.

• Councilor Feltner: Requested a list of facilities available for public meetings and an update on adding parking violations to the 'SeeClickFix' app.
• Councilor Offei: Asked if any city-owned property is currently available to ICE for staging or other purposes.