Watertown City Council (Tuesday December 9, 2025)

Okay, I'd like to call the meeting to order.

I'd like to call the meeting to order. This meeting is a meeting of the city council of December 9th. This meeting is a hybrid meeting and it is being broadcast and recorded by Watertown Cable Access. It's a Zoom meeting. the Zoom information as well as telephone numbers and email addresses are available on the city website. Clerk, please call the roll.

Councillor Ariesian. Present. Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris, Watertown, Councilor

of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you. The next item on the agenda is public forum. And we have a couple of people that have signed up. just a reminder public forum you are allowed to speak for two minutes and we do not respond at this instant we will get back to you if it's an issue or whoever so Samantha Garvin please identify yourself for the record.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Samantha Garwin. I reside at 139 Summer Street, which is right over here. and I am just here tonight to first and foremost thank the Committee on Public Works for hearing the concerns of myself and my neighbors. in October, on October 22nd in their last meeting when we brought to the committee some really serious concerns about the safety and traffic issues on Summer and Fayette Streets. that have been going on for decades really, but have gotten progressively worse over the past few years. And so many of you probably read about those issues in the packet you received. to provide some context. The information in that packet was derived from interviews and survey responses from 250 surveys that I

personally handed out to my neighbors and received over 50 responses and 100% of the people who responded saw these traffic issues as being very serious and something they wanted to see dealt with. We also did pull data through public records requests on the speed feedback signs that have been placed over the years and on the motor vehicle accidents that have occurred. really hope that this council tonight will support the recommendations made by the committee, made by the director of public works to completely redo and install traffic calming on Summer and Fayette streets in the coming years. and again I thank you for the opportunity to be here.

Thank you. Nyla.

I am Nyla Giselson and I live at 105 Summer Street and I've been a resident of Watertown for 28 years. I would also like to thank Sam for all the work she has done. I was not an early volunteer. I think I was reluctant because I didn't know if anybody would listen to us and I'd like to say I'm sorry. I wish I had gotten involved earlier and I really appreciate the fact. that the people listened to us and had a positive response to all the work she has done. I would also like to say I hope that we will follow through and do some more work on the traffic issues of safety before would they even start doing work on the road itself.

There are major issues of middle school kids A lot of pedestrians going to the buses and we have heavy commuter traffic. It's now both morning and afternoon. and many, many more trucks than there were when I first came here. But I'd like to say thanks and I hope that I can work with you and work on the traffic issues. as soon as possible. Thank you.

Thank you. Emily, on Zoom you are allowed to speak. Please unmute yourself.

Hello Council, men and women. Thank you so much for letting me zoom in tonight. I just am here as well as a resident of Summer Street, just to reiterate that I really appreciate you all taking Sam and the community's input into making our streets safer. It's an incredible honor to be a resident of a town that seems to really care and prioritize what their members are hoping to have done. So thank you so much for considering and I look forward to seeing the progress that we make.

Can we just get your full name for the record, please?

Oh, yes, certainly. First name is Emily, and my last name is Lazy, L-A-Z-Y.

Thank you. Is there anyone else in public forum that wishes to speak here or at home? Seeing none, we'll close the public forum and move on to the next item, which is the examination of minutes. Can I get a motion on the minutes of November 12th?

Mr. President, I make a motion that we adopt the minutes of November 12th as written.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Can I get a motion on the Special City Council meeting of November 18th? Mr. President, I make a motion we adopt the minutes of November 18th as written. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? all those in favor aye opposed the ayes have it thank you next item is president's report and it's been requested by the Charles River Watershed Association for a river I request to write a letter in support of keeping raw sewage or root keeping overflows out of the Charles River. I will take this opportunity to read the letter. to the MWI board. We're writing regarding the future of the Charles River and goals related to reducing or eliminating combined sewer outflow discharges.

We would please you table the November 19 vote. on the misguided recommendation to downgrade the water quality classification of the Charles River and allow more sewage discharges in the coming years. as elected officials within the Charles River watershed, we urge you to support the highest level of CSO control. Our long-term residents remember when the Boston Harbor and Charles River were lifeless and reeked of sewage. they remember the presidential campaign when George W. Bush came to Boston to embarrass Governor Dukakis for having the most polluted harbor in America. the cleanup of the Boston Harbor is considered one of the greatest environmental achievements in our nation's history. Why would we clean it up only to turn it back into a dumping ground for sewage? Our residents deeply care about clean water and the health of the Charles River.

We are well aware that the Charles is much cleaner than it was, and MWA is to be commended for its prior work to reduce sewage overflows. We are also aware that MWRA ratepayers, including our residents, have paid for the improvements to date, improvements we don't want to see erased. we vehemently oppose any attempt to downgrade the water quality standards classification of the Charles River to a Class B. This would be a disastrous result making the status quo a river regularly polluted with sewage and unsafe for recreation and disincentivizing any future efforts to clean it up. Let us be clear, our residents want and deserve a clean and healthy Charles River. They've invested in the cleanup to date. They want to see the job finished. They want to see the Charles River safe enough for boating. They want it safe enough for swimming. They want to end the practice of using it as a sewer. We are doing our part.

to clean up the Charles River by honoring our obligations and reducing stormwater pollution under the MS4 permit. and when it comes to sewage, we are not allowed to be doing what the MWRA is doing, dumping it into the river under the MS4 permit. If we detect an illicit discharge, we are obligated to locate, confirm the source and eliminate the illicit discharge as expeditiously as possible because discharges from an MS4 that are mixed with an illicit discharge remain unlawful until eliminated. Unlike the MWRA, we are not granted a variance from the water quality standards for decades. to see MWRA attempting to shirk its responsibilities now after decades of investment is not acceptable to us. We're doing our part and we ask that you do your part to finish the job of cleaning up the Charles River.

So that is the letter that I am requesting that be sent. Before I take comments, can I get a motion to authorize this letter to be sent out?

So moved.

Is there a second? Second. Discussion? Gannon.

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for bringing this matter under your president's report. I completely support the letter to the MWRA. I was frankly disgusted that the MWRA had sought to allow combined sewer overflows to be dumped in our continue to be dumped in our Charles River and into the Boston Harbor. I've actually been reading a book about the cleanup of the Boston Harbor that took place back starting over 40 years ago. it's no time to go back to the disgusting, filthy situation that Charles River and the Boston Harbor was way back when. And I should note that Watertown has done a larger share of its part in reducing combined sewer overflows. We've spent a lot of money in that regard. It's the cities of Cambridge and Boston that still have combined sewage overflows into the channels

such that swimming is B to a B minus all the way from the Charles River down to Watertown, but it gets filthy in the Boston and Cambridge parts of it as well. I support the resolution to send this letter to the MDFRA to continue to not allow the MDFRA to go backwards. So thank you.

Any other comments? Bays.

I just have a quick question. So it just has your name on it. Do you just not put, because I was just wondering, our names are not as signatories.

because typically the president gets a vote of the city council to send the letter. I can't send the letter on my own.

No, no, I know, but can we put our names on this letter?

They actually are. They're at the bottom.

I know they're at the bottom, but okay. But that's considered signed on to it? Okay.

Yes.

Okay.

Piccirilli. Just one thing. Could we just add a date to this because there's no date? Sure. Oh, if we could add a date to it because there's no date, so it should have today's date.

Let me also comment that in front of the city council for many years, we've had loan orders to do, to pay for cleaning up the illicit discharges into the river, so it's prudent upon us to support sending a letter like this and I'm, Hope, you know, I'm glad that we're going to be doing this. Can I just add one more thing? Yes.

One more comment. And I just do want to say, and I want to recognize our Director of Public Works is here. This talks about combined sewer outflows. That's where the storm drain and the sanitary sewer come together during this and when they fill up with a heavy rainstorm. the pipes aren't big enough to handle both of them so it overflows and that's how the poop ends up in the river. Sorry. But The good news is Watertown in its entire history never had combined sanitary and storm sewers. We always had two completely separate piping systems. So Watertown was ahead of the curve has not ever contributed to this problem unlike some of our neighboring cities have. So I just want to give a shout out to the people who came before us in Watertown for their foresight in doing that.

We have a motion and a second to send the letter. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is public hearings. In 6A was a public hearing and vote on a proposed ordinance, the Skip the Stuff Waste Reduction Ordinance. We're not gonna be taking this up tonight. I sent an email to the city council. there was some issues that this was not, that were, I sent that off to the city attorney for review when I was posting the agenda and he had not had a chance to review it. So he's made some changes which you've received. I want to refer this back to this Committee on Rules and Ordinances, but I want to remind, there's two things I need to remind here. The original referral was for plastic utensils only and I want to make sure that when the committee reconvenes that the restaurant owners are aware of what's being proposed here.

and because this was already advertised, we have to have a date certain to retake this up, so I'm putting it out to January 27th, which gives the committee an opportunity to reach out and help with staff to reach out to the affected parties, so if they wanna come to a meeting, they can attend. but because it was advertised, the date certain will be January 27th. Am I correct in doing that, Attorney Rich? Thank you.

Mr. President? Yes. Can I just clarify that? So that's the date of the Committee on Rules and Ordinances?

No, no. That's the date that it's coming back in front of the City Council. Okay. so the Committee on Rules and Ordinances has between now and the day we post that to have a meeting about this subject. Wonderful, thank you. Okay. All set? That's okay? All right. Next item on the agenda is a public hearing and vote on a proposed loan order that the sum of $879,000 is appropriated to pay costs of purchasing the following items of departmental equipment for the Department of Public Works. Hydro Excavation Vector Truck for $695,000, and a Sewer and Stormwater Camera Truck for $184,000. Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. President. Conceptual recommendation number 46 in the fiscal year 26 to 30 CIP confirms a recommendation to proceed with funding in the Soar Enterprise Fund for a vector truck and a swap dump truck. upon review of the existing fleet and discussion with the division heads has become clear that the immediate priority would be to purchase a camera truck rather than the dump truck as requested previously. As such, we propose to utilize the funds that were approved in the 2024 version of the CIP for this particular purpose. Therefore, the item before you, sum of $879,000, to pay for a hydro excavator truck at $695,000 and a stormwater camera truck at $184,000. And our DPW director is here this evening and certainly can answer any detailed questions about this particular loan order request. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. This is a public hearing, so if there's any member of the public either here or at home wishes to speak, please raise your hand and be recognized. Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing and ask for a motion from the City Council.

Mr. President, I make a motion that we approve the loan order for the public works equipment.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Roll call please.

Councilor Piccirilli. Yes. Horatian, Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, President Sideris.

Yes, thank you. 6C is a public hearing and vote. on a proposed loan order that the sum of $911,900 is appropriated to pay construction and construction administration costs of Howe Park phase one, as more fully described in the city's fiscal year 26 to 2030 capital improvement program. Mr. Manager.

Thank you Mr. President and as I noted at the last board meeting council meeting the funding that we had set aside for Howe Park which was in two separate items in two separate years in the capital improvement plan was over a million dollars. The total borrowing number we now have is $911,900 to fund Howe Park, this being phase one, the playground area. Happy to see this come in total cost under our budget. Belco Landscaping is the selected low bidder that was the bidder that had the lowest bid and was also considered to be a qualified contractor to do the work. Michelle Moon, our senior planner for open space is here to answer any additional questions about this. I know we've given a presentation on the design of Howe Park before.

It's good to be back with the bids done and the ability to start this project this spring. Belco, it turns out, is also the company that is currently starting work at Bemis Park, so they are currently working here in Watertown. and we certainly can be available to answer any other questions. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. This is a public hearing so if there's any member of the public here or at home wishes to speak on this matter, please raise your hand. Seeing none, I close the public hearing and ask for a motion from the City Council.

Mr. President, I make a motion that we approve the loan order for Howe Park.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Roll call, please.

Erasion, Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris.

I'm going to ask for a motion to move up 6C because I think that that will be a little bit easier. I'm sorry, 6C.

No, did we just say Seventh Sea?

Seventh Sea.

Seventh Sea, sorry. Seventh Sea. Oh, no, that's right. It's frustrating. Never mind. We'll just stay where we are. I'm going, I'm way ahead of myself. 7A is a discussion and vote on three proposals from the Community Preservation Committee for funding. Mr. Manager, and then we'll recognize the CPC.

Sorry, Mr. President. Yes, I would ask that the chair of the CPC provide background on these particular items, as I know the CPC has recently made recommendations on the 103 Nichols Ave. group home, the Willow Park redevelopment addition request, and the commander's envelope Commanders Mansion envelope restoration and elevator modernization. The last item is a proposal submitted by city staff, so we can provide more detail on that. The first two were proposals submitted by the Watertown Housing Authority, and they can provide any additional detail on that that may be valuable to the council in their deliberation discussion on these items. Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. Gallagher?

Mr. President, Mr. Manager, Councilors, good evening. Alan Gallagher, interim chairperson of the CPC. First item is we have three projects here that have been approved without objection by the CPC at previous meetings and 103 Nichols Ave. Group Home. This is probably our most scrutinized Project, we've been on this for five years. And we've passed all the tests and gotten all the permits from the city and town. This is a project to build a five-bedroom home on a piece of land owned by the Watertown Housing Authority at 103 Nichols Ave. The five-bedroom home would house five developmentally disabled adults. The total cost of the project is approximately two and a half million dollars and the Housing Authority was successful in

and raising $1 million on their own and went to the CPC and got a vote to appropriate $1,500,000 for this project. If you have any specific questions, I have with me tonight the Executive Director of the Housing Authority, Jacqueline Weir. and also Mr. Joe Bednar from the Cambridge Housing Authority as we've never done a project of that nature before so we hired Cambridge Housing Authority as a consultant so that we wouldn't screw things up.

We'll take them up one at a time if that's okay.

One at a time, that's what we'll do. So if you have any questions and either Jackie or Joe can answer any questions, any questions from the council or from the public.

One second. Should we vote on these separately or as a package? I think separately. Okay. So first, before we continue asking questions, can I get a motion on the proposal for 103 Nicholas Ave for $1.5 million? Yes.

Bays. Mr. President, I make a motion that we appropriate for the 103 Nichols Avenue Group Home $1.5 million from the CPA Housing Reserve Fund.

Is there a second? Second. Discussion? Now, Councilor Palomba.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Gallagher, for the presentation. And I don't know the new members of the CPC, but hello and thank you for being here. I just, you know, I've followed this one for a while. You know you have. Maybe in three or four sentences, just say why it's taken so long for this particular project to come in front of this committee to the council.

That's a good question. Without getting into personalities or names or whatever, we had some opposition in the first couple of years. certain people were sort of say throwing roadblocks in our way and it took us a while and one of the main objections in the beginning was the site wasn't clean as some of us and Mr. Duff here and I used to go down that neighborhood when we were kids it was a gas station and when the Housing Authority bought it, it was remediated. It was back in, whenever we bought it, I don't remember the date. So there was a lot of brouhaha about that you can't build any kind of a home on this type of a lot, it's not clean. we had to prove it three times at our cost of two additional times. So that drew things out for a couple of years from my point of view, no reason at all. It was clean. and there were rather little things that went along the way. We had to get zoning. There was a lot of things to line up. The funding, of course, was one thing and a lot of questions about what residents were gonna be chosen to live in there.

That's up to DDS. this isn't like a college dorm and you just throw five people in the house. These people have to be chosen and go through several mental tests and and so forth. So there was a lot of things that happened and we finally got to this point. We'd really appreciate your support. This is a needy group of people.

I thank you. I'm very supportive of the project and I thought maybe that was the reason was to clean up because there seemed to be a number of tests that had to be made but it's I'm glad it's here and congratulations to you and the team. It's wonderful to have a project that meets the needs of these particular folks in our community.

Let me just first, the city council, I received a letter that I forwarded to the city council today from this afternoon, late this afternoon from the housing authority. And as the chair has stated, this has been going on for a long time. There's more information here, some of it is new, some of it is not new, but I think the important thing is in towards the last paragraph of expected construction to begin sometime in the spring, which is important because I think given the climate around, timing is, I think, perfect because we see the manager has shown that we have gotten bids for our projects that are less than we were anticipating. To Councilor Palomba's point, it's finally in front of us, but I think it's also, it may be an opportune time to take advantage of some of the construction climate. Councilor Piccirilli.

Thank you, Mr. President. So when this first was proposed many years ago, it was actually very exciting because when we did our housing After we got our safe harbor from Chapter 40B, we didn't have to do a housing production plan anymore. We did a Watertown housing plan about the type of housing we wanted to build in Watertown. and one of the things at the top was housing for people, adults with disabilities. So this is very exciting that this is actually coming forward because it really allows people that stay in the community once they age out of schools and they need a place to live. And I think that's really important and it's very exciting. I had spoken to Michael Lara back in 2022 about getting exemption from chapter 149 and that was sort of a not chapter 149 the the prevailing wage part of it, but the filed sub bid part of it.

And with the letter we just received today, That was a sticking point for me and with Mr. Lara that we wanted to make sure we weren't overpaying for building a two-story wood frame house. the letter that's here from Jackie basically says that we actually get that relief under the under, we actually got that relief, so we don't, so this is not a file submit project, and Seaver Construction is the general contractor, and they will do the construction. Then the other question is, so the actual, the two million, 186, 474 is actually, was that their actually bid amount that they, so you put it out to bid? that's how the number that's why it's in here because you know for certain that that's the number so that's good news too so that we actually have a firm number

now to go on rather than just a hypothetical number like we had back in 2022. So that is good news. I just have one more question. At the very bottom here, it says there's a note. the Watertown Housing Development Corporation elected to increase their developer fee to 10% which is below the 15% allowed by the Executive Board of Housing and Livable Communities and just there was no other explanation here about that So just an explanation, the Watertown Housing Development Corporation is the developer of this project?

Jackie? Our executive director will explain the WHDC.

Yes, so the corporation, the development corporation is the developer of it and Nichols LLC is actually the owner of the land. and it's an instrumentality of the housing authority.

So it is actually a creation of the housing authority?

Yes, it's an arm of the housing authority.

So my question is the $220,000 is going to go to the Housing Development Corporation?

which will then go to the housing authority because the housing authority for pre-development used housing authority money to start the process and then it transferred over to the development corporation. so it will essentially you'll probably go to both places but it will even out the develop what we've put into the project for for fees and other things that you've done

Okay, I just didn't know if the Watertown Housing Development Corporation had its own employees or nothing. So that's the Housing Authority staff.

Yes.

And so if you get a check for that. $221,000 is just going to go back to the fund for the Housing Authority to use for other construction projects.

Yes.

Okay, just wanted to be clear.

There's no staff at the Development Corporation. There's a management agreement between the WHDC and the Housing Authority to manage the property that WHDC owns, which is Munger, the federal side.

Okay, no, I just didn't know how that, because that's, other than the construction cost, that's the next biggest expense on the form sheet. So I just wanted just clarification for that. Thank you, Jackie. Thank you.

Gannon.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. President. And as a longtime advocate for folks with disabilities, having been Watertown's first Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, some time ago, and as a parent of a son with a disability, I've become more aware of the issues that face parents and individuals with living and disabilities. I just want to thank the Housing Authority for pursuing this project and the Community Preservation Committee for approving the project. It's both an attractive facility. It's exactly what folks with disabilities need for comfortable living situations. It's a wonderful opportunity and I encourage the Housing Authority despite delays that may have occurred before to pursue further efforts in this regard and it looks like a wonderful project.

and also note that we're seeing the bids in both the Howe Park and this project coming in under estimate. just a larger note in general that larger projects the city might be considering such as the middle school project the timing is good for lower bids and as a result of this project we've got a better project and more capacity to spend money in other directions with regard to a contractor. I want to thank the efforts again of both City Council and the funding and the Community Preservation Committee and the Watertown Housing Authority for pursuing this project, so thank you.

Thank you.

Councilor Gardner?

I think a lot of what I was going to say has been said, but I do just want to say that I firmly support this project, and I have since it first came. When I first was elected was when the first community engagement meeting was held, and I remember the excitement in the room. not only from the residents in my district where this property sits but from people who have families with disabilities, et cetera about the possibility of having a house like this built. and I view this as really meeting every single thing that the CPC is designed to do. It's deed restricted affordable housing. It documents an unmet housing need. and acutely unmet housing I need. I think this population has less access to housing than any other sector we could point to and it really provides a lasting community asset. So I hope that everybody else will join me in supporting this. I think it so aligns with our values as the proud historic home of Perkins and Beaverbrook and now Deaf Inc. I think, you know, we believe that we are an inclusive community and I think

Gannon, supporting this property will demonstrate that. So thank you very much for your work on this.

Thank you. Are there any other comments? Councilor Feltner.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for this project. We were mentioning Beaverbrook, Perkins, people aging out of school, staying in their community. but Mr. Gallagher, you mentioned we don't know who's going to live here. Is there local preference or how that process works or who is gonna end up living here?

So, hold on one second. So right now the service provider has not been chosen so we have to do an RFP for the specific service provider of the group home and DDS manages the wait list for the group home. So they go through an extensive background. They speak to caretakers, family, each individual client to figure out who would be best suited for the home. So they do strive to choose individuals that are from our community in Watertown but sometimes someone might not fit the needs of the rest of the house that's already been selected so there is technically with the local preference they do strive for choosing someone that's from Watertown, but it really goes into what are the needs of the individuals of the home when DDS is making those selections.

So you could clarify, there is local preference?

So the mission of DDS is geared towards preferences for people within the community, but the fact of local preference, like there will be three residents that are from Watertown, we can't commit to that level.

Okay. and could you just speak a little more about the cost? The costs seem very high since this doesn't include the land and we're all excited about the project but of course we'd like to see Two of these types of homes and not just one. So could you alleviate my concerns about the cost per square footage that we're really getting the maximum value here?

Yes. Can I speak on that? This is Joe from Cambridge Housing Authority. He's our development consultant.

Thank you.

Good evening. So at the Cambridge Housing Authority, we're very familiar with these kinds of costs. Unfortunately, it's part of what we see as in public construction. We have received the procurement relief, and we believe that is part of the lower bid. that this very much looks like a single family home. And as you mentioned, it's wood construction, nothing special. But it is built to a higher standard. Fire Protection, sprinkler systems, generator connection, things that you wouldn't typically have in a single family home. But beyond that and the existing requirement for prevailing wage, I think those are the main cost drivers.

Okay, great. It is great to see that we got some relief here. Thank you.

Palomba.

Thank you. I'm sorry, I might have mixed it up. As I read this in the past, I thought Beaverbrook was going to be the provider of services. I thought you said something that it hasn't been chosen and it's out for bid, but I thought that was decided already.

I could speak to that. Beaverbrook has been a longtime partner of the Watertown Housing Authority. We realized that to follow state procurement law, it needed to be procured. We very much hope that Beaverbrook applies and is part of the process. Thank you.

Are there any other comments or questions? I have one question. Given what I said earlier about construction costs, I don't want to put a additional time constraint on you, but is it worth going back out to bid again? How old is this bid that you received for this project?

So these bids were received in September, I believe. And in my experience, going back out to bid, there's kind of a stigma. attached, the bids kind of become stale. And I know at the Housing Authority, we've never seen bids go down once they've kind of been out once.

The September date is good enough for me because if you told me this was a date from January, then I might hesitate to say you shouldn't.

This is one of the reasons we wanted to get it before you this evening.

Right. The other question I have is you've chosen, there is a low bidder, but you have not awarded a contract because it would be subject to getting funds like this, correct?

Correct.

Just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page.

The bidder is held with a bid bond through June, which gives us plenty of time to settle the funding.

Okay. If there are no other comments, can they get a roll call on this please?

Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris, Watertown, Councilor

The next one is the Willow Park redevelopment additional request.

Allen. Well, previously you did approve $4 million towards this Willow Park, and at the time I think the total cost of the project was $121 million. were going to demolish 60 units of state-aided public housing and add an additional, I think, 77 units of affordable housing, 80% AMI or 60% AMI, to help fund the whole project. Now we have gotten to the point where unfortunately the state and with the financial picture of the federal and the state government they lost a couple of million dollars. And I have Corey Mayne is here from POA that could probably address the specifics of that loss of $2 million. But that's the crux of the problem there. We lost $2 million in funding from when we originally were going to lock in the project.

and if anybody has any questions about that particular loss or the project in general, again, we have one of the managing partners of POA here, Corrie Myon, and she'd be more than happy to answer your questions.

Okay, first can I get a motion to put this on the table?

And Mr. President, when we appropriated the first $4 million. We conditioned that subject to approval of all the other funding, correct? Yes. So this I will make a motion that we recommend appropriating $2 million consisting of $1 million from the Housing Reserve Fund and $1 million from the budgeted, the unreserved budgeted fund. with stipulation that the disbursement of these funds be subject to remaining the other additional funding before they're released.

Is there a second? Second. Okay, discussion on this. I just want to say I can't wait to see this get going and hopefully this can get going sooner rather than later. This is a much larger project which has a much bigger effect on a lot more people and I think it's really worthy. you know I'm fully supportive of adding additional two million dollars to help move the process along and hopefully our state delegation can help us move that part of the process along as well. Can I get a roll call please? No, it's not a public hearing.

Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris, Watertown, Councilor

Thank you. Next. Next. Commander's Mansion, Envelope Restoration, and Elevator Modernization. I was kind of hoping that Chris Nixon would be on the line.

He's on Zoom if we need him, and Denise is here. I'm covered. I was very impressed with Mr. Nixon at the two presentations he made for the Commander's Mansion and the conclusion of both meetings I said the same thing before we took a vote. This is a jewel of the city of Watertown. and we just can't let it go. How many cities and towns have a building with the history of the Commanders Mansion here in Watertown? So Chris came up and he's one of the better presenters that we've listened to over the years, very knowledgeable. and they're asking for $610,000 and it's sort of a 60-40 split, 60% of the money going directly to repairs including the old elevator and I've been in that building many times, I never knew where the elevator was. but with ADA accessibility issues and so forth, you have to have it. And the other 40% is going towards future architectural and design fees to continue the program. and he made no secret of the fact that this is just phase one.

So we are expecting a second request for money to follow up on this. But again, the commander's mansion, we can't let it go.

Thank you. Can I get a motion to move forward with the commander's mansion envelope restoration and elevator modernization?

Mr. President, I make a motion we appropriate $610,000 from the historic preservation reserve fund for this project.

Is there a second? Second. Discussion? Again, thank you to you and your committee for all of these proposals. Thank you for considering one of the most beautiful buildings, historic buildings in the community. And thank you for working through all the challenges you've had to this point for all of these proposals, and it's good to see that we're actually utilizing CPC money, CPA money, for worthy projects. Can I get a roll call please? Oh, Council Palomba, did you? Okay, roll call please.

Gannon, Gannon, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris, Watertown,

Yes, thank you. Yes, Council Blum.

I apologize, Council President. I wanted to take a quick moment to appreciate POA for reducing the soft costs. I know how difficult that is. I mean, I know how important soft costs are to a project. So dropping it by almost $4 million must have taken a lot of pencils. across a lot of lines. So my appreciation.

They're charging you for the pencils. Thank you. Thank you, Alan, and to the committee and members are here tonight.

Thank you all very much. And on behalf of the CPC and the Housing Authority, we all wish you a very Merry Christmas. Thank you.

Thank you, Alan, you too.

Thank you.

Thank you. 7B is a first reading on a proposed loan order. that the sum of $1,156,000 is appropriated to pay costs of envelope and mechanical energy system upgrades to the Parker Building and including all costs, Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. President. This item is a first reading. It is a request for $1,156,000. If you look at the Capital Improvement Plan, you'll see line 18 and 19 identify items related to what's called retro-commissioning, which we intended for initially study and and work on upgrades to building systems and controls for the purpose of maximizing the value of an efficient electric operated building, which is our goal under the climate plan. In this particular case, this request is a little different than usual because we are going above our fiscal year 26 numbers and asking to look at some money that was originally tended to be fiscal year 27 numbers to do this. but as we're in the midst of a project that is under construction in Parker School we do see an opportunity to do the systems and controls updates as one project combined with the other activity going on.

It is becoming also somewhat imperative to do that because as you know we're installing a fire suppression system there which is I think a very important thing to have in this to have a sprinkler system working in this building. And as our contractors got into the third floor ceilings to put the sprinklers in, they discovered that there's absolutely no building insulation in sections of those those areas and if we charge a fire system with water leave that system up in an uninsulated ceiling you get an 11 degree day like today the pipes freeze in the sprinkler system and the whole system fails and then and then something breaks and you end up with a broken burst pipe and all sorts of problems. So fixing that insulation, particularly that roof deck insulation and getting that space above the third floor working right at that point we're sort of like you know if we just if we switch to the air source heat pumps update the electrical service to make all this work and just get the building systems upgraded and shift this to an all-electric building and do it now while we're doing everything else.

It just seemed to make more sense. So that's why this request is in front of you. It is a first reading and we'll take it up again at the meeting in January. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Next item is a first reading on a proposed loan order that the sum of $95,000 is appropriated to pay costs of security system enhancements, including the installation of a standby generator and associated equipment at the Phillips School. Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. President. Conceptual recommendation number nine of the capital improvement plan based upon item line 238. Every year we do put in a $95,000 request in recent years we have anyway for security system enhancements, which is a very broad title to make sure that our systems in the school buildings are safe and working well. the school department has identified that the most significant security issue is at the Phillips which as our school administration building is the basis of our IT systems and a lot of our communication systems for the school system as a whole is in need of emergency backup generation in order to be able to continue to operate through power outages, et cetera, and any interruption of service. and that this is the highest security need that the school department has right now to keep their systems running. Therefore, this request is for an emergency generator at the Phillips School consistent with line 238 and recommendation number nine.

This is a first reading and we'll have a full hearing on this at our first meeting in January. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. The next item is an authorization to sign a contract exceeding three years pertaining to Blue Bikes. Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. President. Assistant Manager Magoon can answer any details on this particular item. but the city is extending the contract that expires in early 2026 that allows us to have the bike share system we have here in Watertown it's a process that's being done on a regional basis as it typically it's typically done in this case well the council may authorize while I can't enter into a contract beyond three years, this particular contract is a five-year agreement with two optional two-year renewals for a maximum term of nine years. which is designed to enhance service delivery, strengthen the sponsorship system to make the system work better and support continued operations and really stability in the bike share system here in Watertown. Like I said, Mr. McGoon can answer additional questions, but we're seeking the authorization to sign beyond three years. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Can I get a motion to authorize the signing of the extension? So moved. Is there a second? Any discussion or questions? Councilor Palomba.

Just really quick, and I'm not sure Steve, Mr. McGoon can handle this. Do you know why they put this out for bid again? Was there something wrong with what LIFT did that required the MSP?

I would give you two answers to that question. One is just simply that the contract was expiring. so they needed to put it back out to bid. But the second thing that I think is really significant for Watertown is the original contract with Blue Bikes was with the three or four initial communities, Boston, Cambridge, Somerville. and as other communities came and added on, we didn't get as beneficial an arrangement with Blue Bikes. with this opportunity MAPC has put it out to bid on a regional basis so all the communities are going to be treated similarly and it'll be a much better contract arrangement for Watertown with this proposal. Thank you. Any other questions?

Councilor Feltner.

Yes, thank you. So it's great to see the support, continuing support for Blue Bikes. I know before Blue Bikes we had other companies that people really were not happy with those services. I'm just wondering could you give us an example of what expanded opportunities you might be looking for with the longer Contract, and it's been quite a while since we've received a report, but you could tell me if there are things online on the transportation page in terms of ridership that we could look at on our own or...

Yeah, I'd be happy to have Zeke Murmel, the transportation planner, provide some updated data, which we have on a regular basis. One of the things that would be beneficial, the initial arrangement, as we all know, the reason it's called Blue Bikes is because Blue Cross Blue Shield has sponsored it and has advertising on all the bikes and so on and so forth. The benefit of that sponsorship went to those initial communities. they kind of said to communities like Watertown as we added on and expanded the system, well, if you go out and negotiate with somebody, you can get some benefit from their advertising. it's the blue bike system, it's not. Blue bike system with a station named after, that just didn't work. So those communities really got the benefit of that. Again, doing it now on a regional basis, all the communities involved will get the benefit of that.

It will lower the operational costs to communities like Watertown and it'll just be more of a capital cost associated with buying a station and locating it in the community, which will be again much more beneficial to us as a community.

and if I may follow up, do you think there's an advantage to opting for the full nine years versus more of a five year and see how that goes or?

Well, I would say that five years is a long time, so we'll have to see what happens within that time period, but I think it's certainly everyone's intention that it would be a nine year contract. Don't see any reason that it wouldn't be, but again, that can change in five years.

Okay, thank you.

Gannon.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. President. Steve had a question about the financing of the Well, the system in general. So revenues are derived from member fees, sponsorship revenues, and other sources. and hopefully any profits would go back into creating more bike stations and the like. Are we subsidizing? Are we making money that could be used to enhance the system or just breaking even?

We don't get the revenue from riders. That goes to Lyft. and again with this new contract, while it's not been finalized and signed obviously, but it is looking like that operational cost to the communities will go away. that's pretty significant. The way it's structured now, operational costs are paid depending on ridership of the docks and basically how much riders you get. And while some of the stations met that threshold in Watertown, most of them don't. So we would end up paying to lift an operational cost each year. again with this new contract proposal that would go away. And again, I think that's very significant for our perspective from a budgeting perspective of what we're trying to set aside to operate what is become a pretty important service, I think, to the community. So that would be in terms of operational costs.

The capital costs, most of those, what we've done is had developers contribute as they've seen an impact to their projects. Board and the capital cost to install a station. And again, now if the operational costs go away, basically it won't cost us anything to bring those stations to the community. We have also gotten grants to bring stations to the community. There have been some that we've paid for, but very few. Most of them have either been developer contributions or grants.

And just a follow up question. So the services that Lyft Urban System Solutions is providing, they're basically moving the bikes from one docking station to another. They're dealing with the membership issues and we're benefiting from having these resources available for cutting a commute short.

Yep, exactly.

Thank you.

Any other comments? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you. Next is a first reading on a proposed ordinance adjusting the city manager's salary. As we're aware, and for the people at home may not be, the way that we adjust salaries of the city council employees is by ordinance. and this is a first reading on that ordinance. We've had a couple of meetings talking about the manager's evaluations and how he's been scored. So this is a first reading on a proposed ordinance that adjusts the city manager's salary to $244,658 and this will be on the next agenda for a public hearing. Committee Reports, Committee on Economic Development and Planning Report regarding its meeting on November 20th, Councilor Feltner.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Economic Development and Planning convened on Thursday, November 20th, 2025 at 5 o'clock p.m. in the City Council Office. Present were myself, Lisa Feltner as Chair, John Gannon, Vice Chair, and Vincent Piccirilli serving as Secretary. The purpose of our meeting was to conduct historic district commission and public arts and culture committee interviews. Lei Ma is seeking appointment to the Public Arts and Culture Committee. She is a biologist and educator working at Harvard. Last year, she was a Dragon Boat co-captain for the Chinese American Association of Watertown and attended the Civics Academy. and she is eager to do more to give back to the community. Lay feels her skills in building relationships will be a good fit in helping to make Watertown an arts destination. Brendan Shanahan is seeking appointment to the Historic Commission as a Historical Society of Watertown representative to fill the unexpired term of Robert Bloomberg.

he joined the Historical Society of Watertown in 2022 and was able to transcribe their past minutes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Brendan studied at the North Bennett Street School and works as a carpenter specializing in historic woodworking and construction, which he feels will be very helpful to evaluate projects in the historic district. He also volunteers at the Royal House and Slave Quarters in Medford. Don Scoltrato is seeking reappointment to the Public Arts and Culture Committee at the encouragement of committee members. She's an artist, musician, illustrator, and art teacher, and she was one of the original members of the Public Art and Culture Committee in 2021. Don currently serves as secretary and she loves coordinating efforts with other arts groups, the schools, and our library. With our full-time public arts and culture planner and funding from several sources,

the committee has been able to offer diverse cultural events that generated excitement and they were well attended and she looks forward to doing many more events. Harvey Steiner and Linda Sternberg are seeking reappointment to the Historic District Commission and they were interviewed together. They live in the district and were both originally appointed in 2003 at its inception and they currently serve as chair and vice chair. There has been a lot of change in Watertown, but they both feel it's important to balance that change with preserving Watertown's historic characteristics. They discussed how the new wayfinding signs are practically unreadable and don't offer a visual representation for the historic district. They are eager to have the commission work with staff to develop better signage and the public amenities that enhance the area's character, especially with the Mount Auburn Street corridor improvements underway and interest by residents to see period appropriate materials.

They have previously shared some ideas with DPW and the Department of Community Development and Planning, but there has been a lot of staff changeover. They also expressed a desire to return to in-person committee meetings. Matt Hanna is seeking reappointment to the Public Arts and Culture Committee, which he has served on since 2023. He is a musician, a music teacher, and a podcast host. He has also been attending some Live Well Walks and Watertown Business Coalition events to generate new ideas for community engagement. One of the initiatives he worked on was the inaugural Porch Fest in 2024, which was a big success. and the Porch Fest has now transitioned from the Public Arts and Culture Committee to the Cultural District Partnership to manage. Matt is now working on getting more live music in restaurants as part of our creative economy which proved to be an economic success for participants in the first Porch Fest after hours this past May.

And opportunities for live music helped make Watertown a more vibrant place. and then we have the action items for all of the confirmation interviews and our meeting adjourned at 7 o'clock p.m. with a report prepared by Councilor Piccirilli.

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 confirm Lee Ma for appointment to the Public Arts and Culture Committee for a term to expire November 15, 2027?

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 Brendan Shanahan to the Historic District Commission for a term to expire November 15, 2026?

So moved.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? You guys have it. can I get a motion to confirm Don Scaltretto and Matt Hanna to the Public Arts and Culture Committee for terms to expire November 15, 2028?

So moved.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Opposed? The ayes have it. Can I get a motion to confirm Harvey Steiner and Linda Sternberg for reappointment to the Historic District Commission for terms to expire on November 15, 2028? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Next is a Committee on Economic Development and Planning report regarding its meeting on October 21st. Councilor Feltner.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Economic Development and Planning convened on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 at 6 o'clock p.m. in the Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber as a hybrid meeting with a remote participation by Zoom. present were myself, Lisa Feltner's chair, John Gannon, vice chair, and Vincent Piccirilli, serving as secretary. Staff present included assistant city manager for community development and planning, Steven Magoon, director of planning and zoning, Gideon Schreiber, Transportation Planner Zeke Mermel, Director of Senior Services Lydia McCoy, and by Zoom Sustainability Program Manager Laurel Schwab, and Watertown TMA Director Sophia Gallimore. Also present were consultants Liza Cohen from Stantec and Dan Beres from Journey, and counselors Anthony Palomba and Nicole Gardner, and by Zoom, President Mark Sideris.

Residents present included Jean Trubeck, Lise Paul, Paul Shea, Ernesta Kreskiewicz, Deborah Peterson, Mark Peterson, and by Zoom, Angie Kanellis. The purpose of the committee meeting was, first, number one, presentation and discussion of the ARPA-funded study for improving city-supported mobility and to make recommendation on preferred options as time allows. Number two, update on consideration and recommendation of the transportation network company or TNC funds. First, we addressed the mobility study with Mr. Magoon, who began by explaining the dual goals of the study, how to efficiently serve the most people for transit options and getting around Watertown, and how to best reduce vehicle emissions. This robust study provides a framework in guiding our policy and mitigation based on best practices and cost-effective, results-oriented approaches to reducing single occupancy vehicle trips. which is consistent with both our climate action and comprehensive plans goals.

Both consultants, Ms. Cohen, a principal for Santex Urban Mobility Group, and Mr. Beres, Journey's Transit Practice Lead for Transportation Management, acknowledged a positive collaboration with stakeholders and they presented a summary of the study which is attached. They described the two metrics for success for the study. One was expand access for underserved neighborhoods, and two, reduce travel by single occupancy vehicle, including those who cannot walk or bike. They listed seven key issues from the data and community driven needs assessment. They are, one, Watertown has limited options for traveling north-south by transit or bicycle. Two, more people are traveling from Watertown neighborhoods to Arsenal Yards and Boston Landing. Three, nearly two-thirds of the trips that start in Watertown are local. Four, many trips occurring in Watertown, however, are just passing through. Five, most trips within Watertown require crossing a major street, some of which lack signalized crossings.

Six, all of Watertown has a density of people and jobs needed to support fixed route transit service. And seven, neighborhoods further from Watertown Square have transit access to fewer destinations. They also described five key strategies that were developed. One, expand a local transit approach. Two, become a leader in universal access design. Three, invest in top corridors by use. Four, develop a comprehensive safety approach. And five, pursue local and regional priorities. Regarding the local transit approach, they expanded on exploring ways to fill transit gaps and unmet needs, including create a unified Watertown connector route to create a micro transit service for seniors and people with disabilities, Three, create a microtransit service for the general public. In particular, they presented a hypothetical scenario where these three objectives could be met with a fleet of six vans, which would have an estimated annual operating cost of $3 million.

finally they presented a universe of projects for consideration and classified them as follows high feasibility, high impact, low feasibility, high impact or high feasibility low impact and lastly low feasibility low impact projects. Next, the committee took public comments. They included Jean Trebek from Watertown Faces Climate Change. She asked about reducing the city speed limit to 25 miles per hour. and Ways to Improve Safety by Reducing Cut-through Traffic. Deborah Peterson, Ernesta Kreskiewicz, and Lise Paul presented a letter from Watertown Faces Climate Change, which is attached to the report. and they offered to assist the committee emphasizing both a local transit and Vision Zero approach. The highlights of their speaking points included learning about sources of funding, how to strengthen engagement with the business community, the importance of a north-south route, connections with Newton, and ongoing advocacy with MBTA, such as for bus number 65, and more.

Bob Shea spoke about micro transit benefits for the environment and for people with disabilities and an ideal alignment with what is being done in neighboring communities. Mark Peterson put in a plug for unified connectors. He referred to the 70 bus which serves about 800 riders a day despite its inconsistencies and lack of shelters. He said the TMA includes 20 to 30 businesses along Pleasant and Arsenal streets, but more effort is needed to expand its operations. The large GMA board just meets quarterly for about an hour and he suggested a subcommittee would be beneficial to plan for future mobility recommendations per this recent study. Lydia McCoy related what she hears from seniors about what they need and the senior center is currently using GoGo Grandparent after a pilot which costs about $2,000 a month and serves about 90 low income seniors and it is means tested and has provided over 1200 free door to door transit so far.

GoGo Grandparent also provides delivery services. An increase in funding, say from 11,000 to 30,000, would go a long way and would also benefit mid-income seniors. She and Zeke Murmel are exploring different models that are being offered including how the City of Newton is using this service. Our committee discussed the recommendations presented, how to determine what costs will be and where the funding will come from and how to prioritize them. And it was agreed that more discussion is needed with staff before any recommendations could be made to city council this time. Many approaches and implementation details will depend on funding. Councilor Piccirilli made the motion, seconded by Councilor Gannon, to continue our discussion to a future meeting. Next we covered the TNC funds for 2024. Mr. Magoon presented a memo which is also attached describing the $59,525.50

TNC fund fiscal year 2024 disbursement, which is the amount based on a per-ride assessment for rides originating in Watertown per the state this summer. and the recommendation to apply it towards support and operating the Pleasant Street Shuttle Branch of the Watertown Connector. This is consistent with what we have done in prior years in line with our vision for transportation and sustainability. and more detail is available online through the state TNC dashboard with an action item by Councilor Piccirilli making a motion, seconded by Councilor Gannon to recommend the City Council appropriate the 2024 TNC funds of $59,525.50 to the operation of Pleasant Street Watertown Connector Shuttle and their meeting adjourned at 8 o'clock p.m. And I thank Councilor Piccirilli for preparing both these reports in very busy time and election season. Thank you.

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 appropriate the 2024 TNC funds of 59, 525, 50 to the operation of the Pleasant Street Watertown Connector Shuttle?

So moved.

Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. HC is a Committee on Public Works report regarding its meeting on October 22nd. Councilor Piccirilli.

Thank you, Mr. President. The report is seven pages long because it was a very long meeting which covered a lot of territory. Summarize the high points. It's a great report with a lot of information and it's 92 pages with the attachments. So the Committee on Public Works met October 22nd. Myself, the Chair, Councilor Feltner, the Vice Chair, and Councilor Palomba, the Secretary. The purpose of the meeting was to review and make recommendations on the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program, item number 42, which consists of A, the Fiscal Year 2026 $2,875,000 proposed loan order for local road construction projects in the summer of 2026, and B, the fiscal year of 26 2.3 million dollar proposed loan order for Connector Road slash Longest Street projects for the summer of 2026.

Also, we were going to review and make recommendations on the fiscal year 2026 capital improvement program number 44. Policy Guidance and Plans for the Fiscal Year 26, Chapter 90, Fair Share Amendment Appropriation. The Department of Public Works gave a presentation. A lot of it was background material on how our road programs work. The presentation included information about anticipated replacement, rehabilitation, or repair of gas mains by National Grid, water mains, sewer mains, and sewers and drains. the presentation noted that the overall citywide pavement condition index is 66 which is an increase from the index of 60 last year and there's a map with color coding showing all the streets in Watertown The presentation provided a recap of the 2025 completed streets and the streets that are still working on completion. Moore Street and Russell Avenue are completed and the punch list for each is under review.

The North Beacon Street Bottleneck Program is under construction and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026. For the local road construction projects, the presentation include the recommendations that the following streets be selected for full depth Reconstruction in 2026 in the Cottage Street neighborhood. Cottage Street, Sawins Court, Rifle Court, Lyons Street, Sexton Street, Cottage Lane, Molloy Street, and Hearn Street. as well as Winter Street and potentially Brigham Street and Appleton Terrace if there's money left over as bid alternate. Let's see. The bids for this construction will be put out between November of 2025 and January 2026, which is the most competitive bidding period and can result in the lowest bids.

It was noted that the streets in the Cottage Street neighborhood are relatively short and narrow streets and will pose challenges to implementing the typical elements of full-depth reconstruction such as concrete sidewalks, ADA accessibility requirements, grass, Strips, and Street Trees. There was concern about driveway curb cuts and related safety issues. How to proceed and address these constraints will be determined during the engineering phase of the project. Next we talked about the Longer Roads slash Longer Streets projects. Let's see. There's already a lot of streets currently under construction in process, more streets in the punch stage list. The borrowing for Fifth Avenue was a fiscal year 23 loan order. Bids are planned for November 2025 with construction to follow in the spring of 2026. The borrowing for Spring Street and

Springfield Street and Forest Street was done it was a fiscal year 24 loan order while construction was to begin this with construction to begin in the spring of 25 however at this time the design Fays is 50% complete with hope that 75% will be completed by Halloween. The borrowing for Riverside Street was based on a fiscal year 25 loan order and construction was to begin in the spring of 2026. While this still may be possible, at the present time the design phase is only 25% complete. For public comment, there was There was a lot of public comments. There was Representative Patrice Wartown asking for the process of trees during road construction. For Hurston Street, a resident explained that the disrepair of the street after and they've been advocating for reconstruction of the street for over three and a half years.

Street repairs have never occurred during the time they've lived there for 25 to 30 years. They've raised a lot of safety concerns. about the sidewalks, concerns about gas leaks, and they were disappointed that mature trees were removed without residents' notice. The DPW responded that Hurstham Street is scheduled for a mill and overlay in the spring of 2026 and Chapter 90 funds will be used to fund this project. For Summer Street, Fayette Street, and Forest Street, there was extensive discussion about the situation in these streets. Residents at the meeting and online expressed a litinary of concern considerations including the need to redesign and construct the streets and the installation of traffic safety measures. They wish this to be a priority for both the DPW and the Traffic Commission. It was noted that Summer Street's a major thoroughfare leading to downtown Watertown with an estimated 20,000 vehicles traveling on Summer Street per week.

Fayette Street also experienced high volume particularly during peak hours, shows that speeding is a major concern on both streets. During peak hours, vehicles can travel between 40 and 60 miles an hour. and during off-peak hours, speeds range from 60 to 90 miles an hour. Parking on both sides of the street and sometimes on the sidewalk significantly narrows these streets. There are few stop signs and no speed bumps. the predominant concern raised by these and other issues such as drag racing and safety, the safety of pedestrians, particularly children and seniors, which were mentioned by all residents who spoke about the streets during the public comment. So we noted that the committee received many emails from the residents of Summer, Fayette, Forest Street, Hurston Street, as well as a slideshow presentation analyzing traffic data on Summer Street. These are attached to the minutes.

The DPW responded that while not in the present list of Connector Roads and Loring Street projects, it is the intention of the DPW to recommend that Summer Street and Fayette Street for the next major design effort. The DPW would come forward with a recommendation at a committee meeting tentatively scheduled for October of 2026 to use fiscal year 27 funds for the construction of Summer Street. and potentially Fayette Street and this work would take place in 2028. Design work for these two streets will occur in 2026 and be paid for with Chapter 90 money. Following this, the committee reviewed the various loan orders for connector roads and longer streets. the Fiskier 26 money for connected roads and longer streets. The agenda item for this meeting will be used for the completion of the construction of Forest Street and Springfield Street. The Fiskier

The fiscal year 27 money for connect roads and longer streets will be earmarked for construction of summer streets and possibly Fayette Street as noted. If there's no money available for that borrowing, it would be pushed to a fiscal year 29 for consideration for funding. So there are two motions to recommend that the council approves the $2.875 million loan order for Cottage Street, Salwin Court, Ruffley Court, Rifle Court, Lyon Street, Sexton Street, Cottage Lane, Molloy Street, Hearn Street, and Winter Street, and potentially Brigham Street and Appleton Terrace as bid alternates. and the committee recommends that they approve a loan order for $2.3 million for connector roads, Longest Street projects for the second half of funding for Springfield Street and Forest Street. Both of those motions were unanimously approved. There were some other requests from the committee. A request to the DPW for a list of streets that are scheduled to be repaired by mill and overlay.

A request to the DPW that design work for Summer Fayette and Forest Street be coordinated and the recommendations for the traffic commission for traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety be included in the design. Concern about the need for more sidewalk and curbing in the streets to address safety issues, environmental priorities, green space, tree planting and related issues. and a decision to make a referral to another committee, another meeting of the Committee of Public Works to discuss the resolution in the latest CIP to update the standing recommendations for capital projects. The second agenda item was to make recommendations on the chapter 90 fair share money. It was noted there was a typo in the CIP and the agenda item regarding that money was available in 2024. was published as $390,000 where it was actually $309,000. Watertown received that $309,000 for fair share funds in fiscal year 24 and $167,000 in fiscal year 25.

these funds were allocated for the Main Street bus stop and crosswalk described the MBTA memorandum of understanding. At this time, the Department of Transportation has not calculated how much fair share money will be allocated to cities and towns for fiscal year 26. It was agreed that the DPW should move forward with understanding that Watertown will get some money. There was discussion about two possible projects for how the funds might be used, including installing rapid flashing beacons with a cost of $100,000 per beacon at the police station and at the intersection of School Street and Belmont Street and installing ADA transition ramps as well as repairing ramps that are in disrepair. The rough estimate for the installation of an ADA compliant ramp was

The discussion concluded with the committee asking the DPW to create a list of possible projects and the cost of those projects so when the fair share money is allocated the committee would be prepared to hold a meeting to evaluate those projects. The meeting adjourned at 847. And I want to thank Councilor Palomba for preparing these very complicated meetings.

Thank you. Can I get a motion to accept the report? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion?

Thank you, Mr. President. Just for the public's edification, just to confirm that Riverside is still on the list for next up for the long connector roads. Rizzo, DPW is working to push that design further along percentage wise and where we are on that. Thank you.

Councilor Rizzo.

Thanks, Mr. President. I just have a small amendment I'd like to make.

This is only on the report.

Yeah, so it's hers. Okay, sure. It's spelled with an N in the report. It's spelled, it's H-E-R-S-O-M, just to be clear in case someone wants to look that up ever in the future.

Okay, that's fine. Thank you. Councilor Gannon.

Yes, thank you, Mr. President. So first of all, it was a Herculean task, apparently, of the three-hour meeting. I commend my colleagues on the Committee on Public Works for a robust meeting and many recommendations. I, too, have been working with the neighbors on Summer and Fayette Street about requesting design. Thankfully, the committee recommended design work for making both streets safer. So the design, just a question.

Councilor, we're not asking questions. It's about the report.

It's related to the report.

If you accept the report or you don't.

Just a question. Does the design work? Is that a public process? Maybe folks were there.

Yes.

Thank you. Okay. We need to, anyway, is there any other comments? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? you guys have it. This is considered a first reading on the loan order for $2.875 million for constructing the list of streets that were presented and also a first reading on a loan order for $2.3 million for the Connect the Road Longer Streets project as listed. These will be placed on the next agenda for a public hearing and action. Communications from the city manager.

Thank you, Mr. President. A few items this evening. First of all, there is a response coming to the request for information, but I just wanted to note that the tree canopy study that was discussed at the last meeting is underway with a latest completion date of June 30th of 2026. So it should be in honor before that date. will provide an official response to the last RFI on that, but I just wanted to share with the council that it is underway. Second of all, the Hooli Toy Drive is underway. A toy collection box has been placed in the City Hall Annex for this year's Leigh Toy Drive. The foundation is collecting donations of new unwrapped gifted toys to help brighten the holidays for families in our community. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference. Please consider contributing and spreading the word so we can reach as many families as possible. And thank you for your support for this community effort.

I also wanted to note that for 2025 the city has again pledged under what's called the mayor's monarch pledge despite being a city manager I have been the one signing on to the Mayor's Monarch Pledge every year as city managers and mayors do. When you submitted yesterday, we received a leadership circle achievement for the second year in a row. This helps us with pollinator gardens, butterflies, et cetera. It's an important program to help the city meet climate and energy goals and keep working towards making our community benefit both people and pollinators. I wanted to briefly address an item that I spoke a bit about last meeting, the flock safety cameras. and I want to provide a little more feedback in response to some of the feedback we've received. We've tried to be as open as possible about what is going on with this situation, putting together the frequently asked questions. publishing the contract on the city website.

And I just want to share three things that have happened since that time. The first is that I've opened up a conversation with the attorney at ACLU of Massachusetts who had first reached out to us with some thoughts on best practices for these sort of circumstances. This is an ongoing email conversation. They've responded to giving me some advice both upon how our internal policy should work as well as a particular concern related to the contract itself and we're moving forward on positive steps to try to do something that that works within those recommendations. Ultimately, I see these discussions as being very beneficial and helping our team accurately share information about the program and protect privacy as well. And as they progress, I can share more information about that. Second of all, the police department has communicated to flock safety, and I got a chance to as well today, concerns about one section in the contract that I signed in September that had been raised by a few members of the community since we published it.

that being Section 5.3, which says, in part, FLOC could disclose data with law enforcement or government agencies if they have, quote, a good faith belief it will aid in addressing security, privacy fraud, or other things. you know they provide an explanation to me for why they put that particular language in the contract that way with regards essentially sort of immediate emergency events but realistically I think that both sides realize that as worded that contract language is complicated and far from ideal. So we've requested language essentially limiting and tightening the circumstances to essentially the types of judicial warrants that would necessitate release of data from a court rather than circumstances that are as open as a language in 5.3. That conversation is ongoing.

I will note that the cameras have not been installed yet, and so we have an opportunity at this moment to be able to do that. We are, with the information from ACLU, some feedback we received from community comments, were working to complete the police department policy document on this and should have something complete in the coming weeks before the system goes up. and lastly our team continues to share information to the community regarding this program and all our programs using technology and policing. So I'm happy to share that one of the Tuesday night talks regarding technology and policing will be taking place in January. The Hosmer Elementary School community is welcome to join and learn about the technologies that are aiding the police department in their investigations. Police Department will have more information on their website in the coming days and like I said I'll share information on this particular circumstance as as I can as soon as I

I get it and get documents together, but we're working on that at the same time as we're trying to update the FAQ and get information out to the community as best we can. Finally, wishing everyone a safe and joyful holiday season. I just want to take a moment to go over holiday hours. It is a little awkward this year. Holiday hours are a bit different when Christmas and New Year's Day fall on Thursdays. So on Wednesday, December 24th, Christmas Eve, City Hall, Parker Building and Senior Center will close at 1230, DPW at 11 o'clock. Library at 12 o'clock on Christmas Day. City Hall, Parker Annex, Senior Center, Library, and DPW are all closed. On Friday the 26th, City Hall, Parker Annex, Senior Center, and DPW are closed and the library is open only from 1 to 5.

on Wednesday, December 31st, New Year's Eve, City Hall, Parker Building and Senior Center close at 1230, DPW at 11, Library at 5 p.m. and on Friday, January 2nd, City Hall Parker Senior Center and DPW are closed and the library is open regular hours. So with all of that again, thank you Mr. President, members of the council, wishing you well for the holiday season. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you back here in January. I should really say almost all of you back here in January because I also want to pass along a thank you to Councilor Erasian for being one of all of you who voted to choose me as city manager, sticking with me and being supportive through all these years on the council and we'll miss you and I will miss you and I just want to pass along a thanks at this particular council meeting. That is all I have today, Mr. President. Thank you.

Thank you. Requests for information? Any requests for information? I'm going to, I'll write this out for the manager. My request following up on your discussion about the cameras, my request is that you provide the city council the written policy that you're planning on bringing forward so that it may be referred to a subcommittee for a very public discussion. And I would appreciate that. would be done as soon as possible. Thank you. Any announcements? Announcements? Councilor Feltner.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Charles River Watershed Association is screening a premiere at the Watertown Library on January 8th. It's called Reconnecting Rivers. It's a short documentary that they produced with Turnaround Films and centers on the importance of dam removal, specifically highlighting Watertown Dam and the South Natick Dam, and the public is invited to that January 8th at 6.30 at the library.

Any other announcements? I want to take this opportunity to first wish everyone in the community from the City Council a very healthy and healthy holiday season. I want to take this opportunity to thank Councilor Arajan for his multiple years of service to this community. And then we do have a proclamation that I would like to read at this time. whereas John Emerasion has served as a city councilor with distinction and pride, demonstrating his commitment and dedication to the citizenry of the city of Watertown and whereas John M. Erasian was elected by the people of the city of Watertown to serve as one of four at-large councilors serving multiple terms for which he has discharged his duty faithfully, fairly, and honorably. and whereas, Councilor Oration has served as a vital link between local government and the community it seeks to serve.

and whereas, Councilor Erasian served on various subcommittees, including the Committee on Climate and Energy, Committee on Rules and Ordinances, Committee on Education and School System Matters, and the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety. and whereas Councilor Asian has served in many other leadership roles throughout the community, including president of the Watertown Rotary Club, where he was a recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award for Humanitarian and Outstanding Community Service. Also chair of the Watertown Cable Access Board of Directors, and an athletic volunteer for youth sports. and whereas Councilor Eurasian has carried the torch lit by his late father John S. Eurasian in fields of community enrichment, ensuring that the name Eurasian remains synonymous with the standard of Watertown integrity.

Now therefore be it proclaimed that the City Council, acting on behalf of the people of Watertown, does hereby extend its deepest appreciation to John, it takes great pride in honoring him, We thank him for his years of service and look forward to his continued interest and commitment in community affairs and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set our hand and cause the great seal of the city of Watertown to be affixed on this ninth day of December, 2025. John, thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President. Do I have council rules here? Two minutes? I really appreciate that. There's a lot of people to thank, city staff, city manager, assistant city manager. you know these people work really hard and you know whenever one of the councilors I don't want to speak for everyone but you know if I had a question there they're always quick to get back and you know I know us as Councilors really appreciate that. Doug and Brandon, I'm going to miss seeing you guys on a regular basis. You're doing a great job and really growing into the role, so keep up the good work. Thank my wife. My gosh, she sacrificed a lot over the years and burned the tires to threadbare, driving the kids around while I was at meetings and whatnot. But I really want to thank the counselors.

I learned something from each and every one of you. and I just like, Councilor Piccirilli says it on a regular basis, like this is the way government should work. You know, we work together, we don't always agree on things, but you know, we don't kick and scream, we keep moving forward for the betterment of Watertown and the residents of Watertown to have great leadership. And I'm just so proud to have been a part of that the last four years. So I just, I want to encourage you to keep doing what you're doing. It's been an absolute honor for me and probably looking back would be one of the proudest achievements of my life is being elected.

so I really appreciate working with each and every one of you and obviously to the citizens of Watertown, you're in good hands and keep showing up to the meetings, keep emailing, keep calling because we listen and I just really appreciate all of you. Thank you.

Thank you. and a couple more items here. Public forum, any member of the public either here or at home wish to speak? Yes.

Thank you. Dennis J. Duff, 33 Spruce Street, Watertown CPC member, you brought up questions about why 104 nickels took so long. So I'll take a minute and a half to tell you. There was a big issue with cleanup. Our committee is not there to rubber stamp projects because they're popular. We have a grave responsibility to make sure that what we pass is very appropriate. I don't want to put anyone in any kind of housing that could be dangerous. That was one issue. Another issue was obviously cost. two family house basically, two and a half million dollars. Didn't own the property, no basement. In this community, one of the greatest houses that I've ever seen in this town just recently sold.

for $2 million. Yes, there are other expenses, but there's not almost $2 million in sprinklers in our known basements. And more importantly, Willow Park. Willow Park is a serious project that's going to be very, very hard to complete, moving 60 families, including children. It'll be tough. That's why we voted an extra 2 million. so that project can go forward. It was started in 1950. It was the first project that was built in the East End. Subsequently, as a member of the Redevelopment Authority, the Redevelopment Authority built 465 Arsenal Street. East End.

All the other projects are in the West End, denying a lot of the ethnic groups, Armenians, Italians, Greeks, to leave their neighborhood if they wanted housing. Not a good policy. So I thank you and remember we work hard and we appreciate your votes and support. but we are not a rubber stamp agency. Thank you. Thank you.

Is there anyone else in the general public here or home that 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.