Watertown City Council (Tuesday November 25, 2025)

November 25, 2025
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Watertown City Council Meeting Minutes - November 25, 2025

Governing Body: Watertown City Council Meeting Type: City Council Meeting (Hybrid) Meeting Date: November 25, 2025, at 12:00 AM Attendees: Councilor Anthony Palomba, Councilor Nicole Gardner, Councilor Lisa J. Feltner, Councilor Vincent J. Piccirilli, Councilor John G. Gannon, Councilor John Airasian, Council President Mark S. Sideris, Councilor Emily Izzo, Councilor Caroline Bays.

Executive Summary: The Watertown City Council convened on November 25, 2025, addressing several critical municipal matters. Key discussions included a proposed private property tree protection ordinance, the future of the middle school project, and the adoption of fiscal year 2027 budget policy guidelines. A significant decision was made to authorize the purchase of modular classrooms currently used by the high school, aiming to provide flexibility and cost savings for future middle school renovations. The Council also conducted first readings for two loan orders related to Department of Public Works equipment and Howe Park Phase 1, and approved a resolution for transferring funds to cover personnel accounts.

I. Call to Order & Roll Call

  • The meeting was called to order.
  • Roll Call:
    • Bays: Present
    • Feltner: Present
    • Gannon: Present
    • Gardner: Present
    • Izzo: Present
    • Palomba: Present
    • Piccirilli: Present
    • Sideris: Present

II. Executive Session

  • Motion: To enter executive session for two items:
    1. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation, specifically concerning the Department of Public Works Union, Watertown Municipal Employee Group Union, Library Union, Fire Union, Police Patrol Union, and Police Supervisors Union. The Chair declared that an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body.
    2. To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel (City Manager) or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel.
  • Moved: By Councilor Piccirilli.
  • Seconded: By Councilor Feltner.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Gardner: Yes
    • Izzo: Yes
    • Palomba: Yes
    • Piccirilli: Yes
    • Bays: Yes
    • Feltner: Yes
    • Gannon: Yes
    • Sideris: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
  • Return to Open Session: Approximately 7:00 p.m.

III. Pledge of Allegiance

  • The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

IV. Public Forum

  • Jean Denoyer (17 Adams Avenue): Urged the Council to consider developing a private property tree protection ordinance. Highlighted the potential removal of a mature, healthy tree at her address and the gap between the city's climate investments and the vulnerability of private land canopies. Noted Watertown's significant investments in climate resilience and urban canopies, arguing that allowing removal of healthy century-scale trees without review undermines these goals. Suggested minimum mitigation standards, a permit/review pathway for significant canopy trees, and mediation options for neighbor disputes.
  • Jocelyn Tinker (Watertown Resident): Supported the tree ordinance proposed by WE3C (Watertown Environmental & Energy Efficiency Committee). Stated that while Watertown's zoning for housing has changed, green space on private property is not protected and is being destroyed. Argued that "private property rights" are not absolute, citing existing zoning and regulations. Emphasized the importance of protecting green infrastructure for climate goals.
  • Libby Shaw (East Watertown Resident, President of Trees for Watertown): Anticipated that the DPW's canopy study would show a steady loss of green space and trees, which will accelerate without "guardrails." Stressed the importance of trees in urban environments for mitigating heat, storms, and flooding, and for ecological and psychological well-being. Advocated for better protection of trees on private property.
  • Gretchen Dunway-Yeh (Watertown Resident): Spoke about a construction project at 29 Adams Avenue imperiling a 100-year-old black cherry tree on her property line. Described the tree's personal value, its role in supporting wildlife, providing shade, and preventing basement flooding. Urged the Council to implement a tree protection ordinance to prevent similar losses and support Watertown's climate-conscious goals.
  • Unnamed Speaker: Expressed concerns about trees growing in inappropriate places, causing issues for homes (e.g., animal access, root damage). Argued against impeding property owners' rights regarding trees, especially given small lot sizes in Watertown. Stressed the need for balance and more public input before implementing a tree ordinance.
  • Zachary Darbaloff (Westminster Avenue) - Email Read by Clerk: Expressed betrayal as a homeowner regarding the middle school renovations and the unfulfilled promise of restoring the community park after the high school project. Highlighted the burden on the neighborhood, including loss of green space, increased traffic, and impact on elderly residents. Criticized the lack of outreach regarding the potential non-removal of modular buildings and accused the City Council of prioritizing "idealized future residents" and "disgusting luxury condo construction" over current residents.

V. President's Report

  • Council President Sideris stated he would speak further on the middle school at a later point.

VI. Petitions, Proclamations, and Similar Matters

  • Arbor Day Proclamation:
    • Council President Sideris read the proclamation, declaring December 6, 2025, as Arbor Day in Watertown.
    • WHEREAS in 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and
    • WHEREAS this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the plantings of more than one million trees in Nebraska; and
    • WHEREAS trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide a habitat for wildlife; and
    • WHEREAS trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products; and
    • WHEREAS trees in our cities increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of our business area, and beautify our community; and
    • WHEREAS trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal;
    • NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Watertown is proud to proclaim December 6th, 2025 as Arbor Day and urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the hearts and promote the well-being of present and future generations.
    • Tree Warden Mike Maselli: Announced that a permanent holiday seasonal celebration tree was planted at the Commander's Mansion with assistance from the Watertown DPW, to be a source of inspiration and community gathering.
    • Motion: To approve the proclamation.
    • Moved: By Councilor Piccirilli.
    • Seconded: By Councilor Feltner.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

VII. Motions, Orders, and Resolutions

A. Consideration and Possible Action on the Construction, Reconstruction, Renovation, and/or Reuse of the Middle School and/or Consideration and Possible Action on Continued Leasing and/or Purchasing of Modular Classrooms as are Currently in Use for the High School Construction Project.

  • City Manager George Prokas:
    • Recalled previous discussions on middle school options: new project, improvements to existing school, one-year project using modulars, or new site.
    • Noted the "do nothing" option was unappealing.
    • Highlighted the substantial time pressure due to modular building leases and limited swing space.
    • Introduced a new idea: purchasing the modulars. Stressed this does not mean leaving them on Moxley Field permanently but provides flexibility and time for decision-making.
    • Believes purchasing the modulars using high school project funds would remove monthly rent payments, reduce stress on both high school and middle school projects, and allow for better-positioned short-term or major middle school projects.
    • Acknowledged potential costs for managing the building longer and removal, but also the benefit of owning a reusable asset.
  • Christy (Project Manager, Vertex):
    • High School Modulars History: Construction completed Summer 2023. Lease term: 32 months, from September 1, 2023, to April 30, 2026.
    • Current Challenge: Delamination issue with concrete slabs in the high school, presenting a schedule risk. Potential need to extend the modular lease for 2-4 months.
    • Potential Lease Extension Cost: $800,000 to $1.6 million.
    • Remaining Contract with Contractor (J&J): $2.2 million for removal and site restoration.
    • Middle School Modular Lease Costs (if leased): Ranged from $1.8 million (capital improvements) to almost $4 million (new building).
    • Proposal: Purchase the modulars for $2.2 million by the end of 2025.
    • Benefits of Purchase: Negates potential lease extension costs ($2.2 million to $3.8 million saved) and avoids future middle school modular lease costs ($1.8 million to $4 million saved).
  • City Manager George Prokas (continued):
    • Reiterated that purchasing modulars makes the most sense, providing flexibility, time, and potential financial benefit.
    • Acknowledged that owning the modulars means managing operational and removal costs, but also owning a reusable asset.
    • The purchase would allow for continued exploration of middle school options, including moving away from Construction Manager at Risk (CM at Risk) to Design-Bid-Build, which could offer significant savings (5-8%).
    • The purchase also allows time to pursue MSBA funding, which could cover 20-40% of the project cost.
    • Expressed concern that the 112 million dollar project cost for a new middle school was still too high and that the tax split petition's outcome is crucial for financial planning.
    • Stated that the capital improvement plan option remains a fallback if other options fail.
    • The purchase must be completed by December 31, 2025, or the price will change.
  • Council President Mark S. Sideris:
    • Expressed concern about the concrete issue at the high school and the potential need for lease extension, stating it's not feasible to occupy the high school with ongoing construction.
    • Stated he would not support the capital improvement plan upgrades for the middle school, calling it a "waste of money" as it does not address educational needs or code compliance.
    • Highlighted that purchasing the modulars allows for a Design-Bid-Build approach, potentially saving 5-8% compared to CM at Risk.
    • Suggested using the Middle School Stabilization Fund to contract AI3 and Vertex for design, then bid the project.
    • Credited Christy for negotiating the purchase, noting a market for reselling parts of the modulars.
    • Acknowledged the burden on neighbors of keeping modulars longer but noted the absence of high school students would be a benefit.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Piccirilli:
      • Asked about the source of funds for a potential $1.6 million lease extension; Christy stated it would come from projected IRA funding.
      • Clarified that the $2.2 million purchase price is the remaining contract value for removal, which would be reallocated to purchase the modulars.
      • Asked about resale value of modulars; Christy stated it's timing-dependent, but demolition could be an option, estimated at around $3 million.
    • Councilor Palomba:
      • Clarified previous modular lease cost figures, confirming $136,500/month for middle school use, but the high school lease was $400,000/month.
      • Asked about operational and maintenance costs if modulars are empty; Council President Sideris and City Manager Prokas stated minimal costs, similar to a vacant building.
      • Asked about the impact of the purchase on the $112 million new middle school project cost; Christy stated it would reduce it by $3 million (to $109 million) by eliminating modular lease costs.
      • Asked about the timeline for new cost estimates for a middle school; Christy stated 3-4 months for a first estimate if design work begins immediately.
    • Councilor Gannon:
      • Emphasized the benefit of options provided by purchasing the modulars.
      • Asked about liquidated damages for high school construction delays; Christy confirmed $2,000/day.
      • Stressed the importance of avoiding active construction with students in buildings.
      • Highlighted the ADA violations and outdated conditions of the 1922 middle school building.
      • Asked if modulars become unusable if stored too long; Christy said no, but moving them is very expensive ($5-6 million).
    • Councilor Izzo:
      • Asked about potential interim uses for the modulars if empty; City Manager Prokas suggested city programs, daycare, or other community uses, acknowledging neighborhood impacts.
    • Councilor Feltner:
      • Thanked the team for their hard work and dedication.
      • Supported the approach, emphasizing the importance of school improvements and continuity in education.
    • Councilor Palomba (continued):
      • Expressed desire for a definitive decision on the middle school project.
      • City Manager Prokas estimated 6 months to provide a clearer path forward, aligning with the FY27 budget process and the outcome of the tax split petition.
      • Council President Sideris cautioned that the timeline might be longer due to contracting and design processes.
      • Councilor Palomba reiterated his priority for a senior center and recreation center over a new middle school.
    • Councilor Airasian:
      • Credited the team for keeping the middle school project alive, acknowledging its importance.
  • Motion: "That the City Council provide policy guidance to the City Manager and the School Building Committee to take the appropriate action to retain ownership of the modular classrooms currently in use for the high school project, including but not limited to authorizing the current modular classroom lease to be amended to allow for purchase of these units for a negotiated price at the conclusion of the lease term as may be amended for the benefit of future city use."
  • Moved: By Council President Sideris.
  • Seconded: By Councilor Piccirilli.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Airasian: Yes
    • Bays: Yes
    • Feltner: Yes
    • Gannon: Yes
    • Gardner: Yes
    • Izzo: Yes
    • Palomba: Yes
    • Piccirilli: Yes
    • Sideris: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

B. First Reading 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, Including All Costs Incidental and Related Thereto: Hydro Excavation Vector Truck for $695,000, and a Sewer and Stormwater Camera Truck for $184,000.

  • City Manager George Prokas: This is a first reading for a $879,000 borrowing, consistent with conceptual recommendation #46 in the Capital Improvement Plan. A public hearing will be held at the next meeting in December.

C. First Reading on a Proposed Loan Order that the Sum of $911,900 is Appropriated to Pay Construction and Construction Administration Costs of Howe Park Phase 1, as More Fully Described in the Fiscal Year 2026 to 2030 Capital Improvement Program.

  • City Manager George Prokas: This item is for Howe Park Phase 1. The total borrowing amount is $911,900. Nine bids were received, with the low bidder at $829,000, which is below the capital plan's total estimate of $1,150,000 (20% under budget). More details will be provided at the public hearing next week.

D. Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of Funds in the Aggregate Amount of $469,250 from the Fiscal Year 2026 City Council Reserve to the Fiscal Year 2026 Water Reserve Fund and Fiscal Year 2026 Sewer Reserve Fund to Various Personnel Accounts.

  • City Manager George Prokas: This transfer of $469,250 is to fund contracts for the Watertown Municipal Employees Group and Teamsters Local 25, which include a 2.25% cost of living increase for FY26. This increase will also be extended to non-union staff on classification and compensation tables.
  • Motion: To approve the transfer of funds as presented.
  • Moved: By Councilor Piccirilli.
  • Seconded: By Councilor Feltner.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Bays: Yes
    • Feltner: Yes
    • Gannon: Yes
    • Gardner: Yes
    • Izzo: Yes
    • Palomba: Yes
    • Piccirilli: Yes
    • Sideris: Yes
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

E. Consideration and Approval of Exemptions of Interests of Existing City Employees in Contracts with the City Including Summer, Winter, Holiday, and After School Program Employment Positions in Response to Disclosures Filed with the City Clerk by Prospective Employees and Certification by the Recreation Director that No Employee of That Department is Available to Perform Those Services as Part of Their Regular Duties in Accordance with General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20B.

  • City Manager George Prokas: General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20B requires City Council approval for current municipal employees to hold a second municipal job. This typically applies to Recreation Department hiring school employees for programs. Three such exemptions are before the Council.
  • Motion: To approve the exemptions of interest.
  • Moved: By Councilor Piccirilli.
  • Seconded: By Councilor Feltner.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

VIII. Committee Reports

A. Committee on Budget and Fiscal Oversight Report Regarding its Meetings on November 5th and November 13th.

  • Councilor Vincent J. Piccirilli (Chair):
    • The committee met on November 5th and 13th to develop budget policy guidelines for Fiscal Year 2027.
    • Members: Councilor Piccirilli (Chair), Councilor Izzo (Vice Chair), Councilor Gardner (Secretary), City Manager, City Auditor, Council Analyst Doug Newton.
    • Process: Reviewed last year's guidelines, incorporated input from councilors, and developed new guidelines.
    • Cost Savings and Revenues:
      • A. Continue with comprehensive plan guidelines to promote a diversified tax base, focusing on small businesses, retail corridors, and emerging industry clusters.
      • B. Continue pursuing the Watertown Square Area Plan to increase the tax base through multi-family housing and small/medium businesses.
      • C. Continue pursuing mitigation monies, linkage fees, and other measures for larger-scale projects.
      • D. Require all departments to actively pursue state, federal, and private foundation grant programs.
      • E. Actively seek Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) agreements or in-kind services with non-profit organizations owning or purchasing property.
      • F. Develop strategies to alleviate the burden on residential property taxpayers due to uncertainty of the home rule petition on the tax shift.
    • Program Enhancements and Expenditures:
      • A. Prioritize and enhance the city's ability to implement strategies and action items in the climate and energy plan.
      • B. Collaborate with Watertown Public Schools on a multi-year educational budget, accommodating a 4% annual increase for FY27 for level service funding.
      • C. Continue to build stabilization funds for five unfunded capital items: middle school renovations, senior center/recreation area, East End Fire Station, DPW staging area, and Watertown Square plan implementation.
      • D. Continue support for recommendations of the Community Health and Human Services Assessment in the FY27 budget.
      • E. Continue identifying additional land acquisitions for open space and recreation using the Acquisition of Land Open Space Stabilization Fund and CPC proposals.
      • F. Restructure the DPW budget to match new division structure and operational needs.
      • G. Work with Watertown Transportation Management Association to identify sustainable funding for local transit programs, including options from the recent mobility study.
      • H. Begin implementation of the Public Buildings Department assessment to meet operational needs, continue environmental improvements, and fulfill ADA assessment recommendations.
      • I. Consider reuse of the former North Branch Library, exploring alternative funds for renovations.
      • J. Perform an assessment of the Police and Fire Departments to identify needs, resources, and best practices.
    • Next Steps: Councilors to rank guidelines by December 5, 2025. Final guidelines will be sent to the City Manager and posted online.
    • The committee unanimously adopted these guidelines.
  • Motion: To accept the report.
  • Moved: By Councilor Piccirilli.
  • Seconded: By Councilor Feltner.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
  • Motion: To recommend that the City Council adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Policy Guidelines as drafted.
  • Moved: By Councilor Piccirilli.
  • Seconded: By Councilor Feltner.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

IX. Communications from the Manager

  • Flock Safety Program Update:
    • The Police Department is implementing the Flock Safety Program, using eight cameras along major roadways.
    • Cameras capture rear license plates, similar to toll cameras, and upload images to a secure system accessible only by Watertown Police Department.
    • No video, live feed, or real-time monitoring.
    • Watertown is the sole owner of images.
    • Internal police staff require documented case/investigation for access; audited monthly by a captain.
    • Images shared only with other Massachusetts municipalities for legitimate criminal investigations, reviewed and accepted/denied by WPD.
    • No sharing with federal agencies or outside Massachusetts.
    • Automatically blocks requests related to protected healthcare or immigration cases.
    • ACLU of Massachusetts concerns (disabling automatic data sharing outside MA, contract language prohibiting company sharing data outside MA) are already addressed by Watertown's contract and policies.
    • Administration will reach out to ACLU to share contract and policy.
    • Installation anticipated in about one month.
    • FAQ page and contract link available on city/police department websites.
    • Police Department to host a "Tuesday Night Talks" event in early 2026 on policing technology (Flock cameras, body-worn cameras).
  • Snow Emergency Parking Fine: Signed the statement from the Traffic Commission creating a $100 fine for snow emergency parking violations.
  • Howe Park Project Update: The Howe Park Phase 1 project came in 20% under budget, with the low bid at $829,000 against an estimate of $1,150,000.
  • MBTA Bus Schedule Changes:
    • New bus schedules starting December 14th will include the 57 and 71 bus lines in the Better Bus Project's prioritization improvement.
    • This commits to 15-minute or less headways for these lines during most operating hours.
    • Aims to reduce schedule dependency and improve service reliability.
  • Merry Mingle Event:
    • Saturday, December 6th, 4-8 p.m. at Commander's Mansion.
    • Festive evening with entertainment, children's activities, crafts, stories, character meet and greet, toy drive, and city tree lighting.
    • Free public event, guest parking at East Garage (near Mocessian Center for the Arts).
    • Mocessian will host Holiday Makers Market 12-6 p.m.
  • Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule:
    • City Hall, Parker Building, Senior Center closed Wednesday (12:30 p.m.), Thursday, Friday (November 27-28).
    • Inspectional Services, Zoning, Code Enforcement closed Wednesday (11:30 a.m.).
    • Library closed Wednesday (5 p.m.) and Thanksgiving Day.
    • Trash and recycling pickup delayed one day for Thursday and Friday routes.
    • Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

X. Requests for Information

  • Councilor Gardner: Requested an update on when the UVM tree study will be completed.

XI. Announcements

  • Councilor Airasian: Watertown Cable Access (WCAT) 20th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, December 4th, 5-8 p.m. at their studio. Features reception, raffles, silent auction, live broadcast, and game show. Proceeds support WCAT's mission.
  • Councilor Palomba: Committee on Climate and Energy meeting Monday, December 1st, 5:30 p.m. in the chambers. Focus on new matrix for sustainability goals and actions. Noted Laurel Schwab's pregnancy leave.
  • Council President Sideris:
    • Annual Belmont-Watertown football game in Watertown this year, 10 a.m. Council President Sideris will be honorary captain.
    • This Saturday is Small Business Saturday; urged support for local businesses.
    • Watertown Business Coalition's first annual holiday decorating contest for businesses (registration open until December 4, online voting December 6-21, judging December 22).
    • Councilor Gardner (additional): Reminded about SNAP benefits support and food drop-off locations. Noted the Watertown Fridge has moved behind the library.

XII. Public Forum (Second Opportunity)

  • No members of the public wished to speak.

XIII. Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn.
  • Moved: By Councilor Piccirilli.
  • Seconded: By Councilor Feltner.
  • Vote: All in favor.
  • Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
  • The meeting was adjourned.

Last updated: Dec 7, 2025

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