Watertown City Council (Tuesday August 11, 2026)

The meeting was called to order by Council President Mark S. Sideris. A roll call was conducted for the purpose of entering executive session to discuss negotiations with non-union personnel (City Auditor and Council Clerk).

• Attendees: Councilors Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli, and President Sideris.
• Executive Session Vote: Approved unanimously via roll call.

The Council reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Action: Motion to adopt the City Council minutes from July 14, 2026.
• Vote: Motion passed unanimously.

President Sideris presented several updates and a resolution regarding the upcoming budget cycle.

• Resolution Regarding Fiscal Year 2028 Budget Process: The Council established a timeline for policy guidance to the City Manager. Key dates include:
  • October 13, 2026: Presentation of the budget timeline.
  • November 24, 2026: Adoption of budget policy guidelines.
  • January 26, 2027: Presentation of the FY28-32 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
  • February 23, 2027: Adoption of conceptual recommendations on the CIP.
• Appointments: Heather Angstrom was appointed to the Stormwater Advisory Committee.
• Home Rule Petition: The President announced that the Governor signed the Home Rule Petition regarding the city's tax split, providing long-term financial relief for the community.

The Council held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance adjusting the salary of City Auditor Megan Langan following her performance evaluation.

• Evaluation Summary: The Auditor received an average score of 4.68 out of 5.0. President Sideris noted, "The city of Watertown is lucky to have someone like Megan Langan working for us."
• Proposed Adjustment: A 4.5% total increase, consisting of a 2.5% COLA and a 2% merit increase.
• Public Comment: A resident (unnamed) spoke in support, stating, "Megan is wicked smart... she embodies what I believe public service is all about."
• Action: Motion to adopt the ordinance adjusting the City Auditor's salary.
• Vote: Motion passed unanimously.

The Council evaluated the performance and salary of Council Clerk Brendan.

• Evaluation Summary: The Clerk received an average score of 4.33 out of 5.0. Comments highlighted his responsiveness, attention to detail, and efficiency in managing council records.
• Proposed Adjustment: A 5% increase for FY26 (accounting for a lack of increase in FY25).
• Action: Motion to adopt the ordinance adjusting the Council Clerk's salary.
• Vote: Motion passed unanimously.

The Council considered the expenditure of $990,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the second phase of the Walker Pond open space project.

• Project Scope: Funds will cover design development, construction drawings, cost estimates, environmental engineering, and wetland permitting.
• Financial Breakdown:
  • $738,750 from the Open Space and Outdoor Recreation Reserve.
  • $251,250 from the Budgeted Reserve.
• Discussion: Councilor Gannon expressed support for the project's timeline (estimated completion in 2028). President Sideris raised concerns regarding the 10% contingency rate, noting it was higher than the 4-5% typically used for larger school projects.
• Vote: Approved 8-0 via roll call (Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Sideris all voting Yes).

The Council conducted first readings for two amended loan orders related to the Police Station's electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities.

• Order No. 2026-011 (Mobile Platform): Amended to increase the authorized borrowing from $300,000 to $439,580 for a SparkCharge Level 3 mobile charging platform.
• Order No. 2026-012 (Stationary Chargers): Amended to increase the authorized borrowing from $900,404 to $1,026,078 for three Level 3 EV chargers.
• Manager's Note: The adjustments reflect actual bid results and necessary contingencies.

The Council reviewed and accepted reports from various subcommittees.

• Public Safety (July 9, 2026): Discussed a proposed First Responder Drone Program. Chief Justin Hanrahan emphasized the tool is for emergency response, not surveillance. The program would be funded via drug forfeiture funds ($24,000 initial cost, $50,000 annual service). The matter was continued pending ACLU guidance.
• Parks and Recreation (July 14, 2026): Recommended the appointments of Ian Edwards Clancy and Rachel Slater to the Conservation Commission.
• Human Services (July 15, 2026): Recommended reappointments for Cliff Cook and Helen Oliver (Affordable Housing Trust) and James O'Connor (Council on Aging).
• Action: All committee reports were accepted, and the recommended appointments/reappointments were approved unanimously.

City Manager George Proakis provided several administrative updates:

• Office Relocation: The Department of Community Development and Planning (CDP) has moved to the Parker Building and will reopen to the public on August 13, 2026.
• Senior Center Building Committee: A new committee has been formed to oversee the selection of an architect for the Senior Center project. Members include Councilors Palomba and Feltner, and President Sideris.
• Personnel Policies: A new comprehensive Employee Handbook and a formal travel policy are in final legal review.
• Appointments: The Manager requested confirmation for several appointments, including Antonio Mole to the Board of Election Commissioners and Andrew Lutu to the Environment and Energy Efficiency Fund.

Councilors introduced new items for future consideration and shared community announcements.

• Water and Sewer Rates: Referred to the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Oversight to discuss mitigation of future rate increases.
• Carbon Storage: Referred the Minerva Study Group report on Whitney Hill carbon storage to the Committee on Climate and Energy.
• Sidewalk Accessibility: Councilor Feltner requested a discussion for September regarding ADA compliance and signage on Arsenal Street sidewalks.
• Hazardous Waste: Councilor Gannon announced a regional collection event on Saturday in Lexington.
• High School Grand Opening: President Sideris invited the public to the grand opening of the new high school on September 2, 2026.