Watertown City Council (Tuesday August 11, 2026)

We're in the Parker building.

This meeting is being broadcast and recorded by Watertown Cable Access. It is a Zoom hybrid meeting with the Zoom information on the website, as well as email addresses and phone numbers if need be. I'm going to ask you please call the roll.

Councilor Bays?

Present.

Council Feltner? Present Councilor Gannon? Gardner, Isso, Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli.

in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel, or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with none union personnel. In this case it's the city auditor and the council clerk.

Piccirilli, yes, Councilor Bates, yes. Councilor Feltner?

Yes.

Council Gannon? Yes Councilor Gardiner? Yes President Sideris?

Yes we'll be returning to open session at approximately 7 p.m Okay, I'd like to call this meeting

of the United States of America, and to the Republic.

Please raise your hand and be recognized. Seeing none, I close the public forum The next item, which is the examination of minutes. Can I get a motion on the council minutes from July 14th?

I'll make motion to adopt the minutes that July 14 has written in it. Is there a second?

Second.

Any discussion?

All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Next item is President's Report. First thing we have tonight is a proposed resolution regarding the fiscal year 28 budget process City Council wishes to establish a timeline consistent with the Charter by which it will provide policy guidance to the city manager on the development of the budget and capital improvement program. And whereas, such a timeline will also give city residents notice of their opportunity to offer input on these important financial matters. Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the city of Watertown establishes the following timeline for the development of the fiscal year 2028

will be presented to the City Council by October 13, 2026. Second, the City budget policy guidelines by November 24th, 2026. Third, the proposed fiscal year 28 to 32 capital improvement program will be presented to the City Council by January 26, 2027. 4. The City Council will adopt its conceptual recommendations on the Fiscal Year 28-32 Capital Improvement Program by February 23rd, 2027 subject to the availability of funds. Can I get a motion on the resolution? Motion to adopt it.

The next item I have, so on the stormwater. and I'm announcing tonight that I am appointing Heather Angstrom to the Stormwater Advisory Committee. Thank you, and then the last item I have We did this at the last meeting for the two state representatives who were able to get us our home rule petition through the House of Representatives. I want you tonight not only the governor has signed it and I want to thank again our state senator, State Senator Brunsberger for the relief that this provides for our community to be

back to where we were and because of an obscure law, we weren't able to maintain that. And now we can maintain that in perpetuity based on their efforts. And again the delegation was extremely helpful to the community and I think it's important that we recognize them all at this time. That's all I have tonight. The next item I have is public hearings, and the first is a public hearing in vote on proposed ordinance adjusting city auditors Salary. So I'm going to start by talking about evaluations which we've just completed The evaluations are based on five things. Number one is, well I'm sorry the valuations are numbered how we score them from needs improvement which is one.

Two is satisfactory, three is good above average, four is very good superior and five is excellent. The things that we were evaluating on the auditor are leadership Quality of Service to the Town, Productivity, Initiative and Creativity, Adaptability, Communication and Cooperation City Auditor Based on the scores that we have this evening, city auditors average is 4.68 which is outstanding I'll give you some of the comments. Megan has been a huge asset to the council she's extremely competent, cooperative organized and helpful during our budget process in particular.

I'm picking and choosing some comments here, and every comment is positive. That's all I can say. Since becoming auditor about three years ago Megan has fully settled into the role and has demonstrated a deep understanding of Watertown's finances as well as implementing and enforcing internal controls She is prompt in response to requests for information, willing and able to present data into an easily understood format, helpful in offering solutions to problems. aware of the impacts to the community of financial decisions and is a pleasure to work with. Megan is very knowledgeable and always aware, and goes beyond to help City Council.

our newest councilor is stating that he's had limited interaction but every interaction that they've had with her has been excellent, responsive, thorough and clear. for work product and communication with the council have consistently reflected her high professionalism in command of the town's finances. I will close by saying from my perspective, who basically has an almost daily conversation with the auditor. The city of Watertown is lucky to have someone like Megan Langan working for us. Not only is she a bright, caring and extremely hardworking person, she's really adaptable is a good word to use.

She's approachable, she never says no, she's volunteering for committees, she got a young family and I applaud her for that, we appreciate that. this is a homegrown product and I think it's a testament to be able to say that she grew up here and is still here just like our previous auditor. You know, it doesn't happen very often so I want to congratulate you for your very good evaluation and the great job that you do for our community. Before I open it up to the public, I'm going to say that the proposed ordinance tonight is adjusting the salary of the auditor by 2.5% COLA and a 2% merit increase, which is consistent with what we did with the city manager and what we've done with other employees in the city. So that reflection is technically a 4.5 percent increase.

So now this is a public hearing and I'm going to open it up for the public either here or at home that would like to speak. Please step up.

I'm stepping up over here, right? Yes. Okay. You stole my words, Mark.

They'll hear you. The microphone will hear you, it's right above you. It's on the ceiling.

Alright, the spirits are with me. Um, you stole my word. Megan is wicked smart She's extremely effective and she's a phenomenal human being. I work with her very closely with CPC, I think we're the only two people that really get numbers in that group and trying to translate them in a fashion that people can understand it and see it on a year-to-year basis. She has tremendous heart for the community. She's got a wonderful sense of humor if you don't know her personally, you should know her because she embodies what I believe public service is all about and so I think she deserves a five from me across the board given my interaction, but I commend her. And Megan you're top shelf that's all I can say congratulations.

Is there anyone else in the public that wishes to be heard? I just want to say again how fortunate we are, but the manager and the auditor and the Council Clerk are in a difficult position because they have to be on, when we do these things it has to be in front of a big audience. And sometimes could get ugly and sometimes it could be really great like tonight but I think it's difficult when you have to deal, this is how we have to do it. And I wanna help them recognize the manager.

If I may speak before public hearing for my seat Hey, working with Megan has been great. I had the chance to work with and learn a lot from her predecessor who was acting manager when I came here I know that both of us have picked up a lot over the four years that we've had a chance to work together. First, in the position she had before auditor and now in our daily interactions as we figure out budget CIP even like running and rerunning numbers of what is possible within our debt service in our program. I think it's a real statement to the creativity and the focus on taxpayer funds in the auditor's office the way we were able to work with the council so carefully at the end of this year, to find items on that capital plan that were intended for borrowing find opportunities to use unused end of year funds, to cover certain things which then opens up borrowing capacity. Which gives us more capacity to do stuff

that only works when you have an auditor who really understands the system, understands the finances, understands what we're doing. Megan's been great in that area she's been to work with and I just don't do a

There's no one else that wishes to be heard. I've closed public hearing and ask for a motion from the city council on the salary adjustment. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Next is a public hearing and vote on the proposed ordinance adjusting the council clerk salary. Our Council Clerk who's here with us every single council meeting and behind-the-scenes also scored very high in his evaluation. As I said, we go from one to five and he averaged out of 4.33 which is still above average excellent, superior, you know? It's again, you know a testament to the work is done. Comments from Brendan continue to be helpful and available to the Council. Brendan this is an excellent addition

is easy and helpful to work with. Brendan is a pleasure to work, as has always been very attentive to my requests. He's a quick learner, has very good attention to detail, continues to take the initiative on a variety of issues to improve the efficiency of the councillors and make our readings run better. I'm extremely pleased with the job he's doing. Brendan is a very competent and effective employee, he has always been responsive prompt and efficient with requests and assignment. Again, Brendan's very responsive. Brendan is reliable and responsive, consistent. I think everybody can get the message that we have with Brendan we have sometimes, we add goals and one of them that we would like to see is to continue to update or create a written standard work about every task that the council clerk does to create a handbook for our future

maybe he could be more interested in a substantive role if you can hand off some administrative tasks to a more junior person, i.e., which was like an analyst's role which we're trying to recreate some job descriptions for that. One here says, I would advise Brendan to keep up with the good work he's doing. That's a goal. that's a good goal. There is one here about navigating the city web pages, it should be easy to find information I hope he continues to do review and some changes if we can help with the, you know make it use more user friendly from our perspective we would appreciate that. You know maintain the exceptional organization and responsiveness shown this year continue improving public accessibility of council records deep in documentation and follow-up support for subcommittee work.

And from my perspective, again someone I work with closely on almost a daily basis, Brendan is dedicated works diligently to make sure that the City Council's needs are met. He worked extremely well with our policy analyst to get things done when needed and it was a little bit of surprise, I wasn't How that was going to work, but it worked out very well for both of them. And I think what we have here is again another testament to a dedicated employee to the city and the three, we used to have four up until recently employees direct employees of the City Council I will go on record and add Brendan to the list of the three. We are very fortunate as a city to have these people working for us and I'm going to continue to say that.

People might disagree with me, but I don't care. We represent this community and we see what we need, the job they're doing for us. Can't say enough. So Brendan's salary this evening is a little bit different than Megan's. We did not give Brendan an increase in FY25, so the increase tonight is going to be 5%, which includes 2 1⁄2%. for fiscal year 25, and two-and-a-half with fiscal year 26. But we can't go back so it's actually a 5% increase for 26. It looks high but it's broken down that way and then I've been working with the personnel director, we're going to do some study for a future increase and add him into a STEM program. It was a little late for this, but I'm committing to Brendan that we will continue to make sure

he gets compensated like everybody in a position like him does. So this is also a public hearing if there's any member of the public or the manager that wishes to be heard on this one

I obviously have not looked as closely with Brendan as all you have, but the one thing I can say about him is when you see him he makes everybody feel very welcome. He's always the first one in the chamber, he's always chatting with people, he has a great smile and he's not even full-time, and he accomplishes all that. He's got this quiet steady ease about him if you ask him a question if he doesn't know he admits it I'll find out for you if he gives you some information and recalibrates, he lets you know I have something to add just so that you know Elodie, I found this out. There's an elegance about someone who is that genuine and is that much part of this community. I wish you were full time, okay? Let me be selfish but Brendan, I'm really happy you're here It's so lucky to have both of these people to support this council. I've worked with a lot of people in my life, you were supremely blessed in this that I'm not religious

Yes, Mr. Mayor? If no one else, I will go. And I'll just share it. So for folks who don't see the behind-the-scenes here, we do a council meeting typically every two weeks I keep a running list of a bunch of things that potentially could go on the agenda. The council presidents and I are working, we're talking every day all the time about what's at the next council meeting? What's at following council meeting, what's ready to go, what not ready At some point, I release that list to Joanna in my office and something absolutely magical happens. With the backup documents, with the agenda items correct, with pieces all in order I don't know how it happens, honestly. It's like it goes from me to my assistant and then she and Brendan work it out and then Brendan has everything and it's organized, it's together, and it is always out there on time and ready to go. And if you all pass an ordinance or something, it gets updated and is included in our online documents and everything.

That may sound not as complicated as it is, but I know it's outrageously complicated to keep all the balls in the air and keep those pieces happening. he's always there, ready to do it and his position is part-time which means physically he's sometimes somewhere else but at the same time in the time he's here, he comes in and gets it done. It's efficient, it works. I have staffed boards and committees for 24 years now I've seen how it can go and Brendan is top notch in getting this stuff right, getting it organized and getting it together. So again my kudos to you

Any further discussion? All those in favor? Aye. First item on 9A is a consideration and action on the expenditure of $990,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for the second phase of the Walker Pond project. I know folks are here but I'll turn it over to you.

Sure, so thank you Mr. President as you know the Walker Pond project has been a key project to expand open space in Watertown with assistance of the Council the leadership of the council really, we were able to purchase this parcel and preserve it for open space at a key moment in time. Hired a landscape architecture team that did a number of community meetings and reached essentially a preliminary design point where there was a lot of community interaction, a lot focused around the idea of a mostly passive space that does include some children's play areas and some spaces, activity spaces. But for the most part it is passive. Passive. It does have other pieces to kind of bring people into that passive space, but the walking path and experience with trees in the pond being key to this plan. Now we go to the next step and so on.

We have put Walker Pond year after year into the capital plan as a to be determined not able to be funded through city borrowing because of kind of where things are. and look to the community preservation committee to help us make this new open space possible. So what's before us tonight, the Community Preservation Committee has recommended the Council approve $990,000. Turn it over and explain the details.

Absolutely, hello I'm Marissa Mayo, I am the current chair of the CPC so this is all new to me so very exciting. So I'm here to present the recommendation, as you've heard, The Department of Community Development and Planning is seeking $990,000 for five particular tasks at this stage. It's to advance the conceptual design through design development construction drawings and cost estimates accurate numbers hire a licensed site professional, perform ecological environmental and engineering services to conduct conservation and wetland permitting, and to perform construction bid services. much of what is really important about this site has already been highlighted. It's a beautiful natural space that we hope to really preserve in its current state but enhance with walkways, boardwalks some recreational areas but really just keep it as it is for the community.

But in addition, we're looking at woodland management and additional tree plantings and arbor care. And so with that, the council and public received a great deal of information through the first phase of conceptual design process already. And the CPA funded most of that. So this budget was determined based off 10% of the construction costs and then a 10% contingency. So the estimate was produced by the landscape architect and their subcontractor. So between $8 billion and $10 million, we're looking at 10% of wealth. I keep saying we. I'm used to my other job. I am sorry. So the Department of Community Development looked at this and said, OK. So 10% of that would be $900,000. And then 10% percent of that contingency would then be $90,000 due to the significant cost of this second phase, the CPC did impose the following conditions for funding. To reach out to a wide array of firms to ensure the architecture team selection

Process factors include design quality into their selection. Additionally, the grantee shall report to the CPC periodically throughout the design process and update the CPC and non-CPA funding sources when they're available. So we know for construction purposes, at least by December 31st of 2026 including the anticipated grant amounts, grant application deadlines and expected notification dates by granters. and it's important to note that an RFP has already gone out for $650,000 for architects now. The difference between the amount requested and the base amount is just for all to cover the unknowns. We have soil contamination, structural engineering, wetland permitting a lot of things that are not known at this time so it accommodates for change orders.

Thank you. First, I need to get a motion to put this on the floor before discussion.

Mr. President, I make a motion that we approve the granting of $990,000 Pond. The funds for the second phase of Walker Pond project consisting of $738,750 from the Open Space and Outdoor Recreation Reserve

Gannon. Yes, thank you Mr. President and thank you and the CPC and staff for working on this project some projects for a councilor are more personal than others I really enjoyed Walker's Pond as a kid. I touched my first snake and frog, and learned how to ice skate on the pond itself Back then Raytheon kept it up so people walked around the pond and at one point I realized that Raytheon had put up a fence to ban any access. So, I'm truly glad that we're gonna be putting this what I think is a jewel back into Use, and Wendible Public Use. And the question I had concerned the timing knowing there are knowable unknowns and unknowable unknowns, with soil conditions

conditions that we have no idea that may pose a little delay. But could someone tell me about the timeline from breaking ground here to completion?

Well, in terms of what I have available, I am not quite sure the entire timeline. I'm going to defer it to Michelle Moon here who would like to come up. sort of the project manager on this and representing the request for the funds.

We anticipate that this will be about 9 to 12 months, probably closer to the 12-month side once we hire the landscape architect work on this design. And then we got to go back and apply for more funding, get approval, and then hire the contractor. So it's, we're looking at like 2020 or 2028. Well, thank you for that.

It's a more expedited timeline than I would have thought so looking forward to that and thank you all for coming

Palomba.

Thank you, this is a very exciting project. I noticed it said and you mentioned applying for grants not until 2027. Is there any have work been done on that yet? Or can you give us an idea of what that might look like, because at the same time you just mentioned the end of December. So just clarify a little bit of that possible additional funding beyond the CP day funds.

Of course. So I think we were looking at the substantial cost that we were putting forward as a recommendation and looking to see, or at least recommending that there would be alternative maybe matching grants or something applicable that would help offset the costs or support any sort of additional needs that were not anticipated. So that's why we put in sort of the December 2026 because it matches to what we're presenting now, not the project overall which that could be a discussion for additional funding opportunities later. I don't know if you have any specific things are in development or still just right now in the RFP crazy phase. Yeah, mostly that.

Do you have any particular organizations in mind off the top that you could share with us or that you're hoping to reach out to, or it's just no idea at this point.

There's options.

There is state and federal Grants, and then I've been attending a bunch of webinars this summer about some federal grants that are consistent for the next five years with I think a deadline like September or October annually too. So it's good to Prep, and see what the questions are in anticipation of what the process will look like. The timing doesn't work to apply for this year but next year would be a better timeline. Great thank you.

Is that the same schedule? Are you guys still sticking to that schedule? The same schedule that's on the project website?

Project application site, just to the CPA. I think it's similar, but we know that there's going to be a little bit of change from contingency issues that are not planned. So as of right now, it's the same. But there's always something that could cause it to be I would say postponed a little. Things such as contaminated soil that requires mitigation could actually push things back considerably. We're hopeful that's not.

That means construction is probably not

probably, yeah I'm hopeful.

Yeah we're hoping for fall of 2027 but with a couple months delay with everything this summer um yeah 2028 would be

and do you know what architects you guys have considering yet?

The RFQ is currently open, so we don't know. We've received a lot of questions and it's closing the week of the 25th or 27th now.

Any other questions?

Thank you, Mr. President. So first Thanks to many people here and who are not here, we put a lot of effort into it. I do want to recognize Lodia Thomas as one were chair of the CPC and put a lot of effort into getting to this point. I remember February of 2016 going on a snowy tour around Walker Pond saying, if the CPA passes, which was on the ballot in November of 2016. Arsene Park in the 80's. And that seems like such a long time ago, 10 years ago but here we are getting close to

The second step before the construction to make this happen is very exciting to be able to actually see a community come up with a vision and stick with it. do all the steps to make it happen. And I just want to say, I am extremely pleased with the public process about what the vision was especially its commitment to sort of open space and Passive Recreation as opposed to an athletic facility. And I think that was a very exciting thing to be able to do in this community, so thank you all.

Thanks. I just want to say thank you. So this is in my district, and this is super exciting. And I remember about a year ago the first public meeting took place when it was about 100 degrees. We did a tour. around the pond before. So I'm excited, I know a lot of people in the community are excited to have this as an open green recreational space and I'm City Council, and I thought the community meetings went well. They were run well,

I was concerned about what would happen if we did all this, we spent this money and we got up to the point where we're ready to put out the bid for construction. in this discussion, because I sat in on the CPC meeting and there were some concerns about what would happen if we didn't have it. There's nothing that would take place during this period would be wasted, right? I mean it's not like there's anything that we would not end up using even if we didn't get the money the first time around. We could hold that information and maybe the following year find

and there would be no, I hate to use this word waste but there'd be nothing that it was wasted by not being able to fund in a year. Am I right? Am I on the same page?

Yes, I think that's a fair assessment. Everything here would be sort of an evergreen. There would be a cost increase obviously in understanding that the estimates put forward if this was a prolonged wait to get funding there would be and so forth. So I think it's a great opportunity for us to be able to do that in the future, but we're going to have to wait and see what happens next.

When we bring in a landscape architect, we also have the ability to kind of do a spot check on cost estimates as things get designed. We will keep an eye on that because we know we have to go back to the CBC to make the request for where things go here. Ideally, we're keeping this at a cost where the CPC can fund it out of their available Councilor, if there's a capacity to borrow against future CPC funds. If the CPC and the council see fit to do that so you know if there is a reason why we need to do and new tax money comes into CTC. There are a lot of things we want to accomplish as a community with CPA money. Certainly, we don't want to spend all the CPA money on Watertown.

On Walker Pond there's other priorities and other things that we are trying to balance CPA focuses on different priorities, including historic preservation and affordable housing as well as open space. But I do think that with the funds available plus the funds we know are coming in every year in the future we have the capacity to put together a finance plan for this that should work with this project. Also, if I may Mr. President just note one other thing because I want to bring this up particularly as a response to the discussion of Councilor Offei's question about who is going to be doing the design work. A lot of times, horizontal engineering planning design can be viewed as exempt from the public bidding process. we have on many occasions gone to landscape design type work outside of that.

we have generally, I don't want to say it's a written official policy but amongst the administration you've generally come to the conclusion that despite that that we want to go out to bid for landscape architects when we do landscape design. We wanna get more creativity in our proposals, we wanna really look and consider what the options are, and we wanna see the full range of what's out there. We're going up to bid from a landscape architect for the Watertown Square project As we do other park projects, I expect for anything of significant size, we're going to be doing that more often. For a while, we relied on one company for a lot of work. We expanded it to two and then with Walker Pond to three. At this point I don't remember how many people have pulled forms for this one, but there is a lot of interest in doing this project. And we want the full range of that interest so that Michelle and the team can have the capacity to make a choice from amongst groups can be both creative in design, but also provide design that is cost effective in the process.

This gives us more of a chance to do that and I think doing that here and in Watertown Square in general is a very helpful process for us.

Offei, did you have another question?

Yeah. I'm just kind of wondering since there isn't a landscape architect yet who came up with the 990,000 estimate

So the original individual was the landscape architect, well, the project landscape architect which was formerly Warner Larson. came up with this, now it's IMEG. And then they produced the conceptual design and their subcontractor PM&G also assisted on that number.

Good smell.

So that's why we put, well, once again, that's what that number of 650 thousand was put out initially as sort of the base amount and there is contingency built in for a lot of things we don't know. If it is underspent, we will presumably get those funds back. That's the thing, so we'd rather support the project as a whole and hope for the best

I just want to note, salt install is underspent and funds are going back to the CPC. So it does happen. It's rare, don't get me wrong. It is rare but I will commit that we will not spend beyond what we have to and if the funds are available the CPC gets them back. Am I correct Michelle about that? Funds unspent on salt install return to CPC.

That's my understanding.

They're coming back.

Yes, thank you Mr. President and one other element why I'm thrilled about the project is well I'll step back as a local government official by day I see the value in the long-term game One reason why I was thrilled about the city's acquisition of Walker's Pond was that yeah there's back in early parts of when the what's name of the Mews, Apartment Projects and Repton Place. I was the zoning board member and I had asked that an easement be created on the western part of that property such that if the town and when they town acquired Walker's Pond, that trail easement would be activated and leading to Walbridge Pond.

And the zoning board did the same with the Bell Labs apartment, to create a walking trail from Waltham Street into Walker's Pond, and hopefully realizing the long game. I guess Michelle it might be a question for you is there any impediment now that Watertown owns the Walker's Pond and the Tralee's Bend from the Rupton Place, and the Bell Labs. Forgive me if I'm putting you on the spot for an answer but does the town now have the ability to have a full access or do we need to acquire and have a parcel to make that trail happen between Feltner? Street. And by the way, I've talked to folks in the Gore place. They're willing to allow a trail easement on their property from Waltham to Main Street. Give her a chance to answer that one. I don't want to put you on the spot.

I can contact you later.

Yeah, no there will be different connections and yeah, the north-south through this site which is very important and with hearing from the community too being able to walk bike run scoot through there whether we want people to bike or not that's a different question but people were really excited about that and you will be able to go through there. We have few different materials but you will be able to do that.

So there's no impediment presently?

No, well there's events.

Thank you so much. Good to hear.

Any other questions? great community meetings, big asset to the community. I have a concern and I'm not sure if you can address it? The manager can address It? My concern is that at this early stage we have a 10% contingency. We're doing a $200 million high school with a 4, 4 and 1 half percent We're doing cost estimates on a $100 million plus middle school and the estimates we went from 4% contingency to 5% contingence. Why is this 10%?

I can answer that one. So with developing this, I looked at what we had planned for the Park projects from the CIPs, from what that was to the actuals. And they were all about 10% in the end with the inflation and the multiple years delays. Sometimes it was 6-8%. In the end for that amount and talking with different landscape architecture professionals are like 10% is a good placeholder and that's sort of the standard we use for them.

Unfortunately, we have professionals doing multiple cost estimates on these buildings and we're talking that 10 times the amount of this project. And I'm a little concerned that we're overstating what we're going to have for contingency. I just want that for the record because again, did a $200 million project at the high school and we had 5%, 4%. We've got a little extra money. We've had some change orders, but we just raised our estimate on the middle school from four to five as a contingency. So I'm just I want it on the record that, I'm going to be paying attention here because I think 10% is being really generous this early stage. I think the architect should take a look at it once you hire an architect Then maybe we reconsider that, but I just want to be on record stating that I'm raising my hand about the amount of contingency.

I know we need contingency, I get it, but we're doing much bigger projects with half of this money as a contingency

Bates, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Sideris.

Next item is the first reading on a proposed loan order amendment stating that Order Number 2026011 authorizing a borrowing in the amount of $300,000 for the electric vehicle charging platform project is hereby amended to increase the authorized borrowing amount for such projects to 439.580 which amended the commercial REIT as follows in its entirety. Order that the sum of $439,850 is appropriated to pay costs for purchasing a spark charge level three mobile electric Charging Platform for the Police Station, including all other costs.

And that's standard language. Mr. Mayor? Thank you, Mr. President. So this item is a first reading I will note that we had a CIP amount of $1,585,000 for two charging projects which are project items 9B and 9C on tonight's agenda. We proposed the loan orders a little bit early on these, and we have actual numbers back on both both of them came out higher than what we did for the loans but in total at $1,465,658 they're actually lower than the CIP estimate numbers that they were at at the next meeting our public buildings team can explain a little bit more about what happened with the mobile charging unit I will note that We had talked originally about a proprietary project. We ended up going out to bid and coming up with a different vendor's product for this particular thing

the price at that $439,580 is a hard number that we have now and we can certainly discuss it more in a public hearing at the next meeting. Thank you Mr. President.

stating that order number 2026012 of the City Council passed on February 10, 2026 authorizing a borrowing in the amount of $900,404 for the level three electric vehicle charges from a police station project is hereby amended to increase the authorized borrowing amount of such projects to $1,026,078 which amended order shall read as follows in its entirety. Order that the sum of $1,026,078 is appropriated to pay costs of purchasing three level 3 electric vehicle charges for the police station including all other costs related there too.

Mr. Manager? I thank you, Mr. President. Similar to item 9b this is a cost adjustment the combination of these two items are designed to be able to build all full police pursuit vehicles and can be charged quickly either in person or at a mobile site. So as I noted before, we will discuss more about at the next meeting. Both of these are essentially due to total bids plus contingency based upon and when we went into a competitive bid process for this. And I look forward to discussing it more with the council at the next meeting. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you Mr. President, as you know in accordance with Mass General Law Chapter 44 Section 53A expenditure of gifted funds requires approval from the City Manager and Council

the Watertown Wheels event held on August 2nd, 2026 collected non-perishable items and contributed 50% of registration fees resulting in a donation of $545 in addition to the items. And I request the council's approval to accept those. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Can I get a motion on the acceptance and expenditure of funds as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Committee Reports. 10A is a committee on public safety report regarding its meeting on July 9th, Councilor Gannon.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Safety met on July 9th, 2026 in a lower hearing room to discuss the Watertown Police Department's proposed first responder drone program. Present were myself, Chair Vinnie, Councilor Piccirilli, Vice-Chair, and Emily Izzo, Secretary. Also present were Councilor Tony Palomba, Police Chief Justin Hanrahan, Captain Ken Swift, Captain Gam Hunsworth, Wilson, Rando of Paladin Thrones, various residents including Josh Geller, Lima, Maddie Nicole, Robin Page, Madeleine Clay and Kate Early. And by Zoom, Presidents Joan Gumpleton, Linda Scott, Angie Kanellis, Tom Dickey and David Gavin. I called the meeting to order at 7 of 4 p.m., and at the outset, I explained that I and Councilor Sideris have been in discussions with representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union

which is currently developing model guidance regarding police drone programs. I stated that the committee would not be taking any votes or making recommendations for proposal at this meeting, and that I anticipated reconvening in the fall after the ACLU guidance had been released so that the committee can consider the issue with that additional information. Police Chief Justin Hanrahan then presented a proposed Watertown police first responder drum program Chief Hanrahan explained that the primary goals of the program are to include public safety, enhance first responder safety and provide responding officers with real-time information during emergency incidents. He emphasized the employee's program was intended to function as a first responder tool rather than a surveillance program. The autonomous drone would deploy in response to certain emergency calls and, in many cases, arrive at the scene before responding officers allowing dispatch and first responders to better assess conditions before arriving on scene.

Chief Hanrahan discussed several examples of how drone technology has been successfully utilized by other law enforcement agencies including locating or missing endangered persons, assisting with search and rescue operations, documenting accident and crime scenes, evaluating hazardous situations and including officer and community safety. He noted that obtaining aerial information early in an incident may reduce unnecessary ground searches. include deployment decisions and allow first responders to determine whether additional police, fire or EMS resources are needed before arriving at the scene. Wilson, Riendo, Paladin, Jones provided an overview of the proposed system and answered technical questions from the committee. He explained that Paladin currently works with approximately 150 public safety agencies and describe the autonomous deployment capabilities of the system. Chief Hanrahan stated that he became familiar with technology after attending a chief's conference

and believed it offered capabilities that distinguish it from traditional manually operated drones. The committee devoted a substantial portion of the meeting to discussing privacy protections, data management and oversight of the proposed program. Chief Hanrahan explained that the police department intends to adopt a written policy governing the operation of the drone program including limitations on authorized uses, supervisory approval requirements plans to establish a public transparency portal documenting drone deployments. Committee members discussed data retention policies, the circumstances under which footage could be shared with outside agencies and safeguards to prevent misuse of technology. representatives from Paladin explained that the system records video only, not audio and that transmissions are encrypted. And that the department would maintain control over recorded data.

They further stated that the company has implemented security measures designed to protect information and prevent unauthorized access. Committee members also discussed operational considerations including FAA compliance, Weather Limitations, Battery Life, Flight Attitude, Altitude, Expected Service Life, Supervisor Approval, Operator Training, Liability, Maintenance, Insurance Coverage and Contract Terms. Paladin representatives explained that the proposed agreement includes maintenance, repairs, replacement drones during servicing and liability coverage through the vendor. Regarding contract terms, the vendor includes an Exhibit C in their contract in which the City can insert those terms and conditions that are vital to Watertown. The Committee also discussed whether the Fire Department currently utilizes drone Technology and expressed interest in learning more about its existing program, and how the two departments might coordinate their use of drones.

The financial aspects of the proposal were also reviewed Chief Hanrahan stated that the drone would be purchased through using drug forfeiture funds rather than local tax revenue. The committee discussed the estimated one-time purchase cost of approximately $24,000 annual where in service costs of approximately $50,000 and a proposed one-year agreement with an option to renew. The annual renewal rate is around $15,000 Throughout the discussion, committee members and residents raised questions regarding transparency, data retention, potential mission creeps, sharing of information with outside agencies including federal and the need to establish clear performance measures to evaluate whether this program achieves its stated public safety objectives. Committee members emphasized the importance of balancing the operational benefits of technology with the appropriate safeguards protecting privacy and civil liberties.

The committee identified several issues for further review prior to taking any action on proposal, including a review of the forthcoming ACLU guidance concerning police drone programs additional discussion with the fire department regarding its current drone usage, development of measurable performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and consideration of the frequency with which the committee should receive updates following implementation should the program move forward. At the conclusion of the discussion, Humphrey is moved to continue the matter to a future meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice Chair Piccirilli and passed unanimously by votes 3-0. The meeting concluded at 8.35 p.m. and so on. I also want to make one brief amendment which is that I did not refer to the attachment, but the attachment of the slides presented by the Chief and so Brendan if you could make that.

I'd like to have it included in what we vote on and I'm hoping Brendan can do that after.

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? You guys have it. Tenbi is a Committee on Parks and Recreation report regarding its meeting on July 14th. Councilor Offei?

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Park and Recretion met on Tuesday, July 14, 2016 at 530. Gartner, Vice-Chair was unable to attend. The purpose of the meeting was to interview Eric Holm, Ian Edward Plancy and Rachel Slater for appointment interview. Mr. Edward Clancy has lived in Watertown since 2024 when he moved from Fort Collins, Colorado. There, he attended Colorado State University and received their Bachelor of Science degree Edward Clancy is currently completing a certificate program with the Massachusetts Association of

He said he believes he can make a positive contribution to the Commission because of his background in horticulture and soil studies. He also feels joining the Commission is a good way to give back to this community. uses the ability to listen carefully to what others have to offer while simultaneously sharing best practices on meeting protocol. He is excited about a possibility of serving as a member of the Commission. of Palomba made a following motion. The Committee on Parks and Recreation recommends that the City Council Mitchell, Slater's Interview. Ms. Slater joined the meeting on Zoom. Ms.Slater graduated from Smith College, where she majored in biological sciences as well as environmental science and policy.

She presently works for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, as an Environmental Protection Green funded projects, granted funded projects are compliant with federal environmental and historic preservation laws. of Disasters. on the Conservation Commission. She has particular interest in the commission's stewardship to ensure our woodland trails are protected and accessible.

Ms. Slater has attended Commission meetings, listened to recordings of meetings, and read meeting minutes calling to help the Commission achieve its mission. Action item, Councilor Palomba made a full motion. Committee on Parks and Rec recommends that the City Council approve Appointment of Rachel Slater to the Conservation Commission to return. And then February 15, 2028, Councilor Affair seconded the motion and it passed 2-0. Councilor Palomba made a motion to adjourn.

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 approve the appointment of Ian Edwards Clancy to the Conservation Commission for a term to expire February 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 approve the appointment of Richard Slater from the Conservation Commission for a term to expire on February 15, 2028. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Thank you. 10C is a Committee on Human Services report regarding its meeting on July 15, 2026, Councilor Palomba.

Thank you, the Committee on the Human Services Committee on Wednesday, July 15th, 2036 at 530 p.m. to conduct re-appointment and interviews. of its most significant accomplices.

and all the development process, rather than simply reviewing New affordable family housing in the near future. We also discussed the possibility of incorporating affordable housing into future projects including and many others. Partnerships with Organism.

He referenced work involving St. Joseph Hall, including elevator improvements and ongoing collaboration regarding a Belmont Street property with stormwater concerns. for identifying opportunities to utilize ARPART funding. Mr. Cook stated that the trust is well represented by members with diverse professional backgrounds and believes the group works effectively Irving on the truss. Yeah, action item. Councilor Izzo made a following motion if you are here to serve this is recommended that of 2029, a second in the motion and a pass 3-0.

James O'Connor interviews. Mr. O'Connor stated that serving on the Council of Aging has been a rewarding experience. He described the council as a dedicated group with members from a variety of backgrounds who take their risk are committed to planning for the future needs of Watertown's older adult population. Mr. O'Connor says he hopes the city will establish a clear direction regarding the future of the senior center, He noted that parking remains an important concern and expressed his desire to see progress toward

Seniors, and praised Director of Senior Services, Lydia McCoy for significantly increasing in diversifying programming. House Program and Opportunities Action Item. of the Council on Aging, to a term expiring May 15th, 2029. Counselor of age seconded the motion and it passed 3-0. Helen Oliver for interview. Miss Oliver identified the water. over the past several years as one of its greatest accomplishments. She highlighted the completion of the Watertown Housing Plan and policy updates, noting that the current membership

worked collaboratively to develop and refine these documents. She stated, Looking ahead, Ms. Oliver expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities created by and a broad range of knowledge

and other local funding sources, including Community Preservation Committee pre-development funding could strengthen future affordable housing initiatives. As an item of councilor Izzo made the following motion. The committee on Human Services recommends that City Council approve the reappointment of Helen Oliver as a member of the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust's A term expiring June 30th, 2029. Councilor Beatty seconded the motion and it passed 3-0. Councilors Beatty submitted a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Councillor Izzo and passed 3 0. The meeting ended at approximately

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? You guys have it? Can I to reappoint Cliff Cook and Helen Oliver to the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust with terms that expire on June 30th, 2029. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Negative motion to reappoint James O'Connor to the Council on Aging for a term to expire May 15, 2029. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. New business, 11A. I'm looking for a motion to refer to the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Oversight

The water and sewer rate issue that came up when we were setting our water and sew rates in July, the manager spoke about how he would like to have a discussion with staff and then the committee on future ways to mitigate some of the potential larger increases. So can I get a motion to refer that? So moved. Is there a second? Second. of the Committee on Climate and Energy, the Minerva Study Group report which we've all received of carbon storage assessment at Whitney Hill. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Communication from the City Manager. 12 A's are requests for confirmation of appointment to the Board of Election Commissioners. Mr. Manager?

Thank you, Mr. President. As the Council is aware The Board of Election Commissioners is selected by the manager from a list of names given by the Democrat and Republican parties so that there are two members from each party on commission at any given point in time. We've had a position open for one of the Republican Party positions. The individual who has held it for a long time did not request to be reappointed. I'm recommending Antonio Mole for a term to expire April 1, 2030.

will go to the Committee on State, Federal and Regional Governments. 12b is a request for confirmation of reappointment to the Missouri Memorialization Committee. Mr. Manager? Thank you, Mr. President.

This one is a little unique in that the memorialization committee has scheduled their first meeting for September they haven't met since we did the initial appointments but Ani Orayan is still committed to being on the memorialization committee because we have to stagger the terms at first. This particular term expired first this September, so we're looking for a reappointment to September 15th, 2029.

So I'm going to pause here for a moment because she was interviewed already by the committee. So I'm going to ask, we're not going to refer this. I'm gonna ask Councilor Piccirilli to make a motion

in April of this year, and the committee has not met yet. And she was, as you recall, the initial three-year term, but one person had a one-year So instead of re-interviewing her just a few months later, I would like to make a motion. The DeCouncil votes to re-appoint Ane Arroyan for reappointment. The memorialization is made for a term to expire September 15th, 2021

Can I get a second? Second. Okay, because this was not listed on the agenda, we will list it next agenda for a confirmatory but in order for them to meet, we're going to do this tonight and then place it on the Any discussion? All those in favor, aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. 12c is a request for confirmation of reappointment to the Watertown Able Access Corporation

Thank you, Mr. President. Requesting the reappointment of Elaine Mello to a term to expire September 15th, 2029. Elaine has been on the Cable Access Commission Board for a while at this point and is recommended for reappointing.

is a request for confirmation of appointment in the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Fund. Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. President. With the recommendation coming from the Residence Advisory Committee recommending Andrew Lutu for a term to expire November 15th, 2029

on Climate and Energy. 12E is a Request of Confirmation of Appointments to the Historic District Commission

Thank you Mr. President, again with the participation of the Residence Advisory Committee I have two recommendations here we have a term from that James Benzinger resigned that expires in 2027 looking to appoint Tom Acitelli to the term to expire November 15, 2027. And then we have a full term open on the Historic District Commission recommending Lauren Mills to appoint that to expire

to manage and you may continue.

Okay, the first thing I just want to acknowledge with the council we issued a very specific release on this and the council presidents already spoke about it but our home rule petition on the tax split has passed and been signed by the governor last week in July. I just want to take a moment first of all thank your council for sticking with us through this process for building a fiscal year 27 budget based upon the Belief and hope that this would pass, the understanding that had it not passed we would have been sitting in the October budget presentation November meeting figuring out how to either fill a gap or give our residents an 18% tax increase based upon what can only be described, and I think we describe it as elegantly as we could in the press release, as a nuance in the law from the 1980s that capped how much

that basically put a minimum residential factor on what we could put in taxes and set that minimum residential factors from before we had our commercial development boom, the arsenal was anything other than a publicly owned site. A maddeningly crazy set of rules that honestly made us a victim of our own success. Our situation here was utterly unique We were talking about tax splits and that we were trying to get ourselves to the point where everybody else already can be. And, we're trying to ourselves there in a way that if the economy gets better our situation would get worse and with kudos to our legislative delegation, I had the chance to join the council president and our city assessor with Representative Long and Representative Owens in charge of the, in front of the Joint Committee on Revenue to really talk about the nuts and bolts of this. And we had some really tough questions at that committee meeting that really dove deep into the nuts

Rep Law and Owens carried this through the house at a moment in time when there were a lot of busy and substantial bills. You have to remember we're dealing with the budget the Governor's major economic development bill, there are lots of other things pending in the House at the same time. and this made it through the process at that time, made it to the Senate. And with the work of Senator Brownsburger made it though the Senate very quickly as well. I will also note that with the assistance of Senator Bronsberger, I mentioned in the last meeting there was a concerned about some of the regulatory process around site plan review in the governor's economic development bond. Senator Brownsburger working with Senator Sear on Cape Cod put an amendment in on that which addressed the ability for us to continue to do design review as part of site plan review that is in the Senate version of that bill that is now pending in conference committee last I heard and working very closely with Senator Brownsberger, him working with Senator Sear.

The two of us working with a set of planners from We were able to tackle this in a way that I'm cautiously optimistic will make it through the final version of this document that had been a concern. There's also a lot changes to variance rules, etc., and the governor's bill is going to be a lot of interesting things going on but i just wanted to note I've had the chance over the last month or so to work very closely with our delegation and have them work very close with House and Senate leadership to get us to this point. And I just want to note, thanks to the Council and thanks to our delegation. It was great to be able to get these things over the finish line. Second piece of good news, Community Development and Planning has moved their full set of offices over to the Parker Building. They are in a process of unpacking we made a public announcement that they would be reopening to the public. Now, mind you all staff has been working some remotely and some from their offices as this change is occurring

coming back in to be opening their offices up and getting everything ready. We're a day early, so Thursday we will have the front desk here open to the public again and have the ability for CDP to be in their spot. ISD will be joined, the building inspectors team will be joining them downstairs. I expect that the buildings team will in place very soon and we'll announce when that happens too but they're internal to the building so it's a little bit easier step Third, I have appointed a senior center building committee. much like we have a school building committee. Setting up a senior center building committee is an important step to the process of determining the future of the senior center and where you can go on this senior center project. We put out to bid to have architects do a preliminary step with the senior center where the committee is going to pick an architect who is able to do program analysis and site selection process to determine

what program and where things will come together, and how that will work. We received those bids back, a staff committee did an initial review. The senior center committee will be meeting and one of their first steps will be interviewing the finalists to select the architect that's going to work with the seniors committee on this process. On that committee, Phyllis Perrone from the Council on Aging, Joy Mazzola who is a regular visitor volunteer at the Senior Center. our senior center director Lydia McCoy, Denise Moroney our Director of Public Buildings Emily Monet Deputy Manager and then three city councillors, Councillor Palomba, Councillor Feltner and Council President Sideris will all be participating on that committee. I appreciate having all of them together and appreciate the chance to work with the council president staff to pull this together, get that committee appointed and get you to work on that space.

I wanted to share something going on in the internal side of local government, just so council is aware. When we did the human resources HR type department study very early on and talked about professionalizing our process and Employee Handbook that it's in its final legal review, which is a big step for us. It has all policies for union and non-union staff together in one place. Thank our HR director for getting us so close to the finish line. I know our legal team is working hard on doing that final review I want to thank the auditor's office and Mark Wang also for putting together our never written travel policy. I think a lot of those policies have been in place for years, but having them Downey in one place where everybody knows what they are and how they work, I think is very important for employees who do conference travel, et cetera. As I'm reading the final version of it, none of it's a surprise to those of us who might go to a conference

I think it's a big step for us. Finally, I will note that the council president, the assistant to the manager Joanna Hand and I have been working very hard on trying to make sure particularly more Joanna and Mark than me but working to make sure that the new council to meet in the future when the furniture's in and everything is done. It does appear we will probably be back here for our meeting on September 8, though as that work continues to get the furniture installed but I look forward to seeing you here and then again back there as we finish up this process. That's all I have today, Mr. President. Thank you.

My former request in July wasn't, there were questions that weren't answered so I just want to follow up on the Arsenal Street design. Council should receive a copy of the design that didn't come with the answer. What grant, it says a grant, what the total costs are? That was not answered and also the answer concerns me that it says that it will be finishing a design as part of the larger Watertown Square redevelopment project which we don't have, and we didn't vote on a design for the Watertown Square redevelopment project. But the answer also says that this is going to be happening in the next few months so I'm a little confused on that. I will follow up in writing for this additional follow-up on the request for information on Arsenal Street.

Any other requests for information? Seeing none, announcements? Any announcements? Councilor Feltner.

Thank you Mr. President I have an announcement it's a request for new business if I may for September council meeting So, and the reason why I'm making this request for new business is to give you a background. On March 10th, you might remember of this year, the Budget and Fiscal Oversight Committee reported out to City Council that included concerns on Arsenal Street sidewalks. The council voted to, quote, request DPW provide a memo to the city council about ADA compliance as raised by the Commission on Disability For the Arsenal Street sidewalk from Louise Street to the Toyota dealer addressing issues challenges potential short-term fixes and potential long term fixes. Yet in May, DPW moved ahead with extensive pruning of the trees in this area and these trees are blocking the public way.

When I asked about this initiative, the manager and staff assured me and the Commission on Disability that DPW has a plan and would be presenting it to the Commission on Disability, but no memo for Council or plan has been presented to either the council or the commission. I'm asking for new business today because an email came out today to the commissioners that said The Public Works team will be installing signage on Arsenal Street directing pedestrians to the westbound side between Tidal Boxing Club and Louise Street. This is despite last year's August 2025 Council on Disability meeting with the DPW director where we clearly stated that signage directing pedestrians to cross the street would be wholly inadequate and does not address inclusive accessibility on our sidewalks. This section is a block away from Perkins School for the Blind

and the Arsenal Corridors, which serves the MBTA 70 bus passengers or two bus stops there affected that are almost impassable. So I'm asking for a new business before the council in September. Thank you.

any other announcements? Just a reminder, I'm sorry, Councilor Gannon.

Yes, thank you. Just want to let everyone know and remind everyone that Watertown is part of a regional hazardous waste collection and there's a collection coming up this Saturday in Lexington between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m at 60 Hartwell Avenue, and there is a 24-hour pre signup process to deposit hazardous waste there just want to pass that along.

Any other announcements? Just a reminder, and I know it's all over the website exciting time of year September 2nd we're going to having a grand opening open house at New High School We'll have boring speeches. Hopefully some prominent state folks with us will have, I believe we'll very large media coverage. But I encourage people to come and spend a few minutes, take a walk around and see what the tax dollars have done for our community and our students in particular who are going to be going to that school in one of the best learning environments. Will there be big scissors? Any other announcements? Public forum.

Any member of the public here or at home wish to speak? Seeing none, can I get a motion to adjourn? So moved.