Watertown City Council (Tuesday January 13, 2026)

The meeting was called to order by Council President Mark S. Sideris. This was a hybrid meeting held on January 13, 2026.

Attendance:

• Present: Councilor Caroline Bays, Councilor Lisa J. Feltner, Councilor John G. Gannon, Councilor Nicole Gardner, Councilor Emily Izzo, Councilor Theophilus Offei, Councilor Anthony Palomba, Councilor Vincent J. Piccirilli, President Mark S. Sideris.
• Staff Present: City Manager George Proakis.

The Council conducted its biennial reorganization:

1. Election of Vice President: Councilor Vincent J. Piccirilli was nominated for the position of Vice President.
   • Outcome: The nomination was approved unanimously by a voice vote.
2. Selection of Seats: Council members selected their seats for the new term based on seniority.

• City Council Meeting Minutes of November 25, 2025: Approved unanimously.
• City Council Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2025: Approved unanimously.

President Sideris presented several items for action:

• Willow Park Redevelopment: The Council authorized a letter of support for the Watertown Housing Authority and PHA's proposed Willow Park redevelopment application to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
• City Manager Successor Agreement: The Council voted to authorize the Council President to begin negotiations with City Manager George Proakis for a successor agreement. The Manager's current contract expires August 14, 2026.
• Committee Assignments: President Sideris announced the committee assignments for the new term, emphasizing the need for committees to move business forward even if only two members are present.
• Council Rules: The Council voted to adopt the current Council rules as temporary rules and referred them to the Committee on Rules and Ordinances for review.

A public hearing was held regarding a petition from Comcast to install fiber utility ducts and manholes on Arlington Street and Clarendon Street.

• Project Scope: Installation of approximately 200 feet of concrete-encased PVC conduits and two manholes to support a head-end at 25 Clarendon Street.
• Public Comment: Gail Boyd (81 Arlington Street) expressed concerns regarding potential foundation damage from construction and rodent mitigation.
• Outcome: The Council approved the grant of location.

The Council held a public hearing on a proposed loan order for energy system upgrades at the Parker Building.

• Financial Impact: $1,156,000 appropriated for envelope and mechanical energy system upgrades.
• Justification: City Manager Proakis noted that the upgrades, including attic insulation ($90,000), are necessary to prevent the new fire suppression system from freezing and to meet climate action goals.
• Vote: Approved 9-0 via roll call (Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris).

A public hearing was held for a loan order regarding security and infrastructure at the Phillips School.

• Financial Impact: $95,000 for a standby generator and associated equipment.
• Justification: The generator will support the school department's network server and phone systems during power outages.
• Vote: Approved 9-0 via roll call (Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris).

The Council considered an ordinance to adjust the City Manager's salary.

• Action: The salary was adjusted to $244,658.
• Details: The adjustment includes a 2.25% COLA and a 1.75% performance adjustment, mirroring the 'step increases' provided to other city employees for FY26.
• Vote: Approved 9-0 via roll call (Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Offei, Palomba, Piccirilli, Sideris).

• Pleasant Street Shuttle: The Council authorized a contract extension with 'We Drive You' for shuttle services beyond the initial three-year term.
• First Readings (No Vote):
  1. Loan Order for DPW Equipment: $1,417,000.
  2. Loan Order for Sewer Enterprise Equipment: $510,000.
  3. Loan Order for Water Enterprise Utility Truck: $80,000.

• Climate and Energy (Dec 1, 2025): Discussed updates to the Climate Action Plan matrix. Highlights include a $900,000 grant for solar on the DPW building and the completion of electrification at the library.
• Public Works (Dec 15, 2025): Reviewed the Hazard Mitigation Action Plan presented by MAPC. The plan is updated every five years for FEMA eligibility.
• Economic Development and Planning (Dec 16, 2025): Discussed the search for a new Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning. Key priorities include experience in affordable housing, the Watertown Square Plan, and public-private partnerships.

• Charlie Kelly: Commented on the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), noting that only 15% of mandated buildings reported data. She also advocated for a tree ordinance to protect the urban forest.
• Angie Kanellis: Requested that contact information be clearly provided to residents affected by the Comcast utility work on Arlington Street.