1 00:00:14,240 --> 00:00:41,840 To call this meeting to order. This is a meeting of the City Council. On September 22nd. We're in the annex. This is an in-person meeting with. It's being broadcast and recorded by Watertown Cable Access. It is a hybrid meeting. The Zoom information is available on the website, as well as a telephone number and an email address. I'm going to ask the clerk, please call the roll. Councilor bays. 2 00:00:41,840 --> 00:00:42,680 Councilor. Feltner. 3 00:00:42,680 --> 00:00:43,480 Present. 4 00:00:43,480 --> 00:00:50,440 Councilor Gannon. Present. Councilor. Gardner. Present. Councilor Izzo. 5 00:00:50,440 --> 00:00:52,880 Councilor Izzo will not be here this evening. 6 00:00:52,880 --> 00:00:57,400 Councilor. 7 00:00:57,400 --> 00:01:02,330 Councilor. Palomba. Councilor Piccirilli. President, president Sideris president. 8 00:01:02,330 --> 00:01:51,170 Let me remind everyone that Councilor Gannon is joining us tonight by, uh, remotely. And we will be doing all votes in, in, uh, as a roll call. Can I get a motion to go into executive session for two items to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate. If the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. Yes, and I do. And it includes, but not limited to, the Watertown Square Demonstration Project and also to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation. If an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body. And the chair so declares, and I do so, can I get that motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Roll call please. 9 00:01:51,170 --> 00:02:03,700 Councilor. Palomba. Yes. Councilor Piccirilli. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Feltner. Yes. Councilor. Gannon. Yes, councilor. Gardner. Yes, councilor. Okay. Yes. President Sideris. 10 00:02:03,700 --> 00:02:18,020 Yes. We'll be returning to open session at approximately 7 p.m.. 11 00:02:18,020 --> 00:02:24,860 The next item is to please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. 12 00:02:24,860 --> 00:02:25,940 I pledge allegiance. 13 00:02:25,940 --> 00:02:29,700 To the flag of the United States of America. 14 00:02:29,700 --> 00:02:48,180 And to you, which stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice. 15 00:02:48,180 --> 00:03:02,070 Thank you. Next item is examination of minutes. Can I get a motion on the minutes of September 8th? Public forum. Hold on. Yeah. Rushing it. 16 00:03:02,070 --> 00:03:11,390 Is any member of the public here at home? Please go to the podium and identify yourself for the record. 17 00:03:11,390 --> 00:03:14,230 Mr. president, city councilors. Russell. 18 00:03:14,230 --> 00:03:50,870 You all know me pretty well. I'm sure sometimes you wish I'd stay home, but that's another story. Okay. In order for society to properly function, there must be a balance. Let me relate this to Watertown Square. With all probability, we are overdue for a downturn or recession, whatever you want to call it. In this area, it has already started. Prices have gone down in certain cities and towns. Rents have gone down in certain cities and towns. You've also seen the fact that if you drive around Watertown, you'll see a lot of for rent signs, which you didn't see a year ago. 19 00:03:50,870 --> 00:05:19,020 So when new rental units in Watertown Square are ready for occupancy in the unit. Owners have trouble renting them and they are not getting the price they expected. They will rent many of these units to those who are getting government assistance, but the government paying 70% of rent. Unfortunately, they will have other needs. A food pantry will need much more food. A community refrigerator will have to be replaced with a refrigerated trailer. The city will have, will have, will have to have an employee oversee the distribution of food. There will still be a list of other needs in order to balance. In order to keep a balance, along with no garage, we must reduce the planned units down to what's mandated. If I'm not mistaken, cities and towns with commuter rail are expected to allow 5000 units. What a joke. If you expect the following communities to do this Andover. Belmont. Cohasset. Concord. Lincoln. Manchester. By the sea. Natick. Rockport, a Winchester. You live in fantasy land. The elites will protect their communities at all costs. And I hate to say this, but what is this council done? And I will demonstrate, Your Majesty. Queen Healey. Your slightest wishes, I command. So far, that's what I've seen in reference to this project. Okay, now. Next meeting. 20 00:05:19,020 --> 00:05:20,380 So your time is up. 21 00:05:20,380 --> 00:05:23,820 You gotta talk faster the next time. 22 00:05:23,820 --> 00:05:27,860 Well, we've got to stop bowing like the queen. 23 00:05:27,860 --> 00:05:29,180 To the queen. 24 00:05:29,180 --> 00:05:32,940 I thought you'd all get a laugh out of that. Good night. 25 00:05:32,940 --> 00:05:36,260 If you'd like to send us your comments, we can include them to the record. 26 00:05:36,260 --> 00:05:37,700 No, I'll leave them for next meeting. 27 00:05:37,700 --> 00:05:45,380 Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Is there any other member of the public that wishes to be heard? 28 00:05:45,380 --> 00:06:00,230 Seeing none, we'll move on now to the examination of minutes. Can I get a motion on the minutes of September 8th? Mr. president, I make a motion that we adopt the minutes of September 8th as written. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Roll call please. 29 00:06:00,230 --> 00:06:03,710 Councilor. Feltner. Yes. Councilor. Gannon. 30 00:06:03,710 --> 00:06:05,030 Yes. 31 00:06:05,030 --> 00:06:14,990 Councilor. Gardner. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Piccirilli. Yes. Councilor. Vice president Sideris. 32 00:06:14,990 --> 00:09:26,620 Yes. Thank you. Next item is presentations of petitions, proclamations, and similar matters. Uh, the first is a proclamation commending Charles Curtis. Whereas Charles joined Watertown's scouting tradition in 2017 as a Cub Scout in Pack 30 and earned the Arrow of Light rank in 2021. And whereas Charles was the youngest to serve in troop leadership in the last decade, beginning in the role of assistant senior patrol leader at 12 and senior patrol leader at 13, and has guided others as quartermaster, troop guide and instructor. And whereas Charles, being an avid swimmer, was awarded Scouting's National Outdoor Achievement Award for Aquatics, having completed the swimming, life saving and kayaking merit badges, 25 hours of on the water time in the mile swim. And whereas Charles has earned the National Outdoor Achievement Award camping, having camped 49 nights with Scouting America. And whereas Charles has earned the National Conservation Award, having completed environmental science, soil and Water Conservation and Citizenship, citizenship in the world, merit badges, and participating in a Conservation Community Service project. And whereas, as a Life Scout, Charles chose to build a reusable, resilient and professional stage scenery stock for Watertown High School using 25 volunteers who gave 207.25 hours for their community, creating a set that was used immediately for the high school production of Mamma Mia, a production that Charles starred in as Harry bright. And whereas Charles was elected a member of Scouting's Honor Society, the honor of the arrow. And in September of 2023, he underwent an ordeal to become an arrow man, joining Pennacook Lodge. And whereas Charles, after completing all rank requirements and earning 30 merit badges, 13 of which were Eagle required, including the recently paused Citizenship in Society, earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout on June 16th, 2026. And whereas Charles has earned the Bronze Eagle Pond Number one for completing five merit badges after earning the rank of Eagle. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the City Council of Watertown commends Charles Curtis on his recent accomplishment of earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and extends well wishes for him for his promising future. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the city of Watertown to be affixed on this 22nd day of September 2026. Congratulations. 33 00:09:26,620 --> 00:10:33,910 I would like to say a huge thanks to. First, my family who have supported me throughout my many, many years in scouting. I would like to say thank you to Cat powers, Doug Sayer, David Russo, Ian Clark, Steve Lipscomb who have all guided me throughout my scouting journey in achieving these ranks. I would like to thank all the members of my community who helped me construct these flats for my theater department, so that we can create more professional theater for the community. I would like to thank Dean Pelucchi, the woodshop teacher at the high school who helped me in my design and construction of these flats to assure that they were as sound and as structurally capable as they could be. And it means a lot to me that I have all the support from my community in this process that I underwent over these past many years. Thank you. 34 00:10:33,910 --> 00:10:34,710 Thank you. 35 00:10:34,710 --> 00:10:41,110 Congratulations. 36 00:10:41,110 --> 00:10:49,040 I need a motion to accept the proclamation. So moved. Is there a second? Second? Any discussion? Roll call please. 37 00:10:49,040 --> 00:10:50,400 Councilor Gannon. 38 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:51,160 Yes. 39 00:10:51,160 --> 00:11:01,400 Councilor Gardner. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Palomba. Councilor Piccirilli. Yes. Councilor bays. Yes. Councilor Feltner. Yes. President. Sideris. 40 00:11:01,400 --> 00:11:04,000 Yes. Congratulations. Thank you. 41 00:11:04,000 --> 00:11:05,600 Thank you. Thank you. 42 00:11:05,600 --> 00:13:11,910 The next item I have is a proclamation for National Long Term Care Reform Day. Whereas all individuals deserve to age with dignity, respect and access to safe, high quality care. And whereas millions of Americans rely on long term care services, including older adults and individuals with disabilities, along with the families and caregivers who support them. And whereas residents of Massachusetts are directly impacted by long term care systems and deserve transparency, accountability and compassionate care. Whereas, for decades advocates, families, and professionals have worked to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability within the long term care system. And whereas significant challenges remain in ensuring consistent standards of care, workforce support and protections for vulnerable populations. And whereas communities across the United States are coming together to raise awareness and promote meaningful reform through education, advocacy, and public engagement. And whereas on September 27th, 2026, individuals and organizations nationwide will participate in the Roar National Walk for Long-Term Care Reform to bring visibility to these issues and amplify the voices of those impacted. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the City Council of Watertown. Nearby names September 27th, 2026 as National Long Term Care Reform Day in Watertown. And encourages all residents to recognize the importance of dignity, quality care and advocacy for those who rely on long term care services. In witness whereof whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the City of Watertown to be affixed on this 22nd day of September 2026. Can I get a motion to accept the proclamation? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Roll call please. 43 00:13:11,910 --> 00:13:21,750 Councilor Gardner. Yes. Councilor. Issa. Pardon. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. 44 00:13:21,750 --> 00:13:22,270 Yes. 45 00:13:22,270 --> 00:13:23,630 Councilor. Gannon. 46 00:13:23,630 --> 00:13:25,030 Yes. 47 00:13:25,030 --> 00:13:34,390 Yes. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is president's report, and I have one item tonight. And thank you again. 48 00:13:34,390 --> 00:13:36,390 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 49 00:13:36,390 --> 00:13:47,440 Um, and it's a very important item. The Charter Review Committee. 50 00:13:47,440 --> 00:17:21,990 It needs to be formed. And it's a little different this year because when we when we did the most recent charter review, we decided that we were going to do this after five years to see the changes that were made and how they were working. A major difference this time is the committee will consist of three city councilors and six residents, which will be confirmed will have to be confirmed by the City Council. That's completely different. Before, it used to be the complete City Council and six members that didn't need confirmation. I did the interview and brought them on board, and this is an area where this child is going to have to be cleared up. And I'm going to explain. I talked to the attorney about it. It was unclear about who was going to pick the citizens to bring in front of the city council. And we have this discussion a couple of times, and because it is unclear, it's going to fall on me to bring forth names, interview people and bring forth names to the City Council for their approval. So that's how we're going to follow the process, what I'm requesting tonight, and I'm going to work with Tyler to get this message out as much as we possibly can to. We're looking for six citizens that are interested in looking at our charter, looking at the reforms and things that were changed and made. Are there any areas that we should be looking at to make things better? Um, I think we've made such a beautiful, immense strides in the last review. Um, and we've implemented pretty much everything that's there from an annual discussion with the community, with the manager and the president to who city Council is having annual meetings themselves. I mean, there's so many improvements. We have a residents advisory committee. So many things that have gone well. I don't think this is the last process. Took us over a year. Every other Tuesday. And I don't think this is going to take this kind of time. So if you're interested, we're not going to do this every other Tuesday for the next 52 weeks. I so I would encourage you, if you have any interest in local government, we will get the message out. We will get the the information and everything will be submitted to the council clerk, and I will be reviewing the submissions and bringing something forward to the City Council. And I'm going to say it is late in September 26th, but I did not. This has to go to a ballot when it's done, and I did not want to confuse this with nine ballot questions to put on this year's ballot, to confuse people even further. And in talking to Tony Rich, we are allowed to move this to the municipal election as long as we start taking it up this year, which is what we're doing. So I want to be pretty clear that we will get the message out. I haven't decided on a date. It's going to be in the middle of October where they do possibly. I don't want to let this out there for too long. So 3 or 4 weeks at the most. And all that information. I'll be working with Tyler to get it out. And thank you. Motions, orders and resolutions. And ten A is a resolution authorizing a transfer of funds in the amount of $120,000 from fiscal year 2027 City Council Reserve to various fiscal year 2027 police personnel accounts. Mr. manager. 51 00:17:21,990 --> 00:19:46,350 Thank you, Mr. President. Um, as you are aware, um, all of our labor contracts have been enforced for the time period from July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2028. Um, the agreement with the Police Patrol Association. The Watertown Police Association was funded by the City Council on September 9th, 2025, and that funding was intertwined into the into the fiscal year 27 budget, as all contracts were done prior to the fiscal year 27 budget. But item 19 of that memorandum of agreement had a wage reopener um. If the police supervisors or firefighters bargaining unit provided an increase in compensation that might have been greater than provided in this agreement. Um, which was the case in this circumstance. So our deputy manager and team have been in negotiations with the Police Patrol Association in an effort to try to find a way to, uh, um, to, to address this contract. Um, and, uh, this $120,000 covers, um, um, any, any circumstance where there's a retroactive or current year increase related to, related to the negotiated update, um, with the, with this agreement. Um, one of the things I will note about this agreement and I just, I think it's worthy of note because from a bureaucratic operational standpoint, when I started here, we had six contracts with six unions that were all over the place and the way that they were managed. Um, but this particular change puts the police, the police patrol union, the last of the six that needed it, um, onto a 2% step system with every step effective on July 1st, which means for our auditing and finance teams, uh, everyone gets a step increase in the entire organization on the same day, which, um, it used to be on the anniversary date for a lot of positions, which created constant year round trying to keep up with when this person or that person got to step up and running the risk that you miss a date or not have an anniversary, correct or not have that done. And then the steps were different in this contract that were 4% steps than there were years where there was no step. Then the next year there might be a 3% step. It was. So this is a uniform 2% step over the period that you move through the step process in this circumstance is pretty significant to have that all in order. This funds transfer will address this contract, and I hope with that, I will not be back asking to fund contracts again until after June 30th, 2028. Thank you, Mr. President. 52 00:19:46,350 --> 00:20:25,230 Thank you. Can I get a motion on the transfer of funds? So moved. Is there a second? Second? Any discussion? I do want to just at this point, thank the deputy city manager because, um, getting these things done is often difficult. And um, no disrespect to KP law, but I think that from hearing from the members of the unions, they're very comfortable speaking with you. So thank you on behalf of of the City Council for all of your efforts. Roll call please. 53 00:20:25,230 --> 00:20:33,440 Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Feltner. Yes. Councilor. 54 00:20:33,440 --> 00:20:34,120 Yes. 55 00:20:34,120 --> 00:20:36,440 Councilor Gardner. Yes. President. 56 00:20:36,440 --> 00:20:44,160 Yes. Thank you. Uh, ten B is a resolution authorizing property tax work off program adjustments, Mr. Manager. 57 00:20:44,160 --> 00:21:55,250 Thank you, Mr. President. The property tax work off program, which is, uh, allows seniors and veterans the ability to reduce their property tax in exchange for doing some work for the city. Um, has not been the most popular program in recent years, but, um, we are trying to re up the interest in it and the possibility that people will take it on. We, we, we don't have more than a handful of people who might do it, but we can get it together to work. But one of the things that has happened is inflation has kind of slipped past us in this particular program by how much it lets you to work off, um, both programs for veterans and for seniors, um, for anyone age 60 plus, I should say, allows the opportunity to earn up to right now a $1,500 reduction in property tax bill, um, currently compensated at the state minimum wage. What is proposed here is to allow up to $2,000, which the state now allows us to do, based upon providing 125 volunteer service hours in a given tax year. The item before you addresses the senior work off, which I would ask for your vote on tonight if if you so see so fit to do so and would provide a companion bill for the veterans work off at a forthcoming meeting that matches the same numbers. Thank you, Mr. President. 58 00:21:55,250 --> 00:22:07,530 Thank you. Can I get a motion on the new proposed. Property tax reform. So moved. Is there a second? Second. 59 00:22:07,530 --> 00:22:08,810 Any discussion? S8: 60 00:22:08,810 --> 00:22:12,850 Question. 61 00:22:12,850 --> 00:22:18,210 I'm just curious how many people right now have been taken advantage of over the past year. 62 00:22:18,210 --> 00:22:41,540 My understanding is over the past few years it has been one, two, 1 or 2 people or less in any given year. And I think we have it set that we cap it at ten, because we don't want to necessarily grant more than $20,000 in tax relief. And it would be tough to find places for more people to do work. But, um, but I'd like to if there are ten people out there who want to do it, I'd like to find them the opportunity. 63 00:22:41,540 --> 00:22:42,820 Okay. Thanks. 64 00:22:42,820 --> 00:22:44,660 Council again. 65 00:22:44,660 --> 00:23:10,500 Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. So I had a question with regard to the restrictions that the statute allows us, the administration to impose with regard to the program. So if we're trying to extend the number of participants, could you explain, George, what the limits are from the administration's policy as to who can, uh, take advantage of the program, age limitations, that kind of thing? 66 00:23:10,500 --> 00:23:53,990 Um, so this is in the, um, the fiscal year 25 note from the senior center, which I believe is attached to the document that you have to be age 60 or older and retired or be a veteran. You have to own or operate, own, own and occupy the the property for which the taxes are deducted. You have to have skills that match a department's needs. There's a preference to individuals whose annual income is 300% of the poverty level. But again, that's a preference. If we got more applicants than spots, we would address that. Otherwise, we would take the folks who asked us, and there is a quarry form and some documents necessary to do as we have with anybody who does volunteer work in the city. 67 00:23:53,990 --> 00:23:55,710 Wonderful. Thank you. 68 00:23:55,710 --> 00:23:59,390 Any other comments? Can I get a roll call, please? 69 00:23:59,390 --> 00:24:07,430 Councilor? Yes, councilor. Yes. Councilor Piccirilli. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Feltner. Yes. Councilor. Gannon. 70 00:24:07,430 --> 00:24:07,950 Yes. 71 00:24:07,950 --> 00:24:10,750 Councilor Gardner. Yes. President. 72 00:24:10,750 --> 00:24:21,750 Yes. Thank you. Item seven is committee reports and the Committee on State, Federal and Regional Government report regarding its meeting on September 9th. Council of elders. 73 00:24:21,750 --> 00:26:06,890 Thank you, Mr. President. And I'll note the report starts out with the incorrect date. The correct date is, as noted in the title minutes that the committee convened on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 at 6:01 p.m. in the City Council Office. Present were myself as Chair Vice chair. Joined via telephone and John Gannon was absent. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a confirmation interview for appointment to the Election Commission. Antonia Mole is committed to volunteering and considers it an honor to serve in an appointed position by the City Manager and Council. He first became involved in Watertown politics around the age of 12, when he joined Watertown Republican Town Committee as an associate member. After moving to Belmont, he continued that involvement by serving as vice chair of the Belmont Republican Town Committee, and he ran to be elected as Belmont Town Meeting member. He also pursued other public service opportunities, such as volunteering for the Council on Aging, and working to help connect high school students with employment opportunities at area businesses. Antonio moved back to Watertown last year and he is currently furthering his education at Bunker Hill Community College. Antonio also discussed his commitment to respecting all candidates who run for office and remaining impartial. He has met with our City Clerk staff for better understanding of what this means. An example is such as not displaying lawn signs during election seasons. Should he be confirmed as an election commissioner? The motion by councilor and seconded by myself, was to recommend that council confirm Antonio Mole for appointment to the term expiring April 1st, 2030, and was unanimously approved to. The Committee adjourned at 615 and I prepared the minutes. 74 00:26:06,890 --> 00:26:16,210 Can I get a motion to accept the report? So moved. Is there a second? Second. 75 00:26:16,210 --> 00:26:43,710 Any discussion? Councilor Gannon? S3: 76 00:26:43,710 --> 00:26:47,590 Everybody's shaking their head. Uh, um. Mr.. 77 00:26:47,590 --> 00:27:21,360 I just want to note, members of the Elections Commission are not supposed to publicly support candidates. I think the point that that that the applicant was making during the meeting was that he would not be displaying lawn signs during the elections, not that he would expect everybody else not to do so, but merely that he alone would not do so because he's a member of the Elections Commission, uh, and needs to, to present himself as not being an advocate for an individual candidate under those circumstances. 78 00:27:21,360 --> 00:27:31,800 Well, thank you for that clarification. Could I ask for a friendly amendment that such as election commissioners not displaying lawn signs? 79 00:27:31,800 --> 00:27:32,560 Mr.. 80 00:27:32,560 --> 00:27:39,280 I'll just note that the minutes say should he be confirmed as an election commissioner? 81 00:27:39,280 --> 00:27:41,520 It's a report. 82 00:27:41,520 --> 00:27:43,240 It still doesn't clarify. 83 00:27:43,240 --> 00:27:53,920 It's a report of what was said at the meeting. Okay. And this is a report of the committee. And that wasn't said in the committee, unfortunately. 84 00:27:53,920 --> 00:27:56,360 Well, we are talking about the minutes. 85 00:27:56,360 --> 00:28:17,320 Okay. But councilor, that was not stated to be provided in the minutes. Minutes have to reflect what we're talking about. The minutes of a report that happened. And so we can't change what happened because it didn't happen at the meeting. 86 00:28:17,320 --> 00:28:22,730 We could clarify the minutes if that reflected what was actually said. 87 00:28:22,730 --> 00:28:44,130 Attorney Rich, please. I understand from Councilor Feltner what is reported in the in the report reflects what happened at the meeting, and the minutes are intended to reflect what happened at the meeting. So if the counselor can can confirm that. Councilor Feltner, I think that that that is what what is contained in the report that she produced. 88 00:28:44,130 --> 00:29:10,130 May I just I just want to read the two sentences that Councilor Feltner read one more time. It says Antonio also discussed his commitment to respecting all candidates who run for office and remaining impartial. He has met with the city clerk staff for a better understanding of what this means. And this, I think, refers to remaining impartial, such as not displaying lawn signs during election season. 89 00:29:10,130 --> 00:29:12,010 Should he be confirmed as an election commissioner? S1: 90 00:29:12,010 --> 00:29:15,330 Those are the that. That's the two sentences. 91 00:29:15,330 --> 00:29:20,500 I appreciate the clarifying. I will withdraw my alleged friendly amendment. Thank you. 92 00:29:20,500 --> 00:29:22,460 Thank you. 93 00:29:22,460 --> 00:29:23,260 Um. 94 00:29:23,260 --> 00:29:51,380 So obviously around this time, like, you know, one of the things that is very important to me about elections is, um, election officials and election commissioners being able to, um, admit or affirm the, um, who won the 2020 election. Um, so I did ask, uh, Mr. Mole councilor. 95 00:29:51,380 --> 00:30:02,300 Um, we're just talking about the report. I would suggest that when we make the motion to confirm him, that you could make a statement about what you said to him. Okay. This is just the report right now. 96 00:30:02,300 --> 00:30:02,820 Yeah. 97 00:30:02,820 --> 00:30:06,980 So can I get a roll call, please? 98 00:30:06,980 --> 00:30:12,500 Councilor Palomba. Yes. Councilor Piccirilli. Yes, councilor. Bass. Councilor. 99 00:30:12,500 --> 00:30:13,060 Yes. 100 00:30:13,060 --> 00:30:14,500 Councilor. 101 00:30:14,500 --> 00:30:15,350 Yes. 102 00:30:15,350 --> 00:30:20,590 Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Yes, president. Yes. 103 00:30:20,590 --> 00:30:33,190 Thank you. Can I get a motion to confirm Antonio Moli for an appointment as a member of the Board of Election Commissioners for a term expiring April 1st, 2030? So moved. 104 00:30:33,190 --> 00:31:09,910 Is there a second? Second, councilor? S10: 105 00:31:09,910 --> 00:31:20,240 What was what I'm looking for affirmed. Um, President Biden as the winner of the 2020 election. I was a little concerned. 106 00:31:20,240 --> 00:31:35,080 That that wasn't his personal view, but it was it was because the state official or the secretary is the one that, uh. 107 00:31:35,080 --> 00:31:44,720 Affirmed the president, obviously not the 2020 election as the winner. I'm still going to vote to. 108 00:31:44,720 --> 00:31:57,920 Confirm him, but I was a little unsettled. Um, because I do think it is important for any elected official to be able to just make that statement. 109 00:31:57,920 --> 00:32:02,360 Are there any other comments? Can I get a roll call, please? 110 00:32:02,360 --> 00:32:03,640 Councilor Palumbo. 111 00:32:03,640 --> 00:32:04,440 Yes. 112 00:32:04,440 --> 00:32:06,720 Councilor Piccirilli. Yes. Councilor. 113 00:32:06,720 --> 00:32:07,320 Yes. 114 00:32:07,320 --> 00:32:08,160 Councilor. Feltner. 115 00:32:08,160 --> 00:32:08,880 Yes. 116 00:32:08,880 --> 00:32:10,160 Councilor. Gannon. 117 00:32:10,160 --> 00:32:10,880 Yes. 118 00:32:10,880 --> 00:32:12,730 Councilor Garner. 119 00:32:12,730 --> 00:32:15,370 President. 120 00:32:15,370 --> 00:32:20,850 Council. President. President. Yes. 121 00:32:20,850 --> 00:32:28,170 It carries 7666226606002. 122 00:32:28,170 --> 00:32:31,090 Yes. I'm sorry. 123 00:32:31,090 --> 00:33:27,540 Uh new business. I'm looking for a motion to refer to the Committee on Public Works. Uh, an update on the Watertown Square intersection roadway improvement plan. This is nothing to do with the garage. I think that we need to. We've had, um, it's been some time since we, um, got an update and this is not a full scale public discussion. It is a public discussion, but I think that the committee should take a look at where we are in respect to how we're we're moving to when we're going to start getting gathering more input because I know this this, this particular plan, even at Saturday at the fair on the square, got a lot of people wondering what we're doing. So I think it was appropriate that we just have a brief overview of where we are in the plan for the Committee on Public Works to report back to the City Council. So moved. 124 00:33:27,540 --> 00:33:28,620 Is there a second? S8: 125 00:33:28,620 --> 00:33:32,140 Any discussion? Council. 126 00:33:32,140 --> 00:33:55,220 Thank you. I would just I'm assuming I don't want to assume, but I'm assuming that because the Arsenal Street corridor and community path was mentioned recently as being related to this plan, that that would also be included in the discussion. So we have an overview, like you said, a summary update overview of the area. 127 00:33:55,220 --> 00:33:59,260 Any other comments. Roll call please. 128 00:33:59,260 --> 00:34:02,020 Councilor Piccirilli. Yes. Councilor. 129 00:34:02,020 --> 00:34:02,820 Yes. 130 00:34:02,820 --> 00:34:03,620 Councilor. 131 00:34:03,620 --> 00:34:04,300 Yes. 132 00:34:04,300 --> 00:34:05,660 Councilor. Gannon. 133 00:34:05,660 --> 00:34:06,500 Yes. 134 00:34:06,500 --> 00:34:12,760 Councilor. Gardner. Yes. Councilor. Sort of thing. Yes. Councilor Palumbo. Yes. President Sideris. 135 00:34:12,760 --> 00:34:16,200 Yes. Thank you. Communications from the manager. Mr. manager. 136 00:34:16,200 --> 00:40:47,220 Thank you, Mr. President. Um, a couple of couple of items here this evening. The first is I wanted to share with you that, um, last week we. And by we, I particularly say Tyler, um, from our communications team delivered 976 community letters supporting the Watertown Square post office. Uh, to the folks at the Newtown post office. Um, and there's a little video about that out there too, if you want to see it. Um, so I appreciate everybody who joined in on that and helped ensure that voices will be heard. You can still submit questionnaires by October 1st. If you didn't receive one, you can request one of those at the new town of Mount Auburn post office and fill it out. Um, I believe there's nothing stopping you from still sending a letter to the post office or dropping one at Newtown and saying, hey, I think Watertown Square should remain. Um, but it was nice for us to be able to collect 976 letters and and drop them off there. So I appreciate that. Um, two notes of thank yous. First of all, to those who participated in the elections, recount the city clerk's office, um, city clerks from around the state and everyone who assisted with the elections recount were deeply grateful to everyone who participated for their professionalism, patience, and dedication throughout the process. Um, a special thank you to those clerks from all around the state who stepped up to help the city clerk. World is small and they assist each other when different communities have have a request for a recount. Um, and there are definitely quite, quite professional and amazing to watch in their process. Their support made a tremendous difference. The commitment to ensuring fair and accurate elections is truly appreciated. And I really do believe that watching these recounts is, is helpful in continuing to provide confidence in our election process. We do this well. We have a machine count election with a paper ballot, which means that you have that machine count on election night. But you have those original paper ballots sitting in the bottom of the machine to verify everything. And when all is said and done and you count, you end up with counts that are very, very close. A couple of points where maybe the machine didn't pick something up, and the clerks and the folks on the elections Commission have to understand the intent of that particular voter. Um, but I will note that, you know, across the four communities that did the recount, the, the total difference between ballots changed by one vote between the start and the election. I believe ours changed by about two. Um, and mostly were pickups of things that machines read as blank, but they're very, very small numbers in the grand percentage of elections. And, um, you know, in circumstances where things come close, the ability to do those recounts and reaffirm the numbers that are coming through the machines, I think I really appreciate how, how that all worked out. Um, second, thank you to the folks who put together the fair and square. And we had a very successful fair fare on this, this, this weekend. And, um, also appreciate we had very good weather this weekend. It really made it helpful as well. We've had hot days, we've had rainy days. We had really a great day. Um, but the events team is always does a great job. And I, and I think they really hit it out of the park with their whole strategy of tents and organizing and kind of how everything came together. The apple pie contest was great as usual. Um, having our local celebrity chef, Jay Santos participate there was an added benefit as well. Um, but in addition to the events team, DPW police, and then, and then so many city employees and folks, fire department, health department, and all these other folks participate and take on a table and share their perspective and what they do in the community. And I just always appreciate the fair and everything that, that, that it is and everything it does for our community. So thanks to everybody who participated in that. And it was great to see a lot of members of the council and the community and the staff there on this weekend. Um, I do want to note that, um, we just provided to the council and the Disabilities Commission probably like as this meeting was starting, a memo about the Arsenal Street sidewalk, um, providing both a short term and long term potential solution to address the concern over there. Um, and I know that is an item that has been referred to committee and I look forward to discussing with the committee that memo. I know that was something that the council had been asking for, and I just want to know if that's now in the hands of the council also being forwarded to the Disabilities Commission, and our staff looks forward to the opportunity to discuss the options on that particularly challenging stretch of sidewalk and what we can do on that. Um, I also want to take a moment to recognize a city employee who's departing his work with the city this Friday, because I think that sometimes you get deep into the nuts and bolts of what's going on in the city office, and you don't notice the contributions that people make. Um, but our, um, but Shondell Rose is departing Watertown to become the chief assessor for the town of Maynard and his last day with us this Friday. Um. Sean began working for the city as a counselor at Camp Cohasset in the summer of 2004 through 2007. Um, he joined the city as a full time employee in October of 2015 as a parking clerk in the Treasury Collector's Office. He continued to take on new challenges and responsibilities. He became head clerk in the Recreation Department in 2019 and 2021. He moved to the assessor's office as head clerk, embracing the opportunity to take classes and prepare for a career in assessing. His hard work paid off when he became assistant assessor in 2022. His progressions through these roles reflect not just a strong work ethic, but a deep commitment to serving the residents of Watertown, and we're grateful for all he's contributed for his professionalism, his willingness to learn, and his steady presence amongst our multiple departments. Um, and so while we'll miss him here in Watertown, we're excited for this next chapter as he steps into the role as chief assessor in Maynard. I just wanted to thank Sean for all of his years of service, dedication to our city, and the positive impact that he's had on my colleagues in the community. Um, sometimes the assessor's office isn't the most noticed office in the, in the city, but Earl has. Earl Smith, our chief assessor, has a great team over there. He mentors them really well. He helps train them really well. And, um, you know, as, as, as we talk about training back a little bit more, the overlay money in October. Um, it also proves that we're pretty solid with where our assessments land. We don't have outrageous abatement challenges. Um, it's all the result of having a very professional, strong assessing team there. Um, and I know Sean will do great in Maynard. Um, and I just want to wish him well in this public forum and say thank you. Uh, and that is all I have tonight. 137 00:40:47,220 --> 00:40:51,820 Thank you. Thank you. Request for information. 138 00:40:51,820 --> 00:41:03,830 Any requests for information, counselor? S8: 139 00:41:03,830 --> 00:42:42,930 Any other requests for information? Announcements. Any announcements? Councilor, this is just. I just want to appreciate if I might. The building on the city manager's about where I was at the Watertown citizens table. And it was so nice to see the new, um, Veterans Fair veterans officer walk around and introduce himself. I don't think I've ever seen that before. And I just wanted to appreciate him. And his supervisor, Jennifer, I think was a really nice, uh, a nice gesture on his part. Any other announcements? I'm going to let the council and the general public know. I just had the second conversation today with the manager. Um, on October 13th, we'll be doing our preliminary budget overview, but we're going to schedule a special meeting on October 6th to go over the updated capital improvement program with the numbers that were included from the middle school presentation. And then we're going to have a brief presentation on the middle school and discussion and vote on whether to proceed with that or not. So that that can be incorporated into the next week's presentation on the preliminary budget overview. Public forum. Any member of the public wish to be heard either here or at home. 140 00:42:42,930 --> 00:42:47,410 Rita, you are allowed to speak. 141 00:42:47,410 --> 00:42:48,690 Hi. Hello. 142 00:42:48,690 --> 00:44:08,070 Um, Frida Kahlo, fellow, 56 Cuba Street. Um, I'm just commenting on Noel and the, um, the clerk's office, the city clerk's office and the recount process. Um, it was a fascinating thing to watch. At in Watertown as well as in Belmont. I mean, Belmont is like a machine, but Noel did a tremendous job. Um, I also want to attest for, for the prosperity. Our elections are clean. Haven't seen a recount done many caucuses, one for Hillary Clinton. Um, and poll watched. I you can't find anything wrong. People know how to fill out those ballots. Um, it was very hard to find any votes, but, um, it is a good thing that our elections function. They are clean. They are work. And one more thing about the primary. I know that the primary split the town in half. And that's okay because primaries, that's what they are. They are a fight for people's different visions. And I hope going forward that we who are voting for the Democrats and or Republicans or independents want to come along, come along together into the general. Thanks. 143 00:44:08,070 --> 00:44:18,790 Thank you. Any other member wishes to be heard? Jackie in her hand up. But not anymore. 144 00:44:18,790 --> 00:44:25,430 Seeing none, I close the public hearing. Public forum and asked for a motion to adjourn. So moved. 145 00:44:25,430 --> 00:44:26,110 Is there a second? S8: 146 00:44:26,110 --> 00:44:27,190 Roll call please. 147 00:44:27,190 --> 00:44:31,270 Councilor. Baz. Yes. Councilor. Feltner. Yes. Councilor. 148 00:44:31,270 --> 00:44:31,910 Yes. 149 00:44:31,910 --> 00:44:38,030 Councilor. Gardner. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Councilor. Yes. Council. Yes. President. 150 00:44:38,030 --> 00:44:38,030 Yes. Thank you.