City Council — June 9, 2026

The speaker used visual aids of Malden to argue that new buildings and parking garages would destroy the historic character of Watertown Square. He argued that the city is acting as 'useful idiots' for developers.

The speaker was cut off by the Chair due to time limits.

Bruce Colton argued that low voter turnout (80% non-participation) leads to consequential decisions being made without broad public input. Josh Rosmarin supported the idea, noting that current engagement processes often over-represent specific demographics like homeowners and older residents.

The speakers presented their arguments to the Council for consideration.

The Mayor requested a referral for the drone proposal that was discussed in a previous meeting.

The motion to refer the matter to the Committee on Public Safety was approved.

The proposal includes a four-year extension with a potential fifth year, bringing contract terms in line with other city employees. The salary adjustment includes a 2.5% COLA and a 2% merit increase.

The Mayor will recommend the contract for a vote at a public hearing in two weeks.

A public hearing is scheduled for two weeks from the meeting date.

Proclamations were read to celebrate LGBTQIA+ equality and Juneteenth. Additionally, the Council recognized Steve Magoon's 17 years of service, specifically highlighting his work on the Watertown Square Area Plan and school buildings.

All three proclamations were formally accepted by the Council.

The project is part of a MassDOT bottleneck reduction program to synchronize signals in the Arsenal Street corridor. A Councillor raised concerns regarding existing utility poles interfering with ADA sidewalk clearance.

The grant of location was approved after the Director of Public Works confirmed that problematic poles had been relocated.

Funds will support projects including lumber safety/weatherization, a BMS regional server, multi-sport rink decks at Moxley and Casey Parks, pickleball courts at Filippello Park, library re-carpeting, and police UPS battery replacement.

The transfer of $754,600 was approved.

The transfer covers the design development phase and project management services. The end goal of this spending is to produce documents for bidding to generate a highly accurate cost estimate.

The $3 million transfer was approved.

The results of the design phase/cost estimates should be presented to the Building Committee in July or August.

The IT department is seeking a lease rather than a purchase to ensure continuous maintenance and operational control for cybersecurity, data storage, and backup recovery.

The five-year lease agreement was approved.

The funds are divided into administrative expenses (5%), affordable housing, historical preservation, and open space/recreation reserves (10% each), with the remaining 65% to the undesignated fund balance.

The appropriation of CPA funds was approved via roll call.

The committee interviewed Daniel Greneisen and Robert Eurasian for reappointment. Both members expressed commitment to traffic calming and community safety.

Both Daniel Greneisen and Robert Eurasian were reappointed to the Traffic Commission for terms expiring May 15, 2029.

The committee addressed the legal limitations of regulating commercial trash pickup hours under state law and discussed potential ways to mitigate noise through developer conferences and noise-reducing technologies. They also revised the noise waiver policy and the penalty section. Further discussion covered noise waiver communication methods, the appeal process via Waltham District Court, and the legalities of regulating trash pickup in special districts. There was debate regarding whether trash pickup conditions imposed through planning approvals are enforceable. The committee discussed noise waiver communication methods, the appeal process via Waltham District Court, and the legalities of regulating trash pickup in special districts.

The committee agreed on a statement of purpose and tasked staff with creating a supplemental chart for construction/maintenance hours and permitted noise levels. The committee agreed to remove the list of activities generally eligible for noise waivers and revised the penalty section to align with standard city ordinance wording. They also established specific hours for domestic and commercial lawn maintenance.

Staff to prepare a draft definition of 'persistent noise' for the next meeting. The amended draft noise ordinance will be recommended to the City Council for a first reading.

Staff presented a multi-channel education campaign involving restaurant visits, website updates, and social media. The committee suggested removing certain logos, ensuring text reflects specific Watertown regulations (e.g., removing napkin references), and adding contact info for the Health Director and Economic Development Planner.

The committee reviewed the materials and confirmed the ordinance will become enforceable in November 2026.

The City Manager addressed tree mortality issues, clarifying that contractors are responsible for a two-year warranty and watering. He also provided logistics for the Farmers Market at Saltonstall Park and upcoming city holidays and celebrations.

Informational briefing provided to the Council.