MassVoter.com← Watertown City CouncilWatertown City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting
March 22, 2022
19 recorded votes, 19 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Note on these minutes: John G. Gannon arrived late (7:03 p.m.). Page 13 of the minutes file is a scanned image (usually the signed last page, with the adjournment); MassVoter read it with text recognition (OCR).
Present: John M. Airasian, Caroline Bays, Nicole Gardner, Lisa J. Feltner, Emily Izzo, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Mark S. Sideris, John G. Gannon
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Councilors Izzo and Airasian requested that the Administration draft language for a Home Rule Petition that would be...
Request the Administration to draft language for Council Consideration a Home Rule Petition requesting that the City of Watertown be allowed to go back to the 175% shift on the tax rate for...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to request the Administration to draft language for Council Consideration a Home Rule Petition requesting that the City of Watertown be allowed to go back to the 175% shift on the tax rate for commercial properties;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)
Consideration of Extending the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Submission Date from April 12, 2022 to April 26, 2022
Extend the Fiscal Year 2023 budget submission date from April 12, 2022 to April 26, 2022
Consideration of Extending the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Submission Date from April 12, 2022 to April 26, 2022 Councilor Piccirilli moved to extend the Fiscal Year 2023 budget submission date from April 12, 2022 to April 26, 2022;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gardner)
Proclamation Honoring Those Who Served in Vietnam on National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Adopt the proclamation honoring those who served in Vietnam on National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Councilor Gardner moved to adopt the proclamation honoring those who served in Vietnam on National Vietnam War Veterans Day;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Gardner, second: Piccirilli)
Public Hearing and Vote on a Proposed Ordinance to Modify Hours of Operation of the Administration Building and...
Authorize the proposed Ordinance to modify the hours of operation of the Administration Building and the Senior Center
Councilor Piccirilli moved to authorize the proposed Ordinance to modify the hours of operation of the Administration Building and the Senior Center;
The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a roll call vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)
Public Hearing and Vote on a Proposed Loan Order Authorizing the City Treasurer, with the Approval of the City...
Authorize the City Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, to borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of one hundred ninety-eight million eight hundred forty-four thousand two hundred...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to authorize the City Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, to borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of one hundred ninety-eight million eight hundred forty-four thousand two hundred fifty-two dollars ($198,844,252) for the purpose of constructing a new Watertown High School located at 50 Columbia Street in Watertown, Massachusetts, including the payment of all costs related to designing the project, demolishing the existing building, equipping and furnishing the school, site improvements, and all other costs incidental and related thereto (the “project”), which appropriation shall be in addition to amounts previously appropriated to pay costs of the feasibility study and schematic design phase of the project and which school facility shall have an anticipated useful life as an educational facility for the instruction of school children of at least 50 years, and for which the City may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (the “MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of the Watertown School Building Committee; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, is authorized to borrow said amount pursuant to G.L. c.44, §7(1) or G.L. c.70b, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the City therefor; that the City acknowledges that the MSBA’s Grant Program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as d
The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a roll call vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)
Authorize the City Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, to Borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of $48,895,000 is appropriated to pay costs of renovating and constructing...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to authorize the City Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, to Borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of $48,895,000 is appropriated to pay costs of renovating and constructing additions to the Lowell Elementary School and constructing the new Hosmer and Cunniff Elementary Schools, including the costs of equipping and furnishing the schools, making site improvements at the schools and all other costs incidental and related to such school projects, which appropriation shall be in addition to all amounts previously appropriated for such school projects; and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §7(1), or Pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the City therefor;
The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a roll call vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)
Authorize the City Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, to borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of $2,500,000 is appropriated to pay costs of constructing, reconstructing...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to authorize the City Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, to borrow and/or expend monies in the amount of $2,500,000 is appropriated to pay costs of constructing, reconstructing, paving, repairing or otherwise improving streets and sidewalks, including if necessary, convenient or desirable improving underground ducts and conduits and paying all other costs incidental and related to such street and sidewalk work; and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the City Manager, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L. c.44, §7(1), or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the City therefor;
The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on roll call vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
Mr. Magoon stated this is an easement for pedestrian and bicycle access across property at 101 Walnut Street.
Accept a public pedestrian access easement and a traffic signal infrastructure easement across 101 Walnut Street and authorizing the City Manager to execute the acceptance of said easements
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept a public pedestrian access easement and a traffic signal infrastructure easement across 101 Walnut Street and authorizing the City Manager to execute the acceptance of said easements;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)
Councilor Piccirilli read the Committee Report. Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report; Councilor Feltner...
Accept the report: Councilor Piccirilli read the Committee Report. Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report; Councilor Feltner seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously on a...
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
Adopt the 34 conceptual recommendations listed in the Committee's Report
Councilor Piccirilli moved to adopt the 34 conceptual recommendations listed in the Committee's Report;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted the unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)
Recommend to the City Manager to maintain the FY2023 Capital Spending so that it does not exceed 8% of the submitted FY2023 Operating Budget in order to meet the City Council's Budget Policy...
Councilor Piccirilli moved that the City Council recommend to the City Manager to maintain the FY2023 Capital Spending so that it does not exceed 8% of the submitted FY2023 Operating Budget in order to meet the City Council's Budget Policy Guideline that the City should seek to make capital expenditures (including debt and exclusive of the School Building for the Future Initiative Funding and Enterprise Funds) equal to at least 7.5% - 8% of the operating budget;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted the unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)
That the City Council Confirm Michael Brangwynne for Appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals as a Full Member for...
That the City Council Confirm Michael Brangwynne for Appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals as a Full Member for a Term to Expire on February 15, 2026
Councilor Airasian offered a friendly amendment to the report.
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion as amended was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Airasian, second: Gardner)
Have the City Council confirm Gregory Girard for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an Alternate Member for a term to expire on February 15, 2024
Councilor Piccirilli moved to have the City Council confirm Gregory Girard for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an Alternate Member for a term to expire on February 15, 2024;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gardner)
Have the City Council confirm Michael Brangwynne for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals as a Full Member for a term to expire on February 15, 2026
Councilor Piccirilli moved to have the City Council confirm Michael Brangwynne for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals as a Full Member for a term to expire on February 15, 2026;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gardner)
Committee on Public Works Report Regarding the Appointment of Ms.
Accept the report: Committee on Public Works Report Regarding the Appointment of Ms
Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)
Have the City Council approve the appointment of Darya Mattes to the Conservation Commission for a term ending February 15, 2024
Councilor Gardner moved to have the City Council approve the appointment of Darya Mattes to the Conservation Commission for a term ending February 15, 2024;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Gardner, second: Piccirilli)
The Retirement Board is requesting an increase in their stipend; this is something that should be discussed....
Refer to the Committee of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight a request to adjust the compensation for Retirement Board members
Councilor Piccirilli moved to refer to the Committee of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight a request to adjust the compensation for Retirement Board members;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gardner)
Referral to the Committee on State, Federal, and Regional Government to Discuss the Status of the 2022 Closing of...
Refer to the Committee on State, Federal, and Regional Government to discuss the status of the 2022 closing of Greenough Boulevard and to request the DCR to have representation at the meeting
Councilor Piccirilli moved to refer to the Committee on State, Federal, and Regional Government to discuss the status of the 2022 closing of Greenough Boulevard and to request the DCR to have representation at the meeting;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)
Recess Or Adjournment
Adjourn the meeting
RECESS OR ADJOURNMENT Councilor Piccirilli moved to adjourn the meeting;
The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“The motion was adopted unanimously on a voice vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)
From the Watertown City Council’s official minutes, posted on the city’s meeting portal (linked from the City Council page on watertown-ma.gov). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Watertown News (watertownmanews.com) candidate Q&As, candidate letters and articles that name each councilor; Mark Sideris photo by Charlie Breitrose. The city’s website has no councilor photos.
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