← Watertown City Council

Watertown City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting

April 23, 2024

21 recorded votes, 21 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page

A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3

Your Watertown ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.

Start my ballot →

Attendance

Note on these minutes: Page 15 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, John G. Gannon, Nicole Gardner, Lisa J. Feltner, Emily Izzo, Anthony Palomba, Vincent J. Piccirilli, Mark S. Sideris

Absent: None

Every vote, in order

Executive Session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, sec 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or...

Enter into Executive Session: Executive Session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, sec 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

30A, sec 21(a)(3) 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 – Collective Bargaining Councilor Piccirilli moved to enter into Executive Session and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Roll Call Vote (Izzo not present at time of Vote)..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Minutes from City Council Meeting April 9, 2024

Accept the minutes as written: Minutes from City Council Meeting April 9, 2024

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Minutes from City Council Meeting April 9, 2024 Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the minutes as written and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The minutes were accepted unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Public Hearing and Vote on a Proposed Loan Order that the sum of

Approve the loan order: Public Hearing and Vote on a Proposed Loan Order that the sum of

Minutes, page 5 · Video

Adopt loan orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve the loan order and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Roll Call Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Order Accepting Amended Easement Along Arsenal Street in Connection with Corridor Improvements and Authorizing the...

Accept the order with the amended easement: Order Accepting Amended Easement Along Arsenal Street in Connection with Corridor Improvements and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the...

Minutes, page 5 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the order with the amended easement and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $446,450 From the City Council Reserve to Various WMEG...

Approve the transfer of funds: Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $446,450 From the City Council Reserve to Various WMEG and Teamsters Accounts

Minutes, page 5 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve the transfer of funds and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Roll Call Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $137,910 from the City Council Reserve to Various DPW...

Approve the transfer of funds: Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $137,910 from the City Council Reserve to Various DPW Accounts

Minutes, page 6 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve the transfer of funds and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Roll Call Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $40,000 from the Community Development and Planning Full...

Accept the transfer of funds: Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $40,000 from the Community Development and Planning Full Time Salary Account to the Commander’s Mansion...

Minutes, page 6 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the transfer of funds and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Roll Call Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Discussion and Vote on Four Proposals from the Community Preservation Committee for Funding

Appropriate $145,000 for the Walker Pond Conceptual Design Ecological Study from the CPA open space/outdoor recreation reserve

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Scots Charitable Fence Restoration – Mt. Auburn Cemetery • Fence restoration for section on Mt. Auburn Cemetery Councilor Piccirilli moved to appropriate $145,000 for the Walker Pond Conceptual Design Ecological Study from the CPA open space/outdoor recreation reserve and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Roll Call Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Approve the Saltonstall Park Rehabilitations consisting of $1,478,561 from the open space/outdoor recreation reserve and $535,184 from the undesignated reserve totaling $2,013,745

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve the Saltonstall Park Rehabilitations consisting of $1,478,561 from the open space/outdoor recreation reserve and $535,184 from the undesignated reserve totaling $2,013,745 and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Roll Call Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Approve the Brown House Structural Engineering Study which is an appropriation of $7,250 from the Historic Preservation Reserve Fund

Minutes, page 10 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve the Brown House Structural Engineering Study which is an appropriation of $7,250 from the Historic Preservation Reserve Fund and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record this vote as unanimous; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Roll Call Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Appropriate $200,000 from the Historic Preservation Reserve for the Scotts Charitable Society plot fence restoration (Mount Auburn Cemetery)

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ApproveFailed · 1–8

He recognized that the Committee moved the original ask from $300,000 to $200,000, but that ultimately the concern remains that it may be irresponsible to give considering the presentation and attitude of Mt Auburn Cemetery.

Yes: PalombaNo: Airasian, Bays, Feltner, Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Piccirilli, Sideris

From the minutes

“The motion failed 8 no (Gannon, Gardner, Izzo, Piccirilli, Airasian, Bays, Feltner, Sideris) 1 yes (Palomba)..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Committee on Economic Development & Planning Report regarding its meeting on April 16, 2024 – Feltner, Chair ACTION...

Accept the report: Committee on Economic Development & Planning Report regarding its meeting on April 16, 2024 – Feltner, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council confirm Jason Cohen...

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Committee on Economic Development & Planning Report regarding its meeting on April 16, 2024 – Feltner, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council confirm Jason Cohen for reappointment as a full member of the Planning Board to a term expiring February 15, 2027 ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council confirm Gregory Girard for reappointment as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term expiring February 15, 2026 ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council confirm David Ferris for reappointment as a full member to the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term expiring February 15, 2029 Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report and Councilor Gannon seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Approve Action Item 1: Committee on Economic Development & Planning Report regarding its meeting on April 16, 2024 – Feltner, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council confirm Jason...

Minutes, page 12 · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve Action Item 1 and Councilor Gannon seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Approve Action Item 2: Committee on Economic Development & Planning Report regarding its meeting on April 16, 2024 – Feltner, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council confirm Jason...

Minutes, page 12 · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve Action Item 2 and Councilor Gannon seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Approve Action Item 3: Committee on Economic Development & Planning Report regarding its meeting on April 16, 2024 – Feltner, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council confirm Jason...

Minutes, page 12 · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve Action Item 3 and Councilor Gannon seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Gannon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Committee on Rules and Ordinances Report regarding its meeting on April 2, 2024 - Gannon, Chair ACTION ITEM: To...

Accept the report: Committee on Rules and Ordinances Report regarding its meeting on April 2, 2024 - Gannon, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council Adopt Amended Council Rules with...

Minutes, page 13 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Approve Action Item 1: Committee on Rules and Ordinances Report regarding its meeting on April 2, 2024 - Gannon, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council Adopt Amended Council Rules...

Minutes, page 13 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve Action Item 1 and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Approve Action Item 2: Committee on Rules and Ordinances Report regarding its meeting on April 2, 2024 - Gannon, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend that the City Council Adopt Amended Council Rules...

Minutes, page 13 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve Action Item 2 and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Committee on Public Works Report regarding its meeting from April 16, 2024 – Piccirilli, Chair ACTION ITEM: To...

Accept the report: Committee on Public Works Report regarding its meeting from April 16, 2024 – Piccirilli, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend to the City Council to approve the appointment of Ms....

Minutes, page 13 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Committee on Public Works Report regarding its meeting from April 16, 2024 – Piccirilli, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend to the City Council to approve the appointment of Ms. Jill Ayers to the Conservation Commission to a term expiring February 15, 2025 Councilor Piccirilli moved to accept the report and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Approve Action Item 1: Committee on Public Works Report regarding its meeting from April 16, 2024 – Piccirilli, Chair ACTION ITEM: To recommend to the City Council to approve the appointment of...

Minutes, page 13 · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

Councilor Piccirilli moved to approve Action Item 1 and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion passed unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Recess Or Adjournment

Adjourn

Minutes, page 14 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

RECESS OR ADJOURNMENT Councilor Piccirilli made a motion to adjourn and Councilor Feltner seconded.

The minutes record a unanimous voice vote; every councilor present is shown voting yes.

From the minutes

“The motion was adopted unanimously in a Voice Vote..” (Motion: Piccirilli, second: Feltner)

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

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.

How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →
Get an email when new quizzes open

MassVoter.com · nonpartisan match quiz · About · How the Legislature voted · Local Votes · Privacy · Support MassVoter

Report an error on this page

See something wrong? A wrong vote, name, date or number? Tell us and we’ll check it against the source and fix it. Fixes are listed on our corrections page.