HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-14-2015 RFI falkoff_201504170953007704REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION, 4/14/2015
1. I have a Request for Information related to the Marathon bombings and the
Watertown manhunt. As we approach the second anniversary of the bombings the
citizens of Watertown remain grateful for the protection of our Watertown police.
The recently released After Action Report details the events that took place, cites
Best Practices that were used and also identifies areas for improvement. The
Report finds much to praise in the bravery and competence of the Watertown Police
Department and the Department is justifiably proud of its performance under
pressure that went well beyond the expected for a local police authority. However,
as a councilor I have often heard criticisms and concerns directed at the overall
management of the manhunt. My response has always been that I can tolerate that
mistakes were made so long as there is a commitment to learn from them. This
morning's Boston Globe editorialized on the Report, stating, "The first step toward
improvement is a recognition that something went seriously wrong." I would like to
request either a presentation to the Council and/or a community meeting on the
Watertown manhunt, the findings of the report, and any changes in procedure that
have been considered or implemented as a result.
2. It's been a while since we've had an update on the collating and updating of the
Traffic Rules and Ordinances and I would like information on how that is
progressing and when the document is likely to be completed.
3. We have now been without a town Treasurer for over a year and there seems to
be no urgency to fill the position. If we need a Treasurer, I wonder why the position
is not filled and if there are plans for hiring. If we do not need a Treasurer, then why
are we bothering to look for one at all?