Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout1995-1996 Annual Watertown Report to w n of ERT. WAT- OW-06-N lop . EF y C (_ ITY -'CING + OFF . 1 •Ity _ ►� • � 1S1x.11 A&I r -��• ,� 1995 �1996 HIST 447 ANN Annual AN 6 1995-1996 On the Cover: Top left:Summertime concert on the Main Library Lawn. Top Right:Town Manager Michael J.Driscoll, Police Chief John D.Jackson,Community Policing Officers Joseph Kelly,Lloyd Burke, Michael Lawn and Captain Edward P.Deveau at the opening of the Watertown Community Policing Office. Bottom left:A cheerful group enjoys the festivities at the Senior Center's Holiday Party. Bottom right: Recreation Department Baton Twirling Class at the 1996 Memorial Day Parade. WATERM �1 l [1I11 FRFE PUBLIC LIBRARY IIIIall1110I1 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 4868 00591 8404 WATERTOWN,MASS. -- - MAIN LIBRARY t o w n o f -I 1 1 WMERTO ."uhh. 1995 ANNUALREPORT <'o'ojS5N-;ai)Q r �t Table of Contents Town Manager's Report for 1995 & 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1995 Annual Report Town Officials and Committees Elected Officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Appointed Officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Boards and Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Report of the Town Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Report of Town Finances Board of Assessors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Treasurer/Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Auditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Reports of the Offices of Town Administration Personnel Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Town Clerk and Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 DataProcessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 TownAttorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Purchasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Health Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Council on Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Veterans' Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 SkatingArena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Department of Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Reports of the Departments of Public Safety Police. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 CivilDefense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Department of Weights and Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Report of the Department of Community Development and Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Report of the Department of Public Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 VotingResults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Town Offices'Telephone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Town Manager's Report for 1995 and 1996 A message to the INFRASTRUCTURE During 1995 and 1996, it became apparent that the Town Residents of Watertown needed to address the infrastructure needs of the community.On April 8, 1995,the voters of Watertown cast their ballots in favor On behalf of the Town of Watertown,it is a privilege to pro- of a Proposition 2-1/2 Debt Exclusion Override to meet the vide the following Annual Report. 1 invite the citizens of Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)and code requirements, Watertown to peruse this report and the individual departmental for expansion, renovation and equipping of Cunniff and Lowell messages within. 1 hope you find its contents both informative elementary schools and the Middle School, as well as for tech- and interesting. The Annual Report covers the years 1995 and nological upgrades to all schools. This decision, coupled with 1996. previous Town Council authorizations for capital improvements During 1995 and 1996, the Town focused on three major which include the Administration Building, Public Safety goals.The first was to provide a clear picture of the Town's com- equipment, Public Works equipment and Parks rehabilitation, mitment to sound financial management and fiscal stability.The indicated that Watertown was willing to commit resources to, second was to address infrastructure needs.The third was to pro- and acknowledges the importance of, rebuilding the Town's vide a level of service the citizens of Watertown expect and infrastructure. deserve. A Building Committee was established to oversee the reno- The overall goal of this administration is to provide the high- vation and expansion of Watertown School buildings, as pro- est level of services to the citizens of Watertown in an equitable posed in the Proposition 2-1/2 Debt Override.The Committee is and efficient manner, within the fiscal constraints facing the the representative of the Town in all dealings with architects Town,while striving to provide for long term financial stability. including,but not limited to bidding,selection,program compli- ance and change orders. FINANCES In addition to the projects funded by the Proposition 2-1/2 At the end of Fiscal Year 1993,our community faced a Fund Debt exclusion Override,the following is a synopsis of the Town Balance deficit of $2,402,000 consisting of an Undesignated capital projects that were undertaken in 1995 and 1996. Fund Balance deficit of $1,760,000 and a Designated Fund •The Administration Building was renovated in accordance Balance deficit of$642,000. At the end Fiscal Year 1994, the with the American with Disability Act (ADA) which included Undesignated Fund Balance deficit had been dramatically ADA accessibility improvements such as an elevator; handi- reduced to $238,000 but the Designated Fund Balance deficit capped restroom; telephones, drinking fountains and doorways; remained at$642,000. an electrical system upgrade;window replacements; HVAC sys- As of Fiscal Year 1995 year end, for the first time in many tem and installation; roofing. This project was partially funded years,our community had a positive undesignated fund balance by a Small Cities Grant of$100,000. of $2,995,492. This encouraging news, coupled with the •Parks and Recreation projects included the reconstruction Department of Revenue's certification of free cash in the amount of tennis and basketball courts as well as upgrading playground of$2,471,653,provided the community with a true indication of equipment at Arsenal Park, and the installation of a new play- how far we had come. With the pay-off of the Teacher Deferral ground and construction of a basketball-street-hockey court at ($642,782) and the North East Solid Waste Committee How Park. (NESWC)arbitration award borrowing($370,000),the remain- •Improvements at the John A. Ryan Skating Arena included ing free cash balance was$1,667,897, prior to closing of Fiscal the replacement of the refrigeration plant equipment and the con- Year 1996. Lastly, as of June 30, 1996, the community had an struction of ADA compliant restrooms. Undesignated Fund Balance of$3,335,167 and a certification of •Public Safety improvements included the purchase of two Free Cash in the amount of$3,000,985. pumper trucks in the Fire Department which replaced 20 year old The administration prepared to go to the Bond Market for the apparatus; and the Police Department modification of the dispatch first time since 1988 to finance capital improvements. It was of console in order to accommodate an enhanced 911 (E-911)system. utmost importance that we demonstrate that Watertown was •The purchase of Public Works Equipment totaling heading in the right financial direction.Providing a clear picture $966,000, including 3 dump trucks; an aerial platform truck; of the Town's commitment to sound financial management and 2 sanding trucks;a sidewalk snowplow; 2 flat bed utility trucks; fiscal stability was essential to maintain, and possibly improve, a van;an operations vehicle;a street sweeper;2 emergency gen- our bond rating.The consequences of a downgrade of our bond erators; asphalt equipment, a static roller; and benches and trash rating would have been an increased cost of hundreds of thou- containers. sands of dollars in interest expense. When the Town went to the Bond Market in the Fall of 1996 1 to permanently bond the above mentioned projects, the Town progress in numerous areas outlined in the Watertown Public received a bond upgrade from Moody's Investor's Service from Schools Strategic Plan, 1996-2000. The plan integrates locally "A' to "Al". According to Moody's Investor's Service, the developed goals with state and national priorities and require- upgrade reflects the Town's improved liquidity following a series ments.A Massachusetts Goals 2000 Grant was received to sup- of operating surpluses since Fiscal Year 1994, manageable debt port the integrated planning and to assist with the position and future borrowing plans, and an above-average implementation of school-based strategic goals. socioeconomic profile. The School Department and School Committee are commit- Additionally, Standard and Poors Corporation assigned the ted to the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan. favorable bond rating of'AA-", and cited the Town's financial The Watertown Free Public Library hours of operations were performance is much improved, following several years of expanded in 1995 and 1996. Sunday openings at the Main deficits. Library were re-established in 1995 and Summer Saturday open- With the improvements to the Town's infrastructure, the ings were re-established in 1996. Town moved from being self insured to obtaining property,casu- The Senior Center continued to provide a variety of pro- alty building and liability insurance effective July 1, 1996 in grams for our senior citizens.A Property Tax Workoff programs order to protect the Town's assets. was established,which enables participants to reduce their indi- vidual tax liability while providing services to the Town. PROGRAM AND SERVICE INITIATIVES Additionally, the Watertown Guide to Senior Services and During 1995 and 1996,it also became apparent that the Town Discounts was published with funding from an Executive Office needed to dedicate resources for services that had been under- of Elder Affairs Formula Grant. funded in prior years. In addition, long awaited initiatives such As a result of the previous successful cooperative effort as Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Enhanced 911 (E-911) regarding curbside recycling, the Town entered into two became a reality. Intermunicipal Agreements with our neighbor, the Town of After many years of attempting to bring ALS to the commu- Belmont, for the provision of Animal Control and Plumbing nily, a cooperative agreement with the Armstrong Ambulance Inspection services. Company was reached.The ALS system is a two-tiered model, The Open Space and Recreation Plan Update was initiated whereby the Fire Department will continue to provide emer- in September 1995 with the formation of an Open Space and gency medical First Responder service,and dispatch a Basic Life Recreation Plan Task Force.The primary purpose of the Plan is Support (BLS) ambulance unit to the scene upon receipt of a to identify Watertown's open space and recreation resources,and medical emergency call.The ALS unit will be dispatched in cir- to produce a consistent policy directive for Town agencies to ref- cumstances such as cardiac related emergencies, thereby assur- erence.The goals of the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update ing our citizens the highest level of service available. are to: improve the amount, accessibility, and condition of In an effort to support the ALS initiative, six defibrillators Watertown's open space and recreational resources; beautify, were purchased for the Fire Department. Funding was also pro- protect,and increase the amount of publicly owned conservation, vided for protective pants and jackets for all firefighters. passive, and active open space; encourage the preservation of Furthermore, the minimum staffing level of firefighters per open space on private parcels; and take better advantage of shift was increased from 16 to 17 in the Spring of 1996. Watertown's proximity to the Charles River. The Police Department completed the implementation of the In 1996, the Town created the position of Conservation new Enhanced 911 (E-911) which includes provisions for the Preservation Agent/Tree Warden in an effort to address the con- deaf and persons with other disabilities. The E-911 equipment servation and historic preservation needs of the community, as displays the caller's telephone number and location and allows well as the requirements of the Public Shade Tree Act. the dispatcher to send emergency assistance to persons who are The Department of Public Works initiated an innovative unfamiliar with their location or who are unable to convey their approach to funding large scale roadway construction projects. location due to accident,illness,language problem or disability. Two projects (Galen Street, valued at $2 million and North During 1995 and 1996, the Town began the move towards Beacon Street, valued at $1.7 million) began utilizing state community policing with the funding of three Patrol Officers in monies for engineering design work and federal Intermodal the Fiscal Year 1996 operating budget and an additional three Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (I.S.T.E.A.) monies for Patrol Officers as a result of the receipt of a COPS Universal construction.No local tax dollars have been used in the course of Hiring Grant. Furthering the efforts of community policing, the either project.Additionally, the Department of Public Works is Police Department established a Citizen's Police Academy moving ahead aggressively with a road program by utilizing which is designed to acquaint the public with the operations of State Massachusetts Highway (SMAH) Chapter 90 funds for the Police Department. street reconstruction,asphalt overlay work and various other pro- Watertown continues to be a community that cares deeply jects involving secondary road surfaces. about education. The School department has continued to 2 The curbside recycling initiative which began in 1994, was expanded to include waste and recycling services for condo- miniums and for paper recycling in seven municipal buildings. A Public Works Organizational Study/Performance Audit was conducted to review: the staffing levels and services being provided to the residents and Town departments; a three year financial analysis of DPW operations and budget trends;and the comparison of the scope and costs of services provided to Towns with similar characteristics. The performance audit indicated that the level of service pro- vided by the DPW is high given the staff shortages identified within the report.The report included recommendations for cor- rective action to help the department more effectively serve the public. A Summer Parks & Grounds Maintenance Program was established which provided Summer jobs for ten residents while augmenting the services of the Park Department. In an effort to address continued deficits in the Snow & Ice Removal Budget, this budget has been incrementally increased toward the five-year expenditure average and the Town secured Snow Insurance for the first time in 1996. The insurance pro- vides coverage for snowfalls in excess of 75 inches up to a max- imum of 115 inches. Major increases are anticipated in the North East Solid Waste Committee(NESWC) rates, as a result of upcoming costs such as "backloaded debt" within the existing service agreement, which expires in 2005.We will continue to monitor the situation and consider all possibilities to mitigate the projected staggering costs. CLOSING Two Department Heads left the administration during 1995. Frederick L. Pugliese,Town Clerk/Personnel Director/Assistant to the Town Manager, resigned in June 1995 to pursue a career in the private sector.Mr.Pugliese played a significant role in the progress made by the administration. Acting Police Chief, Robert G. Kelland,retired after serving the community for more than 38 years. 1 would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the Honorable Town Council,Department Heads, Employees, Boards, Commissions, and most importantly, the Citizens of Watertown,for their support in making Watertown a better place to live and work. 3 Watertown Elected Officials, 1995 Town Council President and Member of the School Committee Richard E. Mastrangelo 109 Barnard Ave. 924-8588 Councillors at Large David Caruso 170 Palfrey St. 924-4705 Marilyn Petitto Devaney 98 Westminster Ave. 923-0778 Sandra Kasabian Hoffman 20 Middle St. 924-7956 Rachel Kaprielian' 47 Barnard Ave. 926-3145 Mark Sideris" 30 Union St. 924-2699 District A Councillor Dikran Kaligian 56 B Prentiss St. 926-1890 District B Councillor Paul J. Denning 261 Common St. 924-2613 District C Councillor Andrew Rudalevige 78 Main St. 926-0775 District D Councillor Taso Daskalakis 11 Edgecliff Rd. 924-6237 School Committee Susan Kelley MacDonald 41 Longfellow Rd. 924-4700 Paul S. McGovern 35 Townly Rd. 489-0146 Stephen Messina 40 Longfellow Rd. 923-1892 Anthony Dileso 23 Desmond Ave. 923-1788 John M. Madden 42 Quirk St. 926-2199 Clyde L. Younger 188 Acton St. 923-0592 Library Trustees Jeannie M. Caruso 35 Bromfield St. 924-1289 Gracemarie V. LeBlanc 76 Emerson Rd. 924-9322 Raya Stern 207 Lexington St. 926-3609 Donald J. MacDonald 41 Longfellow Rd. 924-5088 Mary F. McHugh 30 Lawrence St. 926-5119 G. Jack Zollo 159 Acton St. 923-1430 " Resigned office on January 10, 1995 " Assumed office on January 10, 1995 Watertown Appointed Officials, 1995 Town Manager . . . . . . . . Michael J. Driscoll Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steven J. Ward Council President . . . . . . . Richard E. Mastrangelo Council on Aging . . . . . . . Caryl L. Fox Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Sullivan Assessors . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph A. DiVito,Jr. Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leone E. Cole Town Treasurer/Collector . Martin J. Walsh Skating Rink . . . . . . . . . . Edward O'Leary Auditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas J. Tracy Public Works Department Gerald S. Mee,Jr. Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary E. Flanders Police Department . . . . . . Chief John D.Jackson Town Clerk/Election . . . . John E. Flynn Fire Department . . . . . . . Chief Paul F. McCaffrey Data Processing . . . . . . . . Joseph Mahoney, acting Community Development Town Attorney . . . . . . . . Kopelman and Paige, P.C. & Planning . . . . . . . Mark E. Boyle Purchasing/Veterans . . . . . Richard T.Johnson School Department . . . . . Dr. Sally L. Dias, Superintendent 4 Boards and Committees, 1995 Board of Assessors Council on Aging Joseph DiVito,Jr., Chairman Harold J. Bejeck, Chairperson Joseph B. Darby, III Barbara Zenn Rediker Elizabeth Dromey Gertrude Broderick Edward F. Caruso Planning Board Dorothy Fleming James E. McDermott,Jr. Chairman Betty Finnell Joseph F. Deignan,Jr. Patricia Gold Jennifer Gilbert Lucy Nargozian John B. Hawes,Jr. Christopher Hursh Frank Mockler Traffic Commission Watertown Housing Authority Police Chief Robert Kelland, Chairman E.Joyce Munger, Chairperson followed by Police Chief John D. Jackson Linda Lilley Fire Chief Paul F. McCaffrey, Secretary Heather Whitney (State Appointee) John Airasian John O'Leary Louis Anastasi Bernard Bradley William Flecca Philip Pane Board of Health Supt. Gerald A. Mee,Jr. Dept. of Public Works Dr. Marvin L. Mitchell,Chairman Sgt.James O'Connor, Traffic Commander Barbara D. Beck,Ph.D. Thomsen J. Hansen, Ph.D. Retirement Board Robert E. Ford, Chairman Industrial Development Financing Authority Thomas J. Tracy Robert P. Burns, Banker R. Wayne MacDonald Natalie A. Lopez Robert A. Manzelli License Commission Thomas M. Sherry, Chairman Conservation Commission Russell J. Morgan Patrick Field, Co-chairperson George B. Newman David F. McDonald,Co-chairperson Donna B.Doucette, alternate Julie A. M. Ahern Marylouise McDermott Election Commission Patricia A. Schiavoni Thomas J. Stevens, Chairman Eileen O. Zubrowski Robert W. Kelly Charles J. Tobin (hold-over, term expired 4/1/94) Demos Zevitas Historical Commission George Bogosian Paul M. Brennan Victoria J. Carter Cable TV Advisory Board Roger Erickson Edward E. O'Brien,Jr., Chairman Honorable Paul C. Menton Marshall Bradstreet Kenneth S. Rand John G. Flores Michelle L. Rudman Grace LeBlanc Natalie Zakarian Domenic J. Fucci,Jr. Dr. Gerald Sussman 5 Recreation Commission Watertown Arsenal Reuse Committee Lorraine LaRose (citizen member) John Airasian, Chairperson Sally Dias,Superintendent of Schools William York, Esq., Vice Chairperson Robert M. Kelly, Chief of Police, Robert Chase followed by John D.Jackson, Chief of Police Senator Warren Tolman Gerald S. Mee,Jr, Superintendent of Public Works Susan Falkoff Maureen Connors, Acting Library Director Kevin Lessard followed by Leone Cole, Library Director Alison Carnduff John Portz Watertown Cultural Council James McDermott, Esq. George Airasian Co-Chairperson Walter Oates, III Dinah Lane, Co-Chairperson Marylouise Pallotta McDermott Catherine Bennett Kathy Santoian Michael Hatfield Thomas M. Sherry Susan Schwalb Dr. Stephen G. Steadman Mary Kathryn Seipke Theodore Bogosian Watertown Recycling Advisory Group Susannah Elliott Seth Parker, President E.J. Graff Laurie Murphy, Vice Pres. Kevin J. Higgens Robert Giel, Vice Pres. Corey F. O'Brien Nancy Ballantyne,Treasurer Robert L. Keener Board of Appeals Charles C. Bering Jonathan Bockian, Chairman Martin Lerman Anthony J. Cristello George Pickering Anthony D. Furia Joel D. Hencken, Ph.D. Elaine V. Grey Edward Sullivan John J. McCarthy,Jr. Edward Parigian John W. Marshall (alternate) Adrienne Sloane Francis N. Mastroianni (alternate) Bicycle Committee Watertown Housing Partnership Joan L. Blaustein Alison Carnduff, Chairperson Peter Brooks Thomas Wade,Watertown Housing Authority Kimberly A. Hokanson Craig McKenna, Watertown Savings Bamk Rebecca Hopkins Carol Baldassari Andrew Jablon Stephen Savarese Janet Jameson Larry Young Mary A. Moynihan R. Stewart Wooster Deborah D. Peterson David O. Knuttunen Paul K. Strother Harold Bejeck, Council on Aging Building Committee Commission on Disabilities Mark E.Boyle,Director,Community Development and Brian Charlson Planning Department Harold Craig Town Councillor G.Jack Zollo Councillor Marilyn Petitto Devaney Dr. Sally L. Dias, Superintendent of Schools Francis X. Galligan Anthony Dileso Albert Gayzagian Frank Galligan John Edward Gillis Michael Hatfield Alex Liazos Justice Paul C. Menton Laura Oftedahl Stephen Messina Diana Shepard Jay R. Perkins Judith M.Belliveau,Ex Officio, School Business Office Thomas J. Tracy, Ex Officio, Town Auditor 6 Town Council going about the business of running the Town. As was pointed out in the Annual Report of the Town Council for 1992-94, for the first time since adoption A Report to the People of Watertown of the home rule Charter in 1980, a Town Manager The nine members of the Town Council of the has had an opportunity to appoint all of the major City known as the Town of Watertown are elected Town Hall Department heads; and, with the biennially, in odd numbered years, to serve as the appointment of a new Chief of Police late in 1995, legislative branch of the Town's government. Its he has completed the appointment process for all principle function is to set policy for the department heads under his supervision. Working in administration of the Town,its general gernment and tandem with the Town Auditor, who was appointed programs, adopt an operating budget on by the Town Council in 1994, the management team recommendation by the Town Manager,and serve as has developed a significant record of overseers of the various agencies of municipal accomplishment. government. As you will see from this report for calendar year 1995, your Town Council has been Fiscal Stability actively engaged in the performance of its Perhaps the most important accomplishemt of the responsibilites as elected representatives of Town Council for 1995 is one which must be shared Watertown's residents. with the Town Manager, his financial team, and the Town Auditor: bringing the Town's budget back into Council Membership balance and eradicating a staggering budget deficit of In November, 1994, Councillor at Large Rachel some $2.5 million -- without a loss in basic services. Kaprielian became the first member of the Town In fact,while this was being done, curbside recycling Council to be elected State Representative from was just one of the new initiatives of the Town for its Watertown. Thus, at the first meeting of the Town residents. Council in January, 1995, Representative Kaprielian resigned as a member of the Town Council in order Other Significant Actions to devote full time to her new duties as a member of Following up on its 1994 commitment to make the the Great and General Court of the Commonwealth. Town Hall handicapped accessible, the Town Council By operation of the home-rule Charter, Mark approved a loan order for nearly $1.2 million for Sideris was certified by the Town Clerk as Councillor renovation of the Administration Building. Those at large to replace Representative Kaprielian, and renovations which were completed in 1995 include was sworn to the faithful performance of his duties major revamping of the electrical service to permit on January 10, 1995. In addition to Councillor use of modern office electronic equipment, a Sideris,the remaining members of the Town Council modernized HVAC system, cosmetic renovations, for 1995 were Richard E. Mastrangelo, Council and, perhaps most important, making the building President;David Caruso, Sandra Kasabian Hoffman completely handicapped accessible -- including and Marilyn Petito Devaney as Councillors at Large; installation of an elevator. Dikran Kaligian, District A; Paul Denning, District The Town Council also adopted ordinances which B; Andrew Rudilevege, District C; and Taso ban all smoking in Town owned buildings. A second Daskalakis, District D. Valerie Papas, whose three ordinance tightens up the Town's animal control year term expires in 1997, continued as Clerk of the policies and establishes a joint animal control officer Council. with the Town of Belmont. Highlights of 1995 In a special election held on April 8, 1995, the Residents of the Town will note from prior annual people of Watertown voted to exclude from the tax reports that the period leading up to 1995 was a very levy limit imposed by the so-called "Proposition 2 important one in which a significant number of the 1/2" law, debt service on some $19 million in bonds Town's key officials were appointed to their current to finance major renovations to Water-town's existing positions. Essentially, Town Manager Michael school buildings. Based on the vote of the people, J.Driscoll was assembling his management team and the Town Council approved the borrowing so that 7 the project could proceed. During 1995, an addition to the Lowell School was completed. Renovations to the existing building were expected to be completed prior to the opening of school for the 1996-97 year, at which time renovations will begin at the Cunniff School. The Town Council met with various boards and commissions from time to time as part of their public policy and oversight responsibilities. Notable among these meetings has been periodic updates regarding cleanup and reuse of the Watertown Arsenal site. The work of the Arsenal Reuse Committee takes on added importance with the official closing of the Arsenal site by the Federal government on September 30, 1995. Showing its willingness to lead other communities, on November 28, 1995, Watertown became the first community in the commonwealth to restrict the state lottery's KENO games to current licensees by adopting a strong zoning ordinance governing issuance of KENO licenses in the Town. Acknowledgments The members of the Town Council both individually and collectively respectively and gratefully acknowledge the assistance of all those who have helped in the fulfillment of its mission: serving the people of the City known as the Town of Watertown. Beginning with the Town Manager,we would like to thank all for their help and efforts. We also acknowlege with thanks and pride the efforts of each and every Town employee in all Town departments; alsong with those of the elected and appointed boards, commissions and committees. Together, these men and women make up what we refer to as the Town of Watertown. It is is the quality of their service and dedication which determines whether Watertown is a "good" place in which to live. The Town Council publicly acknowledges their willingness to serve and the work they do for the people of Watertown. Finally,to all residential and commercial residents of the City known as the Town of Watertown, the President and members of your Town Council thank you for the continued opportunity to serve each of you. 8 Board of Assessors The Town Council approved a 10% increase in the In the year 1995, the Assessing Department continued exemption dollar amount bringing the total Fiscal year to review operations and implement new programs in its 1996 increase to 25% above the statutory levels. The pursuit of providing equitable property assessments of all dollar amounts were as follows: property classifications as well as improving assistance service to the taxpayers of the Town of Watertown. MGL Chapter 59, Secion 5 To this end, the assessing staff conducted an inhouse Clause 22 Veterans $218.75 update of all valuations. This new program was accom- 22A Veterans 437.50 plished utilizing the inhouse computer software to analyze 22B Veterans 875.00 all verified 1994 arms length property transfers with the 22C Veterans 1,093.75 goal of generating assessments that reflected market value 22D Veterans 218.75 as of the January 1, 1995 assessment date. 22E Veterans 656.25 The exemption workshop, an annual community Clause 17D Widows, Aged Persons, service,was held at the Senior Center in September. Joan & Minor Children 218.75 Bertrand and Cleo Poravas assisted the many taxpayers in completing their applications and reviewing supporting Clause 37A Blind 625.00 documentation. Many thanks to Caryl Fox, Director of Clause 41C Elderly 625.00 the Council on Aging, for providing the facilities and offering transportation for those in need. As always, the recipients of these exemptions have As always, the Assessors continue to encourage any been very cooperative and appreciative of the support Watertown home-owner 70 years of age or older,widows, from the Assessing personnel with completing their veterans with a 10% or more service connected disability, applications as well as the Town Council for the additional blind persons or any other interested parties to contact increase in the exemption amounts. this office regarding the various exemptions available. Fiscal Year 1995 1996 Tax Rates: Residential $15.15 $15.30 Commercial 24.54 24.78 Industrial 24.54 24.78 Personal Property 24.54 24.78 Residential Exemption 277.34 285.94 Valuations: Residential $1,589,696,980 $1,625,536,265 Commercial 243,857,720 252,644,575 Industrial 169,050,100 168,243,060 Personal Property 33,349,920 34,927,400 9 Town Treasurer/Collector Parking Clerk This report for the Treasurer/Collector/Parking Clerk's As of June 30, 1995, the following FY95 taxes and user Office covers Fiscal year 1995 (July 1, 1994 - June 30, charges were unpaid: 1995). Schedules of Selected Financial Information, Major Categories of Receipts, and Debt Principal and Catepory Interest are provided for public inspection. Real Estate $641,694 During this period, bond principal payments were Subsequent taxes (261,077) $490,000 and long term interest payments were$257,583. Deferred taxes (17,405) These amounts($747,583)constitute the seventh payment on the Fiscal Year 1988 Bond Issue. The Loan principal Personal Property 19,257 balance is$3,470,000. Motor Vehicle The delinquent Motor Vehicle Excise collections (Calendar Year 94) 78,240 received from the Deputy Collector were $153,105. This Boat 4,797 was a decrease from the previous year and was to be Water 234,278 expected as the backlog of unpaid Motor Vehicle Excise Sewer 445,320 continues to be paid down. Watertown continues to realize a high rate of Real Estate Tax collections. The rate of Collection for FY 95, as of June 30, 1995, was 98%. Principal and Interest Payments Ann. Bonded Purpose Balance Principal Interest Balance Date Amount 7/1/94 Payment Payment 6/30/95 Feb. 88 3,175,000 New Fire Station 2,215,000 160,000 147,130 2,055,000 Feb. 88 900,000 Renovate Fire Substation 360,000 90,000 22,320 270,000 Feb. 88 1,475,000 School 590,000 147,500 36,580 442,500 Feb. 88 675,000 Recreational 405,000 45,000 26,123 360,000 Feb. 88 430,000 Library Addition 280,000 20,000 18,610 260,000 Feb. 88 140,000 Data Processing Equipment 56,000 14,000 3,472 42,000 Feb. 88 135,000 Police Dispatch Equipment 54,000 13,500 3,348 40,500 TOTALS 3,960,000 490,000 257,583 3,470,000 Recap by Function School 590,000 147,500 36,580 442,500 Protective Services 2,629,000 263,500 172,798 2,365,500 Library 280,000 20,000 18,610 260,000 Other 461,000 59,000 29,595 402,000 TOTALS 3,960,000 490,000 257,583 3,470,000 10 SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FY95 DEBT BALANCE (7/1) $3,960,000 FUNDS Begining Balance (1 JULY) 2,298,062 Funds Received 84,800,849 Funds Paid Out (76,969,258) Ending Balance (30 June) 10,129,653 CASH MANAGEMENT Interest Income 256,982 Short Term Interest Paid 0 Net Income (Expense) 256,982 OTHER INTEREST INCOME Tax Title 76,732 Late Payments 158,893 TOTAL 235,625 Total Interest Income 492,607 Total Interest Expense 0 Net Interest Income (Expense) 492,607 TAX TITLES Balance (1July) 903,177 Takings 262,597 Subsequent Taxes 367,707 Foreclosures (22,381) Redemptions (493,582) Ending Balance (30 June) $1,017,518 MAJOR CATEGORIES OF RECEIPTS (Excludes funds wired directly to bank) Real Estate Taxes 31,931.124 Personal Property Taxes 816,401 Water Charges 2,415,476 Sewer Charges 4,543,036 Water Liens 138,188 Sewer Liens 300,382 Excise Taxes 2,319,597 Lien Statements 23,804 Registry Clearing Fees 29,320 Parking Meters 193,924 Parking Fines 370,154 Penalty Interest & Costs 260,350 11 Town Auditor During Fiscal Year 1995, the Town's General Fund actual revenue and other sources exceeded actual expenditures and other uses. This resulted in an operating surplus for a second consecutive year. The Fiscal Year 1995 operating surplus within the General Fund was $3,435,354. The Town's General Fund Balance at the beginning of Fiscal Year 1995 was in deficit in the amount of ($173,399). This deficit offset by the Fiscal Year 1995 operating surplus of $3,435,354, brought the Town's General Fund balance to $3,261,995 at the end of Fiscal Year 1995. The above mentioned surplus allowed the Town to receive, for the first time in many fiscal years, a positive Certified Free Cash from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue in the amount of$2,471,653. The Fiscal Year 1995 annual audit was completed and presented to the Town Council during November 1995. Completing the independent audit within five months of the close of the Fiscal Year is the earliest this has been accomplished in the recent past. Of course, this would not have been possible without the hard work and cooperation of all the Town departments and appropriate staff members. The following items were other accomplishments achieved during fiscal year 1995: • Monthly reports sent to all departments. • Internal audit of health insurance bills and eligibility. • Formalization of contract(s) procedures. • Quarterly cash reconciliations within 30 days after the quarters closed. • Annual financial report to the Department of Revenue. The following pages are financial reports of the Town's General Fund as well as other funds summarizing the financial activity of the Town during Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995. The information within the financial reports summarizes the Town's financial condition, but can in no way summarize the hard work and dedication of the Town auditor's staff. 12 TOWN OF WATERTOWN COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, FISCAL FISCAL EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND YEAR YEAR BALANCE FOR THE GENERAL FUND 1994 % 1995 % REVENUES PROPERTY TAXES $31,865,251 61.29% $33,412,209 60.95% MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE $1,806,569 3.47% $2,273,402 4.15% CHARGES FOR SERVICES $7,613,627 14.64% $7,355,843 13.42% INTERGOVERNMENTAL $8,649,144 16.64% $9,176,479 16.74% LICENSES AND PERMITS $160,082 0.31% $155,573 0.28% DEPARTMENTAL $1,154,080 2.22% $1,231,849 2.25% FINES AND FORFEITURES $557,768 1.07% $591,829 1.08% INTEREST EARNINGS $75,954 0.15% $256,982 0.47% MISCELLANEOUS $109,925 0.21% $360,500 0.66% TOTAL REVENUES $51,992,400 100.00% $54,814,666 100.00% EXPENDITURES GENERAL GOVERNMENT $2,023,848 3.98% $2,170,239 4.19% PUBLIC SAFETY $7,994,847 15.72% $7,406,844 14.32% EDUCATION $16,555,573 32.56% $17,116,660 33.08% PUBLIC WORKS $5,601,909 11.02% $5,584.993 10.80% HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES $358,783 0.71% $329,897 0.64% RECREATION $354,046 0.70% $351,995 0.68% LIBRARIES $970,534 1.91% $985,944 1.91% PENSION $4,700,534 9.24% $5,144,661 9.94% DEBT SERVICE $783,938 1.54% $756,605 1.46% INTERGOVERNMENTAL $7,181,173 14.12% $7,437,800 14.38% MISCELLANEOUS $4,322,721 8.50% $4,450,737 8.60% TOTAL EXPENDITURES $50,847,906 100.00% $51,736,375 100.00% EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES $1,144,494 $3,078,291 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) OPERATING TRANSFERS IN $763,783 $755,563 OPERATING TRANSFERS (OUT) $0 ($398,500) TOTAL OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) $763,783 $357,063 EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES AND OTHER SOURCES OVER EXPENDITURES AND OTHER USES $1,908,277 $3,435,354 FUND BALANCE BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR ($1,858,919) ($173,399) PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS ($222,757) FUND BALANCE END OF FISCAL YEAR ($173,399) $3,261,955 13 TOWN OF WATERTOWN GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995 PURCHASE OTHER PERSONAL OF CHARGES& CAPITAL DEBT TOTAL DEPARTMENT SERVICES SERVICES SUPPLIES EXPENSES OUTLAY_ SERVICE EXPENDITURES TOWN COUNCIL $ 39,940.00 $ 1,376.00 $ 1,30.00 $ 5.647.00 $ 48,350.00 TOWN MANAGER $ 98.742.00 $ 11,425.00 $ 1,532.00 $ 4,045.00 $ 115,744.00 TOWN AUDITOR $ 150.303.00 $ 37,757.00 $ 2,193.00 $ 130.00 $ 190,383.00 PURCHASING AGENT $ 60.096.00 $ 61,723.00 $ 6,709.00 $ 411.00 $ 128.939.00 ASSESSORS $ 123,393.00 $ 68,200.00 $ 5,163.00 $ 22,386.00 $ 219,142.00 TREASURER $ 154,551.00 $ 24,929.00 $ 19,479.00 $ 2,735.00 $ 201.694.00 TOWN ATTORNEY $ 233,113.00 $ 233,113.00 PERSONNEL $ 110,743.00 $ 3.312.00 $ 1,098.00 $ 7,028.00 $ 122,181.00 DATA PROCESSING $ 13.209.00 $ 85.378.00 $ 9,070.00 $ 107,657.00 TOWN CLERK $ 123,165.00 $ 107.00 $ 1,775.00 $ 264,00 $ 125,311.00 ELECTIONS $ 68,329.00 $ 3,220.00 $ 5.879.00 $ 77,428.00 COMM.DEVELOPMENT&PLANNING $ 311,070.00 $ 13,298.00 $ 4,346.00 $ 1,475.00 $ 330,189.00 TOWN HALL MAINTENANCE $ 6,134.00 $ 103,873.00 $ 6,395.00 $ 116,402.00 POLICE $ 3,381,778.00 $ 103,576.00 $ 56.303.00 $ 23,873.00 $ 33,692.00 $ 3,599,222.00 FIRE $ 3,634,603.00 $ 119,074.00 $ 46.199.00 $ 2.593.00 $ 3,802,469.00 CIVIL DEFENSE $ 3,961.00 $ 349.00 $ 642.00 $ 5,152.00 DPW-FORESTRY $ 50,862.00 $ 50,862.00 DPW-ADMINISTRATION $ 88,653.00 $ 4,503.00 $ 4.958.00 $ 75.00 $ 98,189.00 DPW-HIGHWAY CONSTRJMAINT. $ 219,664.00 $ 116,123.00 $ 9,949.00 $ 345.736.00 DPWSNOWIICE CONTROL $ 42,534.00 $ 72,600.00 $ 112,050.00 $ 227,184.00 DPW-STREET LIGHTING $ 368,328.00 $ 368,328.00 DPW-STREET CLEANING $ 7,700.00 $ 7,700.00 DPW-WASTE COLLECTIONIDISPOSAL $ 14,204.00 $2,457,752.00 $ 2,471,956.00 DPW-SEWER $ 164,794.00 $ 130,303.00 $ 27,608.00 $ 126,030.00 $ 448,735.00 DPW-WATER $ 418,230.00 $ 46,617.00 $ 115,267.00 $ 135,454.00 $ 715,568.00 DPW-CEMETERY $ 71,080.00 $ 84,125.00 $ 2,417.00 $ 157,622.00 DPW-OTHER $ 275,947.00 $ 86,173.00 $ 87,111.00 $ 449,231.00 HEALTH $ 110,052.00 $ 34.472.00 $ 1,597.00 $ 591.00 $ 146,712.00 COUNCIL ON AGING $ 80,326.00 $ 25,644.00 $ 2,840.00 $ 2,637.00 $ 111.447.00 VETERANS'SERVICES $ 6,155.00 $ 50.00 $ 75.00 $ 65,458.00 $ 71,738.00 LIBRARY $ 700,990.00 $ 93,873.00 $ 184,898.00 $ 6,184.00 $ 985.945.00 RECREATION $ 119,592.00 $ 3.150.00 $ 11,819.00 $ 2,623.00 $ 137,184.00 DPW-PARKS $ 79.810.00 $ 151.788.00 $ 12,284.00 $ 243,882.00 RETIREMENT OF DEBT PRINCIPAL $ 490,000.00 $ 490,000.00 INTEREST LONG TERM DEBT $ 257,583.00 $ 257,583.00 INTEREST SHORT TERM DEBT $ 9,022.00 $ 9,022.00 CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT $ 4,871,614.00 $ 4,871,614.00 NON-CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT $ 240,000.00 $ 240,000.00 WORKER'S COMPENSATION $ 405,618.00 $ 405,618.00 UNEMPLOYMENT $ 35,057.00 $ 35.057.00 HEALTH INSURANCE $ 3,790,645.00 $ 3,790,645.00 LIFE INSURANCE $ 59,774.00 $ 59,774.00 MEDICARE TAX $ 115,000,00 $ 115,000.00 COURTJUDGEMENTS $ 90,395.00 $ 90,395.00 PARKING LOTS $ 77,755.00 $ 42,289.00 $ 1,121.00 $ 6,849.00 $ 128,014.00 MWRA ASSESSMENT $4,791,030.00 $ 4,791,030.00 JOHN A.RYAN SKATING RINK $ 119,650.00 $ 78,424.00 $ 11,340.00 $ 407.00 $ 4,990.00 $ 214,811.00 MISCELLANEOUS $ 12,987.00 $ 12.987.00 EDUCATION $13.219,133.00 $2,824,563.00 $ 957,825.00 $ 115,139.00 $17,116,660.00 STATE ASSESSMENTS $2,646,770.00 $ 2,646,770.00 TOTALS $33,657,156.00 $7,512,174.00 $1,710,408.00 $7,793,017.00 $ 307,015.00 $ 756.605.00 $51.736,375.00 14 TOWN OF WATERTOWN BALANCE SHEET FOR THE GENERAL FUND FISCAL FISCAL AS OF JUNE 30 YEAR YEAR 1994 % 1995 % ASSETS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $1,460,002 35.73% $4,326,371 61.03% RECEIVABLES: PROPERTY TAXES AND EXCISES $1,778,866 43.53% $1,893,236 26.70% DUE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENTS $111,788 1.58% CHARGES FOR SERVICES $847,538 20.74% $758,054 10.69% DUE FROM OTHER FUNDS OTHER TOTAL ASSETS $4,086,406 100.00% $7,089,449 100.00% LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY LIABILITIES: WARRANTS PAYABLE $1,324,715 31.10% $539,979 14.11% DEFERRED REVENUES $2,461,681 57.79% $2,375,632 62.07% ACCRUED EXPENDITURES $265,203 6.23% $577,360 15.08% PREPAID TAXES $131,216 3.08% $102,657 2.68% OTHER LIABILITIES $76,990 1.81% $231,866 6.06% TOTAL LIABILITES $4,259,805 100.00% $3,827,494 100.00% FUND EQUITY: RESERVED FOR EXPENDITURES RESERVED FOR ENCUMBRANCES $707,422 -407.97% $909,244 27.87% DESIGNATED ($642,781) 370.69% ($642,781) -19.71% UNDESIGNATED ($238,040) 137.28% $2,995,492 91.83% TOTAL FUND EQUITY ($173,399) 100.00% $3,261,955 100.00% TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY $4,086,406 $7,089,449 15 TOWN OF WATERTOWN COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, FISCAL FISCAL EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND YEAR YEAR BALANCE FOR ALL SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS 1994 % 1995 % REVENUES CHARGES FOR SERVICES $ 1,468,748 38.36% $1,670,023 53.24% INTERGOVERNMENTAL $1,682,322 43.94% $1,154,032 36.79% INTEREST AND PENALTIES OTHER REVENUES $677,349 17.69% $312,443 9.96% TOTAL REVENUES $ 3,828,419 100.00% $3,136,498 100.00% EXPENDITURES PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC WORKS $795,978 24.43% $7,518 0.30% HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES $243,171 9.62% RECREATION EDUCATION $2,097,259 64.36% $1,906,469 75.39% LIBRARY $7,641 0.30% MISCELLANEOUS $365,421 11.21% $364,000 14.39% TOTAL EXPENDITURES $3,258,658 100.00% $2,528,799 100.00% EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES $569,761 $607,699 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) OPERATING TRANSFERS IN $0 $0 OPERATING TRANSFERS (OUT) ($663,783) ($778,374) TOTAL OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) ($663,783) ($778,374) EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES AND OTHER SOURCES OVER EXPENDITURES AND OTHER USES ($94,022) ($170,675) FUND BALANCE BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR $1,147,297 $1,053,275 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS FUND BALANCE END OF FISCAL YEAR $1,053,275 $882,600 16 TOWN OF WATERTOWN BALANCE SHEET FOR SPECIAL REVENUE FUND FISCAL FISCAL AS OF JUNE 30 YEAR YEAR 1994 % 1995 % ASSETS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $1,053,275 100.00% $870,410 98.62% RECEIVABLES: DUE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENTS $12,190 1.38% TOTAL ASSETS $1,053,275 100.00% $882,600 100.00% LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY LIABILITIES: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE DUE TO OTHER FUNDS OTHER LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITES $0 0.00% $0 0.00% FUND EQUITY: UNDESIGNATED $1,053,275 100.00% $882,600 100.00% TOTAL FUND EQUITY $1,053,275 100.00% $882,600 100.00% TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY $1,053,275 $882,600 17 TOWN OF WATERTOWN COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, FISCAL FISCAL EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND YEAR YEAR BALANCE FOR ALL CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS 1994 % 1996 % REVENUES INTERGOVERNMENTAL $149,575 100.00% INTEREST AND PENALTIES OTHER REVENUES $6,313 100.00% TOTAL REVENUES $ 6,313 100.00% $149,575 100.00% EXPENDITURES CAPITAL OUTLAY $780,954 100.00% $2,355,742 100.00% MISCELLANEOUS TOTAL EXPENDITURES $780,954 100.00% $2,355,742 100.00% EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES ($774,641) ($2,206,167) OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) OPERATING TRANSFERS IN $0 $321,311 OPERATING TRANSFERS(OUT) $0 ($560,000) TOTAL OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) $0 ($238,689) EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)OF REVENUES AND OTHER SOURCES OVER EXPENDITURES AND OTHER USES ($774,641) ($2,444,856) FUND BALANCE BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR $888.389 $113,750 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS $2 FUND BALANCE END OF FISCAL YEAR $113,750 ($2,331,106) 18 TOWN OF WATERTOWN BALANCE SHEET FOR THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND FISCAL FISCAL AS OF JUNE 30 YEAR YEAR 1994 % 1995 % ASSETS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $113,750 100.00% $3,984,185 96.38% RECEIVABLES: DUE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENTS $149,574 3.62% TOTAL ASSETS $113,750 100.00% $4,133,759 100.00% LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY LIABILITIES: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE DEFERRED REVENUES $104,311 1.61% ACCRUED EXPENDITURES $210,554 3.26% ANTICIPATION NOTES PAYABLE $6,150,000 95.13% TOTAL LIABILITES $0 0.00% $6,464,865 100.00% FUND EQUITY: UNDESIGNATED $113,750 100.00% ($2,331,106) 100.00% TOTAL FUND EQUITY $113,750 100.00% ($2,331,106) 100.00% TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY $113,750 $4,133,759 19 TOWN OF WATERTOWN COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, FISCAL FISCAL EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND YEAR YEAR BALANCE FOR ALL EXPENDABLE TRUST FUNDS 1994 % 1995 % REVENUES INTEREST AND PENALTIES $25,903 16.38% $66,535 71.50% OTHER REVENUES $132,208 83.62% $26,524 28.50% TOTAL REVENUES $ 158,111 100.00% $93,059 100.00% EXPENDITURES MISCELLANEOUS $87,247 100.00% $63,766 100.00% TOTAL EXPENDITURES $87,247 100.00% $63,766 100.00% EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES $70,864 $29,293 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) OPERATING TRANSFERS IN $0 $660,000 OPERATING TRANSFERS (OUT) ($100,000) $0 TOTAL OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) ($100,000) $660,000 EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES AND OTHER SOURCES OVER EXPENDITURES AND OTHER USES ($29,136) $689,293 FUND BALANCE BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR $713,859 $313,672 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS ($371,051) FUND BALANCE END OF FISCAL YEAR $313,672 $1,002,965 20 TOWN OF WATERTOWN BALANCE SHEET FOR TRUST AND AGENCY FUNDS FISCAL FISCAL AS OF JUNE 30 YEAR YEAR 1994 % 1996 % ASSETS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $873,584 18.21% $1,539,155 19.08% INVESTMENTS $117,200 2.44% $142,400 1.77% RECEIVABLES: PROPERTY & RIGHTS HELD UNDER DEF. COMP. PLAN $3,807,342 79.35% $6,383,951 79.15% TOTAL ASSETS $4,798,126 100.00% $8,065,506 100.00% LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY LIABILITIES: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE OTHER LIABILITIES DUE TO OTHER FUNDS $45,293 1.18% OBLIGATIONS TO EMPLOYEES/DEF. COMP. PLAN $3,807,342 98.82% $6,383,951 100.00% TOTAL LIABILITES $3,852,635 100.00% $6,383,951 100.00% FUND EQUITY: RESERVED FOR ENDOWMENTS $631,819 66.82% $678,590 40.35% UNDESIGNATED $313,672 33.18% $1,002,965 59.65% TOTAL FUND EQUITY $945,491 100.00% $1,681,555 100.00% TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY $4,798.126 $8,065,506 21 Personnel Department The Town Clerk,Mr.John E.Flynn,was appointed by the Town Manager in October,1995. Mr.Flynn has more than fifteen years of municipal experience,including eight The Personnel Department is responsible for a wide years as the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Cambridge, range of human resources activities. Included in the Massachusetts. Mr.Flynn received a Bachelor's degree in domain of the Personnel Department is the recruitment Business Administration from Merrimack College in North and selection of employees; administration of collective Andover. bargaining agreements;employee relations;monitoring of The Police Chief,Mr.John D.Jackson,was appointed leave;Workers' Compensation and Unemployment; Civil by the Town Manager in November, 1995. Chief Jackson Service compliance;maintenance of confidential personnel has more than twenty-five years with the Watertown Police records; training programs; compliance with federal and Department in various ranks. Chief Jackson received a state laws and regulations; and other related functions. Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria Much was accomplished during 1995. The following College in Paxton. four collective bargaining agreements were settled during Also during 1995, this Department was involved in the 1995: 1) Library Employees Union; 2) Town Hall hiring of the following: one Deputy Public Works Associates; 3) Firefighters Union; and 4) Police Superintendent, one Sanitarian, one Principal Account Association. The Department of Public Works (DPW) Clerk, one Principal Clerk, five Firefighters,one Building Local Union settled in late 1994. All of these agreements Maintenance Craftsperson, two Custodians, and four cover the period from July 1, 1994 through June 30, 1997. Motor Equipment Operators. The efforts of all those involved in the various Mr. Frederick Pugliese, Town Clerk and Personnel negotiation sessions are greatly appreciated, particularly Director/Assistant to the Town Manager,resigned in June those who served as the negotiating team: Frederick 1995 to pursue a career in the private sector. The Town Pugliese, then Town Clerk/Personnel Director; Joseph was very fortunate to have him on board for two years and DiVito, Town Assessor and Acting Personnel Director; we express our appreciation and best wishes in his future and Thomas Tracy,Town Auditor. endeavors. The Personnel Department was busy during 1995 Mr. Joseph A. DiVito Jr., Assessor, was appointed assisting many departments and the Town Manager in Acting Personnel Director for the period June 1995 recruiting and selecting various personnel. Five through September 1995. His hard work,extra hours,and Department Head positions were filled, including the willingness to take on additional duties was greatly Library Director, Health Director, Personnel Director, appreciated. Town Clerk, and Police Chief. Throughout 1995,the Personnel Department attempted The Library Director,Ms.Leone E.Cole,was selected to reduce the number of Workers' Compensation claims by the Board of Library Trustees and started with the and decrease the amount of work time lost to injuries. Town in March, 1995. Ms. Cole came to the Town with Ms. Cecilia Lentine, Personnel Administrative Assistant, eight years of experience as the Director of the Frank J. monitors and processes all claims and acts as the Liaison Bosloe Library in Herkimer, New York. Ms. Cole with the insurance and claims adjusting agencies. Ms. received a Master's degree in Library Science from the Terry Donahue, R.N., the Occupational Health Nurse, State University of New York in Albany. assists in monitoring the injuries and claims and has been The Health Director,Mr.Steven J.Ward,was selected instrumental in the administration of the program. The in conjunction with the Board of Health, and started efforts of both Ms. Lentine and Ms. Donahue have August, 1995. Mr. Ward has more than nine years of assisted in reducing the costs of the Workers' municipal health experience, including five years as the Compensation program. Director of Public Health for the Town of Braintree, During the latter months of 1995, the Personnel Massachusetts. Mr. Ward received a Master's degree in Department began negotiations with two unions regarding Biological/Health Science from Anna Maria College in the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Paxton, Massachusetts. regulations regarding the drug and alcohol testing of The Personnel Director, Ms. Mary E. Flanders, was employees required to possess a Commercial Driver's appointed by the Town Manager in September, 1995. Ms. License(CDL). Under these regulations,these employees Flanders has more than six years of Human Resource will be tested for illegal drugs and alcohol on a random experience,including three years as the Assistant Director basis. of Human Resources for the Town of Barnstable, The Personnel Department is looking forward to 1996 Massachusetts. Ms. Flanders received a Master's degree as it attempts to rebuild a full-time Personnel Department in Public Administration from the University of to better serve the employees, department heads, and Massachusetts at Amherst. citizens of Watertown. 22 Town Clerk and Election maintenance of the Town's residency database, and compliance with the Commonwealth's Campaign Finance reporting procedures. The Town Clerk and Election Office serves as a direct link between the citizenry and its Town government. The The Election Commission conducted the following Town Clerk's Office, by statute, is responsible for the voting exercises during 1995. issuance of vital statistics, maintenance of Town records, the insurance of compliance with the Commonwealth's DATE TYPE OF ELECTION Open Meeting Law; it also serves as a repository for all April 8, 1995 Special Election: Proposition rules, regulations, ordinances and bylaws promulgated by 2 1/2 override the Town Council and other town departments. September 19, 1995 Preliminary Election The Town Clerk's Office was first established in 1634, November 7, 1995 General Election the first year records were kept, and continues today to December 13, 1995 General Election Recount: provide accurate documentation on events and happenings District A Councillor of the City known as the "Town of Watertown." The Town Clerk's Office provides a number of consumer In 1995, the administrative and support functions of the services, such as the issuance of dog licenses, the sale of Licensing Board were transferred to the Town Clerk's various Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licenses, the Office. The Licensing Board promulgates rules and recordation of Uniform Commercial Code statements,and regulations specific to Watertown to ensure the life,safety, notary public services. The office also serves as a and health of the citizenry and town visitors. The distribution center for various Town brochures and Licensing Board issues a myriad of licenses and permits surveys. The staff in the office serve as "unofficial that range from amusement devices,to gasoline,to liquor ombudsman", providing general information regarding licenses. All of these licenses issued are renewable yearly. various municipal services to the public. The Town The Board also serves as a hearing officer to ensure Clerk's Office also serves as a liaison between the Town compliance with licensing conditions. and the Federal and State governments. The Board works closely with five Town departments, During the last quarter of 1995, the Town Clerk's the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission,and the Public Office, in conjunction with other Town Departments, Safety Department in the licensing process. began the process of compiling departmental narratives and data for inclusion in the Town of Watertown 1992 - 1994 Annual Report. The report is scheduled for LICENSES AND FEES publication in 1996. At the request of the Town Council, the Board of Election Commissioners and the Town Clerk Hunting Licenses $1223.75 conducted a public awareness campaign with the placing Dog Licenses 2389.00 of "A frame" signs at various locations throughout the Wildland Stamps - Resident Town to alert the citizenry to the November 7, 1995 and Non-Resident 2790.00 Municipal General Election. Duplicate Licenses 14.00 Also undertaken during this time period was the Archery Stamp 230.00 planning process to implement the Town's Amended Sporting Licenses 1929.25 Animal Control Ordinance relating to the licensing of Marriages 4795.00 dogs and cats slated to be implemented in January, 1996; Raffle 245.00 the implementation of the changes to the Fishing Licenses 4371.50 Commonwealth's Campaign Finance Reporting Sporting Fees 311.05 Requirement Law for candidates for Public Office; and, Waterfowl Stamps 161.50 the completion of the Town's Annual Census. Cat Licenses 80.00 The Election Commission, a four member board of Licenses Commission- Alcohol, commissioners,has a number of responsibilities mandated Common Victualler etc. 143,284.00 by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 50 through 56. Miscellaneous Clerk/Election/License As charged, the Commission is mandated to ensure fair fees 12,759.43 and impartial elections in the Town of Watertown. Resident Book 775.00 Responsibilities include: coordination of the annual Certified Copies 12330.00 census, generation of voting lists and jury lists, implementation of the National Voter Registration Act TOTAL $177,688.48 through the maintenance of the Central Voter Registry, 23 RECORDING FEES Data Processing Mortgages $5,420.00 b Business Certificates and Business Certificates withdrawals 5,565.00 The Data Processing Department supports the Administration's computer information systems and assists TOTAL $10,985.00 in the implementation of new technologies. Located in Town Hall, the Department maintains an IBM AS/400 midrange computer that processes software applications Total Clerks Revenue which include Financial Systems, Accounts Payables, Total Fees Collected $188,673.48 Purchasing, Payroll, Water and Sewer Billing, and Remitted to the Commonwealth ($10,720.00) Census/Voter Registration. The system uses terminals and Net Revenue to the Town $177,953.48 personal computers throughout Town Hall offices, with two remote sites connected - the Department of Public Works and the School Business Office. Other administrative systems,such as Appraisal, Real Estate Tax Billing,and Motor Vehicle Billing,have vendor or service Vital Statistics bureau support,while the School Department oversees the instructional technology and academic processing needs of Births 386 the schools. Deaths recorded 339 During 1995, marginal improvements in the form of Marriage Intentions 326 software enhancements and hardware upgrades were made Marriages recorded 319 to the midrange computing environment. Software Affidavits of Correction of births, modifications and procedural controls were implemented deaths and marriages recorded 7 to improve output and maintain user confidence. For desktop computing, some personal computers (PCs) and Licenses printers were upgraded and laptop technology was introduced; however, many users were still processing at Kennel License I the PC technology base of 1989. The word processing and Dog Licenses 310 spreadsheet software used on the older PCs lagged behind Cat Licenses 12 the newer versions available. In October, 1994, the Town Council formed the Town Seven Day, All Alcoholic Government Working Group on Computer Technology Common Victualler(Restaurants) 17 with the mandate to recommend computer technologies Seven Day, Wine/Malt that would improve the productivity of employees and the Common Victualler(Restaurants) 3 delivery of Town services. Given the fragmented structure Six Day, all Alcoholic and aging of computer systems, and the availability of Common Victualler(Restaurants) 9 vastly improved technologies, the Computer Working Six Day,Wine/Malt Group set out to create a plan of action. The short-term Common Victualler 2 goal would involve the implementation of an integrated financial management system, along with an upgrade to Clubs 11 the network/PC hardware. The long-term goal would Auto Dealer Class 1 10 entail a geographical information system, information Auto Dealer Class II 13 kiosks, public access, and on-line services. Planning and Auto Dealer Class III 2 analysis would continue through 1995. The Computer Working Group developed a project Package Good Store plan and drafted a comprehensive Request for Proposals Wine/Malt 7 (RFP) for computer information systems. A PC-based electronic screen presentation was given before the Town 24-Hours Opening 4 Council, and the final (RFP) was officially issued in Sale of food at Retail 4 September. As a result of this effort, the Computer Music Box 11 Working Group received six major proposals from vendors Automatic Amusement Device 18 of municipal software. Advanced hardware and Auto Repair 74 communications platforms were proposed to support the integrated software environment. The Computer Group 24 now faced the task of evaluating the proposals to derive purchasing Department the greatest benefits. The implementation of an integrated financial management system forms the foundation of the The primary function of this Department is to facilitate Administration's next generation computing. The project the purchasing process, using sound business judgement, includes computer hardware and software that improves by Town Departments in the procurement of all necessary productivity and the delivery of Town services. goods and services. These procurements must conform with all applicable Town purchasing ordinances as well as the Commonwealth's Uniform Procurement Act(Chapter 30B), Public Works Projects (Chapter 30), and Building Projects (Chapter 149). Town Attorney The Department continues to be active in the Y Collective Purchasing Act which was enacted by the Legislature in 1972. Under the provisions of this statute, Kopelman and Paige, Professional Corporation, Town any subdivision of a governmental entity may procure Attorney goods and services from vendors awarded contracts by the During 1995, the Town Attorney provided significant Executive Office for Administration and Finance, legal services to the Town, including the rendering of Department of Procurement and General Services, numerous legal opinions; advice to various Boards and through the competitive bidding process. This avenue has Committees; attendance at all Town Council meetings; allowed the Town to avail itself of significant monetary and review of contracts, including major public building savings through a larger purchasing pool. construction projects regarding the renovation of the The Town is also involved in a cooperative purchasing Town Administration Building and the construction of consortium with Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, various renovations and additions to School Department Cambridge,Newton,and Waltham,through which bids are buildings. solicited for supplies ranging from fuel oil and gasoline to The firm has continued to represent the Town in sand and public safety equipment, among others. As a on-going litigation matters pending in various state and result of this larger purchasing pool, significantly lower federal courts in an effort to reduce the backlog of such unit price costs have been realized by the Town. cases which existed at the time of our appointment as A sampling of the major contracts awarded in 1995: Town Attorney. There are,as of the end of calendar year 1995,twenty-one(21)litigation cases pending,a significant Department of Public Works: drop from previous years. These involve issues including One Dump Truck for $88,000 negligence claims, alleged discrimination and civil rights One Sidewalk Tractor for $53,000 violations, claims under the federal Fair Labor Standards One Snow Fighter for $77,000 Act, and appeals from decisions on various land use One Street Sweeper for $88,000 matters. Roadway Resurfacing and related work to In addition, The Town Attorney continued to play a approximately 27 streets for over $600,000 major role in the negotiation of new three-year collective bargaining agreements with the Town's five public John A. Ryan Skating Arena: employee unions, as well as providing the Town Manager Improvements for Handicapped Accessibility advice relative to various personnel grievance and for $24,400 disciplinary actions. The firm has also represented the Town before the Massachusetts Commission Against Fire Department: Discrimination. Two Pumper fire trucks for $370,000 The firm extends its appreciation to the Town Manager and the members of the Town Council for their Planning Department: confidence in retaining this firm. The firm also Renovations at the Town Administration Building appreciates the assistance and cooperation received on all for $1,000,000 matters from the Town Manager, Town Council, Rehabilitation of Arsenal & How Parks Tennis & department heads and members of various Town boards Basketball Courts at a cost of$185,200 and committees with which we have worked. We look forward to working with the members of the Town The Department will continue to secure the best government in the future. products at the lowest price. 25 Health Department Nursing Public Health Nursing is a constantly changing role. The Health Department staff consists of one full time This role changes because of new laws, mandates, new Director, two full time Sanitarians, one part time vaccines, new vaccine recommendations and newly consulting Nurse, one part-time Public Health Nurse, a recognized hazards. The nurse is involved in this process Tobacco Control Officer and a part time Animal Control and must be constantly kept appraised of these changes. Officer. Immunization of citizens that are elderly or disabled for The Board of Health consists of three members that the flu are done annually. Each year over 2,000 people are appointed for three years by the Town Manager, are immunized. subject to confirmation by the Town Council. The Health Department assists citizens who need help resolving public health/medical issues. The nurse refers Environmental Health citizens/patients to appropriate agencies when required. Throughout the year food service inspections, housing Additional duties include investigation, reporting and inspections, swimming pools, tanning inspections and follow-up of suspected elderly and child abuse cases. nuisance complaints were attended to routinely. Communicable disease reports to the State Department Complaints consisted of trash,pollution,rodent,hazardous of Public Health is required for reportable diseases. waste incident reports, housing code violations, group Immunization of contacts and follow-up of patient until housing facilities, motels, rooming houses and special they are disease free is vital for disease control. Health assignments. Department Nurse obtains and distnbutes vaccines and Additional environmental programs include, but are current information received from state and to Watertown not limited to, noise, air and dust complaints, asbestos Health Care Providers. Mantoux testing for tuberculosis complaints,response and analysis of hazardous waste sites is done routinely. Lead poisoning in children is an and spills, coordinating hazardous waste days, and important health problem. In 1989 a law was enacted that mandated inspections of public and semi-public whirlpools. required lead screening of all children who are attending day care or kindergarten. The Health Department has Requirements of Chapter X of the State Sanitary Code been screening all children whose parents have requested mandates that each food establishment be inspected a this testing. The nurse participates with ongoing minimum of twice a year. Currently the Board of Health community public health needs assessments. issues over 200 Food Service Establishment Permits. The The Public Health Nurse also attends Continuing Health Department is aware that in the United States Education Seminars and conferences to maintain and each year more than 20 million illnesses are caused by update her professional knowledge and skills in the health foodbome infections. This department has continued to field. monitor restaurants and other food services to minimize the outbreak of foodbome illnesses. Prevention is the key 1995 Tests and Vaccines to controlling foodbome illnesses. Prevention requires Childhood Lead Screening 27 that food operators have a clear understanding of the Tuberculosis Screening 129 sanitary code and what the Health Department is trying to Communicable Diseases 530 accomplish. Blood Pressure Screening 500 The State Sanitary regulations require semi-annual Vaccine Distributed to Watertown comprehensive inspections. A great deal of time and Health Care Providers 32,358 energy is required to provide this kind of inspection. These inspections help contribute toward a higher level of sanitation in food service establishments. The second Animal Control most important goal is to provide education in sanitation The Towns of Watertown and Belmont share a full for the managers and food service operators. Most of this time Animal Control Officer. The Animal Control work is done by the sanitarian at the time of their daily Officer's duties include, but are not limited to, patrolling inspections. the towns on a rotating, flexible schedule and the Chapter II of the Massachusetts Sanitary Code enforcement of all pertinent Animal Control Ordinances. (housing code) requires sanitarians to inspect complaints Additional responsibilities include responding to all within twenty-four(24)hours. These inspections normally emergency dispatch calls, issuing citations for ordinance take place as a result of complaints by tenants. Final resolution of these housing matters may require intervention at the District Court level. 26 violations, and prosecution of violators. As needed, the Animal Control Officer carries out isolation and TOTAL PERMITS ISSUED FOR quarantine responsibilities as well as educates the public 1995 concerning health and safety concerns involving animals, including occasional public appearances in school Food Service 184 classrooms and on cable television. Retail Food 41 Milk & Cream 130 Community Programs: Health Promotion, Disease Frozen Dessert 76 Prevention Caterers 5 The Health Department is involved with local One Day Catering 53 community based health initiatives such as the Watertown Mfg. Frozen Desserts -0- Citizens for Environmental Safety, the Watertown Swimming Pools 14 Community Task Force, the Community Education Whirlpool 1 Council,the Center for Community Responsive Care,and Massage 12 the Mass. Dept. of Public Health's Community Health Tanning 1 Network Area. Rubbish Disposal 6 These initiatives are designed to help reduce Mobil Service 1 incidence/prevalence of morbidity and mortality in the Funeral Directors 18 community and to help foster a cohesive sense of Burial Permits 139 community. Rabies Clinic 214 Additionally,the Health Department provides,through Lodging House -0- the Mass. Tobacco Control Program, smoking cessation Non-Carb Water 1 events, education and regulatory initiatives aimed at Bakery 6 reducing morbidity/mortality from tobacco use. In Plan Review 12 implementing these initiatives the Health Department collaborates with the local providers, the Council on Aging, the School Department, and the Police Department. Mosquito Control Council on Aging The Board of Health cooperated with the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Commission in planning spraying and other mosquito control initiatives. The Council On Aging (COA)/Senior Center experienced a very productive year during 1995. Services Rabies Clinic and preventive programs designed for Watertown's older The Rabies Clinics are held twice a year with local adult community were maintained and new projects were veterinarians participating.At the 1995 clinic 214 dogs and added as well. cats were vaccinated. The long-awaited revised Watertown Guide to Senior Services and Discounts was produced and published with TOTAL MONIES RECEIVED FOR 1995 funding from an Executive Office of Elder Affairs Formula Grant. This comprehensive document contains January $3,240.00 information on services provided by the COA, the Senior February 750.00 Center, and other agencies. The guide also has a new March 1,950.00 section that profiles Town services and resources for April 1,501.00 homeowners and apartment dwellers. The Guide contains May 2,317.00 listings on home care services, transportation, legal, June 250.00 financial, and health services, as well as leisure and July 420.00 volunteer opportunities. A listing of Watertown August 610.00 businesses that give senior discounts is also included.The September 589.00 Guide is free to seniors and their families and is available October 4,680.00 at the Senior Center and at Town Hall. November 4,078.00 This year the Senior Center sponsored a series of December 2,215.00 nutrition and cooking workshops focused on the various TOTAL $23,000.00 aspects of healthy eating and cooking.Topics in the series 27 phone numbers of workers available for leaf raking,snow shoveling,yard clean-up and lawn mowing.The fee is then negotiated directly between the provider and the client. The COA provides administrative oversight for the Watertown Food Pantry. We were reluctant to see Barbara Neel leave her position as Food Pantry Coordinator during 1995, but were fortunate to have Deborah Kaup hired as Coordinator. This year, the Pantry added evening hours once a month to allow working people more convenient access to the Pantry.The Pantry now offers a wider variety of foods as well as specialized products for young children and senior citizens. The COA provides on-going administration of the Town's Emergency Assistance Fund.This fund is available i to Watertown adult residents who need emergency help Watertown Seniors celebrate the Big Band Era with utility bills, food, housing, prescription medications, with Deena Dennis, Tony Parker and others etc. Monies from the fund, are paid directly to a vendor. Individuals may access this fund once per calendar year. The Friends of the Watertown Council on Aging also included sodium and high blood pressure,adding calcium provides some emergency assistance funds to Watertown to the diet, making menus heart healthy, and the role seniors. On-going services provided by the COA include vitamins and minerals play in the immune system. The door-to- door medical transportation, a shopping bus groups worked together to prepare a meal that illustrated driven by Bob Ferguson which takes seniors to the local each theme and then enjoyed the dishes they prepared. mall for grocery and other shopping, a home fix-it Participants were given handout materials and menus to program for nonskilled and semi-skilled repairs, and take home. Funding for this project was made available regular blood pressure, dental, and hearing screenings. by a Title III-F federal grant through West Suburban Information and referral assistance on a wide range of Elder Services. concerns to seniors and their families is offered over the In 1995, the Senior Center forged an alliance with the phone and at the Center by secretary Debbie Dunn and Watertown Historical Society. Senior groups toured the other staff. Browne House,the Captain's House at the Arsenal,Aetna Outreach worker,Laura Gold,works with some of the Mills, and the Fowle House. These trips and the accom- more frail seniors and their families, assessing needs and panying informational lectures helped senior participants providing short-term counseling and advocacy. Ms. Gold develop a deeper appreciation for Watertown's history. also collaborates with other agencies and Town In response to numerous requests, exercise classes at departments. the Senior Center were increased to four per week, Program coordinator Kathleen Wolf continues to offer including Eastern Exercise led by Watertown senior Don a diverse weekly lecture series. Samples of this year's MacCalmon which incorporates martial arts techniques. offerings include speakers on the Homestead Act, Seniors prepared for life in the high-tech 90's through memory,drug interaction,grand-parenting,Social Security, a program cosponsored with Watertown Community back care,home repair,safety awareness and osteoporosis. Education. Beginner's classes in computer use for older Groups and classes at the Senior Center include bingo, adults were held at Watertown High School during the line dancing, weight watching, cards, crafts, painting, afternoon. Other new classes at the Senior Center this choral singing, movies, knitting and a book club. year included pottery, square dancing, and strength Volunteer trip coordinator, Theresa Naples arranges and training. New intergenerational projects this year included leads day excursions each month and five large luncheon senior participation in the Hosmer School's Celebrity parties are held each year. Read-A-Thon program and the grant-funded placement of Chris Hursh and Dorothy Fleming became new a high school student at the Senior Center for computer members of the Council On Aging Board,replacing long- data entry work. Director, Caryl Fox spoke at the "Life time active board member, George Srabian, who passed After High School" class at the Watertown High. School. away, and Ruth Farrisey, who left to pursue other The yard work program, utilizing students and adults, interests after several years of valuable assistance.Harold now extends throughout the year. For this program, the Bejcek was appointed Chairperson of the COA Board COA acts as a clearing house, and provides names and after Barbara Zenn Rediker resigned the chairpersonship 28 after six years of leadership. Ms. Rediker continues as an Park tennis courts and basketball courts, and in the active board member. On the Senior Center Advisory reconstruction of How Park. Committee (a standing committee of the COA Board All Camp Pequosette participants and their parents since June 1994), Alice Mano replaced Helen Siegel who were again invited to a Family Cookout at O'Connell resigned after serving for several years. Field at the conclusion of the final camp session; a large The COA/Senior Center strives to provide a wide range crowd was present and enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, of services and programs for the ever-increasing, diverse chips, and soda. older adult community in Watertown and for their Five adolescents took part in the playground instructor families. training program again this year. These individuals worked with departmental playground instructors and not Recreation Department only assisted in the program, but gained the experience that may lead them to future positions within the Recreation Department. The function of the Recreation Commission is to A Summer Baseball Instruction Camp was again provide a year-round recreation program so that every offered at Moxley Playground. young person in the Town will have a place to recreate in During the winter months a Friday Night Open Gym safety and to afford every person the opportunity for the Program was expanded for youths of middle school age. best and most satisfying use of their leisure time. All employees except the Director and Head Clerk are Spring Programs part-time. Part-time employees are hired to instruct and The Department conducted a wide range of supervise the various programs during the four seasons of programming for the citizens of Watertown in the spring, the year. including "T' ball for students in grades K and 1; ragball for students in grades 2 and 3; ragball and track for New Initiatives and Expansions students in grades 4 and 5. Baton classes were held for During the 1995 year, the Recreation Department was students between the ages of 3 and 16 at the Watertown involved in the planning process to renovate the Arsenal High School cafeteria. r I • r y � Y• IT i �r !1�. l � The Watertown Recreation Department's 71h Grade Girls basketball traveling team 29 Adult programs included golf instruction, tennis instruction, women's basketball, and coed volleyball. A track meet for grades 4 and up was held at Victory Field in honor of the late John Moxley, Sr., with trophies awarded. Special Needs programs consisted of our Saturday Day Camp, Friday Night Social program, and - other activities such as bowling, softball, aerobics, basketball, track, and Special Olympics. Trips were taken to "Disney on Ice" by the Lowell and Cunniff School students with some parents attending. Summer Programs The Department supervised the following playgrounds on weekdays from 9 a.m.to 12 noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.: Benzes, Casey Park, Moxley, Sullivan, and Victory Field. Field trips to Millbury Amusement Park, the movies, Dealtry (M.D.C.) swimming pool, Wal-Lex Bowling and Roller Skating facilities, Bentley College Athletic Center, Arsenal Park, Charles River Canoe and Kayak Center, Water Country, Whalen Park, the New England Patriots Training camp, Canobie Lake, boat cruise on Boston - Harbor, an overnight camping trip to Lake Kiwanne, Fenway Park, and Good Time Amusement Center were offered to those who participated in the Town's summer programs. _ The participants and instructors spent an afternoon at -' dr• the Watertown High School (W. H. S.) watching a VCR movie of their choice. A golf clinic was held at Casey Field. Second graders at Cunniff field balls Arts and Crafts sessions were held at all playgrounds, in the Recreation Department's we well as practice sessions in baseball, softball, whiffle Ragball program ball, ultimate frisbee, basketball, and golf clinics. Tennis instructions for ages 7 through 16 were held at the Moxley A special thanks to the Watertown School Committee Field courts. Swimming classes were held at the MDC for granting permission to use the Hosmer School facilities pool from July 3rd through August 17th. Classes were for the camp and also for the use of the school bus and held from 8:00 to 8:50 a.m. and 9 to 9:50 a.m., with driver. Without their assistance this program would not toddler classes from 10 to 10:30 a.m. All classes were have been possible or successful. completely filled. The boy's summer basketball league enjoyed its eighth Camp Pequosette had a very successful season with an year and had a very successful season. The girl's program average of 200 attending daily. At the end of each two- was again extremely well received. week camp session the campers staged a talent show to Men's summer basketball was held evenings at Casey which parents were invited. Also the children enjoyed a Park and Saltonstall Park courts, with twenty-five teams cookout and field day at Arsenal Park each session. This participating. This program consisted of over 300 games, event was one that all campers looked forward to which offered much enjoyment to both players and attending. Youngsters were transported to the MDC pool spectators. for a cooling swim several times during the week. Special Over 1600 park permits were issued by the Recreation needs students also enjoyed participating in the camp Department. The Department would like to thank the program. At the end of the season a Family Night Department of Public Works for its immediate response cookout was held at O'Connell Field for all who had to the needs of the citizens by lining and maintaining the attended camp. This was the fifth year of this very fields for all events. successful event. Campers were taken on the following trips: Museum of Science, Fresh Pond Reservation, Fall and Winter Programs Boston Public Gardens, and Canobie Lake. Two Flag-tag football, soccer, basketball, and field hockey sleepovers were held this year. were conducted for grades 2 to 5. Biddy Basketball was 30 co-sponsored by the Recreation Department and the Boys at the library, and launched a planning process for the and Girls Club. Basketball teams were formed at the long-term capital needs of the library. Hosmer,Lowell,and Cunniff schools for boys and girls in grades 4 and 5. At the Middle School age level,six teams First, computers are with us! Both for library were fielded in the in-town league for girls, and six teams operations and for our patrons. Our staff is working with for the boys in grade 6. The Sunday League for boys and the Town Hall to bring our budgetary controls and girls in grades 7 and 8 was also conducted again this year. planning on line with the Town computer so that we can Baton classes for ages 3 to 6 were held on Tuesday eliminate time-consuming paperwork. This past year,the evenings at the W.H.S. cafeteria with 68 in attendance Board adopted a microcomputer policy to govern our each week. procedures in making computers available to the general Programs for special needs adults included Saturday public. The library has purchased and received as Day Camp, Friday night social programs, floor hockey, donations seven computers for use by library patrons. In aerobics, howling, basketball, Hayride, and a Holiday addition, we have installed CASEBASE, a CD-ROM party, among others. product for use by patrons interested in researching the Men's winter basketball played at the East Jr. and Massachusetts General Laws. W.H.S. gymnasiums,with 20 teams participating. Out most valuable asset is our professional staff which Adult golf, coed volleyball, women's basketball, and consistently receives commendation through our men's over 35 basketball attracted many citizens to suggestion system. The Board has approved 136 hours of participate. advanced study for our staff. Of course, the most significant event affecting our professional staff this year Program fees brought into the Revolving Fund in 1995 was the appointment of the new director of Libraries in amounted to $118,792.93. These monies are used to Watertown, Leone Cole. Leone has brought enthusiasm, defray the cost of all adult programs, baton twirling fresh ideas, and a vision for the future of our libraries. classes, Camp Pequossette, and many other Department The Watertown Public Library has always been ventures. aggressive in seeking out state grants to benefit our The Department would like to thank all the Town community. This past year, the library was the recipient Departments who have worked with us over the past year of three grants from the state through the Library Services to provide a quality recreation program for the citizens of and Construction Act (LSCA). The largest grant allowed Watertown. us to establish the Career Information Center at the Library, a program to assist our patrons in pursuing Library meaningful career choices. The second, an after-school program for middle school students,was a very successful program developed in cooperation with Continental The Library system consists of the Main Library at 123 Cablevision. And finally, a grant to develop a Main Street and two branches: the North at the corner of preservation plan for materials which are in the custody of Orchard and Waverly Streets, and the East, at 481 Mt. Auburn Street. The Library was founded in 1868, and its mission is to be an integral part of the community by '► providing all residents with a wide variety of popular and reference materials,resources,and services which facilitate their day-to-day lives, and extend their personal and intellectual development. The staff works to create an environment which welcomes and satisfies the needs of users of all ages and abilities,and works actively to attract new users to the Library. r Chairman's Report In 1995, the Watertown Public Library made several significant advances, including the automation of services for our patrons, the development of the professional staff, and an increased cooperation with the school department in delivering services to youth. The Library has also received state grants, created activities to support Children display the results of a workshop community programming, upgraded the basic operations on making Robot Books 31 Library will continue as one of the fine hallmarks of our 5 s�. community and thank my past and present colleagues on �!�i►� the Board, the many former town meeting members and .4 councilors who have supported the Watertown Library W over the years, the Friends of the Library, and the 1� a directors and staff of the library who are at the heart of all of the fine library services available to Watertown residents. Respectfully submitted, Donald J. MacDonald,Jr., Chair y Director's Report 1995 was an exciting year for the Library. In addition Springtime at the East Branch Library to the long-standing tradition of personalized service and an excellent collection, new programs and services were added,and new and improved technology made it possible the Watertown Library. Our library has a fine collection, for patrons to access CD-ROM resources, and even to but many of the materials are stored in the closed stacks surf the"Web." The Library remained on the cutting edge in conditions that permit rapid deterioration of the actual to ensure that our patrons get the best service possible. fiber of the books. Through this grant, the library will Over the summer, a community survey was developed develop a plan which will allow us to create a protective and distributed. One of the purposes of the survey was to atmosphere to preserve the heritage of the library determine if the residents were satisfied with the current collection. facilities, but questions were also asked about services, Several library supporters,patrons,and former trustees programming,and collections. The information gathered have also been generous in remembering the library as from the almost 500 responses was extremely valuable. memorial donations. The Trustees use the interest from Most people were very satisfied with what the Library has these funds for needed improvements and purchases for to offer, but many people also offered some wonderful the library. One such very generous remembrance came suggestions for improved service. Some of the suggestions to the library this year from the estate of Charles Burke. were implemented immediately,while others are still being Mr.Burke had served the library as a trustee for 54 years. investigated. During 1995, patrons were able to do His memorial to the Watertown Library will serve as a renewals by telephone, to place their own reserves on the permanent reminder of his respect for books and learning computer at the Library and from home. The video and his love for his hometown library. collection was also redisplayed to make browsing easier. Finally, the Trustees recommended that the Town A newsletter commenced publication, with Assistant address the capital needs of the library. Small items were Director Maureen Conners as its editor. addressed this year -- some furniture replacement, and The approval of requests for additional funding book, video, and Compact Disc (CD) display racks. The enabled the Library to open from 2pm-5pm on twenty-five conversion of the Main Library to gas heat was finally Sundays beginning in October. Being open on weekends effected. However, the most pressing need is to develop was one of the most requested services from the an overall capital plan. To this end, the library has community survey. Other items funded through additional submitted a letter of intent to qualify for a LSCA Special requests for funding were the replacement of chairs in the Project in fiscal year 1997, the purpose of which will be to Adult and Young Adult Departments, tuition develop a long-range capital plan for the buildings. reimbursement, and landscaping services for the three The Board has set the library upon a clear path this buildings. year --with a new energetic director in place, automated The annual Staff Day was held on March 2. and is services improvements for our patrons, extended hours of devoted to staff development. This year, the morning operations, and an outreach into the community, program was a training workshop on the Internet. It was particularly to children. The next step is to think through presented by Susan Saul from the Minuteman Library the capital needs of the system. Network (MI.N). In the afternoon, Peggy Bloom did a It has been my privilege to chair the Board this past workshop on conflict management,and Virginia Tashjian year, as well as at various times in the past twenty-four presented a workshop on public relations. The staff was years. I leave the Board with every confidence that the recognized for their many years of service,and the Friends 32 of the Library presented each staff member with a T-shirt. American History, presented by Kenneth Rand. To celebrate Women's History Month, Diane Taraz A workshop on Windows was conducted by a and David Ingle held a concert entitled "Images of professional computer trainer for the staff in June. The Women in Traditional Song." workshop was well-attended, and the staff puts the Author EJ Graff held a reading of her new short story, knowledge to use on a daily basis. Many staff also "Come On,Let's Go Home." attended the workshop on the new legal CD-ROM Project Literacy held several Tutor Training resource, CASEBASE, which was acquired by the Adult Workshops, Tutor Sharing Sessions and Let's Talk Department this year. Conversation Groups as well as a program on Women's Health Issues. Work on a building program to renovate the Main Perkins School for the Blind conducted Braille Library was begun.Lack of space for meetings,inadequate Workshops from June through September. protection for historical materials, and lack of room for Harvard Community Health and Pilgrim Health computers led the Trustees to begin the process. Patience conducted several informational programs about health Jackson, building consultant from the Eastern Region insurance. Library System , discussed the process of writing a Several Financial Planning Seminars were conducted at building program and the steps in applying for a state the Library. The League of Women Voters, the Cultural construction grant with the Director and Trustees in July. Council, the Girl Scouts, the New England Regional The goal is to have completed writing the building Genealogy Group, the Pike Coalition and the Watertown program in 1996. Community Task Force also held meetings at the Library. In April, Michael Gregory was appointed Head Custodian. One thousand two hundred and fifteen Watertown residents have participated in the Museum Pass program Circulation Department funded by the Friends of the Library and the Democratic Town Committee. Exhibitions held in the Gallery of the Watertown Free Public Library: Campbell Forbes, Watercolors Circulation Data Roger Erickson, Oils Wilson Gouvea,Brazilian Folk Art Total Registered Borrowers 21,010 Donna Rose, Photographs Marjorie Fargo, Impressionist Circulation Linda Kimberling,Monotypes Main 233,059 East 22,704 Displays: North 18.883 Peggy Stathos, nutrition Total 274,646 Trees for Watertown, planting and pruning Egg decorating contest winners from the North Total Holdings Branch Library Print Materials Fred Grandinetti, Comic books Volumes of books Silvia Becker, Sea Shells and serials 143,593 Lina Haddad, Ceramic Vases Non-Print Materials Meetings: LP records 445 Regularly scheduled monthly meetings held at the Compact discs 851 Library included Friends of the Watertown Free Public Audio cassettes 2,781 Library,Project Literacy Advisory Board,the Adult Poetry Video cassettes 2,944 Group, and the Adult Book Discussion Group. Miscellaneous (Kits, artwork, puppets) 465 Special Meetings held throughout the year: The Historical Society sponsored programs on the Subscriptions 375 Higgins Museum, Colonial America and the Birth of a Nation, presented by Doreen Smith; the History of the TOTAL HOLDINGS: 151,454 Mt. Auburn Catholic Cemetery as it relates to Irish 33 The Circulation personnel at the Main Library handle videos. Both entertainment and instructional videos now virtually every item and encounter every person who circulate for one week. New packaging was researched enters or leaves the building. They face a continually and the decision was made to process videos in a new increasing number of patrons and variety of materials that format. are borrowed and returned each day,working in quarters About 465 audio cassettes of all types were added to that are constantly being shifted and changed to handle the collection. The Library is evaluating both display and the flow of materials. This year long awaited shelving for circulation methods for audio cassettes. About 275 the best sellers and media shelving for the CD's and compact disc titles were added to the Library's holdings. cassettes arrived. Patricia Considine retired after 13 years Jean Hlady continues to cooperate with the Eastern of service and Linda Fox was hired for the department in Region in updating the Library's holdings for the Union March. The circulation department is one of the busiest List of serials. The Periodical database now shows an departments in the Library. Their accuracy and efficiency asterisk beside the magazines to which Watertown in handling overdues, registering new patrons, answering subscribes - important information for patrons. Jean has over 400 telephone calls weekly are an important factor in streamlined our periodical record-keeping of periodical the esteem in which the community holds the Library. holdings. Ann Butler agreed to be in charge of the monthly book Adult Department discussion group in the Fall of 1995. Approximately nine The Reference Department has completed an people attend each hour long session in the Library. extremely busy year. The staff has been learning and then Ann was also the Library's representative to the trying to teach to patrons new technologies such as Information and Referral project of the Network. An Internet, non-Minuteman databases, Information and LSCA Grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Referral database, and our recently acquired CDROM's: Commissioners allowed the Network to mount its own Phonedisc, Boston Globe, Granger's Poetry, Grolier database of Community Information and Referral. The Encyclopedia, Map'n Go, Street Atlas USA, US Census resources listed include non-profit agencies, services and and CASE BASE. organizations of interest to the patrons of the cities and The Reference Staff attended workshops provided by towns served. Some examples are: Police and Fire the Network at Central Site. We conducted tours of the departments;childcare and eldercare providers;poetry and Library for Project Literacy students and for the reading groups; garden clubs and historical societies.The Americanization class at Watertown High School. We Community I and R includes over 45 listings for aided a group of clients from the United Cerebral Palsy Watertown, and the list continues to grow. As of Association to explore our Reference Business section so December 1995, library patrons with the appropriate that they could become acquainted with materials helpful modem equipment could access this database from their for job search. Students from Perkins School were given homes. a demonstration of the Kurzweil machine. Ann also vigorously weeded the older health books,the The Department provided 37 periodical fax articles philosophy/religion section and the sports section. The from Boston Public Library,and 7 from the Inter Library weeding of books is sometimes a misunderstood process Loan Office at BPL. We sent 25 fax articles directly to which distresses certain book lovers. In most public other libraries. libraries, the shelf space is finite. We cannot acquire We presented a training session on CASE BASE books on a regular basis unless we relinquish those that CDROM by Lawyers Cooperative for Town Hall are no longer of interest to our patrons. The Collection personnel and local lawyers. Development Committee of MLN assures a balanced The Reference Department also accepted documents collection in the Network from which all may borrow. from the United States Army Research Laboratory Kay Westcott continues her overseeing of Large Type concerning the cleanup and reuse of Arsenal property. books,Interlibrary Loan,History/Genealogy,and Assistive Jean Hlady reports that in 1995, the adult audio-visual Technology projects. collections were significantly improved to better meet the Watertown Free Public Library acquired several new needs of the public. After an extensive weeding project books for the Local History/Genealogy Collection during during 1994-1995, approximately 450 videos were added. 1995. The Watertown File continues to be updated by About one third of these were instructional videos and a clippings from the two local newspapers. More patrons real effort was made to fulfill patron requests for home are coming to the library to use this material. The Town improvement, gardening, parenting, and documentaries. Clerk now refers all genealogical inquiries to the Library. Many new entertainment videos were added, many of Over a thousand questions came in letter form, by which had been requested by patrons. telephone,and walk-ins. The Library has become a major Policy changes were made concerning the circulation of source for local history and genealogy. 34 Almost three hundred dollars has been donated Minuteman Network through the years shows that specifically to help maintain and build the Local Watertown and other MLN libraries are meeting the History/Genealogy Collection by the people who have demands of the public. There were less than ten more written for information from out of town. They have requests made in 1995 than in 1994. enabled the Library to purchase books about genealogy and local history. Requests made by patrons Inquiries have come from 21 states. Six came from Main Library patrons 76 MA, three from DE and Canada. One inquiry arrived East Branch patrons 21 from England. Subjects of inquiry this year included lace North Branch patrons 2 making factories, specific lace makers, the Swedish TOTAL REQUEST'S 99 architect A.Hilling Hanson,a search for a painting owned by a "Watertown Library", the first electronic organ Fulfilled requests 88 manufacturer, Harriet Hosmer and the death notices of Unfulfilled Requests Babe Ruth's wife. The information gathered has since Books that could NOT be been published in a book about Babe Ruth. The author verified or found 2 has kindly donated copies to the Library. The only Requests patron canceled question that went unanswered was the painting hanging or books arrived too late 3 in the library- it was the wrong Watertown. Material was noncirculating Use of the Large Type Print Collection increased to WFPL 5 dramatically in 1995. Large type print was 5.4% of the average monthly circulation of the total materials Patricia Silva continues the processing of magazine and circulated for the entire library system. newspaper subscriptions, supplies, photocopying, and the Average circulation was 419 items a month, up over checking of damaged audio materials. She also manages last year's average of 377. March (509), July (503), to make herself available to other departments to cover February (444), August (425), and December (434) were emergencies. the highest months for circulation counts. The regular Reference staff trained the Sunday part- The Minuteman Network Assistive Technology time reference librarians. Patrons have been asking for a Taskforce was created to heighten awareness of sensitivity long time that Sunday hours be restored and have been to, and issues and services for people with disabilities. pleased that this was finally accomplished. The mission of this group is that any patron, regardless of We thank those patrons who were generous with their disability, should be able to use any aspect of the gifts of books, magazines, computer paper, and even Minuteman Library Network. Watertown is a leader in staples and scotch tape for other patrons to use. We this area with the completion of a $20,000 grant that appreciate the help of our hard working pages in keeping enabled the Library to purchase a Kurzweil Reading the book and magazine stacks in good order. Machine (it reads the printed material to the visually impaired), two electronic magnifiers (one to circulate), a Young Adult Department hearing enhancer,a wheelchair accessible table,a Brailler, The staff of the Young Adult Department put a large print software program for the on-line catalog and considerable amount of effort to increase the amount of a voice synthesizer for the catalog (to read the screen to library programming for this age group. Probably the the patron who is visually impaired). This was highlight of 1995 for both the kids who use the room and accomplished with the help of a community advisory panel YA staff was our first annual Haunted House. For almost of patrons concerned with the various aspects of three months 43 middle- and high-school patrons met disabilities. after school and on weekends to plan the House and build Kay Westcott, co-chair with Ellie Lyman of this grant, props. Several hundred library patrons were brave enough was elected to chair the Minuteman Assistive Technology to enter for the fun and fright of the Halloween event. Taskforce (MATT). As a new committee, it will be a Our summer reading club had 109 participants and guide to the Minuteman Network to meet the Americans because of the wonderful support of the Friends of the with Disabilities Act regulations and to encourage libraries Library included an end of the summer pizza party and to offer services to all the members of the community. some great grand prizes including Red Sox tickets, gift In 1995, the Library received material from 9 states, 12 certificates from the area malls and tickets to local colleges and universities, 3 law libraries, 1 government attractions. The kids challenged themselves to read a library and 1 private library through the Interlibrary Loan certain amount every three weeks and answered trivia and system. other questions using the Library's newly acquired access The decrease of requests for material outside the to the Internet. 35 In September YA staff applied for and received two LSCA grants. One grant entitled News and Views will Children's Department allow middle and high school patrons to create a The Children's Department had a very busy and fun newsletter and produce some video shows on topics of year in 1995. We had many well attended programs for interest to them; the other grant, Corner the Market,will all ages and made a few changes in our room to provide increase and improve the existing career and education more activities and better space for our patrons. collections and initiate some library-related programming. In May of 1995 Toby Earley joined the department and Pre-School Activities has brought a great deal of enthusiasm and knowledge of Toddler Drop-In, a playgroup for toddlers and their children's library issues and literature that has only parents/caregivers, meets every Friday morning at strengthened the library's services to Watertown's youth. 10:30am. This continues to be a popular activity with over Her presence and familiar face provide younger kids an 900 children and adults attending over the year. easier transition up to Young Adult services. Carey Storytimes for all ages and storytime for 2- 3 '/2 year olds Conkey did two presentations for the Eastern Region on met twice a week (on average) for an attendance of over library services for young adults and also co-led a 1,000 for the year. Kids'Flicks,movies for pre-schoolers, workshop on Young Adult literature at the 5th Annual were shown weekly during the school year. In celebration GLSTN National Conference. of National Library Week, 84 "Pretend Library Cards" This past year the department has continued to were given out in the Spring to children who were not old strengthen our cooperative relationship with the enough to get a real library card. Through the month of Watertown schools. Thirteen classes either came to the June a star could be collected on their "Pretend Library Main Library or YA staff visited the Middle School for Card"whenever they came to the library. bibliographic instruction and/or booktalking; ten classes from the High School came to the Department for School Age Activities assistance with term papers or other projects. We also Over 300 children and their teachers came to the hosted several of the summer school classes. In the early library during the school year to work on special projects. spring, the English department faculty came for an Children's Librarians Toby Earley and Melissa Forbes- afternoon to hear YA staff highlight many new fiction and Nicoll went to visit classes at the Hosmer School to read non-fiction titles. YA staff also worked closely with the to the children for their Read-a-thon in March. Craft school faculty to develop the school's summer reading activities were held in the Children's Room during the lists. school vacation weeks and around the holidays. l-j Special Programs Several programs were held at the library during 1995. Steve Rudolph's Magic Show in March was very popular with everyone. The Perishable Theater from Rhode - Island and the local Kendall Repertory Group provided some memorable theater performances in April and June. M Music concerts were a real hit with MaryLee in May and Hugh Hanley in July. Some fascinating animals paid us a visit in August with the Audubon Ark from Drumlin Farm. Craft activities were made more fun with a J recycling program from the Children's Re-Source Center of Belmont in July and local artist/teacher Lucy Oliveri- O'Hearn in November. The Children's Department also worked on two programs with the Young Adult Department. The Bubblemania Man was here in August and a Haunted House made for spooky fun in October. Reading Clubs Children who were reading and children who were learning to read were invited to join in the fun with our "Blizzard of 95" Reading Club in February and the The Bubble Mania workshop "Reading is Natural" Reading Club in the summer. Altogether they read/listened to over 2,500 books. 36 Program Attendance Toddler Drop-In Every Friday morning 52 sessions, 929 attendees Storytimes Open storytimes for all ages Registered storytimes for 2 - 3 1/2 yr olds 83 sessions, 1188 attendees Kids' Flicks Movies for preschoolers, weekly during school year 35 sessions, 391 attendees Class visits A Recycling Workshop Classes visiting the library and outreach visits when a librarian went out to the school 10 sessions, 188 attendees Technical Services Department Calendar year 1995 was a relatively uneventful year for Crafts the Technical Services Department. One notable change Week long craft programs during school vacations for the department was made in the way we order library and for holidays media. Prior to this year, it was necessary to write 4 programs, 323 attendees separate purchase orders for multiple orders from the same vendor. During 1995 we began using open purchase Special Programs (attendance in parentheses) orders for our two major vendors. This resulted in a small Magic Show with Steve Rudolph, March (150) but significant savings in time and paper. Several small Perishable Theater Performance, April (25) changes in our fund accounting system also helped Afternoon Stories for April vacation (72) simplify the way we inform our colleagues of their fund MaryLee Concert, May (42) expenditures. Kendall Repertory Group Play,June (10) In the fall of 1995,Minuteman Library Network's Chief Recycling Crafts Program, July (57) of Bibliographic Services resigned. The resulting staff Hugh Hanley Concert, July (47) shortage made it difficult for the network to supply its Audubon Ark, August (48) members with new title records in a timely manner, thus Bubblemania(with YA dept.), August (12) slowing down the rate at which we processed our Haunted House (with YA dept.), October (53) materials. The problem was alleviated by the end of the Crafts with Lucy O'Hearn,November (13) year when Alicia Morris was hired as the Bibliographic Team Leader. Pretend Library Cards Technical Services staff covered over 200 hours of staff Cards for children not old enough to get a"real" shortages at circulation desks, both at Main and at the Library card branches. 84 cards given out in May and June Reading Clubs East Branch "Blizzard"of 95, February Since February of 1994, the East Branch Library has 38 Readers and Listeners been open 21 hours per week for the Adult and YA Read/Listened to 552 books departments and 19 hours per week for the Children's room downstairs. Our schedule is Monday and Friday "Reading is Natural", Summer from 9:00 until noon and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and 134 Readers and Listeners Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 until 8:00 p.m. The Read/Listened to 2,035 books Children's room closes at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. Reference Questions Morning hours are becoming more popular as they Total for the year: 5872 become better known; frequently there were 20 adult 37 Items Processed by the Technical Services Department BOOKS Adult Juvenile Total Purchases added 9402 4735 14,137 Gifts added 846 75 921 Withdrawn 9070 3015 12,085 SOUND RECORDINGS VIDEOS Total Total Purchases added 1126 Purchases added 832 Gifts added 0 gifts added 0 Withdrawn 1198 Withdrawn 391 patrons or more on a given morning taking advantage of during a recent 10-day trip to Armenia. Eighteen persons easier parking, greater availability of the public access attended this hour-long presentation. One attendee told terminal, and a quiet place for reading newspapers. In of his trip to Armenia,having returned from there just the addition to the two Boston dailies and the two Watertown night before! weeklies,the East Branch subscribes to five newspapers of Armenian interest in English and Armenian. During the latter part of 1995, the East Branch Adult and young adult patrons have become received two pieces of equipment for patron use. The increasingly proficient at using the public access terminal- Optelec, a magnification system for patrons with low age is no barrier to success. Patrons are now able to place vision,was donated by a family to the Watertown Public their own requests for East Branch circulating materials or Library and placed at the East Branch. A personal send an electronic message to a librarian requesting computer with a hard disk drive was also installed. A materials at other libraries in the Minuteman Library word processing software program, "Print Shop" and the Network. Through the Interlibrary Loan Librarian, East 1995 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia have been loaded Branch patrons also requested books from outside the onto the PC. With the availability of the Internet at our MLN network which accounted for nearly one-third or 21 public access computer we feel that we have much more out of the 76 requests placed for Watertown patrons. to offer our patrons. At spring time, the front walk of the East Branch Ms.Toby Earley served as a librarian in the Children's Library was ablaze with daffodils and red tulips which room through April,1995. At that time she transferred to bloomed from bulbs contributed and planted by the the Young Adult department at the Main Library while Friends of Watertown Free Public Library the previous still keeping her affiliation with the Children's department fall. On April 18, 1995 patron Mary Kelly gave a ceramic there. Kathy Caple came from the Young Adult decorating workshop. Participants decorated ceramic department at the Main Library to the East Branch to figurines with a springtime motif. serve as librarian in the Children's room in May, 1995. Ann Kenny, a library technician in the Children's room The East Branch participated in the Young Adult left her position in February, 1995 to work as an aide at Summer Reading Program which was offered between the Hosmer School. Nuala Dacey was appointed library June 12 and August 28, 1995. Students committed technician in the Children's room in July, 1995. themselves to reading for as many half-hour blocks of time as they wished during each two-week period and signed a contract to that effect. If they met the terms of the Mornings in the Children's room have provided an contract after the two weeks were over, the students won excellent opportunity to present an open weekly storytime a prize. Although only six students participated,they read and host class visits from the nearby St. Stephen's for a total of 190 hours or an average of 31 hours each. Armenian Elementary School. Each month saw from 2 to On October 18, 1995 the East Branch was pleased to 5 open storytimes and either two or three class visits, have local resident Harry Parsekian tell of his experiences depending on holidays,during the school year. Additional 38 programming included: 1994)continued throughout the calendar year.The branch also continued to offer preregistered craft programs on the Spring crafts, 14 participants early release days. Fred Grandinetti offered drawing Summer Reading Club,45 children signed up workshops in the spring and on one of the three days in Paper-making workshop, 7 participants the fall. Lois offered an origami workshop in October and August movies (3), 49 attendees two special craft programs with Lucy Olivetti-O'Hearn Origami workshop, limited to 8 pre-registered children were offered during National Children's Book Week. September after-school movies (4), 31 attendees The Branch also responded to a request from some of October after-school movie, 14 attendees the parents who use the branch to open a homework Halloween party/movie, 40 attendees center in the library for kids to use for studying and typing November crafts, 9 children pre-registered up papers. The request came in late spring. During the Holiday crafts, 30 participants summer one of the rooms in the basement had bookshelves removed and the walls painted. Annie Clark, The Children's staff decorated the puppet theater, one of the parents interested in the center, found a bulletin boards and festooned the room with construction number of 286 computers to be donated to the library for paper birds. Future outreach includes visiting one or use in the room. Her husband spent time programing the more classes at the Hosmer School to book talk with class computers. As of December the room was waiting for the to follow-up visits to the East Branch Children's room. floor to be painted and volunteers signed up to cover the hours the center would be open. Twelve deliveries of 287 large and regular type books, Throughout the summer the room in the basement was talking books and audio cassettes were delivered by used for weekly preregistered craft workshops. Two of the volunteer Jean Epstein or the East Branch Librarian to workshops were offered by Josephine Ovoian,who offered the following agencies which serve senior citizens: Senior her time and materials at no cost. The rest were led by Citizens Center, One Hundred Warren, McSherry staff members Fred and Lois. Gardens, Marshall House, Charlesgate Manor, Emerson Convalescent Home, and Rosary Manor. One of the parents who sat in on one of Josephine's During 1995, five homebound patrons received workshops with her child requested a workshop for adults materials during at least a portion of the year which were only. Josephine was kind enough to agree to offer a delivered by the East Branch Librarian who coordinates workshop in November, again donating time and the program. One patron received three to four books materials. The program was a great success, leading to a every week while other patrons received materials on an request for a series of craft programs"For Adults Only'. as-needed basis. Over 144 items were circulated to The end of the year saw the initial work completed to homebound patrons in 36 deliveries. organize and find funding for such a series in 1996. 1995 also brought changes in the technology available North Branch in the branch. During the summer the branch received a This was the first year since 1990 that the branch hours workstation with a 486 computer loaded with Windows and staff remained the same throughout the entire year- software. In October the branch offered it's first CD- and that included the branch page, Michael Pippos, as ROM software for public use. The branch librarian also well as the clericals,Bill Mahoney and Fred Grandinetti, attended two workshops on the Internet and for the first and the Branch Librarian, Lois Neve. Staff evaluations time the North Branch offered Internet access in the Fall. were completed in a timely fashion (in July), and a new In September, storytime found a new time slot on system for keeping track of statistics and filing paperwork Thursday mornings, followed by a Toddler Preschooler made the writing of this report much easier to do. Drop-In. The attendance at the storytime doubled with The year started with the gift of $1000 for the the change and the drop-in proved to be a successful new Children's Department at North from patron Marion program. After many attempts at finding the right day Hogan. From the money the branch now has a sturdy and time, the program seems to have finally found the folding table,carpet in the alcove with the Picture Books, right schedule. 8 CD ROM software products for children and a request in and approved for a custom built toybox with bins for The e-mail communication with the Lowell and Cunniff children's easy paperbacks and shelving for Small Picture school libraries,begun in the fall of 1994, continued and Books. expanded in the spring of 1995. Children were beginning The North Branch seeks to respond to patron requests. to send e-mail requests for materials to the branch by the The opening of the branch through the lunch hour on end of the school year and Lois and Chris Reusser, the Watertown school early release days (begun in October school Librarian, were exploring how to set up a 39 homework bulletin board. The major construction at the Garden Day (38) Lowell School in the fall put the exploration of Pretend Library Cards, 4 weeks in Spring (24) communication channels with the schools on hold for the National Children's Book Week celebration 1995-96 school year. We both look forward to a closer UN Day (where were you born); more than 60 link in the 1996. people put dots on the world map. All in all the year has been a good one for the North Branch. Though the circulation dropped, the use of the Reading Clubs library facilities increased- including more children using "Blizzard of'95" Reading Club the library after school to do homework and the use of the 49 participants read/listened to 193 books library by tutors. Patrons feel comfortable requesting new programs and so far the staff has been able to respond "Reading is Natural" Summer Reading Club without being overloaded. The increase in patron offers 101 children made 314 visits to the branch to to volunteer time to help make a program like the report on 2,017 books homework center possible has been a factor in preventing the workload from being overwhelming. The community Young Adult Reading Club and branch have found a comfortable relationship with 34 contracts completed patrons seeing the North as a place to be involved as well as served. Class visits The North Branch was open 1026 hours with an annual 10 class visits were made, involving 214 students circulation of 18,883 for an average circulation per hour of 18.4. Adult Programing 1 craft workshop (5) Program Attendance Project Literacy Story times Project Literacy, an integrated part of library services, 56 sessions,555 attendees continued to provide one-on-one and small group tutoring Kids' Flicks/Movies to adult learners in the Watertown area. Learners are 22 movie programs, 163 attendees tutored in Adult Basic Education(ABE)and English as A Second Language (ESL). At any given time there are Preschooler/toddler drop-in program on Thursday approximately 100 volunteer tutors providing direct service mornings (started September) to over 100 students. 16 drop-ins with a total attendance of 265 This year the program was expanded to provide two drop-in conversation groups for ESL learners. These Children's Craft Programs: groups, "Let's Talk", which meet weekly, have been Seasonal/Holiday open programs successful in giving the adult learner a comfortable Valentine Crafts; 4 sessions, total of 39 attendees atmosphere to practice speaking English. With the Spring Crafts; 3 sessions, total of 42 attendees cooperation of town organizations the groups have met at Decorating Eggs;3 sessions, total of 28 attendees the Town Hall, McSherry Garden Apartments, and the May Day Crafts; 2 sessions, total of 59 attendees First Parish Church of Watertown. Halloween Crafts; 3 sessions, total of 48 attendees The program is coordinated by Susan Viskin with the Winter Crafts; 5 sessions,total of 55 attendees assistance of Patricia Johnson. Volunteers also assist in the office. The staff is responsible for student and Preregistered crafts programs volunteer recruitment and intake, tutor training, support Summer crafts (all but 2 limited to 8 participants) to learner pairs, and purchasing of library materials 8 workshops, total of 128 attendees appropriate for adult learners. Although Project Literacy is an integrated part of Early Release Day Crafts (limited to 10 -12) library services, its operating budget is not part of the 9 workshops, total of 92 attendees library budget. Two consecutive Title VI LSCA (Library Service and Construction Act) grants from the U.S. Special Programs (attendance in parentheses) Department of Education have supported Project Literacy Popeye's 66th Birthday Party (28) in the calendar year 1995. Each grant has been for the Dr. Seuss's Birthday Party (1) amount of$35,000 and has been awarded from October to Decorated Egg Contest (67 entries,53 attendees) the following September. This consistency in the source Maypole (28) of funding has allowed the program to offer continuous, 40 expanded services. With this year's grant a personal computer was purchased to assist leamers in becoming computer literate as well as increasing their language skills. Volunteers participate in 15-18 hours of training before being matched with leamers. Throughout the year, four tutor training sessions were held in space provided by the Watertown Housing Authority with twenty to twenty- five volunteers in each session. The program coordinator trained the volunteers with the assistance of Peggy Barth, an adult educator. Additional training was provided throughout the year on topics such as "Utilizing The Leaming Skills Collection" and "Use of the Project Literacy Computer". A system of tracking and measuring student success was developed to assure students reach their goals. A yearly assessment interview is administered by trained volunteer assessors. Data has shown that ninety percent of the learners have improved their spoken language skills in a year's study. Students have gone on to study at community colleges, received citizenship, gotten promotions at work, and they generally feel they can communicate better. Programs for students and tutors increased dramatically this year. Four open houses, a mixture of social and educational programs, were held at various locations in Watertown. Students took the initiative and organized one of these events. Friends of the Library Membership fees and proceeds from two book sales per year fund programming for all of the library departments and for landscaping, as well. In 1995, the Friends donated a microcomputer for the public to use for word processing and a lectern with sound capabilities.The Friends of the Library also fund the Museum Pass program. The following are the passes are available to Watertown residents:Aquarium,Children's museum,Gore Place,Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Mass Audubon Society, Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Science. The Friends sponsored two special programs in 1995: Sam Bass Warner, "Slides and Sketches of the Charles River";and Joanne Merriam and Mark Harris,"History of the Quabbin Reservoir." 41 Veterans' Services may become necessary to admit only those patients deemed to be in critical condition. This could cause an increase in the case load and the monies spent. Through the diligent efforts of this department, the This office utilized state and federal programs and amounts received by veterans and their dependents were various referral sources. With our knowledge of Social increased in the year 1995. These funds come from the Security, Welfare, Medicaid, and other government Federal Government for compensation to veterans and for agencies, this office was in a position to guide veterans pensions to veterans or their dependents. By applying for and their dependents to the proper offices to obtain the and receiving these funds, the amount of money paid out increased and future benefits due them. This has kept our by this Department was kept to a minimum expenses to a minimum with greater benefits to our During the year the case load in the Veterans' Office veterans. increased along with an increase in paper work. The As in the past, this office continues to complete increase in the case load was a direct result of the state's Veterans' Affairs forms and handle telephone calls and economy. The paper work increase was largely due to the correspondence to the Veterans Affairs Office for aging of the World War II and the Korean veterans. Most Watertown residents,to eliminate their trips to Boston for of the veterans required assistance in filing for Social necessary information. These types of services save the Security Benefits,veterans pensions,and widows pensions. applicant both time and money. All of the above has Others were seeking advice on how to be admitted to the resulted in increased benefits to veterans and their Veteran Administration (VA) Hospitals. dependents and indirectly, a financial savings for the Admission to a V.A.Hospital in the near future could Town. become a problem for the elderly and the indigent. With The Veterans' Services Department continues to work the many cuts in the state budget and the increase in the with the Watertown Veteran Organizations in the planning cost of medical coverage,more and more veterans will be of Memorial Day Observance. seeking admission. This will be even more of a problem if the proposed cuts in Medicare and Medicaid actually Special Activities take place. There are only so many beds available and it Due to the fact that this was the 50th anniversary of r The Nineteen Statues of the Korean War Monument in Washington, D.C. 42 the end of World War II, a concert was held at The Town of Watertown Veterans' Service Watertown High School in the John J.Kelley Gymnasium. Department is a one-stop center to aid, assist and advise The music was provided by the World Famous American veterans and their dependents. The Department is proud Legion Band of Waltham. A good-sized crowd of veterans of the work that we accomplish. and their families were present. All those in attendance received a book of Historical Events that occurred during World War II, an American flag, and a button stating"A John A Ryan Skating Arena grateful nation remembers." All those in attendance had high praise for this event. The arena entered into its twenty-third and fourth season. Several upgrades were made to the facility, including all new matting in the locker areas and L` replacement of one water making tank on the Zamboni a� Ice Resurfacer. Some major repairs were needed on the s cooling systems; the cooling tower as well as the Q refrigeration pumping system received new equipment. T; The board systems were replaced in over twenty areas and r the arena summer crew was able to install five new t tempered glass sections. In 1995, the Arena welcomed over 800 students into the Group Lesson Program,held every Sunday afternoon during the ice season. Public Stick and Puck sessions held Monday through Friday had over 900 participants. The Public Skating sessions were attended by over 10,000 skaters. The arena hosted over forty (40) regular season Shutt Detachment Marine Corps Color Guard high school hockey games, and was selected by the at the dedication ceremonies for Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to host Francis B. Mahoney twenty four (24) high school hockey tournament games. These participatory statistics make the arena one of the busiest in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Dedication The Bentley College Falcon Hockey Program had a A memorial sign post was dedicated to the memory of record breaking season in 1995. The team reached the Private Francis B. Mahoney. This young Watertown playoffs for the first time in several years. The future is native was born on October 12, 1928 and was killed in bright for the Falcon program, due to an aggressive action in Korea on September 24,1951. It is because of schedule and increased fan support. We at the arena are young men and women like him that we are able to live expecting great things to come. free in the greatest country in the world. The Watertown Youth Hockey Organization experienced another exciting season,with both success on Korean War Memorial the ice and increasing enrollments. The board of directors It was my pleasure to attend the Dedication of the as well as the entire coaching staff, managers, and every Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. in July of parent of a player should take pride in a job well done. 1995. The event drew an estimated crowd of over 500,000. The other local youth hockey groups who used the arena The Korean war is no longer considered the Forgotten during this season included Belmont,Arlington,Waltham, War. The new memorial sits on two acres of federal park and Needham. The arena also is a game site for the land at the West end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Yankee Conference and Middlesex Youth Hockey Pool across from the Vietnam Memorial. A field of 19 Leagues. statues stand as if in a battlefield situation. Around the The Watertown Senior A Men's League played their statues are the faces of 24,000 men and women games throughout this year, and, with eight (8) teams emblazoned on a polished black marble wall. On the wall playing on Sunday and Monday evenings, the action was are the words "Freedom is not Free". Over fifty four non-stop. The arena also went"Hollywood" for a day in thousand American Personnel lost their lives between February,being cast as a tryout site for aspiring actors for June, 1950 and July, 1953. an upcoming Reebok television commercial. We are This is a fitting monument for those who served their pleased to announce that one of our night shift managers country during the Korean War. was chosen to be in the production. 43 The entire staff at the arena would like to take this super rake, one 1996 Ford F350 dump, one 1996 brush time to thank the Watertown Police and Fire chipper, one 1995 J.C.B.Backhoe and one 1995 Ford 1. Departments, the Department of Public Works, and the 8000 crane truck. various department staffs at the Town Hall for their unending support. It is through this interdepartmental Forestry effort that the arena can operate with such success. The Forestry division handles pruning and maintenance of urban forest and shrubbery on Town property. In 1995, Department of Public Works the division responded to 315 resident requests. In 1995, the Forestry division removed 75 trees and 60 stumps. Twenty trees were felled by storms and accidents. The Department services residents, local businesses, Fifteen of these were replaced with monies for damages and other branches of the Town government. The caused by automotive accidents. To assist in tree pruning, functions of the Department fall under the broad the Town engaged Royer Tree Service. divisional categories of:Administration,Cemetery,Central Motors,Forestry,Highway,Parks,Property and Buildings, Highway Recycling Center, Sewer, and Water. The Highway division is responsible for maintenance and repair of approximately 72 miles of Town roadway Administration and 144 miles of Town sidewalk,maintenance and repair The office staff handles public relations and of paved areas abutting or contained within Town information, permits, departmental payroll, purchasing, facilities,and review and issuance of relevant permits. invoicing,accounting,water and sewer billing,commercial trash collection billing, cemetery records, funding issues Given the amount of roadways in need of repair, the surrounding all construction contracts and interface with Department began to develop an ongoing roadway state and federal agencies. Administrative staff also reconstruction program that will systematically address maintains communications with the contractor providing repair of all road surfaces within the Town, eliminating residential trash removal, and handles public relations, the need to return to recently constructed locations and data collection and analysis, and reporting to the State thereby maximizing each construction dollar. Great care regarding trash collection. is required to evaluate the proper match of locations and construction techniques to assure proper drainage. Four Cemetery different techniques will be used, each yielding a different The Cemetery division is responsible for maintenance level of structural integrity and life expectancy for a of over thirty acres of cemetery at three separate different cost. This offers the advantage of rotating locations, sale of grave plots, preparation of graves, and preventative maintenance into the program, saving oversight of funerals at Town cemeteries. pavements in earlier stages of their life cycle, and In 1995, the division handled 121 interments, buried performing repairs when they are less extensive and less three stillborns and an additional sixteen remains from expensive. cremations. There were two disinterments and two re- interments. Thirty-one single graves were sold for 1.Full Depth Reclamation. this approach entails the immediate use as well as eight double graves and one pulverizing of the wearing surface and rehabilitation of triple grave. the roadway base for maximum structural integrity and For maintenance, the Town engaged Vanaria to assist optimal drainage. It is the most costly option and can in mowing. Town staff placed new columns and gates at yield a life expectancy in excess of twenty years. the Warren Street entrance and repaired the roof at Ridgelawn Cemetery. 2.Cold Planing. This approach entails the grinding or scarifying of 1.5 - 2.5" of old bituminous wearing Central Motors surface and placement of new bituminous concrete The staff maintains and repairs the majority of Town wearing surface. vehicles. To maintain vehicle quality and expand fleet size, the following vehicles were purchased for use by the 3. Overlay. This approach entails the application of a Public Works Department in 1995: two 1995 Elgin Street new 1.5" course of bituminous concrete binder to Sweepers, one 1995 Ford L8000 dump truck, one 1996 restore the structural integrity of the roadway and the Ford swap loader, one 1996 auto car dump truck, one additional application of 1.5" of new bituminous 1995 sidewalk tractor, one 1995 Volvo snow fighter, one concrete wearing course. 1995 sewer vactor, one 1995 Ford Explorer, one 1995 44 4. Raising of castings and application of 1.5" of new Sewer and Water wearing course. This is the least expensive of the four More closely related than any of the other divisions, approaches and has the shortest life expectancy. the water and sewer crews handle maintenance and repair of approximately 80 miles of sewer mains and 80 miles of A comprehensive technical specification was compiled drains with accompanying service laterals, cleaning of all with the assistance of an engineering consultant with the Town catch basins, plumbing for all Town facilities, and goal of issuing a large scale contract in 1996. review of relevant permits. In 1995, the staff repaired 50 water leaks, eight water Work performed under this program will also be main breaks, replaced four fire hydrants, changed 220 funded outside the local tax base. The state legislature water meters, performed 31 water service renewals, appropriates roadway improvement monies on an ongoing corrected 300 sewer stoppages, replaced or repaired 55 basis. The funds are distributed to cities and towns under drains and catch basins, and repaired or replaced three the oversight of the Massachusetts Highway Department sewer services. Bolstered by services of an outside (MHD). In anticipation of continued highway monies,the contractor, half of the Town's 3600 catch basins were DPW has and will continue to prepare for future contracts cleaned. by estimating costs of dozens of locations in need of repair. Street Cleaning The State Aid program is understandably popular with After being a contracted service,street sweeping again cities and towns since the projects it funds do not impact became an in-house function and a division of its own. the local tax rate. However, contracts receiving such Accordingly, the Department purchased two new street monies are subject to public bidding laws. The bidding sweeping machines. process includes advance review and approval by the Massachusetts Highway Department,public advertisement 1995 Landmarks of the job, and approval of the qualified bidder by the Critical to the maintenance of urban infrastructure,the MHD. Coupled with the construction season,the process Department of Public Works (DPW) initiated an innova- becomes lengthy. Most officials and taxpayers have tive approach to funding large scale roadway construction judged the results to be well justified. projects. Two massive projects(Galen Street,valued at$2 million and North Beacon Street, valued at 1.7 mullion) The Department of Public Works continues to be were launched utilizing state aid monies for engineering proud of its reputation for unparalleled snow and ice design work and federal Intermodal Surface control. Transportation Efficiency Act (I.S.T.E.A.)monies for the attendant construction. No local tax dollars will be used Parks in the course of either project. The enormity of each The Parks division handles all maintenance needs at 88 project individually and the number of parties involved acres of Town grounds, parks, and recreational facilities have made for extremely long processing. Both projects configured in twelve baseball fields,four soccer fields,one will be bid and awarded by the Massachusetts Highway field hockey field, and one football field. The division Department. interfaces with all groups using facilities, and accordingly A successful program of curbside recycling was marks playing grounds for all baseball, football, field instituted in October 1994. Going out to bid jointly with hockey, and soccer games played by high school, the neighboring Town of Belmont, the Town awarded a recreation department, and youth groups. base contract of three years to Browning Ferris Industries, In 1995, the division upgraded the basketball and the contractor currently providing the Town with trash tennis courts at Arsenal Park and a new basketball court disposal services. Under this program, the Town diverted was installed at How Park. Sprinkler systems were placed between 2300 and 2400 tons of recylables from the waste at several parks. The division uses the services of an stream in its first twelve months of operation. outside contractor, Vanaria, to assist in parks Educational materials informing the citizens of the maintenance. program have been financed by grants from the state Department of Environmental Protection. Citizen groups, Property and Buildings long having encouraged the Town to pursue such a The staff of the Property and Buildings division repairs program, have been largely satisfied with the results. In and maintains Town facilities, including HVAC and addition to the traditional recyclables of glass bottles, fighting systems,signage for elections and Town functions, plastics, newspapers, and tin and aluminum cans, the and the complex electrical wiring for Town wide fire alarm program includes several curbside retrievals of yard waste. and emergency response systems. The recycling center, under a grant from the 45 Department of Environmental Protection, added the sale of composing bins to the services available at the recycling center. The supply of composters thus provided can be replaced with funds in a dedicated revolving account as required by the grant. Staff Staff additions include James Lucca,Forestry; Francis Barrett, Highway; Angelo "Joey" Aiello, Supervisor of Property and Buildings; and Sue Tamber, Deputy Superintendent. 46 Police Department law update,crisis intervention, domestic abuse prevention and C.P.R. Other topics range from accident investigation to suicide prevention. Various officers attended Administrative Services specialized domestic abuse seminars sponsored by the In 1994 the Police Department introduced the Middlesex District Attorneys Office and by the State D.A.R.E.program into the middle school on a trial basis. Attorney General. In 1995 it was fully implemented.The program consists of In 1995 the Police Department received a Community a 10 lesson plan that emphasizes information and teaching Policing grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts skills that enable students to resist peer pressure and for$12,000.00. This grant was used to engage the services negative influences in making personal choices. In 1995 of Mr. George Kelling, a noted professor at Harvard's the Police Department received a grant of$15,000.00 from Kennedy School of Government and Northeastern College the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to fund the of Criminal Justice, to train thirty five (35) officers in the D.A.R.E. program and in addition to further the fight nuances of Community Policing. against the use of alcohol,tobacco and other drugs among Lieutenant Patey and Sergeant Kasabian attended a students. one week training course on "Implementation of The department completed the implementation of the Community Policing" sponsored by the University of new Enhanced 911 emergency phone system which Northern Florida. includes provisions for the deaf and persons with other All Public Safety Dispatchers and Police Administrative disabilities. personnel attended a two (2) day course seminar on The upgrade from Basic 911 to Enhanced 911, a techniques of answering emergency phone calls. process which began for Watertown early in 1991, was All officers maintained their qualification with the 9 completed and implemented on Nov. 1, 1995. With millimeter pistols and familiarization with other weapons Enhanced 911 each emergency call is immediately routed at Camp Curtis Guild in Wakefield. Night firearms to the correct local public safety agency based on the training involving actual street conditions an officer may telephone number and address of the caller. The encounter in a potential deadly force situation were Enhanced 911 equipment at the Watertown Public Safety simulated in live fire, low light exercises at the Boston Answering Point displays the caller's telephone number Police Department Range. and location. This allows the dispatcher to send Many police officers attended retraining sessions which emergency assistance to persons who are unfamiliar with were conducted by various law enforcement specialists, their location or who are unable to convey their location ranging from and including the Breathalyzer,child abuse, due to illness,accident,or language problems. Enhanced mobile and fixed data terminals, etc. Several Detectives 911 uses the actual location of a telephone to determine received additional training in the field of Domestic which city or town's Public Safety Answering Point Violence, Narcotics, Investigatory Techniques, Finger- receives the call. printing and Anti-Gang Violence. Watertown's previous system, Basic 911,was only able to route 911 calls from Watertown telephone exchanges Uniform Division (923, 924, 926, & 972) to emergency dispatchers. This The primary mission of the Patrol Division is to serve prevented Watertown residents that had adjoining town Watertown's citizens and to protect their property through telephone exchange numbers from using 911 as an enforcement and highly visible deterrent activities. The emergency number. These residents had to dial a full men and women of the Patrol Division represent the seven digit number. Basic 911 also did not provide any Department's first response to all emergencies and most additional information such as the telephone number or calls for service. During 1995, Patrol Division responded location information furnished by Enhanced 911. to over 19,000 calls for service. These calls initiated In 1995 the Police Department received a grant from investigations and events that resulted in over 1200 arrests. the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for$29,988.00 which These statistics do not reflect officer-initiated contacts enabled the department to furnish every officer with a made by patrol officers while on normal patrol. state-of-the art bullet resistant vest. Heavy emphasis by the Patrol Division was also placed in the enforcement of traffic regulations in keeping with 'paining the goal of moving vehicular traffic safely and effectively During 1995 all members of the Watertown Police on the streets of Watertown. Personnel and equipment Department attended forty hour In-Service Training were assigned to monitor and enforce traffic rules and sessions presented by the Massachusetts Criminal Justice orders when necessary in keeping with this goal. Patrols Training Council. The In-Service Training program has a were adjusted during the course of the year to address core curriculum consisting of criminal and constitutional increased activity due to holidays, special events, and 47 recreational events at parks and playgrounds. Patrols Officer Kenneth F. Brown were increased during peak shopping periods in the Retired 05-31-79 Deceased 05-13-95 business areas of Watertown. This was accomplished by Years of service 28 utilizing both foot and motorized patrols. The Patrol Division has striven to provide efficient and Lieutenant George A.Terrazzano effective service to meet the needs and expectations of Retired 06-26-95 Deceased 05-26-95 members of our community. The Patrol Division works in Years of service 23 concert with other divisions in the Police Department and agencies within the area to accomplish this goal. Crime Prevention Unit Computer data is analyzed on a daily basis to assist in the The Crime Prevention Unit coordinates programs for deployment of Police Officers to areas in need of a police both the residential and business community. The Crime presence. Prevention Unit is a resource for targeting specific geographic areas, based upon crime type and frequency, that may be vulnerable to criminal activity. This Unit also has responsibility for public information activities, news releases, and media relations for the Department, and safety programs within the elementary school system. In conjunction with both the Arsenal and Watertown SDI Malls, programs were conducted for all store managers and selected employees in effective crime prevention — =-� methods in a retail environment. Additional crime prevention programs were:Operation t _ Identification,where engraving tools are made available to mark personal valuables; Home & Business Security Surveys, where officers visit home and business locations and advise owners on such matters as alarms, locks, and lighting; Neighborhood Watch, where meetings of concerned neighbors are encouraged to watch the property Radar controlled speed warning device designed of others and report anything suspicious. Crime to educate motoring public prevention and awareness programs were held for various civic groups as well as employees from the business community, through company health fairs and other Personnel functions. Matters related to substance abuse, personal PROMOTIONS protection, and protection of their property,both at home John D.Jackson, Chief 11/03/95 and in the workplace,were all covered in these meetings. Edward P. Deveau, Captain 12/21/95 The Crime Prevention Unit conducted individual James E. Conley, Lieutenant 09/28/95 classroom instruction at the elementary school level throughout the year in such areas as pedestrian safety, RETIREMENTS bicycle safety, school bus safety and substance abuse Acting Chief Robert G. Kelland 11/02/95 awareness. Child safety has always been a priority issue with this IN MEMORIAM department.To emphasize that,the Crime Prevention unit It is with deep regret and a sense of personal loss that conducted programs at both the Watertown and Arsenal we record the passing away of the following member of Malls. One such program, entitled Project Kid Care is this Department who, during their years of service, designed to educate families on child safety, includes the faithfully performed their duties. photographing and fingerprinting children. As part of the Department's overall Crime Prevention Officer William Coutts Program, we advocate citizens being aware of suspicious Retired 11-02-81 Deceased 02-03-95 activity in their neighborhoods and places of work. The Years of service 22 Department recognizes through its Good Citizen Award Program, those citizens who through their alertness and Lieutenant Wilfred J. Pouliot concern for others, have greatly assisted members of this Retired 06-02-76 Deceased 02-19-95 Department. Years of Service 32 48 Traffic Division During 1995 Officers assigned to the Traffic Division -- performed traffic enforcement duties throughout the -L ' Town, including enforcement of parking regulations in ^ municipal parking areas as well as on public streets. In addition to regular assignments,the Traffic Division used Selective Enforcement Teams. These teams focus on specific locations and types of violations that are known to be accident causative. These violations include excessive speed,operating under the influence of alcohol and other flagrant acts that contribute to accidents. During 1995 the Watertown Police Department applied for and was awarded a Traffic Safety Grant for $8,000.00 from the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau for the installation of mobile video cameras in two cruisers. ` These state of the art video cameras record all traffic Traffic division investigating a serious accident stops made by officers of the traffic division and are instrumental in prosecuting Driving Under the Influence During this time period the Traffic Division, in of Alcohol cases. conjunction with the Watertown Traffic Commission, In 1995 the department purchased three(3) new radar conducted numerous surveys/investigations at locations units for the traffic division. The department also throughout the Town, the purpose of which was to purchased a speed monitoring device that mounts on the analyze the requirements for installation of traffic control roof of a cruiser and shows approaching vehicles their devices,signs,parking regulations and other traffic related speed. activities. The School Crossing Program during this period was The Traffic Division also conducted additional surveys supervised by Sergeant O'Connor and Officer Collins of and investigations for other Town agencies such as the the Traffic Division. The School Crossing Guards D.P.W., Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Planning assigned to the program are responsible for the safe Board. passage of school children to and from school throughout The Traffic Division also maintains a Major Accident the Town. There are presently twenty-seven Crossing Investigation Team which is on call and available on a 24 Guards at various intersections in close proximity to the hour basis for serious accidents and/or fatal accidents. schools. The major enforcement statistics for 1995 are as Detective Division follows: The Detective Division is comprised of the Investigative Unit, Licensing Unit, Juvenile Unit, Operating Under Influence Arrests 59 Domestic Violence Unit and Drug Unit. Motor Vehicle Violations: Members of the division investigated numerous crimes, Moving citations 7,832 initiated investigations, inspected licensed premises, and Parking violations 20,668 were involved in programs for juveniles, the elderly, the business community and the general public. During 1995 the Watertown Police Department The division conducted one (1) homicide investigation investigated 884 reportable motor vehicle accidents.These during 1995. Roman Pickett was killed on October 20, accidents consisted of personal injury and/or property 1995 and the investigation resulted in the arrest of damage over $1000. William Palmer. On May 19, 1995 detectives investigated In 1995 the Traffic Division investigated reportable a shooting that was the result of an ongoing domestic accidents as follows: violence case. The division spent many hours investigating both incidents. These efforts resulted in arrests with both Motor Vehicle(MV) vs Bicycle 16 suspects jailed pending trial. Motor Vehicle vs Fixed Object 63 The Domestic Violence Unit was established in 1992 Motor Vehicle vs Moving MV 773 and investigates over 250 cases a year. In addition the Motor Vehicle vs Parked MV 7 unit provides legal advice,support, and assistance to other Motor Vehicle vs Pedestrian 23 agencies with the emphasis on the safety of the victim and the prosecution of the abuser. In 1995 there were no fatal automobile accidents. The Drug Unit worked closely with Federal,State,and 49 other law enforcement agencies in the "war on drugs". ninety-one (91) juveniles had police contact that did not Violations of the Controlled Substance Act continue to be result in court action. Fifty-one (51) runaways were the target of department efforts. Investigations and located with the assistance of the Police Department. search warrants have led to the seizure of currency, Also in 1995 this unit had twenty-two (22) present- homes, motor vehicles and other personal property. ations and conferences with community groups on juvenile Detectives also provide education to the youth of issues. In addition the Juvenile Unit initiated 38 child Watertown on the dangers of drugs and abuse. They also abuse investigations with the Massachusetts Department provide assistance in referring abusers to treatment of Social Services. programs for help in an attempt to prevent further crimes. In addition to the above the Juvenile Officer serves on Seizures of large amounts of cocaine in other communities the new Community Based Justice Program of the have been the direct result of investigations originating Middlesex District Attorney's Office, continues to from information received by Watertown Police Officers. represent the Police Department as a member of the The Detective Division has continued to work closely Governor's Alliance Drug Task Force, Massachusetts with area departments, including Boston, to address the Juvenile Officers Association, serves on the Council on increase in gang activity. A detective has been assigned Community Education, and assists in the direction of the to identify and monitor gang activity. The division also yearly Shamrock Road Race. works with other local and Federal and agencies in the areas of gaming,organized crime, and firearms. Prosecutots Division Throughout the year there was a continued effort to During 1995 the Prosecutor's Division prosecuted 2,500 scrutinize reported crimes. This strategy revealed that criminal cases. Also,during this time this office processed many crimes that were reported were unfounded or false in excess of 1,500 motor vehicle related cases. Appeals and that many reported commercial larcenies were of motor vehicle citations resulted in court hearings on committed by employees. over 500 traffic citations and a resultant 60 appeals of those hearings. Substance Abuse Statistics In addition to prosecuting cases resulting from arrests, In 1995 as a result of the investigations of violations of the Prosecutor's Division is also responsible for obtaining the narcotic drug laws, eighty (80) arrests were made and warrants and summons resulting from investigations by the the below charges were filed (C.S. is a Controlled Detective Division. Substance, Poss. is possession): The Prosecutors Division processed all complaints made by civilians as well as the above police initiated Conspiracy to violate C.S. Act 10 cases. Civilian complaints arise from actions taken by Administering a C.S. 14 private citizens and private security services that may Being present where heroin found 1 require a police report but not the physical arrest of a Unlawfully manufacturing C.S. 15 suspect. Unlawfully obtaining C.S. 1 This Division is responsible for all officer and civilian Unlawful poss C.S. 50 scheduling as to witness appearances,court dates,analysis Unlawful poss C.S., intent to distribute 13 and continuity of physical evidence such as drugs,weapons Unlawful poss heroin 5 and documents for both the District Court proceedings Unlawful poss needle/syringe 5 and any Grand Jury actions or appeals to the Superior Trafficking in cocaine 6 Court. At the conclusion of necessary court proceedings, Uttering false prescription 2 the Prosecutor's Division coordinates the return of TOTAL 122 property to its owners, the destruction of drugs, and the disposition and/or destruction of firearms and other In addition to the above court actions numerous drug weapons. investigations resulted in referrals to medical and/or psychiatric facilities. Licensing Unit In order to encourage cooperation between the Juvenile Unit licensees of the Town and the Police Department,with an During 1995,the Juvenile Unit had official contact with intent to detect possible violations of the laws and 152 juveniles(61 males&91 females)for various offenses. regulations governing licenses, members of this This is the first year since juvenile statistics have been Department conducted inspections of various licensed kept that the number of females involved outnumbered establishments during both day and nighttime hours. The the number of males. Forty-nine (49) juveniles were enforcement of regulations governing liquor arrested, twelve (12) juveniles were summoned to court, establishments was enhanced with the use of a grant 50 obtained from the Commonwealth. Any irregularities observed during these inspections were investigated and appropriate action taken whenever deemed necessary. During 1995 complaints filed with the Watertown Licensing Board resulted in the following actions being 1i \ taken: the suspension of two (2) licenses for Liquor Restaurants for a total of five (5) days; one Liquor Club ` license suspended for ten(10) days;three(3) Auto Repair Shops for a total of three(3) days. Warnings were issued to one(1) Auto Dealer Class III Licensee,one(1) Liquor establishment, and one (1) Auto Repair Shop Licensee. In addition, it was found necessary to suspend seven (7) Firearm Identification Cards; one (1) Hackney Driver license for ten (10) days and one (1) Permit to Carry Firearms. 111��i �s Video camera and monitor obtained through state During 1995 officers from this department conducted grants mounted in traffic enforcement vehicle many investigations into illegal gaming activities. In addition to the warnings given to many individuals of the consequences of their actions the following arrest was made: Gaming in a Building 1 LICENSE APPLICATIONS 1995 APPROVED DENIED TOTAL Amusement Devices 78 0 78 Auctioneers Special 38 0 38 Yearly 1 0 1 Auto Dealers Class 1 10 0 10 Class 2 14 2 16 Class 3 2 0 2 Auto Leasing/Rental 6 0 6 Auto Repair Shops 74 1 75 Beano Licensees 8 0 8 Change of Manager 4 0 4 Change of Ownership 4 0 4 Common Victualers Licensees 89 0 89 Constables 6 3 9 Entertainment Permits 11 0 11 Firearms-Alien Registration 25 0 25 Carry 30 14 44 Dealers 0 0 0 Purchase-Permit to 0 0 0 F.I.D. Cards 92 6 98 Hackney Carriages 22 0 22 Drivers 63 1 64 Stands-Private 0 0 0 Public-Rotating 4 0 4 Junk Collector 0 0 0 Liquor-Clubs 11 0 11 One Day Permits 238 0 238 Package-All Liquor 7 0 7 Beer& Wine 7 0 7 Restaurant-All Liquor 26 0 26 Beer& Wine 5 0 5 51 LICENSE APPLICATIONS 1995 (continued) APPROVED DENIED TOTAL Lodging House 1 0 1 Music Box Licensees 16 0 16 Parking Lot-Open Air 10 0 10 Peddlers 11 1 12 Private Functions 137 0 137 Public Dance Permits 67 0 67 Public Weighmaster 3 0 3 Raffle& Bazaar Permits 14 0 14 Retail Store (24 Hour) 5 0 5 Second Hand Dealers 1 0 1 Service Station (24 Hr) 1 0 1 Solicitors 11 0 11 Special Closing Hours 191 0 191 Special Police Officers 7 3 10 Sunday Licenses 11 0 11 Misc. Investigations (WLB) 63 0 63 TOTALS 1424 36 1460 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Fire Department Emergency Incident Response Elevator emergencies,victims trapped inside 18 The Watertown Fire Department responded to 3,972 Motor vehicle accidents 198 reported fires and emergency calls for assistance during Calls investigated, no service required 29 the year 1995. A summary of those incidents and Downed electrical or utility wires 44 estimated property losses as compiled by the Fire Reset building fire protection alarm system 20 Prevention Bureau is as follows: Rubbish or dumpster container fires 25 Accidental alarms (bldg. fire reporting systems) 609 Total Number of Emergency Responses for Motor vehicle fires 41 1995 3,972 Assistance with animal control problems 42 Investigate an oil leak or odor 8 Investigate a gas leak or odor 51 Brush fire 51 Apparatus Responses for the Year Oil burner malfunction or fire 70 Central Fire Station, 99 Main Street Smoke condition investigated 91 Engine 1 1,558 Electrical problem with appliance or bldg. service 56 Ladder 1 1,045 Building or structure fire 11 East Watertown Fire Station, 564 Mt. Auburn St. Fires in stoves or cooking appliances 62 Engine 2 1,317 False calls reporting a fire or emergency 78 Ladder 2 249 False calls reporting an explosive device 10 North Watertown Fire Station, 270 Orchard St. Assist with water problem in building 55 Engine 3 1,215 Assist with lockout of auto or dwelling 163 Fire Rescue Hazardous material spill or leak 12 (emergency ambulance) 2,109 Emergency medical assistance call 1,967 Fire Rescue, responses to Town of Belmont, Miscellaneous calls for assistance 108 as their backup ambulance 82 Mutual aid response to other communities 153 52 Note: some incidents require response of more than one Largest Losses in Property unit,and,because of continuing budget constraints during Brimmer Street, 1995, Ladder 2 at the East Watertown fire station was two-family dwelling $170,000 placed out of service on those dates when staffing levels Diesel-electric locomotive, fell below 17 firefighters on duty,which was approximately on Boston & Maine branch line 100,000 50 percent of the time. Ivory Tower Publishing Co., 125 Walnut St. 50,000 One Multiple Alarm Fire in 1995 The Fire Department responded to many structure and Fees Collected dwelling fires during the year. The initial response to such Smoke detector inspections $11,580 calls is by two engine companies and an aerial ladder Copies of departmental reports 175 company, under the command of the deputy fire chief on Required Permits for product storage duty. This response is usually sufficient to confine and or regulated activities 9,260 extinguish the fire. However,when conditions require the Annual fees for connection to master response of more fire apparatus, the officer in charge at fire alarm boxes 14,425 the scene orders additional alarms to reinforce the initial Cargo tank-truck vehicle inspections 100 fire attack. Required fire prevention inspections, Watertown firefighters responding to a house fire at 37 conducted quarterly 850 Brimmer St. on Wednesday morning, April 12, 1995, found the rear of the occupied two-fanvly dwelling, TOTAL Fees Collected $36,390 including the porches, on fire. The entire structure was threatened, and the extreme radiant heat from the flames Inspections Conducted by Fire Apparatus was scorching the back of a house on Francis Street, the Oil burner inspections 48 adjacent street one block to the east. The occupants were Smoke detector inspections 579 led to safety, and the fire was brought under control and Inspections conducted quarterly: extinguished. It was later learned that the fire was Day care facilities 52 intentionally set; investigators from the Watertown Police Public and private schools 56 Department and state troopers assigned to the state fire Community residences 62 marshal's Fire Investigation Unit later apprehended a Nursing homes 12 person believed to be responsible for setting the fire. Handicapped workshops 20 Health programs 9 Mutual Aid Assistance with Other Departments Motel 4 The Watertown Fire Department thanks the Belmont, Cambridge, Newton, and Waltham fire departments for = i providing fire scene response and station coverage during the several occasions in 1995 when all Watertown I firefighters and units were engaged in fire suppression activities. The Fire Department responded to other municipalities ' in the Greater Boston area 71 times in 1995, under the ' established Metrofire District mutual aid assistance agreement. These responses were to reported fires near N� the border between Watertown and an adjacent community, or to fire station coverage assignments during major fires in other cities and towns, or directly to the fire to assist other departments with fire suppression efforts. Estimated Property Losses in 1995 ALS Paramedic Unit from Armstrong Ambulance Service Structure fires $341,500 now responds with Watertown Fire Department apparatus Motor vehicle fires 147,200 and ambulance to provide advanced life support services. Other fires, all categories 36.200 TOTAL Estimated Dollar Lo$§24,900 53 Fire Department Provides Basic Emergency a cardiac-related emergency,fall within certain guidelines. Medical Assistance On-line medical direction for Watertown Advanced Life The Fire Department has provided basic emergency Support activity will be provided by the South Middlesex medical care and transportation for citizens in Watertown Emergency Medical Services Consortium via Mount since 1975. The department has a total of 51 firefighters Auburn Hospital. Patients will be treated and who are certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). transported, usually in the Watertown Fire Department The remaining firefighting personnel are qualified to state ambulance, within protocols and guidelines provided by standards as medical First Responders. Almost all of the emergency medical region which oversees ALS activity these EMTs and First Responders are also trained on the in the Greater Boston area. On-going clinical supervision use of the semi-automatic cardiac defibrillator which is and quality assurance will be provided in conjunction with carried on the Fire Rescue/ambulance. All members of the South Middlesex and North Suburban EMS the department certify annually in cardiopulmonary consortiums. resuscitation (CPR) skills. When Advanced Life Support services are provided to The department's engine companies and ladder patients,billing for those services is by the ALS provider, companies are also equipped to handle medical with a base fee reimbursement to the town for the emergencies. The closest available company is also transport services rendered. dispatched with the Fire Rescue to medical assistance calls. Ladder companies are also sent to the emergency Delivery of New Fire Apparatus and Vehicles scene when specialized rescue skills or equipment are Two new 1,250 GPM pumper trucks were delivered to needed. the Fire Department on February 24, 1995. The new diesel-powered Emergency One Sentry units were placed Advanced Life Support Service Instituted in Watertown into service as Engine 1 at the Central Fire Station on A cooperative agreement with the Armstrong Main Street, and Engine 3 at the North Watertown Fire Ambulance Company to provide Advanced Life Support Station on Orchard Street. Each new pumper truck cost (ALS) service in Watertown was instituted in November, $185,000, and they were delivered fully equipped with the 1995. ALS services will be provided by a non-transport necessary hose, tools, and equipment needed to be placed Advanced Life Support unit staffed by two certified into service. Paramedics which will be stationed at the Sancta Maria The former Engine 1, a 1988 Emergency One Cyclone Health Facility on the Belmont/Cambridge line. The ALS model 1,250 GPM pumper, was assigned to Engine 2 at system will be a so-called two-tiered model, whereby the the East Watertown Fire Station on Mount Auburn Street. Watertown Fire Department will continue to provide The former Engine 2, a 1973 Maxim 1,000 GPM pumper, emergency medical First Responder service,and dispatch was designated as Engine 4, the spare pumper for the a Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance unit to the scene department, and located at the central station. upon receipt of a medical emergency call. Watertown The two oldest pumpers, a 1963 Maxim and a 1960 public safety dispatchers will also send the ALS unit if the Maxim 1,000 GPM pumpers, were removed from service, nature and circumstances of the reported incident,such as and taken in trade by the distributor, Greenwood Fire Apparatus, Inc., of North Attleborough. :. Wpm I All three front-line engine companies are now .■ equipped with 1,000 feet of 4-inch diameter hose for use ■■ I as water supply lines from hydrants, as well as 600 feet of 1-3/4-inch hose for preconnected attack hoselines, and ■ I 1,000 feet of standard 2- 1/2-inch diameter fire service hose for supplyline or hoseline use. All were =� manufactured by Emergency One, Inc.,of Ocala,Florida, l a leading producer of custom fire apparatus used by municipalities and federal government facilities and at military and civilian airports. The 1973 Maxim fire engine,now used a spare pumper, was extensively refurbished at the Mass Correctional Industries (MCI) facility at Concord, Massachusetts. Unlike the newer apparatus which are manufactured from Deputy Fire Chiefs four-wheel drive response vehicle aluminum alloy extrusions and panels for cabs, placed into service in 1995. Unit replaces older sedan; compartments and hose bodies, older apparatus such as on-duty deputy chief responds with fire apparatus. the 1973 truck have steel bodies,and are subject to rusting 54 over the course of many years and many winters. The cab and storage compartments of the 1973 truck had deteriorated to the point where extensive repairs would be necessary if it was to continue to be used. The MCI vehicle restoration program, available to state and :, I municipal agencies,was utilized to have the pumper truck rebuilt at a significant savings to the department and r i Town, thereby extending the useful life of this valuable capital asset. - 4 The department also took delivery of two replacement , vehicles this year, a 1995 Ford sedan, used by the fire � -- chief, and a 1995 Ford Explorer four-wheel-drive utility vehicle, for use by the on-duty deputy chief. Their two existing vehicles were reassigned to other administrative One of two new pumper trucks placed into service in officers, and the department's two oldest cars, a 1985 1995; apparatus replaced fie tracks over thirty years old. sedan and a 1978 sedan,were withdrawn from service. Fire Department Receives Grant for reinstatement was effective on January 5, 1995,Firefighter Public Fire Education Morash's reinstatement was effective on March 2, 1995, At a State House ceremony in October, 1995, Gov. and Firefighter Baccari's reinstatement was effective on William Weld announced that the Watertown Fire June 1, 1995. Department was one of over 120 recipients of a S.A.F.E. Deputy Chief David R. Simpson was retired from the Grant award. The Student Awareness and Fire Education Fire Department on January 31, 1995. Simpson was (S.A.F.E.) Program was created by the Massachusetts appointed to the department on May 23, 1974. He was Legislature which appropriated $1.25 million from the promoted to the rank of lieutenant on August 9, 1979, to revenues raised by cigarette taxes to be used by local fire the rank of captain on May 3, 1984, and was promoted to departments to conduct public fire education programs. the rank of deputy chief on August 16, 1990. He retired This addresses the fact that smoking has consistently been after serving the department and the Town of Watertown the leading cause of fire deaths in this state and in the for more than 20 years. nation. Twenty-nine Massachusetts residents died during Firefighter Joseph P.O'Reilly was retired from the Fire 1994 in fires caused by the careless use and disposal of Department on February 23, 1995. Firefighter O'Reilly smoking materials. was appointed to the department on August 24, 1961. He The Watertown Fire Department applied for a S.A.F.E. retired after serving for more than 33 years. Program grant, and received an award of $18,000. The Lieutenant David M. O'Reilly was retired from the department selected two firefighters, Lt. Thomas Fire Department on March 6, 1995. Lieutenant O'Reilly McManus Jr. and Firefighter Domenic Arone, to be was appointed to the department on September 16, 1968. S.A.F.E. Program instructors. Classroom visits in the He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on July 28, elementary schools were expected to commence in early 1977. He retired after serving for more than 26 years. 1996. Educational materials published by the National Captain Edward R. Barrett,who had been assigned as Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will be used to an acting deputy chief since July, 1994, was promoted a reinforce lessons learned. permanent deputy chief, effective April 13, 1995. Fire Chief Paul McCaffrey said he is looking forward Firefighter William T. Gildea Jr. was reinstated as a to reaching out to the school children in Watertown. permanent, full-time lieutenant in the Fire Department, "Children are frequently the innocent victim of smoking- effective March 6, 1995, and Firefighter Joseph Costa was caused fires. While we want smokers to quit, we want reinstated as a permanent, full-time lieutenant in the Fire their families to be safe from fire until they do." Department, effective May 11, 1995. Both Lieutenants Gildea Jr. and Costa had been reduced in rank previously Personnel Milestones, 1995 because of down-sizing within the department and a Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll reinstated Paul J. reduction in the officers' ranks. They were reinstated by Coughlin, Alan R. Morash and John Baccari to their the Town Manager to fill vacancies caused by retirements former positions as firefighters for the Town of from the department. Watertown. They had been previously furloughed from Lieutenant Robert J. Quinn, who had been serving as the Fire Department because of the Town's fiscal acting captain since March 2, 1995, was promoted to the difficulties and budget constraints. Firefighter Coughlin's permanent rank of captain in order to fill a vacancy 55 caused by a retirement from the department. Captain Municipal Garage. The storm room is used as an Quinn was assigned as the staff services officer, and has emergency operating center during and following been designated as the department's safety officer. hurricanes,winter storms and similar natural disasters. A Town Manager Michael Driscoll appointed Michael A. packet radio station has been set up to link the Town with Sevene and Stephen B. Thompson as Watertown the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's Area Firefighters. Their appointments were effective on I headquarters in Tewksbury. Packet radio stations are December 7, 1995. somewhat similar to electronic bulletin boards; messages may be sent and received via computer and VHF radio transmission. Messages may be stored, and then Civil Defense forwarded to intended stations. It is an efficient method of using radio frequencies,especially during emergencies. The Watertown Auxiliary Police Department has several active members who contributed many hundreds of Denartment of Weights and hours of service to the Town of Watertown during 1995. C b The men have completed Criminal Justice Training Measures Council courses, cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses and courses for First Responders to medical emergencies. All auxiliary police officers must qualify each year at the The Watertown Department of Weights and Measures pistol range. is responsible for testing and sealing devices used for Civil Defense is responsible as the lead planning agency commercial weighing and measuring. Under the direction under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization of the Massachusetts Division of Standards, the act of 1986, also known as SARA Title 111. Local civil department tests devices such as scales, gasoline,oil, and defense agencies are currently working on local emergency taxi meters once every year in order to ensure they management plans to be used in the event of hazardous function properly. Once tested, the devices are given a materials emergencies. seal of approval. In food and convenience stores, as well as other Amateur Radio R.A.C.E.S.Operators establishments, the scales used to establish prices are Civil Defense agencies have for many years relied on tested using official weights and prescribed methods. At licensed amateur radio operators to augment emergency gasoline stations,each meter inside the"pumps"is checked communications during natural disasters. These "hams", to determine if the amount delivered is identical to the holders of Federal Communications Commission station quantity and price shown to the consumer. Home heating and operating licenses,donate their time and use of their oil delivery trucks based in Watertown are checked by radio equipment to help out when needed. Such pumping hundreds of gallons into a test tank and then operators are designated as R.A.C.E.S. (Radio Amateur wrapping a wire seal around the meter. Oil vendors from Civil Emergency Services) operators. outside are spot-checked while they make deliveries to For emergency management purposes, Massachusetts residents. And, prior to the annual taxi license renewals, is geographically divided into four areas,and each area is the meters mounted on dashboards of hackneys are tested further divided into a number of communications sectors. for distance, time, and price. Watertown is in one of those sectors, and emergency Listed below are the approximate numbers of devices messages may be sent via amateur radio back and forth to that are tested: state Civil Defense headquarters in Framingham. This radio link supplements telephone and commercial traffic Scales 225 networks. Gasoline meters 150 The Watertown Civil Defense director would like to Oil Truck meters 25 acknowledge the assistance of amateur radio operators Taxis 22 Dom Bottaro WAIBHD, Phil Cook WBIFNX, and Brian McCaffrey N1RYL, for serving as R.A.C.E.S. operators. Additionally, the department is responsible for checking hawkers and peddlers licenses,unit pricing codes Packet Radio Station Established at in large markets, and net weights of packaged products. DPW Storm Room Canteen vendors within and outside of the Town must In addition to the conventional amateur radio voice carry a valid license and, while they are conducting station, the Town's Civil Defense agency has established business, are asked to display the license issued by the a Packet Radio station at the DPW's"storm room" at the State. The unit pricing codes in large markets,the orange 56 and white labels attached to the front shelving, are the Department and the Town; among them are the examined by spot-checks and for general compliance. following: Over the course of the year, and throughout a variety of stores, prepackaged products on shelves are re-weighted Staff support to various boards, commissions and by random sampling. Re-weighing products verifies the committees such as the Planning and Zoning Boards, net contents or weights of packaged goods produced by Conservation and Historical Commission, Housing either the local store or by major manufacturers. Partnership, and Arsenal Reuse Committee,Blue Ribbon As noted above, the Massachusetts Division of Panel on Economic Development, and the Open Space Standards oversees the operations of the local Weights Task Force. and Measures offices. Also,there are various associations that provide support and training. For the most part, the Representation to several agencies including Weights and Measures department ensures equity in the Metropolitan Area Planning, Council, MBTA Advisory marketplace. Board, and the Watertown Economic Development Corporation. CommunityDevelopment Coordination of real estate development activities, p land-use planning, transportation, housing and capital and Planning improvement projects and policies; Coordination of capital improvement projects such as The Department of Community Development and the $13 million renovations to the Watertown Planning was created through a vote of the Town Council Administration Building which included ADA in August, 1982. The Department provides a formal improvements, new windows, electrical upgrade, and the relationship and coordination between several boards, installation of a new HVAC system. Additionally, commissions and committees such as the Planning Board, renovations totaling $ 280,000 were completed at the Board of Appeals, Historical and Conservation Arsenal Park court areas and at How Playground. Commissions, Housing Partnership, Arsenal Reuse Committee, the Facilities Inspection and Zoning Administration of various community development Enforcement Divisions,and the Planning and Community programs such as the Small Cities, Home Improvement Development Office. Each entity is accorded professional Loan Program, the federal HOME program, and the and support services by Department employees. The aim Public Works for Economic Development program. of integrating these related agencies is to improve communication and coordination and to provide services Initiation and administration of economic development more efficiently to the community. A summary report of policies and procedures which will allow Watertown to the Department's major accomplishments for the year remain competitive in retaining and attracting investment 1995 is given below. to provide for revenue and employment growth. Planning and Community Development Division Initiation of the Open Space and Recreation Plan The Division serves several important functions within update which will be used to guide the protection and 1995 Grant Programs Administered by the Department of Community Development &Planning Grant Source Project Amount Small Cities Block Grant State - EOCD Town Hall ADA $100,000 Arsenal Reuse Planning 22,000 Reuse Planning State - Land Bank Arsenal Reuse 47,000 Community Planning Assistance FED - EDA Arsenal Reuse 262,500 HOME Program Fed - HUD Affordable Housing 455,000 Home Improvement Loan Program State - MHFA Housing Rehabilitation 100,000 TOTAL $ 986,500 57 enhancement of the Town's natural and recreational Zoning Enforcement Officer resources. Complaints/Inquiries 789 Review of Building Applications 455 Working with the Watertown Economic Development Review of Occupancy Applications 95 Corporation (WEDC), the Department managed the Review of Sign Applications 52 rehabilitation of eight (8) storefronts in Watertown and Special Permit/Variance Coolidge Squares under the Storefront Improvement Conditions Reviews 8 Program. Also,the Department assisted the WEDC with Board of Appeal Meetings 18 the production of an economic development brochure to Waltham District Court Appearances 6 promote business investment in Watertown. Land Court/Superior Court Appeals Planning Board In 1995 two (2) cases were filed in Land During 1995, the Planning Board,which reviews cases Court/Superior Court appealing the decision of the and makes recommendations to the Board of Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals:Lot 14 Church Hill Street,#19 heard the following numbers of petitions: twenty-seven Church Hill Street, Developer Mark Coppola; and 560 (27) special permits, thirty-three (33) special permit Pleasant Street,A. Russo & Sons, Inc. findings, twelve (12) variances,and fifteen (15) accessory There are three (3) cases still pending: Exxon in apartment special permits. They also reviewed five zoning Watertown Square; A. Russo & Sons, Inc., 560 Pleasant map changes, and four proposed amendments to the Street and Accessory Apartment, Robert Damiano,87-89 zoning ordinance. Zoning amendments that were Templeton Parkway. considered and adopted during 1995 included one regulating the location of games of chance (Keno), and Facilities Inspection Division one allowing increased signage in the Redevelopment District. Inspector of Buildings Zoning amendments that were not adopted included a Building Permits Issued 405 liberalization of the definition of front yard parking to Occupancy Permits 95 allow parking in the front yard setback,though not within Sign Permits 52 the building front yard, and a provision that would allow Certificates of Inspection 44 certain special permit findings to be approved by staff. At Complaints Investigated 20 the end of 1995, the Planning Board asked the staff to Accessory Apartment Inspections look at the Zoning Ordinance in total,with an eye toward & Follow-up reports 11 major revisions, particularly toward slowing down increases in density in the Town. This effort will largely Estimated Cost of New Construction: take place in 1996. Residential $1,078,800 Non-Residential $5,660,000 Board of Appeals Estimated Costs of Additions or Alterations: During 1995, the Board of Appeals received a total of Residential $2,070,809 sixty-nine (69) petitions for a range of matters heard by Non-Residential $4,256,143 the Board in accordance with the provisions of Mass- achusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 14 and the Fees collected by the Watertown Zoning Ordinance. The petitions included: Building Department in 1995. $137,115 sixty-two (62) applications Special Permit, eleven (11) applications seeking Variance relief and nineteen (19) Accessory Apartment applications. Fees collected for Inspector of Plumbing and Gas those hearings from January 1, to December 31,1995 totaled $16,843.25. Plumbing In May Francis N. Mastroianni, Esq. was appointed Number of Plumbing Permits Issued 389 Alternate Member.Jonathan M.Bockian and Anthony D. Progress 227 Furia were reappointed as Members and John W. Rough 151 Marshall reappointed as Alternate Member. In Final 388 September Jonathan M. Bockian was elected Chairman Layout and Design 44 and John J. McCarthy,Jr.was elected as Clerk. Plan Review 20 Reinspection 58 Illegal 17 58 Gas Fitting Inspections for License Renewals Number of Gas Permits Issued 359 Restaurants/Bars 0 Mercury Tests 160 Complaints Investigated 12 Final 361 Fire Investigations 3 Final 16 Electrical Layouts for Plan Reviews 40 Town & Contractors 15 Layout and Design 81 Electrical Violation Letters 25 Illegal 8 Accessory Apartments Inspections & Follow-up reports 17 Fees Received from Plumbing/Gas Permits $21,380 Electrical Violations Equipment 1 Accessory Apartment Inspections 40 Homes 16 Building Inspections 23 Restaurants/Bars 0 Complaints Investigated 20 Industrial 5 Certificate of Occupancy Inspections 8 Petitions Checked/Approved for Town Council Meetines: from Boston Edison/NE Tel 3 Attorneys 15 Architects, Engineers 18 Meetines: Boston Gas Co. 22 Consultation & Information with Building Inspector 32 Town Residents 20 Contractors 43 Boston Edison 12 Dept. of Public Works 21 New England Telephone 15 Dept.of Community Dev. & Planning 19 Electrical Inspectors 12 Educational 7 Traffic Commission 12 Fire Prevention Inspector 5 Building Department Personnel 18 Health Department 7 Health Department 1 Manufacturer's Representatives 10 Fire Inspector 6 New England Associates of Fire Alarm Inspections 15 Plumbing Inspectors 4 Plumbing& Gas Inspectors 29 Fees Collected. $35,493.50 Realtors 18 Town Hall Associates 3 Conservation Commission Watertown Housing Authority 2 In 1957, Massachusetts became the first state to Watertown School Department 9 establish municipal agencies dedicated to the promotion Wire Inspector 23 and protection of natural resources, by the acceptance of Zoning 2 the Conservation Commission Act. In the early 1970's, Conservation Commissions were also charged to carry out Beyond the execution of the above report, preparing wetlands protection via the Wetlands Protection Act. and issuing plumbing and gas fitting permits, and related And, in 1989, the Watertown Conservation Commission keeping of records,the usual daily office hours were kept. adopted regulations for the newly established Watertown Starting July 1, 1995, forty percent of the time of the Wetlands Ordinance, Chapter XV. This bylaw gives Inspector of Gas and Plumbing was spent in Belmont as greater means by which to protect Watertown's wetlands. Inspector of Plumbing and Gas Fitting. As alternate building inspector, time was spent performing the duties Members of this position along with the normal responsibilities of David McDonald, Chairperson Plumbing and Gas Fitting inspector. Marylouise McDermott Cassie Thomas Inspector of Wires Eileen Zubrowski Permits Issued 491 Patricia Schiavoni Inspections/Reinspections 950 Patrick Field Inspections for Occupancy Permits 25 Julie Ahern 59 Wetlands trees in Town. The emphasis is on community The Conservation Commission donated$2,000.00 from involvement. Volunteers will document Watertown's trees the Conservation Fund to the Charles River Watershed and the species,condition,size and other characteristics of Association for the IM-3 Project. The Integrated these trees. This data will be loaded onto the Town's Monitoring,Modeling,Management project is to study the Geographic Information System and it will be a valuable Charles River and its water quality. Data will be used to tool to use in determining where new trees should be develop a hydrological model of the river to study sources planted and in other tree management issues. of non point source pollution and to develop a management program to resolve such pollution problems River Walkway Project in order to improve water quality. The state no longer The Metropolitan District Commission is working on has funds to do water quality testing. a river path project to open up river access to the public and to obtain a greater green corridor which provides Hearings better protection for the Charles River and its related Massachusetts Water Resource Authority resources. This will connect with the Riverbend Office Massachusetts Highway Department Park's asphalt path already built and it will continue to Watertown Yacht Club Bridge Street, where the Commission worked with Peter Sasaki Associates, Inc. Fuller Dodge who deeded some of their own land to the Boston Scientific Corporation MDC to add to the future river path reservation area. Mount Auburn Club 71 Arlington Street/Sawins Pond The Watertown Housing Partnership Mount Auburn Cemetery The Watertown Housing Partnership is a policy body appointed by the Town Manager to oversee the Land Acquisition development and preservation of affordable housing The Conservation Commission is looking forward to opportunities in Watertown. The Partnership oversaw acquiring 6-7 more acres of conservation land after the two major programs during 1995. The first is known as closure of the Army Materials Technology Laboratories. Inclusionary Zoning. The Watertown Zoning Ordinance includes a section on affordable housing that mandates Arsenal Park when a project of over 5 units is built in town, and Desperately needed repairs were made to the increased density is sought, the developer must make a basketball,tennis and handball courts and the tot lot this contribution of either a unit to be designated for a low or year. moderate income household, or a dollar amount, to be used to increase affordability in town. Tree Planting Although this provision has been in effect since 1989, Although the Town has not funded the spring tree this year saw the first and second development projects planting program now for several years, the Commission subject to this provision come to fruition. The result was has worked diligently to upgrade and revise their tree that at Trinity Gardens on Pleasant Street, where 8 new planting contract. The revision is now complete. This will townhouse units were built on land formerly owned by St. enable the Commission to obtain the best contractors and Patrick's Church, a unit is being sold to a Watertown plant materials with a much more thorough and effective family formerly renting public housing. On Coolidge Hill maintenance plan. The Commission will be actively Road, where 9 new townhouse units were built, the applying for various tree planting grants. Watertown developer made a financial contribution of$28,665 in lieu continues to lose many of its mature trees and it is of providing an affordable unit. Those funds might be necessary to replant continuously in order to maintain used to help first time homebuyers, or to start an Watertown's urban forest. emergency revolving loan fund for renters. The Conservation Commission continues to get a A second important thrust during 1995 was the steady stream of tree requests from residents who are continuation of the very successful first time homebuyers eager to plant trees in front of their homes to help program, called "First Home". This program, run by the contribute to the beauty and environmental health of local non-profit Watertown Community Housing, uses Watertown. federal HUD funds to assist low and moderate income renters to purchase a home. So far, fourteen households Urban Forest Planning and Education Grant Project - Tree have been assisted with downpayment funds. Also during Inventory 1995,the Housing Partnership through the Department of The Conservation Commission applied for and was Community Development and Planning helped three awarded a grant to generate a tree inventory for all the households access funds for removal of lead paint from 60 the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. I. Master Plan refinement 2. Traffic impact assessment Arsenal Reuse Committee 3. Housing program review The Arsenal Reuse Committee was appointed in 1988 4. Identification of federal and state funding sources to oversee the closure, environmental restoration, and for infrastructure needs reuse planning of the U.S-Army Materials Technology 5. Definition of Environmental Impact Report Laboratory ('Arsenal'). Comprised of fifteen (15) requirements members from differing sectors of the community, the 6. Review of property conveyance options Committee accomplished several important objectives 7. Preparation of a financial plan during 1995. 8. Preparation of a marketing strategy 9. Preparation of Historic Monument Transfer The Town of Watertown has been presented with an application opportunity to participate in the redevelopment of the Arsenal. Under the President's Five-Part Plan, the Army In September of 1995, the Reuse Committee voted is empowered to transfer excess military property to the unanimously to endorse the Massachusetts School of local community under favorable terms in order to further Professional Psychology's(MSPP)application with the US economic recovery and to create jobs. In evaluating its Department of Education to acquire Building 131 from options for participation,the Town in conjunction with the the Army. If approved, the MSPP would relocate their Massachusetts Government Land Bank has asked doctorate degree granting college to the property. This is Hammer,Siler,George Associates to analyze the financial consistent with the Reuse Plan's recommendation of and fiscal implications of each option. These scenarios institutional reuses. The school would bring nearly 100 vary with the extent of Town involvement, its exposure to jobs and 200 students to the site, and a full and risk and the mix of uses. permanent payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) has been The analysis provided preliminary,order-of-magnitude agreed to in principal. It is anticipated that the college estimates of achievable land sales revenues. Before these could occupy the building in early 1997. estimates can be better refined, detailed engineering Several important environmental documents were studies need to be undertaken to provide more definitive completed in 1995 which will allow for the base Clean-up cost estimates for the infrastructure improvements and redevelopment to move forward. The studies required to make the site developable. included the Final Environmental Impact Statement(EIS), In preparing the analysis, valuable input from Town the Feasibility Study (FS), the Indoor Remedial Action officials and a wide range of interested developers and Plan (RAP) and the Draft Proposed Plan (PP) for real estate brokers was received. remediation. Additionally,a Federal Facilities Agreement Development by a private entity with little Town (FFA)was signed which provides for a definitive schedule involvement (Baseline Alternative) would generate for remaining environmental activities. This was significantly less in net new revenues due to the overall accomplished after much negotiation and cooperation lower density of development possible with surface between the Army, EPA, and Mass DEP, and with the parking. Structured parking would allow much greater assistance of Congressman Kennedy's office. development and job creation but at a higher cost than could be borne by a private developer/investor. Town Historical Commission involvement could accelerate Arsenal redevelopment and In April of 1995,the Town Council unanimously passed the receipt of new tax revenues. Public financing of a the following resolution which reactivated the Watertown portion of the structured parking costs would allow an Historical Commission. increase of the amount of development which could be WHEREAS, The Town of Watertown has lost many supported on site. significant historic structures because of new development; and Also during 1995, the Reuse Committee entered into WHEREAS, There is currently no specific committee a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the to review the potential impact of new Massachusetts Government Land Bank (now the Mass- development on historic sites and achusetts Development Finance Agency) to provide structures in Watertown; and consulting assistance with implementing the WHEREAS,Watertown adopted Massachusetts redevelopment activities at the Arsenal site. The Land General Law, Chapter 40, Section 8D in Bank was established in 1975 to assist communities in 1985, allowing the establishment of an Massachusetts facing military base closures. The following Historic Commission,but has not had an tasks will be provided: appointed commission since that time. 61 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Those goals statements are: Council of the City known as the Town of Watertown requests the Town Manager to Student Learning/Curriculum and Induction reactivate and reappoint a Watertown Successful student learning is the priority of the Historic Commission under the accepted Watertown Public Schools. To that end, we will provide General Law, Chapter 40, Section 8D, a curriculum that is rich and challenging and will employ which will provide historical and diverse instructional practices that engage students as archeological assets. active participants in the learning process. From the submission of letters of intent from several Professional and Respectful Learning Environments qualified citizens, the Town Manager nominated and the Successful student learning can best be achieved in an Town Council subsequently confirmed the following environment of mutual respect and professionalism. The individuals to serve on the newly rejuvenated Commission: Watertown Public School System will provide programs Paul Brennan, Chairperson that foster respect for differences, instill positive Michelle L. Martin, Secretary motivation for learning,encourage collaborative decision- Victoria J. Carter making, and provide for the continual learning of all Roger C. Erickson members of the educational community. Hon.Paul C. Menton Kenneth S. Rand Partnerships:FacuUy/Parents/Community Natalie Z. Zakarian Successful student learning is the responsibility of the entire community. The Watertown Public School System On October 11,1995 the Commission held their first will support the development of partnerships within the meeting and set forth several short and long term goals. community that encourage student development and Immediate concerns about organizational structure were success. discussed and actions put into motion. Longer term concerns were identified and further action was taken to Planning and Support Systems begin movement in addressing their needs. A long term In order to assist with the development of successful concern was the need to create a list of all resources student learning as the priority of the Watertown Public Historical in nature. This list will be made available for Schools, a strong infrastructure must be in place. the communities access. Commission meetings are at least Therefore, the school system will develop and employ once a month and the public is encouraged to participate. effective planning and support systems including the A 24-hour answering machine has been activated provision of safe,well-maintained,and properly equipped (972-6473). A temporary office on the third floor of the facilities for learning. In the pages that follow are town hall is in progress of being made available for record descriptions of programs initiated during the past year storage and administrative needs. The public is which focus on the goals of the school system. encouraged to take the time to visit one of the meetings or call and let the Commission know how they can serve Building Renovations you and protect the historical resources of our community. One of the most exciting developments was the passage of the debt exclusion ballot question in April of 1995. By an overwhelming majority, the Town of Watertown School Department approved a plan for the expansion and renovation of three school buildings as well as the purchase of new technology for all schools. The support of the Watertown community Over the past year,the Watertown School Department to upgrade school buildings and the technological and Watertown School Committee became involved in a infrastructure for Watertown students reflects the strong continuing strategic planning process which resulted in the commitment that Watertown has to education and its adoption of a new Strategic Plan 1996-2000. The new children. During 1995, the Lowell School Project began plan represents the district's progression to a new level of with the construction of the new wing. This project is planning by integrating all locally developed goals with scheduled for completion by the opening of the 1996-97 state and national priorities and requirements. During school year. 1995, the district received a Massachusetts Goals 2000 Grant to support this integrated planning and to assist Mathematics with the implementation of school-based strategic goals. The Mathematics Department continues the process of implementing the NCTM Standards which meld basic 62 skills with critical thinking. Students are encouraged not implement technology into the math program. Increasing only to develop answers to mathematics problems but also the numbers of graphing calculators at the Middle School to know the algorithms that might help in solving those has helped to do this and to expose students to a problems and reasons behind those algorithms. When technology that is becoming more and more a way to students understand the concepts underlying the enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics. fundamentals,they develop a genuine appreciation for the At the High School,teachers are working to make their power of mathematics to break down complex problems classrooms technology intensive. More graphing into clear and effective solutions. calculators were purchased and grants were received from A standards-based curriculum engages students directly the Watertown Education Foundation and the Watertown in mathematical processes and in applications of Council of Parent Teachers Units. The funds provided mathematics to familiar and understandable situations. overhead graphing calculators and mathematics Teachers are drawing upon real life situations to present enrichment materials. The Mathematics Department will problems that are meaningful to children. be working on ways to implement the new Massachusetts At the Middle School, the emphasis is on reading as Mathematics Curriculum Framework. The goals for all well as problem solving. It is believed that students must learners in the framework are that they value learn to read mathematics in order to understand the mathematics, become confident in their ability to know mathematics they see written in newspapers,on television, and to do mathematics, become mathematical problem- in any job and in school. This year, there has been a solvers and learn to reason and communicate cooperative effort among several curriculum areas to mathematically. There has been an effort, also,to discuss develop interdisciplinary units: in grade 8 on career ways to apply interdisciplinary approaches to learning awareness and in grade 7 on immigration. between the Occupation Education and Mathematics In April, the Middle School held its first Family Math Departments. Night. Over 400 people jammed the cafeteria to join in the fun. Students manned 25 different stations offering a Science variety of math challenges. Students created brain-teasers, During the past two years, many new initiatives have mazes,puzzles,tangrams, magic squares, etc., that proved been introduced in the Elementary Science Department. math can be fun and exciting. After a lengthy study and much discussion with staff through the Elementary Science Curriculum Team,Scott- Foresman's "Discover The Wonder" program is being piloted by more than fifteen teachers in Grades K-5. The program is designed around the Guiding Principles of the 1 Science Curriculum Frameworks and offers supportive, grade-level appropriate text to complement the hands-on activities developed around broad based themes. The Watertown Education Foundation has once again supported the Elementary Science and Mathematics programs with a generous grant. The focus of this grant v. proposal was to support Watertown teacher presenters demonstrating the integration of Investigations Mathematics and Scott-Foresman science at each grade level. Fourth grade students using the National Geographic t r� telecommunications programs are integrating science, Middle School parents attend Family Math Night computer technology, social studies, math and language arts, while sharing their collected data with schools in other parts of the world. Second grade students planted seeds for Brassica Rapa, In the spring of 1995, all mathematics teachers at the a Fast Plant that develops from seed to seed in forty days. secondary level had the opportunity to attend the Students pollinate the flowers with the fuzzy thorax of northeast regional conference of the NCTM held in bees impaled on toothpicks. During the spring, in Boston. Funding was provided by the Eisenhower continuation of their insect study, students study the Professional Development Grant and the School metamorphosis of live butterfly larva into Painted Lady Department. butterflies and then release them into the wild. An initiative of the department was to continue to The three day environmental trip to "Horizons for 63 Youth" has become an annual fifth grade event. Students attend a Marine Careers conference and the Annual not only experience and study nature, participate in Science Awards program recognized the achievements of conflict resolution and non-competitive games, but also both staff and students. A grant from the National meet and interact with other Watertown fifth graders to Science Foundation though Northeastern University's facilitate the transition to the Middle School. Project SEED provided instruction, workshops and materials for 6-12 science staff to integrate newly r,,.;• developed physical science curricula into their programs. Students and staff earned grants and scholarships for ;,. study and research from the Boston Sea Rovers to study in a Marine Biology course at Harvard University, an international ocean environments expedition to Sipadan Island in Northern Borneo and the Kenneth R. H. Read Fellowship for ocean related endeavors in Bonaire during the summer. English/Language Arts As part of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act, the State Department of Education has developed P P Curriculum Frameworks in seven areas. The English/Language Arts Department in the Watertown �( Public Schools has actively engaged in aligning Teachers engaged in a science workshop funded by Watertown's English/Language Arts Curriculum with the the Watertown Education Foundation Massachusetts Department of Education's English/ Language Arts Frameworks. The English/Language Arts Frameworks Committee was formed, and includes pre- Elementary staff continue to attend many science school, elementary, middle school and high school workshops and training sessions, including the teachers. The Committee is co-chaired by the Elementary Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers (MAST) and Secondary Coordinators of English/Language Arts for conference, and the CHEM workshops sponsored by the Watertown Public Schools. The Committee submitted Sargent-Welch. a report to the Massachusetts Department of Education. The secondary science curriculum is an engaging In addition, three professional development courses program that relies heavily on activity, laboratory, and and a study group were organized to further examine the project-based learning. In grades 6-8, a modified spiral English/Language Arts Frameworks and its implications curriculum provides students with integrated work in life, for the Watertown Public Schools. chemical, earth and physical sciences. Towards that end, staff have been involved in many professional development Enrichment Opportunities for Students activities, courses, conferences and workshops that have Watertown's students are offered opportunities that helped them with curriculum implementation. enable them to demonstrate their talents. Specifically,the High School students benefit from a diverse curriculum English/Language Arts Program offers students various that offers a nationally recognized Astronomy course to opportunities to share their writing with other students. Advanced Placement Chemistry. Teachers upgraded For example,this year three students were recognized for curricula and attended numerous related conferences. their award winning works. Several students were awarded Lowell Scholarships for Jenny Holt,a fifth grade student received an honorable course work at Harvard University, others earned mention from Cricket Magazine, a national publication, scholarships to attend a Biotechnology course at MIT's for her poem "Inside My Pocket". Another fifth grade Whitehead Institute, while still others worked in a student, Norah Emara, had her poem "A Windy Day" dynamic Science Internship program. The Biology Club published in the book called Anthology of Poetry. A third conducted a successful marine biology expedition to the grader,Kristina Livingston also had her poem"The Black Dutch Island of Bonaire in the Caribbean and assisted Stallion' published in the Anthology of Poetry. with activities for the Cotting School which services The English/Language Arts Department conducts its handicapped children. own writing assessment program each year during the Several endeavors brought both Middle and High month of March. The program,designed by 6-12 teachers, School staff and students together.The Boston Sea Rovers is an authentic assessment of student writing. The process provided a grant for over 50 students and their teachers to also includes students assessment of their own writing. It 64 serves as a balance to standardized testing data such as World Languages SATs,PSAT's,MEAP's,AC—Ts,and the PLAN test. An The Foreign Language Department is now called the individual writing profile is developed and curriculum is World Languages Department. During 1994-1995, adjusted accordingly for each grade,class, and student. Watertown hosted students from Spain for two weeks. At Watertown High School four new English Students lived with Watertown families and attended daily Department elective courses are flourishing. Humanities, classes at Watertown High School.In addition,Watertown exclusively for seniors, entered its third year of existence High School students hosted French exchange students as by adding two additional sections. Every seat is filled in part of the FIVE Program. this challenging,interdisciplinary course. Reading-Writing In February, 1994, the World Languages and Social Workshop, also in its third year of existence, is open to Studies Department sponsored a 10 day tour to three every pupil in the school. This course fills a great void European capitals, Rome, Paris, and London. Eleven with its emphasis on reading and study skill strategies. Watertown High School students and two faculty members sponsored and chaperoned the tour. There was a A pilot course entitled"American Studies", has proven combined foreign language and ESL trip to Ellis Island highly successful. Conducted by teachers from the English and other New York landmarks during the spring of 1995. and Social Studies departments, this new course combines An active International Club sponsored visits to museums American Literature and U.S. History in a new and and ethnic restaurants and hosted a variety of guest exciting interdisciplinary approach. Life After High speakers from Venezuela,France, Zaire and Italy. School, an elective course open to juniors and seniors, French and Spanish AP students participated in the prepares students for the world outside of high school by World Learning Cultural Exchange program at Bentley reviewing the college admissions process, emphasizing College. MCET French students participated in marketable job skills and strategies,hosting speakers from interactive television programs. World Languages the Watertown community, highlighting reading, writing, students have participated in LeGrand Concours(French), and public speaking techniques, and requiring a NJCL (Latin) and SAT Listening exams and in Foreign community service project of each participant. During the Language Day at UMass,Amherst, in May. '94-95 school year the class hosted a food drive to restock The Middle School Tracking Committee has shelves at the Watertown Food Pantry. recommended that foreign language study commence in At the Watertown Middle School teachers are busy the 6th grade and that it include all students. This being students themselves. Most of the English/Language recommendation has been accepted and implementation Arts/Reading teachers are taking part in the plans are scheduled for September, 1996. Understanding Teaching course being offered school-wide. They are also visiting other middle schools as part of a Occupational Education program which links middle schools in a partnership In response to the Curriculum Frameworks and approach and are engaged in writing new interdisciplinary educational reform, the Occupational Education curriculum. Department is reviewing its curriculum in all program Our students take part in the Voice of Democracy areas to expand and redefine content areas as well as contest, the League of Women Voters essay contest, the become technology based to reflect the skills needed in VFW Memorial Day essay contest, the Sports Museum today's workplace. The addition of five computers to the essay contest, and the National Council of Teachers of Computer Aided Design lab and the purchase of English writing contest, as well as many others. For the computers with auto diagnostic equipment for the past two years we have been privileged to have four Automotive program has enhanced Industrial Technology students gain a coveted acceptance to the Breadloaf courses. Young Writer's Conference held each May at Vermont's During the 1994-95 school year Watertown became a Middlebury College.In 1995 one of our students won the member of the Metro Boston Tech Prep Consortium as prestigious National Council of Teachers of English well as an affiliate member of the Metro West Tech Prep Writing Achievement Award - one of twenty high school Consortium. The Tech Prep Consortium offers a series of seniors around the country to be awarded this honor-and professional development opportunities for educators to our English Department has been commended by the provide linkages between academics and occupational NOTE for excellence in instructional practice,especially in education for students. These opportunities will assist in the quality of its writing program. The Word Painter, the planning for development of applied curriculum. WHS literary magazine, as well as the Writer of the In partnership with seven other school districts, Month" program are both sponsored by the English Watertown was awarded a School-to-Work grant that Department. provides funds for the federal initiative over the next three years. The funds will be used for planning purposes to 65 build partnerships with the business community to benefit two hundred of our young exhibitors and their families A all students by providing career awareness and career special thanks goes out to the Watertown Mall Merchants pathways, making learning relevant to the world of work. for supporting this celebration of March as Youth Art The initiative will combine school-based learning with Month. work-based learning and connecting activities. In April, students and community members were invited to view the fourth biennial Alumni/Senior Art ART Exhibit. The focus of the exhibit is careers in the visual The Visual Arts Department has spent this year arts.Students view the work of alumni who have made the implementing the new art education curriculum that was successful transition from school to visual art careers.The completed this past summer in a curriculum summer Art Advisory Board sponsors the exhibit with the Art workshop. The art staff met for one week in July at Department. Watertown High School to finish this three year Professional development has been an important commitment to rewriting the art education program K-12. component for the faculty this year. An art education The art curriculum is aligned with the State Department professional development experience provided Hosmer of Education's Arts Curriculum Frameworks Draft. faculty the opportunity to participate in the show "Body The art faculty is pleased that the arts have been and Soul,The Art of Healing"at the DeCordova Museum. recognized as essential to the core curriculum for a basic Art staff presented workshops for elementary art education. The staff welcome the opportunity to develop teachers on Art Advocacy for their school art programs at the students' critical and creative thinking skills, explore the National Art Education Conference in Houston,Texas careers in the arts and develop in our students an and an art educator, was invited to work with sculptor appreciation for the creative spirit in each of us. This year Bart Uchida on a public sculpture for Franklin Park in we have seen continued success in attaining these goals Boston. The art staff participated in a two-part through student achievement and professional professional development session on student art critique development. as part of student assessment with the Project Muse division of Harvard's Project Zero at Harvard. The major focus of the experience is to have students articulate the strengths and weaknesses of their own artwork and that of ' others as a guide for improvement. Teachers learned how to ease reticent and shy students into conversations about their art work and that of others without the critique being a threatening experience. The study of various models of authentic assessment is ongoing. J' Amelia Kadif j"looks forward to a career in art I . Student indicators of success this year included five Globe Scholastic Art Awards, two Honorable Mentions and three silver keys. High School junior Amelia Kadiff represented Watertown at the Art-All-State weekend held at the Worcester Art Museum, and over four hundred individual works of art were exhibited in the Annual %1 Student Art Exhibit at the Watertown Mall in March. Mr. Lindner consults with student Heather Petiglid The Young Artists Reception opened this show for about in 3-D class 66 The art staff incorporated numerous interdisciplinary Other modes of teaching and learning include use of projects into their programs.Interdisciplinary efforts at the primary sources,debate,role playing,cooperative learning, elementary level involved Art, Music, Physical Education use of simulations,data-based inquiry,guest speakers and and Library Media Departments. Middle School field trips. Skills are being developed through sequential, interdisciplinary units on the Civil War, Immigration, and systematic instruction throughout the K-12 curriculum. Bosnia were accomplished and/or are ongoing. At the Skills are grouped in a problem-solving/decision making High School,photography students worked along with the format in the following categories: skills related to English Department on a Walk for Hunger project. acquiring information, skills related to organizing and English students wrote about the experience and using information, and skills related to interpersonal photography students photographed the walk and related relationships and social participation. activities.An exhibit of student writings and photographs New initiatives include open-ended questioning,a form was held. of authentic assessment which allows students to use higher order thinking skills through a variety of writing Social Studies styles. A three session,system-wide workshop focused on The Social Studies Department, having recently open-ended questions and the rubrics used to score such reviewed and revised its curriculum,is diligently striving to questions. provide to all students the integration of content, skills, The use of alternative assessment techniques is also a and critical thinking that will bring them into our world of major focus of the Social Studies Department, a process thoughtful effective citizenship. In our efforts to assist designed to assess students' strengths through a variety of students in becoming more socially responsible, well- different processes. informed, and participatory citizens, the Social Studies The Language Arts and the Social Studies Departments Department offers students the opportunity to use the are also collaborating on a series of interdisciplinary skills and abilities that they are acquiring to better initiatives at both the Middle School and the High School understand the world around them. Special emphasis is levels,including an American Studies Program at the High being paid to the study of non-western societies in School and a "Making Connections" Program at the recognition of the need for better understanding of the Middle School, with plans to incorporate additional history and culture of Asia,Africa,and other non-western curriculum initiatives in the near future. peoples, while continuing to emphasize the centrality of western civilization. Ongoing initiatives include the Music/Drama improvement of writing skills of students and the Students and staff were involved in numerous development of research skills as applied to historical successful music and drama activities and events during content as well as in daily life. the 1994-96 school year. The Watertown High School production of"Godspell" was awarded first place at the Regional Drama Festival. Three Watertown High School ee. choral students participated in the Massachusetts All-State Music Festival at Gordon College. Participation in the festival required a successful application and audition. The New England Junior District Festival, also held at Gordon College, featured the Watertown Director of Music as the conductor of the New England Junior District Concert Band. Two Watertown Middle School concert bands participated in the MICA Music Festival, winning silver and bronze medals. The elementary spring concert at the Watertown Mall =� involved large numbers of students in musical performances. The Elementary Beginner Band involved 60 students,while the Advanced Band included 40. Three hundred and fifty students sang as members of the chorus. The Music and Drama staff are especially pleased with the number of students involved in activities at all grade levels and proud of the honors and awards that students have Fifth Grade students attending won. tlorizons for Youth 67 Guidance Smoking Cessation The Guidance Department continues to provide Heart to Heart (AIDS Awareness Education) programs,services,and interventions which assist students CPR/Emergency First Aid Training in achieving their maximum personal development, both Project Alliance Initiatives as learners and as human beings. The counselor- parent breakfast meetings are in place at all schools, bringing The Athletic program offers the students competition parents into a closer partnership with school staff. At the in eighteen different varsity sports. Watertown schedules High School and Middle School levels counselors have thirty-six teams for athletic competition in the Middlesex played leadership roles in the school reform efforts and League. Many of the teams continue to represent the initiation of School-to-Career programs. At the community well at both the League and State level. elementary level new models of more effective Child Study and Peer Support teams have been developed. Special Education Classroom-guidance programs are offered at all grade The Department of Special Education collaborated levels throughout the system. Topics addressed include with all the schools during the 1994-1995 school year to orientation to the high school, testing, post high school increase the opportunities for children with special needs planning, communication skills, conflict resolution, study to be educated in the least restrictive environment, their skills and more. Counselors at all levels work directly classroom. Support was provided to staff through in- with students in one-to-one, small group and large group service programs,curriculum development workshops,and settings. By monitoring progress and coordinating a wide individual building planning sessions strategies for variety of resources,counselors reach out to students and providing in-classroom support by special education parents in times of need. personnel to children with special needs. As part of the Six Year Curriculum Review Cycle, the This year a new program at the Middle School was Guidance Department has met with a visiting team and initiated for students who require an alternative classroom developed an action plan for future activities. for assistance with academic,social,and emotional needs. Recommendations were made in the areas of role The transition class provides specifically identified students description, special education, School-to-Career, with support and assistance with their academic, social technology and communication. During the coning years, skill development, self-esteem building and the this plan will provide a blueprint for the continued growth development of personal, self-management skills through and development of a comprehensive guidance and the use of federal funds. Training and in-service counseling program for all students. opportunities were expanded for special education personnel on how to work collaboratively with classroom Physical Education/Health/Athletics teachers. The Physical Education program offers students a wide The preschool program experienced a significant range of physical activities. The program is developmental increase in the number of students with special needs that at the elementary level with emphasis on gross motor were served during the year. This integrated model skills and activities that promote social interaction,safety, provides six half-day classes for children with special needs and respect for one another. At the Middle and High and typically developing children. School, the curriculum broadens to include team sport, fitness testing and self-testing. Early Childhood Education Health instruction is provided to all students K-9. The A number of Early Childhood initiatives continue to department is developing and implementing health and develop,refine,and demonstrate high quality program and physical education with the Massachusetts Department of results. Integrated preschool programs are currently Education Frameworks. This will provide program serving over ninety children in a variety of classrooms and modifications that will positively engage students and programs. These programs aim to serve three and four promote healthy lifestyles. year old students and their families. The model of Many opportunities in student support and staff grouping special needs children and typically developing development are funded through the Drug Free Schools children continues to demonstrate enjoyable and effective and Health Protection Grant. Health Programs supported education for all involved. Parent and family outreach is by the grants are:. an inherent component. A new transition model for parents and children of Peer Mediation special needs entering at or near their third birthday Student Assistant shows excellent promise of becoming practice. Adolescent Assault Awareness Prevention Multi-age grouping continues to expand and is an DARE Activities integral part of preschool through elementary education 68 throughout the school system. P.T.U. Council in an effort to find ways of strengthening Kindergarten screening has been redesigned to take the partnership between home and school. The Cunniff place in June at each elementary school. Parents and shared the results with the School Council and designed children meet with a team of educators who assist in an outreach plan for the '95-96 school year. developing information for educational planning for each "The Cunniff Connection", a monthly school child. newspaper,was born and published under the direction of The goal of the initiatives and the work in Early Ms. Shelley Bakst. The publication includes student and Childhood Education is to support families,children,and parent pages as well as general information, messages and educators in developing high quality services that enrich a monthly calendar of events. lives and deliver education excellence throughout the Goals 2000 Grant funds were used to begin shaping an school years that extend into lifelong learning. after-school homework center for students. In addition, the monies from the grant provided professional School-Based Initiatives development for staff in the area of technology. A plan was developed to address the needs of staff around full Project Pathways inclusion. With additional grant funding, the plan will be During the 1994-96 school year the Cunniff School, in implemented in the '95-96 school year partnership with the Educational Development Center of Planning began for a Learning Center, a joint Newton, initiated a three-year project involving staff and collaboration of the Watertown Public Schools and the students. Project Pathways, funded by a grant from the Watertown Housing Authority. The Learning Center will Office of Special Education in Washington, D.C. is provide a place for residents of the Lexington Garden studying the impact on students when teams of teachers Housing Development,both children and adults to receive and specialists come together on a weekly basis to identify tutoring services, and to use computers and educational student needs and plan curriculum together. This includes materials. It will open during School Year 1995-1996. acquisition of technology, media, and materials that address student needs and improve learning outcomes, particularly for at-risk students. At the Cunniff School two Pathway teams worked throughout the year under the direction of E.D.C. personnel and two teacher-leaders from Cunniff. Q Interdisciplinary Units In keeping with our desire to make curriculum meaningful and integrate various disciplines, teachers developed a unit called the "Underground Railroad". Students at all levels K-5 were involved in this historical experience that included art, music, literature, physical a education and classroom projects that extended over a six- week period. Peer Mediation .� The peer mediation program was introduced to fourth Middle School parent and student enjoy and fifth grades in the elementary schools this year. Many Honor Roll Breakfast teachers and students received in-service training. Community and Parent Outreach The Middle School provides a number of venues for In an effort to reach out to the community,students at parents to become involved in the educational program of Cunniff invited senior citizens to attend a holiday concert their children. The quarterly Honor Roll Breakfasts in December. The Watertown Senior Bus provided where parents and students celebrate acadenuc excellence transportation for our older citizens who came and attract a number of parents.The First Family Math Night enjoyed both choral and instrumental music. The students was a huge success as adults and children together worked served refreshments as well. on some math challenges. This year the theme is the A survey was conducted to determine the level of Olympics. involvement and concerns of parents around the issue of Curriculum Night, Grade 5 Orientation, Back To parent and community. The survey was initiated by the School Night, and Parent Conferences are some of the 69 events where teachers and parents communicate about Career Awareness curriculum and student progress. The Middle School continues to incorporate activities which help connect school to the world of work. The _ Career Day for Grade 8 students is an opportunity for students to hear from parents and members of the community about their career paths and to learn about the kinds of skills which are needed for each of the careers. �s This is the first year that the school has worked with Junior Achievement. This is a national program which encourages students to value their education and to gain an understanding of business and economics. Volunteers + from the business community are trained by Junior Achievement to lead a series of five classes using engaging curriculum materials. The Sasaki Corporation is collaborating with the school in giving the students a firsthand look at a workplace which offers a variety of career and work experiences. In Parents discuss their children's progress addition to an on-site visit, members of the Sasaki staff at Parent Conference make small group presentations to the students. The High School faculty and administration have Systemic School Change Grant organized informational evenings at the Saint James The Middle School was funded by the Massachusetts Armenian Church, at Lexington Gardens on Philip Darch Department of Education to participate in a national Road, and at the Hellenic Center, Greek Orthodox network of schools working with the Carnegie Corporation Church. These meetings were well attended and served as to make middle school education more responsive to the an opportunity for mutual sharing about curriculum, needs of the students in a rapidly changing society. The expectations and general information about Watertown single most important goal of the project is to raise High School. student achievement. Grant money of$10,000 dollars is being used to provide professional development for Early Literacy teachers to attend conferences,visit other schools, and to Identifying differing strategies to enable our youngest design interdisciplinary curriculum, and alternative children to develop reading skills has been a top priority measures of student performance. The students and staff of the Lowell School. This was the third year of the of the member schools completed a self-study survey, the Reading Recovery program, which provides one-on-one results of which will be used to form the basis of a school support for first graders. Also this year, eight Lowell improvement plan. The plan will be updated each of the School teachers were trained in Project Read, a multi- years of this five year grant. sensory approach to developing phonetic skills. At the end of the year, 35 more teachers from the Lowell and Respect for Differences Hosmer Schools were trained in Project Read. Student leaders working with teachers and administrators at Watertown High School have organized Higher Order Thinking Skills Across the Curriculum three successful Days of Respect. They have met with Lowell School teachers, along with the elementary groups of students from other area high schools to plan math and science specialists, took a course to integrate activities which will improve school climate and make math, science, and literature, incorporating higher order everyone more aware of our individual differences. thinking skills. Through their work, other Lowell School teachers are developing similar activities for their classes. Unique Educational Opportunities for Students Students at Watertown High School have the Lowell School Construction/Renovations opportunity to participate in a variety of different On April 8, the voters of Watertown approved a debt programs which enrich the classroom experience: Close- exclusion to fund $6.7 million in new construction and Up Washington offers students a unique perspective on all renovations to the Lowell School. Two new additions will three branches of the federal government during a week- be built,housing a gymnasium, library, computer lab,and long trip to Washington, DC. Bonaire in the Dutch classrooms. Existing class space will be enlarged to Antilles is the destination of the Biology Club members current standards. who go to scuba dive and learn more about the ocean and 70 marine fife. Bentley College has been the focus of community service learning projects where students have met with their peers from Lexington, Waltham, and Cambridge to plan outreach and service projects. The Professional Development Program .t' Teachers participated in various Professional Development workshops The 1994-95 Professional Development Program featured higher order thinking skills as a district-wide theme. Staff from Harvard's Project Zero offered a series of workshops for elementary, middle, and high school staffs on instructional techniques to promote critical and creative thinking among students. In addition,workshops were offered on Process Writing, Portfolio Assessment, Conflict Resolution, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Motivating Students. Twenty teachers attended a series of workshops at the Museum of Fine Arts on utilizing art to promote critical and creative thinking. In all,over twenty- five workshop topics were available to staff. Many workshop offerings were developed and presented by Watertown teachers. 71 Town of Watertown Total Tally Sheet #Eligible Voters 19558 Preliminary Election September 19,1995 Total Votes Cast 2334 Percentage Turnout 11.9% Precinct Wat Wat Wat Wat Wat Wat Wat. Wat Wat Wat wat Wat Grand Total Votes Cast Prey Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Pree. Prec. Prec. Pret Prec. Total OFFICES and CANDIDATES A-1 A-2 A3 B-4 B-5 B-6 C-7 C-8 C-9 D-10 0-11 D-12 Voters: 198 244 296 171 137 163 196 182 166 233 225 123 2.334 Council-At-Large Blanks 225 266 331 172 137 185 175 233 207 316 213 129 2,589 Marilyn Petito Devaney 140 141 179 77 73 98 112 133 131 186 156 85 1,511 Frederick L Puyttese 72 102 127 63 43 49 93 60 56 83 111 46 905 Sandra Kasablan Hoffman 62 106 107 74 52 68 81 58 64 70 731 451 860 Taso Oaskalakis 35 53 88 74 41 47 70 48 34 63 691 291 651 Julle A.M.Ahem 43 58 82 51 321 26 71 41 43 58 1021 391 646 Elaine GA(eY 53 55 62 58 571 44 61 40 29 44 511 321 586 Mark Sldens 42 39 45 38 341 81 41 63 29 46 571 251 540 Robert M.Mannino,Jr. 1 71 52 79 37 311 24 39 361 41 48 331 381 529 Michael Gavzaqian 39 100 84 40 481 301 40 151 28 171 301 221 493 W rtte-ins 1 1 1 1 1 11 2 1 1 11 6 TOTAL 1 782 9731 1,1841 684 548 6521 7841 7281 664 9311 8951 491 9,316 I I I I I I I I District A Councillor I I I I I I I I I ! Salvatore Clcprelli 1 93 1051 1141 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 312 Oikran M.Kaligian 1 48 971 1121 1 1 1 1 I 257 William B.Paglierarii 1 391 221 46 1 1 1 I I 107 Blanks 1 161 191 24 1 1 I I I I I 59 Wrile-ins 1 11 I I I I I I 1 TOTAL 1 1961 2441 296 I I I I I I 736 I I I I I I I I I 1 1 I f I I I ! I 1 I I 1 I 1 I I I 72 Nl, .Cy 4 � � r� Q � � 0 � do z O U z z s ° ° o �°- J 0 U `L u1cl: d H 4 t13 — o cc1— 'Z Z x N 7' O D � U 0 OFFICIAL Town of Watertown Total Tally Sheet •Eligible Voters 19,794 General Election November 7,1995 Total Votes Cast 6,078 Percentage Turnout 30.7% 'Precinct WaL wac wet. WaL wac WaL WaL wac WaL WaL vat. W&L Grand TOW Votes Cast Proc. Pnc Prsc. Prec. PrK Prec. Prec. P»a Preo. Prec. Pw- Pro- Total OFFICES and CANDIDATES A-1 A-2 A3 154 8-5 e-6 G7 Ge CA D-10 D•11 D•12 Voters: 459 486 563 533 378 432 543 594 406 700 5a2 402 6.078 Council President/ School Committee Member Blanks 184 194 229 159 147 164 218 240 156 314 245 149 2.399 Richard E.Mastrangelo 264 286 321 364 225 248 313 320 239 366 319 247 3.512 Write-ills 11 6 13 10 a 20 12 34 11 20 16 6 167 TOTAL 459 486 563 533 378 432 543 594 406 700 582 402 6,078 Council-At-Large Blanks 625 595 799 634 409 545 632 757 558 854 637 4581 7.503 Taso Daskalakis 102 173 185 218 129 121 233 210 86 269 211 116 Z053 Sandra Kasabian Hoffman 164 255 265 273 193 194 262' 220 171 295 =3 1931 2.708 Robert M.Mannino,Jr. 138 112 131 115 85 86 132 158 102 140 135 1301 1,464 Julie A.M.Ahem 89 100 126 130 66 92 128 113 93 180 183 1111 1,411 Mark Sideris 131 161 127 182 141 222 193 166 106 191 193 1261 1.939 MarM Patitto Devaney 315 266 321 245 211 276 294 414 290 494 383 2681 3.777 Frederick L Pugliese 133 149 160 175 122 90 164 187 115 227 228 1201 IA70 Elaine Grey 136 132 136 160 151 99 134 141 101 144 124 801 1.538 Write-ins 3 1 2 1 3 10 2 6 7 21 37 TOTAL 1,836 1,944 2,252 2,132 1,508 1.728 2.172 2,376 1,624 2.800 2,324 1,6041 24.300 District A Councillor Blanks 29 19 33 61 Dikran KaliQpan 193 236 270 699 Salvatore Ciccareltl 235 231 259 725 write-ins 2 1 3 TOTAL 459 486 563 1.508 District B Councillor 1 Blanks 31 26 38 I 95 Paul J.Denninq 428 291 301 1 1.020 Mark Kittredge 74 60 93 227 Write-ins TOTAL 533 377 432 1.342 District C Councillor Blanks 34 31 36 101 Stgphen E.Romanelli 246 370 215 831 Andrew Rudaleviqe 263 193 155 611 write-ins TOTAL 543 594 406 1.S43 District D Councillor Blanks 33 39 23 95 John H.Portz 261 270 204 735 G.Jade Zollo 406 271 175 652 write-ins 2 2 TOTAL 700 582 402 1,684 School Committee Blanks 578 553 695 442 361 636 584 716 496 867 672 444 6.9a.1 Eileen Hsu-Balzer 216 225 270 339 215 199 291 279 193 313 300 221 3.061 David W.Downes 177 188 200 316 212 206 252 250 166 314 266 163 2.710 Roy S.Der Manuelian 156 208 202 122 80 106 151 152 106 162 129 118 1.692 John C.Bartley 248 283 321 380 261 248 349 377 257 439 359 255 3.777 Writeins 1 1 1 2 1 2 8 5 11 32 TOTAL 1.376 1.458 1,689 1,599 1.131 1,296 1.629 1,782 1,218 2.100 1.737 1,201 18216 T=Free Public Library 589 587 768 57S 451 539 603 724 466 817 664 506 7289 Alexandra Aytgls Quinn 200 233 225 269 161 179 350 271 177 292 247 198 2.602 Nannette CHrah Scllwariz 192 237 277 281 T l 158 195 236 161 240 235 119 2.502 William P.O'Gmd y 187 168 197 198 154 226 220- 276 220 405 287 196 2.724 Katherine H.Button 208 231 221 Z75 1,1# 194 x61 274 194 344 300 193 2.8e3 Writeins 2 1 1 y 1 1 2 4 17 TOTAL 1.376 4.458 1.689 1.599 1.13 1.lab t,bt9 1,782 1.218 2.100 1,737 1,202 18217 74 9 _ O O O G C� N LA cc o C7 � O co LO cj N r C9 Ln c3 m 7 N T CO N m O (D co N U .; o r LD T co Ca m r N N `7 O > O LO CY) 19t :4 0 ` 7 M co co h- O O T rn to C] (D T T N r d LO O T (D CO m Co C7 N LO o Co O co r LO LO O co O OD rn L (n U O CD M O T (� y a Lev T LO w ° m {— ca cc O cn N I� L O (n m �r. a m H cn r r CO m U tz i Q N m T S2 < O C7 N Ln co L) C7 ,-4 f?C Cl N r T C'7 /1QJ r 7 a a (/ 1 - CD N T \ _ Cc ` Q O +N- N v L v J W C O O Z y U Lp � r N 0 A J G O 0 W LL a t° O 75 Town Offices'Telephone Numbers ___ OFFICE +--_-- _-- TELEPHONE NUMBER JOFFICE ITELEPHONE NUMBER Assessors' 972-6410 _ _�Plu m bing Inspector 972-6480 _ Auditor_ 972-6460— — Police 19972-6500 Board of Appeals 1972-6428 Public Works 1972-6421 Building Inspector 1972-6480 Purchasing 1972-6414 Civil Defense 1972-6520 Recreation 972-6494 Collector _____ 972-6453 Recycling Center 972-6413 Conservation j 972-6426 Retirement 972-6456 _Council on Aging _ 972-6490 _ Ryan Skating Arena 1 972-6468 Credit Union _ 924-0160 School Department 1 926-7700 Data Processing 972-6463 Sealer of Weights&Ms 1 972-6459 Election 972-6488 ;Senior Center 1 926-9017 Fire 972-6565 (Town ClerklLicense 972-6486 Fire Inspector 972_-6510 _ _ Town Council 1972-6470 Health l97216446 I Town Manager 1972-6450 972-6465 HousingAuthority 1923-3950 Treasurer Library-Main Branch__ 972-6431 jVeterans 1972-6416 _ Library-North Branch 1972-6442 'Victory Field 972-6425 _ Library-East Branch`_t72-644_1_ _— Wire Inspector — 972-6480 Personnel _ 972-6443 Zoning _ _ 972-6427 Planning - -- - - - ;972-6417 76 t o w n of -I fil 01%" WAT RT 996 ANNUAL REPORT Table of Contents 1996 1996 Annual Report Town Officials amd Committees ElectedOfflcials........................................................................................................................................................................................81 AppointedOfficials...................................................................................................................................................................................82 Boardsand Committees............................................................................................................................................................................83 Reportof the Town Council.........................................................................................................................................................................85 Report of Town Finances Board of Assessors.............................................................................................................................................. .........86 ............................. Treasurer/Col lector....................................................................................................................................................................................87 Auditor.......................................................................................................................................................................................................88 Reports of the Offices of Town Administration PersonnelDepartment...............................................................................................................................................................................97 TownClerk and Elections.........................................................................................................................................................................97 DataProcessing.........................................................................................................................................................................................99 Town Attorney............................................................................................................................... ............99 ................................................ Purchasing...............................................................................................................................................................................................100 HealthDepartment..................................................................................................................................................................................100 Council on Aging............................................................................................................................... .............102 ........................................ Recreation................................................................................................................................................................................................103 Library.....................................................................................................................................................................................................104 Veterans'Services....................................................................................................................................................................................107 SkatingArena..........................................................................................................................................................................................108 Departmentof Public Works.....................................................................................................................................................................109 Reports of the Departments of Public Safety Police........................................................................................................................................................................................................111 Fire...........................................................................................................................................................................................................115 Civil Defense ........................................................................................................................ ..........118 ........................................................ Report of the Department of Community Development and Planning ............................................................119 Report of the Department of Public Schools...........................................................................................................................................124 VotingResults...............................................................................................................................................................................................131 79 Watertown Elected Officials 1996 Town Council President and Member of the School Committee Richard E.Mastrangelo 109 BarnardAve. 924-8588 Town Councillors at Large Marilyn Petitto Devaney 98 Westminster Ave 923-0778 Sandarian Kasabian Hoffman 20 Middle Ave 924-7956 Taso Daskalakis 11 Edgecliff Rd 924-6237 Mark Sideris 30 Union St 924-2699 District A Councillor Salvatore Ciccarelli 228 Boylston St 924-3332 District B Councillor Paul J. Denning 261 Common St. 924-2613 District C Councillor Stephen E.Romanelli 12 Bancroft St 926-1807 District D Councillor G.Jack Zolfo 159 Acton St 923-1430 School Committee John C.Bartley 33 Robbins Rd 923-9030 Eileen Hsu-Balzer 897 Belmont St 484-8077 David E.Downes 20 Alden Rd 926-1892 Susan Kelley MacDonald 41 Longfellow Rd 924-4700 Paul S.McGovern 35 Townly Rd 489-0146 Stephen Messina 40 Longfellow Rd 923-1892 Library Trustees Jeannie M.Caruso 35 Broomfield St. 924-1289 Gracemarie V.LeBlanc 76 Emerson Rd. 924-9322 Raya Stem 207 Lexington St. 926-3609 Katherine H.Button 61 Wilmot St 923-9356 Alexandra Avtgis Quinn 92 Bellevue Rd 924-7362 William P. O'Grady 100 Evans St 924-2306 81 Watertown Appointed Officials 1996 Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll Town Council President Richard E.Mastrangelo Assessor Joseph A. DiVito,Jr. Town Treasurer/Collector Martin J.Walsh Town Auditor Thomas J.Tracy Personnel Mary E.Flanders Town Clerk/Elections John E.Flynn Data Processing Joseph Mahoney Town Attorney Kopelman and Paige,P.C. Purchasing/Veterans'Services Richard T.Johnson Health Steven J.Ward Council on Aging Caryl L.Fox Recreation Thomas Sullivan Library Leone E.Cole John A.Ryan Skating Arena Edward O'Leary Public Works Department Gerald S.Mee,Jr. Police Department Chief John D.Jackson Fire Department Chief Paul F.McCaffrey Community Development Planning Mark E. Boyle School Department Sally L. Dias,Ed.D.,Superintendent 82 Watertown Boards and Committees 1996 Board of Assessors Council on Aging Joseph A.DiVito,Jr.,Chairman Harold J. Bejcek,Chairperson Joseph B.Darby,III Barbara Zenn Rediker Elizabeth Dromey Gertrude Broderick Jane Stodolnik Planning Board Dorothy Fleming Joseph F. Deignan,Jr.,Chairman Betty Finnell,Vice-Chairperson Frank C.Mockler,Secretary Patricia Gold John B. Hawes,Jr. Lucy Nargozian James I.Bean Christopher Hursh John DiPietrantonio Traffic Commission Watertown Housing Authority Police Chief John D.Jackson,Chairman E.Joyce Munger,Chairperson Fire Chief Paul F.McCaffrey,Secretary Linda Lilley John Airasian Heather Whitney(State Appointee) Louis Anastasi John O'Leary William Flecca Bernard Bradley Supt. Gerald A.Mee,Dept.Public Works Philip Pane Board of Health Dr.Marvin L.Mitchell,Chairman Retirement Board Barbara D.Beck,Ph.D. Robert E.Ford,Chairman Thomsen J.Hansen,Ph.D. Thomas J.Tracy,Secretary R.Wayne MacDonald Industrial Development Financing Authority Thomas Thibault Robert P. Burns,Banker Martin J.Walsh Natalie A.Lopez Robert A.Manzelli License Commission Thomas M. Sherry,Chairman Conservation Commission George E.Newman Patrick Field Robert J.Whitney David F.McDonald,Co-Chairman Donna B.Doucette(Alternate) Julie A.M.Ahern Election Commission Marylouise Pallotta McDermott Demos Zevitas Patricia A.Schiavoni Robert W. Kelly,Vice-Chairman Eileen O.Zubrowski Thomas J.Stevens,Secretary Monica Anne Fairbairn George Bogosian,Chairman George S.Graw Cable TV Advisory Board Department of Justice Block-Grant Advisory Board Edward E. O'Brien,Chairman Laura Kurman Marshall Bradstreet Captain Edward Deveau,Watertown Police John G.Flores Sgt.Terry Langley,Watertown Police Grace LeBlanc Elaine Paradis Domenic J. Fucci,Jr. John Gavin Dr.Gerald Sussman Asa Pratt Fund Historical Commission Donald MacDonald Paul M.Brennan Raya Stern Victoria J.Carter Town Councillor G.Jack Zollo Roger Erickson Frederick S.Griffin,Jr. Kenneth H.Rand Michelle L.Martin,Chair Natalie Zakarian 83 Commission on Disabilities Watertown Arsenal Development Corporation Brian Charlson John Airasian Harold Craig James I.Bean Councillor Marilyn Petitto Devaney Allison B.Carnduff Francis X.Galligan Joseph J.DiVico Albert Gayzagian James E.McDermott John Edward Gillis Roberta A.Miller Alex Liazos Councillor Salvatore Ciccarell Laura Oftedahl Councillor Sandra Kasabian Hoffman Diane Shepard Councillor Mark Sideris Recreation Commission Watertown Recycling Advisory Group Lorraine Larose(citizen member) Laurie Murphy,Vice President Dr.Sally Dias,Superintendent of Schools Robert Giel,Vice President John D.Jackson,Chief of Police Nancy Ballantyne,Treasurer Gerald S.Mee,Jr.,Superintendent of Public Works Robert L.Keener Leone Cole,Library Director Charles C. Bering Martin Lerman Watertown Cultural Council George Pickering George Airasian,Co-Chairperson Joel D. Hencken,Ph.D. Dinah Lane,Co-Chairperson Edward Sullivan Michael Hatfield Edward Parigian Susan Schwalb Adrienne Sloane Mary Kathryn Seipke Theodore Bogosian Bicycle Committee Susannah Elliott Joan L.Blaustein E.J.Graff Peter Brooks Kevin J.Higgins Andrew Jablon Corey F.O'Brien Janet Jameson Deborah D. Peterson Board of Appeals Maria Saiz Jonathan Bockian,Chairman David Grossman Anthony J.Cristello Anthony D. Furia Building Committee Elaine V.Grey Mark E.Boyle,Director,Community John J.McCarthy,Jr. Development&Planning Department John J.Marshall(alternate) Town Councillor Stephen E. Romanelli Francis N.Mastroianni(alternate) Sally L. Dias,Ed.D.,Superintendent of Schools Anthony Dileso Watertown Housing Partnership Frank Galligan Alison Camduff,Chair Michael Hatfield Thomas Wade,Watertown Housing Authority Stephen Messina Craig McKenna,Watertown Savings Bank Jay R.Perkins Mark Boyle or Laura Wiener Judith M.Belliveau,Ex Officio,School Business Office Lang Young Thomas J.Tracy,Ex Officio,Town Auditor R.Stewart Wooster David O. Knuttunen Harold Bejcek,Council on Aging 84 Report of the Town Council A report to the Other Significant Actions The Town Council established a Special Commission on the People of Watertown Review of the Watertown Home Rule Charter to review the pro- visions of the Home Rule Charter and make a final report.The The nine members of the Town Council of the City known as Town Council adopted a resolution reactivating the Historic the Town of Watertown are elected biennially,in odd numbered Commission to provide for the preservation, protection and years,to serve as the legislative branch of the development of historical and archeological assets of the Town. Town's government.Its principle function is to set policy for In November of 1996,the Town Council petitioned the General the administration of the Town, its general government and pro- Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pass a special grams,adopt an operating budget on act,creating the Watertown Arsenal Development Corporation to recommendation by the Town Manager, and serve as over- oversee the development of the 37 acre parcel of land known as seers of the various agencies of municipal government. As the Army Materials Technology Laboratory. The Watertown you will see from this report for calendar year 1996, your Arsenal Site continued to be among the Town's priorities with Town Council has been actively engaged in the performance of the closing of the Arsenal site by the Federal government on its responsibilities as elected representatives of Watertown's September 30, 1995 in its efforts to clean the site of hazardous residents. materials to residential standards. Vice President, G. Jack Zollo lead the Council while Council President, Richard E. Council Membership Mastrangelo was recuperating from a sudden illness. Mr. Zollo In November, 1995 an election was held and beginning in stated that he considered the establishment of the Watertown January of 1996, Richard E. Mastrangelo was reelected as Arsenal Development Corporation to be the most significant Council President for a second term as well as Councilor Paul accomplishment in 1996. Denning,District B;and At Large Councilors Sandra Kasabian- The Town Council met with various boards and commissions Hoffman,Taso Daskalakis and Marilyn Petitto Devaney. Newly from time to time as part of their public policy and oversight elected were Councilors Sal Ciccarelli, District A; Stephen responsibilities. Notably among those meetings was the sweep- Romanelli, District C, G. Jack Zollo, District D and Mark ing change that involved an increase in minimum lot size Sideris,At Large. Valerie Papas, whose three year appointment required to build in the T(two family)and SC(single family con- expires in 1997,continued as Clerk of the Council. version)residential zones.After several hearings by the Planning Board and by the Town Council, the Council voted to require Highlights of 1996 both zones to be 7500 square feet.The change was motivated by Residents of the Town will note from prior annual reports the feeling of residents and Board members that a 5000 square that the period leading up to 1996 was a very important one foot lot was inadequate to support two units of housing and four which a significant number of the Town's key officials were parking spaces and still provide open space. appointed to their current positions.Essentially,Town Manager, Acknowledgments Michael J. Driscoll was assembling his management team and The members of the Town Council both individually and col- going about business of running the Town.As was pointed out in lctively respectively and gratefully acknowledge the assistance the Annual Report of the Town Council for 1992-94,for the first of all those who have helped in the fulfillment of its mission: time since the adoption the home rule Charter in 1980, a Town serving the people of the City known as the Town of Watertown. Manager has had an opportunity to appoint all of the major Town Beginning with the Town Manager, we would like to thank all Hall Department heads, and as previously stated, the appoint- for their help and efforts.We also acknowledge with thanks and ment of a new Chief of Police late in 1995, he has completed pride the efforts of each and every Town employee in all town the appointment process for all department heads under his departments; along with those of the elected and appointed supervision.Working in tandem with the Town Auditor,Thomas boards, commissions and committees. Together, these men and Tracy, who was appointed by the Town Council in 1994, women make up what we refer to as the Town of Watertown. the management team has developed a significant record of It is the quality of their service and dedication which deter- accomplishments. mines whether Watertown is a"good"place in which to live.The Town Council publicly acknowledges their willingness to serve Fiscal Stability and the work they do for the people of Watertown. As previously stated in the 1995 Town Annual Report, per- Finally,to all residents and commercial residents of the City haps the most important accomplishment of the Town Council is known as the Town of Watertown,the President and members of one which must be shared with the Town Manager,his financial your Town Council thank you for the continued opportunity to team, and the Town Auditor: bringing the Town's budget back serve each of you. into balance and eradicating a staggering budget deficit of some $2.5 million -without loss in basic services. In 1996, the Town Council continued to strive to maintain fiscal stability. 85 Report of Town Finances Board of Assessors Treasurer/Collector/Parking Clerk In the year 1996,the Assessing Department continued to pur- This Report on the Treasurer/Collector/Parking Clerk Office sue the fair and equitable assessment of all real and personal covers Fiscal Year 1996; i.e. 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996. property as well as improved service to the taxpayers of the Schedules of Selected Financial Information, Major Categories Town of Watertown. of Receipts and Debt Principal and Interest are shown. To this end,the assessing staff conducted a second consecu- In this period bond principal payments were $490,000 and tive inhouse update of all valuations.This program was accom- long term interest payments were $227,694. These amounts plished utilizing inhouse software to analyze all verified 1995 ($717,694) total the eighth payment on the Fiscal Year 1988 arms length property transfers with the goal of generating assess- Bond Issue.The loan principal balance is$2,980,000. ments that reflected market value as of the January 1, 1996 Short term borrowing(Bond Anticipation Notes)for the year assessment date. was as follows: Furthermore, the Assessing Department began the reinspec- Outstanding 1 July 1995 $ 6,150,000 tion of all residential properties in conjunction with the Fiscal New/renewed $13,033,000 Year 1998 Triennial Revaluation.The Assessors have contracted Paid $ 6,150,000 with Patriot Properties,Inc.to conduct the inspections as well as Balance 30 June 1996 $13,033,000 assist in the production of the new valuations.The entire revalu- Short terminterest paid was$191,764 of which$36,000 was ation proJect is expected to be completed by the Fall of 1997. for the school override. The annual exemption workshop was held in September. The delinquent Motor Vehicle Excise collections received Joan Bertrand and Cleo Poravas assisted the many taxpayers in from the Deputy Collector were$117,255. completing their applications and reviewing supporting docu- Watertown continues to have a high rate of Real Estate Tax mentation.As always, the Assessors continue to encourage any collections.The rate of collection, for FY96 Property Taxes, as Watertown homeowner 70 years of age or older,widows,veter- of 30 June 1996 was: 98.5% ans with a 10%or more service connected disability,blind per- As of 30 June 1996 the following FY96 taxes and user sons or any other interested parties to contact the Assessors charges were unpaid: Office regarding the various exemptions available. Category In Fiscal Year 1997, the Town Council approved the 25% Real Estate $364,089 exemption increase above the statutory levels. The dollar Personal Property $ 19,402 amounts remained as follows: (Massachusetts General Laws, Motor Vehicle $316,176 Chapter 59,Section 5) Boat $ 759 Clause 22 Veterans $ 218.75 Water $277,053 22A Veterans $ 437.50 Sewer $504,262 22B Veterans $ 875.00 22C Veterans $1,093.75 Major Categories of Receipts 22D Veterans $ 218.75 Property/Excise Taxes $35,882,237 22E Veterans $ 656.25 Intergovernmental $ 9,790,340 Clause 17D Widows,Aged Persons $ 218.75 Water/Sewer/Commercial Trash $ 7,292,395 and Minor Children Departmental $ 1,556,376 Clause 37A Blind $ 625.00 Clause 41C Elderly $ 625.00 Interest Earnings $ 847,625 Fines and Forfeitures $ 560,959 FISCAL YEAR 1996 1997 Parking Fines $ 370,154 TAX RATES: Penalty Interest&Costs $ 260,350 Residential $ 15.30 $ 15.45 Parking Meters $ 193,924 Commercial $ 24.78 $ 24.97 Licenses and Permits $ 164,540 Industrial $ 24.78 $ 24.97 Personal Property $ 24.78 $ 24.97 RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION $285.94 $298.37 VALUATIONS: Residential $1,625,536,265 $1,685,588,784 Commercial 252,644,575 257,728,366 Industrial 168,243,060 168,346,150 Personal Property 34,927,400 37,171,520 86 FY96 PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST PAYMENTS$717,694 ANN BONDED PURPOSE BALANCE PRINCIPAL INTEREST BALANCE DATE AMOUNT 7/1/95 PAYMENT PAYMENT 6130/96 Feb-88 3.175,000 New Fire Station 2.055,000 160,000 137,370 1,895,000 Feb-88 900,000 Renovation Fire Substations 270,000 90,000 16,830 180,000 Feb-88 1,475,000 School 442,500 147,500 27,583 295,000 Feb-88 675,000 Recreational 360,000 45,000 23,378 315,000 Feb-88 430,000 Library Addition 260,000 20,000 17,390 240,000 Feb-88 140,000 Data Processing Equipment 42,000 14,500 2,712 27,500 Feb-88 135,000 Police Dispatch Equipment 40,500 13,000 2,431 27,500 TOTALS 3,470,000 490,000 227,694 2,980,000 RECAP BY FUNCTION SCHOOL 442,500 147,500 27,583 295.000 PROTECTIVE SERVICES 2,365,500 263,000 156,631 2,102,500 RECREATIONAL 360,000 45,000 23,378 315,000 LIBRARY 260,000 20,000 17,390 240,000 OTHER 42,000 14,500 2,712 27,500 TOTALS 3,470,000 490,000 227,694 2,980,000 SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1 July 1995-30 June 1996 DEBT BALANCE (7/1) $3,470,000 FUNDS Brought forward 10.129,653 Funds Received 69,320,391 Funds Paid Out (67,800.611) Carried forward 11,649,433 CASH MANAGEMENT Interest Income 847,625 Short Term (S/T) Interest Paid (191.764) Net Income 655,861 OTHER INTEREST INCOME Tax Title 92,786 Late Payments 131,136 TOTAL 223,922 Total Interest Income 1,071,547 Total S/T Interest Expense (191,764) Net Interest Income 879,783 TAX TITLES Brought forward 1,017,519 Takings 154,190 Subsequent Taxes 278,553 Redemptions (457,063) Abatements (735) Carried forward 87 $992,464 Town Auditor The above mentioned surplus allowed the town to receive a positive certified free cash from the Massachusetts Department During fiscal year 1996, the town's general fund actual rev- of Revenue in the amount of$3,000,985. This was an increase enue and other sources exceeded actual expenditures and other from the previous fiscal year certified amount of$2,471,653. uses.This resulted in an operating surplus for a third consec- The fiscal year 1996 annual audit was completed and pre- utive year.The fiscal year 1996,operating surplus within the sented to the town council during september 1996. The fiscal general fund was$1,091,551. year 1996 independent audit was completed within three months The town's general fund balance at the beginning of fiscal of the close of the fiscal year.This achievement is the result of year 1996 had a surplus in the amount of$3,261,955.This begin- hard work and cooperation of many town departments. ning surplus coupled with the fiscal year 1996 operating surplus The following pages are financial reports of the town's gen- of$1,091,551 resulted in the town's general fund balance being eral fund as well as other funds summarizing the financial activ- $4,353,506 at the end of fiscal year 1996. ity of the town during fiscal years 1995 and 1996. TOWN OF WATERTOWN COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, FISCAL FISCAL EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND YEAR YEAR BALANCE FOR ALL EXPENDABLE TRUST FUNDS 1995 % 1996 % REVENUES INTEREST EARNINGS $66,535 71.50% $43,769 31.04% OTHER REVENUES $26,524 28.50% $97,236 68.96% TOTAL REVENUES $93,059 100.00% $141,005 100.00% EXPENDITURES MISCELLANEOUS $63,766 100.00% $84,311 100.00% TOTAL EXPENDITURES $63,766 100.00% $84,311 100.00% EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES $29,293 $56,694 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) OPERATING TRANSFERS IN $660,000 $0 OPERATING TRANSFERS (OUT) $0 ($25,000) TOTAL OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) $660,000 ($25,000) EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES AND OTHER SOURCES OVER EXPENDITURES AND OTHER USES $689,293 $31,694 FUND BALANCE BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR $313,672 $1,002,965 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS FUND BALANCE END OF FISCAL YEAR $1,002,965 $1,034,659 98 TOWN OF WATERTOWN COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, FISCAL FISCAL EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND YEAR YEAR BALANCE FOR ALL CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS 1995 % 1995 % REVENUES INTERGOVERNMENTAL $149,575 100.00% $148,400 100.00% INTEREST AND PENALTIES OTHER REVENUES TOTAL REVENUES $149,575 100.00% $148.400 100.00% EXPENDITURES CAPITAL OUTLAY $2,355,742 100.00% $8,572,738 100.00% MISCELLANEOUS TOTAL EXPENDITURES $2,355,742 100.00% $8,572,738 100.00% EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES ($2,206,167) ($8,424,338) OTHER FINANCING SOURCES(USES) BOND ANTICIPATION NOTE PROCEEDS $4,608,000 OPERATING TRANSFERS IN $321,311 $813,738 OPERATING TRANSFERS (OUT) ($560,000) $0 TOTAL OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) ($238,689) $5,421,738 EXCESS (DEFICIENCY)OF REVENUES AND OTHER SOURCES OVER EXPENDITURES AND OTHER USES ($2,444,856) ($3,002,600) FUND BALANCE BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR $113,750 ($2,331,106) PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS FUND BALANCE END OF FISCAL YEAR ($2,331,106) ($5,333,706) 89 TOWN OF WATERTOWN COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, FISCAL FISCAL EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND YEAR YEAR BALANCE FOR ALL SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS 1995 % 1996 % REVENUES CHARGES FOR SERVICES $ 1,670,023 53.24% $ 1,885,061 60.67% INTERGOVERNMENTAL $ 1,154,032 36.79% $ 1,222,133 39.33% INTEREST AND PENALTIES OTHER REVENUES $ 312.443 9.96% $ - 0.00% TOTAL REVENUES $ 3,136,498 100.00% $ 3,107,194 100.00% EXPENDITURES PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC WORKS $ 7,518 0.30% $ - 0.00% HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES $ 243,171 9.62% $ - 0.00% RECREATION EDUCATION $ 1,906,469 75.39% $ 1,782,212 72.36% LIBRARY $ 7.641 0.30% $ - 0.00% MISCELLANEOUS $ 364,000 14.39% $ 680,621 27.64% TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 2,528,799 100.00% $ 2,462,833 100.00% EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES $ 607,699 $ 644,361 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) OPERATING TRANSFERS IN $ - $ - OPERATING TRANSFERS (OUT) $ (778,374) $ (511,042) TOTAL OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) $ (778,374) $ (511,042) EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES AND OTHER SOURCES OVER EXPENDITURES AND OTHER USES $ (170,675) $ 133.319 FUND BALANCE BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR $ 1,053,275 $ 882,600 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS FUND BALANCE END OF FISCAL YEAR $ 882,600 $ 1,015,919 90 TOWN OF WATERTOWN COMBINED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, FISCAL FISCAL EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND YEAR YEAR BALANCE FOR THE GENERAL FUND 1995 % 1996 % REVENUES PROPERTY TAXES $33,412,209 60.95% $34,077,562 60.21% EXCISE TAXES $2,273,402 4.15% $2,407,055 4.25% CHARGES FOR SERVICES $7,355,843 13.42% $7,292,395 12.89% INTERGOVERNMENTAL $9,176,479 16.74% $9,790,340 17.30% LICENSES AND PERMITS $155,573 0.28% $164,540 0.29% DEPARTMENTAL $1,231,849 2.25% $1,220,334 2.16% FINES AND FORFEITURES $591,829 1.08% $560,959 0.99% INTEREST EARNINGS $256,982 0.47% $847,625 1.50% MISCELLANEOUS $360,500 0.66% $232,931 0.41% TOTAL REVENUES $54,814,666 100.00% $56,593,741 100.00% EXPENDITURES GENERAL GOVERNMENT $2,170,239 4.19% $2,248,119 4.07% PUBLIC SAFETY $7,406,844 14.32% $7,959,158 14.41% EDUCATION $17,116,660 33.08% $17,923,637 32.46% PUBLIC WORKS $5,584,993 10.80% $6,742,063 12.21% HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES $329,897 0.64% $391.305 0.71% RECREATION $351.995 0.68% $397.619 0.72% LIBRARIES $985,944 1.91% $1,142,956 2.07% PENSION $5,144,661 9.94% $5,489,051 9.94% DEBT SERVICE $756,605 1.46% $1,329,379 2.41% INTERGOVERNMENTAL $7,437,800 14.38% $7,223,678 13.08% MISCELLANEOUS $4,450,737 8.60% $4,377,529 7.93% TOTAL EXPENDITURES $51,736,375 100.00% $55,224,494 100.00% EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES $3.078.291 $1,369,247 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) OPERATING TRANSFERS IN $755,563 $615,364 OPERATING TRANSFERS (OUT) ($398,500) ($893,060) TOTAL OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) $357,063 ($277,696) EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUES AND OTHER SOURCES OVER EXPENDITURES AND OTHER USES $3,435,354 $1,091,551 FUND BALANCE BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR ($173,399) $3,261,955 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS FUND BALANCE END OF FISCAL YEAR $3,261,955 $4,353,506 91 TOWN OF WATERTOWN BALANCE SHEET FOR TRUST AND AGENCY FUNDS FISCAL FISCAL AS OF JUNE 30 YEAR YEAR 1995 % 1996 % ASSETS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $1,539.155 19.08% $1.603,228 16.86% INVESTMENTS $142.400 1.77% $117,768 1.24% CHARGES FOR SERVICES $48.138 0.51% RECEIVABLES: PROPERTY& RIGHTS HELD UNDER DEF. COMP. PLAN $6,383,951 79.15% $7,737,317 81.39% TOTAL ASSETS $8,065,506 100.00% $9,506,451 100.00% LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY LIABILITIES: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE OTHER LIABILITIES $27,972 DUE TO OTHER FUNDS OBLIGATIONS TO EMPLOYEES/DEF. COMP. PLAN $6,383,951 100.00% $7,737,317 99.64% TOTAL LIABILITES $6,383,951 100.00% $7,765,289 99.64% FUND EQUITY: RESERVED FOR ENDOWMENTS $678,590 40.35% $706,503 40.58% UNDESIGNATED $1,002,965 59.65% $1,034.659 59.42% TOTAL FUND EQUITY $1,681,555 100.00% $1.741.162 100.00% TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY $8,065,506 $9,506,451 92 TOWN OF WATERTOWN BALANCE SHEET FOR THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND FISCAL FISCAL AS OF JUNE 30 YEAR YEAR 1995 % 1996 % ASSETS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $3.984,185 96.38% $3,570,340 96 01% RECEIVABLES: DUE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENTS $149,574 3.62% $148,400 3.99% TOTAL ASSETS $4,133,759 100.00% $3,718,740 100.00% LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY LIABILITIES: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE $627,446 6 93% DEFERRED REVENUES $104,311 1.61% $0 0.00% ACCRUED EXPENDITURES $210,554 3.26% $0 0.00% ANTICIPATION NOTES PAYABLE $6,150,000 95.13% $8,425,000 93 07% TOTAL LIABILITES $6.464,865 100.00% $9,052,446 100.00% FUND EQUITY: UNDESIGNATED ($2,331,106) 100.00% ($5,333,706) 100.00% TOTAL FUND EQUITY ($2,331,106) 100.00% ($5,333,706) 100.00% TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY $4,133,759 $3,718,740 93 TOWN OF WATERTOWN BALANCE SHEET FOR SPECIAL REVENUE FUND FISCAL FISCAL AS OF JUNE 30 YEAR YEAR 1995 % 1996 % ASSETS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $870,410 98.62% $967,274 95.21% RECEIVABLES: DUE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENTS $12,190 1.38% $48,645 4.79% TOTAL ASSETS $882,600 100.00% $1.015.919 100.00% LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY LIABILITIES: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE DUE TO OTHER FUNDS OTHER LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITES $0 0.00% $0 0.00% FUND EQUITY: UNDESIGNATED $882,600 100.00% $1,01*5,919 100.00% TOTAL FUND EQUITY $882,600 100.00% $1,015,919 100.00% TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY $882,600 $1,015,919 94 TOWN OF WATERTOWN BALANCE SHEET FOR THE GENERAL FUND FISCAL FISCAL AS OF JUNE 30 YEAR YEAR 1995 % 1996 % ASSETS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $4,326,371 61.03% $6,368,875 68.33% RECEIVABLES: PROPERTY TAXES AND EXCISES $1.893,236 26.70% $2,017.028 21 64% DUE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENTS $111,788 1.58% $0 0.00% CHARGES FOR SERVICES $758,054 10.69% $935.065 10.03% DUE FROM OTHER FUNDS OTHER TOTAL ASSETS $7,089,449 100.00% $9,320,968 100.00% LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY LIABILITIES: WARRANTS PAYABLE $539,979 14.11% $747,513 15.05% DEFERRED REVENUES $2,375,632 62.07% $2,676,820 53.89% ACCRUED EXPENDITURES $577,360 15,08% $556.918 11.21% PREPAID TAXES $102,657 2.68% $98,184 1.98% RESERVE FOR TAX REFUNDS $0 0.00% $208,839 4.20% OTHER LIABILITIES $231,866 6.06% $679,188 13.67% TOTAL LIABILITES $3,827,494 100.00% $4,967,462 100.00% FUND EQUITY: RESERVED FOR EXPENDITURES RESERVED FOR ENCUMBRANCES $909,244 27.87% $1,018,339 23.39% DESIGNATED ($642,781) -19.71% $0 0.00% UNDESIGNATED $2,995,492 91.83% $3,335,167 76.61% TOTAL FUND EQUITY $3,261,955 100.00% $4,353,506 100.00% TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND EQUITY $7,089.449 $9.320,968 95 TOWN OF WATERTOWN GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996 PURCHASE OTHER PERSONAL OF CHARGES& CAPITAL DEBT TOTAL DEPARTMENT SERVICES SERVICES SUPPLIES EXPENSES OUTLAY SERVICE EXPENDITURES TOWN COUNCIL 5 41.351 $ 1.787 $ 1.353 $ 6,655 $ 500 $ 51.646 TOWN MANAGER $ 121.387 $ 21.083 $ 1,308 $ 5,903 $ 149,681 TOWN AUDITOR S 159.052 S 33.951 S 1,712 $ 156 $ 194.871 PURCHASING AGENT $ 63,184 $ 68.596 $ 9,837 $ 272 $ 31,300 $ 173,189 ASSESSORS $ 129,362 $ 3.147 $ 4.192 $ 31,389 $ 168.090 TREASURER $ 163.047 $ 49,605 $ 24.574 $ 1,516 $ 238.742 TOWN ATTORNEY $ 243,097 $ 243,097 PERSONNEL S 102.983 $ 20.664 $ 777 $ 4,008 $ 128.432 DATA PROCESSING $ 15,128 $ 74,335 $ 11.503 $ 100.966 TOWN CLERK $ 104.316 $ 2,111 $ 1.347 $ 205 $ 107.979 ELECTIONS $ 63.825 $ 4.500 $ 5.066 $ 73.391 COMM.DEVELOPMENT&PLANNING $ 339,098 S 12,163 $ 2.881 $ 1,442 $ 355.584 TOWN HALL MAINTENANCE S 22.215 $ 108.342 $ 7.303 $ 137.860 POLICE $ 3.606,413 S 116.767 $ 26.027 $ 41,354 $ 111,981 $ 3.902,542 FIRE S 3.857.273 S 112.943 $ 42.460 $ 2.500 $ 36.930 $ 4,052.106 CIVIL DEFENSE $ 3.680 S 235 $ 596 $ 4,511 DPW-FORESTRY $ 45.714 S 33.318 $ 2.242 S 81.274 DPW-ADMINISTRATION $ 136.100 S 19,259 $ 5,991 $ 80 $ 161.430 DPW-HIGHWAY CONSTRJMAINT. S 231.609 S 90.838 $ 19.422 $ 341.869 DPW-SNOW/ICE CONTROL $ 175,706 $ 300.139 $ 457.221 $ 933,066 DPW-STREET LIGHTING $ 388.241 $ 388.241 DPW-STREET CLEANING $ 5,982 $ 5,982 DPW-WASTE COLLECTION/DISPOSAL S 8,259 $ 2.581,336 $ 2.589.595 DPW-SEWER $ 158,385 $ 161,541 $ 22,837 $ 181.186 $ 523,949 DPW-WATER S 458.902 S 30,712 $ 107,797 $ 119,814 $ 717,225 DPW-CEMETERY $ 83.184 $ 87.807 $ 1,798 $ 172,789 DPW-OTHER $ 288.260 S 98.181 $ 169,341 $ 3,014 $ 558.796 HEALTH $ 141,755 $ 56,280 $ 3.871 $ 1.723 $ 203.629 COUNCIL ON AGING $ 83.732 S 27.036 $ 2.410 $ 3.280 $ 116.458 VETERANS'SERVICES $ 6,414 $ 50 $ 74 $ 63.680 $ 1,000 $ 71.218 LIBRARY $ 845,034 $ 98,880 $ 185,463 $ 9.579 $ 4,000 S 1.142.956 RECREATION $ 119,039 S 3,148 $ 26.025 $ 2,332 $ 150.544 DPW-PARKS $ 79.636 S 159,721 $ 28.492 $ 267,849 RETIREMENT OF DEBT PRINCIPAL $ 490,000 S 490,000 INTEREST LONG TERM DEBT S 630,934 S 630,934 INTEREST SHORT TERM DEBT $ 208,445 S 208,445 CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT $ 5,162.347 S 5.162.347 NON-CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT $ 251.217 S 251.217 WORKER'S COMPENSATION $ 365.850 S 365.850 UNEMPLOYMENT $ 15.313 $ 15,313 HEALTH INSURANCE $ 3,644.858 S 3,644.858 LIFE INSURANCE $ 60.055 $ 60,055 MEDICARE TAX S 139.615 S 139.615 COURT JUDGEMENTS $ 194,069 $ 194,069 PARKING LOTS S 81.870 S 38,906 $ 943 S 2.850 S 124.569 MWRA ASSESSMENT $ 4.530,054 S 4.530,054 JOHN A.RYAN SKATING RINK $ 128,732 $ 98.521 S 14,561 $ 300 S 4.960 S 247.074 MISCELLANEOUS $ 16.602 $ 16,653 $ 33,255 EDUCATION $ 13.946,242 $ 2,971,427 S 865.138 S 78.313 S 62.516 S 17.923,636 STATE ASSESSMENTS $ 2.693.624 S 2,693.624 TOTALS $ 35.450.142 $ 8.141.251 $ 2.053.619 $ 7.690.030 $ 560.051 $ 1.329.379 S 55.224.472 96 Reports of the Offices of Town Administration Personnel Department questions regarding conflict of interest. A town-wide Safety Committee was created.Representatives The Personnel Department is responsible for a wide range of from all Town unions,including those at the school have formed human resources-related activities. Included in the responsibili- a committee to address safety and loss control issues throughout ties of the Personnel Department is the recruitment and selection the Town. of employees; administration of collective bargaining agree- "How to Deal with Difficult People and Difficult Situations" ments; employee relations; monitoring of leave; Workers' was the topic of a workshop held for all interested employees. Compensation and Unemployment; Civil Service compliance; The Workshop focused on how do deal with difficult and/or maintenance of confidential personnel records; training pro- potentially violent people in the workplace. A consultant was grams; compliance with federal and state laws and regulations; hired to facilitate the workshop.Additionally,the Town was for- and other related functions. tunate to have two representatives from the Police Department, During 1996, the Personnel Department was busy assisting Detective Corazzinni and Officer York, participate in the ses- many departments and the Town Manager in recruiting and sions and add their advice on matters of domestic abuse and selecting various personnel. Twenty eight positions were filled crime prevention. during the year which includes six Police Officers, two "Performance Appraisal" for managers was the subject of a Firefighters, eight Motor Equipment Operators, Heavy workshop held for all department heads.The focus of the session Equipment Operator, Skilled Craftsman, Custodian, Sealer of was to learn how to establish meaningful and realistic goals and Weights & Measures, Sanitarian, Conservation/Preservation expectations for the appraisal year. Agent/Tree Warden, Town Manager's Confidential Secretary, The Personnel Department is looking forward to 1997 as it Police Principal Clerk, Elections Clerk, Head Clerk, Principal continues to work towards standardizing many personnel prac- Account Clerk and Principal Clerk. tices, improving the administration of work-related injuries,and The Personnel Department participated in the hiring of ten improving service to employees, department heads and citizens people for the Department of Public Works Summer Work of Watertown. Program. The people hired worked on a variety of projects for the Department. Town Clerk and Elections During 1996,the Personnel Department was fortunate to have two volunteers placed through the Senior Tax Work-Off Program. Both individuals, Mrs. Duffy and Mrs. Tolajian, worked on an The Town Clerk and Election Office serves as a direct link employee data base which was used in preparation for the Fiscal between the citizenry and its Town government.The Town Clerk's 1998 Budget.We greatly appreciate all of their work. office,by statute,is responsible for the issuance of vital statistics, As a result of an Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the maintenance of Town records, the insurance of compliance with Town changed the way Workers' Compensation would be the Commonwealth's Open Meeting Law and it also serves as a administered. Effective July 1, 1996, the Town changed from a repository for all rules, regulations, ordinances and bylaws pro- premium based insurance program to a limited self-insured pro- mulgated by the Town Council and other town departments. gram.In other words,the Town will pay dollar for dollar up to a The Town Clerk's office was first established in 1634, the certain cap, above which, insurance will be activated. The first year records were kept,and continues today to provide accu- change has shown tremendous savings for the Town.Ms.Cecilia rate documentation on events and happenings of the City known Lentine,Personnel Administrative Assistant,processes all claims as the Town of Watertown. The Town Clerk's office provides a and acts as the liaison with the insurance and claims adjusting number of consumer services, such as the issuance of do cat agencies. Ms. Terry Donahue, the Occupational Health Nurse, licenses, the sale of various Division of Fisheries and Wildlife who assists in monitoring the injuries and claims, has been licenses, the recordation of Uniform Commercial Code state- instrumental in the administration of the program.The efforts of ments, notary public services and the office also serves as a dis- both Ms.Lentine and Ms.Donahue have assisted in the success- tribution center for various Town brochures and surveys. The ful transition of programs. Staff in the office also serve as"unofficial ombudsman"to pro- Agreement was reached with two unions regarding the U.S. vide general information regarding various municipal services to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations regarding the the public. The Town Clerk's office also serves as a liaison drug and alcohol testing of employees required to possess a com- between the Town and the Federal and State governments. mercial driver's license(CDL).Under the regulations employees During calendar year 1996, the office achieved the required to possess a CDL will be testing for illegal drugs and following: alcohol on a random basis. • Maintained the highest level of accuracy in the recording In conjunction with the Town Clerk,a workshop for depart- and issuance of the Vital Statistics of the Town of Watertown. ment heads was held on the Massachusetts Conflict of Interest • Procured 150 flexible voting booths for utilization at the laws.A representative from the State Ethics Commission attended Town's eleven voting locations. a department head meeting to provide information and answer • Implemented a new Business Certificate recording proce- 97 dure that provides for a cross reference between name of busi- Trapping Licenses 30.00 ness and name of owner. Sporting Fees 243.90 •Conducted the 1996 Annual Town Census. Waterfowl Stamps 100.00 • Undertook the duties and responsibilities as Burial Agent Cat Licenses 1,140.00 for the Town. Licenses Commission-Alcohol,Common • Completed the annual renewal process for all applicable Victualer etc. 102,485.00 licenses,permits and certificates while ensuring compliance with Miscellaneous Clerk/Election fees 3,228.20 Chapter XVII of the Town's ordinance. Resident Book 1,038.00 • Ensured compliance with state guidelines in the filing of Certified Copies 12.547.00 necessary annual reports with the Alcohol Beverage Control Underground Storage Permits 3,190.00 Commission and the Department of Public Safety. Miscellaneous Licensing Board fees 38,285.60 • Conducted the 1996 State Primary and 1996 General TOTAL $185,541.80 Election utilizing the Commonwealth's Voter Registry Recording Fees Information System(VRIS). Mortgages •Ensured access to all polling locations throughout the Town. $4,320.00 Business Certificates The Election Commission, directed under Massachusetts General Law, by the four member board of election commis- and Business Certificates sioners, has a number of responsibilities mandated by withdrawals , 5.75 TOTAL $12835.75 Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 50 through 56. The Commission,as charged is to ensure fair and impartial elections Total Clerks Revenue in the Town of Watertown.Responsibilities include:coordination Total Fees Collected $198,377.55 of the annual census, generation of voting lists and jury lists, Paid to the Commonwealth ($13,937.10) implementation of the National Voter Registration Act through Net Revenue to the Town $184,440.45 the establishment of the Central Voter Registry, maintenance of Vital Statistics the town's residency database and compliance with the Births 387 Commonwealth's Campaign Finance reporting procedures. Deaths recorded 334 The Election Commission conducted the following voting Marriage Intentions 310 exercises during 1996. Marriages recorded 295 DATE TYPE OF ELECTION Affidavits of Correction of birth,deaths March 5, 1996 Presidential Primary and marriages recorded 6 September 17, 1996 State Primary Kennel License l September 30, 1996 State Primary - Democratic Primary: Dog Licenses 335 Middlesex County Commissioner - Cat Licenses 139 Town Wide Recount Licenses November 5, 1996 State Election Seven Day All Alcoholic Common Victualler 17 The Licensing Board promulgates rules and regulations spe- (Restaurants) cific to Watertown to ensure the life,safety,and health of the cit- Seven Day Wine/Malt Common Victualler 3 izenry and town visitors.The Licensing Board issues a myriad of (Restaurants) licenses and permits that range from amusement devices, to Six Day All Alcoholic Common Victualler 9 gasoline,to liquor licenses.All of the licenses issued are renew- (Restaurants) able yearly.The Licensing Board also serves as a hearing officer Six Day Wine/Malt Common Victualler 2 to ensure compliance with licensing conditions. Common Victualler License 90 The Licensing Board also works closely with five town- Clubs 11 departments,the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission and the Auto Dealer Class 1 10 State Fire Marshall's Office in the licensing process. Auto Dealer Class 11 15 Licenses and Fees Auto Dealer Class 111 2 Burial Permits $ 420.00 All Alcoholic Package Good Store 7 Hunting Licenses 2,180.00 Package Good Store Wine—Malt 6 Dog Licenses' 4,282.00 24-Hours opening 5 Wildland Stamps-Resident and Non-Resident 2,505.00 Sale of Food at Retail 7 Duplicate Licenses 10.00 Entertainment 10 Archery Stamp 333.50 Music Box 14 Sporting Licenses 3,029.10 Automatic Amusement Device 16 Marriages 4,575.00 Auto Repair 75 Raffle 170.00 Letting out of Motor Vehicles 7 Fishing Licenses 5,749.50 98 Data Processing Department Town Attorney The Data Processing Department supports the During 1996,the Town Attorney continued to provide diver- Administration's computer information systems and assists in sified legal services to the Town, including daily legal advice to the implementation of new technologies. Located in Town Hall, the Town Manager and various department heads and elected the Department operates an IBM AS/400 midrange computer and appointed boards and committees. We continued to partici- that processes software such as Financial Systems, Accounts pate in all meetings of the Town Council on a no-cost basis to the Payables,Purchasing,Payroll,Water and Sewer Billing.The sys- Town, as well as providing legal counsel at all meetings of the tem uses terminals and personal computers throughout Town Licensing Board.The Town Attorney's office also continued to Hall offices and two remote sites, the Department of Public play an active role in the rendering of legal advice concerning the Works and the School Business Office.Other administrative sys- on-going School Department contracts for the renovation of var- tems, such as Appraisal, Real Estate Tax Billing, and Motor ious School buildings,as well as representing the Town in a bid Vehicle Billing are supported by outside vendors or service protest relative to the award of the contract for the Cunniff bureaus,while the School Department oversees the instructional School. We also provided advice and counsel to the Arsenal technology and academic processing needs of the schools. Reuse Committee,and assisted in the preparation of special leg- During 1996, the Data Processing Department installed a islation creating the Watertown Arsenal Development small number of new desktop and laptop computers, printers, Corporation as the entity which will acquire title to the modems and scanners. Some of the computers were configured Watertown Arsenal property and oversee the disposition and the with Windows 95 and the MS Office suite of products, along future development of the site. with data/fax modems. Besides a significant increase in perfor- In the area of litigation involving the Town,we continued to mance, the computers also offered new features in word pro- work on reducing the backlog of cases, as well as addressing cessing and spreadsheet analysis. The large majority of newly filed actions. We represented the Town in various state equipment,however,consisted of out-dated computers and print- and federal courts, as well as before the Massachusetts ers, which were slow in processing documents and prone to Commission Against Discrimination, in cases involving negli- malfunctions. gence claims, alleged civil rights and discrimination violations, In an effort to upgrade computer systems and improve the and various actions based upon provisions of the Town's zoning Town's municipal software, the Town Government Working ordinance and appeals of determinations relative to variances Group on Computer Technology completed an evaluation of and special permits issued by Town boards.The Town Attorney municipal software vendors. In June of 1996, the Computer also represented the Town in the negotiation of the terms of an Group decided not to chose a vendor because of its dissatisfac- Administrative Consent Order with the U . S. Environmental tion with the available software modules. Rather, the group Protection Agency arising out of the alleged discharge of turned its attention to designing a computer system that would stormwater into the Charles River. replace the older computers with a network of new desktop We express our appreciation to the Town Manager and the devices.A computer network specialist was retained to assist in Town Council for their confidence in retaining the services of the development of a computer technology plan, and a needs this firm. We also appreciate the assistance and professionalism analysis was performed throughout the latter part of the year.The of the Town Manager, the Town Council, various department Computer Group developed a computer technology plan com- heads and members of elected and appointed boards and com- prised of three phases: I — the computer network project that mittees with whom we have worked during the past year. We would provide new computers and communications equipment; look forward to working with the Town in the future. U—evaluating financial management software in FY 1998;11I— enhance public access and communications to municipal infor- mation resources. 99 Purchasing Department ited to, noise, air and dust complaints, asbestos, complaints, response and analysis of hazardous waste sites and spills, coor- The primary function of this Department is to facilitate the dinating hazardous waste days. purchasing process, using sound business judgement, by Town Requirements of Chapter X of the State Sanitary Code,man- Departments in the procurement of all necessary goods and ser- dates that each food establishment be inspected a minimum of vices. These procurements must conform with all applicable twice a year.Currently the Board of Health issues over 200 Food Town purchasing ordinances as well as the Commonwealth's Service Establishment Permits.The Health Department is aware Uniform Procurement Act(Chapter 30B),Public Works Projects that in the United States each year more than 20 million illnesses (Chapter 30),and Building Projects(Chapter 149). are caused by foodborne infections.This department has contin- The Department continues to be active in the Collective ued to monitor restaurants and other food service operations, to Purchasing Act which was enacted by the Legislature in 1972. minimize the outbreak of foodbome illnesses. Prevention is the Under the provisions of this statute, any subdivision of a gov- key to controlling foodbome illnesses. Prevention requires that emmental entity may procure goods and services from vendors food operators have a clear understanding of the sanitary code awarded contracts by the Executive Office for Administration and what the Health Department is trying to accomplish. and Finance,Department of Procurement and General Services, A great deal of time and energy is required to provide this through the competitive bidding process. This avenue has kind of inspection. These inspections help contribute toward a allowed the Town to avail itself of significant monetary savings higher level of sanitation in food service establishments.The sec- through a larger purchasing pool. and most important goal is providing education in sanitation for The Town is also involved in a cooperative purchasing con- the managers and food service operators. Most of this work is sortium with Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, Cambridge, done by the sanitarian at the time of their daily inspections. Newton,and Waltham,through which bids are solicited for sup- Chapter II of the Massachusetts Sanitary Code (housing plies ranging from fuel oil and gasoline to sand and public safety code)requires sanitarians to inspect complaints within 24 hours. equipment, among others. As a result of this larger purchasing These inspections normally take place as a result of complaints pool, significantly lower unit price costs have been realized by by tenants.Final resolution of these housing matters may require the Town.A sampling of the major contracts awarded in 1996: intervention at the District Court level. Department of Public Works: Street Patching $80,000 Nursing Cleaning and Inspection of Town Sewers $56,000 Public Health Nursing is a constantly changing role. This Park Benches $9,400 role changes because of new laws,mandates,new vaccines,new One Cab and Chassis $51,000 vaccine recommendations and newly recognized hazards. The One Dump Spreader $ , 00 nurse is involved in this process and must constantly keep Arena: appraised of these changes. Flu and pneumonia immunization John A.Ryan Skating Refrigeration Plant Arena:$132,0 for the elderly and disabled are done annually. Each year over Town Clerk/Elections 2,000 people are immunized. Voting Booth $25,800 Communicable disease reports to State Department of Public The Department will continue to secure the best products at Health as required for reportable diseases.Immunization of con- the lowest price. tacts and follow-up of patient until they are disease free is vital for disease control. Health Department Nurse obtains and dis- tributes vaccines and current information received from state and Health Department to Watertown Health Care Providers.Mantoux testing for tuber- culosis is done routinely.Lead poisoning in children is an impor- tant health problem.In 1989 a new law was enacted that requires The Health Department staff consists of one full time lead screening of all children who are attending day care or Director, two full time Sanitarians, one part time consulting Nurse, one part-time Public Health Nurse, a Tobacco Control kindergarten.The Health Department has been screening all chil- Officer,apart time Animal Control Officer,and Head Clerk. dren whose parents have requested the test. The nurse partici- pates with ongoing community public health needs assessments. The Board of Health consists of three members that are (demographic/medical/statistical analysis) appointed for three years by the Town Manager and confirmed The Health Department assists citizens who need help by the Town Council. resolving public health/medical issues. The nurse refers citi- zens/patients to appropriate agencies when required.Additional Environmental Health duties include investigation, reporting and follow-up of sus- Throughout the year mandated food service inspections, pected elderly and child abuse cases. housing inspections, swimming pools and whirlpool, tanning The Public Health Nurse also attends Continuing Education inspections and nuisance complaints were attended to routinely. Seminars and conferences to maintain and update her profes- Complaints consisted of trash, pollution, rodent, hazardous sional knowledge and skills in the health field. waste incident reports, housing code violations, group housing facilities,motels,rooming houses and special assignments. Additional environmental programs include,but are not lim- 100 Nursing Mosquito Controls Childhood Lead Screening 2 The Board of Health cooperated with he East Middlesex Tuberculosis Screening 117 Mosquito Control Commission in planning spraying and other Tuberculosis referral 9 mosquito control initiatives. Communicable Diseases 75 Blood Pressure Screening 380 Rabies Clinics Vaccine Distributed to Watertown Health Care Providers 27,426 The Rabies Clinics are held twice a year with local veteri- Flu vaccine Clinic-doses administered 2,300 narians participating.At the 1996 clinic 133 dogs and cats were Pneumonia Clinic-doses administered 560 vaccinated. Homebound visits for Flu&Pneumonia shots 42 Total Money Received for 1996* Animal Control *Revised fee scheduled adopted by the Board of Health The Town of Watertown and Town of Belmont share a full September 9, 1996 time Animal Control Officer.The Animal Control Officers duties January $4,625.74 include,but are not limited to,patrolling the towns on a rotating, February $6,964.00 flexible schedule and the enforcement of all pertinent Animal March $6,086.20 Control Ordinances.Additional responsibilities include respond- April $ 484.00 ing to all emergency dispatch calls, issuing citations for ordi- May $ 350.86 nance violations,prosecution of violators.As needed,the Animal June $1,165.00 Control Officer carries out isolation and quarantine responsibili- July $ 907.91 ties and educates the public concerning health and safety con- August $3,788.80 cerns involving animals, including occasional public September $1,861.20 appearances in school classrooms and on cable television. October $2,470.00 November $1,430.00 Community Programs—Health Promotion Disease December $ 985.00 Prevention Total $31,118.71 The Health Department is involved with local community based health initiatives such as the Watertown Citizens for Total Permits Issued for 1996 Environmental Safety(WCES),the Watertown Community Task Food Service 220 Force (WCTF), the Community Education Council (CEC), Retail Food 69 Center for Community Responsive Care(CCRC),and the Mass. Caterers 5 Dept. of Public Health's Community Health Network Area One Day Catering 56 (CHNA). Swimming Pools 17 These initiatives are designed to help reduce Massage 20 incidence/prevalence of morbidity and mortality in the commu- Rubbish Disposal 6 nity and to help foster a cohesive sense of community. Mobil Sery 9 Additionally, the Health Department provides, through the Funeral Directors 18 Mass. Tobacco Control Program (MTCP), programs that Burial Permits 73 include,but are not limited to,smoking cessation,referrals,reg- Rabies Clinic 133 ulatory initiatives(retailer compliance surveys),and public edu- Non Carb Water 1 cation events aimed at reducing morbidity/mortality from Bakery 6 tobacco use. In implementing these initiatives the Health Group Home 16 Department collaborated with local providers, community and church groups,school,and the police departments. Environmental Inspections Food Service Establishments 784 Tobacco Control Program Housing 225 Cessation programs 12 Swimming Pool/Whirlpool 68 Total participants 140 Miscellaneous Environmental 108 Compliance checks 3 rounds Total establishments checked 38 Illegal sales rate 4%-13%range Public Education events 5 Number of attendees 448 Number of individuals referred to cessation programs 975(approx) Number individuals receiving cessation materials 1060(approx) 101 Council on Aging Riders of the shopping Serving the needs of our seniors and their families. bus experienced severalchanges on the senior shut- tle 1996 was a productive year for the Council on Aging during 1996. Bob Fe (C.O.A.)/Senior Center with a number of new services and pro- Farg uson, our skilled and caring driver for four grams being offered. years,retired.Our bus was w� This was the first year for the property tax work-off project. driven by John Reardon on This unique concept was undertaken by a handful of towns and an interim basis before his is now gaining in popularity across Massachusetts.It is designed selection as the new per- to help seniors with their property taxes while utilizing their manent driver. The bus, skills and abilities.The project allows ten seniors to deduct$500 which runs three fixed from their property tax bill in exchange for 100 hours of work(at routes through Watertown $5.00 per hour) for a Town department. Individuals have to be twice a week,now goes to sixty and older and need to own and occupy the property for the Super Stop&Shop on which the taxes are paid.Applicants have to reside in Watertown pleasant St. one day, and for three years or more as the homeowner or current spouse and to the Stop & Shop on need to have the skill required by departments that choose to par- California St. on the other Joe and Ginnie Tucieri celebrate ticipate.The ten departments that participated and the seniors all day.The change was due to a 50th wedding anniversary at the benefited from this project. senior requests as well as Senior center's Halloween dance. The C.O.A.took on the sponsorship of two new projects this changes at the original desti- year when Catholic Charities closed its Watertown offices. Free nation,the Watertown Mall. income tax assistance is available for seniors of low and moder- The C.O.A. provides fiscal management assistance for the ate income and physically challenged individuals.The tax assis- Watertown Food Pantry which is ably coordinated by Deb Kaup. tance volunteers are trained and certified by the I.R.S.The other Located at St. John's Church, 80 Mt.Auburn St., the Pantry is project that the C.O.A.now handles utilizes senior volunteers to open Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.,Thursdays from prepare mailings for nonprofit groups. 3:00 p.m.to 4:30 p.m.,as well as the first Wednesday evening of This year the C.O.A. agreed to be a site for fuel assistance every month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This program helps applications for Watertown seniors requesting help for the first many Watertown individuals and families who find themselves time. Applications are filled out at the Center with staff assis- without adequate food supplies due to illness, layoff, underem- tance and given to the Waltham office for processing. This ployment, fixed incomes, etc. The Pantry is supported by the change allows seniors to file for fuel assistance without going out generosity of many Watertown individuals and businesses as of town. well as through grants and Town funds. Director, Caryl L. Fox, worked with the Salvation Army on The Watertown Senior Center, at 30 Common St., is open reestablishing a small emergency fund for Watertown residents Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and provides broad- with monies from the Salvation Army.This fund helps residents based, diverse programs designed to promote healthy and in fiscal crisis with vouchers toward rent,food or utility bills and informed individuals. Program coordinator, Kathleen Wolf, is another source of assistance in addition to the emergency fund planned a varied lecture series during 1996 which included infor- sponsored and supplied by the Town and administered by the mation on health, financial, legal and cultural topics. Examples C.O.A.For both of these funds, the money is paid directly to a of topics covered were a travel lecture given by Watertown vendor,not to the individuals seeking assistance. senior Walter Robak,social security,heart health,and presenta- tions by the library and health departments. Ongoing groups and classes include four exercise classes, Watch your Weight,bingo,line dancing,whist,bridge,cribbage, painting, book club, movies and our choral group. The Center also offers regular blood pressure, dental, podiatry and hearing screenings. Books, magazines and talking books are available and the coffee pot is always on for those who want to come in and relax.Monthly day trips are also offered as well as five lun- cheon parties a year. A major component of the C.O.A. is the information and referral services offered to seniors and their families. Secretary, Debbie Dunn, as well as other staff and volunteers respond to hundreds of inquiries each month on a wide-range of concerns including home care, housing and home repair. Local door-to- Senior Shuttle bus driver Bob ferguson celebrating with seniors door transportation to medical appointments,which is accessible at his retirement parry. to the physically challenged,is provided by a contracted vendor. 102 Transportation to Boston hospitals and clinics, which is subsi- dized by the C.O.A.as well as West Suburban Elder Services,is also available.Case worker,Laura Gold works with some of the more frail seniors and their families, assessing needs, and pro- viding short term counseling and advocacy. Snow shoveling, yard work,leaf raking,and semi-skilled home repair services are frequently used by Watertown seniors. In 1996, the C.O.A. was awarded$23,636.00 in the annual T formula grant from the state's Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Monies were used for staff salaries,the monthly calendar,lecture - speakers,an exercise class and other special programs. In May of 1996, Watertown mourned the loss of Edward _ f Caruso,and active member of the Council on Aging Board since - �'�--- 1978. He served as the C.O.A.'s chairperson from 1985-1988. Recreation: Department Baton Tivirling Class at the 1996 Mr. Caruso was sensitive to the needs of the elderly and com- Memorial Day Parade. passionate in his response to problems.A long time senior resi- dent,Jane Stodolnik,was appointed as a new Board member. A track meet for grades 4 and up was held at Victory Field in The C.O.A./Senior Center continues to strive to provide a wide honor of the late M. John Moxley, with championship trophy range of services and programs for the ever-increasing, diverse awarded to the winning school. older adult community in Watertown and for their families. Special Needs programs consisted of our Saturday Day Camp, Friday night social program,and other activities such as bowling, soft-ball,aerobics,basketball,track and Special Olympics. Recreation Department Summer Programs Conducted in 1996 Organization The department supervised the following playgrounds from The function of the Recreation Commission is to provide a 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m.: Bemis, Casey, Moxley, year-round recreation program so that every young person in the Sullivan, and Victory field from Monday through Friday. Field town shall have a place to recreate in safety and to afford every trips to the movies, M.D.C. swimming pool; Wal-Lex Bowling person the opportunity for the best and most satisfactory use of & Roller Skating facilities; Arsenal Park; Water Country, his/her leisure time. Portsmouth,N.H.;Canobie Lake;boat cruise of Boston Harbor; All employees,except the Director and Head Clerk are part- Fenway Park;McGolf mini-golf driving range,Dedham,Charles time.Part-time employees are hired to instruct and supervise the River Fishing; and Rowes Wharf, Boston were offered to those various Program's during the four seasons of the year. who participated in our summer programs. A golf clinic was held at Casey Field, as well as a soccer New Departmental Initiatives and Expansions clinic conducted at Arsenal Park. During the year 1996, the Recreation Department was Arts/Crafts sessions were held on all playgrounds,as well as involved in the plans to renovate the Middle School gym; practice sessions in baseball, softball, whiffle ball, ultimate fris- Cunniff Playground,and reconstruction of How Park. bee,basketball,and golf clinics.Tennis instructions,for children •Three young adults took part in the playground instructor ages 7 through 16 were hold at the Victory Field courts. training program again this year.These three individuals worked Swimming classes were held at the MDC pool starting July 8th with our regular playground instructors and not only assisted in and ending August 16th.Classes were held from 8:00 to 8:50 a.m. our program, but gained the experience that we hope will lead and 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. with toddler classes from 10 to 10:30 a.m. them to future positions within the Recreation Department. All classes were completely filled. •A Summer Baseball Instruction Camp was again offered at Camp Pequossette had a very successful season with an aver- Moxley Playground. age of 175 attending daily. At the end of each two-week camp • During the fall months a Friday night open gym Program session the campers put on a talent show with parents invited to was expanded for youngsters of middle school age. attend. Also the children enjoyed a cookout and field day at • A drop-in gym program for High School students was Arsenal Park each session. This event was one that all campers added to our programming this year. look forward to attending.Youngsters were bussed to the MDC Spring Programs Conducted in 1996 pool for a cooling swim several times during the week. Special The department conducted a wide range of programs for the needs students also enjoyed participating in the camp program. citizens of Watertown this past spring. "T" ball for children in At the end of the season a Family Night cookout was held at grades K and 1;ragball for students in grades 2 and 3;ragball and O'Connell Field for all youngsters and their parents who had track,for youngsters in grades 4 and 5.Baton classes were held or attended camp — this is the sixth year for this very successful children between the ages of 3 and 16 at the Phillips School gym. event. Campers were taken on the following trips: Museum of Adult programs included golf lessons, tennis lessons, Science, Boston Gardens, and Fenway Park. The campers also women's basketball,and coed volleyball. enjoyed two sleepovers this year. 103 School gym was under construction and recreation was only allowed two days in the gym at the Hosmer.Children had to have practices and games at the the Phillips School gym. At the Middle School age level we had six teams in the in-town league for girls, and six teams for the boys in grade 6. The Sunday League for boys and girls in grades 7 and 8 was also conducted again this year. Baton classes,ages 3 to 6,were held on Tuesday evenings at the Phillips School gymnasium. Programs for special needs adults: Saturday Day Camp; Friday night social programs; floor hockey; aerobics; bowling, basketball. The program had many special events, such as a Hayride,Holiday Party,etc. Men's Winter Basketball league with games played at the Recreation Department's Girls Winter Basketball, Grades 4 and East Jr. and Watertown High School gymnasiums with seven teams participating. 5,Hosmer School Adult golf, coed-volleyball, women's basketball and men's over 35 basketball attracted many citizens to participate. Program fees brought into the Revolving Fund in 1996 amounted to$98,208.74.This money is used to defray the cost of all adult programs,baton twirling classes,Camp Pequossette, ' a and many other department ventures. ' We would like to thank all the Town Departments,who have worked with us over the past year to provide a quality recreation = program for the citizens of Watertown. Watertown Free Public Library Mission The Watertown Free Public Library strives to be an integral Recreation Department's Boys Winter Basketball, Grades 4 and Part of the community by providing all residents with a wide 5, Cunniff School variety of popular and reference materials, resources and ser- vices which facilitate the day to day lives of residents and which A special thanks to the Watertown School committee for extend their personal and intellectual development. The staff granting permission to use the Hosmer School facilities for the works to create an environment which welcomes and satisfies camp and also the use of the school bus and driver,without their the needs of users of all ages and abilities,and works actively to help this very successful program would not have been possible. attract new users to the library. The summer basketball league enjoyed a very successful sea- son,with youngsters from grade 4 through grade 9 participating. New Initiatives Men's summer basketball was held evenings at Casey Park One of the most requested services by patrons is for the and Saltonstall Park courts with 25 teams participating.This pro- library to be open on Saturdays during the summer. In 1996 we gram consisted of over 300 games, which offered much enjoy- were able to provide this service through additional support from ment to both players and spectators. the Town. Patrons showed their enthusiasm for this service by Over 1550 park permits were issued by the Recreation making summer Saturdays the busiest hours of the year. Department. We would like to thank the Department of Public The library has had CD-ROM's available for a few years for Works for their immediate response to the needs of our citizens use exclusively in the library but with the ever-growing number by lining and maintaining the fields for all events. of computers in homes,the necessity of a collection of circulat- ing CD-ROM's became apparent. Every department now has a Fall and Winter Programs Conducted in 1996 small collection of CD-ROM's which can be borrowed, and Flag-tag football, soccer, basketball and field hockey were there are plans to expand the collections each year. conducted for grades 2 to 5.Biddy basketball was co-sponsored The video collection underwent a change this year in the by the Recreation Department and the Boys & Girls Club. manner in which they are displayed.The old video sleeves which Basketball teams were formed at the Hosmer, Lowell, and had to be traded in at the Circulation desk for the video, was Cunniff schools for boys and girls in grades 4 and 5.It was a dif- replaced with a system in which all of the actual videos are on ficult year for elementary programs as the Lowell School gym display. Patrons find this system much more user-friendly and was not completed until after the first of the year; the Cunniff circulation of videos has increased as a result. 104 Fiction classics are an important part of the book collection. They are the books which remain in the collection almost on a permanent basis. They can sometimes be overlooked, but in I, 1996,a systematic effort was made to replace the old,worn,and damaged editions with fresh, new, inviting copies.A display of 'R these new editions was done by the Circulation Department to show them off to our customers. Technology at the library changes quickly and it is difficult at times for our patrons to keep up with the fast pace. In an attempt to alleviate that problem somewhat, the Adult Department began offering training sessions for patrons on our online catalog and the Internet.Interest in those training sessions is very high and the Adult Department will continue to offer them. Sunimertin►e concert on the Main Library Lawn The Technical Services Department began a project this year which will ultimately make the Adult and Young Adult non-fic- tion collections easier to use.Those collections are being reclas- sified from the Library of Congress system to the Dewey and book reviews,opinion surveys,and library news. Decimal system (which is already in use in the Children's A third LSCA grant administered in 1996 provided funding Department and in most other public libraries). The adult and to conduct a survey of historical collections owned by the library. young adult biographies are also being separated out from the The professional consultant who conducted the survey provided rest of the collection and being shelved separately in response to extensive and detailed suggestions for better preservation of the patron requests. The entire project is expected to take several library's historical materials. yew Project Literacy, the recipient of several LSCA grants over In an effort to make the Main Library as accessible as possi- the past nine years,saw the end of their grant funding due to the ble to persons with disabilities, electric doors were installed at elimination of the grant program by the federal government. the front and rear entrances to the building,making it possible to Fortunately,in December,the awarding of a multi-year grant by activate the doors with the push of a button.A software program the Massachusetts Department of Education for the program was was installed on a computer in the Reference Department which announced. Funding will begin in 1997 and continue through reads the words on the screen of the online catalog. Visually 2000. impaired patrons hear the words through headphones. Trustees PIN's The six-member Board of Library Trustees welcomed three The Minuteman Library Network enabled a feature on the new members in January -William O'Grady,Alexandra Quinn online catalog which makes it possible for patrons to view their and Katherine Button. Officers were elected in January, with borrowing records at public terminals in the library or from their Jeannie Caruso elected Chair, Gracemarie LeBlanc Vice-Chair, home computers.Patrons may view the titles of books they have Raya Stern Treasurer, and Katherine Button Secretary. Raya checked out and renew items,as well. Stern was also appointed Trustee of the Asa Pratt Fund upon the resignation of Foster Palmer. Grants and Fundraising In May,Jeannie Caruso was elected to serve on the Charter TWo LSCA(Library Services and Construction Act) grants Review Commission as the designee for the Board of Trustees. awarded in 1995 but funded in 1996 were administered by the She will hold the office of Clerk on that Commission until Young Adult Department. The Career Corner grant provided March, 1997 when the Commission is dissolved upon presenting funding to serve the English as a second language (ESL) com- its proposal for Charter changes(if any)to the Town Council. munity, adults reentering the workforce, and non-college bound high school students. A computer workstation which patrons Personnel used to create resumes, define their vocational interests, and Each year a Staff Day is held for the purpose of staff devel- locate appropriate career education programs was purchased,as opment and training.This year a consultant spoke to the staff in were print and non-print resources for the career collection. the morning about communication issues and barriers to com- Grant funding also provided the library the means to sponsor munication. The afternoon was spent in small groups brain- four career workshops, which 109 people attended and a voca- storming about eliminating those barriers and widening the lines tional technical school fair which twenty-one schools and 52 par- of communication within the library. ticipants attended. The other grant, News and Views, allowed There were also some changes in personnel including the hir- middle-school-aged patrons to help write and produce a newspa- ing of Marion Petkiewich,who works part-time in the Children's per.With grant monies,staff purchased a computer workstation, Department,and Richard Baccari,who is a part-time custodian. laser printer,CD-ROM's and desktop publishing software.Youth Maureen Conners, an employee of the library for 23 years, Adult Services staff and 41 young adults published five issues of resigned to accept the position of Director of the Belmont Public 105 Library.Carey Conkey,Supervisor of Young Adult Services was Special programs for all ages(funded mainly by the Friends promoted to Assistant Director to fill the position left vacant by of the Library)are listed below: Ms.Conners. Main Library Programs and Services MSPCA Pet Care The library continues to provide many popular programs and National Library Week—Folktales services for children,young adults,and adults. Drawing with Fred The Adult Department, in addition to meeting the informa- Watertown Children's Theater Puppet Show tional needs of the community presented a slide program on Jay Mankita Cooperative Concert — "Healthy and Free" — architecture featuring Jonathan Hale, the author of A New Way with the Watertown Health Department of Seeing. The book discussion group, whose participants read Tree Lighting Ceremony and discuss current fiction and non-fiction, continues to meet Screech Owl Program twice monthly. Adult craft programs, led by Josephine Ovoian Memorial Day Parade and funded by the Friends of the Library,were held at the North Open Valentine Crafts Branch.The East Branch hosted Virginia Tashjian,who did book Open Spring Crafts talking.Two existing services were expanded-Interlibrary loan Folktale Storytime and access to periodical holdings. Summer Spark Crafts with Lucy Oliveri-O'Hearn The Young Adult Department serves a large number of Summer Crafttime(5) patrons who have a wide variety of interests and needs. Family Concert with Jerry and Nancy Bell Networking with the schools is an integral part of serving this Alphabet Pals population,and that networking continued in 1996.New collec- Open Halloween Crafts tions in the department include circulating CD-ROM's, talking Great Smokeout Program books,and a newly expanded biography section.A summer read- Open Winter Crafts ing club featuring incentives by the Friends of the Library was Banner Crafts held at all locations. Ice Cream party The Children's Department at the Main Library and both Bookmark Craft branches, continued their tradition of providing quality service Hosmer Read-a-thon and programs for the children and parents of Watertown. In Halloween Storytime response to patron demand, preschool storytimes were Christmas Stories with crafts expanded. Ongoing programs for preschoolers include Toddler Drop-In, Kids Flicks, and Pretend Library Card Month for East Branch National Library Week. A special reading readiness program - Valentine Crafts Alphabet Pals-was also part of the Children's Department offer- Drawing with Fred ings for the year. Memorial Day Parade Activities for school-age children continue to be popular at School Vacation Movies all locations.Class visits and craft programs continue throughout Open Spring Crafts the year and the Summer Reading Program(Catch the Summer National Library Week—movies Spark)inspired participants to read more than 2,000 books.The Summer Spark Crafts with Lucy Oliveri-O'Hearn CD-ROM collections at the Main Library and the branches were Alphabet Pals expanded and continue to be very popular. Halloween Celebration with movies Owl Program Open Winter Crafts Decorated Egg Contest Ice Cream Party Bookmark Craft Banner Crafts North Branch Drawing with Fred Bats Owls t Memorial Day Parade Open Valentine Crafts r Bird Storytime with crafts Garden Day Spring storytime with crafts Summer Reading program Participants at the Main Library. Open Spring Crafts 106 East-Adult 9,931 East-Children's 10,119 North 18,195 Total: 279,914 Reference Questions answered 7 in person and via telephone: 25,963 Attendance at Children's programs: Storytimes: 3,193 Toddler drop-in: 2,319 Kids flicks: 445 Crafts: 914 A,. 1 Veteran's Services Preschool story hour at the Main Library. As in the past, this office continued to assist and refer Watertown veterans and their dependents through any and all federal and state programs to which they were entitled.With the Decorated Egg Contest aging of the World War H and Korean War generation, coupled May Day Celebration with Viet Nam agent orange and Gulf War concerns about use of Garden Day toxic chemicals, we do our utmost to stay updated with all the Kaleidoscopes with Lois latest information.We fulfill a critical need by acting as an advo- Open Winter Crafts cate for those eligible in dealing with the large and often unyield- Summer Spark Crafts with Lucy Oliveri-O'Hearn ing federal and state programs. Origami with Lois This area is fortunate in having three major Department of Sparkling Picture Frames with Jo Ovoian Veterans' Affairs hospitals within a relatively short distance: Lace Hearts with Jo Ovian Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury and Bedford along with several Banner Crafts outpatient clinics and veterans centers.Navigating this large sys- Bookmark Craft tem can be intimidating. We continue to keep current with the Paper Flowers with Lois latest paperwork and regulations;schedule veterans for appoint- Volcano workshop with A.Graham' ments; assist with transportation needs or transport ourselves; Miniature Books(Open Craft) assist with filling out paperwork and follow-up with problems. Rubber Stamps(Open Craft) The DVA regional office in Boston is often utilized to the fullest Ice Cream Party extent. Project Literacy continues to provide one-on-one and small Massachusetts,under Massachusetts General Laws(M.G.L.) group tutoring to adult learners in Watertown and surrounding 115,is the only state in the union to mandate that each city/town communities. Learners are tutored in Adult Basic Education will have a veterans'representative working for the town.Under (ABE)and English for Speakers of Other Languages(ESOL).At this statute,we can assist with Rent,fuel,etc.after income infor- any given time,there were 1 l5 volunteer tutors providing direct mation is obtained and the individual meets certain eligibility cri- service to over 125 students,which is a 25%increase over 1995. teria via an interview. We hold these interviews in our office or In addition to tutoring,two weekly conversation groups provide at the veteran's place of residence. opportunities for ESOL learners to practice speaking English. We work closely with offices such as DVOP(Veterans'Job The students of one of these groups received a small grant from Placement), Social Security, Watertown Senior Center, West the state to create a"Newcomer's Guide", which details trips to Suburban Elders and the Food Pantry to maximize our total ser- local cultural and educational sites. vice obligation to veterans and their dependents. Additionally, this office attends legislative briefings as needed regarding pend- Statistics ing veterans legislation. An important part of our work is also Items added to the collection: staying in touch with the local veteran's organizations: VFW, Books 13,256 American Legion, AMVETS, Marine Corps League and DAV. Sound Recordings 847 By having this close relationship we insure good two-way com- Videos 1,011 munication between the veterans and our office. CD-ROMS 32 Memorial Day 1996 proved to be an outstanding success due Total: 15,146 to the dedicated support of the veterans groups and many volun- Circulation: teers.This special day of remembrance is always well received, Main-Adult 155,943 evoking many memories of those that did not come home and Main-Children's 85,726 those that did.We are proud to be involved in such a worthwhile observance. 107 We pride ourselves in providing comprehensive and current given instruction to over 750 skaters per season, and the morn- information and assistance to the veterans and their dependents ing Stick& Puck sessions sees over fourteen hundred skaters a of Watertown. year. The Watertown Youth Hockey Association continues to thrive, with hockey programs for kids ages four and up. The Senior A Men's Hockey League plays each Sunday and Monday The John A. Ryan Skating Arena night, with eight teams participating in some of the best senior hockey around. A major updating of equipment took place in the summer A sincere thank you must go out to the family of George R. months.The refrigeration plant was replace after twenty two sea- Spence Sr.. On December 28th, 1996 the arena dedicated the sons.The overall project took about three months to complete, snack bar in the memory of George. Mr. Spence work at the and the arena opened on the 19th of August as planned. The arenas snack bar for over twenty years. Through the years all arena's summer projects also included the installation of a safety those who entered the arena were provided a service by George net in front of the entire stands area,a new ceiling was installed and the Spence family. There is now a plaque placed over the in the lobby,and with the help of the electrical department of the entrance to the snack bar, as a lasting tribute to George R. Department of Public Works our lobby lights were updated. Spence's service. Some landscaping work was done to spruce up the front of the The staff of the John A. Ryan Skating Arena would like to building as well as the locker areas were repainted and new thank the Fire Department,Rescue Squad,Police Department,the showers were installed,featuring a time flow shut off valve that entire staff at Town Hall,and the Department of Public Works for will save greatly on water consumption. all their efforts in making this arena a safe and enjoyable place. The arena has become the home arena for two new hockey programs. The Watertown High women's program started this December and the response has been great.Also the Falcons of Trinity Catholic, Newton, MA have chosen the arena for their home.The John A.Ryan Skating Arena is now home ice for the Watertown Men's and Women's as well as the Middle School, Newton North and South High Schools, Waltham High and Trinity Catholic High, and Bentley College. During the regular season the arena will host approximately sixty games. Every March the arena is chosen by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to be a host site for High School Boys Tournament games. "41 The 1996 world's champion women's figure skater,Michele Kwan visited the arena and was featured on the local news sta- tions.Public skating is going strong,averaging over twelve thou- sand skaters per season.The Group Skating Lessons program has The John A. Ryan Skating Arena's spruced up front area. 108 Department of Public Works Administration Highway The office staff handles public relations and information, The Highway division is responsible for maintenance and permits, departmental payroll, purchasing, invoicing, account- repair of approximately 72 miles of Town roadway and 144 ing,water and sewer billing,commercial trash collection billing, miles of town sidewalk, maintenance and repair of paved areas cemetery records, funding issues surrounding all construction abutting or contained within Town facilities,review and issuance contracts and interface with state and federal agencies. of relevant permits. Administrative staff also maintains communications with the In November,bids were opened for a two combined phases Town's contractor providing residential trash removal, and han- of comprehensive roadway construction and construction began dles public relations, data collection and analysis, and State in April. Locations receiving treatment under the contract reporting requirements regarding trash collection and recycling. included: Bay, Bennett Road , Brandley Road, Brimmer, During FY96, a computerized state of the art system was Brookline, California, California Park, Carver Road (East and designed for the Department's extensive purchasing activities. West), Chauncey, Church, Cuba, Edwards Road, Forest, Grant An independent professional audit of the Department 's Ave., Hancock, Hovey, Katherine, Ladd, Laurel Longfellow activities was conducted by Melanson and Greenwood. The Road, Marshall, Palmer, Prospect, Richards, Salisbury Road, Department began to act on recommendations within its grasp, Standish,Thurston Road,Warren and Winthrop Streets. such as staffing configurations,at once;other recommendations, While work through an outside contractor demands a great such as staffing levels or the condition of the DPW facility,will deal of monitoring, negotiating and often reworking, the take more time and major infusions of capital. Department was grateful for the funding from the Mass. Highway Department and for the services of the contractor, Cemetery Bardon Trimount. Without the money and staffing, the much The Cemetery division is responsible for maintenance of needed work couldn't have been accomplished. over thirty acres of cemetery at three plots,preparation of graves, The staff also prepared specifications and bid contracts for oversight of funerals at Town cemeteries. crack sealing and permanent street patching, In FY96,the division handle 143 interments,buried one still born and an additional eleven remains from cremations. There Parks was one disintemment and one re-interment.Twenty-two single The Parks division handles all maintenance needs at 88 acres graves were sold for immediate use as well as seven double of Town grounds,parks and recreational facilities configured in graves and one triple grave. twelve baseball fields,four soccer fields,one field hockey field Central Motors and one football field. The division interfaces with all groups The staff maintains and repairs the majority of Town vehi- using facilities, and accordingly marks playing grounds for all cles.To maintain vehicle quality and expand fleet size, the fol- baseball,football,field hockey and soccer games played by high lowing vehicles were purchased for use by the Public Works school,recreation dept.and youth staff Department in 1996: In FY96 division rebuilt the baseball infield at Bemis •Four pick-up truck style utility bodies used by supervisors Park. In conjunction with staff of the School and Recreation with plows to achieve maximum versatility; Departments and with Maggie Thomas/concerned parents,a new • tot lot was installed at the Lowell School. One 35,000 GVW dump truck body with a sander plow; •One new aerial bucket truck for use by the fire alarm/elec- The division used the services of an outside contractor to assist in parks maintenance. trical division; •One 26,000 GVW multi purpose swap loader.A great deal Propertyand Buildings Of time and effort went into the development of the technical and design specifications for this vehicle. While its purchase price The staff of the Property and Buildings division repairs and maintains Town facilities,including HVAC and lighting systems, was approximately$51,000,its capability to hydraulically swap five (5) independent bodies allows us to virtually replace five trical signage for elections and Town functions and the complex elec- trucks with approximate costs of $50,000 each (total cost $ systems. wiring for Town wide fire alarm and emergency response s 250,000)at an actual saving of close to$200,000, syste Forestry Sewer and Water The Forestry division handles pruning and maintenance of More closely related than any of the other divisions the water urban forest and shrubbery on Town property.In FY96,the divi- and sewer crews handle maintenance and repair of approxi- sion responded to 300 resident requests. mately 80 miles of sewer mains and 80 miles of drains with In FY96, the Forestry division removed 61 trees and 124 accompanying service laterals,cleaning of all Town catch basins, stumps. Eleven trees were felled by storms and accidents. To plumbing for all Town facilities,review of relevant permits. assist in tree pruning,the Town procured the services of an out- In 1996, the staff repaired 53 sewer leaks, fixed 13 sewer side contractor. breaks,repaired twelve water main breaks and four sewer main 109 breaks, replaced thirteen fire hydrants, repaired nine fire Recycling hydrants, performed 32 water service renewals, repaired 38 Despite the disappointing assessment from the Mass. drains and catch basins,replaced 600 linear feet of sewer mains Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued in the and 600 linear feet of storm drain main lines. Bolstered by ser- form of the Recycling Report Card, the recycling rate jumped vices of an outside contractor, 1600 catch basins were cleaned. from 10% to 17%. In conjunction with other members of the Division staff also conducted testing and inspections NESWC consortium and other neighboring communities, the required by the Environmental Protection Agency. Department is continuing its efforts to formulate and implement a recycling policy that is both environmentally and fiscally FY96 List of DPW Accomplishments responsible without being discouraged by misguided external During FY96,the Department of Public Works and its staff. standards. •began the in-house paving of the DPW Yard; Together with the Town of Belmont, the first annual •removed heating oil tank from Town Hall,the Main library Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day was held in and the DPW Yard;•implemented a pavement management pol- October 1995. icy requiring individual,site specific treatments best suited to the In FY96,the Department took the initial steps to extend trash problem and anticipated life cycle of the pavement; and recycling services to condominiums not yet serviced under • issued the first comprehensive contract specification (in the Town contract. accordance with pavement management policy detailed above) for roadway paving by outside contractors; Snow and Ice •obtained state funding for two phases of roadway construc- The record breaking winter of 1996 mandated the removal of tion totaling$785,000;obtained state funding for the removal of an unprecedented 106+ inches of snow. The Department's own the Main Street bridge,valued at approximately$650,000; removal efforts during the January storms qualified the Town for • completed pre bid work for the reconstruction of Galen reimbursement from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Street, including complex negotiations with the MWRA and Agency, which was received in the amount of$38,188.00 Camp,Dresser McKee to replace water mains as non-participat- The Department of Public works continues to be proud of its ing items in the contract for Galen Street reconstruction; unparalleled reputation for superior snow and ice control. •obtained state funding for design of roadway improvements for Pleasant Street; • secured $ 150,000 in state funding for the upcoming replacement of the DPW fuel tank- bid contracts for line painting and tree pruning; •participated with the MWRA and an outside contractor in a contract to detect leaks in the Town's water system; •purchased furnace for burning recycled fuel,to save money and function in an environmentally responsible fashion; • purchased a state of the art engineering copier to improve the quality of research services provided to the public. Staff Additions John Palaima joined the Forestry Division bringing both experience in arbor culture and a pesticide license to the ranks of the Department; Brian McDonough,Town Hall janitor, was interviewed and selected with the assistance of DPW staff. Brian's presence has stabilized delivery of janitorial services at Town Hall;Al Nason and Tony Mazzeo were hired to fill the depleted ranks of the Highway division. MRI Negotiations The twenty-three NESWC (Northeast Solid Waste Committee) communities have entered into negotiations with Wheelabrator/Mass Refuse,Inc.regarding the future of the plant and the working relationship of the communities and plant man- agement. Professional analyses and negotiating services are being provided by the NESWC consultant, Environmental Futures. issues on the table include finances, plant operations, and regulatory requirements. Of significant issue to the Town is the escalating tip fee for trash at the group's incinerator in North Andover. 110 Reports of the Departments of Public Safety Police Department Training During 1996 all members of the Watertown Police Administrative Services Department attended forty hour In-Service Training sessions pre- In 1996 the Police Department continued the D.A.R.E. pro- sented by the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council. gram at both the elementary and middle school level. The pro- The In-Service Training program consists of criminal and consti- gram consists of a 10 lesson plan that emphasizes information tutional law update, crisis intervention, domestic abuse preven- and teaching skills that enable students to resist peer pressure and tion, C.P.R., sexual harassment, retirement planning, personnel negative influences in making personal choices. In 1996 the management,personal communications and officer survival. D.A.R.E.program was expanded with the inclusion of Outward Various officers attended specialized domestic abuse semi- Bound, Horizons for Youth, the Beaverbrook Multi-Service nars sponsored by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office and Center Peer Leadership program and the establishment of an by the State Attorney General. Explorer's Boy Scout Troop.The D.A.R.E.program is also fea- Community Policing Officers Lawn and J. Kelly attended a lured monthly on the Watertown Cable channel. specialized Community Policing Bicycle Training course. In 1996, the Police Department again received a grant of All Public Safety Dispatchers and Police Administrative per- communications sonnel attended skills. in-service course on techniques of effective $15,000.00 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to fund the D.A.R.E.program and to educate students of the dangers of c tobacco. All officers maintained their qualification with the 9 mil- In 1996, the Police Department received a grant of limeter pistols and familiarization with issued weapons at Camp $25,000.00 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to con- Curtis Guild in Wakefield.Night firearms training,involving tac- tinue implementation of the Community Policing program. tical conditions an officer may encounter in a potential deadly The Police Department also received a COPS MORE Grant force situation,were simulated in live fire,low light exercises at from the U.S. Department of Justice for $44,000.00 to be the Boston Police Department Range. matched by $35,712.00 from the Town of Watertown for Several police officers attended recertification sessions con- Community Policing. ducted by various law enforcement specialists, i.e., the The Police Department received a COPS Universal Hiring Breathalyzer, child abuse, mobile and fixed data terminals, etc. Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for $225,000.00 to Several Detectives received additional training in the field of fund the salaries of three full time police officers for the next Domestic Violence,Narcotics,Investigatory Techniques,Finger- three years. printing and Anti-Gang Violence. The Police Department was also awarded a$7,500.00 Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Patrol Division Public Safety for computer hardware and software to implement The primary mission of the Patrol Division is to serve Watertown's citizens and to protect their property through an Offender Based Tracking System.This system will facilitate the electronic transmittal of information between law enforce- enforcement and highly visible deterrent activities.The men and ment agencies and the Criminal History Systems Board. women of the Patrol Division represent the Department's first The Police Department also received a Block Grant of response to all emergencies and most calls for service. During $49,507.00 from the Bureau of Justice Division of the U. S. 1996 the Patrol Division responded to over 24,000 calls for ser- Department of Justice. The Town appropriated $5,509.00 in vice.These calls initiated investigations and events that resulted matching funds.These funds are earmarked for a wide range of in over 800 arrests.These statistics do not reflect officer-initiated services and equipment ranging from computer hardware and contacts made by patrol officers while on routine patrol. software to funding two Citizen's Police academies. The Patrol Division placed heavy emphasis in the enforce- ment of traffic regulations,thus keeping with the goal of moving ` vehicular traffic safely and effectively on the streets of Watertown. Personnel and equipment were assigned to monitor !!ta and enforce traffic rules and orders when necessary in keeping f with this goal.Patrols were adjusted during the course of the year to address increased activity due to holidays,special events,and recreational events at parks and playgrounds. Patrols were increased during peak shopping periods in the business areas of Watertown. This was accomplished by utilizing both foot and motorized patrols. The Patrol Division has striven to provide efficient and effec- tive service to the needs and expectations of the members of our community. The Patrol Division works in concert with other divisions in the Police Department and agencies within the area 111 to accomplish this goal. Computer data is analyzed on a daily Crime Prevention Unit basis to assist in the deployment of Police Officers to areas in The Crime Prevention Unit coordinates programs for both need of a police presence. the residential and business community. The Crime Prevention As a result of the entire police department having been Unit is a resource for targeting specific geographic areas, based trained by experts in the field of Community Policing prior to upon crime type and frequency,that may be vulnerable to crim- 1996, the Watertown Police Department began implementation inal activity. of this program in July 1996. Three officers are currently This Unit also has responsibility for public information activ- assigned to the unit on a full time basis. Officer Lloyd Burke is ities,news releases,media relations,and safety programs within assigned to Upper Lexington Street, Officer Michael Lawn is the elementary school system. assigned to Coolidge Square, and Officer Joseph Kelly is In conjunction with both the Arsenal and Watertown Malls, assigned to Arsenal Street and the two malls.One of the goals of programs were conducted for all store managers and selected these officers is to encourage interaction between the police employees in effective crime prevention methods in a retail envi- department and the citizens of Watertown.One of the many ways ronment. by which they accomplish this is through the use of bicycle Additional crime prevention programs were: Operation patrol.The community policing program is currently funded by Identification,where engraving tools are made available to mark state and federal grants.The program is enjoying great success in personal valuables; Home & Business Security Surveys, where the rust six months of operation as illustrated by the opening of officers visit home and business locations and advise owners on an office for community outreach at the Arsenal Mall.There are such matters as alarms, locks, and lighting; Neighborhood plans for offices to open in 1997 in Lexington Gardens Watch, where meetings of concerned neighbors are encouraged (Lexington Street)and Willow Park(Nichols Avenue). to watch the property of others and report anything suspicious. In 1996 the Police Department,in conjunction with commu- Crime prevention and awareness programs were held for various nity policing, conducted two Citizens Police Academies which civic groups and employees from the business community, give participating citizens an inside look at the police depart- through company health fairs and other functions. Matters ment.The participants were taught by police department mem- related to substance abuse,personal protection,and protection of bers in such areas as narcotics, traffic, criminal law, patrol property,both at home and in the workplace,were all covered in procedures, and deadly force.The program also included a ride these meetings. along with an officer in a police cruiser to give participants an up The Crime Prevention Unit conducted individual classroom close and personal view of police work.Plans are being made to instruction at the elementary school level throughout the year in continue the program in 1997. such areas as pedestrian safety,bicycle safety, school bus safety and substance abuse awareness. Personnel Child safety has always been a priority issue with this depart- Promotions ment. To emphasize that, the Crime Prevention unit conducted William Logue,Sergeant 02/08/96 programs at both the Watertown and Arsenal Malls.One such pro- Robert McElroy,Sergeant 09/19/96 gram entitled Project Kid Care is designed to educate families on Appointments child safety,includes photographing and fingerprinting children. Roberto Velasquez Johnson,Officer 09/223/96 As part of the Department's overall Crime Prevention Robert Dexter,Officer 09/23/96 Program, we advocate citizens being aware of suspicious activ- Charles Samios,Jr.,Officer 09/23/96 ity in their neighborhoods and places of work. The Department John St.Onge,Officer 09/30/96 recognizes through its Good Citizen Award Program,those citi- David Sampson,Officer 10/17/96 zens who through their alertness and concern for others, have Wayne Hoiseth,Officer 10/17/96 greatly assisted members of this Department. Retirements Sgt.John J.Whooley 07/31/96 Traffic Division During 1996 Officers assigned to the Traffic Division per- In Memoriam formed traffic enforcement duties throughout the Town, includ- It is with deep regret and a sense of personal loss that we ing enforcement of parking regulations in municipal parking record the passing away of the following members of this areas as well as on public streets. Department who, during their years of service, faithfully per- In addition to regular assignments,the Traffic Division used formed their duties. Selective Enforcement Teams. These teams focus on specific locations and types of violations that are known to be accident Officer Donald Todd causative. These violations include excessive speed, operating Retired 11-01-66 Deceased 03-04-96 under the influence of alcohol and other flagrant acts that con- Years of service 20 tribute to accidents. During 1996, the Watertown Police Department applied for Sergeant John J.Whooley and was awarded a Traffic Safety Grant for$2,500.00 from the Retired 07/01/96 Deceased 08/08/96 Governor's Highway Safety Bureau for enforcement in the area Years of service 34 of Pedestrian and Crosswalk Safety. 112 The School Crossing Program was supervised by Sergeant licensed establishments were checked with minimal violations O'Connor and Officer Collins of the Traffic Division. The being recorded.A second operation aimed at package stores was School Crossing Guards assigned to the program are responsible equally successful.The success of these operations is a result of for the safe passage of school children to and from school the educational efforts of this division directed toward the liquor throughout the Town.There are presently twenty-seven Crossing establishments. Guards at various intersections in close proximity to the The Domestic Violence Unit was established in 1992 and schools.The major enforcement statistics for 1996 are as follows: investigates over 250 cases a year. The unit provides legal advice, support, and assists other agencies with the emphasis Oper Under Influence Arrests 39 being placed on the safety of the victim and the prosecution of Motor Vehicle Violations: the abuser. Moving citations 7,015 During 1996, the Drug Unit worked closely with Federal, Parking Violations 21,834 State and other law enforcement agencies in the"war on drugs". During 1996 the Watertown Police Department investigated Violations of the Controlled Substance Act continue to be the tar- 967 reportable motor vehicle accidents. These accidents con- get of department efforts. Investigations and search warrants sisted of personal injury and/or property damage. have led to the seizure of currency, homes, motor vehicles and In 1996, the Traffic Division investigated reportable acci- other personal property.Detectives also provide education to the dents as follows: youth of Watertown on the dangers of drugs and abuse.They also Motor Vehicle vs Bicycle 12 provide assistance in referring abusers to treatment programs for Motor Vehicle vs Fixed Object 44 help in an attempt to prevent further crimes. Motor Vehicle vs Moving MV 673 During 1996, the Suburban Middlesex County Task Force, Motor Vehicle vs Parked MV 215 consisting of officers from eight area police departments, was Motor Vehicle vs Pedestrian 23 formed. Since it began operations in September, the task force has conducted thirty-eight(38)investigations,closing twenty-six In 1996 there were no fatal automobile accidents. of them resulting in thirty-six arrests for various charges.In addi- During 1996, the Traffic Division, in conjunction with the tion,five(5)vehicles,two(2)handguns,$46,000 in cash and one Watertown Traffic Commission, conducted numerous restaurant have been seized.These investigations have also led to surveys/investigations at locations throughout the Town. The the seizure of the following drugs: cocaine, crack cocaine, purpose of which were to analyze the requirements for installa- heroin,marijuana and over 1,200 miscellaneous pills. tion of traffic control devices, signs, parking regulations and The Detective Division has continued to work closely with other traffic related activities. area departments, including Boston, to address the increase in The Traffic Division also conducted additional surveys and gang activity.A detective has been assigned to identify and mon- investigations for other Town agencies such as the Department of itor gang activity. The division also works with other local and Public Works,Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board. Federal and agencies in the areas of gaming, organized crime, The Traffic Division also maintains an Accident and firearms. Reconstruction Team which is on call and available on a 24 hour Throughout the year there was a continued effort to scruti- basis for serious accidents and/or fatal accidents. nize reported crimes. This strategy revealed that many crimes that were reported were unfounded or false and that many Detective Division reported commercial larcenies were committed by employees. The Detective Division is comprised of the Investigative Unit, Licensing Unit, Juvenile Unit, Domestic Violence Unit, Substance Abuse Statistcs Drug Unit and Prosecutor's Unit. In 1996 as a result of the investigations of violations of the Members of the division investigated numerous crimes, ini- narcotic drug laws sixty-eight (68) arrests were made and the tiated investigations, inspected licensed premises, and were below charges were filed: involved in programs for juveniles,the elderly,the business com- Conspiracy to violate C.S.Act 19 munity and the general public. Administering a C.S. 15 In addition to their normal duties the division also conducted Being present where heroin found 1 a series of drug and alcohol related"sweeps"aimed at curtailing Unlawful poss C.S. 51 teenage involvement in such activities. In conjunction with the Unlawful poss C.S. int to disc 16 State Police K-9 unit and the District Attorney's office a"sweep" Unlawful poss needle/syringe 1 of Watertown High School was conducted.Although there were Trafficking in cocaine 3 no arrests made,the operation was a success in that it alerted the Cultivating a C.S. (Marijuana) 1 student body of the Watertown Police Departments ongoing TOTAL 107 enforcement of the drug laws. There were two stings aimed at licensed liquor establish- In addition to the above court actions numerous drug ments to combat underage drinking.The first was a joint opera- investigations resulted in referrals to medical and/or psychiatric tion with the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission aimed at facilities. establishments licensed to serve alcoholic drinks. Forty two(42) 113 Juvenile Unit Commonwealth. Any irregularities observed during these During 1996,the Juvenile Unit had official contact with 184 inspections were investigated and appropriate action was taken juveniles (95 males & 89 females) for various offenses. This whenever deemed necessary. reverses a trend where incidents involving females outnumbered During 1996,complaints filed with the Watertown Licensing incidents involving males. Board resulted in the following actions: the suspension of five As a result of these contacts, forty-one (41)juveniles were (5) licenses for Liquor Restaurants for a total of nine (9)days; arrested, nineteen (19)juveniles were summoned to court, one one establishment was assessed a monetary fine. hundred and twenty four(124)juveniles had police contact that In addition, it was found necessary to suspend ten (10) did not result in court action.Twelve(12)runaways were located firearms permits for various violations. with the assistance of the police department. During 1996 officers from this department conducted many The Watertown Police Department initiated forty two (42) investigations into illegal gaming activities. child abuse or child neglect investigations with the License Applications 1996 Massachusetts Department of Social Services. Approved Denied Total This unit had twenty-two presentations and conferences with Amusement Devices 79 0 79 community groups on juvenile issues. Auctioneers Special 43 0 43 In addition to the above, the Juvenile Officer serves on the yearly 1 0 1 new Community Based Justice Program of the Middlesex District Auto Dealers Class 1 10 0 10 Attorney's Office, continues to represent the Police Department Class 2 15 0 15 as a member of the Governor's Alliance Drug Task Force, Class 3 2 0 2 Massachusetts Juvenile Officers Association, and serves on the Auto Leasing/Rental 7 0 7 Council on Community Education. Many department members Auto Repair Shops 76 0 76 again hosted the annual Shamrock Road Race for area youths. Beano Licensees 8 0 8 The Juvenile Officer,along with other members of the detec- Change of Manager 6 0 6 five division, conducted classes at the Watertown Citizen's Change of Ownership 5 0 5 Police Academy during 1996. Common Victualers Licensees 92 0 92 Constables 3 1 4 Entertainment Permits 10 0 10 Prosecutor's Unit Firearms-Alien Registration 31 0 31 During 1996, the Prosecutor's Unit prosecuted over 2,500 Carry 41 4 45 criminal cases. During 1996, this office processed in excess of Dealers 0 0 0 1,500 motor vehicle related cases.Appeals of motor vehicle cita- Purchase-Permit to 0 0 0 tions resulted in court hearings on over 500 traffic citations and F.I.D.Cards 70 4 74 a resultant 75 appeals of those hearings. Hackney Carriages 21 0 21 In addition to prosecuting cases resulting from arrests, the Drivers 65 0 65 Prosecutor's Unit is also responsible for obtaining warrants and Livery 5 0 5 summons resulting from investigations by the Detective Division. Stands-Private 0 0 0 The Prosecutor's Unit processed all complaints made by Public-Rotating 4 0 4 Junk Collector 0 0 0 civilians as well as the above police initiated cases.Civilian com- Liquor-Clubs 11 0 11 plaints arise from actions taken by private citizens and private One Day Permits 144 1 145 security services that may require a police report but not the Package-All Liquor 8 0 8 physical arrest of a suspect. Beer&Wine 7 2 9 This Unit is responsible for the scheduling of all officer and Restaurant-All Liquor 27 0 27 civilian witness appearances,court dates,analysis and continuity Beer&Wine 6 0 6 of physical evidence,such as drugs,weapons and documents for Lodging House 1 0 1 both the District Court proceedings and any Grand Jury actions Music Box Licensees 14 0 14 or appeals to the Superior Court.At the conclusion of necessary Parking Lot-Open Air 8 0 8 court proceedings, the Prosecutor's Unit coordinates the return Peddlers 5 0 5 of property to its owners,destruction of drugs,disposition and/or Private Functions 94 1 95 Public Dance Permits 53 0 53 destruction of firearms and other weapons. Public Weighmaster 3 0 3 Raffle&Bazaar Permits 21 0 21 Licensing Unit Retail Store(24 Hour) 5 0 5 In order to encourage cooperation between the licensees of Second Hand Dealers 1 0 1 the Town and the Police Department,with an intent to detect pos- Service Station(24 HO 1 0 1 sible violations of the laws and regulations governing licenses, Solicitors 11 0 11 members of this Department conducted inspections of various Special Closing Hours 290 0 290 licensed establishments during both day and night hours. The Special Police Officers 5 0 5 enforcement of regulations governing liquor establishments was Sunday Licenses 25 2 27 enhanced with the use of a grant obtained from the Misc.Investigations(WLB) 117 0 117 TOTALS 1451 15 1466 114 Fire Department Apparatus Responses for the Year p Central Fire Station,99 Main Street: Engine 1 1,755 Emergency Incident Response Ladder 1 1,755 The Watertown Fire Department responded to 4,643 reported East Watertown Fire Station, fires and emergency calls for assistance during the year 1996.A Eas Mount Auburn Street: summary of those incidents and estimated property losses as Engine 2 1,367 compiled by the Fire Prevention Bureau is as follows: Ladder 2 614 Accidental alarms from building fire reporting systems 609 North Watertown Fire Station,270 Orchard Street: Motor vehicle fires 35 Engine 3 1.310 Assistance with animal control problems 33 Fire Rescue(emergency medical ambulance) 1,717 Investigate an oil leak or odor 7 Fire Rescue,responses to Town of Investigate a gas leak or odor 75 Belmont,as their backup ambulance 86 Brush fire 29 Note:some incidents require response of more than one unit Heating system malfunction or fire 59 to the scene of the emergency. Smoke condition investigated 84 Two Multiple Alarm Fire in 1996 Electrical problem with appliance or building service 49 The Fire Department responded to many structure and Building or structure fire 27 dwelling fires during the year.The initial response to such calls Fires in stoves or cooking appliances 47 is by two engine companies and an aerial ladder company,under False calls reporting a fire or emergency 60 the command of the deputy fire chief on duty.This response is False calls reporting an explosive device 9 usually sufficient to confine and extinguish the fire. However, Assist with water problem in building 646 when conditions require the response of more fire apparatus,the Assist with being locked out of automobile or dwelling 168 officer in charge at the scene orders additional alarms to rein- Hazardous material spill or leak 15 force the initial fire attack.Watertown firefighters responding to Emergency medical assistance call 2,076 a house fire at 102 Pleasant St. on Wednesday evening, March Miscellaneous calls for assistance 133 27, 1996,encountered serious fire conditions on the second floor Mutual aid response to other communities 163 of a two-family dwelling. Firefighters under the command of Elevator emergencies,victims trapped inside elevator car 14 Deputy Chief Robert McFarland confined the fire to the area of Motor vehicle accidents 204 origin, and extinguished it with only moderate damage to the Calls investigated,no service required 19 structure.Watertown Fire Department personnel responding to a Downed electrical or utility wires 54 call for a house fire at 34 Walnut St.on Tuesday afternoon,April Reset building fire protection alarm system 14 2, 1996, found that fire had broken out in a ceiling space on the Rubbish or dumpster container fires 14 second floor of this multi-family dwelling, and had extended to Total Number of Emergency Responses a large, decorative roof dormer and the attic area. Firefighters for the Year 1996: 4,643 under the command of Deputy Chief Renato Barrila, who had ordered a second alarm sounded upon his arrival at the scene, fKUSe battled to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading and involving other parts of the structure.Their efforts were success- " ful,and the building was saved from destruction. Mutual Aid Assistance from _ Other Greater Boston Fire Departments The Watertown Fire Department thanks the Belmont, Cambridge,Newton and Waltham fire departments for providing fire scene response and station coverage during the several occa- sions in 1996 when all Watertown firefighters and units were engaged in fire suppression activities. Mutual Aid Response to Other Communities The Fire Department responded to other municipalities in the Greater Boston area 77 times in 1996, under the established Metrofire District mutual aid assistance agreement. These Watertown Firefighters hosted their annual Open House on responses were to reported fires near the border between Sunday, Oct. 27, 1996. The well-attended event provided an Watertown and an adjacent community, or to fire station cover- opportunity for residents,and especially youngsters, to visit Fire age assignments during major fires in other cities and towns,or Department headquarters, see the fire apparatus and meet on fourteen occasions directly to the fire to assist other depart- Watertown firefighters. ments with fire suppression efforts. 115 Estimated Property Losses in 1996 Firefighter Tom Thibaut, Structure fires $470,200 at left, models the older- Motor vehicle fires $ 51,000 , style firefighters'coat and Other fires,all categories $ 35,300 pull-up rubber boots, Total Estimated Dollar Loss: $556,500 t,�,� _ while Firefighter Steve Caira, at right in photo, is Largest Losses in Property wearing the new firefight- 102 Pleasant St.,two-family residence $150,000 ers' jacket and trousers 34 Walnut St.,multi-family residence $128,500 protective suit issued to all 134 Chapman St.,detached garage and Watertown firefighters two automobiles at two-family residence $75,000 during 1996. Purchase was made possible by Fees Collected Town Council approval Smoke detector inspections $11,370 after request by fire chief Copies of departmental reports $209 ii' ` and favorable recommen- Required Permits for product storage, dation by the town man- or regulated activities $6,485 ager, in the interest of Annual fees for connection to iniprovedfirefighter safety. master fire alarm boxes $12,200 Cargo tank-truck vehicle inspections $610 resistant barrier that also protects the moisture barrier and ther- Required fire prevention inspections mal liner from physical damage. conducted quarterly $650 The moisture barrier membrane is waterproof but breathable, Total Fees Collected $31,524 allowing water vapor and some excess body heat to escape while preventing moisture from entering from the outside through the Inspections Conducted by Fire Appartus clothing. The membrane offers dual protection capabilities, Oil burner inspections 49 meeting NFPA 1971,the structural firefighting clothing standard, Smoke detector inspections 569 and NFPA 1999, the EMS clothing Bloodborne Pathogen Inspections conducted quarterly: Resistance standard. Day care facilities 51 The thermal liner is constructed of a kevlar aramid batt with Public and private schools 53 nomex face cloth.This is one of the fighter lining systems cur- Community residences 58 rently available, but one that can provide the NFPA 1971 Nursing homes 12 required thermal protective performance minimums. Handicapped workshops 20 The older turnout coat and pull-up 3/4-length boots were Health programs 8 removed from service, but retained for backup use if and when Motel 1 necessary. The purchase was made possible this year by an appropria- New Firefighters Protective Coats and Trosuers lion approved by the Town Council during annual budget delib- Issued in 1996 erations.Purchase of the new garments to replace the older-style The Fire Department issued new firefighters' coats and turnouts had been requested by the fire chief, and was recom- trousers to all its firefighters in 1996.Protective clothing for fire- mended by the town manager. The new protective suits cost fighters has improved tremendously in the past decades.Current approximately$650 for each firefighter. National Fire Protection Association standards require the use of these coats and trousers on all structural fire calls.Although no Fire Department Provides Basic protective clothing can provide complete protection from all haz- Emegency Medical Assistance ards,Watertown Fire Department firefighting personnel will be The Fire Department has provided basic emergency medical provided with a higher level of protection by wearing the new care and transportation for citizens in Watertown since 1975.The garments.These structural firefighting protective suits,manufac- department has a total of 52 firefighters who are certified emer- tured by the Globe Company,Inc.,of Pittsfield,New Hampshire, gency medical technicians (EMTs). The remaining firefighting and the fabrics used in their construction meet or exceed the personnel are qualified to state standards as medical First requirements of NFPA 1971,Standard on Protective Clothing for Responders.Almost all of these EMTs and First Responders are Structural Firefighters, 1991 edition. also trained on the use of the semi-automatic cardiac defibrilla- The turnout gear consists of three components: for which is carried on the Fire Rescue/ambulance.All members • An outer shell, of the department certify annually in cardiopulmonary resuscita- • A moisture barrier, lion(CPR)skills. • A thermal inner liner. The department's engine companies and ladder companies The outer shell forms an exterior barrier between the fire- are also equipped to handle medical emergencies. The closest fighter and the environment.The outer shell is a flame and heat available engine company is dispatched with the Fire Rescue to 116 medical assistance calls.Ladder companies are sent to the emer- i gency scene when their specialized rescue skills or equipment are needed. In September, 1996,the Fire Department upgraded the defib- an AMBULANCE rillator carried on the Rescue/ambulance with a new and more — WATE.R7OWN advanced unit,and placed into service six additional semi-auto FIRE- matic electronic cardiac defibrillator units to be carried on the D$pa engine and ladder companies.This purchase was made possible ,. by an appropriation recommended by the town manager and "awl approved by the Town Council during budget deliberations for fiscal year 1997,which commenced on July 1, 1996.Watertown became one of only a few communities in the Greater Boston area to have these life-saving units available for early response to emergency medical incidents. Watertown's new Fire Department ambulance, purclunsed in Advanced Life Support Service Instituted by Watertown 1996,awaits its next emergency medical assignment on the Main A cooperative agreement with the Armstrong Ambulance Street fire station rmnp. Company to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) service in Watertown was instituted in November 1995.ALS services are try in general, is a DOT Type III unit.The existing 1992 ambu- now provided by a non-transport Advanced Life Support unit lance, which had been withdrawn from service because of its staffed by two certified Paramedics. mechanical condition, was used as a trade-in. The Fire The ALS system is a two-der model,with the Watertown Fire Department Rescuelambulance responds to approximately 2,000 Department providing emergency medical First Responder ser- calls for emergency medical assistance each year. vice, and its Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance unit to the scene upon receipt of a medical emergency call.Watertown pub- Fire Department Receives Grant for Public Fire Education lic safety dispatchers also send the ALS unit if the nature and cir- The Watertown Fire Department was one of over 120 recip- cumstances of the reported incident, such as a cardiac-related ients of a S.A.F.E. Grant award in 1996.The Student Awareness emergency,fall within certain guidelines. and Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) Program was created by the On-line medical direction for Watertown Advanced Life Massachusetts Legislature which appropriated $1.25 million Support activity is provided by the South Middlesex Emergency from the revenues raised by cigarette taxes to be used by local Medical Services Consortium via Mount Auburn Hospital. fire departments to conduct public fire education programs.This Patients are treated and transported, usually in the Watertown addresses the fact that smoking has consistently been the leading Fire Department ambulance, within protocols and guidelines cause of fire deaths in this state and in the nation. Twenty-nine provided by the emergency medical region which provides over- Massachusetts residents died during 1994 in fires caused by the sight for ALS activity in the Greater Boston area.On-going clin- careless use and disposal of smoking materials. ical supervision and quality assurance is provided in conjunction The Watertown Fire Department applied for a S.A.F.E. with the South Middlesex and North Suburban EMS consor- Program grant, and received an award of$18,000. The depart- When ment selected two firefighters, Lt. Thomas McManus Jr. and When Advanced Life Support services are provided to Firefighter Domenic Arone, to be S.A.F.E. Program instructors. patients,billing for those services is by the ALS provider,with a Classroom visits in the elementary schools commenced in early base fee reimbursement to the town for the transport services 1996. Educational materials published by the National Fire rendered. Protection Association (NFPA) were used to reinforce lessons During 1996 there were more than 1,300 ALS-category med- learned. ical incidents.Advanced life support services were rendered to The Fire Department received an additional grant of$8,500 541 patients. to continue the program in 1997. Fire Chief Paul McCaffrey said he is looking forward to Delivery of New Ambulance Vehicle to the Department The Fire Department took delivery of a new ambulance vehi- reaching out to the school children in Watertown. "Children are frequently the innocent victim of smoking-caused fires. While cle in February, 1996. The acquisition was made possible by a rs we want smoke to quit,we want their families to be safe from three-year lease/purchase agreement recommended by the town fire until they smokers manager and approved during budget deliberations by the Town Council.The new ambulance is manufactured by Horton Quality Personnel Milestones, 1996 Emergency Vehicles on a 1995 Ford E-350 chassis and cab. Retired Firefighter Frank J. Fratto died in May 1996. Ambulance vehicles licensed in Massachusetts for emergency Firefighter Fratto was appointed to the department on April 9, transportation must be constructed according to federal Dept.of 1951. He was retired on November 2, 1981, after more than 30 Transportation (DOT) specifications.The new ambulance, typi- years of service to the Fire Department and the Town of cal of those used by fire departments and the ambulance indus- Watertown. Firefighter Fratto was a Charter Member of 117 Watertown Firefighters'Local 1347,International Association of mercial traffic networks. Fire Fighters. Retired Firefighter Francis R Quinn died in May 1996. Packet Radio Station Established at DPW Storm Room Firefighter Quinn was appointed to the department on May 7, In addition to the conventional amateur radio voice station, 1959.He was retired on February 1, 1979,after almost 20 years the Town's Civil Defense agency has established a Packet Radio of service to the Fire Department and the Town of Watertown. station at the DPW's"storm room"at the Municipal Garage.The Retired Lt. Robert A. LeBlanc, Sr. died in July 1996. storm room is used as an emergency operating center during and Lieutenant LeBlanc was appointed to the department on May 17, following hurricanes,winter storms and similar natural disasters. 1951. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on April 29, A packet radio station has been set up to link the town with the 1969.He was retired on June 21, 1977,after more than 26 years Mass.Emergency Management Agency's Area I headquarters in of service to the Fire Department and the Town of Watertown. Tewksbury. Packet radio stations are similar to electronic bul- Lt. John T. Devaney retired from the Fire Department on letin boards; messages may be sent and received via computer Aug. 8, 1996. Lt. Devaney was appointed to the department on and VHF radio transmission. November 4, 1965.He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on June 20, 1974. He retired after serving the department and the Town Officials Attend Post-Storm Briefing in October Town of Watertown for almost 31 years. Following the severe and prolonged rainstorm of Oct.22-25, Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll made the following 1996, the fire chief, who serves as the Town's Civil Defense appointments to and promotions within the Fire Department in director,and the deputy superintendent of public works attended 1996: a day-long briefing conducted by representatives of the Federal Firefighter Michael Guerin was promoted to the permanent Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mass. rank of Lieutenant on Aug. 22, 1996. Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The session was Firefighter Mario Orangio was temporarily promoted to the held for local municipal officials on procedures for applying for rank of Lieutenant on Aug.22, 1996.This temporary promotion federal and state reimbursement for the extra expenses incurred was made due to the extended leave of another member of the by municipalities during and following this unusually severe department. rainstorm. The Town's public safety and public works depart- Shawn M. Burke and Joseph A.Toscano were appointed as ments responded to more than 500 calls for emergency assis- Firefighters for the Town of Watertown. Their appointments tance during the three-day period. were effective on Sept.26, 1996. Civil Defense The Watertown Auxiliary Police Department has several active members who contributed many hundreds of hours of ser- vice to the town of Watertown during 1996.The men have com- pleted Criminal Justice Training Council courses, cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses and courses for First Responders to medical emergencies. Civil Defense is responsible as the lead planning agency under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization act of 1986,also known as SARA Title III.Local civil defense agencies prepare municipal emergency management plans to be used in the event of hazardous materials emergencies. Amateur Radio R.A.C.E.S.Operators Local civil defense and emergency management agencies rely on licensed amateur radio operators to augment emergency communications during natural disasters.These"ham operators" donate their time and use of their radio equipment to help out when needed. Such operators are designated as R.A.C.E.S. (Radio amateur civil emergency services)operators. For emergency management purposes,Massachusetts is geo- graphically divided into three areas, and each area is further divided into a number of communications sectors. Watertown is in one of those sectors,and emergency messages may be sent via amateur radio back and forth to state Civil Defense headquarters in Framingham.This radio link supplements telephone and com- 118 Report of the Department of Community Planning and Development The Department of Community Development & Planning GRANT PROJECT AMOUNT was created through a vote of the Town Council in August, 1982. Small Cities Block Grant The Department provides a formal relationship and coordination (State-EOCD) Arsenal Reuse 22,000 between several boards, commissions and committees such as Reuse Planning the Planning Board, Board of Appeals, Historical and (State-Land Bank) Arsenal Reuse 47,000 Conservation Commissions,Housing Partnership,Arsenal Reuse Community Planning Assistance Committee, the Facilities Inspection and Zoning Enforcement (US-EDA) Arsenal Reuse 262,500 Divisions, and the Planning and Community Development HOME Program Office.Each entity is accorded professional and support services (US-HUD) Afford.Housing 455,000 by Department employees.The aim of integrating these related Home Improvement LoanProgram agencies is to improve communication and coordination and to (State-MHFA) Housing Rehab. 100,000 provide services more efficiently to the community.Several sig- Urban Forest Planning&Education nificant accomplishments were made through the Department (State-DEM) Tree Survey 10,000 during 1996,most notably: TOTAL $896,500 • Completion of the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update; • Creation of the Conservation-Preservation Tree Warden Planning Board Position; 1996 was a very full and productive year for the Planning • Preparation of the Arsenal Reuse Plan Update and submis- Board. For the first time since undertaking the master planning sion of Home Rule legislation creating the Watertown Arsenal process in 1989,the Planning Board did a thorough review of the Development Corporation; Zoning Ordinance.The Board began a series of public discussions • Preparation of a Demolition Delay Ordinance by the about the Zoning Ordinance in February,which continued at every Historical Commission; Planning Board meeting through May. During June and July, the • Working with the MBTA Planning Office, the design of a Board held three public hearings on proposed amendments. The new parking facility for express bus riders at the former MBTA outcome was a proposal to the Town Council that included 16 Car Barn facility on Galen Street in Watertown Square. amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and 6 zoning map changes. A summary report of the Department's major accomplish- The Town Council held 2 more public hearings,and then voted to ments for the year 1996 is as follows. adopt fourteen of those amendments,as well as five map changes. The most sweeping change involved an increase in the min- Planning and Community Development Division imum lot size required to build in the T(two family)and SC(sin- The Division serves several important functions within the gle family conversion) residential zones. Formerly, the T zone Department and the Town,among them are the following: required 5000 square feet, and the SC zone 6500 square feet to • Staff support to the Planning Board, Housing Partnership, build.Both zones now require 7500 square feet.The change was and the Arsenal Reuse Committee. motivated by the feeling of residents and Board members that a • Staff support to the Open Space Task Force which com- 5000 square foot lot is inadequate to support two units of hous- pleted the Open Space and Recreation Plan update which will be ing and four parking spaces, and still provide some open space. used to guide the protection and enhancement of the Town's nat- The change will result in decreased density on undeveloped lots. ural and recreational resources. Other important changes included further prohibitions on front • Representation to several agencies including Metropolitan yard parking and garages underneath structures, and changes in Area Planning Council, MBTA Advisory Board, and the what kinds of alterations to non-conforming properties are Watertown Economic Development Corporation. required to come before the Board.The latter will result in allow- * Coordination of real estate development activities, land- ing more property owners to alter their properties with only staff use planning, transportation, housing and capital improvement review,resulting in savings of both time and money. projects and policies; In addition to the zoning revisions, the Planning Board • Administration of various community development pro- reviewed applications for twenty-four accessory apartment,seven grams and grants such as the Small Cities, Home Improvement variances and 30 special permits. Major projects that were Loan Program,the federal HOME program. reviewed and approved in 1996 included renovation of the AT&T • Initiation and administration of economic development Building (705 Mt. Auburn Street), which will contain 418,000 policies and procedures which will allow Watertown to remain square feet of office/r.& d. space and a new parking garage for competitive in retaining and attracting investment to provide for over 1,000 cars. Other important projects that were approved revenue and employment growth. included renovations and additions to the Oakley Country Club During 1996, the Department continued to administer sev- structure, and the UPS facility on Arlington Street.Additionally, eral grant programs and projects as follows: the Board preliminarily reviewed a proposal to convert the First 119 Baptist Church property, at Mount Auburn, Marshall, and 560 Pleasant Street and Accessory Apartment,Robert Damiano, Common Streets into an elderly assisted living facility.This pro- 87-89 Templeton Parkway. posal has not as yet received approval from the Board. Two new members were appointed to the Planning Board in Facilities Inspection Division 1996. James Bean and John DiPietrantonio were appointed to Inspector of Buildings replace Jennifer Gilbert and Chairman James McDermott, who Building Permits Issued 461 resigned after 12 years of distinguished service to the Board.Mr. Occupancy Permits 85 McDermott's contribution to the Board will be felt in Watertown Sign Permits 39 for many years to come. Certificates of Inspection 45 Complaints Investigated 20 Board of Appeals Accessory Apartment Inspections&Follow-up Reports 27 During 1996, the Board of Appeals received a total of sixty New two-family houses 7 (60)petitions for a range of matters heard by the Board in accor- New single family houses 3 dance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Estimated Cost of New Construction: Chapter 40A,Section 14 and the Watertown Zoning Ordinance. Residential $1,310,000 The petitions included: twenty-eight (28) applications for Non-Residential $3,005,100 Special Permit, nine (9) applications seeking Variance relief, Estimated Costs of Additions or Alterations: twenty-seven(27)Accessory Apartment applications and one(1) Residential $2,493,996 application appealing the determination of the Zoning Non-Residential $4,357,149 Enforcement Officer. Fees collected for those hearings from Fees collected by the Building department 1996: $134,898 January 1,to December 31, 1996 totaled$12,164.00. One significant case in 1996 involved the Board's approval Inspector of Plumbing and Gas permitting 400,000 square feet interior remodeling and construc- I hereby submit the annual report of the office of tion of a four-level parking garage to the former"AT&T"build- Plumbing/Gas Fitting and Alternate Building Inspector for the ing, 705 Mt. Auburn Street proposed by Prospectus, Inc. The calendar year 1996: building previously owned by Mt. Auburn Hospital had been Plumbing minimally utilized.This revitalization for off ce/research/devel- Number of Plumbing Permits Issued 396 opment use proposes up to 1,000 new jobs,but more importantly Progress 202 the continued use of one of Watertown's landmark buildings. Rough 194 At this time the Board of Appeals consisted of:Jonathan M. Final 343 Bockian,Anthony J.Cristello,Elaine V.Grey,Anthony D.Furia, Layout and Design 50 John J. McCarthy, Jr., Full members; John W. Marshall and Plan Review 31 Francis N.Mastroianni,Alternate members;Attorney Michael V. Reinspection 33 Barba; Nancy Scott, Zoning Enforcement Officer; Colleen Illegal 20 Andrade,Clerk. Gas Fitting In September, Elaine V. Grey was elected Chairperson with Number of Gas Permits Issued 311 Anthony J.Cristello elected as Clerk. Mercury Tests 126 Final 275 Zoning Enforcement Officer Plan Reviews 14 Complaints/Inquiries 730 Layout and Design 39 Review of Building Applications 515 Progress 47 Review of Occupancy Applications 85 Illegal 10 Review of Sign Applications 49 Fees Received from Plumbing/Gas Permits $20,220. Board of Appeal Meetings 11 Waltham District Court/Superior Court Appearances 6 Accessory Apartment Inspections 45 Building Inspections 51 Land Court/Superior Court Appeals Complaints Investigated 19 In 1996 two(2)pending cases before Land Court were dis- Certificate of Occupancy Inspections 17 missed.Those two case involved Exxon Company for property Meetings in Watertown Square and the other was Lot #14 Church Hill Attorneys 16 Street,#19 Church Hill Street, Developer Mark Coppola for St. Architects,Engineers 15 Patrick's property. Boston Gas Co 15 A new case was filed appealing the Board of Appeals'deci- Building Inspector 41 sion on 43 Waltham Street. Contractors 37 Department Public Works 29 Still Pending Department Community Development&Planning 5 There are two (2) cases still pending: Russo & Sons, Inc., Educational 5 120 Fire Prevention Inspector 9 This bylaw gives greater means by which to protect Watertown's Health Department 5 wetlands. Manufacturer's Representatives 14 New England Associates of Plumbing Inspectors 5 Members Plumbing&Gas Inspectors 23 David McDonald,Co-Chairman Realtors 15 Marylouise Pallotta McDermott Watertown School Department 7 Eileen Zubrowski Wire Inspector 23 Patricia Schiavoni Zoning 2 Patrick Field Julie Ahem Beyond the execution of the above report, preparing and New Members:Monica Fairbairn,George Graw issuing plumbing and gas fitting permits,and related keeping of records, the usual daily office hours were kept. Starting July 1, Wetlands Hearings 1995,forty percent of my time was spent in Belmont as Inspector Metropolitan District Commission of Plumbing and Gas Fitting. As alternate building inspector, Raytheon time was spent perforating the duties of this position along with Rizzo Associates the normal responsibilities of plumbing and gas fitting inspector. United Parcel Service Sawins Pond Inspector of Wires Mount Auburn Cemetery Permits Issued 416 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Inspections/Reinspections 1090 Darviris Trust/106 Pleasant Street Inspections for Occupancy Permits 20 Ronald A. Lopez/144 Pleasant Street Inspections for License Renewals Restaurants/Bars 3 Boston Scientific Corporation Complaints Investigated 10 Fire Investigations 5 Land Acquisition Electrical Layouts for Town and Contractors 13 The Conservation Commission is looking forward to acquir- Electrical Violation Letters 15 ing six to seven more acres of conservation land after the closure Accessory Apartments Inspections&Follow-up reports 55 of the Army Materials Technology Laboratories. Electrical Vwlations: Equipment 0 Tree Planting Homes 13 Although the Town has not funded the spring tree planting Restaurants/Bars 2 program now for several years,the Commission has worked dili- Industrial 0 gently to upgrade and revise their tree planting contract. The Petitions Checked/Approved for revision has been handed over to the new Conservation- Town Council from Boston Edison/NE Tel 7 Preservation Agent/Tree Warden for his review and recommen- Meetings: dations. This will enable the Commission to obtain the best Consultations &information with Town Residents 25 contractors and plant materials with a much more thorough and Boston Edison 9 effective maintenance plan. The Commission will be actively New England Telephone 12 applying for various tree planting grants.Watertown continues to Electrical Inspectors 12 lose many of its mature trees and it is necessary to replant con- Traffic Commission 12 tinuously in order to maintain Watertown's urban forest. Building Department Personnel 25 The Conservation Commission continues to get a steady Health Department 3 stream of tree planting requests from residents who are eager to Fire Inspector 4 plant trees in front of their homes to help contribute to the beauty Fire Alarm Inspections 13 and environmental health of Watertown. Town Council 8 Fees Collected $29,864 Urban Forest Planning and Education Grant Project— 71ree Inventory Conservation Commision The tree survey project will be completed in January 1997 In 1957, Massachusetts became the fast state to establish and it is being incorporated into a Geographical Information municipal agencies dedicated to the promotion and protection of System.This inventory will be continually updated and it will be natural resources, by the acceptance of the Conservation a valuable and useful tool in determining the needs of Commission Act. In the early 1970's, Conservation Watertown's urban forest. Commissions were also charged to carry out wetlands protection via the Wetlands Protection Act. And, in 1989 the Watertown River Walkway Project Conservation Commission adopted regulations for the newly The Metropolitan District Commission has begun working on established Watertown Wetlands Ordinance,Chapter XV(1987). a river path project to open up access to the Charles River to the 121 public and to obtain a greater green corridor which provides bet- This Tree Warden has coordinated various groups and indi- ter protection for the Charles River and its related resources.This viduals to work together to facilitate the completion of the tree will connect with the Riverbend Office Park's asphalt path and it inventory which was begun in the fall of 1995. This effort has will continue to Bridge Street, where the Commission worked resulted in the implementation of a GIS compatible tree inven- with Peter Fuller Dodge who deeded some of their own land to the tory.This inventory will be an invaluable tool in the management MDC to add to the river path reservation area.The path will serve of our natural resources. as a multi-use,recreational area, locally and regionally. This position has also been utilized to assist in the review of various site plans for both the Zoning Enforcement Officer and Conservation Agent the Planning Department Director. This position adds someone The Conservation Agent acts in a technical support role to with professional background and experience in landscape the Conservation Commission. This includes site inspections, design to review proposed landscape plans for their immediate preparing Orders of Conditions and preparing grant proposals. and long term impacts. This position has allowed the Commission to more closely mon- The Tree Warden also acts as a source of information for the itor construction activities to insure compliance. public. Questions regarding the care and maintenance of plant Since the creation of this position,approximately twenty two materials,both public and private,can now be answered by a full site inspections have been performed. Cooperation with other time staff person.This allows the Forestry Department to spend departments has led to the discovery of,and ongoing removal of, more time maintaining the urban forest. This position has per- twenty eight improper discharges into resource areas. All of formed forty-two site inspections of public shade trees since its' these discharges were from private property. inception.These inspections were in response to inquiries by the The largest single project at this time is the construction of public.Additionally, there were fourteen separate inspections in the MDC Riverwalk adjacent to the Charles river. This project response to concerns raised from within the Forestry impacts several resource areas along the river.This new position Department. There were also several discussions with citizens gives the Commission the means to more closely monitor this regarding problems with shade trees located on their private project on a consistent basis. This project is just one of several property. that require regular monitoring by the Conservation The Tree Warden has been able to,and will continue to,affect Commission. This monitoring is now carried out by this new the long term impacts of what we do in a positive manner.These position and allows for more effective implementation of the impacts are positive indications of the need for this position. Wetlands Protection Act and the Watertown Wetlands Ordinance. The Conservation Agent has also continued the tree inventory HISTORICAL COMMISSION to its' completion. At the conclusion of January 1997 the tree Members of the Historical Commission: inventory will be GIS compatible.This means all the information Paul Brennan,Chairman collected throughout this survey is combined into a comprehensive Michelle Martin,Secretary Geographic Information System based format.This will allow for Victoria J Carter more accurate assessment of the needs of the public trees. Roger Erickson This position has allowed for more effective protection of Kenneth S. Rand our natural resources. Natalie Zakarian Frederick S.Griffin Tree Warden The Tree Warden is charged with monitoring and maintain- The Historical Commission has been busy since their ing all of the public shade trees,shrubs and growths.This posi- appointment by the Town Council in April of 1995. tion requires a large amount of liaison work between the The Historical Commission has worked hard to present the Department of Public Works and the Tree Warden. Town Council with a proposed Demolition Delay Ordinance.This Since its'inception,this position has worked closely with the proposed Demolition Delay Ordinance will put a mechanism in Forestry Department to insure that the level of care for public place to help preserve the historical fabric of Watertown.This was trees continues to be consistent with the latest tree care practices. developed after extensive research by the Historical Commission. Also, this position has also worked closely with the Forestry The Historical Commission holds meetings once a month Department to coordinate the documentation of the work per- and the office is located on the third floor of Town Hall. formed. When this is properly accomplished, we can use the Our phone number is 972-6473. We encourage you to call information gathered to update and maintain our street tree with any questions or comments regarding the historical inventory. This inventory will be a valuable tool in the proper resources of Watertown. management of our urban forest. The Commission has also worked to support the funding of The Tree Warden has worked closely with the Conservation a full time Preservation Agent. Commission to complete revised specifications for planting pub- lic shade trees.These will insure that any future plantings will be Preservation Agent done with the proper methods. This position will allow the Historical Commission to more This position has also been actively pursuing grant monies to effectively address the historical preservation of significant prop- continue the upkeep and renewal of our urban forest. erties in Watertown. 122 The Preservation Agent acts in a support role for the responsibility to accept the property from the Army and oversee Historical Commission. These duties include enforcement of the redevelopment of the 37 acre parcel. The WADC is com- applicable historic preservation standards,pursuing grant monies prised of a nine (9) member Board of Directors, including 3 for historic preservation projects and coordinating communica- members of the Town Council and 6 Watertown citizens. y lions between the Historical Commission and various Town • Completion of the Reuse Plan Update which studied the departments. economic and physical feasibility of certain reuses, infrastruc- This position will also work in conjunction with the cure, traffic and parking, historic preservation, and financial Historical Commission to insure the historic diversity of impacts. The Plan recommends primarily commercial redevel- Watertown is monitored and protected. opment in areas such as research and development, specialized Since the creation of this position, research has been done to manufacturing, and office space which will generate significant access grant monies for use in historical preservation in Watertown. employment and tax benefits for the community. Residential The Preservation Agent also provides a valuable service in reuse is recommended for Buildings 37 (market rate condomini- making office staff available to the public on a consistent basis. ums)and 313(moderate income apartments).Education reuse of Building 131 by the Massachusetts School of Professional The Watertown Housing Partnership Psychology, and the preservation of the 7 acre of public open The Watertown Housing Partnership oversees housing policy space and Commander's Mansion is also recommended. and programs for the town. This year the Housing Partnership • Preparation of an Economic Development Conveyance undertook three major initiatives. (EDC)application was initiated so that Watertown can gain control First was its ongoing oversight of the federal HOME pro- of the property in a timely manner to accommodate and respond to gram. In 1996, Watertown received $146,000 for affordable the advantageous real estate development market conditions. housing in town.The primary program initiative was the contin- Preparation of a Historic Monument Conveyance (HMC) uation of the very successful first time homebuyer's program, application was initiated so that Watertown can gain control of known as "First Home", and run for the town by Watertown the 7 acre open space and Commander's Mansion for public use Community Housing, Inc. Downpayment assistance loans were as a museum and cultural-community center. made to five moderate income first time homebuyers this year. • Preparation and submission of an Environmental One of those loans helped a Watertown family to move out of Notification Form (ENF) to the Massachusetts Environmental public housing and into their own home,thereby also freeing up Policy Act(MEPA)office to secure the required regulatory per- a low cost rental unit for another family.These five loans bring mits for the initiation of redevelopment activities at the former the total number of families assisted under this program to Arsenal site. twenty. • Working with Army environmental officials, the comple- Second, the Housing Partnership followed the efforts of the tion of a Proposed Plan(PP)for the final environmental remedi- Arsenal Reuse Committee to review the feasibility of housing at ation of the facility and a Record of Decision (ROD) which the Arsenal. The Partnership supports the inclusion of moder- ately priced housing within the Arsenal Redevelopment Plan. WATERTOWN ARSENAL-LABORATORY The Partnership also worked on revisions to the Affordable 1816 to 1995 Housing section of the Zoning Ordinance, and to the Inclusionary Zoning Policies. These changes were designed to On September 29, 1995, the correct some technical faults, as well as make substantive US flag was lowered for the changes to the method of payment into the Affordable Housing final time as an active Anny Trust Fund. installation. The Partnership also oversaw the ongoing Home Improvement Loan Program and Lead Paint Removal Program The 179 years of service to for moderate income homeowners in town. These programs are the country is one of the run by the Department of Community Development and Planning, - longest relationships between and funded by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. N� a town and the military. The Arsenal Reuse Committee success of the operations at Watertown and the value of The Arsenal Reuse Committee was established in 1989 by its contributions to the the Town Manager and Council to oversee the closure,environ- Armed Forces of the United mental restoration, and reuse planning of the former U.S.Army States is a credit to the Arsenal and Materials Technology Laboratory.Comprised of fif- - people of Watertown and teen (15)members from differing sectors of the community,the the military and civilian Committee accomplished several important objectives during employee who served at the 1996.A brief description of each accomplishment follows: Watertown Arsenal and the • Preparation and submission of Home Rule legislation material laboratories. authorizes the creation of the Watertown Arsenal Development �. Corporation (WADC). The WADC will have the authority and 123 Reports of the Department of Public Schools The Watertown School Department and Watertown School of the schools has also made it possible to advance learning for Committee are committed to the successful implementation of our students in this information-rich world. Students are now their Strategic Plan 1995-2000 developed through an inclusive better equipped to compete with and to communicate with their community process.The district has progressed to a new level of peers. planning by integrating all locally developed goals with state and national priorities and requirements. Mathematics Those goals statements are: The Mathematics Department continued the process of inte- grating the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework Student Learning/Curriculum and Instruction into the curriculum. The Math Framework presents an outline Successful student learning is the priority of the Watertown upon which curricula, instruction and assessment can be devel- Public Schools.To that end,we will provide a curriculum that is oped. We believe that all students should value mathematics, rich and challenging and will employ diverse instructional prac- become mathematical problem solvers, and learn to reason and tices that engage students as active participants in the learning communicate mathematically. process. The elementary level, was in its second year of implement- ing a system-wide mathematics program, "Investigations in Professional and Respectful Learning Environments Number,Data and Space".The program was developed through Successful student leaming can best be achieved in an envi- a National Science Foundation Grant to meet the requirements of ronment of mutual respect and professionalism.The Watertown the NCTM Standards and it provides an approach consistent with Public School System will provide programs that foster respect the Massachusetts Framework. Watertown was one of many for differences, instill positive motivation for learning, encour- Massachusetts districts that have received a four year grant from age collaborative decision-making,and provide for the continual the Center for the Enhancement of Mathematics and Science leaming of all members of the educational community. Education at Northeastern University for professional develop- ment for implementation of this program. Many of our teachers Partnerships:Faculty/Parents/Community have become teacher-leaders who conduct workshops for our Successful student learning is the responsibility of the entire staff and for other districts. The district is continuously in the community.The Watertown Public School System will support process of writing grant proposals that will help us to provide the development of partnerships within the community that more information to parents about Investigations Math. encourage student development and success. Planning and Support Systems In order to assist with the development of successful student learning as the priority of the Watertown Public Schools,a strong infrastructure must be in place.Therefore,the school system will develop and employ effective planning and support systems including the provision of safe, well-maintained, and properly equipped facilities for learning. , f' In the pages that follow are descriptions of programs initiated during the past year which focus on the goals of the school sys- tem. ` Btulding Renovations In July, 1995 the first of three school renovation projects began as a result of the passage of the debt exclusion override by voters. The Lowell School opened in September, 1996, with a fully renovated building, including a new addition, while the Cunniff School will undergo a complete renovation with the con- At the Middle School,the emphasis continued to be on read- struction of a new addition during the 1996-97 school year. ing as well as on problem solving. Students must learn to read These projects will result in bright, exciting learning environ- mathematics in order to understand the mathematics they see in ments for students and staff. The Middle School renovations, newspapers,in any job, as well as in school. Students in grades which will be the most extensive, begin in June, 1997,with the 7 and 8 continued to work on the interdisciplinary units of immi- demolition of the former Marshall Spring School and will not be gration and career awareness, respectively. In the spring, a complete until the fall of 1998. Family Math Night was enjoyed by both students and parents. The purchase and installation of computer technology at all The theme this year was the Marathon where twenty-six activi- 124 ties,prepared by the students,challenged and delighted all those year during which we entered the final phase of a major revision who attended. of our Middle School science curriculum. This new program At the high school, a new-course, Advanced Placement incorporates the life, earth, chemical and physical sciences in a Statistics, was being piloted by two students and teacher Karen modified spiral curriculum structure. Middle School staff were Trenholm.The purpose of this course is to introduce students to involved in a number of endeavors that added many positive the major concepts and tools for collecting,analyzing,and draw- aspects to our programs there.Mr.Cedrone worked on oceanol- ing conclusions from data. If successful we hope to offer this ogy programs through the University of Massachusetts, Ms. course as an elective in the math department for juniors and Thompson received a grant to enable her students to participate seniors.Also,teachers continued to make use of state-of-the-art in the Science Museum Explorers program. Mr. Gorman was a technology.Graphing calculators are used regularly in most math trainer for the National Science Foundation "Project SEED" classes at the high school and students are experiencing this tech- course for which the High School's Mr. Wittenhagen was a nology as early as grade 7. Regional Instructor. Other WHS activities included the institu- At both the middle school and the high school teachers tion of a new program in "Allied Health Careers', a program worked collaboratively on using alternate assessments of stu- with Philippe Cousteau and Marine Careers with the Boston Sea dents in their classes.They focused on open-ended assessment in Rovers, the production of an award winning TV program that order to help students meet the challenge of newly designed stan- was based upon work done by the curriculum chairman and dardized tests. The mathematics classroom has always been Biology Club members. The Advanced Placement Chemistry dominated by one method of testing, namely paper-and-pencil students under the guidance of Ms. Rost all earned placement tests that measured a student's recall of factual information and scores and some nine students were awarded Lowell Fellowships procedures. Today, the mathematics curriculum is evolving to to attend courses at Harvard University in a program coordinated include broader process goals on instruction such as teaching stu- by Mr.Buckley. dents that mathematics is solving problems, involves speaking, The year culminated in a highly successful Science Awards writing, and critical thinking and reasoning, and is intimately program that included recognition for Middle and High School connected conceptually to the real world. students and staff and the presentation of the prestigious Bausch and Lomb Award for Excellence in Science to Aboud Ghazi. Science The elementary Science Curriculum Team adopted the Scott English/Language Arts Foresman "Discover the Wonder" program for grades kinder- As part of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act, the garten through five.This program not only enhances our present State Department of Education has developed Frameworks in curriculum by offering supportive text, but also is designed seven areas. The English/Language Arts Department in the around the Guiding Principles of the Science Curriculum Watertown Public Schools has been actively engaged in aligning Frameworks. Each unit integrates the science component with Watertown's English/Language Arts Curriculum with the the other academic and arts curriculum. Massachusetts Department of Education's English/Language Fourth grade teachers continued to pilot some Scott Arts Frameworks. Foresman modules, such as the "Rain Forest," "Flying," and An English/Language Arts Framework Committee was orga- "Earth and Other Planets." Students also studied units on nized. The Committee members included pre-school, elemen- Vertebrates and Rocks and Minerals and dissected owl pellets. tary,middle school and high school teachers.The committee was Many classes link up with other schools in the world using The co-chaired by the Elementary and secondary Coordinators of National Geographic Kids Net Program. English/Language Arts for the Watertown Public Schools.After Several fifth grade teachers piloted the"Pedaling Uphill"and several meetings the Committee completed its study and submit- "Fin in Motion"modules.These units will be integrated into the ted a report to the Massachusetts Department of Education. fifth grade curriculum focus on The Second Voyage of the Mimi. In addition, three professional development courses and a Fifth graders also look forward to the annual three day environ- study group were organized to examine further the mental trip to Horizons For Youth in Sharon,MA. English/Language Arts Frameworks and its implications for the Throughout the curriculum, activities such as planting, Watertown Public Schools. weather watching and recycling have been integrated into the Directly related to the English/Language Arts Frameworks science program. Students learn to use various instruments to was the implementation of open-ended assessments in grades differentiate seeds, study and record data and preserve the envi- four and five.A committee of teachers was organized to develop ronment. All of the experiences are related to their life and the and implement open-ended assessments in science and English. community. This committee was chaired by the Elementary Coordinator of Staff development in Watertown is ongoing. Teachers con- Language Arts, Elementary Math Specialist, and Elementary tinually attend school day and after school workshops, science Science Specialist. conferences and summer programs. Connections with the This past year a major literacy initiative was undertaken at Science Museum,Acton Discovery Museum,MWRA and many the elementary level.A Reading Study Committee was organized other organizations help to enlighten students and staff about to review and evaluate the current state of literacy instruction in availability of support organizations. Watertown's Elementary Schools. The Committee was co- The secondary science program enjoyed a very successful chaired by Dr.Annette Stavros,the Assistant Superintendent for 125 the Watertown Public Schools,and Dr.Carmen J.Quintiliani,the Department on helpful techniques for teaching students with spe- Coordinator of Elementary Language Arts. Several meetings cial learning problems. were held and a summer workshop was implemented to review The ESL and TBE faculty worked in each of the district's and recommend new literature-based reading programs. As a five schools to complete a Home Language Survey of every stu- result of the summer workshop, four programs were selected to dent in the district. Thirty-seven languages were discovered. be piloted at the elementary level.A total of thirty-one teachers New computer procedures were put into place in each school to from the elementary schools representing grades K through 5 keep track of the languages spoken by Watertown's students.The were actively engaged in the pilots. Surveys and questionnaires Department discovered that the district did not have the required were completed by the piloting teachers and were shared at both number of students in any single language to run a transitional school and district meetings. The Harcourt-Brace `Signatures' bilingual program for 1996-97.A program was designed to hire Program for grades K through 5 and the Mondo "Bookshop" first language tutor/translators to work individually or in small Program for grades K through 2 were selected and recommended groups with students who are very recent immigrants or who to the School Committee for adoption. Both programs were need temporary support as they become used to their ESL approved, funded, and implemented. Inservice programs have classes. been scheduled for all teachers as part of the implementation In response to requests by the Greek community, the phase. Department attempted to develop a course in the Modern Greek language for 1996-1997.Surveys were sent out and students were Enrichment Opportunities for Students sought out but there was not enough enrollment to make up a Watertown's students are offered several opportunities that class. enable them to demonstrate their talents. Specifically, the Students from France visited Watertown High School and English/Language Arts Program offers students various ways to Watertown Middle School and participated in home stays with share their writing with other students. For example, this year students. three students were recognized for their award winning works. A successful International Breakfast was held at Watertown Jenny Holt,a fifth grade student received an honorable men- High School in the spring. tion from "Cricket Magazine", a national publication, for her Students participated in interactive television programs poem "Inside My Pocket". Another fifth grade student, Norah through MCET. French students entered the annual Grand Emara had her poem "A Windy Day" published in the book Concours,sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of called Anthology of Poetry. A third grader, Kristina Livingston French.The International Club met regularly with a broad pro- had her poem "The Black Stallion"published in the Anthology gram of social and cultural interest including tasting of interna- of Poetry. tional foods,music,and dance. Students in the Watertown Public Schools have also been successful in winning writing awards sponsored by the Sports Occupational Education Museum of Boston. The Occupational Education Department was in the Information Gathering Stage 1 of the Six-Year Curriculum World Languages Review Cycle and began an internal assessment process of cur- The faculty in the Department of World Languages,English riculum review.Curriculum continued being refined in response as a Second Language (ESL), and Transitional Bilingual to the curriculum frameworks and educational reform as well as Education (TBE) worked with the new Director to meet the the infusion of technology into curriculum to reflect the skills demands of the new framework in World Languages,to react to needed in today's workplace. visiting team reports,to respond to a state audit of the TBE pro- As part of the School-to-Career grant awarded to the gram,and to begin to develop a program for World Languages in Metropolitan Partnership of which Watertown is a member, a the sixth grade. School-to-Career Task Force was established; career pathways In World Languages, a study group investigated three basic identified for the district; and community awareness raised concepts in the new framework developed by the state Board of through presentations to the School Committee, Chamber of Education as part of Educational Reform: speaking and writing Commerce, and staff at the Middle and High Schools. A proficiency in the target language,the incorporation of new tech- Business/Financial Services pathway team, involving staff from nology in the curriculum,and the inclusion of all students in the several disciplines, was established to design and develop cur- World Languages classroom.The Department began the system- riculum for this career pathway with implementation planned for atic purchase of new materials which teach students to listen, September 1996. Planning for the Food Services/Hospitality speak, read, and write proficiently in the spoken languages pathway began; while the Health and Hospitals pathway was offered: Spanish, French, Italian, and Armenian. New cutting explored for purposes of expansion. edge software programs and CD-ROMS were bought for these The Lego Dacia curriculum was implemented at the middle languages and for Latin with some of the district-wide money school level in the Industrial Technology program. The Lego from the previous spring's override. The Department used pro- Dacia curriculum creates a problem-solving environment fessional development time to learn how to incorporate these through the use of math and science as applied to each project. programs into the curriculum.Members of the Special Education Simple machines, pneumatics, manufacturing systems, and Department gave a workshop to the World Languages motors are included in the program for grades 6-8. 126 At the high school level,auto diagnostic equipment was pur- the Bright School in Waltham. In May, the music program pre- chased for the Auto Lab while an update in software was made sented the annual Elementary Spring Concert, Middle School for the CAD(Computer Aided Design)Lab.Planning also began Spring Concert and the High School Spring Concert.Throughout for the state-of-the-art Windows 95 Lab in the Business the year, various music performing groups performed at a vari- Education Department.All of these improvements provided our ety of places including the Watertown Mall,Arsenal Mall, and students with the opportunities to learn and apply the skills the Senior Center at the Philips School. needed for today's work world. The Visual Arts Department participated in art exhibits held at the Superintendents Fall Conference, The Boston Globe Department of Fine,Applied and Performing Arts Scholastic Art Contest, Worcester Art Museum and our annual Each year the department has a number of students partici- event held at the Watertown Mall. Individual students received pate in annual events sponsored by the Massachusetts Music recognition at the Boston Globe Art Contest for outstanding Educators Association, work. One student each year from the junior class is sent to par- ticipate in Art All-State at the Worcester Art Museum.The stu- dents are selected through recommendations from teachers. The entire staff was involved with studying the i "Massachusetts Arts Framework"and the"National Standards in ' the Arts"to rewrite the curriculum guides.. In addition,teachers /► I attended workshops in technology to introduce students to soft- ware in the Arts. r Social Studies The Social Studies Department continued its efforts to pro- vide,to all students,the integration of content,and critical think- ing skills that will assist them in becoming well informed participatory citizens. Students are afforded the opportunity to use the skills and abilities that they acquire to better understand the world around them.On going emphasis was continuing with Massachusetts Art Educators Association, and the the study of non-western societies in recognition of the need for Massachusetts Drama Guild(MOG).The MMEA sponsored the better understanding of the history and culture of the peoples of Northeastern Junior and Senior District Music Festivals at Asia and Africa.Specific initiatives included the improvement of Gordon College. Watertown was represented by students who writing skills and the development of research skills, of all stu- participated in the Concert Bands, Orchestras and Choruses at dents, as applied to historical content. The use of primary these festivals. The MAEA sponsors the Art All-State at the sources, debate, role playing, cooperative learning, data based Worcester Art Museum and Watertown was represented with inquiry,guest speakers and study trips are other modes of teach- juniors from the high school.The MDG sponsors drama compe- ing and learning emphasized by the Social Studies department. titions in the spring and Watertown was represented at the com- Teacher workshops in the use of open-ended prompts and petitions with students winning awards for acting, lighting rubrics continued into its second year. Staff members in grades effects,and sound. six, seven and eleven were part of a formal open-ended assess- Each year the department holds annual events throughout the ment process last year and this year all students in grades eight, year that the community can attend to see and hear the work of nine and ten also followed this sequence.This use of alternative the students and teachers of the school system.The Drama pro- assessment is a process designed to assess student's strength gram presents a fall production,a musical and a spring produc- through the use of content as well as skills. tion each year with the highlight being the musical.The past two Another major focus of the Social Studies Department has years were"Little Shop of Horrors"and"Guys and Dolls." been to begin alignment of the social studies curriculum with the The Music Department presented concerts in December, new state mandated frameworks,a process which will take place March, April, and May by the various performing groups. In during the next several years. December, there were assemblies at each of the elementary schools and evening concerts held at WHS by the Middle School Guidance Music Department and the High School Music Department. In The Guidance Department continued to provide programs, March,the instrumental music program grades 4- 12 presents its services and interventions which assist students in achieving annual "Band-a-rama" in the VMS gymnasium. In April, the their maximum personal development, both as learners and as Middle School Band participated in the MICA(Massachusetts human beings. The counselor- parent breakfast meetings took Instrumental Conductors Association) Music Festival winning place at all schools, bringing parents into a closer partnership bronze and silver medals. They also participated in an annual with school staff.At the High School and Middle School levels "Jamboree" featuring middle school bands from Melrose, counselors played leadership roles in the school reform efforts Stoneham, Lynnfield, Wakefield and Watertown. The Cunniff and initiation of School-to-Career programs. At the elementary and Lowell Choruses participated in an exchange concerts with level new models of more effective Child Study and Peer 127 Support teams were developed. Special Education Classroom-guidance programs were offered at all grade lev- The Department of Special Education initiated with the els throughout the system.Topics addressed included orientation Cunniff School a school-based model of support for students to the high school,testing,post-high school planning,commu- with social and behavioral special needs in collaboration with the nication skills, conflict resolution, study skills and more. Gifford School. The Gifford School is a private special needs Counselors at all levels worked directly with students in one-to- school which serves children who require assistance with social one, small group and large group settings. By monitoring skill development,self-esteem building,self-management skills. progress and coordinating a wide variety of resources counselors A staff person was assigned to the Cunniff School full time to reached out to students and parents in times of need. work directly with students and staff. As part of the Six Year Curriculum Review Cycle, the In addition to this support,presentations were made to parents Guidance Department met with a visiting team and developed an and formal inservice training occurred for classroom teachers. action plan for future activities.Recommendations were made in Several inservice offerings were provided to staff to assist the areas of role description,special education,School-to-Career, with inclusion strategies of accommodations for students with technology and communication. During the coming years, this special needs. plan will provide a blueprint for the continued growth and devel- Special education personnel received training in the use of opment of a comprehensive guidance and counseling program the new Individual Educational Plan computer program. This for all students. training focused on how to develop the plan based on new requirements and how to individualize the plan based on the Physical Education/Health/Athletics computer software program. This training fulfilled Department The Physical Education Department offered students a wide of Education requirements. range of physical activities.The program is developmental at the elementary level with emphasis on gross motor skills and activ- Early Childhood Education ities that promote social interaction, safety, and respect for one Early Childhood Programming in Watertown continues to grow. another. At the Middle School, the curriculum broadens to include individual/team sports, fitness assessment and self-test- ing skills. The High School curriculum includes a Wellness Course for Grade 9 and Life Fitness for upper classmen. The focus in physical education is health-related physical activity. Health instruction is also provided for all students K-9.This program strives to engage students to take responsibility for their lives in promoting healthy life-styles. Many opportunities in student support and staff development are funded through the Drug Free Schools and Health Protection < J Grant.Programs such as"Smoking Cessation',Project Alliance Membership,and Adolescent Assault Awareness Prevention are available to both staff and students. a'•� The Athletic pro- gram offers the stu- dents competition in eighteen different var- sity sports. Watertown schedules thirty-seven teams for athletic com- petition in the Middlesex League. Girls Ice Hockey has Initiatives in childcare for working families, funded through been added to the pro- Community Partnership Proposals brought much needed services gram on a club basis to children and their families. Grants totaling $136,000 enabled and intramural early childhood services to work on quality related issues, wrestling is offered to national accreditation applications,support for special education the student body. students,parents,and families and professional development for t Many of the teams public and private providers throughout the community. continue to represent The Integrated Preschool Model at the Hosmer-East contin- the community well at ues to serve children with special needs along with typically .�♦ both the League and developing classmates. This model of inclusion represents and State level. excellent opportunity for families to experience the diversity that is a profound characteristic of Watertown.The goal is to create a 128 learning environment that embraces individual differences and Development,Turning Points,Preparing American Youth For the strengths while supporting the needs of all children served. An 21 st Century. The recommendations include the creation of excellent and devoted faculty and program staff assist in sup- smaller learning environments,the formation of teachers and stu- porting children and their families in an excellent start to their dents into teams, the assignment of an adult advisory for every educational career. student, the teaching of young adolescents to think critically, to Applications for the lottery for admission to the Integrated develop healthy life styles and to be active citizens. Preschool for typical children occurs in early spring. The town The course,Understanding Teaching was offered to all mid- census lists are used for a direct mailing to age eligible children. dle school teachers. Funds from the federal grant Goals 2000 Visits to the program for Fall admission occur in April and the supported this 12 session course which was offered weekly after Lottery by early May.Children from all three districts attend the school hours.Twenty eight members of the staff participated in Hosmer-East Preschool. the course which examines ways in which teachers can be more The Kindergarten Entrance Age change has been phased in effective instructional leaders in the classroom. over a three year period.The 1996-97 school year will be the last year that automatic waivers are granted to children turning five The Professional Development Program from September 7 through December 31. Children in this age The 1995-96 Professional Development Program featured a group will need to participate in a parent funded assessment district-wide presentation by Dr.Richard Lavoie,a noted speaker process to obtain the recommendation for exception to the age in the area of learning disabilities,entitled"Classroom Strategies policy. This policy is scheduled for full implementation for for Effective Behavior Management". The presentation was September, 1998 admissions.Once again,the town census infor- sponsored by the Watertown Education Foundation. Additional mation and lists will be utilized to inform families of these professional development activities included workshops on changes. assessment; numerous technology-related workshops including The Early Childhood Coordinator is an active member of the topics such as telecommunications, Clarisworks, Logo, and the Council on Community Education and participates in network- Internet; inclusion of special education students; teaching writ- ing with private providers through the Tri-Community Educators ing across the curriculum; Understanding Teaching; conflict group,Early Childhood Coordinators Network with surrounding management and mediation; and study groups focusing on the communities, and the rich professional opportunities through alignment of curriculum, K-12, with the new Curriculum colleges and universities. Frameworks in Language Arts and Social Studies issued by the Parents are an integral part of our program planning and a State Department of Education.The majority of workshops and focus for our support, resource and referral.A Parent Advisory study groups were planned and presented by Watertown teachers Council meets the third Thursday of the month. and administrators. Middle School Restructuring The Middle School worked on ways to implement the district goal of increasing the higher order thinking skills of the students. Curriculum workshops in the summer focused on interdiscipli- nary curriculum and instructional strategies to enhance critical and creative thinking.In the sixth grade a unit was designed with the focus on the Industrial Revolution. All of the core subjects were involved.The Language Arts classes wrote essays and con- ducted interviews while the Social Studies classes looked at the historical facts by reading first person accounts, making time lines,researching inventors and by making an all day visit to the Tsongas Center at the National Park in Lowell. There the stu- dents gained first hand experience on what life was like during that period of History. The Science and Math classes were also involved. Similarly an Immigration Unit was designed in the seventh grade which culminates in a trip to New York City to visit Ellis Island. In grade eight the Harbor Exploration Unit brings the students on an investigatory boat trip in Boston Harbor after they study the Harbor from a historical and scientific per- spective. This was the second year of the Department of Education Restructuring grant which is also funded by the Carnegie Foundation. The Middle School is one of 200 schools in the country in a network focusing on improving middle school edu- cation.The goals of the grant are to implement the recommen- dations of the report of the Carnegie Council on Adolescent 129 Voting Results _ _ .N. . .^-d.m.00 .N. - :tO-�:1� O. m.m.1n-N- - Q1 a)cl d O N m N 0 m O a) O m O t7 n O A 0 M V tp to N ^ d N V C4 n ^ tmD ^ n to n tD n lt7 m 0 3 a o vl L N r l9 7 M N^ ^- N O D O CD N ClN n ^ a)V •- ai rn 3 CL C to ^O Cl) to to CD N O7 OD v01 aD -j w Q1 d l) to ^ ^ ^ c0 U to 0 Sao N to M It to .- W N •- •- h N ^ aD to to cD N d to 3 a U , to to V) to aD to to n m to to aD to iv m to o 0 o to O m to 0 3 0- Go 00 CC) ^ to N to N Cl) Cl) m N t Ul o 0OD 16 aa) d tD ^ to O N d M m N d N c-h'd h 1D m e tr.- ra d 1° 0 3 ° m E _ , t0 m d to N d to t7 to h m o m tr to n N tr_• In Sam D4 cmU L O 10 tCb oo N d cli 0 N w N cu O N ti c� , d a m O o M ^ M m d o tY N o d to 0 _ o m o ao N In o Q3 a to N N M OD M d ^ tD 10 N ^ CO N tD to tD to to N d to lt7 m Q 3 a` N N N d ^ ^ CV h N N ^ t� to 3 a a , N CD CDv O p y 00 3 t Z `/ tU U W p ' 0> y1 Q a J c H O 10 o = E Q y £ � to c 0 ID c > U 0 y 5 _ T O '� 0 (D N : ~O v O ;O m c LL > ` tOCDJ Z � F- pEDU) F. « (mQ � F- F- a ►- O a N N 133 OFFICIAL Town of Watertown Total Tally Sheet Presidential Primary Democratic Ballot Total Votes Cast 1,093 March 5,1996 Precinct Wat. Wet. Wet. Wet. Wet. Wet. Wet. Wet. Wet. Wet. Wat. Wet. Grand Total Votes Cast Prec. Prec. Prea Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Total OFFICES and CANDIDATES A-1 A-2 Ad 8.4 8-5 8.6 C-7 C-8 C-9 D-10 D-11 D-12 Voters: 71 68 100 102 73 94 88 106 81 138 98 74 1.093 ITown Committee I Blanks 1.286 1.456 1,797 1.597 1.302 1.996 1.609 2,053 1.584 2.484 1.731 1,251 20,146 Paul J.Denning 39 29 51 72 50 51 51 54 46 72 59 39 613 Warren E.Tolman 56 50 so 83 55 56 66 81 63 113 80 59 842 Paul C.Menton 38 33 47 60 38 42 47 54 36 72 55 43 565 Rachel Kaprielian 42 52 72 80 53 so 66 65 53 94 66 53 746 1 James E.Fahey.Jr. 35 26 54 70 47 48 47 55 40 75 56 41 594 I Peggy O.Walker 32 21 as 48 29 31 41 39 30 56 43 31 445 Sandra Kasabian Hoffman 36 40 58 58 37 43 44 5o 37 76 52 43 574 Robert W.Kelly 32 26 45 59 34 37 42 49 32 65 46 37 504 Dolores L Mitchell 32 25 47 59 36 31 42 43 37 67 48 34 Sol Marion A.Roberts 30 22 46 52 31 47 39 49 34 64 44 33 491 Renato D.Ray Musetti 36 24 48 57 37 39 37 50 38 69 56 39 5301 Mary A.McCarthy 31 20 48 52 36 34 43 49 38 62 47 40 500 Patricia H.Gold 30 21 46 50 30 36 39 42 32 57 45 42 4701 Joanne C.Vacca as 23 48 49 34 34 38 39 31 59 44 38 481j Burton L Greenberg 31 21 41 48 30 32 33 43 31 56 42 38 4461 Alexander Uazos 35 29 44 56 41 35 38 46 32 58 47 35 4961 Dennis Duff 32 29 46 57 37 34 40 43 31 59 44 35 487 Pamela W.Schofield 31 20 47 48 31 30 40 42 35 58 46 39 467 John G.Gannon 30 25 46 58 34 34 43 47 37 57 49 40 5001 Cecilia A.Buckley 30 22 45 53 32 31 38 42 34 55 40 37 459 Lynne S.O�Connell 32 21 43 48 28 32 39 43 34 55 46 34 455� Sarah F.Bronstein 31 20 47 53 30 29 34 42 32 55 41 35 4491 Thomas L.Barrette,Jr. 34 23 47 51 31 30 36 43 31 60 39 36 461 Paul James Fahey 36 31 48 55 39 36 42 48 35 65 49 38 5221 Heidi Miller 30 22 45 46 29 35 31 40 u 59 41 32 "aI Paul Ablin 29 20 41 48 28 29 36 40 28 55 39 38 431 Andrew Rudaleviqe 33 26 46 60 35 30 44 51 35_ 56 45 37 4981 Anthony T.Dileso 34 26 46 51 34 36 38 46 33 61 52 35 4921 Mary T.Fahey 38 24 49 67 42 43 45 49 39 62 52 39 5491 Joan Tuttle 34 21 43 60 32 33 43 44 311 57 42 36 476 Mary 1.Platt 30 21 46 53 33 42 41 4S 331 58 44 33 479 Brian McDonald 32 24 as 56 32 33 42 da 371 63 45 34 486 Demos Zevitas 33 24 46 47 31 33 39 44 291 60 52 37 475 Dikran M.Kaligian 33 34 58 53 37 35 39 45 341 60 44 34 506 Thomas F.Reilly 38 29 51 56 40 43 42 51 411 79 59 45 574 TOTAL 2.485 2.380 3.500 3.570 2.555 3.290 3,080 3.710 2,8351 4.733 3,430 2.590 38.158 i 1 134 cl n c0 O.to to m to to n - - -to-N tO to n N N (D — n N m N N M -t N 00 N (M CO N D N N N M tD N .. F M N n V N N (O N O n N p N t0 O M ell M O to •d O 3 a o N _ _ lC M M Cc) V M N M N V to O N CD y 3a` o 0 > O N tN •Q CO M (O O N Cl) d O Ot! (O O 0 3 a o H Go V O d d M — — CO V Cl) O) N 00 O) 01 co O N y O) N N — M O) M to O) 3o`. v n N O O) to r) — N N n to tO n n n N to n e0 m co O M K O) N In N O to d O) M M m M N tO to r) M O M 0) (V M O M n e! N OD — V M M N to t0 CD is m V 3 a` a NO a N to N to O M N O cv cn tD OD r) CI O V Ito Oo O tl l0 (D 10 r. m U Em n tn .1 N I n nv c.tv n MMn ►-� N a ap m n NM r., N tv n (� v n C) to 3 a` ao Y1 C U_ Q ~ •O 1J t Q) MN O) t0 O M r- N 11 0)V M d t0 co N In .�- N ~ O N — N V O to to (2 CD a)) O N N (D M N N a) N r, toVM tv cm.y to N at t0 m tY � •- 3a` Q CD M m m v n N to n o (D y m rn y O) .- to .- O) N N M 0 V to 0) � = a a c rn u y m cca c tco o CD a a� (`n tco a) tcc m c o (D Q d —'' Q N M y C _ u m „ � > Em - w a� - E ° E c� ram—. -0 (d -j N p Q Y�4 (n U Q (n y 3 m eo `i C y F- d O LL ` Y � C Ep (n C C J 0 y t`0 .0 J p o to w d ro Z-C7 v m 0 a) ` m U C N C7 y � Q U r � d Q u W p C C �- > E C D Q C _ I_ C c c > c� o yn .2otiuo2c� � oo � p mm — Docp y (a ( cp 3 � LL > dmaC � a. amw -i < Tz � F- M D (9CC - � coU) F- O m p LL >r F- a f- O a to 135 OFFICIAL Town of Watertown Total Tally Sheet Presidential Primary Republican Ballot Total Votes Cast 1,287 March 5,1996 Precinct Wet. Wat. WaL Wet. Wet. Wat. Wat. WaL Wet. Wet. Wat. Wat. Grand Total votes Cast Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Proc. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Total OFFICES and CANDIDATES A-1 A•2 A.3 8.4 B-5 8-6 C-7 C-8 C-9 0-10 0-11 D-12 Voters: 99 96 109 149 77 105 143 97 98 110 103 101 1.287 Town Committee Blanks 1.698 1.962 2.085 2.657 1.355 2.294 2.818 2.373 2.198 1.609 2.114 2.345 25.508 J.Malcolm Whitnev 55 53 61 99 39 43 82 40 47 74 52 44 689 Robert A Manzelli 58 45 55 89 40 40 75 37 47 74 54 40 654 Richard A.Goulet 48 35 44 68 37 35 55 23 30 58 39 29 501 Richard E.Mastrangelo 56 40 56 90 40 46 67 36 43 62 50 41 6271 Ray Massa 54 42 54 80 39 44 71 40 48 75 55 41 643 Philip Pane 50 45 51 86 39 40 70 30 43 69 43 37 603 Heather A.Whitney 51 47 57 a5 37 40 71 29 36 65 43 40 6011 Robert B.Chase 53 39 48 76 39 36 67 24 33 62 45 31 5531 Robert M.Mannino,Jr. 47 41 46 72 37 37 64 34 35 63 42 37 SS7 Mark S.Kittredge 45 36 46 64 38 36 56 23 31 59 39 34 507� Robert A.Semonian 60 47 54 76 44 41 63 24 31 67 44 37 5881 Carol A.Filicchia 53 35 45 67 38 41 63 26 31 59 40 33 531 Emilia M.Forte 54 36 48 70 40 37 56 28 34 62 41 35 541 11+ Curtis A.Whitney 48 40 49 78 35 36 60 29 34 63 39 33 54a Ida M.Manzelli 53 40 47 81 40 43 72 32 45 65 42 34 59a Lucia M.Mastranp�lo 52 35 50 76 36 43 67 30 37 63 38 35 5621 Dominic P.Granfd(netti 55 37 49 60 36 37 64 38 41 67 43 32 5591 Ana Aprizian 49 49 55 67 44 40 56 24 30 61 42 34 551 Geor�e BO1aOSian 53 49 55 73 40 41 64 26 32 64 41 37 575 JOSeph L XISIO 47 36 45 62 37 38 55 33 37 65 44 30 529 Roy C.Papalia 51 43 SO 87 36 40 61 33 42 66 42 38 589 Olga Proudian 56 44 53 66 38 40 60 22 29 60 39 33 5401 Robert J.Whitney 46 42 50 85 35 38 65 26 36 61 43 30 557 Barbara Roscoe 47 37 43 63 37 38 57 24 30 59 36 30 501 Eleanor Sadler 46 34 43 66 39 41 55 26 36 62 39 32 519 Thomas J.Stevens 48 35 46 63 37 35 63 30 32 61 46 30 526 Charles J.Tobin 48 38 46 67 38 37 61 31 33 70 42 35 546 Rhonda C.Martin 45 36 44 62 38 42 55 23 59 41 32 $07 Mark Sideris SO 37 51 67 38 43 57 17 31 67 4S 29 5421 Ermina Errico 47 34 45 66 37 a 25 30 60 38 30 507 Sylvia Y.Whitney 48 39 48 83 3d 39 56 27 33 62 38 31 542 Sfeohen Romanelli 50 36 49 e- 39 40 71 46 37 72 49 35 591 nciila E.Dentine 47 35 46 62 39 39 55 32 30 64 38 30 517 hiliq Averbuck 46 33 44 61 36 36 54 22 28 59 37 28 484 S Der Manuelian 51 48 55 74 40 42 61 22 30 62 42 33 560 T 3.465 3.360 3.815 5.215 2.695 3.675 5.005 3.395 3.430 3.850 3.605 3.535 45.045 136 [D. lD tD N V cD V N tD fD'N C � A 0 3 a o M fA � m ai � a` o 0 0 iv m m 0 3a` � F- �v d �' 3 CL u 3CL A avi r 3 CL v N N N N N N N CD w E E a` � o N ° CO rn u ,n 3am ea O � D m 3 a m F- a :3 2 � M 3 a a N N N N N N V N w W m Q3 a` v io m Q 3 aCD c E o y O o d 0 m d y a CL c01 Y c 3 � v sn. d E E V V f9 2 E .0 y N Ul N N m v► ar mYm ~ �_ ox a> Q' oY � Q Ux mQ o o WZx .cn }_ F- U c .. F.. U c F- F ►°- a s om Yoc _ z � h Nm � � Nco � � � m � F-- 137 Town of Watertown Total Tally Sheet State Primary Democratic Ballot Total Votes Cast 1,567 September 17,1996 Precinct wet. '.vat. Wet WaL wat Wet. Wet. Wet. Wei. Wei. Wet. Wet. - Grand Total votes Ceet Prec. Prey Prec. Prom Prec. Prec. Prec. Prey Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Total OFFICES and CANDIDATES A-1 A-2 A3 B4 B-S 0-6 C-7 C-e C-9 D-10 D-11 D-12 Voters: 69 ___107 116 139_ 108 145 138 150 Ill 200 163 - 101 -- 1.567 Senator in Congress _- Blanks _ 16 21 32 29 19 27 _ 38 _ 3I 23 56 _ 29 26 353 John F.Kerry 72 66 at 107 _89 112 96 111 87 141 _ 132 72 —1,186 Write-ins 1 3 3 6 4 2 1 3 2 _ 3 28 TOTAL 89- 107 116 139 108 145 138 150 Ill 200 -163 101 _— -1.567 . R DSO tative in Congress T/anks 12 18 22 24 8 28 32 29 16 51 24 _ 21 285 Joseph P.Kennedv,11 77 89 94 115 100 116 103 120 93 147 137 _ 78 _ 1,269 Write-ins 1 3 1 2 2 2 2 !13 TOTAL 89 107 116 t39 108 145 138 150 Ill 200 163 tot 1,567 Councillor --- Blanks --�— 31 44 53 62 47 53 54 74 49 __ 94 67 49 _--- 677 -�.jhia Slone Creem -- 58 _ 63 63 77 -- 81 89 _ 83 -_76 - 61 t05 s5 50 - 88t Write-ins 3 1 1 t 1 ---2 --._9 T -- -- - ----- -'•- --- . _ OTAL 89 107 118 139 108 115 138 � 150 111 zoo - 163- - t 01 ot ---1_567 Sentator in General Court -` - Blanks 8 14 15 19 20 19 18 22 15_ 24 27 19' _ 2z0 Warren E.Tolman _ 81 93 101 120 88 124 118 128 95 175 136 80 _1,339 Write-ins 2 2 1 1 -- --_• 2 -- -0 _TOTAL 89 107 116 139 108 145 138 IS0 111 200 163 _ 101 1,567 Representative in General Court --- Blanks 18 23 34 25 21 30 27 34 20 41 34 21 328 Rachel Kapriellan 71 64 8t 114 87 112 tog 115 91 157 129 77 1.227 Write-ins 1 3 2 1 2 --- 3 12 TOTAL —89 107 lie 139 108 145 138 ISO 111 200 163 101 1.567 Register of Probate _ - -- Blanks _ _ 9 29 30 30 19 32 38 32 20 43 _ 41 __ 26 349 Robert B.ANOnelii __ 26 23 24 12 13 21 11 32 14 —_42 _32 14 _ 264 John J.Buck'``ov 7 6 8 10 8 14 11 1s 19 21 13 - 8 143 Francis X.FlZrt, 18 28 31 44 27 39 40 33 26 52 32 17 387 Diane Poulos Harpell 9 4 5 13 4 10 8 4 6 5 IB 7 91 Marie E.Howe 12 6 11 10 23 15 a 14 10 22 10 8 149 Joyce E.HurleY 2 2 4 3 3 5 1 4 2 4 3 33 Ronald A.MacDonald 2 4 1 1 4 9 9 9 6 7 7 - 6 65 Wanda M.Milik 4 _ 5 2 19 7 2 8 7 5 6 _e _ 11 Write-ins _ I _ _ _ �- _ 2 TOTAL 69 107 116 139 - 108- 145—138 ISO Ill _200 - 163 -101 1.567 Court�Treasurer Blanks 5 14 15 18 5 18 13 13 5 22___--21 12 —159 James E.Fahe ,Jr. 72 88 86 116 95 115 lie 126 94 165 126 70 1,271 Warren R.McManus 12 5 15 7 8 12 7 11 12 13 _is 19 137 Write-ins -- — - -- --- -- - - TOTAL _89 I07 116 139 108. 145 138 150 ill - 200 163 _ .101 - -_._-1.567 Coun Commissloner -- - - ' - - Blanks 57 -_ 88-_100 - 128 __88 _.125 __1 20 134 72 170 _t52 -- 94---- 1,329 Thomas J.Larkin 26 31 34 45 35 41 42 42 30 _ 73 41 25 467 - ---- - --- - - '--- ---- --- --- -- - -- - -._..-- M811SSa HU11ey -- — 10 14 20 IS 13 _ 26 _2979 28 25 28 ___28 ___19 255 _James P.Kennedv - 23_ 20 _9 _13 __14 _ 19 9 15 _24 27 _-_27 __16 215 Eleanor A McGarry. --—-- 12 -ia— s 13 t3 17 20 tz 21 —is _14 iz 172 Joseph W.Mullin 8 16 12 24 t6 9 19 13 8 22 12 12 171 Edward J.Sullivan 38 32 49 40 a7 51 36 56 40 64 51 22 .._ 516 -write-ins_ . -- ---- '- z - -- --- - 2 -- 1 2 -- -� . . 2 IO -TOTAL - -_ - _ _ 178 _- 214 - 232 278 216 290 276 300 222 400 326 - 202 - 3.134 -- --- ---- -- —- - - - -- SherlH Blanks - 9 19 21 27 21 31 33 27 19 34 33 24 298 James !Paola 40 _ 34 48 _ 54 37 46 40 57 28 94 72 23 573 Leonard Golder 2 5 3 s 2 12 9 11 8 2 - 7 _ 9 _ 75 Edward J.Kennedy,Jr. _--- - 27 39 _ 27 _ 24 23 _ 38 _27 33 39 40 43 23 383 Edward J.Ride0ul - 10 10 17 29 25 17 29 20 17 ---- 30 -- -8 - 20 --•_ 232 Write-ins 1 _ _ _ t 2 _ 2 __ 6 108 145 138 TOTAL _6.9 107 116 —139 - - I50 Ill - 200 163 __101 1.567 138 O r, N p n I n I N 1vI N a � I I I I I I t I I 1 N i^ipl�I� rlNi"' Ipi I i W i lI Q�I Ni N .NI r 3 a c I I cc dl I i i pmpl� � �l iNo i N W d N 3CL c > h 0 OD W U-)I N N 1 0 _ p CD h N N NIW M. cm ! cy I co 3a6 II i i H i pp CO 01 0 IT col 0 I N W dl i h (O N{N Ni Ia �N I s IL I I I ! I illlll � ll W m OD I C7 v NI�I�I�I1^A loi ; t I I I I I i i l 007 ^ It N T NINIcn a N CD W OD I lm! N �I�) ,�I Ic'), iNi a o r 3 a N `mavi M « ci m � r "�I� E av Sam d o3 E aoOplcocyo01 Ooi i r N Q{ n: a N, 0 inoE0 « CS 0) MIN p!p LO m' I I t 3 0 a i I I NI l I L1cu7-IN rio co (DIV !Vl l ! W 007 N I Imo, 1N! i a la Ii Iliiii I CD CC InCY ri COco: n! « Cf I I 1 i1 ! illli I � ' W c'a c co r z a ! IE O U I I p m i 0 oN m I I>`-" ELn (DcCc° � Fa--� C c_CO t I.� � N 0 "D i 3 LL > IOm -3w7w3; H! t F0— a` FO I I IV 139 Town of Watertown Total Tally Sheet State Primary Republican Ballot .Total Votes Cast 211 September 17,1996 Precinct wat. wat. wet. wat. Wat wat. wat. Wat. war. Wat. wat. wat. Grand Total Votes Cast Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Total OFFICES and CANDIDATES A-1 A-2 A-3 B-4 13-5 8-6 C-7 C-8 C-9 D-10 D-11 D-12 Voters: 17 13 6 23 13 16 34 14 10 20 28 17 211 Senator in Congress Blanks 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 4 16 William F.Weld 15 10 6 22 11 13 32 11 9 20 26 13 188 Write-ins 1 2 1 1 1 1 7 TOTAL 17 13 6 23 13 16 34 14 10 20 28 17 211 R�pf nrtative in Congress Blanks 6 1 7 2 3 6 6 3 4 11 6 55 R.Philip Hyde 10 12 6 16 10 13 27 8 7 16 17 11 153 Write-ins 1 1 1 3 TOTAL 17 13 6 23 13 16 34 14 10 20 28 17 211 Councillor Blanks 15 13 6 18 12 is 29 14 9 18 24 14 187 Write-ins 2 5 1 1 5 1 2 4 3 24 TOTAL 17 13 6 23 13 16 34 14 10 20 28 17 211 Sentator in General Court Blanks 6 3 5 2 3 3 4 3 6 11 5 51 Philip Averbuck 11 10 6 18 10 12 29 10 7 14 16 12 155 Write-ins 1 1 2 1 5 TOTAL 17 13 6 23 13 16 34 14 10 20 28 17 211 R s�ntative in General Court p�eTanks 16 12 6 17 it 14 31 14 9 19 26 151 190 Write-ins 1 1 6 2 2 3 1 1 2 21 21 TOTAL 17 13 6 23 13 16 34 14 10 20 28 171 211 I R later of Probate 1 tanks 4 3 2 3 1 4 8 4 a 5 a 51 51 Donna M.Lambert 13 10 4 20 11 12 25 10 6 15 20 121 158 Write-ins 1 1 1 2 TOTAL 17 13 6 23 13 16 34 14 10 20 28 171 211 I County Treasurer I Blanks 15 12 6 17 11 15 31 14 9 20 251 171 192 Write-ins 2 1 6 2 1 3 1 31 1 19 TOTAL 17 13 6 23 13 16 34 14 10 20 281 171 211 I I Coun�(Commissioner I I Blanks 13 17 8 13 6 13 33 16 6 17 261 201 188 Antho�n/y G.Marino 13 8 3 17 11 10 23 11 8 15 161 al 143 Jury Vengrow 8 1 1 16 7 9 12 1 6 8 14 6 89 Wnte-ins 2 2 TOTAL 34 26 12 46 26 32 68 28 20 40 56 34 422 Sheriff Blanks 3 3 1 2 3 8 4 1 2 111 4 42 Brad Bailey 14 10 5 21 12 13 26 10 9 18 17 13 168 Write-ins 1 1 TOTAL 17 13 6 23 13 16 34 14 10 20 28 17 211 140 Town of Watertown Total Tally Sheet State Primary Libertarian Ballot Total Votes Cast 12 September 17,1996 Precinct wat. wat. Wat. Wat. Wat wat. wat. wat. Nat. Wat. Wat. Wat. Grand Total Votes Cast Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. Total OFFICES and CANDIDATES A-1 A-2 A-3 8-4 B-6 8•6 C-7 C-8 C•9 D-10 D-11 D-12 Voters: 2 2 1 6 12 Senator in Congress Blanks 2 Write-ins 2 2 1 4 0 TOTAL 2 2 1 6 R pfegentative in Congress lanTS 2 2 1 6 Write-ins 1 TOTAL 2 2 1 6 12 Councillor Blanks 2 2 1 6 Write-ins 1 ' TOTAL 2 2 1 6 12 Sentator in General Court Blanks 2 1 1 6 10 Write-ins 1 1 - 2 TOTAL 2 2 1 .3 12 Re�p�es ntative in General Court Blan s 2 1 0 ----- 10 Write-ins 1 1 2 TOTAL 2 2 1 6 __ 12 Nqoster of Probate Blanks 2 2 1 6 11 Write-ins 1 TOTAL 2 2 1 1 n 12 County Treasurer Blanks 2 2 1 6 1 Write-ins 1 TOTAL 2 2 1 6 12 County Commissioner Blanks 4 4 2 12 22 Write-ins 2 2 TOTAL 4 4 2 2 12 24 Sheriff Blanks 2 2 1 6 11 Write-ins I 1 TOTAL 2 2 1 1 6 12 141 (AMENDED-M.G.L.CH.54 S.99) Town of Watertown Total Tally Sheet STATE ELECTION Total Votes Cast 15,308 November 5,1996 %Total Voters 70.57% Pradrrct wet. war. Wal. Wat- WaL Wei, writ Wet. wet. waL Wall. - wet. Grand oto Vol"Cast Prat. Prec. Pm. Prep. Pmc. Prac, Free. Prec. Prec. Prac. Prec. Proc. Total ES FFIC and CANDIDATES A-1 A-2 A-3 8.1 0.5 0-0 C-7 C-0 C•9 D-10 0.11 D-12 Voters: _ 1_077 1.2W i_372 1_Sto 1.175 1,2tt 1./62 1,313 LI99 1.366 t,286 1.t3_I 15.308 Ra'rStared Voters__ 1,540 1,746 1_870 2_107 1.697 1_772 1_St19 14850 1_600 _1,852 1,BSB 1_811 - - 21_692 % 01ing_ 69. 90 91% 68. % 73.37% 71.87% 69.24% 68_31% 73.50% 70.87% 86.61% 73.76% 69.21% 70_39% _70_57% Electors of President -- --- -- -- ---- - -'-- --- and Vice President -- ---" -- --- -- - Blanks _ IB 9 23 22 14 '1/_ 16 6 21 22_ 21 Browne and Jor0ensen 14 19 12 15 11 12 7 7 13 12 6 11 139 Clinton and Gore 711 810 937 995 We 798 981 852_ 813 911 e83 757 t0.234 Dole and Kemp 265 290 313 383 240 290 379 338 256 326 300 266 _3.646 Hagelln and Tompkins 2 2 5 7 2 4 1 3 1 1 1 4 39 Moorehead and LBRiva 2 2 3 5 5 1 3 4 1 1 27 Perot and Choate at W 64 70 60 76 68 93 77 87 90 78 902 l�and Kcliy -'- Ho( and Chas ar ' Nadar and LaDuke 3 8 12 10 14 12 5 9 9 5 07 Write-ins 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 2 2 1 -- 2 30 TOTAL 1_077 1.203 1.372 1.510 1,175 1.211 1,462 1.313 1.199 1.366 1.266 t,134 iS,be Senator In Congress _ Blanks t8 7 23 18 7 11 iB 8 14 15 17 11 188 John F.Ke V 048 725 817 Ole 744 719 870 756 768 766 77S 665 9,170 William F.Weld 393 449 Sol 540 390 453 547 5t7 377 549 461 422 5,599 Susan C.Gallagher 15 1a 20 29 26 26 23 29 36 37 30 28 323 Robert C.Stowe 3 a 3 3 6 1 3 2 3 3 8 39 Write-ins - 2 2 1 1 1 2 9 TOTAL 1.077 12M 1.372 1,510 1175 1.211 1.462 1.313 1.199 1,366 1.286 1.134 15.308 RepreaentativeIn Congress Blan 40 40 68 68 33 5i 65 65 58_55 47 42 630 Joseph P.Kennedy,11 816 967 1_056 1.138 943 919 1_101 979 908 1.034 1.011 873 11.745 R.Philip Hyde 220 198 246 302 196 238 293 266 233 273 227 219 2,sgts Write-Ins 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 4 1 1 25 TOTAL 1,077 1,2Q7 1.372 1.510 1.175 1711 1,462 1,313 1,199 1.366 1286 1.134 15,308 Counriilor _ -- µauks 400 404 481 577 413 376 527 470 407 469 94W 381 5,319 this Stono Cream 674 768 Us 926 755 824 927 628 787 885 825 745 9.042 ((( o-inS 3 11 13 7 7 11 8 7 5 12 25 8 117 TOTAL 1 077 1,203 1.372 1,510 1,175 11211 I_<82 1_313 1.199 1,366 1_286 1 134 IS_306 Sentator In General Court Blanks 109 99 116 too 84 98 100 72 100 _ 72 86 74 1,116 Warren E.Tolman 803 927 1,065 1.169 902 906 1.111 1.023 687 7043 977 872 1t.685 Philip Averbuck 162 177 191 235 1188 2w 251 218 210 - 250 222 187 2,495 Write-ins 3 1 3 2 ---1 -1 --i ---- 12 TOTAL 1,077 1,203 1.372 1.510 1,175 1,211 1.462 1.313 1.199 1,366 1,266 1,131 ---15.308 ReRRresenlative In General Court - --- -- ---- -- --- --� -- '---- -WankS _ 250 221 292 294 241 _273 303 306_279 _296 250 22e --_3.241 Rachel Kapdelian 618 970 1,069 7.210 925_ 920_1.145 1.000 914 _1,056 1,008 894 11.930 Writo-ins 8 12 11 6 9 1s 14 7 6 _ 14 20 ---12 _ _ i97 TOTAL 1.077 1.203 1.372 1.510 1.175 1,211 1.462 1.313 1.1991.199 1.366 1.256 1.134 15.308 Register of Probate ----- -- ---_- --- -- --- --- -- --------- Blanks 203 224 262 315 219 217 260 211 230 _ z35 2l4 2M Donna M.Lambert 326 _372 404 482 265 --428 527 404 248 446 390 379 _-1.971 Robert B.Antonelli 540 600 703 712 590 563 653 697 619 714 679 549 7.633 _ Write-ins _1 3 _ t _-1 3 -_2 1 2 1 -_3 - 2 --_- 20 TOTAL 1,677 1.= 1,372 1,510 1,175 t,21t t_,462 1.313 1.t99 _ 1,366 1,286 -l lit -- -15.308 Count Treasurer Blan� 320 338 38J 124 3W 31S 392 334 318 314 330 James E.Fahey,Jr. 748 B58 984 1.082 869 889 1.063 975 878 1.043 935 817 11,139 - - -- -- -- - -- -- 7- 03 .... -- Wdlo-inS 3 7 5 4 9_8 7 7 4 3 21 03 TOTAL 1.077 1,203 1.372 1.510 1,175 1.211 1.462 1.313 1.199 1.366 1,286 1,134 ----/5,308 Count Commissioner __ __ _ Blan 831 864 1,090 1__,143 895 951 1,222 00_12_920 1_,602 969 Thomas J.Larkin 473 684 635 734 575 622 279 653 596 658 642 538 _7.369 Anthony G.Marino 304 299 281 341 244 251 353 308 240 _3r4 311 _262 3,5W Edwal.$UR Van 421 447 $96 610 515 466 579 516 498 $58 521 460 6.107 Jerry Vert row 123 130 138 169 11 128 Ise 135 139 168 l24 123 1,704 Wdie•ins 2 2 4 3 2 4 3 2 5 2 -5 -- 3 J7 2,15 TOTAL 4 2.406 2.744 3.020 2.350 2.422 2.924 2,626 2.398 2.732 2.572 2.268 -_-30.616 Sheriff -- - ----- Blanks 144 182 202 211 158 168 199 146 171 142 154 133 2.0to Brad BailiPaola 627 30S 356 385 463 330 378 445 38J 324 40S 350 325 __ �429 James V D 663 78$ $35 683 661 016 602 699 ale 778 672 8,039 Write-ins _ 1 2 1 4 4 2 2 s 1 4 -4 `30 TOTAL 1077 12M 1,372 1,510 1.175 1.211 1462 L313 1,199 1,388 1.286 1�_134- 15.308 Question 1 - - --- ---_ _ _ Blanks 303 210 232 272 87 93 282 247 280 281 149 _ 99 Yes 568 752 855 951 787 812 854 795 675 604 041 758 9.482 No 206 241 265 287 _ 291 _ 306 296 271 244 _201 296 277 _ 7.1e1 TOTAL 1077 1_203 1,372 1_510 1.175 1.211 1,462 1.313 1,199 1,366 1286 _ 1_134 15.2OB 142