HomeMy Public PortalAboutSummer 2020 City Manager NewsletterTown of Watertown
Summer 2020 Newsletter
Issued by Michael J. Driscoll,
Town Manager
Watertown Town Council
Mark S. Sideris, President
Vincent J. Piccirilli, Vice President
Caroline Bays, At -Large
Anthony J. Donato, At -Large
John G. Gannon, At -Large
Anthony Palomba, At- Large
Angeline B. Kounelis, District A
Lisa J. Feltner, District B
Kenneth M. Woodland, District D
Town of Watertown, Massachusetts 149 Main Street Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 www.watertown-ma.gov
Elementary Schools Project
The School Building Committee has been working tirelessly to review conceptual design options for the three elementary
schools in an effort to ultimately select a preferred design option that is in the best interests of the Town, the taxpayers and the
successful education of our children.
The endorsed conceptual and schematic design includes all -new construction of the Hosmer and Cunniff Schools and
comprehensive renovations and additions to the Lowell School. The proposed projects create modern, forward -thinking
facilities and associated site amenities that meet the educational, neighborhood, energy efficiency, and recreational goals
established through a public process of meetings and forums. These projects are part of a long-term vision of providing
outstanding education, recreation, and healthy neighborhoods throughout Watertown and will serve the Town for many
decades. The approximately $170 million cost estimate includes the total project costs representative of the buildings, sitework,
furniture, technology, and all associated costs of the completed and occupied facilities. Financing of the $170,000,000 for the
Three Elementary Schools Project will be done within the confines of Proposition 2 V2.
On June 9th, the Honorable Town Council unanimously adopted a Proposed Loan Order totaling $103,455,000 to move forward
with the building of a new Cunniff and Hosmer Elementary Schools! Construction will begin at the Cunniff and Hosmer during
the summer. The Cunniff School will be completed the winter of 2021/2022 and the Hosmer School will be completed by the
summer of 2022.
Construction will begin at the Lowell School during the Summer of 2022 and will be completed by the end of calendar year 2023.
Residential Exemption Applications are in the Mail
Historically, the Watertown Town Council has voted each year to exempt a fixed amount of the assessment of every owner -
occupied residential property. Applications to all home purchasers in calendar year 2019 have been mailed. Please fill out the
application upon receipt and return to the Assessor's Office. Once you have the residential exemption, the exemption stays
with the property until the property is sold, you move or the deed changes. The Council votes on the amount in the fall and
the exemption is applied to the December 31, 2020 bill for Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020 — June 30, 2021). Please call the
Assessors' Office with any questions (617) 972-6410.
Watertown Free Public Library
Curbside Pickup
The library is offering curbside pickup during the COVID-19 closure. To place an order call 857-203-8009 Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pick up hours are Monday 1-4, Tuesday 4-7, Wednesday 11-2, Thursday 4-7, Friday 9-12. For the
most up to date information about curbside services visit www.watertownlib.org//pickup.
Summer Reading
The library may be closed but we're still bringing you fun Summer Reading challenges. There's something for all ages, find
out more at www.watertownlib.org/summerreading
Office of the Town Manager • 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 • 617-972-6465 0 watertown-ma.go
Watertown Farmers' Market
The Farmers' Market is open as an essential food access point with a new market layout providing social distancing, monitored
entrance and exits, and one-way shopping, as our top priority is the health and safety of all. The market will continue to offer a
$15 SNAP match to eligible customers and include farm vendors who can process Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits. The
market is also able to process P-EBT cards.
The Farmers' Market will be held every Wednesday, 2:30 — 6:30 PM beginning on June 17" through October 14' at Saltonstall
Park, 149 Main Street, next to Town Hall.
While we have eliminated special events and community groups for the time being, you can still expect to find locally grown and
produced foods in our pleasurable, outdoor market space. Please visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to receive
important information and updates about vendors, pre -ordering, and safety rules: hqp://www.livewellwatertown.org. If you are
interested in volunteering, contact Stephanie Venizelos, Community Wellness Program Manager at: svenizelos@watertown-
ma.gov.
Citizens Police Academy
Chief Michael Lawn and the members of the Watertown Police Department (WPD) encourage you to participate in our 30th
Citizen's Police Academy Session. WPD anticipates hosting the class in the fall of 2020. This is an opportunity to learn,
understand, and educate yourself with the workings of your police department. You will be able to meet our officers and
discuss topics and issues that we deal with on a daily basis.
For Application information contact Judy Patenaude at 617-972-6537 or email jpatenaude(kpolice.watertown-ma.gov
Faire on the Square
Given the COVID-19 pandemic and as a follow-up to discussion with the Town Council President, the Chair of the Faire on the
Square Committee and the Director of Public Health, this year's Faire on the Square is cancelled out of an abundance of caution
to protect the health and safety of its participants and vendors.
Overgrown Vegetation
Spring is upon us, please maintain your property to prevent blight and hazardous conditions by ensuring that:
1. Vegetation does not intrude into public sidewalks by more than 6-inches, except at a height of 8-feet or above the public
sidewalk (i.e., tree limbs);
2. A clear view/sightline is maintained at intersections, and adjacent to driveways, by keeping vegetation, hedges, fences, etc.
below 3-feet;
3. Any parcel of land, vacant or otherwise, is maintained so that such parcel of land is free from overgrown vegetation and
standing water.
While enjoying our parks do your "Doody" for clean water... Scoop the Poop!
You hate stepping in it. And fish hate swimming in it. Always pick up after your pet to prevent harmful bacteria from ending
up in our water.
When it rains, dog poop and other pollutants are carried over our sidewalks, driveways, and roads into the nearest storm drain
where they flow - untreated - directly into our nearest water body. Dog waste carries high levels of harmful E. coli bacteria and
other pathogens that increase public health risks and can cause infections.
All dog owners must pick up after their dogs and dispose of waste properly at all times (Watertown Animal Control Ordinance
91.17). No pet waste may be disposed of in storm drains (Watertown Stormwater Ordinance 97.07).
Let's all do our part to protect our water!
Boards, Commissions and Committees
By serving on a Town Board/Commission/Committee you'll make a valuable contribution to the community of Watertown and
meet other residents who share similar interests. Even if you cannot serve on a committee all Watertown residents are welcome to
attend any of the many committee meetings held. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume
by email to townmgr@watertown-ma.gov or Town Manager's Office, 149 Main Street. You can view upcoming meetings and
events on the Town's website. www.watertown-ma.gov.
Office of the Town Manager • 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 • 617-972-6465 0 watertown-ma.go