HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-03-09 - 2020 October 22 - Reappointment of Allan GallagherWatertown Town Council
Committee on Human Services
Councilor Palomba-Chair, Councilor Gannon -Vice Chair, Councilor Bays -Secretary
Committee Report
October 21, 2020
The Committee convened by Zoom, in accordance with the Governor's Order Suspending
Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.30A, §20, relating to the 2020 COVID-19
emergency. Present were Councilor Anthony Palomba, Chair, Councilor Caroline Bays, Vice
Chair, and Allan Gallagher, candidate for the Watertown Housing Authority.
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 pm.
Councilor Palomba stated that the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the reappointment of
Allan Gallagher to the Watertown Housing Authority for a term to expire May 15, 2025. Mr.
Gallagher said he has been a lifelong resident of Watertown. He has worked in a variety of
different fields including owning his own business. He spent 22 years as the executive director
of the Boys and Girls Club and was appointed to the Watertown Housing Authority to fill an
empty seat over ten years ago. He said the Authority's biggest responsibility is to hire the
executive director and this board has been very fortunate to have great executive directors
during his three terms.
Councilor Palomba asked about the proposal to reposition federal public housing units and
move them to vouchers. Mr. Gallagher explained that there are a few federally subsidized units
in 100 Warren and there has been a movement across the country to move these federally
subsidized housing units to section -8 vouchers.
Councilor Bays made the following motion:
The Committee recommends that the Town Council approve the reappointment of Mr. Allan
Gallagher to the Watertown Housing Authority for a term to expire May 15, 2025.
The motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 pm after a unanimous roll call vote.
The minutes were prepared by Councilor Bays.