HomeMy Public PortalAboutCRC one page - Second Revision 4-20 (2)Home Rule Charter Review — Questions and Answers
What is Watertown's Home Rule Charter Review?
Watertown's Home Rule Charter (The Charter) is our "constitution". The Charter explains the responsibilities
of the Town Council, Town Manager, School Committee, Library Trustees, and other decision -making bodies.
It describes every aspect of governance from Watertown's form of municipal government to and how our
budget is developed.
Where can I find a copy of the Charter?
The Charter is available on the Watertown website at www.watertown-ma.gov or you can visit the Town
Clerk's Office in Town Hall at 149 Main Street to pick up a copy. (CHECK ON COST, IF ANY)
When is the Home Rule Charter reviewed? What is the process for review?
Our Charter is reviewed every ten years (ending in zero) by a Charter Review Commission (CRC) and is up for
review this year, 2010. The President of the Town Council informs the public of the Charter review, invites
residents to formally apply, interviews all candidates, and selects six residents who together with the members
of the Town Council make up the CRC. The CRC reviews all provisions of the Charter. It holds public
meetings and encourages public comment and participation. Depending upon what recommendations for
changes the CRC makes, the Town Council, residents, and possibly the state legislature will need to approve the
changes.
Who is a member of the 2010 Charter Review Commission?
In addition to the nine members of the Watertown Town Council, the following residents have been selected by
the Town Council President to serve on the Charter Review Commission: Michael Donham, Dennis Duff,
Rhiana Kohl, Pamela Piantedosi, David Siegel, and Tia Tilson. The chair of the Commission is Town Council
President Mark Sideris.
When will the Charter Review Commission meet?
The CRC will usually meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the
Richard Mastrangelo Council Chambers at Town Hall until the Charter has been reviewed in its entirety. All
meetings are open to the public and televised live on Watertown Community Access Television.
Who can participate in the Charter Review?
Every Watertown resident is encouraged to participate by:
• attending and speaking at the Commission meetings
• watching the meetings on cable television and submitting written comments
• inviting a Commission member to their social or civic group to discuss the review process
• asking their neighbors to participate and share thoughts and comments
• discussing the Charter Review in their social studies classes and inviting a Commission member to
speak in class.
How do I keep up with the Charter Review process and what the Commission is doing?
Visit the CRC home page, on Watertown's web site at www.watertown-ma.gov where meeting
dates, agendas, and minutes of meetings will be posted. They will also be posted at Town Hall. You can email
questions and comments to all Commission members at or, if you do not have access to the
internet, you can call the Town Clerk at 617-972-6470 with you questions or comments.
Why should I participate in the Charter Review?
The Charter Review process outlines how our local government works. It is every resident's opportunity to talk
together about how our town will make decisions that affect the quality of our services, our schools and the
strength of our community. Learn about your local government, meet your neighbors, and invest in
Watertown's future by participating in the Charter Review.