HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes of 3-8 -2021 of Preamble Subcommittee MeetingWatertown Charter Committee
Preamble Subcommittee
Councilor Palomba, Councilor Feltner, Member William Oates
Committee Report
March 8, 2021
The Committee convened on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 5:30 pm 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. Individuals could join by zoom or phone by finding the links on the
Town's website. Questions or comments can be sent to woates@watertown-ma.us.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a Preamble to the Watertown Town Charter.
Present were Committee members Councilor Tony Palomba, Councilor Lisa Feltner, and CRC Member
William Oates. Also present were CRC Member Leo Martin, Councilor John Gannon, Deborah
Peterson, Marcy Murninghan, Tyler Kemp -Benedict, Jacky van Leeuwen, and Janet Jameson.
Councilor Palomba began by appreciating everyone for the information they sent to him since the
Committee's first meeting. He then showed the section from the February 22 minutes that detailed the
values that were enumerated during the meeting. He also shared a list of examples of preambles from
other cities and towns as well as a series of vision and value statements from cities, from the Iroquois
confederacy, and from land acknowledgements. Both of these documents were the results of the
combined efforts of the Committee and those attending the February meeting. Finally, he shared the
draft preamble presented by resident Tyler Kemp -Benedict. You can find these three documents
attached to the minutes of the Committee's February 22 meeting.
There was a general discussion about the content of these documents. Then the group was invited to
highlight particular sentences, phrases and words from the preambles and vision statements provided
by attendees since the Committee's first meeting. The highlighted documents are attached.
Two suggestions that are worth mentioning include a desire to begin with a number of drafts and
carefully refining them with the goal of producing a final draft to share with the full CRC, and a
proposal that we should consider a bill of rights that would follow a formal preamble. Also, there was a
suggestion about how one might frame a preamble by first enumerating what a desired community
might look like and then creating a list of what is needed to achieve that community.
The meeting concluded with the suggestion that members of the Committee, as well as others, draft a
preamble that could be reviewed at the next meeting.
The meeting ended at 6:30 PM with a motion to adjourn made by Councilor Feltner which was seconded
by Member Oates and followed by a roll call vote of 3-0.
Examples of Preambles Submitted as Possible Models in Whole or Part
Framingham
"We, the people of Framingham, in order to reaffirm the customary and traditional liberties of the
people with respect to the conduct of our local government, do adopt this Home Rule Charter. We
need and want a local government that represents all of us, that supports vibrant neighborhoods,
provides quality schools, protects safe and secure homes, values our elders, celebrates diversity,
supports local businesses, promotes community participation, and cares for those in need. It is the
expectation and intent that the Charter will continue and enhance voter participation, ethical,
transparent and responsive leadership, wise use of public resources, respect for all in the community,
and an engaged citizenry. We expect and intend that our government will promote equality, and be
welcoming and inclusive."
Harvard
"People of the Town of Harvard in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in order to assure the
effectiveness of Town government, facilitate the delivery of services, maintain a high quality of life, be
responsive to future needs and opportunities, and encourage public participation in municipal affairs
— all in accordance with the Home Rule Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth — do
ordain and establish this Home Rule Charter for the Town of Harvard. "Our community is committed
to the principle of equal opportunity for all. We believe that civil conduct in public affairs promotes
participation in democracy and that by sharing our ideas and opinions with others in thoughtful and
considerate ways, we build a stronger and more diverse community. Inclusionary procedures ensure
all voices are heard and all citizens are emboldened to contribute to Harvard's governance and
community spirit. Our talents, the depth of our goodwill, and our diverse perspectives are
fundamental to Harvard's well being."
Barnstable
affirm our right as inhabitants of Barnstable, to live and grow in freedom, dignity, and tranquility."
Sutton
maintain our high quality of life, prepare for future growth, and encourage public participation in
municipal affairs
Longmeadow
a governing framework that provides for delivery of town services in a way that is accountable,
efficient, collaborative and responsive to the residents of the town and that continuously enhances
our town assets and resources
Comprehensive Plan
leader in economic development, targeting growth of specific types of development and housing
opportunities in ways that support diverse, successful, and environmentally conscious employment
centers in balance with neighborhood character and existing development, making Watertown known
as a place for innovation.
is known for celebrating its unique neighborhoods, historic and cultural heritage, and diversity, where
visitors and residents alike mingle in distinctive local shops and restaurants, arts venues, beautiful
parks, and active plazas, making Watertown known for its eclectic mix of local venues and amenities.
Burbank, CA
We the people of the City of Burbank, in order to exercise the benefits of home rule and establish a
responsive, effective and accountable government that maintains the highest level of integrity,
provides an outstanding quality of life through excellent municipal services, and through which all
voices in our diverse society can be heard, and to provide fair representation and distribution of
government resources (equity) and a safe, harmonious, and sustainable environment based on
principles of liberty and equality, do enact this Charter.
Portland, ME
We, the People of Portland, Maine, establish this Charter to secure the benefits of local governance
and to provide for the general health, safety and welfare of our community. In so doing, we build a
government that meets the needs of the people it serves and whose character it reflects. Our
government shall further cooperation, encourage leadership, solicit our input and support the active
participation of our residents in their governance. Our government shall be effective and accountable
and shall promote equal rights and representative democracy. Our government shall provide public
education that enables all residents to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to participate fully in
Portland's civic, intellectual, cultural and economic life, in order to enrich and strengthen our
community and our common future.
Amherst, MA (preliminary Charter, not in final/current document)
We, the people of Amherst, in order to reaffirm the customary and traditional liberties of the people
with respect to the conduct of our local government, do adopt this Home Rule Charter. We need and
want a local government that represents all of us, supports vibrant neighborhoods, provides quality
schools, protects public safety, values our elders, celebrates diversity, strengthens local businesses,
promotes community participation, and cares for those in need. It is our intent that this Charter will
increase voter participation, promote ethical, transparent, and responsive leadership, prompt wise
use of public resources, forge respect for all in the community, and foster an engaged citizenry. We
expect and intend that our government will promote equality and be welcoming and inclusive.
Newton, MA (recommended, Charter changes not adopted)
We, the people of Newton, in order to reaffirm the customary and traditional liberties of the people
with respect to the conduct of our local government, adopt this charter with the expectation and
intent that the charter will continue and enhance the city's strong traditions of active voter
participation; ethical, transparent and responsive leadership; wise use of public resources; respect for
all in the community; and an engaged populace. We expect and intend that our government will be
welcoming and inclusive and will promote equality and respect for all people.
Examples of value, vision and goal language NOT specifically from existing Preambles
- Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
- Integrity, respect, inclusiveness and service
- A safe, livable, and sustainable community for our present and future citizens.
- Stewardship: To consider the long-term consequences of actions, think broadly across issues,
disciplines and boundaries and act accordingly
Austin, TX https://austintexas.gov/department/vision-and-values
This one's too cheesy for a preamble, but it covers some good ground.
The values that help shape Austin reflect the PRIDE that City employees have in their organization:
• P stands for Public Service and Engagement. We will partner with one another and with our
community to provide the best service possible.
• R stands for Responsibility and Accountability. We take responsibility for achieving results and hold
ourselves accountable for our actions.
• I stands for Innovation and Sustainability. We actively seek out good ideas that have a lasting,
positive impact on our work, our community and our environment.
• D stands for Diversity & Inclusion. We recognize and respect a variety of perspectives, experiences
and approaches that will help us achieve our organizational goals. [NOTE: but without a commitment
to justice and equity, diversity and inclusion can too easily be superficial]
• E stands for Ethics and Integrity. Our actions will maintain the trust and confidence of the public and
the organization.
Minneapolis, MN https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/city-goals/
This web page is not a concise preamble, but a collection of vision, mission, values, and goals, very
focused on equity and social well-being.
Vision: Minneapolis is an intentionally compassionate city where each of us can reach our full potential
while caring for one another, eliminating racial disparities, improving our environment and promoting
social well-being. We lead in innovative and creative ways, focused not only on our present needs, but
also the success of future generations.
Cottonwood, AZ https://cottonwoodaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/605/Vision-and-Values-PDF
The City of Cottonwood provides, protects, nurtures and cares for its community of residents,
businesses, visitors and supporters. We create and sustain the best quality of life for the people that
are the fabric of our entire community.
Iroquois Confederacy https://www.7genfoundation.org/7th-generation/
The Seventh Generation takes its name from the Great Law of the Haudenosaunee, the founding
document of the Iroquois Confederacy, the oldest living participatory democracy on Earth. It is based
on an ancient Iroquois philosophy that: "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our
decisions on the next seven generations."
The Constitution of the Iroquois Nation (The Great Binding Law) explains "seventh generation"
philosophy as follows:
"The thickness of your skin shall be seven spans — which is to say that you shall be proof against anger,
offensive actions and criticism. Your heart shall be filled with peace and good will and your mind filled
with a yearning for the welfare of the people of the Confederacy. With endless patience you shall carry
out your duty and your firmness shall be tempered with tenderness for your people. Neither anger nor
fury shall find lodgement in your mind and all your words and actions shall be marked with
calm deliberation. In all of your deliberations in the Confederate Council, in your efforts at law making,
in all your official acts, self interest shall be cast into oblivion. Cast not over your shoulder behind you
the warnings of the nephews and nieces should they chide you for any error or wrong you may do, but
return to the way of the Great Law which is just and right. Look and listen for the welfare of the whole
people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those
whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground — the unborn of the future Nation."
Land Acknowledgement
Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment acknowledges that the residents of
Watertown live on land that is the traditional territory of the Pequossette people, a band of the
indigenous Massachusett Tribe. The Pequossette cared for and stewarded this land for hundreds of
generations. The English language rendering of the indigenous name of Watertown is Pigsgusset, which
to the best of our knowledge means "the meadows at the widening of the river." We recognize that
Indigenous erasure and attempted genocide are still happening today, which demand supportive
action and solidarity. Let us remember the achievements of Pigsgusset peoples and the ongoing
struggles of their descendants as we reflect on how we can be good visitors and stewards of this place
we call home.
Other Reflections
1) Greater emphasis on relying on resident participation. Seek a more collaborative relationship
between town operations and diverse community needs where the voices of residents contribute and
shape the policies and actions and decisions of town government. These in combination get there
Maybe transparent and responsive leadership, inclusionary procedures accountable, efficient,
collaborative and responsive to the residents of the town
2) More explicit statement that the Well being of one requires the well being of all.
3) Environmentally sustainable protection of what is unique or specific about Watertown — see
Comprehensive Plan
4) Land Acknowledgement- maybe in the context of Watertown's history is one of government
evolving. From the early settlers governed under the crown who displaced the now lost governing
structures and customs of the Indigenous people of Pigsgusset.
5) Interesting to read the Introduction to the 1980 Charter as it was presented to the voters. No
preface but several Concurring and Minority Reports considering some of the same issues as
today.https://www.watertownlib.org/DocumentCenter/View/68/1980-Watertown-Charter-
Commission-Final-Report
Draft Preambles for Watertown
From Tyler Kemp -Benedict
Amending the Framingham Preamble to reflect some of the points made at the last
meeting including:
- Land acknowledgment language
- Climate resilience language
- Equity, diversity, inclusion, & human rights
- Civic participation & engagement
- Proactive forward thinking
We, the people of Watertown, in order to reaffirm the customary and traditional
liberties of the people with respect to the conduct of our local government, do
adopt this Home Rule Charter, while acknowledging that we live on land of
the Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusetts) and Pawtucket people. Although much
of their history has been erased, we honor their achievements, contributions and
struggles as we reflect on how we can be good visitors and stewards of this
place.
We need and want a local government that represents all who live, work, and
create here; that supports thriving neighborhoods; provides high -
quality, inclusive schools; protects safe and secure homes; values our
elders; welcomes and values diversity; supports local businesses; promotes
community participation; cares for those in need; and focuses not only on our
present needs, but also the success of future generations.
It is the expectation and intent that the Charter will continue and enhance voter
participation; ethical, transparent, responsive, and accountable leadership;
wise and sustainable use of public resources; respect for all in the community;
and an engaged citizenry. We expect and intend that our government will
promote equity, advance justice, and be welcoming and inclusive.