[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6107945,"mediaKeyId","2772407-f44ce97e84bf00ee4fed9df1b646333b","parentId",2772407,"title","Council votes: police contract funds, Porchfest and farmers-market donations, CIP recommendations and appointments","audioSeconds",1605,"startMs",528000,"endMs",2133000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2772407-f44ce97e84bf00ee4fed9df1b646333b&start=528&end=2133","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2772407-f44ce97e84bf00ee4fed9df1b646333b/thumbnail_528000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6107945/Watertown-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-votes-police-contract-funds-Porchfest-and-farmers-market-donations-CIP-recommendations-and-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107945-0eb21df42aa24467340e2788ea795ea0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196276&Signature=NNTsdLdDZWGhzPxBeGFXa6ajFa57rdbP1CWC20iYS2LqWW-tXAezfUba1yop-T8qH~CJjjmNFo6hWL~KtpDrbXn9IEAerFcOw32~ExIsgX0T1mMXo-~Hu-RfdrlZJGsW0szQLRwe-CZMd3rrZ38X7KhI9JtXEgaptydqeqjWTbxvuRSY4P8ENJY39UVRl7ovMkrbi3rnmlFv9r1gVFm8TC7JeTLzJFM3N8fjVyocXGVQc8X7jxNj4HHR9VZXe4dUtYnGLDQNOpyEwq~yaJYxLo9uLWafPfkSDIGFZfcp6hwi6GZd60eKKwuNGN5LdZdaIQKbn5xDD5pn2FYVdb7KnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Watertown City, MA","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","Several routine but consequential actions cleared the Watertown City Council on March 11.

The council approved a transfer of funds to cover a reopened Watertown Police Supervisors Association contract for the term July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025. The manager described the transfer (noted in the meeting as $82,000 to police personnel accounts; manager language referenced $85,000 in related context) as necessary to fund retroactive payments and the remainder of the fiscal year after the union triggered a wage reopener. The council approved the transfer by roll call.

The council approved two gift acceptances under Chapter 44, Section 53A: $1,000.13 from Watertown Savings Bank to support Porchfest signage (production of 100 yard signs and three large banners) and $3,660 from Watertown Savings Bank for the Watertown Farmers Market Winter/Spring SNAP CSA program (providing SNAP-eligible customers with $40 monthly produce bags under the Mass Healthy Initiative SNAP CSA program). Staff described where signage would be placed (on properties whose owners have agreed to host performances) and said the Farmers Market program is coordinated with the housing authority for pickup and community farm activities.

The council also moved and approved a set of 51 conceptual recommendations from the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Oversight covering the fiscal year 2026 capital improvement program; committee members summarized that total proposed capital spending next year is roughly $38.49 million (about 17.9% of the projected operating budget including the “school building for the future” projects, or roughly 7.1% excluding those school projects). The council additionally voted to recommend that the city manager maintain fiscal year 2026 capital spending so it does not exceed 8% of the submitted operating budget in order to meet the city's capital policy guideline.

The council confirmed the appointment of Jesse Needleman to the Public Arts and Culture Committee (term to 11/15/2027) and the manager transmitted the appointment of Thomas Fost to the Historic District Commission for referral to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning.

Other routine actions included adoption of the Feb. 25 minutes. Where recorded, votes were unanimous.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Watertown City Council - March 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","On March 11 the Watertown City Council approved a series of routine and fiscal items including funding for a police supervisors contract, two charitable gifts to support Porchfest signage and the SNAP CSA program, adoption of CIP recommendations and confirmation of an arts‑committee appointment.","taxTitle","Watertown City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",53266,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107950,"Debate over new city logo spotlights transparency, survey method and use of the city seal",752,1148000,1900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2772407-f44ce97e84bf00ee4fed9df1b646333b&start=1148&end=1900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2772407-f44ce97e84bf00ee4fed9df1b646333b/thumbnail_1148000.jpg","/articles/6107950/Watertown-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Debate-over-new-city-logo-spotlights-transparency-survey-method-and-use-of-the-city-seal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107950-2370ab0304b506cdb085ec5fba3c21d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196276&Signature=Qbb6phNO2MPT1YgdyTWTICvTRBKqQjdC1zbs0oz02OVyeIJPFdIoCC-~YKREFOV-cEIntQYXmaPr8aCq3AA1eYyjjvi2CRB~JFYfCdTCNCf5HelNoMa7M8zk3-sedmjGMGZfTg9DLwND6-gQRpEgHv8xt5ltfLUM8Brn0eeSeAhkv4ZHWF1uZyUb7-9wMYJMms2PZ-U7Y0vlODrwk8VDQNrJjZVBM0mH00KniLnufyStlpTwwofjFQ4TDQEMVO2UY8subV2GAYAHFVK3v26~8ggnHkg6POsPO3rIc6e2D6TccGemp0alBDEbX-Ev3oSF7rPj5IzjMmKJliaT8Ee0rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Personnel and City Organization’s report on March 11 detailed debate about a proposed city brand and logo and prompted residents and councilors to question the public engagement process, the role of the city seal and use of consultant work.

City Manager George Proakis explained the administration contracted a graphic designer to develop a branding strategy that includes a color palette, fonts and a logo intended for use in communications and department materials. Proakis said the proposed brand would be implemented gradually and that the official city seal would remain the city's formal symbol for official documents and police patches.

Tyler Cody, the city’s engagement specialist, described the FlashVote survey used to gather public input: the survey went to a panel of 934 invited participants with 495 panel responses and an additional 56 “open link” responses after local media coverage. Cody said the FlashVote method seeks to reduce selection bias by using a pre‑recruited panel, and the administration treated the open-link responses separately when analyzing results.

Several residents who submitted comments asked for more transparency. Linda Scott read prepared remarks asking for records on the consultant's work and the temporary employee position created to implement the branding. Joan Gumbleton urged preserving the city seal and suggested broader outreach methods such as mailing with tax bills to reach seniors and renters.

Councilor Gannon and others questioned whether council discussion and public debate were sufficient before advancing the logo; Councilor Gardner asked for a slimmer public process and a refined budget and timeline. Chair Bays (Committee chair) recommended clarifying the distinct uses of the logo, wayfinding signs and the city seal so the public understands each role.

The manager outlined three paths forward: adopt the current logo, test multiple variations, or pursue a broader public process including a citizens committee. The administration said it will prepare an approach, budget and timeline for continued public engagement and assured the seal will continue to be used for official purposes.

Separately, the council confirmed Jesse Needleman to the Public Arts and Culture Committee and the manager transmitted an appointment for Thomas Fost to the Historic District Commission for referral to the Committee on Economic Development and Planning.","Councilors, residents and staff debated the proposed Watertown brand and logo process during the Committee on Personnel and City Organization report, calling for clearer public engagement and assurances the official city seal will remain for formal uses.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107955,"Watertown parks committee seeks options to curb late-night stadium lighting, weighing LED upgrade cost",343,725000,1068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2772407-f44ce97e84bf00ee4fed9df1b646333b&start=725&end=1068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2772407-f44ce97e84bf00ee4fed9df1b646333b/thumbnail_725000.jpg","/articles/6107955/Watertown-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Watertown-parks-committee-seeks-options-to-curb-late-night-stadium-lighting-weighing-LED-upgrade-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107955-bab3821e215636912c31e3337be757e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196276&Signature=PbGMI5~fafsQJyT7U4EyD2vpJNQ4u2vLRVJcfP4vpDWi43ayciX1PqFd2xIgS9QJX2vtdhjlzxVCPKTljV0GeIz0N0ZDaD9ScON5chQsZKP0kiX8ljkBi-1x6dE4AfhpphT~EXYMuXRCcNZDonWJ3FEUGqXiXalPbkd~BsEpkIojAM7lSDFcaIVHc4se9~x3rSHSY5WXp5tGn1pS0KH923XGL3OhCKDI5wQkf560imsy3DUXXd7gQQet-YTm9ydI1i9GgD0Dc17FUzEn-IIb8O04ZS98cOJwLM9FLJNhbTE8vFHZ68192iys9T8HDGh6gYUebusnPyHMm2fprUrgIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Parks and Recreation reviewed resident complaints March 11 about late-night lighting at Victory Field Stadium and agreed to have staff investigate technical and operational options including LED conversion, zone controls, and alternative field use.

Councilor Palumbo, chair of the committee, said the meeting was convened after several residents complained that stadium lights remained on until 10 p.m. most nights even when the field was empty. Resident Dan Grossman described estimating costs by wattage and comparing those to typical residential lighting expenses.

Recreation staff reported that the current halogen system at Victory Field and Casey Park lacks automatic timing or public shutoff and that the installed Musco halogen fixtures do not support full automatic zone control. The committee heard that LED upgrades would permit multiple zones and dimming; the staff's preliminary cost estimate to replace the stadium lights with LED fixtures was about $500,000.

Committee members and residents suggested several measures: installing an on-off switch or zone controls, adopting a resident-request system for staff to enable lights only when fields are in use, dimming or using only one of two existing zones at night, redirecting after-dark free play to a smaller, less brightly lit field, and reducing hours of operation during low-demand months (December 1–April 1). Committee members asked staff to investigate the feasibility, costs, and usage impacts of each option.

The committee voted to continue the discussion and requested that recreation staff return with data on usage, costs, and technical options, and, if possible, arrange for a Musco representative to attend a future meeting to explain LED benefits and costing. The committee is to reconvene in roughly one month to review findings.

The council later voted to accept the committee report as presented; the committee's follow-up meeting will present more detailed recommendations for council consideration.","Residents told the Parks and Recreation committee that Victory Field stadium lights are too bright and often left on late; staff will investigate timing, zoning into dimming zones, LED conversion costs (estimated at $500,000), and alternative fields for after-dark free play.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107959,"Watertown Council approves $9.3 million budget amendment to buy Starett Lumber site on Waltham Street",133,164000,297000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2772407-f44ce97e84bf00ee4fed9df1b646333b&start=164&end=297","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2772407-f44ce97e84bf00ee4fed9df1b646333b/thumbnail_164000.jpg","/articles/6107959/Watertown-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Watertown-Council-approves-93-million-budget-amendment-to-buy-Starett-Lumber-site-on-Waltham-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107959-f9febc06c05edfad3fc557351b727ee6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196276&Signature=cjVvKEYt9Rx8Pzvg-fcd7RK8Or1G0Ht4JN-FoXlO3BtnREPQwgcn89e32ZLD5v-o0MBY2kzcwNzRefW0~e~Xag9lOwHcxPVz5o3G-QAljtPrJq7k8F9BmO-zFOcN8E1TVTEWG59INLHnD5an4zWKjBIvMjNfsWKRleZrPSxWwb9zSNzidhWw2SJLFOhTP7ah66a9IlS9A~wmky4PQZutoK7ByL6EsSqEd6ezWbF5kl3ViNbr7a~cJzb4wJNwsnwMM5shbqDlPXfD-c~Bh2rvLmgKMMWqJMPJ2xVgq0UJXU-JyO9LrCtAZI8S-rmqnX4nlu5vwRVo6exT3FrQfZHH2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Watertown City Council on March 11 voted to amend the fiscal year 2025 budget and authorize a $9.3 million transfer from free cash to purchase the property at 138–148 Waltham Street, the former Starett Lumber site.

City Manager George Proakis told the council the parcel previously had approvals for a lab building but is unlikely to be developed for that purpose in the near term. He said the administration signed a purchase-and-sale agreement and sought the free-cash transfer to complete the acquisition and to replenish a city reserve used for the deposit required under that agreement.

Proakis said staff plan short-term improvements aimed at relieving immediate neighborhood concerns and using part of the site for storage, while studying how the property fits into the city's capital priorities over the coming months. \"We're going to be studying how it fits into a number of our different capital project priorities over the course of the coming months,\" Proakis said.

The amendment moved $9,300,000 from free cash (with $8.8 million to the acquisition-of-land fund and $500,000 to replenish the city council reserve, according to the manager's presentation) to complete the purchase and cover associated taxes and the deposit already paid.

The public hearing produced no comments, and the council approved the amendment by roll call. The council recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

The manager said staff will return with short-term plans and further information about potential longer-term capital uses for the parcel.

The vote authorizes the city to complete the purchase as described; no further land-use approvals or development plans were decided at the March 11 meeting.","The city council voted unanimously March 11 to amend the fiscal year 2025 budget to transfer $9.3 million from free cash to acquire the former Starett Lumber property at 138–148 Waltham Street, with short-term plans for beautification and storage and longer-term study of capital uses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council votes: police contract funds, Porchfest and farmers-market donations, CIP recommendations and appointments

Debate over new city logo spotlights transparency, survey method and use of the city seal

Watertown parks committee seeks options to curb late-night stadium lighting, weighing LED upgrade cost

Watertown Council approves $9.3 million budget amendment to buy Starett Lumber site on Waltham Street