The Watertown Common Council on July 1 approved making newly renovated Riverside Park restrooms available for the upcoming Riverfest celebration and amended the existing cost‑sharing agreement with the Riverfest Committee to address possible additional costs.

Alderman Berg moved that the Riverside Park restrooms be opened for Riverfest; the motion drew extended debate. Supporters said keeping the restrooms open during the city’s largest celebration was common sense and would allow visitors to use permanent facilities rather than only porta‑potties. Critics and the Riverfest Committee had previously preferred porta‑potties for reasons they cited as safety, patrol logistics and contracted cleaning.

Alderman Smith proposed an amendment that the existing cost‑sharing arrangement remain in place — specifically, that the city and Riverfest Committee split Riverfest costs up to $60,000 — and that any additional costs caused by opening the restrooms be covered by the city. Councilors accepted that amendment.

On a roll call after the amendment, the motion passed. The vote recorded multiple ayes and one no: Alder Davis voted no; the chair recorded the motion as carried. Councilors asked staff to coordinate cleaning and operations with Parks and Recreation so restrooms can be staffed and cleaned during the event.

Why it matters: Riverfest is a major local event with thousands of attendees; the decision affects event logistics, the Riverfest Committee’s budget and the city’s short‑term operating costs. The council’s amendment leaves the preexisting budget split in place up to $60,000 and assigns the city responsibility for any additional cost attributable to opening the restrooms during Riverfest.

Council staff said they will prepare a draft resolution reflecting the action for the council’s records and that Parks and Recreation will handle cleaning and staffing logistics in coordination with event organizers.