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Watertown council narrowly approves sidewalk assessment resolution after hours-long debate over trees
Summary
After extended public testimony about marked boulevard trees and debate over sidewalk width and assessments, the City Council approved a resolution of necessity to initiate sidewalk assessments for the 5th Avenue North reconstruction project. Council asked staff to explore design changes to save trees where feasible.
The Watertown City Council voted to approve a resolution of necessity on March 16 to begin assessments for sidewalk improvements linked to the 2026 Neighborhood Street Reconstruction project on 5th Avenue North.
City Engineer Justin Peterson said the resolution starts the assessment process and that property owners would later be given the option to pay up front or have the cost placed on tax rolls. "The resolution of necessity is the first step to for sidewalk to be assessed," Peterson told the council as he outlined the project and an estimated homeowner assessment of about $9.86 per linear foot (the city pays a larger share of the total cost).
The public hearing drew several residents who asked the council to reconsider removing boulevard trees that had been marked for removal. Kaylee Steiner, who said she purchased a house on 5th Avenue recently, said she returned home to find five trees marked and had not received notice. "I don't want our trees taken down, and I don't wanna pay for a sidewalk that we don't want it," Steiner said.
Other residents, including Shane and Shelly Ronke, urged the council to preserve trees that homeowners had treated to protect against emerald ash borer. Park and Recreation Director Rodick explained the city's concern about planting certain coniferous species in the boulevard because of sight-line and sidewalk conflicts.
Mayor said the council generally supports finding ways to work with property owners who treated trees and urged staff to seek compromises in sidewalk design to preserve trees when possible. City Manager Steger recommended moving forward with the project while designing sidewalks late in the schedule to allow tree-preserving alternatives. "I would recommend voting in favor of this," Steger said during the discussion of the economics and timing.
Council members debated sidewalk width, ADA compliance and whether homeowners should bear assessment costs when no sidewalk previously existed. Council members asked staff to explore narrower sidewalk options (for example, a 48-inch alternative) and to identify which marked trees were being removed only for widening versus sidewalk placement.
The resolution passed on a recorded vote; council recorded six votes in favor and one opposed. Staff said the actual assessment amounts will be finalized after construction costs are known and that property owners will have a later opportunity to contest or pay the assessment. Project manager Craig Engen was named as the local contact for follow-up with property owners who spoke during the public hearing.
Next steps: the council approved the resolution of necessity, staff will review sidewalk design options intended to reduce tree removals, and the council will consider the final assessment amounts after bids and actual construction costs are determined.
