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Watertown council approves a package of rezonings, development plans, $4.9M note authorization and multiple public‑works contracts
Summary
The Watertown Common Council voted to approve several ordinances (PD/PIP approvals and rezoning first readings), authorized not‑to‑exceed $4.9 million promissory notes for street projects, and awarded multiple 2026 public‑works contracts for pavement marking, crack fill, seal coating, storm‑sewer work and resurfacing.
The Watertown Common Council on March 3 approved a slate of land‑use ordinances and multiple resolutions authorizing borrowing and awarding public‑works contracts.
On ordinances, the council approved on second reading Ordinance 26‑02 (amend PD overlay for the Oxbow at 100 and 104 East Division Street) after a motion by Blanky and a second by Lampy. Council also adopted Ordinance 26‑03 (PIP for the Expo at the same addresses) after discussion of density and parking accommodations; councilors noted the project will provide about 110 parking stalls underground and on the surface.
The council introduced and took action on several rezoning and plan changes. Ordinance 26‑04 (rezoning 510 South Second Street from MR8 to CB) was presented on first reading. A broader comprehensive‑plan amendment (Ordinance 26‑05) that included several parcels — and had a motion to remove parcel PIN 291‑0815‑0424‑40 — was debated; the amendment to remove that parcel failed and the original ordinance passed on roll call.
On fiscal and procurement matters, council adopted Exhibit 9828, a resolution authorizing issuance of not‑to‑exceed $4,900,000 general obligation promissory notes to finance street repairs and related projects. Staff noted example borrowing assumptions below 3% interest and estimated interest costs of approximately $777,000 over eight years under those assumptions. The resolution passed on council vote.
Council also approved multiple 2026 public‑works contract awards (exhibits 9829–9835 and related), including pavement marking to Brickline Inc., route/crack fill to Thunder Road LLC, seal coating to Scott Construction, street and utility construction to Forest Landscaping (noting an adjusted amount of $822,963 after a correction), storm‑sewer cleaning and televising to Green Bay Pipe and TV LLC, and resurfacing contracts to Wolf Paving Company. Councilors asked staff to continue efforts to solicit competitive bids and to document reasons when expected bidders do not respond.
Several councilors disclosed potential conflicts or abstentions: Mr. Berg announced an abstention on votes related to a Gateway Drive parcel because he listed that property for sale; the abstentions were recorded before the votes.
Votes at a glance: multiple roll calls and voice votes were recorded; where the record shows “motion carried” the council completed the procedural votes for listed ordinances and resolutions.
Why it matters: The borrowing resolution funds immediate street and infrastructure work and spreads financing costs over multiple years; approved development plans and rezonings shape near‑term growth and parking obligations in areas close to downtown.
Next steps: Projects awarded under the contracts will move into implementation through city public works and vendors; the promissory note authorization gives staff and finance advisors parameters to finalize sale terms.
