A. 
Generally.
This part of the Administrative Code describes all multiple-member bodies whose members are appointed by the City Manager and further delineates the manner and time of appointment, terms of appointment, and authorities and responsibilities. Multiple-member bodies are City agencies as that term is defined in the Charter.
This part of the Administrative Code is divided into two sections:
§ A-302 describes multi-member bodies established pursuant to the Charter, by special act, or by ordinance. These agencies are not subject to modification by the Administrative Code.
§ A-303 establishes multi-member bodies pursuant to Charter § 6-2, whereby the City Manager may, by administrative order, reorganize, consolidate, create, merge, divide, or abolish multiple-member bodies of the City, subject to approval of the City Council. These agencies are subject to modification by the Administrative Code.
B. 
Terms of office. Unless otherwise provided by the General Laws, the Charter, or the Administrative Code, the terms of office of multiple-member bodies shall be 3 years and shall be arranged so that one-third of the terms, or as nearly that number as possible, shall expire each year, on the annual dates noted in the table below.1
Multi-member body
Term expiration date
Affordable Housing Trust
Aging, Council on
Assessors, Board of
Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
June 30
May 15
May 15
February 15
Biosafety Committee
July 15
Community Preservation Committee
February 1
Conservation Commission
February 15
Cultural Council
Disability, Commission on
Election Commissioners, Board of
Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee
Health, Board of
May 15
November 1
April 1
November 15
First Monday in February
Historic District Commission
November 15
Historical Commission
October 1
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners2
May 15
Human Rights Commission
April 1
Licensing Board
Memorialization Committee
Planning Board
February 1
September 15
February 15
Public Arts and Culture Committee
November 15
Solid Waste and Recycling Committee
May 15
Stormwater Committee
July 15
Traffic Commission
May 15
Watertown Cable Access Corporation Board of Directors3
September 15
Zoning Board of Appeals
February 15
1
Members of multi-member bodies who were appointed prior to the creation of the Administrative Code whose terms are less or more than 3 years maintain their previously established term expiration date.
2
Watertown established a Housing Authority on April 5, 1948, pursuant to G. L. Ch. 121B, §§ 3, 5 and City Code, Title III, Ch. 31.67. The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority is not a City agency and is not subject to the provisions established in § A-301. However, four members of the Board of Commissioners are appointed by the City Manager pursuant to G. L. Ch. 121B, § 5. The Manager's appointments are subject to City Council confirmation.
3
The Watertown Cable Access Corporation Board of Directors is not a City agency and is not subject to the provisions established in § A-301. However, pursuant to their Articles of Organization and Bylaws, the City Manager appoints 6 of their members and the Superintendent of the Public Schools appoints 3 of their members. The Manager's appointments are subject to City Council confirmation.
C. 
Method of appointment; removal.
1. 
The City Manager appoints all members of multiple-member bodies pursuant to Charter § 3-2(3B). Appointments take effect as follows:
a. 
Appointments that are specifically identified as not being subject to the confirmation process will become effective immediately upon notification by the City Manager to the applicant, City Clerk, and City Council.
b. 
All other appointments are forwarded to the City Council for confirmation. If the City Council fails to take any action on an appointment within 30 days following the date notice of the appointment is filed by the City Manager with the City Council, such appointment shall be deemed to have been confirmed.
2. 
Appointments made upon expiration of term shall be as follows:
a. 
At least 90 days before the expiration of a member's term, the City Manager or their designee will notify the member in writing of the expiration date of the member's term and determine whether the member wishes to serve another term.
b. 
Within 7 business days of giving the notice required in § A-301(C)(2)(a), the City Manager will post the position. If the City Manager has determined that the current member wishes to serve another term, the posting will include that information.
c. 
The City Manager will transmit their appointment to the City Council at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the term.
3. 
Appointments other than upon expiration of term shall be as follows:
a. 
Vacancies occurring other than upon expiration of term, whether due to resignation, removal, or other cause, shall be filled by appointment by the City Manager for the unexpired term subject to Council confirmation.
b. 
Upon learning of such a vacancy, the City Manager may either:
i. 
Appoint a new member from among people who previously applied and were interviewed for a position on a multi-member body; or
ii. 
Post the position.
c. 
Preferably within 60 but not more than 90 days after learning of a vacancy, the City Manager shall transmit to the City Council their appointment for confirmation.
4. 
All members of multiple-member bodies shall take the oath of office within 4 weeks of their appointment and must take the oath of office prior to entering upon the duties of their office. The City Clerk administers oaths of office and provides members with information on the Public Records Law, the Open Meeting Law, and the State Ethics Law, to which all members are subject.
5. 
If a member of a multi-member body fails to attend regularly scheduled meetings for a period of 3 consecutive months or 3 consecutive meetings, whichever is longer, or if such member is absent from their duties for the period of 1 year, the City Manager shall notify the member of the intent to declare the office vacant. Within 30 days, the member may provide the Manager in writing with a justification for their prolonged absence and their expected return to duty. The Manager in their discretion may approve the request or officially declare the office vacant.
6. 
Members of multiple-member bodies that require residency as a condition of membership shall be deemed to have vacated office if said member removes from the City.
7. 
Unless otherwise prescribed by the General Laws, the Charter, or the Administrative Code, appointed members of multi-member bodies may only be removed, notwithstanding the term established by § A-301(B), by the City Manager and subject to confirmation of their removal by the City Council.
8. 
Members whose terms have expired may continue serving in a hold-over capacity until they have either been reappointed and confirmed or their successor has been appointed and qualified in their stead.
D. 
Annual reports. Pursuant to Charter § 3-2(13C), all multiple-member bodies shall prepare an annual report of their activities and submit it to the City Manager and the City Clerk on or before the fourth Friday in March. The annual report shall describe activities for the calendar year ending each December 31. Where required by state, regional, or federal regulations, certain boards may be required to submit copies of their annual reports to appropriate state, regional, or federal agencies.
E. 
Authority of multiple-member bodies. Multiple-member bodies may be:
1. 
Advisory, wherein the body has no legal authority to promulgate external rules or regulations, decide individual cases, or enact policy.
2. 
Ministerial, wherein the body has legal authority to take actions that follow set rules and that are essentially administrative in nature.
3. 
Quasi-judicial, wherein the body has legal authority to render decisions.
4. 
Regulatory, wherein the body has legal authority to do one or more of the following:
a. 
Promulgate external rules and regulations;
b. 
Promulgate and enact policy.
5. 
Combinations of advisory, ministerial, quasi-judicial, and regulatory.
F. 
Multiple-member body internal organization; rules and regulations.
1. 
Each multiple-member body shall, at a minimum, annually elect from its membership a Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk, and such other officer or officers as deemed necessary or required by the General Laws. The annual election shall occur within 45 days of the date upon which terms expire. The Chair presides over all meetings of the multiple-member body and is the official representative of the multiple-member body in all proceedings before the City Council and other officials of the City. The Vice Chair performs the Chair's functions in the absence of the Chair. The Clerk is responsible for the certification of the multiple-member body's meeting minutes, observance of the Open Meeting Law, and maintenance of the journal of proceedings of the multiple-member body. The City Manager and City Clerk shall be notified of the officers of each body upon their election.
2. 
To acquaint new members of multiple-member bodies with the affairs which will come before them, the Chair, working with the staff liaison, shall make available to each new member the minutes of the meetings of the 2 previous years and copies of any applicable laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations governing such multiple-member body.
3. 
Each multiple-member body shall conduct meetings in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order to the extent applicable unless otherwise specified in federal, state, and/or local laws or regulations, and shall provide for the keeping of minutes. Such minutes shall be available for public inspection. If requested by any member, any vote shall be taken by a call of the roll, and the vote shall be recorded in the journal provided. However, if the vote is unanimous, only that fact need be recorded. A majority of the full membership of the multiple-member body shall constitute a quorum. Multiple-member bodies shall establish internal administrative rules processes for the proper function of activities under their care and control.
G. 
Time and place of meetings. The clerk of each multiple-member body is responsible for notifying the City Clerk of the regularly scheduled multiple-member body meeting times and dates for the ensuing calendar year. The notification shall also include a location for each regular meeting. This shall not prevent multiple-member bodies from amending the schedule or calling special meetings in addition to those regularly scheduled, provided that, in all instances, the provisions of the Open Meeting Law are followed. The City Clerk shall ensure posting of all meetings is consistent with the Open Meeting Law.
H. 
Authority to establish subcommittees. Each multiple-member body may, by a majority vote of its membership, establish subcommittees of the multiple-member body for the purpose of addressing a particular issue or issues. The membership of a subcommittee shall be limited to the membership of the multi-member body establishing the subcommittee. A report of their activities shall regularly be made to the full multiple-member body. Each subcommittee so established shall be subject to laws pertaining to public records and open meetings.
I. 
Eligibility for service. Any resident of Watertown is eligible to be appointed to a multiple-member body. Unless otherwise prohibited by the Charter, Administrative Code, or General Laws, the residency requirement may be waived by the City Manager at their discretion. Only where expressly authorized by the Charter, Administrative Code, or General Laws shall a City employee or elected official be appointed to serve on a multiple-member body.
J. 
Special Municipal Employees. By Order 2023-O-17, as approved on March 28, 2023, the City Council has designated members of multi-member boards as special municipal employees pursuant to the Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law, G. L. Ch. 268A, § 1(n).
K. 
Staff assistance. The City Manager shall designate 1 or more staff liaisons to a multiple-member body. Said liaison(s) shall be subject only to the supervision of the City Manager and shall perform such duties as the City Manager may prescribe. Staff liaisons assist multiple-member bodies in the pursuit of their missions and responsibilities and the efficient implementation of their activities by ensuring they receive objective, timely, professional, and accurate information upon request and recommendations based on City policies and plans. Multiple-member boards may not employ their own staff.
L. 
Operating budget. The City Manager may, through the City budget, provide operating costs for a multiple-member body. Expenditure of these funds requires approval of a majority of the multiple-member body and coordination by the staff liaison. Contracts executed using funds of the multiple-member body shall require approval and signature of the City Manager.
M. 
External communication. External communications generated by the multi-member appointive organization must be reviewed by the staff liaison and shall be approved by majority vote of the relevant multi-member body.
N. 
Compensation. Unless otherwise provided by the Charter, ordinance, or the Administrative Code, members of multiple-member bodies, with the exception of those who are otherwise City employees, shall receive no compensation.
A. 
Pursuant to Charter § 7-1, there is a Board of Election Commissioners consisting of 4 members, of whom 2 shall always represent each 1 of the 2 leading political parties, as defined by the General Laws. Members are appointed according to the procedures defined by Charter § 7-1(b). Terms are for 4 years.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The duties of the Board of Election Commissioners include performing voter registration, gathering the annual street listing or census, and the conduct of primaries, preliminaries, and elections in accordance with the General Laws and regulations. The Board establishes policies in matters dealing with municipal elections. The Board is also responsible for drawing district, ward, and precinct lines and the establishment of polling places. The Board has all of the other powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to boards of election commissioners under G. L. Ch. 51, § 16A and the Charter.
C. 
The Board of Elections Commissioners may be compensated pursuant to Charter § 7-1(e).
D. 
The Board of Election Commissioners is a regulatory and quasi-judicial multiple-member body of the City.
A. 
Pursuant to Charter § 2-11, the Human Rights Commission was established by Ch. 31, § 31.69 of the City Code of Ordinances. The Human Rights Commission consists of 9 members appointed by the City Manager, subject to confirmation by the City Council. Terms are for 3 years.
B. 
The Human Rights Commission is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: Acts of 2000, Ch. 147; G. L. Ch. 138, § 4.
A. 
Pursuant to Chapter 147 of the Acts of 2000, and notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the City Manager is authorized to appoint members to the Licensing Board, subject to the approval of the City Council as provided in the Charter. Said Board consists of 3 members, each of whom shall have been a resident of Watertown for at least 2 years immediately preceding such appointment. Members are appointed in accordance with G. L. Ch. 138, § 4. The City Manager also appoints one alternate member, subject to the approval of the City Council. The alternate member shall have been a resident of Watertown for at least 2 years immediately preceding appointment and shall be appointed without regard to party enrollment. The alternate member sits on the Board at the designation of the Chair in the case of absence, inability to act, or conflict of interest on the part of any member of the Board, or in the event of a vacancy on the Board until such vacancy is filled in the manner provided for in this act.
A person appointed to the Licensing Board shall not be engaged, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages, and if once appointed a member engages in such manufacture or sale, that member's office shall immediately become vacant.
Terms are 3 years.
B. 
The Licensing Board is a regulatory and quasi-judicial multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 40A, § 14; G. L. Ch. 41, § 81AA, § 81Z.
Local reference: Title XV, Ch. 155, § 10.00.
A. 
There is a Zoning Board of Appeals consisting of 5 members serving 5-year terms and up to 2 associate members serving 2-year terms.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Zoning Board of Appeals hears and decides individual cases brought by persons seeking relief from the requirements of the zoning ordinance, as provided for by the General Laws and by the City zoning ordinance. Specifically, the Board hears and decides applications for variances from the zoning ordinance requirements. It also hears and decides applications for certain special permits and appeals relating to actions or refusals to act by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. The Board has all of the other powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to zoning boards of appeal by the General Laws.
C. 
The Zoning Board of Appeals is a quasi-judicial multiple-member body of the City.
The following sections establish multi-member bodies pursuant to Charter § 6-2, whereby the City Manager may, by administrative order, reorganize, consolidate, create, merge, divide, or abolish multiple-member bodies of the City, subject to approval of the City Council. These agencies are subject to modification by the Administrative Code.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 44, § 55C.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Municipal Housing Trust under G. L. Ch. 44, § 55C, called the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust, and this Trust shall have a Board of Trustees consisting of 7 Trustees, of which the City Manager or their designee shall serve as 1 Trustee.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The purpose of the Trust is to provide for the creation and preservation of affordable housing within the City for the benefit of low- to moderate-income households and for the funding of community housing, as defined in and in accordance with the provisions of G. L. Ch. 44B. The Trust has all the powers and authorities established through G. L. Ch. 44, § 55C. Additionally, the Affordable Housing Trust supports affordable housing development through real estate activities, including actively facilitating pre-development activities of affordable housing developers and potentially acting as an affordable housing developer. The Trust oversees the City's affordable housing monies, including but not limited to HOME funds via the West Metro HOME Consortium, Community Development Block Grant funds, and the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Trust also serves as a policy body on affordable housing matters, advocating for affordable housing and providing advice to the City administration and City Council on such matters, including but not limited to reviewing development applications which have or propose affordable housing units. The Board of Trustees for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund shall have other powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to boards of trustees by the General Laws.
C. 
Limitations. Neither the Board of Trustees nor any Trustee, agent, or officer of the Trust shall have the authority to bind the City, except in the manner specifically authorized herein. Any debt incurred by the Trust shall not constitute a pledge of the full faith and credit of the City, and all documents related to any debt shall contain a statement that the holder of any such debt shall have no recourse against the City, with an acknowledgement of said statement by the holder.
D. 
Funds paid into the Trust. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, all monies paid to the Trust in accordance with any zoning ordinance, exaction fee, or private contribution shall be paid directly into the Trust and need not be appropriated or accepted into the Trust. General revenues appropriated into the Trust become Trust property and these funds need not be further appropriated to be expended. All monies remaining in the Trust at the end of any fiscal year, whether or not expended by the Board within 1 year of the date they were appropriated into the Trust, remain Trust property. The City Treasurer/Collector shall be the custodian of the Affordable Housing Trust's funds. The Treasurer/Collector shall invest the funds in the manner authorized by state statute. Any income or proceeds received from the investment of funds shall be credited to and become part of the Trust. Expenditures by the Trust shall be processed through the warrant but shall be controlled by the provisions of G. L. Ch. 44, § 55C.
E. 
The Trust shall be of indefinite duration, unless terminated by a majority vote of the City Council in accordance with G. L. Ch. 4, § 4B, provided that an instrument of termination together with a certified copy of the City Council vote are duly recorded and/or filed with the registry. Upon termination of the Trust, subject to the payment of or making provisions for the payment of all obligations and liabilities of the Trust, the net assets of the Trust shall be transferred to the City and held by the City Council for affordable housing purposes. In making any such distribution, the Trustees may, subject to the approval of the City Council, sell all or any portion of the Trust property and distribute the net proceeds thereof or they may distribute any of the assets in kind. The powers of the Trustees shall continue until the affairs of the Trust are concluded.
F. 
The Trustees are authorized to execute a Declaration of Trust and Certificates of Trust for the Watertown Affordable Housing Trust, consistent with G. L. Ch. 44, § 55C and this section, to be recorded with the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds and filed with the Middlesex South Registry District of the Land Court.
G. 
The Board of Trustees for the Affordable Housing Trust fund is an advisory and ministerial multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 40, § 8B.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Council on Aging consisting of 9 members of which at least 6 members shall be 60 years of age or older.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Council on Aging coordinates and implements programs designed to meet the needs of residents aged 60 and over. The Council surveys the elderly population to better determine their needs, problems, and concerns. The Council develops criteria for program and supportive service development based upon an assessment of needs and participates in programs offered by the commonwealth's Executive Office of Elder Affairs.[1] The Council has all of the other powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to councils on aging by the General Laws.
[1]
Editor's Note: Now the Executive Office of Aging and Independence.
C. 
City employees are eligible to serve as members of the Council on Aging as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.
D. 
The Council on Aging is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 41, § 24; G. L. Ch. 59, § 21B.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Board of Assessors consisting of 3 members, as follows:
1. 
The Chair of the Board of Assessors shall be the Chief Assessor who shall not be subject to City Council confirmation and need not be a resident of Watertown.
2. 
Two additional members appointed pursuant to § A-301(C). While preference for these positions will be given to Watertown residents, exceptionally qualified candidates outside of Watertown may be appointed.
Members must take training and pass an examination as outlined in state law and regulations (830 CMR 58.3.1). Subject to annual appropriation, members of the Board of Assessors may be compensated.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Board of Assessors annually makes fair cash valuation of all estates, both real and personal, subject to taxation within the City. The Board calculates and submits to the City Council for its approval the annual tax rate information necessary to meet all sums voted by the City. The Board hears and decides all questions relating to the abatement of taxes levied by it. The Board has all the other powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to boards of assessors by the General Laws.
C. 
The Board of Assessors is an advisory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial multiple-member body of the City.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee consisting of not more than 9 members appointed by the City Manager.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee works with City officials to: include accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists in road resurfacing and other construction projects; increase the availability and safety of sidewalks and recreational pedestrian paths and bikeways in the City; evaluate and improve existing bicycle parking and create new facilities where appropriate; provide education to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to promote safety; and develop a long-range master plan designating priority routes for bicycling.
C. 
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Biosafety Committee consisting of 5 members who need not be residents of the City:
1. 
one member of the Board of Health as designated by the Board of Health Chair
2. 
an individual, who may be a City employee, with knowledge of hazardous materials appointed by the City Manager in consultation with the Watertown Fire Chief
3. 
three additional members, preferably with experience in biotechnology, appointed pursuant to § A-301(C)
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Biosafety Committee advises the Board of Health with respect to issues concerning the use and handling of recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) and/or biologic agents in the City.
C. 
The Biosafety Committee is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 44B.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Community Preservation Committee consisting of 9 members, 4 residents appointed pursuant to § A-301(C) and 5 members prescribed by statute and not subject to City Council confirmation, as follows:
a. 
one member of the Conservation Commission established under G. L. Ch. 40, § 8C, as designated by the Commission
b. 
one member of the Historical Commission established under G. L. Ch. 40, § 8D, as designated by the Commission
c. 
one member of the Planning Board established under G. L. Ch. 41, § 81A, as designated by the Board
d. 
one member of the Housing Authority established under G. L. Ch. 121B, § 3, as designated by the Authority
e. 
one member, who may be a City employee, appointed by the City Manager to represent the interests of parks and open space.
B. 
Authorities and Responsibilities. The Community Preservation Committee makes recommendations for the use of community preservation funds for initiatives related to open space, outdoor recreation, historic resources, and community housing. The Community Preservation Committee studies community preservation needs, opportunities, and resources; solicits input from other multiple-member bodies and holds an annual public hearing to solicit public input; prepares a community preservation plan and application process for vetting project proposals; votes on a slate of project recommendations and submits them to the City Council; submits an annual budget to the City Council; and keeps records regarding all Committee meetings, project applications, funding recommendations, and annual budgetary reports. The Committee shall, each fiscal year, recommend to the City Manager an operational and administrative budget, which cannot exceed the limits established in the General Laws. The Community Preservation Committee has all of the other powers, duties and responsibilities that are given to Community Preservation Committees by the General Laws.
C. 
The Community Preservation Committee is an advisory and ministerial multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 40, § 8C; G. L. Ch. 131, § 40; 310 CMR 10.
Local reference: Ch. 154.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Conservation Commission consisting of 7 members.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Conservation Commission protects, promotes, and enhances the quality of the natural resources within the City, especially wetlands and water resources. The Conservation Commission is responsible for the preservation and protection of floodplains, water bodies, and other wetlands within the City. The Commission is responsible for the stewardship of the City's conservation lands. The Commission has all of the other powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to conservation commissions by the General Laws and the wetlands ordinance.
C. 
The Conservation Commission is an advisory and quasi-judicial multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 10, § 58.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Cultural Council consisting of not less than 5 nor more than 22 members appointed by the City Manager. Each member may serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. The Cultural Council is funded in large part by the Mass Cultural Council and each year distributes this funding to organizations, schools, and individuals to provide initiatives in these areas. Duties of Council members include review and discussion of grant applications at least once a year, administration of funds, record and bookkeeping, and ongoing communication with the Mass Cultural Council. The Cultural Council shall have all powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to cultural councils by the General Laws.
C. 
The Cultural Council is an advisory and ministerial multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Title VII, Ch. 40, § 8J.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Commission on Disability consisting of 9 members, 8 of whom are appointed pursuant to § A-301(C) and 1 City Councilor appointed by the City Council President. The majority of members must be people with disabilities, and 1 member must have a member of their immediate family with a disability.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Commission on Disability researches local concerns experienced by people with disabilities and their families; advises and assists municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws affecting people with disabilities; coordinates or carries out programs designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families; assists with the development of policies, procedures, and services affecting people with disabilities and their families; provides closed captioning for City Council meetings; provides information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance in all matters pertaining to disability; and helps coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes. The Commission on Disability shall have all powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to disability commissions by the General Laws.
C. 
The Commission on Disability is an advisory and ministerial multiple-member body of the City.
Local reference: Resolution #38, adopted on June 24, 2003.
A. 
Established. There shall be an Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee consisting of 7 members, at least 1 of whom shall have expertise in energy conservation.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee researches energy use and greenhouse gas emissions; advises and assists municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with relevant national, regional, and state laws, regulations, and programs that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; reviews and makes recommendations about policies, procedures, activities, and facilities of departments, boards, or agencies of the City as they relate to energy conservation and emissions reduction; provides information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses, and organizations in matters relating to energy conservation and emissions reduction; and coordinates activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes.
C. 
The Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 111, § 26-33.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Board of Health consisting of 3 members, 1 of whom must be a physician.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Board of Health fulfills its duties under the General Laws including enforcement of the state sanitary and environmental codes, reporting diseases dangerous to public health, and enforcement of other applicable state and local laws and regulations. The Board of Health determines the health needs of the community and the health services available to the community in terms of the size and characteristics of the population, specific health problems, and environmental conditions. The Board of Health shall have all powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to boards of health by the General Laws.
C. 
The Board of Health is an advisory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 40C, §§ 1-17.
Local reference: Remainder of City Code, Title XV, Ch. 152; Ordinance 16-4-23-2002.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Historic District Commission consisting of 7 members, including:
a. 
1 member from 2 nominees submitted by the Historical Society of Watertown, or in its absence, by Historic New England
b. 
1 member from 2 nominees submitted by the local American Institute of Architects chapter
c. 
1 member from 2 nominees submitted by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors
d. 
1 member who is a resident of and/or property owner in the Mount Auburn Street Historic District
e. 
3 other individuals with interests and concerns in historic preservation who need not be residents of the district.
If within 30 days after submission of a written request for nominees to any of the organizations herein named no nominations have been made, the City Manager may proceed to appoint the Commission without nominations by the organization.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Historic District Commission administers the Mount Auburn Street Historic District and seeks to preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history of the commonwealth and its cities and towns. The Historic District Commission maintains and improves the settings of those buildings and places and encourages new designs compatible with existing buildings in the district. The Historic District Commission reviews exterior architectural features from the public way and can prevent demolitions and inappropriate alterations within the district.
The authority of the Historic District Commission shall not extend to the review of the following categories, structures, or architectural features:
a.
Terraces, walks, sidewalks, driveways, street lighting, and traffic lighting provided that any structure is substantially at grade level
b.
Storm doors and windows, screens, and window air conditioners
c.
The color of paint
d.
The color of materials used on roofs
e.
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of a building, structure, or exterior architectural feature damaged or destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided the reconstruction is begun within 1 year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence
f.
The ordinary maintenance, repair, or replacement of any exterior architectural feature which does not involve a change in design, material, or the outward appearance thereof or landscaping with plants, trees, or shrubs
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent meeting the requirements certified by a duly authorized public officer to be necessary for the public safety, nor construed to prevent any construction or alteration under a permit issued prior to the effective date of this section.
C. 
The Historic District Commission is an advisory and quasi-judicial multiple-member body of the City.
State Law Reference: Mass Gen law Ch 40, § 8.
Local reference: City Code, Title XV, Ch. 153 and Ch. 156; Ordinance 2023-0-54; Ordinance 2, § 1, 1-12-2010; Ordinance 97-10-28-1997.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Historical Commission consisting of 7 members.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The mission of the Historical Commission is to preserve, protect, and advocate for the City's historical and archaeological resources. The Commission's responsibilities include promoting awareness of historic landmarks; recommending designation of new landmarks; implementing the demolition delay ordinance; researching places of historic or archaeological value; conducting educational outreach to the community; and establishing long-lasting protection of these resources for future generations. The Commission promotes public awareness and appreciation of landmarks by maintaining a list of landmarks, distributing materials explaining their significance and, with the agreement of property owners, providing identifying signs and explanatory materials. The Commission assists owners of landmarks by providing preservation guides and information regarding maintenance, restoration, rehabilitation, tax benefits, grants, and listings on the National Register of Historic Places. The Commission cooperates with the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the state archaeologist and renders opinions and recommendations to the City Council, City departments, and the public.
C. 
The Historical Commission is an advisory and quasi-judicial multiple-member body of the City.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Memorialization Committee consisting of the City Manager or their designee, a member of the City Council as designated by the Council President, and 3 residents appointed pursuant to § A-301(C). The City Manager's designee may be a City employee.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Memorialization Committee will serve to provide a systematic, consistent, and transparent approach for making recommendations to the City Council for the naming of all public spaces and the installation of all memorial objects in public spaces, except for veteran memorials and dedications, pursuant to the City Code of Ordinances, Subchapter V, Ch. 36, § 36.16ff. Public spaces include but are not limited to parks, playgrounds, and other open spaces; streets, squares, and intersections; and City buildings under the City Manager's jurisdiction. The Watertown Public Library building and buildings, structures, and facilities on school property are excluded.
The Committee reviews matters involving memorialization upon referral by the City Manager or the City Council and allows for public participation in their process of developing recommendations for the City Council. To the extent the Committee recommends naming public spaces in honor of specific individuals, the Committee considers the following: (i) the public interest to be served by honoring the individual; (ii) the leadership role or distinguished service of the individual, considering the quality of contribution along with the length of service; and (iii) the association the individual has with the proposed naming location. The Committee seeks to honor those who represent the broad diversity of individuals who have contributed to the City.
The Committee may recommend that requestors for the installation of memorial objects in public spaces pay a reasonable fee to cover associated costs of the purchase, installation, and maintenance of the object. Recommendations made by the Committee are not binding and are subject to consideration by the City Council in their discretion.
The City Council has sole authority to remove or replace the naming of any public space or memorial object if, with the passage of time, it determines the public interest is no longer being served by such naming.
C. 
The Memorialization Committee is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.
State law reference: G. L. Ch. 40A; Ch. 41, §§ 81A-81J.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Planning Board consisting of 5 members and 1 associate member.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Planning Board shall be empowered to carry out all duties entrusted to it by law and regulation, including, but not limited to, development of a comprehensive plan and administration of the Subdivision Control Law pursuant to G. L. Ch. 41, as well as actions pursuant to the Zoning Act, G. L. Ch. 40A. The Planning Board shall also have all powers, duties, and responsibilities that are given to planning boards by the General Laws, the Charter, and the City Code of Ordinances.
The associate member shall be entitled to participate in all Planning Board meetings and discussions, but shall have no vote unless the Planning Board Chair shall designate the associate member to sit as a member for the sole purpose of acting on a special permit application upon the absence, inability to act, or conflict of interest of any member of the Planning Board or upon a vacancy on the Planning Board.
C. 
The Planning Board is an advisory and quasi-judicial multiple-member body of the City.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Public Arts and Culture Committee consisting of 9 members: 8 appointed pursuant to § A-301(C) and 1 Cultural Council member designated by the Cultural Council annually for a term of 1 year.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Public Arts and Culture Committee advises the City and makes recommendations on art in public places and cultural and community life, especially programming that enhances the public realm, engages community life and cultural diversity, and fosters social cohesion. Art in public places may include permanent, semi-permanent, temporary, and ephemeral artworks and activations that create a vibrant, welcoming, inclusive, and connected public realm.
C. 
The Public Arts and Culture Committee is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.
Local Reference: City Council Resolution 2022-R-1.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Solid Waste and Recycling Committee consisting of 6 members.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Solid Waste and Recycling Committee is advisory to the Department of Public Works with the following responsibilities: research and make recommendations on recycling and reduction of solid waste; increase public awareness for recycling and reduction of solid waste; identify and implement community-based initiatives to divert material from the waste stream; and perform other tasks related to best practices for recycling and reduction of solid waste in accordance with the commonwealth's solid waste master plan.
C. 
The Solid Waste and Recycling Committee is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.
Local reference: City Code, Title IX, Ch. 97; City Council Resolution 36-R-2009-36; Stormwater Rules and Regulations, 2021.
A. 
Established. There shall be a Stormwater Committee consisting of 7 members:
a. 
5 resident members, 4 of whom shall be appointed pursuant to § A-301(C) and 1 of whom shall be appointed by the City Council President, and at least 2 of whom shall have relevant professional experience related to stormwater management
b. 
The Director of Public Works or their designee as approved by the City Manager
c. 
The Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning or their designee as approved by the City Manager.
B. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Stormwater Committee reviews and makes recommendations on stormwater ordinances and related regulations, identifying and advocating for stormwater funding through grants or other sources, developing educational programs to increase public awareness of stormwater management, and performing any other tasks relevant to assisting the City with the implementation of best practices for stormwater management.
C. 
The Stormwater Committee is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.
Local reference: City Code, Title VII, Ch. 70; Ordinance 15-0-2001-15 and Ordinance 2024-O-82 (Traffic Rules and Regulations).
A. 
Established. There shall be a Traffic Commission consisting of 9 members:
a. 
The Chief of Police or their designee as approved by the City Manager
b. 
The Chief of the Fire Department or their designee as approved by the City Manager
c. 
The Director of Public Works or their designee as approved by the City Manager
d. 
The City Engineer or their designee as approved by the City Manager
e. 
The Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning or their designee as approved by the City Manager
f. 
Four residents representing a broad range of road users including pedestrians, transit users, bicyclists, motorists, and commercial users appointed pursuant to § A-301(C).
B. 
Staff liaisons. The City Manager shall designate a staff liaison to arrange meetings, supply records, obtain data, prepare reports, and attend to the other duties as shall be decided by the Commission. The Police Chief shall designate a Police liaison to the Commission who shall provide recommendations to the Commission based upon best practices in community policing.
C. 
Authorities and responsibilities. The Traffic Commission shall suggest and advise the City Manager in ways and means to regulate traffic in the City with a view towards implementing the City's comprehensive plan and complete streets strategies, reducing crashes, addressing traffic congestion, and increasing safety for motor vehicle drivers and passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of alternative modes of transportation. The Commission shall study and make recommendations on road and design projects and any proposed addition or deletion of crosswalks, stop signs, traffic signals, signage, parking meters, or parking spaces, as well as on any proposed traffic calming measures or traffic directional changes.
D. 
All traffic rules and orders, complaints, or suggestions relative to traffic conditions in the City shall be submitted through the staff liaison to the Traffic Commission for study and recommendations before being acted on by the City Manager.
E. 
The Traffic Commission is an advisory multiple-member body of the City.