City Council Meeting - 09/21/2026

The City Council meeting of Watertown on September 21, 2026, focused heavily on procurement and infrastructure projects, particularly the ongoing Fifth Avenue street and sidewalk reconstruction. Council approved a professional services agreement with HDR Engineering for design and partial construction administration of the North Broadway sewer and street reconstruction project, valued at approximately $235,000. A change order for the landfill hoop building project was also approved, adding about $15,000 due to additional materials needed for wind load anchoring. The council discussed significant public concerns regarding the quality and completion of the Fifth Avenue project, including sidewalk damage, driveway issues, and contractor performance. Due to unresolved issues, the council deferred action on the sidewalk improvement assessments to allow further review and resolution of punch list items. Additionally, the council approved several business license ordinance amendments to streamline administrative processes and approved ownership transfers for local retail licenses. A resolution was passed to certify the annual property tax levy with a 3.73% increase. The council also approved a resolution to include 911 communication officers in the Class B public safety retirement system, recognizing their critical role and providing enhanced pension benefits. Overall, the meeting addressed multiple procurement contracts, budget allocations, and policy updates impacting city infrastructure and services.