Watertown Tab and Press
Watertown, MA
Watertown Town Council in 60 seconds
By Jillian Fennimore, Staff Writer
Wednesday April 23, 2008

WATERTOWN – Here’s a quick update of what went down during Tuesday’s meeting

· The Council honored this month’s Armenian Genocide commemoration by
presenting Newton resident David Boyajian with a
proclamation. Boyajian was instrumental in bringing the
Anti-Defamation League’s stance toward the Armenian Genocide to light
with a letter to the TAB & Press last year. Since then, many
communities have severed ties with the ADL and their `No Place for
Hate’ program.

· John Bartley and John Airasianwere re-appointed to the Traffic
Commission. Stuart Bailey was reappointed to the Zoning Board of
Appeals.

· Planning Director Greg Watson and representatives from the
Massachusetts Office of Business Development and Mass Development made
an informal presentation on planning for Pleasant Street, including an
`economic target area’ and an expedited permitting plan slated for the
redevelopment of Boston Scientific, which is currently vacant and up
for sale.

· Councilors accepted a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day.

· Reports were given to update the Council on work done with the
Personnel and Town Organization Committee, Public Safety Committee,
and Economic Development and Planning Committee.

· A resolution was voted on authorizing the acceptance and expenditure
of a cash settlement of at least $300 received by the Watertown Free
Public Library.

· Town Manager Michael Driscoll submitted the fiscal 2009 budget.

· Council President Clyde Younger announced the fiscal 2009 budget
hearing dates inside the Council Chamber at the Town Hall. The Council
will take a final vote of the budget on Tuesday, June 10.