▼

Charter Review Commission

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find a copy of the Charter ?

The Charter is available on the Watertown Website or you can visit the Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall, 149 Main Street to acquire a copy. More...

2. Who Can Participate in the Charter Review ?

Every Watertown resident is encouraged to participate by:

- attending and speaking at the Commission meetings
- watching the meetings on cable television and submitting written comments
- discussing the Charter Review with friends and neighbors
- inviting a Commission member to their social or civic group to discuss the review process
- involving young people by discussing the Charter Review in class and inviting a Commission member to speak

3. How Do I Keep Current with the Review Process ?

Information with be updated periodically as to meeting dates, agendas, minutes, pertinent documents, etc on the town's website.

Additionally, most of these items will be posted on the bulletin board in front of the Town Clerk's Office, in the basement of the Town Hall, 149 Main Street.

You can e-mail questions and comments to all Commission members at crc@watertown-ma.gov . If you do not have e-mail, you can call the Council Clerk at 617-972-6470 with any questions or comments for the Commission members. More...

4. Why Should I Participate in the Charter Review ?

The Charter Review provides all residents an opportunity to learn how their town government operates and how decisions are made that affect the quality of our services, our schools and the strength of our community. Learn about your local government and invest in Watertown's future by participating in the Charter Review.

▼

Emergency Management

Show All Answers

1. As a resident, what website should I access for info

You should go to the Town of Watertown website:
www.watertown-ma.gov

2. What is the phone number of the Police Department ?

617-972-6500

3. What if there is a power outage ?

Avoid candles and matches. Have several flashlites avaiable with sufficient batteries.

4. I have a dog. What precautions should I take ?

Keep a collar, current license and up-to-date identification tags on your pet at all times.

5. What if a fire occurs when I am sleeping ?

Install smoke detectors in locations approved by the Watertown Fire Department in your home. Also install carbon monoxide detectors. Twice a year, when clocks are changed, replace the batteries in all of these units.

▼

Fire Department

Show All Answers

1. How do I dispose of old smoke alarms?

Although scrap fire detection and alarm system components may be disposed of in the normal municipal waste stream, recycling is the preferred option for disposal of all fire alarm components. Check your detector for the address of the manufacturer and return it there. Or, to locate a recycling facility for electronics in your area, visit the Web site of the Institute of
Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Electronics Recycling Industry:

http://www.isrielectronics.org/
search/

Federal regulations do not address the disposal of smoke detectors, heat
detectors, flame detectors and/or other types of fire detection systems and/or components. More...

2. Where do my smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors need to be installed?

For a detailed guide from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, click below. More...

3. Why did you send a fire engine when I called for an ambulance?

All Watertown Fire Department members are Massachusetts trained and certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). During a medical emergency minutes, sometimes seconds, count! The response of the closest fire engine to your emergency brings trained firefighter/EMTs to your home or business in minutes. Emergency life saving equipment such as oxygen, semi-automatic defibrillators, and other medical equipment are carried on these fire engines for use by trained firefighters. Additional staff on a fire engine also provides supervision and it is necessary to have additional trained personnel to assist in moving stretchers through buildings, carrying patients down stairs or when dangerous conditions are encountered. It is also necessary to have more than two people perform certain treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation while moving a patient. At traffic accidents the fire engine personnel keep the area safe if there are fuel spills, fire and removing crash victims from vehicles.

4. What do I do after I suffer a fire in my home?

Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process.
When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned around. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact. The United States Fire Administration has created a guide to assist those who have been a victim of fire. Click "more" to access the guide. More...

5. I bought a chiminea from a store in Watertown, why can't I use it at my home in Watertown?

Mass General Law Chapter 48, Section 13 prohibits open air burning without permission. Chimineas and firepits are considered open burning and as such require a permit. Due to the proximity of structures and concern over fire spread, in Watertown, the fire department does not issue burning permits. If you use a chiminea/firepit on your property and the Watertown Fire Department responds, the fire will be extinguished and the person operating the chiminea/firepit would be subject to a fine of up to $500.00.

6. Where can I get child locator decals for my home?

In the interest of community safety, the Watertown Fire Department does NOT recommend that "child" or "invalid" locator decals be placed on home windows for a number of reasons.
• First, the average family moves often – on average about once every five years. Each time a house changes hands, room use can also change. Even a single family will switch rooms over time, making the decals meaningless.
• Often times, young children sleep in rooms other than their own, leave their room when frightened, or spend the night away and, therefore, may not be in the room marked with a decal.
• Unfortunately, a decal can also be an invitation to an intruder to enter through that window because the occupant of that room would present less of a threat.
Please remember that rescuing people trapped in a fire is a firefighter’s top priority. Firefighters are trained to make a thorough and systematic search for anyone inside a burning building as soon as they arrive. Valuable time could be lost looking for windows improperly marked with decals and with no assurance anyone would be in that room, could delay help to anyone trapped inside.
The most effective way to protect yourself and your family in the event of a fire in your house is to:
• Be sure your smoke detectors are working properly.
• Prepare and practice a family fire escape plan.
• Consider installing residential fire sprinklers or making sure your next home has them already installed; they're like having your own firefighter on duty in your home 24 hours every day!

7. Why is my smoke alarm making a funny sound (chirping)?

Any time your smoke detector goes off, it's important to pay attention. If it's sounding its loud alarm because it senses the presence of smoke, check your home thoroughly. If you smell smoke and are unable to locate a fire, call 9-1-1 and we'll send an engine to make sure that a fire isn't smoldering in a hidden area and it won't cost anything. If you don't smell smoke, the detector may be reacting to the presence of dust, steam, or a small insect or spider. Dust and bugs can be removed by a vacuum cleaner. If steam from a nearby shower is affecting your smoke detector regularly, move the detector to a different spot.

If the detector is just chirping, thumping, or buzzing, it probably means that the battery is low. Replace the battery as soon as possible. Without a working battery, a smoke detector can't do its job and the risk of dying in a fire increases greatly.

▼

Health Department

Show All Answers

1. What should I do if my pet is lost?

Contact the Animal Control Officer at (617) 972-6446 as soon as possible to make a report. If you have a photo of your pet you can email it to us.

You may also drop off a photo at the office which is located at the Health Department:
Town Hall
149 Main St.
Watertown, MA 02472

We also recommend posting flyers on the telephone poles of your neighborhood.

2. What guidelines are provided for flooding in my home?

See attached guidelines. More...

3. What food safety guidelines are provided for power failure in my home?

See attached guidelines. More...

▼

Historic District Commission

Show All Answers

1. What is the Mount Auburn Street Historic District?

The Mount Auburn Street Historic District was established by the Town of Watertown in 2002 under the Watertown Historic District Ordinance. The purpose of the Historic District is to preserve the distinctive architecture reflecting the character of Watertown’s rich cultural, social, economic, and political history which began on the banks of the Charles River in the early 1600s.

2. Why do we have historic districts?

Historic district ordinances are local laws adopted by communities to protect historic areas using powers granted by the state. Watertown’s Historic District is governed by the provisions of Massachusetts’ enabling legislation for historic districts, Chapter 40C of the Massachusetts General Laws. Under Chapter 40C, historic districts have three major purposes:

• To preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history of the Commonwealth and its cities and towns
• To maintain and improve the settings of those buildings and places
• To encourage design within the district that is compatible with existing buildings and places

3. What is a Historic District Commission?

Watertown’s Historic District is protected and overseen by a Historic District Commission. Historic District Commissions do not prevent changes from occurring, nor do they prevent new construction. Their purpose is to ensure that changes and additions to properties within the Historic District are harmonious with the aesthetic and historic values of the district.

The Commission is not intended to be burdensome to property owners within the Historic District, but rather, to be helpful in administering change and enhancing the value of the buildings and places within the Historic District.

4. Who serves on the Historic District Commission and what do they regulate?

Seven members serve on Watertown’s Historic District Commission. The Commission is empowered to regulate only changes that affect the publicly visible features of properties within the Historic District.

The Commission is responsible for reviewing the appropriateness of exterior design changes and additions to existing buildings and structures, as well as new construction and demolition, within the Historic District.

Interior changes to properties within the Historic District are not subject to review by the Historic District Commission.

5. Where is the Mount Auburn Street Historic District?

The Historic District begins at the intersection of Summer and Mount Auburn Streets and extends east along Mount Auburn Street to Lincoln Street, and includes a portion of Marshall and Palfrey Streets.

If you would like to confirm whether your property falls within the boundaries of the Mount Auburn Street Historic District, contact the office of the Preservation Agent at (617) 972-6473.

6. What if I want to make changes to my home?

A property owner or resident within the Historic District contemplating exterior work on any part of his/her property that is visible from a public way or a public place must notify the Historic District Commission and get approval before any such work can begin.

Property owners contemplating interior alterations need not obtain Historic District Commission approval. For complete information please see the Watertown Historic District Ordinance below. Please note: Exterior and interior alterations may still need approval from the Building Inspector.

Although it may not be necessary to have the Historic District Commission review items excluded from the Commission’s responsibility, please feel free to present your ideas to the commission. Over time it would help everyone in the District plan for growth and change. Watertown Historic District Ordinance

7. How Do I File an Application?

Copies of the Watertown Historic District Guidelines and applications are available at the Office of the Preservation Agent in the Administration Building at:
149 Main St.
Watertown, MA 02472

The Commission recommends applications be submitted 60-90 days prior to the commencement of any work.

Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of the Historic District Commission according to the schedule to have a hearing at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission.

Applications must include photographs, material and color samples, manufacturers’ illustrations, and plans and plot plans, as necessary. 2009 Meeting Schedule

8. What if I have questions?

The Historic District Commission hopes you find the schedule of meetings and hearings helpful in planning. We believe in Watertown’s unique identity and are committed to helping property owners within the Historic District.

If you have any questions about your property and the Mount Auburn Street Historic District, please call the office of the Preservation Agent at (617) 972-6473. 2009 Meeting Schedule

▼

Recreation

Show All Answers

1. What are the hours of the recreation department ?

The hours are 8:30 - 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.

▼

Skating Rink

Show All Answers

1. What Time is Public Skating ?

Saturday, 4:30 - 6:00 pm and Sunday, 2:45 to 4:15 pm. Check events calendar for cancellations.

▼

Town Clerk

Show All Answers

1. How do I register to vote?

Fill out an affidavit to vote at the Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, Monday-Friday between 8:30 am - 5:00 pm and Tuesday evenings until 7:00 pm. Deadline for registration is four Tuesdays before election day. Prior to election times, voter registration hours are extended. These hours are posted in the local papers.

2. How do I run for office?

Take out nomination papers from the Clerk’s Office. Obtain a specific number of signatures, as stated in the charter. Specific number depends upon the office for which you are running. The nomination papers must be returned by a certain deadline for filing and the signatures nut then be certified by the Elections Commission.

3. How do I obtain birth, marriage, or death records?

All birth, marriage, and death records are kept at the Town Clerk’s Office. You may obtain copies as needed.

4. How do I obtain licenses and permits?

Dog, cat, fishing, hunting, and marriage licenses may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office. Permits for storage, underground gasoline, raffles, and bazaars are also obtained at this office.

▼

Town Clerk - Business Certificates

Show All Answers

1. Who has to file a business certificate?

Any person, partnership, or corporation conducting business in Watertown under a name other than their own or corporate name.

2. How much does a business certificate cost?

The cost in Watertown is $50.

3. What is needed to file a business certificate?

A completed business certification application. If the complete application is to be returned to the City Clerk by mail, the applicant's signature must be notarized prior to submission.

4. How can I obtain the business certification form?

You can pick one up at the Town Clerk's Office or download a copy here.

5. Will I get a tax i.d. number when I file a business certificate?

No, the tax identification number comes from the Department of Revenue at the state level. You must apply to the State Department of Revenue for this number.

6. How often does a business certificate have to be renewed?

Every four years. If the business is discontinued, the Clerk's office must be notified. There is a $30 discontinuance fee.

7. What if the business address changes?

The applicant should come into the Clerk's office and file a change of address form. The cost is $50.

8. What if the ownership of the business changes?

If it is a complete change of ownership, a new business certificate must be filed, with a fee of $50.

▼

Treasurer / Collector

Show All Answers

1. How often are property tax bills mailed?

Four times per year - July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1

2. If I pay my property tax bill late, will I be charged any interest penalties?

Yes, interest at 14% from the due date of the bill will be charged.

3. Can I pay my tax bills by credit or debit card or online?

At this present time, no, but we are hoping to offer these convenient payment methods in the near future.

4. If I sell or trade-in my motor vehicle after I paid my motor vehicle excise tax, can I receive a refund?

Yes, in most cases. You may apply for an abatement of your motor vehicle excise tax by contacting the Assessor’s Office at (617) 972-6410.

5. What are the town rules regarding all night parking on town streets during the winter months?

All night parking on town streets during the winter months is restricted beginning Sunday, December 1, 2002 until April 1, 2003 or further notice. On-street parking during this time will be permitted from one hour only between the hours of 1:00 am - 6:00 am.

▼

Veterans Department

Show All Answers

1. How Do I Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs ?

Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Website: www.va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs

2. How Do I Get Copy - "Federal Benefits for Veterans" ?

Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000

3. How Do I Get Copy " Mass Veterans Laws & Benefits?"

Call the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office at 1-800-392-6090 (in Massachusetts) or 617-727-7030 Mass Veterans Benefits

▼

Watertown Community Path Project

Show All Answers

1. What is the Watertown Community Path ?

The Watertown Community Path is a proposed multi-use path that will provide pedestrians and bicyclists with a safe and easily accessible route through much of Watertown.