City Council approves revised noise ordinance
Watertown City Council approved a revised noise ordinance restricting commercial lawn and grounds maintenance equipment to 7:00 am to 5:00 pm hours, rejecting an attempt by Council member Caroline Bays to move the start time to 8:00 am.
City Council · Meeting of July 14, 2026
Watertown City Council approved a revised noise ordinance restricting commercial lawn and grounds maintenance equipment to 7:00 am to 5:00 pm hours, rejecting an attempt by Council member Caroline Bays to move the start time to 8:00 am. Bays's amendment failed 8-1, with support from those citing landscaping workers' heat exposure but opposition from those noting years of planning had already occurred. The Council unanimously approved a 750,000 dollar fire engine loan and voted to move 5.1 million dollars into stabilization accounts and capital funds.
Seven municipal appointments were confirmed, and the Council heard a presentation on the city's updated Hazard Mitigation Plan assessing local vulnerability to flooding, winter storms, and wildfires.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 687 words
Source: the City Council meeting of July 14, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Checked against the official minutes. It was corrected where it differed.
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