Woburn is such a nice community to live in. I'm happy to see that once again my area rep was looking out for the good of her part of this community when voting.... In my humble opinion, there is a big difference between voting to fund the schools (to enhance the future of Woburn) and voting to fund water meters for the residents. Of course the burden is falling on the resident tax payer! As far as affordable housing goes, watch out tenants - there goes your rent - up, up, up to help cover the future cost of your landlords sewer and water cost. While something like this doesn't mean that I'm putting my house on the market and getting out of Dodge, the affordability of the community will be somewhat diminished. Back in the day our MWRA water/sewer bill in Watertown was comparable to a mortgage payment. As far as the MWRA and state taking a look at water/sewer usage compared to other communities, I'd like to know who we were up against. Please don't tell me areas like Winchester and Lexington where there is minimal commercial buildings and fewer pools, smaller yards etc. Where can a resident go to see the comparisons?

I will not pay for a meter. I have a brand new one in my cellar that's never been read! Trust me If they try charging me for a meter, I will see them in court.

As a Woburn resident who grew up in neighboring Arlington, I can say that as a young married women I moved here largely because of its affordability and proximity to Boston. Woburn was a compromise; allowing us to be close to my family without sacrificing quality-of-life.
Unfortunately, these changes will cause Woburn to lose its status as middle-class friendly and perpetuate the growing trend among young families of living in New Hampshire and working in MA. I believe Woburn will not realize the true impact of these changes for another 10 yrs. when figures become available showing the trend of our city no longer growing.
Alderman Haggerty stated that "we have to move on as a city", unfortunately, this sacrifices the very core of Woburn values; a nice, affordable city for working-class families.

This is local government at its worse. When I moved to Woburn, 20 + years ago and wondered about the absence of water meters, I was told that it was because of all the Industry that the City had and it gave the residents the break of meters to deal with the issues of so much Industry. What happened? Did the Industry disappear? Then to vote for this at taxpayers expense without it even being voted on? outrageous. Further voting on it before you even have a plan? stupid.

oh

If you pay attention, it is not ALL aldermen who are in the mayor's pocket. The 3 who voted against the meters all said the same thing, They don't want to charge the residents and they oppose this because they didn't have the facts. We HAVE to do the meters. The DEP is forcing Woburn to do it and we are under a fine of almost a million dollars and growing every day. If we don't do it they will bring us to court and our fines will be in the millions and every lawyer up there said we would lose. That is not anyone's fault. What is wrong is that there is no plan so that we know how much it will cost and how it will be paid. I am not going to pay for a meter because it is insulting and a slap in the face, That is what Aldermen Drapeau, Ditucci and Bruen said and I will pay attention at the voting booth next year. Thanks for looking out for me you three. I am sorry that no one listened to you. What is wrong with those people?

Besides Janet, most have been there so long, it's time for a breath of fresh air, Its a stale council right now,, you may this what I say is wrong, maybe some of it is,, but maybe we disagree on who is in the mayors camp, but otherwise I think I am pretty much on the money... the facts are the facts,,

The Council had only two options. Meet the demands of the legally binging DEP ACO and attempt to manage the implementation as best they can (which won’t be for years) or Option B; which would be 1. to have the City pay $347,250 in annual fines to the state, 2. fight a costly (hundreds of thousands) legal battle with the state that three consecutive city attorneys said the city would lose, and 3. at the end of it all still be in a position where the MWRA and DEP could legally force worse actions (including a state mandated rate structure). The city still buys roughly 50% of its water from the MWRA so they have to deal with the MWRA.
Passing it now at least gives the city the option of creating a rate structure that will have the LEAST IMPACT. Let’s remember that they cut rates by 5% 2 years ago, so I don’t think rates are going anywhere.
The binding document was signed before half this council was ever elected. I’m not defending all of them but it is factually inaccurate to think that the city had a wide rage of options. They could pass it or fight it in court. Period. The city was essentially under court order. Read the ACO from the City Clerks office like I have.
The rates will not be increased or changed unless the council and mayor choose to. Even if they do, the rates will still be LOWER THAN OTHER COMMUNITY IN THE AREA.
Remember to do your homework and read the public documents (the legal opinions by Former City Solicitor John McElhiney and Ellen Docette)

One the advantages Woburn residents enjoy is the ability to use water and pay only a flat rate.
Alderman Haggerty and Alderman Anderson were elected to the City Council after the city was committed by a signed agreement with DEP of the installation of water meters. Mayor Galvin then Alderman was on the City Council but was not made aware of the agreement until after it had been signed. The city must comply with this order otherwise the city will incur fines which will be costly.
It is unfortunate that the taxpayers along with the City Council were not made aware of this proposal until after it was signed back in 2006. Alas water under the bridge. Our city officials must be diligent in trying to keep the rates down so the taxpayer does not get hosed with high rates.