TOWN OF WATERTOWN
REGULAR MEETING
MUNICIPAL BUILDING
JANUARY 14, 2016
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
Stephen L. Rich, Councilman
Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Timothy McAtee, Councilman
Members Absent:
Councilman Desormo opened the meeting with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Supervisor Bartlett opened the meeting at 7:00 PM and called for the roll of members present.
All members were present. Legal Counsel Joseph W. Russell was present.
MOTION # 1-2016
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept the minutes for December 30, 2015 year end meeting. Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett opened the floor for anyone wishing to address the town board.
Ralph Green spoke on behalf of the Town Fire Department. He gave statistics of the service calls for the year 2015. He informed the board the department improved their ISO rating from a 5 to a 4. This was a great accomplishment for the department.
The board thanked him for their service and the great job the department does to protect the Town.
Mr. Green brought to the board’s attention the problem of locating and accessing fire hydrants. Supervisor Bartlett assured him the highway department will do it’s best to clear and mark the location of the hydrants.
Mr. Green inquired about the status of ownership and right of ways of the Van Allen Road S. Rd. Supervisor Bartlett informed him there was no record or description of the road. The town does maintain the road therefore does have ownership. Typically town roads are 49.5’ including the right of way.
All persons having had the opportunity to address the board, Supervisor Bartlett closed the floor to the public.
Town Clerk correspondence: The Clerk gave information on the NYS Association of Town’s training school coming up in February.
RESOLUTIONS:
MOTION # 2-2016
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish an official newspaper for publishing public notices and announcements for the fiscal year 2016;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Watertown Daily Times, 260 Washington Street, Watertown N.Y. is hereby designated as the official newspaper for publishing purposes.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman Rich seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION # 3-2016
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish a schedule of Town Council meeting times and dates for the fiscal Year 2016.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that all regular Town Council meetings will be held at 7:00 pm on the second Thursday of each month at the Town Municipal Offices, 22867 County Rt. 67, Watertown, NY 13601, with the exception of the October 2016 and November 2016 meetings which will be held on the first Thursday of month.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman McAtee seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION # 4-2016
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate legal counsel for the Town of Watertown.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Law Firm of Menter, Rudin and Trivilpiece is hereby designated as legal counsel for the Town of Watertown for the Year 2016 for the purpose of providing legal services for the Town.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman Desormo seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION # 5-2016
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate depositories for the safekeeping and investment of Town funds for the year 2016.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Key Bank, Community Bank, M & T Bank and Watertown Savings Bank are hereby designated as depositories for of town funds for safekeeping and investment purposes of Town Funds.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman Prosser seconded.
4 Ayes, 1 Abstention
MOTION # 6-2016
WHEREAS, this Board has received a request from Patricia J. Smith to extend the boundaries of Water District #4 to include that certain parcel described on the attached Schedule “A” and as shown on the map at the attached Schedule “A”, which parcel is identified on the latest completed assessment roll for the Town of Watertown as tax parcel #90.12-1-34, at no cost to the Town of Watertown, and
WHEREAS, a certain map and description for the proposed extension of Water District #4 within the Town of Watertown has been filed with the Town Clerk for the Town of Watertown, and the property owner has undertaken to install the lateral to service her property at no cost to the Town and to the Town’s installation specifications.
NOW, on motion duly made and seconded, it is:
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the map and description for the proposed extension of Water District #4 has been duly filed with the office of the Town Clerk as required by law and is available thereat for inspection, and it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the boundaries of the proposed extension of Water District #4 shall be as appear on the map filed with the Town Clerk and as described on the attached Schedules “A” and “B”, and it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the improvements to be constructed include a lateral connection to transport water from the existing water main to the improved parcel within the extension area, and it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the cost to construct the improvements to service the proposed extension of Water District #4 shall be borne entirely by the owner of the single parcel that encompasses the proposed extension to Water District #4, and it is
ORDERED that a public hearing be held on the 11th day of February, 2016, at 7:00 PM, at the Town Offices, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, New York to hear all persons interested in the proposed extension of Water District #4, and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Clerk shall cause a copy of this Order to be published at least once in the official newspaper for the Town of Watertown not less than 10 no more than 20 days before the date set for the hearing, and shall cause a copy hereof to be posted on the signboard of the Town of Watertown maintained pursuant to the provisions of the Town Law not less than 10 no more than 20 days before the date designated for the hearing.
A motion to adopt the foregoing Order was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilman Desormo and upon a roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Stephen Rich yes
Paul Desormo yes
David Prosser yes
Timothy McAtee yes
SCHEDULE “A”
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, situate in the Town of Watertown, County of Jefferson and State of New York end further described as follows;
BEGINNING at a concrete monument found in the northerly highway limits of N.Y.S. Rt. 232 at the most southeasterly corner of a 7.60 acre parcel of land conveyed by Hubert W. & Thelma F. Hart to Helen E. Fralick by Deed recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in Liber 838 at page 375 on July 24, 1972;
THENCE S. 65° 17′ W. along the Northerly highway limits of N.Y.S. Rt. 232 a distance of 100.0 feet to an iron pipe set;
THENCE N. 14° 26′ W. a distance of 200.0 feet to an iron pipe set;
THENCE N. 76° 52′ E. a distance of 190.0 foot to an iron pipe set in the most easterly property line of the aforementioned Hart to Fralick conveyance;
THENCE S. 12° 48′ W. along the easterly property line of the said Hart to Fralick conveyance a distance of 200.0 feet to the point of beginning.
CONTAINING 0.62 acres of land more or less.
SUBJECT to all rights and restrictions of record.
BEING the same premises conveyed by Wilda I. Baldwin to Henry F. Earle, by Warranty Deed dated May 17, 1974 and recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office May 17, 1974 in Liber 854 of Deeds at Page 736.
SCHEDULE “B”
MOTION # 7-2016
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate a Registrar of Vital Statistics for a 4 year term commencing January 1, 2016 and expiring December 31, 2019.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Town Clerk Pamela D. Desormo is hereby appointed Registrar of Vital Statistics for said period.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman Rich seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION # 8-2016
WHEREAS, Assessor Roger Tibbetts has applied for the following splits & corrections to the 2016 tax roll for real property identified as:
Spits
Original
91.08-1-2.1 Kristina Harff 80.93 acres
Splits into
91.08-1-2.1 Kristina Harff 68.15 acres
91.08-1-2.1.1 Christopher J. Fergeson 12.78 acres
91.08-1-2.1.2 Adam & Jessica Brown 28.64 acres
Original
101.00-1-6.2 Lisa Shambo 7.89 Acres
Splits into
101.00-1-6.21 Lisa Shambo 3.77 Acres
101.00-1-6.22 Lacey Shambo 4.12 Acres
Corrections
91.11-1-9 – John Selley, 25115 NYS Rte 12, new owner not entitled to senior citizen exemption of former owner. New tax amount is $679.59.
83.15-1-3.2 – Michael Hope, 20960 Hunt St., no longer primary residents so not entitled to exemption. New tax amount is $601.18.
91-07-1-24.2 – Meredith Sullivan, 24400 Gotham Street Road, new owner not entitled to former owner’s veteran’s exemption. New tax $2,718.37.
BE IT RESOLVED that the town board hereby approves the correction of this tax bill and authorizes the Town Clerk to issue a corrected tax bill to the owner of said parcel
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION # 9-2016
WHEREAS, PIVOT Employee Assistance Services (formerly Northern Employee Assistance Service) contracts with the Town of Watertown to provide confidential services associated with evaluating and identifying problems of Town employees and for determining appropriate service providers for Town employees.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOVLED, the Supervisor is authorized to execute the attached fee for service agreement with PIVOT Employee services for providing said services.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman McAtee seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #10-2016
WHEREAS, The Town Public Works Superintendent has the authority to appoint a Deputy Superintendent to perform the Superintendents duties in his absence, and has appointed Ted Clement the senior Public Works employee to fill said position; and
WHEREAS, under the existing Bargaining unit contract, the position of Deputy Public Works Superintendent receives additional hourly wage compensation for this position.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Ted Clement is hereby granted an increase is hereby granted an increase in hourly compensation of $.43 per hour to $21.92 pr/hr.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #11-2016
WHEREAS, the Town is in need of a new garbage packing unit used for the collection and delivery of Town Municipal waste. and
WHEREAS, Hackers Packers of Harpusville N.Y. provides the units and will design and build a 30 yard unit for adaptation to an existing tandem truck currently in the Towns inventory of equipment for the sale price of $50,848.00; and
WHEREAS, Hackers Packers is on the State bid list for sale of said products to municipalities thereby elimination the need to bid for said products or services. and
WHEREAS, funds were included in the general fund budget for 2016 to purchase said equipment.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, a purchase order in the amount of $50,848.00 is hereby authorized for the purchase of 1 rear load, 30 cu. yard garage compaction unit.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman McAtee seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #12-2016
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk has designated Catherine Rich as her appointment to the position of Deputy Town Clerk to serve concurrently with the Town Clerks term of office; and
WHEREAS, funds were appropriated in the fiscal year 2016 to support the salary and benefit package for this position.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Catherine Rich is hereby appointed Deputy Town Clerk for the term coinciding with the term of office of the Town Clerk.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #13-2016
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appoint legal bond Council for Town financial use and purposes. and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the law firm of Hrabchak and Gebo PC, Watertown N.Y. is hereby appointed to the position of Town Bond Council for the year 2016.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman Desormo seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #14-2016
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appoint an engineering Firm to represent the Town on all engineering matters.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Engineering firm of Bernier Carr and Associated of Watertown N.Y. is hereby appointed engineers for the Town of Watertown for the fiscal year 2016.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman McAtee seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #15-2016
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept the Memorandum of Agreement for Black River Trial Extension between NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Town of Watertown. Motion is seconded by Councilman Prosser and is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Ayes All
MOTION # 16-2016
WHEREAS, planning board members Pamela Desormo and Thomas Boxberger have expressed an interest in re-appointment as Co-Chairmen of the Planning Board.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Pamela Desormo and Thomas Boxberger are hereby appointed as Co-Chairmen of the Town of Watertown Planning Board for the Year 2016.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution and Councilman Desormo seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION # 17-2016
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 283 to 284 Total $ 11,001.58
Highway Vouchers # 184 to 184 Total $ 16,291.44
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 104 to 104 Total $ 1,069.10
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 1 to 26 Total $ 22,273.35
Highway Vouchers # 1 to 16 Total $ 7,410.97
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 1 to 7 Total $113,224.60
Councilman Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Attorney Russell updated the board as to the status of the Burnham property violation.
New Business
Bruce Rohr, Highway Superintendant, updated the board on new security measures to monitor the fuel flows from the highway department. Councilman Prosser asked to meet with Mr. Rohr to discuss the fuel use with the fire department and ambulance service. A meeting will be arranged.
Mr. Rohr informed the board all the locks for the highway departments are being changed. He notified the board Pam Desormo would be his clerk to process the highway payroll.
Old Business
Bruce Rohr, Highway Superintendant, brought to the board the idea of having Ray Cean, the part time landfill attendant clean the Municipal Building when needed. After some discussion it was agreed to have Ray Cean clean the building.
Councilman McAtee asked about the maintenance and markings on the fire hydrants in the town. Mr. Rohr informed him to his knowledge they are all marked and the highway employees clear them on their down time from plowing.
MOTION # 18-2016
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 PM. Supervisor Bartlett seconded.
Ayes All
___________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk