TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
November 8, 2018
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Timothy McAtee, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Members Absent:
Supervisor Bartlett opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a roll call of members present at 6:00 pm. Attorney Russell was also present.
MOTION #106-2018
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept the minutes from the October 4, 2018 meeting, Councilman Desormo seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #107-2018
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept the minutes from the October 18, 2018 meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #108-2018
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adjourn to executive session to discuss the highway employee’s
Teamster’s contract at 6:02 pm, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
The meeting reconvened at 6:12 pm.
Mike Alteri, Bernier Carr Group gave a presentation of possible solutions that could
relieve some of the drainage issues in the Lettiere Tract area. Many of the options would involve city properties which add to the runoff and flooding problems. He presented the Board with a copy of the study and explained possible upgrades to the culverts, rerouting flows, and adding and changing some of the existing detention areas. There are two primary areas they focused their study on. One being from Barben Ave. to Holcomb St. and Birch Lane, and the other is Orchard Drive and Birch Lane area. There are funding options that will need to be addressed, including working with the City of Watertown. Many of the properties in question that drain into these areas are located within the city limits. Supervisor Bartlett has asked Mr. Alteri to initiate meetings with the City. This would help benefit properties in both jurisdictions.
Supervisor Bartlett reopened the public hearing at 6:30 pm concerning proposed Local Law #4 of the year 2018. A Local Law to amend Chapter 107-2 of the Town Code providing amended new definitions to Chapter 107-2 under accepted uses.
Randy Vaas, Town Planning Board member spoke concerning the recommendation to add the use of Fleet Vehicle Operations definition to the Neighborhood Commercial District. Mr. Vaas explained the proposed use is intended for the entire NC District which includes NYS Rte 3, NYS Rte 12F, County Route 202 as well as the Industrial Park area. He explained when the Planning Board established the NC District it was to provide definition that would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. It was determined that the definitions that were included were intended to be general in nature so as not to be to exclusive or restrictive. It was never the intention of the Planning Board to exclude this type of facility, and in fact, he explained when one considers the NC District in its entirety, there are a multitude of properties and uses that could be considered consistent with what was proposed: such as, Beam Mack, UPS, FedEx, Penski, Henderson Truck, and Ryder Rental. He expressed that the Planning Board unanimously feels that the proposed amendment is compatible and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and with what they foresaw as a use in 2012 when forming this District. This definition is intended to clarify what they intended to include as acceptable uses in that NC District.
Ed Valentine, Opal Development, 924 Ives Street addressed the Board. He owns an office in the Industrial Park within the NC District. He gave a history of his business and the workings he had with this and other municipalities through his years in business. He asked the Board not to approve the amendment to add Fleet Vehicle Operations as an accepted use to the NC District. He feels it would be a disservice to the business already established in the Industrial Park area. He feels the existing businesses in the Industrial Park should have a say about what is allowed in this area. Mr. Valentine would like the town to update the Town’s Comprehensive Plan for this area and asked if he could take part in that revision process. Supervisor Bartlett informed Mr. Valentine when the Town updates the Comprehensive Plan it would be open to the public and they would welcome his input at that time. He thanked Mr. Valentine for his comments and concerns.
Daniel Samann, General Counsel for the Car Freshner Corp., along with other representatives from the company were present for the meeting. Mr. Samann addressed the Board with concerns the company has with the proposed zoning amendment. They are most concerned with traffic issues that would result with the approval of the bus terminal in the Industrial Park. He reviewed the bus company’s route schedule. It is his opinion that this type of business would create traffic congestion having a negative effect on their business. He feels it would hinder employees going to and leaving work and create problems holding up delivery trucks to their business. He asked the Board not to approve the amendment to allow for this type of business in the Industrial Park area.
No one else wished to speak; the public hearing was closed at 7:03 pm. The Board reserved the right to make a decision at tonight’s meeting.
MOTION #109-2018
Supervisor Bartlett moved to allow for additional written comments and concerns for the proposed Local Law #4 of 2018, to be submitted to the Clerk’s Office by November 21, 2018 at 3:30 pm. Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett opened the public hearing concerning the Proposed Budget for the year 2019 at 7:06 pm; no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed at 7:07 pm.
The floor was opened to the public; there were some concerned residents present inquiring about a subdivision taking place in the Woodruff Settlement Road. There was an error in the date of the public hearing that was sent to the neighboring property owners. Supervisor Bartlett apologized for the error and informed them to contact the Clerk’s Office the next day to figure out what happened. No one else wished to speak.
MOTION #110-2018
Supervisor Bartlett moved to rescind Local Law No. 2 of the year 2018, a Local Law to override the tax levy limit approved September 13, 2018, seconded by McAtee.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett discussed revisions being made to the 2019 Proposed Budget. After making these adjustments there will be no need for a town tax to be added to this year’s Town and County tax bills.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.
Town Clerk’s Correspondence:
Notice of Renewal of Alcohol License for Texas Roadhouse, 20790 NYS Rte 3.
Notice of Renewal of Alcohol License for TGI Friday, 21890 Towne Center Dr.
MOTION/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #111-2018
WHEREAS, the Teamsters Local 687 known as the bargaining unit representing the Town Public Works Employees has negotiated a new contract with the Town of Watertown for the period January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2021 to include terms of employment, wages, holiday, sick leave and other stipulations defined in the attached (exhibit A) agreement, and
WHEREAS, as noted the terms of the contract are for the period ending December 31, 2021.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said agreement establishing the terms and conditions of all full time public works employment for the Town of Watertown Public Works Employees under the terms and conditions established therein.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Desormo.
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Councilman Paul V. Desormo yes
Councilman David W. Prosser yes
Councilman Timothy L. McAtee yes
Councilwoman Joanne M. McClusky yes
MOTION #112-2018
WHEREAS, New York State has mandated all municipal employers to adopt a Sexual Harassment Policy containing certain specific provisions and also mandating annual training for all employees on a annual basis in addition to training for all new employees hired, and
WHEREAS, the mandate includes a model Sexual Harassment Policy, complaint forms and training materials that meet the minimum standards mandated by the State of New York.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council hereby adopts the new mandated Sexual Harassment Policy (attached as exhibit A) replacing current existing Sexual Harassment Policy effective November 8th, 2018.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman McAtee.
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Councilman Paul V. Desormo yes
Councilman David W. Prosser yes
Councilman Timothy L. McAtee yes
Councilwoman Joanne M. McClusky yes
MOTION #113-2018
WHEREAS, National Grid has performed an audits of town street lighting facilities located within the town and found several sites where under billing for electric service has occurred, and
WHEREAS, in order to be in compliance with the provisions of P.S.C. item 214 the Town, following a review of documentation provided by National Grid hereby concurs and accepts the audit finding of an under monthly billing for services provided to the three identified lighting sites resulting in an increase in the monthly billing of $53.60,
BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to execute the attached General Release authorizing collection of said additional monthly fees.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that under the terms of the general release, the Town of Watertown hereby shall be granted a waiver from National Grid and not be assessed for any back billing for electric services to the identifies sites.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Councilman Paul V. Desormo yes
Councilman David W. Prosser yes
Councilman Timothy L. McAtee yes
Councilwoman Joanne M. McClusky yes
MOTION #114-2018
Supervisor Bartlett offered a motion to levy the following outstanding balances to the 2019 Town and County tax bills.
Water District #1
Toped Development Tx map #82.11-1-38 $148.50
Water District #4
Gina Rice/Thomas Nadelen Tx map #91.09-1-25.2 $ 59.40
Sewer District #1
Henry & Denise Wallace Tx map #82.20-2-89 $176.11
Ron Ossola Tx map #82.20-2-82 $708.65
Sewer District #4
Gina Rice/Thomas Nadelen Tx map #91.09-1-25.2 $ 52.80
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilwoman McClusky.
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Councilman Paul V. Desormo yes
Councilman David W. Prosser yes
Councilman Timothy L. McAtee yes
Councilwoman Joanne M. McClusky yes
MOTION #115-2018
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Watertown adopting a Budget for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2019 making appropriations for the conduct of Town of Watertown Government and establishing rates of compensation for officers and employees for such period.
WHEREAS, at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on Thursday October 4th, 2018, the Tentative Budget for the Fiscal Year 2019 was presented to the Town Council as required by Section 106 of the General Municipal Law, and
WHEREAS, the Town Council thereafter has reviewed the Tentative Budget, and upon completion of such review, the Tentative Budget with any and all revisions and modifications thereof became the Preliminary Budget for the Fiscal Year 2019, which was filed in the Town Clerk’s Office and made available for public inspection; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing on the Preliminary Budget for fiscal year 2019 was posted and published as required by law, and on Thursday November 8th, 2018 at 6:00 pm, at the Town Municipal Office, a public hearing on the Preliminary 2019 Budget for the Town of Watertown, which includes the preliminary budget estimates for the Town of Watertown General Fund, Highway Fund, Water Districts 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and Sewer Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and all persons interested therein were provided an opportunity to be heard.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Town of Watertown Council as follows:
1) This Council has met at the time and place as specified in the notice to the public on the Preliminary 2019 budget and heard all persons desiring to be heard therein.
2) The preliminary budget as amended and revised is hereby adopted for the Fiscal Year 2019, and that the several amounts stated be hereby appropriated for the objects and purposes specified, and the salaries wages stated therein shall be and are fixed at the amounts shown therein, effective January 1, 2019.
A motion to adopt the foregoing Resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember McAtee, and upon a roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Councilman Paul V. Desormo yes
Councilman David W. Prosser yes
Councilman Timothy L. McAtee yes
Councilwoman Joanne M. McClusky yes
MOTION #116-2018
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 217 to 220 Total $ 12,261.67
Highway Vouchers # 143 to 143 Total $ 19,771.81
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 69 to 69 Total $ 2,717.03
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 221 to 239 Total $ 12,999.33
Highway Vouchers # 144 to 157 Total $ 7,701.37
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 70 to 75 Total $ 115,244.25
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
MOTION #117 -2018
Councilman McAtee moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 pm, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk