TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
January 13, 2022
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Members Absent: Timothy McAtee, Councilman
Supervisor Bartlett opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a roll call of members present at 7:00 pm. Attorney Russell was also present.
Supervisor Bartlett offered a moment of silence to honor former Councilman Stephen Rich who passed away this week. Mr. Rich served on the Town Council for 40 years.
MOTION #1-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the December 9, 2021 Regular Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #2-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the December 28, 2021 Special Year End Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Mike Altieri, Bernier Carr & Associates addressed the Board. He gave an update on the Sewer District #1 upgrades. The town has been approved for a $1,000,000 grant to bring the district up to DEC compliance. They are waiting on a commitment from the City of Watertown concerning diverting affluents to the city instead of rebuilding the current treatment plant. The DEC looks favorably on this option. If this is approved the current plant would be decommissioned. This would be a large saving to the residents in this area. They will continue to apply for further grants to assist in funding.
The floor was opened for public comments:
Mike Oneal, Holcomb Street Ext, asked about the possibility of connecting to Sewer District #1.
He also inquired if the town had any plans to take over the water district in this area.
Supervisor Bartlett informed the sewer district boundaries would need to be expanded to include Holcomb Steet Ext. This might be possible when the upgrades are done. He will explore the cost involved with expanding the district when the study and reports are being prepared. Supervisor Bartlett indicated that with the age of the water system and upgrades that need to done it is doubtful the town will take that system over.
Levi Crestani, Co. Rte. 60, asked about the possibility of extending water the length of his road. He was at a meeting earlier in 2021 and was inquiring if there has been an update.
Supervisor Bartlett said it is not being reviewed at this time. If there are funds remaining after the Water District #1 expansion and improvement project, they could use them for a study to determine the cost involved. A new district will need to be formed for the extension of Water District #1 down Co. Rte. 60.
No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed.
Town Clerk’s Correspondence:
Association of Town’s Annual Meeting in NYC and membership application.
(The Board decided not to join this year)
NYSDOT notice dated January 10, 2022 informing the town of the closure of the I-81, Exit 46 on & off ramps for bridge deck rehabilitation
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #3-2022
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown contract with the Teamsters Local 687 expires on December 31, 2021, and
WHEREAS, a new contract and the terms and conditions of said contract (Attached as exhibit A) for the 3-year period commencing January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2024 has been negotiated establishing wage rates, health benefits and other conditions of employment for the term of the agreement.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said agreement on behalf of the Town between the Town of Watertown and the Teamster Local 687 for the period January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2024.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor: Joel Bartlett Yes
Councilman: Paul Desormo Yes
Councilman: David Prosser Yes
Councilman: Timothy McAtee Absent
Councilwoman: Joanne McClusky Yes
MOTION #4-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish an annual schedule for all Town Council meetings to be held on a monthly bases for year 2022.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all regular monthly Town Council meetings will be held the second Thursday of each month with the exception of the October which will be conducted on the 1st (first) Thursday of the month and November meeting which shall be held on the first Thursday following the general election of 2022. The months of February, March and April the meeting will be at 4:00 pm the remaining meetings of the year will be at 7:00 pm.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Desormo.
Ayes All
MOTION #5-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate bank depositories for the safekeeping and investment of town funds for the year 2022.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Key Bank, Community Bank, and Watertown Savings Bank are hereby designated as depositories and investment of town funds for the year 2022.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #6-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate a chairman for the Town of Watertown Planning Board and Co-Chairs Thomas Boxberger and Pamela Desormo have indicated their interest in re-appointment to another term of office as Co-Chairmen of the Town Planning Board.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Thomas Boxberger and Pamela Desormo are hereby appointed as Co-Chairmen of the Town of Watertown Planning Board for the Year 2022;
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Desormo.
Ayes All
MOTION #7-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appoint an Engineering Firm to represent the Town on all matters requiring engineering services for the year 2022;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Engineering firm of Bernier Carr and Associates, Watertown N.Y. is hereby appointed Engineer for the Town of Watertown for the fiscal year 2022.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #8-2022
WHEREAS, pursuant to Town Law, it is necessary to appoint a legal firm annually to provide legal services for the town.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Russell Law Firm of Watertown NY is hereby appointed as Legal Counsel for the Town of Watertown; to provide all legal and bonding services for the fiscal year 2022.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #9-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate an official newspaper for all required legal notices and publications for the year 2022;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Watertown Daily Times is hereby designated as the official newspaper for such publications for the town for the fiscal year 2022.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Desormo
Ayes All
MOTION #10-2022
WHEREAS, all elected Town of Watertown employees and officials are covered under a uniform Blanket Undertaking Bond as required by Section 25 of the Town Law; and
WHEREAS, there are certain instances in other areas of the State where town officials have not been covered under a Blanket Undertaking or Personal Undertaking Bond; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to attest to and affirm the Town’s existing policy for taking the oath of office.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVE that all town elected officials, specifically each Town Court Justice upon taking the oath of office shall sign the Blanket Undertaking for Bonding purposes as required by Public Officers Law Section 11(2); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the form of the official undertaking shall be kept on file at the Town Clerks Office along with a certified copy of this resolution.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor: Joel Bartlett Yes
Councilman: Paul Desormo Yes
Councilman: David Prosser Yes
Councilman: Timothy McAtee Absent
Councilwoman: Joanne McClusky Yes
MOTION #11-2022
WHEREAS, Municipal Solutions provides advisory bonding services for the Town under and agreement that complies with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) RULE 15c2-12 relative to certain disclosures required for bond purposes and the annual AUD financial update documents required for Bond issues over 1 million dollars; and
WHEREAS, these disclosure statements are to be renewed on an annual basis.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute the agreement between Municipal Solutions and the Town of Watertown for filing of the Material Event Notices for the year 2022.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Desormo.
Ayes All
MOTION #12-2022
WHEREAS, Assessor Roger Tibbetts has applied for the following splits and corrections to the 2022 tax roll for real property identified as:
Correction
JCIDA- NYS Rte 12F, tax map #82.08-1-3.2. Property is wholly exempt and Exemption Code 18020. Original bill was for $31.90, corrected bill is for $0.00.
Christopher Andiorio- 19820 Orchard Drive, tax map #82.20-2-86.114. To remove sewer levy line. Original bill was $2,670.32, corrected bill is for $2,329.82.
Splits
Original
82.08-1-3 Onandaga Development LLC, Co Rte 196 $1,265.26
Split into
82.08-1-3.1 Onandaga Development LLC, Co Rte 196 $1,233.36
82.08-1-3.2 JCIDA- NYS Rte 12F, tax map $ 31.90
Original
100.08-1-16.2 Jeremy Morgan, 21514 Fox Ridge Road $3,977.17
Split into
100.08-1-16.2 Jeremy Morgan, 21514 Fox Ridge Road $3,497.96
100.08-1-16.22 Adam Moore, Fox Ridge Road $ 479.21
Original
Original
83.18-1-6 Michael Romeo, 24415 Gotham St. Road $2,480.31
Split into
83.18-1-6.1 Michael Romeo, Gotham St. Road $ 31.90
83.18-1-6.2 Gary Valik, 24415 Gotham St. Road $2,448.41
Original
82.07-1-1 Richard & Fran Cean, Co Rte 60 $ 63.80
Split into
82.07-1-1.1 Donald Waters, Co Rte 60 $ 15.95
82.07-1-1.7 John Robert, Co Rte 60 $ 15.95
82.07-1-1.8 Misty Rebb, Co Rte 60 $ 17.55
82.07-1-1.9 Harry Wilson Jr, Co Rte 60 $ 14.35
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.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resol A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor: Joel Bartlett Yes
Councilman: Paul Desormo Yes
Councilman: David Prosser Yes
Councilman: Timothy McAtee Absent
Councilwoman: Joanne McClusky Yes
MOTION #6-2020
MOTION #13-2022
WHEREAS, motion number 131 of 2021 dated December 28, 2021 authorized the Supervisor to execute on behalf of the Town, and agreement with the Teamster Local 687 bargaining unit detailing the terms and conditions as outlined within the contract agreement.
WHEREAS, the terms as presented to the Bargaining unit did not meet the approval of the Bargaining Unit and new terms and conditions have been negotiated between the parties.
THERFORE BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, resolution #131-2021 is hereby rescinded subject to determinations acceptable to both bargaining parties.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #14-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 257 to 260 Total $ 8,874.31
Highway Vouchers # 208 to 208 Total $ 19,572.72
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 112 to 112 Total $ 3,437.42
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 1 to 24 Total $ 27,160.17
Highway Vouchers # 1 to 22 Total $ 19,557.61
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 1 to 9 Total $ 148,876.33
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett informed the Board of a water break in the Northland Estates Trailer Park.
This is a private park, not on municipal water. He spent much of the day there offering
his assistants. He plans to meet with the new park owners to see if there is a way to extend the
water district to the park. This would be of great benefit to the residents of that park. They have had many water problems there through the years.
Included in the Board correspondence:
The response to Walmart concerning a credit request for high water usage over a three-month period. Supervisor Bartlett informed them there would be no refund due to the fact the problem was on their property and it is their responsibility to pay the increase.
Letter from Supervisor Bartlett dated January 3, 2022 to Acting Commissioner Jeanette M. May, Office of General Services concerned the recently closed Dry Hill Prison.
Supervisor Bartlett informed of correspondence from NYSDOT concerning the road dedicated to the town from PJ Samao will need to be adjusted to line up with the light at the COR plaza entrance. The original configuration of the road to exit on County Rte. 202 will need to be adjusted to the back of Sam’s Club to line up with the road behind Walmart to the Salmon Run Mall Loop Road. Attorney Russell will be in contact with Mr. Samao’s attorney to make the necessary changes.
MOTION #18-2022
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk