TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
October 6, 2022
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Timothy McAtee, Councilman
Members Absent: Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
Supervisor Bartlett opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a roll call of members present at 7:00 pm.
MOTION #87-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the September 8, 2022 Regular Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett open the public hearing regarding the extension of Water District #4 at 7:04 pm. No one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed at 7:05 pm.
The floor was opened for public comment;
Brett VanBrocklin, Slate Road addressed the Board. He asked if the Board had received any new information on Water District #7.
No one else wished to speak, the floor was closed.
Supervisor Bartlett informed the Board the NYS Department of Health has accepted and approved the plan specifications for the extension of Water District #1.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk and Town Ambulance Reports.
MOTION #88-2022
Supervisor Bartlett offered a motion to schedule a Special Meeting Thursday October 20th, 2022 at 7:00 pm to discuss town business and the 2023 budget work session, seconded by Councilman Prosser. (Meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday October 19th, 2022 at 7:00 pm)
Ayes All
MOTION #89-2022
WHEREAS, the N.Y.S. Office of Court Administration provides grant funding for municipal Courts underwriting the costs to Town Courts for purchasing items necessary for the conduct of business in the Town of Watertown Town Court, and:
WHEREAS, the Grant application must be accompanied by a resolution of the Town Council requesting said funding.
WHEREAS, the Town Court Office is in need of a heating/air conditioning unit.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council hereby authorizes the application for grant funds from the NYS Office of Court Administration JCAP in the amount of $4,400.00 to offset the purchase cost of the following equipment:
Installation of heating/air conditioner in Judges Chambers $4,400.00
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Watertown recommends favorable consideration for the JCAP grant.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Supervisor: Joel Bartlett Yes
Councilmember: Paul Desormo Absent
Councilmember: David Prosser Yes
Councilmember: Timothy McAtee Yes
Councilmember: JoAnne McClusky Yes
MOTION #90-2022
WHEREAS, the Public Works Superintendent has certified that Public Works employee John Eves has met all criteria for a wage grade increase from MEO-2 to MEO-1 effective with the 22nd pay period of 2022.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a wage grade increase from $22.98 to $24.36 per hour is hereby authorized effective with the 22nd pay period of 2022.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #91-2022
WHEREAS, due to an accounting oversight, the Town of Hounsfield has been overcharged $12,327.70 for water that passes through Water District #1 infrastructure and supplies the Town of Hounsfield water district with redundant water source for the Hounsfield district, and
WHEREAS, a refund of $12,327.70 is due to the Town of Hounsfield for this overcharge.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a refund to the Town of Hounsfield in the amount of $12,327.70 is hereby authorized, and the Water District #1 2022 budget shall be amended to reduce the water rent revenue collected by $12,327.70.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #92-2022
WHEREAS, the term of office of Anthony Netto has expired on September 30, 2022, and Mr. Netto has expressed an interest in reappointment to the Assessment Board of Appeals for the term commencing October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2027.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Mr. Anthony Netto is hereby appointed to another term of office on the Assessment Board of Appeals for the term commencing, October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2027.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #93-2022
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown Planning Board is a busy board often with extensive agendas and complicated project review; and
WHEREAS, the Town Planning Board is constantly looking to review and update the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and local rules and regulations; and
WHEREAS, on occasion a board member is unable to participate because of a conflict of interest or absence.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Town Council of the Town of Watertown shall appoint Jean Waterbury, 16742 Ives Street Road, Watertown as a sixth member to serve as an alternate board member to the Planning Board in the case of absence or tie vote by abstention, and expanding the number of board members with creation of the position of Alternate Planning Board member; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the alternate board member shall be expected to attend all meetings on a regular basis and has the right to participate in project discussions and to vote on projects in the case of absence or abstention of a sitting board member; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The alternate member is expected to actively participate in all meeting where voting or not in all discussions on updating Comprehensive Town Master Plan and all local regulation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the alternate Planning Board member shall be paid at the annual rate commensurate with regular board members.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #94-2022
WHEREAS, the Public Works Superintendent has certified that Public Works employee Michael McDonald has met all criteria for a wage grade increase from MEO-2 to MEO-1 effective with the 22nd pay period of 2022.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a wage grade increase from $22.98 to $24.36 per hour is hereby authorized effective with the 22nd pay period of 2022.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #95-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to call for bids on furnishing the Town with gasoline and ULS#2 diesel fuel for the highway department use.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Clerk is authorized to issue a public notice calling for bids for the Town of Watertown purchase of gasoline and ULS#2 diesel fuel for highway department use, and that all bids shall be submitted to the Town Clerks Office, 22867 Co. Rte. 67, Watertown, NY 13601up until 3:00 pm Thursday November 10th, 2022 and accompanied by a statement of non-collusion, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, all bids will be reviewed for compliance with all State biding requirements by the Town Council on Thursday November 10th, 2022 at 7:00 pm, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Council retains the right to accept or refuse any or all bids submitted.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #96-2022
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown has taken possession of certain property donated to the town for the construction of a road to service the Thousand Island Agricultural Park located off NYS Rte. 3 in Watertown being 5.08 acres and noted as part of tax map #82.00-1-1.1, and
WHEREAS, the legal description and title to said parcel are on file with the Office of Jefferson County Real Property 175 Arsenal Street, Watertown NY.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown hereby accepts this dedication of property hence fore to be known as Alexander Drive, Watertown, NY.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #97-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 181 to 183 Total $ 11,332.26
Highway Vouchers # 171 to 171 Total $ 19,253.16
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 102 to 102 Total $ 5,379.22
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 184 to 199 Total $ 16,326.24
Highway Vouchers # 172 to 190 Total $ 53,333.41
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 103 to 111 Total $ 97,337.14
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett updated the Board concerning the convention center. He has gained support
from the City of Watertown Council.
MOTION #98-2022
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk