TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
March 14, 2024
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Michael Perkins, Councilman
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 Harrienger was also present.
MOTION #34-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the February 8, 2024 Regular Board Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Mike Altiere, BCA approached the Board. He updated the Board on the status of the water and sewer projects in the town. He received the NYS Highway Work Permit for NYS Rte 12F and presented it to Supervisor Bartlett for his signature.
• Water #1 TI AgPark- 80% complete. Still waiting on the NYS Highway Work Permit for NYS Rte 3.
• Sewer #2 TI AgPark- Prep work is being done for the future lift station. The sewer project will start when the water system is completed. It should take about 6 months to complete.
• Water 1 NYS Rte 12F- Substantial progress has been done. The project should be completed within 6 months once the work permit is issued.
• Northland Estates water project. Already been rewarded $5,000,000, are applying for more grants. The design plan is being worked on and they will be working with the town attorney for the easements.
• Sewer District 1 Improvement Project – Received $440,000 Grant through the Environmental Facility Corporation. The EFC is reassessing for more grants. Supervisor Bartlett will need to sign the letter agreeing to the reassessment. Could potentially take the grant from 25% to 50% funding.
Discussion took place concerning the DEC Consent Order and plans with the City for sewer issues.
Pat Scordo, GYMO Engineering will attend the April meeting with updates to the Northeast Water District (Water 7) as well as the study concerning the Lettiere Tract water system. Supervisor Bartlett included in the Board’s packet a summary of the Lettiere Tract/Ives Street Water District for review.
Supervisor Bartlett open the floor for public comment:
Marshall Weir, Director of the JCIDA, approached the Board. He asked the Board to consider changing the zoning law to mirror the covenants for the Industrial Park. He feels it would be better for the developers if the town law and the covenants for the park were consistent. They feel is could alleviate conflict in the future.
Attorney Harrienger expressed her thoughts concerning an email from Dave Zembiec, JCIDA. She felt his comments misrepresented her by stating she endorsed the changes to the proposed zoning code. She wanted to make it clear that was not her roll to endorse things, this would be for the discretion of the Board to decide. She is there to facilitate any changes put before them. Her personal opinion would be these changes could be burdensome for the town to enforce. Her job is to support, protect and advise the town. She feels these changes could open the Town for litigation.
There are 3 lots currently undeveloped in the park.
Discussion took place. The Board agreed to move forward with the zoning changes and not to include the rezoning of the Industrial Park at this time.
MOTION #35-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to send the proposed zone changes back to the Planning Board for their endorsement of the amendments. This would not include the zone change to the Industrial Park, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
Justin Pecori, 1812 Sports and Entertainment Organization approach the Board. He asked if the Board had any questions and if they have made a decision concerning the request for bed tax monies for the organization.
Supervisor Bartlett stated there would be a motion accepted at tonight’s meeting, that would designate funds for the organization.
Joe Butler, Shepard Street asked the Board if they could assist with a water problem in that area. They have a private line to homes in this area and purchase water from the City. The pipes are old and have a lot of leaks. It is causing the residents to have exorbitant water bills as well as low water pressure and ground water infiltration.
Dan Onley, owner of property on Shepard Street spoke regarding the water. He also is having trouble with the water to his properties. He asked if the town could give advice on how to rectify the situation.
Supervisor Bartlett informed the residents that the town cannot work on private water systems. He advised them to hire a private contractor to do repairs to get them by, until the new water line is installed. The plan is to break ground in the fall of 2024 for the new NE Water District (Water 7) that would service this area.
No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #36-2024
Proposed Corrective Local Law: 1 Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
A Corrective Local Law has been introduced before the Town Board of the Town of Watertown to address pagination changes to the Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Law within the Town. A public hearing in connection with the proposed legislation will be held at the Municipal Office, located at 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, NY 13601 on April 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. An opportunity to be heard in regard thereto will then and there be given to all persons interested in this proposed legislation.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #37-2024
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown is in receipt of a request of occupancy tax (bed tax) revenues. Money to assist the DPAO with promotional expenses associated with the 2024 summer concert series. A series of concerts the organization produces that attracts thousands of travelers and tourists to the area generating much needed revenues to the area businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown has for many years contributed grant funds to support the DPAO. Promotional expenses for the summer concert series in funds are included with the Fiscal Year 2024 for said purposes.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council hereby authorizes a grant of bed tax revenue in community development revenues in the amount of $25,000
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor, and seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #38-2024
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown is in receipt of a request of occupancy tax (bed tax) revenue. Money to assist the 1812 Sports and Entertainment Organization with promotional expenses associated with the 1812 Shootout, a lacrosse tournament held each year; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown has contributed grant funds to support the 1812 Shootout with a grant to supplement the organization’s promotional expenses for the 1812 Shootout; and
WHEREAS, funds are included with the Fiscal Year 2024 for the said purpose.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council hereby authorizes a grant of bed tax revenue to the 1812 Sports and Entertainment Organization in the amount of $4,000.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor, and seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #39 -2024
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown is in receipt of a request of occupancy tax (bed tax) revenue. Money to assist the Rhode Community Center with its community food bank wherein every dollar contributed to the organization brings a 10-dollar match in other State funding:
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown has in the past years contribute grant funds to support the Rhode Community Center with its purchasing of food for the areas needy.
WHEREAS, funds are included with the Fiscal Year 2024 for the said purpose
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council hereby authorizes a grant of bed tax revenue to the Rhode Community Center in the amount of $5,000.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor, and seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #40 -2024
WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend the existing service contract between the Town of Watertown and GYMO Engineering. A contract for the development of an extended map, plan and report in the area of the Lettiere Tract and Outer Ives Street Road. This would determine the potential and estimated cost of a new water district boundary formation to provide water service to the residents in the area:
WHEREAS, the cost of said contract amendment for the revised map plan and report is $30,000.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the service contract between Town of Watertown and GYMO Engineering is hereby authorized and approved at a cost of $30,000.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor, and seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #41-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 37 to 40 Total $ 11,101.80
Highway Vouchers # 34 to 34 Total $ 24,894.90
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 21 to 21 Total $ 12,270.06
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 41 to 63 Total $ 46,761.68
Highway Vouchers # 35 to 56 Total $ 28,605.10
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 22 to 34 Total $ 243,338.46
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
Discussion took place concerning the purchase and bonding of a new town dump/plow trucks. Supervisor Bartlett inquired of Ms. Harreinger concerning bonding of a used bucket truck. Councilman Perkins will work with Mr. Clement to look for other used bucket trucks.
Superintendent Clement informed the Board he plans to blacktop the Salmon Run Mall Road and Fox Ridge Road this year.
Councilman Prosser asked about demolition of the building on the corner of US Rte11 and NYS Rte 232. Superintendent Clement said they are waiting for Bernier Carr to find the asbestos report before they can move forward.
Superintendent Clement notified the Board, the City of Watertown has asked the Town to close the road from the intersection of Spring Valley Drive and Gotham Street to the City line, on Monday, April 8th, 2024. They are expecting extreme traffic issues the day of the eclipse. The road would be closed to the public, with the exception to local, emergency and hospice traffic only.
MOTION #42-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to close the road from the intersection of Spring Valley Drive and Gotham Street to the City line, Monday, April 8th, 2024. The road would be closed to the public, with the exception to local, emergency and hospice traffic only, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #43-2024
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk