TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
October 3, 2024
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Robert Slye, Councilman
Members Absent: Michael Perkins, 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 #103-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the September 19, 2024 Rescheduled Board Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett opened the public hearing concerning proposed Local Law #3-2024, a Local Law to override the 2% Tax Cap at 7:04 pm. No one wished to speak, the floor was closed at 7:05 pm.
Supervisor Bartlett introduced Ryan Aubertine, GYMO Engineering.
Mr. Aubertine gave an update on the progress of the proposed purchase and expansion of the Lettiere Tract water district. He informed the Board that Mr. Scordo has reached out to the Environmental Facilities Corporation concerning possible grants for the project. He will coordinate with them for a meeting in the following weeks. Mr. Aubertine sent over the suggested descriptions outlining the entire district to the town attorney earlier today. They also have a draft cost summary for the Southside District. After speaking with Supervisor Bartlett, they changed it so the vacant parcels will now pay a $300 capital fee per year. If the Board would like they could write a letter describing the costs and possible funding to the public after the meeting with ESC.
Supervisor Bartlett informed the Board he received information from Mr. Scordo that there is a possibility of obtaining funding with 0% interest. He asked Mr. Scordo to secure an application and he would sign it.
Supervisor Bartlett opened up the floor for public comment.
Andrew Mitchell, Orchard Drive, inquired if there were any updates in regards to the purchase of the Lettiere Tract water system.
Supervisor Bartlett responded they had nothing new for tonight’s meeting. He had anticipated them having the petition ready for tonight’s meeting, but it was not ready. There is a question who should gather the petition to form the district, whether it is the town or the residence in the district.
Mr. Mitchell stated he is not here to speak on anybody’s behalf; he was just here to relay questions from the residents in the area on how to proceed forward.
Supervisor Bartlett suggested the town attorney and engineers draw up the formal petition using the EDU cost scenario without using the 0% financing. Use the figures we have to date for the cost of the project plus the purchase price. He asked the Board if they would like to add anything. They would continue to seek grant money and 0% financing for the project that could lower the cost if received.
Mr. Mitchell asked if they are still looking at an October timeline to have the petitions available.
Supervisor Bartlett responded it will probably be more like November before everything is finished for the petition. If it is ready earlier the Town Clerk will send out notifications to everyone involved.
Mr. Lettiere questioned if the engineer or the attorney would draw up the petition and how long it will take before it would be ready.
Supervisor Bartlett responded it was a combined effort between the engineer and the attorney
Attorney Harrienger said she had just received the descriptions about an hour ago, because they had to add a couple of more homes to the original plan. The important question would be is what to figure the maximum expenditure will be. This is dependent upon what the residents negotiate with Mr. Lettiere for the purchase price. They could use an arbitrary figure based on the numbers that the engineers have put together. The problem is not drawing up the document, it’s making sure the information is accurate so the petition is legally sufficient.
Mr. Mitchell asked if they were waiting for something from him to move forward.
Supervisor Bartlett responded they had everything they needed. He thanked Mr. Mitchell for all he has done by reaching out to the residents. It’s very important that everybody is as fully informed as much as possible.
Mike Harrienger, Co. Rte. 67 addressed the Board. He inquired if anyone has noticed the new Fire Department sign. He mentioned the brightness at night. He asked if the town could ask them to turn it down a bit so it wasn’t so bright.
Supervisor Bartlett said they would contact them and ask them if they can turn the wattage down some.
No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #104-2024
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown is in receipt of a bid to remove contaminated asbestos from the building and grounds located at the intersection of US Rte. 11 and NYS Rte. 232 Rices Road, which has been previously condemned by the Town Code Office and Town Council; and
WHEREAS, all legal steps have been previously taken for the demolition and removal of said buildings and an asbestos remediation report is on file at the Town Clerks Office, 22867 Co. Rte. 67, Watertown, NY
13601
WHEREAS, as the buildings have further deteriorated and represent a clear and present danger to the public safety and a safety hazard exists on the property; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to hire a licensed asbestos removal and demolition firm to remove the forementioned structures. And to relevy the costs for the building’s removal to Jefferson County by the end of October 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Asbestos remediation and demolition firm of Independent Commercial Contractors of Lorraine NY submitted a bid of $24,000.00 to perform the demolition and removal of said buildings.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to execute the demolition agreement on behalf of the Town of Watertown and (on file in the Clerk’s Office) between Independent Commercial Contractors of Lorraine NY and the Town of Watertown for the stated price of $24,000.00
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins absent
Councilman Slye yes
MOTION #105 -2024
RESOLUTION #8 OF 2024
ENACT A LOCAL LAW #3-2024
TO OVERRIDE TAX CAP
WHEREAS, Local Law No. # 3 of the Year 2024, a Local Law to override the tax levy limit established by Section 3-C of the New York General Municipal Law was introduced by a member of the Town Board at a meeting thereof held on September 19, 2024, and by a majority vote of the Town Board members present at such meeting. a public hearing was duly scheduled to consider Local Law No. #3 of 2024 for 7:00 pm, Thursday October 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm; and
WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was duly published and posted as required by law, and on Thursday October 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm, a public hearing was duly held to hear all persons interested in the subject matter of Local Law No. #3 of 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Town Board of the Town of Watertown as follows:
1. The foregoing recitations are incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if fully set forth hereafter.
2. As a result of unfunded mandates and other anticipated municipal expenses beyond the ordinary control of this Board, the tax levy limits imposed by Section
3-C of the General Municipal Law put unrealistic constraints on the Board in establishing a prudent and responsible budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year.
3. Local Law No. #3 of the Year 2024 authorizes, but does not require, the Town of Watertown in establishing its budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year to establish a tax levy in excess of the amount otherwise authorized by Section 3-C of the General Municipal Law.
4. Based upon the foregoing, Local Law No. #3 of the year 2024 1s in the best interests of the Town of Watertown, is hereby adopted and the Clerk is instructed to file the same with the New York State Department of State.
5. The adoption of Local Law No. #3 of the Year 2024 is a Type II action under the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser and upon a roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins absent
Councilman Slye yes
Discussion took place concerning the Tentative 2025 Budget.
Highway Superintendent Clement updated the Board on the delivery dates of the new dump trucks.
MOTION #106-2024
WHEREAS, a copy of the Preliminary, henceforth to be known as the Tentative Fiscal Year 2025 Town of Watertown Budget was placed on file at the Town Clerk’s Office, for public viewing.
Supervisor Bartlett moved to hold a public hearing on the proposed 2024 Tentative Budget, a detail of all funds including the General and Highway Funds, Water Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, & 6 and Sewer Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. The hearing is to be held Thursday November 7th, 2024, at 7:00 pm. Said meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 22867 Co Rte 67, Watertown, NY. All members of the public wishing to speak for or against will be heard. Motion seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #107-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to schedule a Special Meeting, Thursday October 17th, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Meeting will be for a 2025 Tentative Budget work session as well as any other town business that come before the Board. The meeting to be held at the Town Municipal Building, 22867 Co. Rte. 67, Watertown NY, all persons wishing to speak will be heard, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #108-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 188 to 196 Total $ 16,156.55
Highway Vouchers # 156 to 167 Total $ 6,854.26
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 110 to 115 Total $ 140,546.54
Councilman Prosser seconded the motion.
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins absent
Councilman Slye yes
Councilman Prosser asked the status of the event center.
Supervisor Bartlett informed they are currently working on which financing scenario might work best for the project.
MOTION #109-2024
Supervisor Bartlett move to adjourn to executive session to discuss town legal matters at 7:50 pm, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
The meeting reconvened at 8:14 pm.
MOTION #110 -2024
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk