TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Rescheduled Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
December 16, 2024
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Michael Perkins, Councilman
Robert Slye, Councilman
Members Absent:
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 #125-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the November 7, 2024 Regular Board Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett opened the public hearing at 7:04 pm concerning the proposed water and sewer rate increase of $.50 per 748 gallons for Water Districts 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and Sewer Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.
No one wished to speak; the public hearing was closed at 7:05 pm.
Supervisor Bartlett introduced Local Law #1 of 2025 a Local Law to Opt Out of the Real Property Law RPTL §487 in respect to various renewable energy projects.
MOTION #126-2024
WHEREAS, Local Law #1 of 2025 has been introduced before the Town Board of the Town of Watertown to opt out of Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) §487 in relation to various renewable energy projects within the Town of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to hold a public hearing to allow all interested parties the opportunity to provide input on the proposed legislation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a public hearing concerning the proposed Local Law #1 of 2025, which would Opt Out of RPTL §487 with regard to renewable energy systems in the Town of Watertown, will be held at the Town Municipal Building, located at 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, NY 13601, on January 7, 2024, at 7:00 pm; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all interested persons will have the opportunity to be heard regarding the proposed legislation at the scheduled public hearing.
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 yes
Councilman Slye absent
MOTION #127-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved that, due to the rescheduled meeting date, all resolutions presented at tonight’s meeting be changed from December 12, 2024, to December 16, 2024, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Mike Altiere, BCA Architect Engineers, approached to the Board to give updates on area projects.
PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION
Outer Arsenal Street Water District No. 1 and Sewer District No. 2 Extension
Current Construction Budget: $ 2,997,167.00
Current Change Orders (Included in Above): $ 215,436.00
Pending Change Orders:
COs 3 and 5 – FM Rock and Insulation: $ 43,086.00
CO 4 – CWT water and sewer service: $ 184,332.00 (Original Estimate 244,911.00)
Estimated Completion Date: June 2025 (anticipated)
Current Construction Status – Forcemain work is currently in Winter Shutdown. National Grid is performing the design of the gas and electric services for the lift station. Currently finalizing the easements and ROW associated with these services. Finishing details associated with the lift station and the gas and electric service connections. Awaiting a firm delivery date of the lift station skid.
NYS Route 12F Watermain Installation
Current Construction Budget: $ 627,254.90
Current Change Orders (Included in Above): $ 24,185.00
Pending Change Orders: NONE
Estimated Completion Date: October 31, 2024 (COMPLETE!)
Current Construction Status – Substantially complete, Final cleanup and landscaped sign wall at Kinney’s Home Care remain to be completed.
PROJECTS IN DESIGN
Water District No. 4 Extension (Northland Estates)
Total Project Cost: $ 9,840,000.00
Projected Construction Start Date: March 2025
Projected Construction Completion Date: December 2025
Project Update – Reviewing easement and ROW mapping with the Town Attorney and property owners. Plan submission to NYS DOH and EFC is anticipated at the end of this month.
Sewer District 1 Lettiere Tract
Total Project Cost: $ 2,643,000.00 (WWTF Replacement)
$ 3,992,700.00 (Stormwater Improvements)
Projected WWTF Pilot Start Date: September 2026
Projected Construction Completion Date: September 2027
Project Update – NYS DEC and EFC have issued comments on the most recent engineering report submission. These comments are currently being addressed with the assistance of the manufacturer of the Taron System. An updated Consent Order schedule is also being drafted based on these comments and responses. Currently awaiting NYS DEC WIP announcements.
Pat Scordo and Ryan Aubertine, GYMO Engineering approached the Board concerning project updates.
Northeast Water District – Water District #7
Mr. Scordo reported that the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has awarded the project $5,000,000 in grants and an additional $3,000,000 in 0% financing. He suggested that the project could proceed with this funding, which would result in an EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit) cost of approximately $1,080, just under the 2024 Office of the State Comptroller (OSE) threshold.
While there are additional funding opportunities that could be pursued, Mr. Scordo noted that this may delay the project up to a year. He is currently working with Attorney Harrienger and bond counsel to explore other funding options. He wanted to make the Board aware that the project is recognized as a qualifying project for funding purposes.
Furthermore, the design is still moving forward, and they anticipate completing it and submitting it to the relevant regulatory agencies possibly in February. They are hoping to start construction by the end of the summer, around August. He will likely come back in January with some ideas or direction, but is open to any suggestions or questions the Board may have.
Lettiere Tract Project
Mr. Scordo updated the Board that the petition for the potential purchase and expansion of the water district is complete. A letter, along with a questionnaire, has been sent out to the residents. The petition is available for signing in the Clerk’s Office.
Supervisor Bartlett opened up the floor for public comment.
Andrew Mitchell, Orchard Drive, inquired about the estimated minimum usage and financing of the proposed Lettiere district. He asked if the final figure came in too high, what would be the recourse if the residents decide not to continue with the project.
Attorney Harrienger explained the permissive referendum process.
Dave Soderquist, Holcomb Street, expressed his opposition to the expansion of the district for the purpose of purchasing the existing district from Mr. Lettiere. He feels that the town has not conducted enough research into grant funding and bonding options to purchase the current system without being obligated to expand the district.
Supervisor Bartlett explained that due to the age of the system, bonding is not possible unless there is an expansion of new infrastructure.
A discussion followed.
Attorney Herrienger, noting that she is not a bond attorney, explained that in situations like this, where there is an older system, bonding works differently. The key factor is not whether bonding is possible, but rather the term of the bond. Bonds would only be issued for the length of the system’s remaining useful life. Since the system has already exceeded its useful life, the repayment would need to occur immediately.
Jack Snyder stated that he has complete trust in all the representations the Board has made regarding this matter. He believes the town has presented the residents with a clear choice and that no one could have handled the situation better than Supervisor Bartlett and the Town Board. He understands that bonding is not possible for a fully depreciated, 60-year-old water line. He expressed that if they can finance the project at 0%, it would be a great deal for everyone. He thanked Supervisor Bartlett for all his efforts on this project and stated that he fully supports the petition.
Mr. Lettiere thanked the Board for all they have done to go forward with the purchase for this system. He feels the system would be in the best interest of the residents to own the system.
No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.
Councilman Slye excused himself from the meeting at 8:00 pm.
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #128-2024
WHEREAS, the Drinking Water NYS Revolving Loan Fund has informed the town that project #17978 Northeast Water District grant application will not approve by reason of insufficient State funding; and
WHEREAS it is necessary to reapply for WIIA grant opportunity in fiscal year 2025.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute any and all application documents and request for funding relative to grant award round 2025.
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 yes
Councilman Slye absent
MOTION #129-2024
WHEREAS, the term of office of James Smith will expire on December 31, 2023, and Mr. Smith has expressed an interest in reappointment to the Planning Board for the term commencing January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; Mr. Smith is hereby appointed to another term of office on the Planning Board for the term commencing January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029.
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 Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye absent
MOTION #130-2024
WHEREAS, the term of office of Robin Keirnan will expire on December 31, 2024, and Mrs. Keirnan has expressed an interest in reappointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the term commencing January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Mrs. Keirnan is hereby appointed to another term of office on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the term commencing January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029.
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 Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye absent
MOTION #131-2024
Whereas, Municipal Solutions, the Towns Financial advisors, has requested a modification to the fee service agreement between the Town of Watertown and Municipal Solutions, Leroy NY.
WHEREAS, the agreement (on file in the Clerk’s Office) contains disclosure statements and a fee schedule for work performed for financial debt service on BOND and BAN renewals.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute the fee for service agreement between Municipal Solutions and the Town of Watertown for the Fiscal Year 2025
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 Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye absent
MOTION #132-2024
WHEREAS, the Town is charged with appointing a firm who has submitted their qualifications to perform such work relative to all phases of construction of the Extension of Water District #4.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; BCA Engineering of Watertown NY meet all standards for appointment as engineers for the Extension of Water District #4.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to execute the required contractual agreement between BCA Engineering and the Town of Watertown.
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 Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye absent
MOTION #133-2024
WHEREAS, at the Town of Watertown November meeting the Town Council called for a public hearing to be held on Monday December 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM at which all those interested in providing comment upon the proposed water and sewer rate increase of $.50 per 748 gallons for Water Districts 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and Sewer Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 would be heard; and
WHEREAS, as administrators of all town water and sewer districts, the council has the authority to increase rates following a public hearing on the matter; and
WHEREAS, declining fund balances, increased funding needs to satisfy debt service requirements and unexpected repairs costs to the sewer service infrastructure dictate an increase in sewer rates is necessary and appropriate; and
WHEREAS, following a public hearing on the matter of increasing the rates in Water Districts 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and Sewer Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, held at 7:00 pm on Monday December 16, 2024 at the Town Municipal Offices, the Town Council acting as administrators for all town districts hereby authorizes an increase of $.50 per unit for water and sewage treatment and disposal to all properties within the boundaries of Water Districts 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and Sewer Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.
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 Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye absent
MOTION #134-2024
WHEREAS it is necessary to transfer funds to provide for increased appropriation costs in the 2024 Town Budget.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; the Supervisor is authorized to transfer the following accounts to provide revenue sources for appropriations as noted:
GENERAL FUND
TRANSFER FROM TRANSFER TO CODE AMOUNT
Unappropriated fund balance Appropriated fund balance 126,000.00
DECREASE INCREASE AMOUNT
Appropriated fund balance A3010.4 Public safety demolition 32,000.00
Fund balance A1440.4 Engineer contractual 40,000.00
A1420.4 Attorney contractual 35,000.00
A4020.1 Vital Statistics P/S 4,000.00
A5182.4 Street lighting 15,000.00
Total $126,000.00
HIGHWAY FUND
TRANSFER FROM TRANSFER TO CODE AMOUNT
Highway Unapr fund balance Hwy appropriated Fund Balance 83,100.00
DECREASE INCREASE CODE
Appropriated fund balance D5130.4 Equipment repairs 30,000.00
D5142.4 Snow removal 50,000.00
D9030.8 Social Security 3,100.00
Total 83,100.00
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 Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye absent
MOTION #135-2024
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown received $458,768.00 in total ARA Grant Funding from the Federal Government in 2 installments the final of which was received in May of 2022; and
WHEREAS, these funds remain unexpended for numerous purposes.
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate the appropriation and dedication of these funds, and file Federal Reports in accordance with the guidelines established in the American Recovery Act; and
WHERAS, it is necessary to reclassify, rededicate and re-appropriate all unexpended funds available to insure the proper allowable use for said funds by December 31, 2024 and to have faithfully appropriated and spent said ARA funds in accordance with the programs noted allowable expenditures by December 31, 2026.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that said funds are to be dedicated and appropriated as follows:
$150,000.00 Water District 1 Capital improvements
$190,768.00 Sewer District 2 Capital improvements
$ 50,000.00 Sewer districts Nos. 4, 5 and 6, DEC I & I Study, Consent Order
$ 25,000.00 Road construction Town Center intersection NYS Rt. 3
$ 23,000.00 Road construction Summit Village to Rt. 11 new connection
$ 10,000.00 Street lighting upgrade and replacement
$ 10,000.00 1000 Islands LDC for Town project development
$458,768.00
Discussion took place as to where the funds were going.
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 yes
Councilman Slye absent
MOTION #136-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Vouchers paid prior to monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 216 to 218 Total $ 9,450.00
Highway Vouchers # 190 to 190 Total $ 22,688.88
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 128 to 128 Total $ 3,925.15
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 219 to 249 Total $ 104,828.63
Highway Vouchers # 191 to 204 Total $ 236,028.76
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 129 to 141 Total $ 267,931.01
Councilman Prosser seconded the motion.
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky yes
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye absent
Town Clerk’s Correspondence:
Sexual Harassment Training for all Town Employee’s will be held Thursday December 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm.
Highway Superintendent Report:
• Crew fixed the spring in the road on Ridgeview Road
• Blacktopped 740 tons on Ridgeview Road at a cost of $43,000
• Blacktopped 540 tons on Hickory Lane at a cost of $34,000
• Older dump truck is still in the shop with the cost now up to $29,000 but they are still having problems with it shutting down.
• Mr. Clement asked if the town could send out letters to the commercial water customers to require them to replace their meters with Neptune meters to work properly with the new water reading program.
• He asked if the Board would approve changing over to all salt for the next winter season and phasing out of sand for the roads.
• He asked if the Board would approve a new hire for the highway department.
• Update on street light replacements.
MOTION #137-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to approve the hire of Christopher Harris, NYS Rte. 3, Watertown NY to fill the vacancy in the town highway department. He is approved to start on January 2, 2025 for a probationary period at a MEO-3 level with the condition he will receive his CDL Class B within one year of hire, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #138-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adjourn to executive session at 9:56 pm to discuss highway Teamster contract and other town legal matters, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
The meeting reconvened at 9:56 pm.
MOTION #139-2024
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:57 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk