Home » Meeting Minutes » January 9, 2025

January 9, 2025

TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
January 9, 2025

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 #1-2025

Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the December 16, 2024 Rescheduled Regular Board Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.

Ayes All

Supervisor Bartlett opened the public hearing in connection with Local Law #1-2025 at 7:03 pm.
A Law for the Town Opting Out of Real Property Law – RPTL §487 in respect to various
renewable energy projects in the Town.

Attorney Harrienger offered a brief summary of Opting Out of Real Property Law – RPTL §487.

No one wished to speak; the public hearing was closed at 7:05 pm.
Pat Scordo, GYMO Engineering addressed the Board concerning the NE water project. At the December meeting, Mr. Scordo presented the funding offer from the EFC, which while a good one, still doesn’t quite meet the anticipated expectations. They aimed for an EDU of $911.00, however, the funding offer that was received results in a cost closer to $1,100.00 per EDU.
Board Options:
Option 1: Because the property owners have been notifies of $911.00, they would need to redo the district proceedings to make the community aware of the difference in price.
Option 2: Alternatively, they could seek additional funding to cover the gap. The downside to this option is that it could delay the project by a year, as additional funding may take time to secure.
Mr. Scordo believes because of low median household income, there is a strong potential to
secure additional funding opportunities. However, the downside is, that it might take another
year to secure the funding, delaying the project. He suggested that there’s no immediate rush to
make a decision. The project is still moving forward with design work and coordination with
key agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOT). The next major step is completing
subsurface investigations, which have been delayed but are critical for re-estimating project
costs. He anticipates that by the March meeting he will have updated data that will give a clearer
picture of where things stand cost-wise, helping the board make a more informed decision.
Simultaneous they will coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) and focus on acquiring water easements.

Supervisor Bartlett inquired if they reduce the size of the water district by eliminating the
Rutland Hollow Rd. portion at this time, would that bring the EDU cost down to the original
$911.00 per EDU. They could petition to extend the district at a later time.

Mr. Scordo will check into the implications of reducing the size of the district or if it is possible.
He will return in February with more information for the Board.

Mike Altiere, BCA approached the Board. He updated the Board on the status of the water and sewer projects in the town.

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. As-builts of the finished system are 95% complete.

PROJECTS IN DESIGN
Water District No. 4 Extension (Northland Estates) Total Project Cost:
Total Project Cost: $ 9,840,000.00
Projected Construction Start Date: March 2025
Projected Construction Completion Date: December 2025

Project Update – Draft plans and specifications have been submitted to NYS DOH to review.
Concurrently working on obtaining final review and approval from Town Water Operator, Town of Watertown Fire Department, NYS DOT, NYS DEC, US ACE and obtaining final easements from property owners.

Sewer District No. 1
Total Project Cost: $ 2,643,000.00 (WWTF Replacement)
$ 3,992,700.00 (Stormwater Improvements)
Project Funding Awarded: NYS EFC WIIA – $ 444,500.00
NYS DEC WOIP – $ 1,000,000.00
Projected WWTF Pilot Start Date: September 2026 (Potentially sooner with DEC
Concurrence)
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. After meeting with the team at Sanitaire/Xylem we are refining the piloting approach with the aim to reduce the risk and impact of the piloting operation to the existing treatment plant operation while also an updated Consent Order schedule is also being drafted based on these comments and responses. The Town received an early Christmas Present on December 24, 2024; the project was awarded $1,000,000.00 through the NYS DEC Water Quality Improvement Program.

MOTION #2-2025

Supervisor Bartlett moved to approve and pay the Change Order #4 from BlueScope Construction for the Water District #1 and Sewer District #2 projects in the amount of $184,332.00, Councilman Prosser seconded.

Ayes All

Supervisor Bartlett gave an update on the Lettiere Tract water district petition. Because of lack of signatures so far, discussion took place as to possibly go door to door to get signatures. There was a difference in opinion as to whether that was the town’s responsibility.

Mr. Scordo will check before the next meeting to see how much it will cost to hire someone to circulate the petition.

Mr. Lettiere offer to pay one half the cost to hire someone. He asked if the Board would consider extending the deadline for the petition.

The Board agreed it would not extend the deadline.

Supervisor Bartlett open the floor for public comment:
Leo, Rogers, Star Spangled CrossFit, Co. Rte. 202 addressed the Board concerning a situation where his business has suffered significant damage. The cost is over $181,000.00 due to an issue related to the sewage lift station in the Town of Watertown. He appeared to seek answers and financial support to recover the costs that weren’t covered by his insurance. Mr. Rogers expresses frustration, stating that his business has not received support from the town regarding the situation that he feels is the town’s fault.
Supervisor Bartlett began by expressing that he shares Mr. Rogers’s frustration. He acknowledges the severity of the situation and emphasizes that no one wants the issue resolved faster than he does.

Mr. Bartlett explains that there are many aspects of the situation he is managing, and while he’s doing his best, there are certain procedures that must be followed. He stated that the town must comply with the demands of their insurance company, and he’s been actively pushing them to address the situation quickly. He also mentions that he has personally visited the site multiple times with Mr. Rogers’s partner and that he understands the points Mr. Rogers has raised. He assured Mr. Rogers that the insurance company is working on it, and that he will continue to follow up daily. However, he can’t provide a definitive timeline for when the issue will be resolved.

Attorney Harrienger responded the Town has done everything they can concerning the situation at this time. The matter is in the hands of the insurance companies.

The town has taken proactive steps to mitigate the problem by paying for the installation of a backflow preventer in the customer’s line. This action is to prevent further damage or disruptions related to the sewage lift station problem.

Mr. Lettiere raised concerns to the Board regarding a significant 61% increase in the fire tax on his Town and County tax bill. This increase is particularly burdensome because he does not own property in the town, but instead owns water infrastructure. He has previously requested to be removed from the fire tax, arguing that he provides fire protection through the fire hydrants he maintains in the Lettiere Tract area. Despite his past requests, this exemption has been denied.
Because the fire tax is now impacting his water infrastructure costs, Mr. Lettiere feels that the increase will force him to pass these additional costs onto his water customers. He believes the situation would be improved if the town were to take ownership of the water system.
He asked the Board if they would extend the time for petition signatures or assist with door-to-door canvassing for signatures.

Supervisor Bartlett stated many town residents are upset at the fire tax rate and informed that the town has no control over the Fire Department Budget.

Chad Green, Van Allen Road S, one of the co-organizers of 1812 Sports Entertainment, addressed the Board to discuss his organization’s ongoing partnership with the town, particularly through events like the 1812 Shootout. He emphasizes that the town has always been a strong partner for their events. In return, 1812 Sports Entertainment has made a concerted effort to prioritize local businesses such as restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, and ensuring that out-of-town guests attending the events have a positive experience and spend money within the town.
They submitted a letter requesting bed tax funds. He is here to answer questions the Board may have regarding the request.

Supervisor Bartlett asked if he is a 501(c)(3) no profit organization? The Town typically does not give grants or bed tax monies to for-profit organization.
Mr. Green responded by clarifying that although they are not a 501(c)(3) organization, they do partner with several 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to further their community impact. He mentioned working with organizations like Victory Athletics, a nonprofit that runs basketball leagues, tournaments, and camps. Additionally, they collaborate with other nonprofits, including those that organize events for special needs children. This includes giving these kids the opportunity to participate in sporting events that they would not typically have access to. He also noted that local high school and college athletes are involved in these events, helping to coach or assist.
Supervisor Bartlett asked Mr. Green to reapply through one of the other 501(c)(3) chapters and the Board would reconsider the request.

No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed.

Supervisor Bartlett addressed Mr. Hammond, NYS Teamster agent. He informed Mr. Hammond that there would be no discussion or action taken at tonight’s meeting concerning the Highway Employee’s contract. He just gave the Board members the contract and they have not had the chance to review it.

Mr. Hammond demanded a vote on the contract at tonight’s meeting.

No action was taken.

Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.

MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS

MOTION #3-2025

WHEREAS, PIVOT Employee Assistance Service offers counseling and other services to town employees who are in need of counseling for personnel issues including referring employees to agencies to assist employees; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to enter into a fee for service agreement between PIVOT and the Town of Watertown for the Fiscal Year 2025.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said agreement on behalf of the Town of Watertown for the period covering the year 2025 at a cost of $400.00.