TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
April 11, 2024
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Michael Perkins, Councilman
Members Absent: Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
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 #44-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the March 14, 2024 Regular Board Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Pat Scordo and Ryan Aubertine representing GYMO Engineering addressed the Board. Mr. Scordo reviewed a fact sheet report with the Board concerning the proposed Lettiere Water District. He discussed the cost of extending the district to Ives Street Road. Discussion took place.
MOTION #45-2024
Superviser Bartlett moved to adjourn to executive session at 7:29 pm to discuss purchasing contract regarding the Lettiere Tract Water District, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
The meeting reconvened at 7:55 pm.
No action was taken at tonight’s meeting.
Supervisor Bartlett open the floor for public comment:
Joe Foy, HarmonNNY Performing Arts Community addressed the Board. This organization was established in 2020. They promote musical and performing arts in the community. They bring many people into the area for their events. He asked the Board if they would consider a donation of $2,500 of bed tax money to aid with the organization.
Supervisor Bartlett informed Mr. Foy the town has a limited amount of bed tax money and it has already been spoken for this year. He asked him to put in a request next fall to be considered in next year’s budget.
Penny McKenna, Hadcock Road addressed the Board. She inquired why her property was not included in the new Water 7 District. The district boundary ended 1056’ from her property. She couldn’t understand why she was the only house left out on her road. She added that her house was included in the original district that was proposed in 2010. She is requesting to be included in the district.
Supervisor Bartlett will meet with the engineers to discuss the situation and get back with her.
No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.
Supervisor Bartlett opened the public hearing at 8:14 pm concerning Proposed Local Law #1 of
2024. This will repeal and replace Local Law 3 of 2023. This Corrective Local Law is
regarding Wireless Telecommunications Facilities. No one from the public chose to speak; the
public hearing was closed at 8:15 pm.
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #46-2024
WHEREAS The South Jefferson Central School District provides a Summer Youth Program for students from the Town who are educated at the South Jefferson Central School District and participate in the Districts Summer Youth Activity program.
WHEREAS, families within the district that participate in this educational summer program annually and receive the benefit of educational youth programs and events that further their educational experiences; and
WHEREAS, the town has over the past years has contributed to the districts cost of providing this summer experience to town residents and funds are available within the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget for said services.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Town of Watertown Council hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the fee for service agreement (on file in the Clerk’s Office) with the South Jefferson Central School District for the amount of $4,500.00 to provide said services
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky absent
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #47-2024
WHEREAS, it is necessary to reapply for the annual D.O.T. Highway work permit wherein the old permit expired on December 31, 2023 that allows the Town Highway Department to perform work within the N.Y.S.D.O.T. right of way.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED a new Undertaking is hereby authorized for the year 2024 to expire December 31, 2024, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED The Town of Watertown Council hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the annual undertaking for the new permit for the period January 1 to December 31, 2024
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor, and seconded by Councilman Perkins, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky absent
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #48-2024
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown supports Advocate Drum through membership in the FDRLO annually which furthers the community effort to strengthen and maintain a collaborative support effort with regards to Fort Drum and its importance to Northern New York and our national defense; and
WHEREAS, the annual dues to Advocate Drum for the fiscal year 2024 are $2,500.00 and are due for this years’ membership in the organization; and
WHEREAS, funds were provided and are available in the 2024 Town of Watertown budget within the Community and economic development fund to renew the Towns support.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, A grant of $2,500.00 to renew the Towns annual membership In the Advocate Drum program is hereby authorized for the Fiscal Year 2024
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 absent
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #49 -2024
RESOLUTION 2 of 2024
CORRECTIVE LOCAL LAW 1 of 2024 REGARDING
Chapter 104 Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
WHEREAS, the Town Board for the Town of Watertown, New York repealed and replaced Local Law 3 of 2023 which addresses wireless telecommunications facilities within the Town in accordance with the most recent laws in New York; and
WHEREAS, the code printing company for the Town requested that minor changes in pagination be made for clarity purposes to the same; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed the proposed changes and found that no substantive changes were made.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Watertown, New York as follows:
1. The forgoing recitation is incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth herein.
2. The Town Board hereby repeals the Local Law regarding Wireless Telecommunications Facilities and replaces the same with the newest Chapter 104 as being in the best interests of the Town of Watertown.
3. The Supervisor for the Town of Watertown, and the Town Clerk, their respective agents and employees are hereby authorized to sign all documents and take all steps necessary to enact this legislation.
4. This Legislation shall be filed with the New York State Department of State and shall become effective thereafter.
5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor, and seconded by Councilman Perkins, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky absent
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #50-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 64 to 65 Total $ 9,277.26
Highway Vouchers # 57 to 57 Total $ 24,894.90
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 35 to 35 Total $ 4,514.35
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 66 to 83 Total $ 14,130.87
Highway Vouchers # 58 to 74 Total $ 10,804.38
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 36 to 45 Total $ 163,168.61
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky absent
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins yes
MOTION #51-2024
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk