TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
April 13, 2017
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
Stephen L. Rich, Councilman
Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Timothy McAtee, Councilman
Members Absent:
Councilman Desormo offered a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Supervisor Bartlett opened the meeting at 7:00 pm and called for the roll of members present. All members were present. Attorney Russell was also present.
MOTION #33-2017
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept the minutes for March 9, 2017 meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett opened the floor for the public hearing for Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC, I/k/a Charter Communications to renew the cable television franchise agreement at 7:02 pm. No one chose to speak; the floor was closed at 7:03 pm.
The floor was opened to the public:
David Shiver who operates a website NNYWaterfalls.com addressed the board. He has been trying to get the local falls formally listed on a national registry. He has worked with the board to get the Burrville Cider Mill Waterfall listed. He is now working on the Beaver Falls near Beaver Meadows. The board previously accepted the falls under the name of Beaver Meadow Falls. Mr. Shiver explained the falls have always been known at Beaver Falls and would like to keep that name on the application. He explained his reason for the request. The board agreed to amend the prior motion to indicate the name Beaver Meadows.
Joe Lamandola, 24228 NYS Rte 12, addressed the board. Mr. Lamandola questioned the scrolling sign law in the town. He offered his support that local business should be allowed to utilize this kind of sign to help their businesses advertise. This topic has become an issue with two businesses recently in town. After discussion on the topic the board has asked that the Town Planning Board to review the issue, and consider making recommendations to change the code to allow for such signs. Mrs. Desormo will set up a meeting for a workshop with the Planning Board, to review the code.
The Town Clerk had no correspondence.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.
Supervisor Bartlett informed the board of the sale of the bond anticipation note and the requisite interest rates he signed. The bond interest rate nets out at 1.66%.
RESOLUTION/MOTIONS
MOTION #34-2017
WHEREAS, Department of Public Works has provided a quote from VanBortel Ford who is on the NYS Office of General Services List for providing equipment sales to Municipalities thereby eliminating the need for completive biding; and
WHEREAS, the bid supplied to the Town for the sale to the Town of a 2017 Ford F250 4X4 pickup truck meets the specifications called for in the bid request,
THERESORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council herby authorizes the purchase of a 2017 Ford F250 4X4 pickup truck from VanBortel Ford for the purchase price of $30,340.00.
A motion to adopt the foregoing Resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Rich.
Ayes All
MOTION #35-2017
WHEREAS, Department of Public Works employee Matthew Eves was appointed to a full time MEO-3 position in the Town public works department effective January 2, 2017 on the probationary basis; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Eves has successfully completed the mandatory probation period as of April 1, 2017, and it has been recommended by the Public Wards Superintendent that Mr. Eves be granted and classified as a permanent full time employee, wherein all paid and earned benefits provided by the Town are granted to Mr. Eves.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Matthew Eves is hereby granted permanent full time status as Town employee and is entitled to all benefits of permanent full time employment.
A motion to adopt the foregoing Resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #36-2017
WHEREAS, the Disabled Persons Action Organization annually produces a summer concert series that attracts thousands of tourists and visitors from outside the Jefferson County area; and
WHEREAS, the DPAO has requested a grant of Town Bed Tax Revenues to be used to underwrite promotional expenses associated with promoting the Concert Series; and
WHEREAS, the DPAO annually provides the Town council with zip code tracking information showing the attendance of tourist and provides documentation for promotion expenses incurred by the organization; and
WHEREAS, the Organization has requested a grant of Bed Tax Revenue in the amount of $25,000.00 to be used to underwrite said tourism promotional expenses for this year’s concert series.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that funds were included within the towns 2017 budget for this purposed and a grant to the DPAO in the amount of $25,000.00 is herby authorized.
A motion to adopt the foregoing Resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember McAtee.
Ayes All
MOTION #37-2017
WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend the 2017 fiscal year budget to reconcile budget accounts; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to amend the 2017 budget to reflect and correct postings to various budget appropriation accounts as follows:
Increase Revenue Acct
INSURANCE RECOVERY A2680 9,450.00
Increase Appropriation Account Code
Street Lighting A-5182.4 9,450.00
A motion to adopt the foregoing Resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Rich.
Ayes All
MOTION #38-2017
WHEREAS, the Town contracts with Peter Bailey to provide lawn care services at the Town waste water treatment facilities owned by the Town on an annual basis, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bailey has provided a quote for such services for the year 2017 (attached as exhibit A) along with all necessary insurance coverage to qualify as an independent contractor; and
WHEREAS, the cost to the Town for said services for 2017 is $1,600.00 for the months of May 1, 2017 through October 1, 2017.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the services provided by Mr. Bailey for the year 2017 are hereby authorized.
A motion to adopt the foregoing Resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Desormo.
Ayes All
MOTION #39-2017
An application has been duly made to the Board of the Town of Watertown, County of Jefferson, New York, by Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC, I/k/a Charter Communications, a limited liability company organized and existing in good standing under the laws of State of Delaware doing business at 6005 Fair Lakes Road, East Syracuse, NY 13657, for the approval of a renewal agreement for Time Warner Cable’s cable television franchise for fifteen (15) years commencing with the date of approval by the Public Service Commission.
The Franchise Renewal Agreement would bring the franchise into conformity with certain provisions of the Federal Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended and certain court rulings.
A public hearing was held in the Town of Watertown, New York on April 13, 2017 at 7:00 pm and notice of the hearing was published in the Northern NY Newspaper April 4, 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of the Town of Watertown finds that:
1. Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC has substantially complied with the material terms and conditions of its existing franchise and with applicable law; and
2. Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC has the financial, legal and technical ability to provide these services, facilities and equipment as set forth in its proposal attached; and
3. Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC can reasonably meet the future cable-related community needs and interests, taking into account the cost of meeting such needs and interests.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of the Town of Watertown hereby grants the cable television franchise of Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC and the Town of Watertown for fifteen (15) years commencing with the date of approval by the Public Service Commission and expiring fifteen (15) years hence.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of the Town of Watertown hereby confirms acceptance of this Franchise Renewal Agreement.
The foregoing Resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Rich.
Ayes All
MOTION #40-2017
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 56 to 58 Total $ 11,275.96
Highway Vouchers # 45 to 45 Total $ 19,047.92
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 23 to 23 Total $ 2,305.88
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 59 to 78 Total $ 10,597.42
Highway Vouchers # 46 to 59 Total $ 4,969.64
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 24 to 30 Total $ 115,319.66
Councilman Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Old and New Business
Supervisor Bartlett asked about the status of the city water meter on US Rte 11. Highway Superintendent Rohr informed he has not yet heard from the city regarding the replacement of the meter.
Supervisor Bartlett informed the Board he has been contacted by a firm from Manhattan requesting to meet with the board. They are inquiring about the construction of a convention/sports arena in the town. The town would own the property but the facility would be owned and operated by the group. The board has agreed to have the group come and speak on the project at a board meeting.
Mrs. Desormo asked if the Supervisor and one other member of the Town Board would be willing to meet with two Planning Board members, Highway Superintendent Rohr and Mike Lundy to discuss the walking lane on Summit Drive. Councilman McAtee agreed to attend the meeting. The meeting was tentatively set up for Thursday April 20th.
MOTION #41-2017
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 pm, Councilman Desormo seconded.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk