TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Town Board Monthly Meeting
Municipal Building
April 13, 2023
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Members Absent: Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
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 #36-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the March 23, 2023 rescheduled meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Attorney Harrienger did a brief update on Water District #7. The SEQR Part 1 was accepted at the February meeting, an updated SERQ has been completed. The involved agencies are being notified and there is 30-day waiting period for response. The map, plan and report are being completed to include parts of Rutland Hollow Road, Hadcock Road and Overlook Drive. At the May meeting the Board can complete Parts 2 & 3 of the SEQR and a public hearing can be scheduled.
Supervisor Bartlett opened up the floor for public comment:
Joe Meyer, Co. Rte. 60 asked the Board about making the Town Board agenda available on the website prior to the meetings.
Attorney Harrienger informed Mr. Meyer that it is not required that the agenda be available on the website; it would be a courtesy of the Town to do so.
Mr. Meyer inquired about his comments and questions from the March 16th meeting. He was told they would be on the record but the Supervisor did not adopt those minutes.
Mrs. Desormo, Town Clerk informed Mr. Meyer the minutes would be on the website and in the minutes book even if they were not adopted at this meeting.
Mike Schepis, Holcomb Street Ext. inquired if the town was still considering extending the public sewer to his property.
Supervisor Bartlett said they are still working on the upgrade and the plan is to include Holcomb Street Extension.
No one else wished to speak, the floor was closed.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s and Town Ambulance report.
Supervisor Bartlett asked Attorney Harrienger to prepare the Local Laws necessary for the zoning updates.
Discussion took place on the formality of the Local Laws.
Supervisor Bartlett asked the Attorney Harrienger if he could move forward with a contract with a cell phone carrier to add antennas to the water tower on NYS Rte. 3 prior to the cell tower updates being adopted. There is a moratorium on cell towers while the code is being revised. He said no work would be done until after the adoption of the regulations.
Attorney Herrienger will review the contact and moratorium and advise him.
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #37-2023
WHEREAS, the Rohde Community Center has submitted a request for funds to supplement the organizations food drive and food support center which provides food for hundreds of area residents who need assistance from the centers food bank; and
WHEREAS, for each dollar committed to the food bank a $10.00 match is provided to assist with funding the program; and
WHEREAS, funds were made available in the 2023 budget to provide this supplementary request.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a grant of $5,000.00 to the Rohde Community Center in Adams NY is hereby granted.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
Paul V. Desormo absent
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
MOTION #38-2023
WHEREAS, Navistar Inc. provides sales to municipalities of Highway Department/Public Works vehicles and plow trucks following the municipalities being placed on an order to build list; and
WHEREAS, being placed on the order to build list constitutes the municipalities agreement and commitment to purchase said equipment when vehicle materials become available; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to commit to the purchase of a 2024 tandem plow truck at the 2024 price of $261,674.30.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Public Works Superintendent is authorized to execute all necessary documents to secure placement of the aforementioned equipment at a cost not to exceed $261,674.30.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilwoman Prosser and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
Paul V. Desormo absent
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
MOTION #39-2023
WHEREAS, Advocate Drum is a community organization that provides support to Fort Drum by protecting the Fort from budgetary cuts and by facilitating partnerships within the community that strengthens the Fort’s military value to the community and to our nations defense; and
WHEREAS, Fort Drums related activity generates $28 million in local property tax revenues, $41.3 million in sales tax revenues, $17.3 million in Federal/State aid and over $58.5 million in aid to the regions school districts making it a vital component of our regional economy; and
WHEREAS, a membership request to the organization has been submitted requesting the Town of Watertown join the list of many local supporters advocating for Fort Drums continues growth and sustainability.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council hereby authorizes a membership commitment to the Advocate Drum Organization, also known as the FDRLO at the 1-year Leadership level of $2,500.00.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
Paul V. Desormo absent
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
MOTION #40-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 65 to 66 Total $ 9,468.13
Highway Vouchers # 69 to 69 Total $ 20,290.68
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 42 to 42 Total $ 6,552.28
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 67 to 88 Total $ 13,915.80
Highway Vouchers # 70 to 84 Total $ 7,556.21
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 43 to 55 Total $ 152,591.78
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
Paul V. Desormo absent
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Correspondence
Letter from Kenneth Mix, City of Watertown dated March 3, 2023 concerning inflow/infiltration in the Sewer 4 & 5 Districts.
Attorney Harrienger advised the Board they do not have any responsibility to respond to the demands of the City. The Town does however need to respond to any directive from NYSDEC.
Old/New Business
Supervisor Bartlett asked Ted Clement, Highway Superintendent if a shut off valve on the sewer line could be installed from the prison before the pump station on Cook Road. This would help prevent possible infiltration.
Mr. Clement will check on that.
Supervisor Bartlett updated the Board on the bids for the water improvements to Water District 1.
Supervisor Bartlett asked Attorney Harrienger to review the appraisal bids received for the Lettiere Tract water district. The Town will pay the difference if Mr. Lettiere will agree to pay $4,500 of the cost involved. Mr. Lettiere agreed. The attorney not the committee will make the determination to what appraiser to use.
MOTION #41-2023
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk