TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
August 12, 2021
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Timothy McAtee, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Members Absent:
Supervisor Bartlett opened the meeting with a roll call of the members present at 7:00 PM.
MOTION #74-2021
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the July 8, 2021 Regular Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Patrick Scordo and Mark Thompson, GYMO Engineering addressed the Board concerning the NE water district. Mr. Scordo presented the Board the engineering map, plan & report to advance the project. He explained the cost estimates of the project and the end cost to the customer. The income survey was performed and showed a median income $38,000.00, this is favorable to be eligible for grants and low interest funding. Mr. Scordo explained two possible funding scenarios; one with 50% grant funding, the other with a 60% grant funding. Based on an estimate of 38 years and 1.5% interest rate the annual cost per residential unit using 175 gallons a day. Scenario one would be $974, scenario two $872 annual cost with two thirds of the cost being usage. The capital cost would be between $300-$400 plus or minus per resident. Going forward there would need to be a public hearing to ensure the residents involved would still want to continue when finding out the cost. They would use Municipal Solutions to help find and apply for the best funding for the project. Rural Development will require an environmental engineering report. They would work with the town attorney for the water district formation, SEQR and Bond Resolution.
Supervisor Bartlett suggested they should proceed with section 12A for the formation of the district. This would skip the petitioning of the residents again. Mr. Scordo will work with Attorney Russell concerning the process. A legal description of the district will need to be completed.
The floor was opened for general comments, no one wished to speak; the floor was closed.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.
Supervisor Bartlett introduced Local Law #2 of year 2021, to consider a local law pursuant to Cannabis Law §131, opting out of licensing and establishing retail cannabis dispensaries and/or on-site cannabis consumption establishments within the Town of Watertown.
MOTION #75-2021
Supervisor Bartlett moved that the Town Board of the Town of Watertown shall conduct a public hearing concerning Local Law #2 of year 2021, Thursday, September 9, 2021 at ¬¬¬-7:00 PM. Meeting will be held at the Town Offices, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, New York, to consider a local law pursuant to Cannabis Law § 131, opting out of licensing and establishing retail cannabis dispensaries and/or on-site. All persons wishing to speak will be heard, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #76-2021
WHEREAS, under the provisions of the Town of Watertown water and sewer ordinances, the Town Council, acting as administrators for the several districts, has the authority to increase water and sewer rates charged to the district users to offset charges for the purchase of water and sewer service from the City of Watertown, the supplier of water and sewer services; and
WHEREAS, in increase in the cost of purchasing said services in diminishing fund balances within each district budgets require a rate increase for users and Sewer Districts 2, 4 and 5 following the public hearing on the increase;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, a public hearing on a proposed rate increase of $0.50 per unit for Sewer Districts 2, 4 and 5, increasing the rates to $5.00 per unit is hereby called for Thursday September 9th 2021 at 7:00 PM, at the Town Municipal Offices, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown NY 13601, wherein all persons interested will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, there the $0.50 per unit surcharge currently levied in the district remains in effect.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by supervisor Bartlett, and seconded by Councilman Desormo.
Ayes All
MOTION #77-2021
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown is in receipt of an ARA (COVID) funding in the amount of $228,451.23 which represents one half of the funds due to the Town of Watertown; and
WHEREAS, the second and final ARA relief funds are due the town in fiscal year 2022; and
WHEREAS, these funds can be used to supplement employee retention payrolls for essential employees during the pandemic, and for loss of tourism revenue or tourism related projects and for infrastructure improvement; and
WHEREAS, the Supervisor recommends appropriating said funds in the following allocations:
Sewer District 2 infrastructure improvements $90,000
Water District 1 infrastructure improvements $90,000
Public works payroll essential workers $28,450
TI LDC $20,000
Total $228,450.00
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by supervisor Bartlett, and seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #78-2021
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown is in receipt of a letter from Tnara Route 3 LLC, for the Town of Watertown to accept ownership and title to a portion of property located on NYS Route 3, in the Town of Watertown (part of parcel #82.11-1-35.223); and
WHEREAS, the property owner has submitted the letter of intent to transfer title to the property along with a written survey and legal description to said parcel; and
WHEREAS, ownership of this parcel by the Town is necessary for the future construction of a new access road to connect NYS Route 3 and NYS Route 12F (Coffeen Street Road) via the Pyramid Salmon Run Mall.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is herby authorized to sign all legal documents on behalf of the Town of Watertown Council following a legal review of all documentation by the Town Attorney to affect the transfer of ownership to the Town of Watertown.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Councilman Paul Desormo yes
Councilman David Prosser yes
Councilman Timothy McAtee yes
Councilwoman Joanne McClusky yes
MOTION #79-2021
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown is in receipt for a request to change the zoning classification for parcel #82.07-1-2.1, 22088 County Route 60 (Floral Drive) from (R3) Residential 3 to (NC) Neighborhood Commercial that would allow for the development of two 3.5 MW ground mounted solar arrays; and
WHEREAS, existing zoning for the property would exclude the development of said solar array; and
WHEREAS, only a portion of the current zoning would need to be rezoned to allow solar development on the parcel; and
WHEREAS, property adjacent to this parcel is currently zoned (NC) Neighborhood Commercial.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a public hearing on the proposed zoning change is hereby called for Thursday September 9th, 2021 at 7:00 PM, at the Town of Watertown Municipal Office, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown NY, 13601, whereat all interested persons shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard on the proposed zone change.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman McAtee.
Ayes All
MOTION #80-2021
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown at its January organizational meeting appointed the legal firm of Barclay Damon, LLP to represent the Town as Bond Counsel for the fiscal year 2021; and
WHEREAS, a fee for service agreement between Barclay Damon, LLP is necessary to formalize Barclay Damon as the Municipal Bond Counsel.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said fee for service agreement on behalf of the Town of Watertown under the terms and conditions noted therein.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Desormo.
Ayes All
MOTION #81-2021
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown possesses numerous items that are considered surplus equipment no longer of use to the town; and
WHEREAS, it is in the Town’s best interest to sell these surplus items to the highest bidder.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is authorized to publish in the official newspaper of the town a call for concealed sealed bids on the following surplus equipment;
2000 Sterling garbage truck with 7-yard packer
2005 International 7600 single axle plow truck
2001 Ford F-250 pickup
2006 Ford F-200 pickup
1965 Cat dozer D6
1969 Walter plow truck
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all sealed bids will be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown NY 13601 up until 3:00 PM, Thursday September 9th, 2021. All bids will be reviewed by the town council at its regular meeting held at 7:00 PM September 9th, 2021, with the Town retaining the right to refuse any and all bids submitted.
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #82-2021
WHEREAS, it is necessary to transfer funds in the Public Works/Highway Department fiscal year 2021 budget to balance appropriation accounts.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to transfer the following funds to balance accounts:
Transfer from account code Transfer to account code Amount
Inter fund transfer from general fund Highway Revenue Code DA5031 $61,000
Decrease Code D 5110.1 Increase Code DA 5130.2 $ 7,000
Decrease Code A 6989.4 Increase Code A7310.4 $ 4,000
Decrease Code SW5 Unappropriated Funds Increase Code SW5-8340.4 $ 5,000
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #83-2021
WHEREAS, it is necessary to solicit for sealed bids to furnish the Town with minimum of 2,500 cu yards of screened and loaded sand for the highway department use in the winter months; and
WHEREAS, the Town will accept sealed bids accompanied by a non-collusion statement on the sale to Town of Watertown of said material up until Thursday, September 9th, 2021 at 3:00 PM; and
WHEREAS, all sealed bids will be reviewed for compliance with the General Municipal Law (competitive bid requirements) and the bid winner will be awarded to the most responsive and responsible bidder at the Thursday, September 9th, 2021 at 7:00 PM at the Town Council meeting.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to issue a public notice in the official newspaper of the Town calling for sealed bids to be received at the Town of Watertown Town Clerk’s Office up until 3:00 PM, Thursday, September 9th, 2021.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Council retains the right to accept or deny any and all bids not in compliance with the General Municipal Law (competitive bid requirements).
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman McAtee.
Ayes All
MOTION #84-2021
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 157 to 159 Total $ 8,985.98
Highway Vouchers # 131 to 131 Total $ 18,846.38
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 63 to 63 Total $ 4,528.20
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 160 to 176 Total $ 48,594.55
Highway Vouchers # 132 to 147 Total $ 9,240.79
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 65 to 74 Total $ 181,040.85
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Old/New Business
Included in the Board packets:
– Annual Jefferson County Dog Report
– Correspondence with Showcat Khan, Ridgeview Lane, concerning a request for credit to his utility bill. His meter stopped working over a year ago. His bills have been estimated low. When the meter was replaced, he was responsible for difference in the actual use. He feels he is not responsible for the charges.
The Board discussed the situation and possible solution. Supervisor Bartlett will consult with Attorney Russell for legal advice. The consensus of the Board is that the water passed though the meter therefore he is responsible for the bill.
Supervisor Bartlett would like the Board to consider a moratorium on future small solar projects in the town. He feels we are losing the essence of what our town is. The land it being overrun by solar panels and he would like to slow things down. The Board agreed that a l year moratorium would benefit the town. Supervisor Barlett will consult with Attorney Russell on the process.
Councilwomen McClusky inquired of the monies the town has invested on the future event
center and TI LDC. Going back to September 2017 a total of $232,500.00 has been given not to
mention attorney and engineering fees. She questioned how much more the town will have to
invest.
Supervisor Bartlett responded that he did not anticipate much more will be needed. He will put
in a request to the LDC Board that the funds will be reimbursed to the town as funds come in
from other investors.
Supervisor Bartlett updated the Board on the status of the event center.
MOTION #85-2021
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 PM, seconded by Councilman Desormo.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk