TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
December 14, 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 #95-2017
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept the minutes for November 9, 2017 meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett read the following PROCLAMATION:
WHEREAS, all children in the Town of Watertown should have access to the highest-quality education possible; and,
WHEREAS, Town of Watertown recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in Town of Watertown to be successful adults; and,
WHEREAS, quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of Town of Watertown; and,
WHEREAS, Town of Watertown is home to a multitude of high quality public and nonpublic schools from which parents can choose for their children, in addition to families who educate their children in the home; and,
WHEREAS, educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community; and,
WHEREAS, Town of Watertown has many high-quality teaching professionals in all types of school settings who are committed to educating our children; and,
WHEREAS, School Choice Week is celebrated across the county be millions of students, parents, educators, schools and organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Joel Bartlett do hereby recognize January 21-27, 2018 as Town of Watertown School Choice Week, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
The floor was opened to the public.
Leigh Roukous, 23429 Fralick Road, addressed the board concerning LeRoy Burnham and JoAnn Armstrong’s property on Sandy Creek Valley Road. She speaks on behalf of several neighbors in the area. They are concerned about the abuse of animals, the lack of maintenance of the property and the buildup of garbage and debris. Storage containers and large amounts of hay have recently been brought in. She told of the house and farm having junk cars and garbage. She is a runner and gets verbally harassed every time she passes their property. She also believes they are bringing new animals in after having animals removed because of lack of care. She has health and safety concerns for the neighbors because of the garbage and filth and the overwhelming number of feral cats. She bought in a petition containing over 600 signatures of concerned citizens. She is asking for help and direction from the Town as to how to get a solution to the problem.
Supervisor Bartlett assured her the town is aware of the problem. At this time because of litigation he cannot comment on some things. The Town is reopening the case of the maintenance of the property and pursuing legal action. The animal situation is not a town matter and is still ongoing in the court system.
Misha Tiberend, 23275 Fralick Road, asked about health and safety concerns with the Burnham property. She believes one of the buildings contains dead animals and feces. She worries about contamination of wells in the area and air quality to the neighbors.
Supervisor Bartlett responded he will be sending the Town Code Officer and Health Officer to inspect the property. He also considered the need of sending Town Engineers to inspect the safety of the buildings.
Holly Leone, Orchard Drive addressed the board. They own a building lot on Orchard Drive that continues to flood when there is excessive water in the area. She inquired if the Town has received the report from the engineers for its plans to alleviate the problem.
Supervisor Bartlett informed the Town Engineers have been extremely busy and have not finished the report. They expect to have it finished in January.
No other member of the public wished to speak; the floor was closed at 7:15 pm.
There were no Town Clerk correspondences this month.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk and Town Ambulance Reports.
MOTION #96-2017
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown has for many years supported the Volunteer Transportation Center Agency as the agency provides transportation to town residents in need of transportation to Doctor office visits and other necessary appointments; and
WHEREAS, it is requested that a contractual agreement between the Town and the Volunteer Transportation center be authorized on an annual basis for the purpose of satisfying new audit requirements.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor, on behalf of the Town of Watertown is hereby authorized to execute said contractual agreement on behalf of the Town of Watertown with the Volunteer Transportation Center for the Fiscal year 2018.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown hereby agrees to underwrite the providing of transportation services to town residents and a grant of $1,500.00 in funding is approved.
A motion to adopt the foregoing Resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Rich.
Ayes All
MOTION #97-2017
WHEREAS, the Town contracts with PIVOT Employee Assistance Services to provide counseling services to employees and family member who need assistance with information, referrals and resources at no additional cost as well as information on a wide range of health and wellness information to employees;
WHEREAS, the current annual contract with PIVOT Employees Services expires on December 31, 2017; and a new contract proposal (attached as exhibit A) is offered by the provider.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOVLED, the Supervisor, on behalf of the Town of Watertown is hereby authorized to execute the proposal under the terms and conditions as attached for the annual sum of $400.00.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #98-2017
WHEREAS, the term of Zoning Board of Appeals member Brandon Cooney expires on December 31, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooney has expressed an interest in being reappointed to the position.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Brandon Cooney is hereby appointed to a term on the Town of Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals for the term commencing January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2022.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #99-2017
WHEREAS, the term of Planning Board member Thomas Boxberger expires on December 31, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Boxberger has expressed an interest in being reappointed to the position.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Thomas Boxberger is hereby appointed to a term on the Town of Watertown Planning Board for the term commencing January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2022.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember McAtee.
Ayes All
MOTION #100-2017
WHEREAS, on November 13th, 2017 the NYSDOT amended its drug testing program to include the requirement for testing for synthetic opioids in order to be in concert with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs; and
WHEREAS, the new regulations expand the list of substances that are screened for in the drug tests to include four synthetic opioid drugs: hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycordone and oxymorphone; and
WHEREAS, the Towns contracted Medical Review Officer (BOCES) is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory tests generated by the Town drug and alcohol testing program and evaluating medical explanations for the certain drug testing of employees.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown drug and alcohol testing policy is herby amended to include the recommended provisions for testing for the stated opioid synthetic narcotics effective December 31, 2017.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Desormo.
Ayes All
MOTION #101-2017
WHEREAS, public works employee Matthew Eves has successfully completed his first full year of employment with the Town of Watertown at the MEO-3 wage grade; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Eves is entitled to a wage grade promotion from MEO-3 to MEO-2; and
WHEREAS, the public works superintendent has certified to this board that Mr. Eves has successfully met all conditions and requirements necessary for promotion to MEO-2.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Matthew Eves is hereby promoted from MEO-3 to MEO-2 effective with the first full pay period of January 2018 at the hourly wage rate of $20.83 per hour.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Rich.
Ayes All
MOTION #102-2017
WHEREAS, Bowers and Co. provides accounting services for the Town of Watertown and has submitted a letter of understanding for providing accounting services for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute the letter of understanding between Bowers and Company and the Town of Watertown as representative of the terms and conditions of the engagement for services.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #103-2017
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 213 to 216 Total $ 13,247.29
Highway Vouchers # 158 to 158 Total $ 17,105.76
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 90 to 90 Total $ 2,462.24
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 217 to 238 Total $ 23,576.17
Highway Vouchers # 159 to 174 Total $ 30,501.26
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 91 to 96 Total $ 145,276.90
Councilmember Rich seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett asked if there was any new business to discuss:
Supervisor Bartlett included in the Board’s packet:
The Municipal Shelter Inspection Report for the Jefferson County Dog Shelter.
A letter sent out to the a resident of the Letteire Tract concerning insufficient drainage piping installed from his property causing flooding problems in that area.
The adopted tax rate for the 2018 Town and County Tax:
County Tax $10.99
Fire Protection $ 2.26
For an increase from 2017 of $.10
Supervisor Bartlett has asked the town engineer to check into the flow of water to the Town from the Loomis Drive area. It has been the practice in the past with heavy rains the excess flows from the City will be pumped into the Town. This is creating a problem with the increase of development in the area. The engineers will include their thoughts as how to better deal with this issue.
Supervisor Bartlett presented Councilman Rich with a gift from the Town of Watertown for his 40 years of service to the Town as Councilman. He expressed his appreciation for all he has done through the years and how much he will be missed by the board.
MOTION #104-2017
Councilman Rich moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 pm, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All