TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
December 8, 2022
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Members Absent: Timothy McAtee, Councilman
Supervisor Bartlett opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a roll call of the members present at 7:00 pm. Attorney’s James Burrows and Kathryn Harrienger were also present.
MOTION #113-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the November 10, 2022 Regular Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #114-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to call a Special Year End Meeting December 29, 2022 at 7:00 pm. The meeting will close out the books for the year 2022, and establish Northeast Water District boundaries and any other business that comes before the Board, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
MOTION #115-2022
WHEREAS, a certain map, plan and report for the proposed Formation of Northeast Water District within the Town of Watertown prepared by the engineering firm of GYMO Architecture, Engineering & Land Surveying, D.P.C., a New York State Licensed Professional Engineer, has been filed with the Town Clerk for the Town of Watertown, and
WHEREAS, the land encompassing the proposed Northeast Water District is under the ownership and/or control of multiple entities which have requested that this Board approve the formation of the Northeast Water District pursuant to Article 12-A of the New York State Town Law.
NOW, on motion duly made and seconded, it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the map, plan and report prepared by GYMO Architecture, Engineering & Land Surveying, D.P.C., 18969 US Route 11, Watertown, New York, for the proposed formation of Northeast Water District have been duly filed with the office of the Town Clerk as required by law, and are available thereat for public inspection, and it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the boundaries of the proposed Northeast Water District along NYS Route 126, Hunt Street, Hampton Gardens, and Slate Road shall be as appears on the map filed with the Town Clerk and as described on the attached Schedule “A”, and it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the improvements to be constructed include water main piping and service lateral connections, hydrants, valves, master meter pit, water booster pumping station and including but not limited to transmission lines, appurtenances and lateral connections to transport water from the City of Watertown to the property to be improved within the proposed Northeast Water District, and it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the total amount proposed to be expended for the formation of the proposed Town of Watertown Northeast Water District shall be $5,168,000.00; and it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the annual cost of the district to the typical property shall be $862 and the annual cost of the proposed district extension to the typical one family home within the district extension shall be $862; and it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the detailed explanation of the cost to the typical one family home is filed with the Town Clerk as part of the Engineering Report; and it is
FOUND, ORDERED AND DETERMINED that the project is proposed to be financed by the issuance of municipal bonds pursuant to the local finance law, and for grants or low-cost loans to be issued by New York State or the Federal Government; and it is
ORDERED that a public hearing be held on the 29th day of December, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town offices, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, New York to hear all persons interested in the proposed Formation of Northeast Water District, and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Clerk shall cause a copy of this Order to be published at least once in the official newspaper for the Town of Watertown not less than ten (10) nor more than twenty (20) days before the date set for the hearing, and shall cause a copy hereof to be posted on the sign board of the Town of Watertown maintained pursuant to the provisions of the Town Law, not less than ten (10) nor more than twenty (20) days before the date designated for the hearing.
A motion to adopt the foregoing Order was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon a roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor Joel R. Bartlett yes
Paul V. Desormo yes
Timothy L. McAtee absent
Joanne M. McClusky yes
David W. Prosser yes
Supervisor Bartlett opened the floor to the public.
Bill Smith, Barcley Safe & Lock approach the Board. He presented a quote for a security system for town recycling center. There was a resent break-in at the facility. He explained the system and cost involved.
MOTION #116-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to approve the purchase of the security system from Barcley’s Safe & Lock. The installation cost is $815.75 with an annual monitoring cost of $350, Councilman Desormo seconded.
Ayes All
Chad Shelmindine, 21724 Co Rte 60 (Floral Drive) addressed the Board concerning public water to his residents. The past 3 years the water quantity and quality has declined. He inquired if there was any way for the town to extend the water district on this road.
Supervisor Bartlett explained the situation and problems with extending the water on Co Rte 60. He informed that after the completion of the extension and improvements of Water District #1 the Board will look into the possibility of extended the water in this area. Mr. Bartlett will check with the Town of Brownville to consider getting water from the other end of the road.
No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk Report.
The fuel bids were opened:
One bid was received by Christman Fuel Service Inc., 4511 Old State Road, Carthage NY.
Brian Whattam, Sales Representative from the company came forward and explained the bid.
After discussion took place.
MOTION #117-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept the bid for gasoline and diesel for highway purposes. Bid from Christman Fuel Service Inc., 4511 Old State Road, Carthage NY. This bid is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office, motion is seconded by Councilman Desormo.
Ayes All
MOTION #118-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to make an interfund loan from General Fund Revenue to provide bridge funding to open a capital checking account to pay engineering charges associated with the formation and establishment of Water District #7. This includes land parcels on the northeasterly boundary of the Town of Watertown and City of Watertown (map, plan and report by GYMO Engineering is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office); and
WHEREAS, the town has contracted with GYMO Engineering a local firm to provide said preliminary services to establish the new water district henceforth to be known as Water District #7.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a loan from the Town General Fund to establish a new Capital Project Fund in the amount of $25,000 is hereby authorized for the period of one year at 3% simple interest.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Paul Desormo yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Joanne McClusky yes
David Prosser yes
MOTION #119-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to hire a second legal firm on an interim basis to represent the Town of Watertown for all legal affairs that come before the town; and
WHEREAS, the legal firm of Kendall, Walton and Burrows has provided a fee for service agreement to provide such legal services as needed; and
WHEREAS, the letter of standard billing practice (on file in the Clerk’s Office) details the fee structure and terms in conditions for providing for said legal representation.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the legal firm of Kendall, Walton and Burrows is hereby appointed legal counsel for the Town of Watertown for the period commencing December 1st, 2022 and ending December 31st, 2023.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Paul Desormo yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Joanne McClusky yes
David Prosser yes
MOTION #120-2022
WHEREAS, the term of office of Brandon Cooney will expire on December 31, 2022, and Mr. Cooney has expressed an interest in reappointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the term commencing January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Mr. Cooney is hereby appointed to another term of office on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the term commencing January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Paul Desormo yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Joanne McClusky yes
David Prosser yes
MOTION #121-2022
WHEREAS, the term of office of Thomas Boxberger will expire on December 31, 2022, and Mr. Boxberger has expressed an interest in reappointment to the Planning Board for the term commencing January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Mr. Boxberger is hereby appointed to another term of office on the Planning Board for the term commencing January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Paul Desormo yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Joanne McClusky yes
David Prosser yes
MOTION #122-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to increase water and sewer rates within certain water and sewer districts to amortize accumulated deficits within the certain water and sewer districts; and
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council acting as administrators of several districts hereby calls for a public hearing on the proposed rate increases for Water Districts 4, 5 & 6 and Sewer Districts 1, 2 & 3 in the following amounts:
Water Districts 4, 5 & 6 in the amount of $0.75 per unit or 748 gallons
Sewer Districts 1, 2 & 3 in the amount of $1.00 per unit or 748 gallons
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED said public hearing shall be held on Thursday January 12th, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Town Municipal Offices 22867 Co Rte 67 Watertown NY 13601 wherein all interested persons shall be provided the opportunity to be heard.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Desormo, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Paul Desormo yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Joanne McClusky yes
David Prosser yes
MOTION #123-2022
WHEREAS, it is necessary to transfer funds between accounts to balance appropriations and revenues in the 2022 town budget.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to transfer funds in the following 2022 budget accounts:
Decrease Code Increase Code Amount
Unapprop Fund Balance Appropriated Fund Balance
$70,000.00 $70,000.00 to $120,160.00 $120,162.00
A1410.12 1410.11 $4,000.00
Increase Code A1900.4 Contingent Account $24,512.00
Increase Code: Amount
1220.4 $ 6,725.00
1355.4 $ 500.00
1420.4 $ 3,000.00
1620.4 $ 500.00
1910.4 $ 925.00
3010.4 $ 4,310.00
5010.4 $ 500.00
8160.0 $ 5,000.00
Total $21,462.00
Increase Code Amount
Interfund Transfer to Highway $70,000.00
Record as Received (May)
Revenue Code A3021 State Aid Court $2000.00
Revenue Code A1603 Vital Statistics $2000.00
Highway Fund
Increase Interfund Transfer from General Fund
Increase Revenue Code Increase Code Amount
Appropriated Fund Balance $116,000.00
Increase Code 5132.2 Equipment from $40,000.00 to $100,000.00
Increase Code 5142.4 from $91,318.00 to $161,318.00
Increase Code 9060.8 $ 16,000.00
Record Prior Payment for Truck Debt Service #3 9710.6 $30,000.00 Principle
Paid 4/15/22 9710.7 $ 2,063.00 Interest
Record All Due and Due From Per Amortization Schedule as Follows:
Highway Fund $ 8,910.00
Sewer 1 $ 2,004.00
Sewer 2 $ 4,403.00
Sewer 3 $ 4,402.00
Sewer 4 $ 4,446.00
Water 1 $13,108.00
Water 3 $ 5,506.00
Water 4 $ 3,749.00
Water 6 $ 1,467.00
Monthly Recording Corrections
Water 4 Correction
$30,983.00 as recorded to SW4 8340.4 should be recorded in SW4 8320.4
$5,408.00 as recorded to SW4 8320.4 should be recorded in SW4 8340.4
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Paul Desormo yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Joanne McClusky yes
David Prosser yes
MOTION #124-2022
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 222 to 224 Total $ 9,197.23
Highway Vouchers # 213 to 213 Total $ 19,572.72
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 124 to 124 Total $ 3,889.37
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 225 to 240 Total $ 10,120.71
Highway Vouchers # 214 to 227 Total $ 22,958.68
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 125 to 126 Total $ 121,170.68
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor Joel Bartlett yes
Paul Desormo yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Joanne McClusky yes
David Prosser yes
Supervisors Correspondence
The Jefferson County Auditors settlement paperwork for the 2023 year budget. There will be no
town tax again this year.
Correspondence form NYS of Opportunity Environmental Facilities Corporation dated
November 14, 2022. Letter informing the town they did not receive NYS Water Infrastructure
Improvement Grant this round concerning Sewer District #1 improvements this round.
Supervisor Bartlett updated the Town on the status of the event center.
MOTION #125-2022
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 pm, seconded by Councilman Desormo.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk