TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
March 13, 2025
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Michael Perkins, Councilman
Robert Slye, Councilman
Members Absent: Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
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 #35-2025
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the February 13, 2025 Regular Town Board Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett introduced Mr. Pat Scordo to give an update on the Northeast Water District.
Mr. Scordo provided a handout and reported that the drawings were about 85% complete. He stated they were in a good position to submit to regulatory agencies, including Environmental Facilities, Department of Health, and Department of Transportation, which would happen the following week. He mentioned they were still waiting for additional soil borings to be completed, having received Department of Transportation approval on January 26 for borings in and around the New York State right of way.
Mr. Scordo discussed the need for a booster pump station, which would be an above-grade building approximately 12 feet by 30 feet which will include a generator. He identified a parcel formerly owned by Strobert at Hunt Street and 126 Outer State Street as a potential location. He mentioned he had been in discussions with the landowner and the assessor Roger Tibbetts regarding property values, and welcomed assistance from Board Members Syle and Perkins in negotiations.
Mr. Scordo also discussed the easement process, stating they would have about 140 easements to be signed. He suggested holding meetings where residents could ask questions and view maps, and requested input on the town’s preferred process for handling easements.
He informed the board that they had received a $5 million grant from the State Revolving Fund, but noted that whatever the fund financed, they required the town to own, operate, and maintain, including service laterals to each building. This differed from typical arrangements where the town would own mains and laterals up to the meter pit.
Mr. Scordo mentioned the possibility of seeking additional funding, including a potential Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). He invited the Board to attend the conference call scheduled a Monday to discuss this opportunity.
Lastly, Mr. Scordo addressed the Board’s previous request to look into providing water service to Penny McKenna on Hadcock Road. He presented cost estimates for different options, ranging from $100,000 to $180,000, and noted that extending service to this single property would be disproportionately expensive compared to the average cost per house in the district.
The Board discussed various aspects of Mr. Scordo’s report, including potential sites for the pump station, negotiation strategies, and the implications of different funding sources on ownership and maintenance responsibilities.
BCA Project Updates
Supervisor Bartlett noted that the print version of the update for Bernier and Carr’s ongoing projects was included in the Board Members’ packets. He mentioned that Mike Altieri was unavailable due to illness and that they would have to catch up with him at the next month’s meeting for further updates.
Supervisor Bartlett opened the floor to the public for comment:
Mr. Lettiere addressed the council regarding a petition for the Lettiere Water District. He reported having collected about 93 or 94 signatures out of the needed 230. He expressed concerns about residents’ reluctance to sign due to potential costs, especially the $750,000 to extend the line. Mr. Lettiere suggested running a smaller line instead of an 8-inch fire line to reduce costs, and proposed putting laterals only to the edge of the right-of-way to minimize installation costs.
Supervisor Bartlett responded by explaining that they were exploring various financing options to potentially lower costs. He mentioned they were awaiting the comptroller’s opinion on a proposed financing mechanism. He also discussed the possibility of eliminating the Outer Ives Street from the project to reduce costs significantly.
The Board and Mr. Lettiere discussed various aspects of the project, including potential cost reductions, the need for more signatures on the petition, and the possibility of forming a new district with modified boundaries.
Mr. Scordo refreshed the board that they did submit the Jefferson County Infrastructure Grant application. Theoretically, results should have been available March 5. They checked on the website and it’s inconclusive. But as a reminder, the Environmental Facilities stated there’s potential for the project as is for funding. They did not specify grant versus loan, but they were encouraged. That was based on a May application date, but that’s not to say you still couldn’t apply based on the amended project that was just described.
No one else wished to speak; Supervisor Bartlett closed the floor to the public.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report
Supervisor Bartlett brought up the ongoing water leak issue near Walmart. He discussed the possibility of having the town’s public works crew enter private property to fix the leak and bill Walmart for the repairs. The Board discussed various aspects of this issue, including the location of the leak, billing procedures, and the need for prompt action. The Board discussed the ongoing water leak near Walmart and the complications caused by its privately-owned system. It was noted that the leak had been an issue for some time, contributing to financial strain as the town had to cover the costs for water wasted due to the leak, affecting the town’s budget due to high bills owed to the city.
The Board considered the public health implications of the unchecked leak and Supervisor Bartlett expressed concerns about prolonged financial and safety impacts. It was also discussed that Walmart had been slow to address the issue through their process of seeking bids for repairs.
MOTION #36-2025
Supervisor Bartlett offered a motion granting the town’s public works crew permission to enter private property to fix the water leak that has created an environmental, health, and public safety issue, and to bill the property owner for the repairs.
After considering the urgency, the motion was amended to classify this intervention as a necessary public benefit. The motion also specified that details of the repair costs should be meticulously documented, including materials and manpower, to ensure Walmart is billed accurately. The motion was made to resolve the situation expediently and prevent potential future complications. Councilman Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Attorney Harrienger will draft a letter to Walmart of the Boards decision.
Supervisor Bartlett also mentioned that the town was in the process of obtaining quotes for a new correlator locator to find water leaks, estimated to cost around $40,000. He noted that this equipment would be beneficial in quickly locating leaks and reducing water loss.
Supervisor Bartlett wants to the thank the City of Watertown, Towns of Brownville and Hounsfield for their help in locating the problem.
Motions/Resolutions
MOTION #37-2025
Resolution 3 of 2025
BOND RESOLUTION DATED MARCH 13, 2025 OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF VEHICLES AND VARIOUS MACHINERY AND APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE, ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $570,802 PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL FINANCE LAW TO FINANCE SAID PURPOSE AND DETERMINING OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York (the “Town”) (by the favorable vote of not less than two-thirds of all of the members of the Board) as follows:
Section 1. The Town is authorized to acquire vehicles and various equipment, machinery and apparatus for construction and maintenance, at a maximum cost of $570,802, as more particularly described in Section 3 hereof.
Section 2. The Town is hereby authorized to issue its serial general obligation bonds (the “Bonds”) in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $570,802 pursuant to the Local Finance Law of New York, in order to finance the class of objects or purposes described herein.
Section 3. The class of objects or purposes to be financed pursuant to this Resolution is the acquisition of machinery and apparatus for construction and maintenance consisting of, but not limited to: (i) one (1) front-end loader truck, (ii) one (1) tracker mower and one (1) mower machine, and (iii) one (1) pavement roller, (iv) one (1) heavy-duty pickup truck for use by the Water Department, and (v) one (1) heavy-duty 2500 Series pickup truck (collectively, the “Purpose”).
Section 4. It is hereby determined that the foregoing is one of the class of objects or purposes described in Subdivision 28 of Section 11.00(a) of the Local Finance Law, and that the period of probable usefulness of the Purpose is fifteen (15) years. The proposed maturity of the Bonds authorized herein will be in excess of five (5) years.
Section 5. Current funds are not required to be provided prior to the issuance of the bonds authorized by this resolution or any notes issued in anticipation of such bonds by virtue of paragraph 9 of subsection d. of Section 107.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Section 6. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the sale of the Bonds, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the Supervisor of the Town, the chief fiscal officer.
Section 7. The power to further authorize the issuance of the Bonds and bond anticipation notes and to prescribe the terms, form and contents of the Bonds and bond anticipation notes, including the consolidation with other issues and the use of substantially level debt service, subject to the provisions of this Resolution and the Local Finance Law, and to sell and deliver the Bonds and bond anticipation notes, is hereby delegated to the Supervisor of the Town. The Supervisor of the Town is hereby authorized to sign and the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to attest any Bonds and bond anticipation notes issued pursuant to this Resolution, and the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to affix to such Bonds and bond anticipation notes the corporate seal of the Town.
Section 8. The faith and credit of said Town are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such Bonds as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such Bonds becoming due and payable in such year. There shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property of said Town a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such Bonds as the same become due and payable.
Section 9. This Resolution shall constitute the Town’s “official intent”, within the meaning of Section 1.150-2 of the Treasury Regulations, to finance the cost of the Purpose with the Bonds and notes herein authorized. The Town shall not reimburse itself from the proceeds of the Bonds or notes for any expenditures paid more than sixty days prior to the date hereof, unless specifically authorized by Section 1.150-2 of the Treasury Regulations.
Section 10. This Resolution is adopted subject to a permissive referendum pursuant to Section 35.00 of the Local Finance Law and Section 90.00 of the Town Law. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed within ten (10) days after the adoption of said resolution, to cause to be published a notice which sets forth the date of the resolution’s adoption and contains an abstract of the resolution concisely stating its purpose and effect.
Section 11. This Resolution, or a summary thereof, when effective, shall be published by the Town Clerk together with a notice in substantially the form prescribed by Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law, and such publication shall be in each official newspaper of the Town. The validity of the Bonds or of any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of the Bonds may be contested only if such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the Town is not authorized to expend money, or the provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of this Resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of such publication; or if said obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 12. The firm Barclay Damon LLP is hereby appointed Bond Counsel to the Town in connection with the Bonds and bond anticipation notes herein authorized.
Section 13. This Resolution shall take effect upon the earlier of (a) the expiration of the time for filing a petition requesting that the issuance of the Bonds be submitted to referendum or (b) a positive vote upon the referendum authorizing the issuance of the Bonds.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing Resolution was seconded by Councilman Prosser and duly put to vote on a roll call, which resulted as follows:
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky absent
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye yes
MOTION #38-2025
WHEREAS, the 1812 Youth Sports Commission A501-C-3 has submitted a request for grant funding for Fiscal Year 2025 wherein proceeds from the grant are used to underwrite promotional cost associated with the 2025 summer sports in tournament activities that bring many travelers and tourists to the area; and
WHEREAS, the town has over the past supported the organization with grant funding and support by subsidizing and underwriting promotional expenses associated with the tournament activities and whereas funds are included and adopted in the 2025 town budget for said purposes.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a grant to the 1812 youth sports Commission organization in the amount of $3500.00 is hereby authorized for the purpose stated.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser and upon a roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky absent
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye yes
MOTION #39-2025
WHEREAS, the Volunteer Transportation has a fee for service agreement with the Town of Watertown which is due for renewal for the 2025 year; and
WHEREAS, the Volunteer Center provides transportation for town residents to doctor appointments and other appointments for residents who lack necessary transportation to meet the needs of the town residents; and
WHEREAS, many town residents utilize these transportation services.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute the contractual agreement between the Town of Watertown and the Volunteer Transportation Center for the year 2025 at a cost of $1,875.00 dollars.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser and upon a roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky absent
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye yes
MOTION #40-2025
WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to establish funding for unanticipated appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to transfer the following funds to balance anticipated appropriation and revenue accounts.
DECREASE CODE INCREASE ACCOUNT CODE AMOUNT
Unappropriated Fund Balance A6989.4 Community Economic Dev. $50,000.00
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser and upon a roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky absent
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye yes
MOTION #41-2025
WHEREAS, the Town published a request for qualifications for engineering services to be considered by the town for Sewer District #1; and
WHEREAS, the Town is charged with appointing a firm who has submitted their qualifications to perform such work related to all phases of construction of Sewer District 1.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; BCA Architect Engineering of Watertown NY meets all standards for appointment as engineers for Sewer District #1.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to execute the required contractual agreement between BCA Architect Engineers and the Town of Watertown
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser and upon a roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky absent
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye yes
MOTION #42-2025
WHEREAS, Sewer District #1 is under a DEC consent order to make improvements and modifications to the waste treatment facility located in the Lettiere Tract in the Town of Watertown; and
WHEREAS, grant applications are available for funding improvements to portions of the existing stormwater system through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant opportunity and the NYS EFC; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to submit all documentation required within the grant application process to obtain a successful award to fund the stormwater system improvement project.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; the Supervisor is hereby authorized to apply for and to submit an application to the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding Program and NYS Environmental Facility Green Innovation Grant Parogram to obtain project funding.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser and upon a roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor Bartlett yes
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky absent
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye yes
MOTION #43-2025
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts contingent upon a positive review of the bills being audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 42 to 44 Total $ 10,370.56
Highway Vouchers # 37 to 37 Total $ 22,873.16
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 24 to 24 Total $ 8,829.11
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 45 to 63 Total $ 130,219.70
Highway Vouchers # 38 to 54 Total $ 28,627.73
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 25 to 32 Total $ 182,796.42
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Discussion took place with Highway Superintendent Clement concerning water meter replacement and the purchase of more meter.
MOTION #44-2025
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adjourn to executive session at 8:20 pm to discuss ongoing negotiation with the Teamster Union contract, Councilman Perkins seconded.
Ayes All
The meeting was reconvened at 8:42 pm.
Supervisor Bartlett invited board members and other officials to reserve September 6, 2025 or an event at Bonnie Castle Resort, featuring dinner, a boat ride, a tour, and a show Greece. He mentioned that he had purchased four tables for the event and that proceeds would go to the DPAO Foundation and the One World Foundation.
The Town Clerk provided an update on staffing in her office, mentioning that she currently had two part-time employees and was still looking for someone to fill a full-time position. She asked about pay rates for the new employees and discussed the challenges of finding qualified candidates who live within the town.
MOTION #45-2025
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk