TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Special Meeting
Municipal Building
October 17, 2024
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Michael Perkins, Councilman
Robert Slye, Councilman
Members Absent:
Supervisor Bartlett opened the special workshop meeting at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a roll call of members present. Attorney Harrienger was also present.
Supervisor Bartlett introduced Michael Altieri, BCA Associates. He updated the Board on the town water and sewer projects in the town.
Water 1-Sewer 2, NYS Rte. 3 – Discussed current construction status – Forcemain has been completed up to Seacom Credit Union. National Grid is performing the design of the gas and electric services for the lift station. Estimated completion date- February 2024.
Discussion took place concerning the easement from Sam’s Club for the future connection road.
Water 1, NYS Rte. 12F – Discussed current construction status – Final restoration in progress, water leak triggered from main reactivation being repaired by Town forces now. Estimated completion date October 31st, 2024.
Projects in Design
Water District No. 4 Extension (Northland Estates) – Finished with design plans. He met with Town of Watertown Fire Department to review hydrant spacing and flow rates. Preparing easements in ROW mapping to review with Town Attorney. An extension has been granted for closure of financing and WIIA grant with EFC for this winter. Awaiting final information from manufacturer for tank aeration system for submission to NYSDOH and EFC. Projected construction completion date December 2025.
Sewer District No. 1 – NYSDEC has accepted the pilot plan proposal. He presented the project schedule. Projected start date is September 2026 with a Completion date of September 2027.
The Board discussed the sewer situation with the City. They also talked of problems with the water lines to the former Watertown Correctional Facility and possible solutions.
The floor was opened to the public for questions and comments:
Joe Meyer County Rte 60, asked if Mr. Altieri found the plans discussed at a previous meetings concerning the water line from the Town of Hounsfield to Floral Drive.
Mr. Altieri said they did find the plans. They will need to updated because the study was done 15 years ago, then they will review them with Supervisor Bartlett.
Mr. Meyer stated they are adding a natural gas extension down NYS Rte. 12F and asked if there were any other utilities going to be added to this area.
Highway Superintendent Clement added they are doing natural gas and possibly some new utility poles but was unaware of any other utilities being added.
No one else wish to speak the floor was closed to the public.
Motion/Resolution
MOTION #111-2024
WHEREAS, the town engineer has submitted pay request for work completed on various water and sewer infrastructure upgrades and installation, and pay request have been submitted for payment.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RSESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to make payment for completed work on various projects to include:
Pay Applications #3 NYS Rte. 12F $49,325.33
Pay Application #8 Water District 1 NYS Rte. 12F $63,739.30
Pay application #10 NYS Rte. 3 Sewer District 2 $127,086.81
GYMO Engineers NE Water District #7 $30,105.00
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 yes
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye yes
MOTION #112-2024
WHEREAS, it is necessary to transfer funds to cover the cost of monitoring surface water infiltration to the town sewer districts by order of consent order issued by the DEC; and
WHEREAS, all sewer districts are to be monitored for infiltration and an engineer’s report submitted to the DEC and the City of Watertown before city sewer connection permits will be issued.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RSESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to transfer funds to Sewer District appropriation accounts to cover this unanticipated expense for each district as follows:
TRANSFER FROM CODE TRANSFER TO CODE AMOUNT
UNAPPROPIATED FUND BALANCE $65,000.00
SS2-8120.4 $13,000.00 SS3-8120.4 $13,000.00
SS4-8120.4 $13,000.00
SS5-8120.4 $13,000.00
SS6-8120.4 $13,000.00
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 yes
Councilman Perkins yes
Councilman Slye yes
The Board discussed the 2025 Preliminary Budget.
Supervisor Bartlett went through the budget and listed the changes that will need to be made to the Tentative 2025 Budget.
Councilwomen McClusky brought up the NYS Teamsters Contract concerning the uniforms for the Highway Department. It seems the employees use the jeans but do not wear the uniform top. Seem like a waste of town tax payer’s money.
Discussion took place on possibly purchasing town t-shirts and a clothing allowance instead of the uniform contract. The Board agreed to add wordage to Teamsters Contract that would say when the Unifirst uniform contract ends March 2026 they would not renew it.
Supervisor Bartlett will notify Councilman Perkins and Coucilwomen McClusky of the next contract meeting with the union.
Highway Superintendent Clement reviewed a list of equipment he needs for the highway department.
The two new dump trucks will be financed in 2025 or possibly 2026 depending on the delivery schedule.
1-Ton 3500 pick-up with a job box and lift gate $ 67,000.00
2500 pick-up with plow $ 55,000.00
Dump trailer 14,000 lbs $ 14,904.00
Mower tractor w/side mount mower $162,664.00
Loader 2024, Hitachi ZW-160 w/snowblower 4-1 bucket $196,000.00
(Includes trade in the 2 loaders $26,000 for the 2001 John Deer 624
$36,000 for the 2008 Case 621)
Dirt roller $130,000.00
40 Light heads to replace street lights on NYS Rte. 3 w/LED $ 15,300.00
The Board agreed to purchases. Financing was discussed, they anticipate $400,000.00 in CHIP funds. Bonding will be needed for some. Adjustment was made to the budget to compensate for the purchases.
Supervisor Bartlett informed the Board he would be bring forth a resolution to raise the water and sewer rates in all districts in 2025 to correct the deficit in those districts.
Dave Roof, CEO of the Town of Watertown ambulance service addressed the Board. He explained some of the hardship the ambulance service is facing. He appreciates the increase in budget, but asked if the Board would consider more to the help keep the service going. It is very hard to keep the employee without giving them a competitive wage. Equipment cost have raised tremendously.
The Board agreed to adjust the budget and raise the Rescue Squad line item to $155,000.00.
The Board agreed to hire a part time position in the Clerk’s Office for $20.00 an hour.
MOTION #113-2024
WHEREAS, following a budget work session held on Thursday October 17, 2024 at the Town Municipal Offices; a copy of the preliminary, henceforth to be known as the Tentative Fiscal Year 2025 Town of Watertown budget was placed on file at the Town Clerk’s Office, for public viewing.
Supervisor Bartlett moved to hold a public hearing on the proposed 2025 Tentative Budget, a detail of all funds including the General and Highway Funds, Water Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, & 6 and Sewer Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. The hearing is to be held Thursday November 7th, 2024, at 7:00 pm. Said meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 22867 Co Rte 67, Watertown, NY. All members of the public wishing to speak for or against will be heard. Motion seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #114-2024
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk