TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
April 10, 2025
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 meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a roll call of members present at 7:00 pm. Attorney Harrienger was also present.
MOTION #46-2025
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the March 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 and the proposed Lettiere Tract Water System.
Northeast Water District No. 7
• Design Plans 95% complete.
• Submitted to NYS Departments of Health and Transportation and County Highway Department March 24, 2025.
• Soil Borings/Rock Probes 50% complete; NYSDOT approved plans for soil sampling within the NYS Route 126 ROW and will be completed in 30 days.
• Positive meeting with property owner of Booster Pumping Station Site #2 (Williams property – Weaver Road/NYS Route 126). Next steps will be to stake out the building location, negotiate the purchase price, and proceed to Town Planning Board for Site Plan and Subdivision approvals.
• Current EFC BIL funding package does not provide funding for laterals to the homes unless the laterals are owned, operated, and maintained by the Town.
• Result of conference call with NYS Homes & Community Renewal (OCR) on March 17, 2025, regarding CDBG funding opportunities for laterals was: the preferred option for OCR to fund lateral construction is through each individual parcel owner after the main has been installed and accepted by the Town.
• Planning to start the water main easement process immediately. Easements for laterals are not required since laterals will be installed and owned/operated/maintained by the property owner.
After discussions with the Office for Community Renewal (OCR), they confirmed that the overall project does not qualify for CDBG funding as a whole. However, OCR does offer an income-based assistance program where individual homeowners can apply directly for help with the cost of their lateral connections. The application process is simple, and eligibility is determined based on household income.
Included in the Board’s packet is Amendment No. 2, a proposed amendment to their contract covering additional engineering services. Some of this work has already been completed; to keep the project moving forward. Mr. Scordo stated unfortunately, that they were unable to absorb these extra tasks within their existing base contract due to the volume of added items.
There’s quite a bit of detail in the amendment, so he would like the Board to take the time review it. He is available if there are questions and it can be discussed at next month’s meeting
By pulling the lateral construction out of the scope (even with the added amendment), they are now able to restore the 15% contingency, around $1 million. That gives a more comfortable buffer as they prepare to advertise the project, especially given the current volatility in the market.
Lettiere/Southside Water
Southside Water, approximately 150 signatures have been obtained. The town attorney is tallying the signatures to determine if the number of qualifying signatures represents greater than 51% of the number of, and 51% of the assessed valuation of the district.
Discussion took place:
• District Scale: There was discussion around possibly shrinking the proposed district boundaries to reduce costs or make the project more feasible.
• Legal Considerations:
o The Board might have the authority to redraw the district boundaries without starting a new petition, as long as the changes aren’t too drastic.
o If the area changes substantially, a new petition may be required.
• Alternative Proposal: There’s interest in purchasing the water business instead of just extending infrastructure.
o This could potentially reduce costs by $700,000.
o The Public Service Commission would still have oversight and must approve the transaction if it’s resident-owned.
o Legal implications of buying a “business” vs. just “infrastructure” could change jurisdictional oversight.
The floor was opened for public comments.
Roland Churchill and Kary Wilcox, Town of Watertown Ambulance approached the Board. The local town-funded ambulance is responding to a rising number of emergency calls in the City of Watertown. This is causing concern as town resources are being diverted to city calls leaving town residents potentially underserved.
The ambulance board would like to meet with the Jefferson County EMS and local reps to address the issue. There’s a sense that public awareness and legislative support will be needed to resolve this problem.
Supervisor Bartlett offered to confer with the City Manager of Watertown regarding this issue.
Claude Phelps, introduced a business he recently started after retiring from over 20 years as a highway superintendent. His company is focused on asset management and more specifically, concentrating on road sign inventory.
He explained road signs are a huge asset to every town and often overlooked when it comes to organized inventory and liability mitigation. His process helps fulfill requirements from both the Comptroller’s Office and insurance providers, who are increasingly asking municipalities to better manage and document their infrastructure. Summary of services:
• Physically visit each and every sign in the town’s right of way.
• Collect 31 fields of data per sign.
• Measure, document, photograph, and map every sign using high-accuracy equipment.
• Build a digital Excel spreadsheet and provide a physical binder, organized and detailed for quick reference.
• Every sign ends up with an individual work order that your highway crew can use for maintenance and repairs.
When completed the town would receive:
• A fully searchable Excel file.
• Individual work orders for each sign.
• A photo library of your inventory.
• A three-ring binder with printed documentation.
• A thumb drive containing the digital assets.
Pricing is based on a flat-rate system. They track the hours, and bill when the job is complete calculated on $40/hour. He estimated a cost to the town of $5,000 – $6,000.
Mr. Phelps was asked to confer with Superintendent Clement and bring a proposal to next month’s board meeting.
John Adams, Rutland Hollow Road, had questions concerning the Northeast Water District:
Is there still a commitment to do all the mainline laterals as proposed in the district, from the mainline to the right of way, as indicated in the last engineering report?
Is the town considering saving money by reducing the water line size, which would prevent the installation of fire hydrants?
Do you anticipate the EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit) cost coming down due to the lateral savings?
Do you anticipate breaking ground this year?
Mr. Scordo responded, a factor that the town recently learned about is an increased cost of water from the city to the town, which must be evaluated and incorporated. He would not expect any cost decrease in fact, costs may be higher.
The engineering report estimated one cost level, but inflation pushed expectations higher. Now, with the lateral savings, it seems like it might come back closer to the original engineering report estimate. Still, it sounds like a new hearing will be necessary. He will need to work with the town attorney on that.
He is waiting on soil borings. This process is particularly critical due to the anticipated amount of rock. He was hesitant to finalize the probable construction cost estimate without that information. If it seems like they end up in a position where the EDU cost is too high, the board could recommend to the engineers to cut back on pipe size or other design factors. But that wouldn’t happen until the final stag.
The problem is, over the last few years, due to COVID, inflation, and supply chain issues the costs have raised substantially since the initial reports were filed. Any EDU cost estimates from a couple of years ago are no longer valid and must be recalculated to align with Comptroller guidelines.
The objective is to start construction this year.
Jack Bradley Snyder, Orchard Drive, stated he is appreciative that the board is exploring cost-saving alternatives to the purchase of the Lettiere Tract Water System.
Supervisor Bartlett commended Mr. Snyder for the letter he wrote addressing the situation with the fire department and fire district. He apologizes he did not get copies to the board but would forward it to them. It was a very well-thought-out and researched piece. It gave a deeper insight into the developments there and was certainly beneficial.
Mr. Snyder commented he included the five-page response from the fire department to his various questions. He wanted to thank the fire commissioners and the secretary for being so forthcoming. They’ve provided everything freely—there was no need for FOIL requests. There have been meaningful policy changes, like extending the vehicle replacement schedule for fire chiefs from three to five years. These are real improvements.
He especially wants to thank Mr. Churchill, in his role as Fire Commissioner, for his thorough perspective on the liabilities tied to alcohol use in the recreation hall. His analysis was well-researched and deeply appreciated. He didn’t raise objections at the last meeting because things seem to be moving in a positive direction. He added the commissioners and volunteers are good people trying to do the right thing. Sometimes, communication gaps can make people feel excluded, but he believes efforts are being made to improve town-wide dialogue.
No one else wished to speak, Supervisor Bartlett closed the floor to the public.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #47-2025
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown received $458,768.00 in total ARA Grant Funding from the Federal Government in 2 installments the final of which was received in May of 2022; and
WHEREAS, these funds remain unexpended for numerous purposes dedicated.
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate the appropriation and dedication of these funds, and file Federal Reports in accordance with the guidelines established in the American Recovery Act. SLRAF; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, and to modify the Capital water and sewer district Capital Improvement budgets to ensure the proper appropriations and use for said funds and to faithfully appropriated and spent said ARA funds in accordance with the programs noted allowable expenditures.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to transfer SLRAF (Recovery Act) received funds; from the Geral fund and appropriated as follows:
$150,000.00 Water District 1 Capital improvements
$190,768.00 Sewer District 2 Capital improvements
$ 50,000.00 Sewer districts Nos. 4, 5 and 6, DEC I & I Study, Consent Order
$ 25,000.00 Road construction Town Center intersection NYS Rt. 3
$ 23,000.00 Road construction Summit Village to Rt. 11 new connection
$ 10,000.00 Street lighting upgrade and replacement
$ 10,000.00 1000 Islands LDC for Town project development
$458,768.00
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 #48-2025
WHEREAS, the Rohde Community Center in Adams, NY provides much needed food and nutritional dietary supplements throughout our community; and
WHEREAS, for every $1 dollar donation to the organization, each dollar leverages $10.00 in acquired food for distribution to the needy; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown has supported the Rohde Community Food Bank for many years by providing a grant to their organization in support of their efforts to assist the needy is our area.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; a grant to the Rohde Community Center in the amount of $5,000.00 is hereby authorized and approved for the Fiscal Year 2025.
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 #49-2025
WHEREAS, probationary classified Public Works employee Christopher Harris has successfully completed his probationary period of employment as a public works employee; and
WHEREAS, the Public Works Superintendent has recommended that Christopher Harris be reclassified as a permanent full time employee.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; that Christopher Harris, having successfully completing the mandatory 3-month probationary employment period is hereby granted permanent full time employment status, and is hereby eligible and awarded all benefits provided permanent full time employees effective with the 7th pay period of 2025.
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 #50-2025
WHEREAS, the South Jefferson Central School District provides a Summer Youth Program for students from the Town who are educated at the South Jefferson Central School District and participate in the Districts Summer Youth Activity program.
WHEREAS, families within the district that participate in this educational summer program annually and receive the benefit of educational youth programs and events that further their educational experiences; and
WHEREAS, the town has over the past years contributed to the districts cost of providing this summer experience to town residents and funds are available within the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget for said services.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; The Town of Watertown Council hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the fee for service agreement (on file in the Clerk’s Office) with the South Jefferson Central School District for the amount of $5,000.00 to provide said services.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Perkins 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 #51-2025
RESOLUTION 4 of 2025
EXCHANGING OWNERSHIP AND JURISDICTION OF COUNTY ROUTE 67 AND CULVERT 7025 AND A PORTION OF OLD ROME ROAD AND CULVERT T002
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown has dedicated time and resources to the execution of an intermunicipal agreement between the Town of Watertown and Jefferson County in order to best provide safe and traversable highways within the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Board authorized the “Jurisdictional Road Reclassification Program” by Resolution 76 of 1999, which provides for the transfer of certain roads and parts thereof to the Town in which the road is located upon the recommendation of the Highway Superintendent; and
WHEREAS, New York Highway Law §§ 115-b and 115-c provide County Boards with the authority, upon the recommendation of the Highway Superintendent and pursuant to a written agreement with the governing body of a town, to remove portions of roads from the highway system upon the adoption of a resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Town Highway Superintendent and the Jefferson County Highway Superintendent have recommended the removal of County Route 67 and Culvert T025 which is located thereon, from the County Highway System and that ownership of the same should be transferred to the Town of Watertown as hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the Town Highway Superintendent and the Jefferson County Highway Superintendent have recommended that Jefferson County should assume ownership of a portion of Old Rome Road, which is located in the Town of Watertown, and Culvert T002, which is located thereon, as hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Watertown, New York resolves as follows:
1. The Town Supervisor and the Town Highway Superintendent are hereby authorized to execute an intermunicipal agreement with Jefferson County to transfer ownership of County Route 67, including Culvert T025 and all other drainage structures located thereon (and which road commences at the intersection with Spring Valley Drive at mile marker 0.00, and thence runs easterly to the intersection with New York State Route 12 at mile marker 2.73, for a total distance of 2.73 miles) to the Town;
2. That upon conveyance of the above-described County Route 67 and Culvert T025 to the Town of Watertown, the assets shall be deleted from the Jefferson County Highway System Map;
3. That said intermunicipal agreement shall also transfer ownership of a portion of the Town road known as Old Rome Road, including Culvert T002 and all other drainage structures located thereon (and which road commences sat the intersection with County Road 62 at mile marker 0.0, thence runs Northerly to the Town of Watertown/Town of Hounsfield town boundary line at mile marker 1.99, for a total distance of 1.99 miles) to Jefferson County;
4. That upon conveyance of the above-described Old Rome Road and Culvert T002 to Jefferson County, the same shall be added to the Jefferson County Highway System Map;
5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was made by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser and upon a roll call vote as follows:
Supervisor Bartlett no
Councilman Prosser yes
Councilwoman McClusky no
Councilman Perkins no
Councilman Slye no
* See Motion #56-2025
MOTION #52-2025
WHEREAS, the Town Board accepts the Letter of Engagement and Retainer setting forth the agreement pursuant to which the Town of Watertown has retained the services of Barclay Damon LLP to act as Bond Counsel in connection with the financing of the Extension of Water District #4.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; The Town of Watertown Council hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the fee for service agreement (on file in the Clerk’s Office) between the Town of Watertown and Barclay Damon LLP for the Extension of Water District #4.
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 #53-2025
RESOLUTION 3 of 2025
ACCEPTING FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN AND THE CITY OF WATERTOWN FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown has dedicated significant time and resources to the extension and improvement of Water District No. 4 within the Town of Watertown and has received considerable support from other government agencies for the same; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown and the City of Watertown entered into an intermunicipal agreement as of August 11, 2022 for the right of the Town of Watertown Water Districts named therein to draw water from the City System for use in the Town Districts; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown is currently pursuing a project to expand its water distribution system which currently serves Water District No. 4; and
WHEREAS, this expansion will significantly improve the health and safety of the water system while also expanding the system to include more users; and
WHEREAS, the boundaries of Water District No. 4 as outlined in the aforementioned intermunicipal agreement will be expanded and it is anticipated that this extension will increase water usage by approximately 25,500 Gallons Per Day on an average daily basis; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown and the City of Watertown wish to amend the original intermunicipal agreement in order to accommodate the changes being made to Water District No. 4.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Watertown, New York resolves as follows:
1. The proposed intermunicipal amendment described herein shall be shared with the City of Watertown for review by the City Council and signature by the Mayor of the City of Watertown;
2. The Town Supervisor shall be authorized to execute the First Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Water Services Between the Town of Watertown and the City of Watertown;
3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
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 #54-2025
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 # 64 to 66 Total $ 11,838.36
Highway Vouchers # 55 to 55 Total $ 20,369.79
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 33 to 33 Total $ 5,166.07
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 67 to 79 Total $ 6,897.52
Highway Vouchers # 56 to 79 Total $ 325,369.62
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 34 to 47 Total $ 209,837.29
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
MOTION #55-2025
Councilwoman McClusky moved to adjourn to executive session at 8:30 pm to discuss possible litigations, Councilman Slye seconded.
Ayes All
The meeting was reconvened at 9:36 pm.
MOTION #56-2025
Supervisor Bartlett moved to rescind Motion #50-2025, Resolution #4 of 2025. A resolution for a road exchange with Jefferson County as this motion was previously passed January 9, 2025 Motion 19-2025, Resolution #2-2025. Seconded by Councilman Prosser.
MOTION #57-2025
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:36 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk