Home » Meeting Minutes » January 12, 2023

January 12, 2023

TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
January 12, 2023

Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Timothy McAtee, Councilman

Members Absent: Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
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 Harringer was also present.

MOTION #1-2023

Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the December 8, 2022 Regular Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.

Ayes All
MOTION #2-2023

Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the December 29, 2022 Special Year End Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.

Ayes All

Supervisor Bartlett reconvened the public hearing from December 29th, 2022 at 7:03 pm. A public hearing concerning the district formation of the boundaries of the proposed Northeast Water District along NYS Route 126, Hunt Street, Hampton Gardens, and Slate Road.

Jill Jones, Slate Road asked if there was a construction schedule for when the project would begin. She also inquired if the property owners would be able to maintain their well and still be able to use the water from that system.

Pat Scordo, GYMO Engineering responded, the project objective will be to start the summer or fall of 2023. There are a few more steps to the process before funding can be secured. The project depends on funding opportunities to make it an affordable project for the property owners. The State Department of Health would require the property owners to disconnect from current wells to prevent contamination to the water system the State Department will send someone to ensure that this is done for each property. Customers could set up an alternative system to be able to use the well water for outside use such as watering their lawns if they choose to.

No one else wish to speak.

MOTION #3-2023

Supervisor Bartlett moved to close the public hearing at 7:09 pm. The public hearing was concerning the district formation of the boundaries of the proposed Northeast Water District. The district is along NYS Route 126, Hunt Street, Hampton Gardens, and Slate Road, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All

Supervisor Bartlett open the floor for public comment:

Chad Green and Justin Pecori addressed the Board. They are the new owners and promoters of the 1812 Sports Entertainment formally known as Ontario Bay Lacrosse Inc. They host the annual youth 1812 Shootout Lacrosse Tournament in Sackets Harbor. They are here to apply for bed tax money to help fund the event this year. This is the 30th year of the event. The funds help keep the event affordable for families traveling to the area for the event. They would be running clinics and camps around the tournament weekends. These events will bring 15,000 plus people into the area that will benefit local businesses. The organization also hosts intercity teams from the Rochester area at no charge. They are requesting a grant of $5,000.00 this year.

The board discussed the possibility of a grant of bed tax money, and agreed on a $5,000.00 grant to the organization for the 2023 event year, Supervisor Bartlett will bring a motion forward at the February board meeting concerning the grant.

No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed.

Pat Scordo, GYMO Engineering asked the Board to consider completing the Parts 2 & 3 of SEQR for the Northeast Water District.

MOTION #4-2023

WHEREAS, the Town Board for the Town of Watertown, New York has considered the formation of the Northeast Water District (Water District No. 7) in the Town of Watertown; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Watertown has reviewed a Long Form Environmental Assessment Form Part 1 and 2 for the purpose of assisting the Town Board in making a determination of significance in respect to whether the Project would have a significant adverse impact on the environment; and

WHEREAS, the Town has reviewed the criteria for determining significance of an action that is set forth at 6 NYCRR §617.7(c); and

WHEREAS, having considered the action consisting of the creation of an improvement district and the potential environmental impacts associated with such action the Town Board has determined to proceed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Watertown finds that the proposed action is subject to SEQR; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the action constitutes a Type 1 action under SEQR 617.4(b)(6); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board is the agency with jurisdiction by law to fund, approve, or directly undertake this action, and has received approval from other involved agencies to serve as lead agent for coordinated review of the action under SEQR and/or the 30-day period in which to object has passed.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Watertown, New York:
1. Based upon the examination and consideration of the Long Environmental Assessment Form and comparison of the proposed action and criteria set forth at 617.7, no significant adverse impact on the environment is known by Northeast Water District (Water District No. 7).

2. The Supervisor for the Town of Watertown is authorized to execute the Long Environmental Assessment Form to the effect that the Town Board is issuing a “negative declaration” under SEQR.

3. The Town Clerk is hereby directed to file and circulate Part 3 in accordance with the requirements for a Type I action of the Long Environmental Assessment Form.

4. A complete copy of the EAF including its negative declaration shall be maintained in the Town Clerk’s office in a file that will be readily accessible to the Public. Further, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to publish a notice to that effect in the Environmental Notice Bulletin. All subsequent notices regarding the undertaking of the project as set forth in this report shall state that a negative declaration has been issued.

5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor, and seconded by Board Member McAtee, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:

Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
Paul V. Desormo absent
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky absent
Timothy McAtee yes

MOTION #5-2023

WHEREAS, by Order of this Board dated September 8, 2022, a public hearing was scheduled to consider the formation of Northeast Water District (Water District No. 7) within the Town of Watertown, pursuant to a certain revised Map, Plan and Report filed with the Town Clerk and which is incorporated by reference; and

WHEREAS, the Order originally scheduling the public hearing was duly posted, uploaded to the Town’s website and published as required by law and on October 13, 2022 a public hearing was held to consider all persons interested in Northeast Water District (Water District No. 7); and

WHEREAS, the district Map, Plan and Report was thereafter altered and was accepted by the Town Board and which on December 8, 2022 set a public hearing by Order for December 29, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. at the Town Offices; and

WHEREAS, A duly noticed Public Hearing was conducted on December 29, 2022 and held open through January 12, 2023 and which Public Hearing was closed on that date; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board proceeded with SEQR and performed its environmental review as lead agent and used a negative declaration on January 12, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Watertown has agreed to proceed with the formation of the Northeast Water District and to include all identified parcels in the Northeast Water District, and has asked the Engineer to ensure the Official Map, Plan and Report reflect the same; and

WHEREAS, the total project cost of $5,298,000 will be borne by Northeast Water District (Water District No. 7) and all work performed and all materials provided shall meet the Towns specifications and shall be inspected by Town personal and Town Engineers; and

WHEREAS, all appropriate infrastructure shall be conveyed to the Town with appropriate documents and easements; and

NOW THEREFORE, on motion duly made and seconded, this Board makes the following determinations, and

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED AND ORDERED:

1. The above recitations and Final Map, Plan and Engineering Report are incorporated herein.

2. The original Notices of Public hearing were duly published and posted as required by law and are otherwise sufficient.

3. The Water District shall include all the parcels identified in the Final Report and infrastructure shall be conveyed to the Town along with easements.

4. All property and property owners to be benefited by the proposed Northeast Water District (Water District No. 7) are included within the limits of the proposed Water District.

5. All of the property owners and all of the property located within the proposed extended District are benefited thereby.

6. Both the formation of the Northeast Water District (Water District No. 7) pursuant to the revised Map, Plan and Report is/are on file in the office of the Town Clerk, and upon which the public hearing was held on December 29, 2022 and continued through January 12, 2023 and is in the public interest.

7. The creation of the boundaries of the Northeast Water District (Water District No. 7) to include the all parcels as described in the Map, Plan and Report and providing for the service as described therein is hereby approved.

8. The maximum amount which may be expended for the public improvements within the Water District is $5,298,000 and is proposed to be financed by the issuance of Municipal Bonds and grants for low-cost loans to be issued by New York State and/or U.S. Government.

9. There shall be no individual cost for hook-up fees during construction of the Water Distribution Project, and the estimated costs to a typical property annually (one family home) is anticipated to be $868.00 per EDU.

This Resolution and Order is adopted as required by NY Town Law §209-e and is subject to a Permissive Referendum.

The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, and seconded by Board Member Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:

Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
Paul V. Desormo absent
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky absent
Timothy McAtee yes

Town Clerk’s Correspondence:

Notice dated December 31, 2022 from DiPasquale & Summers, Attorneys & Counselors at Law, 555 5th Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017
RE: Resubmission- 30 Day Advance Notice- Tavern Wine Application (Movie Theater)
Applicant: Regal Cinemas Inc DBA Regal Salmon Run Stadium 12
Address: 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop West, Watertown, NY 13601

Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.

MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS

MOTION #6-2023

WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate bank depositories for the safekeeping and investment of town funds for the year 2023.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Key Bank, Community Bank, and Watertown Savings Bank are hereby designated as depositories and investment of town funds for the year 2023.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All
MOTION #7-2023

WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate a chairman for the Town of Watertown Planning Board and Co-Chairs Thomas Boxberger and Pamela Desormo have indicated their interest in re-appointment to another term of office as Co-Chairmen of the Town Planning Board.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Thomas Boxberger and Pamela Desormo are hereby appointed as Co-Chairmen of the Town of Watertown Planning Board for the Year 2023;

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman McAtee.

Ayes All
MOTION #8-2023

WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish an annual schedule for all Town Council meetings to be held on a monthly bases for year 2023.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all regular monthly Town Council meetings will be held the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm with the exception of the October which will be conducted on the 1st (first) Thursday of the month and November meeting which shall be held on the first Thursday following the general election of 2023.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All

MOTION #9-2023

WHEREAS, pursuant to Town Law, it is necessary to appoint a legal firm annually to provide legal services for the town.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Kendall, Walton and Burrow of Watertown NY is hereby appointed as Legal Counsel for the Town of Watertown for the fiscal year 2023.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All

MOTION #10-2023

WHEREAS, it is necessary to appoint an Engineering Firm to represent the Town on matters requiring engineering services for the year 2023;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Engineering firm of Bernier Carr and Associates, 15 Public Square, Watertown N.Y. is hereby appointed Engineer for the Town of Watertown for the fiscal year 2023.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All

MOTION #11-2023

WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate an accounting firm to record all fiscal transactions for the Town of Watertown for a year 2023; and

WHEREAS, the accounting firm of Crowley and Halloran of Watertown NY has all the certifications and credentials to perform said duties for the Town.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the CPA Firm of Crowley and Halloran of Watertown NY is hereby appointed as accountants for the Town of Watertown for the fiscal year 2023.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman McAtee

Ayes All

MOTION #12-2023

WHEREAS, the current contract for financial services expired on December 31, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Municipal Solutions has provided said financial services relative to Long Term Bond and BAN financing renewals, and assistance in preparing and compiling the towns official statement required for financing municipal debt and other financial services annually.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute the fee for service agreement between Municipal Solutions, Leroy, NY and the Town of Watertown for filing of the Material Event Notices for the year 2023.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All

MOTION #13-2023

WHEREAS, several water and sewer districts are inter connected and serviced by single maters; and

WHEREAS, from time to time it is necessary to transfer funds between the districts to balance appropriation and revenue accounts.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is herby authorized to transfer funds between districts for recording and accounting purposes.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman McAtee.

Ayes All
MOTION #14-2023

WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate an official newspaper for all required legal notices and publications for the year 2023;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Watertown Daily Times is hereby designated as the official newspaper for such publications for the town for the fiscal year 2023.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All
MOTION #15-2023

WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown and the Town of Watertown Ambulance contract for providing ambulance service for town residents expired on December 31, 2022 and a new contract is needed for retaining this service for town residents; and

WHEREAS, funds were included in the 2023 Fiscal Year Budget to enter into agreement with the Ambulance Co. for such purpose.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the contracts terms and conditions as outlined in said contract on file in the Clerk’s Office is agreed to and the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said agreement for the term commencing January 1, 2023 ending December 31, 2023.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All

MOTION #16-2023

WHEREAS, Assessor Roger Tibbetts has applied for the following splits and corrections to the 2023 tax roll for real property identified as:

Correction

Christopher Andiorio- 19820 Orchard Drive, tax map #82.20-2-86.114. To remove sewer levy line. Original bill was $2,465.93 corrected bill is for $2136.43.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby approves the correction of this tax bill and authorizes the Town Clerk to issue a corrected tax bill to the owner of said parcel.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All

MOTION #17-2023

WHEREAS, PIVOT Employee Assistance Service offers counseling and other services to town employees who are in need of counseling for personnel issues including referring employees to agencies to assist employees; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to enter into a fee for service agreement between PIVOT and the Town of Watertown for the fiscal year 2023.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said agreement on behalf of the Town of Watertown for the period covering the year 2023 at a cost of $400.00.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.

Ayes All

The public hearing was opened at 7:37 pm concerning proposed increase in usage fees for Water
Districts 4, 5 and 6 and Sewer District 1, 2 and 3 at 7:37 pm. No one wished to speak the public hearing was closed at 7:38 pm.
MOTION #6-2020
MOTION #18-2023

WHEREAS, the Town Council acting as administrators of all town special water and sewer districts has the authority to increase rent fees charged to individual district users following a public hearing thereon; and

WHEREAS, notice of the proposed increase in usage fees for Water Districts 4, 5 and 6 in addition to the proposed increase in usage fees for Sewer District 1, 2 and 3 was duly published in the official newspaper of the Town of Watertown calling for a public hearing thereon January 12th, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Town Municipal Offices, 22867 County Route 67 wherein all interested property owners within the effected district would be offered an opportunity to be heard on said rate increases.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that a public hearing on the proposed water and sewer district rate increases was duly held on January 12th, 2023 and all interested users were offered the opportunity to be heard on the proposed user rate increases; and

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, the following due deliberations on a rate increase of $0.75 per unit for Water Districts 4, 5 and 6 and $1.00 per unit for Sewer Districts 1, 2 and 3 is hereby authorize effective with the February district billing cycle.

Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman McAtee.

Ayes All

MOTION #19-2023

Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.

Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 241 to 245 Total $ 13,505.89
Highway Vouchers # 228 to 229 Total $ 2,500.00
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 127 to 128 Total $ 8,482.04

Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 1 to 20 Total $ 14,840.39
Highway Vouchers # 1 to 25 Total $ 20,113.53
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 1 to 13 Total $ 158,731.32

Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.

Ayes All

MOTION #20-2023

Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 pm, seconded by Councilman McAtee.

Ayes All

_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk

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