TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Rescheduled Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
January 22, 2024
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Members Absent: Timothy McAtee, Councilman
Michael Perkins, Councilman
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 #1-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the December 28, 2023 Rescheduled Regular/Year End Board Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Mike Altiere, BCA approached the Board. He updated the Board on the status of the water and sewer projects in the town.
• Water 1 TI AgPark- About 2/3rds completed.
• Water 1 NYS Rte 12F- Substantial progress; have hit a problem finding the sleeve under the Mall Road. They will do a directional drill to correct this. A change order was included with the package.
• He has included an agreement for a Community Development Block Grant for the Northland Estates water project. The Town was awarded $1,250,000 (“Grant Funds”).
This will require a lot of paperwork to follow. There is also a $5,000,000 Grant from EFC. The balance will be financed over 30 years at a 0% loan.
• Sewer District 1 Improvement Project – Received $440,000 Grant through the Environmental Facility Corporation. He is still waiting on a few Grants from NYSDEC and the EFC.
Discussion took place concerning the DEC Consent Order and possibilities to correct the situation in the Lettiere Track.
Supervisor Bartlett open the floor for public comment:
Mike Harrienger, Co. Rte. 67, asked the Board the status of the missing Board Members. He asked if the Board was going to take any action on the seats that appear to be vacant.
Supervisor Bartlett said at this time there are no vacant seats. If one does become vacant the Board will have to agree to appoint someone to fill the seat until the next election.
No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed.
Town Clerk’s Correspondence
Notice from the Association of Towns of the upcoming Training School and Annual Meeting of the Association in New York City February 18-21, 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s Report.
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #2-2024
NEW YORK STATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AGREEMENT
Project No, 1208PW116-23
AGREEMENT, made effective as of November 09, 2023, between the Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC), represented by the Office of Community Renewal (collectively the “Corporation”), with offices at 38-40 State Street, Hampton Plaza, 4th Floor, Albany, New York, 12207, and Town of Watertown (“Recipient”), a unit of general local government, with offices at
22867 County Route 67, Watertown, New York 13601.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (“Act”), the Corporation is authorized to administer and distribute Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) funds to units of general local government in non-entitlement areas located in the State of New York (“State”); and
WHEREAS, the Recipient has applied to the Corporation for CDBG funds to finance the community development activities (“Project”), as described in the Recipient’s Program Year 2023 Grant application (“Application”); and
WHEREAS, the Corporation has selected the Recipient to receive an award in an amount not to exceed $1,250,000 (“Grant Funds”).
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree that the Grant Funds will be administered in accordance with the following terms and conditions:
1. Contents of Agreement. The following documents are incorporated by reference into this Agreement as if fully set out herein: a) the Recipient’s approved Application and accompanying submissions, as modified by the terms of this Agreement or any subsequent amendment approved by the Corporation; b) the Corporation’s CDBG Grant Administration Manual and its Program Guidelines (as now in effect and as may be revised from time to time); c) applicable Federal and State law and regulations, as may be amended, including, but not limited to, Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) regulations found at 24 CFR Part 570; d) Schedule A, “Special Conditions”, Schedule B, “Awarded Budget and Accomplishment Data” attached hereto.
2. Recipient Performance a) The Recipient agrees to utilize Grant Funds only to implement the activities described in, and in accordance with the terms of: (i) the Recipient’s application, as amended by the Special Conditions attached as Schedule A; (ii) this Agreement; and (jii) all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations. This provision shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. b) The period of performance for all activities (with the exception of those activities required for the close out and final audit) assisted pursuant to this Agreement shall commence on the effective date of this Agreement and shall end December 8, 2025. No project activity costs may be incurred nor payment requests processed after this date.
3. Grant Funds. a) The amount of Grant Funds that the Corporation has agreed to provide the Recipient under this Agreement is expressly conditioned upon the Corporation’s receipt of CDBG funds from HUD pursuant to the Act. b) The Grant Funds to be disbursed hereunder shall not exceed the amount first set forth in this Agreement, and any additional funds required to complete the Project will be the sole responsibility of the Recipient. c) The Grant Funds are based upon the cost estimates provided by the Recipient in its Application. The Corporation reserves the right to reduce the Grant.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby recognizing and accepting the Grant and authorized to execute said agreement for the New York State Community Development Block Grant Agreement.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins absent
MOTION #3-2024
WHEREAS, the EFC has authorized a grant to the Town of Watertown Sewer District No. 1 upgrade project in the amount of $444,500.00 to be used for costs associated with the project.
WHEREAS, it is necessary to acknowledge receipt of the pending grant award by resolution of this Board.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council acting as administrators of Sewer District No. 1 hereby acknowledges and accepts said grant award of $444,500.00 on behalf of Sewer District No. 1
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor, and seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins absent
MOTION #4 -2024
WHEREAS, the CDBG Grant program has authorized a grant to the Town of Watertown Water District No. 4 extension and upgrade project in the amount of $1,250,000.00 to be used for costs associated with the project that extends water service to Northland Estates Mobile Home Community; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to acknowledge receipt of the pending grant award by resolution of this Board.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council acting as administrators of Water District No. 4 hereby acknowledges and accepts said grant award of $1,250,000.00 on behalf of Water District No. 4.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, and seconded by Councilman Posser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins absent
MOTION #5 -2024
WHEREAS, Municipal Solutions has provided said financial services relative to Long- and Short-Term Bond debt, and assistance in preparing and compiling the town’s official statements required for financing Municipal debt and other financial services annually.
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize a new fee for service agreement for said financial services for the Fiscal Year 2024.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said fee for service agreement between Municipal Solutions, Leroy, NY and the Town of Watertown under the terms and conditions contained within the agreement for the year 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins absent
MOTION #6 -2024
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate bank depositories for the safekeeping and investment of town funds for the year 2024.
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 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee absent
Michael Perkins absent
MOTION #7-2024
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 2024;
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #8-2024
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish an annual schedule for all Town Council meetings to be held on a monthly bases for year 2024.
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 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #9-2024
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 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #10-2024
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appoint an Engineering Firm to represent the Town on matters requiring engineering services for the year 2024;
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 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #11-2024
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate an accounting firm to record all fiscal transactions for the Town of Watertown for a year 2024; 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 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #12-2024
WHEREAS, it is necessary to designate an official newspaper for all required legal notices and publications for the year 2024;
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 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #13-2024
WHEREAS, several water and sewer districts are inter connected and serviced by single meters; 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 for the Fiscal Year 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #14-2024
WHEREAS, the Town of Watertown and the Town of Watertown Ambulance contract for providing ambulance service for town residents expired on December 31, 2023 and a new contract is needed for retaining this service for town residents; and
WHEREAS, funds were included in the 2024 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, 2024 ending December 31, 2024.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #15-2024
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 2024.
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 2024 at a cost of $400.00.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #16-2024
WHEREAS, the Appointment of Registrar of Vital Statistics for Pamela D. Desormo has expired on December 31, 2023 and Mrs. Desormo as Town Clerk will fulfill the position as Registrar of Vital Statistics for the term commencing January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Mrs. Pamela D. Desormo is hereby appointed Registrar of Vital Statistics for the term of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #17-2024
WHEREAS, the Appointment of office of Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics for Catherine M. Rich has expired on December 31, 2023 and Mrs. Rich as Deputy Town Clerk will fulfill the position as Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics for the term commencing January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Mrs. Catherine M. Rich is hereby appointed Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics for the term of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #18-2024
WHEREAS, Assessor Roger Tibbetts has applied for the following splits to the 2024 tax roll for real property identified as:
Splits
Original
82.00-2-1.1 TI AgPark LLC C/O Mike Lundy, Alexander Drive $6,617.15
Split into
82.00-2-1.11 TI AgPark LLC C/O Mike Lundy, Alexander Drive $ 201.78
82.00-2-1.12 Town of Watertown, Alexander Drive $6,415.37
Original
91.08-1-2.1 Kristina Harff, Co Rte 160 $ 528.66
Split into
91.08-1-2.1 Mark Brown, Co Rte 160 $ 381.28
91.08-1-2.7 William Shepard, Co Rte 160 $ 93.89
83.20-1-23 Ronald London, Co Rte 160 $ 53.49
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby approves the correction of this tax bills and authorizes the Town Clerk to issue a corrected tax bills to the owner of said parcels.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #19-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to Pay Application #1 for Blue Scope Construction for work done at the TI AgPark water project as approved and certified by the Town Engineer for $629,342.67, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #20-2024
Supervisor Bartlett moved to Pay Application #2 for Blue Scope Construction for work done at the TI AgPark water project as approved and certified by the Town Engineer for $99,671.52, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #21-2024
BE IT RESOLVED, The Supervisor is hereby authorized to amend the December 2023 Fiscal Year Budget to reflect the following budget fund transfers to balance appropriation accounts:
REDUCE Transfer to and AMOUNT
INCREASE ACCT. CODE
UNAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCE
130,000.00
W7 Capital Acct 30,000.00
D 5142.4 30,000.00
А 8120.4 4,000.00
D 9060.8 20,000.00
A1620.4 15,000.00
A1220.4 10,000.00
A1440.4 21,000.00
130,000.00
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #22-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 260 to 262 Total $ 12,603.35
Highway Vouchers # 222 to 222 Total $ 19,854.18
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 147 to 147 Total $ 3,587.62
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 1 to 23 Total $ 16,489.85
Highway Vouchers # 1 to 13 Total $ 7,578.86
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 1 to 11 Total $ 137,121.65
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
MOTION #23-2024
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk