TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Town Board Monthly Meeting
Municipal Building
May 11, 2023
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Timothy McAtee, Councilman
Members Absent: Paul V. Desormo, 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 #42-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the April 13, 2023 meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Pat Scordo, GYMO, approached the Board with information concerning NE Water District #7.
He presented the final map, plan and report to include the addition of parts of Hadcock Road,
Rutland Hollow Road and Overlook Drive. He sent out Part 1 of the SEQR to several involved agencies and notified them of the Town’s intent to act as Lead Agent for SEQR purposes. They all deferred to the Town to act as Lead Agent. Tonight Mr. Scordo is asking the Board to review Part 2 of the SEQR and move forward with the negative declaration and sign Part 3.
The Board reviewed Part 2 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form.
MOTION #43-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept the finding of the Full Environmental Assessment as prepared by GYMO Engineering for the NE Water District (Water 7). Councilman Prosser seconded the motion.
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
Paul V. Desormo absent
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee yes
Supervisor Bartlett signed Part 3 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form. The NE Water District (Water 7) will result in no significant adverse impacts on the environment, and therefore, and environmental impact statement need not be prepared. Accordingly, this negative declaration is issued.
Mike Altieri and Garrett Fields, BCA approached the Board. They reviewed the bid for Cunningham Excavation, Cazenovia, NY for the improvement project for Water District #1 on NYS Rte 12F. They are reviewing the bonding and insurance information at this time.
Mr. Altieri was asked by Supervisor Bartlett to give an assessment value and system evaluation of the Lettiere Tract water system. The existing estimated depreciated value of the water system is at $34,000 based on available data. He gave the Board an overview of his findings. He included existing system history, estimated value, current system replacement cost, and 38-year replacement costs. Mr. Altieri will contact Mr. Lettiere to discuss his findings.
Supervisor Bartlett asked Mr. Altieri to contact Mr. Mix, City Manager to continue with discussions to divert sewer flows from the Lettiere Tract to the City.
Mr. Altieri gave the Board a brief update on the Water District #4 extension to Northland Estates Trailer Park.
Mr. Altieri presented Part 1 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form for the Target/Sam’s Club Connection Road on NYS Rte 3. He asked to start Lead Agency review for the project. Tom Compo NYSDOT asked to be copied as Lead Agent. They will notify involved agencies of the intent of the Town of Watertown to be Lead Agent as per SEQR requirements.
MOTION #44-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to accept Part 1 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form for the Target/Sam’s Connection Road on NYS Rte 3 as present by BCA Engineering. Involved agencies will be notified of Town Board’s intent to act as Lead Agent for SEQR purposes, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor yes
Paul V. Desormo absent
David D. Prosser yes
Joanne McClusky yes
Timothy McAtee yes
Supervisor Bartlett opened up the floor for public comment; no one else wished to speak, the floor was closed.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s report.
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #45-2023
WHEREAS, a vacancy exist in the public works department work force; and
WHEREAS, to bring the staffing level to full staff to maintain the necessary level of workforce to provide maintenance and service to the public works, it is necessary to fill said vacancy; and
WHEREAS, applications for public works employment were solicited and reviewed by the public works Superintendent and it is recommended that Derek Ritz of 13747 Shangraw Road, Rodman, NY be appointed on a probationary period to fill said vacancy.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Derek Ritz is hereby appointed to the position of MEO-2 at an hourly rate of compensation established at $23.32 per hour, affective Monday May 15, 2023.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said appointment is on a probationary basis with employee being promoted to permanent full-time basis following successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilwoman McClusky 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 yes
Timothy McAtee yes
MOTION #46-2023
WHEREAS, the 2023 town budget includes funding to provide 2 pickleball courts over 1 existing tennis court located on town property and dedicated for recreational use; and
WHEREAS, bids and cost estimates were solicited among contractors who construct these specialized courts and AstroTurf Corporation of Dalton Georgia submitted an estimate of $24,050.00 to convert the courts for pickleball use; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said agreement for the construction of 2 pickleball courts on the surface of one town owned tennis court for the contracted price as stated.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman 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 yes
Timothy McAtee yes
MOTION #47-2023
WHEREAS, Bernier Carr and Associates, the town engineers have submitted a contract for services involving the extension and design of Water District No. 4; extension to service the Northland Estates Mobile Home Community on NYS Rte. 11 ; and
WHEREAS, the cost of performing these services is noted within the contractual agreement (on file) is $473,580.00.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said agreement on behalf of the Town of Watertown for the service noted and contained within the agreement.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman 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 yes
Timothy McAtee yes
MOTION #48-2023
ORDER #1 of 2023
SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR CREATION OF
NORTHEASTERN WATER DISTRICT
(WATER DISTRICT NO. 7)
WHEREAS, the Town Board for the Town of Watertown, New York has considered the creation of Northeastern Water District (Water District No. 7) in the Town of Watertown; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and accepted the Amended Engineering Map, Plan, and Report and has fully considered the information provided therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, on motion duly made and seconded, it is:
ORDERED, that a Public Hearing be held on the 8th day of June 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town of Watertown Municipal Building located at 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, New York to hear all person(s) interested, and it is further
ORDERED, that the Town Clerk shall cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be published at least once in the official newspaper for the Town of Watertown not less than ten (10) nor more than twenty (20) days before the date set for the hearing, and shall cause a copy of the same to be posted on the sign board of the Town of Watertown, maintained pursuant to the provisions of Town Law, not less than ten (10) nor more than twenty (20) days before the date designated for the hearing and shall be uploaded on the Town of Watertown’s website.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman 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 yes
Timothy McAtee yes
MOTION #49-2023
RESOLUTION #1 of 2023
ACCEPTING AMENDED ENGINEERING REPORT
NORTHEASTERN WATER DISTRICT
(WATER DISTRICT NO. 7)
WHEREAS, the Town Board for the Town of Watertown, New York has considered the creation of Northeastern Water District (Water District No. 7) in the Town of Watertown; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Watertown has received an Amended Engineering Map, Plan, and Report prepared by the Town’s Engineers regarding Water District No. 7; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed the Amended Engineering Map, Plan, and Report and has fully considered the information provided therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, on motion duly made and seconded, it is:
RESOLVED, that the Amended Engineering Map, Plan, and Report prepared for the Town for the purpose of creating Water District No. 7 conform to the requirements of NY Town Law § 209-C and have been duly filed with the Office of the Town Clerk, as required by law, and are available for public inspection; and it is
RESOLVED, that the estimated cost to a typical property within Water District No. 7 annually is anticipated to be $911.00 per E.D.U., the maximum amount to be spent for the Water District is $8,085,000.00; and it is
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman 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 yes
Timothy McAtee yes
MOTION #50-2023
RESOLUTION #2 of 2023
NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR SEQR (Long Form)
FOR WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Watertown, New York has considered repealing and replacing Legislation in the Town of Watertown in connection with Wireless Telecommunications Facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Watertown has reviewed an Environmental Assessment Form for the purpose of assisting the Town Board in making a determination of significance in respect to the Legislation; of whether the enactment of the Legislation 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 adoption of the Legislation 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 of adopting the legislation is subject to SEQR; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the action constitutes an unlisted action under SEQR 617.2(al); 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 therefore, a coordinated review of the action under SEQR is neither required nor necessary.
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 impact on the environment is known by the adoption of the proposed legislation.
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. 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. All subsequent notices regarding the undertaking of the project as set forth in this Resolution shall state that a negative declaration has been issued.
4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman 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 yes
Timothy McAtee yes
MOTION #51-2023
Proposed Local Law #1 Unsafe Buildings and Structures
WHEREAS, Local Law #1 has been introduced before the Town Board of the Town of Watertown to address Unsafe Buildings and Structures within the Town.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a public hearing in connection with the proposed legislation will be held at the Municipal Office, located at 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, NY 13601 on June 8th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. An opportunity to be heard in regard thereto will then and there be given to all persons interested in this proposed legislation.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #52-2023
Proposed Local Law#2 Prohibition of Clutter, Litter, and Debris within the Town
WHEREAS, Local Law #2 has been introduced before the Town Board of the Town of Watertown to address a Prohibition of Clutter, Litter, and Debris within the Town.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a public hearing in connection with the proposed legislation will be held at the Municipal Office, located at 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, NY 13601 on June 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. An opportunity to be heard in regard thereto will then and there be given to all persons interested in this proposed legislation.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman McAtee.
Ayes All
MOTION #53-2023
Proposed Local Law #3 Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
WHEREAS, Local Law #3 has been introduced before the Town Board of the Town of Watertown to address Wireless Telecommunications Facilities within the Town.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a public hearing in connection with the proposed legislation will be held at the Municipal Office, located at 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, NY 13601 on June 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. An opportunity to be heard in regard thereto will then and there be given to all persons interested in this proposed legislation.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman McAtee.
Ayes All
MOTION #54-2023
Proposed Local Law #4 Zoning Code Updates
WHEREAS, Local Law #4 has been introduced before the Town Board of the Town of Watertown to address Zoning Code Updates within the Town.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a public hearing in connection with the proposed legislation will be held at the Municipal Office, located at 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, NY 13601 on June 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. An opportunity to be heard in regard thereto will then and there be given to all persons interested in this proposed legislation.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman McAtee.
Ayes All
MOTION #55-2023
WHEREAS, bids were reviewed for the construction of new water service mains and laterals along NYS Rte 12F in the Town of Watertown Water District 1; and
WHEREAS, upon review of the submitted bids by the town engineers the Cunningham Construction Company of Cazenovia NY was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder on the project with a bid of $603,069.90.
THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the contract with Cunningham Construction of Cazenovia NY is hereby approved. The Supervisor is herby authorized to execute any and all necessary documents to award the contract to Cunningham Construction for $603,069.90.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman 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 yes
Timothy McAtee yes
MOTION #56-2023
WHEREAS, the City of Watertown has requested Solicitation of Lead Agency Status for Water Treatment Plant Improvements.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Town Board agrees to have Supervisor Bartlett execute the agreement in support of the City of Watertown to be Lead Agency concerning Water Treatment Plant Improvement.
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman McAtee.
Ayes All
MOTION #57-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 89 to 91 Total $ 11,754.14
Highway Vouchers # 85 to 85 Total $ 17,456.08
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 56 to 56 Total $ 4,762.12
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 92 to 107 Total $ 16,904.26
Highway Vouchers # 86 to 98 Total $ 7,712.20
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 57 to 65 Total $ 150,290.52
Supervisor Bartlett moved the foregoing resolution, seconded by Councilman 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 yes
Timothy McAtee yes
Correspondence
Jefferson County Dog Control Report
MOTION #58-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adjourn to executive session at 8:21 pm, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
The meeting was reconvened at 8:33 pm.
MOTION #59-2023
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk