TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Town Board Monthly Meeting
Municipal Building
September 14, 2023
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Members Absent: Paul V. Desormo, Councilman
Timothy McAtee, 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 #104-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the August 10, 2023 meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Supervisor Bartlett opened the floor for anyone to speak:
Rick St.Jean addressed the Board. He inquired if the Board would be receptive to redeveloping the Dry Hill Prison into elderly housing, affordable housing or light manufacturing uses. He is working with developers who are trying to revitalize abandoned State facilities and put them back into use.
The Board would be in favor of redeveloping the property. The developer would need to work it out with the State and Mr. St.Jean would need to go to the Town Planning Board with plans.
Jim Lettiere informed the Board that Pomeroy Appraisers Inc. have been there and is currently working on the appraisal of the sewer system. He hopes to have something to the Board soon.
No one else wished to speak, the floor was closed
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s report.
Motions/Resolutions
MOTION #105-2023
TOWN OF WATERTOWN
NOTICE OF ADOPTION
OF LOCAL LAW #4 of 2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to schedule a public hearing concerning the adoption of Local Law #4 of 2023 October 5th, 2023 at 7:00 pm. This is a Local Law to override the Tax Levy Limit established by Section 3-C of the New York General Municipal Law. Said meeting will be held at the Town of Watertown Municipal Building, 22867 Co Rte 67, Watertown, NY 13601.
All persons wishing to speak for or against proposed resolution shall be heard. Motion was 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 Absent
MOTION #106-2023
RESOLUTION #18 OF 2023
ADOPTING LOCAL LAW 5 of 2023
Establishing a Townwide One (1) Year Moratorium
for Solar Battery Storage and/or Renewable
Energy Facilities with On-Site Battery Energy Storage
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Watertown recognizes that there is potential that person(s) might proceed with an application seeking approval for Solar Battery Energy Storage and/or Renewable Energy Facilities with On-Site Battery Energy Storage; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Watertown, upon review of the Town of Watertown Zoning Law, familiarity with lands within the Town, considering concerns expressed by some area residents, and in recognition of an obligation to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the general public within the Town of Watertown, deems it to be in the public interest to stop and temporarily suspend the processing of any application(s) that may include Renewable Battery Energy Storage Systems within the Town of Watertown; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board anticipates undertaking steps to potentially update, revise and/or amend its Zoning in regard to Battery Energy Storage Systems within the Town and has determined that providing for a temporary moratorium is appropriate; and
WHEREAS, this action is considered a Type II action under SEQR per 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(36).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing regarding a possible moratorium for one (1) year was conducted on October 5, 2023 and such information and comments have been considered by the Town Board; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that adoption of a one (1) year moratorium to provide adequate time to fully consider and potentially amend its Zoning Law and/or Solar Energy Law within the Town of Watertown regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems is appropriate and the Local Law establishing the Moratorium is approved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately and the underlying Local Law shall become effective upon filing with the NYS Department of State.
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:
Supervisor Joel R. Bartlett Yes
Paul V. Desormo Absent
David D. Prosser Yes
Joanne McClusky Yes
Timothy McAtee Absent
MOTION #107-2023
RESOLUTION 19-2023
and ORDER Public Hearing – Potentially Unsafe Building/Structure
Located at: 18267-275 US Route 11, Watertown, New York
Tax Parcel No.: 90.12-1-25.2
WHEREAS, The Town Board previously adopted Local Law #1 of 2023 (Unsafe Building and Structure Law) in an effort to address buildings and structures that may be dangerous and/or unsafe by reason of damage by fire, the elements, age or general deterioration; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board recognizes that vacant building(s) or structure(s) not properly secured also serve as an attractive nuisance for young children who may be injured therein, as well as a point of congregation by vagrants and transients; and
WHEREAS, the Town’s Enforcement Officer and Engineer have investigated and recommend that the building and/or structure located at: 18267-275 US Route 11, Watertown, New York 13601 and identified as Tax Parcel No.: 90.12-1-25.2 is dangerous and/or unsafe and is otherwise in violation of the Unsafe Buildings and Structures Law. A copy of that investigation report is attached and incorporated by reference; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has familiarized itself with this structure and property and has reviewed and considered the report, with certain attached materials, and is prepared to proceed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED, by the Town Board of Watertown:
1. The Town Board concludes that it is likely that the building or structure located at 18267-275 US Route 11, Watertown, New York 13601 is dangerous and/or unsafe and is in violation of the Unsafe Building and Structure Law
2. The Town’s Enforcement Officer is directed to coordinate efforts with the Town Clerk for the preparation of a Notice of Public Hearing which shall be published, posted (including posting the property), and served upon the persons having legal interests in the subject property in accordance with the Unsafe Buildings and Structures Law.
3. The Public Hearing will be held at 28867 County Route 67, Watertown, New York 13601 on October 5, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. to determine whether the building(s) and/or structure(s) is dangerous and/or unsafe, and if so, whether the same shall be promptly demolished and removed.
4. This Resolution and Order shall take effect immediately.
The foregoing Resolution and Order was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, and seconded by Board Member, Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows
Supervisor Joel Bartlett Yes
Paul Desormo Absent
David Prosser Yes
Joanne McClusky Yes
Timothy McAtee Absent
MOTION #108-2023
WHEREAS, the Town Council authorized a public notice at the August 10, 2023 meeting for sealed bids for the purchase of a minimum 1,500 yards of screened and loaded sand for highway department purposes in the winter months; and
WHEREAS, the Town accepted sealed bids accompanied by a non-collusion statement for the sand purchase up until 3:00 pm Thursday, September 14, 2023; and
WHEREAS, all bids submitted for consideration and in compliance with the General Municipal Law have been reviewed by this Board; and of the bids considered responsive and responsible the Town of the Watertown Council hereby authorizes the purchase of a minimum of 1,500 yards of screened and loaded sand from Bauer Concrete & Masonry, Inc, 1941 US Rte 11, Mannsville NY, 13661 for the purchase price of $8.50 per yard.
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council hereby awards the bid to Bauer Concrete & Masonry, Inc, 1941 US Rte 11, Mannsville NY, 13661.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #109-2023
WHERAS, it is necessary to amend the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to reconcile appropriation and revenue accounts for the Fiscal Year 2023.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to amend the 2023 as follows:
Increase Code
Hwy Appr. Fund Bal $35,000.00
DA5120.4 10,000.00
DA9055.8 HWY Health Insurance 25,000.00
$35,000.00
Decrease
Un Appr Fund Balance $32,000.00
Increase Code
A8160.4 11,000.00
A1620.4 21,000.00
$32,000.00
A motion to adopt the forgoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #110-2023
WHEREAS, it is necessary to formally accept the insurance recovery due the Town for damage to the town lighting infrastructure damage on April 26, 2023 on NYS Rte. 3 in the amount of recovery totaling $6,798.66 from the Progressive Insurance. Co.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown hereby accepts the reimbursement of $6,798.66 from the Progressive Insurance Co. for damages to town infrastructure.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
MOTION #111-2023
WHEREAS, the N.Y.S. Office of Court Administration provides grant funding for Municipal Courts underwriting the costs to Town Courts for purchasing items necessary for the conduct of business in the Town of Watertown Town Court, and:
WHEREAS, the Grant application must be submitted and accompanied by a resolution of support from the Town Council requesting said grant funding.
WHEREAS, the Town Court Office is in need of a Epson Business Projector.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council hereby supports and recommends favorable consideration for the JCAP Grant for the following item:
• Epson Business Projector $549.99
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Supervisor Joel Bartlett Yes
Paul Desormo Absent
David Prosser Yes
Joanne McClusky Yes
Timothy McAtee Absent
MOTION #112-2023
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts as audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 179 to 181 Total $ 11,428.02
Highway Vouchers # 153 to 153 Total $ 19,638.09
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 105 to 105 Total $ 5,989.13
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 182 to 201 Total $ 26,616.12
Highway Vouchers # 154 to 168 Total $ 79,827.04
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 106 to 114 Total $ 179,679.96
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 Absent
Supervisor Bartlett informed the Board that the Planning Board is still working on the Zoning Code updates and no action will be taken until the process is completed.
Supervisor Bartlett updated the Board on the progress of the entertainment center.
MOTION #113-2023
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 pm, seconded by Councilwoman McClusky.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk