TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
August 14, 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 #102-2025
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adopt the minutes from the July 17, 2025 Rescheduled Regular Town Board Meeting, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
Mr. Tackley and Mr. Hannon from the Rohde Center Food Pantry addressed the Board. They expressed their gratitude for the Board’s continued financial support of the pantry and shared the positive impact the program has had on families throughout Southern Jefferson County. They provided the Board with informational materials outlining key statistics and the program’s overall success. They also respectfully requested that the Board consider including funding for the food pantry in the 2026 budget.
Supervisor Bartlett introduced Mr. Pat Scordo to give an update on the Northeast Water District.
Northeast Water District No. 7
• Received NYS DOT plan review comments; (no significant plan revisions to water main and service lateral locations).
• Received NYS DOH plan review comments; (no significant plan revisions to water main and service lateral locations).
• Soil Borings/Rock Probes are complete. Awaiting soils report.
• Williams Water Pumping Station – Waiting for landowners to sign and return
Purchase Agreement. Subdivision Approval was obtained at the 8/4/25
Planning Board Meeting contingent upon receipt of the executed Purchase Agreement.
• The water-main and service lateral/meter pit easement process has started.
The easement acquisition process has now begun. Recognizing the Clerk has received a high volume of questions, the project team will serve as the primary point of contact moving forward to help streamline communication.
A new mailing will go out with the easement documents refined and simplified, making the language clearer and easier for landowners to interpret. A cover letter/project description is now included with each easement. This document outlines the history of the project, the schedule, and most importantly, the matter of laterals (the connections from the main line to individual properties). While these laterals are designed and will be approved, they are not covered under the current project funding. It will be the responsibility of the landowner to install them.
However, there is potential funding available on an individual basis through the Department of Housing and Renewal, which may help qualifying landowners cover the cost of their lateral installation. Landowners would still select their own contractors, but work cannot begin until the mains are installed.
If a property owner has already signed and returned their easement, no further action is required, the existing signed document remains valid. However, they may still wish to receive the new project cover letter for reference.
The project team is proposing a public information session to be held two weeks from tonight, pending Board approval. This session would include multiple engineers and visual materials such as maps showing individual parcels, proposed water mains, and lateral connections. The goal is to give residents a chance to ask questions, review their specific easement documents, and assist in moving the process forward efficiently.
MOTION #103-2025
Supervisor Bartlett moved to hold a public information session for residents of Water District #7 (NE Water District). The meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Town Municipal Building, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, NY. The motion was seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Ayes All
Each resident will receive an invite by mail.
Lettiere/Southside Water
Await direction from Town Board
Supervisor Bartlett opened the floor for public comment:
Jack Bradley Snyder addressed the Board to express his appreciation for the efforts made toward the acquisition of South Side Water. He stated his disappointment that the proposal was voted down last week, but he is encouraged by the revised approach to focus solely on acquiring the Lettiere area water system and establishing a fund balance for future repairs.
Mr. Snyder voiced strong support for proceeding with the acquisition, stating that recent water main breaks illustrate the need for immediate action. He also addressed past concerns about the petition process, noting that the signatures collected were valid and that Mr. Lettiere had offered to take a notary with him to obtain signatures.
He concluded by urging the Board to move the matter forward expeditiously, cautioning that further delays, especially if followed by rate hikes, could lead to significant public dissatisfaction. He thanked Supervisor Joel Bartlett and the other Board members for their continued efforts.
Supervisor Bartlett addressed comments made by Mr. Snyder, clarifying that the Town Board has not taken any action to reject or vote down the formation of a water district as described. He noted that he has directed the engineers to prepare two separate proposals for possible district formation:
1. One proposal includes the existing South Side Water system as it currently stands.
2. The second proposal expands the district along Ives Street Road.
A decision must be made regarding whether the extended area on Ives Street will be included or excluded. Defining the district boundary is the first critical step, with financing to be addressed after that. If a district is ultimately formed, it will include the purchase of the South Side Water system and potentially a fund balance for future repairs and maintenance.
Supervisor Bartlett also mentioned that there are additional properties expressing interest in joining the district, including one in particular that, if added, could dramatically reduce the financial burden on existing residents by lowering the overall cost of system acquisition and fund establishment. This will be brought to the Board for consideration at the next town meeting.
Supervisor Bartlett concluded by reiterating that the project is not dead, and clarified that the process requires careful evaluation of the different district formation models. He hopes this explanation will help address concerns and answer questions from the public.
Jim Lettiere expressed appreciation to the Town and its personnel for their recent assistance with two water leaks that occurred in the Lettiere Tract. One on Saturday, and another earlier today. He specifically thanked Jake O’Brien, who responded quickly today, shutting down the affected street to other residents before the Mr. Lettiere could arrive on-site.
Mr. Lettiere also expressed gratitude to Ted, who provided critical supplies and tools on Saturday, including couplings and a saw, which enabled a timely repair. He concluded by reiterating his thankfulness to the Town and its team for their continued support and effective response.
Malcolm Ferguson, Spring Valley Drive expressed his long-standing concern regarding lack of access to public water at his residence, located less than a mile from the town center. He noted that the water main currently extends to within 100 feet of his property, but does not serve his home, and he questioned the rationale for why some residents receive water while others do not, despite close proximity to the main line. He expressed frustration over the lack of service, especially given the ongoing expansion of water lines in Jefferson and Lewis Counties, while his situation remains unresolved.
Supervisor Bartlett responded by acknowledging that the he has discussed this issue with Mr. Ferguson in the past. He explained that to receive water service, a property must be included within an established water district, and unfortunately, Mr. Ferguson’s property was excluded from Water District #4 when it was formed in 1995. Supervisor Bartlett stated that he joined the Town Board the following year and was not involved in the district’s original formation. The decision to exclude certain properties may have been due to cost-effectiveness issues, such as geological challenges like rock excavation or insufficient customer density.
Supervisor Bartlett further explained that, under the current structure, the only way Mr. Ferguson’s property can be served is through inclusion in a future district expansion or alternative arrangement, as it is not possible to legally extend service from an existing district to properties outside its defined boundaries.
Supervisor Bartlett encouraged him to gathering feedback from other property owners along Spring Valley Drive. He stated that if enough residents express interest, the Town could explore a scaled-down project, such as installing a smaller water line intended only for domestic use (not fire protection), which could reduce overall project costs. He acknowledged the Board’s general reluctance to permit outside-district users due to regulatory and financial limitations, but emphasized that the Town is open to reviewing the request if sufficient interest exists.
Mr. Ferguson clarified that he is not demanding service solely for himself but is questioning why water service is not available more broadly to residents in the area. He expressed the belief that providing essential services is a core function of local government, and water should be more equitably accessible.
Supervisor Bartlett explained that one of the primary barriers to expanding water infrastructure in the Town is funding eligibility. Many grant programs that fund water projects are income-based, and the Town of Watertown often does not qualify due to its relatively high median household income. As a result, most available grant funding is directed to lower-income towns and districts, limiting financial support for local expansion.
He concluded by stating that once one or two of the current water projects are completed, the Town would be in a better position to reevaluate Mr. Ferguson’s area for potential expansion and thanked him for his input.
Town Clerk’s Correspondence
Alcohol Permit Notification – Taco Joy
A30-day Advance Alcohol Permit notice has been submitted for Taco Joy, located at 18938 Watertown Center Loop Road. It was noted that this request is a formality, as the Board had already accepted a previous notice back in February. However, the original request listed a Route 11 address, and the issuing authority required it to be resubmitted with the correct Watertown Center Loop Road address.
Supervisor Bartlett accepted the Town Clerk’s report.
Supervisor Bartlett introduced Mike Altieri, BCA to give updates on town projects:
PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION
Outer Arsenal Street Water District No. 1 and Sewer District No. 2 Extension
Current Construction Budget: $ 3,307,691.00
Current Change Orders (Included in Above): $ 525,960.00
Pending Change Orders: Change Order for Time Delays under
Review
Estimated Completion Date: December 2025 (anticipated)
Project Status – Construction has resumed on County Route 202. Final restoration complete on areas that were previously disturbed. New PLC design is being finalized with Aqualogics, a proposal for Town wide replacement panels is under review.
NYS Route 12F Watermain Installation
Original Construction Budget: $ 660,816.00
Original Contract Price: $ 603,069.90
Final Projected Construction Budget: $ 611,254.90
Project Status – Closeout, Pay App. No. 4 has been approved, final over/under change-order.
PROJECTS IN DESIGN
Water District No. 4 Extension (Northland Estates/Pine Meadows)
Construction Budget: $ 7,250,000.00
Administrative and Technical Costs: $ 1,709,500.00
Contingency: $ 1,040,500.00 (around 10%)
Total Project Cost: $ 10,000,000.00
Total Grant Funding (WIIA and CDBG): $ 6,250,000.00
Anticipated Cost per EDU: $ 600/EDU (1/3 debt service, 2/3 water
purchase from City)
Projected Bidding Date: End of August/September 2025
Projected Construction Substantial Completion Date: September 2026
Project Update – Comments have been returned to NYS DOH and the Bureau of Health, awaiting final approval for bidding. DEC and Army Corp permits have been approved. Easements are being obtained for affected property owners. DOT has approved the project for a contractor to be permitted to perform the work. An undertaking document is ready for the Supervisor’s signature.
Sewer District No. 1
Total Project Cost: $ 2,643,000.00 (WWTF Replacement)
$ 4,491,000.00 (Stormwater Improvements)
Project Funding Awarded: NYS EFC WIIA – $ 444,500.00, NYS DEC WQIP –
$ 1,000,000.00 (WWTF)
NYS EFC GIGP – $945,000 Grant (Stormwater)
Project Update – The Town received a $945,000 grant through the EFC GIGP Program! This program will require a Town match of $94,500 to pair with the grant award. Awaiting announcement on FEMA Funding originally applied for under storm water improvements. No longer have eligible for GRG due to the GIGP award but additional grant opportunities come to the surface this project would be eligible for under next year’s CFA.
Comments from DEC and EFC were replied to and we are currently working on an updated consent order/disinfection compliance request for the DEC. Design of the new wastewater treatment facilities has begun. An agreement for the Piloting is under legal review. The DEC is reviewing a consent order/SPES compliance extension letter to revise the project schedule.
Sewer District No. 1 Revised Schedule (WWTF Project Phase):
Piloting and Replacement of RBCs:
Design Start: March 2025
Begin Piloting Program: September 2025
End Piloting Program (Tentative Based on Pilot Data): December 2025
Initial Design Submission (Based on initial pilot data) November 2025
Final Design Submission (Based on final pilot data): February 2025
NYS DEC Review and Approval: April 2026
Begin Construction: July 2026
Complete Construction: December 2027
UV Disinfection:
Design Start: March 2025
Design Submission November 2025
NYS DEC Review and Approval: February 2026
Begin Construction: May 2026
Complete Construction: May 2027
Stormwater System Improvements (Tentative based upon terms of Funding obtained):
Executed Grant Agreement with NYS EFC: December 2025
Design Start: January 2026
Design Submission: July 2026
NYS EFC Review and Approval: October 2026
Begin Construction: April 2027
Complete Construction: December 2027
Sewer District 4, 5 and 6 I&I Study
This project effort also received fantastic news, the Town was awarded $50,000 for an engineering planning grant to study additional improvements for these districts. For the Board’s review, a summary bid package has been prepared for repairs and maintenance of the deficiencies identified in the 2025 I&I study.
Sewer District Discussion
A couple of revisions are needed for the SEQR description. The adjustments are not ready for tonight but could be addressed at the August 28th meeting.
Sewer District #1 Undertaking Agreement with Xylem
• Agreement under review by legal counsel.
• Purpose: allow the pilot system on Town property to treat sewage.
• Includes terms, conditions, and insurance requirements.
Mr. Altieri presented the Board the Town Infiltration and Inflow Study Sewer Districts 4, 5, and 6 – Repair & Maintenance Work
• Proposed “mini bid package” for review.
• Scope of work:
o Repair ~90 structures (primarily manholes).
o Replace 3 structures.
o Miscellaneous system repairs.
• Work could be undertaken in winter by properly trained crews.
• Repairs involve sealing leaks from inside manholes; some may require exterior work.
• Replacement of manholes is a larger task requiring more detailed discussion.
Bid Package Timeline
• Could prepare bid documents in September for fall advertisement.
• Bid package would include:
o Labor and wage rates (as required by NYS).
o Standard contract conditions.
o Agreement for review by legal counsel.
o Municipal funding documentation.
o Technical specifications.
• Note: Wage rates must be updated no later than 10 days prior to bid opening.
Funding & Grants
• Project received a $50,000 Engineering Planning Grant.
• This study will support long-term system planning and connections with the City, Northland Estates, and regulated public regulated systems.
Consent Order with City
• City has indicated it may take up to 18 months before the current consent order can be lifted.
• Timing may depend both on City’s progress and on Town’s improvements.
Discussion took place regarding diverting flows from Sewer Districts 4, 5, and 6 to the Sewer #1 plant
• DEC has not raised concerns about wetland crossings in the project area; those issues have already been addressed.
Neighboring Regulated Systems
• Northland Estates and Pine Meadows are publicly regulated systems currently under a consent order.
• They have implemented temporary measures to “buy time,” but their systems face long-term viability issues.
• It is unlikely they will be able to continue operating their systems indefinitely.
• At some point, they will likely need relief (“escape valve”) through interconnection or support from the Town’s sewer infrastructure.
Grant Funding Potential
• The income survey conducted for the Water District may also be applied to sewer projects.
• This could make the area eligible for significant grant funding, particularly if major upgrades are required for North States, Pine Meadows, or other interconnected systems.
Mr. Altiere discussed additional items:
Consolidated Funding Applications (CFAs)
• CFAs were released later than usual this year.
• Several new opportunities are available that may be of interest to the Town.
• More information will be presented at the next meeting, but highlights include:
o Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP):
Same program that funded the $1 million UV system.
Town, as a designated MS4 community, may be eligible for equipment funding.
Examples:
Vac truck
Salt reduction/application equipment (for brining, pretreatments, etc.).
Benefits include reduced salt use, cost savings in winter operations, and environmental improvements.
o Grant Funding Details:
Award ranges: $400,000 – $600,000 typical.
Match requirements vary: usually 25% local match, but some opportunities allow 90/10 (state/local).
• Significant funding is being directed to these programs statewide, and the Town should position itself to apply in the next funding cycle.
MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS
MOTION #104-2025
WHEREAS, the Environmental Facilities Corp has awarded the Town a Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant not to exceed $50,000.00 for the purpose of supplementing the Engineers infiltration reports relating to infiltration within Sewer Districts 4,5 and 6; and
WHEREAS, an agreement must be authorized with the EFC detailing the methods, terms and conditions within the agreement (ATTACHED) which is due to be returned by August 29th, 2025.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to execute said acceptance agreement on behalf of the Town Sewer Districts 4, 5 and 6.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor: Joel Bartlett Yes
Councilman: David Prosser Yes
Councilwoman: Joanne McClusky Yes
Councilman: Michael Perkins Yes
Councilman: Robert Slye Yes
MOTION #105-2025
WHEREAS, the town Engineers (BCA) have a number of ongoing projects within the town and an extremely high caseload; and
WHEREAS it is in the Towns best interest to assign and appoint an additional Engineering Firm to represent the Town on the matters of the Massey Street Road Agricultural, milk processing project.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized to execute the letter of Engagement submitted by the firm, Barton and Loguidice and (on file in the Clerk’s Office) between the Town of Watertown and the engineering firm of Barton and Laguidice to represent the Town in said development.
Discussion took place regarding the reason for selecting an alternative engineering firm.
Supervisor Bartlett explained that, due to the size of the project and the number of projects already being handled by the town’s engineers, it would be beneficial to engage an outside consultant. The consultant’s sole purpose will be to advise the Town Planning Board and Town Board on the proposed project currently before the Board. The costs for the consultant will be borne entirely by the developer through a developer agreement and escrow account with the town.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor: Joel Bartlett Yes
Councilman: David Prosser Yes
Councilwoman: Joanne McClusky Yes
Councilman: Michael Perkins Yes
Councilman: Robert Slye Yes
MOTION #106-2025
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Watertown, 22867 Co Rte. 67, Watertown, NY 13601 hereby establishes the following as standard work days for elected and appointed officials and will report the following days worked to the New York state and Local Employees’ Retirement System based on the record of activities maintained and submitted by these officials to the clerk of this body:
Standard Days/Month
Work Day (based on Record
Title Name (Hrs/day) Term Begins/Ends of Activities)
Elected Officials:
Supervisor Joel Bartlett 7.5 1/1/2024-12/31/2025 19
R11894153
Town Clerk Pamela Desormo 7.5 1/1/2024-12/31/2027 25
R10806031 -5650
Highway Superintendent 8
Ted Clement 1/1/2024-12/31/2027 25
R11874736 – 7289
Justice Matthew Porter 6 1/1/2023-12/31/2026 4.96
R11476649 – 9992
Appointed Officials:
Zoning Board of Appeals
Brandon Cooney 6 1/1/23-12/31/2027 .17
R12056413
Planning Board Member
Pamela Desormo 6 1/1/2022-12/31/2026 .34
R10706031 – 5650
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilmember Prosser, and upon a roll call vote was adopted as follows:
Supervisor: Joel Bartlett Yes
Councilman: David Prosser Yes
Councilwoman: Joanne McClusky Yes
Councilman: Michael Perkins Yes
Councilman: Robert Slye Yes
MOTION #107-2025
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 accompanied by a resolution of the Town Council requesting said funding.
WHEREAS, the Town Court Office is in need of a:
Kyocera Ecosys Copier MA5500ifx $2,934.64
FD 8502 CC Office Shredder $2,264.00
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Watertown Council hereby Watertown Justice Court to apply for a JCAP Grant in the 2025 year.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Watertown recommends favorable consideration for the JCAP grant in the amount of $5,197.64.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett, seconded by Councilman Prosser.
Supervisor: Joel Bartlett Yes
Councilmember: David Prosser Yes
Councilmember: JoAnne McClusky Yes
Councilmember: Michael Perkins Yes
Councilmember: Robert Syle Yes
MOTION #108-2025
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 # 146 to 148 Total $ 11,116.79
Highway Vouchers # 129 to 129 Total $ 20,369.79
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 83 to 83 Total $ 7,080.85
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 149 to 165 Total $ 13,157.71
Highway Vouchers # 130 to 143 Total $ 4,880.48
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 84 to 97 Total $ 188,053.07
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
MOTION #109-2025
Supervisor Bartlett moved to adjourn to executive session at 8:20 pm to discuss employee issues and seek advice from Legal Counsel, Councilwoman McClusky seconded.
Ayes All
The meeting was reconvened at 9:50 pm.
MOTION #110-2025
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:52 pm, seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk