TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
October 2, 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 #125-2025
Councilman Prosser moved to adopt the minutes from the September 11, 2025 Regular Town Board Meeting, Supervisor Bartlett seconded.
Ayes All
Ryan Aubertine, GYMO approached the Board with project updates:
Northeast Water District No. 7
• Revising plans addressing NYS DOH and NYS DOT plan review comments.
• Department of Agriculture and Markets issued a determination that project would cause unreasonable effects.
• AG&M requested Town adopt lateral restriction resolution. He presented an example.
Current easements are about 40% complete.
South Side Water District Update
Project Status
• The final Map, Plan, and Report for the South Side Water District is expected to be completed before the next board meeting, likely within the next week or two.
• A cost summary table was presented for review.
Project Financials
• Total Project Cost: $675,000
• Bond Term: 10 years
• Interest Rate: 3.44%
• Water Rate: $8.00 per 1,000 gallons
o At an average usage of 175 gallons per day, this equals approximately $512/year per household for water.
Cost Allocation Scenarios
1. Ad Valorem Tax Method:
o Without PRIME LLC property: Approx. $1,186/year (mean annual cost per household)
o With PRIME LLC property: Same – $1,180/year
2. EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit) Method:
o Without PRIME LLC: $1,167/year per EDU
o With PRIME LLC: $1,165/year per EDU
Bond and Cost Clarification
• Compared to the prior meeting, the bond term and rates are now finalized, allowing the Board and community to move forward with clearer financial expectations.
Additional Notes
• The Department of Agriculture has a 60-day hold on construction, but that does not impact the Town’s current timeline, as construction is not yet scheduled.
• No board action was required or taken at this meeting regarding this report.
Mike Altieri, BCA approached the Board with the district reports and updates:
PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION
Outer Arsenal Street Water District No. 1 and Sewer District No. 2 Extension
Current Construction Budget: $ 3,455,911.00
Current Change Orders (Included in above): $ 674,180.00
Pending Change Orders: None at this time
Estimated Completion Date: December 2025 (anticipated)
Project Status – Construction is continuing along Route 202. New PLC design is being finalized with Aqualogics, a proposal for Town wide replacement panels is under review.
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: November 18, 2025
Projected Construction Substantial Completion Date: December 2026
Project Update – Final comments have been received from NYS DOH and the Bureau of Health. BCA will respond by next week and we anticipate approval shortly thereafter. DEC permit is in the final stages for approval. Easements are being obtained for affected property owners. Comments from DOT have been responded to and we anticipate project approval in the upcoming weeks.
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 WIP – $ 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 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. Two orientation webinars are on schedule for the GIGP and EPG (SDs 4, 5 and 6). 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/SPDES 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 & l Study
This project effort will be combined with the new sewer alignment from SD No. 2 into the City of Watertown WWTP and the new sewer alignment of the Town’s sewer on the Circle K property, Projected Bidding Date is November 9, 2025.
Supervisor Bartlett opened the floor for public comments.
Jim Lettiere, at the request of the Board during the previous meeting, presented an updated inventory spreadsheet reflecting inventory included in the proposed purchase of the Lettiere Tract Water System. A hard copy handout (5 copies) was made available for the Board to review
Appraised Values (per earlier report): He Stated the Asset (pipes only) Value: $632,000, Business Purchase Value: $554,000, and Market Value: $610,000. His asking price remains at $500,000
Additional Equipment Offered:
• A list of extra equipment was provided, valued at approximately $12,000
• Full inventory not detailed at the meeting includes:
o Spare 4-inch stock purchased at auction (usable in other districts)
o Gate valve and miscellaneous components
• Equipment to be included if unused and not placed into service by seller prior to system transfer
Rob Gayne, Swan Road addressed the Board with concerns regarding the proposed road construction project near Sam’s Club. He referenced the previous meeting minutes, which indicated that the road would initially only be partially completed, with full extension potentially taking up to five years. He questioned the logic of building what he referred to as a “driveway,” for one property owner while resident tax payers see less investment in their own neighborhoods. He questioned why, when that particular property is on the County foreclosure list.
In response Supervisor Bartlett clarified that the portion of the land where the road is being built is Town-owned property. He emphasized that the initial phase of construction will not be paid for using highway funds or taxpayer dollars, but instead through American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding and a $25,000 contribution from a developer. Additional materials may be sourced from previous projects to reduce costs. Although previous discussion mentioned a five-year timeline, the Town now anticipates the road could be completed in two years if done in phases. Once completed, the road would connect County Route 202 to NYS Rte 3 easing traffic in that area. The Town has received support from the County, but no funding will be received from them. While the County agrees that the project is beneficial, partnering with them remains challenging due to the budget approval processes.
Mr. Gayne also raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the former prison property on Swan Road, noting that nine structures have visibly caved in. He inquired whether the Town had taken any formal action and whether the State had responded.
Supervisor Bartlett confirmed that the Town Code Enforcement Officer has issued multiple violation notices to the State and formally condemned the buildings, but no response has been received. The State previously issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for redevelopment and received one submission, which was later withdrawn due to insufficient funding. The Supervisor acknowledged the Town’s limited authority over State-owned properties and pledged to continue advocating for cleanup and redevelopment.
No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed.
RESOLUTION/MOTIONS
MOTION #126-2025
WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend and extend the infrastructure construction contract associated with improvements to Sewer District #2 and additional improvements to the City treatment plant inlet with Lawman Construction and;
WHEREAS, this contract extension allows for work associated with the D.E.C. Sewer Consent Order to eliminate surface water infiltration into the City Western Outfall system.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the contract between The Town of Watertown and Lawman Construction is hereby amended in accordance with the map, plan and report supplied by the engineers for the project.
Discussion took place.
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 No
Councilman: David Prosser No
Councilwoman: Joanne McClusky No
Councilman: Michael Perkins No
Councilman: Robert Slye No
MOTION #127-2025
Resolution #16-2025
Enact a Local Law #4-2025 to Override Tax Cap
WHEREAS, Local Law No. 4 of the Year 2025, a Local Law to override the tax levy limit established by Section 3-C of the New York General Municipal Law was introduced by a member of the Town Board at a meeting thereof held on September 11, 2025 and by a majority vote of the Town Board members present at such meeting, a public hearing was duly scheduled to consider Local Law No. 4 of 2025 for 7:00 pm, Thursday October 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM, and
WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was duly published and posted as required by law, and on Thursday October 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM, a public hearing was duly held to hear all persons interested in the subject matter of Local Law No.4 of 2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Town Board of the Town of Watertown as follows:
1. The foregoing recitations are incorporated herein and made a part hereof as fully
set forth hereafter.
2. As a result of unfunded mandates and other anticipated and unanticipated
municipal expenses beyond the ordinary control of this Board, the tax levy limits
imposed by Section 3-C of the General Municipal Law put unrealistic constraints
on this Board in establishing a prudent and responsible budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year.
3. Local Law No. 4 of the year 2025 authorizes, but does not require, the Town of Watertown in establishing its budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year to establish a tax levy in excess of the amount otherwise authorized by Section 3-C of the General Municipal Law.
4. Based upon the foregoing, Local Law No. 4 of the Year 2025 is in the best interests of the Town of Watertown, and is hereby adopted and the Clerk is instructed to file the same with the New York State Department of State.
5. The adoption of Local Law No. 4 of the Year 2025 is a Type Il action under the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act and the regulations promulgated there under.
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 #128-2025
WHEREAS, it is necessary to loan from the General Fund additional funds toward the Water District Number 8 formation for the property known as the Lettiere Tract and to cover expenses relative to additional engineering costs associated with the formation and creation of the Town of Watertown Water District Number 8;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, an Interfund loan in the amount of $30,000.00 is hereby authorized for said purposes to cover additional expenses as noted.
Discussion took place.
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 #129-2025
Supervisor Bartlett moved to pay the following abstracts upon a positive review of the bills being audited.
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 186 to 195 Total $ 31,330.94
Highway Vouchers # 156 to 164 Total $ 131,958.53
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 114 to 118 Total $ 234,948.58
Councilmember Prosser seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Highway Department Report
Mall Road Paving Project
• Status: Completed.
• Notes: Despite some public challenges the paving was completed over two days.
• Total Cost: $119,956.84.
Washington Street Pump House
• A new pump has been ordered.
• ETA: 3-4 weeks.
• Cost: $14,926
Salt Purchase for 2025–2026 Season
• Price: $74 per ton.
• Planned Quantity: 2,000 tons.
• Total Projected Cost: $148,000
Truck at Viking (Awaiting Work Since April)
• Update: Viking contacted to schedule pre-installation meeting.
• Meeting Scheduled: Monday at 10:00 AM to review:
o Truck box
o Plow
Garbage Packer Body
• Issue: The truck (1990 model) is severely rusted, though the compactor is still in good condition.
• Plan: Considering removing the packer body and placing it on a newer used truck.
• Meeting Scheduled: Monday morning with Groff to assess feasibility, timeline, and cost.
Equipment Concerns During Transition
• Problem: Only one loader available to handle garbage during potential truck downtime.
• Concern: If the truck is out of service during winter, garbage removal operations could be impacted.
MOTION #130-2025
WHEREAS, the Town has a project to extend Water District No. 4; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to finalize the bid documents and seek qualified proposals for said work;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes BCA to finalize the bid package and solicit proposals for the extension of Water District No. 4, with bid open date of November 18, 2025.
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 No
Councilman: Michael Perkins Yes
Councilman: Robert Slye Yes
MOTION #131-2025
WHEREAS, the Town has a project to complete outstanding work in Sewer Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to finalize the bid documents and seek qualified proposals for said work;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes BCA to finalize the bid package and solicit proposals for a project to complete outstanding work in Sewer Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6, with bid open date of November 18, 2025.
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 #132-2025
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Town Board has called for a Special Meeting regarding the Proposed 2026 Budget to be held at the Town of Watertown Municipal Office, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, NY 13601, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at which time all interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard.
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 #133-2025
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m., seconded by Supervisor Bartlett.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk