TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Regular Meeting
Municipal Building
September 11, 2025
Members Present: Joel R. Bartlett, Supervisor
David D. Prosser, Councilman
Joanne McClusky, Councilwoman
Michael Perkins, Councilman
Robert Slye, Councilman
Members Absent:
Councilman Prosser 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 #118-2025
Councilman Prosser moved to adopt the minutes from the August 14, 2025 Regular Town Board Meeting and the August 28, 2025 Special Meeting, Supervisor Bartlett seconded.
Ayes All
Councilman Prosser opened the floor for public comments.
Rowland Churchill, President – Town of Watertown Ambulance spoke. He addressed the board a couple of months back to discuss the EMS crisis in this county. As of now, he stated nothing has improved and he feels it has actually gotten worse.
For example, the Village of Sackets Harbor and Henderson is no longer covered due to lack of personnel, so Guilfoyle has to step in. But when they’re busy chasing higher-paying transports that leaves the town to cover their calls. Since March, they have gone into the City of Watertown over 176 times; last month alone it was 17 times. The town tax dollars are helping to subsidize services outside the town, and are receiving any subsidy back for that.
He stressed how fortunate this town is to have a dedicated ambulance service. The staffs are lifesavers every single day. Yet, they are paying them barely above minimum wage to do work that carry life-and-death responsibility.
The town subsidized them with $180,000 last year, and most of that is already used up just keeping payroll afloat. Even with that support, it’s not a living wage for their people. Without additional help, he fears they soon will be in the same position as other volunteer/paid hybrid agencies across the county, on the brink of collapse.
They receive menial support from the state. Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements don’t even cover the cost of turning the ambulance on. To give an example, they are paid at roughly 30 cents on the dollar compared to private-pay transports. Meanwhile, costs keep climbing.
Their 2025 budget is essentially flat from last year. The only bright spot is a $50,000 grant through Senator Scott Gray’s office to purchase a new ambulance. Unfortunately, a new ambulance costs $183,000. That is short about $128,000 to cover that purchase.
Behind the scenes, they are writing grants, fundraising, stretching dollars, but they can’t sustain this without more town support.
Mr. Churchill stated EMS is essential. New York State may not legally recognize it as such, but it is every bit as essential as fire and police.
He is asking for increase of support. They do not spend frivolously. Every dollar goes into keeping this life-saving service alive for the town residents. He asks the Town Board to consider drafting a letter to the Watertown City Council. They need to recognize that the town taxpayer dollars are continually being used to cover calls in their community without receiving any subsidy in return. When they reached out to Guilfoyle management, they didn’t get anywhere; they simply won’t have the conversation.
For the record, they employ 41 people: 14 are paramedics, the rest are EMT’s and about 20 volunteers who help cover shifts. There is a mix of paid and volunteer staff, as required by law.
Town Board Response
• Acknowledged the ambulance service is critical and praised the staff’s dedication and professionalism.
• Recognized the rising costs of wages, training, licensing, and equipment.
• Stated that maintaining a zero-town-tax budget is no longer possible; residents should expect some tax increase this year to cover essential services.
• Confirmed awareness of Guilfoyle prioritizing higher-paying transports, leaving town ambulance services to backfill Medicaid/Medicare calls at a financial loss.
• Acknowledged that this is not just a town problem but a countywide one.
• Confirmed that upcoming meetings with the county and city will provide an opportunity to raise these issues directly.
• Committed to being proactive in pushing for county and city accountability to ensure local services aren’t drained by unfair coverage demands.
Naomi Gallagher, 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: $ 3,307,691.00
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 area that were previously disturbed. 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: October 2025
Projected Construction Substantial Completion Date: December 2026
Project Update – Comments have been returned to NYS DOH and the Bureau of Health, awaiting final approval from the Bureau for bidding. 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)
$ 4,491,00.00 (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 GIG award but additional grant opportunities have come to the surface and this project would be eligible for under next year’s CFA.
Comments from DEC and EFC were replied to and BCA 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&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.
Pat Scordo, GYMO approached the Board with project updates:
Northeast Water District No. 7
• Regulatory Review: They continue to address comments from both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Health.
• Recent Public Hearing:
o A special meeting and public hearing were held two weeks ago.
o While the open forum was less productive, the one-on-one discussions afterward proved very effective. Residents who had initially voiced concerns were more receptive once shown the project drawings, and many left in support.
o The takeaway: providing clear, visual information relieved much of the uncertainty and opposition.
• Easement Acquisition:
o Easement collection is now the top priority. A tracking chart has been prepared, showing total easements needed and ones completed.
o At present, easements are being submitted to both Catherine’s and Pam’s offices, which has caused some duplication. By the next board meeting, a compiled and consolidated list will be presented.
o Priority: securing all force main easements before bidding. These directly impact the pipeline route, and without them it could delay the project.
o Lateral easements (covering meter pits and shut-off valves on private property) are less critical at this stage. These can be collected later, as they involve minimal disturbance.
• Progress:
o Several signed easements have already been submitted.
o The goal is to see that number climb steadily over the coming weeks.
Lettiere Tract Water Project
The Map, Plan & Report, is not ready for this meeting. Target completion is for the October meeting.
The User Cost Analysis – the central focus will be user costs – how much it will cost residents annually.
• Financing Assumptions:
o Bond Terms (Revenue Bonds):
Preliminary assumptions: 10 years at 4.25%.
Updated bond counsel numbers:
10 years at 3.44%
20 years at 4.50%
30 years at 4.95%
o Purchase Price: $500,000
o Repair/Construction Allowance: $100,000 (preventive measure, no specific repairs identified yet).
o Water Cost per Unit: $6/unit (= $8 per 1,000 gallons).
o Average Usage: 175 units = $512 annual water cost.
• Cost Scenarios (Capital Only): Ad Valorem Method
o $500,000 borrowing:= $520 annually per user.
o $600,000 borrowing:= $624 annually per user.
o With Prime LLC Land included: about $5–6 savings annually.
• Total Estimated Annual Cost (Water + Capital):
o Without Prime LLC Land: $1,032–$1,136
o With Prime LLC Land: $1,027–$1,130
• Cost Scenarios (Capital Only):EDU Method
o $500,000 borrowing:= $505 annually per user.
o $600,000 borrowing:= $606 annually per user.
o With Prime LLC Land included: about $2–3 savings annually.
• Total Estimated Annual Cost (Water + Capital):
o Without Prime LLC Land: $1,017–$1,018
o With Prime LLC Land: $1,015–$1,116
Comptroller’s 2025 Threshold: $1,101 (for affordability comparison).
The Board also discussed borrowing additional funds to establish a maintenance reserve for the water district. Supervisor Bartlett asked Mr. Lettiere to provide an inventory of what the Town would be receiving as part of the district purchase. Mr. Lettiere explained that the sale only covers the underground infrastructure (the water lines). However, he noted that he has some additional equipment and materials that he would no longer need if the sale goes through, and he has agreed to prepare a list of those items to include with the purchase.
The Board then reviewed the option of forming the water district under the EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit) method, which is more customary for the Town. Using this approach, costs are assigned by unit rather than by property value, which helps avoid distortions caused by unusually low assessments. The analysis showed that an EDU-based district would result in slightly lower user costs compared to an assessment-based district, and it would also provide a clearer and more familiar method of calculation.
Mr. Scordo asked the Board for direction so that the final Map, Plan, and Report could be prepared for the October meeting. The Board members discussed simplifying the scenarios by focusing on EDU-based funding, using updated interest rates provided by bond counsel, and considering project costs at $675,000. This figure would not only cover the system purchase but also establish a reserve fund for future maintenance and help reimburse the Town for engineering and legal expenses already incurred.
Mr. Scordo will do a 10-year financing comparison for $675,000 using the following methods for next month’s meeting: Ad Valorem (Assessment-Based) and EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit).
The floor was opened back up for public comments.
Joe Eberle, a resident of 15770 US Route 11, shared his perspective as a long-time property owner in the town. He emphasized that while the volume of water in the area may be adequate, the quality of water is extremely poor, affecting homes and property values. Residents in his neighborhood, close to the Town of Adams, face ongoing issues with water quality that have caused damage to plumbing, appliances, and household systems over the years. Mr. Eberle detailed the personal costs he has incurred over 17 years, including multiple hot water heaters, kitchen replacements, and water treatment systems, all to manage poor water quality.
He stressed that access to clean, reliable drinking water is critical for maintaining home values and encouraging development. Without good water, homes deteriorate, property values drop, and residents may abandon properties.
Mr. Eberle concluded by urging the Board to consider expanding the water district further. He highlighted the long-term benefits of including additional properties to preserve community value, maintain assessments, and support sustainable development in this section of the town. He would appreciate any help he could receive from the town.
Supervisor Bartlett noted that he had previous discussions with Supervisor Kellogg of Adams regarding expanding water service from Adams to this area. He explained the extension of Water District #4 to serve Northland Estates is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. However, the need for water extends beyond Northland Estates to the south, and many additional homes in that corridor would benefit from access to the water system. While extending service further is expensive, he suggested it would be worthwhile to explore options to reach these homes.
He indicated that over the coming months, he could work on developing preliminary cost estimates for extending water service further south along Route 11. This would allow the Board to evaluate whether it is a viable project for the next year. He noted potential advantages if the extension could connect with the water system near Adams, which could provide a redundant supply for the Route 11 district, improving reliability while integrating purchased water from Adams. He mentioned that he would step back from further discussions on this matter to avoid any conflict of interest, as his home would personally benefit from the expansion.
Jack Bradley Snyder shared updates from a recent fire district meeting, noting that the proposed rate increase for the year will be 6.71%. He praised the district for taking steps to control costs, such as monitoring firefighter payroll, implementing realistic staffing budgets, and cutting unnecessary expenses like cable services. He also highlighted improvements in waste disposal management and the responsible transfer of remaining liquor inventory to reduce liability and insurance costs. He encouraged community members to attend the budget meeting and provide constructive input.
Concerning the Lettiere Water Project, he emphasized the importance of establishing an appropriate reserve fund for repairs, noting that he feels the current repair escrow should revert to the town if the purchase is completed. He suggested consulting with Mr. Lettiere on historical repair costs and current escrow balances, as these may inform a more accurate reserve requirement. He acknowledged that engineer and legal fees are sunk costs if the water district is not formed, reinforcing the need for the district to move forward.
Mr. Snyder also addressed concerns regarding the system’s concrete asbestos pipes. He noted that similar pipes exist in the city water supply, are older, and that he has found any medical research indicating that underground asbestos water pipes are harmful. He concluded that the water system has ongoing concerns, with recent breaks that have been isolated and repaired. He raised concerns about the possible causes of past water line breaks, noting that sudden hydrant use by the City of Watertown near Holcomb Street may have contributed through water hammer effects. He emphasized that repairs have been steadily improving the system, with new pipe sections added each time, and that repair cost records are well-documented. He also noted that current water meters date back to 2005 and may need replacement in the future. The town uses radio-read meters, which he believes are less costly, whereas Mr. Lettiere referenced an $80,000 option for cellular-read meters. He suggested aligning with the town’s existing meter-reading practices for efficiency and cost savings.
He further reported that the Public Service Commission (PSC), in response to community input, had suspended a planned rate hike until October 1. He stressed the importance of keeping the water district formation process active, as this could help prevent rate hikes.
Beyond the water system, he expressed concern about future land use at the former golf course property on Ives Street Road. He opposed potential annexation by the City of Watertown, citing risks of losing local planning control and uncertainty over what type of development that might occur. He stated that under town zoning, there would be greater potential for single-family housing, which could increase the tax base and support community growth.
He encouraged the Board to consider borrowing less than the proposed $675,000, noting that the repair escrow and meter replacement needs could both serve as focal points in negotiations with Mr. Lettiere. He acknowledged that many of the system’s water meters are nearing the end of their service life and should be addressed in planning.
He concluded by emphasizing that while the process has been long and at times difficult, abandoning it now would waste significant time and money. He urged the town to continue negotiations with Mr. Lettiere and to move the project forward, framing it as an important opportunity for the community’s long-term stability and development. He stressed the importance of dialogue and negotiation, and expressed hope that the town could move forward constructively. He thanked the Board and all involved, regardless of the eventual outcome.
Councilman Prosser expressed appreciation for the thoughtful comments.
No one else wished to speak; the floor was closed.
Councilman Prosser introduced Local Law #4-2025. A Local Law to Override the Tax Levy Limit establish in General Municipal Law §3-c
MOTION #119-2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a proposed Local Law has been introduced before the Town Board of the Town of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, to override the 2% Tax Cap for the Town of Watertown.
FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing regarding said proposed Local Law #4-2025 will be held at the Town of Watertown Municipal Office, 22867 County Route 67, Watertown, NY 13601, on Thursday, October 2, 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 Councilmember Prosser and seconded by Supervisor Bartlett, 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 #120-2025
WHEREAS, a position for Deputy Town Clerk/Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics has become available; and
WHEREAS, Annette Sentell, P.O. Box 23, Brownville, NY 13615, has successfully completed the required probationary period and meets all qualifications for the position;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Annette Sentell is hereby appointed as Deputy Town Clerk/Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics, effective September 15, 2025, and is designated as a full-time permanent employee, thereby making her eligible for all benefits afforded to full-time employees in accordance with Town policy.
A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was offered by Councilmember Prosser and seconded by Councilman Perkins, 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 #121-2025
Councilmember Prosser moved to pay the following abstracts upon a positive review of the bills being audited.
Utilities paid prior to the meeting
General Vouchers # 166 to 167 Total $ 5,171.54
Highway Vouchers # 144 to 144 Total $ 23,349.42
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 98 to 98 Total $ 5,488.99
Vouchers approved for monthly meeting
General Vouchers # 168 to 185 Total $ 58,998.84
Highway Vouchers # 145 to 155 Total $ 4,978.89
Spec. Dist. Vchrs. # 99 to 113 Total $ 214,283.78
Councilmember Perkins seconded the motion.
Ayes All
Highway Department Report
Plow Truck Issues
• A spare plow truck had to be taken out of service due to a cracked frame and will not pass inspection.
• This leaves the town with no spare plow truck available.
• Viking indicated that one of the new trucks ordered three years ago may arrive in January, but no guarantees were made.
Discussion on Alternatives
• Leasing or renting a truck is not feasible; rentals are not available.
• Tracy Road Equipment is expected to receive four fully equipped plow trucks in December. A similar batch sold quickly last year to municipalities facing the same shortages.
• Since COVID, industry delays have been extreme. Viking/Freightliner has a backlog of hundreds of trucks awaiting setup and even purchased additional land to store them.
Truck Procurement & Fleet Rotation
• Unreceived Orders:
o One truck has been sitting since last December, while an International ordered earlier has still not been delivered.
o A later-ordered Freightliner arrived first, creating a mismatch with equipment already purchased for the International.
o Viking and Tracy Road Equipment have already been paid for the Freightliner setup.
• Cost Concerns:
o Base truck prices are approximately $151,000–$154,000.
o Outfitting with box, spreader, pump, etc. adds about $150,000.
o Comparable ready-to-go trucks are currently being offered at $330,000.
o Upcoming 2027 emissions standards will increase chassis costs by an estimated $40,000.
• Depreciation & Contract Issues:
o Concern remains that trucks purchased years ago are effectively depreciated before delivery.
o Questions remain about the town’s ability to depreciate, seek refund, or renegotiate terms if delays persist.
• Fleet Rotation Policy:
o A 2019 truck is already showing wear at 60,000 miles.
o Superintendent Clement recommends an 8–10 year rotation cycle due to heavy snow use and town growth.
o Longer cycles (12–20 years) result in increased breakdowns and repair costs.
o Bonding rules may also dictate a 10-year useful life for budgeting purposes.
Transfer Station / Garbage Truck Discussion
• Pump Repairs:
o The transfer station packer pump was obsolete and had to be temporarily rebuilt at Empire Hydraulics.
o The system is working, but not considered a reliable long-term solution.
• Future Options:
o Consider replacing garbage trucks with a roll-off truck and bins system, as other towns (e.g., Rodman) have done.
o A roll-off system would be more cost-effective than purchasing new packer trucks.
o The current packer body is still serviceable but finding a suitable chassis remains a challenge.
o With only one loader available, current operations are labor-intensive.
Next Steps
• Upcoming budget preparation should account for equipment rotation, garbage truck replacement options, and ongoing plow truck delays.
• The Supervisor recommended following up early next week with Superintendent Clement to finalize budget details.
MOTION #122-2025
Councilman Slye moved to adjourn to executive session at 8:30 pm to seek advice from legal counsel concerning easement agreements and property purchase, Councilman Prosser seconded.
Ayes All
The meeting was reconvened at 9:15 pm.
MOTION #123-2025
A motion was offered to modify the existing contract for Sewer District #2 Capital Project to include a change order in an amount not to exceed $148,220.00.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Supervisor Bartlett and seconded by Councilman Prosser, and upon roll call vote of the Board was duly adopted as follows:
Supervisor: Joel Bartlett Yes
Councilman: David Prosser Yes
Councilwoman: Joanne McClusky Yes
Councilman: Michael Perkins Yes
Councilman: Robert Slye Yes
MOTION #124-2025
Councilman Prosser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m., seconded by Councilman Perkins.
Ayes All
_____________________________
Pamela D. Desormo, Town Clerk