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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WATERTOWN
February 6, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Joseph M. Butler, Jr. Presiding
Present: Council Member Cody J. Horbacz
Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Council Member Mark C. Walczyk
Mayor Butler
Also Present: Sharon Addison, City Manager
Robert J. Slye, City Attorney
City staff present: Matthew Roy, James Mills, Eugene Hayes, Justin Wood, Erin Gardner, Brian
Phelps, Michael Lumbis, Deputy Fire Chief Russell Randall
The City Manager presented the following reports to Council:
Resolution No. 1 - Appointment to the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library Board of Trustees,
Frances A. Calarco
Resolution No. 2 - Authorizing Agreement Between the City of Watertown and Strategic
Development Specialists, LLC
Resolution No. 3 - Authorizing an Application to the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation for Funding Through the Urban and Community Forestry Program
Resolution No. 4 - Accepting Bid for Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement
Project – General Construction
Resolution No. 5 - Accepting Bid for Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement
Project – Mechanical/Plumbing
Resolution No. 6 - Accepting Bid for Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement
Project – Electrical
Ordinance No. 1 - An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of $125,000 Bonds of the City of
Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, to Pay the Costs of the Construction or Reconstruction
of Sidewalks in Special Assessment District No. 12 Within the City
Ordinance No. 2 - An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of $1,200,000 Bonds of the City of
Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, to Pay the Cost of the Replacement of Heating,
Ventilating and Air Conditioning Equipment With New Equipment at the City’s Flower
Memorial Library, in and for Said City
Public Hearing Resolution - Approving the Special Use Permit Request Submitted by Rickey E.
Martin, III, of KDM Kustoms, LLC to Allow An Auto Repair Shop at 925 Main Street West,
Parcel Number 1-17-403.000
Resolution - Establishing Assessment Charge for Sidewalks, Spring and Fall 2017 Pursuant to
Section 93 of the City Charter
SAFER Grant Cost Projections
VL Burlington Street
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2017 Annual Action Plan Public Hearing
28th
Annual Local Government Conference
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City of Watertown
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Development Authority of the North Country – Comprehensive Housing Analysis
Complete Reports on file in the office of the City Clerk
Meeting opened with a moment of silence and Mayor Butler asked that it be in remembrance of Deferiet
Village Trustee Joann Zando.
Pledge of Allegiance was given.
The reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 17, 2017, and work session of January 23,
2017, was dispensed and accepted as written by motion of Council Member Stephen A. Jennings,
seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting in favor thereof.
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
Petitions were received from Patricia Whalen, 11 Public Square, in support of securing funding in order
to combat the bedbug problem within the City.
P R I V I L E G E O F T H E F L O O R
Patricia Whalen, 11 Public Square, addressed the chair concerning the bedbug problem in Watertown
and mentioned the Woolworth Apartments have done a good job in trying to prevent the spread of
bedbugs. In addition, she expressed her concerns with the intersection of Arcade Street and Arsenal
Street near the bus depot.
Jason Trainor, informed Council that he was a former employee of Walmart and he feels that he was
mistreated due to a disability. He asked for Council’s assistance with this matter.
P U B L I C H E A R I N G
At 7:30 p.m. Mayor Butler asked the City Clerk to read the notice of Public Hearing concerning
approving the Special Use Permit Request Submitted by Rickey E. Martin, III, of KDM Kustoms,
LLC to allow an Auto Repair Shop at 925 Main Street West, Parcel Number 1-17-403.000
Mayor Butler declared the hearing open at 7:30 p.m.
No one spoke.
Mayor Butler declared the hearing closed at 7:31 p.m.
At 7:31 p.m. Mayor Butler asked the City Clerk to read the notice of Public Hearing concerning
establishing Assessment Charge for Sidewalks, Spring and Fall 2017 Pursuant to Section 93 of the
City Charter
Mayor Butler declared the hearing open at 7:31 p.m.
No one spoke.
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City of Watertown
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Mayor Butler declared the hearing closed at 7:32 p.m.
R E S O L U T I O N S
Resolution No. 1 - Appointment to the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library Board of Trustees,
Frances A. Calarco
Introduced by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso BE IT RESOLVED that the following individual is hereby appointed to the Roswell P. Flower
Memorial Library Board of Trustees to fill the unexpired term of Maxine Quigg, such term expiring on
December 31, 2025:
Frances A. Calarco
135 Keyes Avenue
Watertown, NY 13601
Seconded by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler thanked Ms. Calarco for serving on this
board.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
Resolution No. 2 - Authorizing Agreement Between the City of Watertown and Strategic
Development Specialists, LLC
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS the City of Watertown desires the assistance of a professional firm to work in
securing funding opportunities for identified priorities, programs and projects, and
WHEREAS Strategic Development Specialists, LLC, have been successful in developing
processes for securing grants and other incentives for the City of Watertown,
NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Watertown
authorizes the Authorizing Agreement Between the City of Watertown and Strategic Development
Specialists, LLC *as amended February 6, 2017, a copy of which is attached and made part of this
Resolution, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager Sharon Addison is hereby authorized and
directed to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City of Watertown.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Council Member Walczyk recused himself because this
company works with his employer as well. He left Council Chambers.
Mayor Butler mentioned this is a relationship that the City entered into last year and this company
assisted with several grant applications.
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Ms. Addison recommended this agreement be extended to April 30, 2017, in order to allow time for an
RFP to be completed.
Mayor Butler pointed out that the Purchasing Policy for this dollar amount would require an RFP.
Attorney Slye advised that this agreement is virtually identical to the current agreement in place.
In response to Council Member Horbacz’s question, Ms. Addison confirmed the current agreement
includes that the City will reimburse for mileage and travel expenses.
Leanne West, Strategic Development Specialists, LLC, indicated that they have an office in Watertown
so the only time the City has been charged is when there is a trip to Albany.
Motion was made by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings to amend the agreement to reflect a
term of February 7, 2017 through and including April 30, 2017. Motion was seconded by Council
Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting in favor thereof except for Council
Member Mark C. Walczyk abstaining.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea except for Council Member Mark C. Walczyk abstaining.
Council Member Walczyk returned to Council Chambers.
Resolution No. 3 - Authorizing an Application to the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation for Funding Through the Urban and Community Forestry Program
Introduced by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
WHEREAS the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has
announced that grant funding is available through the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program,
and
WHEREAS the City of Watertown has made the care and management of the City’s urban forest
a priority over the last two decades in the wake of several devastating storms in the 1990’s, and
WHEREAS the City Council desires to apply to the program to fund Phase II of a City’s Street
Tree Inventory and Tree Management Plan project, and
WHEREAS a street tree inventory will provide the City with accurate information on the health
of our street trees and will also provide valuable data about the state of the urban forest and information
related to the annual environmental and economic benefits that the urban forest provides, and
WHEREAS Tree Watertown, the City’s Street Tree Advisory Board, has recommended that the
City Council apply for funding for a Phase II tree inventory and tree management plan,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Watertown that it
hereby approves and endorses the City’s application to the NYSDEC for grant funding under Round 13
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of the Urban and Community Forestry Program for a project known as the City of Watertown Phase II
Street Tree Inventory and Management Plan Project, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Manager Sharon Addison is hereby authorized and
directed to file an application for funding in an amount not to exceed $18,000, and upon approval of said
request, to enter into and execute a project agreement with the NYSDEC for such financial assistance to
the City of Watertown for the Street Tree Inventory Project.
Seconded by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings and carried with all voting yea.
Resolution No. 4 - Accepting Bid for Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement
Project – General Construction
Introduced by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
WHEREAS the City Purchasing Department has advertised and received sealed bids for General
Construction for the Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement Project, as per City
specifications, and
WHEREAS bid invitations were sent to twenty-five (25) prospective contractors, with three (3)
sealed bids submitted to the Purchasing Department, and
WHEREAS on Thursday, January 26, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., the bids received were publicly
opened and read, and
WHEREAS City Purchasing Manager Amy M. Pastuf reviewed the bids received with the City
Engineering Department and Aubertine and Currier, the Engineering firm hired for the project, and it is
their recommendation that the City Council accept the bid submitted by Continental Construction, Inc.
in the amount of $281,900.00, as well as Alternate 1a for Acoustic Tile in the amount of $53,300.00 and
Alternate 1b for the daily removal of asbestos materials in the amount of $570.00,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Watertown accepts
the bid of Continental Construction in the total amount of $335,770.00 for the General Construction
work for the Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement Project as the lowest qualified
bidder meeting our specifications to include Alternate 1a and 1b, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the approval of this Resolution is contingent upon the City
Council approving a Bond Ordinance Amendment to cover the expenses associated with this project,
and
Seconded by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler noted there is an alternate bid for acoustic
ceiling tiles and questioned the need for this.
Justin Wood, City Engineer, explained the acoustic tile is approximately three times more expensive but
the bid results reflected slightly less than three times the cost. Therefore, he said the recommendation is
for the Frost ceiling tile because it is a library and it will offer better noise reduction. In addition, he
said it will offer better light reflectivity to brighten the space more. He advised it will be installed in the
addition of the library on all three floors. Although he is not aware of a noise issue in the library, he
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recommends the acoustic tile be installed in the basement as a minimum because the carpeting is being
replaced with a polished concrete floor.
Yvonne Reff, Library Director, commented she would definitely like to see the acoustic tile installed in
the basement due to the change in flooring. She added that the other floors will eventually have the
carpeting replaced so at some point there may be hard tile floors installed, which may cause noise issues
in the future.
Mr. Wood offered examples of the ceiling tiles for Council to review.
Council Member Horbacz said that he supports installing the better tile.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
Resolution No. 5 - Accepting Bid for Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement
Project – Mechanical/Plumbing
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS the City Purchasing Department has advertised and received sealed bids for
Mechanical/Plumbing for the Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement Project, as per City
specifications, and
WHEREAS bid invitations were sent to twenty-five (25) prospective contractors, with six (6)
sealed bids submitted to the Purchasing Department, and
WHEREAS on Thursday, January 26, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., the bids received were publicly
opened and read, and
WHEREAS City Purchasing Manager Amy M. Pastuf reviewed the bids received with the City
Engineering Department and Jade Stone Engineering, PLLC, the Engineering firm hired for the project,
and it is their recommendation that the City Council accept the bid submitted by Lawman Heating and
Cooling, Inc. in the amount of $549,000.00,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Watertown accepts
the bid of Lawman Heating and Cooling, Inc. in the total amount of $549,000.00 for the
Mechanical/Plumbing work for the Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement Project as the
lowest qualified bidder meeting our specifications, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the approval of this Resolution is contingent upon the City
Council approving a Bond Ordinance Amendment to cover the expenses associated with this project,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Manager Sharon Addison is hereby authorized and
directed to sign all contracts associated with implementing the award to Lawman Heating and Cooling,
Inc.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
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Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler mentioned the alternate control system was
not included in this bid because the existing controls will be used.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
Resolution No. 6 - Accepting Bid for Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement
Project – Electrical
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS the City Purchasing Department has advertised and received sealed bids for
Electrical work for the Flower Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement Project, as per City
specifications, and
WHEREAS bid invitations were sent to twenty-five (25) prospective contractors, with three (3)
sealed bids submitted to the Purchasing Department, and
WHEREAS on Thursday, January 26, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., the bids received were publicly
opened and read, and
WHEREAS City Purchasing Manager Amy M. Pastuf reviewed the bids received with the City
Engineering Department and Jade Stone Engineering, PLLC, the Engineering firm hired for the project,
and it is their recommendation that the City Council accept the bid submitted by J&R Electric, Inc. in
the amount of $236,500.00,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Watertown accepts
the bid of J&R Electric, Inc. in the total amount of $236,500.00 for the Electrical work for the Flower
Memorial Library HVAC System Replacement Project as the lowest qualified bidder meeting our
specifications, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the approval of this Resolution is contingent upon the City
Council approving a Bond Ordinance Amendment to cover the expenses associated with this project,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Manager Sharon Addison is hereby authorized and
directed to sign all contracts associated with implementing the award to J&R Electric, Inc.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler mentioned the cost savings to the City by
using LED lighting and mentioned that this should be done in other buildings when the opportunity
allows.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
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Resolution - Establishing Assessment Charge for Sidewalks, Spring and Fall 2017 Pursuant to
Section 93 of the City Charter
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS a public hearing was held in accordance with Section 93 of the City Charter on
February 6, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. to hear public comment concerning whether all or a portion of the cost for
proposed sidewalk improvements to the properties identified in the attached report, which constitutes
Special Assessment District 12, shall be a charge or expense upon the abutting properties, and
WHEREAS the City Council has determined that it shall fix the charge to be paid by the abutting
property owner at $5.75 per square foot, with the remaining cost being paid by the City,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Watertown,
pursuant to Section 93 of the City Charter, hereby fixes the charge to be paid for by the abutting
property owner’s of Special Assessment District 12 at $5.75 per square foot, with the remaining cost
being paid by the City.
Seconded by Council Member Cody J. Horbacz
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler discussed the benefits of this program, noting
the City subsidizes the cost to the homeowner.
Motion was made by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso to amend the foregoing resolution to
include the price of $5.75 per square foot. Motion was seconded by Council Member Stephen A.
Jennings and carried with all voting in favor thereof.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
O R D I N A N C E S
Ordinance No. 1 - An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of $125,000 Bonds of the City of
Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, to Pay the Costs of the Construction or Reconstruction
of Sidewalks in Special Assessment District No. 12 Within the City
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS, all conditions precedent to the financing of the class of objects or purposes
hereinafter described, including compliance with the provisions of the State Environmental Quality
Review Act to the extent required, have been performed; and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to authorize the issuance of bonds of said City to finance costs of
said class of objects or purposes; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Council of the City of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, as
follows:
Section 1. For the class of objects or purposes of paying costs of the construction or
reconstruction of sidewalks in Special Assessment District No. 12 within the City of Watertown,
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Jefferson County, New York, including incidental expenses in connection therewith, there are hereby
authorized to be issued $125,000 bonds of said City pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance
Law.
Section 2. It is hereby determined that the estimated maximum cost of the aforesaid class of
objects or purposes is $125,000 and that the plan for the financing thereof is by the issuance of $125,000
bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond ordinance; provided, however, that the
amount of bonds ultimately to be issued will be reduced by the amount of any State or Federal aid or any
other revenue received by the City from other sources for such class of objects or purposes.
Section 3. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid
class of objects or purposes is ten years, pursuant to subdivision 24 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of
the Local Finance Law.
Section 4. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the
issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the bonds
herein authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the City Comptroller, the
chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such
manner, as may be prescribed by said City Comptroller, consistent with the provisions of the Local
Finance Law.
Section 5. The faith and credit of said City of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, are
hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such obligations as the
same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year
sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such obligations becoming due and payable in such
year. There shall annually be levied upon property in Special Assessment District No. 12 determined to
be specially benefitted by such construction or reconstruction of sidewalks a special assessment to pay
such portion of the principal of and interest on such obligations, as the same become due and payable, as
shall be established in proceedings under Title XII of the City Charter and, to the extent such
assessments are insufficient, there shall annually be levied a tax to pay principal and interest on such
obligations as the same become due and payable.
Section 6. Such bonds shall be in fully registered form and shall be signed in the name of the
City of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, by the manual or facsimile signature of the City
Comptroller and a facsimile of its corporate seal shall be imprinted thereon and may be attested by the
manual or facsimile signature of the City Clerk.
Section 7. The powers and duties of advertising such bonds for sale, conducting the sale and
awarding the bonds, are hereby delegated to the City Comptroller, who shall advertise such bonds for
sale, conduct the sale, and award the bonds in such manner as he shall deem best for the interests of the
City, provided, however, that in the exercise of these delegated powers, he shall comply fully with the
provisions of the Local Finance Law and any order or rule of the State Comptroller applicable to the sale
of municipal bonds. The receipt of the City Comptroller shall be a full acquittance to the purchaser of
such bonds, who shall not be obliged to see to the application of the purchase money.
Section 8. All other matters, except as provided herein relating to such bonds, including
determining whether to issue such bonds having substantially level or declining annual debt service and
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City of Watertown
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all matters related thereto, prescribing whether manual or facsimile signatures shall appear on said
bonds, prescribing the method for the recording of ownership of said bonds, appointing the fiscal agent
or agents for said bonds, providing for the printing and delivery of said bonds (and if said bonds are to
be executed in the name of the City by the facsimile signature of the City Comptroller, providing for the
manual countersignature of a fiscal agent or of a designated official of the City), the date,
denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, place or places of payment, and also including the
consolidation with other issues, shall be determined by the City Comptroller. It is hereby determined
that it is to the financial advantage of the City not to impose and collect from registered owners of such
bonds any charges for mailing, shipping and insuring bonds transferred or exchanged by the fiscal agent,
and, accordingly, pursuant to paragraph c of Section 70.00 of the Local Finance Law, no such charges
shall be so collected by the fiscal agent. Such bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity
clause provided for in Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law and shall otherwise be in such form and
contain such recitals in addition to those required by Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law, as the City
Comptroller shall determine.
Section 9. This ordinance shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes of
Treasury Regulations Section 1.1340-2. Other than as specified in this ordinance, no monies are, or are
reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long term basis, or otherwise set aside with respect to
the permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein.
Section 10. The validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested only if:
1) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said City is not
authorized to expend money, or
2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of this
ordinance are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding
contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of such
publication, or
3) Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 11. This ordinance, which takes effect immediately, shall be published in full in the
Watertown Daily Times, the official newspaper, together with a notice of the City Clerk in substantially
the form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Motion for unanimous consent moved by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings, seconded by
Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting in favor thereof.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing ordinance and carried with all voting
yea.
Ordinance No. 2 - An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of $1,200,000 Bonds of the City of
Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, to Pay the Cost of the Replacement of Heating,
Ventilating and Air Conditioning Equipment With New Equipment at the City’s Flower
Memorial Library, in and for Said City
Introduced by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
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WHEREAS, all conditions precedent to the financing of the capital purposes hereinafter
described, including compliance with the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act to
the extent required, have been performed; and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to authorize the financing of such capital project; NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Council of the City of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, as
follows:
Section 1. For the class of objects or purposes of paying the cost of the replacement of
heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment with new equipment at the City’s Flower Memorial
Library, in and for the City of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, including incidental expenses
in connection therewith, there are hereby authorized to be issued $1,200,000 bonds of said City pursuant
to the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 2. It is hereby determined that the estimated maximum cost of the aforesaid class of
objects or purposes is $1,200,000 and that the plan for the financing thereof is by the issuance of the
$1,200,000 bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond ordinance; provided,
however, that the amount of bonds ultimately to be issued will be reduced by the amount of any State
and, or Federal aid or any other revenue received by the City from other sources for such class of objects
or purposes, which monies are hereby appropriated therefor.
Section 3. It is hereby determined that the Flower Memorial Library building is a class “A”
or class “B” building and that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid class of objects or
purposes is ten years, pursuant to subdivision thirteen of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local
Finance Law.
Section 4. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the
issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the bonds
herein authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the City Comptroller, the
chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such
manner, as may be prescribed by said City Comptroller, consistent with the provisions of the Local
Finance Law.
Section 5. The faith and credit of said City of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, are
hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such obligations as the
same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year
sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such obligations becoming due and payable in such
year.
Section 6. Such bonds shall be in fully registered form and shall be signed in the name of the
City of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, by the manual or facsimile signature of the City
Comptroller and a facsimile of its corporate seal shall be imprinted thereon and may be attested by the
manual or facsimile signature of the City Clerk.
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Section 7. The powers and duties of advertising such bonds for sale, conducting the sale and
awarding the bonds, are hereby delegated to the City Comptroller, who shall advertise such bonds for
sale, conduct the sale, and award the bonds in such manner as he shall deem best for the interests of the
City, including, but not limited to, the power to sell said bonds to the New York State Environmental
Facilities Corporation; provided, however, that in the exercise of these delegated powers, he shall
comply fully with the provisions of the Local Finance Law and any order or rule of the State
Comptroller applicable to the sale of municipal bonds. The receipt of the City Comptroller shall be a
full acquittance to the purchaser of such bonds, who shall not be obliged to see to the application of the
purchase money.
Section 8. The power to issue and sell notes to the New York State Environmental Facilities
Corporation pursuant to Section 169.00 of the Local Finance Law is hereby delegated to the City
Comptroller. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents as may be prescribed by said City
Comptroller consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 9. The City Comptroller is hereby further authorized, at his or her sole discretion, to
execute a project financing agreement, and any other agreements with the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation and/or the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation,
including amendments thereto, and including any instruments (or amendments thereto) in the
effectuation thereof, in order to effect the financing or refinancing of the class of objects or purposes
described in Section 1 hereof, or a portion thereof, by a bond, and, or note issue of said City in the event
of the sale of same to the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.
Section 10. The intent of this resolution is to give the City Comptroller sufficient authority to
execute those applications, agreements, instruments or to do any similar acts necessary to effect the
issuance of the aforesaid bonds and, or notes, without resorting to further action of the City Comptroller.
Section 11. All other matters, except as provided herein relating to such bonds, including
determining whether to issue such bonds having substantially level or declining annual debt service and
all matters related thereto, prescribing whether manual or facsimile signatures shall appear on said
bonds, prescribing the method for the recording of ownership of said bonds, appointing the fiscal agent
or agents for said bonds, providing for the printing and delivery of said bonds (and if said bonds are to
be executed in the name of the City by the facsimile signature of its City Comptroller, providing for the
manual countersignature of a fiscal agent or of a designated official of the City), the date,
denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, place or places of payment, and also including the
consolidation with other issues, shall be determined by the City Comptroller. It is hereby determined
that it is to the financial advantage of the City not to impose and collect from registered owners of such
bonds any charges for mailing, shipping and insuring bonds transferred or exchanged by the fiscal agent,
and, accordingly, pursuant to paragraph c of Section 70.00 of the Local Finance Law, no such charges
shall be so collected by the fiscal agent. Such bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity
clause provided for in Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law and shall otherwise be in such form and
contain such recitals in addition to those required by Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law, as the City
Comptroller shall determine.
Section 12. The validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested only if:
(1) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said City is not
authorized to expend money, or
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City of Watertown
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(2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of this
resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding
contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of such
publication, or
(3) Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 13. This resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes of
Treasury Regulations Section 1.150 2. Other than as specified in this resolution, no monies are, or are
reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long term basis, or otherwise set aside with respect to
the permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein.
Section 14. This ordinance, which takes effect immediately, shall be published in summary in
the Watertown Daily Times the official newspaper, together with a notice of the City Clerk in
substantially the form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Seconded by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
Motion for unanimous consent moved by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso, seconded by
Council Member Stephen A. Jennings and carried with all voting in favor thereof.
Mayor Butler asked if the City should consider using a clerk of the works to provide oversight on this
project.
Mr. Wood indicated that Aubertine and Currier will be used on a part-time basis to handle questions and
coordinate with the contractors. He noted staff could assist with this as well but they will be focusing on
other projects. He confirmed this will be built into the contingency line and advised they were chosen
because they are the designer on the project.
Mayor Butler stated it is important to have oversight on the project.
Council Member Jennings agreed.
Council Member Walczyk stated it makes sense to have a single point of contact on a project like this.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing ordinance and carried with all voting
yea.
O L D B U S I N E S S
The Resolution - “Approving the Special Use Permit Request Submitted by Rickey E. Martin, III,
of KDM Kustoms, LLC to Allow An Auto Repair Shop at 925 Main Street West, Parcel Number
1-17-403.000”. (Introduced on 1/17/17; public hearing held this evening; appears in its entirety in the
2017 Minutes Book on page 7-8 of the 1/17/2017 minutes).
Council reviewed the short environmental assessment form.
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In response to Council Member Macaluso’s inquiry, Michael Lumbis, Planning and Community
Development Director, stated that if the Zoning Board of Appeals does not grant the variance, then Mr.
Martin will not be able to do the light auto body repair as part of the business.
Mayor Butler pointed out that the variance is necessary because it is within 200 feet of a Residence
District.
Council Member Horbacz mentioned that he contacted Mr. Martin and he is encouraged to hear that he
had contacted his neighbors to inform them of his plans. He said the neighbors are excited that this
property was going to be put to good use and he thanked Mr. Martin for choosing to invest in
Watertown.
Mayor Butler agreed and wished Mr. Martin well.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
S T A F F R E P O R T S
SAFER Grant Cost Projections
Mayor Butler commented this memo details the potential cost and savings to the City for hiring two,
four or six Firefighters. He questioned the fringe benefits’ percentage of 31.75%, which should include
FICA, retirement and healthcare.
James Mills, City Comptroller, explained the fringe benefits on overtime are only FICA and retirement.
He noted the retirement assumption is based on Tier 2 Firemen, which is at a higher retirement
percentage of approximately 24%. He indicated to Council Member Horbacz that the net saving is a
comparison of hiring six individuals with the cost of their benefits, minus the overtime difference and
the grant reimbursement. He pointed out this does not include training time or other incidentals.
Mayor Butler said Council talked about this before and there was not enough support to apply for this
grant. Stating this is a contentious issue, he advised the City would save money in the short-term but in
the long-term, this would build a bigger department. He stated the goal is to have a smaller department
through attrition without laying people off. He stressed this grant would guarantee a larger department
over the next three years because the City would hire six new Firefighters and have to replace any
retirees. He mentioned that a future Council will not want to layoff Firefighters once the grant ends. He
said this is why he opposes it and it goes against what the City is trying to accomplish.
Council Member Horbacz pointed out there is no guarantee that the fire negotiations will be over in the
next two to three years.
Council Member Macaluso said that hiring extra Firemen while the City is in negotiations will affect the
City in a negative way long-term. Pointing out the City must maintain the level of Firemen for the
period of the grant, she stated it does not make sense to hire people that will need to be laid off at the
end of the grant.
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Russell Randall, Deputy Fire Chief, disagreed with the representation that this will build a larger Fire
Department because it is a short-term gap. He stressed the Firefighters only have to be retained for a
three year period and then Council can attrite as it sees fit. He reiterated that this will not build the
department and it only will get it through a gap for the negotiations. He confirmed for Council Member
Walczyk that it is not just the new positions that need to be retained throughout the grant period, it is all
of the positions at the time of acceptance of the SAFER grant. He explained that with the grant the
department would be at 77 Firefighters so 77 positions would need to be maintained. Again, he said this
provides the City with a gap to bridge the negotiation process and that is why the Chief and he brought it
forward two years ago. He discussed the fire study, highlighting it advised that the staffing level be
maintained and explained that the grant would bring the department back to the level it was when the
study was done. In addition, he reviewed the purpose of the SAFER grant in detail and explained how
they arrived at the numbers for the addition of six Firefighters.
Mayor Butler reiterated why he does not support this and noted it does not have the support among
Council Members to advance it further.
VL Burlington Street
Mayor Butler read the memo, stating the individual that offered $100 for VL Burlington Street no longer
wishes to purchase the lot so a resolution was not prepared for tonight’s meeting.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2017 Annual Action Plan Public Hearing
Mayor Butler commented that a public hearing needs to be set.
Motion was made by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings to schedule a Public Hearing on the
CDBG 2017 Annual Action Plan for Monday, March 6, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. Motion was seconded by
Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting in favor thereof.
28th
Annual Local Government Conference
Mayor Butler announced this conference will be held March 30, 2017, at Jefferson Community College.
Council Member Walczyk indicated he attended this conference last year and he learned a lot of
valuable information.
Development Authority of the North Country – Comprehensive Housing Analysis
Mayor Butler stated the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) paid for GAR Associates
to conduct a housing study for Watertown. He said there is a lot of information and suggested
dedicating a work session to this.
Ms. Addison indicated this will be on the agenda for the March work session.
Council Member Horbacz said the report indicates there is an over build of new housing stock and a
decreasing military population that has contributed to the housing issue.
Council Member Jennings thanked DANC for the report, noting there is a lot of detail to review. He
asked that this also be presented to the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) and the subcommittee of that
group.
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Council Member Macaluso indicated she has read the whole housing report and is not surprised by the
results. She wondered if CDBG funds could be used to help with zombie houses.
N E W B U S I N E S S
Rental Inspection Discussing the recent fire on Academy Street in which a woman started a fire to stay warm since there
was no heat in the apartment, Council Member Jennings stated he would like to bring forward the issue
of rental inspections again. He pointed out the housing study recommended there be greater monitoring
of the housing stock. He said this situation is not an anomaly and it could happen again, given the age
of the housing stock and poverty rates. He stated he feels Council has an obligation to address this and
to do it through a policy that has worked in many other cities. Stating he will be bringing this legislation
forward, he asked for Council’s input in the meantime.
Council Member Horbacz pointed out the policy in place to address this issue is to call Code
Enforcement. He offered a short-term solution would be to implement an awareness campaign to let
people know who to call and when to call.
Council Member Jennings indicated this is one of the things that the housing subcommittee will be
working on.
CDBG funding for the Thompson Park Pool
Council Member Walczyk asked if CDBG funds could be applied to rebuilding Thompson Park Pool.
Mr. Lumbis advised that it could not because there needs to be a defined geographic service area for the
pool, which was determined to be from the park going west to Washington Street and north to the river.
He pointed out that downtown needs to be excluded because the defined area can only be residential.
He explained that with using this geography and the census data, the low-to-moderate income
percentages are not high enough to qualify for CDBG.
Council Member Walczyk remarked that he feels this is the near east side of the City’s pool and it
should qualify.
Mr. Lumbis agreed that the near east side block groups and census tract do qualify by themselves, but
you cannot leave out the neighborhoods that are in-between, such as the ones right around Thompson
Park which do not have the higher low-to-moderate income percentages.
Council Member Walczyk agreed there are some nice homes around there but said it is unfortunate
because the people in those nicer homes are going to their cottages or have their own pools. He added
that for the poorest part of the City, that is their pool, but he does not know how to make the number
reflect that.
Mr. Lumbis said he has tried various ways to define the service area but is having difficulty making it
work.
Mayor Butler mentioned that when looking at the entire City, the low-to-moderate level should be close
to qualifying and suggested people would use the pool regardless of where they live in the City.
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Mr. Lumbis confirmed that if the City was over 51% then it would qualify. He clarified that CDBG
funds cannot be used for the maintenance of a pool.
Mayor Butler reminded Council that CDBG funds are dedicated to low-to-moderate income areas and
discussed that it has been spent on playgrounds and housing rehabilitation in these neighborhoods.
Thompson Park Pool
Mentioning that $35,000 was approved for a study, Council Member Macaluso wondered if the
approach could be different by putting out a request for ideas to various people that work on pools. She
stated this might be better than putting out an RFP for engineering designs. She said she agrees with
Council Member Walczyk about doing something with the pool, but she said it is going to cost a lot of
money and there are many people that are resistant to spending this much money on a swimming pool
that can only be used six weeks out of the year.
Council Member Jennings commented that the Friends of Thompson Park has been discussing this issue
and he thinks it would be good if they presented an update on their ideas to Council.
Ms. Addison said she can invite them to a work session.
Council Member Horbacz added that he hears constant complaints about the bathrooms in the park.
Council Member Walczyk mentioned he attends the Friends of Thompson Park meetings and their main
goal is to do a project every year to keep excitement in the park. He noted the playground will be done
this year, the splash pad will follow and future projects will continue, noting they have a vision.
Discussion over the condition and timeline of the pool continued. Council Member Walczyk noted that
Friends of Thompson Park is focused on the splash pad, stating the group does not want to “bite off
more than it can chew right now” so the pool may be left to the City to figure out. He said he is willing
to work on this but just needs the support from Council.
Mayor Butler told Council Member Walczyk that he needs to tell people how the pool is going to be
paid for and warned against “sabotaging” the General Fund. He said if the pool is going to cost $1
million, then it should be translated into the tax rate and people should be told their tax rate is increasing
by 7% due to a new pool. He stated that if there are going to be discussions on how to spend money on
big items then there needs to be equal discussions on how to pay for them. He commented that he does
not believe the Friends of Thompson Park are supportive of the pool and are focused on the splash pad.
Former Walmart Employee – Privilege of the Floor
Mayor Butler commented that the City is not in a position to help with this problem, but he apologized
for this individual’s circumstances. He suggested the individual should involve his State and Federal
representatives.
Chili Cook-off Mayor Butler stated he attended this event and it was nice, noting that it is their 18
th year.
Trip to Albany – Department of State and Environmental Facilities Corporation
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Mayor Butler reported that he and the City Manager travelled to Albany to speak to representatives from
these groups, noting they received a briefing as to why the City was not awarded the funds for the
Fairgrounds parking lot. He noted they received valuable information in order to strengthen future
project requests. In addition, he said they learned about potential shared service grants for the County
Court complex.
Fire and Ice – Jefferson County Historical Society
Mayor Butler announced that this event will take place Saturday, February 11th
at the Jefferson County
Historical Society.
Motion was made by Council Member Mark C. Walczyk to move into Executive Session to discuss
the proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property when publicity would affect the value
thereof, to discuss Collective Bargaining and to discuss the employment history of a particular
individual.
Motion was seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting in favor
thereof.
Council moved into Executive Session at 8:23 p.m.
Council reconvened at 10:01 p.m.
A D J O U R N M E N T
At the call of the chair, meeting was duly adjourned at 10:01 p.m. by motion of Council Member
Mark C. Walczyk, seconded by Council Member Cody J. Horbacz and carried with all voting in
favor thereof.
Ann M. Saunders
City Clerk
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