Watertown meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Watertown Council approves $1.075M settlement, bonds for water and sewer work

The Watertown City Council approved a $1.075 million settlement and authorized several bonds for water and sewer infrastructure projects at its Aug. 17 meeting. The council also approved ice time agreements and a police technology grant application. All votes were recorded with specific tallies, including some dissenting votes on the bond ordinances.

City Council approves settlement and bonds

The council unanimously approved a $1.075 million settlement for a claim by Jeffrey L. Hodge. It also authorized a grant application to the DCJS LETech program for up to $250,000 for police technology, also unanimous.

Ice time agreements were approved for the Figure Skating Club (unanimous) and the Minor Hockey Association (4-1, with Mayor Pierce voting no).

Bond ordinances passed as follows:

• $525,000 for roof replacement (unanimous)
• $1.995 million for Bronson Street water and sewer (4-1, Councilor Osborne voting no)
• $4.5 million for Main Street East water and sewer (4-1, Osborne voting no)
• $1.075 million for settled claims (4-1, Councilor Shoen voting no)

City Council work session on water and other items

At an Aug. 10 work session, the council discussed but did not vote on a phased approach for the Water Treatment Facility after projected costs rose from $61.7 million to $70.1 million. The plan would include Phase 1 at about $45 million and Phase 2 from 2031 to 2033. The council also reviewed a lead service line replacement plan covering 1,242 lines by 2037, four options for Pawling Street water main replacement, ice time allocation options, a potential city-wide revaluation, and Clean Watertown refuse initiatives. No formal decisions were made.

Planning Commission and Zoning Board meetings

The Planning Commission met Aug. 11 and had the following items on its agenda: a special use permit for a marijuana dispensary at 952 Arsenal Street (basement unit) by Bud Bound Ventures, LLC; a two-lot subdivision of 272 Green Street by Storino Geomatics, PLLC; and a site plan amendment for Puccia Olive Oil Company at 111 Breen Avenue. Public hearings were scheduled for 5:20 p.m. for the subdivision and dispensary requests. The Jefferson County Planning Board review was required for the dispensary and site plan items. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Aug. 19 and considered four area variance requests: to increase lot coverage at 111 Breen Avenue (Puccia Olive Oil Company, LLC); to increase signage square footage at 1283 Arsenal Street (Allied Sign Company); to decrease a side-yard setback at 521 Hamlin Street (Matthew Resch for Matthew L. Cleaver); and to increase lot width at 716 Eddy Street (Scott Kolb for David and Mary Gebo). Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next two weeks. Residents are advised to check the city's official calendar for future meeting dates and agendas.

Watertown Council approves hydroelectric extension, generator bid

The Watertown City Council on Aug. 3 approved a three-year extension of its hydroelectric operations and maintenance agreement with Ampersand New York Operations Company, LLC, through June 30, 2029. The council also accepted a $156,400 bid for generator installation and readopted the capital budget to add a $150,000 water truck, among other actions.

City Council actions (Aug. 3)

The council voted unanimously to extend the Ampersand agreement, despite some members favoring a one-year extension to allow for a request for proposals. A separate resolution for a one-year extension was withdrawn on a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Garrabrant opposed.

Other unanimous actions included:

• Accepting a $156,400 bid from ENI Mechanical for lift station generator installation.
• Adopting an ordinance designating VL-3 Waterman Drive as Industrial.
• Adopting an ordinance amending Municipal Code §310 Zoning.
• Issuing negative SEQRA declarations for both zoning actions.

The capital budget readoption, which added a $150,000 DPW water truck funded by CHIPs, passed 3-2, with Osborne and Shoen opposed.

Work session on water facility (Aug. 10)

In an Aug. 10 work session, the council discussed but did not vote on a phased approach to the Water Treatment Facility, after projected costs rose from $61.7 million to $70.1 million. The discussion included a Phase 1 estimate of about $45 million and a Phase 2 from 2031–2033.

The council also reviewed a lead service line replacement plan covering 1,242 lines needed by 2037, considered four options for Pawling Street water main replacement, debated ice time allocation options, and discussed a potential city-wide revaluation. No formal decisions were made. The council moved into executive session to discuss litigation and collective bargaining.

Planning Commission agenda (Aug. 11)

The Planning Commission is scheduled to meet Aug. 11 to consider several land-use items, including a special use permit for a marijuana dispensary at 952 Arsenal Street (basement unit) by Bud Bound Ventures, LLC, a two-lot subdivision of 272 Green Street by Storino Geomatics, PLLC, and a site plan amendment for Puccia Olive Oil Company at 111 Breen Avenue. Public hearings are set for 5:20 p.m. for the subdivision and dispensary requests. Jefferson County Planning Board review is required for the dispensary and site plan items. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

City Council – Aug. 17 – The council will consider four bond ordinances totaling about $7.6 million for infrastructure projects: $525,000 for a roof replacement at the Water Transmission and Distribution Building, $1,995,000 for water/sewer reconstruction on Bronson Street, $4,500,000 for water/sewer reconstruction on Main Street East, and $1,075,000 to pay judgments or settled claims. Also on the agenda: a resolution to apply for up to $250,000 in DCJS LETech grant funds for police drones and roadway safety, certification of delinquent property taxes for foreclosure, ice time rentals at the municipal arena, a public hearing, and a local law amending the water code.

Zoning Board of Appeals – Aug. 19 – The board will hear four area variance requests: increased lot coverage at 111 Breen Avenue (Puccia Olive Oil Company), increased signage at 1283 Arsenal Street (Allied Sign Company), decreased side-yard setback at 521 Hamlin Street (Matthew Resch for Matthew L Cleaver), and increased lot width at 716 Eddy Street (Scott Kolb for David and Mary Gebo). Applicants must attend for action to be taken.