city council meeting city of watertown 7:00 … regular meeting.pdf · written by motion of council...
TRANSCRIPT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WATERTOWN
December 4, 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
Christina E. Stone, City Attorney
City staff present: Matthew Roy, James Mills, Eugene Hayes, Justin Wood, Fire Chief Herman, Erin
Gardner, Brian Phelps, Michael Lumbis
The City Manager presented the following reports to Council:
Resolution No. 1 - Reappointment to Community Action Planning Council, Justin F. Brotherton
Resolution No. 2 - Reappointment to Community Action Planning Council, Stanley Zaremba
Resolution No. 3 - Designation of Official Newspaper
Resolution No. 4 - Amendment No. 114 to the Management and Management Confidential Pay
Plan
Resolution No. 5 - Readopting Fiscal Year 2017-18 General Fund Budget
Resolution No. 6 - Establishing 2018 County Tax Rate
Resolution No. 7 - Authorizing the Sale of Bicycles and Miscellaneous Items
Resolution No. 8 - To Settle Action to Review Real Property Assessment at 1283 Arsenal Street,
Parcel Number 9-22-101.111
Resolution No. 9 - Sponsoring and Supporting an Application For Restore NY Funding
Resolution No. 10 - Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of
Watertown and CNY Fair Housing to Establish and Administer a Fair Housing Education and
Enforcement Program
Local Law No. 5 of 2017 - A Local Law establishing a Contingency and Tax Stabilization
Reserve Fund Pursuant to New York General Municipal Law Section 6-e
Office of NYS Comptroller Division of Local Government and School Accountability Report of
Examination – City of Watertown Information Technology, December 2017
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 William
Doney and Patricia McWayne, longtime members of the community.
Pledge of Allegiance was given.
The reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of November 20, 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.
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
2
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
No communications.
P R E S E N T A T I O N
Update of Globe Mini Mall Building, 302 Court Street
Mayor Butler welcomed Pastor Kory Wells, Calvary Chapel North Country Church, to provide an
update on the renovation project of the Globe Mini Mall Building at 302 Court Street.
Pastor Wells indicated his church has owned the building for two years and they have been in the
strategic planning phase of the project. He noted the mission is to provide help to the community with
programs for veterans, first responders and families suffering with the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.
In addition, the building will house a radio station, thrift shop, teen youth educational center and coffee
shop/bakery and the church’s place of worship will be on the top floor of the building. He stressed that
the community development center is in line with Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and
provided more details regarding the community services.
Regarding repairs, Pastor Wells said the roof needs to be fixed first and it should be completed by the
spring. He discussed the façade work, noting there are two styles being reviewed and that the sign “The
Globe” will be incorporated into the first floor to preserve its historic value. In addition, the grand
stairway will be revitalized, the interior will be painted and the heating/air conditioning, as well as fire
suppression system, will be upgraded. Pastor Wells responded to detailed questions regarding the
repairs and noted the costs will be approximately $120,000 for the façade work, $145,000 for the roof
repairs and $20,000 per unit (six systems) for the heating/air conditioning upgrades. In response to
Mayor Butler, Pastor Wells stated that any member of Council is welcome to tour the building.
Health Insurance Annual Review by ProAct
Mayor Butler welcomed Corey Prashaw, Account Manager, to provide an annual review of this
program.
Mr. Prashaw reviewed the presentation packet (on file in the City Clerk’s Office) explaining the
performance summary and utilization summary. He said the plan did well this year and in comparison
to other municipalities and their Book of Business, the plan cost per prescription is significantly lower
on average. He noted the percentage of generic filled prescriptions increased, which for every 1% this is
increased there is roughly a 2-4% savings in overall plan costs. He noted there are some new members
utilizing specialty medications which can increase the costs of the plan significantly. Reviewing what
members pay in comparison to what the plan pays, Mr. Prashaw summarized members pay
approximately 5% throughout the entire plan year. On page 5, he analyzed the demographics of the
members, noting that the average member age has increased roughly three years. Reviewing the drug
usage analysis, he indicated the trend is to see an increase in specialty drugs usage and noted the pie
charts reflected the significant cost of specialty drugs.
Mr. Prashaw reviewed further the specialty drug summary and top specialty drugs on page 8 and 9. He
pointed out that there are a total of 30 members taking specialty drugs in comparison to 24 members last
year, which contributed to a 66% increase on the amount that the plan paid. He detailed the top
specialty drugs, noting what they are used for and their costs. He reviewed page 10 which shows how
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
3
the prescriptions are being filled and the use of the mail order service for maintenance drugs. In
conclusion, he discussed the saving opportunities offered by ProAct and stated this equates to
approximately $3.5 million.
In response to Mayor Butler’s question, Mr. Prashaw said he can provide the City with a supplemental
report of this usage. In addition, he advised there are programs for additional cost savings that would
need to be negotiated by each individual bargaining unit, but it will be discussed further in the future
with the City. In comparison to other clients, he stated the copays are not too low and talked about cost
shares that can be used for specialty drugs.
P R I V I L E G E O F T H E F L O O R
No one spoke.
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 a
Resolution Sponsoring and Supporting an Application For Restore NY Funding.
Mayor Butler declared the hearing open at 7:30 p.m.
No one spoke.
Mayor Butler declared the hearing closed at 7:30 p.m.
R E S O L U T I O N S
Resolution No. 1 - Reappointment to Community Action Planning Council, Justin F. Brotherton
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings RESOLVED that the following individual is hereby reappointed to the Jefferson County
Community Action Planning Council for a two-year term expiring on December 31, 2019, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following individual is hereby the official designee of
Mayor Joseph M. Butler, Jr. in his appointment to the Jefferson County Community Action Planning
Council:
Justin F. Brotherton
200 Washington Street, Suite 401
Watertown, NY 13601
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting yea.
Resolution No. 2 - Reappointment to Community Action Planning Council, Stanley Zaremba
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
RESOLVED that the following individual is hereby reappointed to the Jefferson County
Community Action Planning Council for a two-year term expiring on December 31, 2019, and
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
4
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following individual is hereby the official designee of
Council Member Cody J. Horbacz in his appointment to the Jefferson County Community Action
Planning Council:
Stanley Zaremba
505 Franklin Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting yea.
Resolution No. 3 - Designation of Official Newspaper
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Watertown, New York, that the
Watertown Daily Times be and is hereby designated as the official newspaper of the City of Watertown,
New York, for the year beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2018.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting yea.
Resolution No. 4 - Amendment No. 114 to the Management and Management Confidential Pay
Plan
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Watertown, New
York, hereby approves Amendment No. 114 to the Management and Management Confidential Pay Plan
for the position listed below, as follows:
Position Salary
Deputy City Clerk (new appointee) $35,000
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler introduced Lisa Carr as the City’s new
Deputy City Clerk and wished her well.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
Resolution No. 5 - Readopting Fiscal Year 2017-18 General Fund Budget
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS on June 5, 2017 the City Council passed a resolution adopting the Budget for Fiscal
Year 2017-18, of which $42,702,845 was appropriated for the General Fund, and
WHEREAS on October 16, 2017 the City Council passed a resolution re-adopting the General
Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-18 in the amount of $42,827,845 to include $125,000 of funding for
the Thompson Park wall repair, and
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
5
WHEREAS the Adopted Fiscal Year 2017-18 General Fund Budget did not contain funding for
the hydro-electric facility windings cleaning project in the amount of $70,000, and
WHEREAS the Adopted Fiscal Year 2017-18 Capital Fund Budget funded the Massey Street
Fire Station roof replacement in the amount of $225,000 and the City’s share of Thompson Park splash
pad in the amount of $170,000 with debt financing, and
WHEREAS City Council desires to change the method of funding the Massey Street Fire
Station roof replacement and Thompson Park splash pad projects to utilize current financial resources,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Watertown hereby
re-adopts the General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-18 in the total amount of $43,292,845 to
include $70,000 for the hydro-electric windings cleaning project, $225,000 for the Massey Street Fire
Station roof replacement and $170,000 for the City’s share of the Thompson Park splash pad and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Watertown that the following
adjustments be included in the re-adopted General Fund Budget:
Revenue and Appropriated Fund Balance
A.0000.0909 Fund Balance $ 465,000
Total Revenues and Appropriated Fund Balance $ 465,000
Expenditures
A.5184.0430 Hydro-electric Contracted Services $ 70,000
A.9950.0900 Transfer to Capital Fund $ 395,000
Total Expenditures $ 465,000
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler explained this resolution is a result of a
discussion at a previous meeting, in which the General Fund budget can be readopted in order to save
the City approximately $100,000 by not bonding for these projects.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea except Council Member Mark C. Walczyk voting nay.
Resolution No. 6 - Establishing 2018 County Tax Rate
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS the Board of Legislators of the County of Jefferson, by resolution dated November
14, 2017, and in accordance with New York State Real Property Tax Law Article 9 Section 904 has
certified to the City that the contribution of the City of Watertown to the taxes of the County of
Jefferson for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2018 is $8,334,287.31,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Council shall and hereby does
levy the said aggregate amount of taxes of $8,334,287.31, so ascertained and directed and to be certified
to the City and to be extended on the Assessment Rolls by the City Assessor, as provided by Section 115
of the City Charter, and
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
6
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City does hereby levy a total fee of $8,334,287.31 to be
collected at a rate of $7.763007 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, of which County tax levy is
$8,322,034.94 and includes $12,252.37 in omitted taxes.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting yea.
Resolution No. 7 - Authorizing the Sale of Bicycles and Miscellaneous Items
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS the City of Watertown has acquired a number of abandoned bicycles and
miscellaneous items, the listing of which is attached and made a part of this resolution, and
WHEREAS these bicycles and miscellaneous items may have some value best determined by
on-line auction,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Watertown, New
York, that it hereby authorizes the sale, by on-line auction, of abandoned bicycles and miscellaneous
items, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that final acceptance of such bids shall constitute acceptance of
the same by the City Council.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler reviewed the results of last year’s auction
and said it will be good to try using the online auction for this because it will save on staff time. He
pointed out that it had been done in person during an evening but the results have been declining.
Council Member Horbacz mentioned social media may be a good way to advertise this and encouraged
the City to increase its social media presence.
Mayor Butler agreed that it may be a good way to promote annual events throughout the year and
suggested that it could be discussed further in the future.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
Resolution No. 8 - To Settle Action to Review Real Property Assessment at 1283 Arsenal Street,
Parcel Number 9-22-101.111
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS, certain premises owned by Arsenal Plaza Associates, LLC in the City of Watertown
at 1283 Arsenal Street, Parcel # 9-22-101.111 on the assessment roll and map of the City (“Price
Chopper Plaza”) are assessed upon the assessment roll of the City for the payment of taxes starting with
Tax Year 2016 as follows:
2016 $15,160,400
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
7
2017 $15,160,400
And
WHEREAS, Arsenal Plaza Associates, LLC has heretofore duly instituted in the Supreme Court
proceedings to review the assessment and the determination of the Board of Review of the City for Tax
Years 2016 and 2017; and
WHEREAS, the parties have reviewed such financial information, as deemed relevant, in respect
to the subject property and have reviewed such statutes and case law as deemed appropriate and have
agreed that the assessment shall be adjusted as follows:
2016 $15,160,400 (no adjustment)
2017 $14,500,000 ($660,400 adjustment)
And
WHEREAS, the parties have agreed that the assessment for Tax Years 2018 through 2020 shall
be governed by NY RPTL §727; and
WHEREAS, in consideration of the City adjusting and setting the assessment as set forth above,
the Petitioner agrees not to commence tax assessment review proceedings pursuant to Article 7 of the
RPTL in the State of New York, or any under any other applicable provisions of law for Tax Years 2018
through and including 2020, except as otherwise authorized by RPTL § 727; and
WHEREAS, the City Assessor reserves the right to adjust the assessment on the Price Chopper
Plaza for Tax Years 2018 through and including 2020 as authorized by RPTL §727; and similarly, the
Petitioner shall not be barred from challenging and/or commencing proceedings to review the
assessment on Price Chopper Plaza in those instances; and
WHEREAS, a compromise and settlement of the aforesaid proceedings upon the above basis is
deemed in the best interests of the respondents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Watertown, New
York, that the City Attorneys for the City of Watertown be and are hereby authorized, empowered and
directed to enter into a formal Stipulation of Settlement and Order of the aforesaid proceedings with
counsel for Arsenal Street Associates, LLC on the following terms and conditions:
1. That the total assessment of the subject property owned by Arsenal Plaza
Associates, LLC and known as Tax Parcel #9-22-101.111 shall not be
adjusted for tax year 2016 and that the assessment roll be set as is.
2. That the total assessment of the subject property owned by Arsenal Plaza
Associates, LLC and known as Tax Parcel # 9-22-101.111 shall be
reduced to $14,500,000 for Tax Year 2017 with rebates; and as so adjusted
shall be finally fixed and determined and that the assessment roll be
corrected as required.
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
8
3. That the total assessment of the subject property shall be set at
$14,500,000for Tax Years 2018, 2019, and 2020, and as so adjusted shall
be finally fixed and determined.
4. That the above adjustments, with rebates, are made in consideration of the
Petitioner’s agreement not to commence Tax Assessment Review
Proceedings pursuant to Article 7 of the Real Property Tax Law of the
State of New York or under any other applicable provisions of law for Tax
Years 2018, 2019, and 2020 so long as the assessment is fixed as set forth
above.
5. The City Assessor reserves the right to adjust the assessment of the subject
property as authorized by NY RPTL §727.
6. In the instances specified at paragraph 5 above, the Petitioner reserves the
right to challenge the assessment on the subject property as relates to NY
RPTL §727.
7. That an Order of the Supreme Court shall be made and entered settling the
aforesaid proceedings to reduce said assessment without costs to either
party as against the other and upon such terms and conditions as are set
forth above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Assessor, and all other municipal officers, agents
or employees be and are hereby directed to perform such as may be necessary to give full force and
effect to the aforesaid settlement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler explained this resolution settles a case on a
property assessment by adjusting the value.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
Resolution No. 9 - Sponsoring and Supporting an Application For Restore NY Funding
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS the City of Watertown is eligible for grant funding under Round 5 of the Restore
NY Communities Initiative Municipal Grant Program, and
WHEREAS the City Council has considered proposals that qualify for funding under the
program and selected one project to be included in an application that will be submitted to the Empire
State Development Corporation (ESDC) as follows:
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
9
Redevelopment of the Court Street Commons buildings located at 138, 152 and 170
Court Street, Parcel Numbers 7-01-126.000, 7-01-129.000 and 7-01-130.100, to include
façade restoration on all buildings, the addition of 18 market-rate apartments, renovation
of 7,540 square feet of commercial space, as well as surrounding site improvements, and
WHEREAS this project is consistent with all existing local plans, the proposed financing is
appropriate for the project, the project will facilitate effective and efficient use of existing and future
public resources so as to promote both economic development and preservation of community resources
and the project develops and enhances infrastructure and/or other facilities in a manner that will attract,
create and sustain employment opportunities in the City of Watertown,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby supports and will sponsor
an application for Restore NY funding for the Court Street Commons Project and will administer the
grant in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations established by ESDC, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to sign the application and
any agreements required by ESDC for grant funding resulting from the application.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Prior to the vote on the foregoing resolution, Mayor Butler said this is a good project which will add
market-rate housing and mixed use to Downtown. He thanked Mr. Bradley and his wife for their
investment in this project.
At the call of the chair, a vote was taken on the foregoing resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
Resolution No. 10 - Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of
Watertown and CNY Fair Housing to Establish and Administer a Fair Housing Education and
Enforcement Program
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS the City of Watertown, as a recipient of Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) entitlement funding under the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development,
has certified that it will affirmatively further Fair Housing, and
WHEREAS the City of Watertown desires to work with CNY Fair Housing regarding
professional services to educate tenants and housing providers within the City of Watertown regarding
their respective Fair Housing rights and responsibilities, and
WHEREAS CNY Fair Housing is a qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Agency, and
WHEREAS the City of Watertown desires to refer any Fair Housing complaints received by the
City to CNY Fair Housing for further investigation, and
WHEREAS the City of Watertown has allocated CDBG funding for a Fair Housing Education
Project in its adopted Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, and
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
10
WHEREAS CNY Fair Housing has prepared a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the
project, a copy of which is attached and made part of this resolution,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Watertown hereby
approves the MOU with CNY Fair Housing to establish and administer a Fair Housing education and
enforcement program, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City agrees to pay CNY Fair Housing a not-to-exceed
sum of $4,100 for actual expenses incurred, based on hours worked during the contract period, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby authorizes and directs the City
Manager, Sharon Addison, to execute the MOU on behalf of the City of Watertown.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting yea.
L O C A L L A W
Local Law No. 5 of 2017 - A Local Law establishing a Contingency and Tax Stabilization Reserve
Fund Pursuant to New York General Municipal Law Section 6-e
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
A Local Law establishing a Contingency and Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund pursuant to New
York General Municipal Law Section 6-e.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Watertown desires to begin planning for the
expiration of the City’s Power Purchase Agreement with National Grid, pursuant to which National
Grid’s purchase of the City’s generated hydro-electric power in excess of the City’s needs contributes to
the City’s General Fund; and
WHEREAS, The City does not currently have an established Contingency and Tax Stabilization
Reserve Fund which can assist in planning for the expiration of the Power Purchase Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Section 6-e of the General Municipal Law authorizes the City Council to establish a
Contingency and Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund subject to the permissive referendum provisions
contained at Sections 24 through 26 of the New York Municipal Home Rule Law;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Watertown, New
York that a Contingency and Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund shall be established, to be governed by the
provisions of Section 6-e of the New York General Municipal Law; and
BE IT FURTHER ENACTED that this Local Law shall take effect forty-five days after its filing
with the New York Secretary of State, unless submitted to referendum on petition pursuant to Section
24(1)(a) of the New York Municipal Home Rule Law.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Motion was made by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings to schedule a Public Hearing on the
foregoing local law for Monday, December 18, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. Motion was seconded by
Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting in favor thereof.
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
11
S T A F F R E P O R T S
Office of NYS Comptroller Division of Local Government and School Accountability Report of
Examination – City of Watertown Information Technology, December 2017
Mayor Butler said an audit was conducted over the last several months and he encouraged everyone to
read this report. He noted there are corrective actions that the City will need to better protect password
security and sensitive information. He stated a Corrective Action Plan will be submitted within 90 days
so if anyone has any questions, they should speak to the IT Manager directly.
Council Member Walczyk wondered if there are any compensating funds available from the State in
order to fund some of the training mandates, especially in regard to cyber security.
Mayor Butler commented that he does not think the training will be labor intensive and mentioned
webinars are available.
Ms. Addison agreed, noting this will be similar to other training that is required by the City and the cost
will be low.
Mayor Butler added that many of the findings in the report were not a surprise and the IT Department
had already been working on remedies to these issues.
N E W B U S I N E S S
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Council Member Horbacz said this was a good event and thanked everyone that helped to put it together.
Mayor Butler agreed this was a successful event and thanked everyone’s collaborative efforts towards it.
Sherman Street and Flower Avenue Intersection Council Member Horbacz asked if there was an action plan moving forward to address the concerns of
this intersection. In response to Mayor Butler stating a traffic study will need to be conducted, he
wondered if that could be done in-house.
Ms. Addison indicated that Council was sent a report recently that was prepared by the City Engineer
with his recommendations.
Justin Wood, City Engineer, stated staff collected the traffic data on peak turn movements, average daily
traffic, accident records over a 24 and 36 month period, as well as looked at the site conditions in order
to put together the 20-page report. He provided details regarding the accidents occurring at the
intersection and discussed possible site obstructions and site distance, but noted only 5 out of the 15
accidents were due to vehicles running the stop sign. Reviewing the report in detail, he explained the
criteria needed to warrant a four-way stop and advised that this intersection does not meet it. He
mentioned the additional supplemental measures that could be taken, such as tree pruning, double post
stop signs on each side of the street, and a yellow center line with a stop bar. He suggested that making
this a four-way stop intersection may worsen the situation.
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
12
Mayor Butler agreed that painting will help.
Council Member Horbacz expressed concerns with the safety of the elementary students walking in the
area.
More discussion occurred regarding the specifics of the accidents and the criteria needed for a four-way
stop.
Council Member Walczyk said that he has been contacted by a resident living in this neighborhood, who
suggests there are more accidents than what is being recorded. He indicated that he will put this
individual in contact with the City Engineer.
December Work Session
Council Member Walczyk indicated that he will not be in attendance due to his orders from the United
States Army Reserves.
Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)
Mayor Butler reported that the public engagement process took place last week with information
gathering sessions and presentations of ideas. He said there was a large interest from the public with
good attendance and the consultants offered quality concepts. He advised the deadline for the
submission of a business plan is December 15. He mentioned the website is www.watertowndri.com
and it contains the schedule of meetings, agenda, timeline and illustrations of the ideas discussed.
Motion was made by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings to move into Executive Session to
discuss proposed, pending or current litigation.
Motion was seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting in favor
thereof.
Council moved into Executive Session at 8:27 p.m.
Council reconvened at 8:36 p.m. and the following resolution was offered.
Resolution - Settling Claims against Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
Introduced by Council Member Stephen A. Jennings
WHEREAS, the City of Watertown and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. entered into a contract
for professional services for Stantec’s detailed design and construction support services for the City’s
Fairgrounds Municipal Arena; and
WHEREAS, the contract work has been completed and the City has presented claims against
Stantec for monetary loss which it claims is attributable to defective design work; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the parties’ written agreement, the parties proceeded to mediation of the
City’s claims; and
City Council Meeting December 4, 2017
City of Watertown
13
WHEREAS, the mediation resulted in an agreement whereby the City and Stantec elected to
resolve the claims short of litigation;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Watertown that the
City shall resolve its claims against Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for the total amount of
$100,000.00 and that the City Manager is hereby directed to execute a general release to Stantec
Consulting Services, Inc. on behalf of the City in exchange for payment and receipt of a reciprocal
release from Stantec.
Seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso
Rules waived by Motion of 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 resolution and carried with all voting
yea.
A D J O U R N M E N T
At the call of the chair, meeting was duly adjourned at 8:36 p.m. by motion of Mayor Joseph M.
Butler, Jr., seconded by Council Member Teresa R. Macaluso and carried with all voting in favor
thereof.
Ann M. Saunders
City Clerk