Watertown, NY

Events

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on August 19, 2026, to discuss four area variance requests. These include requests to increase lot coverage, signage, and lot width, and to decrease a side-yard setback. The meeting is open to the public, and applicants must attend for action to be taken.

• Area variance to increase lot coverage at 111 Breen Avenue (Puccia Olive Oil Company, LLC)
• Area variance to increase signage square footage at 1283 Arsenal Street (Allied Sign Company)
• Area variance to decrease side-yard setback at 521 Hamlin Street (Matthew Resch for Matthew L Cleaver)
• Area variance to increase lot width at 716 Eddy Street (Scott Kolb for David and Mary Gebo)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will consider four bond ordinances totaling about $7.6 million for infrastructure projects, including a roof replacement, water and sewer reconstruction on Bronson Street and Main Street East, and settlement of claims. They will also vote on a police grant application, certify delinquent property taxes for foreclosure, and approve ice time rentals at the municipal arena. A public hearing and a local law amending the water code are also on the agenda.

• Bond ordinance for $525,000 to replace roof of Water Transmission and Distribution Building
• Bond ordinance for $1,995,000 for water/sewer reconstruction on Bronson Street
• Bond ordinance for $4,500,000 for water/sewer reconstruction on Main Street East
• Bond ordinance for $1,075,000 to pay judgments or settled claims
• Resolution to apply for up to $250,000 DCJS LETech grant for police drones and roadway safety

The Watertown City Council approved a $1.075 million settlement for a claim by Jeffrey L. Hodge, authorized grant applications for police technology, and approved ice time agreements for the Figure Skating Club and Minor Hockey Association. The Council also authorized bonds for water and sewer infrastructure projects, including $4.5 million for Main Street East and $1.995 million for Bronson Street, and scheduled a public hearing on a local law amending water code. All votes were recorded with specific tallies, including some dissenting votes on the bond ordinances.

• Approved $1.075M settlement for Hodge claim (unanimous)
• Authorized DCJS LETech grant application up to $250K (unanimous)
• Approved ice time agreement with Figure Skating Club (unanimous)
• Approved ice time agreement with Minor Hockey Association (4-1, Mayor Pierce nay)
• Authorized $525K bond for roof replacement (unanimous)
• Authorized $1.995M bond for Bronson Street water/sewer (4-1, Osborne nay)
• Authorized $4.5M bond for Main Street East water/sewer (4-1, Osborne nay)
• Authorized $1.075M bond for settled claims (4-1, Shoen nay)

Planning Commission

The Watertown Planning Commission will meet on August 11, 2026, to discuss several land-use items, including a special use permit for a marijuana dispensary, a two-lot subdivision, and a site plan amendment. Public hearings are scheduled for the subdivision and dispensary requests. The meeting is open to the public.

• Special use permit for marijuana dispensary at 952 Arsenal Street (basement unit) by Bud Bound Ventures, LLC
• Two-lot subdivision of 272 Green Street (Parcel 13-11-102.001) by Storino Geomatics, PLLC
• Site plan amendment for Puccia Olive Oil Company at 111 Breen Avenue (Parcel 8-01-214.100)
• Public hearings at 5:20 p.m. for the subdivision and dispensary requests
• Jefferson County Planning Board review required for dispensary and site plan items

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold a work session to discuss several infrastructure and policy items, including a $70.1 million water treatment facility upgrade, a lead service line replacement update, options for a water main extension on Pawling Street, the winter ice schedule at the municipal arena, the assessment re-evaluation process, and refuse and recycling initiatives. The meeting also includes an executive session to discuss litigation.

• Water Treatment Facility Course Correction: $70.1M total project cost, $61.7M already bonded, $24.28M intermunicipal grant, $14M SRF financing
• Lead Service Line Replacement: 1,242 service lines of concern (6 known lead, 954 galvanized requiring replacement, 282 unknown) must be replaced by November 2037
• Pawling Street water main extension: four options presented, with 8-inch material and installation costs ranging from $128,300 to $353,060
• Winter Ice Schedule: staff recommends Option 1, which mirrors the 2025-2026 schedule with no significant changes
• Assessment Re-Evaluation Process: discussion of citywide revaluation

The City Council held a work session and discussed, but did not vote on, a phased approach for the Water Treatment Facility after projected costs rose from $61.7M to $70.1M. Council also reviewed options for lead service line replacements, Pawling Street water improvements, ice time allocation, and a potential city-wide revaluation. No formal decisions were made; the session was informational and procedural.

• Moved into executive session to discuss litigation and collective bargaining (all in favor)
• Discussed phased Water Treatment Facility plan with Phase 1 at ~$45M and Phase 2 from 2031-2033 (no vote)
• Reviewed lead service line replacement plan with 1,242 lines needing replacement by 2037 (no vote)
• Considered four options for Pawling Street water main replacement (no vote)
• Debated ice time allocation options; Council split between Option 1 and Option 2 (no vote)
• Discussed potential city-wide revaluation process (no vote)
• Reviewed Clean Watertown refuse initiatives; support for free sticker to new residents (no vote)

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold public hearings and vote on rezoning VL-3 Waterman Drive (Parcel 9-43-114.000) as Industrial and amending Municipal Code § 310 (Zoning), including removing a requirement for EV charging ports in new parking lots and correcting a sign area error. The council will also consider resolutions to accept a $156,400 bid for generator installation, add a $150,000 water truck to the capital budget, and extend a hydroelectric agreement with Ampersand New York Operations Company, LLC.

• Public hearing and ordinance to rezone VL-3 Waterman Drive, Parcel 9-43-114.000, as Industrial
• Public hearing and ordinance to amend Municipal Code § 310, Zoning (removing EV charging port requirement, correcting sign area)
• Resolution to accept bid #2026-17 from ENI Mechanical, Inc. for $156,400 for Lift Stations Standby Generator Installation Project – Phase 3
• Resolution to readopt FY 2026-27 through 2030-31 Capital Budget to add $150,000 for a DPW water truck, funded by CHIPs
• Resolution to approve a three-year extension of the hydroelectric operations and maintenance agreement with Ampersand New York Operations Company, LLC

The City Council approved a three-year extension of the hydroelectric operations and maintenance agreement with Ampersand New York Operations Company, LLC through June 30, 2029, despite some members favoring a one-year extension to allow for an RFP. The Council also accepted a $156,400 bid for generator installation, readopted the capital budget to add a $150,000 water truck, and adopted two zoning ordinances. All votes were unanimous except for the water truck purchase, which passed 3-2.

• Approved $156,400 bid to ENI Mechanical for lift station generator installation (unanimous)
• Readopted capital budget adding $150,000 DPW water truck funded by CHIPs (3-2, Osborne and Shoen opposed)
• Approved 3-year extension of hydroelectric agreement with Ampersand through June 30, 2029 (unanimous)
• Withdrew tabled one-year Ampersand extension resolution (4-1, Garrabrant opposed)
• Adopted ordinance designating VL-3 Waterman Drive as Industrial (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance amending Municipal Code §310 Zoning (unanimous)
• Issued negative SEQRA declarations for both zoning actions (unanimous)

Civil Service Commission

The Watertown Civil Service Commission will review and approve job specification revisions, certify eligible lists for police and IT positions, and receive updates on personnel transactions and testing. The meeting is largely administrative, with no major policy decisions expected.

• Approve revisions to BOE job specification for Assistant Director of Technology
• Approve revisions to BOE job specification for Transportation Analyst
• Certify eligible list for Police Officer (OC 60059-240) for four years to expire July 21, 2030
• Certify eligible list for Information Technology Specialist (OC 24468-20) for four years to expire July 21, 2030
• Certify eligible list for Computer Support Technician (OC 24469-020) for four years to expire July 21, 2030

The Watertown Civil Service Commission approved revisions to the Assistant Director of Technology and Transportation Analyst job specifications, and certified eligible lists for Police Officer, Information Technology Specialist, and Computer Support Technician, each for four years expiring 7/21/2030. Personnel transactions were approved as written, and the NYS Department of Civil Service Transformation project was discussed. The meeting adjourned at 1:33 PM, with the next meeting scheduled for August 18, 2026.

• Approved minutes from the June 9, 2026 regular meeting as written.
• Approved revisions to job specification Assistant Director of Technology as written.
• Approved revisions to job specification Transportation Analyst with discussed modifications.
• Approved and certified eligible list for Police Officer for four years, expiring 7/21/2030.
• Approved and certified eligible list for Information Technology Specialist for four years, expiring 7/21/2030.
• Approved and certified eligible list for Computer Support Technician for four years, expiring 7/21/2030.
• Approved personnel transactions as written.

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on rezoning 647 Flower Street from residential to industrial, and will consider resolutions including a $10 million grant application for sewer improvements, a one-year extension of the hydroelectric operations contract, and budget adjustments for police and fire over-hires. The agenda also includes several other routine items such as surplus vehicle sales and policy adoption.

• Public hearing and resolution to rezone 647 Flower Street from Residential to Industrial
• Resolution to apply for $10,000,000 NYS DEC Water Quality Improvement Project grant for Western Outfall Trunk Sewer project
• Resolution to extend hydroelectric operations agreement with Ampersand for one year at $337,747.20
• Resolution to readopt FY 2026-27 budget and approve police and fire department over-hires
• Ordinance to designate VL-3 Waterman Drive as Industrial and amend zoning code

The City Council approved resolutions to apply for a state water quality grant for sewer improvements, extend a hydroelectric operations contract (though this was tabled), adopt a FOIL policy for employee disciplinary records, sell surplus DPW vehicles, and re-adopt the budget to allow over-hiring of five police cadets and five firefighters. The council also approved a zoning change for 647 Flower Street and scheduled public hearings on two zoning ordinances.

• Approved submission of a WQIP grant application to NYS DEC for the Western Outfall Trunk Sewer project.
• Tabled the one-year extension of the hydroelectric operations agreement with Ampersand New York Operations Company, LLC.
• Adopted a policy on employee notification of disciplinary records requests under FOIL.
• Authorized the sale of surplus DPW vehicles and equipment via online auction.
• Approved over-hiring five police cadets and five firefighters, re-adopting the FY 2026-27 General Fund Budget with adjustments.
• Approved changing the zoning classification of 647 Flower Street from Residential to Industrial.
• Scheduled public hearings for August 3, 2026, on ordinances to designate VL-3 Waterman Drive as Industrial and to amend zoning sign and EV charging requirements.

Events

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on July 15, 2026, to discuss four variance applications. These include requests to adjust parking setbacks, façade transparency, lot coverage, and front-yard parking rules at specific commercial and industrial properties. The meeting is open to the public, and applicants must attend for their requests to be considered.

• Area variance to increase minimum parking and loading setback at 111 Breen Avenue (Puccia Olive Oil Company, LLC)
• Area variance to reduce first-floor front façade transparency at 440 State Street (454 State Street, LLC)
• Area variance to increase lot coverage maximum at 268 Bellew Avenue South (Roth Industries)
• Use variance to allow front-yard parking at 268 Bellew Avenue South (Roth Industries)

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals approved three area variances: a reduced parking setback at 111 Breen Avenue, a reduced façade transparency at 440 State Street, and increased lot coverage at 268 Bellew Avenue South. The board tabled the use variance for front-yard parking at 268 Bellew Avenue South until next month, keeping the public hearing open for the applicant to address the stricter use-variance standards.

• Approved area variance #620 to reduce the parking setback at 111 Breen Avenue from 20 feet to between 7.4 and 10.2 feet.
• Approved area variance #621 to reduce the ground floor front façade transparency at 440 State Street from 40% to 31%.
• Approved area variance #622 to increase lot coverage at 268 Bellew Avenue South from 60% to 68%.
• Tabled use variance #623 for front-yard parking at 268 Bellew Avenue South; public hearing kept open until next month.
• Issued a negative declaration under SEQR for variances #622 and #623.
• Issued a negative declaration under SEQR for variance #621.

Planning Commission

The Watertown Planning Commission will meet on July 7, 2026, to discuss four agenda items: a tabled site plan for a parking lot expansion, a zoning designation change, and a zoning ordinance amendment. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in person at City Hall.

• Site plan for 10-space parking lot expansion at 111 Breen Avenue and 710 Arsenal Street by Puccia Olive Oil Company and Marcy Spa & Salon
• Zoning designation of VL-3 Waterman Drive (Parcel 9-43-114.000) to Industrial
• Zoning ordinance amendment to Chapter 310, Article V (Sign Regulations) and Article VI (Parking)
• Jefferson County Planning Board 239-m review required for site plan and zoning amendment

The Watertown Planning Commission approved a site plan for a 10-space parking lot expansion at 111 Breen Avenue and 710 Arsenal Street, on behalf of Puccia Olive Oil Company and The Marcy Spa & Salon Inc., with conditions. The commission also recommended the City Council designate VL-3 Waterman Drive as Industrial and approve amendments to zoning sign and parking regulations, including removing EV charging port requirements and increasing signage limits in Parks & Open Space districts.

• Approved site plan for 10-space parking lot expansion at 111 Breen Avenue and 710 Arsenal Street, with conditions.
• Issued a Negative Declaration under SEQRA for the parking lot project.
• Recommended City Council designate VL-3 Waterman Drive as Industrial.
• Recommended City Council approve zoning amendments to Article V (Signs) and Article VI (Parking), including removing EV charging port requirements and increasing signage in Parks & Open Space from 20 SF to 200 SF.
• Approved minutes of the June 6, 2026, meeting as written.

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold a public hearing and consider several resolutions, including a local law regulating bicycles and electric scooters, a $80,895 tree pruning contract, a $9,775 change order for pump repairs, and naming the municipal arena. The agenda also includes a zoning change for a property on Flower Street and several routine administrative items.

• Public hearing on local law amending sidewalk riding, adding helmet requirements for e-bikes and e-scooters, and updating penalties
• Resolution to accept $80,895 proposal from Michael Grimm Services Inc. for Community Forestry Tree Pruning Project (RFP #2026-07)
• Resolution to authorize $9,775 change order with Blue Heron Construction for Trickling Filter Pump Repair Project
• Resolution to approve official name of Watertown Municipal Arena as Northern Credit Union Community Arena
• Ordinance to change zoning of 647 Flower Street from Residential to Industrial

The City Council approved a local law regulating ebikes and electric scooters, including a helmet requirement, and approved the official name of the municipal arena as the Northern Credit Union Community Arena. The council also accepted a $80,895 tree pruning bid, authorized the sale of surplus equipment, approved a change order for pump repairs, enrolled in GroupGolfer, accepted pool fee donations, and changed zoning at 647 Flower Street to Industrial.

• Approved Local Law amending §91-17, adding §91-25 and §91-25.1, and amending §91-26 to regulate ebikes and electric scooters, including a helmet requirement.
• Approved Resolution No. 5, naming the Watertown Municipal Arena the Northern Credit Union Community Arena.
• Accepted proposal from Michael Grimm Services Inc. for tree pruning at $80,895.
• Authorized online auction sale of surplus Pollution Control Facility equipment.
• Authorized change order with Blue Heron Construction for $9,775 for pump repair.
• Authorized enrollment in GroupGolfer for Thompson Park Golf Course.
• Accepted donations from Northern New York Community Foundation to cover pool fees and amended fee schedule.
• Approved Ordinance No. 1, changing zoning of 647 Flower Street from Residential to Industrial.

Events

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has cancelled its June 17, 2026 meeting due to a lack of applications. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on July 15, 2026. This agenda contains no items for discussion or decision.

• ZBA meeting cancelled due to lack of applications
• Next meeting scheduled for July 15, 2026

City Council

The Watertown City Council is holding its regular meeting on June 15, 2026, with a full agenda of resolutions, a proposed local law, and a public hearing. Key items include accepting bids for library security, concrete products, and mowing services; authorizing grant applications for fire prevention, flood risk reduction, and water treatment; and readopting the budget to add a transportation planner. The council will also consider a local law regulating e-bikes and e-scooters, and a staff report on service line replacements.

• Accept bid for unarmed security at Flower Memorial Library from ICU Security & Private Investigations at $36.58/hour
• Accept bid for ready mix concrete from Watertown Concrete (unit prices $130-$199 per yard)
• Accept bid for precast concrete from Jefferson Concrete Corp. (various unit prices)
• Authorize grant applications: FEMA Fire Prevention, FEMA AFG, NYS Community Resilience for Western Outfall Trunk Sewer, Defense Community Infrastructure for Pretreated Water Main
• Select Northern Credit Union as naming rights partner for Watertown Municipal Arena

The Watertown City Council approved all 14 resolutions on the agenda, including contracts for security, concrete, mowing, and design services, as well as grant applications and a budget adjustment. A public hearing was scheduled for July 6, 2026, on a proposed local law to regulate e-bikes and electric scooters, requiring helmets and banning sidewalk riding. The council also discussed lead service line replacement, anti-blight measures, and ice time allocation at the arena, but took no final action on these items.

• Appointed Jessica L. Brown as Marriage Officer (unanimous)
• Accepted bid from ICU Security & Private Investigations for library security at $36.58/hr (unanimous)
• Accepted bids from Watertown Concrete and Jefferson Concrete Corp. for concrete products (unanimous)
• Accepted mowing proposals from SWBG Wholesale Inc. and Lawn Solutions (Osborne abstained on SWBG)
• Authorized FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant application (up to $115,000, city share $5,476)
• Authorized FEMA AFG application for water rescue training (up to $240,000 total)
• Authorized NYS grant application for sewer inflow/infiltration project
• Authorized DCIP grant application for water main project (up to $20 million)

Planning Commission

The Watertown Planning Commission will meet on June 9, 2026, to consider several land-use requests, including a zone change, two subdivision final plats, a site plan for a parking lot expansion, and a special use permit for a coffee shop with a drive-through. A public hearing is scheduled for the Vanduzee Street subdivision. All items are open to the public.

• Zone change for 647 Flower Street from Residential to Industrial (Scott Phelps General Contracting, LLC)
• Subdivision final plat for 424 Vanduzee Street (Walldroff Properties, LLC) - public hearing at 5:20 p.m.
• Site plan for 10-space parking lot expansion at 111 Breen Avenue and 710 Arsenal Street (Puccia Olive Oil Company, LLC and The Marcy Spa & Salon Inc.)
• Subdivision final plat for 430 State Street (454 State Street NNY, LLC)
• Special use permit and site plan for 544 SF coffee shop with drive-through at 430 and 440 State Street (454 State Street NNY, LLC)

The Watertown Planning Commission approved a final plat for a two-lot subdivision at 424 Vanduzee Street, contingent on the applicant assembling the 0.76-acre northern section with the adjacent parcel at 444 Vanduzee Street. The commission also recommended that City Council approve a zone change for 647 Flower Street from Residential to Industrial. A site plan for a parking lot expansion at 111 Breen Avenue and 710 Arsenal Street was tabled pending county review. The commission approved a subdivision, special use permit, and site plan for a coffee shop with a drive-through at 430 and 440 State Street, along with a negative declaration under SEQR.

• Approved final plat for two-lot subdivision at 424 Vanduzee Street, contingent on assembling the 0.76-acre northern section with 444 Vanduzee Street.
• Recommended City Council approve zone change for 647 Flower Street from Residential to Industrial.
• Tabled site plan approval for parking lot expansion at 111 Breen Avenue and 710 Arsenal Street pending Jefferson County review.
• Approved two-lot subdivision at 430 State Street, contingent on assembling the 0.319-acre eastern section with 440 State Street and recording a cross-access easement.
• Approved special use permit and site plan for a 544-square-foot coffee shop with drive-through at 430 and 440 State Street, with conditions including pedestrian crossing signs and ADA compliance.
• Issued a negative declaration under SEQR for the State Street subdivision, special use permit, and site plan.

Civil Service Commission

The Watertown Civil Service Commission will meet to certify eligible lists for several civil service titles, including Librarian I, II, and III, Athletic Trainer, Head Custodian, and Principal Account Clerk. They will also review new and changed job titles for the Watertown City School District, and discuss personnel transactions and legal matters in executive session.

• Certify eligible lists for Librarian I, II, III (OC 60062-240/250/260) for 4 years to June 9, 2030
• Certify eligible list for Athletic Trainer (OC 60062-290) for 4 years to June 9, 2030
• Certify eligible list for Head Custodian (OC 60052-080) for 4 years to June 9, 2030
• Certify eligible lists for Principal Account Clerk (PROMO 70020-710 and OC 60044-900) for 4 years to June 9, 2030
• Review new title Transportation Analyst and title changes for Director/Assistant Director of Technology for Watertown City School District

The Watertown Civil Service Commission approved and certified eligible lists for Librarian I, II, and III, Athletic Trainer, Head Custodian, and Principal Account Clerk (both promotional and open competitive), each valid for four years until June 9, 2030. The Commission also approved a new title, Transportation Analyst, with edits to minimum qualifications, and approved title changes for Director of Technology and Assistant Director of Technology. All correspondence and personnel transactions were approved as written. The meeting moved into executive session and adjourned at 1:25 PM.

• Approved minutes from May 19, 2026 as written.
• Certified eligible list for Librarian I for four years (expires 6/9/2030).
• Certified eligible list for Librarian II for four years (expires 6/9/2030).
• Certified eligible list for Librarian III for four years (expires 6/9/2030).
• Certified eligible list for Athletic Trainer for four years (expires 6/9/2030).
• Certified eligible list for Head Custodian for four years (expires 6/9/2030).
• Certified eligible lists for Principal Account Clerk (promotional and open competitive) for four years (expires 6/9/2030).
• Approved new title Transportation Analyst with edits to minimum qualifications; approved title changes for Director of Technology and Assistant Director of Technology.

City Council

The Watertown City Council work session will discuss three items: a proposed e-bike safety initiative including a local law banning e-bikes on sidewalks and requiring helmets, an update on the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for the Black River, and replacement of the aging Settled Water Line. The e-bike law would set fines of $150 for first offenses and $300 for subsequent offenses. The water line replacement is estimated to cost $12.75 million, with funding sought from state and federal grants.

• Proposed local law banning e-bikes on sidewalks, requiring helmets, with fines of $150 and $300
• E-bike safety campaign with $10,000 media contribution from Samaritan Medical Center
• Local Waterfront Revitalization Program update for Black River waterfront
• Settled Water Line replacement estimated at $12,750,000, with $5M WIIA grant and $6M DCIP grant sought
• Water line leak identified in November 2025; temporary repairs completed

The City Council held a work session to discuss, but not vote on, several items. They reviewed a proposed E-Bike safety initiative including a local law mirroring state law, education materials, and enforcement plans. They also discussed completing the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and options for replacing the settled water line. The only action taken was agreeing to extend park hours for DJs at the Park during World Cup soccer tournament dates.

• Agreed to extend park hours for DJs at the Park on June 12, 19, and 25 for the World Cup Soccer tournament.
• Reviewed the E-Bike safety initiative, including a draft local law, signage, and education efforts.
• Discussed completing the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) to open grant opportunities.
• Reviewed two options for replacing the settled water line, with no decision made.
• Heard an update on grant applications for the Western Outfall Trunk Sewer (WOTS).

City Council

The City Council will review several resolutions including a bid for pollution control chemicals and an agreement for market vendor electrical access. Additionally, the council will consider an ordinance to authorize $450,000 in bonds for building demolitions.

• Ordinance: Authorizing $450,000 in bonds for the demolition of non-City-owned buildings posing safety threats
• Resolution: Accepting bid from Slack Chemical Company, Inc. for Process Chemicals – Dry Polymer at the Pollution Control Facility
• Resolution: Authorizing agreement with National Grid for Farm and Craft Market vendor electrical usage
• Resolution: Accepting fee proposal from Wright-Pierce for design services at the Pollution Control Facility
• Public Hearing: Amending City Code regarding sewer service charges and pollutants

The City Council approved a $450,000 bond ordinance to fund the demolition of a non-City-owned building that poses a public health or safety threat. The vote was 4-1, with Council Member Shoen opposed. The Council also accepted bids and agreements for water treatment chemicals, National Grid outlet usage, design services, and an employee assistance program, and adopted a local law amending sewer service charges.

• Approved $450,000 bond issuance for demolition of a non-City-owned building (Ordinance No. 1), with Council Member Shoen voting nay.
• Accepted bid from Slack Chemical Company for dry polymer for the Pollution Control Facility (Resolution No. 1).
• Authorized agreement with National Grid for convenience outlet usage by Farm and Craft Market vendors (Resolution No. 2).
• Accepted $99,400 fee proposal from Wright-Pierce for design services for the Influent B screen project (Resolution No. 3).
• Accepted 18-month Employee Assistance Program proposal through Pivot (Resolution No. 4).
• Adopted local law amending sewer service charges, trucked pollutants, and tanker-hauled sewage regulations.
• Discussed but took no action on removing EV charger requirement from zoning ordinance; proposal to be considered at next meeting.
• Discussed pool fee donations; City Attorney advised donations are legal but cannot be solicited.

City Council

The City Council will vote on resolutions adopting the 2026-27 operating budget, setting the property tax rate at $11.1304 per $1,000 of assessed value (an 8.38% increase), approving the capital program, establishing fees, and setting management pay. They will also consider an ordinance raising water rates by 7% and a local law raising sewer rates by 2% (with a 5% increase for tanker-hauled sewage). A public hearing on the sewer rate law is recommended for June 1.

• Property tax rate set at $11.1304 per $1,000, an 8.38% increase; levy of $12,456,078
• Operating budget of $83,208,866 adopted
• Water rates increase 7%
• Sewer rates increase 2% (5% for tanker-hauled)
• Management pay: 2% COLA but step increases frozen

The City Council unanimously adopted the 2026-27 operating budget of $83,208,866, which includes a real property tax levy of $12,443,777 and a tax rate of $11.1304 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The budget reflects an 8.14% tax levy increase and an 8.38% property tax increase, with a fund balance appropriation reduced by $225,911. The Council also approved the capital program budget, fees schedule, management pay rates, and water and sewer rate changes, all effective July 1, 2026.

• Adopted $83,208,866 operating budget for FY 2026-27 (unanimous)
• Set property tax rate at $11.1304 per $1,000 assessed valuation (unanimous)
• Approved 2026-27 through 2030-31 capital program, moving baseball stadium lighting to FY 2030-31 and removing Fairgrounds YMCA parking lot and golf course clubhouse roof projects (unanimous)
• Adopted FY 2026-27 City Fees and Charges Schedule (unanimous)
• Adopted 2% pay increase for management employees, with step freeze for FY 2026-27 (unanimous)
• Adopted water rate and fire service charge amendments, effective July 1, 2026 (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for June 1, 2026 on sewer service charge local law (unanimous)

Events

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting scheduled for May 20, 2026, has been cancelled due to a lack of applications. The next regularly scheduled ZBA meeting is set for Wednesday, June 17, 2026. This is a procedural cancellation with no items to be discussed or decided.

• May 20, 2026 ZBA meeting cancelled due to lack of applications
• Next ZBA meeting scheduled for June 17, 2026

Civil Service Commission

The Watertown Civil Service Commission will review and certify several eligible lists for fire and medical positions, including Firefighter/EMT, Fire Chief, Battalion Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Physical Therapist, and Occupational Therapist. The meeting also includes approval of personnel transactions and routine updates.

• Certify amended eligible list for Firefighter/EMT
• Certify Fire Chief eligible list (OC 60051-470) for 4 years to May 19, 2030
• Certify Battalion Fire Chief eligible list (PROMO 70024-630) for 4 years to May 19, 2030
• Certify Deputy Fire Chief eligible list (PROMO 70024-640) for 4 years to May 19, 2030
• Certify Physical Therapist (OC 040126-02) and Occupational Therapist (OC 040126-01) eligible lists for 4 years

The Watertown Civil Service Commission approved and certified six eligible lists, including Firefighter/EMT, Fire Chief, Battalion Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Physical Therapist, and Occupational Therapist, each for four years until May 19, 2030. For the three fire chief promotional lists, the Commission directed the Secretary to add seniority credits to exam scores and certify updated scores for release to candidates. The Commission also approved the minutes from April 21, 2026, and personnel transactions as written. No correspondence was brought before the Commission.

• Approved minutes from April 21, 2026 as written.
• Approved and certified Firefighter/EMT eligible list for four years, expiring 5/19/2030.
• Approved and certified Fire Chief eligible list for four years, expiring 5/19/2030; directed adding seniority credits and certifying updated scores.
• Approved and certified Battalion Fire Chief eligible list for four years, expiring 5/19/2030; directed adding seniority credits and certifying updated scores.
• Approved and certified Deputy Fire Chief eligible list for four years, expiring 5/19/2030; directed adding seniority credits and certifying updated scores.
• Approved and certified Physical Therapist eligible list for four years, expiring 5/19/2030.
• Approved and certified Occupational Therapist eligible list for four years, expiring 5/19/2030.
• Approved personnel transactions as written.

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a local law amending stormwater management rules, then consider 13 resolutions including a tax assessment settlement with Dollar Tree at 842 State St, appointments, and bids for chemicals. They will also discuss ordinances on garbage and a local law to override the tax levy limit. The meeting includes routine items like establishing workdays for council members and accepting bids for water treatment chemicals.

• Settlement with Dollar Tree reduces 2025 assessment at 842 State St from $1,402,100 to $1,125,000, with refunds totaling $8,108.26
• Appointment of Kimberly A. Wood as Part-Time City Court Judge, term extended to March 1, 2032
• Public hearing on Local Law amending Chapter 260: Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control
• Resolution to override the tax levy limit under NY General Municipal Law §3-c
• Bids accepted for disinfection and process chemicals for Pollution Control Facility and Water Treatment Plant

The City Council approved a local law overriding the state tax levy limit, a stormwater management code amendment, and an ordinance allowing blue refuse sticker bags to be placed for collection without a tote or can. It also approved 13 resolutions, including appointing Kimberly A. Wood as part-time City Court Judge, settling a Dollar Tree tax assessment, accepting multiple chemical bids, authorizing a bridge design agreement, and submitting a FEMA grant application. The council moved into executive session to discuss budget-related personnel changes, including reducing firefighters to 70 and freezing management pay steps.

• Approved local law overriding the tax levy limit (all yea)
• Approved stormwater management code amendment (all yea)
• Approved ordinance allowing blue refuse sticker bags without tote/can (all yea)
• Reconfirmed Kimberly A. Wood as Part-Time City Court Judge, term ending March 1, 2032 (all yea)
• Authorized settlement with Dollar Tree reducing 2025 assessment to $1,125,000 (all yea)
• Accepted chemical bids for PCF and WTP from Slack Chemical, Kemira, Brenntag, ChemTrade, Coyne (all yea)
• Authorized Bridge NY agreement for US Rt. 11 (Mill St.) bridge design, appropriating $275,000 (all yea)
• Authorized FEMA BRIC grant sub-application for WOTS sewer project (all yea)

City Council

The Watertown City Council is holding a budget work session to deliberate on the city's budget. The agenda contains only this single discussion item, with no specific figures or proposals listed.

• Budget deliberations for the upcoming fiscal year

The City Council held a budget session to review changes to the proposed FY 2026-27 budget. Adjustments, including revised water and sewer rate increases and several program cuts, brought the proposed tax levy increase down to 8.28% and the tax rate increase to 8.52%. Council members expressed support for several outstanding items, including increased hydro consultant funding, a mandated Fire Department retirement expense increase, and a grant-funded DPW expense increase. No formal votes were taken; the session was for discussion and consensus-building.

• Adjusted proposed water rate increase from 5% to 7% due to higher chemical bids
• Adjusted proposed sewer rate increase from 3% to 2% due to lower chemical bids
• Reduced proposed tax levy increase from 12% to 8.28% through budget cuts
• Reduced proposed tax rate increase from 11.1% to 8.52% through budget cuts
• Supported increasing hydro consultant funding from $50,000 to $100,000
• Supported increasing Fire Department retirement expense by $46,000 (mandated)
• Supported increasing revenue by $80,000 and DPW contracted services by $60,000 for NYS DEC Invasive Species grant
• Discussed but did not decide on funding for zoo, demolition costs, and golf course closing

City Council

The Watertown City Council is holding a work session to discuss and receive updates on Jefferson County homelessness, the Thompson Park Zoo, and Friends of Thompson Park. The City Manager will also provide an update. No formal decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion-only meeting.

• Jefferson County Administrator Ryan Piche to present on homelessness
• Thompson Park Zoo update from Board Chairman Ken Mix and Interim Executive Director Mark Irwin
• Friends of Thompson Park update from President Brian Ashley
• City Manager's update

The City Council held a work session with no formal votes. Jefferson County officials presented data on homelessness, noting 11% of survey respondents call it the top issue and that the county's social services budget is $39,056,641. Thompson Park Zoo reported record membership growth and requested city support, including in-kind services. Friends of Thompson Park updated the council on the new Walker Bandstand and asked the city to arrange musical acts.

• No formal decisions were made during the work session.
• Council heard a presentation on Jefferson County's homelessness strategy and data.
• Council discussed Thompson Park Zoo's 2025 performance and its request for city support.
• Council discussed the Friends of Thompson Park's accomplishments and the new Walker Bandstand.
• Council was informed about upcoming eBike requirements, splash pad readiness, and the Armed Forces Day Parade.

City Council

The Watertown City Council is holding a budget work session to deliberate on the upcoming fiscal year budget. The agenda lists only 'Budget Deliberations' as a discussion item, with no specific figures or proposals provided in the notice.

• Budget deliberations for the upcoming fiscal year

The City Council held a budget session for FY2026-27, discussing a proposed tax rate of 12.25% and a tax levy increase of 8.47%. Council members made tentative decisions on several budget items, including adding one playground program, considering pool schedule changes, and removing certain capital projects. No final votes were taken; the budget process continues with a next session on May 13.

• Agreed to add one playground program at North Hamilton to the proposed budget
• Discussed but did not decide on Flynn pool schedule; options included weekends only, Thursday-Saturday, or every day
• Agreed to remove $120,000 for repaving Fairgrounds YMCA parking lot from the budget
• Agreed to remove Golf Clubhouse roof from the budget
• Agreed to postpone baseball stadium lighting work and seek grant opportunities
• Agreed to hold off on decision on demolition costs
• Discussed keeping refuse service with 5% fee increases for stickers and totes
• Discussed continuing zoo support with potential $50,000, but no final decision

Planning Commission

The Watertown Planning Commission has canceled its May 5, 2026 meeting due to a lack of applications. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on June 9, 2026.

• May 5, 2026 meeting canceled
• Next meeting: June 9, 2026

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold public hearings on rezoning 337 State Street from Downtown to Urban Mixed Use, establishing an In Rem Tax Foreclosure Act, and the FY 2026-27 operating and capital budgets. The council will vote on resolutions to sell surplus police and fire vehicles, accept a $97,724.02 bid for a fire department SCBA compressor, adopt the CDBG Consolidated Plan for 2026-2030, and approve several CDBG grant agreement amendments. They will also consider a local law amending stormwater management regulations and an override of the tax levy limit.

• Public hearing: Rezone 337 State Street from Downtown to Urban Mixed Use
• Public hearing: FY 2026-27 operating budget and FY 2026-31 capital budget
• Resolution: Award $97,724.02 to Jerome Fire Equipment for SCBA compressor replacement
• Resolution: Adopt CDBG Consolidated Plan 2026-2030 with $830,605 allocation
• Resolution: Sell surplus police and fire vehicles via online auction

The City Council adopted the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan for 2026-2030 and the Annual Action Plan for 2026, allocating $830,605 for projects including sidewalk and sewer replacements, a demolition project, and a homebuyer program. The Council also approved the sale of surplus police and fire vehicles, accepted a bid for fire equipment, and approved amendments to four CDBG CARES Act food pantry grant agreements. Additionally, the Council passed a local law establishing an In Rem Tax Foreclosure Act and rezoned 337 State Street from Downtown to Urban Mixed Use.

• Adopted the CDBG Consolidated Plan for 2026-2030 and Annual Action Plan for 2026, allocating $830,605.
• Approved the sale of surplus police department vehicle and equipment via online auction.
• Approved the sale of surplus fire vehicles via online auction.
• Accepted a bid from Jerome Fire Equipment Co. Inc. for a SCBA cylinder compressor and fill station replacement for $97,724.02.
• Approved grant agreement amendments with four organizations for CDBG CARES Act food pantry funding.
• Adopted a local law establishing the In Rem Tax Foreclosure Act.
• Rezoned 337 State Street from Downtown to Urban Mixed Use.
• Tabled a local law to override the tax levy limit.

Civil Service Commission

The Watertown Civil Service Commission is meeting to review and approve job specification changes, certify an eligible list for Firefighter/EMT, and receive updates on upcoming exams and agility testing. The agenda also includes approval of personnel transactions and minutes from the previous meeting.

• Review and approve title change for Public Information Officer to Community Partnerships & Strategic Communications Specialist
• Review and approve new competitive title Assistant Director for Technology, Cybersecurity, and Innovation
• Check and certify eligible list for Firefighter/EMT
• Next Police Officer exam tentatively scheduled for October 17, 2026
• Fire Department agility testing at end of May, with Ogdensburg Fire Department joining

The Watertown Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from its March 17, 2026 meeting. It approved a job specification title change from Public Information Officer to Community Partnerships & Strategic Communications Specialist, and approved the competitive title Assistant Director for Technology, Cybersecurity and Innovation with edits. The eligible list for Firefighter/EMT was approved for up to four years, expiring April 21, 2030, and personnel transactions were approved as written.

• Approved minutes from the March 17, 2026 regular meeting as written
• Approved title change of job specification Public Information Officer to Community Partnerships & Strategic Communications Specialist
• Approved competitive title Assistant Director for Technology, Cybersecurity and Innovation with edits
• Approved eligible list for Firefighter/EMT for up to four years, expiring 4/21/2030
• Approved personnel transactions as written

City Council

The Watertown City Council will hold public hearings on the 2026-27 operating and capital budgets and a local law overriding the state tax levy limit. The council will vote on resolutions to fund and contract for sewer pump station work, accept a tree planting bid, and consider a zoning change. A proposed local law would overhaul the city's tax foreclosure process to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

• Resolution to add $550,000 Cedar Street Sanitary Sewer Pump Station Rehabilitation project to capital budget
• Resolution to accept $71,500 proposal from LaBella Associates for sewer pump station upgrades at Lachenauer Drive and Cedar Street
• Resolution to accept $65,000 tree planting proposal from All Seasons Landscaping & Garden Center LLC
• Ordinance to rezone 337 State Street from Downtown to Urban Mixed Use
• Proposed local law establishing In Rem Tax Foreclosure Act to comply with Tyler v. Hennepin County

The City Council approved three resolutions: readopting the sewer and capital budgets to add the Cedar Street sanitary sewer pump station rehabilitation project at an estimated cost of $550,000, accepting a $71,500 proposal from LaBella Associates for pump station upgrades/replacement at Lachenauer Drive and Cedar Street, and accepting a $65,000 proposal from All Seasons Landscaping & Garden Center LLC for community forestry tree planting. The council also scheduled public hearings for May 4, 2026, on a zoning change for 337 State Street and a local law establishing the In Rem Tax Foreclosure Act. A proposed local law to override the tax levy limit was tabled on a 3-1 vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Kimball voting nay.

• Approved readopting FY 2025-26 sewer and capital budgets to add Cedar St pump station rehab ($550,000) (unanimous)
• Approved LaBella Associates proposal for pump station upgrades/replacement at Lachenauer Dr and Cedar St ($71,500) (unanimous)
• Approved All Seasons Landscaping & Garden Center LLC proposal for tree planting ($65,000, grant-funded) (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for May 4, 2026 on zoning change for 337 State St from Downtown to Urban Mixed Use
• Scheduled public hearing for May 4, 2026 on local law establishing In Rem Tax Foreclosure Act
• Tabled local law to override tax levy limit (3-1, Kimball nay)

City Council

The City Council is holding a budget work session to discuss the sewer, water, and hydro budgets. The agenda lists these as discussion items only, with no specific figures or proposals provided. An executive session is scheduled to discuss employment history of a particular individual or corporation.

• Discussion of sewer budget
• Discussion of water budget
• Discussion of hydro budget
• Executive session on employment history of a particular individual or corporation

The City Council held a budget session to review the Water and Sewer Fund budgets, with staff answering questions about operations, capital projects, and costs. No formal decisions were made, and the meeting ended with a motion to enter executive session, which was approved. The next budget session is tentatively scheduled for May 5, 6, or 7.

• Approved motion to enter executive session to discuss employment history and litigation.
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m. after reconvening from executive session.
• Discussed scheduling next budget session for May 5, 6, or 7, but no date was set.

City Council

The City Council will hold a budget work session to discuss departmental items. Discussion topics include the Library, Planning Department, and Engineering and Codes Department.

• Library discussion
• Planning Department discussion
• Engineering and Codes Department discussion

The City Council held a budget session to review proposed budgets for the Library, Planning, Engineering, and Code Enforcement departments. No formal votes were taken; the session was for discussion only. The Library budget included a capital project for roof replacement, and the Planning budget included a $500,000 passthrough grant for the Masonic Temple and removal of a Butterfield Avenue project due to a failed grant.

• No formal decisions were made; the session was for budget discussion only.
• Library Director presented proposed Library Fund budget, including a capital project for roof replacement.
• Planning Director noted elimination of a temporary part-time position and a $30,000 decrease in grant writer costs.
• Planning Director reported the only CDBG capital project is sidewalks along Mill Street.
• Planning Director explained the $500,000 Masonic Temple line item is a passthrough grant from Restore NY.
• Planning Director stated the Butterfield Avenue infrastructure project must be removed due to the County grant not being awarded.
• City Engineer noted an overall $63,000 decrease in the Engineering budget, partly due to a retirement.
• Code Enforcement Supervisor reported estimated demolitions at $200,000 and private property cleanup at $140,000.

Events

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on April 15, 2026, to discuss six area variance requests. These include requests to adjust setback, buffer, and pedestrian access requirements at several properties. The meeting is open to the public, and applicants must attend for the board to act on their requests.

• Area variance to increase rear-yard setback at 925 Main Street West (applicant: 925 Main Steet W LLC)
• Area variance to reduce landscaped buffer along street ROW and side property lines at 111 Breen Avenue (applicant: Puccia Olive Oil Company LLC)
• Three area variances at 440 State Street (applicant: 454 State Street NNY LLC) to increase front-yard setback, waive pedestrian access requirement, and increase unbuilt frontage allowance
• Area variance to decrease landscaped buffer along street ROW at 440 State Street (applicant: 454 State Street NNY LLC)

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals approved all six area variances on its agenda, all continuations from prior hearings. These included a rear-yard setback variance at 925 Main Street, three landscape buffer variances at 111 Breen Ave, and four variances for a State Street property (front-yard setback, pedestrian access waiver, unbuilt frontage, and landscape buffer). The board also adopted a negative declaration under SEQR for the State Street variances.

• Approved area variance #613 for 925 Main Street to increase the minimum rear-yard setback to 5 feet.
• Approved area variance #614 for 111 Breen Ave to reduce landscape buffer requirements along the street right-of-way and side property lines.
• Approved area variance #615 for State Street to increase the maximum front-yard setback.
• Approved area variance #616 for State Street to waive the requirement that pedestrian access not cross a drive-through exit lane, conditioned on installing two MUTCD 11-2 pedestrian crossing signs.
• Approved area variance #617 for State Street to increase the maximum unbuilt frontage allowance.
• Approved area variance #618 for State Street to decrease the minimum landscape buffer requirement along the street right-of-way.
• Adopted a negative declaration under SEQR for the four State Street variances.