Watertown public meetings in 2020

City Council

The Watertown City Council will vote on 13 resolutions, including approving a 1.5% cost-of-living increase for Watertown Housing Authority employees, reducing emergency medical service from the Fire Department, and selling surplus equipment. The agenda also includes reappointments to boards and the designation of the official newspaper.

• Resolution 9: Approve 1.5% salary increase for Watertown Housing Authority employees effective Jan 1, 2021
• Resolution 12: Reduce level of Emergency Medical Service from Watertown Fire Department
• Resolution 10: Authorize online auction sale of surplus equipment (2000 Skyjack scissor lift, 1987 Boss light tower, air compressor, cast iron radiators)
• Resolution 13: Approve MOU with CNY Fair Housing for fair housing education and enforcement program
• Resolution 8: Designate Watertown Daily Times as official newspaper for 2021

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss two requests from Stateway Plaza Wine and Liquor, LLC. The items involve seeking permission for specific sign placements and increasing allowed sign surface area.

• Use Variance #563: allow multiple freestanding signs and a building sign above the roof line at 1222 Arsenal Street
• Area Variance #564: increase maximum allowed sign surface area at 1222 Arsenal Street

Citizen Advisory Board (Advantage Watertown)

The Advantage Watertown Citizen Advisory Board meeting scheduled for December 10, 2020 has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held on January 14, 2021 via Zoom. This notice is purely procedural, with no agenda items for discussion.

• December 10, 2020 meeting cancelled
• Next meeting scheduled for January 14, 2021
• January meeting to be held via Zoom

City Council

The Watertown City Council is meeting to vote on several resolutions, including accepting a $7,000 donation for the police K9 unit, approving a contract with Auctions International for surplus equipment sales, selling an unimproved portion of Brett Street for $5,500, and establishing the 2021 county tax rate. The agenda also includes a presentation recognizing the K9 unit and a request for state legislation to reduce the number of city court judges.

• Accepting $7,000 donation for Police Department K9 Unit
• Approving online auction contract with Auctions International, Inc.
• Authorizing sale of unimproved Brett Street parcel for $5,500 to Anthony M. Augliano
• Approving CDBG grant agreement with CARES of NY, INC for 2020 Point in Time program
• Establishing 2021 county tax rate

Planning Commission

The Watertown Planning Board will meet on December 1, 2020, to consider a site plan application for building additions and a loading dock at 981 Waterman Drive. The meeting includes reading minutes from the October 26 special meeting and is open to the public with COVID-19 safety measures in place.

• Site plan review for 624 and 960 sq-ft building additions and 1,632 sq-ft loading dock at 981 Waterman Drive (Parcel 9-43-101.005)
• Applicant: Matthew J. Cervini, P.E. of GYMO, DPC on behalf of SHBP Realty Holdings, LLC
• Jefferson County Planning Board 239-m review required

The Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend City Council approve a site plan for building additions and a loading dock canopy at 981 Waterman Drive, contingent on the applicant addressing parking information, revising drawings, submitting a photometric plan, and obtaining permits. The board also approved the minutes from the October 26, 2020 special meeting.

• Approved minutes from October 26, 2020 special meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of site plan for 624 and 960 sq ft additions and 1,632 sq ft loading dock canopy at 981 Waterman Drive (unanimous)
• Set conditions: fix parking info in engineering report, revise C-101 drawing, submit photometric plan, obtain zoning and building permits

City Council

The Watertown City Council will vote on several resolutions, including hiring Kenneth A. Mix as city manager for a two-year term starting January 1, 2021, with an annual salary of $130,000. The council will also consider agreements for traffic signal design, waterfront revitalization, and CDBG CARES Act funding for food pantries, as well as adopt a revitalization plan for Sewall's Island and Factory Square.

• Employment agreement with Kenneth A. Mix as city manager, $130,000/year, Jan 1, 2021–Dec 31, 2022
• Supplemental agreement with NYS DOT for Public Square traffic signal optimization, increasing federal funds to $108,000 and city match to $27,000
• Grant agreements with Watertown Urban Mission, Community Action Planning Council, Salvation Army, and United Way for CDBG CARES Act food pantry funding
• Adoption of Revitalization and Redevelopment Design Plan for Sewall's Island and Factory Square
• Contract with NYS Department of State for Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

Citizen Advisory Board (Advantage Watertown)

The Citizen Advisory Board (Advantage Watertown) is holding its November 2020 meeting outdoors at Marble Street Park. The agenda includes a site visit to the park and the city's Hydroelectric Facility, as well as a walk to view the new Black River Trail extension. No formal decisions or proposals are listed; the meeting is primarily for discussion and observation.

• Site visit to Marble Street Park (1050 Marble Street)
• Site visit to the City's Hydroelectric Facility grounds
• Walk across Eastern Blvd. Bridge to view Black River Trail extension
• Next meeting scheduled for December 10, 2020

Planning Commission

The Watertown Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend City Council approval of a site plan by Ferris Holdings, LLC for a 2,707 square-foot parking lot and new retaining wall at 1511 Washington Street, with conditions. The board also approved the October 6, 2020 meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved site plan for 2,707 sq-ft parking lot and retaining wall at 1511 Washington St, contingent on erosion control, SWPPP compliance, and zoning certificate (5-0)
• Approved minutes from October 6, 2020 Planning Board meeting (5-0)

City Council

The City Council approved all nine resolutions and two ordinances on the agenda. Notably, it re-adopted the FY 2019-20 Risk Retention Fund budget at $56,000 and approved a $3,907,000 transfer and appropriation across multiple funds to cover overdrafts and reallocate contingency funds. The council also approved a site plan for expansions at 981 Waterman Drive, a special use permit for an auto sales lot at 1170 Water Street, and a zone change for 1348-1356 Washington Street from Residence B to Limited Business, despite a petition against it. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Change Order No. 1 for Hydro Plant Canal Maintenance, increasing project to $551,268.79 (all yea)
• Authorized online auction sale of surplus vehicle (all yea)
• Accepted $19,500 bid from Bronze Contracting LLC for demolition at 428 Maple Avenue (all yea)
• Adopted new Records Retention Schedule LGS-1 and deleted Chapter 57 (all yea)
• Discontinued unimproved portion of Brett Street for sale to adjoining owners (all yea)
• Approved site plan for building additions and parking lot at 981 Waterman Drive (all yea)
• Granted special use permit for auto sales lot at 1170 Water Street (all yea)
• Re-adopted Risk Retention Fund budget and approved $3,907,000 in fund transfers (all yea)

City Council

The City Council held a work session to discuss water and sewer districts and outside users, but took no formal votes or decisions. Mayor Smith suggested negotiating new contracts with the Town of Watertown and other districts at 120% of the City rate, and floated the idea of annexing adjacent areas, but these were only discussion points. Staff noted the Town of Watertown's contract expired in 2019 and the Town of Pamelia's contract expires in December 2020.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the work session
• Discussed negotiating new water contracts at 120% of City rate (proposal only)
• Discussed potential annexation of adjacent areas (proposal only)

Planning Commission

The Planning Board voted 3-2 to recommend a zone change for 1348, 1352, and 1356 Washington Street from Residence B to Limited Business, but the motion failed because it required four votes. The proposed zone change will go to the City Council with a negative recommendation. The board also approved a Special Use Permit for a used car dealership at 1170 Water Street, and approved waivers of site plan approval for projects at 741 Leray Street, 275 Bellew Avenue South, and 981 Waterman Drive.

• Approved Special Use Permit for WER Yellow Cab used car lot at 1170 Water St (5-0), max 10 vehicles, Zoning Compliance Certificate required
• Approved Waiver of Site Plan Approval for 962 SF concrete slab at 741 Leray St (5-0), Zoning Compliance Certificate and Building Permit required
• Approved Waiver of Site Plan Approval for 920 SF addition and 1,080 SF asphalt at 275 Bellew Ave S (5-0), ADA parking space, Zoning Compliance Certificate, Sewer and Building Permits required
• Approved Site Plan Approval for 981 Waterman Dr additions, canopy, and parking expansion (5-0), with 8 conditions including SWPPP, SPDES permit, and photometric plan
• Tabled Waiver of Site Plan Approval for 1511 Washington St parking lot and retaining wall (5-0), requiring full site plan application
• Zone change for 1348-1356 Washington St to Limited Business failed 3-2, will go to City Council with negative recommendation
• Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment for Section 310-6 not considered due to modification of preceding zone change

City Council

The City Council approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Watertown Professional Firefighters Association for July 1, 2016-June 30, 2020, and authorized the sale of surplus equipment and abandoned bicycles via online auction. It also approved a $541,672 CARES Act grant agreement with HUD and rejected bids for the Water Treatment Plant Soda Ash System Rehabilitation Project. The council discussed a proposed zoning change for 1348, 1352, and 1356 Washington Street, with staff recommending a change to Limited Business instead of Residence C, but no final decision was made. A $500 donation from Stephen Gilbert to the Police Department was accepted.

• Approved collective bargaining agreement with Watertown Professional Firefighters Association (all yea)
• Authorized online auction sale of surplus equipment/vehicles and abandoned bicycles (all yea)
• Rejected bids for Water Treatment Plant Soda Ash System Rehabilitation Project (all yea)
• Approved $541,672 CARES Act grant agreement with HUD (all yea)
• Accepted $500 donation from Stephen Gilbert to Police Department (all yea)
• Appointed Patrick T. Connell as City Constable (all yea)
• Appointed Robert D. Connell as Deputy City Constable (all yea)
• Tabled zoning change for 1348, 1352, 1356 Washington Street; referred to Planning Board for Limited Business review

City Council

The City Council met in adjourned session and immediately moved into executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular individual. No substantive decisions were made; the council reconvened and adjourned without taking any public action.

• Moved into executive session to discuss employment history (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:24 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council withdrew two tabled items—a resolution and an ordinance—that would have rezoned 1348, 1352, and 1356 Washington Street from Residence B to Neighborhood Business, and decided to return the matter to the Planning Board to reconsider other zoning options. Resolutions 3 and 4, which would have approved the environmental review and site plan for an 11,532-square-foot building and 29-space parking lot, were not introduced. The Council also approved two resolutions: one authorizing a $6,500 CDBG grant agreement with the United Way of Northern New York for the Food 4 Families Program, and another approving a Justice Assistance Grant application and interlocal agreement with Jefferson County.

• Approved CDBG grant agreement with United Way of Northern New York for Food 4 Families Program ($6,500) (all yea)
• Approved Justice Assistance Grant application and interlocal agreement with Jefferson County (all yea)
• Withdrew introduction and second of tabled resolution on zoning change for 1348-1356 Washington St.
• Withdrew introduction and second of tabled ordinance on zoning change for 1348-1356 Washington St.
• Decided to return Washington St. rezoning matter to Planning Board for reconsideration
• Did not introduce Resolution No. 3 (SEQRA negative declaration) or Resolution No. 4 (site plan approval) for Washington St. project

City Council

The Watertown City Council held an adjourned meeting on September 14, 2020, and immediately moved into executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular individual. The motion passed unanimously. The council reconvened at 8:37 p.m. and adjourned without taking any public substantive actions.

• Moved into executive session to discuss employment history of a particular individual (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:37 p.m. (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Watertown Planning Board approved a two-lot subdivision of VL-Roundhouse Drive for the Watertown Local Development Corporation, contingent on assembling the parcel with 800 Rear Massey Street. It also approved a waiver of site plan approval for a gravel parking area at 1015 Arsenal Street, contingent on ADA compliance and other conditions. The board voted 3-2 against recommending site plan approval for an 11,532 SF mixed-use building at 1348-1356 Washington Street, with conditions, and will forward its recommendation to City Council.

• Approved two-lot subdivision of VL-Roundhouse Drive (Parcel 9-43-101.210) for WLDC, contingent on assembling with 800 Rear Massey Street (unanimous).
• Issued Negative Declaration under SEQRA for the subdivision (unanimous).
• Approved waiver of site plan approval for 2,475 sq ft gravel parking at 1015 Arsenal Street, contingent on ADA compliance, erosion controls, and soil schedule (unanimous).
• Defeated motion to recommend site plan approval for 11,532 SF mixed-use building at 1348-1356 Washington Street (3-2 vote).
• Tabled request for 1348-1356 Washington Street was removed from table and considered (unanimous).

City Council

The City Council held a work session with no formal votes. They heard presentations on a comprehensive energy audit by Wendel Companies, a draft sign ordinance amendment for electronic messaging centers, the crow harassment program, a redevelopment plan for Sewall's Island and Factory Square, and options for decommissioning Alteri Pool. Council members expressed support for converting certain billboards to digital signs, amending the crow contract to start earlier, and discussed but did not decide on the pool's fate, with some members opposing closure.

• No formal decisions or votes were taken at this work session.
• Council agreed to convert eligible billboards to electronic messaging centers, pending further details.
• Council discussed amending the Loomacres crow harassment contract to start October 1 instead of November 1.
• Council discussed training city staff for crow harassment, with City Manager to explore options.
• Council discussed options for Alteri Pool decommissioning, with no final decision made.

Planning Commission

The Planning Board tabled a site plan application for an 11,532 SF mixed-use building at 1348-1356 Washington Street, pending revisions to widen the drive aisle and remove compact parking spaces. The board approved a two-lot subdivision at 650 State Street and a site plan waiver for a building addition at 1155 Coffeen Street. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved two-lot subdivision at 650 State Street (unanimous)
• Approved waiver of site plan approval for 496 SF addition at 1155 Coffeen Street (unanimous)
• Tabled site plan for 11,532 SF mixed-use building at 1348-1356 Washington Street (unanimous)
• Issued Negative Declaration under SEQRA for 650 State Street subdivision (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council readopted the FY 2020-21 General Fund budget, appropriating funds to operate the Thompson Park pool, create a shared secretary position, abolish a Civil Engineer I position, and run a youth baseball program. The council also approved 12 resolutions, including authorizing fundraising for city pools, selling two city-owned lots, accepting a change order for the pool project, and appointing a zoning rewrite steering committee. An ordinance to issue refunding bonds was laid over, and two zoning items for Washington Street remained tabled.

• Readopted FY 2020-21 General Fund budget (all present voting yea)
• Authorized fundraising for city pools via Northern New York Community Foundation (all present voting yea)
• Appointed Patrick T. Connell as Deputy City Constable (all present voting yea)
• Approved sale of 13 Shepard Purchase to Albert E. Gault for $100 (all present voting yea)
• Approved sale of 14 Shepard Purchase to Sidney A. Pond for $100 (all present voting yea)
• Accepted Change Order GC-2 for Thompson Park Pool & Bathhouse, $4,288.29 (all present voting yea)
• Appointed Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Project Steering Committee (all present voting yea)
• Approved sale of 1101 Bronson Street to Neighbors of Watertown, Inc. (all present voting yea)

City Council

The City Council approved a bond ordinance amendment increasing authorized bonds from $525,000 to $750,000 for the Court Street Bridge and Massey/Coffeen Street resurfacing project, expanding the scope to include construction and right-of-way acquisition. The council also approved a $200,000 supplemental agreement with Fisher Associates for the project, bringing the total contract to $703,000. Several other resolutions were passed, including agreements for public benefit services, youth employment training, and a Community Development Block Grant. The council also agreed to open Thompson Park Pool for an abbreviated season, pending budget amendment.

• Approved bond ordinance amendment increasing bonds to $750,000 for bridge rehab (4-0)
• Approved $200,000 supplemental agreement with Fisher Associates for bridge project (4-0)
• Approved agreement with Community Action Planning Council for public benefit services (4-0)
• Approved 2020 Youth and Young Adult Employment Training Program contract (4-0)
• Approved Community Development Block Grant funding agreement with HUD (4-0)
• Accepted donation from Dr. Jeffrey and Susan Aronowitz for seating area (4-0)
• Approved alcohol consumption permit in Whitewater Park (4-0)
• Approved Whitewater Park limited use agreement with Hole Brothers Holdings (4-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved area variance #559, allowing a two-family dwelling at 507-509 Holcomb Street despite the lot being 73.14% smaller than required. The approval was conditioned on strict enforcement of a June 17, 2020 easement providing permanent right-of-way and parking access across the adjacent property at 277 Ten Eyck Street. The board found the property had lost its grandfathered status in 2009 but had always been a duplex, and no feasible alternatives existed.

• Approved area variance #559 for 507-509 Holcomb St (5-0)
• Stipulated that the June 17, 2020 easement provisions be strictly enforced
• Noted SEQR was already considered at the May 20 meeting, no new review needed

City Council

The City Council unanimously readopted the FY 2020-21 General Fund and Self-Funded Health Insurance budgets, restoring one Parks and Recreation Maintenance Worker position by reducing temporary personnel and other line items. The Council also approved all 14 resolutions on the agenda, including requests to reduce City Court judgeships, a lease and services agreement with Thompson Park Conservancy, a bus advertising fee change, an energy performance contract, a $529,000 bridge project funding commitment, a $39,782 DOJ COVID-19 grant, a $20,988.60 sidewalk change order, a site plan for a 47-space parking lot, an alcohol consumption permit for Public Square, and a grant application for a Thompson Park amphitheater. Two zoning items for 1348-1356 Washington Street remained tabled, and a petition with 24 signatures opposing the development was received.

• Readopted FY 2020-21 budgets, restoring one Parks maintenance worker (unanimous)
• Approved resolutions requesting state legislation to reduce City Court judges to 1.25 (unanimous)
• Approved lease and public benefit services agreements with Thompson Park Conservancy (unanimous)
• Authorized bus advertising fee schedule change effective July 1, 2020 (unanimous)
• Accepted Wendel Energy Services proposal for energy performance contract (unanimous)
• Authorized $529,000 for Massey/Coffeen/Court Street bridge project (unanimous)
• Accepted $39,782 DOJ COVID-19 grant for police PPE (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for 47-space parking lot at Gaffney Drive (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Watertown Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend City Council approve the ARC of Jefferson-Saint Lawrence's site plan for a 47-space parking lot, parking lot reconfiguration, and site improvements across multiple parcels. The recommendation includes conditions: designating the western internal drive aisle as one-way, assembling all seven parcels, and obtaining necessary permits. The board also discussed a special use permit request for multifamily housing on Washington Street, but no action was taken because City Council tabled the related zone change and environmental review.

• Approved minutes from May 5, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of ARC site plan for 47-space parking lot and reconfiguration (unanimous, with conditions)
• Condition: designate western internal drive aisle as one-way traffic
• Condition: assemble all seven subject parcels into one via metes and bounds description
• Condition: obtain building, general city, sanitary sewer, water supply permits and zoning compliance certificate
• No action on special use permit for 1348-1356 Washington Street; application withdrawn by applicant

City Council

The Watertown City Council approved a zone change for ARC of Jefferson-St. Lawrence properties (Gaffney Drive and Glenn/Stanton/Carlton) to Planned Development District #2, along with a negative SEQRA declaration for a proposed 47-space parking lot. The council tabled a separate rezoning of 1348-1356 Washington Street from Residence B to Neighborhood Business, along with its related SEQRA resolution, after hearing resident concerns about drainage, privacy, and property values. The council also approved bids for water and wastewater treatment plant chemicals and authorized agreements for Phase 2 preliminary design of the sludge disposal process modification project.

• Approved zone change for ARC properties to Planned Development District #2 (all yea)
• Approved negative SEQRA declaration for ARC parking lot project (all yea)
• Tabled Washington Street rezoning to Neighborhood Business (all in favor)
• Tabled SEQRA resolution for Washington Street rezoning (all in favor)
• Approved 8 bids for water/wastewater treatment chemicals (all yea)
• Authorized NYSERDA agreement modification for sludge project Phase 2 design (all yea)
• Authorized GHD Consulting agreement for sludge project Phase 2 design (all yea)
• Moved into executive session for employment history and collective bargaining (all in favor)

City Council

The City Council approved two resolutions: an access agreement with National Grid for remedial work at 337 Engine Street, and a joint service arrangement with CENTRO to loan the city a backup bus at no cost. Both passed unanimously. Public comment focused on the closure of Alteri pool and budget cuts, including library and police positions.

• Approved Resolution No. 4, Access Agreement with National Grid (all yea)
• Approved Resolution No. 5, Joint Service Arrangement with CENTRO for a backup bus (all yea)
• Council Member Henry-Wilkinson requested budgetary impact of restoring library position

City Council

The City Council held a budget session, approving three resolutions and scheduling public hearings on two zoning ordinance changes. During budget discussions, the Council agreed to add $200,000 in spending, including $10,000 for CAPC, $10,000 for the Flower Memorial Library, $50,000 for the Zoo at Thompson Park, and the reinstatement of two IT positions. The Council agreed to keep the tax levy at 1.9% and use money from the General Fund to cover the difference. The meeting was adjourned to May 26, 2020, at 6 p.m. for further public input.

• Reappointed Robert Lawlor to the Empire Zone Administrative Board for a three-year term (all yea).
• Readopted the Citizen Participation Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program (all yea).
• Approved the sale of 77-79 Public Square (Strauss Memorial Walkway) to 624 Camp Avenue, LLC; Council Member Compo abstained.
• Scheduled public hearings for June 1, 2020, on two proposed zoning changes: one for properties on Gaffney Drive and Glenn Avenue, and one for properties on Washington Street.
• Agreed to add $10,000 for CAPC, $10,000 for the Flower Memorial Library, and $50,000 for the Zoo at Thompson Park to the budget.
• Agreed to reinstate two positions in the Information Technology department.
• Agreed to keep the tax levy at 1.9% and use General Fund money to cover the budget difference.
• Adjourned the meeting to May 26, 2020, at 6 p.m. to provide the public an additional opportunity for input.

City Council

During a budget session, the City Council discussed the proposed FY 20/21 budget, focusing on cuts to parks, police, fire, library, and other departments. Council members expressed support for option one: keeping the Northside pool open, closing the Fairgrounds pool, and beginning decommissioning, with a long-term plan for a splash pad. No formal votes were taken; the session was for discussion only.

• Supported option one: keep Northside pool open, close Fairgrounds pool, start decommissioning (3-1, Ruggiero opposed)
• Discussed cutting two parks & recreation maintenance workers and one part-time clerk
• Discussed police budget cut of four officer positions
• Discussed library staff cut of 15%, reducing hours and cutting Sunday and one weekday evening
• Discussed potential State AIM funding cut due to pandemic
• Discussed closing Alteri pool as an alternative, with $90,000 future repair estimate

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a use variance to Matthew Roy for an aboveground swimming pool in the side yard at 715 Eddy Street. The board deferred action on a separate request by William Monica to reestablish a two-family dwelling at 507 Holcomb Street, keeping the public hearing open for additional financial and parking information.

• Granted use variance for aboveground pool at 715 Eddy Street (unanimous)
• Deferred decision on two-family dwelling variance at 507 Holcomb Street
• Deferred decision on lot size variance for 507 Holcomb Street
• Adopted negative declaration under SEQR for pool variance

City Council

The City Council approved the site plan for new buildings, an event tent, and a parking lot at the Watertown Golf Club, adding a condition requiring the applicant to remediate the current parking lot and septic tank upon direction of the City Engineer. The council also waived credit card fees for certain payments through April 30, 2020, and rejected bids for two projects. A resolution to change the Fire Department's EMS response level was tabled for further discussion.

• Approved site plan for Watertown Golf Club improvements (1 Thompson Park) with added condition to remediate parking lot and septic tank (vote: 4-1, Ruggiero nay)
• Waived credit card fees for property tax, water/sewer, trash tote, and parking ticket payments through April 30, 2020 (unanimous)
• Rejected all bids for District 14 Sidewalk Repair Project to delay for a year (unanimous)
• Rejected the bid for Soda Ash Improvements Project to re-bid later (unanimous)
• Accepted $497,499.49 bid from DC Building Systems, Inc. for Hydro Plant Canal Maintenance Project (unanimous)
• Accepted $37,000 bid from DC Building Systems, Inc. for Hydro Plant Trash/Safety Rack Replacement Project (unanimous)
• Approved granting easements to National Grid for electrical upgrades to City Hall and Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library (unanimous)
• Discontinued a 0.166-acre portion of Bellew Avenue South for rail spur relocation (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council unanimously approved 11 resolutions, including appointing Kenneth A. Mix as City Manager through December 31, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They also approved site plans for expansions at Roth Industries and Parkside Bible Church, accepted a $248,981.50 bid for sidewalk and ADA ramp repairs, and readopted the FY 2019-20 General Fund budget with a staffing adjustment. A public hearing on the CDBG Citizen Participation Plan was held with no speakers.

• Appointed Kenneth A. Mix as City Manager through Dec 31, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for Roth Industries expansion at 268 Bellew Ave S (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for Parkside Bible Church building at 491 Eastern Blvd (unanimous)
• Accepted $248,981.50 bid from Concrete Slipform Inc. for CDBG sidewalk/ADA ramp repairs (unanimous)
• Readopted FY 2019-20 General Fund budget, eliminating one heavy MEO and creating one light MEO (unanimous)
• Accepted $18,450 proposal from C&S Companies for DPW facility assessment (unanimous)
• Reappointed Sam Purington and Owen Virkler to Transportation Commission (unanimous)
• Accepted $450 donation from Hyde-Stone for a bench in Thompson Park (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Watertown Planning Board voted to recommend City Council approval of three site plan requests: Roth Industries' building additions and storage building at 268 Bellew Avenue South, Parkside Bible Church's new 9,500-square-foot building at 491 Eastern Boulevard, and Watertown Golf Club's new buildings, event tent, and parking lot at 1 Thompson Park. All recommendations were made contingent on specific conditions, including permits, ADA parking, and engineering requirements. The board also approved the minutes from the February 21, 2020 meeting.

• Recommended approval of Roth Industries site plan for 1,880 and 5,460 SF additions and 10,400 SF storage building (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Parkside Bible Church site plan for 9,500 SF building (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Watertown Golf Club site plan for buildings, event tent, and 50-space parking lot (4-0, Katzman abstained)
• Approved minutes from February 21, 2020 meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council held a work session with no formal votes. They heard a presentation on the Thompson Park Zoo's new strategic plan, including a proposed name change to Zoo New York and a request for an additional $50,000 annually for five years for marketing. They also discussed a 5311 transit funding application, which was submitted that day, and all members agreed to prepare resolutions for future votes.

• Heard presentation on Zoo New York strategic plan (no vote)
• Discussed request for additional $50,000/year for Zoo marketing (no vote)
• Agreed to prepare resolutions for 5311 transit funding (all members)

City Council

The Watertown City Council approved three resolutions: a performance review of the City Clerk, authorization to apply for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $88,152 with an $8,815 city match, and adoption of updated guidelines for the CDBG Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program. The council also scheduled a public hearing for March 15 on the CDBG Citizen Participation Plan and discussed bus expansion costs, CDBG funding for foot patrols, and other topics.

• Approved performance review of City Clerk Ann M. Saunders (all yea)
• Authorized application for FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $88,152 with $8,815 city match (all yea)
• Adopted updated CDBG Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program guidelines (all yea)
• Scheduled public hearing on CDBG Citizen Participation Plan for March 15 at 7:30 p.m. (all in favor)

City Council

The City Council held a work session to discuss a traffic signal coordination project on Arsenal Street funded by a grant, with a resolution to be brought to the next meeting. No formal decisions were made; the session was informational only.

City Council

The City Council approved a $1.6 million bond ordinance to fund part of the $3.3 million Thompson Park pool and bathhouse project, with the remainder covered by $1.5 million from the fund balance and $200,000 in state grants. The council also adopted a three-month moratorium on permits for digital/LED billboards after amending it from six months. Two resolutions were passed: designating depositories for city funds and approving a $50,000 grant agreement for the 10th Mountain Memorial Monument.

• Approved $1.6M bond for Thompson Park pool (all yea)
• Adopted 3-month moratorium on digital sign permits (all yea)
• Amended moratorium from 6 months to 3 months (all yea)
• Approved Resolution No. 1 designating Community Bank, Key Bank, WSB Municipal Bank as depositories (all yea)
• Approved Resolution No. 2 accepting $50,000 Empire State Development grant for 10th Mountain Monument (all yea)