City Manager’s

Information Update
March 25, 2022

Engineering Department

Alteri Pool Restoration

DPW has installed the electrical

cabinet and its corresponding
piping. The wiring will be done
after they determine how much is
required. Sundance Leisure has
begun draining the Pool and Surge
Tank via pump.

Police Department

Arson Fire Investigation Update

Joshua Jones, one of the victims of the 122 Winslow Street assault/arson fire (February 28, 2022),
succumbed to his injuries at Upstate University Hospital on March 20th. The initial criminal
investigation led to the arrest of 27-year-old Khane O. Jones on charges of Arson in the First Degree
(a class “B” felony) and Assault in the First Degree (a class “B” felony). On March 23rd, the
Criminal Investigation Division arrested the defendant on the additional charge of Murder in the
Second Degree (a class “A-1” felony). The defendant continues to be held in the Jefferson County
Jail without bail.

Stabbing Case
At 9:36 am on Tuesday, March 22nd, patrols were dispatched to a complaint of a male having been
stabbed by a female at 309 Mill Street. Responding patrols found the male, 56-year-old Jamie Doyle,
had been stabbed in the chest. The investigation led to the arrest of the defendant, 51-year-old
Michelle Matthews, on charges of Assault in the Second Degree (a class “D” felony) and Criminal
Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (a class “A” misdemeanor). The defendant was
arraigned in City of Watertown Court and was released on her own recognizance (without bail).

Child Advocacy Center Award

On March 23rd, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC)
presented Detective Gregory Gibbs with the 2022
“Hero of the Year” award for his dedication and
work in assisting victims of child abuse. Jill
Parker, Executive Director of the Victims
Assistance Center of Jefferson County, presented
the award.
 City Manager’s
Information Update
March 25, 2022

K-9 Demonstration
Officer Wayne McConnell giving
a K-9 demonstration in a local
classroom.

Planning Department

Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Streetscape Project

National Grid recently informed Planning Staff that the City’s application for $250,000 of grant
funding under National Grid’s Urban Center/Commercial District Revitalization program was
successful. This City had applied for this money to leverage DRI and American Rescue Plan (ARPA)
funding in paying for the construction costs.

The plans have been finalized and the parking issue on Court Street that was raised during the
preliminary design phase has been addressed. Originally, the plans called to convert the on-street
angled parking to parallel parking to allow for a two-way cycle track (bike lane). This would have
resulted in the loss of 23 parking spaces. After feedback from the Council and the public, the final
plans will retain angled parking for most of the street.

However, one safety improvement that the project will implement will be restriping these spaces to
convert them to reverse-angled parking. This style of parking space eliminates the limited visibility
movement that occurs when backing out of a traditional angled parking space. Leaving a reverse-
angled space by contrast is a simple movement akin to merging with traffic. Due to road geometry
considerations, a small segment of Court Street will convert to parallel parking to allow safer left-
turning movements from Arcade Street.
 City Manager’s
Information Update
March 25, 2022

The project will also replace the existing water feature at Lachenauer Plaza with a circular concrete
fountain faced with a stone veneer and simple spray pattern. The new 16’ diameter, 16” tall fountain
will occupy approximately the same footprint as the existing fountain.

This project is currently out to bid with a due date of April 6, 2022. Copies of the final plan set and
bid book are both available in the Planning office if any Council Members wish to arrange a time to
examine them and/or ask questions of Staff related to the project.

Lachenauer
Plaza
Conceptual
Rendering

Water Department

Water Treatment
The water treatment staff installed equipment to pilot test sodium permanganate to oxidize organic
material. The goal of the test is to reduce disinfection by-products and was approved by the
NYSDOH.

Water Distribution
Crews have been pro-actively engaged in leak detection beginning near Thompson Park and
expanding city wide.
 City Manager’s
Information Update
March 25, 2022

A sink hole was discovered & investigated by Distribution Staff on 3/4/22 at 135 North Rutland
Street. The crew found a leak within the 4” water main, which was quickly repaired.

On 3/16/22, a sink hole was discovered

by City DPW crews in the 300 block of
Hunt Street. After a short investigation,
this was found to be a water main break.
The 6-inch line was repaired by Water
Distribution staff.
 City Manager’s
Information Update
March 25, 2022

The meter service crew answered 61 service calls for City residents.

Wastewater Treatment
WWTP staff are completing repairs to Final "B" settling tank. Wear strips on the rails need to be
replaced along with the drive unit on top of the tank. The new drive unit need parts which will be
fabricated on site by the WWTP staff.

WWTP staff has completed the city’s annual respirator training and annual fit testing prior to
disinfection starting April 1st.