City Manager’s

Status and Information Update

April 22, 2022

Notable Cases 3/24/22 – 4/20/22

High Speed Chase

On 03/25/22, NY State Police and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies were involved in a high-speed
chase which entered the City of Watertown. WPD patrols briefly assisted before the chase was called
off due to public safety considerations. City police later located the suspect vehicle on Salina Street.
The subsequent joint investigation with the Sheriff’s Office NY State Police led to the arrest of the
suspect, Peter R. LaGrow (30) on 03/30/22. WPD officers arrested Mr. LaGrow with numerous
charges, including Speeding, Unsafe Passing, Reckless Driving, Fleeing a Police Officer and
Obstructing Governmental Administration. Additional charges were filed by the Jefferson County
Sheriff’s Office.

Attempted Suicide

WPD patrols responded to a residence in response to a report of a suicidal subject. Upon arrival,
patrols spoke with the subject, who subsequently started slashing at their own neck with a razor
blade. Patrol discharged a Taser at the subject to prevent them from further injuring themselves and
were able to disarm them and begin first aid. Officers then discovered that the subject had already
caused another self-inflicted laceration to their upper thigh area. The subject was taken into custody
under the NY Mental Hygiene Law and transported by Guilfoyle Ambulance to SMC for treatment
and evaluation.

Weapon Charges

On 04/03/22, patrols responded to 1708 Ohio Street for a complaint of children throwing rocks at a
fence. The subsequent investigation revealed that a subject had exited an apartment with a gun. A
review of security photos and additional investigation led to the seizure of a Glock 9mm semi-
automatic (with no serial number) along with a loaded high-capacity magazine. 21-year-old Brandon
C. Johnston was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (Class
“D” Felony) and 4th Degree (Class “A” Misdemeanor) for possessing the handgun and high-capacity
magazine. Additional charges were lodged for Menacing in the 2nd Degree and Endangering the
Welfare of a Child (both Class “A” Misdemeanors).
 City Manager’s
Status and Information Update
April 22, 2022

In-Service Training

The Watertown Police Department is currently conducting our annual In-Service Training classes at
Jefferson Community College. The topics being taught include – Legal Updates, Use of Force,
Defensive Tactics, Taser Re-certifications, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Violence, Cyber Security,
CPR and Firearms.

WPD Officers in CPR

class

Recruit Officer Training

The department’s four new, recruit officers have begun their 14-week “Field Training” portion of the
Basic Course for Police Officers. They will ride with certified “Field Training Officers” for that
period and will be conducting investigations, enforcing vehicle and traffic laws, responding to
 City Manager’s
Status and Information Update
April 22, 2022
domestic incidents and other crimes in progress, and getting experience in all aspect of law
enforcement.

Alteri Pool Restoration

The pool has been completely drained

of water. After draining, it was
discovered that the expansion joint in
the pool is damaged and in need of
replacing. Sundance Leisure
submitted a change order to correct
this, as well as clean the pool shell
surface and it has been approved by
the Council. The piping directly
connected to the pool has been
removed and the new piping and
valves installed up to the pump
motor, which will be reinstalled on
Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

ARPA Streets Projects

The Engineering Department has entered into a Professional Services Agreement with GHD (Pratt
Street and Sherman Street project). A Professional Service Agreement and Resolutions with GYMO
for the project on Barben Avenue/Holcomb Street/Bugbee Drive and the Barben Avenue Sewer
Extension were presented to City Council at the April 18th meeting. Aubertine and Currier will be
meeting with the Engineering Department on Friday, April 22, 2022, to discuss their services for
Ohio Street and Winslow Street.
 City Manager’s
Status and Information Update
April 22, 2022

Thompson Park ADA Ramps Project

This project for ADA ramp repairs is going out to bid on May 4, 2022

Cooper Street Outfall Project

The contractor is currently revising their quote for this project to include additional sewer extension.
This quote will be brought before the council for approval. Construction is expected to begin on
Monday, May 2, 2022.

Fairgrounds Grandstand Steel Repair

Bernier, Carr and

Associates, P.C. met with
the Engineering
Department on site, April
18th to assess, and
determine the extent of
corrosion regarding this
project.

Fire Station Renovations

The Massey St., State St., and Mill St. Fire Stations need repairs for ceramic tile and portico. Quotes
have been received from contractors. This project is on hold until the 2022-2023 budget is approved
by the City Council.
 City Manager’s
Status and Information Update
April 22, 2022

Flower Memorial Library Dehumidification Project

The Flower Memorial Library is experiencing humidity issues during the warmer months. Jade Stone
Engineering has been contacting Siemen’s controls to determine modifications to correct this issue.

Flower Memorial Library Window Replacement

ZeroDraft of CNY, Inc. has

remobilized, and windows have been
delivered to Site. They started
removing 1 window on the Southside
and installing on April 19th.
2 of 7 Window installations have been
completed.
These ornate windows to fit the
Historical Flower Memorial Library
weigh 350 pounds each.

Shooting Range Building Demolition

The new building at the

shooting range has been
installed by the North
Country Storage Barns for
the Police Department.
 City Manager’s
Status and Information Update
April 22, 2022

Water Treatment

The water treatment plant staff met with Engineers from GHD and a representative from NYSDOH
for a kick-off meeting to discuss the strategy for removal of disinfection by-products (DBP’s), which
continue to be a concern in the city’s drinking water.

Water Distribution

Water Distribution crews have started to prepare for the annual city-wide hydrant flushing program.
Crews began cleaning out gate boxes on 4/18/22. Flushing will begin the first week of May and
occurs after hours. Flushing locations will be posted weekly.

Water Distribution

The week of April 11th Distribution crews assisted Water Filtration with the isolation and monitoring
of the reservoirs for water loss due to leaks. It was found that the larger reservoir is leaking. This
operation provided an opportunity to update reservoir isolation operating procedures, and confined
space entry procedures.
 City Manager’s
Status and Information Update
April 22, 2022

Wastewater Treatment

WWTP staff replaced bearings in an aeration tank blower, and staff replaced a refrigeration unit on
Influent B’s composite sampler.

Planning Department:

Spring Tree Planting – Several annual events are taking place in the next week including Arbor Day
which will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Flower Memorial Library.
The Watertown Noon Rotary Club tree planting will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at several
locations in Thompson Park. Participants should meet at the overlook along the West Entrance Drive
at 9:00 a.m. The City’s Department of Public Works will complete the City’s annual tree planting
efforts during the week of May 2 at locations throughout the City.