The Watertown Town Council met for about 30 minutes in executive session last week to talk about plans to purchase land off Weaver Road with a well that could provide water to streets in that area.

For the past three years, the town has been negotiating with Councilman Paul V. Desormo to purchase about 20 acres at 20638 Weaver Road. The town also is interested in buying two other parcels. They are owned by Michael Ledoux, son-in-law of Councilman Stephen L. Rich, and the Assembly of God church that borders the councilman’s property.

No action was taken after the closed-door session last Thursday. A new appraisal was completed recently; town officials declined to release the results.

On Tuesday, Mr. Desormo said the deal was “still in limbo,” but declined further comment because it may “go to litigation.” Town Supervisor Joel R. Bartlett would not comment, saying that negotiations were continuing with the other two property owners.

Last year, Mr. Desormo was so unhappy about the situation he threatened to resign from the Town Council.

As a council member, Mr. Desormo cannot negotiate directly with the board. State Supreme Court would have to come up with a fair price for the property and he would then decide whether he would accept that price.

According to the first appraisal, Mr. Desormo would have received either about $60,000 for 4 acres or about $143,000 for 20 acres, depending on how much property the town decided to purchase.

If it can be worked out, the well would serve east-side residents whose wells have dried up or contain bacteria. Some residents have to haul in water by truck. Three years ago, the town spent about $145,000 on locating a well, drilling and testing the site.

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