DRAFT COPY

REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

April 12, 2004

7:30 P.M.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:30 p.m. and a Moment of Silence followed in honor of Justice James Priest.

 

Roll call: Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk, called the roll.  Supervisor Thomas Wood- present, Councilman Bruce Cornell - present, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – present, Councilman Fred Drumm- present and Councilman Charles Hanehan- present.

Also present: Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Rick Drew, Bob & Melodee Haney, David & Lisa Lord, Gail Taras, Dan Craine, Angelo Giannettino Sr., Kathleen Bartholomay, Tim Christensen, Justice Jack Ditch, David & Debra Mathis, Barbara Faraone, and Ed & Ruth Dweck.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Resolution #04-65, a tribute to Justice James Priest, seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, resolved that the Town of Saratoga Town Board posthumously express our sincere thanks and appreciation to James S. Priest for his loyal and devoted dedication and commend James S. Priest for his outstanding service and performance of duties as Town Justice for the Town of Saratoga. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

(The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Resolution #04-67 honoring retiring Saratoga National Park Service Superintendent W. Douglas Lindsay for his leadership and devotion to the honorable profession of public service.  It was further resolved to declare April 17-25, as “Superintendent Doug Lindsay – National Park Week” in the Town of Saratoga as part of the annual Presidentially proclaimed week for celebration and recognition of the National Parks. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

(The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

 

Proof of notice having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood read the proposed Local Law #3 of 2004, Partial Tax Exemption for Persons with Disabilities and Limited Income, and called the Public Hearing to order at 7:40 p.m.

Angelo Giannettino Sr., 121 Haas Rd., Schuylerville, spoke for the exemption but would like the income limit higher and not just a partial exemption. 

Gail Taras, Route 32, Schuylerville, spoke in favor of the exemption but would like the income limit higher and a deduction against income for unreimbursed medical and prescription costs.

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that by adopting the schedule proposed it will help those with the greatest need, as a start. The proposed schedule is as follows:

Annual Income                        Percentage Exemption

Less than $15,001                                   50%

$15,001 but less than $16,000                       45%

$16,001 but less than $17,000                       40%

$17,001 but less than $18,000             35%

$18,001 but less than $18,900                       30%

$18,901 but less than $19,800                       25%

$19,801 but less than $20,700                       20%

 

The Public Hearing ended and the regular meeting resumed at 7:55 p.m.

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Bruce Cornell and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to accept the minutes of March 8, 2004 meeting as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

 

Town Clerk’s report for March 2004: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $222.07. Dog license fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets $63.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $81.24. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $67.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $617.93. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $75.76. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,127.50.

 

Zoning Officer’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood read Bob Hathaway’s March 2004 report: 3 Building Permits, 3 C.O’s, 7 Building inspections and 2 Zoning Board of Appeals applications.  A check for $355 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Councilman Fred Drumm requested that Zoning Officer Bob Hathaway be asked to check to see if the used car dealer on Route 29 in Grangerville has exceeded the number of cars allowed by his Special Use Permit.  There are cars parked all around the house and along the road.

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented March 2004 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $654,260.31, General B $32,374.47, Highway Outside $286,421.76, Youth Recreation & Services $823.07, Highway Equipment Reserve $122,521.61, Building Reserve $779,199.50 and Fire Protection $0.00.  March revenues were $14,370.37 and expenses were $214,934.87.  The total March balance is $1,875,600.72.

 

Highway:  Rick Drew reported that the town crew has been very busy.  They have been sweeping, cleaning up the winter sand.  The inmates from Wilton have been cleaning up the local cemeteries and doing a very nice job.  The town crew is also repairing and painting the town trucks and Rick Drew hopes to put the plows away soon, weather permitting.

 

Rick Drew explained that there is a problem with an odorous gray water discharge around the west side of Chestnut Street.  Rick provided the board with a memo that included the house numbers and property owners along Chestnut Street where the discharge is taking place.  It was suggested that the use of dye capsules into the property owner’s septic systems would identify the source.  Supervisor Thomas Wood suggests that our Zoning Officer become involved and work with the homeowners on the west side of Chestnut Street to identify the source and then decide on the course of action to fix it.  Rick Drew noted that there might also be a need to replace some of the old pipes and storm drains in that area.   

 

Landfill: No report

 

Insurance:  No report

 

Youth Committee report: Councilman Michael McLoughlin explained that the Old Saratoga Athletic Association (OSAA) is in need of new bleachers at Fort Hardy Park.  The cost would be about $1500 for two portable aluminum bleachers.  Councilman Michael McLoughlin made a motion for the Town to purchase, for up to $1,500, two portable aluminum bleachers for use by the OSAA at Fort Hardy Park.  Councilman Fred Drumm seconded the motion. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0.  It was noted that the bleachers would be the property of the Town and could be used by other organizations also, if needed and approved.  Supervisor Thomas Wood also stated that $2,000 is budgeted for the upkeep of Fort Hardy Park and after speaking with Village of Schuylerville Mayor John Sherman, it was agreed upon to take the $1,500 from that source.

 

Buildings: No report

 

Senior Citizens report: Councilman Bruce Cornell reported that the Old Saratoga Seniors had a sandwich lunch with a “Teacup Auction” on March 27th that was a lot of fun.  He also noted that both Quaker Springs Seniors and the Old Saratoga Seniors plan bus trips.  The Quaker Springs Seniors will be going to Skaneateles on June 16, 2004 and the Old Saratoga Seniors will be going to Holyoke, MA. on June 24, 2004.

The town provides $2,000 for these trips and the Village of Schuylerville contributes $1,500.  The Quaker Springs Seniors had a dinner on March 23rd with 64 people attending in honor of their 40th year.  Marie Burch talked to the Sunshiners regarding the March for Parks scheduled for April 24, 2004.

 

Park Committee report: Councilman Michael McLoughlin reported on the status of the Quaker Springs Mineral Water Park.  He stated that a Quit Claim Deed is needed from Peter Thornton and will be given to Attorney Trevor Coulter. Supervisor Thomas Wood noted that the town is gaining ownership of the property to establish a pocket park at the springs for all to enjoy.

 

Cable TV Committee: Councilman Fred Drumm reported that negotiations on the renewal of the Time Warner Cable Franchise were held with Councilman Fred Drumm, Supervisor Thomas Wood, Carol McTauge of the Public Service Commission, and Peter Taubkin from Time Warner.  They agreed on terms and once the contract is received public hearings will be held and a resolution to adopt the contract will be needed.  Supervisor Thomas Wood added that it was discovered that the town has not been getting the 15% discount on Roadrunner that they should have been receiving and that a retroactive reduction will be coming.

 

Old Business: Supervisor Thomas Wood noted that the public hearing on Local Law # 2 of 2004, amending the income standards and percentage of exemptions for the partial tax exemption for residential real property owned by certain persons with limited incomes who are 65 years of age or over, was held last month and tabled until this meeting.  Supervisor Thomas Wood read the Local Law and stated that the schedule of income is the same as the previously stated schedule for the Persons with Disabilities and Limited income and asked for any further discussion.  Councilman Bruce Cornell inquired if this could be amended annually and Supervisor Thomas Wood answered yes. It was noted that the income scale has been increased to help more people qualify for the exemption but because of a March 1 deadline that has past; the earliest it can be in place is for the 2006 tax bills.  A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to adopt Resolution #04-49, adopting Local Law #2 of 2004 which amends Local Law #1 of 1990 increasing the Aged Exemption for persons with limited incomes who are 65 years of age to the extent set forth in the following schedule:

             Annual Income                        Percentage Exemption

Less than $15,001                                   50%

$15,001 but less than $16,000                       45%

$16,001 but less than $17,000                       40%

$17,001 but less than $18,000             35%

$18,001 but less than $18,900                       30%

$18,901 but less than $19,800                       25%

$19,801 but less than $20,700                       20%

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0.  (The full text of this Local Law is on file in the Local Law Book at the Town Clerk’s office.)

 

Having held the public hearing on Local Law # 3 of 2004, providing for partial tax exemption of real property owned by certain persons with disabilities and limited income, Supervisor Thomas Wood read the law and asked for a motion.  A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan to adopt Resolution # 04-70, adopting Local Law # 3 of 2004, providing for partial tax exemption of real property owned by certain persons with disabilities and limited income to the extent set forth in the schedule below:

Annual Income                        Percentage Exemption

Less than $15,001                                   50%

$15,001 but less than $16,000                       45%

$16,001 but less than $17,000                       40%

$17,001 but less than $18,000             35%

$18,001 but less than $18,900                       30%

$18,901 but less than $19,800                       25%

$19,801 but less than $20,700                       20%

Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0.  (The full text of this Local Law is on file in the Local Law Book at the Town Clerk’s office.)

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to pass Resolution #04-60: resolved by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to enter into a written lease agreement with the New York State Police for the use of town office space for a State Police satellite station at the town hall from April 14, 2004 through April 13, 2006. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

(The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s

office.)

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the request for a one-year extension of Nate Darrow’s Saratoga Apple application for the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) has been granted.  He stated that meetings will take place in the near future to work on an agreement for the purchase and that he would like to include the town board and have a public meeting.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that the Nielson Landing Development construction problems have been worked out and the Stop Work Order that was in effect for about one week has been lifted. The agreement was arrived at a meeting at which nine points were discussed by Supervisor Thomas Wood, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Town Engineer Ken Martin, Planning Board Chairman Ian Murray and finance representatives and contractors from the project.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that at Eagle’s Roost, the Eagle’s Way roadway is still not ready to be taken over by the town although three points of concern have been discussed with residents, town officials and the contractors.  Town Attorney William Reynolds and C & S Construction’s attorney have agreed on a memorandum of understanding and once the items have been corrected the town will then take over the road. 

It was mentioned by Supervisor Thomas Wood that the $150,000 grant for a Town Park applied for through Senator Bruno is pending. 

 

New Business: Councilman Fred Drumm suggested that the town board meetings start at 7:00 p.m., instead of 7:30 p.m., due to the amount of business that is being conducted.  Supervisor Thomas Wood asked that the board and townspeople consider the proposal and provide feedback. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that in order to comply with Election Law, machine custodians must be paid equally.  Resolution #04-61 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to increase the salary of the second machine custodian by $100 to equal the salary of the first in order to comply with Election Law Section 3-302. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

(The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s office.)

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that the town justice vacancy needs to be filled and he then offered Resolution #04-66 which was seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to appoint David Mathis to the position, since he is a highly recommended and qualified candidate with extensive experience in law enforcement, the military, and teaching, at the budgeted salary of $11,736. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

(The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s office.)

 

Resolution #04-62 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to pay the senior town court justice at the budgeted amount of $13,176. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

(The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s

office.)

 

Supervisor Thomas read a letter dated March 12, 2004 from Melodee Haney, Court Clerk, informing the town of her resignation effective April 30, 2004.  A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to accept with regret the resignation of Court Clerk Melodee Haney.  

Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood announced the appointment of Dawn Knight by Justice Jack Ditch to fill the vacancy of part-time court clerk. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood noted that the Town of Saratoga has agreed to administer the Lakes to Locks Passage, Saratoga Pocket Parks Grant.  Resolution #04-71 was offered by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to amend the budget, to include in the 2004 budget estimated revenue of $22,000 in the account A-5031, inter-fund transfer, and include appropriations of $22,000 from account A-7150.4, Special Recreation account, for the administration of the grant. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s

office.)

 

As part of the administration of the Lakes to Locks Passage, Saratoga Pocket Parks Grant, Resolution #04-63 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to pay invoice 14-01 in the amount of $16,000 to Lakes to Locks Passage for work completed from March 3, 2003 to December 31, 2003. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s office.)

 

As part of the administration of the Lakes to Locks Passage, Saratoga Pocket Parks Grant, Resolution #04-64 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to pay invoice 14-02 in the amount of $6,000 to Lakes to Locks Passage for work completed from January 1, 2004 to February 29, 2004. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s office.)

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the present NYS Local Government Records Management funding is slated to expire as of December 31, 2005.  In order to continue to have funds available for grant applicants, a proposal to make permanent the funding for local government grants needs our support.  It was also noted that the Town of Saratoga has applied for a Records Grant and should know in July if we have been selected for funding.  Resolution #04-68 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to support making permanent the funding for the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund and Cultural Education Fund. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s office.)

 

It was offered for consideration to raise the income level used for the Veteran’s exemption by Supervisor Thomas Wood.  At the present, the exemption is applied at the rate of 15% for veterans and 25% for veterans of foreign wars on the first 40,000 of assessed value.  It was suggested that 80,000 might be a good level.  The board will gather more information and feedback before proceeding.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood mentioned that there are zoning law changes that need to be made.  He stated that two meetings have taken place with town officers including the supervisor, attorney, engineer, Zoning, and the Planning and Zoning board chairmen.  They have uncovered errors, omissions, discrepancies, and some needed amendments to the present regulations.  Some amendments that are under consideration are amendments to the maximum height of structures in the town, fee schedules, Planned Unit Developments (PUD’s), self-storage units, flag lots, and many more.  More discussions will be held along with Public hearings before passage.

 

Councilman Charles Hanehan mentioned that Grant Seymour, Highway Superintendent, had asked for suggestions on a design for new Town of Saratoga signs. Councilman Charles Hanehan suggested that possibly a contest would spark interest from local artists to become involved in the design.  Attorney William Reynolds suggested a committee of volunteers consisting of local artists and graphic designers.  It was also suggested that maybe the graphic design class at Schuylerville Central School could make it a project and that would utilize the talents of our younger generation.  Supervisor Thomas Wood agreed to contact some of our local talent. 

 

Marlene Bissell of the Adirondack School has requested support from the town to help with the cost of the disposal of the trash collected during the Earth Day clean up on Thursday, April 22, 2004.  Resolution # 04-69 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to support the volunteer effort for the clean up of our roadsides by up to $250 towards the cost of the trash disposal for Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2004. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s office.)  It was noted that the money would come from the money budgeted in the Celebrations account.

Communications: 

Supervisor Thomas Wood noted that he has been contacted by Byron Peregrim, Turning Point Parade Chairman, asking for support of the annual celebration.  It was mentioned that we provided $3,000 last year and there is $10,000 budgeted this year in the Celebrations account for such events.  A motion was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to provide $3,500 to help with the costs of the Turning Point Parade held August 1, 2004. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0.

 

Notification of the intent to apply for a liquor license was received by Richard Rodriguez, who will operate under the name EL Sol Cantina at the Fish Creek Marina, 251 County Route 67, Saratoga Springs, NY, and a notice of intent to renew their liquor license was received from the American Legion Post 278, Schuylerville, NY and read by Supervisor Thomas Wood.

 

A letter was read from Jeannie Duval, Youth Commission Director, informing the town that the Summer Swim program will be held at the home of Todd & Connie Griffen, 200 Casey Rd, Schuylerville.  The program will run from July 2nd through August 25th   

and is open to children in the Schuylerville Central School District, ages 9 months to 13 years. Registration will be held at the Schuylerville Elementary School at a date to be announced.  For further information call Jeannie Duval at 581-8453.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood nominated Alice Smith for the Jefferson Award for Public Service sponsored by the Times Union and the St. Peter’s Healthcare Services, as an exceptional individual that has made a difference and certainly has made our world a better place for all.  Alice Smith was a finalist. Supervisor Thomas Wood, Alice Smith,  Colleen Buell, and Ronnie Myers attended the Second Annual Capital Region Jefferson Awards ceremony at the Desmond Hotel on Tuesday, April 7, 2004.  Supervisor Thomas Wood asked for suggestions for nominees for next year.

 

The New York State Department of Transportation had announced that NY Route 32 would be closed for a week beginning with March 29th due to a badly deteriorated culvert between DeGarmo Road and Patterson Road. It was discovered that a large sinkhole was at the shoulder of the road and after further investigation, it was revealed that a 36” pipe had deteriorated beneath the road.  It was replaced also.  The approximate cost of the project was $50,000.  

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood mentioned that Bryant’s Bridge was closed to enable subsurface test soil borings in preparation for a new bridge in 2005.  Joe Ritchey, County Commissioner of Public Works, says that they are looking into how the bridge could be salvaged. 

 

The new hours for the Department of Motor Vehicles starting May 1, 2004 were read are posted at the town office. 

 

It was announced that the Sundae on the Farm program would be held on June 20th at the Tim Little Farm on County Road 70.  Supervisor Thomas Wood by request has asked the County to grant permission to close County Road 70 between Nielson Road and County Road 71 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 20th for the event.

 

Privilege of the floor:

 David Lord of 1241 Rt. 9P, Saratoga Springs, spoke on the 3 story construction ongoing in the Lake District at the corner of Cedar Bluff Rd. and Rt. 9P.  He stated that even if the present codes do not address the number of stories, going on past practices the limit has been 2 stories. He stated that both the Zoning Officer and the Zoning Board of Appeals, in the past, have stated, and decisions have been made, limiting construction of single-family residences to 2 stories.  He asks that the Town reconsider and stand behind the previous practices.

Ed Dwek, Saratoga Lake, also spoke on the 3-story construction at the Lake and stated that he felt that the whole property situation was illegal from the start, as it was vacant and didn’t meet standards.  He also questioned how height maximums would be measured, from the grade at the front, back, top of slope?  Attorney William Reynolds and Supervisor Thomas Wood agreed that input is needed from Larry Benton of the County Planning Board and with other neighboring towns as to how they define and restrict it. 

Barbara Faraone, Saratoga Lake, and a Zoning Board of Appeals member, spoke to make clear that the Zoning Board of Appeals did not approve the 3-story construction.  The applicants, when asked to provide the board with more information, did not return to the Zoning Board of Appeals but chose to build on the existing footprint, which required no approval by the board.

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated, after questions arose if the building was built to code, that both Town Engineer Ken Martin and Zoning Officer Bob Hathaway checked and no violations were found.  David Lord questioned what freeze protection was provided to the foundation from December through March?  Supervisor Wood stated he would pass that question on to the Zoning Officer and Engineer. 

Lisa Lord, 1241 Rt. 9P, Saratoga Lake, spoke in agreement with what David Lord had stated regarding the three-story construction and added that it now appears to have a flat roof and that it looks like an observation deck may be going on above the third story.  She stated that this brings concerns regarding fire protection, fall protection, high wind consequences in relation to furniture on the top deck, along with the overall adequacy of the construction.  She stated that even if the code is quiet on 2-story construction; it has been past practice in the Lake District that 2 stories is the limit.

David Mathis addressed the board thanking them for the opportunity to serve as Town Court Justice. 

 

Audit the Bills: Per abstract 04/12/2004 (4G): General A $31,256.02, General B $587.08, Highway Outside $10,345.83 for a total expense of $20,188.93.

 

A motion to adjourn at 10:05 p.m. was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan. Supervisor Thomas Wood – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk

 

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