DRAFT COPY

REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

August 9, 2004

7:00 P.M.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:00 p.m.

 

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

Also present: Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Thompson Temple, J. McClure, Walter Flanders, Dave and Lynda Teitelbaum, Kathleen Bartholomay, Stephen and JoAnn Goldblatt, Kristi and Darren Carrara, Anthony Holland, Becky DeWitt, Meghan Phalen, Matt Leon, Jim Witsch, Bonnie Vidnansky, Millie & Ed Mallory, Leo & Joanna Lynch, Lorraine & Randy Ray, James Bulgey, Ed Bennett, Berni Yaccometta, Sherry Doubleday, and Richard Behrens.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the proposed Local Law #04-07 is for a 6-month moratorium on mining permits in the Town of Saratoga. The board felt that this is necessary in order to study, review and consider revisions to the Zoning Ordinance regarding mining permits. 

  

Proof of notice having been provided a Public Hearing on Local Law #7 of 2004 was opened at 7:03 p.m. The following spoke for adopting the mining moratorium: Kristi Carrara – 888 Route 29, Kristi Carrara read a letter by Becky DeWitt of Louden Rd. for the moratorium, Dave Teitelbaum – 118 Chelsea Dr., Jim Bulgey - 111 Chelsea Dr., Steven Goldblatt - 113 Chelsea Run.  No one spoke against the moratorium. The public hearing was closed at 7:12 p.m.

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to accept the minutes of July 12th and July 19th, 2004 as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 0.

 

 

Town Clerk’s report for July 2004: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $98.50. Dog license fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets $51.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $436.87. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $246.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $72.13. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $927.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report: July 2004: 16 Building Permits, 2 C.O.’s, 15 Building inspections, 4 Contractor meetings, 2 Perc tests, and 3 Orders to Remedy were issued.  A check for $1,395.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented July 2004 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $591,892.13 General B $159,245.69, Highway Outside $309,290.95, Youth Recreation & Services $7,210.90, Highway Equipment Reserve $78,020.94, Building Reserve $815,921.30 and Fire Protection $0.00.  July revenues were $176,508.31 and expenses were $140,208.17.  The total July balance is $1,961,581.91.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood announced that a check for $34,903.74 has been received as reimbursement of expenditures from the Senator Bruno Grant that was awarded in 2002 - 2003 which was used for computers, office equipment, office furniture, and office renovations. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Real Property Tax Service has set the Town of Saratoga’s final state equalization rate at 100%.  Supervisor Thomas Wood commended Assessor Catherine DeFelice and Assistant Marie Foster for a job well done. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that three meetings have taken place regarding the reduction in the assessed value of the Victory Hydro Station.  Supervisor Thomas Wood was pleased to announce that a verbal compromise agreement has been reached.  The assessment will not be reduced as much as previously predicted.

 

As previously discussed, a new Town Hall sign is needed.  Supervisor Thomas Wood met with Carol Hammer and John Reardon of Sunflower Graphics to discuss design options.  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that the Surrender Scene would be incorporated in the design.  Sketches will be provided for the board’s review. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood pointed out that the four large aerial photos of the Town that are displayed in the hallway were donated by Sam and Phyllis Aldrich.  Many thanks to them.    

 

Highway: Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour reported that the CHIPS project on Burgoyne Road is progressing and paving will start the week of the 23rd. He also stated that the new tractor and mower is ready for pickup on Tuesday and the new crew cab truck is ready for pick up on Wednesday.  He stated that he would like to put the used equipment, the backhoe, tractor and mower, and the old crew cab truck, out for bid in September.  The board agreed.

 

Landfill: No report.

 

Insurance: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that our renewal insurance premium is going up 6%.

 

Youth Committee report: No report.

 

Buildings: No report.

 

Senior Citizens report: Councilman Bruce Cornell reported that the Old Saratoga Seniors are going to Foxwoods August 12th , 2004. 

 

Park Committee report: No report.

 

Cable TV Committee: Councilman Fred Drumm reported that we are still waiting for Time Warner to send us the revised contract agreement.  

 

Old Business: Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the board has been considering the request by Thomas Temple of the Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club and the Quaker Springs Fire Department for a Games of Chance Ordinance in the town.  Stacy Clifford, Special Assistant, and Mark Stuart, Assistant Counsel, of the NYS Racing and Wagering board gave a presentation on the different procedures and requirements for implementing and conducting Games of Chance at the July 12th board meeting.  Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion and Councilman Bruce Cornell seconded it to direct Town Attorney William Reynolds to draft a Local Law permitting the conduct of Games of Chance known as Bell Jar and Raffles as defined in Section 188 of the General Municipal Law (GML) and to complete all the additional steps that may be required.  It was noted that the Local Law is drafted, a public hearing will be held in September, and then it is subject to a mandatory referendum on the ballot in November. Town Attorney William Reynolds will check with the Board of Elections for the requirements for getting the Ordinance on the ballot in November and if we have time to make it for November. Councilman Bruce Cornell added that NYS strictly enforces the Games of Chance rules and regulations so organizations should follow them explicitly. After no further discussion, the vote was taken.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 0.

 

 Supervisor Thomas Wood gave an update on the status of saving Bryant’s Bridge that is being replaced by the County in 2005.  Through Larry Benton, Director of the County Planning Board, and the County Trails Group, interest has been shown for use of the bridge over the Morningkill Stream on the Zimm-Smith Trail in the Town of Ballston.  The board agreed that they would like to see that use of the bridge as they have determined that it would be too expensive for the town to remove, relocate, and restore the bridge. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood announced that Local Law #5 & 6 of 2004, Zoning Amendments, was filed with the Secretary of State on July 23, 2004 and is now in place. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the property owners adjacent to the abandoned Route 32 property have asked that the property be transferred to them. A motion was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to adopt Resolution #04-104: WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes that the abandoned Route 32 property should become the property of the remaining adjoining landowners; now therefore be it

RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga authorizes Town Attorney William Reynolds to deed the abandoned Route 32 property to the three landowners, Gail Taras, Blanche Carden, and Christopher Griffen as co-owners.

Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 0.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood asked Sherry Doubleday of the General Schuyler Emergency Squad to speak.  She presented the board with the General Schuyler Emergency Squad’s 2005 budget request.  She stated that the squad is still looking for an acre or more of land in the proximity of the Village of Schuylerville for a new building.  She added that since  paramedics have been added, the General Schuyler Emergency Squad is being asked more frequently to provide mutual aide to the surrounding districts.   Supervisor Thomas Wood thanked Sherry and all the members of the squad for their outstanding dedication and service provided to the Town. 

 

New Business:

Supervisor Thomas Wood expressed that the Town Board wanted to recognize the athletic accomplishments of the students and coaches at Schuylerville Central School this past school year, 2003-2004.  Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Resolution #04-103 and this was seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell:

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga wished to recognize the significant athletic achievements by students and coaches at Schuylerville Central School; and

WHEREAS, in the Boy’s Track & Field, Adam Abbott took the Section II Championship in the Pentathlon; and

WHEREAS, in the Girl’s Track & Field, Peri Stark placed 1st in the hurdles; and

WHEREAS, in the Girl’s Track & Field, Samantha Hanehan placed 1st in the high jump; and

WHEREAS, the Girl’s Varsity Softball Team became the Class B, Section 2 Regional Champions, the team consisting of Katherine Ives, Chelsea Alderman, Kailynn Bateman, Lauren Dennison, Tiffany Ippoliti, Ashley Nevins, Laci Sullivan, Elizabeth Thivierge, Melissa Brandon, Brooke Barrows, Crystal Ippoliti, Starr Joiner, Laura Rogers and Sarah Violette, with coach Sam Fitzgerald; and

WHEREAS, the Boy’s Varsity Baseball Team became the Class B, Section 2 Regional Champions, the team consisting of Mike DeGregory, Mike Booth, Zachary Kozersky, John Vargues, Jeremy Villano, Ryan Washburn, William Burch, Ryan Danaher, Thomas Durocher, Howard Gifford, Phillip Jarvis, Peter MacDaniel, Zachary Rose, Benjamin Sequeira, David Brennan, and Gregory Simmons with coaches Bruce Brown and Darren Renner; and

WHEREAS, the Boy’s Basketball Team became the Class B, Section 2 Regional Champions, the team consisting of Cory Carson, Robert Foote, Shane Koval, Joshua LeBaron, Britt Miller, Christopher Mosca, Jeffrey Wolcott, Ryan Danaher, Howard Gifford, Justin Levine, Peter MacDaniel, Trenton Pierce, Blake Thomas, Christopher Carson, and Dan Quirk with coach Matthew Sgambati; now therefore be it 

RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga commends these athletes and coaches for their outstanding performances.

Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 0.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Resolution #04-98 and it was seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm:

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has agreed to administer the Lakes to Locks Passage Saratoga Pocket Parks Grant, Contract # DO17673, Workplan PIN: 1SB1.02.121

and

WHEREAS, documentation has been provided to verify work completed from June 12, 2004 through July 9, 2004, now therefore be it

 

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga pay invoice number 16394 in the amount of $2,825.56 from account A 7150.4 Special Recreational payable to the LA Group, 40 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 0.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood announced that an Inactive Records Grant was applied for through Town Clerk Ruth Drumm, and has been awarded to the Town of Saratoga from the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund in the amount of

$11, 968.  The inactive records will be sorted, organized, labeled, and obsolete information will be removed.  Work is scheduled to begin in late August. 

 

The public hearing having been held, Resolution # 04-99 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell:

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to adopt Local Law # 7 of 2004 establishing a 6- month moratorium on the issuance of special permits for mining activity in the Town of Saratoga. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 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 Zoning Regulation Book is in need of rewriting in order to make it more organized and user friendly.  He stated that Tracey Clothier of the LA Group, Zoning Officer Bob Hathaway, and Planning Board Member Paul Griffen, have volunteered to work on improving the book.  They plan to focus on the Table of Contents and the Index. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that a letter was received from Mayor George Sullivan requesting a $700 contribution to the Village of Victory’s Family Fun Day, September 18, 2004.  He added that there will be many attractions such as games, rides, and free food and is open to all residents of the town.  Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Resolution #04-100 and it was seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm:

Whereas, this event will feature a series of day long activities for the benefit of all of the residents of the Town, therefore be it

Resolved, that the Town of Saratoga contribute $700.00 from Celebrations A7550.4 to the Village of Victory to coordinate and conduct the Family Fun Day activities. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 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 it has been past practice to contribute an amount matching the State Aid received to the Joint Youth Employment Service and the Joint Youth Recreation Service. This amount is estimated at budget time and now that the final figure is in an additional $228 is needed to match the State Aid received.  Resolution #04-101 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell:

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to transfer $228 from the Contingency Account # A1990.4 to Account # A7145.4 Joint Recreation due to cover additional funds needed to match state aide received. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 0.  (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

 

At the July 12th Town Board Meeting Justice Jack Ditch requested funds to cover the additional hours needed by the Court Clerks due to the additional workload that the court is experiencing.  It was noted that funds are also needed for additional training in order for the clerks to become Notary Publics.  Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Resolution #04-102 and this was seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm:

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need for an additional 273 hours for the court clerks due to an increased workload and $361.58 for training and registration to Notary Public classes, therefore be it

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to transfer $2,832 from the Contingency Account # A1990.4 to Account # A1110.11 Justices, to cover the additional wages and $361.58 from the Contingency Account # A1990.4 to Account # A1110.4 to cover the cost of the Notary Seminar. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 0.  

 

Communications: 

Supervisor Thomas Wood discussed the Resolution by the Village of Schuylerville Board of Trustees requiring that all submittals of applications, grants, seeking funding concerning village owned property must be submitted to the Village Board for review and authorization in advance of any submittal. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood acknowledged letters received from Dr. Anthony Holland and JoAnn & Steven Goldblatt giving their support to the 6 - month moratorium on mining permits in the town and their many concerns regarding the adverse affects of a sand mine on the residents nearby.  

 

Privilege of the floor:

Kathleen Bartholomay asked the board to consider adding a budget line item for improvements and/or maintenance of the many historic markers in our town.  She suggested budgeting enough to improve even one marker a year to make a much-needed difference. 

JoAnn Goldblatt inquired what process the Town Board would be following to identify the zoning changes needed.  Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that a committee of 12 or more officers of the town and residents would be holding a series of meetings to identify and discuss any changes needed in the regulations.  Two of the many topics scheduled for review are mining and shared driveways.    

 

 

The next regular town board meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on September 13, 2004.

 

Audit the Bills: Per abstract 08/09/2004 (8G): General A $9,959.01, General B $1,739.88, Youth $1,136.80, (8H): Highway Outside $15,246.42 for a total expense of $28,082.11.

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm. Supervisor Thomas Wood – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent.  Carried 3– 0.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk

 

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