DRAFT MINUTES FOR THE

TOWN BOARD MEETING

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA,

30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

Monday, December 10, 2007

7:00 P.M.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:00 p.m.

 

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

Also present: Town Attorney William Reynolds, Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent David Hall, Assessor Victoria Hayner, Tax Collector Jim Gorham, Stephen Bodnar, Doug Niles, Clarence Fosdick, Tim Raymond, Roger Sherman, and Penelope Benson-Wright.  

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that this evening as part of our meeting recognition agenda item, I would like to announce and recognize the 105th Birthday of Julia Walsh Clemans.  Julia was born on December 5th, 1902 on Walsh Road in the Town of Saratoga.  Until recently, when she fell and broke her hip, she lived on the family homestead in which she was born and raised.   Julia is currently living in an assisted living senior citizen center in Saratoga Springs.  She is an inspiration to everyone who knows her by reflecting the qualities and attributes such as hard working, independence, friendly, outgoing, courteous, and honesty.  Her mind remains sharp as a tack and to this very day she shares stories of events and history that occurred oh these many years in the town of Saratoga.  You may recall that last year at the opening of Bryant's Bridge, Julia was the first person to officially cross the bridge.  On behalf of the Town of Saratoga, I extend to Julia a hearty, belated Happy Birthday and best wishes for many more years of good health.

 

Secondly, I would like extend recognition and thanks to the members of the Quaker Springs Fire Department, Schuyler Hose, Arvin Hart, David Nevins Fire Department, and the General Schuyler Emergency Squad for the supreme efforts in fighting the fire at 100 Point Breeze Road last Sunday night, December 2nd.  The weather was terrible, there was freezing rain and the temperatures were extremely cold. This made it extremely difficult for volunteers to get to their stations, get the equipment to the fire scene, and once on the scene, fight the fire.  Unfortunately there was a fatality of a resident living in the burning structure.  Due to the fast response and the brave efforts of the members, the fatalities were limited to the one person and the fire did not spread to nearby adjoining structures.  Quaker Springs, Schuyler Hose and General Schuyler Emergency Squad were working at the scene.  David Nevins Fire department had men and equipment stationed on standby at the Quaker Springs Fire Station.  On behalf of the Town of Saratoga, we recognize and extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the volunteers that risked their personal safety and responded to this emergency.   Our town is a safer place in which to live because of your dedication and commitment.  Thank You

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the regular meeting minutes of November 8, 2007 as written.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.  Carried 4 – 0.  

 

Town Clerk’s report for November 2007:  Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $42.30.  Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $24.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $478.52. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $102.70. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $86.14. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $756.16.

 

Zoning Officer Gil Albert reported for November 2007: 5 Building Permits, 18 Building Inspections, 11 Certificate of Occupancies, 4 complaints addressed, and 4 misc. issues were handled.   A check for $2,140.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer’s report for November 2007:  Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report from Ed Cross.  He answered 21 complaints, took 5 dogs to the shelter, and issued 5 warnings and 2 summonses.  He traveled 278 miles.  

 

Town Court report for November 2007: The following were closed: 89 Vehicle & Traffic, 23 Criminal/Penal Law, 2 DEC/ENCON, 3 Dog cases, 1 DWI, 0 Town & Village Ordinances, 1 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 2 Divestiture Forms (case transfers) sent to County Court, 9 attended the Science of Speed School, 2 Defendants sentenced to probation, 90 hours of community service issued, 115 days of jail time issued, 5 Orders of Protection issued, and $7,338.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Historian’s report: Sean Kelleher reported that the Historians' office worked with our partners to plan 2008 Historical Week and Surrender Week at a meeting on Friday November 9th.  We are planning to work with businesses to expand Surrender Week into a fall festival with the expectation that we can gather more publicity from the Saratoga County Tourism Promotions Agency and the I Love NY program. 

 

Assessor’s report:  November was a busy month getting ready for the annual exemption renewal time.  All renewals have been addressed and ready to mail.  Senior exemptions and agricultural exemption renewals will be mailed on December 14th to all property owners who filed last year.  Renewal forms need to be filed in our office before March 1, 2008.

 

Sales continue to be processed for the town in addition to the updating of Building permits applications and Certificate of Occupancy’s that were issued in November.

 

The Assessor’s Office is open weekdays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM or appointments may be scheduled at other times if necessary.

 

Supervisor’s report:  November financial report: General A $1,099,217.27, General B $113,785.29, Highway Outside $458,138.60, Youth Recreation & Services $987.82, Highway Equipment Reserve $45,522.05, Building Reserve $1,016,927.07 and Fire Protection $0. November revenues were $202,186.73 and expenses were $167,970.25.  The November balance is $2,734,578.10.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that Hazardous Waste Day was a success with a total cost of $3,683.50 of which 50% is reimbursable so the net cost to the town was $1,841.75

 

The Town of Saratoga’s Recreation Park Grant Request under the Environmental Protection Fund was not selected for funding.  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that there were 335 applications requesting $85 million and they only had $22 million for distribution.  We were encouraged to continue to apply.    

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that with the help from the people at the Saratoga Auto Museum a new home is being sought for the old trolley/bus that has been stored at the old town garage.  The board agreed that a new home should be sought for the bus where it could be restored and displayed. Supervisor Thomas Wood will contact the Auto Museum staff to have them come and inspect the bus.   

 

Highway report: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the patching of roads is continuing.  Service has been done on the overhead doors in the main garage.  The crew has been cutting dead trees along the town roads and the old town garage has been cleaned out. 

           

The public commented on the following agenda items:  

Roger Sherman commented on the Hazardous Waste Day asking that we try to negotiate on a base amount charged per town and then a per capita amount per person to help reduce the costs involved next year.  He then thanked the board for their decision to participate.   

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No report.

 

Insurance: No report.

 

Youth:  No report.

 

Buildings: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Building Committee met on December 5th.  Prevailing wages were discussed and it was determined that any work on site is subject to prevailing wages but work performed at the factory, as in modular construction, is not.  Construction Forensics, Inc. chose not to give a quote for a building on the present site but did quote 4.65 million for a 13,600 sq. ft. building at the town garage site.  Williams Scott Modular Construction did not provide a quote.  Advanced Custom Modular Design needed more time and will provide a quote in January.  The next Building Committee meeting will be January 9th.

 

Senior Citizens:  Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Schuylerville Senior Citizens met on November 13th.  After lunch, the sixth grade band from Schuylerville Central School played military anthems for the group.  Approximately 55 seniors attended.  On November 27th a tea cup auction took place at the regular meeting. On November 28th the seniors took a trip to Williamstown.  The Christmas Dinner meeting will be held tomorrow, December 11th, at the American Legion. 

 

The Quaker Spring’s seniors met today.  Members brought food items to donate to the local food pantry.  A pork dinner was served by the Quaker Springs Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary.  Members were entertained by John and Lillian Bodnar who played Christmas music.  Approximately 62 seniors attended.  The next meeting will be in February; no January meeting. 

  

Park Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the committee met on November 27th.  They reviewed the preliminary plans by the LA Group for the park and identified some concepts that needed refinement.  The revised plan will be presented at the next meeting.  It was noted that the fuel tanks must be emptied before they can be removed.  Albany Tank Company has quoted $1,000 to clean out the tanks.  Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion and Councilman Fred Drumm seconded it to hire Albany Tank Company to clean out the tanks for $1,000.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.  Carried 4 – 0. 

It was reported that a dumpster is needed for the cleanup of the park site.  A quote of $700 -$800 was given by Springer Waste Management.  A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to rent a dumpster from Springer Waste Management for $700 - $ 800 for rental and disposal of site cleanup debris.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.  Carried 4 – 0. 

It was recommended by the LA Group that a traffic study be done to determine the volume of traffic and to check on site distances to help determine the best placement of the entrance to the park.  Creighton-Manning gave a quote of $2,900 for the study.  Another quote or two is needed before a decision is made. 

 

Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters & Emergency Medical Service Workers:  No report.

 

National Incident Management System Committee (NIMS):  No report.


GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports:

Quaker Springs Fire Department:  Stephen Bodnar reported that the Quaker Springs Fire Department responded to 8 calls in November.  Six firefighters attended the National Grid seminar.  All the farm rescue equipment has arrived from the Bruno Grant.  One new Class A firefighter has joined the department.  The new engine rescue truck should be finished January 17, 2008 and delivered within 30 days after that.  The annual election of the Quaker Springs Fire District #1 will be held on December 11, 2007 from 6 to 9 pm at the firehouse.  Stephen Bodnar added that they are working with the town justices on community service placements.     

 

Saratoga Lake Association (SLA):  Doug Niles reported that they are happy with the election results in Saratoga Springs and are optimistic for the year to come.  Town Attorney William Reynolds asked if SLA has filed a note of appeal to the recent court decision and he answered yes. 

 

General Schuyler Emergency Squad:  No report.

 

Old business: 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that quotes are being gathered for supplemental heat for the basement of the Town Hall.  A suggestion from Sean Dooley to put a new thermostat in the basement that would be the controlling thermostat and damper off some of the ducts to the upstairs may be the most cost efficient way to solve the problem.  An estimate is coming.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the town’s tax rate remains the same at $1.50 per thousand of assessed value.  He stated that the county tax rate on the average remains the same at $2.155 but once other factors are added, such as rate of growth and assessed values in the county, it may increase or it may decrease.  It will probably be higher for Town of Saratoga residents because our equalization rate has dropped and our rate of growth has been slower than some other towns.  A final figure is not yet available.   

 

New business:

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, the following Resolution #07-131 Designation of the Town of Saratoga as a Greenway Community was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Hudson River Valley Greenway Act, (hereinafter, the “Greenway Act”) Chapter 748 of the Laws of 1991, has as a legislative goal the establishment of the Greenway Compact, a process for voluntary regional cooperation and decision-making among the communities of the Hudson River Valley, and

WHEREAS, the process and programs that will comprise the Compact are under development, and

WHEREAS, communities may participate in the initiation and implementation of the compact process, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is situated in the Greenway area as it was officially designated in the Greenway Act, and

WHEREAS, the Greenway Act permits the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council (hereinafter the “Council”), and the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc. (hereinafter the “Conservancy”) to assist communities in developing local planning and projects related to the five criteria contained in the Greenway Act: natural and cultural resource protection, regional planning, economic development (including tourism, agriculture and urban redevelopment), enhancing public access to the Hudson River and heritage and environmental education, and

WHEREAS, the communities can become eligible to receive technical and financial assistance from the Greenway, and

WHEREAS, community participation in the Greenway planning process is voluntary, and

WHEREAS, the Greenway Act does not supersede or change the powers that the State has previously granted municipal governments under the New York State Constitution, the Municipal Home Rule Law or pursuant to the various municipal enabling acts, and

now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga supports the criteria contained in the Greenway Act and the process by which the Compact will be achieved, and the Town of Saratoga endorses the designation of the Town of Saratoga by the Greenway Council and Conservancy as a Greenway Community. 

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution #07-132 Approval to enter into an agreement for Emergency Medical Services with the General Schuyler Emergency Squad (GSES)

was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga is authorized by virtue of Section 122 (B) of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York to provide general ambulance service for the town, and

WHEREAS, the GENERAL SCHUYLER EMERGENCY SQUAD has trained and experienced personnel and is certified by the Department of Health of the State of New York as an ambulance service, and

WHEREAS, the GSES is desirous of furnishing emergency medical services to the town under the terms and conditions set forth in the EMS agreement, now therefore be it,

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize entering into the EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) AGREEMENT with the GENERAL SCHUYLER EMERGENCY SQUAD, for a term of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and will provide consideration in the amount of $252,790.00.  The full agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.    

 

On a motion by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, the following Resolution #07-133 Approval to enter into a contract for Fire Protection with the Village of Victory was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize entering into the fire protection contract with the Village of Victory, for a term of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and will provide consideration to the Village of Victory in the amount of $11,571.30.  The full agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.    

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the following Resolution #07-134 Approval to enter into a contract for Fire Protection with the Village of Schuylerville was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize entering into the fire protection contract with the Village of Schuylerville, for a term of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and will provide consideration to the Village of Schuylerville in the amount of $32,933.70.  The full agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.    

 

 

 

Communications:

v     Notification from the Town of Stillwater that The Study Advisory Committee for the Town of Stillwater Farmland & Open Space Plan will be holding a Public Presentation on Thursday, December 13, 2007 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stillwater Middle/High School Cafeteria. 

v     Saratoga County Planning and Zoning Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 at the Saratoga Springs Hotel and City Center.  Call 884-4705 with any questions.

v     Teleconference for “Just Elected” on December 13, 2007 at Adirondack Community College. 

v     Old Saratoga Athletic Association (OSAA) thank you to the Town of Saratoga for aiding with the Member Item Grant from NYS Assemblyman Roy McDonald.

v     Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. letter of thanks to the Town of Saratoga for their support of the WIC Program.  A check for $980 payable to the Old Saratoga Reformed Church for the Community Food Pantry was sent as a thank you for hosting the WIC Program every month.

v     Thank you from Marlene Bissell, Hudson Crossing Park, for the $300 donation from the Town of Saratoga for daffodil bulbs.  

v     Thank you from Chief Ronald Jon Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, for the $300 donation for 2 bricks on the Walk of Honor in the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park.

 

Privilege of the floor:  

Penelope Benson-Wright addressed the board and presented the board with a 10 page document of her concerns with the water tests for the Southard Road subdivision and responses by the Town Attorney and Planning Board to her concerns.    

 

Clarence Fosdick reported that the census clock has started.  He has received lots of materials and is reviewing them.  He added that he is having a work session with the Planning Board at 7 p.m. on December 17th to gain input from them on the Agriculture Map of the town that he has been working on. 

 

Doug Niles asked the board if they have any knowledge of plans to widen Route 29 between Saratoga Springs and Schuylerville.  The board and Highway Superintendent Dave Hall responded no.  He also stated that Dr. Elmer Robinson has an old 16’ ice boat that he is willing to donate to myself, SLA, the town, or a combination of SLA and the town. Who will end up with it is not yet decided.  Doug stated that he plans to refinish the boat and says it is beautiful. 

 

Roger Sherman asked if the park site was purchased.  Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that the land was donated as part of the open space requirement of a conservation subdivision by Saratoga Builders.  He added that 27 acres were for a park and 1 acre was donated to the Quaker Springs Fire Department.  He then inquired about the fire protection contracts with the villages.  Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that they contract with the villages because the departments are located within the villages. 

 

Councilman Charles Hanehan reported on an article in the Post Star on Stop signs.  He noted that the article stated that they should not be used for speed control and they should be placed so that the minimum number of vehicles are required to stop (at the less busy road).  He suggested that there are some intersections in the town where the Stop signs could be replaced with Yield signs. 

 

Upcoming meetings:

v     Special End of Year, Audit the Bills Meeting – Friday, December 28th

 at 11:00 a.m.

v     Building Committee meeting – Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

v     Agenda meeting – Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

v     Regular town board meeting – Monday, January 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  

v     Park Committee meeting – Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #07-135 - Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 12G was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 12G (12/10/2007) in the following amounts: General A $31,429.22, and General B $2,720.21, and Highway Outside $52,655 for a total expense of $86,804.43.

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:51 p.m. was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan.  Supervisor Thomas Wood – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin - absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Ruth Drumm

Town Clerk

 

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