Draft

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA,

 30 FERRY ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

December 11, 2006

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 (arrived at 7:10 p.m.).

Also present: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Clarence Fosdick, Tax Collector Jim Gorham, Town Justice Jack Ditch, Stephen Bodnar, Historian Sean Kelleher, Leigh Hornbeck, Geraldine Freedman and Marilyn Zaborek.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Recognitions: None

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval to accept the minutes of the regular meeting on November 9, 2006 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 2006: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $56.40. 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 $612.24. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $90. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $143.60. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $153.81. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,080.05.

 

Zoning Officer’s report: November 2006 report: 9 Building Permits and 4 CO’s were issued, 13 building inspections, 1 meeting at 1390 Rt. 9P, and 1 Zoning Regulation Book was sold.  A check for $805.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for November 2006: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood which stated Rick Sullivan answered 14 complaints, took 2 dogs to the shelter, traveled 194 miles, issued 6 warnings and 1 summons was issued. 

 

Councilman Michael McLoughlin arrived at 7:10 p.m.

 

 

Town Court report for November 2006: 56 Vehicle & Traffic, 9 Criminal/Penal Law, 2 DEC/ENCON, 0 Dog cases, 1 DWI, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 1 Small Claims/Civil, 0 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 1 Civil Jury Trial, 1 (case transfer) Divestiture Form sent to County Court, 6 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 60 hours of community service issued, 5 days of jail time issued, 1 Order of Protection issued, and $3,487.50.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Justice Jack Ditch reported that court will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday’s beginning January 2, 2007.

 

Historian’s report:  Sean Kelleher reported: This past month, the Historian's office has been a bit slower.  The Town did receive some great news that it has received two grants (total of $324,000 greenway grant) to improve the old tow path and create a boat launch on the Hudson River.  Both sites open up the opportunity to do some historical interpretation through signs to explain the rich history of our community.  In addition, as you are aware the State Boat launch on Route 9P will be undergoing some transformation as part of the bridge reconstruction.  I have started a very positive discussion with the Regional Director of NYS Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation on developing some interpretive signs at the boat launch to tell the rich history of Fish Creek and Saratoga Lake.
In the past month, the office has worked on our Archives grant ($12,935 - awarded Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund – NYS Archives) separating the Village of Schuylerville records from the Town of Saratoga historical records collection.  We are also working on developing a finding aid for municipal collections in
Saratoga, Schuylerville and Stillwater.
The office developed a poster on Christmas past celebrations in the community that was displayed as part of the St. Nicholas Festival.

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented November 2006 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $933,179.54, General B $56,917.59, Highway Outside $333,233.26, Youth Recreation & Services $428.07, Highway Equipment Reserve $90,624.18, Building Reserve $958,596.32 and Fire Protection $0.  November revenues were $231,383.78 and expenses were $112,897.82.  The total November 2006 balance is $2,372,978.96.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood announced that the grant application for the Hudson River Boat Launch Project was selected for $225,000 through the New York State Canal Corporation’s 2006 Erie Canal Greenway Grant Program.  The town has also been awarded $117,000 for the Town of Saratoga Recreational Trail System. The grant is for the clearing and upgrading of two portions of the Old Champlain Canal Towpath for recreational uses at Coveville & Wilbur Road (south).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor’s report: Assessor Catherine DeFelice reported:  We had 19 parcel transfers, 10 were valid sales and 9 were invalid sales. We had 3 parcel splits which created 4 new parcels, 5 parcels were merged into 2 new parcels and 4 parcels had revised information such as road frontage or boundary line agreements. We are continuing to clean up the files. We will be sending out notices to property owners that are on the State’s self verification program for Enhanced STAR and those not verified will receive a renewal form.

 

Public comments on agenda items: (name & subject)

Sean Kelleher commented on the very steep driveway off County Rt. 67.  He noted that the household appliances had to be unloaded on County Rt. 67, which is not equipped to be used as an unloading zone.  He suggested that steep driveways should be addressed in the Zoning Regulation Revisions underway.  It was also noted that emergency vehicles would have a very hard time making it up the steep grade.

 

Committee reports:

Highway: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the new generator has been ordered and should be in by the end of the month.  He provided the board with a picture of the chipper that was stripped down and repainted by the highway crew and they commented that it looks almost new. Highway Superintendent Dave Hall noted that the paving problems at Nielson Landing have been corrected and that the signage is up to specifications.  He added that patching is continuing on the town roads.  

Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that poles for the new storage shed are being put in. He noted that estimates were gathered for the trusses and roofing materials and authorization to purchase from the lowest vendor was needed.  A motion was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan authorizing the purchase of trusses for $7,700 and roofing materials for $6,300. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5 – 0.

 

Landfill:  There were no unusual conditions found and all quality control data is within acceptable limits. 

 

Insurance: No report.

 

Youth: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Youth Week reimbursement of $2,400 has been received.  Councilman Michael McLoughlin reported that the Hudson Crossing Park, a Bi-County Park, received a $225,000 grant for enhancements to the Hudson Crossing Park project which includes property at Lock C5 Island.  Volunteers are needed and anyone interested can sign up at General Schuyler’s Pantry.  Councilman Michael McLoughlin added that six Schuylerville Central School students attended a Leadership Conference in Buffalo. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings:  The Building Committee met with Don Davis and associates of S.D. Atelier on December 6th.  Revised drawings and a scale model of the building for the Ferry Street site was presented along with preliminary cost estimates for the Ferry Street and Rt. 32 sites.  In January, they will present a model of the Route 32 building.  When the plans and costs are more defined community meetings will be held.  It is hoped that a referendum could be held in the spring.  The next full building committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3rd at 6:00 p.m.

 

Senior Citizens:  Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Quaker Springs Senior Citizens met December 11th for their Christmas Dinner that was put on by the Quaker Springs Fire Department Auxiliary.  Members brought canned goods for donation to the local food pantries.  Supervisor Thomas Wood presented a Certificate of Recognition to Julia Walsh Clemans, who is the oldest town resident, and her 104th birthday was celebrated.  Approximately 80 people attended.

 

The Schuylerville Seniors met on November 14th for a Veteran’s Day Dinner.  The Schuylerville School’s sixth grade band played a concert which included the theme songs of the US military groups.  November 28th, Pat and Joe Peck spoke regarding hostel programs and opportunities available through them.  She added that on December 14th the seniors will have a Christmas Dinner at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs

 

Park Committee: No report.

 

Zoning Amendment Advisory Committee (ZAAC): Councilman Fred Drumm reported that the town board will hold a series of workshops starting in January to carefully review the proposed revisions to the Zoning Regulations.  Councilman Charles Hanehan added that many local laws have been passed this year to address the most pressing issues.    

 

Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters & Emergency Medical Service Workers:  The committee had a meeting in November and is working on three projects for the first two months of 2007.

We are working on a recognition patch that the Town Board will give to volunteer firefighters and EMS workers to recognize their efforts in the community.  The patch will have the town symbol - the Monument in the center with the four departments around the outside with the words teamwork = success on an inner circle.
The Committee is working on developing the Supervisors Award which would be given annually to a member of each department for their service and leadership in the community.  These awardees will be recognized with a certificate and a plaque in each department listing the department awardees and a master plaque at town hall that will
list the awardees of each department.
In addition, the Committee and the Highway Superintendent are working to develop 8 to 10 street signs to encourage more volunteers for the various departments.

We’re requesting that a page be set up on the Town website to facilitate volunteers getting in touch with the various departments.
The committee will meet at 7 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of January.


 

 

 

 

 

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports: 

Quaker Springs Fire Department:  Stephen Bodnar reported that they responded to 7 alarms in November.  They are drilling a new well at the main fire station.  He noted that the bids were opened for the new rescue truck and will be awarded next Monday. They are working with S.D. Atelier to assess the size needs for the new substation on Rt. 9P.  Stephen Bodnar added that a grant for $20,000 has been received for Farm Rescue Equipment.  Thanks were given to both Sean Kelleher and Dave Hall for writing the grant. 

 

Old business:

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the road work at Nielson Landing is complete.  There are some legal details still being worked through with the Title Ins. Co. representative.  It is hoped that all will be in order and Trask Lane can be taken over by the town at the year-end meeting on December 27th.

 

New business:

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #06- 125 - Establishing Minimum Training Requirements for Town Planning and Zoning Board Members  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.

WHEREAS, the state legislature approved a bill to establish minimum training requirements for municipal Planning and Zoning Board Members, and

WHEREAS, the law, Chapter 662 of the Laws of 2006, takes effect on January 1, 2007 requiring a minimum training standard of four hours each year for Planning and Zoning Board Members, therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga that as a requirement of appointment to or continuation as a member of the Planning and Zoning Boards of the Town of Saratoga at least four hours of related training classes are attended each year. 

 

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution # 06-126 – To Establish the Town as the SEQRA Lead Agency for the proposed Old Saratoga on the Hudson Local Waterfront Revitalization Program 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.

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has developed a LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM in cooperation with the Towns of Northumberland, Easton and Greenwich, Villages of Schuylerville and Victory and the New York State Department of State; and

WHEREAS, the Town circulated Part 1 of the Environmental Assessment Form to all involved agencies to seek designation of the Town as Lead Agency for purposes of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), in accordance with SEQRA’s coordinated review requirements;  and

 

WHEREAS, the other involved agencies either agreed to the proposed designation of the Town as the SEQRA Lead Agency for this project or they did not propose themselves to be the SEQRA Lead Agency for this project; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga is hereby designated as the SEQRA Lead Agency for the Old Saratoga on the Hudson Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.  

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the following Resolution #06-127 – Determining that action by the Old Saratoga on the Hudson Local Waterfront Revitalization Program will not have a significant effect on the environment 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.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, Saratoga County, New York (the "Town") is Lead Agency in the proposed action of developing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) ; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, Chapter 43-b of the Consolidated Laws of New York, as amended (the "SEQR Act") and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Department of Environmental Conservation of the State of New York ("DEC"), being 6 NYCRR Part 617, as amended (the "Regulations"), the Town desires to determine whether this Action may have a significant effect on the environment and therefore require the preparation of an environmental impact statement; and

WHEREAS, the Town has prepared an environmental assessment form for the Project (the "EAF"), a copy of which was presented to and reviewed by the Town at this meeting and a copy of which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Regulations, the Town has examined the EAF in order to make a determination as to the potential environmental significance of Action; and

WHEREAS, the Action appears to constitute a "Type I Action" (as defined by the Regulations);

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK AS FOLLOWS:

               1.    Based on an examination of the EAF and based further upon the Town's knowledge of the area and such further investigation of the proposed Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and its environmental effects on the Town as deemed appropriate, the Town makes the following findings:

(a)   The Old Saratoga on the Hudson Local Waterfront Revitalization Program as described in the EAF;

(b)   The Plan constitutes a "Type 1 Action" (as defined in the Regulations);

 (c)  No potentially significant effect on the environment is noted in the EAF for this Action, and none are known to the Town;

(d)   This Action will not have a significant effect on the environment; and the Town will not require the preparation of an environmental impact statement with respect to the Action; and

 (e)  As a result of the foregoing, the Town has prepared a negative declaration with respect to the Action.

                2.    The Town Clerk is hereby directed to file a negative declaration with respect to the Action (said negative declaration attached hereto); and a copy of the negative declaration shall be maintained in the office of the Town Clerk in a file that will be readily accessible to the public.

3.             This resolution shall take effect immediately.

 

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following RESOLUTION #06-128 - Support for Submission of a 2006-07 Qualities Community Grant Application for a town recreation park – Rt. 29 and Louden Rd. 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.

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is applying to the New York State Department of State for a grant under the 2006-07 Qualities Community Grant Application for funding the pre-construction costs associated with a town recreation park to be used and maintained jointly by the Towns of Saratoga and Northumberland, and located just west of Louden Road along Route 29; and 

WHEREAS, the grant application requires each municipality to obtain the endorsement of the Town Board; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga does hereby approve and endorse the application for a grant under the 2006-07 Qualities Community Program for a total project cost of $114,000 with a total shared cost to the two communities of $38,800.

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #06-129 – Fund transfer- $4,109.39 from DB 9010.8 (State Retirement) to DB 9060.8 (Medical Insurance) 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.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need to transfer funds to cover additional medical insurance costs; therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize a fund transfer from DB 9010.8 State Retirement to DB 9060.8 Medical Insurance.  

 

Communications:

v     Thank you from Janet Kennedy, Executive Director of Lakes to Locks Passage, for the $250 contribution.  

v     Notification of cell tower going in at 252 Washington St., Saratoga Springs.

 

Privilege of the floor:

Geraldine Freedman asked who provided the $225,000 Hudson Crossing Grant.  She was told Canal Corp.  She also asked if the town park will be located across from the Farmer’s Daughter on Rt. 29 and she was told yes. 

 

Stephen Bodnar asked when the NIMS training would begin.  Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that our Emergency Coordinator, Jim Miers, is planning to give the IS 700 course soon. Stephen Bodnar then inquired as to the status of the Calvin Gong property clean up at Rt. 9P, Saratoga Lake.  Town Attorney William Reynolds responded that Town Engineer Kenneth Martin and Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway are waiting for a response from Calvin Gong regarding a time to inspect the property.  If no response, a warrant is needed to gain access to inspect the property.

 

Clarence Fosdick shared concerns about traffic safety on Burgoyne Road.  He felt that there is an added hazard from the larger vehicles that now can cross over Bryant’s Bridge to Burgoyne Road since the bridge will be open to unrestricted vehicle traffic.  Clarence Fosdick requested a stop sign at Burgoyne Rd. and Bryant’s Bridge Road and increased speed limit enforcement.  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated he would contact law enforcement concerning the enforcement of the speed limits.   

 

Tax Collector Jim Gorham inquired if Saratoga County has adopted its budget yet. Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that on December 15th the budget should be adopted. 

 

Upcoming meetings:

v     Year-end special meeting – Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.

v     Building committee – Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

v     Agenda meeting – Thursday, January 4, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

v     Regular town board meeting – Monday, January 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm the following Resolution #06-130 - 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 (12/11/2006) in the following amounts: General A $20,613.83, General B $1,045.84, Highway Outside $35,885.97 for a total expense of $57,545.64.

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:33 p.m. was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval.  Supervisor Thomas Wood – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye.  Carried 5 – 0.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk

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