DRAFT MINUTES OF THE

REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

Monday, December 12, 2005

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- present, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – present, and Councilman Fred Drumm- present.

Also present: Town Attorney William Reynolds, Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Elizabeth Koval, Clarence Fosdick, Sam Palazzole, Dan Barber, Gene Derby, Frank Merrill, Geraldine Freedman, Leigh Hornbeck, Lawrence Mitchell, Barbara Bussing, Jim Gorham, Douglas Root, Joyce Shaver, Paul Shaver, Art Thivierge, and Marilyn Zaborek. 

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

 

Resolution #05-107 – Recognition of Councilman Bruce Cornell, was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm as follows:

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell has been a resident of the Town of Saratoga for over 60 years, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell has given generously of his time and talents to public service for over thirty years, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell is a life member of the David Nevins Fire Department, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell served as a member of the General Schuyler Emergency Squad for 15 years and as a member of the Easton/Greenwich and Ft. Edward Rescue Squads for another 17 years, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell served as a member of the Rescue Squad Crisis Intervention Team and as an EMT at the Saratoga Race Course, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell served as a member and president of the Friends of the Saratoga Battlefield, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell served as manager for the Meals on Wheels Site, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell served as a trustee of the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church and was identified as Member of the Year for the church, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell served as Mayor of the Village of Victory from 1991 to 1994, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell served as Town Councilman of the Town of Saratoga for a total of 15 years serving from 1980 to 1983 and from 1995 to 2005, and

WHEREAS, A. Bruce Cornell served as Deputy Supervisor of the Town of Saratoga from January 1, 2004 until December 31, 2005, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that we the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga express our sincere thanks and appreciation to A. Bruce Cornell for his loyal and devoted dedication as a Public Officer, and be it

RESOLVED that we extend our best wishes to A. Bruce Cornell and his family for a long, healthy, and happy future, and be it further

RESOLVED that these expressions of gratitude be made a permanent record of the minutes of this meeting.

Roll Call:  Supervisor Thomas Wood III – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye,

Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye

Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye   Carried 5 – 0

 

Resolution #05-108 – Recognition of Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan as follows:

WHEREAS, Grant Seymour has been a resident of the Town of Saratoga for nearly 60 years, and

WHEREAS, Grant Seymour has given generously of his time and talents to public service for forty years, and

WHEREAS, Grant Seymour served as Town of Saratoga Highway Department Employee from January 1, 1966 until June 30, 1979, and

WHEREAS, Grant Seymour served the Town of Saratoga as Town Highway Superintendent from July 1, 1979 to December 31, 2005, and

WHEREAS, Grant Seymour was elected as Highway Superintendent 13 times and never once had any competition, and

WHEREAS, as Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour did an excellent job of maintaining the town roads and town equipment, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that we the Board of the Town of Saratoga express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Grant Seymour for his loyal and devoted dedication as a Public Officer, and be it

RESOLVED that we extend our best wishes to Grant Seymour and his family for a long, healthy, and happy future, and be it further

RESOLVED that these expressions of gratitude be made a permanent record of the minutes of this meeting.

Roll Call:  Supervisor Thomas Wood III – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye,

Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye

Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye   Carried 5 - 0

 

Resolution #05-109 – Recognition of Tax Collector Joyce Shaver was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin as follows:

WHEREAS, Joyce F. Shaver has been a long time resident of the Town of Saratoga, and

WHEREAS, Joyce Shaver has given generously of her time and talents to public service for over thirteen years, and

WHEREAS, Joyce Shaver is a member of the B.P.O.E. #2223 Greenwich Auxiliary and the General Schuyler Emergency Squad and

WHEREAS, Joyce Shaver is an E.M.T. Instructor and an American Red Cross Instructor, and

WHEREAS, Joyce Shaver served as Town of Saratoga as Tax Collector from December 1, 1992 until December 31, 2005, and

WHEREAS, as Tax Collector Joyce Shaver performed her duties with excellence, and

WHEREAS, Joyce Shaver has been an active member of Tax Collector Professional organizations and kept current on tax collecting regulations and procedures by attending numerous training sessions now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that we the Board of the Town of Saratoga express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Joyce Shaver for her loyal and devoted dedication as a Public Officer, and be it

RESOLVED that we extend our best wishes to Joyce Shaver and her family for a long, healthy, and happy future, and be it further

RESOLVED that these expressions of gratitude be made a permanent record of the minutes of this meeting.

Roll Call:  Supervisor Thomas Wood III – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye,

Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye

Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye   Carried 5 - 0

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood read a letter of thanks that will be sent to George DeMers for his generous gift of a bronze plaque of the Saratoga County Seal. Supervisor Thomas Wood noted that the plaque is very unique and helps remind us of the history of Saratoga.

 

Approval of Minutes: All board members had received and read the minutes of the November 10th, 2005 regular meeting and the November 16th, 2005 special meeting.  A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to accept the minutes of the November 10th, 2005 regular meeting and the November 16th, 2005 special meetings as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye.  Carried 5– 0. 

 

Town Clerk’s report, November 2005: Town Clerk Ruth Drumm stated the following: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses - $35.25. Dog license fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets - $15.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses - $689.83. Fees paid to NYS Health Dept. for Marriage Licenses - $22.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood - $89.75. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood - $88.42. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $940.75.

 

Zoning Officer’s report, November 2005: Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway stated that 16 Building Permits, 4 C.O.’s, 17 Building inspections, and 5 complaints were answered. A check for $1,460.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer’s report, November 2005: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood which stated Rick Sullivan answered 14 complaints including 2 dog bites, took 2 dogs to the shelter, traveled 100 miles, and issued 14 warnings and 11 summonses. 

 

Town Court report: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the court report and the following cases were closed in November: 73 Vehicle & Traffic, 18 Criminal/Penal Law, 6 DEC/ENCON, 0 Dog cases, 3 DWI, 1 Town & Village Ordinance, 4 Small Claims/Civil, 3 Evictions, 2 Bench trials, 0 Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 11 attended the Science of Speed School, 3 Defendants sentenced to probation, 200 hours of community service issued, 10 days of jail time issued and fees paid to the NY State Comptroller - $5,615.  Third quarter court revenue from State Comptroller to the Town of Saratoga $9,717.00.  

 

It was announced that a Grant applied for by Justice David Mathis in the amount of $4,570. for a PA/Sound System has been awarded to the Town of Saratoga through the Justice Court Assistance Program. 

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented November 2005 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $837,355.33, General B $100,836.96, Highway Outside $134,010.53, Youth Recreation & Services $1,188.80, Highway Equipment Reserve $39,828.86, Building Reserve $866,108.35, and Fire Protection $0.00.  November revenues were $268,224.43 and expenses were $167,867.77.  The total November 2005 balance is $1,979,328.83.

 

Public comments on agenda items:

Lawrence Mitchell, 115 Schuyler St., stated that the fire district boundaries were established in 1948 and they are inadequate by today’s standards.  He added that the Town Board should take the lead in trying to solve the differences between the Quaker Springs Fire Department and the David Nevins Fire Companies.   A contract between the two companies to compensate Victory for help with mutual aid was turned down.  He stated that the merging of Victory with the Quaker Springs District, resulting in the consolidation of services makes sense but was rejected. He noted that things can be changed without the Fire Commissioners approval through petitions.  Lawrence Mitchell stated that he felt the town board should push the issue for further negotiation for either redistricting or consolidation for the good of all the people. 

 

Committee reports:

 

Highway:  Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour reported that things were quiet last month.  The crew has been busy repairing culverts, ditching, and dealing with minor storms. 

 

Landfill: No report.

 

Insurance: Supervisor Thomas Wood announced that the Town’s Liability Coverage has been increased from $4 million to $5 million.   

 

Youth Committee report: Councilman Michael McLoughlin congratulated the local High School Football Team on becoming semi-finalists.  He also noted that Zack Kozersky was picked for the Team of the Year by The Post Star.  He added that many of the Schuylerville Central School students participated in the Leadership Forum at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

 

Buildings: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the RFP’s (Request for Proposals) received for the architectural and engineering services were initially presented at the November 2nd meeting and the firms gave presentations to the committee on November 16th.  The last meeting took place on December 7th with a consensus that further review is needed.  A Special Meeting of the town board will be held on December 22nd and a possible decision whether to readvertise or choose a firm for Phase 1 at the Special End-of-Year meeting on December 28th.    

 

Senior Citizens report: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Quaker Springs’ Seniors met for lunch with approximately 80 people attending.  A celebration of Julia Clemans’ 103rd birthday took place with the Town Board providing the cake. Everyone had a wonderful time.  A guest speaker explained the Quaker Springs Fire Department’s Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) that is being put to a vote by the Board of Elections for Quaker Springs Fire District #1.      

    

Park Committee report: No report.

 

Zoning Amendment Advisory Committee (ZAAC):  Councilman Charles Hanehan reported that two full committee meetings have taken place and the proposed changes were reviewed.  The next meeting will be held in early February for public input.  Paul Griffen will do the presentation.  Supervisor Thomas Wood added that he will work on getting the regulations with the changes up on the website.     

 

General Schuyler Emergency Squad (GSES), the Quaker Springs Fire Department (QSFD), the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLPID), and the Saratoga Lake Association (SLA) Reports: No report.

 

Old business:

Supervisor Thomas Wood read a letter of reply to Lawrence Mitchell’s letter presented to the board last month.  He stated that the Town of Saratoga is blessed to have experienced fire fighters providing high quality service to all the town residents.  He noted that the town has no authority over the issues being presented since by state law the district’s elected fire commissioners are charged and directed to manage the fire districts.  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that the town board encourages further communication and cooperation between all the fire departments.  

    

PUD (Planned Unit Development): 

Applicant: Saratoga Builders, 8 Campion Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Owner: Valente Realty Partners & Sophie Offenberg

SBL # 155.-1-27.1 & 3 Rural Residential 

 

Sam Palazzole, partner with Dan Barber of Saratoga Builders, presented the mixed unit development to the board at the November 10th meeting.  He proposed 31 single family residences, 4 two family residences and a 36 acre horse farm with boarding facilities and a walking/riding trail on the 82 +/- parcel at the corner of Rt. 29 & Louden Rd.     

 

After board discussion, Resolution #05-110 was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell as follows: 

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has reviewed the application for a Planned Unit Development on parcel # 155-1-27.1 and 155-1-3, at Rt. 29 and Louden Road, and

WHEREAS, the board has determined that the mixed use of single family and multi-family homes is not desirable in that location; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to deny the application.   

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

New business:

Resolution #05-106 Payment for Professional Engineering Services was introduced by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin as follows: 

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need for professional engineering services for the development and review of the Request for Proposal for the new town hall project, and

WHEREAS, the service has been provided by Town Engineer Kenneth Martin; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment to Town Engineer Kenneth Martin for services rendered in the amount of $674.10 from the Building Reserve Account # H 1620.4 following the 30 day requirement of Permissive Referendum rules and procedures. 

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

 

Resolution #05-111 – Transfer of Funds to Retirement A9010.8 was introduced by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell as follows:

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need for a fund transfer to cover additional expenses, therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to transfer $5,568 from Contingency Account # A1990.4 to Account # A 9010.8 Retirement. 

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

 

Communications:

The board received a letter from Marilyn Zaborek, which also contained a petition with 7 signatures supporting a moratorium on development. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood received E-mail from Barbara Faraone regarding sales tax reporting of Town of Saratoga residents with 12866 zip codes.  The concern is that the sales tax collected on utility bills of town residents with 12866 zip codes is going to the City of Saratoga Springs instead of Saratoga County where it would eventually be distributed back to the town.  Supervisor Thomas Wood encouraged residents to check with their utility suppliers to be sure Saratoga County is receiving the sales tax collected from town residents with a 12866 zip code.   Online purchases should also be checked for the correct distribution of the sales tax paid.

 

Mark J. Kennedy, Acting Regional Traffic Engineer for the State of New York Department of Transportation, has notified the town that the speed limit request for County Rd. 69 is being studied.  They will advise the town of the results once it has been completed. 

 

 

 

 

 

Privilege of the Floor:

Paul Shaver, Hessian Dr., supplemented Councilman Michael McLoughlin’s Youth report adding that the Adirondack Chapter of the New York State Certified Football Officials awarded their annual Sportsmanship trophy to the Schuylerville Central School’s Football team for the exemplary sportsmanship shown throughout the season.    

 

Lawrence Mitchell, 115 Schuyler St., responded to the board’s response to the fire departments’ problems.  He stated that the Quaker Spring’s Fire Department still hasn’t broken ground on a substation at Saratoga Lake in part because of a lack of manpower to man it.  The second area being considered for a proposed substation is closer to Victory and Schuylerville’s Fire Companies and it could be covered by them either under contract or by changing the boundaries for less cost to the people, if left as is, it would be a waste of taxpayer’s money.  He added that the Fire Departments are here for the protection of the people. 

 

Councilman Michael McLoughlin spoke regarding the Fire Department issues.  He reiterated that the town has no control over the boundaries.  He suggested that Schuyler Hose, David Nevins and the Quaker Springs District consolidate and work as one.  He added that the town board couldn’t tell the Fire Commissioners what to do.  He noted that it is important to voice your opinions to the Fire Commissioners and to vote for the Fire Commissioners tomorrow.

 

Art Thivierge, 223 Hayes Rd., stated that he is running for Quaker Springs Fire District Commissioner.  He encouraged town residents to voice their opinions and get involved to try to change things for the better. He added that in order to vote tomorrow from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. you must be in the Quaker Springs Fire District and be a registered voter. 

Art Thivierge added that the LA Group did a study of the districts three or four years ago and their recommendation was that the boundaries should be changed. 

 

Councilman Charles Hanehan suggested that the fire companies check with the NYS Association of Fire Fighters to see if similar problems have been experienced in other districts around the state and how they were solved.  He suggested that a mediator could be used to come help solve the issues.

 

Doug Root, 20 Herkimer St., stated that he is a member of the David Nevins Fire Company and has been a member of the Schuyler Hose Fire Company.  He noted that his concern is that it will take losing a life before something is done.  He added that the three departments need to work together for a solution and that in order to improve response times boundaries need to be changed.

 

Marilyn Zaborek, voiced concerns about the need for a moratorium on development and she will continue to gather signatures on the petition.  She stated that projects are going through the Planning Board without careful review and the moratorium is needed to get zoning changes in place.  She asked that the board pursue a State of the Art “Green” Facility for the new town hall, which could help attract interest in this community.  She also asked for better painting of lines at the crosswalks in the village.  Councilman Charles Hanehan responded that a “Green” option is being considered among the price comparisons being sought.  

 

  

 

Upcoming meetings:

 

v     Wednesday, December 28, 2005 – 4:00 p.m. – Town Board Special Meeting - Year End Audit of Bills

v     Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. – Building Committee Meeting

v     Thursday, January 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. - Town Board Agenda Meeting

v     Monday, January 9, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. – Town Board Organizational Meeting

 

Councilman Michael McLoughlin left at 8:20 p.m.

 

Audit the Bills: Per abstract 12/12/2005 (12G): General A $17,738.36, General B $2,456.58, (12H): Highway Outside $19,074.96, for a total expense of $39,269.90.

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell.  Supervisor Thomas Wood – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent (left at 8:20 p.m.)

Carried 4 – 0.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Ruth Drumm

Town Clerk

 

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