DRAFT MINUTES OF 

TOWN BOARD MEETING

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA,

30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

December 8, 2008

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 – present

Also present: Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent Dave Hall, and many other interested members of the public.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings: 

Attorney Matt Jones addressed the board on the Brown Road PUD.  He explained the process to date.  He then explained that the project consists of 16 lots on +/- 84 acres.  The two larger estate lots will be on the West side of Brown Road (the lakeside) and the other 14 lots will be on the East side in a farm like setting, keeping with the rural character of the neighborhood.  There will be individual septics and wells and private roads.  There will be a Homeowners Association to provide maintenance of the common areas.  He stated that once the PUD law is passed then they will return to the Planning Board for the subdivision and site plan review. 

 

Proof of advertisement having been received, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the public hearing on the Brown Road PUD at 7:11 p.m. 

Russell Kirkwood, 26 Hill Road, voiced concerns over whether the resources of the new applicant are such that they can finish the project. Other concerns voiced were the design and quality of the homes, the effects on the adjacent homes, water table and drainage, the rules of the Homeowner’s Association, and the delineation of wetlands. 

Edith Rubison, 43 Hill Road, voiced concerns over the electrical capacity on Brown Road for these homes, the availability of good water and fire protection. 

Maribeth Macica, 120 Brown Road, inquired if there was still a plan for a walking trail around the pond and Attorney Matt Jones stated no.  She also voiced concerns regarding the SEQR and the wetland review. 

Lauren Kirkwood, 26 Hill Road, had concerns over if there is an adequate water supply for 16 homes.

Geraldine Freedman, inquired what the price range of the homes would be and Attorney Matt Jones replied higher end homes.  

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood and Planning Board Chairman Ian Murray explained that the project, once the law is passed, will return to the Planning Board where there will be a SEQR and a site plan review.  Many of the concerns- water, wetlands, and SEQR, will be further addressed by the Planning Board at that time. 

Councilwoman Betty Koval made a motion seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, to close the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5– 0.  

 

Laurie Griffen, co-chair of the Schuyler Park Committee, Ian Murray, and Dave Miller, LA Group, addressed the board on the status of the work at Schuyler Park. 

Laurie Griffen stated the not-for-profit status of the “Friends of Schuyler Park” has been established and their first donation has been received in the amount of $25,000.  She added that a newsletter and flyer will be going out this week. 

Ian Murray, who is overseeing the earthwork at the park, stated that Swartwout Construction has about 75% of the excavating done.  They are fine tuning the grades and excavating to rough grade before winter.  There is some additional tree clearing needed in the northwest area.  There is a closure plan for the site next week. 

Dave Miller reviewed the work that has been done on the 27 acre park in preparation for the Master Plan.  There has been Phase 1 and 2 environmental assessments, archeological and historical studies, endangered species studies and a traffic study, all with no significant findings. 

He stated that he has been working with the Schuyler Park Committee and the community to develop the Master Plan for the park.  The plan includes a 6.3 acre multi-use open space recreation area for accommodating sporting events including soccer, football, and lacrosse along with two little league/softball fields.  A playground, basketball court, picnic shelter and a walking trail are also planned. The Master Plan is on file in the Town Clerk’s office. 

Supervisor Thomas Wood asked when they thought the first games would be played at the park and Ian Murray estimated late 2009 or spring of 2010. 

 

Proof of advertisement having been received, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the public hearing on the Schuyler Park Master Plan at 7:58 p.m. 

Marty Hanehan commented that it is a very nice project and thanked everyone involved. 

Roger Sherman inquired what the long thin green strip on the poster was and Dave Miller stated it is a 25’ strip to Louden Road.  He added that it is quite steep in spots and will not be developed as an access. 

Clarence Fosdick asked if there will be winter uses such as snow shoeing or cross country skiing and he was told yes but the Schuyler Park Committee needs to discuss further when it would be available for those activities. 

 

Councilman Fred Drumm made a motion seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, to close the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5– 0.  

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to accept the minutes of the November 6th regular meeting as written.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5– 0.  

 

Town Clerk’s report for November 2008: Town Clerk Ruth Drumm reported.  Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $34.07. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $6.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $347.81.  Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $100.93. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $32.69. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $544.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for November 2008:  Zoning Officer Gil Albert reported: 6 Building Permits, 0 Building Permit Renewals, 25 Building Inspections, 6 COs, 0 Junk Yard Permits, 0 Complaints, and 4 misc.  A check for $1,915.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer’s report for November 2008: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report for DCO Ed Cross.  He answered 24 complaints, traveled 190 miles, issued 6 warnings, took 2 dogs to the shelter, and 4 summonses were issued. 

                       

Town Court report for November 2008: The following were closed: 103 Vehicle & Traffic, 10 Criminal/Penal Law, 3 DEC/ENCON, 2 Dog cases, 1 DWI, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 4 Small Claims/Civil, 0 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 2 Divestiture Forms (case transfers) sent to County Court, 20 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 145 hours of community service issued, 30 days of jail time issued, 1 Order of Protection issued, and $8,790.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller. 

 

Tax Collector’s report:  Jim Gorham reported that he has attended a meeting at the county in preparation for the busy tax collection season.  He noted that he has opened a post office box just for receiving tax payments.  It is PO Box 134, Schuylerville, NY 12871. 

 

Historian’s report:   Historian Sean Kelleher stated that the office has worked on preparing to move the records to the new building.  We received a grant for $3,800 from the NYS 250th Anniversary of the French and Indian War Commemorative Commission for a temporary display on the history of Fort Hardy Park.  In addition, I have been working on a historical display for the new building. 

 

Assessor’s report: Assessor Vicki Hayner submitted the following report:

November was a busy month getting ready for the annual exemption renewal time.  All renewals have been addressed and are ready to mail.  Senior exemptions and agricultural exemption renewals will be mailed to all property owners who filed last year on December 10th.  Renewal forms need to be filed in our new office at 12 Spring Street before March 1, 2009.

 

Sales continue to be processed for the town in addition to the updating of Building permit applications and Certificate of Occupancy’s that were issued in November.  During the month of November we processed 13 sales of which 4 were valid sales and 9 were invalid sales.  Of these sales 11 properties were residential properties and 2 vacant parcels

 

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

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented his financial report as follows:

 

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT NOVEMBER 2008

 

                GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)                       YTD               

                       

                Balance on hand Oct. 31               $     902,330.44

                Nov. Revenues                              +       70,939.07              860,501.64

                     Nov. Disbursements                       -       81,487.21              719,309.26

                Balance Nov. 30                         $         891,782.30

 

                GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

                       

                Balance on hand Oct. 31             $      181,948.37

                Nov. Revenues                               +       2,572.65               245,710.32                                                                                                                                                      Nov. Disbursements                            3261.19          168,547.88

                Balance Nov. 30                           $     181,259.83

 

                HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

                       

                Balance on hand Oct. 31                  $ 655,660.34

                Nov. Revenues                                  +  88,936.00           1,152,446.77

                Nov. Disbursements                           - 49,416.76               890,813.49

                Balance Nov. 30                               $ 695,179.58

                       

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE   Nov. 30               $1,729.30

                                                                                        

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  Nov. 30                  $ 905.81

 

                BUILDING RESERVE  Nov. 30                                    $ 150,075.51                                          

                             PARKS Nov. 30                                                                    $  53,537.11

 

                RISK  Nov. 30                                                                   $ 29,116.20

 

                SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT                                           $ 8,850.50              

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the November Sales Tax Revenue received was $83,935.00 and the mortgage tax revenue received was $61,697.95. 

 

Highway: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the crews have been cutting dead trees and brush along the roads and cold patching the roads.  He added that the concrete floor is finished in the new shed and Conover Electric will install power and lighting to it.   

 

Public comments on agenda items:  No one came forward.

 

Committee reports

 

Landfill: No report.

 

Insurance: No report

 

Youth:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that two students, Laura Hanehan and Courtney Pierce, received special honors for making the Section 2, first team, All-Star Soccer team.

 

Buildings: 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the 3 stop elevator is fully installed but not operational.  A small part needs to be installed and then it will be inspected and ready to use.  It is expected to be ready on Wednesday, December 10th.  The second and last day of the move is scheduled for Friday, December 19th.  That is when the records and Historian’s office will be moved.  An open house will be planned in January.   

Supervisor Thomas Wood thanked the Garden Club for the lovely Christmas Wreaths.

 

Senior Citizens:  Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Quaker Springs Senior Citizens met today and had a holiday lunch served by the Quaker Springs Fire Company Women’s Auxiliary.  John and Lillian Bodnar played and sang holiday music.  Members donated food items to be taken to the local food pantry.  Next meeting is February 9, 2008.    

The Schuylerville Seniors met on November 11th, and had veterans as their guests.  Their Christmas Party is tomorrow at the Holiday Inn.  

 

Parks:  The report was given earlier in the meeting prior to the public hearing on the Schuyler Park Master Plan. 

 

National Incident Management System Committee (NIMS):  Jim Miers reported that he had occasion to use the reverse 911 calling system during a water main break in Victory.  Residents along specific streets were notified.  Glitches are still being worked out.   Jim Miers stated that our list of 911 addresses is outdated and he will receive an updated list at a county meeting tomorrow.  He reported that the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) will be located in the first floor hallway and an emergency phone will be located nearby that dials directly to the sheriff’s department.  First Aid, CPR and AED training classes are being planned.  Ham radio operator courses will also be given.  

Jim noted that more emergency equipment and supplies are needed for the NIMS office.  The committee is working on the Master Plan and will be reviewing it at their next meeting on the 18th, it will then be presented to the town board.

 

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

 

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA, SCFB Reports:

Quaker Springs Fire Department (QSFD):  Commissioner Stephen Bodnar’s report: They responded to 8 calls in November.  The Christmas Party for fire district children on December 7th was held.  There will be an election of Fire Commissioners and a District Treasurer on December 9th from 6 -9 p.m.  A farm rescue drill will be held in December weather permitting.  A new firefighter, Dave Ragone, and a Jr. firefighter, Steven Booth, were accepted as members.  A National Grid School will be held on December 11th from 6 – 10 p.m. at the firehouse.  Weather permitting, substation work will start in December and finish in May.  The next Commissioner’s meeting is 1/19/09. 

Saratoga County Farm Bureau (SCFB):  Marty Hanehan asked the board for support in opposing EPA’s $175/cow tax.  He asked that first a letter and then a resolution may be needed by the Town of Saratoga stating opposition to the tax on its farmers.  He stated that their annual meeting to pass policies is tomorrow.  He then reported that 2008 was a good year for farmers with plenty of feed.  He noted that it is good to see a decline in fuel costs.  He stated that the US has the cheapest and safest food supply in the world, thanks to our farmers.  

 

Old business: None

 

New business:

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm   the following Resolution#08- 137 Adoption of the Schuyler Park Master Plan

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 commissioned the preparation of a Master Plan for the development of “Schuyler Park”, a public recreation area owned by the Town and located on Route 29, and

WHEREAS, the Master Plan has been completed by L.A. Group Landscape Architecture and Engineering P.C. and presented to the Town Board, and

WHEREAS, the Schuyler Park Committee has recommended adoption of the Master Plan, and

WHEREAS, an environmental review of the Plan has been undertaken by the Town Board as lead agency under SEQRA and a negative declaration has been adopted, and

WHEREAS, a public hearing has been held on the Plan at which the Town Board gave opportunity to the general public to comment on said Plan, and

WHEREAS, after due consideration, the Town Board is of the opinion that the adoption of this Master Plan is in the best interests of the Town, it is hereby,

            RESOLVED, that the Master Plan for Schuyler Park, dated December 2008, is hereby approved and adopted.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reviewed and read Part III of the SEQR for the Brown Road PUD.  On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the following Resolution #08-138 Negative Declaration – Brown Road PUD

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 considering amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Saratoga by establishing the Brown Road Planned Unit Development District located on Brown Road in the Town (the “Action”); 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 Board as lead agency 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, there has been prepared a full environmental assessment form for the Project (the "EAF"), a copy of which was presented to and reviewed by the Town Board, 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 Planned Unit Development District and its environmental effects, as the Town has deemed appropriate, the Town makes the following findings:

 

(a)   The Action is described in the EAF;

 

(b)  The Action 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.

 

The foregoing resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted.

 

 

State Environmental Quality Review

NEGATIVE DECLARATION

Notice of Determination of Non-Significance

 

Project Number: Local Law #1 of 2009                                                 Date: 12/8/2008

 

            This notice is issued pursuant to a Part 617 of the implementing regulations pertaining to Article 8 (State Environmental Quality Review Act) of the Environmental Conservation Law.

 

            The                 Saratoga Town Board                          as lead agency, has determined that the proposed action described below will not have a significant environmental impact and a Draft Impact Statement will not be prepared.

 

Name of Action: Amendment to Subdivision Regulations regarding design and construction standards for streets and highways

 

SEQR Status:              Type 1              _X_ 

                                    Unlisted            __         

 

Conditioned Negative Declaration:            ___Yes

                                                             X   No

 

Description of Action:

 

Amendment to Zoning Ordinance to establish the Brown Road Planned Unit Development District.

 

Location: (Include street address and the name of the municipality/county.  A location map of appropriate scale is also recommended.)            Brown Road, Town of Saratoga

 

Reasons Supporting This Declaration:

(See 617.7(a)-(c) for requirements of this determination; see 617.7(d) for Conditioned Negative Declaration)

 

There are no potentially significant effects on the environment noted in the EAF for this action, and none are known to the Town.  The action will not have a significant effect on the environment.

 

If Conditioned Negative Declaration, provide on attachment the specific mitigation measures imposed, and identify comment period (not less than 30 days from date of publication in the ENB)

For Further Information:

Contact Person:            Thomas N. Wood, III, Supervisor

Address:            Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville, NY 12871

Telephone Number:            (518) 695-3644

 

On a motion by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #08-139 Dan’s View Road Dedication

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, B & R Realty Development, Inc., the owner of premises to be known as “Dan’s View Road”, has made an offer of dedication of the aforesaid premises to be used by the Town of Saratoga as a public highway, and

WHEREAS, the construction of the road has been examined by the Town Highway Superintendent and the Town Engineer, and the title documents have been reviewed by the Town Attorney, and

WHEREAS, the aforesaid B & R Realty Development, Inc., is also desirous of conveying to the Town maintenance easements for drainage, appurtenant to the aforesaid roads, and

WHEREAS, the aforesaid drainage improvements have been approved by the Town Highway Superintendent and Town Engineer, and title for the easements have been reviewed by the Town Attorney, and

WHEREAS, Dan’s View Road is shown  on an approved subdivision map as being intended for a public highway servicing a subdivision called “Southard Road Subdivision”,  it is now therefore,

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga accept dedication and conveyance of “Dan’s View Road” and related drainage easements from B & R Realty Development, Inc., in accordance with the legal descriptions thereof attached hereto as Exhibit A, and be it further

RESOLVED, that this acceptance by the Town is subject to a certain Agreement between the parties, dated December 1, 2008, which deals with a letter of credit and finish blacktop requirements for said road, and it is further

RESOLVED, that said acceptance is conditioned on final approval of all title documents by the Town Attorney, and be it further

RESOLVED, that following such approval by the Town Attorney, the aforesaid premises henceforth shall be considered a Town road and public highway in the Town of Saratoga.  

 

On a motion by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #08-140 Fish Creek Trail 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 Saratoga P.L.A.N. (Preserving Land and Nature) is applying to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for a grant under the Recreational Trails Program for a trail project to be located along Fish Creek, a site located within the territorial jurisdiction of this Board; and

WHEREAS, as a requirement under the rules of these programs, said not-for-profit corporation must obtain the “approval/endorsement of the governing body of the municipality in which the project will be located”; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by this august body that the Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby does approve and endorse the application of Saratoga P.L.A.N. for a grant under the Recreational Trails Program for a trail project known as the Fish Creek Trail Improvement Project and located within this community.

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #08-141 Authorizing Litigation – Tenant – MD Recovery, Inc. 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 has decided that legal action needs to be commenced in order to protect the interests of the Town regarding a certain lease between the Town and MD Recovery, Inc., it is now therefore

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Attorney is authorized to bring legal action on behalf of the Town against MD Recovery, Inc., and to employ the firm of Deily, Mooney & Glastetter, LLP to assist in such legal action.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #08-142 Granting Leave of Absence – Andrew O’Kosky 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, Andrew O’Kosky, an employee of the Town Highway Department, desires to be placed on a voluntary sick leave of absence due to a serious health condition, and

            WHEREAS, Section 607 of the Town of Saratoga Employee Handbook allows the Town Board to grant an unpaid leave of absence to a full-time employee due to a serious health condition up to a maximum of twelve weeks, it is now therefore

            RESOLVED, that Andrew O’Kosky, following the expiration of any presently unused paid leave credits, be given a twelve week unpaid leave of absence, and be it further

            RESOLVED, that should this employee be physically able to return to his position prior to the expiration of this leave, as evidenced by acceptable medical certification, then he may be restored to his position, and be it further

            RESOLVED, that if this employee is medically unable to return to his employment at the expiration of said twelve weeks, he shall be considered to be voluntarily terminated, and be it further

            RESOLVED, that all aspects of this leave be governed by the aforesaid Section 607 of the Town of Saratoga Employee Handbook.

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #08-143 Hudson River/Route 4 Corridor Trail System Grant Application 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 desires to advance the development of two trail segments along the Hudson River/Route 4 corridor, which will result in a continuous trail system from Coveville south to the municipal boundary with Stillwater; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board authorized the LA Group to proceed to file an application for funding a feasibility and development plan for the section from Hanehan Road to Wilbur Road, known as Trail Segments 3 and 4, to be funded through the SAFETEA-LU Recreational Trails Program which is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and NYS Department of Transportation, and administered by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and

WHEREAS, the Town understands there is a grant match component of 20 percent of the project total that is the responsibility of the municipality; and now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga resolves to authorize the filing of this grant application and supports the total project cost of $35,512 for which the cash match is $7,102 and the grant amount is $28,410. 

 

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm

the following Resolution #08-145 Transfer of Funds 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, expenditures in the following Accounts have exceeded the budgeted amounts, therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to transfer $1,000 from Clerk Services A1220.1 to Supervisor A1220.4; transfer $11,000 from Contingency A1990.4 to Buildings A1620.4; and transfer $300 from Contingency A1990.4 to Tax Collector A1330.4.   

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that Saratoga County has adopted a Cold War Veterans Exemption.  The board decided it was a good thing to do for the veterans who fall into that period.  A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to direct Town Attorney William Reynolds to draft a law for a Cold War Veteran’s Exemption. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that there is a Local Government Efficiency Grant available.  A meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday with the Mayors of the Villages and the LA Group to review the grant and then bring it to their respective boards to see if they would like to support the grant application.  The deadline for submission is January 14, 2009. 

 

Communications:

v     Notification by the City of Saratoga Springs that a communications tower is proposed at 252 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs.

v     Notification of a Horseman’s Workforce Development Series Program through Saratoga County’s CCE Equine Program– Consists of 10 evening sessions between December 11th and March 21st.  Register through the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County.

v     Thank you from Hudson Crossing Park for the recent donation to purchase daffodils.

v     Notification that the 2008 Application for Saratoga Lake Aquatic Plant Management Program Grant has been rejected.

v     Notification by NYS Department of Transportation of the new preferred alternative in the design of the replacement bridge carrying State Route 9P over Saratoga Lake.

 

Privilege of the floor:

Roger Sherman had questions regarding the Fish Creek Trail, the Wednesday meeting of the Mayors and the LA Group, and whether the legal language has been drafted to protect the water districts from the non-payment of outside users.  Roger also inquired if money was included in our budget for a Hazardous Waste Collection Day.  Supervisor Thomas Wood replied yes and that he has been in contact with the Town of Wilton and one is being planned for 2009.  

Wendy Lucas had questions regarding the sale of the old town hall and shared information on the 3 grants that are available to the town and villages.

Bob Park thanked the board for considering the Cold War Veterans Exemption.

Sean Kelleher attended the County’s Budget Hearing and stated that Supervisor Thomas Wood and all the supervisors should be commended for putting together a great county budget.

Stephen Bodnar stated that he was proud to have Charlie Hanehan speak up for us and vote no at the recent IDA meeting that voted for a $27 million sales tax break for AMD.

He also commended the board for the great job they did on our town’s budget, noting that it is a tough year for budgeting.  He also commended the work done by “Over the Rainbow” with the window dressings along Broadway. 

 

Upcoming meetings:

v     Special town board meeting – Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. (End-of-Year Audit of Bills)

v     Agenda meeting – Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

v     Regular town board meeting – Monday, January 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #8-144- 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 (12/08/2008) in the following amounts: General A $45,702.76,  General B $4,802.32 , Building Reserve BR $2,757.00 and Highway Outside DB $50,934.43, for a total of $104,196.51.

A motion to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin.  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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