MINUTES OF

TOWN BOARD MEETING

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA,

30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

February 11, 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- absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval - present, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – present.

Also present: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall, Town Attorney William Reynolds, and other interested members of the public.

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Presentation: Intern Recognition Program

Justice David Mathis explained the Town of Saratoga’s Court Internship Program. He then presented Certificates of Completion to the following participants during the summer and fall of 2007 and recognized their advisors:

Schuylerville High School: Advisor Jeanine O’Brien and Intern Erika Reilley

Ballston Spa High School: Advisor Nicole Stehle and Interns Gregory Warmt and Joanna Manesis

Greenwich High School: Advisor Brenda Lee and Interns Dana Marchaland, Colleen Finan, and Tyler Martin

Saratoga Springs High School: Advisor Stacey Ralston and Intern Katelin Alexander

The Justice Award was presented to Matthew Roberts for running the Educational Program on traffic safety. Justice Mathis noted that the education program has been running for four years and in those four years not one person who has attended his course has been involved in a reportable accident.

Presentation: Hudson River Valley Greenway

John Dennehey, Senior Planner, gave an overview of the mission of the Hudson River Valley Greenway which is to preserve, enhance and develop the world-renowned scenic, natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources of the Hudson River Valley. He explained that in 2007 Saratoga County municipalities became eligible to join the Greenway and in 2008 Washington County became eligible. Municipalities benefit from the Greenway with technical assistance, grants, and planning for land and water trails including boat launches and campsites, parks and bike routes along with National Heritage Area trails. For more information two websites are available: www.hudsongreenway.state.ny.us and www.hudsonrivervalley.com.

Bid Opening: Proof of Notice in the Saratogian on January 25, 2008 having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the bids for a 2006 or newer Gradall XL3100 as follows:

Vantage Equipment, 17 Northway Lane, Latham, NY 12110 - $155,000.00 (sole bidder).

Action will be taken under new business.

Public Hearing: Local Law #1 of 2008 – Extending Moratorium on Wind Turbines

Proof of Notice in the Saratogian on January 28, 2008 having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the public hearing on Local Law #1 at 7:18 p.m.

Wayne Bakken, 938 Rt.29, stated he has a hybrid system that collects sunshine and wind energy. It has a 1,000 watt generator that is very quiet. The wind turbine is stored in his greenhouse. It has a 10’ blade and has a 65’ pole. He stated that he is very much in favor of passing a law allowing wind turbines in the Town of Saratoga.

Roger Sherman, 91 Pearl St., stated that he disapproves of extending the moratorium for six months.

All having spoken who wished to do so, Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. and Councilman Fred Drumm seconded it. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.

Public Hearing: Local Law #2 of 2008 – Increase in Mass Gathering Permit Application Fee to $750.

Proof of Notice in the Saratogian on January 28, 2008 having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the public hearing on Local Law #2 at 7:43 p.m.

Roger Sherman, 91 Pearl St., stated he is for the fee increase.

Stephen Bodnar, 176 Hanehan Rd., stated he is for the fee increase.

All having spoken who wished to do so, Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. and Councilman Michael McLoughlin seconded it. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded

By Councilman Michael McLoughlin to accept the minutes of the January 14^th regular meeting, and the January 22^nd special meeting as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.

Town Clerk’s report for January 2008: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $84.60. 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 $40.62. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50. Bell Jar License fees to the NY State Comptroller $15.00. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $235.40. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $103.38. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $525.50.

Zoning Officer’s report: Zoning Officer Gil Albert reported: 2 Building Permits, 10 Building Inspections, 3 CO’s, 1 Complaint, and 1 Order to Remedy were issued. A check for $2,250 ($100 was from last month) was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.

Dog Control officer’s report for January 2008: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report for DCO Ed Cross. He answered 22 complaints, took 1 dog to the shelter, traveled 129 miles, issued 7 warnings, responded to 2 dog bites and 2 summonses were issued.

Town Court report for January 2008: Justice Jack Ditch reported that the following were closed: 93 Vehicle & Traffic, 4 Criminal/Penal Law, 3 DEC/ENCON, 1Dog case, 0 DWI’s, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 1 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 0 Divestiture Forms (case transfers) sent to County Court, 21 attended the Science of Speed School, 2 Defendants sentenced to probation, 0 hours of community service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 2 Orders of Protection issued, and $3,765.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

Tax Collector’s report: Tax Collector Jim Gorham reported that he has collected $2,024,448.34 on 2,370 parcels through February 7^th, 2008.

Historian’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood read Sean Kelleher’s report. He reported

that the historian’s office has been quiet the past month – we had one inquiry from an archeology firm working for the school district on a compliance report on the old Webster House property. There have been a few genealogical inquiries. In addition, we are planning to spend the next couple of months taking online course on conservation and preservation through the Upstate History Alliance.

Assessor’s report: Assessor Victoria Hayner reported: January was a busy month. We processed 3 valid sales and 10 non-valid sales. Of those sales, 3 sales were land sales and the other 10 were residential sales.

We have been receiving renewal exemption applications for Senior STAR exemptions, low income senior exemptions and agricultural exemptions. We have also received some new Veterans exemptions. All exemption applications and renewals must be received in our office by March 1, 2008 in order to receive the exemption benefit on the 2008 assessment roll.

We have been out in the community updating pictures of new construction and have begun valuation review for various parcels affected by new construction on said parcels.

In looking at various statistical reports, including reports from New York State ORPS, we have determined that we will need to set our level of assessment at 62% for the upcoming roll. We continue to monitor the economic climate of the area in order to determine an appropriate time to do a revaluation of property values for the Town.

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

GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)

Checking Account $114,347.12

Savings Account 527,380.62

Certificate of Deposit 103,294.27

Balance on hand Jan. 1 $745,022.01

January Revenues +15,866.20

January Disbursements -66,620.18

Balance Jan. 31 $694,268.03

GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

Checking Account $47,553.88

Savings Account 39,249.62

Certificate of Deposit 19,351.79

Balance on hand Jan. 1 $106,155.29

January Revenues +40,880.60

January Disbursements -5,091.82

Balance Jan. 31 $141,944.07

HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

Checking Account $119,090.59

Savings Account 285,679.99

Certificate of Deposit 20,832.40

Balance on hand Jan. 1 $425,602.98

January Revenues +75,611.00

January Disbursements - 39,620.28

Balance Jan. 31 $461,593.70

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE

Checking Account Balance Jan.1 $987.95

January Disbursements (2007 Accrual) -346.60

Balance Jan. 31 $641.47

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE $45,535.57

BUILDING RESERVE $1,217,295.26

PARKS $52,684.77

RISK $28,610.37

Supervisor Thomas Wood added that he has received a sales tax check in the amount of $115,611.

Highway: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that they have been busy keeping the roads clear, patching the roads and cutting any trees or limbs that when snow laden will slap school buses or vehicles. He added that his salt supply is about where it was last year at this time. The sand pile is going down fast. Residents can take sand with their cars or pickups but no commercial sanders or dump trucks will be allowed to fill up.

The public commented on the following agenda items:

Roger Sherman inquired about the used 2006 Gradall. Highway Superintendent Dave Hall explained that it was a leased machine. A contractor leased it for a year or two and then it is put up for sale by the dealer while it is still under warranty. This one is in exceptional shape and will serve the town well for a large savings over buying new.

Lance Ingmire, Barbara Faraone, Stephen Bodnar, and Bob Hall, commented on the mess that the Calvin Gong property is once again and the public safety hazard it creates. Zoning Officer Gil Albert noted that a Stop Work Order has been issued and his Building Permit has been revoked until it is all cleaned up. If he fails to clean it up, then he will be served and taken to court. Zoning Officer Gil Albert added that he has had the registrations of the vehicles and boats on the premises checked by the State Police and they are registered so they are legal.

Stephen Bodnar also commented on the moratorium on wind turbines, urging the board to take their time in designing the law so that it won’t need to be rewritten down the road.

Gil Albert added that there are already three wind turbines up in the town.

Jim Miers suggested that some of the State Property Maintenance Laws could be used to help remedy the Calvin Gong property situation.

Committee reports:

Landfill: Hudson Environmental is out of business. New quotes for the sampling and analytical services for testing the groundwater at the dumpsite were sought and the quotes are as follows:

Phoenix Environmental Laboratories, Inc. - $3,740.00

Adirondack Environmental Services, Inc. - $5,850.00

Test America - $10,382.00

JH Consulting Group, Inc. - $14,000.00

Con-test Analytical Laboratory - $17,904.80

Action will be taken under new business.

Insurance: No report.

Youth: No report.

Buildings: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the last Building Committee meeting was held on February 6, 2008. The committee recapped the committee’s work over the last 3+ years. They reviewed ways to stabilize the present building; received a modular construction presentation by Roy Fowler, Advance Custom Modular Design; received a presentation by Sonny Bonacio and Larry Novak on the school building; reviewed financial data with estimates of revenue and the amount to be financed and the cost of financing the school building; reported that the Historic Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson and Siena College’s desire to lease space; reviewed the requirements and procedure to put a proposition to public referendum; and they polled the committee on a choice to be put to the voters. Twelve committee members were pro school building and three opposed that option. Supervisor Thomas Wood asked for comments and the following responded:

Paul Griffen cautioned the board on the amount of accumulated depreciation with the school building along with requesting an operating cost comparison between the two sites. Supervisor Thomas Wood noted that next month a decision will be made by the town board whether to put it to a referendum. All residents of the town will be able to vote on it.

Bob Hall stated that the Pilot Program on the school will be lost once it is sold. Supervisor Thomas Wood added that the assessor will be reassessing the property and it should be higher than the present assessment.

Senior Citizens:

Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Schuylerville Senior Citizens will meet tomorrow, February 12^th. They will be entertained with a comedy routine following the business meeting.

Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Quaker Springs Senior Citizens had their regular luncheon meeting today. Carol Joyce, a representative from Wesley Health Care, spoke regarding the variety of services that are available for residents. There is also a day care program which residents of the community may attend. Transportation is available for those who attend the day care program. Other Wesley offerings are physical therapy, nursing and physician availability. Tours of the facility are provided.

Future senior events include a Driving Course provided by Don Brooks as a one-day event, starting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12^th at the Quaker Springs Fire House. The fee is $10.00 and attendees are to bring a bag lunch. Up to 30 persons can register to take the course.

Park Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the committee met on January 29^th. Dave Miller, LA Group, presented preliminary plans on the park. The committee then recommended modifications. The plan calls for two football size fields and two softball fields along with trails, a pavilion and a playground. He added that the development of the park will be done over time. The town is working jointly with the Town of Northumberland and Schuylerville Central School. Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Saratoga County Soil and Water Conservation District has applied for a grant in the amount of $6,000 that would be allocated to the trail. The traffic study by Creighton Manning Engineering has found that the average speed along Rt. 29 at the park site is 57 m.p.h.

National Incident Management System Committee (NIMS): Jim Miers, Emergency Operations Coordinator, reported that the Disaster Plan is moving along nicely. They are working on identifying the at risk population. He will be attending a seminar in Boston that will identify grant opportunities. Jim Miers stated that he is very impressed with the school building as an emergency operating center. He explained that with the elevator there would be easy access between floors and makes for easy conversion to shelter use. There would be a kitchen for meals and rooms where even pets could be accommodated.

Jim Miers added that there is a community outreach project which will send out information promoting the use of ICE #’s (In Case of Emergency) on home phones and cell phones along with the promotion of the Vial of Life Program where a container is placed in the home freezer containing vital information such as medications, next of kin, and DNR orders.

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

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports:

Quaker Springs Fire Department: Stephen Bodnar addressed the board. He reported that the fire department responded to 9 alarms in January. Thirty-one members met the LOSAP requirements for 2007. They are currently updating NIMS training and yearly physicals are being done. The new truck should be to the fire department by the end of March. One new Class A firefighter has joined the department. The district and the department have adopted a Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics Committee consists of Royce Ball, Dan Craine, and Tim Lagoe. A controlled burn for the debris at Schuyler Park is scheduled for February 23^rd at 8:00 a.m., weather permitting. The annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner will be held March 9^th from noon to 3:00 p.m., reservations requested.

Old business: None

New business:

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution # 08- 37 Bid acceptance for 2006 Gradall XL3100 was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga received bids via solicitation of bids by public advertising for a 2006 Gradall XL3100 per Specification TS 01-08, and Vantage Equipment, 17 Northway Lane, Latham, NY 12110 was the lowest bidder at $155,000; therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept the bid from Vantage Equipment of $155,000 for a 2006 or newer Gradall XL3100 providing the specifications in TS 01-08 are met. $45,000.00 will be taken from the Highway Equipment Reserve following the 30 day requirement of Permissive Referendum rules and procedures.

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution # 08-38 Adoption of Local Law #1 of 2008- Extension of Moratorium for Wind Turbines was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga acknowledges the need to extend a temporary moratorium on wind turbines for 6-months to adequately study, review and plan for legislation on wind turbines, and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held and input received from the townspeople, now therefore be it,

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to adopt Local Law # 1 of 2008 extending the moratorium on wind turbines for six months.

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution # 08-39 Adoption of Local Law #2 of 2008 – Amending Mass Gathering Law to increase application fee to $750 was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga acknowledges the need to increase the Mass Gathering Permit Fee to $750 to cover costs incurred, and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held and input received from the townspeople, now therefore be it,

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to adopt Local Law # 2 of 2008 increasing the Mass Gathering Permit Fee to $750.

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution # 08-40 Contracting for professional services for the Town of Saratoga’s Landfill Sampling and Analytical Services, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga is required to do sampling and analysis of the groundwater at the town dump site off Hayes Road, and

WHEREAS, Hudson Environmental Services, who have been performing this service for the town has gone out of business, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to contract with Phoenix Environmental Lab, Inc., 587 East Middle Turnpike, P.O. Box 370, Manchester, CT 06040 for $3,740 for their professional services to provide the groundwater sampling & analytical services at the dump site.

Communications:

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported on the following:

v Hudson River Valley Greenway Council unanimously passed a resolution at their January 16^th Board meeting welcoming the Town of Saratoga to the Greenway.

v Hudson River PCB’s Superfund Site: The EPA has approved the Phase 2 Dredge Area Delineation and provided a fact sheet.

v Thank you from the Board of Directors of Lakes to Locks Passage for the town’s contribution of $250 towards the Federal Scenic Byway “Seed Grant”.

v The Quaker Springs United Methodist Church will host Tim and Bill Lagoe speaking on the History of Quaker Springs on Friday, February 29^th at 7 p.m.

Privilege of the floor:

Roger Sherman addressed the board with questions on the testing at the town landfill. He also asked about the benefits of being a Greenway Community. The main benefits are being eligible for grants through them and receiving technical assistance from them.

Paul Griffen asked if we get reports on the results of the landfill testing. Supervisor Thomas Wood replied every quarter.

Upcoming meetings:

v Agenda meeting – Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

v Regular town board meeting – Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #8-41 Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 2G was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 2G (02/11/2008) in the following amounts: General A $25,984.08, and General B $4,259.01, and Highway Outside DB $16,419.90, for a total expense of $46,662.99.

A motion to adjourn at 9:40 p.m. was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval. Supervisor Thomas Wood – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye. Carried 4 – 0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ruth Drumm

Town Clerk

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