ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

January 9, 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 – present.

Also present: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Justice Jack Ditch, Margaret Ditch and additional townspeople on the sign-up sheet filed in the 2006 Minutes Appendix in the Town Clerk’s Office. 

 

ORGANIZATIONAL APPOINTMENTS AND DESIGNATIONS:

Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Resolutions #06-01 through #06-31 for organizational appointments and designations as follows:

Resolution #06-01, setting the “Rules of the Board”.

WHEREAS §63 of the Town Law provides that the Town Board may determine the rules of its procedures;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following Rules of Order be and the same are hereby adopted pursuant to §63 of the Town Law:

RULES OF ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA

  1. The Supervisor shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall preserve order and decorum in debate.
  2. The Board shall be called to order by the Supervisor.  A quorum must be present in order to conduct business of the town.  A quorum shall be defined as three members of the town board.
  3. The Supervisor, immediately following the opening of every regular meeting of the Board, shall proceed to the regular order of Town business as follows: Roll Call, Approval of Minutes, Town Clerk’s report, Zoning Officer’s Report, Dog Control Officer’s Report, Town Court Report, Supervisor’s Report, Public comments on agenda items, Committee reports, Old Business, New Business, Communications, Privilege of the Floor, Auditing Bills, Establishment of the Next Regular Meeting, Adjournment.
  4. Public Hearings:  It shall be the duty of the Supervisor to preside at all general or special business hearings, to instruct all persons addressing the Board to state their names, addresses, and to state whether they are for or against the proposal. Those in favor of the proposal before the Board should speak first and those in opposition should speak last.  At such hearings the Board may have special rules and prescribe the time to be allotted as 3 minutes to each speaker.  Once all persons wishing to speak have spoken once, any person wishing to speak a second time may do so for a maximum of 2 minutes. 
  5. At the close of the public hearing as provided for in paragraph “4” above, the Supervisor may grant any member of the general public in attendance at such meeting a reasonable opportunity to be heard on any question or subject in which the Town is concerned.
  6. Every resolution or motion must be seconded before being put to a vote by the Supervisor, and all resolutions or motions shall be recorded in their entirety in the official minutes of the Town Board.
  7. The Supervisor may offer or second a resolution or a motion and need not relinquish the chair for such purpose.
  8. No motion or resolution may be brought to a vote except by the majority consent of those present unless printed or typewritten copies thereof are presented to each member of the Board 48 hours prior to the opening of the meeting at which such motion or resolution is offered.
  9. No member shall speak more than once on any questions until every member choosing to speak shall have spoken, nor more than twice in any case without leave of the Board.
  10. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be entertained unless (a) for an adjournment or recess, (b) for the previous question to lay on the table, (c) to postpone to refer to a committee, or (d) to amend.
  11. A majority vote of all the members of the Board shall be required to suspend these rules of order.  A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
  12. If the above stated rules are or become at any time in conflict with the statutory law, the statutory law shall take precedence.
  13. No member of the public shall engage in any demonstration, booing, hand clapping or otherwise disrupt the formality of a town board meeting.
  14. Any persons speaking to the town board with the consent of the supervisor shall address their remarks to the town board, not to other members of the audience in the form of a debate.  Residents will be limited to speaking for three minutes unless extended by permission of the majority consent of the board.  All persons speaking will be given respect and courtesy and in return are expected to be respectful and courteous.  The use of profane and inappropriate language is not acceptable. 

 

Resolution #06-02, setting the meeting time and place for Town Board meetings as the 2nd Monday of the month, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville.

Resolution # 06-03, designating the Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company

as the official bank depository.

Resolution # 06-04, designating The Saratogian as the official newspaper for the Town.

Resolution # 06-05, authorizing the Supervisor to invest idle cash balances.

Resolution # 06-06, authorizing the Supervisor to submit claims for state aid for youth recreation programs.

Resolution # 06-07, authorizing the Supervisor to execute & pay contracts & annual appropriations as provided in the budget.

Resolution # 06-08, approving the salaries & highway scale of wages and additional benefits as set forth in the 2006 budget.  The additional benefits include raising the allowance for safety shoes from $125 to $150 per fiscal year and an allowance of up to $150 per fiscal year for three season safety jackets.     

Resolution # 06-09, appointing the Supervisor as health insurance administrator.

Resolution # 06-10, authorizing the Supervisor to pay bills of utility, fuel, gas, oil, credit card & any discounted bills without prior audit and providing that bills are presented at first available meeting for audit.

Resolution # 06-11, authorizing the Highway Superintendent to spend/purchase up to $3,000 without prior notice to town board.

Resolution # 06-12 appointing Rick Sullivan as Dog Control Officer.

Resolution # 06-13, authorizing the attendance of the following Town Officers at The Association of Town’s meeting, February 19 - 22, 2006: Supervisor Thomas Wood, Councilman Michael McLoughlin, Councilman Fred Drumm, Town Justice Jack Ditch, Town Justice David Mathis, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Assessor Catherine DeFelice, ZBA member Barbara Faraone, Councilwoman Betty Koval, and Town Clerk Ruth Drumm.

Resolution # 06-14, appointing Supervisor Thomas Wood as delegate and Councilman Michael McLoughlin as alternate to the Association of Towns’ meeting.

Resolution # 06-15, setting the mileage rate for actual town business at 44.5 cents.

Resolution # 06-16, authorizing the assessor to employ clerical help, Marie Foster, within the budget.

Resolution # 06-17, setting the election rates to $80 for a Primary and $135 for a General Election and a $10 meal allowance for the General Election. 

Resolution # 06-18, appointing William Reynolds as the Town Attorney.

Resolution # 06-19, appointing the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer as Robert Hathaway.       

Resolution # 06-20, appointing Robert Hathaway as the Fire Code Officer.

Resolution # 06-21, appointing Ruth Drumm as the Registrar of Vital Statistics.

Resolution # 06-22, appointing Linda McCabe as the Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics.

Resolution # 06-23, appointing Catherine Cicero as the Clerk to the Planning Board & Zoning Board of Appeals. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book in the Town Clerk’s office.) 

Resolution # 06-24, appointing Dr. Bruce Harro as the Health Officer.

Resolution #06-25, appointing Kenneth Martin as the Town Engineer.

Resolution #06-26, appointing Bernie Wood as Court Constable.

A letter of resignation from Maria Richards, Tax Collector, has been accepted.

Resolution #06-27, appointing Jim Gorham as Tax Collector from 1/1/06 – 12/31/2006.

(The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book in the Town Clerk’s office.) 

Resolution #06-28, authorizing Blanket Official Undertaking for Town Officers.

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that insurance is needed for officials and officers of the town that handle town money.  This protects both the officials and the town.  He then introduced Resolution #06-28 Authorizing a Blanket Official Undertaking for Town Officers as follows:  RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves Policy number B - 6010916 issued by Selective Ins. Co. of New York to the Town of Saratoga as a blanket undertaking for all Town Officers required to execute and file undertakings including but not limited to the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Justices, and Superintendent of Highways, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the blanket undertaking shall have $20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand) coverage per officer with excess indemnity on the Tax Collector in the amount of $1,500,000.00 (one million five hundred thousand) and shall provide employee dishonesty coverage and faithful performance of duty coverage for said officers as required by Public Officers Law § 11, with an appropriate deductible established at the time of the purchase of the policy in accordance with the usual practice of the Town, and be it further

RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be attached to said blanket undertaking and a copy thereof be filed in the Office of the Town Clerk. 

 (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book in the Town Clerk’s office.) 

Planning Board – (7–year terms - appointed)

Supervisor Thomas Wood read a Letter of Recognition commending Albert Baker for 20 years, 10 months of dedicated service to the Planning Board and the Town of Saratoga. He has decided to step down with the end of his term. 

A letter of resignation from Patrick Hanehan, alternate to the Planning Board, was accepted and his appointment as a regular member follows.

Resolution # 06-29, appoints Patrick Hanehan to the Planning Board, term of 01/01/06 – 12/31/2012. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book in the Town Clerk’s office.) 

(The Alternate Planning Board Position will be left vacant temporarily).

Zoning Board of Appeals – (5 – year terms - appointed)

A letter of resignation from newly elected Highway Superintendent David Hall has been accepted.

Resolution #06-30, appoints Bill Moreau to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill David Hall’s remaining term from 1/1/06 – 12/31/06. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book in the Town Clerk’s office.) 

Board of Assessment Review – (5 – year terms – appointed)

A letter of resignation from newly elected Councilwoman Betty Koval has been accepted.

Resolution #06-31, appoints Anne Crandall to the Board of Assessment Review to fill Betty Koval’s remaining term from 1/1/06 – 9/30/2008. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book in the Town Clerk’s office.) 

Councilman Charles Hanehan seconded Resolutions #06-01 through #06-31.

Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5 – 0.  

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood made the following appointments:

Deputy Supervisor – Councilman Fred Drumm 

Bookkeeper- Catherine DeFelice

Town Historian - Sean Kelleher

Deputy Town Historian - Pat Peck

                                               

Highway Committee: Councilman Charles Hanehan and Councilman Fred Drumm

Youth Committee: Councilman Michael McLoughlin and Councilwoman Betty Koval

Building Committee: Councilwoman Betty Koval, Councilman Michael McLoughlin, Councilman Fred Drumm, Councilman Charles Hanehan, and Supervisor Thomas Wood

Senior Citizen Committee: Councilwoman Betty Koval

Insurance Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood and Councilwoman Betty Koval

Landfill Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood

Park Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood, Councilwoman Betty Koval, Councilman Fred Drumm, Councilman Charles Hanehan, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin

 

The following appointments were made by elected officials and read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:

Town Clerk Ruth Drumm appoints Linda McCabe as Deputy Town Clerk. 

Town Justice David Mathis and Town Justice Jack Ditch appoint Dawn Knight and Bonnie Williams as Court Clerks.

Highway Superintendent David Hall appoints Rick Drew as Deputy Highway Superintendent.         

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings: None

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to accept the minutes of the December 12th regular meeting, December 22nd special meeting and the December 28th, 2005 special year-end 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 December 2005: 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 $146.45. 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 $188.52. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $498.47.

 

Zoning Officer’s report: Bob Hathaway read his December 2005 report: 11 CO’s, 4 Building Permits, and 11 inspections were done.  A check for $215.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented December 2005 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $583,016.39, General B $78,062.09, Highway Outside $166,523.46, Youth Recreation & Services $887.44, Highway Equipment Reserve $52,362.65, Building Reserve $964,874.76 and Fire Protection $0.  December revenues were $269,256.90 and expenses were $402,858.94.  The total December balance is $1,845,726.79.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood read his State of the Town Address. [This address is available in full text in the 2005 Minutes Appendix in the Town Clerk’s Office and on the town’s website (townofsaratoga.com.)]

 

Public comments on agenda items: None

 

Committee reports:

Highway: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that things are going well and the crew is patching holes between storms.  He added that Dean Stine has been hired and one truck is being repaired. 

           

Landfill:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the quarterly report from Hudson Environmental Services shows no unusual conditions at the town landfill and all tests are within acceptable limits.

 

Insurance:  No report.

  

Youth:  No report.  Councilman Michael McLoughlin stated that he is encouraging the school to send a representative to report on school activities. 

 

Buildings:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the last Building Committee meeting was held on January 4, 2006.   The committee shared comments about the tour of the Middle School that was taken in December and identified areas that need additional information.  It was decided that the RFP needs to be revised and advertised again to include an analysis of the Middle School.  The next Building committee meeting will be Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

 

Senior Citizens:  Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Schuylerville Senior Citizens will meet tomorrow, January 10th.  Joe Peck will be the guest speaker.  She added that the Quaker Springs Seniors will meet in February. 

 

Park Committee:  Councilman Michael McLoughlin reported that he would like to put some Quaker Spring’s residents on the Quaker Springs Mineral Park Committee.  Sean Kelleher has requested to be on the committee and Councilman Michael McLoughlin asked that residents wishing to be on the committee should contact him.

 

Zoning Amendment Advisory Committee (ZAAC):  - A public meeting has been set for Tuesday, February 7th, at 7:00 p.m. for the first public presentation of the recommended zoning law revisions. Paul Griffen, who has worked very hard on this effort, will give the presentation. Following input and comments from the public on the proposals, further modification and adjustments may be made and formal public hearings will be scheduled. 

                                                                                                  

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports:

General Schuyler Emergency Squad:  Dick Behrens reported that there were 795 responses to calls for help in 2005.  He stated they have been working with their architect and the Planning Board.  He noted that the Design Phase for the new building is almost done.  The next step is to prepare the specifications for bidding.  He added that he hopes to return next month with a model of the building.

 

Quaker Springs Fire Department:  Stephen Bodnar addressed the board.  He reported that he is the newly elected Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners.  He added that the Commissioners changed their meeting night so that he could report to the board on a monthly basis. 

 

He stated that one of the top priorities of the Commissioners is the safety of the firefighters.  He noted that all firefighters have yearly physicals plus fit tests (breathing tests) are required for all Class A entry people.  New applicants have physicals before joining the department.  They are also working on instituting a physical fitness program for firefighters.  OSHA training classes are mandatory.

 

Stephen Bodnar reported that the district is debt free and planning for the future.  They have a truck replacement schedule in effect which allows equipment to be updated at No indebtedness to the district. Grants are applied for and last year a grant for $74,095 was awarded to the QSFD.

 

A satellite station is planned at Saratoga Lake by 2007 and another on Rt. 29 no later than 2012.  He added that the QSFD responds to about 100 calls per year and is involved in many other activities in the community.  The LOSAP program was voted in to help increase membership and participation in the department and other methods are also being investigated.

 

Commissioner Stephen Bodnar gave a summary of what happens when a call comes in and described the joint efforts that are made when responding.  He added that the QSFD is doing their best for all and are always striving to do better. 

 

Old business:

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported on the turnover of the Nielson Landing Roadway to the town.  He stated that Nielson Landing Development is a 20 home development where 4 or 5 homes are presently constructed off Nielson Road at Saratoga Lake.  He stated that until the road is built to town standards it will not be taken over as a town road.  It is expected that the repairs, improvements and finishing touches will be made in the spring.  

 

New business:

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that a procedural audit will be conducted in the next couple of months.  Richard Dinolfo, CPA, with Bollam, Sheedy, Torani, & Co. LLP of Albany, will be conducting the audit and will meet with him next week.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that there is a parking problem caused by ice fisherman at Saratoga Lake going up Fitch Road for about 200 feet which creates a safety hazard.   He requested that No Parking Signs be placed there.  Highway Superintendent Dave Hall responded that the signs were placed last Wednesday.  He has met with the Sheriff’s Department officials on Saturday and they assured him that they would enforce the No Parking area.  Six tickets were issued.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood spoke regarding Resolution #06-32 – Cash Management Agreement with the GFN Bank and that he is striving to streamline our banking and money management by having the ability to bank electronically.  Councilman Michael McLoughlin introduced Resolution #06-32 Cash Management Agreement with the GFN Bank and it was 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. (The full text of the Resolution is on file in the Resolution Book in the Town Clerk’s office.)

 

Communications:

Schuylerville Mayor John Sherman sent a Letter of Thanks for the cooperation of the Town Board and Town Highway Department making for a very successful year.  He congratulated Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour on his retirement and wished newly elected Highway Superintendent Dave Hall the best.  He added he is looking forward to working with Highway Superintendent Dave Hall.

 

Alan and Marlene Bissell sent a letter regarding the Champlain Canalway Trail Meeting to be held on Thursday at 7:00 p.m., January 12, 2006 at General Schuyler’s Pantry.  They stated that anyone who is interested in the canal is encouraged to attend but please R.S.V.P. to 695-3309. 

 

Privilege of the floor:

Chris Miller, 210 Casey Road, addressed the Village of Victory’s situation regarding merger suggestions.  He stated that talks did take place with the QSFD Commissioners regarding merging Victory with Quaker Springs but when Victory Mayor George Sullivan could not come up with budget figures or figures for repairs needed to the Victory Station the merger talks ended.  Chris Miller also stated that in 2003 the LA Group did a town study on merging and their conclusion was that Victory should merge with Schuylerville to help cut costs and combine services.  He suggested that since this was a town study the town board should encourage Victory to merge with Schuylerville. 

 

Lawrence Mitchell, Schuyler St., Smithville, stated that Fire Departments’ consolidation of services is a big issue today since a small district has trouble surviving financially.  He stated that Victory provides the district with a very good service.  He felt that merging with a larger district would be the way to go.  He added that the service provided by a satellite proposed at Rt. 29 by 2012 could be contracted for now for a few extra cents.

 

Highway Superintendent Dave Hall stated that 20 years ago a satellite station was not built at Saratoga Lake because the residences were seasonal; the need was not as great.  Today, a satellite is needed as there are more residences and they are used all year.

 

 

Upcoming meetings:

v     ZAAC Committee meeting – Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

v     Building Committee meeting –Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

v     Agenda meeting – Thursday, February 9, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

v     Regular town board meeting – Monday, February 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

Audit the Books of Town Officers who collect monies:   The following officers’ books have been audited at the agenda meeting and are in order:  Tax Collector Joyce Shaver, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Justices Jack Ditch and David Mathis, and Town Clerk Ruth Drumm.   

 

Audit the Bills: Per abstract for the period 1/9/2006 (1G): General A $3,574.94, Highway Outside $6,773.74, for a total expense of $10,348.68.

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:38 p.m. was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm.  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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