DRAFT MINUTES FOR THE
TOWN BOARD MEETING
OF THE TOWN OF
SARATOGA,
30 FERRY ST.,
SCHUYLERVILLE,
NY
July 9, 2007
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: Town Attorney William Reynolds, Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Justice Jack Ditch, and other interested members of the public.
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
On a motion by
Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by
Councilman Fred Drumm the following Resolution #07-85 – Recognition -
Schuylerville Chamber of Commerce was adopted by vote and presented to Nancy North: 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 instituted a campaign to
encourage residents to join the four volunteer firefighters and EMS workers’
organizations in the community; and
WHEREAS, the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce has
supported that campaign fiscally by sponsoring four street signs and agreeing
to post placards in businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has established website
–www.townofsaratoga.com which is listed on the signs and placards where
individuals can find out more information about joining the various volunteer
firefighters and EMS workers’ organizations in the community; and
WHEREAS, the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce continues
to support the community through their series of signature events including the
Turning Point Festival and Parade; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga extends our appreciation to
the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce for their support of the Town’s
efforts to recruit Volunteer Firefighters and EMS workers; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga recognizes and appreciates
all of the efforts that the members of the Schuylerville Area Chamber of
Commerce consistently expend to stimulate and promote the cultural and economic
growth and well being of the town.
Supervisor Thomas Wood
reviewed Local Law #3 of 2007 adding “Peace Officers” to the Code of the Town
of Saratoga. The law enables the town board to appoint a Peace Officer to provide added
security at town court sessions.
Proof
of Notice having been furnished by the Saratogian
on June 27, 2007, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the public hearing on Local Law #3 at 7:05 p.m.
Geraldine Freedman asked what the hours would
be for the Peace Officer. Supervisor
Thomas Wood responded that they would be the same as the current Uniform Court
Officer’s with no increase in hours.
The advantage would be that he has more authority. Justice Jack Ditch added that he could
receive additional training that is offered for Peace Officers.
Stephen Bodnar asked if the Peace Officer
would be required to have a gun.
Supervisor Thomas Wood responded no.
Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that no decision has been made by the
board if he will carry a gun. Stephen
Bodnar asked if we have a back-up for the position and Supervisor Thomas Wood
responded no.
A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and
seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval to close the public hearing at 7:10 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 Councilwoman
Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the regular
meeting minutes of June 11, 2007 and the special meeting on June 28, 2007 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 June 2007: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $123.85. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $36.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $410.95. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $45.00. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $330.15. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $62.55. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,008.50.
Zoning Officer’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the June 2007 report: 14 Building Permits, 13 Building Inspections, 9 COs, and 4 misc. issues. A check for $2,990.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.
Dog Control officer’s report for June 2007: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report from Ed Cross. He answered 35 complaints, took 2 dogs to the shelter, issued 12 warnings and 8 summonses and traveled 166 miles. It was a busy month.
Town Court report for June 2007: Justice Jack Ditch reported that the following were closed: 125 Vehicle & Traffic, 14 Criminal/Penal Law, 6 DEC/ENCON, 3 Dog cases, 3 DWIs, 0 Town & Village Ordinances, 0 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 1 Divestiture Forms (case transfers) sent to County Court, 12 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 25 hours of community service issued, 4 days of jail time issued, 3 Orders of Protection issued, and $7,720 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.
Historian’s report:
Sean Kelleher submitted the following report:
The Historians' office was
involved with making a display comparing the Mott Farm and the W. Hanehan Farm
which was used at the Sunday at the Farm in June. In addition, we hosted
with the Old Saratoga Historical Association a talk from researcher Leslie
Potter on the residents in this area during the Battles of Saratoga which was
well received – we filled the Town Board meeting room. In addition,
Historian Sean Kelleher gave a walking tour of the Prospect Hill Cemetery to
about 30 people.
Assessor’s report: Assessor Catherine DeFelice
read the following report for June 2007:
June was a slow month, I
turned in the final roll to the County June 7th then had to revise
the final roll due to Chapter 68 of the Laws of 2007 (signed on June 4, 2007)
which limits annual changes to 10% of the base Agricultural Assessment values
of the previous year. Therefore I had to recalculate all 187 AG values
for the final roll. This second final roll was turned in on June 14th.
During the month of June we
processed 12 transfers, 8 non-valid sales and 4 valid sales. I also entered the
‘Schuyler Point’ sub-division adding 39 new parcels. There were 2 parcel merges
and 3 other parcel splits. The Town now consist 3,048 parcels.
Supervisor’s
report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented June 2007 balances in Town funds
as follows: General A $1,150,430.76, General B $67,567.51, Highway Outside $329,961.00,
Youth Recreation & Services $9,559.48, Highway Equipment Reserve $29,885.89,
Building Reserve $1,006,266.78 and Fire Protection $0. June revenues were $102,622.77 and expenses were
$121,552.01. The June balance is $2,593,671.42.
Supervisor
Thomas Wood gave a “Sister City” program update as follows:
Town of Saratoga and US Activities
1.
Town of Saratoga Resolution passed 11 June 2007
2.
Sponsoring Organizations:
·
Nine Letters of Support
( Saratoga AOH, Saratoga County Farm Bureau, Schuylerville Chamber of Commerce,
Schuylerville Lions’ Club, Saratoga National Golf Club, Full Circle Farm,
Saratoga National Historical Park, Caladon Farm, The Run at Saratoga).
·
Eleven Letters of
Support Pending (Notre Dame-Visitation RC Church, Glens Fall National Bank,
Saratoga Performing Arts Center, NY Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc, Myriad
Productions, Longfellow’s Inn and Restaurant, Irish Hill Century Farm, Victory
View Farm, McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, Spyglass Farm, Mill Creek Farm,
Misty Morning Stable, Saratoga Glen Farm.
·
Seek another dozen
potential Organizations of support.
3. July Goals:
* Secure Letters of Support
* Distribute Packet of Support
Groups and SCI’s Capacity Building Worksheet
* Establish task force
*
Schedule initial brainstorming meeting, with guidance from the Capacity
Building Worksheet and first instance thoughts from Supporters
4.
First Instance Saratoga supporter thoughts: hosting dignitaries and equine
community to the Saratoga Meet and the Fasig-Tipton Sales; hosting rounds of
golf; conducting farm visits; providing
technological video production help; researching Irish ancestors involved in
the Battles of Saratoga; promoting a Lions’ Club in Fethard-Killusty;
organizing a trip to Ireland in April, 2007; facilitating further discoveries
of relatives in both communities; attending cultural events; offering advice on
historical reenactments;
5.
Develop plans for probable summer visits of Irish Citizens and September
scheduled trip to Ireland by Dave Cummings and CJ Harrington.
Fethard-Killusty and Ireland Activities
1.
Passed the resolution to enter into the Sister City International agreement.
2.
Securing letters of support from Heritage Council and the Irish Walled Town
Network;
the
South Tipperary County Council and officials at Teagasc (Agricultural Agency)
who are both very interested in the equine/tourism connection; golf
connection with Slievenamon Golf Club being activated. Issued press
coverage and seeking local business support.
3.
In discussion with internationally acclaimed Coolmore Stud Thoroughbred
stallion and breeding Farm. They have made this relationship known to staff that
will be in America for the August Fasig-Tipton Sales and Saratoga Meet.
The public
commented on the following agenda items: No one came forward.
Committee
reports:
Highway: Highway
Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the paving of Chapman Hill and Trombley
Road has been completed. The paving of Homestead
and Beaver Street will begin on July 16th. The work on the Southard Road subdivision has been
completed.
Landfill: No
report.
Insurance: No report.
Youth: No report.
Buildings: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that there
was not a committee meeting in July.
Town Attorney William Reynolds recommended that the corner school
property be appraised. Since the payment
for the appraisal would come from the Building Reserve Fund, it is subject to
permissive referendum, the thirty days is up on July 14th and then the
appraisal can proceed. It is expected
to be completed by the end of July. The next meeting will be held on August 8th.
Senior Citizens: No report.
National Incident Management System Committee
(NIMS): Jim Miers, Emergency Operations
Coordinator, reported that the town
hall is being used as a cooling station this week where residents of the town
can go to cool off when the temperature goes into the 90’s.
Quaker
Springs Fire Department: Stephen
Bodnar reported that the Quaker Springs Fire Department responded to 9 calls in
June. They worked at Sundae on the Farm
and participated in a mutual aid drill at Stillwater School on mass disaster
incidents including a school bus accident.
Six drills were held at the Quaker Springs Fire House.
A vote on the new substation will be held on
Tuesday, July 17th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. All who are eligible to vote are urged to do so.
Old
business:
Supervisor Thomas Wood announced that applications
are available for the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG)
Program administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and
Markets at the town clerk’s office and through the Ag & Markets
website. Applications are due by
September 17th.
Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that a Hazardous
Materials Collection Day has been set for October 27th at the Town
of Wilton Highway Garage. It is a joint
venture with the Town of Wilton and the Town of Northumberland with the Town of
Wilton taking the lead. There will be
charges and scheduled times. Further
details will follow.
Supervisor Thomas Wood reported regarding Ethics
and Financial Disclosure. He noted that
a form has been added to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board
Applications to identify if any conflicts of interest exist with town employees
or officers and applicants.
New
business:
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution
#07-81 -Local Law #3 of 2007 Adding Peace Officers to the Town of Saratoga Code
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 wishes to
protect the public health, welfare and safety of the residents and visitors of
the Town of Saratoga; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has held a public
hearing and received input from the townspeople, now therefore be it,
RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to adopt
Local Law # 3 of 2007, adding CHAPTER 95 “PEACE OFFICERS” TO THE CODE OF THE
TOWN OF SARATOGA.
Local Law Filing NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
41 STATE STREET, ALBANY, NY 12231
(Use this form to
file a local law with the Secretary of State.)
Text of law should be given as amended. Do not include matter being eliminated and do not use italics or underlining to indicate new matter.
Town of Saratoga
Local
Law No. 3
of the year 2007
A local law
adding Chapter 95 “Peace
Officers” to the Code of the Town of Saratoga.
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the
(Name of
Legislative Body)
Town of Saratoga as follows:
The Code of the Town of
Saratoga is hereby amended by adding Chapter 95 “Peace Officers” as follows:
SECTION 95-1:
§95-1. Purpose and Intent
The purpose and intent of this local law of the Town
of Saratoga is to protect the public health, welfare and safety of the
residents and visitors of the Town of Saratoga. The Town Board of the Town of Saratoga finds that registering and
hiring a Peace Officer is necessary to enforce its local laws, and to maintain
order in the town Court, and exercise any other power authorized by any general
or special law or charter whenever acting pursuant to his or her special
duties, provided such power is not inconsistent with the provisions of the
penal law or this chapter.
§95-2.
Definitions.
For the purpose of this local law only,
the following words shall be interpreted and defined as follows:
a.
PEACE
OFFICER: A person or constable as
authorized and defined by New York State Criminal Procedure Law §2.10 (1).
§95-3. Authority.
a.
The
Saratoga Town Board shall be empowered to register, hire, and terminate Peace
Officers pursuant to the authority granted it under New York State Criminal
Procedure Law §2.10 (1), as regulated by the Division of Criminal Justice
Services.
b.
Compensation
for Peace Officers shall be set by the Town Board on an annual basis.
§95-4. Effective Date.
This local law shall take effect immediately.
On a motion by Supervisor
Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution
#07-82 Extension of PUD- Saratoga Country Inn- 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, on February 14, 2005, the Town Board of the Town of
Saratoga granted final approval for the Saratoga Country Inn PUD, by amending
the Zoning Ordinance of the Town, and
WHEREAS, Article X, Section 3(J) of the Zoning
Ordinance provides that approval for a PUD development project shall become
null and void if construction has not begun within two years of the Town Board
approval, and
WHEREAS, due to circumstances beyond control of the
owner and applicant, said construction work has not begun as planned, and for
good cause shown to the Town Board, it is therefore
RESOLVED, that there is hereby granted an extension
of time until September 10, 2007 within which construction work must begin for
the Saratoga Country Inn PUD and such construction must be completed on or
before eighteen (18) months of issuance of the first building permit, and it is
further
RESOLVED, that if the aforesaid time limitations are
not met, then the approval for this development project shall become null and
void.
Supervisor Thomas Wood
explained that the Town’s 2006 financial operations and procedures audit has
been completed with no exceptions noted.
On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael
McLoughlin, the
following Resolution #07-83 Audit
Acceptance 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 had the
Town’s 2006 financial operations and procedures audited by Bollam, Sheedy,
Torani & Co. LLP, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has reviewed
the findings, therefore be it,
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept
the findings as presented (the audit is on file in the Town Clerk’s
office).
Supervisor Thomas Wood
explained that the Town of Saratoga Recreation Park, located at Route 29, just
west of the intersection of Louden Road, is a joint venture with the Town of
Northumberland. On a motion by
Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution
#07-84 Authorization for the LA Group to submit a grant application
to OPRHP for a Town of Saratoga Recreation Park 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, that Thomas N. Wood III, Supervisor of the Town of
Saratoga, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds
from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
in accordance with the provisions of Title 9 of the Environmental Protection
Act of 1993 or the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, in an
amount not to exceed $350,000, and upon approval of said request to enter into
and execute a project agreement with the State for such financial assistance to
the Town of Saratoga for a Town of Saratoga Recreation Park, located at Route
29, just west of the intersection of Louden Road and, if appropriate, a
conservation easement/preservation covenant to the deed of the assisted
property.
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution
#07-86 Support of the “NYS Property Taxpayer Protection Act” 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 tremendously high property tax burden on New York Families and businesses
is the number one issue facing our community today, and the sheer cost of
living in the New York has forced many residents and businesses to leave, thus
slowing the economic engine of the state; and
WHEREAS,
Young people are finding it difficult to purchase homes, seniors are struggling
to maintain their homes, and businesses are facing immense challenges to create
and retain jobs; and
WHEREAS,
New Yorkers face the highest property taxes in the nation, and when measured as
a percentage of home value, nine of the top 10 property tax rates in the entire
country belong to counties in New York; and the State must act now to thwart
the detrimental effects that high property taxes are having on local
governments; and
WHEREAS,
Assembly Minority Members have introduced the “New York State Property Taxpayer
Protection Act (Assembly Bill 8775),” which puts forth new and innovative ideas
for property tax reform that limit the amount school districts can raise
annually through local tax levies to four percent or the rate of inflation,
whichever is less; in addition the Act would relieve municipalities and school
districts of unfounded mandates, reduce county Medicaid costs, strengthen
financial accountability over school tax dollars, promote local government
efficiency, and encourage local option insurance pooling; and
WHEREAS,
the “New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act” will help fix New York’s
broken property tax system, providing homeowners, businesses and municipalities
significant and lasting relief from the crushing burden of skyrocketing
property taxes; and now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to acknowledge New York
State’s property tax crisis and urge the immediate passage and chaptering of
the “New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act”, which will help local
governments reinvigorate New York’s economy by providing incentives for people
and businesses to move and stay here; and be if further
RESOLVED,
that a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the
Governor of the State of New York, the Temporary President of the New York
State Senate, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, and to each member of
the New York State Legislature.
On a motion by Councilman
Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution
#07-87 Opposition to Proposed Fee Increase at the Saratoga National Historical
Park 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 National Park Service is seeking public comment
on its plan to increase the entrance fee for Saratoga National Historical Park;
and
WHEREAS, Saratoga National Historical Park attracts national
and international visitors as well as local and regional audiences and is the
largest attraction in the Town of Saratoga; and
WHEREAS, the National Park is devoted to telling the history
of the Battles of Saratoga to a variety of audiences; and
WHEREAS, many visitors and residents value the National Park
for its outdoor recreation opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the National Park has over 150,000 visitors a year
and 63% of those visitors are from the local region and 54% are repeat
visitors.
WHEREAS, the National Park has proposed to almost double the
entry fee which may negatively affect the park attendance and increase the
burden on the visitors from the local region; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga encourages the National
Park Service not to increase the fees at Saratoga National Historical
Park.
Councilman Charles Hanehan
suggested that they find a better system for collecting the fees as a way to
increase revenues at the Saratoga National Historical Park.
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, the following Resolution
#07-88 Purchase of Development Rights – Paul and Sharon LaBarge, 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, Paul and Sharon LaBarge landowners in the Town of
Saratoga, intend to participate in the Saratoga County Farmland and Open Space
Preservation Program seeking to permanently preserve 100 acres of active
farmland on Wilbur Road in the Town of Saratoga; and
WHEREAS,
the Town Board views the
preservation of agriculture as vital to the quality of life and economy of the
town as evidenced by the Town of Saratoga Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga County
Farmland Protection Plan, and Saratoga County Land Use plan which recommends
the use of conservation easements purchase of development rights as a tool to
preserve agriculture and recognizes the importance of protection farmland and
open spaces; and
WHEREAS,
the Town Board finds that the
grant application is worthy and will provide funding to permanently preserve
the LaBarge parcel for agricultural uses only; and
WHEREAS,
the Town is an eligible applicant
under the grant program and may hold and monitor the conservation easement;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED,
that the Town of Saratoga fully
supports this application and shall act as the applicant, holding a
conservation easement consisting of the development rights of the LaBarge
parcel, and shall periodically monitor conformance with the terms of the
easement, and be it
FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Town
Supervisor is hereby authorized to contract with Saratoga County and execute any
documents necessary to accept and redistribute Farmland Protection funds,
should the grant application be successful.
Communications:
v
Notification has been
received that a Public Hearing will be held on the Route 9P Bridge Project at
6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2007 at the Saratoga Springs Public
Library. An Open House will begin at
5:30 p.m. with Department representatives available to answer questions. The Draft Design Report is available for
viewing at the Town Clerk’s office.
v
The Planning Board of the Village
of Schuylerville notified the town that a Balloon Float will be conducted on
the property of Mark Saunders, 42 Spring Street, on Thursday, July 19, 2007
between 7:00 a.m. and noon. Rain date
is Friday, July 20, 2007. A 120’
monopole cell tower is proposed on that property.
v
A Thank you from Chelsea
Thomas to the Town Board for the Scholarship that she received.
v
The Turning Point Festivities
and Parade will be held on August 4th and 5th.
Privilege
of the floor:
A resident voiced concerns about open burning
and excessive noise at late night parties at a property at Saratoga Lake. He was advised that a noise ordinance is in
effect in the town that the Sheriff’s Department will enforce. He was directed to the NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation, Air Quality Department, regarding the open burning
of garbage.
Clarence
Fosdick stated that he is updating the 1995 Agriculture map
of the town. He is asking the Zoning
Board and Planning Board members to review it and provide changes and he would
like the Town Board to look at it also.
The board agreed to look it over.
Councilman Charles Hanehan suggested he get in touch with Bill Peck to
compare it with the Green Infrastructure Map that was done just last year.
Stephen
Bodnar reported that the Calvin Gong property is out of
control again with rubbish. Supervisor
Thomas Wood responded that an Order to
Remedy has been issued which gives him 30 days to clean it up. It was noted that there are also a varying
number of unregistered vehicles parked there.
Stephen Bodnar suggested that the board pass a
resolution encouraging the Farmland Preservation people to look into ways to
provide more funding for Farmland Protection as it won’t happen without the
funding. Supervisor Thomas Wood
responded that there has been opposition to a 1% mortgage tax for funding at
the County level and numerous options have been discussed but nothing firm
yet. Supervisor Thomas Wood stated he
feels that in the future we should see some additional funding but the state
needs to do more also. Stephen Bodnar also
asked the board, in light of the Governor’s push for consolidation of services
in the state, what measures are being taken.
Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that one of the biggest projects in the
town is the town park, a joint venture with the Town of Northumberland. He added that Highway Superintendent Dave
Hall shares services with the villages and the Town of Wilton.
Upcoming
meetings:
v Building Committee meeting –
August 8, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
v Agenda meeting – Thursday, August
9, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
v
Regular town board meeting – Monday, August 13, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded
by Councilman Charles Hanehan the
following Resolution #07-89 - Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 7G 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 7G (07/09/2007) in the following
amounts: General A $12,428.80, and General B $577.59, Youth $357 and Highway
Outside $68,283.26 for a total expense of $81,646.65.
A motion to adjourn
at 9:04 p.m. was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman
Charles Hanehan. 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