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.

 

Park Committee:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the first meeting of the Rt. 29 Park Committee will be tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. at the site.  The committee will do a walk through to get a feel for the “lay of the land”, the vegetation and topography, along with the possibilities and challenges that it offers.  A second meeting date will be announced. 

 

Zoning Amendment Advisory Committee (ZAAC):  A meeting took place with Bruce Cadman of General Code and the current Zoning Regulations will be codified. 

 

The District Use & Regulations changes that Councilman Fred Drumm’s committee reviewed which include setbacks and district boundaries are ready to be passed into law.  Supervisor Thomas Wood directed Town Attorney William Reynolds to draft a local law and hold a public hearing for the August meeting. 

 

Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters & Emergency Medical Service Workers:  Monthly Report of the Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters and
EMS Workers by Sean Kelleher:
The committee continues to work forward although we have suspended meetings to a decision is made on the new town hall.

The street signs have been given to the Highway Superintendent and we hope to see them up in the next month.  Tonight, we honored the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce for their contributions and we plan on honoring Stewarts next month.  We are also in the process of purchasing two bricks on the Walk of Honor at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland to honor Brian Myers Senior on the 10th
Anniversary of his death.

 

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.  

He added that he will be going to various senior groups to educate them on how to take care of themselves during the first 72 hours after an incident.   
 
GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports:

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

 

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