DRAFT MINUTES OF 

TOWN BOARD MEETING

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA,

30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

July 14, 2008

7:00 P.M.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:00 p.m.

 

Roll call: Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk, called the roll.  Supervisor Thomas Wood- present, Councilman Fred Drumm - present, Councilman Charles Hanehan- present, Councilwoman Betty Koval - present, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.

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

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:  None

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Supervisor Thomas Wood to accept the minutes of the June 9th regular meeting and the June 25th and July 2nd special meetings as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.  Carried 4 – 0.  

 

Town Clerk’s report for June 2008: Town Clerk Ruth Drumm reported.  Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $104.57. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $21.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $406.27.  Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $67.50.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $305.43. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $104.73. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,009.50.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for June 2008:  Zoning Officer Gil Albert reported: 10 Building Permits, 0 Building Permit Renewals, 35 Building Inspections, 3 COs, 0 Junk Yard Permits, 0 Complaints, and 7 misc.  A check for $2,315.72 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for June 2008: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report for DCO Ed Cross.  He answered 24 complaints, traveled 139 miles, issued 18 warnings, took 1 dog to the shelter, responded to one dog bite and 7 summonses were issued. 

                                            

Town Court report for June 2008: The following were closed: 132 Vehicle & Traffic, 12 Criminal/Penal Law, 4 DEC/ENCON, 2 Dog cases, 3 DWIs, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 0 Small Claims/Civil, 3 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 1 Divestiture Form (case transfers) sent to County Court, 10 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 20 hours of community service issued, 15 days of jail time issued, 4 Orders of Protection issued, and $8,180.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller. 

 

Tax Collector’s report:  No report.

 

Historian’s report:   Historian Sean Kelleher submitted the following report:

The Historian’s office worked with Saratoga National Historical Park on a visioning session which is part of the process for the Park to develop a multi-year work plan.  It was a very productive meeting and I think it demonstrates the Park’s interest in developing the Old Saratoga unit.  The office is in the middle of the final planning for Historical Week for the Town of Saratoga and Village of Schuylerville which is from August 2nd to August 10th.  The highlights of the week include the Turning Point Parade and 18th Century Day at the Schuyler House.

 

Assessor’s report: Assessor Victoria Hayner submitted the following report. 

The month of June found our office finalizing the 2008 Assessment Roll that included entering any changes by the Board of Assessment Review.  The Final 2008 Assessment Roll has been received and is available for public inspection and review.

 

During the month of June we processed six sales transfers of which 4 were non-valid sales and 1 was a valid sale.   I believe this shows a marked decline in the number of sales happening in the Town which would in turn support what we are seeing from local economic statistics.  Sale prices have been leveling out and to date have not shown a decline, but I believe the summer will illustrate a stabilization if not decline in property values.  This, in turn, will raise our Equalization Rate for next year. 

 

We have also been working on a report for the Building Inspector to assist him in his duties. 

 

We continue to be available on Monday – Thursday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM to answer town people’s questions on their land ownership.

 

 

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

 

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT JUNE 2008

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)                       YTD               

                 

                  Balance on hand MAY 31             $1,159,863.21

                  June Revenues                              +      17,300.41                 657,352.74

                  June Disbursements                       -    248,860.24                 378,535.39

                  Balance JUNE 30                             $  928,367.94

 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

                 

                  Balance on hand MAY 31             $202,576.28

                  June Revenues                                +   1,993.81                  231,892.73

                  June Disbursements                        -    3,448.04                  136,141.61

                  Balance JUNE 30                           $201,122.05

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

                 

                  Balance on hand MAY 31                $429,087.83

                  June Revenues                                  + 84,547.76                507,475.57

                  June Disbursements                          -  40,734.40                463,289.66

                  Balance JUNE 30                              $472,901.19

 

                 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE   JUNE 30                  $274.70

                                                                             

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  JUNE 30                  $901.48

 

                  BUILDING RESERVE  JUNE 30                                 $1,001,397.08

                          (down payment on school $325,000 paid 6/11/08)

 

                  PARKS  JUNE 30                                                                $53,223.35

 

                  RISK  JUNE 30                                                                   $28,901.52

 

                  SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT                                               $9,746.23                     

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Town of Saratoga Home Program Grant was awarded for $300,000.  A minimum of twelve homes could receive aid for home repairs or energy efficiency improvements.  There are income eligibility requirements and more information will follow in a couple of weeks. 

 

Highway: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that Sweet Road has been paved and completed at a cost of $156,763.37.  The CHIPS reimbursement for the paving has been submitted and $107,000 should be reimbursed.  The price of asphalt continues to go up.  Mowing of the roadways continues.

 

Public comments on agenda items: 

Geraldine Freedman asked for clarification on the CHIPS reimbursement.  She also asked when the specifics on how to apply for the Home Program Grant money will be available.  Supervisor Thomas Wood responded in a couple of weeks there should be a news release and further information will be available.   

 

Committee reports

 

Landfill: No report.

 

Insurance:  Supervisor Thomas Wood noted that our insurance policy is up for renewal on August 1st.  He met with Phil Klein, our insurance broker, to discuss programs that are available to the town employees.  He added that our MVP Health insurance premiums are going up 10%. 

  

Youth:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Swim Program is ongoing.  Jeannie Duval, Director, can be reached at 581-8453.  Session 1 runs from July 7th through July 22nd and Session 2 runs from July 23rd through August 7th.  

 

Buildings:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported on the new town hall.  He met with Frank Studenroth, project manager for Bonacio Construction, assigned to the modifications needed for the town offices.  They reviewed the needs of each department and have decided to meet every Wednesday to review the progress of the renovations.  The closing date is September 15th.  The next step is to contact professional movers so that the move can be swiftly done with as little interruption of town government as possible. 

 

Senior Citizens:  No report, regular meetings will resume in September. 

 

Park Committee:  Schuyler Park Update – Supervisor Thomas Wood reported on the progress being made at the 27 acre park site.  Next Wednesday Laurie Griffen and Councilwoman Betty Koval will meet at the park site and will place additional survey markers around the perimeter of the park.  He added that a fourth grant has been submitted through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) requesting $350,000 for the development of the park.  

 

Town Attorney William Reynolds noted that an agreement with Leon Reed and the Schuylerville Central School for use of the fields is being reviewed.  He added that Doug Ward, Attorney for the Town of Northumberland, has made some additional changes and the revised agreement will be submitted to the school in a few days. 

 

National Incident Management System Committee (NIMS):  No report, meetings will resume in September. 

 

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

 

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA, SCFB Reports:

General Schuyler Emergency Squad (GSES):  Sherry Doubleday reported on the squad’s participation with Sundae on the Farm and the Dutch Reformed Church’s Family Fun Day.  Upcoming events are the coin drop on August 9th, the Turning Point Parade on August 3rd, the Washington County Fair for the Demolition Derby and the first aide booth.  She reported that they have four new members.  The new building is on hold until the legislature returns and chooses to renew the law that allows the IDA to offer low interest rates to Not-for-Profit Organizations. 

 

Quaker Springs Fire Department (QSFD):  Stephen Bodnar addressed the board reporting that they responded to 8 calls in June.  They have gone out for bids on the new station on July 2nd.  They will hold a meeting with the architect and interested bidders on July 22, 2008.  Bids will be accepted until 7:00 p.m. on August 14th.  They hope to award the bid at the Commissioner’s meeting on August 18th and break ground in September.  Stephen Bodnar reported that they have received a Park Service Grant for 22 sets of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and a DEC Forestry Grant for $1,000 with matching funds for Indian tanks and boots.  

 

Saratoga Lake Association (SLA):  No report.

 

Saratoga County Farm Bureau (SCFB):  Marty Hanehan, Turning Point Dairy, submitted the following report that was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood.

The Sundae on the Farm at Kings Ransom Farm on June 22nd was a success thanks to the break in the weather that day. Over 2,000 people were able to see first hand the daily workings of a Dairy Farm.  We want to thank all who visited the farm that day to learn more about Agriculture in our County, the #1 industry. 

 

This week, the Saratoga County Fair is running, starting on Tuesday and going through Sunday.  Come visit and see your neighbors with their animals and the projects that our youth have on display.  Or maybe get some of the “free” giant Sundae put on by the Dairy Princess Committee.  There are also many Grandstand shows.

 

The crops are excellent this year thanks to Mother Nature.  Farmers rely very heavily on the weather. 

 

Lastly, I would like to ask everyone to use some caution when meeting farm equipment on the road.  We try to be as careful as possible when moving machinery, but there is more traffic all the time and some of the roads are pretty narrow.  We all want to avoid accidents.  Thanks, and enjoy your summer. 

 

Old business: None

 

New business:

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Cell Tower contract for the Hayes Road site is up for renewal.  The board will consider holding the option rate at the current $250 per month or asking for an increase.  Councilman Charles Hanehan suggested that the board be aware that wireless cable is coming in the near future and to take that into consideration when a contract is negotiated when a tower is built.   

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm  the following Resolution #08-89  Donation of the new Schuylerville Visitor’s Center Exhibit was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga acknowledges that the new Schuylerville Visitor’s Center Exhibit was purchased with money awarded to the Town of Saratoga through the Heritage NY Grant in the year 2002; and

WHEREAS, the exhibit was built and installed in the Schuylerville Visitor’s Center owned by the Village of Schuylerville and therefore now should be turned over to the Village of Schuylerville; therefore be it 

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to donate the Visitor’s Center Exhibit to the Village of Schuylerville for public use. 

 

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval   the following Resolution #08-90 Support for SLPID Lake Reclamation

was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board recognizes that Saratoga Lake is an important recreational and economic resource to the Town of Saratoga, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board supported the development of the Saratoga Lake Watershed Management Plan in 2001, and

WHEREAS, our town has annually funded a portion of SLPID overall budget due to the importance of the lake to all residence in the community.  Over the last twenty years of efforts by the surrounding communities and SLPID, improvements in both water quality and nuisance plant control have been accomplished.  Starting in 2003 with strong encouragement from the state, SLPID began the process of preparing an aquatic plant management plan and a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement with the goal of reclaiming the littoral zone (near shore area), in order to allow its recovery as a stable plant community that is no longer dominated by invasive species, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board desires to support the implementation of priority projects in the Saratoga Lake Watershed Management Plan including actions that restore water quality and aquatic habitats, and management Eurasian water milfoil, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board acknowledges that the first year of the three year program has been very successful, the second year of control efforts are underway.  There is a significantly improved chance for continued success due to use of newly available herbicides, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board recognizes that SLPID has funded 70% of the cost of treatment in year-one and 90% of the cost of treatment in year-two and that these expenditures have depleted the reserves of SLPID,

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Town Board finds it is paramount that adequate grant funding be obtained to complete this important lake restoration effort and fervently supports the submission of grant application efforts that meet these goals.

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm    the following Resolution #08-91  Increase Mileage Rate from 50.5¢ to 58.5¢ was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board recognizes that the cost of gasoline has risen sharply since the beginning of the year; and

WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has announced an increase in the mileage deduction to 58.5¢ starting July 1st through the end of the year; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board increases the mileage rate to 58.5¢ per mile for actual town business from July 1st through December 31, 2008.  

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the Galcik Farm project is proposing to place a conservation easement on 58 acres of a 63 +/- acre parcel located on DeGarmo Road and Burgoyne Road.  The Galciks wish to reserve a 3 acre parcel along the Northwestern boundary of the parcel just behind the stand of trees along DeGarmo Road.  A second exclusion is along Burgoyne Road, near Fish Creek of approximately 2 acres.  

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan     the following Resolution #08-92 Support of the Galcik PDR Application was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, Paul and William Galcik landowners in the town of Saratoga, intend to participate in the Saratoga County Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program seeking to permanently preserve 58+/- acres of active farmland on DeGarmo 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 Green Infrastructure 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 Galcik 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 Galcik 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.

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #08-93  Transfer of Funds- $20,160.76 from DB 3501. to DB 5112.2 CHIPS was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need for fund transfers to cover expenses incurred, therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to transfer $20,160.76 from Account # DB 3501. from increased revenues in that account to DB 5112.2 CHIPS. 

 

Communications:

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported on the following: 

v     Thank you from Matthew H. Sickles, Principal, Schuylerville Jr.-Sr. High School, to the town board for their award donation.  It also provided the names of the two students who received the Town of Saratoga’s Awards for having earned the most points under the Student Council Point System and they were Jennifer Lopez & Lucia Cappiello.

 

Privilege of the floor:

Jim Jennings, asked if the survey markers at Schuyler Park will be every 100’ and Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that the distances will vary, some less, some more. 

He asked if the Galcik PDR request will have any restrictions on the property.  Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that it will be agricultural use only.  Councilman Charles Hanehan added that it is a Bargain Sale, which means they will take 25% less than the value.

Jim Jennings asked why the cell tower proposed on the Hayes Road dump site property is not planned on an individual’s property.  Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that the site was chosen as one that would work well for coverage, is in the rural district where they are allowed, and the revenue will benefit all town residents.   

 

Stephen Bodnar, stated that the swimming lessons taking place at the Griffen’s pool on Casey Road is creating a hazardous situation because cars are being parked on both sides of the road.  He suggested that a memo be sent to the parents of the participants requesting they park on the same side of the road to eliminate this hazard. 

He also urged the board to support the Neighborhood Watch Group being proposed in the Village of Schuylerville.

Stephen Bodnar asked who were the students that received the Town of Saratoga awards donated by the town board members and Supervisor Thomas Wood responded they were Jennifer Lopez and Lucia Cappiello. 

 

Upcoming meetings:

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

v     Regular town board meeting – Monday, August 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #8-94- 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 – absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 7G (07/14/2008) in the following amounts: General A $20,475.49, and General B $4,348.44, Highway Outside DB $164,693.05, and Youth Services $384.86 for a total of $189,901.84.

A motion to adjourn at 8:22 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 - absent.  Carried 4 – 0.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Ruth Drumm

Town Clerk

 

Return to home page

Return to 2008 Town Board Files