DRAFT MINUTES FOR THE

TOWN BOARD MEETING

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA,

30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

June 11, 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, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway and other interested members of the public.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:  

Supervisor Thomas Wood presented the Supervisor’s awards.  On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution # 07-72 Honoring Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Workers 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 of Saratoga established the Supervisor’s Award to recognize the volunteer firefighters and EMS workers for their service and leadership in the community; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Zerwick is a member of Schuyler Hose Company for over 50 years and served as chief for 21 years and a State Fire Instructor; and

WHEREAS, Richard Behrens is a member of General Schuyler Emergency Squad and served in many roles including President and is also a member of Schuyler Hose Company; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Thivierge is a member of Victory Mills David Nevins Fire Department and served in many roles including Chief; and

WHEREAS, Chris Miller is a member of Quaker Springs Fire Department and serves as second Captain; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga extends our congratulations to Raymond Zerwick, Richard Behrens, Arthur Thivierge, and Chris Miller for being the first recipients of the Supervisor’s Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga does hereby recognize and honor to the highest degree possible Raymond Zerwick, Richard Behrens, Arthur Thivierge, and Chris Miller for their service to the community and leadership in the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga will erect a plaque in Town Hall with the names of Raymond Zerwick, Richard Behrens, Arthur Thivierge, and Chris Miller and they will always be remembered for their service in the Town of Saratoga.

 

Justice David Mathis presented the Saratoga Town Court Intern Recognition Certificates to the following: Ashley Kubiak – Greenwich High School, Mark Allen and Christy McNutt- Saratoga Springs High School, Joseph Ferdinand & Tiffany Schaen– Skidmore College, Juan Carlos Manrique Moya- Mexico City, Mexico.  He recognized Advisors Brenda Lee, Greenwich High School and Lynette Whaley, Saratoga Springs High School for their support of the program. 

 

He also recognized Stacey Sullivan, Program Officer of the Saratoga County Youth Court for her contributions to the Criminal Justice System in the Town of Saratoga. 

 

Paula Shafer, Cornell Cooperative Extension, addressed the board regarding the many activities that will be held to help people learn more about agriculture at Sundae on the Farm. Cathy Hanehan, host family, urged everyone to come and enjoy the event.  Councilwoman Betty Koval added that there is something for everyone and Councilman Charles Hanehan noted that there will be a 4-Wheeler available for those needing assistance getting around. 

Proof of Notice having been provided by newspaper, The Saratogian, on 6/1/2007, the Public Hearing on the Mass Gathering Permit #3 of 2007 – Sundae on the Farm – 6/17/2007 was opened at 7:19 p.m.  No one came forward.  Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. and Councilman Fred Drumm seconded it. 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 Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval to accept the regular meeting minutes of May 14, 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 May 2007: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $147.82.  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 $301.36. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $90.00. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $395.18. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $189.14. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,159.50.

 

Zoning Officer’s report:  May 2007 report: 8 Building Permits, 22 Building Inspections, 6 COs, and 3 misc. issues.  A check for $805.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for May 2007:  Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report from Ed Cross.  He answered 28 complaints, took no dogs to the shelter, issued 20 warnings and 3 summonses and traveled 59 miles.  It was a quiet month with most complaints settled by phone.

 

Town Court report for May 2007: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report.  The following were closed: 95 Vehicle & Traffic, 12 Criminal/Penal Law, 3 DEC/ENCON, 4 Dog cases, 1 DWI, 0 Town & Village Ordinances, 2 Small Claims/Civil, 1 Eviction, 2 Bench trials, 2 Divestiture Forms (case transfers) sent to County Court, 9 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 65 hours of community service issued, 10 days of jail time issued, 1 Order of Protection issued, and $7,155 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.  

 

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

The Historians' office has been involved in partnership with the Old Saratoga Historical Association programs for tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in this room. Barbara Potter, Pennsylvania lawyer turned historian, will talk on her research of the Saratoga Patent and the people who settled during the Battles of Saratoga.  I am also working on researching a cemetery tour of Prospect Hill Cemetery.  In the past month, I have worked with the Supervisor on a County Veterans Tribute. 

 

Assessor’s report:  Assessor Catherine DeFelice read the following report for April/May 2007:

I completed the 2007 Tentative Assessment Roll on April 13th and took it to the County for processing and picked up the tentative roll on April 30th.  May 1st the 2007 Roll was opened for the Public to view. I sat with the roll Thursday May 3rd, Tuesday May 8th, Saturday May 12th, and Wednesday evening May 16th, as required by law.

 

The Board of Assessment Review met on May 22nd between 4 and 8 pm. We had two residents come in, one for information and one complaint; all together there were three complaints and five stipulations. 

 

During the month of May we processed thirty-one sales transfers. There were ten valid sales and twenty-one non-valid sales with one going to Life Estate.

 

She added that the State Legislature has just passed a change in the agriculture land values that should help the farmers. 

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented May 2007 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $1,109,394.44, General B $58,930.10, Highway Outside $303,130.52, Youth Recreation & Services $7,001.66, Highway Equipment Reserve $44,862.47, Building Reserve $1,002,871.60 and Fire Protection $0.  May revenues were $202,516.61 and expenses were $263,254.69.  The May balance is $2,526,190.79.

 

The public commented on the following agenda items:  No one came forward.

 

Committee reports:

Highway: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the new generator has been installed and is working well.  Paving of Chapman Hill and Trombley Road has been completed.  Work will be starting on Homestead and Beaver Street within the next two weeks.  The large culvert on Swamp Road needs to be replaced for a cost of $7,245. 

 

Landfill:  Hudson Environmental Services reports there are no unusual conditions and all data is within acceptable limits.

 

Insurance: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that our MVP Health Insurance Policy is up for renewal in August and the cost is going up.  He noted that Selective Insurance has made some blanket adjustments to our general policy also.  

 

Youth:  No report. Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the town is awaiting information on the summer Swim Program. 

 

Buildings:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that a committee meeting was held at the Corner School Building on June 6th.   They met with Sonny Bonacio and Larry Novak who did a thorough job of providing information on financial income and expenses related to the school building.  Town Attorney William Reynolds recommended that the property be appraised.  The next Building Committee meeting date will be announced.              

 

Senior Citizens: Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Schuylerville Senior Citizens met on May 22nd and had a tea cup auction; a $41 profit was made.  On June 12th the annual Birthday Dinner will be held at the American Legion.  Reservations are required.  July 18th is Senior Citizen Day at the Saratoga County Fair.  An August 7th trip to Foxwood Casino is being planned and on September 12th a picnic at the Rod & Gun Club in Victory Mills is planned. 

The Quaker Spring’s seniors met today, which is their last meeting until September.  The speaker was Ernie Tetrault, retired news broadcaster, who spoke regarding his own hearing impairment.  A representative for a Malta-based business called HEAR FOR YOU which provides services to the hearing impaired, discussed the services provided and distributed literature.  There are two senior citizen field trips scheduled, one on August 9th to North Hero, Lake Champlain, and one on October 16th to Agawan, Massachusetts for Octoberfest.  Reservations are still open for the Agawan trip.  Contact Henrietta Waldinger for reservations. 

 

Park Committee:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that Town Attorney William Reynolds has been working with Sam Palazzolle of Saratoga Builders to obtain the deed for the park land on Rt. 29.  In the interim, an agreement for permission to go on the property to begin some of the planning for the park will be entered into.  

 

Zoning Amendment Advisory Committee (ZAAC):  General Code will be contacted to update the zoning regulations. 

 

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

 

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports:

Quaker Springs Fire Department:  Supervisor Thomas Wood read Stephen Bodnar’s report.  He stated that the Quaker Springs Fire Department responded to 11 calls in May.  They had 14 people complete the Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course on May 19th and 20th.  The department will be participating with the fire police on June 17th at Sundae on the Farm at the William Hanehan Farm.   

 

General Schuyler Emergency Squad:  Richard Behrens reported that the progress on the new building has been slow and steady.  Contractors are being qualified and they are working with banks.  They hope to break ground this summer. 

 

Old business: 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that the town justices have requested the presence of a Peace Officer during court sessions for improved security.  The town tried working with the Sheriff’s Department for the coverage but it didn’t work out.  A local law is needed to establish the position of Peace Officer in the town.  Supervisor Thomas Wood directed Town Attorney William Reynolds to draft a law and schedule a public hearing for the July meeting.  Peace Officer Liability insurance will then be purchased for $1,500 and an appointment to the position will be made. 

 

New business:

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, the following Resolution # 07- 67 Mass Gathering Permit #3 of 2007– Sundae on the Farm 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 has received and reviewed  the application for a Mass Gathering Permit (# 3) by the Saratoga County Cornell Cooperative Extension for Sundae on the Farm, on Sunday, June 17th at William Hanehan & Sons Dairy, 220 County Rd. 67, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 from noon to 4:00 p.m.  The estimated number of people attending is 3,000, and

WHEREAS, the required information has been submitted, as required by Local Law #2 of 2006, reviewed and deemed satisfactory, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has held a public hearing on June 11, 2007 for input  by interested persons, and

WHEREAS, the event is desirable for the town, therefore be it,

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga that the permit is granted conditional upon the Town of Saratoga receiving a Certificate of Insurance for the above event naming the Town of Saratoga as additional insured in the amount of $2 million, at least 5 business days prior to the event, and that the event is found to be in compliance with the NYS Department of Health regulations of Chapter 1, Title 10, Part 18 by the NYS DOH, and further be it,

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to return within 30 days following the event a portion of the application fee after expenses for the legal advertising and any other costs incurred in the review and overseeing of the event.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin  and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution # 07- 68 Adoption of the Saratoga County Community Alert System Policies and Procedures 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 of Saratoga is part of the Saratoga County Reverse 911 system; and

WHEREAS, as part of the System, the Saratoga County Emergency Services Bureau has prepared the Saratoga County Community Alert System Policies and Procedures; and

WHEREAS, the County has requested that the Town of Saratoga adopt the attached Policies and Procedures as authorized by the Saratoga County Safety committee and approved by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors; and

WHEREAS, the 911 Coordinator for the Town of Saratoga has reviewed the proposed Policies and Procedures and recommends the adoption by the Town Board; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board concurs with the Policies and Procedures as proposed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga, as part of the Saratoga County Reverse 911 System, hereby adopts the Saratoga County Community Alert System Policies and Procedures; and, be it further,

RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to execute a copy of the Policies and Procedures signifying acceptance to the Saratoga County Director of Emergency Services; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is authorized to designate a contact person for the Town of Saratoga. (The Reverse 911 Policy and Procedures for the Community Alert System and designation of contact person, Supervisor Thomas Wood, are on file in the Town Board Minutes Appendix.)

 

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution # 07-69 Authorization for Town Tax Collector to include the charge for demolition and clean up of 1390 Rt. 9P in the amount of $17,259.57 in the tax to be levied on the property identified as tax map # 193.6-1-52 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, Resolution # 44 of 2007, authorized the Town of Saratoga to enforce Chapter 182 of the Town Code regarding unsafe buildings, against the owner of the property at 1390 Rt. 9P, identified as tax map number 193.6-1-52; and  

WHEREAS, Resolution # 57 of 2007, authorized the Supervisor to enter into a contract with M & J Construction Co., to secure the property at 1390 Rt. 9P, at a cost not to exceed $14,700; and

WHEREAS, the Town has paid M & J Construction Co. $14,700 to secure the property at 1390 Rt. 9P, Town Engineer Kenneth Martin $1,699.71 for professional services, Town Attorney William Reynolds $804.64 for professional services, and a legal ad in the Saratogian in the amount of $55.22 for a total of $17,259.57; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 182-5 of the Town Code, the Town may now levy the costs to secure the subject property on the owner’s Town tax bill; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Tax Collector is hereby directed to notify the Treasurer of Saratoga County of this action and to provide the Treasurer with whatever documentation he may require; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town Tax Collector is hereby directed to include a charge of $17,259.57, in the tax to be levied on the property identified as tax map number 193.6-1-52.  

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that he has received the resignation of Planning/Zoning Board Clerk Catherine Cicero.  On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, the following Resolution # 07-70 Appointing Linda McCabe as the part-time Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Clerk 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 the Town Board hereby appoints Linda McCabe as the Part-time Clerk to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals

June 11, 2007 to December 31, 2007.

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution # 07-71 Historical and Surrender Week – August 5 – 12 and Oct. 10 – 17, 2007 respectively,  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, this year 2007, will mark the 230th Anniversary of the American Victory at Saratoga and the 250th Anniversary of the French and Indian Wars; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga was the location of the Turning Point of the American Revolution where British General Burgoyne surrendered his entire army and played an important role in the history of the French and Indian Wars; and

WHEREAS, the extensive and diverse history of Saratoga has made this community unique unto itself; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has taken its place as one of the most historically significant areas in the world; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga would like to formally recognize and celebrate its history with residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga in past years, has hosted Historical Week to educate and celebrate with the public this community’s historical significance, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga in past years, has hosted Surrender Week to commemorate the location where American Independence became a great fact in the history of nations, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Saratoga Town Board enthusiastically supports the events organized by the Town of Saratoga Historian, the Village of Schuylerville Historian, the Old Saratoga Historical Association, the Saratoga National Historical Park, the Turning Point Parade Committee, Fort Hardy Committee and the Schuylerville Visitors Center in keeping with the spirit and the purpose of educating and celebrating the historical past of this community, be it further,

RESOLVED and PROCLAIMED that the week of August 5-12 of the year 2007 be designated as Historical Week in the Town of Saratoga, and

RESOLVED and PROCLAIMED that the week of October 10-17 of the year 2007 be designated as Surrender Week in the Town of Saratoga.

 

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution # 07- 73, Appraisal of the Corner School  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 recognizes the need for professional services for the appraisal of the Corner School for the Saratoga Town Hall Feasibility Study, and

WHEREAS, the professional service will be provided by Upstate Appraisal Services, Inc., 1795 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment to Upstate Appraisal Services, Inc., 1795 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY, the lowest proposal,                                                                       for services rendered in the amount of up to $1,900 from the Building Reserve Account # H 1620.4 following the 30 day requirement of Permissive Referendum rules and procedures. 

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution # 07- 74  Authorization to Apply for a Boardwalk Grant- Parks Development Grant, 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, as Supervisor of the Town of Saratoga, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds, together with the Village of Schuylerville, 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 $180,189.  The Village of Schuylerville will be the sponsor and lead administrator for this project to design and construct a boardwalk to be located at Fort Hardy Park, Route 29, Schuylerville.

 

On a motion by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, the following Resolution # 07-75  Authorization to Apply for a Boardwalk Grant – Heritage Areas System Grant, 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, as Supervisor of the Town of Saratoga, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds, together with the Village of Schuylerville, 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 $180,189.  The Village of Schuylerville will be the sponsor and lead administrator for this project to design and construct a boardwalk to be located at Fort Hardy Park, Route 29, Schuylerville.

 

David Cummings, Chieftain, Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, and Dr. Mike Cahill addressed the board and presented the board with a folder of additional information on the Sister City Program.  It included letters of support for the formal Sister City Relationship with the Town of Saratoga and a Sister Cities International Capacity Building Worksheet.  They noted that horses, history and youth development are common to both communities.  Dr. Mike Cahill thanked the board for considering the relationship.   

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution # 07-76   “Sister City” – Fethard & Killusty, Ireland, 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, Fethard, Ireland is home to many Thoroughbred horse farms including the famous Coolmore Stud Farm operated by the Magnier family, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is home to many thoroughbred farms including Joe and Ann McMahon's  McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, Ann Morgan and Tim Little's Mill Creek Farm, Rick Burke's Irish Hill Century Farm, and Dan and Kathy Barraclough's Saratoga Glen Farm, Dave Cummings’ The Run at Saratoga, LLC, and

WHEREAS, the Clonmel and Curragh tracks are near Fethard, Ireland and the Saratoga Race Course is near the Town of Saratoga and

WHEREAS, there are many dairy farms with long histories in both Fethard & Killusty, Ireland and the Town of Saratoga, and

WHEREAS, in 1650 British General Oliver Cromwell marched on Fethard, Ireland and terms of Surrender were agreed to, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is the location where British General John Burgoyne surrendered to the American Colonists, and 

WHEREAS, Fethard & Killusty, Ireland are located on the Suir River and the Town of Saratoga is bordered by the Hudson River, and

WHEREAS, Fethard & Killusty, Ireland are in the foothills of the Slievenamon Mountains and the Town of Saratoga is located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, and

WHEREAS, there are many golf courses in both the Fethard & Killusty, Ireland area and the Town of Saratoga area and

WHEREAS, many people from Ireland emigrated to the Town of Saratoga and helped build the Champlain Canal and area railroads, and

WHEREAS, Fethard & Killusty, Ireland are located east of Galway County and north of Waterford County and the Town of Saratoga is located east of the Town of Galway and North of the Town of Waterford, and

WHEREAS, the sister city program was started by President Eisenhower at the end of World War II as a people to people program to promote tourism and goodwill, and

WHEREAS, the sister city program allows communities to learn more about each other and to develop friendly, meaningful exchanges, and

WHEREAS, sister city relationships are broad based, officially approved, long term partnerships between two communities, and

WHEREAS, sister city partnerships have the potential to carry out the widest possible diversity of activities, and

WHEREAS, sister city partnerships is supported and endorsed by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga County Farm Bureau, the Saratoga National Golf Club, the Saratoga National Historical Park, the New York Thorough Bred Breeders Association, The Schuylerville Lions Club, and the Schuylerville Notre Dame Visitation Church, and

WHEREAS, there will be no financial obligations for the Town of Saratoga to participate in the Sister City Program, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga will participate in the Sister City Program and become a sister city of Fethard & Killusty, Ireland, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga looks forward to participating in the multiple opportunities that the Sister City exchange program makes possible.

 

On a motion by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution # 07-77 Court Assistance Program Grant

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 recognizes the need for

additional and upgraded office equipment, security equipment, computer support items, construction of a bench and security related construction for the town court, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of The Town of Saratoga authorizes Justice David Mathis to apply for a Justice Court Assistance Program Grant for the purchase and installation of additional and upgraded office equipment, security equipment, computer support items, construction of a bench and security related construction for the town court.

 

The proposals for the brush cutting along the Old Champlain Canal will be opened at a Special Meeting of the Town Board scheduled for 6/28/2007 at 10:00 a.m.

 

Communications:

v     Farm Bureau Membership welcome letter with a list of member discount programs.

v     Notification that the NYS Ag & Markets Farmland Protection Grant Applications will be available by mid June.

v     A thank you has been received from Debbie Peck Kelleher, President of the Old Saratoga Historical Association, for allowing the organization to have a file cabinet in the Town Historian’s office.

v     Flag Day Re-Dedication of the Saratoga County Veterans’ Monument at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on June 14th                  at 1:00 p.m.

v     USDA Rural Development Open House to be held at the Greenwich Office on June 13th from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call (518) 692-9940 ext. 4.

 

Privilege of the floor:  No one came forward. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter at 8:35 p.m. and it was 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.   At 8:43 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion to end the Executive Session and resume the regular meeting.  This was 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.   No board action was taken. 

 

Upcoming meetings:

v     Special Meeting – Thursday, June 28, 2007 @ 10 a.m. – Opening of proposals for brush cutting along the Old Champlain Canal.

v     Building Committee meeting – to be announced.

v     Agenda meeting – Thursday, July 5, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

v     Regular town board meeting – Monday, July 9, 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 #07-78 - Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 6G 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 6G (06/11/2007) in the following amounts: General A $11,460, and General B $9,484.30, Highway Reserve $15,297, and Highway Outside $24,390.99 for a total expense of $60,632.29.

 

 

 

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and 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.

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Ruth Drumm

Town Clerk

 

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