Draft

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA,

 30 FERRY ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

June 12, 2006

7:00 P.M.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:00 p.m.

 

Roll call: Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk, called the roll.  Supervisor Thomas Wood- present, Councilman Fred Drumm - present, Councilman Charles Hanehan- absent (arrived at 7:02 pm), Councilwoman Betty Koval - present, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – present.

Also present: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Justice Jack Ditch, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Stephen Bodnar, Historian Sean Kelleher, Clarence Fosdick, Walter and Anita Flanders, Sue Hughes, Gene Derby, Brenda Lee, Wendy Lukas, Yar Zujovic, George Pravda, Steve Rossley, Helen Robbins, Marion DeHeer, and Geraldine Freedman.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

 

Recognitions:

Supervisor Thomas Wood presented Town Clerk Ruth Drumm with an award naming her to the 2006 Municipal Clerks Honor Roll in appreciation of outstanding and dedicated service as Town Clerk of the Town of Saratoga resulting from her work with the codification of our laws.

 

Court Intern Awards were presented by Justice Jack Ditch.  Student interns, School Advisors and Schools were honored for their involvement in the Saratoga Town Court Internship Program.  Participants were as follows:  Schuylerville High School – Advisor: Steve Rossley, Intern: Brianna Jewett; Stillwater High School – Advisors: Mellisa Gordon and Teresa Guiry, Intern: Rachel Sullivan; Greenwich High School – Advisor: Brenda Lee, Interns: Amanda Jones and Heather Anuszewski; Saratoga Springs High School – Advisor: Lynette Whaley, Interns: Caitlin Freshwater, Sean Kline, and Lauren Gardner; Fort Edward High School – Principal/Advisor: John Godfrey, Intern: Derek Seney; Hudson Falls High School – Principal/Advisor: C.J. Abare, Intern: Samuel Ratti; Skidmore College – Intern: Timothy Conrad Bower; Schenectady County Community College – Intern: Alicia Miller

 

Bid Opening:  Proof of legal notice on May 21, 2006 - the Bid Opening for the 2001 Ford F-350, 4x4 pickup with 8’ Fischer plow was as follows:  

Curtis Lumber Co., Inc., 885 Rte. 67, Ballston Spa, NY 12020                               $5,555.55

Tom Curtis, 4167 State Rt. 40, Argyle, NY 12809                                                                                        5,681.00

Dick & Carole Murtha, 79 Edie Rd., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866                                        5,256.00

Koval Bros. Dairy, 313 Burke Rd., Stillwater, NY 12170                                                                6,151.00

C.A. Hall & A.D. Hall, 505 Hillsdale Ave., Syracuse, NY 13206                                        4,058.00

Village of Schuylerville, 35 Spring St., Schuylerville, NY 12871          Up to  8,500.00

 

 

Presentation: Yarislov Zujovic (George Pravda, owner) – 1460 Rt. 9P – Townhouses

Yarislov Zujovic, and George Pravda, owner- 1460 Rt. 9P, Saratoga Springs, S/B/L 180.18-1-2 & 3, Lake Commercial District – addressed the board asking for consideration for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Townhouses with 7 units on the 1.2 acre parcel.  Mr. Zujovic explained that due to the high cost of the site cleanup and preparation along with the high cost of construction seven units would be needed to make it economically feasible.  He added that this would be just 14% building coverage of the parcel.  This would replace the trailers now there. George Pravda stated that he has owned the property for 40 years and welcomes a useful purpose for selling the property.  He stated that the townhouses would be a pleasant, good looking development.  

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that under current zoning, the parcel could have one - 4 unit structure.  A PUD is being sought to allow 7 units.  It was noted that each PUD application is looked at as a separate proposal. 

Councilman Michael McLoughlin introduced a motion to have Yarislov Zujovic apply for a PUD with seven units and Councilman Fred Drumm seconded it.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – nay, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 4 – 1. Supervisor Thomas Wood cautioned that the motion does not guarantee an approval and referral to the Planning Board. 

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval to accept the minutes of the May 8th, 2006 meeting as written.

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

 

Town Clerk’s report for May 2006: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $196.35. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $60.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $243.72. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $90.00. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $519.65. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $138.03. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,247.75.

 

Zoning Officer’s report: Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway gave his May 2006 report: 12 Building Permits and 4 CO’s were issued, 4 complaints were investigated, 21 building inspections were done, no Junk Yard permits were issued, 1 fire inspection was done and no Orders to Remedy were issued.  A check for $2,155 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for May 2006: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood which stated Rick Sullivan answered 18 complaints, responded to 3 dog bite incidences, took 5 dogs to the shelter, traveled 278 miles, issued 18 warnings and 6 summonses were issued. 

 

Town Court report: Justice Jack Ditch read the court report and the following cases were closed in May 2006: 65 Vehicle & Traffic, 17 Criminal/Penal Law, 1 DEC/ENCON, 4 Dog cases, 1 DWI, 1 Town & Village Ordinance, 2 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Evictions, 1 Bench trial, 1 (case transfer) Divestiture Form sent to County Court, 19 attended the Science of Speed School, 1 Defendant sentenced to probation, 450 hours of community service issued, 365 days of jail time issued, 5 Orders of Protection issued, and $5,525 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller. 

 

Historian’s report: Sean Kelleher gave his Historian’s report to the board as follows: 

The Historian's office has been very busy this past month.  Grant work has been the focus of the office.  We are on the final stages of the Heritage NY Grant for the Schuylerville Visitors Center.   The panels have been fabricated for the exhibit but one was

incorrectly printed.  The new delivery date is the 3rd week of June and then we have the exhibit installed.  The village has also changed the center – removing a desk, putting in a new floor and furniture.  The Center will now have a museum exhibit quality to it and we would like to encourage you to visit it in July.

In the next month, the Battlefield Protection Grant for Fort Hardy will be working with ground penetrating radar to try to identify any remains for the Fort and discover the sites associated with the Field of Grounded Arms.

We are finishing up the paper work with the NYS Archives grant.  We are also expecting to hear next month on the next round of the NYS Archives grant to continue our work in partnership with the Villages of Schuylerville and Stillwater and the Town of Saratoga.

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented May 2006 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $1,029,098.06 ($50,000. of this is Park Reserve), General B $66,109.27, Highway Outside $154,829.30, Youth Recreation & Services $7,074.28, Highway Equipment Reserve $83,697.39, Building Reserve $966,660.61 and Fire Protection $0.  May revenues were $277,846.63 and expenses were $186,390.91.  The total May 2006 balance is $2,307,468.91.

 

Assessor’s report:  Catherine DeFelice reported that the tentative assessment roll for 2006 was filed on May 1st.   Grievance Day was May 23rd from 4 pm to 8 pm. and only one property owner appeared before the Board of Assessment Review.  The final 2006 assessment roll was filed with the County and will be available to the public during the month of July.  The tentative equalization rate is 78% and the final equalization rate will be known at the end of July or early August. 

 

 

 

Public comments on agenda items: name & subject:

Geraldine Freedman, The Post Star, asked the Historian what the total amount of the three ongoing grants was.  He did not know the amounts offhand. 

 

Committee reports:

Highway: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the town pickup and bulldozer have been lettered.  The price of asphalt has increased $7 per ton this month.  The culverts on Chapman Hill Road have been finished and Condon Road has been paved.  The cost of grinding and tonnage for Condon Road came in under estimate. 

The new gateway town signs have been installed.  Bryant’s Bridge has been removed. 

 

Landfill:  No report.

 

Insurance:  Supervisor Thomas Wood announced that there have been changes to the MVP health insurance plan which covers town employees.  The premium rates are going up with the August renewal and an in-hospital deductible of $500 has been added along with a $100 prescription deductible.  The board discussed setting aside funds to reimburse employees who pay the deductibles.  The reimbursement could either be in full or a part of the cost.  The board will discuss the options again at the July meeting. 

 

Youth:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported for Jeannie Duval, Director of the Learn to Swim Program 2006.  The program will consist of two, four week sessions.  Sign-ups are on 6/26/2006 from 9 to 10:30 am. Contact Jeannie Duval with any questions @ 581-8453 or via email at jjhtduval@yahoo.com.  It was announced that Youth Day will be on Saturday, September 16, 2006.  Festivities will start at 5:30 p.m. with games, music, food, drawings and fireworks. 

Buildings:  S.D. Atelier Architecture, LLC provided a timeline/schedule for the new town hall design and site selection analysis and they met with town officials to begin to assess the office space needed. 

The next Building Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 5th. 

 

Senior Citizens:  Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Old Saratoga Seniors met on May 9th with 77 attending.  Their guest speakers were from CVS Pharmacy and Wesley Health Center.  They spoke to the group regarding the various health services they provide.  They met again on May 23rd with 71 present and watched a videotape of the 1965 Turning Point Parade.  A birthday dinner will be held June 13th and then they will be off for the summer. 

            A four day trip is planned for September 5 through 8 to Kutsher’s Country Club in Monticello.  On September 12th a picnic will be held at the Victory Mills Rod & Gun Club.  Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Quaker Springs Seniors met today for their last meeting until fall, 37 attended.  An occupational therapist from Wesley Health Care handed out literature and spoke about the variety of health services available at Wesley in Saratoga Springs.  Don Davis from SD Atelier Architecture spoke to the group asking for their input on what they would need in the new town hall.  Various ideas were presented.  A mystery trip is planned for Wednesday, June 21st and a fall trip is planned to Cooperstown on October 3rd. 

 

Park Committee: Councilman Michael McLoughlin reported that the road to the Quaker Springs Mineral Park needs some work and the drainage needs improvement.  The roof over the spring needs repair also.  There are pictures of what it used to look like and a plan is needed for what we would want it to look like today.  Supervisor Thomas Wood suggested a plan could be sought from the LA Group. 

            Marion DeHeer and Helen Robbins addressed the board with concerns about the Stillwater Grange 681 building in Quaker Springs.  The building needs repair and it has historical significance.  They would like support from local and state officials in seeking funding for the repairs.   

 

Zoning Amendment Advisory Committee (ZAAC):  No report.

 

Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters & Emergency Medical Service Workers Committee:   Historian Sean Kelleher reported that the committee has had two meetings and are planning two meetings in June.  The committee is working on one memorial, which will be circular in design.  They are trying to find a location of prominence in the community.  The committee's general discussion directed to encourage recruitment and retention which included property tax incentives including town and school district taxes.

The Committee will meet at 7 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month

– upcoming meetings will be June 14th and 28th.  They are hoping to come up with budget request by late August or early September. 

                                                                                                  

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports: 

Quaker Springs Fire Department:  Stephen Bodnar presented the board with his monthly report.  He stated that the Quaker Springs Fire Department had a very busy May.  The fire department responded to 11 alarms and totaled 1250 hours giving to the community.  Over 500 hours were spent working the Regattas on Saratoga Lake.  The department parked cars on the site of the future substation on Rt. 9P.  The trees on the site have been cut and the camp was burned to clear the site for the substation.  Currently a Firefighter 1 course is being taught at the firehouse.  Stephen Bodnar reported that the sign at the future substation site was painted and donated by the Hanehan Family and is very much appreciated. 

 

Old business:

Mark Kennedy, Acting Regional Traffic Engineer of the NYS Dept. of Transportation, responded to the sight distance complaint at the corner of Rt. 29 and DeGarmo Road.  He stated that a field investigation was conducted which included a review of the existing signing, operation speeds and the available sight distance for a vehicle stopped on DeGarmo Road.  He felt that the signing was adequate and additional signs are not warranted.  Regarding the 40 mph speed limit they found that 77% of the traffic was exceeding the posted speed limit which is an enforcement issue and they will inform the NYS Police and the Saratoga County Sheriff of the findings.  As far as the trees and decorative shrubs obstructing sight distance, the right-of-way is 22 feet from the centerline of Route 29 which makes these on private property.  The removal would be the owner’s responsibility if they desire to have them removed.   The board felt that the sight distance should be reevaluated. 

 

Mark Kennedy, Acting Regional Traffic Engineer of the NYS Dept. of Transportation, replied to the request for a speed limit reduction on Hathaway Road stating that it has been deemed warranted and a Notice of Order for a 45 MPH limit has been issued.  Highway Superintendent Dave Hall added that he received the signs today and will be installing them soon.

 

The Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Applications of Hanna & LaBarge have been denied.  This was their second application. 

 

New business:

Resolution #06-62 – Recommending that Navigational Dredging of the Hudson River/Champlain Canal Channel be Conducted Concurrently with PCB Remediation Dredging was introduced by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm. The following Resolution #06-62 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 USEPA issued a Record of Decision (ROD) in February of 2002 which requires the General Electric Company to dredge PCB-contaminated sediments from a 40 mile stretch of the Hudson River, and

WHEREAS, there is an identified need to dredge several areas of the Hudson River/Champlain Canal channel to a depth of 12 feet for navigational purposes within the aforementioned Hudson River remediation area which is beyond the scope of the PCB remediation action, and

WHEREAS, the removal of these materials in the navigation channel has, heretofore, been unable to be conducted due to PCB contamination overlying these sediments and its completion is imperative to the restoration of safe boating on the Hudson River/Champlain Canal, and

WHEREAS, the NYS Canal Corporation does not have environmental dredging equipment and/or disposal sites available which will accommodate the removal of PCB-contaminated sediments from certain portions of the Hudson River/Champlain Canal’s navigational channel, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga believes that it is appropriate and cost-effective to the citizen’s of New York State to address Hudson River/Champlain Canal navigational dredging needs which are identified in certain areas within the proposed federal PCB remediation action concurrently with said remediation action to assure the timely restoration of safe boat navigation on the upper Hudson River area, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recommends that a technical and economic evaluation be completed to identify the portions of the Hudson River/Champlain Canal’s navigational channel which need to be dredged to restore safe boating, and be it further

RESOLVED that negotiations be conducted among all responsible parties to determine a fair and equitable allocation of costs for the timely completion of the necessary maintenance dredging of certain areas of the Hudson River/Champlain Canal during the Hudson River PCB remediation project, and be it further

RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to all of Saratoga County’s state and federal elected representatives, its municipalities bordering the Hudson River, Governor George Pataki, the USEPA, the Trustees of the Hudson River Natural Resources Damage Assessment, the NYS Canal Corporation and the General Electric Company.

 

Resolution #06-63 – Grant Application to NYS to be used by SLPID for an Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Saratoga Lake was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan. The following Resolution #06-63 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 Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLPID) is an agency established by New York State for the purpose of monitoring, protecting, and improving Saratoga Lake, and

Whereas, SLPID proposes to work jointly with the Towns of Saratoga, Stillwater, and Malta and the City of Saratoga Springs in a long term aquatic vegetation management plan for Saratoga Lake, and

Whereas, New York State Grants are available to provide funding for aquatic vegetation management projects, and

Whereas, SLPID will complete all required forms and documentation for a New York State Grant for funding for the development, implementation, and administration of the aquatic vegetation management plan, and 

Whereas, upon approval of the grant SLPID will act as the exclusive agency with full authority and responsibility for the development and administration of the aquatic management plan, and

Whereas, upon approval of the grant SLPID will be the responsible party and will apply for all necessary permits, obtain all required approvals, monitor all work, and follow all required procedures for the approved plan, now therefore be it  

Resolved, that the Town of Saratoga will act as the applicant for a 1.2 million dollar EPF New York State Grant to be used by SLPID for the purpose of developing, implementing, and administering an aquatic vegetation management plan for Saratoga Lake, and be it further

Resolved, that SLPID will provide the 50% matching funds required for the grant, and be it further

Resolved, that the Town of Saratoga applauds and commends SLPID for their dedication to the improvement of Saratoga Lake and for the outstanding work performed by the SLPID Board and all SLPID members in the improvement of Saratoga Lake.

 

Resolution #06-64 – Donation of $2,000 for the Turning Point Parade was introduced by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval. The following Resolution #06-64 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 Eleventh annual Turning Point Parade will take place on Sunday, August 6th in the Village of Schuylerville, and

Whereas, this parade’s mission has served as a reminder of the history and heritage of this special area where the battles at Saratoga were thought to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War, and

Whereas, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga supports the parade’s mission, therefore be it

Resolved, that the Town of Saratoga contribute $2,000 to the Turning Point Parade c/o Byron Peregrim, Chairman, 18 Broad St., Schuylerville, NY from the Celebrations account # A7550.4.

 

Resolution #06-65 – Local Waterfront Revitalization Project (LWRP)

2006-2007 Grant Application Authorization was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval. The following Resolution #06-65 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 has been pursuing waterfront revitalization over the past decade, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga coordinated efforts to prepare a comprehensive, regional Local Waterfront Revitalization Project in 2005 which included LWRP area boundary establishment, inventory and analysis, visioning of proposed uses and projects and development of an implementation strategy, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga participated in regional planning efforts to prepare the Local Waterfront Revitalization Project for the Town of Saratoga, Town of Northumberland, Town of Greenwich, Town of Easton, Village of Schuylerville and the Village of Victory, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that Thomas N. Wood III, as Supervisor of the Town of Saratoga, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from the New York State Department of State Division of Coastal Resources to advance the Town of Saratoga’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, to act on behalf of the Town of Saratoga’s Town Board in all matters related to this financial assistance, and to certify the information contained in this application.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood announced that he received a resignation from Robert McConnell from the alternate position on the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Robert McConnell expressed an interest in becoming a member of the Planning Board. 

 

Resolution #06-66 – Appointing Robert McConnell to Alternate Planning Board Position was introduced by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval. The following Resolution #06-66 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, an alternate planning board member vacancy exists (created by the resignation of Patrick Hanehan as alternate on December 31, 2005), therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby appoints Robert McConnell as an alternate to the Planning Board fulfilling the term of Patrick Hanehan from 6/12/2006 to 12/31/2008.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that a Conservation Subdivision application by Saratoga Builders is before the Planning Board for property at Route 29 and Louden Road.  Part of the proposal offers 27.6 +/- acres to the town for a park.   

Resolution #06-67 – Authorization to apply for a Grant for Town Park Funding – Rt. 29 was introduced by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm. The following Resolution #06-67 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.

 

Resolution #06-68 – Bid acceptance for the 2110 Ford F-350 pickup with 8’ Fischer snowplow was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan. The following Resolution #06-68 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 is no longer in need of the 2001 Ford F-350, 4x4 pickup with 8’ Fischer snowplow, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has advertised the sale of said equipment, therefore be it,

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept the offer for the 2001 Ford F-350, 4x4 pickup with 8’ Fischer snowplow, Vin #1FTSF31L91EA52913, from the Village of Schuylerville, 35 Spring St., Schuylerville, NY for $6,152, pending approval by the Village of Schuylerville Trustees.  If approval is not forthcoming, the award will then go to the highest bidder, Koval Dairy, 313 Burke Rd., Stillwater, NY for $6,151. 

 

Resolution #06-69 – Support Saratoga P.L.A.N. County Open Space Grant Request was introduced by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin. The following Resolution #06-69 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, Saratoga P.L.A.N. (Preserving Land and Nature), a not-for-profit corporation, is applying to the Saratoga County for a grant under the Farmland/Open Space Preservation Program for transaction and stewardship funds for a conservation easement on property located off Burgoyne Road including both sides of Fish Creek, called “Old Scidmore Farm”, in the Town of Saratoga, a site located within the territorial jurisdiction of this Town Board of Saratoga; and

 WHEREAS, Farmland/Open Space Preservation Program will be matched by the landowner, Karen Hess, through her donation of a conservation easement for farmland preservation and stream protection for the Fish Creek on 20 +/- acres; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby approves and endorses the application of Saratoga P.L.A.N. for funding from the County of Saratoga in the sum of $20,000 in connection with the proposed "Old Scidmore Farm" conservation easement located within the Town of Saratoga.

 

 

Resolution #06-70 - Grant Application to NYSDOT for a Boardwalk in the Village of Schuylerville/Town of Saratoga was introduced by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval. The following Resolution #06-70 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 a co-application, together with the Village of Schuylerville, for funds from the New York State Department of Transportation in accordance with the provisions of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, known as SAFTEA-LU, signed into law on August 10, 2005 and includes renewal of the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) as part of a larger Surface Transportation Program.  The requested funds will not exceed $366,580.00. 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.   

 

Communications:

James Barlow, Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, sent a note thanking the Town for their generous contribution to the March for Parks fundraiser. 

The Saratoga County Board of Elections announced that they will now be responsible for payment of all Election Day Workers.  They also expect to have new voting machines for 2007.  

Saratoga County Public Health Director Helen Endres sent a flyer regarding the facts about Bird Flu.  The information is available on the webwww.nyhealth.gov.  

The New York State Canal Corporation will be conducting the first annual Canal Splash on the weekend of August 12th and 13th, 2006. The Canal Splash will consist of a coordinated series of locally organized events designed to highlight the history, beauty, culture and recreational appeal of the New York State Canal System and/or Canalway Trail.  For more information you can contact Johnny Miller at (518) 424-3986.

 

Privilege of the floor:

Wendy Lucas raised a concern regarding our bidding procedures and if it was fair to award the pickup truck to the Village of Schuylerville, who had not formally bid, once sealed bids were received from others.  She also raised concerns regarding the added liability to the town with regards to the grant to construct a boardwalk along the Hudson River starting at Ft. Hardy Park and going to the boat launch.  Supervisor Thomas Wood deferred comment to Town Attorney William Reynolds and he responded that it would be professionally designed and would meet both Federal Safety Standards and ADA standards.

Stephen Bodnar spoke regarding a phone call from a concerned citizen, Marilyn Zaborek, who lives next to the “Old Scidmore Farm”.  She voiced concerns with the farm polluting her property from the toxic smoke coming from a burn barrel and plastics blowing all over. Supervisor Thomas Wood noted he would speak with Saratoga P.L.A.N. regarding the concerns. Sean Kelleher responded that enforcement of the use of burn barrels is up to NYS DEC. 

 

Upcoming meetings:

v     Building Committee meeting – Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

v     Agenda meeting – Thursday, July 6, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

v     Regular town board meeting – Monday, July 10, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Audit the Bills: Per abstract for the period 6/12/2006 (6G): General A $13,516.90, General B $4,071.02, Highway Outside $43,271.21, Youth $0, and Highway Reserve $0, Building Reserve $1,000 for a total expense of $61,859.13.

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:26 p.m. was made by Councilman Fred Drumm 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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