DRAFT COPY

REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

March 8, 2004

7:30 P.M.

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:30 p.m.

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

Also present: Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Jean Casey, Town Historian Sean Kelleher, Andrew Sharts, Geraldine Friedman, Dan Craine, Sherry Doubleday, Marie Foster, Bob Foster, Patricia Pierce, and Kathleen Bartholomay.

Proof of notice having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the following bids:

Used Bucket Truck:

$8,266.00 -1992 GMC - Upstate Auto Sales, 3511 NY Route 7, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090

New Side-Mounted 60” Rotary Mower:

$16,683.00 – Versa – Artco Equipment Sales, Inc., 1217 Loudon Rd., Cohoes, NY 12047

New Comfort Cab Tractor (4WD):

$41,500- John Deere 6320 – Allen Farm Equipment Inc., 11853 State Route 40, Schaghticoke, NY 12154

Proof of notice having been furnished, the following Heritage NY Grant bids were opened on March 2, 2004 at 9:08 a.m. at the Saratoga Town Hall:

Attending: Town Clerk Ruth Drumm, Administrator of the Heritage NY Grants Sean Kelleher, Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, and Deputy Historian Pat Peck

Graphic Designer of Interpretive Signage and Brochures

v Shannon Rose, 65 Clinton St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 - $10,600

v Wayland Design, 100 Main St., Delhi, NY 13753 - $12,680

Exhibit Design and Construction Field of Grounded Arms Visitors

Center at Fort Hardy Park

v Wayland Design, 100 Main St., Delhi, NY 13753 - $24,541

Printing of Brochures

v Shannon Rose, 65 Clinton St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

60,000 $ 3,488.70 80,000 $ 4,203.54 100,000 $ 5,082.41

120,000 $5,967.89 200,000 $ 9,514.86 300,000 $13,949.82

v Pressroom, 35 Bath St., Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Michael C. Glenn, VP sales

60,000 $2,490.00 80,000 $2,998.00 100,000 $3,600.00

120,000 $4,200.00 200,000 $6,500.00 300,000 $9,300.00

v Upstate, 10 Pine St., Glens Falls, NY 12801

60,000 $2,985.00 80,000 $3,495.00 100,000 $4,185.00

120,000 $4,595.00 200,000 $6,995.00 300,000 $9,485.00

The following bids were awarded:

Resolution #04-50 was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the lowest bid for Graphic Designer of Interpretive Signage and Brochures from Shannon Rose, 65 Clinton St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 for $10,600. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye. Carried 5 – 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Resolution #04-51 was introduced by Councilman Bruce Cornell and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the sole bid for The Exhibit Design and Construction Field of Grounded Arms Visitors Center at Fort Hardy Park from Wayland Design, 100 Main St., Delhi, NY 13753 at $24,541. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye. Carried 5 – 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Resolution #04-52 was introduced by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to accept the lowest bid for the Printing of Brochures from the Pressroom, 35 Bath St., Ballston Spa, NY 12020 at:

60,000 -$2,490.00, 80,000 - $2,998.00, 100,000 - $3,600.00 120,000 - $4,200.00, 200,000- $6,500.00, 300,000 -$9,300.00

Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye. Carried 5 – 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Proof of notice having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood called the Public Hearing on the proposed Local Law #1 of 2004, Amendment to the Dog Control Law, to order. Supervisor Thomas Wood read the amendment.

No one came forward, for or against this amendment.

Proof of notice having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood called the Public Hearing on the proposed Local Law #2 of 2004, Amendment to the Aged Exemption for partial tax exemption of real property. Supervisor Thomas Wood read the amendment in full.

No one came forward, for or against this amendment. Councilman Bruce Cornell asked that since one interested party was not in attendance, could the proposed Law be tabled until next month. Supervisor Thomas Wood replied yes and asked Town Attorney William Reynolds for his input and he confirmed it could be tabled. TABLED

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to accept the minutes of February 9, 2004 meeting as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

Town Clerk’s report for February 2004: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $107.70. Dog license fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets $36.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $45.34. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $45.00. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $271.30. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $107.91. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $613.25.

Zoning Officer’s report: Bob Hathaway read his February 2004 report: 1 Building Permit, 3 C.O’s and 10 inspections were done. A check for $214.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.

Supervisor’s report:

Supervisor Thomas Wood presented February 2004 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $810,476.13, General B $31,769.66, Highway Outside $320,197.79, Youth Recreation & Services $822.97, Highway Equipment Reserve $130,730.11, Building Reserve $782,168.56 and Fire Protection $0.00. February revenues were $10,387.98 and expenses were $113,531.12. The total February balance is $2,076,165.22.

Supervisor Thomas Wood read a thank you note from Jean Casey to the Town Hall staff thanking them for their kindness after the loss of her husband, Lawrence Casey.

Supervisor Thomas Wood read and presented to Jean Casey a Citation from Roy McDonald, 112^th Assembly District, New York State Assembly, recognizing Jean Casey’s 22 years of devoted service as Deputy Town Clerk and Town Clerk of the Town of Saratoga.

Supervisor Thomas Wood noted that our Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce annual dues are owed and what an outstanding job the Chamber does in promoting the Town of Saratoga. Resolution # 04-55 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to renew the Town’s membership in the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce at a cost of $50.00. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

(The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Supervisor Thomas Wood received the Annual Certificate of Membership to the Association of Towns. He commented on the many valuable services the Association of Towns provides to Town Officials of both information and legal services.

Highway: Grant Seymour, Highway Superintendent, reported that since the weather has been good, his men have been busy cutting dead trees and patching roads. He suggested that some of the Welcome to the Town of Saratoga signs are in need of updating and /or replacement and will need to be addressed. Ideas for the improvement of the signs are needed.

The Highway bids that were opened at the beginning of the meeting were awarded:

Resolution #04-45 was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the bid for a 1992 GMC used bucket truck, VIN # 1GDJC34K2NE550332 from Upstate Auto Sales, 3511 NY Route 7, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090 for $8,266.00 providing the specifications in TOS 02-04 are met. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye. Carried 5 – 0 (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Resolution #04-46 was introduced by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to accept the bid for a new Versa Side-Mounted 60” Rotary Mower from Artco Equipment Sales, Inc., 1217 Loudon Rd., Cohoes, NY 12047 for $16,683 providing the specifications in TOS 01-04 are met. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye. Carried 5 – 0 (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Resolution #04-47 was introduced by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to accept the bid for a new John Deere 6320 Comfort Cab Tractor (4WD) from Allen Farm Equipment Inc., 11853 State Route 40, Schaghticoke, NY 12154 for $41,500 providing the specifications in TOS 03-04 are met. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye. Carried 5 – 0 (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Landfill: A report from Hudson Environmental Services was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood regarding the testing of the groundwater at the Town of Saratoga’s landfill. There were no unusual conditions found and all data collected was within acceptable limits.

Insurance: No report

Youth Committee report: Councilman Michael McLoughlin recognized the great accomplishment of the Schuylerville High School Boys Basketball team for winning the Championship and their current pursuit of the State Championship.

Buildings: No report

Senior Citizens report: Councilman Bruce Cornell will report next month.

Park Committee report: Councilman Michael McLoughlin made a motion at 8:13 p.m. and Councilman Fred Drumm seconded it to go into Executive Session to discuss the possible acquisition of real property. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye Carried 5 -0

The regular meeting reconvened at 8:30 p.m.

Cable TV Committee: Councilman Fred Drumm reported that a letter was received from Peter Taubkin of Time Warner. They have been granted Temporary Operating authority. Supervisor Thomas Wood and Councilman Fred Drumm will set up a meeting with them and start negotiating for free cable at some of our public buildings in the town, such as the Youth Center, Ambulance squad and Town Hall, along with other items. The Cable TV franchise agreement is up for renewal every 10 years.

Old Business: Having held the public hearing at the beginning of this meeting, Resolution #04-48 was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to adopt Local Law # 1 of 2004 amending the Dog Control Law # 1 of year 2000 to require dogs to be on a leash when on public property and to further define “habitual howling and barking”. (The full text of this resolution and law is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.) Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan – no, Carried 4 – 1

Town Attorney Bill Reynolds, who is drafting a Local Law to enact a partial property tax exemption for persons with disabilities, asked if the board wanted to include the deduction from income of unreimbursed medical and prescription drug expenses? Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that he should draft the law without it, as directed last month, and the board would consider the option and add it at the next meeting if they agreed on adding the medical expense option.

Supervisor Thomas Wood spoke regarding the conveyance of the abandoned section of Route 32 to the adjoining landowners. The State of New York turned it over to the Town of Saratoga in 1935. Town Attorney Bill Reynolds suggested that since we don’t know exactly what is owned or how to split it amongst the three adjoining property owners, Gail Taras, Blanche Carden and Chris Griffen, the property should be surveyed by the adjoining property owners and they would need to agree on how to divide it and then the town could deed it over to them.

New Business: A letter was read from Mike Tierney, Commander of the American Legion Old Saratoga Post 278 inviting the Town board to participate in the Memorial Day Parade on the 31^st of May. The board agreed to participate.

Supervisor Thomas Wood offered Resolution #04-56 and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to continue to support the Schuyler Park project (recently renamed Old Saratoga on the Hudson) as we did last year and to pay the Saratoga P.L.A.N. the $5,000 budgeted for that purpose. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye Carried 5 – 0 (The full text of this resolution and law is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Department of State offers a fully searchable disc of local laws passed by the towns in the State of New York for purchase by towns and that the disc for the year 2002 is now available for $50. This disc is very helpful in providing up-to-date information as to what’s happening around the state along with wording and ideas. Resolution #04-57 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to purchase the 2002 Local Law CD for $50. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye Carried 5 – 0 (The full text of this resolution and law is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

It was mentioned that applications for the Farmland Protection Grants are being accepted through June 30, 2004. Councilman Charles Hanehan encouraged past applicants that were not selected, to reapply. Supervisor Thomas Wood commented that Jamie O’Neill and Larry Benton of the Saratoga County Planning Board are available to assist persons in applying for the grant.

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that there is a bill in the NYS Assembly and one in the NYS Senate regarding changing the assessment practices on condominiums to a fairer and more equitable system, under the present system they are under assessed. Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Resolution #04-58 to support the NYS Assembly Bill #9827 and the NYS Senate Bill #5870 for the fair and equitable assessment of condominiums. Councilman Charles Hanehan seconded this. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye Carried 5 – 0 (The full text of this resolution and law is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

After some discussion on the sites chosen for the USEPA dewatering facility associated with the dredging of the Hudson River, Resolution #04-59 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to show the Town of Saratoga’s support in removing the Georgia Pacific site in the Thomson-Clarks Mills area of the Town of Greenwich from the USEPA’s list of seven final candidate sites as the location for a PCB dewatering facility. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye Carried 5 – 0 (The full text of this resolution and law is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Resolution #04-53 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan recognizing the Saratoga County Chapter of Rebuilding Together, a volunteer-based program to repair and rehabilitate the homes of low income, elderly and disabled homeowners, and their efforts in the Town of Saratoga. The Town of Saratoga also hereby declares April 24-25, 2004 as “National Rebuilding Weekend” in the Town of Saratoga. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye Carried 5 – 0 (The full text of this resolution and law is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

Supervisor Thomas Wood acknowledged the retirement of National Park Service Park Ranger Richard “Dick” E. Beresford and his exceptional qualities as a knowledgeable committed leader. Councilman Bruce Cornell added that he is a true gentleman who is always ready to help. Resolution #04-54 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to honor and commend Park Ranger Dick Beresford on his example of a true leader with integrity and loyalty to his community and country. It was also resolved that the Town of Saratoga hereby declares April 24, 2004, as “Park Ranger Dick Beresford Day” in the Town of Saratoga. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye Carried 5 – 0 (The full text of this resolution and law is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s Office.)

It was noted that the contract for the State Police Schuylerville Satellite Office at the Town Hall expires April 13, 2004. The board directed Town Attorney Bill Reynolds to draft a new contract.

Communications: Supervisor Thomas Wood commented that all the communications received this month have been covered in their related committee reports.

Privilege of the floor: Kathleen Bartholomay thanked the board for their support of the petition to remove the Georgia Pacific site in the Thomson-Clarks Mills area of the Town of Greenwich from the USEPA’s list of seven final candidate sites as the location for a PCB dewatering facility.

Sherry Doubleday commented that the General Schuyler Emergency Squad is looking to relocate and would need at least an acre of land.

Dan Craine expressed his appreciation for the information provided in the Town newsletter and on the website, which contains the minutes of the Town Board, Zoning Board and the Planning Board meetings along with so much more information. Supervisor Thomas Wood commented that Open Government was one of his goals.

Audit the Bills: Per abstract 03/08/2004 (3G): General A $19,475.91, General B $2,968.11, Highway Outside $10,831.70, and Building Reserve $3,338.97, Highway Equipment Reserve $8,266.00 for a total expense of $44,880.69.

A motion to adjourn at 9:40 p.m. was made by Councilman Bruce Cornell and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm. Supervisor Thomas Wood – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin –absent (left at 9:25 p.m.), Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye. Carried 4 – 0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ruth Drumm

Town Clerk