DRAFT MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF
SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.
Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance
at
Roll call: Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk,
called the roll. Supervisor Thomas Wood-
present, Councilman Fred Drumm - absent, Councilman Charles Hanehan- present,
Councilwoman Betty Koval - present, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin - present
Also present:
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
Supervisor Thomas Wood
recognized Sherry Doubleday, Pete Reylea, Frank Merrill, and Dave DeHeer with Resolution
#09-53 Honoring Volunteer Firefighters and
On a motion by Supervisor
Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the
following Resolution #09-53 Honoring
Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Workers was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm –
absent, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.
Carried 5 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town of
WHEREAS, Frank Merrill is a member of Schuyler Hose Company
and has served for over 5 years in positions that have included Secretary,
Engineer of ETA 571, and Chairman of the Safety Committee; and
WHEREAS, Sherry Doubleday is a member of General Schuyler
Emergency Squad and has served for over 30 years in almost every executive and
operational office within the Squad that
have included Treasurer, Secretary, Lieutenant, and Captain; and
WHEREAS, Pete Relyea is a member of Victory Mills David Nevins
Fire Department and has served for over 37 years in positions that have
included President and Trustee, and has attended over 1,800 alarms; and
WHEREAS, David DeHeer is a member of Quaker Springs Fire
Department and has served for over 50 years in positions that have included
Vice President, President, Delegate, and Member of the Fire Police Squad; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga does
hereby recognize and honor to the highest degree possible Frank Merrill, Sherry
Doubleday, Pete Relyea, and David DeHeer for their service to and leadership in
the community; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town of
Public Hearing: Mass
Gathering Permit #3 of 2009 – “Sundae on the Farm”
Supervisor
Thomas Wood reviewed the application for
Mass Gathering Permit #3 of 2009 for – “Sundae on the Farm” on June 21st
from
Proof
of advertisement in the Saratogian having been furnished, he opened the public hearing at
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by
Councilwoman Betty Koval to accept the minutes of the April 13th regular
meeting as written.
Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – absent, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.
Town Clerk’s report
for April 2009: Fees paid to the
Zoning Officer’s April 2009 report: Supervisor Thomas Wood read Gil Albert’s report: 7 Building Permits, 12 Building Inspections, 5 Certificates of Occupancy, 0 Fire inspections, 2 Junk Yard Permit, 9 Complaints, 5 misc., and 2 Building Permit Renewals. A check for $1,607.50 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.
Dog Control officer’s report for April 2009: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood: answered 28 complaints, took 4 dogs to the shelter, 3 bite cases, traveled 358 miles, issued 11 warnings and 1 summons were issued.
Town Court report for April 2009: The following were closed: 106 Vehicle & Traffic, 19 Criminal/Penal Law, 5 DEC/ENCON, 6 Dog cases, 1 DWI, 11 Town & Village Ordinance, 1 Small Claim/Civil, 1 Eviction, 2 Bench trials, 2 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 10 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 45 hours of community service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 3 Orders of Protection issued, and $7,367.50 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.
Town Historian:
Sean Kelleher submitted the
following reports:
Monthly Report of the Town of
·
The Town of
·
The
·
The Old Saratoga
Historical Association is hosting a joint meeting with the Stillwater
Historical Society where author and Skidmore professor Tom Lewis will talk
about his book called The
·
Also at the
Monthly Report of the Town Historian
·
We started to
install the picture hanging system in the Town Hall – right now we have a small
exhibit from the Historian’s Collection of the artwork of local artist Carol
Drew.
·
We continue our monthly genealogy meetings on the third Tuesday of the
month at
·
We have been working with the Garden Club researching some of the older
parks and buildings in the community.
Assessor’s report: Victoria Hayner submitted the
following May report:
The 2009 Tentative Assessment
Roll was completed during the month of April and available for public viewing
on
The Board of Assessment
Review is scheduled to meet on May 26th between
Next year’s roll has been
created and we are currently entering sales for April. We have also been requested by the County to
review our photos to be submitted to them for inclusion on the County website.
The Assessor’s Office
continues to be open Monday through Thursday from
Highway
Superintendent’s report: Highway
Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the roads have been swept and they are
now ditching and replacing culverts on the roads scheduled for paving this year. He noted that asphalt prices have dropped to
$38.81/t. from $50 last fall. He has the
following projects scheduled for this year:
Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that there are new emission standards on the new trucks. He would like to order a new truck this year on state contract for delivery next year. There would be a savings of about $20,000 if ordered now. The truck will cost $188,000 to $189,000.
Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that high
intensity sign posts and a high intensity sign have been installed at the
Supervisor’s report: APRIL 2009
GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A
FUND)
Balance on hand Apr. 1 $ 1,189,855.78
Apr. Revenues + 31,478.11
Apr. Disbursements - 57,396.68
Balance Apr. 30 $
1,163,937.21
GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE
(B FUND)
Balance on hand Apr. 1 $ 259,878.91
Apr. Revenues + 11,864.00
Apr. Disbursements - 4,119.15
Balance Apr. 30 $ 267,623.76
HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE
(DB FUND)
Balance on hand Apr. 1 $ 642,254.76
Apr. Revenues + 96,311.00
Apr. Disbursements - 49,452.89
Balance Apr. 30 $ 689,112.87
YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE Apr. 30 $ 996.09
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE Apr. 30 $ 908.37
BUILDING RESERVE Apr. 30 $ 148,697.30
PARKS Apr. 30
($50,000 for Schuyler Park)
$ 3,817.81
RISK Apr. 30 $ 29,191.08
SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT Apr. 30 $ 308.32
v Sales Tax Received – April
2009 - $96,311
v Mortgage Tax Received –
March 2009 - $10,013.50
v Technology Grant – Final
payment received - $13,632
v
Tenant Update
– Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that Saratoga Labs maintains possession of
their space at the town hall for now. The
town has filed paperwork in
Public comments on
agenda items:
Village of Victory
Mayor Jim Sullivan thanked Sean Kelleher for joining the
He also asked Highway Superintendent Dave Hall if a crew could help put up some banners in the village. Highway Superintendent Dave Hall responded to have Billy Lloyd give him a call when he is ready for the banners and the crew will help as soon as they have a free afternoon.
Wendy Lucas asked when they would be talking further regarding ordering a new truck and Supervisor Thomas Wood responded probably at the June agenda or regular meeting as that is the next time they meet. It was noted that no bids will be solicited because it will be purchased under state contract. She then inquired how much the attorney fees have been regarding Saratoga Labs. Supervisor Thomas Wood responded about $2,000.
Committee
reports:
Landfill: Town Engineer Kenneth Martin has finished analyzing the test results of the last ten years of samplings. He has sent his study to the NYS DEC to see if we can change from quarterly testing to semi-annual or annual testing to save money.
Insurance: No report.
Youth: Supervisor
Thomas Wood reported that there are openings for a Director and a Red Cross
Certified Swimming instructor for the Youth Swim Program. The openings have been advertised and Councilwoman
Betty Koval and Councilman Michael McLoughlin will be interviewing the
applicants at the end of this week.
Senior
Citizens: Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that forty Quaker Springs Seniors met April 20th for a sit down dinner provided by the
Quaker Springs Women’s Fire Auxiliary. A brief business meeting followed. They met today with twenty-four
attending. They reminisced about local
events from many years ago. A bus trip
is planned to Mount Haven Resort in Pennsylvania
The Schuylerville Senior Citizens meet tomorrow. Last week a telephone poll of members
occurred inquiring whether members preferred meeting at the American Legion as
in the past or preferred meeting at the Town Hall. Seniors will return to the American
Legion. The 2nd Tuesday will
be a business meeting with members bringing a casserole dish. The 4th Tuesday will be a sandwich
gathering with entertainment but no business meeting. Recent scheduled programs were the Sheriff’s
Senior Safety Program and the Moreau Band.
A tea cup auction will be held on May 26th.
Park
Committee:
Laurie Griffen reported that
the Schuyler Park Committee met on April 28th and opened and
reviewed four bids for the well drilling at the park site. Rosick Well Drilling, LLC were the low
bidders. Last Thursday, the Town of
She explained that
fundraisers are planned including a food stand at “Sundae on the Farm”. The municipal account has $144,000 in it and
the Friends of Schuyler Park account has
received another $25,000 donation which has enabled them to pay Swartwout Construction
in full.
NIMS:
Jim Miers reported that they
continue to work on the implementation of the “Are You OK Plan” which
identifies persons with special needs so they can be aided during a
disaster.
He stated he is still working
to get reimbursement for winter storm damage costs through FEMA.
Jim Miers cautioned that during
high winds we need to be aware of hanging limbs leftover from the ice storm
that may come down causing damage and power outages.
He suggested that we all wash
our hands properly and often, due to the swine flu threat.
Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters
& Emergency Medical Service Workers: Sean Kelleher submitted the following:
Monthly Report of the Town Committee to Honor
Firefighters and
·
We have sold 57
commemorative bricks for the memorial and now we are working on putting the
information up on the town website and doing press releases.
·
The Supervisor
Award recipients were honored at the Town Board meeting.
GSES, QSFD,
SLPID/SLA, SCFB Reports:
Quaker
Springs Fire Department: Stephen
Bodnar reported that the fire department responded to 18 alarms in April. They worked
the regattas on May 9th and 10th. The annual Chicken Barbeque was on May 3rd
and was a huge success. The Explorers
and firemen cleaned up the area by the barbeque pit. Two firemen are becoming Class A
firefighters. They had a successful farm
rescue drill at the Turning Point Dairy.
Construction is ongoing at the substation site. The steel is expected to be delivered on
Monday, May 18th with a two week time period to erect the steel
building.
Old
business: None
New
business:
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #09-54 Mass
Gathering Permit #3 of 2009 – “Sundae on the Farm” was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm –
absent, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.
Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has received
and reviewed the application for a Mass Gathering Permit by the Saratoga County
Ag & Farmland Protection Board, c/o Saratoga County Cornell Cooperative
Extension, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 for Sundae on the Farm, on Sunday, June 21st at Koval Brothers
Dairy, 313 Burke Road, Stillwater, NY 12170 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; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has held a
public hearing on May 11, 2009 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
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #09-55 Enable
Full time paid employees of GSES to enroll in the Town’s Health Insurance Plan
at their expense was
adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood -
aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – absent, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye,
Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS, the General Schuyler Emergency Squad provides
emergency services to all of the Town of
WHEREAS, the General Schuyler Emergency Squad has some full
time paid members; and
WHEREAS, the General Schuyler Emergency Squad desires to
provide its full time paid members with health Insurance; and
WHEREAS, the health insurance provider for the Town of
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga agrees to allow full time
paid members of the General Schuyler Emergency Squad to join the town health
insurance program under the conditions that the General Schuyler Emergency
Squad pay all premiums for the insurance, that these premiums be paid in
quarterly amounts three months in advance, and that the plan be the same plan as
the town provides its employees and that the plan for the General Schuyler
Emergency Squad members not be amended or changed from the town plan.
On a motion by Councilman
Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #09-56 Bid
Acceptance – Schuyler Park Well & Irrigation System was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm –
absent, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.
Carried 4 – 0.
WHEREAS, the town board of the Town of
WHEREAS, bids were solicited via advertising; and
WHEREAS, the Schuyler Park Committee opened all bids on April
28, 2009 and unanimously recommends to both the Town of Northumberland and the
Town of Saratoga town boards that the lowest bidder, Rosick Well Drilling, LLC,
1175 Farley Road, Hudson Falls, NY be awarded the contract; and
WHEREAS, the town board of the Town of
RESOLVED, that the
lowest proposal from Rosick Well Drilling, LLC be accepted for the irrigation well drilling, testing and development at
Schuyler Park pending
review and approval by Town Attorney William Reynolds and Town Engineer Kenneth
Martin that the bid specifications are met.
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #09-57
Appointment to the Schuyler Park Committee was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – absent,
Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – abstained, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.
Carried 3 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town of
WHEREAS, the Schuyler Park Municipal Cooperation Agreement
requires the establishment of a six
person committee three of which are to be residents of the Town of
Saratoga and three of which are to be residents of the Town of Northumberland;
and
WHEREAS, one of the three members from each town shall be a
member of the town board; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Councilwoman Betty Koval is appointed to a three
year term,
v
Saratoga County Trails
Brochure – one trail from each municipality is featured. The Coveville Champlain Canal Towpath Trail
off
v
Gardener’s Weekend,
Saturday, May 9th - Lilacs & Hydrangeas – two “Historical
Lilacs” to be planted at the new town hall and one on the towpath at the old town
hall.
Communications:
v
The Turning Point Parade Committee has invited the board to participate
in the parade on August 2, 2009.
v
NYS Canal Corporation announced
that the locks and lift bridges for
the 2009 season will be open beginning
May 1st.
v
Privilege
of the floor:
Clarence
Fosdick suggested that it would be a great opportunity to
display the up-to-date Agricultural Land Use map of the town that he has
finished at “Sundae on the Farm”. The
board agreed and he will speak with Councilwoman Betty Koval regarding the
display.
Jim
Sullivan who works for Geo Trans, a tenant in the town hall
building, asked that the smoking area outside the parking lot entrance be moved
to the garage annex area because the odor of smoke is coming into the work area
and bothers him greatly. Supervisor
Thomas Wood responded that they will move the ash containers and put up signs
directing smokers to the garage annex area.
Jim
Jennings asked what is being done with the old town garage
building. Supervisor Thomas Wood
explained that cost proposals for the removal were solicited. The cost was between $45,000 and $60,000 for
the demolition and removal of the old garage.
The board would like to apply for a Restore Program Grant at the next
round. It is a remove and rebuild grant
opportunity. They would like to remove
the old town garage and build a new salt shed.
Highway Superintendent Dave Hall will look into salt shed designs that
are in use at the state highway garages and estimate the cost of the concrete
that would be needed in preparation of applying for a grant.
Upcoming
meetings:
v
Agenda meeting –
v Regular town board meeting –
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #09-58 Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 5G was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – absent, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye. Carried 4 – 0.
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize
payment of the bills listed in Abstract 5G (05/11/2009) in the following
amounts: General A $18,012.59, General B
$783.14, HUD $6,000 and Highway Outside DB $10,746.92, for a total of $35,542.65.
A motion to adjourn
at
Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth Drumm
Town Clerk