DRAFT COPY

REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

May 10, 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, Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, and Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Historian Sean Kelleher, Bob McConnell, Walter and Anita Flanders, George Sullivan, Kathleen Bartholomay, and Geraldine Friedman.

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to accept the minutes of April 12, 2004 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 April 2004: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $296.22. Dog license fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets $105.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $339.16. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $769.78. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $248.34. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,781.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report: April 2004: 12 Building Permits, 3 C.O’s, 15 Building inspections, 3 Zoning Board of Appeals applications, 2 perc tests, and 2 junkyard permits.  A check for $1,286.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Councilman Fred Drumm asked Zoning Officer Bob Hathaway if he has checked to see if the used car dealer on Route 29 in Grangerville has exceeded the number of cars allowed by his Special Use Permit.  He replied that a meeting with Town Attorney William Reynolds and Supervisor Thomas Wood is needed to review and assess the situation.   Zoning Officer Bob Hathaway reported that he had a complaint regarding the auto body shop that is operating at Art Traver’s property in Quaker Springs.  He visited the location and was told that he is moving the shop to Rt. 9 in Malta in two weeks.

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented April 2004 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $617,410.59, General B $73,525.04, Highway Outside $288,801.06, Youth Recreation & Services $823.17, Highway Equipment Reserve $122,522.33, Building Reserve $779,199.90 and Fire Protection $0.00.  April revenues were $111,312.63 and expenses were $104,632.38.  The total April balance is $1,882,282.09.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that a presentation was given on Planned Unit Developments (PUD’s) by Larry Benton of the County Planning Board at a May 5th meeting with the Town Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board members.  It was noted that most towns in the county have PUD’s in their zoning and that it is a good tool to control growth and development.   The general consensus was that PUD’s would be a useful tool and a six-member committee was formed to review existing PUD’s and to draft one for the town.  The first committee meetings will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2004.

 

Highway: Grant Seymour reported that they received the new backhoe/loader and would like to sell the old one together with other used equipment in a couple of months once the remaining new equipment on order arrives.  The town crew has been busy scraping the dirt roads and patching others. 

 

Landfill: Supervisor Thomas Wood responding to a request from Saratoga Lake residents, inquired about the hours that the town dump is open. Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour replied that the town dump on Hayes Road is open on the first Saturday of the month from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and they accept up to 3” diameter brush and leaves (leaves must be emptied from the plastic bags).  

 

Insurance:  Supervisor Thomas Wood noted that a special insurance rider has been purchased for coverage at the Sundae on the Farm Program scheduled for June 20, 2004.

 

Youth Committee report: No report. 

 

Buildings: No report

 

Senior Citizens report: Councilman Bruce Cornell reported that forty-five Quaker Springs Seniors met today.  A master gardener gave a presentation to them.  Councilman Bruce Cornell mentioned that after their June meeting they will take a break for the summer and resume meeting in September.  The Old Saratoga Seniors will meet tomorrow for a potluck dinner and program.  Both the Quaker Springs and the Old Saratoga seniors plan trips this summer. 

 

Councilman Bruce Cornell announced that the General Schuyler Emergency Squad went on 45 runs last month with 192 runs so far this year.  He stated that all first time runs have been covered. A new computer system has been purchased that will make doing their paperwork much easier.  He noted that Wilton has given the GSES extra area to cover for mutual aide. He explained that volunteers are needed to drive or for cleaning up.

 

Park Committee report: No report.

 

Cable TV Committee: Councilman Fred Drumm reported that a contract has been received and another meeting will take place with Time Warner, the PSC, Supervisor Thomas Wood and himself to review the contract.  Then the contract will be given to Town Attorney William Reynolds for review and a public hearing will be held.

 

Old Business: After some discussion regarding increasing the Veteran’s tax exemption brought up last month, a motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to direct Town Attorney William Reynolds to draft a local law raising the level of assessment that the discount is applied to from $40,000 to $80,000. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

It was noted that a 15% discount is given to a veteran and a 25% discount to veterans of foreign wars.  There are presently 150 people that apply for the exemption, of which 80 are at 15% and 70 are at 25%.

 

It was reported that correspondence was received from Joseph Ritchey, Saratoga County Commissioner of Public Works, regarding our request to close County Road 70 during the Sundae on the Farm Program June 20th.  He stated that it is under the authority of the Town Board to close the road.  A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to close County Road 70 during Sundae on the Farm, June 20th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  to all but local traffic and emergency vehicles. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour added that he will notify Al Dewey of the Saratoga County Emergency Services of the closure. It was also noted that the Sheriff’s Department would be on hand. 

 

A five-member committee was formed to design a new sign for the entrance to the Town of Saratoga.  Committee members are Sue Reynolds, Sean Kelleher, Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour, Crystal Hanehan and Charlie Hanehan.  Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour will contact a sign vendor for samples of this type of sign. 

 

After some discussion on changing the starting time of the regular town board meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Supervisor Thomas Wood polled the board and all were in agreement.  A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to change the regular meeting time from 7:30 to 7:00 p.m. starting with the June 14th meeting.  (Town Board meetings are held the second Monday of each month.) Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 5 – 0. 

 

New Business:

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that correspondence has been received from the County Board of Elections announcing that since this is a Presidential election year there will be two local registration days on Wednesday, October 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 9th from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and that the Board of Elections was requesting notification of any consolidation of polling places for the local registration.    It was noted that in the past the polling places have been consolidated, as a cost saving measure, using just the Town Hall and the Quaker Springs Fire Hall.  A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to adopt Resolution #04-73 consolidating polling places for registration days, Wednesday, October 6th and Saturday, October 9th.  Districts 1, 2, and 4 will register in the Saratoga Town Hall, 30 Ferry St., Schuylerville and Districts 3 and 5 will register in the Quaker Springs Fire Hall, 107 Blodgett Rd., Schuylerville. 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.)

 

As part of the town’s authorization to administer the Heritage NY Grant, Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that we are a flow through agency, and as bills come in we approve payment and then reimbursement is applied for.  A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to adopt Resolution #04-74 authorizing payment to Wayland Design for work completed on the Schuylerville Visitors Center exhibit, invoice #2409 for $1,781.25 from account # A 7110.4, Parks as part of the Heritage NY Grant. 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 explained that a letter was received from Marlene Bissell, Chair of the Hudson Crossing Steering Committee, requesting a donation from the town to help pay for the cost of printing and distribution of a multi-colored brochure to aid in the promotion of the Washington/Saratoga County Bi-County Park in the area of the Champlain Canal Lock 5.  The board agreed that the project is good for attracting business to the town.  A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to adopt Resolution #04-72 authorizing a donation of $200 from account A7110.4, Parks, to the Hudson Crossing Steering Committee to help pay for the printing and distribution of their multi-colored brochure to aid in their promotion of the park. 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 reported that a request for assistance has been received from Village of Victory Mayor George Sullivan. He is seeking $5,000 to help restore and renovate the older section of their village hall that was the Victory schoolhouse up until 1955.  Mayor George Sullivan noted that the building needs brick restoration estimated to cost $9,250, along with the need for new windows, frieze board around the roof, work to restore the front hallway to the appearance of what it was when it was a school and other items to improve the appearance and functionality of the village hall.  Mayor George Sullivan stated that the village has received some assistance through grants from Senator Bruno to help with the brickwork.  Supervisor Thomas Wood acknowledged the notable improvements that have been done to the village hall.  Mayor George Sullivan added that he has lost over $25,000 in real property and sales tax revenues as a result of changes at the county with their method of sales tax allotments and some loss in assessments. Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that money was not budgeted for this purpose in the 2004 budget and that further research would have to be done to see if or where it could come from.  It was decided to table this request until next month’s meeting. 

 

It was announced that the Saratoga County Planning Board is doing a required 8 year Review of Saratoga County Consolidated Agricultural District #1 and that as of May 3, 2004 the maps for Consolidated Agricultural District #1 will be on file and open for public inspection in the County Clerks office and the County Planning Department.  Anyone requesting modifications to the district must do so in writing to the County Clerk by June 2, 2004. Any questions regarding the process can be directed to Jamie O’Neill, Saratoga County Planner @ 884-4705.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that a complaint has been filed by David Lord with the State of New York Dept. of State regarding the enforcement of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) regarding the current construction at the corner of Cedar Bluff Road and Rt. 9P.  Supervisor Thomas Wood, after conferring with Town Engineer Ken Martin and Building Inspector Robert Hathaway, responded to W. Roy Scott, RA, Dept. of State, with the findings of our town officers.  He stated that it is a three story building that is in compliance with the code and that the plans show a sprinkler system that will be installed with the plumbing and that the foundation has been inspected and has 2 inches of hy tech insulation.  The floor has radiation heat and rebar and wire mesh. The rebar and mesh are pegged every three feet to the existing foundation.  The footings were inspected and the insulation and concrete are up to code or over. Supervisor Thomas Wood encouraged W. Roy Scott to visit the site and review the construction.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that after speaking with Leo Rosales of the EPA, there are no Hudson River PCB Host Benefits Packages available.  Supervisor Thomas Wood then spoke with David Mathis and learned that assistance can be applied for through the National Resource Damage Assessment Program (NRDA) for towns and villages negatively affected by the dredging and PCB’s.  The application for benefits is a competitive process and there are no guarantees.  Supervisor Thomas Wood requested suggestions for projects within the town for submission.  David Mathis has applied on behalf of the Village of Schuylerville for projects.

 

It was announced by Supervisor Thomas Wood that the town has received another $15,000 Community Projects Appropriation from Senator Bruno to be used for computers and office furniture/equipment. It was noted that the reimbursement has been applied for from our 2002-2003 grant.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood gave a report on the Town Court, which included that the town court will now meet every Tuesday evening at 5:00 p.m.  He also conveyed that Justice David Mathis and Justice Jack Ditch are looking into alternative sentencing for speeders which may include instruction, driver ed related, to better educate the convicted drivers to lessen the chance for repeat offenders.

 

It was announced that Edwin Hanna has requested that his application for the Purchase of Development rights be resubmitted this year for his 192- acre property on Route 32 and Wilbur Road.  A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood to adopt Resolution #04-75 supporting his application and giving the Town Supervisor the authority to contract with the State of New York and execute any documents necessary to accept and redistribute Farmland Protection Implementation Grant funds, should the grant application be successful. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – abstain, Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 4 – 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk’s office.) 

 

 As part of the administration of the Lakes to Locks Passage, Saratoga Pocket Parks Grant, Resolution #04-76 was introduced by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to pay invoice 14-03 in the amount of $5,000 to Lakes to Locks Passage for work completed from March 1, 2004 to April 30, 2004. 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 announced that Byron Peregrim, Turning Point Parade Chair, has invited the town board to participate in the Tenth Annual Turning Point Parade which will be August 1st.  Supervisor Thomas Wood polled the board and determined that they would like to participate.  It was noted that this year’s theme is The Flag: Symbol of American Spirit.

 

Michael Valentine, Sr. Planner, Saratoga County Planning Board, notified Supervisor Thomas Wood that the Spot Improvement Program is available to municipalities for funding of small stand alone projects relating to sidewalks and bicycle projects.  A minimum 20% local match is required and the deadline for applying is August 1, 2004.  

Additional information can be obtained by calling the Capital District Transportation Committee directly, Jason Purvis @458-2161.  It was noted that this would be a great way to obtain funding to do sidewalks on Chestnut Street and up Burgoyne Street to the Monument. 

 

Communications: 

Notification of the intent to apply for an on premises liquor license from the New York State Liquor Authority was received from Timothy Cartwright, Gordon Sacks, and Christopher O’Meara, who will operate under the name “Roadhouse 29, Bar, Grill & Supper Club” at 1023 Route 29 was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood.

 

Earth Day Cleanup project photos with a thank you for the town’s support was received by Supervisor Thomas Wood.  It was a huge success with two truckloads of trash taken to Hiram Hollow Transfer and Recycling Center by the town highway department.

 

Sean Kelleher reported that there is a problem with dumping at the Rt. 4 state owned boat launch and he has notified the DEC officers and they will investigate it.  A DEC supervisor mentioned that there might be money to make improvements to the launch with fencing to control the dumping.  There is also a possibility that there could be future projects through the DEC such as a waterway trail with non-motorized boat access at Lock 5 and motorized boat access at Schuylerville and the Rt. 4 site and through conversations with the new Superintendent of the National Park non-motorized access there.  There are hopes of gaining access in Stillwater also. 

 

There will be a series of Public Meetings to learn about New York’s Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP).  The closest meeting site is at the Empire State Plaza, Concourse Level, Meeting Rooms 1-3, in Albany on May 19, 2004 from 12:30p.m. to 4:30 p.m. If more information is desired the notice is on the bulletin board at the town hall.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood spoke with Norbert Nolte, the Town of Saratoga’s representative to the Saratoga County Office of the Aging committee, regarding their annual senior’s luncheon that is coming up and his appeal for donations.  Norbert Nolte reported that local donations have been received from Byron’s Market, Randy @ Dovegate Inn, and Saratoga Apple.  The Town Board and Norbert Nolte recognize and extend a sincere thank you to these businesses for their generous sponsorship.  Supervisor Thomas Wood also thanked Norbert Nolte for his work with this good cause.

 

Privilege of the floor:

Kathleen Bartholomay asked if anyone from the town board would be following up on the Brownfield Cleanup Program and possible sites?  Sean Kelleher responded that his wife has submitted a request for everything within our zip codes.  She has experience in this field, as she was one of the co-authors of the original bill.  He stated that the only ongoing open site that DEC has identified as a potential Brownfield site is Muzikar’s.  There are DEC studies ongoing assessing the pollution there.  It is also unclear at this time who the owner of record is – Mobil Oil or Stewarts. It is not an active site but there are two open cases ongoing there.

 

Councilman Charles Hanehan commented on a possible location for a meeting place for the Saratoga National Honor Guard where they could meet and store uniforms and accessories near the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.  He noted that there is a two-acre parcel on Duell Road to the north of the cemetery that might be big enough for a small building.  Supervisor Thomas Wood will share that information with the Saratoga National Honor Guard.

 

The next regular town board meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., (new time), on June 14, 2004.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to enter into executive session at 9:03 p.m. to discuss current litigation. 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 meeting resumed at 9:13 p.m.

 

Audit the Bills: Per abstract 05/10/2004 (5G): General A $19,703.71, General B $3,507.86, Youth $ 421.18, (5H): Highway Outside $6,789.10, Highway Equipment Reserve $44,762.00 for a total expense of $75,183.85.

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:36 p.m. was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm. Supervisor Thomas Wood – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent (left at 9:14 p.m.), Councilman Bruce Cornell – aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.  Carried 4– 0.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk

 

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