Draft

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA,

 30 FERRY ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

November 9, 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- present, Councilwoman Betty Koval - present, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – present.

Also present: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Clarence Fosdick, Tax Collector Jim Gorham, Jim Miers, Ted Munn, and Andrew Sheeran.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Recognitions:

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm   the following Resolution #06-115 – Honoring  Julia Walsh Clemans on her 104th Birthday 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 wishes to recognize and honor

Julia Walsh Clemans on her 104th birthday, and

WHEREAS, Julia Clemans born December 5, 1902, in the Town of Saratoga on Walsh Road, and

WHEREAS, Julia has been a resident of the Town of Saratoga for all these years, and

WHEREAS, Julia still lives on Walsh Road which was named after her family, and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that the longevity of Julia Clemans be honored and recognized by the community, Town of Saratoga, and remembered, now, therefore be it,

RESOLVED, that the day of December 5, 2006, is hereby dedicated to the life of Julia Clemans in grateful recognition by the Town Board of The Town of Saratoga on behalf of all the residents of the town.

 

Bid Openings:

Proof of legal notices in the Saratogian on October 27, 2006 were presented and the following bids were opened:

Item 4 Gravel:

Tracy Materials, Inc., 301 Windy Hill Road, Greenwich, NY 12834 - $6.00/ton

Pallette Stone Corporation, P.O. Box 4550, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 - $6.50/ton (Alt. Item 4 type 2)

Jointa Galusha LLC, P.O. Box 302, Glens Falls, NY 12801 - $6.25/ton, $6.50/ton (Alt. Item 4 type 2)

 

 

 

25 KW LP Gas Generator:

Conover Electric, 100 Coveville Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871 - $19,600

 

Public Hearing:

Supervisor Thomas Wood gave highlights of the 2007 Budget.  Proof of Notice of the Public Hearing on the 2007 Preliminary Budget in the Saratogian on November 1, 2006 having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7:17 p.m.  No one spoke.  Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion to close the Public Hearing at 7:18 p.m. and it was 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.

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the minutes of the regular meeting on October 11, 2006 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 October 2006: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $57.22. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $27.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $1,385.79. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $134.78. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $152.46. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,779.75.

 

Zoning Officer’s report: October 2006 report: 3 Building Permits and 2 CO’s were issued, 14 building inspections and 2 perc tests were done, 1 complaint was investigated, 1 research project was done, and 5 Zoning Regulation Books were sold.  A check for $760.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for October 2006: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood which stated Rick Sullivan answered 16 complaints, took 2 dogs to the shelter, traveled 212 miles, issued 6 warnings and 2 summons’ were issued. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that Rick Sullivan has asked to share his responsibilities with an assistant.  A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to advertise for a part-time Assistant Dog Control Officer.  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 Court report for October 2006: 97 Vehicle & Traffic, 23 Criminal/Penal Law, 7 DEC/ENCON, 1 Dog case, 6 DWI, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 6 Small Claims/Civil, 0 Evictions, 2 Bench trials, 3 (case transfers) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 11 attended the Science of Speed School, 2 Defendants sentenced to probation, 100 hours of community service issued, 462 days of jail time issued, 4 Orders of Protection issued, and $7,925.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Historian’s report:  Sean Kelleher reported: This past month, the Historian’s office has been busy with Surrender Week and an evening focused on the history of Saratoga Lake.  Surrender Week, celebrating the 229th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga was very successful with approximately 500 people participating in events.  As I mentioned last month, this year was also the 225th Anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown and in the annals of history it is unique that two complete British armies surrendered during a war at both Saratoga and Yorktown.  I attended the commemorations in Yorktown, Virginia with four other re-enactors from the Town of Saratoga.  The largest commemoration was a multimedia show and symphony that reviewed the history of the entire American Revolution including a major segment focused on the Battles of Saratoga. 

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented October 2006 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $839,517.34 ($50,000 of this is Park Reserve), General B $58,520.56, Highway Outside $298,937.50, Youth Recreation & Services $428.02, Highway Equipment Reserve $90,623.84, Building Reserve $966,468.74 and Fire Protection $0.  October revenues were $93,643.43 and expenses were $150,882.46.  The total October 2006 balance is $2,254,496.00.

 

Assessor’s report: Assessor Catherine DeFelice reported:  We had quite a busy October, with 30 parcel transfers, 21 were valid sales, and 9 non-valid sales.  We transferred 3 parcels to a single owner due to the death of a spouse.  We are continuing to clean up the files and getting ready to send exemption renewals out.  We have helped many property owners with their applications for STAR rebate checks.  On October 13th, Danielle and I traveled to Lake Placid to take a one day class on Blueprint & Construction Terminology.     

 

Public comments on agenda items: (name & subject)

No one commented.

 

Committee reports:

Highway: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the Bryant’s Bridge Road paving has been completed and the ditching of roads is continuing.  The paving at Nielson’s Landing has been completed.  Highway Superintendent Dave Hall added that all the trucks are set up for the winter.  Becky DeWitt, 8 Louden Road, sent a letter of gratitude to the Highway Department for replacing the culvert near her house. 

 

Landfill:  No report.

 

Insurance:  MVP Health Care announced that it will be partnering with Medco Health Solutions, Inc. to administer all MVP retail and mail order prescription drug programs beginning January 1, 2007.  This change will result in better service for employees and will enable MVP to better control the cost of prescription drugs.  New ID cards will be sent to employees for use after January 1st.  

 

Youth: No report.

 

 

 

Buildings:  The Building Committee met with Don Davis and associates of S.D. Atelier on November 1st. Revised designs for the Ferry Street site were reviewed. The next full building committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m. and preliminary cost estimates will be given for both sites at the meeting.

 

Senior Citizens:  Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that both groups meet next week.  

 

Park Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that notification was received from Kevin Burns of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation regarding the Recreation Park Grant submitted by the Town of Saratoga.  It was denied.  He explained that 329 applications were received requesting over $63.4 million and there is only $19 million available for distribution so not all eligible projects could be funded. The town was encouraged to apply again next year.  

 

Zoning Amendment Advisory Committee (ZAAC): The revisions to the Zoning Regulations are coming to a close. Many Local Laws have been passed this year.  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that information is needed on windmills and wind generators for possible inclusion in the revised Zoning Regulations along with cemetery regulations and stronger regulations for fencing around swimming pools.  The town board with input from Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway and Town Attorney William Reynolds will hold workshops starting in January to review the committee’s recommendations and the new format.  Councilman Charles Hanehan suggested that a consultant also be hired to sit in on the workshops and lend advice.   

 

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

 

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports: 

Quaker Springs Fire Department:  Supervisor Thomas Wood reported for Stephen Bodnar that they responded to 7 calls in October and provided support at the two Saratoga Rowing Association Regattas held on Saratoga Lake. They have met with Architect Don Davis of S.D. Atelier and are developing a timeline for work at the Rt. 9P substation site. 

 

Old business:

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that he has been notified that some pools in the town are without fences around them.  Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway will be asked to check on those and to follow up on any Orders to Remedy which may have been ignored.   A motion was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to direct Town Attorney William Reynolds to initiate action against Michele McClure for failure to put a fence around her pool.  An Order to Remedy had been issued and she has failed to comply. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – abstained.  Carried 4 – 0, 1 abstention

 

 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that he has received a contract for the Purchase of Development Rights on the Charles Ritson property on the corner of Wilbur and Duell Roads.  There are errors in the contract and he is waiting to hear from Saratoga PLAN for clarification and/or corrections before signing. 

 

New business:

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval       the following Resolution #06-116 - Item 4 Gravel Bid 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 received bids via solicitation of bids by public advertising for Item 4 Gravel per Specification TS 05-06, and Tracy Materials was the lowest bidder for the Item 4 Gravel; therefore be it

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept the bid from Tracy Materials, 301 Windy Hill Road, Greenwich, NY 12834 of $6 per ton for Item 4 Gravel providing the specifications in TS 05-06 are met.

     

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval       the following Resolution #06-117 – 25 KW LP Gas Generator Bid 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 received bids via solicitation of bids by public advertising for a 25 KW LP Gas Generator per Specification TOS 07-06, and Conover Electric was the lowest bidder for the 25 KW LP Gas Generator; therefore be it

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept the bid from             Conover Electric, 100 Coveville Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871 of $19,600 for a 25 KW LP Gas Generator providing the specifications in TS 07-06 are met.     

 

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #06-118 – Adoption of 2007 Budget 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 said preliminary budget approved and filed as aforesaid, is hereby adopted and established as the annual budget for this Town for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2007, and that such annual budget as so adopted is detailed in the minutes of the proceedings of this Town Board, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of this Town shall prepare and certify as provided by law, duplicate copies of said annual budget hereby adopted, and deliver one of such copies to the Supervisor of the Town, and that she shall present such copy to the Board of Legislators of the County as required by law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood  and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval  the following Resolution #06-119 – Rt. 32 Site – Well Quality Tests was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need for professional services for water quality testing on the wells at the Rt. 32 town hall site for the feasibility study, and

WHEREAS, the professional service will be provided by Hudson Environmental Services Inc., now therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment to Hudson Environmental Services, Inc., 22 Hudson Falls Rd., So. Glens Falls, NY 12803 for services rendered in the amount of up to $800 from the Building Reserve Account # H 1620.4 following the 30 day requirement of Permissive Referendum rules and procedures. 

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm   the following Resolution #06-120– Rt. 32 Site – Well Quantity Tests was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need for professional services for water quantity testing on the wells at the Rt. 32 town hall site for the feasibility study, and

WHEREAS, the professional service will be provided by Conover Electric, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment to Conover Electric, 100 Coveville Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871 for services rendered in the amount of up to $1,000.00 from the Building Reserve Account # H 1620.4 following the 30 day requirement of Permissive Referendum rules and procedures. 

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm   the following Resolution #06-121– Ferry St. Site - Phase 1B Archeological Field Reconnaissance was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need for professional services for a Phase IB Archeological Field Reconnaissance for the proposed Ferry Street Town Hall site feasibility study, and

 WHEREAS, the professional services will be provided by Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc., now therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment to Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc., 524 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, for a Phase IB Archeological Field Reconnaissance in the amount of up to $8,000 from the Building Reserve Account # H 1620.4 following the 30 day requirement of Permissive Referendum rules and procedures. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Jim Miers to the board and Jim Miers presented the board with his resume displaying his vast experience in Emergency Management matters.

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the following Resolution #06-122– Appointment of the Emergency Operations Coordinator 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, In Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5, the President directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System (NIMS), which would provide a consistent nationwide approach for federal, state, local and tribal governments to work together more effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity; and
WHEREAS, the NIMS standardized procedures for managing personnel, communications, facilities and resources will improve the state's ability to utilize federal funding to enhance local and state agency readiness, maintain first responder safety, and streamline incident management processes; and
WHEREAS, the Incident Command System components of NIMS are already an integral part of various incident management activities throughout the state, including all public safety and emergency response organizations training programs; and 
WHEREAS, pursuant to the authority vested in the Saratoga Town Board by article 2B of State Law we have mandated the National Incident Management System (NIMS) be utilized for all incident management in the Town of Saratoga; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga appoints James L. Miers Jr. as the Town of Saratoga’s Emergency Operations Coordinator.  He will perform all duties and/or be technical advisor, pertaining to preparing, responding and recovering from an emergency/disaster situation.  

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood gave Jim Miers a list of suggested Emergency Management Committee members.  Jim Miers stated that he is planning to begin meeting with the committee by the end of the month. 

 

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm

the following Resolution #06-123– Transfer of Funds to Parks was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval – aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye.  Carried 5 – 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need for a fund transfer to cover expenses incurred from the American Battlefield Protection Program grant entitled Siege of Saratoga’s Field of Grounded Arms/Fort Hardy Archeology Identification, Documentation, and Preservation Plan.  This money will be reimbursed to the town upon completion, therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to transfer $16,630.43 from Contingency Account # A1990.4 to Parks – A7110.2. 

 

 

 

 

Communications:

v     NYS Canal Corp. announced that the Locks will be closing for the winter on November 15th.

v     Helen Endres, Director of Public Health, notified the town of the many locations that Flu Shot Clinics will be held.  Locally, one will be held at the Schuylerville Legion Hall on 12/4/2006 from 9:30 – 11:00 am – 695-3385.  

 

Privilege of the floor:

Andrew Sheeran spoke regarding swimming pool fences.  He stated that above ground pools are also required to have fences. He added that Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway’s records show permits given to only in ground pools.  He requested that permits be required for both in ground and above ground pools. 

 

Clarence Fosdick added that the electrical components of pools should also be inspected.  He also hoped that the town would encourage rather than discourage the use of wind generated power.

 

Upcoming meetings:

v     Building committee – Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

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

v     Regular town board meeting – Monday, December 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the following Resolution #06-124 – Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 11G 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.

Resolution #06-124 -Approving the payment of bills on Abstract 11G dated 11/9/2006 as follows:  General A $22,425.81, General B $422.52, Highway Outside $14,402.63, and Building Reserve $7,875.00 for a total expense of $45,125.96.

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:02 p.m. was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and   

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

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk

 

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