REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

April 10, 2017

7:00 P.M.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Roll call: Town Clerk Linda McCabe, called the roll:  Supervisor Thomas Wood- present, Councilman Charles Hanehan - present, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – present, Councilman James Jennings – present, Councilman Gary Squires – present

 

Also present: Zoning Officer/Building Inspector Gil Albert, Deputy Clerk Michelle Conover, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby Jr., Town Attorney William Reynolds.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Public Hearing on the Mass Gathering Permits for Saratoga Rowing Association’s Regattas, scheduled for April 28th - 30th , May 6th , and May 13th & 14th.  Supervisor Thomas Wood reviewed the measures taken to ensure the public’s safety at the Saratoga Rowing Association’s Regattas.  Proof of notice in the Saratogian on March 31st having been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing on the Mass Gathering Permits for  April 28th - 30th ,  May 6th  and May 13th  & 14th at 7:03 p.m, asking those wishing to speak to please stand and state their name and address for the record; no one spoke.

A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to close the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye.

Carried 5 – 0.  

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires to accept the minutes of the March 13th regular meeting as written.   Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0  

 

Town Clerk’s report for March 2017: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $110.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $80.30.  Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $0.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $468.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $29.70.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $688.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for March 2017: Gil Albert reported: 9 Building Permits, 7 Building Inspections, 2 Certificates of Occupancy, 1 Order/s to Remedy, 0 Fire inspections, 0 Complaints, 3 Building Permit Renewals, 7 Property Maintenance Inspections, and 4 misc. appointments.  A check for $2,597.50 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for March 2017: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:  Answered 22 complaints, took 2 dog to the shelter, 2 bite case, traveled 93 miles, issued 13 warnings and 2 summons were issued. 

 

Town Court report for March 2017: The following were closed: 56 Vehicle & Traffic, 4 Criminal/Penal Law, 0 DEC/ENCON, 1 Dog case/s, 0 DWI/s, 1 Town & Village Ordinance, 1 Small Claims/Civil, 0 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 1 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 1 Defendants sentenced to probation, 0 hours of community service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $6,138.00  in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Tax Collector’s report:  Supervisor Thomas Wood read Tax Collector Marge Kirkpatrick’s report:  As of April 5th she has collected $3,042,261.94 on 2,923 parcels, which is 85% of taxes paid. 

Payments made via: on-line -25, U.S. Mail - 2015, In Office and at Bank Counter - 771.

 

Historian’s report for March 2017:  Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following: March was a productive month as the Historian focused on four notable people from our community of the WWII era.   He presented a well-received talk on WASP Pilot Virginia “Ginger” Sweet and Arthur Traver (artillerist in Europe) from Quaker Springs, John “Lefty” Milligan (former major league pitcher and flight instructor) and Lawrence Ruff (decorated naval officer serving in the Pacific) from Schuylerville.  There were 30 people in attendance and the talk was on Facebook Live and he had 230 viewers. 

 

He had 93 posts on the website with 983 visitors in March.  On Saturday, April 15th, at 1 pm the Heritage Hunters group will host Devin Lander, New York State Historian, as the program speaker in this room.  The Schuylerville Public Library and the Historian's Office will hold the Genealogy Help Group on Tuesday, April 18 at the Schuylerville Public Library at 10 am.  The historical association meeting is on April 27​th at 7:30 pm; focus to be on our local Eastern European immigrants.  Phyllis Budka will lead the program and asks you to share your memories of our current Slavic/American residents.

 

Assessor’s report for Assessor 2017: no report

 

Highway Superintendent’s March 2017 report: 

v  Clearing in ditch lines of limbs and downed trees

v  Pothole patching & sign repairs

v  Chipper maintenance & repairs

v  Boom and deck mower maintenance & repairs

v  Pick-up 2 maintenance: front bearing & transmission pan replaced

v  Oil & filters changed on Truck 4 and Pick-up Truck 3

v  Spinners replaced on Truck 3

v  Screens installed on Truck 6

v  Sent three employees to a National Grid ‘Dig Safe’ Seminar

v  Purchased a new metal cutting chop saw

v  Plowed for 1 major snow storm

v  Sanded for 2 snow storms

 

Supervisor’s report: 

                         SUPERVISOR’S REPORT FEBRUARY 2017

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)                                      

                  Balance on hand 03/01/2017           $ 1,349,164.38

                  Revenues                                          +     16,113.16

                  Disbursements                                  -      65,116.64

                  Balance 03/31/2017                         $ 1,300,160.90

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

                  Balance on hand 03/01/2017           $ 1,647,077.41

                  Revenues                                         +        2,145.23

                  Disbursements                                 -         6,840.37              

                  Balance 03/31/2017                        $  1,642,382.27

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

                  Balance on hand 03/01/2017           $   652,640.13

                  Revenues                                         +    91,701.77

                  Disbursements                                 -     64,481.18

                  Balance 03/31/2017                       $    679,860.72

 

                  SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT  03/31/2017       $ 144,236.24

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  03/31/2017             $     3,034.00

                                                                             

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  03/31/2017             $ 167,318.97

 

                  BUILDING RESERVE  03/31/2017                                     $  254,945.88             

                        SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT  03/31/2017                           $        311.13  

 

                        PARK RESERVE  03/31/2017                                             $   151,956.55

 

                        TRUST & AGENCY  03/31/2017                                         $     62,376.51

 

                        MOBILE HOME GRANT 03/31/2017                                 $            24.31

 

                        HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 03/31/2017                   $            84.61

                        (holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                               

                        CDBG GRANT 03/31/2017                                                  $            20.14

 

                        HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSIC RIVER 03/31/2017                              $    139,928.49

                        PARTNERSHIP

 

v  Sales Tax Received – March 2017 - $91,644.00

v  February 2017 Mortgage Tax - $12,585.50

           

Public comments on agenda items:

 

Committee reports: 

           

Landfill:  No report

 

Insurance:  No report

  

Youth:  No report

 

Senior Citizens:  No report

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: Councilman Gary Squires read the following report:

  • Planning to open fields for general use by 4/15/17.
  • Playground equipment is being checked for any safety concerns. Playground mulch is being raked to level out any low spots around the equipment.
  • Port-a- Pots are being delivered Friday, 3 regular and 1 handicapped accessible.
  • Fields are being fertilized this week.
  • Plans are in place to pour the concrete floors this Saturday for the new west end pavilion.
  • New boulders will be positioned to prevent anyone from driving on fields or around speed bumps on access road. Both situations have been problematic in the past.
  • Plans to install protective netting between the Lacrosse Field and the playground are materializing. Funding for the netting and associated hardware, totaling about $1000 is being provided by the Christopher Daley Foundation. Lacrosse will provide the cost of the poles.
  • The Schuyler Parks Committee has gone to a bimonthly meeting schedule but communicates any updates and concerns to all members of the committee via email throughout the interim.  The next scheduled meeting will be 4/25/17 @ 7:30 pm.

 

Office of Emergency Management: No report

 

GSES, QSFD Reports: Quaker Springs Fire Chief Don Ormsby stated that Quaker Springs Fire Department has had 29 calls to date in 2017.

 

Nash Alexander, Wilton Emergency Squad’s Chief Operating Officer, addressed the Board stating that as the Wilton Emergency Squad merges and absorbs General Schuyler Emergency Squad, the two non-profit ambulance service organizations will become stronger as one organization, meeting current and future demands by streamlining and simplifying their efforts to serve our communities.  The Wilton Emergency Squad, Inc. name will remain.  The organization will operate out of both stations with no reduction of vehicles or level of services. 

He stated there will be an informational meeting at 7 p.m., April 13th at the General Schuyler Station, located at 901 Rt. 29.

The following 148 calls are for the last quarter:

54 to Saratoga

9 to Glens Falls

2 to Albany Med.

2 to Samaritan, 1 to St. Peters.

(54 had no hospital disposition, including RMA, No Patients, Standby, ALS Intercepts)

 

Calls by Unit:

5751 - 18 responses

5752 - 126 responses

5771 - 4 responses

(1 patient was a repeat patient)

 

Their busiest hour is 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. with response time being 9.75 minutes, which is time of call to time on scene.

He then stated they’ve completed consolidation of inventory management systems, which permits more efficient purchasing.  Stretchers were serviced under a group arrangement.  They held an education program at the station in partnership with Wellspring and stuffed 1000 Easter eggs for the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt.

 

Old Business:

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-51 - Mass Gathering Permit #1, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried 5– 0

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has received and reviewed  the application for a Mass Gathering Permit by the Saratoga Rowing Association for the Saratoga Invitational Regatta as follows:

Permit #1:  Rowing Regatta, on Friday, April 28th through Sunday, April 30th  at Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake with approximately 5,000+/- people attending over the two day event; 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 April 10, 2017 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 Saratoga that the permit is granted conditional upon the Town of Saratoga receiving a Certificate of Insurance for the above event naming the Town of Saratoga as additional insured in the amount of $2 million, at least 5 business days prior to the event; that the event is found to be in compliance with the NYS Department of Health regulations of Chapter 1, Title 10, Part 18 by the NYS DOH when required; and that the review of the information required by Local Law #2 of 2006, Section 3 is found to be adequate. 

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-52 - Mass Gathering Permit #2, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried 5– 0

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has received and reviewed  the application for a Mass Gathering Permit by the Saratoga Rowing Association for the NYS Collegiate Championships Regatta.

Permit #2:  Rowing Regatta, on Saturday, May 6th at Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake with approximately 1,500+/- people attending over the two day event; 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 April 10, 2017 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 Saratoga that the permit is granted conditional upon the Town of Saratoga receiving a Certificate of Insurance for the above event naming the Town of Saratoga as additional insured in the amount of $2 million, at least 5 business days prior to the event; that the event is found to be in compliance with the NYS Department of Health regulations of Chapter 1, Title 10, Part 18 by the NYS DOH when required; and that the review of the information required by Local Law #2 of 2006, Section 3 is found to be adequate. 

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-53 - Mass Gathering Permit #3, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried 5– 0

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has received and reviewed the application for a Mass Gathering Permit by the Saratoga Rowing Association for the NYS High School Championships Regatta as follows:

Permit #3:  Rowing Regatta, on Saturday, May 13th  through Sunday, May 14th  at Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake with approximately 5,000 - 6,000 people attending over the two day event; 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 April 10, 2017 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 Saratoga that the permit is granted conditional upon the Town of Saratoga receiving a Certificate of Insurance for the above event naming the Town of Saratoga as additional insured in the amount of $2 million, at least 5 business days prior to the event; that the event is found to be in compliance with the NYS Department of Health regulations of Chapter 1, Title 10, Part 18 by the NYS DOH when required; and that the review of the information required by Local Law #2 of 2006, Section 3 is found to be adequate. 

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-54 - Legal Action to be brought against Roger Sharp of 386 Burgoyne Rd., was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5– 0

RESOLVED, that the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, authorizes Town Attorney William Reynolds to bring necessary legal action against Roger Sharp for Local Law violations.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #17-55 - Support for the Adirondack Aquatic Center, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5– 0

WHEREAS, the Adirondack Aquatic Center (AAC) a 501 (c)(3) corporation formed in 2014, envisions an aquatic center with a location at the heart of Saratoga County near the I-87 Exit 12 interchange, providing convenient access to residents of Saratoga County; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes that aquatic sports and pool activities are enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities on a year-round basis, and

WHEREAS, activities envisioned by AAC include learning to swim, aquatic exercise, aquatic therapy and aquatic competition, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga finds that the addition of this new recreational opportunity enriches the County and the region, now, therefore, it is

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga fully supports the Adirondack Aquatic Center in its endeavors.

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-56 - Authorization for Town Supervisor to sign Letter of Agreement with Teamsters Union Local 294, was adopted by vote:  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried 5 – 0

WHEREAS, the current labor agreement between the Town of Saratoga and Teamsters Union Local 294 does not address the issue of new hires, and

WHEREAS, needs to be hired, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, that the Town of Saratoga Supervisor is authorized to sign the Letter of Agreement with Teamsters Union Local 294 amending the labor agreement, stipulating that all new hires effective March 20, 2017, shall be paid at eighty percent (80%) of the base rate and that upon the one year anniversary, he/she shall be paid at the one hundred percent (100%) of the base rate.

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #17-57- Authorization to enter into a Contract for the Sale of Wooley, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga owns a portion of Wooley Rd. and has no need for said portion of Wooley Rd., and

WHEREAS, the Town Board was approached by Mary Maranville, new owner of 727 Rt. 29 (the Schuyler Pond property), and wishing to purchase that portion of Wooley Rd. for her future business endeavors, and

WHEREAS, Mary Maranville has had the property surveyed and appraised, with an estimated values of $1500.00 - $2000.00, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, is authorized to enter into a contract for the sale of .6 acres of Wooley Rd. (as shown on Map No. 17-17-02), with Mary Maranville, for the purchase price of $1,750.00.

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-58 - Authorization to hire a Probationary, Full-time Employee for the Highway Department, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried 5– 0

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, authorizes the Town of Saratoga Highway Superintendent to hire a probationary full time employee due to a vacancy created by the resignation of employee Dean Stine.  The rate of pay will be $18.30 hourly, 80% of the base rate and upon employee’s one year anniversary the pay rate shall 100% base pay rate.

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-59 - Authorization to hire a Probationary, Temporary Employee for the Highway Department, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried 5– 0

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, authorizes the Town of Saratoga Highway Superintendent to hire one probationary temporary employee, due to a vacancy created by the long term medical issues of an employee.  The rate of pay will be $18.30 hourly, 80% of the base pay rate.

 

Privilege of the floor:  No one spoke.

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Agenda meeting – Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, May 8, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-60 - Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 4G was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.

Carried 5 – 0

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 4G in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 44 through 71                          $  58,032.71

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 83 through 110                        $  19,788.30

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 14 through 19                          $    3,119.83

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 06 through 07                          $         89.32

Farmland Protection             Voucher No. 03                                             $    3,124.40

HH                                          Voucher No. 15 through 21                          $  66,942.85

                                                                                             

         Grand Total     $ 151,097.41

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.

Carried 5 - 0

Meeting Adjourned

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk