REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

April 9, 2018

7:00 P.M.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:00 p.m.

 

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: Deputy Clerk Michelle Conover, Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby, Town Attorney William Reynolds and Chris Miller.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Public Hearing on the Mass Gathering Permits for Saratoga Rowing Association’s Regattas scheduled for April 27th - 29th, May 4th , May 5th  and May 11th - 13thSupervisor Thomas Wood reviewed the measures taken to ensure the public’s safety at the Saratoga Rowing Association’s upcoming Regattas.

Proof of notice in the Saratogian on March 30, 2018 having been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7:03 pm, on the Mass Gathering Permits for April 27th - 29th, May 4 th  & 5 th and May 11th - 13th, asking those who wished to speak to please stand and state their name and address.

 

Seeing as no one spoke, a motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, to close the Public Hearing at 7:04 p.m.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye.  Carried 5 – 0.  

 

Public Hearing for Local Law #1, 2018.  Supervisor Thomas Wood reviewed Local Law #1, 2018, establishing a new date for the First Meeting of the Board of Assessment Review, known as Grievance Day.  He stated this is needed due to our Assessor having a date conflict, as he will be holding Grievance Day in another town and cannot be here at the same time. 

Proof of notice having been provided in the Saratogian on March 30, 2018, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m., asking those wishing to speak to please stand and state their name and address:

Chris Miller, 210 Casey Rd., addressed the Board in agreement with the change of date.

 

Seeing as no one further wished to speak, a motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to close the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye.  Carried 5 – 0.  

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, to accept the minutes of the March 12th 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 2018: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $85.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $18.90. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $373.00. Miscellaneous Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $162.05.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $661.45.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for March 2018: Gil Albert reported: 7 Building Permits Issued, 16 Building Inspections, 1 Certificate/s of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permits, 1 Complaint/s, 0 Fire inspection, 0 Orders to Remedy, 8 misc., 5 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspection.  A check for $2,653.75 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for March 2018: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:  Dog Control Officer Ed Cross answered 19 complaints, took 2 dogs to the shelter, traveled 152 miles, issued 8 warnings and 5 summons were issued and 0 bite cases

 

Town Court report for March 2018: The following were closed: 58 Vehicle & Traffic, 5 Criminal/Penal Law, 1 DEC/ENCON, 2 Dog cases, 5 DWIs, 2 Town & Village Ordinance, 0 Small Claims/Civil, 1 Eviction, 1 Hearing/s, 1 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 2 Probation, 0 hours of Community Service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $10,314.00  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 2nd, the Tax Collector has collected $3,239,194.03 which is 86% of taxes paid.  There were 27 payments on-line, 1,901 through the mail and 896 at the bank and/or in office.  With taxes, penalties and second notice fees, the total stands at $3,243,944.36.

 

Historian’s report for March 2018:  Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following

report:  This month the Historian has been focused on the history of World War II veterans.   

Tuesday, April 17th, 10:00 am - Deputy Historian Pat Peck will lead a genealogy group at the Schuylerville Public Library.

Thursday, April 26th, 7:30 pm - Old Saratoga Historical Association will meet on the History of World War I. 

 

Assessor’s report for March 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following Assessor's report:  Over the last month the Assessor has been out all over the town to check on the status of all the building permits issued over the past year.  His whirlwind tour took him to all corners of the town. 

 

He will be updating assessments for recently improved parcels and these updates will be represented on the 2018 Tentative Assessment Roll, which will be issued on May 1st

 

Any property owner that believes their assessment is excessive has the right to file a grievance and appear before the Board of Assessment Review.  This year the Board of Assessment Review will meet on Tuesday, June 5th  and in future years the Board of Assessment Review will meet on the 1st Tuesday of June.

 

Since last month’s meeting his office processed 13 sales; 10 sales were valid and 3 were non-valid sales.  We had 11 residential sales and 2 vacant land sales.

 

Please feel free to call, email, or stop by his office with any questions.

 

Tuesdays - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Thursdays - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

 

Highway Superintendent’s report for March 2018

v  Pothole patching, sign repairs and tree trimming at ditches

v  New chipper works well

v  Pick-up 1 sent to dealer for 4x4 issue and filter maintenance done on Pickup 2

v  Wiring repair on Truck 4, thermostat on Truck 9 and wing edge on Truck 3

v  Maintenance done on grader along with front bearing seals

v  Front bushings replaced and filter maintenance done on boom mower

v  Deck mower filters and chain saw maintenance done

v  Rented a track excavator to address a large culvert washout on Brown Rd.

v  Painting metal doors and frames at garage and lubing overhead doors 

v  Plowed 4 large storms and sanded for 5

v  Sent 2 men to 811 safety training seminar

 

Supervisor’s report:  

 

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT MARCH 2018

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)

 

                 Balance on hand 03/01/2018               $1,372,908.88

                  Revenues                                               +    18,567.59

                  Disbursements                                        -    64,815.57

                  Balance 03/31/2018                             $1,326,660.90

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 03/01/2018               $1,691,484.87

                  Revenues                                              +       2,701.35

                  Disbursements                                      -      10,207.68

                  Balance 03/31/2018                             $1,683,978.54

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 03/01/2018                $   673,771.47

                  Revenues                                               +  295,457.37

                  Disbursements                                        -  268,996.61

                  Balance 03/31/2018                              $   700,232.23

 

                 

SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 03/31/2018             $154,798.15

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  03/31/2018                   $   5,405.46

 

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  03/31/2018                  $147,349.66

 

BUILDING RESERVE  03/31/2018                                           $305,211.21

                 

      SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY  03/31/2018                              $       311.33   

 

      PARKS RESERVE  03/31/2018                                                  $226,956.55

 

       TRUST & AGENCY 03/31/2018                                                $  38,791.65

 

       HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2 03/31/2018                    $  92,674.77

            (holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                   

       HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 03/31/2018                     $102,527.76

        PARTNERSHIP

 

        PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 03/31/2018                       $    1,309.20

 

v  Sales Tax ReceivedMarch 2018 - $95,399.00

v  Mortgage Tax - February 2018 - $10,908.00

 

Public comments on agenda items: no one spoke

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No Report

 

Insurance: No Report

 

Youth: No Report

 

Senior Citizens: Councilman James Jennings reported the following: 

The Old Saratoga Seniors met on March 21st with 48 in attendance for their Italian luncheon meeting.  The Schuylerville Elementary School 5th Grade Band and Chorus students provided entertainment.  They are planning some trips for June, July and September, as well as the Christmas Show in November.  They also met on April 4th.

 

The Quaker Springs Seniors met on March 12th with 27 in attendance for their luncheon meeting.  Guest Speaker was Karen Heggen from the Saratoga County District Attorney's office.  She explained the many roles of her office and provided tips for keeping seniors safe.  They also met on April 9th for a chicken & biscuit luncheon.

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: Councilman Gary Squires reported the following:

The Park Committee met briefly earlier this evening, April 9th, to open the bids for field management of the Park.  Collins Turf Service was the only bid received and was in the amount of $20,988.77 per year for 2018 - 2021 seasons.  Their price includes full mowing and trimming services, fertilizing, weed control, core aerating and over seeding; as well as general baseball and softball infield maintenance at the beginning and end of the season.  The Committee voted to accept the bid.

He then stated that the park will open in another week or two.

 

Office of Emergency Management: No Report

 

QSFD, WEMS Inc.: Quaker Springs Fire Department's Assistant Fire Chief, Don Ormsby, reported they've had 15 calls to date.

 

Old Business: No old business

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-61 - Mass Gathering Permit #1-SRA 2018 Saratoga Invitational Regatta, 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 2018 Saratoga Invitational as follows:

Permit #1:        Saratoga Rowing Association

543 Union Avenue

P.O. Box 750

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Contact: Christopher Chase, Regatta Director

 

 

Rowing Regatta on Friday, April 27th through Sunday, April 29th  at Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake with approximately 12,000+/- people attending over the three 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 9, 2018 for input by interested persons; and

WHEREAS, the event is desirable for the town; now, 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 Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-62 - Mass Gathering Permit #2-SRA Liberty League Championships Regatta, 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 Liberty League Championships Regatta.

Permit #2:        Saratoga Rowing Association

543 Union Avenue

P.O. Box 750

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Contact: Christopher Chase, Regatta Director

Rowing Regatta, on Friday, May 4th at Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake.  According to Christopher Chase, Saratoga Rowing Association Regatta Director, the estimated number of people attending is less than 500; 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 9, 2018 for input by interested persons; and

WHEREAS, the event is desirable for the town; now, 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 and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-63 - Mass Gathering Permit #3-SRA NYS Collegiate Championships Regatta, 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 #3:        Saratoga Rowing Association

543 Union Avenue

P.O. Box 750

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Contact: Christopher Chase, Regatta Director

Rowing Regatta, on Saturday, May 5th at Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake with approximately 1000+ people in attendance; 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 9, 2018 for input by interested persons; and

WHEREAS, the event is desirable for the town; now, 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 and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-64 - Mass Gathering Permit #4-SRA NYS Scholastic Championships Regatta, 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 Scholastic Championships Regatta.

Permit #4:        Saratoga Rowing Association

543 Union Avenue

P.O. Box 750

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Contact: Christopher Chase, Regatta Director

Rowing Regatta, on Friday, May 11th , Saturday, May 12 th and Sunday, May 13 th at

Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake with approximately 12,000+ people in attendance; 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 9, 2018 for input by interested persons; and

WHEREAS, the event is desirable for the town; now, 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 and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-65 - Adoption of Local Law #1, 2018 - Establishing a New Annual Date for the First Meeting (Grievance Day) of the BAR (Board of Assessment of Review), 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, due to a date conflict, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga acknowledges the need to set a new date for first meeting of the Board of Assessment Review, commonly referred to as Grievance Day; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held and input received from the townspeople; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to change the first meeting of the Board of Assessment Review, Grievance Day, from the last Tuesday of May to the first Tuesday of June each year.

(see below)

 

Local Law Filing                            NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

                                                              41 STATE STREET, ALBANY, NY 12231

 

(Use this form to file a local law with the Secretary of State.)

 

Text of law should be given as amended.  Do not include matter being eliminated and do not use italics or underlining to indicate new matter.

 

            Town of                                  Saratoga                                 

 

               Local Law No.                        1                      of the year 2018

 

A local law establishing a date for the first meeting of the Board of Assessment Review

Be it enacted by the                           Town Board                           

of the

                                                      (Name of Legislative Body)

 

               Town of                                   Saratoga                                                     as follows:  

 

The Town Code of the Town of Saratoga is amended by adding the following:

 

Section 1 – Chapter 8 – Board of Assessment Review

 

Section 2 – Section 8.1 – Pursuant to the authority granted under Section 512 (1-a) of the Real Property Tax Law, the date for the first meeting of the Town of Saratoga Board of Assessment Review shall be the first Tuesday in the month of June each year, commonly referred to as “Grievance Day”.

                       

Section 3 – Effective Date

 

This local law shall take effect immediately.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-66 - Authorization for the Town Clerk to Electronically Deliver (email) proposed Local Laws to the Town Board Members, 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 the Town Clerk to electronically deliver (email) at least 10 days in advance of final passage of any proposed local law, in PDF format, to the in-box of the email address of each Town Board member.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #18-67 - Liquor License 30 Day Waiver - Geppetto's Restaurant Inc., 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 acknowledges that a Liquor License Application is being filed by the Geppetto's Restaurant Inc., 120 Broad St., Schuylerville, NY and in order to hasten its approval; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is authorized to send a written waiver of the Town of Saratoga's right to the 30 day hold and that the Town of Saratoga Town Board consents to the processing and issuance of the license by the New York State Liquor Authority.

 

Privilege of the floor:  No one addressed the Board.

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated the Board needed to discuss upcoming union negotiations.  A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to enter into Executive Session at 7:37 p.m., to discuss upcoming union negotiationsSupervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried 5 – 0

 

Councilman Michael McLoughlin made a motion, seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, to exit Executive Session at 8:19 p.m.  No Board action took place.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  Carried 5 – 0

 

Communications:  The Memorial Day Parade will take place on May 28, 2018

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Agenda meeting – Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, May 14, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-68, 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 of 2018 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 50 through 62                          $  30,882.18

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 85 through 122                        $  19,960.03

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 20 through 23                         $    1,671.60

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 05 through 07                          $       273.01

Historic Hudson                     Voucher No. 07 through 19                          $108,318.91

                                                (voucher 15 was voided)

                                                          Grand Total    $161,105.73

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:53 p.m. was made by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman James Jennings.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.

Carried 5 - 0

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk