DRAFT MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

August 13, 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, William Reynolds, Attorney for the Town, Tiffany Mosher, Lucinda Barry, Kate Fields, Patrick McGloine, Thomas McGloine, Robert Dougal, Karen Heggen, Kathleen Kemmet, Wendy Lukas, Alicia Farone and James Buono.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings: Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced District Attorney Karen Heggen and stated he invited our District Attorney to speak to the Board tonight to update them on her office and her role therein.  District Attorney Karen Heggen addressed the Board and explained how her office integrates with our community on a regular basis and some of the things her office does on the county level.  First and foremost she has an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) who comes here to appear before the court on a regular basis, handling all misdemeanors and violation offenses.  Her office also focuses on handling vehicle and traffic matters as well as more serious offenses.  Those that are felonies, although originally screened in local court, are reviewed by the employees who handle felony offenses in her office, and if appropriate, refers the case/s to the County Court, to present it to a Grand Jury or to negotiate resolution and dispositions with defense attorneys on those cases.  She is very proud of the team of men and women she has assembled in her office, and combined, they represent over 300 years of service to Saratoga County.  Her team is made up of people with longevity, people who live in our communities.  The new Chief of Crimes Bureau lives here in the Town of Saratoga, and often appears in our court.  Her office tries to balance the interest of the people who have been harmed by crime, along with the interest of public safety and the interest of the defendants involved in the cases, to reach a just resolution.  They seek justice and they do that in many different ways, such as trying to divert young people into programs that give them opportunities and a second chance; to learn from their mistakes.  They divert people that are committing offenses that are non-violent and have very little records, into drug treatment court trying to help them resolve their issues.  Drug Treatment Court has been going on for many years and they just had 7 people graduate 2 weeks ago, which represents just shy of 350 people who have successfully completed the program and are back in our communities.  Her office draws the line if you are selling drugs and preying upon the vulnerable people in our community who are suffering from addiction.  People in our county who sell drugs are being incarcerated.  That is the line she draws and the men and women who work for her see to that.  Her office works collaboratively with law enforcement.  She is very proud of the relationships her office has with Sheriff Zurlow and his team, who reach out to educate schools and organizations during the seasons of prom and graduation.  They also work with the Prevention Council to educate young people about the dangers of driving while impaired by alcohol and drugs, to make sure they go through those seasons with celebrations of happiness not sadness, due to someone being harmed.  They also reach out and speak to groups within the communities.  Her office is looking on a regular basis to make sure people who have been impacted by crimes are supported.  She has three crime victim specialists in her office, helping victims navigate the justice system and with extenuating issues of the crime.  They are not attorneys, so they are accessible to help them and can interpret what is going on for them.  The state also has programs to help with collateral damage, i.e.: if someone's car is stolen and damaged in the process of the theft, and their insurance company won't pay, her office works collaboratively with the state and helps with those type of problems as well.  Unfortunately there are victims of domestic violence and sex abuse crimes.  Her office works very closely with not-for-profit organizations in our communities, such as Well Spring and the Mechanicville Community Center, that have domestic violence programs that can help those people with counseling services, among many other options.  Her office offers many different ways of helping people in our community and she's very proud of the work they do to achieve justice.  She thanked the Board for inviting her to speak and update them on the workings of her office.

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to accept the minutes of the July 5th

 agenda meeting and the July 9th 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 July 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 $344.15. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $90.00.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $375.00. Miscellaneous Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $115.60.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $1009.75.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for July 2018: Gil Albert reported: 8 Building Permits Issued, 21 Building Inspections, 10 Certificate/s of Occupancy, 1 Junkyard Permit/s, 0 Complaint/s, 0 Fire inspection, 0 Order/s to Remedy, 0 misc., 7 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspection.  A check for $2,206.25 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer's report for July 2018: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:  Dog Control Officer Ed Cross answered 19 complaints, took 0 dogs to the shelter, traveled 40 miles, issued 12 warnings, 6 summons were issued and 0 bite case/s. 

 

Town Court report for July 2018: The following were closed: 46 Vehicle & Traffic, 4 Criminal/Penal Law, 3 DEC/ENCON, 3 Dog case/s, 1 DWIs, 1 Town & Village

Ordinance, 1 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Eviction/s, 1 Hearing/s, 3 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 2 Probation, 40 hours of Community Service was issued, 1 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $5,374.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Historian’s report for July 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:  The Historian was a bit busy for the first two weeks of July and now he has limited hours and is available by request until school starts.  In July, he had 84 posts on his blog with 590 visitors and 937 views.

 

August 12, 2018 - 18th Century Day at the Schuyler House.

 

Assessor’s report for July 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:  The Assessor's office is preparing to send out Enhanced STAR Renewal applications.  Renewals should be sent out in early September.  Due to a recent change in NYS law all recipients of the Enhanced STAR program HAVE TO enroll in the Income Verification Program aka IVP.  IVP allows NYS to notify the Assessor whether or not an applicant is qualified for the Enhanced STAR exemption and will remove the need to send out annual renewal applications.  Please contact the Assessor with any questions regarding this change.

 

Over the past month he processed 29 sales.  13 sales were valid and 16 were non-valid sales:  11 valid residential sales, 1 valid commercial sale, 1 valid vacant land sale, 10 non-valid sales and 6 non-valid vacant land sales.

 

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

 

New Office Hours Beginning September 4th: 

Tuesdays - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Thursdays - 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

 

Highway Superintendent’s report for July 2018: 

v  Mowing ditches, Rt. 4 Trail and Towpath Trail

v  Replaced old signs on Wilbur Rd.

v  Ditching on Wilbur Rd. has been hydro seeded by the county

v  Clearing of trees and branches from storms in right of way

v  Replaced two road culverts on Burke Rd. and one on Walsh Rd.

v  Addressed Truck 4 overheating and electrical issues

v  Grading on dirt roads

v  Completed repairs on deck mower, valve leaks and boom mower cradle

v  Pickup Truck 2 - fuel pump module and switch replaced

v  Town Hall parking lot stripes completed

 

Supervisor’s report:  

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT JULY 2018

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)

 

                 Balance on hand 07/01/2018               $1,279,789.51

                  Revenues                                               +    19,600.84

                  Disbursements                                        -  127,570.97

                  Balance 07/31/2018                             $1,171,819.38

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 07/01/2018               $1,690,108.22

                  Revenues                                              +       2,315.13

                  Disbursements                                      -        6,952.42

                  Balance 7/31/2018                              $1,685,470.93

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 07/01/2018                $   854,313.27

                  Revenues                                               +  147,611.99

                  Disbursements                                        -  243,556.06

                  Balance 07/31/2018                              $  758,369.20

                 

SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 07/31/2018             $189,780.11

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  07/31/2018                   $    5,063.51

 

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  07/31/2018                  $147,398.92

 

BUILDING RESERVE  07/31/2018                                           $305,313.24

                 

      SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY  07/31/2018                              $       311.37   

 

      PARKS RESERVE  07/31/2018                                                  $ 226,956.55

 

       TRUST & AGENCY 07/31/2018                                                $  24,975.66

 

       HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2  07/31/2018                   $  41,295.47

            (holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                   

       HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 07/31/2018                     $  78,038.34

        PARTNERSHIP

 

        PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 07/31/2018                       $    1,309.36

 

v  Sales Tax Received – July 2018 - $147,549.00

v  Mortgage Tax - June 2018 - $15,880.50

 

Public comments on agenda items: Wendy Lukas addressed the Board.

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No report

 

Insurance: No report

 

Youth: No report

 

Senior Citizens: No report

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: Councilman Gary Squires stated the Schuyler Park Committee met on July 31, 2018.  Lacrosse has finished up, the field maintenance is on schedule and the irrigation system was fully transferred to the new location, in the enclosed rear section, of the West End Pavilion. 

 

There were some operational problems with the irrigation system unrelated to the move, and Rainbow Sprinkler installed a new motor and pump on July 30, 2018 and they also cleaned out all the heads and filters.  The replacement of the pump and valve was only the second time in ten years of operation.  Considering the amount of usage each season, this is considered normal. 

 

Soccer camp began in early August.  The West End Pavilion floor, for the open area, will be completed by September 1st.  Using volunteers rather than a contractor will save about $8000.00; they saved a similar amount on the East End Pavilion when that was constructed.

 

The next Schuyler Park Committee meeting will be held September 25, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Office of Emergency Management: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated Sherry Doubleday attended a Strategy, Tactics and Techniques Training in Queensbury, NY.

 

QSFD, WEMS Inc.: Don Ormsby, Quaker Springs Assistant Fire Chief, stated they have had 53 calls this year to date.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report from Wilton EMS: Nashua Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Wilton Emergency Squad, reported the month of July, 2018, was their busiest month on record.  They answered 18 calls in Schuylerville, 1 call in Victory Mills, 7 calls in Northumberland and 21 calls for the Town Saratoga.

 

Old Business: The Town Attorney is working on a revised Commercial Parking law for the Rural and Lake districts of the Town.

 

New Business:

 On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-97- Standard Work Day and Reporting, 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

                BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga hereby establishes the following as standard work days for elected and appointed officials and will report the following days worked to the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System based on the record of activities maintained and submitted by these officials to the clerk of this body:

 

Title

 

Name

Social

Security

Number

(Last

4 digits)

Registration

Number

Standard

Work Day

(hrs/day)

Term Begins/Ends

Partici-pates

In Employer’s

Time Keeping

System

(Y/N)

Days/

Month

(based on

Record of

Activi-ties)

Tier 1

(Check only if mem-ber is in

 Tier 1)

Not Submitted

(Check box if no

record of activities

completed or

timekeeping system)

Elected Officials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Town

Clerk

 

Linda A.

McCabe

6475

41052796

6

01/01/2016-

12/31/2019

N

30.74

 

 

 

Council-

man

 

Gary Squires

1279

61334041

6

01/01/2016-

12/31/2019

N

1.28

 

 

Justice

Charles

Sherman

6675

50651751

6

01/01/2016-

12/31/2019

N

2.89

 

 

Highway

Supt.

Donald  Ormsby Jr.

 

0233

41094632

8

01/01/2016-

12/31/2019

N

22.33

 

 

Council-

man

Charles

Hanehan

2207

41068487

6

01/01/2016-

12/31/2019

N

1.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AppointedOfficials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zoning Officer

Gilman Albert

4744

42340364

6

01/01/2018-12/31/2018

N

11.00

 

 

Deputy Town Clerk

Michelle

Conover

2103

61323044

6

01/01/2018-12/31/2018

N

18.31

 

 

Historian

Sean Kelleher

1060

38892964

6

01/01/2018-12/31/2018

N

5.00

 

 

Assessor

Michael McGuire

8593

41544479

6

01/08/2018-

09/30/2019

N

5.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a motion made by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-98 - Accept Proposal & Authorization to Enter into Contract-Adirondack Trust Insurance with New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR), 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 Trust Insurance Agency has been the insurance agent for the Town’s property-casualty insurance for the past 30 years; and

WHEREAS, said agency has offered superior service and advice to the Town and has marketed the insurance again this year for the Town’s benefit; and

WHEREAS, this year, the agent has sought proposals from our incumbent insurer, Houston Casualty Company, as well as NYMIR; and

WHEREAS, the analysis of the proposals by said agency has shown that NYMIR has offered the lowest premium with improved coverage, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga hereby accepts the agency’s property-casualty proposal through NYMIR (Crime with Travelers) for the upcoming year, 8/13/2018-8/13/2019, up to $40,750.47; and be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga expresses its intention to make this award to the agency and NYMIR for a five year period as long as premiums remain stable; and be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga reserves the right to rescind this multi-year award at any time it is deemed appropriate for the Town to do so, therefore, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is authorized to sign the Subscriber’s Agreement with NYMIR after review and approval by the Town Attorney.

 

 On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-99 - Authorizing Fund Transfer of $73,339.90 from Highway Equipment Reserve Fund to Highway Equipment-DB5132.2 for the purchase of a new 2018 Dodge Ram 5500 Crew Cab 60 C/A 4x4 Truck, 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 transfer $73,399.90 from Highway Reserve Equipment fund into Highway Equipment-DB5132.2, authorizing the Town of Saratoga Highway Superintendent to purchase a new 2018 Dodge Ram 5500 Crew Cab 60 C/A 4 x 4 truck, with a stainless steel dump box and plow frame, in the amount of $73,339.90, delivered.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-100, Authorization directing Town Attorney to draft a revised Commercial Vehicle Parking law, Event Venue law and an amendment to the Town of Saratoga Zoning Regulations' Building Reference Point for Setbacks, 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 been made aware of the need to draft new zoning laws and amend our zoning codes; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to direct Town Attorney William Reynolds to draft a Revised Commercial Vehicle Parking Law, Event Venue Law and to amend the Town of Saratoga Zoning Regulations Building Reference Point for Setbacks.  

 

Privilege of the floor:  The following residents addressed the Board: Robert Dougal, Lucinda Barry and Wendy Lukas.

 

Communications:  Supervisor Thomas Wood requested that Jim Buono return to speak to the Board concerning the lighting project contract, as the contract says it is the Town's responsibility to remove the light fixtures and lights.  When Jim Buono last appeared before the Board, he had said they would remove the fixtures and lights and dispose of them.  Jim Buono addressed the Board's questions and concerns and stated there will be an addendum to the contract stating they, Potential Management Group, will take care of removing the fixtures and they will dispose of the lights and fixtures off site, the Town need do nothing.  Supervisor Thomas Wood said he was asked why this wasn't being bid out.  Jim Buono responded under $30,000 doesn't have to be bid per Saratoga County Rule.  This is also a NYS Contract, so no need to bid it out.  He added that incentives of NYSERDA would be only $6,000 and the town would have to do it themselves.  He added that National Grid will replace street lights with LEDs as the current lights die out.  Currently the Town pays for 400 watt bulbs, so instead of paying $10.00 monthly, the fee will go down to $3.00 or $4.00 monthly.  He has run the gas numbers and Direct Energy can charge what they want when they want now, as that contract is up.  He said they looked into a fixed rate for the Town and if the Town goes with National Grid it will be a fixed rate of 4.74 PTH (per therum) for the next two years.  Supervisor Thomas Wood said our initial rate was set for some time and has now increased.  With this, we can get a fixed rate of 4.74 for the next two years.  We are now locked in at $.05 for electric.  Jim Buono stated the gas contract would be for 12 or 24 months and after that National Grid sets its own rate.  Jim Buono stated he will send the NYS Certificate to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

He added that Lockheed Martin is the approved contractor for the work for the Town.  Hadley and Moreau have been approved but work has not yet begun and Northumberland is now complete. He also added that Victory Mills is going forward with the electric program.  Councilman Charles Hanehan asked if this is only for municipalities and said no, also small businesses.  Farms used to be under this program, but not any longer.  They are now in their large business program.  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated the Board will think about the information provided them.  Jim Buono stated he will have everything sent to Supervisor Thomas Wood.

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Budget Workshop - Tuesday, August 21, 2018.

v  Agenda meeting – Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 7 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, September 10, 2018 at 7 p.m.  

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-101, Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 8G, 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 8G of 2018 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 127 through 144                      $  11,445.31

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 233 through 272                      $  82,563.59

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 41 through 44                         $    2,910.23

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 20 through 23                          $    2,449.47

Youth                                     Voucher No. 2 through 3                              $    3,300.00     

Home Improvement              Voucher No. 7 through 9                              $  16,713.00

Historic Hudson                     Voucher No. 36 through 40                          $    2,779.63

 

                                                         Grand Total     $ 121,389.08

 

A motion was made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to enter into Executive Session to discuss Union Negotiations and Tenant Litigation at 9:01 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

 

A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to exit Executive Session at 9:13 p.m.  No Board action was taken.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  

Carried 5 - 0

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:13 p.m. was made by Councilman James Jennings, 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

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk