MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

December 10, 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, Attorney William Reynolds, Bookkeeper Patricia Temple, Terri Korb and Mike Booth.  (sign in sheet on file in the Clerk's office)

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Paul Goetz, BST Auditing, to update the Board on the Town's audit, as the audit was due many months ago.

Paul Goetz reviewed the work they've completed to date on the annual audit and is hopeful he will have our completed audit and final report by December 27, 2018.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reviewed the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan and summarized the previous meetings held for this plan.  He noted the Board will vote on the plan with a resolution later this evening.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood then reviewed amendments to proposed Local Law #3 of 2018,  Commercial Event Venues. Proof of advertising in the Saratogian on November 30, 2018 having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m. on proposed Local Law #3, 2018 -  Commercial Event Venues Law, asking those wishing to speak, to please stand and state their name and address and limit their comments to 3 minutes.  The following addressed the Board:

Terri Korb, 17 Hill Rd. had questions with noise, definitions and setbacks.

 

Councilman Charles Hanehan stated he thought the setback was 150'.  Supervisor Thomas Wood  responded it was, but after discussing that yesterday, a 100' setback is better; the150' is a bit overly restrictive, as it would remove venue sites. 

 

Zoning Officer Gil Albert stated the 100' setback is doubled from any other setback in our regulations.  He also added he had pushed to have 'permanent buildings' required for this law and to keep bands/music inside the buildings to help mitigate any noise.  He believes a 150' setback is too much; 100' is more realistic. 

 

After further Board discussion concerning the setback, it was decided to continue the public hearing at the special year end meeting on December 27, 2018.

 

Seeing as no one further wished to speak, Supervisor Thomas Wood adjourned the public hearing, at 7:30 p.m.  until December 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. 

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to accept the minutes of the November 8th regular meeting and the November 19th   special 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 November 2018: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $57.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $187.08. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $260.00. Miscellaneous Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $90.67.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $617.25.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for November 2018: Gil Albert reported: 8 Building Permits Issued, 19 Building Inspections, 7 Certificate/s of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permit/s, 1 Complaint/s, 0 Fire inspection, 0 Order/s to Remedy, 1 misc., 85 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspection.  A check for $2,492.50 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer's report for November 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:  Dog Control Officer Ed Cross answered 10 complaints, took 0 dog/s to the shelter, traveled 24 miles, issued 9 warnings, 0 summons were issued and 0 bite case/s. 

 

Town Court report for November 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report: Funds collected for the month of October was $5,590.00.

 

Historian’s report for November 2018: No report

 

Assessor’s report for November 2018: No report

 

Highway Superintendent’s report for November 2018: 

v  Road checks, Pothole patching and Tree limb cleanup

v  Hauled light rock and crusher run for Casey road project

v  Addressed water issue on Fitch road

v  Placed delineators along winter routes

v  Feeder chain on pickup 2

v  Boom mower is out of service till spring with broken ram

v  Truck 9 radiator replaced and coolant issue being addressed

v  Truck 6 antifreeze leak and 3 hydraulic lines replaced

v  Truck 3 marker lights, hydraulic hose and airline fitting repaired

v  Hydraulic line on truck 2 repaired

v  Prepped trucks for sanding and plowing

v  Addressed fascia repairs and roof screws on garage

v  Retro fit cover for new truck box

v  Sanded for two and plowed for one storm

v  Received new 2018 5500 quad cab with dump box

 

Supervisor’s report:  

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT November 2018

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)

 

                 Balance on hand 11/01/2018               $   958,366.07

                  Revenues                                               +  112,050.80

                  Disbursements                                        -    90,878.21

                  Balance 11/30/2018                             $   979,538.66

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 11/01/2018               $1,758,125.27

                  Revenues                                              +   117,160.07

                  Disbursements                                      -      18,245.92

                  Balance 11/30/2018                             $1,857,039.42

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 11/01/2018                $   943,507.79

                  Revenues                                               +           72.75

                  Disbursements                                        -   117,464.23

                  Balance 11/30/2018                             $    826,116.31

                 

SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 11/30/2018                   $154,356.78

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  11/30/2018                        $    7,122.29

 

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  11/30/2018                                    $  75,367.93

 

BUILDING RESERVE  11/30/2018                                                 $255,408.18

                 

SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY  11/30/2018                                    $       311.41   

 

PARKS RESERVE  11/30/2018                                                        $ 226,956.55

 

TRUST & AGENCY 11/30/2018                                                      $   20,482.24

 

HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2  11/30/2018                          $   41,901.87

(holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                   

HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 11/30/2018                       $   50,163.22

PARTNERSHIP

 

PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 11/30/2018                               $     1,309.53

 

v  Sales Tax Received – November 2018 - $112,621.00

v  Mortgage Tax -October 2018 - $16,042.00

 

Public comments on agenda items: The following addressed the Board:

Mike Booth addressed the Board.

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No report

 

Insurance: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated they are renewing the MVP insurance for retirees, adding that the premium has gone down for the same coverage.

 

Youth: No report

 

Senior Citizens: Councilman James Jennings reported that the Quaker Springs Seniors held a meeting today, December 10, 2018. 

 

Pat Temple stated the Old Saratoga Seniors will be holding their Christmas Party on December 12th at the American Legion.  Their next meeting will be in January 2019.

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee:  Councilman Gary Squires read the following report: The Schuyler Park Committee met on Tuesday, 11/27/18.  He then read through the following updates since the September 27, 2018 meeting:

·         Field maintenance, including aeration, has been completed.

·         Successful soccer season was completed.

·         All Porta Pots have been removed.

·         Concrete floor installation was completed.

·         Website was updated for winter rules.

·         Discussions with the American Legion have occurred regarding the installation of a flag pole, including what role they might play, rules regarding flag displays, responsibilities, etc.

Next Steps – Future Actions:

·         Finalize and install plaque for west pavilion that illustrates the history of the park.

·         Design proposed plaque to hang in one of the pavilions recognizing those that have supported the park through various donations.

·         Continue to work with American Legion to finalize and install flag pole.

·         Pick up and assemble picnic tables for west pavilion – ordered from Curtis Lumber for year-end pricing.

 

The next Schuyler Park Committee Meeting is scheduled for 1/29/19 at 7:30 pm

 

Office of Emergency Management: No report

 

QSFD, WEMS Inc.: Don Ormsby, Quaker Springs Assistant Fire Chief, stated they have had 85 calls to date.  He added they had elections and elected officers are the same as last year.

 

Old Business: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated the new lights installation has begun and they certainly are much brighter. 

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-126, Acceptance of Assessor's Resignation, 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, Town Supervisor Thomas Wood is in receipt of Assessor Michael McGuire's resignation due to accepting an Assessor position near his home; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to accept the resignation of Assessor Michael McGuire and thank him for his dedicated hard work as Assessor the Town of Saratoga, effective November 29, 2018.    

 

 On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-127, Appointing New Assessor 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, Michael McGuire has resigned his position of Sole Assessor for the Town of Saratoga, and

            WHEREAS, Lorraine Fiorino has successfully completed the course of training as prescribed by the laws of the State of New York and the rules of the State Board of Real Property Services and has attained the designation of State Certified Assessor, and

            WHEREAS, Lorraine Fiorino has met all NY State Qualification Standards for an appointed Assessor; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby appoints Lorraine Fiorino as Sole Assessor, at an annual salary of $24,000.00, to fulfill the vacancy created by the resignation of Michael McGuire, from 12/11/2018 to 9/30/2019.  

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-128, Release of Lease - Lakes to Locks, 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 agreement, made the 11th day of February, 2017, between the Town of Saratoga, hereinafter referred to as the "Landlord", and Janet Kennedy, Lakes to Locks, hereinafter referred to as the "Tenant"; and

WHEREAS, the Tenant has previously leased from the Landlord real property premises known as 12 Spring Street, Suite 202, Schuylerville, New York, pursuant to a lease dated February 2010; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that it is the desire of the Tenant that the Tenant surrender the leased premises to the Landlord, and that the Landlord accept the surrender of the leased premises, beginning December 31, 2018, it is now, therefore, agreed as follows:

            1.  In consideration of the forfeiture by the Tenant, and a month's rental amount of $183.00, the Landlord releases the Tenant from any and all obligations of the aforesaid two year lease agreement, and the Tenant releases and relinquishes any and all right, title, claim or interest in and to the leased premises.

                 

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-129, Renewal of MVP Retirees Insurance Policy, 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, on an annual basis the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga enters into an insurance contract to provide health insurance coverage for eligible employees; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed proposals for a contract to commence January 1, 2019 for Retirees over 65 years of age; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to sign a contract for health insurance benefits with MVP Preferred Gold HMO-POS 2019 - HG170022/RHG0192X, at a monthly premium of $299.63 per person, per month.  

      

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-131, Adopting the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0

WHEREAS, the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, has conducted two public hearings and received additional written and verbal input, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, has been working on this plan for the past two years with multiple meetings and extensive community involvement; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, adopt the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan.

 

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-132, Fund Transfer - $1500.00 from A3650.4 Demolition of Unsafe Buildings to A1420.4 Attorney Contractual, 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 $1500.00 from A3650.4 Demolition of Unsafe Buildings to A1420.48 Attorney Contractual to cover additional attorney fees for court.

 

On a motion by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-133, Fund Transfer - $460.00 from Demolition of Unsafe Buildings to A9010.8 State Retirement Employee Benefits, 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 $460.00 from A3650.4 Demolition of Unsafe Buildings to A9010.8 State Retirement Employee Benefits, to cover annual payment to State Retirement.

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-134, Fund Transfer - $576.00 from A1355.1 Assessor to A1355.11 Assessor Clerk Personal Services, 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 $576.00 from A1355.1 Assessor Personal Services to A1355.11 Assessor Clerk Personal Services to cover additional hours until year end with new Assessor.

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-135, Fund Transfer - $50.00 from A8810.4 Cemeteries Contractual to A8510.4 Community Beautification, 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 $50.00 from A8810.4 Cemeteries Contractual to A8510.4 Community Beautification to cover year end expenses.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-136, Fund Transfer - $890.00 from A1010.4 Town Board Contractual to A1010.1 Town Board Personal Services, 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 $890.00 from A1010.4 Town Board Contractual to A1010.1 Town Board Personal Services to reclassify appropriations.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-137, Fund Transfer - $600.00 from DB5110.1 Repairs Personal Services to DB9010.8 State Retirement Employee Benefits, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0

            RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to transfer $600.00 from DB5110.1 Repairs Personal Services to DB9010.8 State Retirement Employee Benefits, to cover annual payment to State Retirement.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-138, Fund Transfer - $6500.00 from DB5110.1 Repairs Personal Services to DB9060.8 Medical Insurance Employee Benefits, 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 $6500.00 from DB5110.1 Repairs Personal Services to DB9010.8 Medical Insurance Employee Benefits, to cover year end expenses due to coverage increase.

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-139, Amending the Empire Trail Grant, 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 Supervisor to amend the Empire State Trail Grant to $205,000.00 and sign a contract with New York State to develop plans for and the construction of, the trail from the footbridge on the tow path over Fish Creek, to Red's Road and to Curtis Lumber.

 

Privilege of the floor:  Terri Korb addressed the Board.

 

Communications:  

v  Tuesday, December 11, 2018 - an emergency action drill will take place concerning Winnie's Reef Dam

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Year End Special meeting – Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

v  Town Board Agenda Meeting - Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, January 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues at 8:30 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 James Jennings, to exit Executive Session at 8:40 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

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-140 , Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 12G, 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 12G of 2018 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 205 through 230                      $151,132.70

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 365 through 396                      $  62,001.67

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 59 through 75                         $  15,623.57

(#68 missing due to error with bookkeeper's computer system - renumbered as 75)

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 39 through 41                          $       840.84

Home Improvement#2          Voucher No. 17 through 20                          $  93,630.00

Historic Hudson Hoosic        Voucher No. 52 through 62                          $  13,890.95

Farmland Protection Plan    Voucher No. 01                                             $    1,027.11

 

                                                         Grand Total     $ 338,146.84

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:20 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