THE TOWN OF SARATOGA

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES

12 SPRING ST.

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

December 11, 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: Town Attorney William Reynolds, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby, Deputy Clerk Michelle Conover, Zoning Officer/Building Inspector Gil Albert,  and other interested persons.  (sign-in sheet is on file in the Clerk’s office)

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to accept the regular meeting minutes of November 9, 2017 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 2017: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $48.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $3,028.72.  Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $0.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $218.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $136.78.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $3,431.50.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for November 2017: Issued 9 Building Permits, 37 Building Inspections, 10 Certificates of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permits, 0 Complaint/s,

0 Fire inspections, 1 Order/s to Remedy, 5 misc., 4 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspections.  A check for $3,837.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer's report for November 2017: Dog Control Officer Ed Cross answered 14 complaints, took 0 dogs to the shelter, 0 bite case/s, traveled 78 miles, issued 8 warnings, 2 summons issued.  Ed wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

 

Town Court report for November 2017: The following were closed: 56 Vehicle & Traffic, 8 Criminal/Penal Law, 2 DEC/ENCON, 2 Dog case/s, 3 DWI/s, 1 Town Ordinance, 2 Small Claims/Civil, 3 Evictions, 2 Hearing/s, 1 Defendant/s sentenced to probation, 1 hours of community service issued, 0 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $6,910.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Tax Collector’s report: No report

 

Historian’s report for November 2017: Historian Sean Kelleher reports that interest in our community's history continues to rise.  He said there were record numbers of visitors at the Candlelight Tour of the Schuyler House.  Three schools, as well as many others, participated in the Surrender Ceremony this year. The Friends of the Battlefield had a very successful groundbreaking ceremony for the Surrender Site and many major donors visited the community.

 

The Old Saratoga Historical Association was able to acquire a leather bound ledger of the old Saratoga Victory Mills, dated Dec. 1875 through Feb. 1880; this was gifted through an anonymous donor.  There are 700 pages in all, recording the company's transactions during this time period.

 

Assessor’s report for November 2017: All renewals were mailed on December 6th and all renewal forms need to be filed in our office at 12 Spring Street, before March 1, 2018. 

 

*If someone is new to the town and wishes to apply for a STAR exemption, they have to do so through the NYS Dept. of Tax and Finance either on their website or by telephone.

 

58 sales were processed during the months of October and November; 48 valid sales and 10 were invalid.  22 properties were residential, 33 were vacant land and 3 were commercial  properties.

The office is open to serve those applying for exemptions and those having questions regarding their inventory.  The office will be open 3 days each week during the months of January and February.

 

Vicki Hayner's last day with the Town will be December 13, 2017.  She'd like to thank the Town Board and the residents of the Town of Saratoga for having had the opportunity to have served as your Assessor for the last ten years; it has been an honor and privilege to serve in this Town.

 

Office hours: Monday - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

         Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

Highway Superintendent’s November 2017 report:

v Cutting back brush in right of way with boom mower

v Addressing leaning trees and hanging branches over the roads

v Replaced and repaired delineators on plow routes

v Leaf blades replaced on boom mower and chipper blades addressed

v Truck oil and filter maintenance complete along with plow prep

v Tires replaced on trucks 2 and 4

v Exhaust, oil pan and fuel tank repairs on truck 4

v Water pump, radiator flush and exhaust repairs on truck 9

v Rented a mid-size thumbed excavator for ditches off rd and log removal

v Waiting on cab part for truck 5 repairs

v Helped hang street wreathes and tree lights in the Village of Schuylerville

v Removed tree trunk from Victory cemetery

 

Supervisor’s report:  

 

                         SUPERVISOR’S REPORT NOVEMBER 2017

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)                                       

                  Balance on hand 11/01/2017           $ 981,076.88

                  Revenues                                           +  103,163.70

                  Disbursements                                   -     84,706.96

                  Balance 11/30/2017                          $  999,533.62

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

                  Balance on hand 11/01/2017           $ 1,547,499.22

                  Revenues                                         +    112,361.59

                  Disbursements                                 -       15,906.58

                  Balance 11/30/2017                         $ 1,643,954.23

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

                  Balance on hand 11/01/2017            $   804,317.16

                  Revenues                                          +      25,060.46

                  Disbursements                                  -     191,965.27

                  Balance 11/30/2017                         $     637,412.35

 

                  SCHUYLER PARK 11/30/2017                                                      $ 156,803.49

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE 11/30/2017              $     5,403.67

  

                        HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE 11/30/2017              $   85,633.38

 

                  BUILDING RESERVE 11/30/2017                                      $  255,116.35                                     

                        TRUST & AGENCY 11/30/2017                                          $    24,959.17  

 

                        HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT#2 11/30/2017               $    34,077.82

                        (holding checks until funds are deposited)

 

                        HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSIC RIVER 11/30/2017                               $      6,259.91

                       

                        SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT 11/30/2017                            $        311.25

                       

                        PARK RESERVE 11/30/2017                                               $ 151,956.55

                       

PROPERTY CAP RESERVE 11/30/2017                            $     1,038.71

 

                              

v  Sales Tax Received – November 2017 - $107,845.00

v  Mortgage Tax - October 2017 - $18,411.00 and November 2017 - $12,709.50

v  Yearly Total - $147,158.66

 

Public comments on agenda items: Sally Snowden, 291 Hayes Rd., addressed the Board.

 

Committee reports:  

 

Landfill: No report

 

Insurance: No report

  

Youth: No report

 

Senior Citizens:  Councilman James Jennings reported that the Old Saratoga Seniors met on November 15th for a sandwich luncheon, with 37 members in attendance.  They attended a Christmas Show in NY Mills on November 29th and will have a Christmas luncheon at the American Legion on December 13th.  For Christmas luncheon reservations, please contact Pat Temple no later than December 16th.

January 3, 2018 - Casserole Luncheon Meeting

New members are always welcome!

 

He then reported that the Quaker Springs Seniors met on November 13th for their Thanksgiving luncheon meeting with 38 members in attendance.  Joe Peck was their guest speaker and spoke about the stories he has published about life on the farm.  On November 16th they took a trip to Rome, NY for a Christmas Show and luncheon.

 

The December 11th meeting will be a roast beef luncheon prepared by Faye Bratage, Anise Burke and Cathy Thomas.

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: No report

 

Office of Emergency Management: No report

 

Wilton Emergency Services & General Schuyler Territory(WEMS), QSFD Reports:

J. R. Hanna reported that the Wilton EMS had a total of 256 calls with 55 calls in the Schuylerville area. 

 

Don Ormsby reported that the Quaker Springs Fire Department has had 92 calls to date.

 

Old Business:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated he received a check in the amount of $4,250.00 which completes the Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant of $10,000.00, along with the $11,250.00 from Saratoga County, for a total amount of $21,250.00 for the Tow Path Trail.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood also stated he now has the DASNY Contract in hand, which will be signed and notarized tomorrow.  He will then send it back and once he receives a copy with all required signatures, we can go forward; he is hopeful that construction will begin in the spring.

Supervisor Thomas Wood then stated that seeing as the Town Board has no interest in a timber harvesting law, it is now dropped.

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-116 - Authorization to change Health Insurance Plan to MVP Gold HMO-POS 2018 - HG170012/RHG0170X, 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, 2018 for Retirees over 65 years of age; it is now therefore

            RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to sign a contract for health insurance benefits with MVP Preferred Gold HMO-POS 2018 - HG170012/RHG0170X, at a monthly premium of $314.70 per person, per month.            

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-117 - Authorization for Legal Action of Zoning Infraction - Phil Heitmann & William Silver, 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 violations of the Town of Saratoga Zoning Code by Phil Heitmann, (d/b/a Olde Saratoga U-Pull-It), owner of 297 Hayes Road, and by William Silver (d/b/a Bam the Scrap Man), by operating in violation of the Junkyard Law, and

            WHEREAS, Town of Saratoga Zoning Officer Gilman Albert has been unable to resolve the zoning infractions and has had to issue Orders to Remedy; now therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, that should any violation of these Orders to Remedy occur, the Town Board authorizes Town Attorney William Reynolds to take legal action against these individuals.   

 

 On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-118 - Authorization for Further Legal Action of Zoning Infractions - Joshua Boldt, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – abstained, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 4 – 1

            WHEREAS, the Town has been made aware of continuing violations of the Town of Saratoga Zoning Code by Joshua Boldt, at 101 Brown Road; now, therefore be it

            RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to authorize legal action against Joshua Boldt, by Town Attorney William Reynolds, to enforce the Town laws.   

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-119 - Authorization to Overrun Contracted Amount for Professional Services with the LA Group, for the Town of Saratoga Boat Launch, in the amount of $3,750.00, 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 Town Board has contracted and worked with the LA Group in preparing plans for the boat launch on US RT 4, south of the Village of Schuylerville; and

WHEREAS, the fees for professional services for the final design and engineering, permitting, bidding, construction, administration and oversight has gone beyond the contracted amount, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, is authorized to overrun the contracted expenses with the LA Group, in the amount of $3,750.00 for completing the above specified duties. 

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-120 - Fund Transfer - $225.00 from Town Board Contractual- A1010.4, to Town Board Personnel Services-A1010.1, 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

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to transfer $225.00 from Board Contractual -A1010.4Town, to Town Board Personnel Services-A1010.1, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-121 - Fund Transfer - $100.00 from Town Board Contractual- A1010.4, to Unallocated Insurance-A1910.4, 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 $100.00 from Town Board Contractual -A1010.4, to Unallocated Insurance-A1910.4, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #17-122 - Fund Transfer - $2400.00 from Town Board Contractual-A1010.4, to State Retirement-A9010.8, 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

On a motion made by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-123 - Fund Transfer - $1100.00 from Demolition of Unsafe Buildings -A3650.4, to Municipal Association Dues-A1920, 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 $1100.00 from Demolition of Unsafe Buildings-A3650.4, to Municipal Association Dues-A1920.4, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-124 - Fund Transfer - $9500.00 From Buildings Personnel

Services-A1620.1, to Medical Insurance-A9010.8, 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 $9500.00 from Buildings Personnel Services-A1620.1, to Medical Insurance-A9010.8, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLouglin, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #17-125 - Fund Transfer - $5500.00 from Supervisor, Clerks Personnel Services-A1220.1, to Justices Personnel Services-A1110.1, 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

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to transfer $5500.00 from Supervisor, Clerks Personal Services-A1220.1, to Justices Personnel Services-A1110.1, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-126- Fund Transfer - $1600.00 from Planning Contractual - B8020.4, to State Retirement -B9010.8, 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 $1600.00 from Planning Contractual, to State Retirement-B9010.8, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-127 - Fund Transfer - $1000.00 from Zoning Contractual-B8010.4, to Social Security-B9030.8, 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 $1000.00 from Zoning Contractual, to Social Security-B9030.8, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

Communications:  Town is in need of a volunteer to represent us with the upcoming Federal 2020 Census.  The volunteer representative will need to attend some meetings and review information for accuracy.  If interested, please contact Supervisor Thomas Wood at (518) 695-3644  x 314 or twood@albany.twcbc.com.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reminded the Town Board of the upcoming Reverse 911 Training.  The training will take place on December 20th, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.  Carl Zeilman, Director of Saratoga County Emergency Services, will conduct the training here at the Town Hall.

 

Privilege of the Floor:  Wendy Lukas addressed the Board.

 

Upcoming meetings:

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

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, December 11, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-128 - 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 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 221 through 244                      $  61,470.89

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 358 through 394                      $  63,521.28

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 60 through 72                          $  15,475.36

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 31 through 33                         $    1,231.07 

HH                                          Voucher No. 65 through 69                          $  23,031.59

HI                                            Voucher No. 10 through 13                          $  44,625.20

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Grand Total     $209,355.39

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan at 9:03 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

Meeting Adjourned

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk