DRAFT MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.,
SCHUYLERVILLE, NY
February 8, 2016
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, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby Jr., Zoning Officer/Building Inspector Gil Albert, Ruth Drumm, Luke Drumm, Randall Odell, Thomas R. Drew, Sr., Chris & Kimberly Little, J. Cashin and Hubert Miller.
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
Supervisor Thomas Wood presented Fred (Fritz) Drumm’s wife, Ruth and their son Luke, with Resolution #16-44 - Recognition of Councilman Fred (Fritz) Drumm for his dedicated service to the Town of Saratoga.
On a motion made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #16-44, Recognition of Councilman Fred Drumm for his dedicated service to the Town of Saratoga, 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, Fred Drumm has been a resident of the Town of Saratoga for over 50 years, and
WHEREAS, Fred Drumm has given generously of his time and talents to public service for over thirty years, and
WHEREAS, Fred Drumm served as a member of the Town of Saratoga Board of Assessment Review from October 1, 1983 to September 30, 1998 and
WHEREAS, Fred Drumm served on the Town of Saratoga Planning Board from January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1999 and
WHEREAS, Fred Drumm served as Town Councilman of the Town of Saratoga for a total of 16 years, serving from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2015, and
WHEREAS, Fred Drumm served as Deputy Supervisor of the Town of Saratoga from January 1, 2006 until December 31, 20015, and
WHEREAS, Fred Drumm always worked hard and was fully engaged in performing his Town duties, striving to do the best possible job of serving the residents of the Town of Saratoga, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Fred Drumm for his service and devoted dedication as a Public Officer, and be it further
RESOLVED, that these expressions of gratitude be made a permanent record of the minutes of this meeting.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have here unto set our hands and the seal of the Town of Saratoga on this 8th day of February, 2016.
Supervisor Thomas Wood presented Ruth Drumm with Resolution #16-45, Recognition of Ruth Drumm for her dedicated service to the Town of Saratoga.
On a motion made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #16-45, Recognition of Ruth Drumm for her dedicated service to the Town of Saratoga, 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, Ruth Drumm has been a resident of the Town of Saratoga for over 50 years, and
WHEREAS, Ruth Drumm has given generously of her time and talents to public service for over thirteen years, and
WHEREAS, Ruth Drumm served as Town of Saratoga Deputy Town Clerk from September 3, 2002 until December 31, 2003, and
WHEREAS, Ruth Drumm served the Town of Saratoga as Town Clerk from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2015, and
WHEREAS, during her tenure as Town Clerk Ruth Drumm streamlined many of the office operating procedures resulting in better, more efficient service to the residents of the Town of Saratoga and
WHEREAS, Ruth Drumm served the Town of Saratoga as Registrar of Vital Statistics from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2015, and
WHEREAS, Ruth Drumm served the Town of Saratoga as Clerk to the Town Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004 during which time she updated and re-organized many of the forms, and
WHEREAS, Ruth Drumm received the Registered Municipal Clerk Certification from the New York State Town Clerk's Association, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of the Town of Saratoga expresses our sincere thanks and appreciation to Ruth Drumm for her loyal and devoted dedication as a Public Officer, and be it
RESOLVED, that we extend our best wishes to Ruth Drumm and her family for a long, healthy, and happy future, and be it further
RESOLVED, that these expressions of gratitude be made a permanent record of the minutes of this meeting.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have here unto set our hands and affixed the seal of the Town of Saratoga on this 8th day of February, 2016.
Supervisor Thomas Wood presented Resolution #16-46, Recognition of James Gorham for his dedicated service to the Town of Saratoga.
On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #16-46 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, James Gorham has been a resident of the Town of Saratoga for over 10 years, and
WHEREAS, James Gorham has given generously of his time and talents to public service for 10 years, and
WHEREAS, James Gorham previously served as budget officer and tax collector for the Town and Village of Waterford and
WHEREAS, James Gorham served as Town of Saratoga as Tax Collector from January 1, 2006 until December 31, 2015, and
WHEREAS, as Tax Collector James Gorham performed his duties with excellence, and
WHEREAS, James Gorham was instrumental in the move to computerize the tax collection process in the Town of Saratoga and kept current on tax collecting regulations and procedures by attending numerous training sessions, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we, the Board of the Town of Saratoga, express our sincere thanks and appreciation to James Gorham for his loyal and devoted dedication as a Public Officer, and be it
RESOLVED, that we extend our best wishes to James Gorham and his family for a long, healthy, and happy future, and be it further
RESOLVED, that these expressions of gratitude be made a permanent record of the minutes of this meeting.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to accept the minutes of the January 7th agenda meeting, January 11th regular meeting and January 12th 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 January 2016: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $36.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $28.34. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $0. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $175.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $133.91. Total State and Local Revenues received were $373.25.
Zoning Officer’s report for January 2016: Gil Albert reported: 5 Building Permit, 17 Building Inspections, 11 Certificates of Occupancy, 2 Orders to Remedy, 1 Fire inspections, 0 Complaints, 1 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspections, and 2 misc. appointments. A check for $1,616.25 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.
Dog Control officer’s report for January 2016: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood: answered 11 complaints, took 0 dog to the shelter, 0 bite cases, traveled 34 miles, issued 7 warnings and 1 summons was issued.
Town Court report for January 2016: The following were closed: 23 Vehicle & Traffic, 7 Criminal/Penal Law, 2 DEC/ENCON, 0 Dog case, 2 DWIs, 1 Town & Village Ordinance, 0 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Evictions, 2 Bench trials, 1 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 2 Defendants sentenced to probation, 0 hours of community service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $3,980.00 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 February 6th she has collected $2,471,915.27 on 1,995 parcels which is 69% paid.
Historian’s report: January 2016 Historian’s Report
January is a month that the Historian’s office is writing over 45 short histories for our social media, presentations and posters. The focus has been varied from colonial history including Alexander Hamilton, our oldest Civil War veteran George Potter, tax collection in the past, Home Bureau, and the Study Club. After five months, we had a total of 1,600 views and 900 visitors on our web blog at historianatsaratoga.wordpress.com. We had approximately 10 inquiries in the office; even a couple coming in from as far England and California.
In the month of February, the Schuylerville Public Library and the Historian's Office has the Genealogy Help Group on Tuesday, February 16 at the library at 10 am. Heritage Hunters will meet on Saturday, February 20th at Saratoga Town Hall at 1 pm regarding the Town of Providence history. The Old Saratoga Historical Association meets on Thursday, February 25th at the Town Hall at 7:30 pm regarding the slaves unearthed at Schuyler Flats in Menands.
Assessor’s report for January 2016: none
Highway Superintendent’s January 2016 report:
v Addressing pot holes
v Shop clean up
v Cutting back trees and brush on Hanehan Rd.
v Garage inventory list has been updated
v General maintenance and cleaning on all trucks
v Inspection done on truck 9
v Maintenance done on Road Grader with 4 new rear tires
v Plow blade change on truck 2
v Air lines repaired done on truck 3
v Bathrooms have been vented to the exterior of the building, as has the stove
v Have sanded 4 and plowed for 3 storms
v Did repair work on both of Victory’s trucks and salted for one storm
Supervisor’s report: 2016 Goals
1. Keep Town taxes as low as possible, closely monitor all town expenditures, and strive to have no additional tax increases in the upcoming years.
2. Complete construction of the new salt storage shed.
3. Complete negotiations and enter into multi-year contract with highway department Teamsters local 294 union.
4. Start and complete work on new towpath trail from Germain's to Garnsey's and obtain deed from NYS for boat launch property and construct a paved launch.
5. Update the Town Comprehensive Plan.
6. Assist with phase I construction of the new regional Gateway Visitor’s Center located at 30 Ferry Street in Schuylerville.
7. Complete and have online the Solar Panel project located at the Town Highway Garage.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT JANUARY 2016
GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)
Balance on hand JAN. 1 $ 737,433.82
JAN. Revenues + 11,390.12
JAN. Disbursements - 61,549.03
Balance JAN. 31 $ 687,274.91
GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)
Balance on hand JAN. 1 $ 1,362,636.88
JAN. Revenues + 111,786.01
JAN. Disbursements - 2,905.45
Balance JAN. 31 $ 1,471,517.44
HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)
Balance on hand JAN. 1 $ 676,791.59
JAN. Revenues + 55.92
JAN. Disbursements - 33,523.72
Balance JAN. 31 $ 837,793.25
SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT JAN. 31 $ 151,333.57
YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE JAN. 31 $ 2,821.41
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE JAN. 31 $ 102,986.82
BUILDING RESERVE JAN. 31 $ 204,695.18
SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT JAN. 31 $ 310.97
PARK RESERVE JAN. 31 $ 101,956.55
FIRE PROTECTION JAN. 31 $ .34
TRUST & AGENCY JAN. 31 $ 49,306.86
MOBILE HOME GRANT JAN. 31 $ 10,882.18
HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT JAN 31 $ (22,173.13)
(holding checks until funds are deposited)
CDBG GRANT JAN. 31 $ 12.63
HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER JAN 31 $ 192,888.21
PARTNERSHIP
v Sales Tax Received – January 2016 - $110,026.00
v December 2015 Mortgage Tax - $14,174.00
Public comments on agenda items: Randall Odell, 99 Brown Rd., addressed the Board and Hubert Miller, 97 Brown Rd., addressed the Board.
Committee reports: No report.
Landfill: No report.
Insurance: No report.
Youth: No report.
Office of Emergency Management: No report.
GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports:
Quaker Springs Fire Department: Chief Don Ormsby stated they have responded to 2 calls in January. He also stated the fire department will be hosting an Ice Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 13th at the Cove, Rt. 4, Schuylerville, NY. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m, tournament begins at 8:00 a.m and ends at 2:00 p.m.
Old business:
v Solar City Update – Supervisor Thomas Wood stated he has heard back from Jennifer Jachym of Solar City and she explained that they have received our financials and the Town has been approved. They will draw up the contract, do the initial layout via Google Earth and will submit their findings to the Town Board for review. They will address any questions and comments or changes with an on-site visit. Supervisor Thomas Wood also explained that he was told the biggest hold-up will be with National Grid; they seem to be taking their time hooking up.
New business:
On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #16- 47-Legal Action-Town Code Infraction of Brian & Deborah Lux 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 has been made aware of violations of the Town Code by Brian and Deborah Lux involving a use not permitted by the Town Zoning Ordinance on property located at 707 Route 4, and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Officer has been unable to resolve this issue with Brian and Deborah Lux, it is now, therefore
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to authorize legal action by the Town Attorney in local court to enforce compliance.
On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings the following Resolution #16- 48-Lease Surrender 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.
THIS AGREEMENT, made the 31st day of January, 2016, between the TOWN OF SARATOGA, hereinafter referred to as the “Landlord” and VL EXECUTIVE SERVICES, LLC, hereinafter referred to as the “Tenant”;
WHEREAS, the Tenant has previously leased from the Landlord real property premises known as 12 Spring Street, Room 2E, second floor, north wing, Schuylerville, New York, pursuant to a lease dated July, 2015 and
WHEREAS, it is the mutual desire of both the Landlord and the Tenant that the Tenant surrender the leased premises to the Landlord, and that the Landlord accepts the surrender of the leased premises, it is now therefore agreed as follows:
On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires the following Resolution #16- 49- Approving Lease – VL EXECUTIVE SERVICES, LLC 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 has excess space in the Town Hall at 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville, NY which is unneeded for Town purposes, and which has been leased previously; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board desires to lease such excess space for fair and adequate consideration; it is hereby
RESOLVED, that in the north wing, second floor of the Town Hall, Suite 203, Rooms 1E be leased to VL EXECUTIVE SERVICES, LLC on an annual basis for a monthly rental amount of $550.00 with other terms to be set as set forth under a form of lease agreement presently in use for other business tenants in the Town Hall; and it is further,
RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to enter into a lease agreement to carry out this resolution, subject to approval of the Town Attorney as to form.
On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires the following Resolution #16- 50- Transfer of Funds- $2400.00 from DB 5110.1 General Repairs PS to DB 5110.4 General Repairs CE for the 2015 budget, 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 $2400.00 from DB 5110.1 Garage Repairs PS to DB 5110.4 General Repairs CE for additional 2015 year end expenses.
v OTIS Elevator Repair Contract Discussion: Supervisor Thomas Wood explained to the Board that upon the last inspection by Otis Elevator, they notified the Town that the dual hydraulic jacks need to be replaced and that if the Town doesn’t replace them, they will put the elevator out of service citing safety issues. The contract received for the replacement is in the amount of $40,275.00 +; that price does not remain firm if other issues are found. Supervisor Thomas Wood and the Board discussed the estimate for the replacement of the jacks for the elevator. It was decided that Supervisor Thomas Wood will contact Otis Elevator to come to the Town Hall and meet with the Board, as well as an engineer of the Board’s choice, to show them the issues with the dual hydraulic jacks. The Board agreed to engage a structural engineer to come in and do an independent analysis of the jacks. Otis said the jacks are compromised due to possible water damage in the pit, although there has been no water in the pit aside from the one flood we had. The pit is bone dry and Otis never mentioned any issue with the hydraulic jacks when doing their inspections over the eight years it has been in service.
v Salt Shed Discussion: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that the salt shed bids came in much higher than anticipated and once the cost of materials is added in the cost exceeds our grant of $100,000.00. Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby stated he will downsize and have the plans redrawn and then we can rebid the project.
v Cell Phone Reimbursement: Supervisor Thomas Wood discussed the reimbursement rate for cell phone use. He said that our Zoning Officer, Dog Control Officer and Planning Chair receive a $15.00 stipend for using their own phones for Town of Saratoga business, whereas the Highway Superintendent has been receiving $50.00 and his assistant $40.00. Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that the Zoning Officer, Dog Control Officer and Planning Chairman receive calls 24-7 and are fine with receiving the stipend. Supervisor Thomas Wood believes the $15.00 cell phone reimbursement rate should be the same across the board. Councilmen will give this consideration.
A motion to enter into Executive Session was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to discuss union negotiations at 8:52 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. Carried 5 – 0.
A motion to come out of Executive Session was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by James Jennings at 9:13 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.
Carried 5 – 0.
Privilege of the floor: No one spoke
Upcoming meetings:
v Agenda meeting – Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
v Regular town board meeting – Monday, March 14, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #16-51 Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 15G 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 that the bills be paid on Abstract #15G (2/08/2016 for the remainder of 2015) in the following amounts:
General Fund A Voucher No. 481 through 482 $ 65.96
General Fund B Voucher No. 88 $ 62.46
Highway DB Voucher No. 262 $ 2,400.00
Grand Total $ 2,528.42
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires the following Resolution #16-52 Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 2G 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 authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract #2G (02/10/2016) in the following amounts:
General Fund A Voucher No. 10 through 45 $ 15,652.30
General Fund B Voucher No. 1 through 10 $ 3,692.83
Schuyler Park H Voucher No. 1 through 1 $ 69.27
Highway DB Voucher No. 5 through 24 $ 23,315.62
CDBG Voucher No. 8 through 14 $ 44,460.00
HH Voucher No. 1 through 1 $ 1,837.50
HI (Home Improvement) Voucher No. 5 through 14 $ 27,316.00
Grand Total $116,343.52
A motion to adjourn at 10:03 p.m. was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman James Jennings. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – ayet, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. Carried 5 - 0
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda A. McCabe
Town Clerk