TOWN OF SARATOGA TOWN BOARD
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING
12 SPRING ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY
February 10, 2020
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 Michael McLoughlin – absent (arrived at 7:09 p.m.), Councilman James Jennings – present, Councilman Gary Squires - present, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - present.
Also present: Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby Jr., Town Attorney William Reynolds, Pat Temple and Jim Sullivan.
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/Public Hearings:
Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following resolution, honoring Charles E. Drew Sr.:
On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #20-41 - HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN CHARLES E. DREW SR., was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 – 0
WHEREAS, Charles E. Drew Sr. was the son born to John A. and Lillian A. Wood Drew, on February 2, 1922 in Schuylerville, NY; and
WHEREAS, he was the eldest of 10 children, 7 boys and 3 girls and his siblings were brothers Thomas Drew, Malcolm Drew, Joseph Drew, Francis Drew, Robert Drew, and John Drew, all of whom served in the military and sisters Alberta Drew Davis, Yvonne Drew, and Kathleen Drew Lant; and
WHEREAS, he was raised and lived at his family's home at both 76 and 66 Green Street in the Village of Schuylerville; he attended Schuylerville High School where he completed the 8th grade, and worked before enlisting in the Army at Larry King Fuels and Morehouse Paving; and
WHEREAS, he at the age of 18 he enlisted in the National Guard 105th Infantry, at the Armory on Lake Ave. on August 18, 1940; and
WHEREAS, the 105th Infantry Regiment was mustered for Federal Service and assigned to the 27th Infantry Division on October 15, 1940; and
WHEREAS, on October 24th, 1940, Company L marched from the Armory to the D & H Station to board the train headed to Fort McClellan Alabama for training; and
WHEREAS, just before the train's departure from the station, a horrific accident occurred with several family and friends being struck by another train passing through; and
WHEREAS, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Company L of the 105th Infantry Regiment 27th Division, was the first stateside Division to be deployed on December 14, 1941 for California, to block against anticipated Japanese invasion; and
WHEREAS, on April 1, 1942 the 3rd Battalion of the 105th Regiment arrived at Honolulu, establishing defensive installations against anticipated Japanese Invasion and training; and
WHEREAS, the 27th Division was the first soldiers in the Central Pacific to take offensive action invading the Gilbert and Marianas Islands; and
WHEREAS, the 105th Infantry Regiment earned its baptism by fire on Makin Island, the 3rd Battalion of which Charles was a member, making an assault landing on November 20, 1943; and
WHEREAS, after serving 4 years and 9 months he was honorably discharged on September 20th, 1945, at the rank of PFC; and
WHEREAS, following his discharge from the Army, he married Nellie Wilcox Burton Drew in Schuylerville, N.Y. on October 6, 1946 and together they had a son Charles E. Drew Jr. and they had six step children: David Burton, Robert Burton, Jeanne Burton Shoemaker, June Burton Newell, Jean Burton McCooey and Richard Burton; and
WHEREAS, he worked for a total of 30 years for the Village of Schuylerville as a heavy equipment operator, was Superintendent of the Public Works Department and head of the Water Department from 1953 to 1983 and was awarded a Quarter Century Public Service Award from the New York State Council of Mayors; and
WHEREAS, he was an active member of Post 278 of the American Legion in Schuylerville, was a member of the Schuyler Hose Fire Department for nearly 50 years and was Fire Chief for four years, and was a member of the Notre Dame DeLourdes Visitation Church in Schuylerville, and
WHEREAS, he was a loyal and dedicated servant to his family, community and country, always giving and serving everyone in any capacity he could; and
WHEREAS, he died at the age of 73, on March 20th 1995, at the Maplewood Manor Nursing Home in Ballston Spa, NY; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga extends our belated condolences to all of the family and friends of the Drew Family; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga does hereby recognize and honor, to the highest degree possible, Charles E. Drew Sr. for his patriotism, devotion, service and sacrifice for his country; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga will never let his name and the sacrifice that he made for his country be forgotten and that he will always be held in the highest esteem and remembered as a member of the greatest generation and one of the Town of Saratoga’s best.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Ruth Drumm and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to accept the minutes of the January 13, 2020 meeting as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 - 0
Town Clerk’s report for January 2020: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $58.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $56.68. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $270.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $40.82. Total State and Local Revenues received were $448.00.
Zoning Officer’s report for January 2020: 5 Building Permits, 25 Building Inspections, 12 Certificates of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permits, 1Complaints, 0 Fire Inspections, 2 Orders to Remedy, 1 misc., 5 Building Permit Renewals and 0 Property Maintenance Inspections. A check for $1,230.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.
Dog Control officer’s report for January 2020: The following report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood: Ed Cross, Dog Control Officer answered 10 complaints, took 0 dogs to the shelter, 1bite cases, traveled 36 miles, issued 4 warnings and 10 summons was issued.
Town Court report for January 2020: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report: Funds Collected - $3,535.00.
Tax Collector’s report for January 2020: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report submitted by Tax Collector Marge Kirkpatrick: As of February 5, 2020, 2,632 residents had paid their tax bills which brought the total amount collected to $,854,120.75.
Please Note: The Tax Collector collects taxes in February and March only on Mondays, from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Taxes may also be paid at the Glens Falls National Bank in Schuylerville, Monday - Friday or you may pay your taxes by credit card on-line or in the Tax Collector's office on Mondays only.
Historian’s report for January 2020: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that Historian Sean Kelleher submitted his annual report to the state, he's working on his 2019 list of notable dates and activities. He's been researching the history of Charles Drew, archiving donations to the office, posting on his blog, which had 1426 views, and has been working with the historical association, Brookside Museum and the National Park. He's put together a printed photo book, which shows a 20 year evolution of our community and there is a sample of it in the Town Supervisor's office.
February 15 - Heritage Hunters, 1 p.m. in the Schuyler Room at the Town Hall.
February 18 - Deputy Historian Pat Peck will host a genealogy group, 10 a.m. at the Schuylerville Public Library.
February 27 - Historical Association meeting on prohibition in our area, 7 p.m. in the Schuyler Room at the Town Hall.
Assessor’s report January 2020: No report.
Highway Superintendent’s report for January 2020:
v Pothole patching and addressed multiple water issues in roads
v Tree and limb clean-up at ditches
v Road checks for drifting and icing
v Replaced spinner motor and plow cutting edge on Truck 1
v Hydraulic pump cable, wing repair and 3 hydraulic lines on Truck 2
v Changed cutting edge, air dryer and repaired feeder chain on Truck 3
v Replaced carrier bearing and universals on truck 6
v Sent Truck 3 to Peterbuilt for coolant smell and lack of power
v Did 100 hr oil and filter change on Case loader
v Repaired the rear universal joint on Pick-Up 2
v Boom on our bucket truck passed inspection
v Striped and waxed the office and break room floors
v Cut and drilled metal straps for salt shed barrier block
v Sanded for 7 storms and plowed for 9
v Did a garbage route for Victory due to truck issues
v Salt shed status
Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated he and the Board reviewed the 2019 and 2020 Goals at the previous agenda meeting. Supervisor Thomas Wood stated he knows they are a lofty set of goals, but he and the Board will strive to achieve completion of the proposed Goals within the year. He then presented the following:
Town Board Goals for 2020
1. Keep Town Property Taxes as low as possible, closely monitor all Town expenses and strive to have no additional tax increases in the upcoming year.
2. Apply for a grant to update Town Comprehensive Plan and amend Zoning Ordinance to reflect recommendations of the newly adopted Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan.
3. Modify design, rebid, and construct new Boat Launch in the Hudson River on Rt. 4
4. Study possibilities for a Canoe & Kayak Launch and Parking Area on Fish Creek near Bryant's Bridge or a possible location on NYS DEC owned land near Mennan Rd., near the Village of Victory.
5. Receive more detailed monthly Town Court reports.
6. Maintain rental occupancy at 100%.
7. Appoint a new Town Emergency Action Plan Coordinator and update current Emergency Plan.
8. Review personnel manual and modify long term retirement benefits costs and controls.
9. Review Town Investment Policy and increase interest on invested money.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT JANUARY 2020
GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)
Balance on hand 1/1/2020 $1,072,586.42
Revenues + 58,373.87
Disbursements - 54,322.45
Balance 1/31/2020 $1,076,637.84
GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)
Balance on hand 1/1/2020 $1,760,885.92
Revenues + 121,757.99
Disbursements - 179,078.51
Balance 1/31/2020 $1,703,565.40
HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)
Balance on hand 1/1/2020 $ 708,204.23
Revenues + 56.01
Disbursements - 80,312.29
Balance 1/31/2020 $ 627,947.95
SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 1/31/2020 $158,017.03
YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE 1/31/2020 $ 8,672.60
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE 1/31/2020 $202,092.78
BUILDING RESERVE 1/31/2020 $367,752.25
SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY 1/31/2020 $ 311.61
PARKS RESERVE 1/31/2020 $356,956.55
TRUST & AGENCY 1/31/2020 $ 14,741.93
HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2 1/31/2020 $ 113.51
(holding checks until funds are deposited)
HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 1/31/2020 $ 7,536.18
PARTNERSHIP
PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 1/31/2020 $ 1,310.36
January 2020 Sales Tax Received - $117,901.00
December Mortgage Tax Received - $17,886.00
Public comments on agenda items: Joe Drew thanked the Board for all they've done in honoring his brother Charles; Yvonne and Tom Drew thanked the Board as well.
Committee reports:
Landfill: No report.
Insurance: No report.
Youth: No report.
Senior Citizens: Councilman James Jennings read the following reports: The Old Saratoga Seniors met for a luncheon meeting on February 5, 2020 with 46 in attendance. They will meet again on February 19th, with singer Don Young as their entertainment and they will also meet on March 4th.
The following trips are planned:
March 16, 2020 - Turning Stone Casino
May 28 - 30, 2020 - Niagara Falls
Please contact Pat Temple for your reservations as soon as possible.
The Quaker Springs Seniors met December 9, 2019 with 27 in attendance for their Christmas celebration. Each member contributed money for their dinner and the proceeds went to the Quaker Springs Fireman's Auxiliary. Their next meeting will be March 9, 2020.
Office of Emergency Management (OEM): Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that although there is no OEM report, he was very disturbed this past weekend with what he found when he went to the Schuyler Manor during the ice and snow storm. The Schuyler Manor has 13 apartments, and there is no emergency stand-by in that building. He had received a phone call on Saturday about the conditions there and was asked to go check things out. He went there and found many residents huddled together in the dark common room, colder than ice, extremely tired as they had been up all night, with no food and no heat. The power went off there early Friday afternoon and though some residents were picked up by family or friends, a sizeable number were there all night Friday and Saturday, absolutely freezing. He opened the Schuyler Room here in the Town Hall and with help from Sherry Doubleday, Helene Patterson, Dan Carpenter, Michael McLoughlin and others, they transported those residents here to warm them up with coffee, tea, cocoa, milk, snacks and games. Jason Young, Clark's Steakhouse, provided spaghetti and meatballs for everyone. Supervisor Thomas Wood also had help obtaining rooms at the motel for those who wanted a warm room to sleep in for the night. He spoke with Mary Farrell who told him she and other residents there are frustrated. He questioned why is there no generator for that building as many seniors live there; what if someone was on oxygen? That building is for people ages 62 and above and disabled people regardless of age. He stated the Belmont Management Company (Schuylerville Limited Partnership) has been irresponsible to these residents. Even the emergency lighting was out after a couple of hours and it was pitch black in there. They need an emergency plan there and a generator; this weekend proved that. Supervisor Thomas Wood added that when residents have asked for a generator there, they were told they'd have to raise their rents.
He then stated the Town is still in need of an emergency coordinator and an updated emergency plan.
Councilman Gary Squires suggested they pay someone to do this job as it is a great deal of work. Supervisor Thomas Wood responded they can offer a stipend to someone for this and the Board agreed.
Supervisor Thomas Wood thanked all who those who helped with getting the seniors safe and warm.
WEMS, QSFD Reports:
Assistant Fire Chief Don Ormsby reported that Quaker Springs Fire Department had a total of 6 calls for the month of January 2020.
WEMS: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report: Nash Alexander's Wilton Emergency Squad report shows 21 calls for the Town of Saratoga, 10 calls for the Village of Schuylerville and 3 calls for the Village of Victory for the month of January 2020.
Old business: None
New business:
On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolutions #20-38 - NYCLASS Municipal Coorperation Agreement, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 – 0
WHEREAS, New York General Municipal Law, Article 5-G, Section 119-o (“Section 119-o”) empowers municipal corporations [defined in Article 5-G, Section 119-n to include school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, counties, cities, town and villages, and districts] to enter into, amend, cancel and terminate agreements for the performance among themselves (or one for the other) of their respective functions, powers and duties on a cooperative or contract basis; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga wishes to invest portions of its available investment funds in cooperation with other corporations and/or districts pursuant to the NYCLASS Municipal Cooperation Agreement Amended and Restated as of March 28, 2019;
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga wishes to assure the safety and liquidity of its funds; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Supervisor Thomas N. Wood is hereby authorized to execute and deliver the Cooperative Investment Agreement in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Saratoga.
On a motion by Councilwoman Ruth Drumm and seconded by Councilman James Jennings , the following Resolution #20-39 - Board of Assessment Review (BAR) Reappointment - Jaime O'Neill, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 – 0.
WHEREAS, the term of Jaime O'Neill on the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) expired on September 30, 2019; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby reappoints Jaime O'Neill to the BAR for a 5-year term from 02/10/2020 – 09/30/25.
On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #20-40 - Appointment of Deputy Tax Collector - Rose Decker, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary
Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga Tax Collector is in need of a Deputy Tax Collector; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby appoints Rose Decker as Deputy Tax Collector.
On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #20-42 - Authorization to Enter into Contract with Adirondack Peak Services, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, finds it in the best interest of the Town to contract for cleaning services of the Town Hall; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to enter into contract with Adirondack Peak Services for cleaning services of the Town Hall, at a cost of $1,200.00 monthly.
On a motion by Councilwoman Ruth Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #20-43 - Transfer of Funds - $1,000.00 into A1330.1 - Tax Collection Personal Services, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 – 0.
WHEREAS; the Town of Saratoga Tax Collector has a need for a Deputy Tax Collector; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to transfer $1,000.00 from A1330.4 - Tax Collector account, into A1330.1 - Tax Collector Personal Services account, to cover expenses for a Deputy Tax Collector.
Communications: None
Privilege of the floor: Jim Sullivan addressed the Board.
Upcoming meetings:
v Agenda meeting – Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
v Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, March 9, 2020
at 7:00 p.m.
Supervisor Thomas Wood stated the Board needed to go into executive session to discuss certain contracts.
A motion was made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to enter into Executive Session concerning contracts at 8:10 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye. Carried 5 – 0.
A motion was made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to exit Executive Session at 8:38 p.m.; no Board action was taken. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye. Carried 5 – 0.
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #20-44 - Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 15G of 2019, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 – 0.
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 15G (2019) in the following amounts:
General Fund DB No. 258 - 260 $ 236.75
General Fund A No. 56, 261 - 264 $ 3,055.15
Schuyler Park H No. 265 $ 43.78
Grand Total $ 3,335.68
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilwoman Ruth Drumm and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #20-45 - Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 2G of 2020 was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 - 0
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 2G of 2020 in the following amounts:
General Fund DB No. 123 - 141 $ 22,139.52
General Fund A No. 55, 71 - 74, 76 - 103 $ 35,783.46
General Fund B No. 104 - 117 $ 5,341.41
Schuyler Park H No. 70 $ 70.19
CDBG No. 118 - 122 $ 36,132.00
Historic Hudson Hoosic No. 53 $ 5,189.00
Grand Total $ 104,655.58
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin at 9:11 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.
Carried 5 - 0
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda A. McCabe
Town Clerk