REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

February 13, 2017

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: Zoning Officer/Building Inspector Gil Albert, Deputy Clerk Michelle Conover, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby Jr. and Michelle DeGarmo.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced and reviewed Local Law #3 of 2017, amending Local Law #10 of 2016.  He stated this local law extends the original moratorium on clear cutting of forested lands within the town.  Proof of Advertising having been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m. for Local Law #3 of 2017 – Extending the Clear Cutting of Forested Lands Moratorium, asking those wishing to speak to please state their name and address; no one spoke.   (A copy of Local Law # 3 is attached to Resolution #17-35 which will be voted on under New Business.)  

A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to close the Public Hearing at 7:04p.m.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0  

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated he recently received notification of a property going into foreclosure that had benefited from a home grant, and the Town may be held responsible.  He stated he had asked Michelle DeGarmo to attend the meeting to talk to the Board concerning theTown’s responsibility of foreclosed properties which have benefited from her grant programs. 

Michelle DeGarmo, of Flatley Read, appeared before the Board and addressed their concerns of properties that have benefited from her housing grants and then gone into foreclosure.  After a brief discussion Councilman James Jennings questioned if there is anything the Town can do to prevent this happening in the future.

Michelle DeGarmo responded the Town can create its own Town rules as long as they’re not contradictory to HUD rules.

The Board decided to wait for the Town Attorney’s opinion concerning the grant programs.

                                               

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires to accept the minutes of the January 5th agenda meeting and January 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 January 2017: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $74.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $47.24. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $335.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $165.26.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $644.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for January 2017: Gil Albert reported: 1 Building Permit, 6 Building Inspections, 5 Certificates of Occupancy, 0 Orders to Remedy, 0 Fire inspections, 0 Complaints, 0 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspections, and 2 misc. appointments.  A check for $150.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for January 2017: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:  answered 17 complaints, took 0 dog to the shelter, 02 bite cases, traveled 46 miles, issued 12 warnings and 1 summons was issued. 

 

Town Court report for January 2017: The following were closed: 30 Vehicle & Traffic, 5 Criminal/Penal Law, 1 DEC/ENCON, 1 Dog case, 2 DWIs, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 0 Small Claims/Civil, 0 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 0 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 0 hours of community service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $6,790.00  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 7th she has collected $2,703,559.89 on 2,654 parcels, which is 74% of taxes paid.  

 

Historian’s report for January 2017

“January into February has been a quiet month in Historian’s office.  We had 48 posts on our website with 439 visitors in January.  This is a 100% growth from January 2016 to 2017. 

Focus of efforts are on 1917 and thanks to Town Clerk Linda McCabe, I have gone through the town board minutes from 1916 and 1917.  I am also going through the local newspapers of 1917.  This upcoming month, I am working on Saratoga WW2 Veterans for a presentation for the Historical Association in the end of March.” 

 

Upcoming Classes and Meetings:

February 18th - Deputy Historian Pat Peck is offering a free Beginning Genealogy class, 10 - Noon in the Schuyler Room, at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall.

February 18th - Heritage Hunters meet on Saturday at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall at 1 pm; discussion will be on the Lost Landmarks of Saratoga County.

February 21st - Genealogy Help Group will meet at the Schuylerville Public Library, 10 am.

February 23rd - The Old Saratoga Historical Association meeting will be held at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall at 7:30 pm.  Discussion will be on Suffragette Susan B. Anthony.

 

 

Assessor’s report for January 2017:

During the month of January many people brought in their exemptions.  The Assessor had 14 valid sales and 10 non-valid sales; 17 were residential properties, 6 vacant land parcels and one commercial property.

 

The Assessor’s Office is open Mondays, 10:00 – 2:00 p.m., and Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:00 – 1:00 p.m. during the month of February.    The Assessor will be in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays.

 

Highway Superintendent’s January 2017 report: 

v  Road checks for signs, pothole repairs and icing after storms

v  Addressing downed trees and limbs in ditches

v  Replaced plow blades on Truck 3 and wing blades on Trucks 5& 6

v  Fixed rear lighting issues on Truck 6 and plow lights on Truck 3

v  Repaired screens on Truck 2

v  Pickup Trucks 2 & 3 received muffler systems, coil packs and  plugs

v  Pickup Truck 2 received a new radiator

v  Maintenance on chainsaws

v  Finished stripping and waxing of office area floors

v  Added motion sensors to the bathroom lights

v  Took down banners for Schuylerville with Bucket Truck 9

v  Cracked bucket was replaced on Truck 9

v  Plowed for 8 storms and sanded for 3

 

Supervisor’s report:  

                         SUPERVISOR’S REPORT JANUARY 2017

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)                                      

                  Balance on hand JAN. 1                 $     833,298.53

                  JAN. Revenues                              +      320,362.62

                  JAN. Disbursements                       -      368,483.42

                  Balance JAN. 31                              $    785,177.73

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

                  Balance on hand JAN. 1              $    1,437,094.51

                  JAN. Revenues                              +     111,203.09

                  JAN. Disbursements                      -          6,211.64              

                  Balance JAN. 31                          $    1,542,085.96

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

                  Balance on hand JAN. 1                  $ 659,650.04

                  JAN. Revenues                                 +         53.84

                  JAN. Disbursements                         -   61,983.40

                  Balance JAN. 31                           $    597,720.48

 

                  SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT  JAN. 31       $ 144,535.32

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  JAN. 31             $        211.19

                                                                             

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  JAN. 31             $  167,291.93

 

                  BUILDING RESERVE  JAN. 31                                     $  254,904.68                 

                        SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT  JAN. 31                          $          311.13     

 

                        PARK RESERVE  JAN. 31                                           $  151,956.55

 

                        TRUST & AGENCY  JAN. 31                                       $     80,080.63

 

                        MOBILE HOME GRANT  JAN. 31                              $            24.31

 

                        HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT  JAN 31                 $            84.60

                        (holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                               

                        CDBG GRANT  JAN. 31                                                $            20.14

 

                        HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER JAN 31                               $     29,291.66

                        PARTNERSHIP

 

v  Sales Tax Received – January 2017 - $110,026.00

v  December 2016 Mortgage Tax - $17,031.00

           

Public comments on agenda items: No comments.

 

Committee reports:  

           

Landfill:  Councilman James Jennings reported he has purchased four lids and four locks for the monitoring wells at the Town’s landfill.  He stated he will give two keys to Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby and two keys to the Town Hall.  He will also remove any and all Phoenix Lab sample test tubes that may have been left in the test wells, prior to installing the locked caps.

 

Insurance:  No report.

  

Youth:  Councilman Michael McLoughlin reported there will be a Winter Festival held at Hudson Crossing Park on February 18th and 19th.  There will be a snowmobile safety class as well as a guided, controlled ride within the park on Saturday.  On Sunday there will be sledding, ice harvesting demonstrations and horse drawn sleigh rides, as well as food, drink and games for all.

 

Senior Citizens:  Councilman James Jennings reported that the Old Saratoga Seniors met on February 1, 2017 with 50 members in attendance.  Lorraine Thompson of Bridging People & Places was their guest speaker and discussed how they give teddy bears to people who need a hug.

The following trips are planned:

March 25th - Turning Stone Casino, Verona, NY

May 23rd - Log Cabin, Holyoke, MA

July 6th - Saturday Night Fever Musical at the Mac-Haydn Theatre, Chatham, NY

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: Councilman Gary Squires stated that Mike Hayes, of Hayes Contracting Corporation., reported that the construction of the new west end pavilion has been completed.  He also stated the concrete floor installation was not part of the contract, as was the case with the east end pavilion, and will be addressed separately by the Schuyler Park Committee.  He then stated that updated photos of the pavilion will be posted on their website in the near future.

 

Office of Emergency Management: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that Sherry Doubleday has agreed to continue heading the Office of Emergency Management and will begin reorganizing and updating the Town’s Emergency Plan.

 

GSES, QSFD Reports: Chief Don Ormsby stated that Quaker Springs Fire Department had 11 calls in January 2017.

 

Old Business:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that he has applied for $5,750.00, of the $10,000.00 Hudson River Greenway Grant, to continue work on the tow path trail.  He also stated he has applied for $6,250.00, of the $25,000.00 NYS Ag & Markets Farmland Protection Grant, to get started.  Supervisor Thomas Wood also stated that we are still awaiting the contract from the DASNY Grant in order to get started with the new salt shed.

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-34 - Establishing a New Reserve Account, 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 exceeded the 2017 tax cap limit by $1,308.71, as a result of the omitted tax not being added into the tax cap calculation, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga did not vote to override the tax levy limitations, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is therefore required to put these excess funds into a Reserve, in accordance with Chapter 97, and use them to offset the property tax levy in subsequent fiscal year, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga establish a Reserve Fund in the amount of $1,339.00, to be used to offset the property tax levy in fiscal year 2018.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #17-35 - Adoption of Local Law #3 of 2017, 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 acknowledges the need to amend Local Law #10 of 2016, by extending the temporary moratorium on clear cutting of forested lands for a period of three (3) months, to adequately study, review and plan for legislation on clear cutting, and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held and input received from the townspeople, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, to adopt Local Law #3 of 2017, amending Local Law #10 of 2016, by placing an additional three month extension to the temporary moratorium on clear cutting of forested lands, effective immediately. 

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-36 - Approval, Acceptance and Authorization to enter into a Contract of Agreement with Absolute Drug & Alcohol Testing (ADAT) for the new drug testing policy for the Highway Employees, 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 Highway Superintendent has recently reviewed the Town of Saratoga Highway Department’s current drug & alcohol testing policy, finding it does not include the current DOT testing policy and procedures, which are required for the Town Highway Department to be compliant; and

WHEREAS, the Town Highway Superintendent has researched drug and alcohol testing policies of neighboring municipalities, found those municipalities compliant, and upon following the advice of those municipalities reached out to the Absolute Drug & Alcohol Testing company, (ADAT), and

WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent, finding Absolute Drug & Alcohol Testing’s policy does include current DOT testing policy and procedures, and at a cost savings to the Town,  would like to enter into a contract agreement with said company, bringing the Town of Saratoga’s Highway Department’s drug testing into regulation compliance, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, approves and accepts said testing policy and authorizes Town of Saratoga Supervisor Thomas Wood to enter into contract agreement for said drug testing services with the Absolute Drug & Alcohol Testing company, (ADAT), in accordance with the attached schedule for testing fees, mileage fees and wait time fees; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the form of such agreement shall be subject to final review and approval by the Town Attorney.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-37 - Agreement Between the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga and the Highway Superintendent of the Town of Saratoga for the Expenditure of the 2017 Highway moneys, pursuant to the provisions of Section 284 of the Highway Law, 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, Pursuant to the provisions of Section 284 of the Highway Law, the Town Board and the Town Highway Superintendent agree that moneys levied and collected in the Town for the          repair and improvement of highways, and received from the State for State Aid for the repair and improvement of highways, shall be expended as follows:            

1.       GENERAL REPAIRS:  The sum of $80,000.00 shall be set aside to be expended for primary work and general repairs upon 60 miles of Town highways, including sluices, culverts and bridges having a span of less than five feet and boardwalks or renewals thereof.

2.      PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS:  The following sums shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of Town Highways:

a.       On the road commencing at Wagmans Ridge Rd. and leading to Burke Rd., a distance of 1.54 miles, there shall be expended not over the sum of $168,000.00; using Blacktop Type 6, 20’ width of traveled surface, 3” base, 1.5” top thickness, reclaimed subbase of gravel, stone and oil = 8” - 10”.  (SOUTHARD RD.)         

b.      On the road commencing at Rt. 32 and leading to Duel Rd. a distance of 1.3 miles, there shall be expended not over the sum of $125,000.00; using Blacktop Type 6, 22’ width of traveled surface, 1.5” top thickness, subbase of 2.5” binder and gravel with shimming.  (WILBUR RD.)      

c.       On the road commencing at Louden Rd. and leading to Louden Rd., a distance of .62 miles, there shall be expended not over the sum of $45,000.00; using Blacktop Type 6, 22’width of traveled surface, 1.5” top thickness and 3” subbase.  (CHELSEA DR.)

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-38- Authorization to enter into a Highway Shared Services Agreement with New York State Department of Transportation, 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 determined that it is in the public interest to enter into a highway shared services agreement with NYS Department of Transportation (attached), and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga and NYS Department of Transportation have negotiated and finalized a proposed agreement, it is now therefore

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, authorizes Town of Saratoga Supervisor Thomas Wood to enter into aforementioned agreement; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the form of such agreement shall be subject to final review and approval by the Town Attorney.  

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-39 - Appointing Mark Sullivan as the Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals, 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, there is a vacancy for an Alternate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals,   therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga appoints Mark Sullivan as Alternate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, fulfilling the five year term of the previous Alternate Member, Steven Mehan, from 01/01/2014 – 12/31/2019.

 

Privilege of the floor:  No one spoke.

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Agenda meeting – Thursday, March 10, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, March 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-40,  Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 14G (2016) 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 14G (2016) in the following amounts:

 

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 452 through 458                      $   3,638.84

Highway DB                          Voucher No. 277 through 279                      $   1,795.67

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 42 through 43                          $      333.04

HH                                          Voucher No. 91                                             $ 65,000.00

           

                                                                                             Grand Total     $ 70,767.55

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-41, Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 2G (2017) 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 2G in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 02 through 21                          $  30,286.71

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 11 through 52                          $  13,574.09

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 01 through 08                          $    1,100.76

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 01 through 02                          $         92.23

Farmland Protection             Voucher No. 01                                             $    2,681.37

HH                                          Voucher No. 01 through 08                          $  15,718.71

                                                                                             

         Grand Total     $   63,453.87

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:47 p.m. was made by Councilman James Jennings and 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

Meeting Adjourned

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk