TOWN OF SARATOGA TOWN BOARD

MINUTES OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

12 SPRING ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

January 8, 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 Michael McLoughlin – present, Councilman Charles Hanehan- present, Councilman James Jennings – present, Councilman Gary Squires - present.

 

Also present:  Town Attorney William Reynolds, Deputy Town Clerk Michelle Conover, Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby Jr., Tiffany Mosher, Sally and Nelson Snowden.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/Public Hearings:

 

ORGANIZATIONAL APPOINTMENTS AND DESIGNATIONS:

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolutions #18-01-Setting the Rules of the Board, 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

Resolution #18-01 - setting the “Rules of the Board”:

WHEREAS, §63 of the Town Law provides that the Town Board may determine the rules of its procedures; now, therefore be it

 RESOLVED, that the following Rules of Order be and the same are hereby adopted pursuant to §63 of the Town Law:

RULES OF ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA

  1. The Supervisor shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall preserve order and decorum in debate.
  2. The Board shall be called to order by the Supervisor.  A quorum must be present in order to conduct business of the Town.  A quorum shall be defined as three members of the Town Board.
  3. The Supervisor, immediately following the opening of every regular meeting of the Board, shall proceed to the regular order of Town business as follows: Roll Call, Approval of Minutes, Town Clerk’s Report, Zoning Officer’s Report, Dog Control Officer’s Report, Town Court Report, Tax Collector’s Report, Historian’s

Report, Assessor’s Report, Highway Superintendent’s Report, Supervisor’s Report, Public comments on agenda items, Committee Reports, Old Business, New Business, Communications, Privilege of the Floor, Auditing Bills, Establishment of the Next Regular Meeting, Adjournment.

  1. Public Hearings:  It shall be the duty of the Supervisor to preside at all general or special business hearings, to instruct all persons addressing the Board to state their names, addresses, and to state whether they are for or against the proposal. Those in favor of the proposal before the Board should speak first and those in opposition should speak last.  At such hearings the Board may have special rules and prescribe the time to be allotted as 3 minutes to each speaker.  Once all persons wishing to speak have spoken once, any person wishing to speak a second time may do so for a maximum of 2 minutes. 
  2. At the close of the public hearing as provided for in paragraph “4” above, the Supervisor may grant any member of the general public in attendance at such meeting a reasonable opportunity to be heard on any question or subject in which the Town is concerned.
  3. Every resolution or motion must be seconded before being put to a vote by the Supervisor and all resolutions or motions shall be recorded in their entirety in the official minutes of the Town Board.
  4. The Supervisor may offer or second a resolution or a motion and need not relinquish the chair for such purpose.
  5. No motion or resolution may be brought to a vote except by the majority consent of those present unless printed or typewritten copies thereof are presented to each member of the Town Board 48 hours prior to the opening of the meeting at which such motion or resolution is offered.
  6. No member shall speak more than once on any questions until every member choosing to speak shall have spoken, no more than twice, in any case, without leave of the Town Board.
  7. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be entertained unless (a) for an adjournment or recess, (b) for the previous question to lay on the table, (c) to postpone to refer to a committee, or (d) to amend.
  8. A majority vote of all the members of the Town Board shall be required to suspend these rules of order.  A majority of the Town Board shall constitute a quorum.
  9. If the above stated rules are or become at any time in conflict with the statutory law, the statutory law shall take precedence.
  10. No member of the public shall engage in any demonstration, booing, hand clapping or otherwise disrupt the formality of a Town Board meeting.
  11. Any persons speaking to the Town Board with the consent of the Supervisor shall address their remarks to the town board, not to other members of the audience in the form of a debate.  Residents will be limited to speaking for three minutes unless extended by permission of the majority consent of the Town Board.  All persons speaking will be given respect and courtesy and in return are expected to be respectful and courteous.  The use of profane and inappropriate language is not acceptable. 

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolutions #18-02 through 18-23 - Organizational Designations and Appointments, were 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

v  Resolution #18-02 - setting the meeting time and place for the agenda meeting as the Thursday preceding the regular Town Board meeting, which is set as the 2nd Monday of the month, at 12:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville.

v  Resolution #18-03 - designating the Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company

as the official bank depository.

v  Resolution #18-04 - designating The Saratogian as the official newspaper for the Town.

v  Resolution #18-05 - authorizing the Supervisor to invest idle cash balances.

v  Resolution #18-06 authorizing the Supervisor to submit claims for state aid for youth recreation programs.

v  Resolution #18-07 - authorizing the Supervisor to execute & pay contracts & annual appropriations as provided in the budget.

v  Resolution #18-08 - approving the salaries & highway scale of wages and additional benefits as set forth in the 2018 budget. 

v  Resolution #18-09 - appointing the Supervisor as health insurance administrator.

v  Resolution #18-10 - authorizing the Supervisor to pay bills of utility, fuel, gas, oil, credit card & any discounted bills without prior audit and providing that bills are presented at first available meeting for audit.

v  Resolution #18-11 - authorizing the Highway Superintendent to spend/purchase up to $2,000 without prior notice to town board.

v  Resolution #18-12 - setting the mileage rate for actual town business at .54.5 cents per mile.

v  Resolution #18-13 - setting the election inspector rates at $100 and machine custodians at $75 per machine for Special Elections.

v  Resolution #18-14 - appointing Ed Cross as Dog Control Officer.

v  Resolution #18-15 - appointing William Reynolds as the Attorney for the Town.

v  Resolution #18-16 - appointing the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer as Gilman Albert.      

v  Resolution #18-17 - appointing Gilman Albert as the Fire Code Officer.

v  Resolution #18-18 - appointing Linda McCabe as Registrar of Vital Statistics, as Clerk to the Planning Board and as Clerk to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

v  Resolution #18-19 - appointing Dr. Christopher Thomas as the Health Officer.

v  Resolution #18-20 - appointing Kenneth Martin as the Engineer for the Town.

v  Resolution #18-21 - appointing Bernie Wood as Uniform Court Officer. 

v  Resolution #18-22 - appointing Dorothy Lavazzo as part-time Assessor’s Clerk.

v  Resolution #18-23 - Blanket Official Undertaking for Town Officers:

            WHEREAS, certain Town Officers are required to execute and file undertakings by reason of certain provisions of the Town Law; and

            WHEREAS, Public Officers Law §11 allows for the substitution of a blanket undertaking for such individual undertakings; and

            WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has in effect a blanket undertaking for all Town Officers required by law to execute and file undertakings; and

            WHEREAS, said blanket undertaking provides coverage for the failure of said officers to faithfully perform their duties or to account for all moneys or property received by them by virtue of their positions, and for their fraudulent or dishonest acts; and

            WHEREAS, Public Officers Law §11 requires this Board to approve blanket undertaking as to form and sufficiency of coverage; now, therefore be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves Crime Policy and  Public Officials Liability Policy MPLTSARA001 with NYMIR to the Town of Saratoga as a blanket undertaking for all Town Officers required to execute and file undertakings including but not limited to the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Justices, and Superintendent of Highways; and be it further

            RESOLVED, that the blanket undertaking shall have $100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand) coverage per employee with excess indemnity on the Tax Collector in the amount of $1,000,000.00 (one million), the Supervisor in the

Amount of $150,000.00 (One hundred-fifty thousand) and shall provide employee dishonesty coverage and faithful performance of duty coverage for said Officers as required by Public Officers Law §11, with an appropriate deductible established at the time of the purchase of the policy in accordance with the usual practice of the Town; and be it further

            RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be attached to said blanket undertaking and a copy thereof be filed in the Office of the Town Clerk. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood made the following annual appointments:

v  Deputy Supervisor – Councilman Michael McLoughlin 

v  Bookkeeper - Patricia Temple

v  Payroll Clerk - Jennie McReynolds

v  Town Historian - Sean Kelleher

v  Deputy Town Historian - Patricia Peck

v  Highway Committee: Councilman Gary Squires, Councilman Charles Hanehan and Councilman James Jennings

v  Youth Committee: Councilman Michael McLoughlin 

v  Senior Citizen Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood and Councilman James Jennings

v  Insurance Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood and Councilman Charles Hanehan

v  Landfill Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood, Councilman Gary Squires and Councilman James Jennings

v  Park Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood, Councilman Gary Squires, Councilman James Jennings, Councilman Michael McLoughlin, and Councilman Charles Hanehan

 

The following annual appointments were made by elected officials and read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:

v  Town Clerk Linda McCabe appoints Michelle Conover as Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics.           

v  Town Justice Daniel Waldron and Town Justice Charles Sherman appoint Bonnie Williams and Jennifer Johnston as part-time Court Clerks.

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the minutes of the December 28th, 2017, special year-end meeting as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye,

Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye. 

Carried 5 - 0

Town Clerk’s report for December 2017:  Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $40.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $146.44. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $0.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $180.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $170.56. Total State and Local Revenues received were $537.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for December 2017: 9 Building Permits, 19 Building Inspections, 11 Certificates of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permits, 0 Complaints, 0 Fire Inspections, 3 Orders to Remedy, 4 misc. appointments, 2 Building Permit Renewals and 0 Property Maintenance Inspections.  A check for $917.50 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for December 2017: The following report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:  Ed Cross, Dog Control Officer answered 13 complaints, took 0 dogs to the shelter, 0 bite cases, traveled 36 miles, issued 10 warnings and 1 summons was issued. 

 

Town Court report for December 2017: The following were closed: 63 Vehicle & Traffic, 5 Criminal/Penal Law, 0 DEC/ENCON, 3 Dog cases, 7 DWIs, 3 Town & Village Ordinance, 4 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Evictions, 3 Hearings, 1 (case transfers) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 2 Defendants sentenced to probation, 2 community service hours issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $6,920.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Tax Collector’s report for December 28, 2017 through January 3, 2018:  Tax Collector Marge Kirkpatrick submitted the following, which was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:

As of January 3, 2018, 200 residents had paid their tax bills which brought the total amount collected to $373,797.70.  The Town is now accepting credit cards for tax payments and she had two residents who paid with their credit cards and appreciated the convenience of being able to pay with their credit cards. 

 

The Tax Collector collects taxes in January on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.  Taxes may also be paid for by credit card or at the Glens Falls National Bank in Schuylerville. (The office will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.)

 

Historian’s report for December 2017:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that Historian Sean Kelleher submitted an annual report summarizing the 2017 monthly reports he has previously submitted to the Town of his activities and achievements; the multi-page summary report is on file in the Town Clerk’s office.

 

Assessor’s report: No report.

 

Highway Superintendent’s report for December 2017:

v  Tree trimming w/truck 9 and 4 with chipper

v  Road checks for icing and drifting

v  Placed screens on trucks along with general maintenance and cleaning

v  Replaced air cylinders on truck 1

v  Spreader chain and bearings on truck 2

v  Hydraulic line on truck 3

v  Maintenance has been done on garage generator

v  Truck 5 has been sent to Keiser for repairs

v  Painted break room and office bathrooms

v  Added a roof cover to the pole barn man door

v  Sanded for 5 storms, plowed and sanded for 3

v  Used truck 9 at new visitor center for tyvek and small window placement

v  Sanded Victory for two storms

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood reviewed the 2017 Goals set by the Board, stating some of the goals had been accomplished and some not.  Those not accomplished will serve as the basis for some of the 2018 Goals.  The 2017 Goals were as follows:

1.  Keep Town property taxes as low as possible: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated this has been accomplished by closely monitoring all town expenditures and we will continue to do so.

 2. Complete construction of the new salt storage shed:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that has not yet been accomplished, but he is optimistic it will be in 2018.

3.  Complete work on the New Tow Path trail  from Germain's to Garnsey's & construct the paved boat launch with adjacent dock on US RT 4, South of Schuylerville:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated there has been substantial progress on the tow path trail and with the acquisition of the 2.4 acres of land from Welcome Stock Land Holdings LLC., it will complete the project.

Nothing has happened with the boat launch; we await getting through the red tape, as well as approval from a number of governmental agencies.  The plans are complete and ready to go, but again, there's a DASNY (Dormitory Authority of the State of New York) Grant tagged to that.  Once the grant goes through, we can go forward with the project.

 4. Complete Farmland Protection Comprehensive Plan Grant project and amend Zoning Ordinance to reflect recommendations of the plan.  Supervisor Thomas Wood said he met with Tracy Clothier, of the LA Group, and she told him everything is nearly finalized and ready for final submission.  They are awaiting some response from Agriculture & Markets and will include their input with the final grant submission.  This project will be complete in 2018.

5.  Assist with Phase I construction of the new Regional Gateway Visitors Center, located at 30 Ferry St. in Schuylerville:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated this is a Historic Hudson-Hoosic Partnership project.   Progress has been slow with the Gateway Visitor Center and it does not look as if it will be completed in 2018.  As the building was not completely winterized due to funding, some timbers warped and had to be replaced.  The Town is helping only with the bookkeeping aspect of the project. 

6.  Increase rental occupancy rate of the Town Hall:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated we have a new tenant as of January 1st, but still have four offices available for rent.  The Town continues to seek tenants for those offices.

7.  Develop a Highway Department Safety Plan & Accident Log and initiate an accident prevention and reduction training plan:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated nothing seems to have been done to date, though the Town Board would like to see compliance with this.

8.  Investigate solar energy opportunities and implement where applicable:  The Board did look into this and the solar company they worked with found that the site was too small and decided to walk away.  Councilman Charles Hanehan stated if they were going to go forward with this, they need to do so cautiously while looking at other companies and check with other towns before making any decisions.

9.  Revise & update Town Emergency Action Plan and Procedures:  Sherry Doubleday assumes the responsibilities of the Town of Saratoga Office of Emergency Management.  A Reverse 911 Training Class was held here at the Town Hall and staff members of both the Village of Schuylerville and the Village of Victory were invited to attend.  Bill Lloyd of Victory Mills and Kory Heyman, temporary clerk for the Village of Schuylerville, attended the training.  Although it was a good training class, they had hoped for more staff participation of both villages.  As the County Emergency Management Coordinator was unable to attend, they will hold another training session with the Coordinator in attendance and hopefully more staff members of  both villages. 

Supervisor Thomas Wood then stated the Reverse 911 system is excellent and he reminded everyone to sign-up for Code Red.  Information is available on the Town's website.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood then discussed the proposed 2018 Goals, which are the same as 2017, unless the Board would like to add more.  After a brief discussion with the Board, the 2018 Preliminary Goals are as follows:

 

1.  Keep Town property 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 work on the new tow path trail from the Germain property to the Garnsey property as well as constructing the paved boat launch with an adjacent dock on US Rt. 4, south of Schuylerville.

 

4.  Complete Farmland Protection Comprehensive Plan Grant project and amend Zoning Ordinance to reflect recommendations of the plan.

 

5.  Continue to assist with Phase I construction of the new Regional Gateway Visitor Center, located at 30 Ferry St., Schuylerville.

 

6.  Increase the rental occupancy rate to 100% generating the greatest amount of revenue for the Town as possible.

 

7.  Develop a Highway Department Safety Plan, keeping an Accident Log, and initiating an Accident Prevention and Reduction Training Plan.

 

8.  Investigate solar energy opportunities and implement where applicable and appropriate.

 

9.  Revise and update the Town of Saratoga Emergency Action Plan & Procedures.

 

10. Update Inventory of Capital Items to target replacements for budgetary purposes.

 

11. Replacement of Town Hall front doors with new insulated doors.

 

12. Seek grants for the highway garage roof replacement, Town Hall heating system modifications and possibly the old bus garage roof, depending on the life of that existing roof.

 

In summary, Town Supervisor Thomas Wood encourages all residents of the Town to be informed, to participate, and to work cooperatively with spirit and enthusiasm. We all want to see our town be the best possible Town it can be.  We have great things happening and we are going to build on these successes.  It is with enthusiasm and excitement that we will move forward and meet the challenges in 2018.

 

Supervisor's Report:

                               SUPERVISOR’S REPORT DECEMBER 2017

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)                                      

                  Balance on hand 12/1/2017                 $  999,533.62

                  Revenues                                               +   21,300.92

                  Disbursements                                        -   67,964.36

                  Balance 12/31/2017                             $  952,870.18

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

                  Balance on hand 12/1/2017                 $1,643,954.23

                  Revenues                                             +    117,814.37

                  Disbursements                                      -      68,117.60

                  Balance 12/31/2017                             $ 1,693,651.00

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

                  Balance on hand 12/1/2017                   $  638,950.47

                  Revenues                                               +  195,688.98

                  Disbursements                                        -  102,965.89

                  Balance 12/31/2018                              $  731,673.56

 

                  SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT  12/31/2017       $155,186.94

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  12/31/2017             $    5,404.13

                                                                             

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  12/31/2017             $135,641.47

 

                  BUILDING RESERVE  12/31/2017                                     $ 255,138.02

                 

                        SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY  12/31/2017                        $        311.29  

 

                        PARKS RESERVE  12/31/2017                                           $151,956.55

 

                        TRUST & AGENCY  12/31/2017                                        $   66,388.88

 

                        HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2 12/31/2017              $        545.16

                        (holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                               

                        HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 12/31/2017              $   12,731.52

                        PARTNERSHIP

 

                        PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 12/31/2017                $      1,038.71

 

2017 Sales Tax Received - $110,968.00

Public comments on agenda items: No one addressed the board.    

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No report.

 

Insurance: No report.

 

 Youth: No report.

 

Senior Citizens: Councilman James Jennings reported the following: 

The Quaker Springs' Sunshiners met on December 11th with 32 members in attendance for their Christmas luncheon meeting, with entertainment provided by Amy Derling.  There will be no meetings during the months of January and February.

 

Park Committee: No report.

 

Office of Emergency Management (OEM):  No report

 

GSES, QSFD Reports: Assistant Fire Chief Don Ormsby reported that Quaker Springs Fire Department had a total of 104 calls in the year 2017.  The calls consisted of 4 boat rescues, 4 brush fires, 7 CO alarms, 7 EMS/lift assists, 22 fire alarm activations, 19 motor vehicle accidents, 13 mutual aid calls, 24 service calls and 5 structure calls.

 

Old business: None.

 

New business:

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-24 - Approval to enter into a contract for fire protection for the Village of Victory, 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 entering into the fire protection contract with the Village of Victory, for a term beginning January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018 and will provide consideration to the Village of Victory in the amount of $12,862.00.  The full agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk; and it is further

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

 

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-25 - Approval to enter into a contract for fire protection for the Village of Schuylerville, 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 entering into the fire protection contract with the Village of Schuylerville, for a term beginning January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018 and will provide consideration to the Village of Schuylerville in the amount of $36,370.00.00.  The full agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk; and be it further

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

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-26 - Authorization to enter into Senior Citizens' Contracts, 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 has determined that it is in the public interest to offer support and recreational services to the elderly residents of the Town; and

WHEREAS, the Old Saratoga Seniors and Quaker Springs Seniors have offered to provide such services to senior citizens who are residents of the Town; it is now therefore

            RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is authorized to sign contracts with Old Saratoga Seniors and Quaker Springs Seniors to provide support and recreational services to senior citizen residents of the town for the 2018 calendar year at a cost of $2,500.00 for each contract; and it is further

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

 

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-27 - Authorization to enter into a contract for attorney 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.

WHEREAS, the Town Board has determined that it is in the Town’s interest to have the services of William F. Reynolds as an attorney for the Town as needed; therefore be it

            RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is authorized to sign a contract with William F. Reynolds for attorney services for 2018 in the amount of $30,000 for general legal services for Town business with additional services for non-Town court litigation at an hourly rate of $150.00 per hour. 

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-28 - Planning Board Appointment - Joseph Lewandowski,

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 term of Planning Board Member Joseph Lewandowski has expired; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga reappoints Joseph Lewandowski for a seven year term as Member of the Planning Board from 01/08/2018 – 12/31/2024.

 

On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-29 - Approval To Enter Into An Agreement for Emergency Medical Services with Wilton Emergency Squad Inc., 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 is authorized by virtue of Section 122 (B) of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York to provide general ambulance service for the town; and

            WHEREAS, the Wilton Emergency Squad, Inc. has trained and experienced personnel and is certified by the Department of Health of the State of New York as an ambulance service; and

WHEREAS, the Wilton Emergency Squad, Inc. is desirous of furnishing emergency medical services to the town under the terms and conditions set forth in the Emergency Medical Services agreement; now, therefore be it,

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize entering into the Emergency Medical Services with the Wilton Emergency Squad, Inc. for the term beginning January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018 and will provide consideration in the amount of $308,825.00.  The full agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk; and it is further

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

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-30 - Fund Transfer - $1,000.00 From Justice Contractual-A1110.4 to Justice Clerk Personnel Services-A1110.4, 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 $1,000.00 from Justice Contractual-A1110.4 to Justice Clerk Personnel Services-A1110.1, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-31 - Fund Transfer - $150.00 From Highway Garage Contractual-A5132.4 To Highway Traffic Control Contractual-A3310.4, 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 $150.00 from

Highway Garage Contractual-A5132.4 to Highway Traffic Control Contracutal-A3310.4, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #18-32 - Fund Transfer - $1,600.00 From Special Recreational Contractual-A7150.4 to Parks Contractual-A7110.4, 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 $1,600.00 from Special Recreational Contracutal-A7150.4 to Parks Contractual-A7110.4, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-33 - Fund Transfer - $4,500.00 From Contingency-B1990.4 to Planning Contractual-B8020.4, 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 $4,500.00 from Contingency-B1990.4, to Planning Contractual-B8020.4, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-34 - Fund Transfer - $20,000.00 From Medical Insurance Benefits-DB9060.8 to Permanent Improvements-DB5112.2, 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 $20,000.00 from Medical Insurance Benefits-DB9060.8 to Permanent Improvements-DB5112.2, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-35 - Authorization to Purchase a 2.4 Acre Parcel on U.S. Rt. 4 South, 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, Welcome Stock Land Holdings LLC, 285 West River Road, Schuylerville, NY, owns the 2.4 acre parcel, S/B/L 170.-1-14.3, located on US RT 4 South, Schuylerville, NY; and

WHEREAS, Willard Peck, representative of Welcome Stock Land Holdings LLC, desires to sell the above described parcel; and

WHEREAS, the above described parcel borders the original Champlain Canal and Towpath, currently owned by the Town of Saratoga; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga desires to purchase the above described parcel for use as a trailhead and connection to the Sword Surrender March Trail; and

WHEREAS, the selling price for the parcel is an additional $500.00; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga enters into a contract to purchase the above described parcel for a total of $6,500.00 plus closing and recording costs; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the additional $500.00 for the purchase will come from Parks Account.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, to enter into Executive Session at 8:24 p.m. to discuss the appointment of a new Assessor.  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 was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, 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 Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye. 

Carried 5 – 0.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-36 - Appointing Michael McGuire as Sole Assessor, beginning 01/09/2018 - 09/30/2019, 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, Victoria Hayner has resigned her position of Sole Assessor for the Town of Saratoga, and

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

            WHEREAS, Michael McGuire has met all NY State Qualification Standards for an appointed Assessor, now, therefore be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby appoints Michael McGuire as Sole Assessor, at an annual salary of $24,000.00, to fulfill the vacancy created by Victoria Hayner, beginning 01/09/2018 to 9/30/2019.  

 

Communications:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated there are three grant revenue sources available for the Town and those are Saratoga County, National Park Service and the Hudson River Greenway.  He also stated that Governor Cuomo wants trail work completed and has targeted our Town for work to complete the Germain to Garnsey trail section and the Germaine to Schuyler House trail section, which is good news for our Town.

 

Privilege of the floor:  Tiffany Mosher, Sarah Snowden and Nelson Snowden addressed the Board with their concerns of the Phil Heitmann junkyard.

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Agenda meeting – Thursday, February 8, 2017 at 12:00 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, February 12, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-37 - Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 14G 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.

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 14G (2017) in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 263 through 273                      $  17,858.78

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 413 through 421                     $    2,071.94

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 88 through 89                         $       535.58

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 36                                            $         69.48 

HH                                          Voucher No. 72 through 73                          $       127.18

 

                                                         Grand Total     $   20,662.96

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-38 - Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 1G of 2018 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 1G of 2018 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 1 through 13                            $  10,109.88        

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 2 (Bookkeeper voided No. 1)         $       260.00

 

                                                         Grand Total     $   10,369.88

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:03 p.m. was made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye.  Carried 5 - 0

Meeting Adjourned

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk