DRAFT MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA

 12 SPRING ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

June 10, 2019

 

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: Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby, Deputy Clerk Michelle Conover, Attorney William Reynolds, Michael Booth, Allan Weils, Michael Phillips, Terri Korb, Shan Burton, Jeremiah Burton, Jim Sullivan, Jan & Paul Murphy.  (sign in sheet on file in the Clerk's office)

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to accept the minutes of the May 13, 2019 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 May 2019: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $71.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $733.01. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $67.50.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $315.00. Miscellaneous Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $201.49.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $1,388.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for May 2019: 9 Building Permits were issued, 24 Building Inspections, 6 Certificate/s of Occupancy, 2 Junkyard Permit/s, 4 Complaint/s, 0 Fire inspection, 0 Order/s to Remedy, 5 misc., 4 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspection.  A check for $4,025.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer's report for May 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following:    Dog Control Officer Ed Cross answered 13 complaints, took 4 dog/s to the shelter, traveled 141 miles, issued 9 warnings, 11 summons were issued and dealt with 2 bite case/s. 

 

Town Court report for May 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report: Funds collected for the month of May 2019 -  $3,952.00.

 

Historian’s report for May 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following:  The Historian has been busy this month documenting the following: the first Congressional 'town meeting' in Schuylerville, the Empire State Trail construction and ribbon cutting, the completion of a recent

phase of the March to Surrender trail, the construction of the Sword Surrender site and in addition, he's worked on two property history projects in the town.  He visited and supported the American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR) program with their work detecting the remains from the second Battle of Saratoga.  They've been doing cutting edge work in our region and he hopes to do more to support their efforts in future years.

In May, he had 117 posts on his blog, 751 visitors and 1,332 views.

June 10 - He will be speaking to the Quaker Springs Sunshiners Club on Schuyler’s Saw Mill. 

June 13 - He will be welcoming and sharing local history and guiding over 500 Volkswalkers visiting our community.

June 18 - Deputy Historian Pat Peck leads a genealogy group, 10:00 a.m., at the Schuylerville Public Library .

June 15 - Heritage Hunters will meet at 1 p.m. on Saturday, at Town Hall.  The speaker will be Greg Veitch, a fifth generation Saratogian and recently retired Saratoga Springs Chief of Police. He will speak about the darker side of early Spa history. Greg has spent years researching the history of Saratoga Springs and he details the stories of gamblers, gangsters, crime and corruption from the founding of the village through prohibition. It is chronicled in his book: “All the Law in the World Won’t Stop Them.”

June 27 - The Old Saratoga Historical Association will meet at the Prospect Hill Cemetery on Thursday, at 7 pm with Schuylerville Historian Krissy Saddlemire to talk about some of the interesting people in the cemetery. 

 

Assessor’s report for May 2019: No report

 

Highway Superintendent’s report for May 2019: 

v  Repair or replacing signs

v  Clearing plugged culverts and tree debris in ditches

v  Started mowing roadsides

v  Done ditching, patching and shimming, culvert replacements on Haas road

v  Prep work on Haas rd for blacktop

v  Addressed storm drain on roadside of Sleepy Hollow farm on Fitch rd

v  New brakes on pickup 3

v  JD dozer maintenance done

v  Mounted tool box and water trailer hitch on truck 4

v  Mowed picnic area at Wilbur rd trail

v  Town hall parking lot striping

v  Grade towpath for Schuylerville

v  Two trucks to Providence for blacktop

 

Supervisor’s report:  

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT MAY 2019

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)

 

                 Balance on hand 05/01/2019               $ 1,375,666.34

                  Revenues                                               +   164,764.85

                  Disbursements                                        -     59,250.42

                  Balance 05/31/2019                             $ 1,481,180.77

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 05/01/2019               $1,851,648.34

                  Revenues                                              +       3,795.75

                  Disbursements                                      -      10,456.44

                  Balance 05/31/2019                             $1,844,987.65

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 05/01/2019                $   782,208.12

                  Revenues                                               +   111,088.82

                  Disbursements                                        -     53,108.27

                  Balance 05/31/2019                              $   840,188.67

                 

 

SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 05/31/2019                   $152,597.07

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  05/31/2019                        $    7,125.87

 

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  05/31/2019                                    $102,016.24

 

BUILDING RESERVE  05/31/2019                                                 $292,550.55

                 

SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY  05/31/2019                                    $       311.49   

 

PARKS RESERVE  05/31/2019                                                        $ 226,956.55

 

TRUST & AGENCY 05/31/2019                                                      $   22,965.12

 

HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2  05/31/2019                          $        112.48

(holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                   

HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 05/31/2019                       $   28,700.92

PARTNERSHIP

 

PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 05/31/2019                               $     1,309.86

 

CDBG PROJECT 05/31/2019                                                           $   11,764.00

 

v  Sales Tax ReceivedMay 2019 - $110,517.00

v  Mortgage Tax - April 2019 - $14,390.00

v  Mortgage Tax October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019 - $71,495.59

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood told the Board he received communication from Vertical Bridge concerning their cell tower at the Hayes Rd. landfill.  Vertical Bridge offered a one-time buyout of their annual easement rent for $315,000.00, as they say it will be easier to get other carriers on the tower without being under a rental agreement and "owning" it outright.  They are under contract with the town until 2053, although they have the right to drop us at anytime.  The amount they pay increases 15% each year and additional carriers will have to pay as well.  The Board discussed this and will counter back, but this is only at a discussion point to date.

 

Public comments on agenda items: No one spoke.

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No report

 

Insurance: No report

 

Youth: Councilman Michael McLoughlin stated seven children are signed up for swimming lessons to date. 

 

Senior Citizens: Councilman James Jennings reported the following:  The Schuylerville Seniors held a Birthday Luncheon on June 4, 2019 at Fairways of Halfmoon.  Pins were handed out for Saratoga County's Senior of the Year Luncheon, which will be held on June 26, 2019 at Canfield Casino, Congress Park, in Saratoga Springs.

There will be no meetings during the summer; meetings will begin again in September.

They held Election of Officers: President is Donna Haney, Vice President is Joanne Hanna, Secretary is Dale Baldwin and Treasurer is Pat Temple.

 

A trip is planned to Lake George for a Lake George Steamboat Luncheon on September 10, 2019.  Contact Pat Temple for further information.

 

Quaker Springs Seniors met on May 10, 2019 for a Pot Luck Luncheon with 27 members in attendance.  Town Attorney William Reynolds was their Speaker and presented a slide show about Myths of Laws concerning Wills, Trusts and General Rules related to the best ways to prepare one's self and family for handling a person's estate.  He gave a short biography of his education and how he came to be appointed to his present position.  His program was very well received and he answered many questions from those in attendance.

 

They also met on June 10, 2019 with Town Historian Sean Kelleher, speaking on General Phillip Schuyler's Saw Mill.

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: Councilman Gary Squires reported they met on May 28, 2019.  The Park is up and running with normal activities and no issues to date.  They've updated their website and the West End Pavilion is finished and can now be reserved for use.  Plans for installing a flag pole, funded by the American Legion, near the Park entrance is nearing completion.  As there is no electrical service in that location, part of the plan involves the use of solar powered lighting for the flag.  The Park Committee will assume maintenance responsibility of the flag and flag pole.

 

Next meeting will be held on July 30, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Office of Emergency Management: No report

 

QSFD, WEMS Inc.: Don Ormsby, Quaker Springs Assistant Fire Chief, stated they have had 42 calls to date for 2019. 

Nashua Alexander, Wilton EMS, Inc., submitted their report which stated they had 26 calls in the Town of Saratoga for the month of May 2019.

 

Old Business: None

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #19-76, Request to Reduce Speed Limit - County Route 70 & Brown Road, 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 received and acknowledges the numerous complaints of speeding on County Route 70 (from the intersection of County Routes 70 & 71, going south to the Town of Stillwater town line), and on Brown Road; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board believes reducing the speed will make the roadways much safer; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga requests that the New York State Department of Transportation reduce and maintain a speed limit of 40 mph on County Route 70 and on Brown Road, as they believe such request to be well-founded

 

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #19-77, Approving the Donation of $2500.00 for the Turning Point Parade, 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 Twenty Fifth Annual Turning Point Parade will take place on Sunday, August 4th in the Village of Schuylerville; and

            WHEREAS, this parade’s mission has served as a reminder of the history and heritage of this special area where the battles at Saratoga were thought to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War; and

            WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga supports the parade’s mission, now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga contribute $2,500.00 to the Turning Point Parade, c/o Byron Peregrim, Chairman, 18 Broad St., Schuylerville, NY from Celebrations-A7550.4.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #19-78, Authorizing Town Attorney to Amend Local Law #2 of 2009, Without Time Limitation, 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, wishes to continue to provide the partial tax exemption, without  time limitation, for residential real property owned by certain persons who rendered Military Service to the United States during the Cold War Period - September 2, 1945 through December 26, 1991; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, by the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, to authorize Town Attorney William Reynolds to draft a local law amending Local Law 2, 2009.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #19-79, Declaring Surplus Highway Equipment & Authorizing Highway Superintendent to Advertise said equipment for sale, 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

                WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga Highway Superintendent has stated that the 2004, International vT365 4200 Series Allison 3500 w/PTO Dump Truck (115,800 miles), and the 1994 Bandit Chipper with cummins engine (1660 hours), are no longer needed by the Highway Department, now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, now declares the old dump truck and chipper as surplus equipment and authorizes the Town Highway Superintendent to advertise the sale of said surplus equipment.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #19-80, Approving Lease Agreement with Carolina-Eastern Vail, 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 Tenant wishes to lease the 2E, 3E and 3E2 offices, second floor, north wing, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville, New York; and

            WHEREAS, it is the mutual desire of both the Landlord and the Tenant that the Tenant lease said offices, beginning July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga Town Supervisor is authorized to enter into a lease agreement with Carolina-Eastern Vail, Inc. for the 2E, 3E and 3E2 offices, second floor, north wing, commencing on July 1, 2019.  The total sum of $895.00 will be due and payable on the first day of each and every month thereafter, until the lease is terminated, and as additional rent, the Tenant will pay an amount equal to a total of 16% of the monthly utility bills of the 2nd floor, north wing; and be it 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 by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #19-81, Surrender of Leased Premises, 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 Tenant has previously leased from  the Landlord real property premises known as 12 Spring Street, Room 3E2, second floor, north wing, Schuylerville, New York, pursuant to a lease dated December 6, 2018; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that 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, agreed as follows:

1.      The Landlord releases the Tenant from any and all obligations of the aforesaid lease agreement and the Tenant releases and relinquishes any and all rights, title, claim or interest in and to the leased premises.

           

On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #19-82, Authorization to Enter into Contract for Professional Services for new Accounting Program, 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 accounting software (1990's) is extremely outdated and in need of updating; and

            WHEREAS, the Town's Supervisor and Bookkeeper, after thorough research and speaking with our auditor and other municipalities, found Edmunds & Associates (BAS) Finance & Payroll System to be the most cost effective and user friendly system at a total cost of $32,580.00, payable over a two year period; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga approves and authorizes the Town Supervisor to enter into contract with Edmunds & Associates for the purchase and maintenance of the Finance & Payroll Accounting System.

 

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #19-83, Authorization to enter into contract with Twin Bridges Solutions for Telecommunication 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

            RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to authorize Supervisor Thomas N. Wood III to sign a contract with Twin Bridges Solution for telecommunications services.

 

Privilege of the floor: Allan Weils, Michael Phillips and Paul Murphy addressed the Board.  Mr. Murphy submitted letters to the Clerk.

 

Communications: Supervisor Thomas Wood noted the Empire Trail Ribbon Cutting took place on June 4th and New York State Senator Daphne Jordan and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner were present.  The $205,000.00 grant the Town obtained paid for the trail, which goes from the Footbridge over Fish Creek to Saratoga Street in the Village of Schuylerville.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood also noted that the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors are sponsoring "Year of the Senior" Celebration for Saratoga County residents age 60 and over, at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, June 26, 2019.  (This is a free event and seniors can obtain an admission pin at their local senior center or town hall.  People are encouraged to get their pins as soon as possible so organizers can get an accurate number of expected attendance.  Homebound seniors will be able to get a pin delivered through the county's home-delivered meals program.  Seniors who are in need of assistance are welcome to bring a caregiver to the event.  The event will start at 11:00 a.m. with a recognition ceremony for senior groups and support organizations from across the county.  This event is to celebrate  the backbone of our communities, which are our seniors.  We hope they will enjoy this show of appreciation for all they've contributed over the years.)

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Town Board Agenda Meeting - Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting - Monday, July 8, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

A motion to enter into Executive Session was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan at 8:08 p.m., to review contract with Vertical Bridge at the request of Attorney William Reynolds.  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 exit Executive Session was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan at 8:20 p.m.; no Board action taken.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 5 – 0

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #19-84, Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 6G of 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

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 6G of 2019 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 100 through 110                      $  15,256.42

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 164 through 202                      $162,636.02

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 36 through 41                          $       957.72

Schuyler Park                        Voucher No. 5 through 6                              $    3,247.96

Historic Hudson Hoosic        Voucher No. 16 through 18                          $    2,334.96

Youth                                     Voucher No. 1                                               $       300.00

 

                                                         Grand Total     $184,733.08

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:44 p.m. was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.

Carried  5 - 0

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk