DRAFT MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA

 12 SPRING ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

March 11, 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 - absent, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – absent (arrived at 7:18 p.m.), Councilman James Jennings – present, Councilman Gary Squires – present.

 

Also present: Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby, Deputy Town Clerk Michelle Conover, Pat Temple, Michael Booth, Paul Goetz, Shannon Burton, Jeremiah Burton, Jan Murphy, Terri Korb and Randy O'Dell.  (sign in sheet on file in the Clerk's office)

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

BST & Co. CPAs, LLP Auditor, Paul Goetz, appeared before the Board and reviewed the financial report of the 2017 Annual Audit for the Town, which is on file in the Town Clerk’s office. 

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, to accept the minutes of the February, 2019 regular meeting as written.   Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  

Carried  4 – 0  

 

Town Clerk’s report for February 2019: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $38.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $51.96. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $178.00. Miscellaneous Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $190.54.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $481.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for February 2019: Gil Albert reported: 4 Building Permits Issued, 18 Building Inspections, 2 Certificate/s of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permit/s, 1 Complaint/s, 0 Fire inspection, 0 Order/s to Remedy, 4 misc., 3 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspection.  A check for $2,219.05 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer's report for January 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following:  Dog Control Officer Ed Cross' Annual Report for 2018:  He answered 229 complaints, took 12 dog/s to the shelter, traveled 1,135 miles, issued 145 warnings, 38 summons were issued and 8 bite case/s. 

Supervisor Thomas Wood then read the following 2019 monthly report:  Dog Control Officer Ed Cross answered 8 complaints, took 0 dog/s to the shelter, traveled 36 miles, issued 7 warnings, 3 summons were issued and 0 bite case/s. 

 

Town Court report for February 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report: Funds collected for the month of January was $4,890.00.

 

Tax Collector report for February 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:  As of March 5, 2019 the Tax Collector has collected 81% of the town taxes, totaling  $3,025,938.16, although with penalties it comes to $2,955,380.82.  Payments were made via various methods; U.S. mail, on-line with credit card, money order, checks and cash, in office and at the Glens Falls National Bank.

 

Please Note:  The Tax Collector collects only on Mondays during the months of February and March.  Taxes may be paid at Glens Falls National Bank in Schuylerville,  Mon. - Fri.

 

Historian’s report for February 2019: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:

In the month of February, the Historian worked on researching and presenting a talk about World War II veterans in the Pacific War.  The talk was held on February 28th and focused on Lawrence Ruff, June Launder, Madoc Irish, Raymond Wood, and Ashley Pritchard.  The Historian is working on taking those histories and making them available through the Town website and hopes to keep their memory alive for future generations. 

 

He is also working providing some history and promotion of the Schuyler House through our website and twitter.  The National Park has funding to expand the Schuyler House hours back to 5 days a week, which is good news as the hours were cut back for a number of years.  It is exciting that the community’s top attraction will be open more this summer. 

 

March 7th: The Old Saratoga Historical Association's 'Book Read' starts at 7 p.m., at the Schuylerville Public Library.  This reading is Joseph Bruchac’s “Code Talkers, a novel about the Navajo Marines of WW II. If you can't make the first meeting, you can still read the book and join the discussion on April 4 at 7 p.m. at the library.

 

March 14th: Saratoga NHP is hosting Schuyler Estate Re-Envisioned: A Community Presentation at the Visitor Center in Stillwater at 6 p.m.

 

March 16th: Heritage Hunters will meet at 1 p.m. at the Town Hall.  The speaker will be David Lowry, Manager of Local Government Advisory Services at the New York State Archives, who will discuss some of the lesser known records that can be found in government resources in our area.

 

March 19th: Deputy Historian Pat Peck will lead a Genealogy Group at the Schuylerville Public Library on Tuesday, at 10 a.m.

 

March 28th: The Old Saratoga Historical Association meets on “Art for the People:  Decorated Stoneware at the NY State Museum” presented by Clifton Park Historian (and state museum retiree) John Scherer on Thursday, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

 

Assessor’s report for February 2019: No report

 

Highway Superintendent’s report for February 2019: 

  • Road checks for drifting, icing and plugged culverts
  • Used grader for ice build-ups on problem areas
  • Replaced feeder chain, plow lights, wing cable and spring on truck 1
  • Truck 2 cutting edge, plow lights and a suspension air bag
  • Truck 3 injector fuel pump, ac leak and clearance light issue
  • Truck 5 dump box removed, brakes replaced, wiring and hoses repaired
  • Doing repairs on another dump box to replace
  • Truck 6 wing cable replaced
  • Boom mower repairs
  • #4 pickup transmission leak and not shifting, had o-rings replaced
  • #1 pickup Replaced fuel pump sensor and plow cutting edge
  • Repaired sander drive motor for Victory
  • Helped Schuylerville with snow removal on Broad St
  • Plowed for 6 storms and sanded for 7
  • Placed metal straps on top barrier blocks of salt shed
  • A&B construction spent 4 days building salt shed
  • Had garage oil separator cleaned

 

Supervisor’s report:  

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT February 2019

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)

 

                 Balance on hand 02/01/2019               $   906,870.05

                  Revenues                                               +  666,157.01

                  Disbursements                                        -  132,619.15

                  Balance 02/28/2019                             $1,440,407.91

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 02/01/2019               $1,886,674.51

                  Revenues                                              +       2,676.60

                  Disbursements                                      -      12,519.04

                  Balance 02/28/2019                             $1,876,832.07

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 02/01/2019                $   686,436.22

                  Revenues                                               +    95,443.75

                  Disbursements                                        -    82,024.59

                  Balance 02/28/2019                              $   699,855.38

                 

SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 02/28/2019                   $152,803.88

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  02/28/2019                        $    7,124.04

 

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  02/28/2019                                    $101,990.54

 

BUILDING RESERVE  02/28/2019                                                 $292,476.83

                 

SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY  02/28/2019                                    $       311.45   

 

PARKS RESERVE  02/28/2019                                                        $ 226,956.55

 

TRUST & AGENCY 02/28/2019                                                      $   22,387.30

 

HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2  02/28/2019                          $   30,784.08

(holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                   

HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 02/28/2019                       $   28,560.29

PARTNERSHIP

 

PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 02/28/2019                               $     1,309.70

 

v  Sales Tax ReceivedFebruary 2019 - $95,391.00

v  Mortgage Tax - January 2018 - $12,515.50

 

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

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No report

 

Insurance: No report

 

Youth: No report

 

Senior Citizens: Pat Temple, Old Saratoga Seniors, reported on March 6, 2019 43 attended the luncheon meeting.  Billie Jo, Office of the Aging, was Guest Speaker.  They met again on March 20, 2019 for a luncheon meeting with entertainment by the Schuylerville Elementary Chorus and Band.

March 18, 2019  - A trip to Turning Stone Casino

April 16, 2019 - A trip to Vermont Country Store

September 10, 2019 - A trip to Lake George Steamboat

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee:  No report

 

Office of Emergency Management: No report

 

QSFD, WEMS Inc.: Don Ormsby, Quaker Springs Assistant Fire Chief, stated they have had 9 calls to date for 2019.  He added the Fire Department has received their new firetruck and they held their annual Corned Beef Dinner, which had the highest turnout to date - 222 dinners.

(p.s. Dorothy Lavazzo said she worked her tush off.)

 

Nashua Alexander, Wilton EMS, Inc., submitted their report, which stated for the month of February, 2019, Wilton EMS had 26 calls in the Town of Saratoga, 15 calls in the Village of Schuylerville and 1 call in the Village of Victory.

 

Old Business: None

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #19-46, Accept Audit Findings, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried  4 – 0

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga had the Town’s 2017 Financial Operations and Procedures audited by BST & Co., CPAs LLP; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has reviewed the findings with no exceptions noted in any department; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept the findings as presented.  (The audit is on file in the Town Clerk’s office)   

 

On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #19-49, Authorization to sign Undertaking Agreement with New York State Department of Transportation concerning Empire State Trail work, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 4 – 0

                WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has received a $205,000 grant for the Empire State Trail from the Footbridge over Fish Creek to Saratoga St. in the Village of Schuylerville; and

            WHEREAS, the Village of Schuylerville has passed a resolution authorizing the Town of Saratoga to become the Lead Agency in the project; and

            WHEREAS, the trail will cross Ferry Street (NYS Rt. 29) in the Village of Schuylerville; and

            WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is eligible to utilize a fully executed Undertaking Agreement as a substitute for providing proof of insurance coverage; and

            WHEREAS, the NYS DOT encourages the Town of Saratoga to enter into an Undertaking Agreement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the Undertaking Agreement with New York State Department of Transportation, concerning Empire State Trail work, crossing NYS RT 29 in the village of Schuylerville.

 

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #19-50, Authorization to Perform Work on the Empire State Trail, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 4 – 0

                WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has received a $205,000 grant for the Empire State Trail from the Footbridge over Fish Creek to Saratoga St. in the Village of Schuylerville; and

            WHEREAS, the LA Group, in consultation with the Trail Committee, has developed a final plan for the project; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga authorizes work to be performed on the Empire State Trail as designed by The LA Group and approved by NYS.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman, the following Resolution #19-51, Approving Monthly Lease for William Belcher, Word Horse Strategies, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 4 – 0

THIS AGREEMENT, made the 1st day of March, 2019, between the TOWN OF SARATOGA, hereinafter referred to as the “Landlord” and WORD HORSE STRATEGIES, hereinafter referred to as the “Tenant”;

            WHEREAS, William Belcher, P.O. Box 85, Middle Falls NY, 12848, Word Horse Strategies currently leases the 3E-2 office, 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 also lease the 1W office on a three month period, beginning March 1, 2019 through May 31, 2019, with a month to month option through September 30, 2019; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga Town Supervisor, is authorized to enter into a three month lease agreement through May 31, 2019, with a month to month option through September 30, 2019 with Word Horse Strategies, for the 1W office, commencing on March 1, 2019, at a sum of $175.00 per month, and additionally, the Tenant will pay 4% of the monthly gas and electric bill for the second floor, north wing.

 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #19-52, Authorization to Enter into Contract with Flatley Read for Mobile Homes & Manufactured Homes Grants, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 4 – 0

            WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has previously been in contract with Flatley Read for Mobile Homes & Manufactured Homes Grants; and

            WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga continues to find the need for said Grants; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga authorizes the Town Supervisor to enter into contract with Flatley Read, at a cost of $1000.00, to apply for another Mobile Homes & Manufactured Homes Grant.

 

On a motion by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #19-53, Authorization to Enter into Contract with Flatley Read for a Home Improvement, Affordable Housing Corporation Grant, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 4 – 0

                WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has previously been in contract with Flatley Read for Home Improvement, Affordable Housing Corporation Grants; and

            WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga continues to find the need for said Grants; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga authorizes the Town Supervisor to enter into contract with Flatley Read, at a cost of $500.00, to apply for another Home Improvement, Affordable Housing Corporation Grant.

 

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #19-54, Supporting the Historical Mural for the Town Hall, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 4 – 0

            WHEREAS, Paul Anderson is a local professional, experienced artist who has volunteered to paint a framed, historical mural approximately 4' x 16'; and

            WHEREAS, the wall, behind the benches, in the Schuyler Room is currently blank and could be enhanced by the addition of a mural; and

            WHEREAS, local organizations will raise funds for the cost of the mural, which will be donated to the Town of Saratoga; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, supports the creation of the mural and its initial placement being in the Schuyler Room in the Town Hall, with future location of the mural to be at the discretion of the Town Supervisor.

 

Privilege of the floor: The following addressed the Board:

Mike Booth, 104 Condon Rd.

 

Communications:  

v The Wilton EMS 2018 Annual Report and Audit is on file in the Town Clerk's office.

v NexAmp, a local shared solar farm, will hold an informational session for residents and homeowners on March 20th at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Hall in the Village of Schuylerville.

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Town Board Agenda Meeting - Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

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

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #19-55, Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 3G of 2019, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 4 – 0

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 3G of 2019 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 27 through 51                          $  39,211.83

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 56 through 85                          $  51,105.23

                                                                (No. 58 missing)

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 13 through 19                          $  11,386.56

Schuyler Park                        Voucher No. 2                                               $         69.04

Historic Hudson Hoosic        Voucher No. 9 through 11                            $    2,134.63

CDBG                                                Voucher No. 1 through                                 $   58,831.00

Home Improvement              Voucher No. 1                                               $   17,650.00

 

                                                         Grand Total     $ 143,634.28

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:28 p.m. was made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.

Carried  4 - 0

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk