DRAFT MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF
SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.,
May 14, 2018
Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance
at
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: Deputy Clerk Michelle
Conover, Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent
Don Ormsby, Town Attorney William Reynolds.
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman
Michael
McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to accept the minutes of the
April 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 April 2018: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $87.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $261.72. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $369.00. Miscellaneous Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $132.78. Total State and Local Revenues received were $873.00.
Zoning Officer’s report for April 2018: Gil Albert reported: 12 Building Permits Issued, 35 Building Inspections, 1 Certificate/s of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permits, 2 Complaint/s, 0 Fire inspection, 1 Order/s to Remedy, 7 misc., 4 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspection. A check for $2,267.50 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.
Dog Control officer’s report for April 2018: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood: Dog
Control Officer Ed Cross answered 31 complaints, took 4 dogs to the shelter,
traveled 186 miles, issued 20 warnings and 0 summons were issued and 1 bite case.
Town Court report for April 2018: The following were closed: 42 Vehicle & Traffic, 6 Criminal/Penal Law, 0 DEC/ENCON, 1 Dog case/s, 2 DWIs, 2 Town & Village Ordinance, 2 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Eviction/s, 3 Hearing/s, 2 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 1 Probation, 0 hours of Community Service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $8,411.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.
Tax Collector’s report: Office is closed until December.
Historian’s report for April
2018: The Historian's Office
continues to focus on the history of World War II veterans. In April, he had 54
posts on the blog with 451 visitors and 778 views. This was a drop from prior months so he will
be investigating what happened.
Tuesday,
May 15th - Deputy Historian Pat Peck will lead a
genealogy group at the Schuylerville Public Library at 10 a.m.
Thursday,
May 17th - The Old Saratoga Historical Association's
joint meeting with the Stillwater Historical Society at the Battlefield
Visitors Center at 7 p.m.
Saturday,
May 19th - Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County will meet
at the Town Hall in the Schuyler Room, for a special viewing of the movie
“Harnessing Nature, Building the Great Sacandaga” with an introduction by
Lauren Roberts, Saratoga County Historian at 1 p.m.
Assessor’s
report for April 2018: Supervisor
Thomas Wood read the following Assessor's report: Over
the last month the Assessor's office mailed out assessment change notices to
all property owners that had an increase in their assessed value. This year the tentative assessed value for
all property within the Town increased by $11,589,701.
Any
property owner that believes their assessment is excessive has the right to
file a grievance and appear before the Board of Assessment Review. This year the Board of Assessment Review will
meet on Tuesday, June 5th. In future
years the Board of Assessment Review will met on the first Tuesday of June.
Since
last month's meeting his office processed 28 sales. 15 sales were valid and 13 non-valid
sales. He had 11 valid residential
sales, 4 valid vacant land sales, 10 non-valid residential sales and 3
non-valid vacant land sales.
Tuesdays
- 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays
- 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The
Assessor will be in the office on Saturday - May 19th - 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
with the tentative assessment roll.
Please
feel free to call, email, or stop by his office with any questions.
Highway
Superintendent’s report for April 2018:
v Ditch line clean up of limbs and debris
v Addressing potholes, lawn repairs, mailbox
replacements and one fence
v Temporary repair to Brown Rd. culvert
v Swept developments with Elgin and road rented a
sweeper for intersections and for the rest of the roads
v Oils and filters changed on Trucks #1, 2, 3, 5 & 6
v Brake maintenance completed on Truck 3
v Inspections done on Trucks #2, 5, 6 & equipment
trailer
v Screens and plow frames have been removed
v Truck #3 was towed to dealer for coolant issue, which
is under warranty and now repaired.
v Replaced thermostat on Truck #9, hydraulic line on
Elgin and addressed front bearings & seals on the grader
v Regrading completed on Swamp Rd
v Employees took a Defensive Driving Course and Narcam
calss
v Sanded for one storm
v Finished installing guiderail on Hanehan Rd.
Supervisor’s
report:
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT APRIL 2018
GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)
Balance on hand 04/01/2018 $1,326,660.90
Revenues + 23,823.37
Disbursements - 50,705.87
Balance 04/30/2018 $1,299,778.40
GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)
Balance on hand 04/01/2018 $1,683,978.54
Revenues + 4,140.62
Disbursements - 4,989.87
Balance 4/30/2018 $1,683,129.29
HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)
Balance on hand 04/01/2018 $ 700,232.23
Revenues +
107,693.28
Disbursements - 58,840.85
Balance 04/30/2018 $ 749,084.66
SCHUYLER
PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 04/30/2018 $154,460.30
YOUTH
RECREATION & SERVICE 04/30/2018 $ 5,405.90
HIGHWAY
EQUIPMENT RESERVE 04/30/2018 $147,361.77
BUILDING
RESERVE 04/30/2018 $305,236.30
SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY 04/30/2018
$ 311.33
PARKS RESERVE 04/30/2018 $226,956.55
TRUST
& AGENCY 04/30/2018 $
38,897.27
HOME
IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2 04/30/2018
$ 63,680.70
(holding
checks until funds are deposited)
HISTORIC
HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 04/30/2018
$ 94,250.98
PARTNERSHIP
PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 04/30/2018 $
1,309.20
v
Sales Tax Received – April
2018 - $107,636.00
v Mortgage
Tax - March 2018 - $19,535.50
Public comments on agenda items: No one spoke.
Committee
reports:
Landfill:
No Report
Insurance: No Report
Youth: Councilman Michael McLoughlin stated the Swim Program applications will
be taken to the school this week.
Office of Emergency Management: No Report
QSFD,
WEMS Inc.: Quaker Springs Fire Department's Assistant Fire
Chief, Don Ormsby, reported they've had 27 calls to date. He also reported they have a new Chief's vehicle, which is a 2018 Tahoe.
Old
Business: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated we now have the signed
$125,000.00 contract from DASNY for the Boat Launch. The LA Group gave him a tentative timeline
for the RFP's, bids etcetera and are hopeful it'll all be done by November
2018.
New
Business:
On
a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary
Squires, the following Resolution #18-69
- Approving Monthly Lease - John Panagot, 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 2W and 2Wa 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 for one year (12 months); now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga
Town Supervisor is authorized to enter into a lease agreement with John
Panagot, Racing Manager, for the 2W and 2Wa offices, commencing on May 1,
2018. The sum of $205.00 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 4%
of the monthly utility bills of the 2nd floor, north wing. Tenant agrees to pay this additional rent
within five business days of receiving written notice by the Landlord of the
amount due, as set forth under this lease agreement; 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 made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael
McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-70
- Honoring
World War II Veteran - Peter DeMarco, 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,
Peter DeMarco was the son born to Angelo and Theresa (Tonetta) DeMarco on May
14, 1922 in Schuylerville, NY; and
WHEREAS, his siblings were sisters Carmella DeMarco, Jean
DeMarco, Mary DeMarco Stevens, and brothers Ardeen DeMarco, William DeMarco,
Valentino DeMarco, and Frank DeMarco; and
WHEREAS, he was raised
and worked at his family's home on Canal Street in the Village of
Schuylerville; he attended Schuylerville High School where he was the only 8th
grader to receive a minor letter for activity participation, he ran varsity
track in 7th grade, had perfect
attendance in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade, worked as an apprentice baker and
at the Schenectady Army Service Force Depot prior to induction; and
WHEREAS, he entered
in the Army in Albany, NY on November 6, 1942; and
WHEREAS, following Basic Training he was assigned to Battery A
of the 387th Field Artillery Battalion as a Canoneer 864, was a marksman with
the M1 Rifle, and Marksman Carbine; and
WHEREAS, he performed
service in the European Theater of
Operation specifically serving at Northern France, Central Europe, and the
Rhineland; and
WHEREAS,
after serving 3 years, 2 months and 5 days he was honorably discharged on
January 10th, 1946, from Fort Lewis, Washington; and
WHEREAS, he received The World War II Victory Medal, The
American Theater Service Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service
Medal, the Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and
WHEREAS, following his discharge from
the Army he married Mary Scipione in Albany, NY
on October 6, 1946 and together they had four children: Anna Marie
DeMarco Welfley, Virginia Lee DeMarco Andrews, Theresa Mae DeMarco Ognewchuk
and Peter Joseph DeMarco; and
WHEREAS, he worked for
a total of 33 years at the United Board and Carton Paper Mill from 1947 to 1971 and the Stevens and
Thompson Paper Mill from 1971 to 1980, never missing a day of work in all of
that time; and
WHEREAS, he was an active member of Post 278 of the American
Legion in Schuylerville, holding the offices of Vice Commander and
Sergeant-at-Arms and served on the Firing Squad, Entertainment Committee,
Concession Committee, Veterans Day Dinner Committee, Publicity Committee, and
was a Color Bearer, he joined the Schuyler Hose Fire Department in 1946, was
Assistant Scout Master of Troop 13,
participated in the 175th Anniversary Pageant Celebration of the Battles
of Saratoga, was an active bowler bowling at least once every week, and was a
member of the Notre Dame Visitation Church in Schuylerville, and
WHEREAS, he was a loyal and dedicated servant to his family,
community and country, always giving and serving everyone in any capacity he
could; and
WHEREAS, he died at the age of 58 on January 31st, 1980 at the Boston Veterans
Administration Hospital in Boston, MA; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga extends our belated
condolences to all of the family and friends of the Peter DeMarco Family and;
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga does
hereby recognize and honor, to the highest degree possible, Peter DeMarco for
his patriotism, devotion, service and sacrifice for his country; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga will never let his name and
the sacrifice that he made for his country be forgotten and that he will always
be held in the highest esteem and remembered as a member of the greatest
generation and one of the Town of Saratoga’s best.
On
a motion made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan,
the following Resolution #18-71 - Honoring
Korean War Veteran - Ardeen Joseph DeMarco Sr., 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, Ardeen Joseph DeMarco Sr. was the son born to Angelo and
Theresa (Tonetta) DeMarco on January 26, 1930, in Schuylerville, NY; and
WHEREAS, his siblings were sisters
Carmella DeMarco, Jean DeMarco, Mary DeMarco Stevens, and brothers Peter
DeMarco, William DeMarco, Valentino DeMarco and Frank DeMarco; and
WHEREAS, he was raised and worked at
his family's home on Canal Street in the Village of Schuylerville; graduated
from Schuylerville High School class of 1948, where he was a member of the
school Athletic Club and had perfect attendance in his senior year and his
senior year motto was "If at first you don't succeed, try, try
again"; and
WHEREAS, he entered in the Army in Albany, NY on February 6,
1951; and
WHEREAS, following Basic Training
he was trained and assigned as a Radioman in Germany; and
WHEREAS, he served in active duty
for two years; and
WHEREAS, following active duty he transferred to the Army Reserves
on February 3, 1953; and
WHEREAS, he was honorably
discharged from the Army Reserves on September 17th, 1956; and
WHEREAS, he married Margaret Sheehan in Stillwater, NY on December
3, 1953 and together they had four children Donna DeMarco Brickley, Ardeen
DeMarco Jr., Frank DeMarco and James DeMarco; and
WHEREAS, he worked for a total of
35 years for the New York State Department of Transportation serving as General
Foreman; and
WHEREAS, he was an active Member
and Commander of Post 278 of the American Legion in Schuylerville, holding many
other offices including Vice Commander, Finance Officer and serving on several
committees including Boys State Committee, Legion Color Guard and served as
Saratoga County American Legion Commander from 1998 - 1999, was a member of the Saratoga National
Cemetery Honor Guard, was a Saratoga County Custodian of Election Machines, was
Chairman of the town of Saratoga Democratic Committee and was a member of the
Notre-Dame Visitation Church in Schuylerville and was a Boy Scout Troop 13 Fund
Drive Chairman; and
WHEREAS, he was a loyal and
dedicated servant to his family, community and country, always giving and
serving everyone in any capacity that he could; and
WHEREAS, he died unexpectedly at his home on Spring Street, in
Schuylerville, at the age of 74 on December 4th, 2004; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga
extends our belated condolences to all of the family and friends of the Ardeen
J. DeMarco Sr.; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the
Town of Saratoga does hereby recognize and honor to the highest degree possible
Ardeen J. DeMarco Sr. for his patriotism, devotion, service and sacrifice for
his county; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga will never let his name and
the sacrifice that he made for his country be forgotten and that he will always
be held in the highest
esteem and remembered as one of the Town of Saratoga's best.
On
a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles
Hanehan, the following Resolution #18-72
- Donation
of $2,500 for the Turning Point Parade from Celebrations-A7550.4, 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
WHEREAS, the Twenty Fourth Annual Turning Point Parade will
take place on Sunday, August 5th 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 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 Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Michael
McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-73
- Authorization
to Enter into Contract with Chris Dudek for installation of security cameras, 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 enter into a contract with Chris Dudek, to install security cameras for the perimeter and interior of the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, for a sum not to exceed $3000.00.
On
a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Charles
Hanehan, the following Resolution #18-74
- Awarding the Bid for Highway Garage
Salt Shed, 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 recognized
the need for a new salt shed at the highway garage at 111 Town Garage Road,
Schuylerville, NY; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has received
bids via solicitation of bids by public advertising in the Saratogian on April 3, 2018 and opened at a meeting on May 8, 2018
as follows:
A & B Construction LTD $40,080.00
30810 200th St.
Harper, IA 52231
Structures Unlimited LLC $61,110.00
P.O. Box 35
C4640 Highway 97
Stratford, WI 54484-0035
Fred's Tents & Canopies,
Inc. $67,500.00
now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
that A & B Construction LTD is awarded
the bid, in the amount of $40,080.00, contingent on the manufacturer's
warranty on the new salt shed is applied in full and as recommended. All is subject to review and approval by
Attorney William Reynolds, Attorney for the Town and Highway Superintendent Don
Ormsby, that the bid specifications are met.
On
a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary
Squires, the following Resolution #18-75
- Supporting Hanehan Farm's Application
to the Saratoga County Farmland & Open Space Protection Program, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael
McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – recused, Councilman James
Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.
Carried 4 – 0
WHEREAS,
Charles and Barbara Hanehan are the owners of
certain real property (the "Property") consisting of approximately
117.7 acres of viable agricultural land in tax map parcel #168.-2-82, located
on County Route 68 in the Town of Saratoga.
The landowner is interested in protecting the Property for agricultural
purposes by conveying a permanent conservation easement on the land; and
WHEREAS, the Property is located in the Town of Saratoga,
which adopted a Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 2002 that recognizes "the
irreplaceability of the Town's "Prime" agricultural soils, the importance
of actively farmed lands to the agricultural industry, the rural landscape
character of the community, and the inherent susceptibility [of farmland] to
development. The Plan identifies a
long-term goal of the Town to preserve the "Prime" agricultural soils
and actively-farmed land to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan recommends:
a. Preserve and
encourage agricultural use within the Town
i.
"Encourage public, private and not for private groups to purchase
or secure by other means
development rights from farmland while allowing agricultural use to
continue."
b. Preserve and
protect the unique natural areas and plant and animal communities within the Town
i.
"Encourage private groups such as Saratoga PLAN to implement conservation easements to protect the
Town's unique environmental
areas."
WHEREAS,
the Saratoga County Farmland Protection and
Open Space Preservation grant program was established in 2003 by the County
Board of Supervisors to aide farmers in meeting the required local match of the
New York State Farmland Protection Implementation Grant Program (FPIG) which
enables the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) on eligible farmland; and
WHEREAS, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has allocated $100,000 for the
2018 Farmland Protection and Open Space Grant Program and eligible applicants
include all Saratoga County Municipalities and Not-For-Profit and Land Trusts; and
WHEREAS, Saratoga PLAN is a New York Not-For-Profit
Conservation Organization dedicated to preserving the rural character, natural
habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County so these irreplaceable assets are
accessible to all and available for present and future generations; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga Board, at a regular Town Board meeting on May
14, 2018 voted to endorse the application by Saratoga PLAN for the Hanehan Farm
for funding from Saratoga County. The
Town is willing to serve as the conduit for grant funding from Saratoga County
to Saratoga PLAN and is willing to consider contributing to the project.
On
a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary
Squires, the following Resolution #18-76
- Endorsement of a Conservation Easement
for Hanehan Farm, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood -
aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – recused.
Carried 4 – 0
WHEREAS, Charles
and Barbara Hanehan are the owners of Hanehan Farm, certain real property (the
"Property") consisting of approximately 117.7 acres in tax map parcel
#168.-2-82, located on County Route 68 in the Town of Saratoga, County of
Saratoga, New York. The landowner is
interested in protecting the Property for agricultural purposes by conveying a
permanent conservation easement on the land; and
WHEREAS, Saratoga PLAN is a New York Not-for-Profit
Corporation within the meaning of Article 49, Title 3 or the Environmental
Conservation Law of the State of New York (together with any successor statute,
the "ECL), is organized for, among other purposes, conserving real
property, is a tax exempt and qualified organization within the meaning of
Section 501(c)(3), 509(a) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code
(the"Code") and is a 'qualified organization' to accept, purchase and
hold conservation easements under Section 170(h) of the Code of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.170A-14(c); and
WHEREAS, Article 14, Section 4 of the New York State Constitution states: 'The
policy of this state shall be to conserve and protect its natural resources and
scenic beauty and encourage the development and improvement of its agricultural
lands for the production of food and other agricultural products"; and
WHEREAS, Section 49-0301 of the ECL states:
"The legislature hereby finds and declares that in order to
implement the state policy of conserving, preserving and protecting its
environmental assets and natural and manmade resources, the preservation of
open spaces, the preservation, development and improvement of agricultural and
forest lands, is fundamental to maintenance, enhancement and improvement of balanced
economic growth and quality of life in all areas of the state."; and
WHEREAS, the Property is located within Saratoga County Consolidated
Agricultural District #1, created pursuant to Article 25-AA of the New York
State Agriculture and Markets Law (the "AML"). Section 300 states: "It is hereby found and declared that
many of the agricultural lands in New York State are in jeopardy of being lost
for any agricultural purposes. When
nonagricultural development extends into farm areas, competition for limited
resources results, it is, therefore, the declared policy of the State to
conserve, protect and encourage the development and improvement of its
agricultural land for production of food and other agricultural products. It is the purpose of this article to provide a locally initiated
mechanism for the protection and
enhancement of New York State's
agricultural lands as a viable segment of the local and state economies and as
an economic and environmental resource of major importance;"
WHEREAS, Article 25-AAA. Section 321 of
the AML states: "It is hereby found declared that agricultural lands are
irreplaceable state assets. In an effort
to maintain the economic viability, and environmental and landscape
preservation values associated with agriculture," the Commissioner is
authorized to administer landscape preservation values associated with
agriculture," the Commissioner is authorized to administer programs to
assist counties in developing agricultural and farmland protection plans to
assist both county and municipal governments in the implementation of such
plans. The Commissioner gives priority
to projects that will preserve viable agricultural land, are located in areas
facing significant development pressures and serve and as a buffer for a
significant natural public resources containing important ecosystem or habitat
characteristics"; and
WHEREAS, the Property is located within Saratoga County, the Saratoga County
Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board passed a resolution endorsing the
conservation of this property and submission of a funding application to New
York State for such purpose on April 25, 2018.
WHEREAS, the Property is located within Saratoga County, which
adopted an Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan in December 1997 and a
Green Infrastructure Plan in November 2006.
The Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan recommends:
a. Support Local
PDR Projects:
i.
"Encourage partnerships between landowners, local governments, private organizations and the county to
leverage access to existing state
and federal funds for purchase of development rights (PDR).
b. Support
Agricultural Conservation Easements:
i.
"Encourage landowners to learn more about private conservation options like conservation
easements and promote public-private
partnerships to expand these efforts."
The Green Infrastructure
Plan recommends:
a. "Help
county municipalities and other partners create protection priorities,
goals and
strategies for the conservation of natural heritage."
b. "Create
greenway corridors between natural system hubs."
WHEREAS, the Property is located within the Town of Saratoga,
which adopted a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (the Plan) in 2002 that recognizes
"the irreplaceability of the Town's "Prime" agricultural soils,
the importance of actively farmed lands to the agricultural industry, the rural
landscape character of the community, and the inherent susceptibility of
farmland to development." The Plan
identifies a long-term goal of the Town to "preserve the "Prime"
agricultural soils and actively-farmed land to the greatest extent
possible." Furthermore, the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan recommends:
a. Preserve and
encourage agricultural use within the Town
i.
"Encourage public, private and not for profit groups to purchase or
secure by other means development rights from farmland while allowing agricultural use to continue."
b. Preserve
and protect the unique natural areas and plant and animal communities within
the Town
i.
"Encourage private groups such as Saratoga PLAN to implement
conservation easements to protect the Town's unique environmental
areas."
WHEREAS, the Property consists primarily of productive agricultural land. The Property contains approximately 24% prime
soils and 58% soils of statewide importance as defined by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Services; and
WHEREAS, Saratoga PLAN determined that accepting a Conservation Easement on the
Property will enhance the long-term agricultural values of the Property and
promote the use of soil conservation practices, which will further Saratoga
PLAN's charitable purposes of protecting the distinctive rural character of
Saratoga County and its lands and waters of significant historic and ecological
value. Furthermore, the Property is
located within a high priority area for farmland and forestland conservation
identified by Saratoga PLAN in its conservation plan, adopted January 2014; and
WHEREAS, Hanehan Farm, Charles and
Barbara Hanehan, and Saratoga PLAN agree that the purpose of the agricultural
conservation easement will be to conserve viable agriculture land by preventing
the conversion of the property to non-farm uses. In achieving such prevention, the property
shall forever be reserved for continued agricultural use; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga
Board, at a regular Town Board meeting on May 14, 2018 passed a resolution to
endorse the submission of an application from Saratoga PLAN, in cooperation
with the Saratoga County Planning Department, New York State Department of
Agriculture and Markets for funding to Purchase Development of the Hanehan Farm
and for Saratoga PLAN to hold and uphold a perpetual conservation easement on
the land.
On a motion made by
Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the
following Resolution #18-77 - Approving Lease - 5+/- Acres, 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 has 5 +/-
acres of agricultural land at 213 Rt. 32 S, Schuylerville, next to the Town of
Saratoga’s Highway Garage, that is currently not needed for town purposes; and
WHEREAS,
the Town Board desires to lease
such excess land for fair and adequate consideration; it is now, hereby,
RESOLVED, that 5 +/- acres of agricultural land at 213 Rt. 32 S, Schuylerville, next to the Town of Saratoga’s Highway Garage be leased to Thomas A. Gorsky Jr., Gorsky Farm, 16 Putnam Rd., Stillwater, NY 12170 for one year at $325.00; and it is 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.
Privilege
of the floor: No
one addressed the Board.
A
motion was made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary
Squires, to enter into Executive Session at 7:59 p.m., to discuss upcoming
union negotiations and legal matters. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael
McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings –
aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. Carried 5 – 0
Councilman Charles Hanehan
made a motion, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to exit Executive Session
at 8:32 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
Communications:
The Memorial Day Parade will take
place on May 28, 2018.
Upcoming
meetings:
v
Agenda meeting – Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
v Regular Town Board meeting –
Monday, June 11, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Audit the Bills:
On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires,
the following Resolution #18-78,
Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 5G, 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 5G of 2018 in the following amounts:
General Fund DB Voucher
No. 63 through 90 $ 21,234.16
General Fund A Voucher No. 123 through 161 $ 25,593.56
General Fund B Voucher No. 24 through 30 $
7,441.15
Schuyler Park H Voucher
No. 08 through 14 $ 2,168.23
Historic Hudson Voucher
No. 20 through 24 $ 1,915.78
Home Improvement Voucher
No. 4 $ 400.00
Grand Total
$ 58,752.88
A motion to adjourn at 9:17 p.m. was made by
Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman James Jennings. 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