DRAFT MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

November 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 Charles Hanehan - absent, 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, Attorney William Reynolds, Tracey Clothier, Pat Temple, Chris Miller, Pat Peck, David Peck, Terri Korb and Robert Dougal.  (sign in sheet on file in the Clerk's office)

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Public Hearing - 2019 Budget: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Board has been working on the budget since August and they've had three Budget Workshops.  He explained that the budget is our best estimate of appropriations and receipts for the coming year. He reviewed some basic information concerning the proposed 2019 budget.  He noted that a cost of living salary increase for employees of 2% is included. Spending was cut from many departments and he is budgeting closer to actual costs; it is a lean, responsible budget.  The total town budget is $2,847,862.00, which is up 1.247% and includes the ambulance district and fire protection.  The budget reflects an increase of $.001 cents per thousand of assessed value and doesn’t exceed the property tax cap.  He then stated this budget meets the needs of the Town and he believes it is an excellent budget, fair and reasonable.

 

Proof of advertising in the Saratogian on October 29, 2018 having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7:09 p.m. on the 2019 Budget, asking those residents wishing to speak, to please stand and state their name and address before addressing the Board, limiting their comments to 3 minutes.    Seeing as no one spoke, Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, to close the Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m.  Supervisor Thomas Wood  – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan - absent, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.   

Carried  4 - 0

 

Second Public Hearing - Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that tonight is the second public hearing on the Farmland Protection Plan and Tracey Clothier of the L.A. Group was in attendance to answer any questions.  He summarized that he received a grant a few years ago to develop an Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan.  After holding numerous public meetings to listen to presentations and obtain feedback from the public, he was ready to open the second public hearing.  He added that as Councilman Charles Hanehan is absent, the Board will vote on this at the December meeting.  He also stated changes have been made to the document, including adding equine industry.  Agriculture is thriving in the Town of Saratoga.  Supervisor Thomas Wood then read the following email from resident, Walt Borisenok : " I was out of town for the last public hearing and will be out of town again for the continuation of the hearing at your next Board meeting.  However, I'd like to give my thoughts regarding the proposed plan.  Overall all I'm in support of the agriculture and farmland protection plan.  I believe it touches on many of the points which could enhance the towns ability to retain farms and farming operations.

 

Farming is under change, no different than any other business.  Farmers must change with the needs of the markets.  Whether it be apple growers moving to produce hard cider, dairy farmers producing branded milk directly to the retail market, horse farms expanding due to the enhanced NYS breeding program, these are all examples of farmers changing to meet the new needs of the market.  Also, new farming ventures to meet consumer demand - organic farming, winery/vineyards, farm to table products are examples of "new" type of farming.  The plan has many points that would support these farmers making changes to meet the demand of the market.  The best way to keep agricultural and farmland is to help keep farms profitable.  This will keep farmland out of developers hands.   A few points regarding the plan:

 

1.  The plan should stress more the importance of horse breeding in the Town and the County and how these farms are protecting agricultural lands.  For example, over the past year my farm, Old Tavern Farm, purchased and expanded pastures down Brown Rd. removing 30 acres from residential development.

 

2.  I support the change in reducing zoning density for agricultural pursuits from 10 to 5 acres.

 

3. Changing the definition of "farm" to "farm operation" is a good idea.  This can include new type of farming and agriculture products which can help protect farmland.

 

4.. The buffer between farms and development needs further review.  I support a buffer but within reason. 

 

The Town's plan seems to hit many points which can help a variety of farming and agricultural operations succeed, which in turn will reduce the chancing of having the property developed."

 

Proof of advertising in the Saratogian on October 29, 2018 having been furnished, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the second Public Hearing at 7:19 p.m. on the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, asking those residents wishing to speak, to please stand and state their name and address before addressing the Board:

 

Chris Miller, 210 Casey Rd., Quaker Springs, voiced his concerns and felt the plan contradicts the Town's zoning regulations.  He feels the set back of 100' from farmland is asking too much and the setback burden should not be on the neighboring homeowners.  The Town sees maybe 20 new houses a year, which isn't much.  The setback from farmland is asking too much and he has concerns on how this will affect the future property purchase for all the kids and grandchildren here.  He is against adding the 2% mortgage tax as that tax benefits only a handful of residents, not all.  We all pay taxes on these roads.  The seven houses on his road equals 20 acres and they pay more taxes than a single farm in this Town.  More thought needs to go into this plan.  He also has concerns of the "land lease" program, questioning who will oversee it.  Sounds like the town will become a bank, and the intended use is only for farmers, no one else benefits.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that Rockland and Orange counties, south of here, have the tax increase.  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated he is against the 2% tax increase.  He spoke with Jason Kemper at the county and he said the 2% tax increase is not needed, there is enough money for farmland protection.

 

Chris Miller questioned why even consider this tax increase if other towns have rejected it.  Farmers have to diversify and that map in the plan is wrong and a scare tactic.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood responded he researched it and the town of Charlton responded they have no appetite for the tax increase, nor does the town of Ballston. 

 

Chris Miller stated with the 100' setback, people can't build on a 2 acre parcel if next to a farm.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated it is simply a proposed plan and local laws would have to be passed to implement any portion of it. 

 

Robert Dougal, 294 Wilbur Rd., stated he thinks going from 10 acres to 5 acres for a farm is a bad idea.

 

Dave Peck, 180 Wagmans Ridge Rd., stated he hasn't had a lot of time to review this, but has concerns that they want to increase agriculture, but they're planning to make the lot-lines smaller and you're going to decrease density by buying up development rights of other properties.  We don't need to have the hand of the government being involved in this nor funding this thing.  All this government funding and matching funds seems like needless spending of tax dollars and makes no sense.  You'll end up with farm stands up and down the roads.  Farm stands need to be kept on farms.  You start breaking this up and it'll become a nightmare for farmers.  You want to cross over from agriculture to commercial; you are crossing a lot of lines.  He also spoke to the Board on a way to have the developer buy the development rights of properties instead of the government buying the land with tax dollars, and ways in which to control that.  He believes there's a lot of confusion with the way this is written and that this needs a lot of work, a lot of clarification.  Do it differently and keep the government's hand out of it.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated he agrees that there can be unforeseen consequences if they go with this. 

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires at 7:41 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  

Carried 4 – 0  

  

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to accept the minutes of the October 10th

 agenda meeting and the October 24 th Budget Workshop 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 October 2018: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $37.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $987.38. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $45.00.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $160.00. Miscellaneous Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $257.62.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $1,487.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for October 2018: Gil Albert reported: 9 Building Permits Issued, 13 Building Inspections, 9 Certificate/s of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permit/s, 2 Complaint/s, 0 Fire inspection, 0 Order/s to Remedy, 9 misc., 8 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspection.  A check for $4,375.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer's report for October 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:  Dog Control Officer Ed Cross answered 17 complaints, took 3 dog/s to the shelter, traveled 134 miles, issued 10 warnings, 4 summons were issued and 0 bite case/s. 

 

Town Court report for October 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report: Funds collected for the month of October was $6,005.60.

 

Historian’s report for October 2018: No report

 

Assessor’s report for October 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:  As of November 1st Dorothy Lavozzo has resumed her part-time hours and is in the office Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. 

 

Residents have been submitting their Enhanced STAR and AGED Exemption renewal applications.  To date he has received 26% of the Enhanced STAR renewals and 24% of the AGED renewals.

 

Over the past month the Assessor processed 15 sales; 7 sales were valid and 8 were non-valid.  There were 7 valid residential sales,  6 non-valid residential sales, 1 non-valid commercial sale , and 1 non-valid vacant land sales.

 

The Assessor's Clerk is in the office Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. 

 

The Assessor is in the office Tuesday evenings 5-8 pm and Thursdays 9:30 am-2:30 pm.  Please feel free to call, email, or stop by his office with any questions.

 

Highway Superintendent’s report for October 2018: 

v  Pot hole patching and brushing back in ditches

v  Hauled scalpings and stone dust for roadside shoulders

v  Dirt roads have been graded and rolled

v  Shoulders have been done on Wilbur, Russell and part of Sweet roads.

v  Been hauling crusher run for Casey Rd. culvert replacement project

v  Helped Northumberland with their road shoulders, as they did us

v  Borrowed shoulder machine from Town of Greenfield

v  Hauled millings and blacktop for Village of Victory street project

v  Helped Town of Wilton hauling blacktop

v  Had rear tire repair on boom mower

v  Brake cam and tires replaced on Truck #1

v  Filters, fluids and tires replaced on Truck #6

v  Helped set up stage for Sword Surrender ceremony

v  Cleared southern part of Rte 4 trail with boom mower

 

Supervisor’s report:  

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT October 2018

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 10/01/2018               $   884,949.13

                  Revenues                                               +  117,544.58

                  Disbursements                                        -    53,942.49

                  Balance 10/31/2018                             $   948,551.22

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 10/01/2018               $1,686,681.39

                  Revenues                                              +     75,694.64

                  Disbursements                                      -        4,250.76

                  Balance 10/31/2018                             $1,758,125.27

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 10/01/2018                $1,022,457.16

                  Revenues                                               +     72,154.73

                  Disbursements                                        -   151,104.10

                  Balance 10/31/2018                             $    943,507.79

                 

SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 10/31/2018                   $178,882.79

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  10/31/2018                        $    2,064.17

 

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  10/31/2018                                    $  75,361.74

 

BUILDING RESERVE  10/31/2018                                                 $255,387.19

                 

SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY  10/31/2018                                    $       311.41   

 

PARKS RESERVE  10/31/2018                                                        $ 226,956.55

 

TRUST & AGENCY 10/31/2018                                                      $   28,885.79

 

HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2  10/31/2018                          $   31,273.83

(holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                   

HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 10/31/2018                               $   65,536.60

PARTNERSHIP

 

PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 10/31/2018                               $     1,309.53

 

v  Sales Tax Received – October 2018 - $122,037.00

v  Mortgage Tax - September 2018 - $8,836.00

Public comments on agenda items: The following addressed the Board: Pat Peck.

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: Councilman Gary Squires stated Phoenix took test samples from all the wells at the Hayes Rd. landfill and all met expectations.  Test samples will be taken again in six months.

 

Insurance: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated the retiree insurance policy comes due January 1st and the Board will review the new rates once received.

 

Youth: No report

 

Senior Citizens: Councilman James Jennings reported that the Quaker Springs Seniors had a luncheon meeting on 10/8/2018 with 16 in attendance.  Pat Peck presented an exhibit of 4-H activities in the township.

 

November 12, 2018 - A Thanksgiving Dinner meeting, given by Faye Bratage.

 

November 20, 2018 - A trip is planned  to go to the Log Cabin, in Massachusetts.  Please contact Faye Bratage for reservations.

 

Plans are being made for a Christmas dinner as well.

 

Pat Temple reported that the Old Saratoga Seniors met on November 7, 2018 with 47 in attendance, as well as 10 veterans.  Entertainment was provided by Garry Ferris, with music and talks on World War II.

 

November 28, 2018 - A trip is planned to see a Christmas Show at Williams Inn, Williamstown, MA.  Please contact Pat Temple to make your reservation, no later than November 9th. 

 

December 12, 2018 - The Christmas Luncheon will be held at the American Legion.

 

The next meeting will be held on January 2, 2019 at noon.

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: Councilman Gary Squires noted they didn't have a meeting, as the next meeting is scheduled to be November 27th.  He added that the final phase of the concrete floor of the West End pavilion was completed and that Ian Murray volunteered his time, along with other volunteers to complete that work.  Ian Murray saved the Town several thousand dollars of what it would have cost us and he noted  that Ian Murray did the floor of the East End pavilion as well.

 

Office of Emergency Management: No report

 

QSFD, WEMS Inc.: Don Ormsby, Quaker Springs Assistant Fire Chief, stated they have had 78 calls this year to date.

 

Nashua Alexander, Wilton EMS Chief Operating Officer at Wilton Emergency Squad,

submitted his report which stated they answered 30 calls in the month of October for the Town Saratoga.

Old Business: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated the Town received the full grant of $10,000.00 for the Surrender Trail and currently working on the south trail head.  He stated Tim Blanchard has done the highest quality work on the trails and the work continues.

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-118, Establishing a New Separate, HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) Benefit Administration Account for the Town Highway Employees, 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 Highway employees are unionized with Teamster Local 294 and have elected to take their health insurance with the Union sponsored New York State Teamsters Council Health and Hospital Fund Medical and Prescription drug HRA Plan, and

WHEREAS, the Saratoga Highway employees are requesting a change from SIEBA to Lifetime Benefit Solutions, now therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga agrees with the conditions and requirements for the program (found on the attached form) and agrees to enter into an agreement with Lifetime Benefit Solutions for the administration of the Union Health Insurance Program HRA Account for an initial set up fee of $450.00, and a monthly minimum fee of $99.00, and be it further

            RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect January 1, 2019.

 

 On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-119, Adoption of Annual Town Budget for 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

            WHEREAS, this Board, having on November 8, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., duly held a public hearing on the preliminary budget approved by this Board and filed with the Town Clerk for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2019, and having heard all persons desiring to be heard in the matter, and the matter of the budget for this Town for such fiscal year having been fully discussed and considered, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that said preliminary budget approved and filed as aforesaid, is hereby adopted and established as the annual budget for this Town for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2019, and that such annual budget as so adopted is detailed in the minutes of the proceedings of this Town Board, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of this Town shall prepare and certify as provided by law, duplicate copies of said annual budget hereby adopted, and deliver one of such copies to the Supervisor of the Town, and that he shall present such copy to the Board of Legislators of the County as required by law.

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-120, Authorization to Adopt the Workplace Sexual Harassment Policy, 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, harassment of employees on any basis can violate New York Human Rights Law and/or Civil Rights Act of 1964, and

WHEREAS, sexual harassment is a form of employment discrimination, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is committed to a policy of prohibiting unlawful harassment in all workplaces where Town of Saratoga employees work, now therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga adopt the attached Workplace Sexual Harassment Policy, suggested by New York State.

                 

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-121, Setting Hourly Rate of Pay for Temporary, Part Time Snowplow Wing Persons, 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 Highway Department is in need of hiring temporary, part time snowplow wing persons for the winter; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga set the rate of pay at $14.50 an hour for temporary, part time snowplow wing persons.

               

On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-122, Fund Transfer of Funds - $15000.00 from Contingency-A1990.4 to Employee Benefits Medical Insurance-A9060.8, 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 transfer $15000.00 from Contingency-A1990.4 to Employee Benefits Medical Insurance-A9060.8, to cover year end budget adjustments.

 

On a motion by Councilman  Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-123, Fund Transfer - $100.00 from Employee Benefits Medical Insurance-DA9060.8 to Employee Benefits Disability Insurance-DA9055.8, 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 transfer $100.00 from Employee Benefits Medical Insurance-DA9060.8 to Employee Benefits Disability Insurance-DA9055.8, to cover increase in the insurance premium.

 

Privilege of the floor:  Chris Miller and Terri Korb addressed the Board.

 

Communications:  Chris Miller questioned when Rt. 32 would be paved.  Councilman James Jennings stated he wrote letters to all state officials about paving Rt. 32, as nothing's been done on that road since the 1990's.  He will find out when the last time Rt. 9P was paved, as he believes it is scheduled to be done next year.  He is hopeful they will push that back and do Rt. 32 instead, as they've done nothing there since the '90's.

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Agenda meeting – Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 7 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, December 10, 2018 at 7 p.m.  

 

A motion was made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to enter into Executive Session to discuss litigation, personnel issues and contracts at 8:24p.m.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.

Carried 4 - 0

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to exit Executive Session at 8:50 p.m.  No Board action was taken.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye. 

Carried 4 - 0

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman James Jennings, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-124 , Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 11G, 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 11G of 2018 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 189 through 204                      $  46,648.61

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 336 through 363                      $  19,520.15

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 53 through 58                         $    4,364.43

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 32 through 38                          $  24,541.24

Historic Hudson Hoosic        Voucher No. 47 through 51                          $    8,112.63

 

                                                         Grand Total     $ 103,187.06

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:14 p.m. was made by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin.  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