THE TOWN OF SARATOGA
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
12 SPRING ST.
October 11,
2017
Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
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, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby,
Zoning Officer/Building Inspector Gil Albert, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Ted Mosher, Joanne Hanna, Pat Temple, John
Cashin, Sally Snowden and Thomas Yannios.
(sign-in sheet is on file in the Clerks office)
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
Public
Hearing on the Mass Gathering Permit for
Saratoga Rowing Associations Head of the Fish Regatta, taking place on October
27th - 29th - Proof of notice in the Saratogian on October 1, 2017 having been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public
Hearing at 7:04 p.m., asking those wishing to speak to please state their
name and address for the record. Seeing
as no one spoke, Supervisor Thomas Wood made
a motion, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to close the Public Hearing at
7:05 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin aye,
Councilman James Jennings aye, Councilman Gary Squires aye.
Carried 5 - 0
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman
Charles
Hanehan, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, to accept the regular
meeting minutes of September 11, 2017 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 Clerks report for September 2017: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $62.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $2,512.37. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $45.00. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $265.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $266.63. Total State and Local Revenues received were $3,151.00.
Zoning
Officers report for September 2017: Issued 13 Building Permits, 17
Building Inspections, 9 Certificates of Occupancy, 0 Junk Yard Permits, 1 Complaint,
0 Fire inspections, 1 Order/s to Remedy, 2 misc., 3 Building Permit Renewals, 1 Property Maintenance Inspections. A check for $2,977.90 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.
Dog Control Officers report for September 2017: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following: D.C.O. Ed Cross answered 21 complaints, took 4 dogs to the shelter, 1 bite case/s, traveled 156 miles, issued 10 warnings, 11 summons issued and 1 dangerous dog court action involving the death of a dog.
Town Court report for September 2017: The following were closed: 42 Vehicle & Traffic, 14 Criminal/Penal Law, 4 DEC/ENCON, 1 Dog case, 2 DWI/s, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 2 Small Claims/Civil, 3 Evictions, 1 Hearing, 2 Defendant/s sentenced to probation, 0 hours of community service issued, 0 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $6,236.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.
Tax Collectors report: No report
Historians report for September 2017: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following:
The Historian offers a sincere thank you to Bill Crawshaw for the donation of 181
books to the Town of Saratoga, which dramatically increases the collection of
books focused on the history of the Town.
He presented a program on the Towns history
to the College of Lifelong Learning at Empire State College and a program on Women
Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) Virginia Sweet, at the Quaker Springs Sunshiners
Club.
Two historical markers have been installed;
one along Route 4 recognizing the Schuyler family farm and Schuylers role in
the canal and another in Quakers Springs, recognizing the Mineral Springs. He extends his thanks to the Highway
Department for the installation of the new historical markers, to the William
G. Pomeroy Foundation for their generous grants, to Supervisor Thomas Wood and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin, who helped with the public relations, getting
information on the internet concerning the historical markers and the historic
Gateway Visitor Center.
The Historian states he has submitted for
another grant with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, to recognize the canal
hamlet along Route 4.
October 12th - 7:30 p.m., Town of Saratoga Town Hall, Village of Schuylerville Historian, Kristina Saddlemire,
will speak on the history of Schuylerville.
October 14th - Town of Saratoga Town Hall, the Heritage Hunters
Conference will be held, with a speaker covering Loyalists. A Candlelight Tour will take place at the
Schuyler House.
October 17th - 10:00 a.m., Surrender Day at Fort Hardy Park, followed
by the Friends of the Battlefield hosting the groundbreaking of the Sword
Surrender site.
Assessors report for September 2017:
During the month of September there
were 15 sales; 7 valid sales and 8 non-valid.
The sales represented 12 residential properties and 3 vacant land
parcels.
Office hours: Monday
- 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Highway
Superintendents September 2017 report:
v
Mowing roadsides
and replacing signs
v
Tree trimming
along roads with the chipper and boom truck
v
Tail lights and jack
stand repaired on small trailer
v
Repaired rear
lights and front wheel hub seal on truck 2
v
Had fuel issue
and fan through the radiator on chipper (waiting on parts)
v
Placed Nova chip
top on Chelsea Dr. and Minnie Bennett Rd. with Gorman
v
Used trucks from Wilton,
Northumberland, Moreau, Providence and Galway
v
Sent two trucks
to Northumberland for shouldering
v
Two trucks to
Moreau and Providence for blacktopping
v
Used a shoulder
machine on Minnie Bennett Rd.
v
Placed Historical
signage at Quaker Spring and new trail
v
Hauled crusher
run for the new trail
v
Repaired and
painted historical sign at the Town Garage
v
Highway Dept.
attended the mandatory class on sexual harassment and work place violence, as
well as the distracted driving class at the Town hall.
Supervisors
report:
SUPERVISORS REPORT
September 2017
GENERAL FUND TOWNWIDE (A FUND)
Balance
on hand 09/01/2017 $ 950,532.85
Revenues + 72,055.58
Disbursements - 69,291.38
Balance 09/30/2017 $ 953,297.05
GENERAL FUND OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)
Balance on hand 09/01/2017 $ 1,515,056.95
Revenues + 2,566.33
Disbursements - 3,650.56
Balance 09/30/2017 $ 1,513,972.72
HIGHWAY FUND OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)
Balance on hand 09/01/2017 $ 866,134.48
Revenues + 31,422.41
Disbursements - 69,721.93
Balance 09/30/2017 $ 827,834.96
SCHUYLER PARK 09/30/2017 $ 179,530.19
YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE 09/30/2017 $ 3,980.94
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE 09/30/2017 $ 85,619.07
BUILDING RESERVE 09/30/2017 $ 255,073.72
TRUST
& AGENCY 09/30/2017 $
61,056.01
MOBILE
HOME GRANT 09/30/2017 $
0.00
HOME
IMPROVEMENT GRANT#2 09/30/2017 $
81,332.44
(holding
checks until funds are deposited)
CDBG
GRANT 09/30/2017 $ 0.00
HISTORIC
HUDSON HOOSIC RIVER 09/30/2017 $ 10,126.80
PARTNERSHIP
SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT 09/30/2017 $ 311.25
PARK RESERVE 09/30/2017 $ 151,956.55
PROPERTY CAP RESERVE 09/30/2017 $ 1,038.71
v Sales Tax Received September
2017 - $99,948.00
v Mortgage Tax - August 2017 -
$7,740.50
Supervisor Thomas Wood gave
the tentative budget to the Board Members and stated that Budget Workshop #3 is
set for October 19th at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Public
comments on agenda items: The
following residents addressed the Board with their concerns: Sally Snowden, Ted
Mosher, and Thomas Yannios.
After a brief
discussion with the Town Board and the Town Attorney, Supervisor Thomas Wood
stated the Timber Harvesting law workshop meeting will be Tuesday, October 24th
at 10:00 a.m.
Committee
reports:
Landfill:
No report
Insurance: No report
Youth: Councilman
Michael McLoughlin stated he has no report, but noted the Backpack Program for
school children, through SAFER, is doing well.
There are 21 families involved in the program.
November 1, 2017
The Quaker Springs Seniors
met on October 9, 2017 for a luncheon meeting with 28 members in attendance. Guest speaker Sean Kelleher presented a
program on Virginia Sweet of Quaker Springs, who trained the WASPs during World
War II and also became a pilot.
They have six new members and
are planning a trip to Rome, NY in November
for a Christmas show and
buffet dinner. Please contact Faye
Bratage to make your reservation.
The next meeting will be held
on November 13, 2017.
Office of Emergency Management: No report
GSES,
QSFD Reports: Don Ormsby, Quaker Springs Fire Department, reported
they had 82 calls to date this year.
Old
Business: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated the Board has until
January 19, 2018 to work on the Timber Harvest law; worst case scenario is if it becomes necessary, the
moratorium can be extended in
January. He and the Town Board then discussed
their concerns with portions of the draft law with Zoning Officer Gil Albert
and Town Attorney William Reynolds. Supervisor
Thomas Wood then stated further discussion will continue at the Timber Harvest
workshop. Supervisor Thomas Wood asked
the Board to continue reviewing the draft and come to the workshop with their
questions and concerns. He reiterated
the workshop will be held on October 24th at 10:00 a.m.
New
Business: Supervisor
Thomas Wood stated the appraisal was completed on the Rt. 29 property and the
Board will go into Executive Session before the end of the meeting to discuss
the results and possible purchase negotiations.
Supervisor
Thomas Wood then stated that Annette Osher brought in many signed petitions asking
NYSDOT to lower the speed limit on Rt. 29.
On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded
by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-87 - Speed Limit Reduction request, 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 a request and petition from residents concerning the speed of
motor vehicles on NYS Rt. 29 in the Town of Saratoga; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga believes
such request to be well-founded; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the New York State
Department of Transportation is hereby requested to review and study the
conditions on NYS Route 29 in the Town of Saratoga, Fire Lane #7 to Homestead
Road; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that
based upon its findings and at the request of the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga,
the New York State Department of Transportation is requested to reduce the
speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph on said road.
On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin,
seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-94 - Approval of Easement for the Office of General
Services, associated with the Town of Saratoga Hudson River Boat Launch, 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 State of New York holds title
to the bed of the Hudson River and structures on state owned lands underwater
are regulated under Section 75(7) of the Public Lands Law, and
WHEREAS, the planned concrete launch
pad at the site of the Town of Saratoga Hudson River Boat Launch requires an
easement for permanent structures from the Office of General Services (OGS),
now therefore be it,
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga approves of the OGS
acquisition of easement for lands under the Hudson River associated with the
Town of Saratoga Hudson River Boat Launch as indicated on the survey dated July
26, 2017 by James Vianna, PLS.
On a motion made by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by
Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-95 - Lease Approval - EA Engineering, 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 has excess space
in the Town Hall at 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville, NY which is unneeded for
Town purposes, and which has been leased previously; and
WHEREAS,
the Town Board desires to lease such excess space for fair and adequate
consideration; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that in the north wing,
first floor of the Town Hall, Suite 103, be leased to EA Engineering Science
& Technology Inc., PBG, for a period of one year, beginning on October 1,
2017 and ending on September 30, 2018.
The sum of $560.00 will be due and payable on the first day of each and
every month thereafter until the lease is terminated. As additional rent, the Tenant will pay an
amount equal to 10% of the monthly utility bills for the first 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 Councilman James Jennings, seconded
by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #17-96 - Gold Star Parent Exemption, 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 currently offers the Alternative
Veterans tax exemption; and
WHEREAS,
the Town of Saratoga desires to extend eligibility to residential property
owned by Gold Star Parents and used as their primary residence; it is now,
hereby,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the
Town of Saratoga adopt the Gold Star Tax Exemption for said Gold Star Parents.
On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded
by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-97 - Opting Out of the NYS Paid Family Act, 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, counties and towns in New York State have the option
to opt in or opt out of the New York State Paid Family Leave Benefits Program;
and
WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga currently provides its employees
disability insurance with Shelter Point and the Saratoga County Self-Insurance
Program; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga opts out of participating
in the New York State Paid Family Leave Benefits Program.
On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin,
seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-98 - Authorization for Survey, 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 wishes to
purchase from Bill Peck, Welcome Stock Farm, a 2.4+/- acre parcel on the east
side of US Route 4 South, south of the village of Schuylerville and;
WHEREAS, before the parcel can be purchased, a survey of the
parcel needs to be completed and a description of an easement written, now
therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
that the Town of Saratoga enter
into an agreement with James Vienna, P.L.S., to survey the land, prepare a map,
write two easement descriptions, and place survey markers at the corners of the
property.
On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded
by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #17-99 - Adoption of Whistleblower Policy, 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, and
will continue to have, a policy to encourage its officers, employees and
volunteers to maintain the highest standards of ethics and propriety in
activities and relations with all; and
WHEREAS,
the Town of Saratoga has not adopted a formal Whistleblower Policy; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga wishes
to adopt a formal Whistleblower Policy for the guidance of its officers,
employees and volunteers in order to promote adherence to its ethical
standards; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the
Town of Saratoga, that the following Whistleblower Policy is hereby adopted:
TOWN OF
SARATOGA WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY
On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded
by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution
#17-100 - Authorization for Contract Renewal for Professional Auditing Services
with BST, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman
Michael McLoughlin aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan aye, Councilman James
Jennings aye, Councilman Gary Squires aye.
Carried 5 0
WHEREAS, the
Town Board of the Town of Saratoga is required to conduct an annual audit of
the Towns financial operations unless the services of a CPA are engaged (Town
Law, §123); and
WHEREAS,
the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has contracted with BST for the past
three years and has been satisfied with their performance; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to renew the contract for three
years with BST for continued auditing services, in the amount of $12,000.00 for
2017, $12,275.00 for 2018 and $12,500.00 for 2019. The fees are fixed rates for said years with
an increase approximating 1.5 - 2% over the proposed fees for 2017, to better
align realization with similar sized municipalities.
On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings, seconded
by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #17-101 - Saratoga Rowing Association Head of the Fish Regatta, 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 reviewed the application
for a Mass Gathering Permit by the Saratoga Rowing Association for the Head of
the Fish Regatta.
Permit #4: Saratoga Rowing Association
Contact: Christopher Chase, Regatta Director
Rowing Regatta, on Friday, October 27th through Sunday October 29th at Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake, with
approximately 8,000 - 9,000 people attending over the three day event; and
WHEREAS, the required
information has been submitted, as required by Local Law #2 of 2006, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has held
a public hearing on October 11, 2017 for input by interested persons; now
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by
the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, that the permit be granted as the Town
of Saratoga has received a Certificate of Insurance for the above event, naming
the Town of Saratoga as additional insured in the amount of $2 million, at
least 5 business days prior to the event; that the event is found to be in
compliance with the NYS Department of Health regulations of Chapter 1, Title
10, Part 18 by the NYS DOH when required; and that the review of the
information required by Local Law #2 of 2006, Section 3 is found to be
adequate.
Supervisor Thomas Wood stated
he has been talking with Magna 5, formerly Cornerstone Telephone Company,
concerning new services they can provide the Town. The representative is looking into ways to
help save the Town money. He stated the
representative told him our telephone lines can come through the internet at
zero cost, as compared to going through the copper lines at $33+ per line. We would keep emergency telephone lines on
copper, such as the elevator phone, water detection line and a line to
emergency services. The representative
also told him the email addresses can remain the same and it will be a
significantly faster system and will save over $100+ monthly.
Councilman Michael McLoughlin
suggested keeping another emergency line on copper as well, because when the
internet goes down, as it does at times, the phone service goes down too.
Supervisor Thomas Wood would
like to go forward with this next month, as long as the savings prove true.
Privilege
of the Floor: John
Cashin and Thomas Yannios addressed the Board.
A motion was made by Supervisor
Thomas Wood, seconded by Councilman
James Jennings, to enter into Executive Session, at 8:37 p.m., to discuss possible negotiations of purchase of a parcel on NYS Rt. 29. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin aye, Councilman
Charles Hanehan aye,
Councilman James Jennings aye, Councilman Gary Squires aye.
Carried 5 0
A motion was made by Supervisor
Thomas Wood, seconded by Councilman
Charles Hanehan, to come out of Executive
Session, at 8:54 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
Upcoming
meetings:
v
Town Board Budget Workshop - October 19, 2017
at 6:30 p.m.
v
Timber Harvest Workshop - October 24, 2017 at
10:00 a.m.
v
Agenda meeting Thursday, November 2, 2017
at 7:00 p.m.
v Regular
Town Board meeting Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #17-102 - Approving the Payment of Bills
in Abstract 10G 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 10G in the following amounts:
General Fund DB Voucher
No. 165 through 192 $ 87,648.58
General Fund A Voucher No. 294 through 329 $ 19,667.91
General Fund B Voucher
No. 48 through 53 $ 7,333.46
Schuyler Park H Voucher
No. 24 through 27 $ 1,033.28
Farmland Protection Voucher No. 09 $ 4,133.43
HH Voucher
No. 59 through 60 $ 2,113.79
HI Voucher
No. 2 through 6 $ 17,285.00
Grand Total $ 139,215.45
A motion to adjourn at 9:36 p.m. was made by Councilman
James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan. Supervisor
Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan aye, Councilman Michael
McLoughlin aye, Councilman James Jennings aye, Councilman Gary Squires aye.
Carried 5 - 0
Meeting
Adjourned
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda A. McCabe
Town Clerk