DRAFT MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

September 10, 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 - 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, Attorney William Reynolds, Paul Murphy, Susan Yerry & Robert Dougal, Kathleen Kemmet, Nick Schwartz, William Moreau, Louis Farone, Barbara Hanehan, Randy O'Dell, Joseph Lewandowski, Pat Hanehan, Terri Korb, Bob McConnell, Jennifer Koval and Christopher Koval.

(sign in sheet on file in the Clerk's office)

 

Supervisor Thomas N. Wood stated the Board needed to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues now, as Councilman Charles Hanehan must leave early this evening.  A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to enter Executive Session at 7:04  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  

 

A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to exit Executive Session at 7: 14 p.m.  No Board action was taken.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.  

Carried 5 – 0  

 

The Board discussed the 2018 CASE Loader the Highway Superintendent seeks to purchase.  They also discussed the Energy Efficient Lighting Program and changing natural gas supplier.  Councilman Charles Hanehan stated he had to leave due to a conflict with another meeting.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Public Hearing on the Mass Gathering Permits for Saratoga Rowing Association’s Tail of the Fish Regatta, scheduled for September 29th, 2018 and Head of the Fish Regatta, scheduled for October 27th and 28th, 2018.  Supervisor Thomas Wood reviewed the measures taken to ensure the public’s safety at the Saratoga Rowing Association’s Regattas.  Proof of notice in the Saratogian on August 31st having been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing on the Mass Gathering Permits for  September 29th - 30th, 2018 and October 27th - October 28th, 2018 at 7:24 p.m, asking those wishing to speak to please stand and state their name and address for the record.  Seeing as no one spoke, a motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, to close the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye.

Carried 4 – 0.  

 

Public Hearing for Local Law #2, 2018 - Overnight Commercial Vehicle Parking.  Supervisor Thomas Wood reviewed what was to be Local Law #2, explaining that as this law needs work, it will be renumbered when it is complete.  He then stated he will open the Public Hearing in order to give the public a chance to state their concerns and or suggestions on the drafting of this local law.  Proof of notice in the Saratogian on August 31st having been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7:26 p.m., on the Overnight Commercial Vehicle Parking Local Law, asking those wishing to speak to please stand and state their name and address.  The following residents addressed the Board;  Randy O'Dell - 99 Brown Rd., Robert Dougal - 294 Wilbur Rd., Susan Yerry - 294 Wilbur Rd. and Terri Korb - 17 Hill Rd.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to close the Public Hearing at 7:36 p.m.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye.

Carried 4 – 0.  

 

Public Hearing for now Local Law #2, 2018 (previously numbered as Local Law #3, 2018) - Amending Zoning Ordinance in regards to Definitions of Yard Setback Requirements.  Supervisor Thomas Wood reviewed the definitions of the yard setbacks.  Proof of advertising in the Saratogian on August 31st having been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7:37 p.m., on now Local Law #2, 2018 -  Zoning Amendment, amending definitions of Yard Setback Requirements, asking those wishing to speak to please stand and state their name and address.  Seeing as no one spoke, Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion to close the Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – absent, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye.

Carried 4 – 0.  

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, to accept the minutes of the August 9th

 agenda meeting and the August 13th 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 August 2018: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $54.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $1,370.63. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $0.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $248.00. Miscellaneous Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $139.62.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $1,812.25.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for August 2018: Gil Albert reported: 15 Building Permits Issued, 31 Building Inspections, 5 Certificate/s of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permit/s, 0 Complaint/s, 0 Fire inspection, 0 Order/s to Remedy, 2 misc., 4 Building Permit Renewals, 1 Property Maintenance Inspection.  A check for $4,065.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer's report for August 2018: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:  Dog Control Officer Ed Cross answered 13 complaints, took 0 dogs to the shelter, traveled 30 miles, issued 12 warnings, 4 summons were issued and 0 bite case/s. 

 

Town Court report for August 2018: The following report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:  $7,393.00 in fees were collected for the month of August and paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Historian’s report for August 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:  The Historian had a slow month in August.  18th Century Day at the Schuyler House had 774 visitors on Sunday, August 12, 2018.  He had 72 posts on his blog.

 

Assessor’s report for August 2018: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report: 

The Assessor is in the process of preparing Enhanced STAR renewal applications.  Applications will be sent out within the week to all Enhanced STAR recipients.  Due to legislative changes he expects there to be some confusion with this year’s renewal process.  Please contact him with any questions.

 

His office handled 1 Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) case in August.  The hearing officer sided with the town, the assessment was not reduced.

 

Over the past month he processed 25 sales;  9 were valid and 16 were non-valid sales.  He had 7 valid residential sales, and 2 valid vacant land sales.  There were 5 non-valid residential sales, and 11 non-valid vacant land sales.

 

His office is now open Tuesday evenings 5-8pm and Thursdays 9:30 am-2:30 pm.  He will not be in the office on Tuesday October 2nd,  as he will be attending the annual NYS Assessors’ Association Conference.

 

Please feel free to call, email, or stop by his office with any questions.

 

Office Hours: 

Tuesdays - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Thursdays - 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

 

Highway Superintendent’s report for August 2018: 

v  Addressed washouts on Hathaway, Hanehan, Hayes, Blodgett and Chelsea Roads

v  Mowing and branch clearing in ditches

v  Hauled 1a's for fiber mat and scalpings for shoulders

v  Used Gorman for fiber mat top on Southard road

v  Replaced two culverts on River road

v  Repaired cradle on boom mower and replaced radiator in deck mower

v  Rear brakes on Truck 4, rear air spring on Truck 5, air tank straps on Truck 6

v  Hydraulic pump on Elgin, Truck 1 engine light, recall updates on

v  Pickup Truck 1 with inspection

v  Town hall weed kill and weed whack around SLPD building

v  Sent two trucks to Providence for paving

v  Removed dump box off Truck 2 and sent to Zwacks for new replacement

 

Supervisor’s report:  

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT AUGUST 2018

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)

 

                 Balance on hand 08/01/2018               $1,171,819.38

                  Revenues                                               +    11,618.67

                  Disbursements                                        -  296,185.78

                  Balance 08/31/2018                             $   887,252.27

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 08/01/2018               $1,685,470.93

                  Revenues                                              +       3,806.48

                  Disbursements                                      -        7,031.73

                  Balance 8/31/2018                              $1,682,245.68

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

 

                  Balance on hand 08/01/2018                $   758,369.20

                  Revenues                                               +  122,102.86

                  Disbursements                                        -    52,170.04

                  Balance 08/31/2018                              $  828,302.02

                 

SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT 08/31/2018             $188,732.07

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  08/31/2018                   $    2,063.82

 

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  08/31/2018                  $147,411.44

 

BUILDING RESERVE  08/31/2018                                           $305,339.17

                 

      SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY  08/31/2018                              $       311.37   

 

      PARKS RESERVE  08/31/2018                                                  $ 226,956.55

 

       TRUST & AGENCY 08/31/2018                                                $   18,957.61

 

       HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2  08/31/2018                   $  24,585.45

            (holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                   

       HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 08/31/2018                     $  77,281.96

        PARTNERSHIP

 

        PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 08/31/2018                       $    1,309.36

 

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

v  Mortgage Tax - July 2018 - $14,521.82

 

Public comments on agenda items - The following addressed the Board:  Paul Murphy-36 Hill Rd.

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No report

 

Insurance: No report

 

Youth: No report

 

Senior Citizens: Councilman James Jennings reported the Quaker Springs Seniors met on September 10th for a luncheon meeting with a guest speaker from the National Parks.  In November they will have a Thanksgiving meal at the fire house, prepared by Faye Bratage for members and guests.

 

Next meeting:  12:00 p.m. on October 8th at the Quaker Springs Fire House.

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: No report

 

Office of Emergency Management: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated Sherry Doubleday submitted an inventory of emergency supplies here at the Town Hall for the Red Cross, as this building is an emergency shelter for our town.  The inventory is of nonperishable items and he added that we are in good shape.

 

QSFD, WEMS Inc.: Don Ormsby, Quaker Springs Assistant Fire Chief, stated they have had 64 calls this year to date. 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report from Wilton EMS: Nashua Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Wilton Emergency Squad, they answered 15 calls in Schuylerville, 2 calls in Victory Mills, 7 calls in Northumberland and 23 calls for the Town Saratoga.  (Due to an error in the report, it was actually 3 calls in Victory Mills and 22 calls in the Town of Saratoga.)

 

Old Business: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated questions had been raised at last month's meeting concerning the lighting program.  He stated that Jim Buono and Potentia Management Group are licensed to serve this area and they are certified.  Jim Buono provided all references requested by the Board and Supervisor Thomas Wood also spoke with other towns and they are all very happy with the work provided by them.  They will remove and dispose of all the lights they replace.  The Board discussed the option of going with 4 meters or 6 meters and decided to go with the 4 meters for the Town Hall offices. 

The Board also discussed changing our natural gas supplier from Direct Energy to National Grid, as we are on a month to month basis with Direct Energy and they have been raising the price since the contract was finished and we can get a lower price, at least short term, with National Grid.

Supervisor Thomas Wood told the Board that Attorney William Reynolds has drafted a preliminary Event Venue law.  He asked the Board to review it and they will discuss more in the future.  He stated this will also be submitted to the Joint Board and Planning Board as well, for their input and expertise.

 

New Business:

 On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-102 - Mass Gathering Permit #5–Tail of the Fish Rowing Regatta, September 29, 2018, 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 has received and reviewed  the application for a Mass Gathering Permit by the Saratoga Rowing Association for the Head of the Fish Regatta.

Permit #5:        Saratoga Rowing Association

543 Union Avenue

P.O. Box 750

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Contact: Christopher Chase, Regatta Director

Rowing Regatta, on Saturday, September 29th at Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake, with approximately 500+ people attending the 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 September 10, 2018 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. 

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-103 - Mass Gathering Permit #6–Head of the Fish Rowing Regatta, October 27 & 28, 2018, 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 has received and reviewed  the application for a Mass Gathering Permit by the Saratoga Rowing Association for the Head of the Fish Regatta.

Permit #6:        Saratoga Rowing Association

543 Union Avenue

P.O. Box 750

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Contact: Christopher Chase, Regatta Director

Rowing Regatta, on Saturday, October 27th  and Sunday, October 28th  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 September 10, 2018, 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. 

 

On a motion made by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-104, Adoption of Local law #2 of 2018 - Amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Saratoga in regards to Definition of Yard Setback, 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, acknowledges the need to amend Town Zoning Regulations yard setback requirements; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held and input received from the townspeople; now therefore, be it,

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to adopt Local Law #3 of 2018, amending the Town of Saratoga Town Code relating to definitions for Front Yard Setback, Rear Yard Setback and Side Yard Setback effective immediately. 

(Complete copy of Local Law #3, 2018 is on file in the Clerk’s office.)

 

Local Law Filing                               NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

                                                                 41 STATE STREET, ALBANY, NY 12231

 

(Use this form to file a local law with the Secretary of State.)

 

Text of law should be given as amended.  Do not include matter being eliminated and do not use italics or underlining to indicate new matter.

 

 

            Town of                                  Saratoga                                 

 

            Local Law No.                        2                      of the year 2018

 

A local law amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Saratoga in regards to definitions of yard setback requirements.

Be it enacted by the                           Town Board                           

of the

                                                      (Name of Legislative Body)

 

           Town of                                   Saratoga                                                     as follows:  

The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Saratoga is hereby amended in the following respects:

 

Section 1 – Appendix A – Definitions  - “Yard, Front” is amended to read as follows:

The space within and extending the full width of the lot from the front lot line to any porch or deck, or to the roof overhang of that part of the principal building, or any accessory building, which is nearest to such lot line.

 

Section 2 -  Appendix A – Definitions  - “Yard, Rear” is amended to read as follows:

The space within and extending the full width of the lot from the rear lot line to any porch or deck, or to the roof overhang of that part of the principal building, or any accessory building which is nearest to such lot line.

 

Section 3 – Appendix A - Definitions  - “Yard, Side” is amended to read as follows:

The space within the lot extending the full distance from the front to rear of said lot, and from the side lot line to any porch or deck, or to the roof overhang of that part of the principal building, or any accessory building, which is nearest to such side lot line.

 

Section 4 – Effective Date

This local law shall take effect immediately.

 

On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-105, Authorization to Cancel Gas Contract with Direct Energy and Enter into Contract with National Grid, 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, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, authorizes Supervisor Thomas N. Wood III to cancel the gas contract with Direct Energy and enter into contract with National Grid for the purchase of natural gas.

             

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings, the following Resolution #18-106, Authorization to Enter into Contract with National Grid and Potentia Management Group for the Energy Efficient Lighting, 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 Supervisor Thomas N. Wood III to sign a contract with National Grid and Potentia Management Group for the Energy Efficient Lighting Program for 4 units, at a cost of $12,561.23.  

 

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-107, Transfer of Funds, $13,000.00 from Building Reserves to Building A-1620.4, 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 $13,000.00 from Building Reserves to Buildings A-1620.4 to cover the cost of the Energy Efficient Lighting Program.

 

             On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-108, Authorizing the Highway Superintendent to Trade In the 2016 CASE 721Z-Bar Wheel Loader and purchase a new 2018 CASE 721G Wheel Loader 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, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, authorizes Highway Superintendent to trade in the 2016 CASE 721Z-Bar Wheel Loader, with a trade in value of $137,500.00, and purchase a new 2018 CASE 721G Wheel Loader from Monroe Tractor, valued at $158,629.06, for a final purchase price of $21,129.06.

 

On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-109, Fund Transfer - $22,000.00 from Highway Equipment Reserve to Highway Equipment-DB5132.2 for the purchase of a new 2018 CASE 721G Wheel Loader,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 $21,129.06 from Highway Equipment Reserve Fund into Highway Equipment – DB5132.2, authorizing the Town of Saratoga Highway Superintendent to purchase a new 2018 CASE 721G Wheel Loader from Monroe Tractor.

 

Privilege of the floor:  The following residents addressed the Board:

Terri Korb, Paul Murphy, Patrick Hanehan and Robert McConnell

 

Communications:  

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Budget Workshop - Tuesday, September 25, 2018.

v  Agenda meeting – Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 7 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 7 p.m.  

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18- 110, Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 9G, 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 9G of 2018 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 145 through 168                      $  14,934.18

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 273 through 302                      $  43,919.75

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 45 through 47                         $    2,236.60

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 24 through 25                          $       258.19

Home Improvement              Voucher No. 10 through 11                          $  32,700.00

Historic Hudson                     Voucher No. 41 through 43                          $  11,176.13

 

                                                         Grand Total     $ 105,224.85

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:00 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