MINUTES OF THE REGULAR

TOWN BOARD MEETING OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA

12 SPRING ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY 12871

 

September 12, 2016

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, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby, Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Gil Albert and Kenneth Crookes

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:  

Public Hearing on Local Law #8 of 2016 - Temporary Extension on the Moratorium for the Construction of Solar Farms - Proof of notice in the Saratogian on September 2, 2016 having been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m. for Local Law #8, 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 Charles Hanehan to close the Public Hearing 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

 

Public Hearing on the Mass Gathering Permit for Saratoga Rowing Association’s Tail of the Fish Regatta - Proof of notice in the Saratogian on September 7, 2016 having been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing at 7: 05 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 Michael McLoughlin, to close the Public Hearing at 7:07 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 Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings to accept the minutes of the August 8, 2016 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 August 2016: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $53.00.  Fees paid to New York State D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $1,768.74.   Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $225.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $123.36.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $2,192.60.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for August 2016: 6 Building Permits, 15 Building Inspections, 18 Certificates of Occupancy, 0 Junk Yard Permits, 0 Orders to Remedy, 0 Fire inspections, 0 Complaint, 1Building Permit Renewal/s, 0 Property Maintenance Inspections, and 0 miscellaneous appointments.  A check for $623.75 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control Officer’s report for August 2016: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:  The Dog Control Officer answered 23 complaints, took 0 dogs to the shelter, 2 bite cases, traveled 46 miles, issued 15 warnings and 7 summons were issued. 

 

Town Court report for August 2016: The following were closed: 30 Vehicle & Traffic, 7 Criminal/Penal Law, 1 DEC/ENCON, 4 Dog cases,  1 DWI’s, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 0 Small Claims/Civil, 0 Evictions, 1 Hearings, 2 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 1 Defendant/s sentenced to probation, 0 hours of community service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $6,943.00  in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Historian’s report:  August 2016:  

Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following: The Historian stated in his August report that he had 16 posts on the website with 288 visitors and that he participated in a ceremony at the county for deceased veteran Arthur Traver. 

 

The Old Saratoga Historical Association had a successful annual 18th Century Day at the Schuyler House on August 14th.  The National Park has opened the Monument and Schuyler House on Saturdays & Sundays through October 15th.

 

The Heritage Hunters will meet at the Town Hall On September 17th at 1:00 p.m.  Lois Miner Huey, retired archaeologist and children’s book author will be the speaker.  She will talk about the process used to uncover and identify the bones of 14 slaves, buried over 300 years ago in unmarked graves on what was once Schuyler family property.

 

Assessor’s report for August 2016:

Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following report:  During the month of August the Assessor processed 13 sales transfers; 9 transfers were valid sales and 4 were non-valid.   Those sales represented (11) residential properties and (2) vacant land parcels.   She had one small claims hearing in August for the Weir property on Trask Lane.  The hearing officer lowered the value to $400,000. 

 

School tax bills have been received by property owners and questions regarding those have been answered as received.  The new STAR program is in place and hasn’t generated too much confusion.

 

The Assessor’s Office is open Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

 

Highway Superintendent’s report:  August 2016

v  Road side mowing

v  Town Hall Parking Lot Striping

v  Sweeping roads from washouts

v  Ditch clearing of trees and limbs

v  Painted stop lines where Hayes & DeGarmo roads meet Burgoyne Rd.

v  Re-grade on Swamp Rd. and Hillandale Farm Rd.

v  Culvert replacement on Swamp Rd.

v  Addressed needed repairs to Schuylerville Tow path

v  Mowed canal banks for Schuylerville

v  Ditching on Southard Rd.

v  Front spring repair on Gradall, replaced DPF module on Truck 2, rebuild on boom mower deck, injector repair on deck mower and tires on Pick-UpTruck 1.

v  Paved the high traffic areas of  Schuyler Park

v  Received new 2016 Case Loader

 

Supervisor’s report:  

 

                         SUPERVISOR’S REPORT AUGUST 2016

 

                  GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)                                      

                  Balance on hand AUGUST 1              $ 1,087,558.31

                  AUGUST Revenues                            +      11,548.65

                  AUGUST Disbursements                    -     301,009.70

                  Balance AUGUST 31                         $     798,097.26

                 

                  GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

                  Balance on hand AUGUST 1             $  1,372,731.76

                  AUGUST Revenues                           +         2,294.81

                  AUGUST Disbursements                   -          5,032.46

                  Balance AUGUST 31                         $  1,369,994.11

 

                  HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

                  Balance on hand AUGUST 1              $     851,407.01

                  AUGUST Revenues                            +     111,387.05

                  AUGUST Disbursements                    -      116,292.14

                  AUGUST Balance AUGUST 31        $      846,501.92

 

                  SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT AUGUST 31    $  179,467.11

 

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE  AUGUST 31         $      3,018.91

                                                                             

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE  AUGUST 31         $  103,046.77

 

                  BUILDING RESERVE  AUGUST 31                                 $   204,814.34

     

                        SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT AUGUST 31                                    $          311.05

 

                        PARK RESERVE AUGUST 31                                           $   101,956.55

 

                        TRUST & AGENCY AUGUST 31 (TA & CDPHP)            $     56,035.92

 

                        MOBILE HOME GRANT AUGUST 31                             $            24.31

 

                        HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT AUGUST 31               $        4,966.46

                        (holding checks until funds are deposited)

                                                                                                                                                                                               

                        CDBG GRANT AUGUST 31                                                                                         $                   20.14

 

                        HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER AUGUST 31                 $     82,897.38

                        PARTNERSHIP

 

v  Sales Tax Received – August 2016 - $111,318.00

v  Mortgage Tax - July 2016 - $22,491.50

           

Public comments on agenda items: no comments

 

Committee reports:  no report

           

Landfill:  no report

 

Insurance:  no report

  

Youth: no report

 

Senior Citizens: 

Councilman James Jennings reported that the Old Saratoga Seniors met on September 7, 2016 for a picnic luncheon.  62 members were in attendance and singer, Amy Gehling, provided the entertainment.  They have the following trips planned: 

September 23rd - Lake George Steamboat

December 20th - Christmas Show

 

(Those wishing to attend the outings are asked to contact Mary LaMora by October 15th for reservations.)

 

The next meeting is to be held on September 21st and next month’s meeting will be October 5th.

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee:  

Councilman Gary Squires stated that paving at the park was completed by the Town of Saratoga Highway Department and the Town of Northumberland Highway Department.  He added that they have received two bids to date for the construction of the new pavilion and upon acceptance of a bid, they are hopeful construction will begin this fall.

 

Office of Emergency Management:  no report

 

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports:

Quaker Springs Fire Department has responded to 70 calls to date this year.

 

Old Business:  none

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #16-124 – Fund Transfer - $45,000 from Highway Account to Highway Capital Reserve Fund due to the sale of highway equipment in excess of budgeted funds, 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, that the Town Board authorizes a fund transfer of $45,000 from Highway to Highway Capital Reserve due to the sale of Highway Equipment in excess of budgeted funds.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #16-125 – Adoption of Local Law #8 of 2016, Extending the Temporary Moratorium on the Construction of Solar Farms in the Town of Saratoga for a period of two months, 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 acknowledges the need to amend Local Law #3 by extending the temporary moratorium on solar farms for 2-months to adequately study, review and plan for legislation on solar farms, 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 # 8 of 2016, amending Local Law #3 of 2016, by placing an additional two month extension on the temporary moratorium on solar farms, effective immediately. 

(Local Law #8 of 2016 is attached.) 

 

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.                        8                      of the year 2016

 

A local law   to extend a temporary moratorium on construction of solar farms in the Town of Saratoga .                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                           

Be it enacted by the                           Town Board                                                      of the

                                                      (Name of Legislative Body)

 

           Town of                                   Saratoga                                                     as follows:  

 

SECTION 1 – Legislative Findings. 

 

            The Town of Saratoga is currently undertaking a study of the effects and suitability of establishing a land use regulatory scheme regarding construction of solar farms in the Town of Saratoga.    The Town Board is of the opinion that a period of time is needed in order to adequately review, study and plan for such a land use regulation. Although a temporary moratorium on the construction of solar farms was duly enacted by Local Law 3 of 2016, additional time is needed to plan for this land use regulation.  

 

SECTION 2 - Moratorium.

 

            Local Law 3 of 2016 is amended to extend a temporary moratorium on the construction of solar farms, as defined below, in the Town of Saratoga.  This moratorium shall continue for a period of two months from the effective date of this local law.

 

SECTION 3 - Definition.

 

             For purposes of this temporary moratorium, a Solar Farm shall be defined as follows:

 

A solar farm is the use of land for an installation of solar energy collection apparatus that covers more than two acres of land.

 

SECTION 4 – Effective Date.

 

            This local law shall take effect immediately.

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires,             the following Resolution #16-126 – Fund Transfer - $25,000 from Park Reserve to Parks-A7110.4 for the continuation of Trail and Boat Launch Work, 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, that the Town Board authorizes a fund transfer of $25,000 from Parks Reserve to Parks A7110.4 for continued Trail and Boat Launch Work.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #16-127 - Mass Gathering Permit #5 - Saratoga Rowing Aassociation’s Tail of the Fish Rowing Regatta, September 24, 2016, 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 Tail of the Fish Regatta as follows:

Permit #3:        Saratoga Rowing Association

543 Union Avenue

P.O. Box 750

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Contact: Christopher Chase, Regatta Director

Rowing Regatta, on Saturday, September 24th through at Fish Creek, Saratoga Lake, with approximately 400+ 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 12, 2016 for input by interested persons, and

WHEREAS, the event is desirable for the town, therefore be it,

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga that the permit is granted conditional upon the Town of Saratoga receiving 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 #16-128 – Authorization for the Highway Superintendent to Purchase 42 High-Bay LED Fixtures, DLC Certified, for the Highway Garage at a cost of $9000 from the Radiant Store, Inc., 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 Highway Superintendent, Donald Ormsby Jr., to purchase 42 High-Bay LED Fixtures, DLC Certified, in the amount of $9,000.00, from The Radiant Store. 

 

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #16-129 – Approving the Payment of Bills – Abstract 9G, 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 9G in the following amounts:

 

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 269 through 300                      $   34,933.93

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 45 through 47                          $     3,290.78

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 27 through 32                          $   29,328.08

Highway DB                          Voucher No. 163 through 184                      $   75,496.19

HH                                          Voucher No. 35 through 49                          $ 114,129.11

Y                                             Voucher No. 2                                               $     2,500.00

 

                                                                                             Grand Total     $ 309,451.51   

 

Communication: 

 

Privilege of the floor: 

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Budget Workshop Meeting - September 21, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

v  Agenda meeting – October 6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

v  Regular town board meeting – Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

A motion to adjourn at 8:26 p.m. was made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin.  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