June 9, 2003

Supervisor Robert Hall opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:30 p.m.

Roll call: Jean Casey, Town Clerk, called the roll. Supervisor Robert Hall- present, Councilman Bruce Cornell - present, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - present, Councilman Fred Drumm- present, and Councilman Phil Griffen- present.

Also present: Deputy Clerk Ruth Drumm, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Historian Thomas Wood, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour, Tim Holmes, Peg Hall, Gail Taras, Patricia Pierce, Sherry Doubleday, Richard Behrens, Wendy Lucas, Maureen Bachert, Harry Bachert, Barbara Peck, Jackie Pardon, Kathleen Bartholomay, Carol McTague, NYSDPS, Corinne Ward, Jon Beaulac, Tim Williams, Jamie Williams, Jesse Williams, Jordan Williams, Luther Waldron, Sherry Waldrom, Connie Natale, Day Ceron, Ritch Gregory, and Chuck Waldron.

Honorees: Supervisor Robert Hall honored Joe and Ann McMahon with a proclamation for their part in the foaling and raising of FUNNY CIDE, the first New York bred winner of the Kentucky Derby run on May 3, 2003 and winner of the Preakness, run on May 17, 2003. The McMahon’s presented Supervisor Robert Hall with a lovely-framed picture of FUNNY CIDE.

Supervisor Robert Hall also recognized and extended congratulations to Jesse Williams for being selected as the New York State Eagle Scout of the Year for 2003. Jesse Williams presented Supervisor Robert Hall with a blue ribbon and a patch from their Saratoga District Spring Camporee.

Approval of Minutes: All Board Members had read the minutes of the May 5, 2003 Public Hearing, the regular meeting on May 12, 2003 and the May 22, 2003 special zoning ordinance meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin that the minutes of May 5^th, May 12^th, and May 22^nd be accepted as read. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

Town Clerk’s report: Fees paid to the County treasurer for Dog licenses $168.15. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $48.00. Fees paid to NY D.E.C. for hunting/fishing licenses $400.56. Fees paid to The State Health Dept. for marriage licenses $11.25. Dog license fees to Supervisor Robert Hall $447.85. Clerk fees to Supervisor Robert Hall $213.44. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,289.25.

Zoning Officer’s report: Robert Hathaway reported for May 2003: 12 Building permits, 1 Junk Yard Permit, 12 inspections, 1 Certificate of Occupancy and 2 inspection complaints were addressed. A check for $1,127.00 was given to Supervisor Robert Hall.

Robert Hathaway commented on the house at the end of Hanehan Road and Route 4 that is in such poor condition. He stated that he has given them until August 1, 2003 to clean it up. Robert Hathaway questioned whether the fire department would burn it down for them. Supervisor Robert Hall will ask the Quaker Springs Fire Department if that is possible.

The board entered into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. The regular meeting resumed at 7:55 p.m. with no action taken.

Supervisor Robert Hall stated that the Site Improvement Performance Bond has been received for the Eagles Roost II Subdivision for the completion of the 60’ right of way (ditches, back slopes, seeding and paving). Maureen Bachert, an Eagles Roost resident, stated that there are still 6 lots that have unfinished grading and contouring for proper drainage, and until finished no further landscaping can be completed. She stated that it’s the town’s responsibility since Eagles Roost was to comply with the original variance and Master Plan from 1997-1998. Maureen Bachert will obtain a copy of the Master Plan and contract from McNeary, the realtor, and give it to Town Attorney William Reynolds to review. Attorney William Reynolds stated that the problems mentioned are of a private concern and are not the town’s responsibility. Councilman Philip Griffen asked Chuck Waldron of C& S Construction if he has estimated what the cost would be to fix the problems. Chuck Waldron stated that to bring it up to standard grade including regrading areas that have settled and washed out, it would take 2 ½ to 3 hours of bulldozing along with a front end loader using the sand that is piled on site over the course of a day and would probably cost $1,000. Bob Hathaway commented that Millard intended to do more grading but went bankrupt. Town Attorney Bill Reynolds explained that he has reviewed the map and the town has met its responsibility. Councilman Philip Griffen added that the $1,000 divided between the lot owners would be about $200 each. Supervisor Robert Hall suggested that the homeowners work with Chuck Waldron to see if he could fix it reasonably for them.

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Hall presented May 2003 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $534,821.29, General B $122,810.97, Highway Outside $398,402.27, Youth Recreation & Services $5,140.08, Highway Equipment Reserve $59,603.79, Building Reserve $814,848.88 and Fire Protection $0.03. May revenues were $179,949.28 and expenses were $185,737.48, making the total May balance $1,935,627.31

Highway: Grant Seymour, Highway Superintendent, said that the town crews are busy with CHIPS projects, replacing damaged culverts, digging ditches out, and mowing. He mentioned that the new tractor and mower should be ready for delivery in another month.

Landfill: No report.

Insurance: No report.

Youth Committee report: No report.

Buildings: Supervisor Robert Hall stated that new office furniture has been purchased for the Town Clerk’s office and the Assessor’s office with grant money from Senator Joseph Bruno. Supervisor Robert Hall thanked the highway crew for their help with the renovations. Supervisor Robert Hall reported on Dente Engineering’s Geo-technical Evaluation of the settlements occurring across portions of the Saratoga Town Hall. An estimate of the cost of using micro piles to fix the foundation would range between $200,000 and $300,000 and if Jet Grouting is used to stabilize the fills the cost is estimated between $140,000 and $200,000. The board plans no action at this time.

Senior Citizens report: Councilman Bruce Cornell expressed what a great time the seniors have at their meetings. Historian Tom Wood did a presentation on local history of the area for the Quaker Spring’s seniors.

Park Committee report: Councilman Michael McLoughlin reported that the committee met at 6:00 p.m. this evening. Steve Kirk, a representative from DBS Planning and Consultants spoke on how to apply for state and federal grants that are available for park site planning. Councilman Michael McLoughlin stated that grant money, up to $30,000, could be applied for and is a matching fund grant. The matching can be done with in kind services. The cost for the application of the planning grant by DBS Planning and Consultants would cost up to $1,200. Three sites will be investigated and any problems will be identified. Resolution #03-25 for spending up to $1,200 for the park site-planning grant was offered by Councilman Bruce Cornell and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

Supervisor Robert Hall read a letter from the Old Saratoga Athletic Association (OSAA) to the town board which stated their support for the development of Fort Hardy into a historical site, providing that a suitable facility is found to continue the youth sports programs administered through the OSAA. They mentioned that participation in the sports programs increases every year and more space for a sports complex/park is needed. They look forward to working with the Town of Saratoga towards building a better future for the community.

Old Business: Carol McTague, a representative from the New York State Public Service Commission, spoke about the renewal of our Time Warner Cable TV franchise agreement, which expires on August 31, 2003. She suggested that we review our current contract and consider what we want from Time Warner Cable in the next renewal term, which is generally ten years. She offered her assistance with the terms, conditions and negotiations for the renewal of the contract. A committee of Councilman Philip Griffen, Councilman Fred Drumm, Town Attorney William Reynolds and Carol McTague was appointed to work on the conditions of the renewal. Carol McTague suggested that the department could give Time Warner Cable Temporary Operating Authority which will extend the current contract, as is, for 6 months so that we can thoroughly research our options. She also suggested that we write Peter Taubkin, Vice-President of Governmental Affairs, for a complete breakdown of revenue sources received from our town from 2000 to 2002. Town Attorney William Reynolds stated he would request the information. Carol McTague presented Attorney William Reynolds with some materials for his review, which includes a sample franchise agreement used by other communities in Saratoga County.

Gail Taras addressed the board asking that they adopt a partial tax exemption for real property of persons with disabilities. It was noted that the school has the exemption and there is only one person who qualifies since the income eligibility is up to $15,000. Gail Taras would like to see the eligibility amount higher. It was decided that it is too late to act on it for this year. A committee will be formed to study this for next year. Supervisor Robert Hall will let Gail Taras know what the committee recommends in the future.

New Business: Supervisor Robert Hall congratulated Alicia Mellen, Colleen McConnell, Sara Johanson, and Whitney Creager, Senior Girl Scouts, for their achievement in earning the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Resolution # 03-23 was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin authorizing the preparation of a general map, plan and report for establishing an ambulance district within the entire bounds of the Town of Saratoga, including the Villages of Schuylerville and Victory. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0. Councilman Michael McLoughlin added that there have been glowing reports on the excellent service being provided by the General Schuyler Emergency Squad.

Resolution #03-24 was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin requesting Federal Legislation expanding the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area to include the Town of Saratoga. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

Communications: Supervisor Robert Hall read communications from the following:

*Lakes to Locks Passage Executive Director Janet Kennedy noting the work plan, budget, and timeline for the "Old Saratoga" Network of Interpretive Parks.

*Byron Peregrim, Turning Point Parade Chairman, inviting the town board members to march in the Turning Point Parade on Sunday, August 3, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. sharp. The board members accepted his invitation to march in the parade. It was noted that the town has budgeted $3,000 for contribution to the Turning Point Parade. The theme for this 9^th annual Turning Point Parade is PATRIOTS: Then and Now.

*Dennis Brunelle, Executive Director of the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, communicated what a good job Maria Morgan did testifying before a joint committee of the NYS Assembly and Senate regarding the importance of funding for the Community Services Block Grant and its importance for continuance of programs for educational services, children’s programs, food distribution, Christmas help and career guidance.

Privilege of the floor: Tim Holmes reported about the need for the town to support the making of an application to the NYS Department of State for a Saratoga Valley Intermunicipal Local Waterfront Revitalization Planning Grant. It was noted that George Hodgson, Saratoga County Environmental Services Director, would make the application and that The Town of Saratoga would be the lead agency, in conjunction with the Villages of Schuylerville and Victory and the Towns of Greenwich, Easton and Northumberland. Resolution #03-26 was introduced by Councilman Bruce Cornell and seconded by Councilman Philip Griffen to support the preparation and submission of a Saratoga Valley Intermunicipal Local Waterfront Revitalization grant application to the New York State Department of State to create a comprehensive waterfront resource management plan in an effort to protect, preserve and interpret these important resources for future generations to enjoy. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

Town Attorney William Reynolds reported on the progress of the Town obtaining title to the Mineral Springs Property in Quaker Springs. The deed title to the Mineral Springs was obtained by The Quaker Springs Mineral Springs Corp., a membership corporation, from Nellie Russell in February 1948. There was a clause reverting ownership back to Nellie Russell and her heirs if the spring should become neglected. Town Attorney William Reynolds noted that we need a contract with the Quaker Springs Mineral Springs Corp. to deed the spring to the town and a release or Quit Claim deed from the heirs of Nellie Russell. The Town plans to make it into a Historical Pocket Park. Councilman Michael McLoughlin stated that he has not been able to contact Gordon Russell, an heir of Nellie Russell, and that he will continue to try to locate him.

Audit the Bills: General A $10,927.93, General B $413.59, Highway Outside $13,011.16, Building Reserve $5,552.75, Highway Equipment Reserve $36,900.00, and Trust & Agency Fund $60.00 for a total expense of $66,865.43.

The next regular meeting of the Town Board will be July 14, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Casey, Town Clerk

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