Draft
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF
SARATOGA,
�30 FERRY ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY
December 11,
2006
7:00 P.M.
Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance
at 7:00 p.m.
Roll call: Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk,
called the roll.� Supervisor Thomas
Wood- present, Councilman Fred Drumm - present, Councilman Charles Hanehan-
present, Councilwoman Betty Koval - present, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin
� absent (arrived at 7:10 p.m.).
Also present: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Clarence Fosdick, Tax Collector Jim Gorham, Town Justice Jack Ditch, Stephen Bodnar, Historian Sean Kelleher, Leigh Hornbeck, Geraldine Freedman and Marilyn Zaborek.
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
Recognitions: None
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval to accept the minutes of the regular meeting on November 9, 2006 as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � absent.� Carried 4 � 0.
Town Clerk�s report for November 2006: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $56.40. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $24.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $612.24. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $90. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $143.60. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $153.81. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,080.05.
Zoning Officer�s report: November 2006 report: 9 Building Permits and 4 CO�s were issued, 13 building inspections, 1 meeting at 1390 Rt. 9P, and 1 Zoning Regulation Book was sold.� A check for $805.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.�
Dog Control officer�s report for November 2006: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood which stated Rick Sullivan answered 14 complaints, took 2 dogs to the shelter, traveled 194 miles, issued 6 warnings and 1 summons was issued.�
Councilman Michael McLoughlin arrived at 7:10 p.m.
Town Court report for November 2006: 56 Vehicle & Traffic, 9 Criminal/Penal Law, 2 DEC/ENCON, 0 Dog cases, 1 DWI, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 1 Small Claims/Civil, 0 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 1 Civil Jury Trial, 1 (case transfer) Divestiture Form sent to County Court, 6 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 60 hours of community service issued, 5 days of jail time issued, 1 Order of Protection issued, and $3,487.50.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.
Justice Jack Ditch reported that court will be held at
4:00 p.m. on Tuesday�s beginning January 2, 2007.
Historian�s report:
�Sean Kelleher reported: This past month, the Historian's office has been a bit
slower. The Town did receive some great news that it has received two
grants (total of $324,000 greenway grant) to improve the old tow path and
create a boat launch on the Hudson River. Both sites open up the
opportunity to do some historical interpretation through signs to explain the
rich history of our community. In addition, as you are aware the State
Boat launch on Route 9P will be undergoing some transformation as part of the
bridge reconstruction. I have started a very positive discussion with the
Regional Director of NYS Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation on
developing some interpretive signs at the boat launch to tell the rich history
of Fish Creek and Saratoga Lake.
In the past month, the office has worked on our Archives grant ($12,935 -
awarded Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund � NYS Archives)
separating the Village of Schuylerville records from the Town of Saratoga
historical records collection. We are also working on developing a
finding aid for municipal collections in
Saratoga, Schuylerville and Stillwater.
The office developed a poster on Christmas past celebrations in the community
that was displayed as part of the St. Nicholas Festival.
Supervisor�s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented November 2006 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $933,179.54, General B $56,917.59, Highway Outside $333,233.26, Youth Recreation & Services $428.07, Highway Equipment Reserve $90,624.18, Building Reserve $958,596.32 and Fire Protection $0.� November revenues were $231,383.78 and expenses were $112,897.82.� The total November 2006 balance is $2,372,978.96.
Supervisor Thomas Wood announced that the grant application for the Hudson River Boat Launch Project was selected for $225,000 through the New York State Canal Corporation�s 2006 Erie Canal Greenway Grant Program.� The town has also been awarded $117,000 for the Town of Saratoga Recreational Trail System. The grant is for the clearing and upgrading of two portions of the Old Champlain Canal Towpath for recreational uses at Coveville & Wilbur Road (south).
Assessor�s report: Assessor Catherine DeFelice reported:� We had 19 parcel transfers, 10 were valid sales and 9 were
invalid sales. We had 3 parcel splits which created 4 new parcels, 5 parcels
were merged into 2 new parcels and 4 parcels had revised information such as
road frontage or boundary line agreements. We are continuing to clean up the
files. We will be sending out notices to property owners that are on the
State�s self verification program for Enhanced STAR and those not verified will
receive a renewal form.
Public comments on
agenda items: (name & subject)
Sean Kelleher commented on the very steep
driveway off County Rt. 67.� He noted
that the household appliances had to be unloaded on County Rt. 67, which is not
equipped to be used as an unloading zone.�
He suggested that steep driveways should be addressed in the Zoning
Regulation Revisions underway.� It was
also noted that emergency vehicles would have a very hard time making it up the
steep grade.
�
Committee
reports:
Highway: Highway
Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the new generator has been ordered and
should be in by the end of the month.�
He provided the board with a picture of the chipper that was stripped
down and repainted by the highway crew and they commented that it looks almost
new. Highway Superintendent Dave Hall noted that the paving problems at Nielson
Landing have been corrected and that the signage is up to specifications.� He added that patching is continuing on the
town roads.��
Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that poles for the new storage shed are being put in. He noted that estimates were gathered for the trusses and roofing materials and authorization to purchase from the lowest vendor was needed.� A motion was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan authorizing the purchase of trusses for $7,700 and roofing materials for $6,300. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5 � 0.
Landfill: �There were no unusual conditions found and all quality control data is within acceptable limits.�
�
Insurance: No report.
�
Youth: Supervisor
Thomas Wood reported that the Youth Week reimbursement of $2,400 has been
received.� Councilman Michael McLoughlin
reported that the Hudson Crossing Park, a Bi-County Park, received a $225,000
grant for enhancements to the Hudson Crossing Park project which includes
property at Lock C5 Island.� Volunteers
are needed and anyone interested can sign up at General Schuyler�s Pantry.� Councilman Michael McLoughlin added that six
Schuylerville Central School students attended a Leadership Conference in
Buffalo.�
�
The Schuylerville Seniors met
on November 14th for a Veteran�s Day Dinner.� The Schuylerville School�s sixth grade band
played a concert which included the theme songs of the US military groups.� November 28th, Pat and Joe Peck
spoke regarding hostel programs and opportunities available through them.� She added that on December 14th
the seniors will have a Christmas Dinner at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs
�
Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters &
Emergency Medical Service Workers:� The committee had a meeting in November and is working
on three projects for the first two months of 2007.
We are working on a
recognition patch that the Town Board will give to volunteer firefighters and
EMS workers to recognize their efforts in the community. The patch will
have the town symbol - the Monument in the center with the four departments
around the outside with the words teamwork = success on an inner circle.
The Committee is working on developing the Supervisors Award which would be
given annually to a member of each department for their service and leadership
in the community. These awardees will be recognized with a certificate
and a plaque in each department listing the department awardees and a master
plaque at town hall that will
list the awardees of each department.
In addition, the Committee and the Highway Superintendent are working to
develop 8 to 10 street signs to encourage more volunteers for the various
departments.
We�re requesting that a page
be set up on the Town website to facilitate volunteers getting in touch with
the various departments.
The committee will meet at 7 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of January.
GSES,
QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports:�
Quaker
Springs Fire Department:� Stephen Bodnar
reported that they responded to 7 alarms in November.� They are drilling a new well at the main fire station.� He noted that the bids were opened for the
new rescue truck and will be awarded next Monday. They are working with S.D.
Atelier to assess the size needs for the new substation on Rt. 9P.� Stephen Bodnar added that a grant for
$20,000 has been received for Farm Rescue Equipment.� Thanks were given to both Sean Kelleher and Dave Hall for writing
the grant.�
Old
business:
Supervisor Thomas Wood
reported that
the road work at Nielson Landing is
complete.� There are some legal details
still being worked through with the Title Ins. Co. representative.� It is hoped that all will be in order and Trask Lane can be taken over by the town at the year-end meeting on December
27th.
New
business:
On a motion by Councilman
Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #06- 125 - Establishing Minimum Training Requirements
for Town Planning and Zoning Board Members �was adopted by vote: Supervisor
Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan �
aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin �
aye.� Carried 5 � 0.
WHEREAS, the state legislature approved a bill to establish
minimum training requirements for municipal Planning and Zoning Board Members,
and
WHEREAS, the law, Chapter 662 of the Laws of 2006, takes
effect on January 1, 2007 requiring a minimum training standard of four hours
each year for Planning and Zoning Board Members, therefore be it
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga that as a
requirement of appointment to or continuation as a member of the Planning and
Zoning Boards of the Town of Saratoga at least four hours of related training
classes are attended each year.�
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution # 06-126 � To Establish
the Town as the SEQRA Lead Agency for the proposed Old Saratoga on the Hudson
Local Waterfront Revitalization Program was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm �
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.�
Carried 5 � 0.
WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has developed a LOCAL
WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM in cooperation with the Towns of
Northumberland, Easton and Greenwich, Villages of Schuylerville and Victory and
the New York State Department of State; and
WHEREAS, the Town circulated Part 1 of the Environmental
Assessment Form to all involved agencies to seek designation of the Town as
Lead Agency for purposes of the State Environmental Quality Review Act
(�SEQRA�), in accordance with SEQRA�s coordinated review requirements;� and
WHEREAS, the other involved agencies either agreed to the
proposed designation of the Town as the SEQRA Lead Agency for this project or
they did not propose themselves to be the SEQRA Lead Agency for this project;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga is hereby designated as
the SEQRA Lead Agency for the Old Saratoga on the Hudson Local Waterfront
Revitalization Program.��
On a motion by Supervisor
Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the following
Resolution #06-127 � Determining that action by the Old Saratoga on the
Hudson Local Waterfront Revitalization Program will not have a significant
effect on the environment was adopted
by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm �
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.�
Carried 5 � 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, Saratoga
County, New York (the "Town") is Lead Agency in the proposed action
of developing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) ; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental
Conservation Law, Chapter 43-b of the Consolidated Laws of New York, as amended
(the "SEQR Act") and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the
Department of Environmental Conservation of the State of New York
("DEC"), being 6 NYCRR Part 617, as amended (the
"Regulations"), the Town desires to determine whether this Action may
have a significant effect on the environment and therefore require the preparation
of an environmental impact statement; and
WHEREAS, the Town has prepared an environmental assessment
form for the Project (the "EAF"), a copy of which was presented to
and reviewed by the Town at this meeting and a copy of which is on file in the
office of the Town Clerk; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Regulations, the Town has examined
the EAF in order to make a determination as to the potential environmental
significance of Action; and
WHEREAS, the Action appears to constitute a "Type I
Action" (as defined by the Regulations);
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE
TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK AS FOLLOWS:
�������������� 1.��� Based on an examination of the EAF and based further upon the
Town's knowledge of the area and such further investigation of the proposed
Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and its environmental effects on the
Town as deemed appropriate, the Town makes the following findings:
(a)�� The Old Saratoga on the Hudson Local
Waterfront Revitalization Program as described in the EAF;
(b)�� The Plan constitutes a "Type 1
Action" (as defined in the Regulations);
�(c)�
No potentially significant effect on the environment is noted in the EAF
for this Action, and none are known to the Town;
(d)�� This Action will not have a significant
effect on the environment; and the Town will not require the preparation of an
environmental impact statement with respect to the Action; and
�(e)�
As a result of the foregoing, the Town has prepared a negative
declaration with respect to the Action.
��������������� 2.��� The Town Clerk is hereby directed to file a negative
declaration with respect to the Action (said negative declaration attached
hereto); and a copy of the negative declaration shall be maintained in the
office of the Town Clerk in a file that will be readily accessible to the
public.
3.
�This resolution shall take effect
immediately.
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following RESOLUTION #06-128 - Support for Submission of a
2006-07 Qualities Community Grant Application for a town recreation park � Rt.
29 and Louden Rd. was adopted by vote: Supervisor
Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan �
aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin �
aye.� Carried 5 � 0.
WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is
applying to the New York State Department of State for a grant under the
2006-07 Qualities Community Grant Application for funding the pre-construction
costs associated with a town recreation park to be used and maintained jointly
by the Towns of Saratoga and Northumberland, and located just west of Louden
Road along Route 29; and�
WHEREAS, the grant application requires each municipality to
obtain the endorsement of the Town Board; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Saratoga does hereby approve and endorse the application for a grant under the
2006-07 Qualities Community Program for a total project cost of $114,000 with a
total shared cost to the two communities of $38,800.
On a motion by Supervisor
Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #06-129 � Fund transfer- $4,109.39 from DB
9010.8 (State Retirement) to DB 9060.8 (Medical Insurance) was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas
Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye,
Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5 � 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the
need to transfer funds to cover additional medical insurance costs; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize
a fund transfer from DB 9010.8 State Retirement to DB 9060.8 Medical
Insurance.��
Communications:
v Thank you from Janet
Kennedy, Executive Director of Lakes to Locks Passage, for the $250
contribution. �
v
Notification of cell tower going in at 252 Washington
St., Saratoga Springs.
Privilege
of the floor:
Geraldine
Freedman asked who provided the $225,000 Hudson Crossing
Grant.� She was told Canal Corp.� She also asked if the town park will be
located across from the Farmer�s Daughter on Rt. 29 and she was told yes.�
Stephen
Bodnar asked when the NIMS training would begin.� Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that our
Emergency Coordinator, Jim Miers, is planning to give the IS 700 course soon.
Stephen Bodnar then inquired as to the status of the Calvin Gong property clean
up at Rt. 9P, Saratoga Lake.� Town
Attorney William Reynolds responded that Town Engineer Kenneth Martin and
Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway are waiting for a response from Calvin Gong
regarding a time to inspect the property.�
If no response, a warrant is needed to gain access to inspect the
property.
Clarence
Fosdick shared concerns about traffic safety on Burgoyne
Road.� He felt that there is an added
hazard from the larger vehicles that now can cross over Bryant�s Bridge to
Burgoyne Road since the bridge will be open to unrestricted vehicle traffic.� Clarence Fosdick requested a stop sign at
Burgoyne Rd. and Bryant�s Bridge Road and increased speed limit
enforcement.� Supervisor Thomas Wood
stated he would contact law enforcement concerning the enforcement of the speed
limits.���
Tax
Collector Jim Gorham inquired if Saratoga County has adopted its
budget yet. Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that on December 15th
the budget should be adopted.�
Upcoming
meetings:
v Year-end special meeting �
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.
v Building committee �
Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
v Agenda meeting � Thursday,
January 4, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
v
Regular town board meeting � Monday, January 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm the following Resolution #06-130 - Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 12G was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5 � 0.
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize
payment of the bills listed in Abstract 12G (12/11/2006) in the following
amounts: General A $20,613.83, General B $1,045.84, Highway Outside $35,885.97
for a total expense of $57,545.64.
A motion to adjourn
at 8:33 p.m. was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman
Betty Koval.� Supervisor Thomas Wood �
aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye,
Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye.� Carried 5 � 0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk