DRAFT MINUTES OF�
TOWN BOARD MEETING
OF THE TOWN OF
SARATOGA,
30 FERRY ST.,
SCHUYLERVILLE,
NY
July 14, 2008
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.
Also present: Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Highway Superintendent Dave Hall, Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Justice Jack Ditch, and many other interested members of the public.
�
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:� None
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by
Supervisor Thomas Wood to accept the minutes of the June 9th regular
meeting and the June 25th and July 2nd special meetings 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 June 2008: Town Clerk Ruth Drumm reported.� Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $104.57. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $21.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $406.27.� Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $67.50.� Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $305.43. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $104.73. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,009.50.
Zoning Officer�s report for June 2008:� Zoning Officer Gil Albert reported: 10 Building Permits, 0 Building Permit Renewals, 35 Building Inspections, 3 COs, 0 Junk Yard Permits, 0 Complaints, and 7 misc.� A check for $2,315.72 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.�
Dog Control officer�s report for June 2008: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report for DCO Ed Cross.� He answered 24 complaints, traveled 139 miles, issued 18 warnings, took 1 dog to the shelter, responded to one dog bite and 7 summonses were issued.�
��������������������������������������������
Town Court report for June 2008: The following were closed: 132 Vehicle & Traffic, 12 Criminal/Penal Law, 4 DEC/ENCON, 2 Dog cases, 3 DWIs, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 0 Small Claims/Civil, 3 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 1 Divestiture Form (case transfers) sent to County Court, 10 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 20 hours of community service issued, 15 days of jail time issued, 4 Orders of Protection issued, and $8,180.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.�
Tax Collector�s report:� No report.
Historian�s report:� �Historian
Sean Kelleher submitted the following report:
The Historian�s office worked
with Saratoga National Historical Park on a visioning session which is part of
the process for the Park to develop a multi-year work plan.� It was a very productive meeting and I think
it demonstrates the Park�s interest in developing the Old Saratoga unit.� The office is in the middle of the final
planning for Historical Week for the Town of Saratoga and Village of
Schuylerville which is from August 2nd to August 10th.� The highlights of the week include the
Turning Point Parade and 18th Century Day at the Schuyler House.
Assessor�s report: Assessor Victoria Hayner submitted the following report.�
The month of June found our
office finalizing the 2008 Assessment Roll that included entering any changes
by the Board of Assessment Review.� The
Final 2008 Assessment Roll has been received and is available for public
inspection and review.
During the month of June we
processed six sales transfers of which 4 were non-valid sales and 1 was a valid
sale.�� I believe this shows a marked
decline in the number of sales happening in the Town which would in turn
support what we are seeing from local economic statistics.� Sale prices have been leveling out and to
date have not shown a decline, but I believe the summer will illustrate a
stabilization if not decline in property values.� This, in turn, will raise our Equalization Rate for next
year.�
We have also been working on
a report for the Building Inspector to assist him in his duties.�
We continue to be available
on Monday � Thursday from 9:00 AM � 1:00 PM to answer town people�s
questions on their land ownership.
�
Supervisor�s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented his financial report as follows:
SUPERVISOR�S REPORT JUNE 2008
����������������� GENERAL FUND � TOWNWIDE (A
FUND)�������� ��������������YTD���������������
�����������������
����������������� Balance on hand MAY 31������������ $1,159,863.21
����������������� June Revenues����������������������������� +����� 17,300.41���������������� 657,352.74
����������������� June Disbursements���������������������� -��� 248,860.24���� ������������378,535.39
����������������� Balance JUNE 30�������������������� ������� $� 928,367.94
����������������� GENERAL FUND � OUTSIDE VILLAGE
(B FUND)
�����������������
����������������� Balance on hand MAY 31������������ $202,576.28
����������������� June Revenues������������������������������� +�� 1,993.81����������������� 231,892.73
����������������� June Disbursements����������������������� -��� 3,448.04����������������� 136,141.61
����������������� Balance JUNE 30�������������������������� $201,122.05
����������������� HIGHWAY FUND � OUTSIDE VILLAGE
(DB FUND)
�����������������
����������������� Balance on hand MAY 31��������������� $429,087.83
����������������� June Revenues�������� �������������������������+ 84,547.76��������������� 507,475.57
����������������� June Disbursements������������������������� -� 40,734.40��������������� 463,289.66
����������������� Balance JUNE 30����������������������������� $472,901.19
�����������������
YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE�� JUNE 30�������� ���������$274.70
����������������� ���������������������������������������� ������������������
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE� JUNE 30�����������������
$901.48
����������������� BUILDING RESERVE� JUNE 30�������������������������������� $1,001,397.08
������������������������� (down payment on
school $325,000 paid 6/11/08)
����������������� PARKS� JUNE 30������������������������������ �������������������������������� $53,223.35
����������������� RISK� JUNE 30������������������������������������������������������������������
$28,901.52
����������������� SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT����������������������������������������������
$9,746.23���������������������
Supervisor
Thomas Wood reported that the Town of Saratoga Home Program
Grant was awarded for $300,000.� A
minimum of twelve homes could receive aid for home repairs or energy efficiency
improvements.� There are income
eligibility requirements and more information will follow in a couple of
weeks.�
Highway: Highway
Superintendent Dave Hall reported
that Sweet Road has been paved and completed at a cost of $156,763.37.� The CHIPS reimbursement for the paving has
been submitted and $107,000 should be reimbursed.� The price of asphalt continues to go up.� Mowing of the roadways continues.
Public comments on
agenda items:�
Geraldine Freedman asked for clarification on the CHIPS reimbursement.� She also asked when the specifics on how to apply for the Home Program Grant money will be available.� Supervisor Thomas Wood responded in a couple of weeks there should be a news release and further information will be available.���
Committee reports
Landfill: No
report.
Insurance: �Supervisor Thomas Wood noted
that our insurance policy is up for renewal on August 1st.� He met with Phil Klein, our insurance
broker, to discuss programs that are available to the town employees.� He added that our MVP Health insurance
premiums are going up 10%.�
��
Youth: �Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the Swim
Program is ongoing.� Jeannie Duval,
Director, can be reached at 581-8453.�
Session 1 runs from July 7th through July 22nd and
Session 2 runs from July 23rd through August 7th.��
Park Committee:� Schuyler
Park Update � Supervisor Thomas Wood reported on the progress being made at
the 27 acre park site.� Next Wednesday
Laurie Griffen and Councilwoman Betty Koval will meet at the park site and will
place additional survey markers around the perimeter of the park.� He added that a fourth grant has been
submitted through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
(OPRHP) requesting $350,000 for the development of the park.��
Town Attorney William
Reynolds noted that an agreement with Leon Reed and the Schuylerville Central
School for use of the fields is being reviewed.� He added that Doug Ward, Attorney for the Town of Northumberland,
has made some additional changes and the revised agreement will be submitted to
the school in a few days.�
National Incident Management System Committee
(NIMS):� No report, meetings will resume in September.�
�
General Schuyler Emergency Squad (GSES):� Sherry Doubleday reported on the squad�s participation with Sundae on
the Farm and the Dutch Reformed Church�s Family Fun Day.� Upcoming events are the coin drop on August
9th, the Turning Point Parade on August 3rd, the
Washington County Fair for the Demolition Derby and the first aide booth.� She reported that they have four new
members.� The new building is on hold
until the legislature returns and chooses to renew the law that allows the IDA
to offer low interest rates to Not-for-Profit Organizations.�
�
Quaker
Springs Fire Department (QSFD):� Stephen
Bodnar addressed the board reporting that they responded
to 8 calls in June.� They have gone out
for bids on the new station on July 2nd.� They will hold a meeting with the architect and interested
bidders on July 22, 2008.� Bids will be
accepted until 7:00 p.m. on August 14th.� They hope to award the bid at the Commissioner�s meeting on
August 18th and break ground in September.� Stephen Bodnar reported that they have received a Park Service
Grant for 22 sets of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and a DEC Forestry
Grant for $1,000 with matching funds for Indian tanks and boots.��
Saratoga
Lake Association (SLA): �No
report.
Saratoga
County Farm Bureau (SCFB):�
Marty Hanehan, Turning Point Dairy, submitted the following report that
was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood.
The Sundae on the Farm at Kings Ransom Farm on June
22nd was a success thanks to the break in the weather that day. Over
2,000 people were able to see first hand the daily workings of a Dairy
Farm.� We want to thank all who visited
the farm that day to learn more about Agriculture in our County, the #1
industry.�
This week, the Saratoga County Fair is running,
starting on Tuesday and going through Sunday.�
Come visit and see your neighbors with their animals and the projects
that our youth have on display.� Or
maybe get some of the �free� giant Sundae put on by the Dairy Princess
Committee.� There are also many
Grandstand shows.
The crops are excellent this year thanks to Mother
Nature.� Farmers rely very heavily on
the weather.�
Lastly, I would like to ask everyone to use some
caution when meeting farm equipment on the road.� We try to be as careful as possible when moving machinery, but
there is more traffic all the time and some of the roads are pretty
narrow.� We all want to avoid
accidents.� Thanks, and enjoy your
summer.�
�
Old
business: None
New
business:
Supervisor
Thomas Wood reported that the Cell Tower contract for the Hayes
Road site is up for renewal.� The board
will consider holding the option rate at the current $250 per month or asking
for an increase.� Councilman Charles
Hanehan suggested that the board be aware that wireless cable is coming in
the near future and to take that into consideration when a contract is
negotiated when a tower is built.���
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm� the following Resolution #08-89� Donation of the new Schuylerville Visitor�s
Center Exhibit was
adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood -
aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye,
Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin �
absent.� Carried 4 � 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga acknowledges
that the new Schuylerville Visitor�s Center Exhibit was purchased with money
awarded to the Town of Saratoga through the Heritage NY Grant in the year 2002;
and
WHEREAS, the exhibit was built and installed in the
Schuylerville Visitor�s Center owned by the Village of Schuylerville and
therefore now should be turned over to the Village of Schuylerville; therefore
be it�
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to donate
the Visitor�s Center Exhibit to the Village of Schuylerville for public
use.�
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval�� the following Resolution #08-90 Support
for SLPID Lake Reclamation
was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm �
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin � absent.�
Carried 4 � 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board
recognizes that Saratoga Lake is an important recreational and economic resource to the
Town of Saratoga, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board supported the development of the Saratoga Lake Watershed Management Plan in 2001, and
WHEREAS, our town has annually funded a portion of SLPID
overall budget due to the importance of the lake to all residence in the
community.� Over the last twenty years
of efforts by the surrounding communities and SLPID, improvements in both water
quality and nuisance plant control have been accomplished.� Starting in 2003 with strong encouragement
from the state, SLPID began the process of preparing an aquatic plant
management plan and a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement with the goal
of reclaiming the littoral zone (near shore area), in order to allow its
recovery as a stable plant community that is no longer dominated by invasive
species, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board desires to support the implementation
of priority projects in the Saratoga Lake Watershed Management Plan including
actions that restore water quality and aquatic habitats, and management
Eurasian water milfoil, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board acknowledges that the first year of
the three year program has been very successful, the second year of control
efforts are underway.� There is a
significantly improved chance for continued success due to use of newly available
herbicides, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board recognizes that SLPID has funded 70%
of the cost of treatment in year-one and 90% of the cost of treatment in
year-two and that these expenditures have depleted the reserves of SLPID,
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Town Board finds it is paramount that
adequate grant funding be obtained to complete this important lake restoration
effort and fervently supports the submission of grant application efforts that
meet these goals.
On a motion by Councilman Charles
Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm��� the following Resolution #08-91� Increase Mileage Rate from 50.5� to 58.5� was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm �
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin � absent.�
Carried 4 � 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board recognizes that the cost of gasoline
has risen sharply since the beginning of the year; and
WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has announced an increase
in the mileage deduction to 58.5� starting July 1st through the end
of the year; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board increases the mileage rate to
58.5� per mile for actual town business from July 1st through
December 31, 2008.��
Supervisor Thomas Wood
explained that the Galcik Farm project is proposing to place a conservation
easement on 58 acres of a 63 +/- acre parcel located on DeGarmo Road and
Burgoyne Road.� The Galciks wish to
reserve a 3 acre parcel along the Northwestern boundary of the parcel just
behind the stand of trees along DeGarmo Road.�
A second exclusion is along Burgoyne Road, near Fish Creek of
approximately 2 acres.��
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan���� the following Resolution #08-92 Support of the Galcik PDR Application was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm �
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin � absent.�
Carried 4 � 0.
WHEREAS, Paul and William Galcik landowners in the town of
Saratoga, intend to participate in the Saratoga County Farmland and Open Space
Preservation Program seeking to permanently preserve 58+/- acres of active
farmland on DeGarmo Road in the Town of Saratoga; and
WHEREAS,
the Town Board views the
preservation of agriculture as vital to the quality of life and economy of the
town as evidenced by the Town of Saratoga Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga County
Farmland Protection Plan, and Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan which
recommends the use of conservation easements purchase of development rights as
a tool to preserve agriculture and recognizes the importance of protection
farmland and open spaces; and
WHEREAS,
the Town Board finds that the
grant application is worthy and will provide funding to permanently preserve
the Galcik parcel for agricultural uses only; and
WHEREAS,
the Town is an eligible applicant
under the grant program and may hold and monitor the conservation easement,
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED,
that the Town of Saratoga fully
supports this application and shall act as the applicant, holding a
conservation easement consisting of the development rights of the Galcik
parcel, and shall periodically monitor conformance with the terms of the
easement, and be it
FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Town
Supervisor is hereby authorized to contract with Saratoga County and execute
any documents necessary to accept and redistribute Farmland Protection funds,
should the grant application be successful.
On a motion by Supervisor
Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #08-93� Transfer of
Funds- $20,160.76 from DB 3501. to DB 5112.2 CHIPS was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm �
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin � absent.�
Carried 4 � 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the
need for fund transfers to cover expenses incurred, therefore be it
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to transfer $20,160.76 from Account # DB 3501. from increased revenues in
that account to DB 5112.2 CHIPS.�
Communications:
Supervisor
Thomas Wood reported on the following:�
v
Thank you from Matthew H.
Sickles, Principal, Schuylerville Jr.-Sr. High School, to the town board for
their award donation.� It also provided
the names of the two students who received the Town of Saratoga�s Awards for
having earned the most points under the Student Council Point System and they
were Jennifer Lopez & Lucia Cappiello.
Privilege
of the floor:
Jim
Jennings, asked if the survey markers at Schuyler Park will
be every 100� and Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that the distances will
vary, some less, some more.�
He asked if the Galcik PDR request will have any
restrictions on the property.�
Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that it will be agricultural use
only.� Councilman Charles Hanehan added
that it is a Bargain Sale, which means they will take 25% less than the value.
Jim Jennings asked why the cell tower proposed on
the Hayes Road dump site property is not planned on an individual�s
property.� Supervisor Thomas Wood
responded that the site was chosen as one that would work well for coverage, is
in the rural district where they are allowed, and the revenue will benefit all
town residents.���
Stephen
Bodnar, stated that the swimming lessons taking place at
the Griffen�s pool on Casey Road is creating a hazardous situation because cars
are being parked on both sides of the road.�
He suggested that a memo be sent to the parents of the participants
requesting they park on the same side of the road to eliminate this
hazard.�
He also urged the board to support the Neighborhood
Watch Group being proposed in the Village of Schuylerville.
Stephen Bodnar asked who were the students that
received the Town of Saratoga awards donated by the town board members and
Supervisor Thomas Wood responded they were Jennifer Lopez and Lucia
Cappiello.�
�
Upcoming
meetings:
v Agenda meeting � Thursday,
August 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
v
Regular town board meeting � Monday, August 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. �
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and
seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the
following Resolution #8-94- Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 7G was
adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm �
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and
Councilman Michael McLoughlin � absent.�
Carried 4 � 0.
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize
payment of the bills listed in Abstract 7G (07/14/2008) in the following
amounts: General A $20,475.49, and General B $4,348.44, Highway Outside DB
$164,693.05, and Youth Services $384.86 for a total of $189,901.84.
A motion to adjourn
at 8:22 p.m. was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by
Councilman Charles Hanehan.� Supervisor
Thomas Wood � aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan -
aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin -
absent.� Carried 4 � 0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth Drumm
Town Clerk