DRAFT MINUTES FOR THE
TOWN BOARD MEETING
OF THE TOWN OF
SARATOGA,
30 FERRY ST.,
SCHUYLERVILLE,
NY
Thursday,
November 8, 2007
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 � present.
Also present: Town Attorney William Reynolds, Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent David Hall, and other interested members of the public.
�
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
Supervisor Thomas Wood
presented Resolution #07-128 to David
Bullard as follows:�
WHEREAS, the
Town of Saratoga wishes to remember that the First National Day of Thanksgiving
was declared by the Continental Congress on December 18, 1777 to Commemorate
the American Victory at Saratoga, and
WHEREAS, the
Town of Saratoga wishes to honor David Bullard for his efforts in the
community, and
WHEREAS, the
Bullard family has been in Saratoga since 1810, and
WHEREAS,
David served in the US Army in the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan,
and
WHEREAS,
David was an apple farmer for 35 years and served on the Board of Directors of
the NYS Vegetable Growers Association and a member of the NYS Horticultural
Society, and
WHEREAS,
David is active in State politics including running for Governor in 1972 for
the Conservative Party of New York, serving as the Party chairman and playing
an active role in the election of US Senator James Buckley, and
WHEREAS,
David is active in the community including leading efforts to restore the
Bullard Block in Schuylerville, preserving the Marshall House, and active
participation in St. Stephen�s Church and now the All Soul�s Anglican Mission,
and
WHEREAS, David has opened the Marshall House for very popular
house tours during Surrender Week in 2006 and 2007, and
WHEREAS, it
is fitting that the community contributions of David Bullard be honored,
recognized and remembered by the Town of Saratoga, now, therefore be it,
RESOLVED,
that the day of December 18, 2007, the 230th Anniversary of the
First American Thanksgiving, is hereby dedicated to David Bullard in grateful
recognition by the Town Board of The Town of Saratoga on behalf of all the
residents of the town.
On a motion by Supervisor
Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, Resolution #07-128� 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.
Alane Chinian, Executive
Director of Saratoga P.L.A.N, addressed the board with the projects that were
completed or had secured funding from the Saratoga County Open Space and
Farmland Preservation Program over the last year.� She noted that the purchase of development rights on the Ritson
Farm of 35 acres closed on August 31, 2007.�
She reported that they have completed the draft Battles of Saratoga
Preservation and Viewshed Protection Project. �She then presented three projects that they have secured funding
through the 2007 Saratoga County Open Space and Farmland Preservation
Program.� They include $15,750. for 19
acres of new town park land on the Hudson River from Furlani.� She noted that a meeting is needed and more
conversation is needed to move that project forward.� The next parcel is 40 acres along Fish Creek for preservation
purposes from Larmon for $84,000. She added that additional options may need to
be explored for additional funding.� The
third project is in Victory Mills for $7,875.�
This parcel would preserve a Fish Creek Revolutionary War Site.� They are waiting on a shared use agreement
and an engineering review.�
Supervisor Thomas Wood gave
an overview of the budget process and contributing factors in arriving at a
final budget. He stated that the budget is an estimate, our best guess at
expenditures and revenues.� He added
that it is conservative. �He reported
that the tax rate for the town tax will be held at $1.50 per thousand assessed
value where it has been for the last four years.� He noted that due to capital projects the General Schuyler
Emergency Squad�s budget will have an 18 cent per thousand increase and the
Quaker Springs Fire Department�s rate per thousand will increase by 11
cents.� He added that the county�s tax
rate will also remain the same as last year.�
�
Public Hearing: �Proof of Notice having been furnished by the Saratogian on October 31st,
2007, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public
Hearing on the 2008 Town Budget at 7:27 p.m.�
Roger Sherman asked the board to consider
converting the town�s electric supplier to a green source such as wind or other
renewable source.
Wendy Lucas asked where the street
lights are located that the town pays the electric bill on.� Supervisor Thomas Wood responded upper
Burgoyne Street, part of Cemetery Road, Chestnut Street, Quaker Springs,
Grangerville, Bryant�s Bridge and Rt. 29, and at the Highway Garage�s sand
pile.�
Stephen Bodnar commended the board for
their hard work and applauded them for an excellent budget.�
Tim Raymond questioned what the total
budget amount was and Supervisor Thomas Wood replied 2.79 million.� He then explained that the town tax rate did
not increase; neither did the counties although the ambulance and fire district
rates did increase slightly.�
Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion to close the
public hearing on the 2008 budget at 7:35 p.m. This was 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 �
aye.� Carried 5 � 0.��
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by
Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the regular meeting minutes of October 10,
2007 and the special/agenda meeting of November 1, 2007 as written.� Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman
Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval �
aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.�
Carried 5 � 0.��
Town Clerk�s report for October 2007:� Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $74.02. �Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $30.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $1,161.55. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $67.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $190.98. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $161.20. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $1,685.25.
Zoning Officer Gil Albert reported for October 2007: 5 Building Permits, 19 Building Inspections, 1 COs, 10 complaints addressed, and 1 misc. issue was handled. ��A check for $1,880.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.�
Dog Control Officer�s report for October 2007: �Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report from Ed Cross. �He answered 23 complaints, took 3 dogs to the shelter, issued 9 warnings and 1 summons.� He traveled 138 miles. �
Town Court report for October 2007: The following were closed: 65 Vehicle & Traffic, 11 Criminal/Penal Law, 5 DEC/ENCON, 1 Dog case, 0 DWI, 2 Town & Village Ordinance, 1 Small Claims/Civil, 1 Eviction, 1 Bench trial, 2 Divestiture Forms (case transfers) sent to County Court, 11 attended the Science of Speed School, 1 Defendant sentenced to probation, 285 hours of community service issued, 130 days of jail time issued, 2 Orders of Protection issued, and $5,405.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.
�
Historian�s report: Sean Kelleher reported that the Historians'
office was very involved in Surrender Week.�
We had a series of 7 events over 7 days to commemorate the 230th
Anniversary of the American Victory at Saratoga.� We had over 400 people participate in events which created an
economic impact in the area of over $25,000 (according to I Love NY estimated
tourism spending).� In addition, we
generated positive public relations for the community including articles in the
Free Press and a color photo in the Times Union.� We are planning a meeting to close out this year and to plan for
next year on Friday, November 9th at 7:15 pm.
I also attended with
Supervisor Wood an announcement from Senator Bruno, Assembly Members MacDonald,
Englebright, and Gordon about the Historic Saratoga � Washington on the Hudson
Partnership at Saratoga Battlefield.�
This partnership is very important for it will develop a stewardship
plan for the region focused on historic and scenic resources, recreational,
farmland and agricultural uses, and an economic plan including Main Street
development, tourism, and small enterprise business.
Assessor�s report: The Assessor�s Office experienced change during the month of October.� I, Victoria Hayner, was appointed as the
Sole Assessor, effective October 10, 2007.�
During the past few weeks, I have taken time to familiarize myself with
my clerk, Danielle Haas, as well as my office.�
We have been doing some reorganization of the office and begun the
process for exemption renewal time that is approaching quickly.
Exemption renewal forms have
been color coordinated to assist identification for both property owners and
internal staff.� Office hours have been
posted, and I will be present in the office on Tuesdays from Noon until 5:00 PM
and on Wednesday and Fridays from 10:00 AM � 2:00 PM.� Danielle will be in the office Monday � Friday from 9:00 AM �
1:00 PM.� If these times do not work for
a property owner, an appointment may be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time.
Sales have been received from
the County and entered.� We had 2 valid
sales and 4 non-valid sales during the month of October.� Sales have seemed to slow down in the
County, which is good news for our Level of Assessment for next year.� We will be working on setting our Level of
Assessment during the next couple of months.
We plan to continue to ready
ourselves for mailing exemption renewal forms in mid-December and I plan to
take some time to familiarize myself with the geography of the town and its
properties during November while the weather is cooperative.
Supervisor�s
report: �October financial report: General
A $1,062,481.28, General B $120,180.52, Highway Outside $458,425.64, Youth
Recreation & Services $1,425.21, Highway Equipment Reserve $45,202.62,
Building Reserve $1,012,646.35 and Fire Protection $0. October revenues were $133,746.06 and expenses were
$121,855.37.� The October balance is $2,700,361.62.
Highway report: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that both Nielson and Mezera
Road have been shimmed.� The siding and
overhead doors have been installed on the new shed.� He commended his crew for their hard work with the shed.� ��He
reported that one quote for the testing for asbestos in the old garage has been
received and two more quotes are needed.�
He noted that all items of worth have been removed from the old garage in
preparation for its eventual demolition except for the snowplow blades and they
will be moved to the new shed soon.� He
is working to get Mt. McGregor inmates to help with cemetery clean-up in the
spring. The plows and sanders are ready to go.�
�
�����������
The public
commented on the following agenda items: �No one commented.
Committee
reports:
Landfill: No report.
Insurance: No report.
Youth: �No report.
Buildings: Supervisor
Thomas Wood reported that the Building Committee met on October 31st.� The committee was given a presentation by
Dave LaVigne of Tecno Metal Post of ways to stabilize the present building.� If stabilized, an addition to the current
building could be considered.� Roy
Fowler of Advanced Custom Modular Design, stated that the town hall design done
by S.D. Atelier is not modular friendly and he will need to revise the design
and report at the next meeting.� Communication
with Larry Novak of Bonacio Construction regarding the corner school has taken
place regarding how we are coming with the new town hall options.� The next Building Committee meeting will be
December 5th.
Senior Citizens: �Councilwoman Betty Koval
reported that the Quaker Springs� Seniors will be meeting next week.� She reported that in October the
Schuylerville Seniors attended a musical program at Proctor�s in
Schenectady.� They have not met yet this
month.
��
Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters &
Emergency Medical Service Workers: �No
report.
National Incident Management System Committee
(NIMS):� Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that Jim Miers
attended the Advanced Reverse 911 training on November 7th.� The system has been activated on three
occasions with much success.� There are
just a few kinks being worked out.� Supervisor
Thomas Wood stated that if you live in the Village of Schuylerville or the
Village of Victory or any area in the town that is served by municipal water
and you did not receive a boil water call please let Supervisor Thomas Wood or
Jim Miers know.�
Quaker
Springs Fire Department:� Stephen
Bodnar reported that the Quaker Springs Fire Department responded to 1 call in October.� The firemen worked at the Regatta.� ��The
October 21st smorgasbord and the Halloween Party on October 27th
were both successful.� This Saturday
there will be drill at the old Baker house on County Rt. 71. ��There are two new firefighters.� A timeline has been established for the
satellite fire station with an April 1st groundbreaking.� The soil testing has been done at the site
with labor and equipment donated by John Hall.�
A lap top computer has been purchased with funds from Bruno�s
grant.� The new standpipe on Trombley
Road has been tested and works fine.�
Saratoga
Lake Association (SLA):� Doug
Niles reported that the dam is open and the Lake is at its lowest level of the
year.� He stated that the newly elected
Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Saratoga Springs has contacted
them and wants to work closely with the towns.�
General
Schuyler Emergency Squad:� No report.
Old
business:�
Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that now that cold
weather is arriving the Town Hall basement is cold and supplemental heat
is needed.� Request for Proposals will
be advertised and opened at the December meeting. �Councilman Fred Drumm questioned if our procurement policy could
be revised.� Town Attorney William
Reynolds will check into it.�
�
Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that we are a few
months into the moratorium on construction of wind turbines in the Town
of Saratoga.� He has been working with
Jason Kemper, Saratoga County Planning, and with the Capital District Regional
Planning to gather some sample legislation.�
The samples were distributed to the board for their review.� A committee will be formed to study the
options.�
New
business:
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution
#07-125 - Adoption of 2008 Annual Town Budget
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, that said preliminary budget approved and filed as
aforesaid, is hereby adopted and established as the annual budget for this Town
for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008, and that such annual budget as
so adopted is detailed in the minutes of the proceedings of this Town Board,
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of this Town shall prepare and
certify as provided by law, duplicate copies of said annual budget hereby
adopted, and deliver one of such copies to the Supervisor of the Town, and that
she shall present such copy to the Board of Legislators of the County as required by law.
On a motion by Councilwoman
Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution
#07-126 - James Vianna, P.L.S., Existing Conditions Survey & Mapping�
Hudson River Boat Launch Recreation Facility - $3,500. 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 for an existing conditions survey and topographical mapping services done
on the Hudson River Boat Launch parcel along Route 4, SBL # 196.-1-18,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga authorizes
Supervisor Thomas Wood to enter into a contract with James Vianna P.L.S. for
professional services to conduct an existing conditions survey and
topographical mapping on the aforementioned parcel for $3,500 taken from Parks
Account # A 7110.4.
On a motion by Councilman
Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution
#07-127 - Extension of Saratoga Country Inn PUD to May 12, 2008 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, on February 14, 2005, the Town Board of the Town of
Saratoga granted final approval for the Saratoga Country Inn PUD, by amending
the Zoning Ordinance of the Town,� and
WHEREAS, Article X, Section 3(J) of the Zoning Ordinance
provides that approval for a PUD development project shall become null and void
if construction has not begun within two years of the Town Board approval, and
WHEREAS, due to circumstances beyond control of the
owner and applicant, said construction work has not begun as planned, and for
good cause shown to the Town Board, it is therefore�
RESOLVED, that there is hereby granted an extension
of time until May 12, 2008 within which construction work must begin for the
Saratoga Country Inn PUD and such construction must be completed on or before eighteen
(18) months of issuance of the first building permit, and it is further
RESOLVED, that if the aforesaid time limitations are
not met, then the approval for this development project shall become null and
void.
Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that communications
have been received from a resident and Saratoga Builders regarding water
problems in the area of Burgoyne Estates.�
A shallow well of the resident�s went dry.� Saratoga Builders has advised that they do not accept any
responsibility for the shallow well going dry.�
Town Attorney William Reynolds concurred that it is an issue between the
builder and the resident.�
On a motion by Councilman
Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution
#07-129 � Authorization to apply for a Shared Municipal Services Incentive
Grant 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, Village of Schuylerville, and Village of
Victory are interested in providing cost effective and efficient delivery of
government services to their citizens; and
WHEREAS, the NYS Department of State has established a grant
program known as the Shared Municipal Services Incentive Grant Program to
provide competitive grants to two or more units of government for the
development of projects that will achieve cost savings and improve municipal
efficiency through shared services and other agreements; and
WHEREAS, an analysis of municipal services in the Town of
Saratoga, Village of Schuylerville, and Village of Victory is necessary in to
determine if any opportunities exist for delivering current services in a more
cost efficient manner without jeopardizing effectiveness of these services; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board shall designate the Lead Applicant as
the Town of Saratoga to apply to the Shared Municipal
Services Incentive Grant Program on behalf of all the involved communities
and execute all financial and/or administrative processes relating to the grant
program; and
WHEREAS, the project shall be entitled � Cooperative Services
Assessment for the Town of Saratoga, Village of Schuylerville, and Village of
Victory, and it will generally analyze municipal services in the involved
communities to determine if any opportunities exist for delivering current
services in a more cost efficient manner without jeopardizing the effectiveness
of these services; and
WHEREAS, the maximum amount of grant money requested will not
exceed $ 75,000; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board agrees on the Local Share 10 percent
cash match which will not exceed $ 7,500.00, payable from Account # A8692.4;
and now therefore be it
RESOLVED, The Town of Saratoga resolves to authorize the LA
Group to complete the Shared Municipal Services Incentive Grant application on
behalf of the Town of Saratoga, Village of Schuylerville, and Village of
Victory.
Communications:
v
Notification of Old Saratoga
Wine and Spirits, Inc., liquor license renewal.�
v
Saratoga County Public
Health Flu Clinic Schedule � Schuylerville Legion Hall 11/19/07 from 9 a.m. to
11 a.m. (695-3385)
v
CDTA Bus Schedule Changes in
effect 11/12/2007 � a published schedule will be available shortly.
v
Notification by the Village
of Schuylerville�s Planning Board that there will be a balloon float at 42
Spring Street on November 8, 2007, between 8 a.m. and noon, a 100� monopole is
proposed at that site.�
Privilege
of the floor: �
Wendy
Lucas voiced her concern over not being called by the
Reverse 911 system.� She wondered if the
seniors coming to the Meals on Wheels could be relocated since it is cold and
crowded in the basement.� Supervisor
Thomas Wood responded that the basement is also where the justices� office is
located.� She added that at the Village
of Victory�s Board meeting last night there was positive support for the Shared
Municipal Services Grant Application.�
Roger
Sherman commented that the Village of Schuylerville had a 6
month moratorium on cell towers.� He
noted that the balloon float today was not very visible.�
Sean
Kelleher added that the Historian�s office is also in the
basement and it is very cold.� There is
also a senior exercise group that meets there.�
He commended the board for going forward with supplemental heat for the
basement as there are many users.
Ian
Murray congratulated the board on the recent
reelections.� He added that as Planning
Board Chairman and a town resident he is very pleased with the direction that
the town is headed with the board�s unwavering leadership.� He commended them on the following:� conservative fiscal responsibility with the
budget, adopting new laws to keep zoning regulations current and up-to-date, applying
for grants for sharing of community projects, and taking the initiative and
leadership in getting our park projects off the ground and into the design and
construction stages.� �
Tim
Raymond commended the board on an excellent job keeping
costs under control with the budget.� He
voiced concerns that with the wind energy legislation to be adopted to please allow
for smaller wind turbines as there are incentives available, in particular for
agricultural use. He urged the board not to make the regulations too
tight.� He commented regarding the water
problems that surface with subdivisions and that we should strive to be open to
the possibility that something could be done differently to avoid
problems.�
Ian
Murray urged the board to seek sample wind energy
legislation from The New York Planning Federation of which we are members.� He added that he has Time Warner and did get
the Reverse 911 calls.
Stephen Bodnar
asked if people are taking advantage of the free taxi rides and Supervisor
Thomas Wood responded that a few have mostly from the Saratoga Lake area.� Stephen then asked if CDTA would be
providing services out in the town and Supervisor Thomas Wood responded mostly
to Victory and Schuylerville. �He then
inquired which services could be joined with the villages and Supervisor Thomas
Wood responded that if awarded a grant that is what would be studied and a list
would be made for further consideration.�
He was assured that fire departments are not being looked at with this grant.�
Roger
Sherman thanked the board for passing the Shared Services
Grant Feasibility Study Resolution tonight.�
He stated that he hopes that it may also help get some of the outside
user water issues straightened out.�
Councilman
Charles Hanehan thanked Supervisor Thomas Wood for his
explanations and reasoning during the budget process that helped the board come
to decisions on the budget.�
Upcoming
meetings:
v Building Committee meeting �
Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
v Agenda meeting � Thursday,
December 6, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
v
Regular town board meeting � Monday, December 10, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
v
End of Year � Audit of
Bills- Friday, December 28, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.
On
a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the
board entered into executive session to
discuss a personnel matter at 8:54 p.m.�
Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye,
Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman
Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin �aye.� Carried 5 � 0.
On a motion by Supervisor
Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm
to resume the regular meeting at 9:12 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood -
aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye,
Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin �aye.� Carried 5 � 0.
No board action was taken.
�
Councilman Michael
McLoughlin left the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and
seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the
following Resolution #07-130 - Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 11G
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 11G (11/08/2007) in the following
amounts: General A $59,310.98, and General B $3,795.51, Youth $437.54, and
Highway Outside $20,819.89 for a total expense of $84,363.92.
A motion to adjourn
at 9:35 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 - absent.� Carried 4 � 0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth Drumm
Town Clerk