REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 12 SPRING ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

 

February 12, 2018

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, Wendy Lukas, J.R. Hanna, Dave Wallingford and Sally Snowden.

 

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:

Dave Wallingford of SLPID, Saratoga Lake Protection & Improvement District, appeared before the Town Board asking them to sign a 5 year contract paying SLPID $3000.00 annually. 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that Saratoga Springs has not contributed/paid their $5000.00 since 2004.  Dave Wallingford responded that they are now paying again, but that is correct, they didn't for 10 years.

Dave Wallingford then stated his SLPID board wants control over any planning, on any projects, on any parcels in the lake district for any and all development. He added that they have the power to pass their own law and that SLPID has been in communication with NYS representatives, asking the State to give SLPID the power to have control on any projects, on any parcels in the lake district for any and all development.  He stated he had twenty years experience on the Malta Planning Board and believes SLPID should be emailed directly as to any submittal for the Planning Board, that pertains to lands in that district.  He stated that SLPID would then do a site visit to the property and tell the Planning Board what needs to be looked at more thoroughly and where they need to be more cognizant.  SLPID will also determine if a project should go forward or not, for projects on any parcel in that district.

Councilman James Jennings questioned in the future, does SLPID plan to control the number of boats on the lake.

Dave Wallingford responded if they put boater I.D. in place, homeowners at the lake will pay a set fee, $20.00 for example, but the "in & outers" will pay a fee per launch, $5.00 for example.  SLPID would inspect the boats prior to allowing them in the water, for those within our district boundary. 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated people already pay the state $8.00 as well as the registration fee and SLPID wants to put that fee on top of that and Dave Wallingford replied yes.  Supervisor Thomas Wood said he finds that offensive, as Saratoga Lake is a public body of water. 

Councilman Charles Hanehan said he can launch from his place on Fish Creek; he questioned if he'll have to pay a fee for a sticker also.

Councilman Gary Squires questioned how they would stop him if he launched elsewhere.

Dave Wallingford replied they'll have police and they're trying to get the mechanics in place to decide where they'll catch folks.  They are hoping to get all marinas involved and have check points to go after those folks.

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated truthfully, he doesn't like the idea.  He then stated the Board is all set and will be waiting to hear back from the negotiations with Saratoga Springs, as that is a contributing factor.

Dave Wallingford then said to talk about the Highway Garage. 

Supervisor Thomas Wood said the Town Highway crew removed the old garage and kept the concrete base, as it is in fine condition.  SLPID contacted the Town, wanting to build a structure there for their equipment since they had no place to house it.  Our Highway Superintendent did the site work and the Town asked SLPID to agree that the Town would not pay the $3000.00 each year, as SLPID wouldn't pay rent; make it a clean wash, but Ed Dwek refused.

Dave Wallingford replied that they're willing to pay reasonable rent for 6 months each year, as long as it's a reasonable request, but times are what they are.  He then stated he will get back to the Board after he gets the SLPID Board to agree and approve asking Saratoga Springs for the 10 years of back payments.

                                   

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman James Jennings to accept the minutes of the January 4th agenda meeting and January 8th 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 January 2018: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $64.00.  Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $75.58. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $0.  Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $288.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $34.42.  Total State and Local Revenues received were $462.00.

 

Zoning Officer’s report for January 2018: Gil Albert reported: 6 Building Permits, 18 Building Inspections, 5 Certificates of Occupancy, 0 Junkyard Permits, 1 Complaint, 0 Fire inspections, 3 Orders to Remedy, 7 misc., 2 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspections.  A check for $1952.50 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood. 

 

Dog Control officer’s report for January 2018: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood:  answered 21 complaints, took 0 dog to the shelter, traveled 38 miles, issued 9 warnings and 3 summons were issued and 1 bite case.  He also had his 2017 State Inspection and passed with flying colors.

Town Court report for January 2018: The following were closed: 30 Vehicle & Traffic, 5 Criminal/Penal Law, 0 DEC/ENCON, 1 Dog case, 1 DWIs, 1 Town & Village Ordinance, 1 Small Claims/Civil, 0 Evictions, 2 Hearings, 3 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 0 Probation, 0 hours of community service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $3,730.00  in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.

 

Tax Collector’s report:  Supervisor Thomas Wood read Tax Collector Marge Kirkpatrick’s report.  As of the morning of February 8th , she has collected $2,889,091.05 which is 77% of taxes paid.  There were 23 payments on-line, 1,738 through the mail and 824 at the bank and/or in office.

 

Historian’s report for January 2018:  Supervisor Thomas Wood read the following:

The Historian received news that he received a Pomeroy Foundation Grant for a blue and gold marker, which is going in just the north of Garnsey's on Route 4.  This will assist in an ongoing project to develop a section of the old Champlain Canal Towpath into a multi-use trail.  The sign focuses on 'The Hemlocks.'  The Hemlocks was 1 of 8 hamlets along the Champlain Canal, in a section known as the 'long level', which is the 16 miles between Stillwater and Schuylerville locks).  The sign will say “THE HEMLOCKS HAMLET WITH A GROCERY STORE AND DAY BARN FOR STABLING MULES SERVED BOATS ON THE CHAMPLAIN CANAL  FROM CA. 1856-1915.  WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2018.”  The highway department will be assisting in the installation of the sign.

 

Also in January, he was researching World War II Veterans, with a focus on Joseph A. Sulli.  He also spent some time researching Schuyler’s Upper Saw Mill and some work with the photographic archives from 30 years ago, which was possible due to the Town's recent purchase of a slide scanner. 

 

February 17th - Heritage Hunters will meet at 1:00 p.m. in the Town Hall and will focus on “The World of Nineteenth Century Photography” presented by Anne Clothier, Director of Education at the Saratoga County Historical Society. 

February 20th - Deputy Historian Pat Peck will lead a genealogy group at the Schuylerville Public Library on Tuesday, at 10:00 a.m.

February 22 - Old Saratoga Historical Association meets on World War One on Thursday, at 7:30 pm. 

 

Assessor’s report for January 2018:

Michael McGuire was recently appointed as the Sole Assessor for the Town of Saratoga and is very excited to be here to assist all property owners within the Town.  In addition to Saratoga, he is the Assessor for the Town of Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., and the Assistant Assessor for the Town of Fort Ann, Washington Co. 
Since mid December his office processed 34 sales; 21 sales were of residential properties, 10 were vacant lands, and 3 were commercial properties.


The Assessor's office hours have changed; a change that he feels better serves our residents.  The office is now open:

Mondays - 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesdays - 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Thursdays - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

 

The Assessor's Clerk, Dorothy Lavazzo, is in the office Mondays & Thursdays, and the Assessor is in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

Exemption Renewal applications are continuing to trickle in.  Please be sure to file your renewal application.  If you have any questions about exemptions, please contact the Assessor's office.  All renewals and new applications are due no later than March 1st, 2018.

 

Please feel free to call, email, or stop by his office with any questions.

 

Highway Superintendent’s January 2018 report: 

v  Road checks for icing and drifting

v  Cut back hanging limbs with bucket truck and chipper

v  Cleared a few frozen culverts

v  Replaced diesel bulk tank pump

v  Addressed Truck 4 wiring and Truck 3 brake airlines and rear spinner motor

v  Repaired brake cam, air cylinder, rear spinner motor and engine light on Truck 1

v  Changed out lights on Truck 2

v  Truck 9 boom has been inspected

v  Helped take banners down for Schuylerville

v  Sent 3 bottle jacks and 2 floor jacks out for repairs

v  Plowed for 10 storms and sanded for 8

v  We have received our new Bandit Chipper

 

Supervisor’s report:  Supervisor Thomas Wood stated due to extenuating circumstances the Bookkeeper was unable to prepare the report for this meeting, but will have both at next month's meeting.

            

v  Sales Tax Received – January 2018 - $114,948.00

v  Mortgage Tax - December 2017 - $17,244.00

           

Public comments on agenda items: Wendy Lukas addressed the Board.

 

Committee reports:

 

Landfill: No report

 

Insurance: No report

Youth:  Councilman Michael McLoughlin reported there will be an evening walk,  'Love Light at Hudson Crossing Park' a fund raiser for the park, on Valentine's Day, Wednesday, February 14, 2018, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., with luminaries lighting the way to and across Dix Bridge.  Hanging lanterns will also be available for purchase.

 

Senior Citizens: No report

 

Parks/Schuyler Park Committee: Councilman Gary Squires reported the Committee met on January 30th and discussed the following:

Maintenance Actions:  As the most recent contract has expired, they will be preparing a RFP (Request for Proposal) for the fields maintenance contract.  The new contract will include additional specifications as needed to meet the evolving needs of the park.

 

West End Pavilion: Prior to winter, the concrete floor of the rear, enclosed section was poured with chases in place for the mechanicals that will be moved from the rainbow utility shed.  Concrete for the open area of the pavilion will be installed once the frost has left the ground.  The new pavilion will require additional picnic tables and benches.  The Friends of Schuyler Park will be engaged to see if this is a goal they'd like to support.

They are targeting mid-March for the continuation of the effort to relocate the water and electrical to the new pavilion.  With the electrical relocation, an external electrical outlet will be installed to allow the use of pitching machines and other uses.

 

Future Plans: Presently the Park has a portable pitcher's mound, and they will consider a request for a permanent pitcher's mound on the baseball field.  As a permanent mound would preclude use of the field as a softball field, more information will be gathered as well as a discussion with the softball commissioner.  The field has not been routinely used for softball in the past. 

Previously, the question of whether or not a flagpole should be installed at the park was discussed and tabled, due to questions of properly maintaining a flag to the required rules and regulations.  That question will be revisited and the Committee will seek the assistance of VFW members before making a final decision. 

 

Next Meeting: February 27th, to review of the details of the proposed new maintenance contract.

 

Office of Emergency Management: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported they had another good emergency management meeting workshop with all the appropriate materials.  Plans are being put together with contact names and phone numbers of both Villages, to deal with water and sewer emergency issues.

 

WES Inc., QSFD Reports: J.R. Hanna, Wilton Emergency Squad, gave a thorough overview of their 13 page annual report, which is on file in the Clerk's office. 

 

Old Business: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated the Home Improvement Grant program has plenty of money for anyone eligible in the Town of Saratoga and both the Village of Schuylerville and Village of Victory who need improvements to their homes.  To apply one can go to the Town's website, under News and get an application or contact Michelle DeGarmo, Flatley Read office, 2nd floor in the Town Hall.

 

New Business:

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-39 - Reappointment of Deputy Highway Superintendant - James Jennings, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – abstained, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.

Carried 4 – 0

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga Highway Superintendent is in need of a Deputy; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, appoints James Jennings as Deputy Highway Superintendent from January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2018.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires the following Resolution #18-40 - Authorization for Topographical Survey by James Vianna, PLS, 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 of Saratoga is in the process of purchasing a 2.4+/- acre parcel from Welcome Stock Farm, on the east side of US Route 4 South, south of the village of Schuylerville, and

WHEREAS, James Vianna, PLS, has previously surveyed said parcel for the Town, and

WHEREAS, James Vianna, PLS, has now been asked by The LA Group for a topographic survey for a portion of this parcel, now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga Supervisor enter into an agreement with James Vienna, P.L.S., to complete a field topographic survey and prepare a cadd map showing such, provide a .dwg and .pdf version of same along, with four signed and sealed paper prints for a total fee of $1,000.00.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following Resolution #18-41 - Authorization to Apply for a Greenway Communities Grant through the Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant programs in the amount of $10,000, 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 of Saratoga, finds it in the best interest of the Town to apply to the Hudson River Valley Greenway for a grant under the Greenway Communities Grant Program, for a project entitled Sword Surrender March Trail- Garnsey Trailhead, located in the Town of Saratoga; and

WHEREAS, the grant application requires the Town of Saratoga to obtain the

approval/endorsement of the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby does approve and endorse the application for a grant under the Greenway Communities Grant Program, for a project known as Sword Surrender March Trail-Garnsey Trailhead and located within the Town of Saratoga.

 

On a motion made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #18-42 - Supporting a Centralized Arraignment Area for Saratoga County Magistrates, 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 of the Town of Saratoga, hereby supports the Saratoga County Magistrates and Court Clerks Association request in obtaining space in the new public safety building that could be used for arraigning defendants in a centralized location; and be it further

            RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to each member of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, the Saratoga County Administrator, the Saratoga County Sheriff and the Saratoga County Attorney.

 

On a motion made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #18-43 - Supporting Saratoga County Sheriff's request to hold Defendants at the County Jail, 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 of the Town of Saratoga, hereby supports the Saratoga County Magistrates and Court Clerks Association requests that Section 500-c of the New York State Corrections Law be amended to allow the Saratoga County Sheriff to hold defendants at the County Jail for purposes of an immediate arraignment; and be it further

            RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be sent to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senators Kathy Marchione and James Tedisco, Assembly members John T. McDonald, Daniel Stec, Mary Beth Walsh and Carrie Woerner.

 

Privilege of the floor:  Sally Snowden and Wendy Lukas addressed the Board.

 

Upcoming meetings:

v  Agenda meeting – Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 12:00 p.m.

v  Regular Town Board meeting – Monday, March 12, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.  

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires the following Resolution #18-44,  Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 15G (2017), 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 15G (2017) in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 274 through 276                      $       349.40

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 422 through 428                      $    4,047.74

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 90 through 91                         $       387.83

 

                                                         Grand Total     $     4,784.97

 

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #18-45, Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 2G, 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 2G of 2018 in the following amounts:

 

General Fund DB                 Voucher No. 02 through 32                          $105,719.14

General Fund A                    Voucher No. 17 through 52                          $  17,489.76

General Fund B                    Voucher No. 01 through 10                         $    1,313.50

Schuyler Park H                    Voucher No. 02 through 03                          $         69.23

Historic Hudson                     Voucher No. 01 through 03                          $    7,842.84

 

                                                         Grand Total     $ 132,434.47

 

A motion to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. was made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires.  Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – aye, Councilman Gary Squires – aye.

Carried 5 - 0

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk