REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA

�REMOTE TOWN BOARD ZOOM MEETING

12 SPRING ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

7:00 P.M.

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin opened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the remote zoom meeting.

Roll call: Town Clerk, Linda McCabe, called the roll:� Supervisor Thomas Wood- absent, Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin � present, Councilman James Jennings � present, Councilman Gary Squires - present, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - present.

Others present: Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Deputy Clerk Michelle Conover, Attorney William Reynolds, Bookkeeper Pat Temple and Justice Dan Waldron.

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin, stated Town Justice Dan Waldron joined the Zoom Meeting to speak to the Board.� Justice Waldron addressed the Board with concerns of safety in the courtroom.� He stated in preparation of their Uniformed Court Officer�s retirement, he believes it is time to hire armed security for the court.� He stated other courts have hired off-duty, armed police officers at $25.00 per hour, to be present during court proceedings.� He�d like to have an armed, off-duty police officer present during District Attorney (D.A.) Court nights (first Tuesday of each month) and during Traffic Court nights (third Tuesday each month), especially in today�s world.� Justice Waldron added that their uniformed court officer money can be used to offset the cost of this, for budgetary purposes. He then spoke with the Board of budgetary concerns for the court clerks.

He thanked the Board.

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin, suggested he send/email his proposals to the Board and he�ll get back to him, as the Board is working on the budget for 2021 at this time.

Councilman Gary Squires stated the Board used to receive detailed reports for their monthly reports from the court office and the Board would like to begin receiving detailed monthly reports again, as they show what is going on in our Town.�

Justice Waldron replied that Court Support said they shouldn�t do that, as the Town isn�t to see that information, that way the Town can�t then say the Court should make them (offenders) pay fines.

Councilman Gary Squires replied it�s about what is going on in our Town, not necessarily revenue.

Justice Waldron responded they can again give the reports as they used to.

Attorney William Reynolds stated he thinks the Town first needs to talk with their

insurance agent concerning this, due to the armed officer.� He then said he will look into the liability of this.

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughin stated the Town Supervisor had advertised in the newspaper on August 21, 22 & 23, 2020, of the vacancy on the ZBA.� Later in the meeting the Board has resolutions of Mark Solan�s resignation as Alternate Member of the ZBA and one appointing him as a Full Board Member of the ZBA.

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman James Jennings and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, to accept the August 10, 2020 Remote Zoom Meeting minutes as written.� Roll Call vote as follows: Supervisor Thomas Wood - absent, Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin � aye, Councilman James Jennings � aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.

Carried 4 - 0

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin stated the monthly reports of the Town Clerk, Zoning Officer, Dog Control Officer, Highway Superintendent, Wilton EMS and the Supervisor�s Financial report are in the Board�s packets, as well as on file in the Town Clerk�s office.

The following is the Supervisor�s Financial report for the month of August:

�

��  �SUPERVISOR�S REPORT AUGUST 2020

�� GENERAL FUND � TOWNWIDE (A FUND)�� 

�� Balance on hand 8/1/2020� �� $� 878,879.27

�� Revenues�� + ��5,166.56

�� Disbursements�� - ��315,632.27

�� Balance 8/31/2020�� $ �568,413.56

��

�� GENERAL FUND � OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

�� Balance on hand 8/1/2020�� $1,674,882.31

�� Revenues�� + ��15,095.70

�� Disbursements�� -� ��4,117.80

�� Balance 8/31/2020�� $1,685,860.21

�� HIGHWAY FUND � OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

�� Balance on hand 8/1/2020�� $ ��946,893.35

�� Revenues �� +� �110,975.83

�� Disbursements�� - ��42,192.12

�� Balance 8/31/2020�� $ 1,015,677.06

SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT� 8/31/2020�� $191,318.93

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE� 8/31/2020 �� $� ��8,673.85

��

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE� 8/31/2020�� $ 202,252.84

BUILDING RESERVE� 8/31/2020�� $ 368,059.82

��

SCENIC BY WAYS QRTRLY 8/31/2020�� $ ��311.69��

PARKS RESERVE� 8/31/2020�� $ 356,956.55

TRUST & AGENCY� 8/31/2020�� $� ��31,726.52

HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT 2 8/31/2020�� $�� 113.53

(holding checks until funds are deposited)

��

HISTORIC HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER 8/31/2020�� $ ��11,255.43

CDBG PROJECT �8/31/2020�� $�� 352.15�

PROPERTY TAX CAP RESERVE 8/31/2020�� $�� 1,310.68

GFNB Certificate of Deposit� 8/31/2020�� $ �502,780.74

NYCLASS 8/31/2020�� $ �701,811.53

Sales Tax received for August 2020- $110,835.00

Mortgage Tax received for July 2020- $29,944.00

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin asked if there were any Board questions or comments.

Councilman James Jennings stated the landfill report should be coming out next month.

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin stated they�ve been notified by neighbors of Schuyler Park that it is very dusty when cars drive in there. ��He questioned if we can put calcium chloride down and Councilman Gary Squires responded Northumberland is looking into it.�

Highway Supervisor Don Ormsby stated the Schuyler Park Committee Members could spread it themselves.� He said he can give them a spreader to use and the calcium chloride, then they need to remember to wet it down once spread.

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin noted the cost should be shared with Northumberland.

Councilman James Jennings stated that Anne Crane, Quaker Springs Seniors, called him and said they have a healthy reserve in their account for 2021 as they were unable to take any trips due to COVID, so if the Town doesn�t want to give $2500.00 for this coming year, they are fine with that and to please use it where needed.� Councilman James Jennings also noted there were no Quaker Springs Seniors at the annual picnic this year due to COVID as well.�

The Town Board discussed the �paper road� of Walnut Street and the quitclaim for Mr. Whitney.� Councilman James Jennings stated he wants the other residents along that street informed prior to quitclaiming for Mr. Whitney, adding he won�t vote for it until a letter is drafted and mailed to the neighbors.� After a lengthy discussion, Town Attorney William Reynolds stated Mr. Whitney has been patiently waiting since February and this quitclaim does not prevent anyone else from doing the same thing.� We can send a letter to the residents along that paper street and offer to quitclaim for them, once they each have their property�s surveyed.� We are not limiting anyone, anyone there can do the same thing.�

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin noted the Board received thank you cards from the Garden Club and from Lynn C. Wilson, which are in their packets.

He then asked if there were any questions or comments; there were none.

New business: �

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires, and seconded by Councilwoman Ruth Drumm, the following Resolution #20-70 � Accepting Resignation of Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate Member Mark Solan, was adopted by roll call vote:� Supervisor Thomas Wood - absent, Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin � aye, Councilman James Jennings � aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.�

Carried �4 - 0

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, to accept the resignation of Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate Member Mark Solan, as he will now take on the position of Full Board Member to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

On a motion by Councilwoman Ruth Drumm and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #20-71 � Appointment of Mark Solan as Full Member to the Zoning Board of Appeals, was adopted by roll call vote:� Supervisor Thomas Wood - absent, Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin � aye, Councilman James Jennings � aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye. �

Carried 4 - 0

WHEREAS, Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Member Clarence Fosdick has resigned from the Board; now, therefore, be it

�� RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to appoint Mark Solan to the position of Full Board Member to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), fulfilling the remaining five year term of Clarence Fosdick, beginning 09/14/2020 through 12/31/2025.

On a motion by Councilman Gary Squires and seconded by Councilwoman Ruth Drumm, the following Resolution #20-72 � Regarding Walnut Street, was adopted by roll call vote:� Supervisor Thomas Wood - absent, Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin � aye, Councilman James Jennings � nay, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.�

Carried 3 - 1

WHEREAS, the Saratoga County tax map for the Town of Saratoga shows an area on the north side of Burgoyne Street designated as �Walnut Street�, and

WHEREAS, research by the Town into this parcel of land shows that it has never been used, worked, opened or maintained as a public highway and is therefore a so-called �paper street�, and

WHEREAS, the Town has nevertheless received a request from Michael P. Whitney, whose property adjoins Walnut Street on the east (Tax Map #157.70-1-1), to quitclaim the area adjacent to his parcel to the extent of one-half the width of Walnut Street, and running along his westerly boundary, and

WHEREAS, a certified survey of the aforesaid property, dated February 6, 2020, showing the area to be conveyed, has been prepared by Daniel C. Wheeler, PLS, it is now, therefore

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga Deputy Supervisor execute a quitclaim conveyance of said property to Michael P. Whitney, and that the aforesaid map be filed with the Saratoga County Clerk, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the preparation and filing of these papers be done at the sole expense of Michael P. Whitney, and be subject to review and approval by the attorney for the Town.

Upcoming meetings:

v Tentative Agenda meeting � Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 7 p.m.

v Tentative Regular Town Board meeting � Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 7 p.m. �

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin asked the Board to look at their calendars and get back to him with tentative dates for a budget workshop.

Zoning Officer/Building Inspector Gil Albert stated that Eric Darrow would like the speed limit reduced along the apple orchard and he�s aware that the Town�s tried in the past and failed, but he�s asking if there is anything the Town can do to help.

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin, responded unfortunately there is nothing the Town can do.� It�s a NYS road and out of our hands, perhaps they can work with the state and construct a pedestrian bridge or underpass.

Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin stated that due to COVID, Glens Falls National Bank will not be collecting taxes this year.� As such, a representative of Glens Falls National Bank offered the Tax Collector a free check deposit machine that she can use.� The Tax Collector and Bookkeeper conferred with the representative and were told multiple town accounts can be added as well, which makes depositing checks much quicker as no one will have to go to the bank, unless they have cash deposits.� Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin, liked this and felt the Town should do this; the Board agreed.�

Bookkeeper Pat Temple said she will notify the bank tomorrow.

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilwoman Ruth Drumm and seconded by Councilman Gary Squires, the following Resolution #20-73 - Approving the

Payment of Bills in Abstract 9G of 2020 was adopted by roll call vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - absent, Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin � aye, Councilman James Jennings � aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.� Carried �4 - 0

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 9G of 2020 in the following amounts:

�� General Fund DB �� No. 616 - 634� �� $110,801.39

�� General Fund A�� No. 588 � 590, 592, 608 - 612�� $� 46,591.46

�� 635 - 657

�� General Fund B�� No. 658 - 662� �� $� ��4,220.40

�� Schuyler Park H�� No. 615, 663�� $� ��1,023.10

�� CDBG�� No. 593 - 595� �� $� ��3,414.02

��

�� Grand Total �$ 127,145.16

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Gary Squires, seconded by Councilman James Jennings, at 8:26 p.m. ��Roll Call vote: Supervisor Thomas

Wood - absent, Deputy Supervisor (Councilman) Michael McLoughlin � aye, Councilman James Jennings � aye, Councilman Gary Squires - aye, Councilwoman Ruth Drumm - aye.�

Carried ��4 - 0

Meeting Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda A. McCabe

Town Clerk