REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

October 14, 2003

 

Proof of notice having been furnished, Supervisor Robert Hall called the Public Hearing on the proposed Zoning Law change to order at 7:30 p.m.

The following persons spoke against the adoption of the Zoning change to include Motel as a use requiring a special permit in Section 1, Article IX, Section 1(B):

Jim Towne, Atty., presented petition, Paul Madison, Dan Craine, Pat Vaccaro, Karen Hess, Judith Madison, Pat Vaccaro, and Rich Vaccaro.

The following persons spoke for the adoption of Zoning change:

Bob Swartwout, David McKibbin, and Jim Doyle, Atty.

All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, the Hearing was closed

at 7:50 P.M.

 

Proof of notice having been furnished, Supervisor Robert Hall opened the bids for Gravel and Winter Sand Spec. #TS-04-03:

Gravel Winter Sand

Tracy Materials $4.25 T. $4.25 T.

B.J. Farms $5.25 T. $5.25 T.

 

Resolution # 03-42 was introduced by Councilman Philip Griffen and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell to accept the bid from Tracy Materials, 301 Windy Hill Road, Greenwich, NY 12834 for Gravel and Winter Sand at $4.25 per ton, providing the specifications in TS # 04-03 are met. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

Proof of notice having been furnished, Supervisor Robert Hall opened the sole bid for Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel and #2 Fuel Oil Spec. #TS-03-03:

Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel #2 Fuel Oil

Agway $1.0559/gal. $1.0049/gal.

 

Resolution #03-43 was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Philip Griffen to accept the bid from Agway Energy Products, LLC,

P.O. Box 4852, Syracuse, NY 13221 for Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel at $1.0559 per gallon and #2 Fuel Oil at $1.0049 per gallon, providing the specifications in TS #03-03 are met. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

 

Supervisor Robert Hall opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:56 p.m.

 

Roll call: Jean Casey, Town Clerk, called the roll. Supervisor Robert Hall- present, Councilman Bruce Cornell - present, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - present, Councilman Fred Drumm- present and Councilman Phil Griffen- present.

 

Also present: Deputy Clerk Ruth Drumm, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice and additional townspeople on the attached sign-in sheet.

 

Approval of Minutes: All Board Members had read the minutes of the September 8th and September 22nd, 2003 meetings. A motion was made by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Philip Griffen to accept the minutes of September 8th and September 22nd, 2003 as written. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

 

Town Clerk’s report: Fees paid to the County treasurer for Dog licenses $54.37. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $9.00. Fees paid to NY D.E.C. for hunting/fishing licenses $4,749.80. Fees paid to The State Health Dept. for marriage licenses $90.00. Dog license fees to Supervisor Robert Hall $157.13. Clerk fees to Supervisor Robert Hall $394.95. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $5,455.25.

 

Zoning Officer’s report: Robert Hathaway reported for September 2003: 13 Building permits, 29 Inspections, 3 Certificates of Occupancy, and 2 Z.B.A. appearances. A check for $1,108.00 was given to Supervisor Robert Hall.

Councilman Fred Drumm asked Robert Hathaway if he was aware of the problem with sewage running into the storm drain in the vicinity of Chestnut Street. Supervisor Robert Hall commented that he has been in contact with the DEC who will try to isolate where the sewage is coming from using dyes in the water.

Supervisor Robert Hall received a call from a homeowner in Eagle’s Roost II concerned that the landscaper was planting trees in his front yard per the developer’s plans but he didn’t want them in his front yard. Supervisor Robert Hall went to see the landscaper and Supervisor Hall suggested that he plant them where the homeowner wanted them, as it is his property. Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway also went to check. Councilman Philip Griffen suggested that Town Attorney Bill Reynolds could draft a waiver form for the homeowner to sign stating that he was offered the trees per plans but declined. Robert Hathaway offered to present it to the homeowner for his signature.

Supervisor Robert Hall reported that the Nielson Road subdivision is being cleared and they are putting in the retention ponds. Robert Hathaway received a call from a woman stating that there weren’t supposed to be retention ponds. Robert Hathaway will show her the plans that include the two retention ponds.

Councilman Philip Griffen mentioned that the house on the corner of Hanehan Road and Route 4 is not completely cleaned up yet. Robert Hathaway said that he had given him some more time but that he will go down to see him and check on the progress of the clean up.

 

 

Supervisor’s report: Supervisor Hall presented September 2003 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $374,554.04, General B $56,529.69, Highway Outside $397,812.31, Youth Recreation & Services $1,640.10, Highway Equipment Reserve $130,388.80, Building Reserve $790,634.45 and Fire Protection $0.03. September revenues were $145,596.03 and expenses were $155,848.68. The total September balance is $1,751,559.42.

 

Highway: Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour reported that they have the winter sand in and that the road projects are all done. The shoulders will be put on Wilbur Road and the County will stripe it for us.

Supervisor Robert Hall commented on the letter from Gail Taras regarding the abandoned roadways (Tumble Inn Road and a small portion of State Route 32 which included a culvert near Blanche Carden’s) and the revision of the property back to the abutting landowners of Griffen, Carden and Taras. After some discussion, it was suggested that Town Attorney Bill Reynolds would look into it and get back to Gail Taras and the other landowners.

 

Landfill: No report.

 

Insurance: No report.

 

Youth Committee report: None

Buildings: Supervisor Robert Hall reported that we received approval from Senator Joseph Bruno for the $35,000 grant for office equipment. We can now submit the invoices for reimbursement.

 

Senior Citizens report: Councilman Bruce Cornell reported that the Old Saratoga Seniors had 87 members present at their meeting today. A delicious potluck dinner was enjoyed by all. He noted that flu shots will be given at the Legion Hall on Monday, November 17th, from 9:30-11:00 a.m., and that reservations can be made with Mary Jane Harris. President James Harris suggested that a list be made of all persons who have been named Senior of the Year to be placed on a plaque for display. Roy Albertson will instruct those who would like to learn how to use a computer.

The Quaker Springs Seniors met yesterday and a report will be presented next month.

 

Park Committee report: Councilman Michael McLoughlin made a motion to go into an Executive Session at 8:15 p.m. and Supervisor Robert Hall seconded this. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0. The regular meeting convened at 8:30 p.m.

 

Cable TV Committee: Councilman Fred Drumm and Town Attorney Bill Reynolds reported that information they had requested has not been received. It is on hold until more information is received.

 

Old Business: Gail Taras questioned the status of her request for a Town/County tax exemption for low-income taxpayers with Disabilities. It was noted that the school has an exemption for school tax with an income maximum of $15,000 and that Milton, Wilton, Charlton, and Malta have the Town/County Disability tax exemption now. Supervisor Robert Hall responded that he will check with them and do further research on it.

 

New Business: Supervisor Robert Hall proposed Resolution #03-41 approving the Preliminary Budget for 2004 and directing a public hearing thereon for Thursday, November 6, 2003. Councilman Philip Griffen seconded this. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

Supervisor Robert Hall stated that the Town Board wishes to recognize and extend congratulations to Matthew Fueston for achieving the Boy Scout’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. Matthew has received a framed letter of recognition from the town.

Supervisor Robert Hall noted that a court clerk is needed for Justice Jack Ditch. Helen Brown broke her hip in May and has not yet returned to work. A letter has been sent to Helen asking if she would be returning to the part time position of day clerk and to respond by November 1st so that if she doesn’t plan to return by November 1st applicant interviews can take place. It is planned to have both a night clerk and a day clerk for the Justices. A Resolution #03-44 was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to appoint a part-time, daytime, court clerk if Helen Brown does not return by November 1, 2003. Supervisor Robert Hall – aye, Councilman Philip Griffen – aye, Councilman Fred Drumm – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell - aye. Carried 5 – 0.

 

Communications: A letter was read by Supervisor Robert Hall from the Town of Malta regarding their comprehensive emergency management plan and the advantages of intermunicipal agreements to enable the sharing of resources in the event of an emergency in Saratoga County. A meeting will be scheduled to enact agreements.

Supervisor Robert Hall read a letter of resignation from Dog Control Officer Rick Sullivan. He is resigning as of September 30, 2003. Marshal Truax has accepted responsibility for the whole town.

An invitation was extended to attend an Open House and Ceremony celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Schuyler Hose Company on Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Schuylerville Fire House.

The first annual Victory of Saratoga Community Recognition Dinner sponsored by the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce will be held on Friday, October 17th (Victory Day) at the Old Saratoga American Legion Post in Schuylerville at 7:00 p.m. Contact the Chamber at 695-5268 for additional information.

Supervisor Robert Hall read a letter from Larry Benton, Director of the Saratoga County Planning Board, regarding the Farmland Protection Grant that was submitted to NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets on Monday, October 6, 2003 on behalf of the town. The three parcels included in the grant are the Hanna, LaBarge, and Schultz properties for a total of 424 acres of farmland to be preserved. The total estimated value of development rights to be purchased is $1,140,500.

 

Privilege of the floor: Reporter Geraldine Friedman asked how much the preliminary budget was. Supervisor Robert Hall replied that General A is $764,299, General B is $182,217, and Highway Outside is $862,047.

Kathleen Bartholomay expressed disappointment over the fact that no one from the town board attended the DOT meeting that was held regarding the large construction project scheduled for the Village of Schuylerville. Supervisor Robert Hall responded that he was away and that the mayors of both Villages attended. Kathleen Bartholomay expressed concern over the plan to detour traffic over Green Street.

 

Audit the Bills: General A $22,245.79, General B $1,672.76, Highway Outside

$81,514.92 for a total expense of $105,433.47.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Jean Casey, Town Clerk

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