DRAFT MINUTES FOR THE
TOWN BOARD MEETING
OF THE TOWN OF
SARATOGA,
30 FERRY ST.,
SCHUYLERVILLE,
NY
Monday,
December 10, 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 � absent.
Also present: Town Attorney William Reynolds, Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Zoning Officer Gil Albert, Highway Superintendent David Hall, Assessor Victoria Hayner, Tax Collector Jim Gorham, Stephen Bodnar, Doug Niles, Clarence Fosdick, Tim Raymond, Roger Sherman, and Penelope Benson-Wright. �
�
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that this evening as
part of our meeting recognition agenda item, I would like to announce and recognize
the 105th Birthday of Julia Walsh Clemans.�
Julia was born on December 5th, 1902 on Walsh Road in the Town of
Saratoga.� Until recently, when she fell
and broke her hip, she lived on the family homestead in which she was born and raised.�� Julia is currently living in an assisted living
senior citizen center in Saratoga Springs.�
She is an inspiration to everyone who knows her by reflecting the
qualities and attributes such as hard working, independence, friendly,
outgoing, courteous, and honesty.� Her
mind remains sharp as a tack and to this very day she shares stories of events
and history that occurred oh these many years in the town of Saratoga.� You may recall that last year at the opening
of Bryant's Bridge, Julia was the first person to officially cross the bridge.� On behalf of the Town of Saratoga, I extend
to Julia a hearty, belated Happy Birthday and best wishes for many more years
of good health.
Secondly,
I would like extend recognition and thanks to the members of the Quaker
Springs Fire Department, Schuyler Hose, Arvin Hart, David Nevins Fire
Department, and the General Schuyler Emergency Squad for the supreme efforts in
fighting the fire at 100 Point Breeze Road last Sunday night, December
2nd.� The weather was terrible, there
was freezing rain and the temperatures were extremely cold. This made it
extremely difficult for volunteers to get to their stations, get the equipment
to the fire scene, and once on the scene, fight the fire.� Unfortunately there was a fatality of a
resident living in the burning structure.�
Due to the fast response and the brave efforts of the members, the
fatalities were limited to the one person and the fire did not spread to nearby
adjoining structures.� Quaker Springs,
Schuyler Hose and General Schuyler Emergency Squad were working at the scene.� David Nevins Fire department had men and
equipment stationed on standby at the Quaker Springs Fire Station.� On behalf of the Town of Saratoga, we
recognize and extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the
volunteers that risked their personal safety and responded to this emergency.�� Our town is a safer place in which to live
because of your dedication and commitment.�
Thank You
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by
Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the regular meeting minutes of November 8,
2007 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 November 2007:� Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $42.30. �Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $24.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $478.52. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $102.70. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $86.14. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $756.16.
Zoning Officer Gil Albert reported for November 2007: 5 Building Permits, 18 Building Inspections, 11 Certificate of Occupancies, 4 complaints addressed, and 4 misc. issues were handled. ��A check for $2,140.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.�
Dog Control Officer�s report for November 2007: �Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report from Ed Cross. �He answered 21 complaints, took 5 dogs to the shelter, and issued 5 warnings and 2 summonses.� He traveled 278 miles. �
Town Court report for November 2007: The following were closed: 89 Vehicle & Traffic, 23 Criminal/Penal Law, 2 DEC/ENCON, 3 Dog cases, 1 DWI, 0 Town & Village Ordinances, 1 Small Claims/Civil, 2 Evictions, 0 Bench trials, 2 Divestiture Forms (case transfers) sent to County Court, 9 attended the Science of Speed School, 2 Defendants sentenced to probation, 90 hours of community service issued, 115 days of jail time issued, 5 Orders of Protection issued, and $7,338.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.
�
Historian�s report: Sean Kelleher reported that the Historians'
office worked with our partners to plan 2008 Historical Week and Surrender Week
at a meeting on Friday November 9th.� We are planning to work with businesses to expand Surrender Week
into a fall festival with the expectation that we can gather more publicity
from the Saratoga County Tourism Promotions Agency and the I Love NY program.�
Assessor�s report: �November was a busy month
getting ready for the annual exemption renewal time.� All renewals have been addressed and ready to mail.� Senior exemptions and agricultural exemption
renewals will be mailed on December 14th to all property owners who
filed last year.� Renewal forms need to
be filed in our office before March 1, 2008.
Sales continue to be
processed for the town in addition to the updating of Building permits
applications and Certificate of Occupancy�s that were issued in November.
The Assessor�s Office is open
weekdays from 9:00 AM � 1:00 PM or appointments may be scheduled at other times
if necessary.
Supervisor�s
report: �November financial report: General
A $1,099,217.27, General B $113,785.29, Highway Outside $458,138.60, Youth
Recreation & Services $987.82, Highway Equipment Reserve $45,522.05,
Building Reserve $1,016,927.07 and Fire Protection $0. November revenues were $202,186.73 and expenses were
$167,970.25.� The November balance is
$2,734,578.10.
Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that Hazardous Waste
Day was a success with a total cost of $3,683.50 of which 50% is reimbursable so
the net cost to the town was $1,841.75
The Town of Saratoga�s Recreation Park Grant Request
under the Environmental Protection Fund was not selected for funding.� Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that there
were 335 applications requesting $85 million and they only had $22 million for
distribution.� We were encouraged to
continue to apply.� ��
Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that with the help
from the people at the Saratoga Auto Museum a new home is being sought for the
old trolley/bus that has been stored at the old town garage.� The board agreed that a new home should be
sought for the bus where it could be restored and displayed. Supervisor Thomas
Wood will contact the Auto Museum staff to have them come and inspect the
bus.� �
Highway report: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that the patching of roads is
continuing.� Service has been done on
the overhead doors in the main garage.�
The crew has been cutting dead trees along the town roads and the old
town garage has been cleaned out.�
�����������
The public
commented on the following agenda items: �
Roger Sherman
commented on the Hazardous Waste Day asking that we try to negotiate on a base amount charged per town and
then a per capita amount per person to help reduce the costs involved next year.
�He then thanked the board for their
decision to participate.� �
�
Committee
reports:
Landfill: No report.
Insurance: No report.
Youth: �No report.
Buildings: Supervisor
Thomas Wood reported that the Building Committee met on December 5th.� Prevailing wages were discussed and it was
determined that any work on site is subject to prevailing wages but work
performed at the factory, as in modular construction, is not.� Construction Forensics, Inc. chose not to
give a quote for a building on the present site but did quote 4.65 million for
a 13,600 sq. ft. building at the town garage site.� Williams Scott Modular Construction did not provide a quote.� Advanced Custom Modular Design needed more
time and will provide a quote in January.�
The next Building Committee meeting will be January 9th.
Senior Citizens: �Councilwoman Betty Koval
reported that the Schuylerville Senior Citizens met on November 13th.� After lunch, the sixth grade band from
Schuylerville Central School played military anthems for the group.� Approximately 55 seniors attended.� On November 27th a tea cup auction
took place at the regular meeting. On November 28th the seniors took
a trip to Williamstown.� The Christmas
Dinner meeting will be held tomorrow, December 11th, at the American
Legion.�
The Quaker Spring�s seniors met
today.� Members brought food items to
donate to the local food pantry.� A pork
dinner was served by the Quaker Springs Fire Department Women�s Auxiliary.� Members were entertained by John and Lillian
Bodnar who played Christmas music.�
Approximately 62 seniors attended.�
The next meeting will be in February; no January meeting.�
��
Park Committee: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the committee met on
November 27th. �They reviewed the preliminary plans by
the LA Group for the park and identified some concepts that needed
refinement.� The revised plan will be
presented at the next meeting. �It was noted that the fuel tanks must be emptied before they can be
removed.� Albany Tank Company has quoted
$1,000 to clean out the tanks.� Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion and
Councilman Fred Drumm seconded it to hire Albany Tank Company to clean out the
tanks for $1,000. �Supervisor Thomas
Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye,
Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin �
absent.� Carried 4 � 0.�
It was reported that a
dumpster is needed for the cleanup of the park site.� A quote of $700 -$800 was given by Springer Waste
Management.� A motion was made by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by
Councilman Charles Hanehan to rent a dumpster from Springer Waste Management
for $700 - $ 800 for rental and disposal of site cleanup debris. �Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred
Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye,
and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � absent.�
Carried 4 � 0.�
It was recommended by the LA
Group that a traffic study be done to determine the volume of traffic and to
check on site distances to help determine the best placement of the entrance to
the park.� Creighton-Manning gave a quote
of $2,900 for the study.� Another quote
or two is needed before a decision is made.�
Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters &
Emergency Medical Service Workers: �No report.
National Incident Management System Committee
(NIMS):� No report.
Quaker
Springs Fire Department:� Stephen
Bodnar reported that the Quaker Springs Fire Department responded to 8 calls in
November.� Six firefighters attended the
National Grid seminar.� All the farm
rescue equipment has arrived from the Bruno Grant.� One new Class A firefighter has joined the department.� The new engine rescue truck should be
finished January 17, 2008 and delivered within 30 days after that.� The annual election of the Quaker Springs
Fire District #1 will be held on December 11, 2007 from 6 to 9 pm at the
firehouse.� Stephen Bodnar added that
they are working with the town justices on community service placements.�� ��
Saratoga
Lake Association (SLA):� Doug
Niles reported that they are happy with the election results in Saratoga
Springs and are optimistic for the year to come.� Town Attorney William Reynolds asked if SLA has filed a note of
appeal to the recent court decision and he answered yes.�
General
Schuyler Emergency Squad:� No report.
Old
business:�
Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that quotes are
being gathered for supplemental heat for the basement of the Town Hall.� A suggestion from Sean Dooley to put a new
thermostat in the basement that would be the controlling thermostat and damper
off some of the ducts to the upstairs may be the most cost efficient way to solve
the problem.� An estimate is coming.
Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the town�s tax
rate remains the same at $1.50 per thousand of assessed value.� He stated that the county tax rate on the
average remains the same at $2.155 but once other factors are added, such as
rate of growth and assessed values in the county, it may increase or it may
decrease.� It will probably be higher
for Town of Saratoga residents because our equalization rate has dropped and
our rate of growth has been slower than some other towns.� A final figure is not yet available.� �
�
New
business:
On a motion by Supervisor
Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, the following Resolution
#07-131 Designation of the Town of Saratoga as a Greenway Community 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 Hudson River Valley Greenway Act, (hereinafter, the
�Greenway Act�) Chapter 748 of the Laws of 1991, has as a legislative goal the
establishment of the Greenway Compact, a process for voluntary regional
cooperation and decision-making among the communities of the Hudson River
Valley, and
WHEREAS, the process and programs that will comprise the
Compact are under development, and
WHEREAS, communities may participate in the initiation and
implementation of the compact process, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is situated in the Greenway
area as it was officially designated in the Greenway Act, and
WHEREAS, the Greenway Act permits the Hudson River Valley
Greenway Communities Council (hereinafter the �Council�), and the Greenway
Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc. (hereinafter the �Conservancy�)
to assist communities in developing local planning and projects related to the
five criteria contained in the Greenway Act: natural and cultural resource
protection, regional planning, economic development (including tourism,
agriculture and urban redevelopment), enhancing public access to the Hudson
River and heritage and environmental education, and
WHEREAS, the communities can become eligible to receive
technical and financial assistance from the Greenway, and
WHEREAS, community participation in the Greenway planning
process is voluntary, and
WHEREAS, the Greenway Act does not
supersede or change the powers that the State has previously granted municipal
governments under the New York State Constitution, the Municipal Home Rule Law
or pursuant to the various municipal enabling acts, and
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of
Saratoga supports the criteria contained in the Greenway Act and the process by
which the Compact will be achieved, and the Town of Saratoga endorses the
designation of the Town of Saratoga by the Greenway Council and Conservancy as
a Greenway Community.�
On a motion by Councilman
Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval, the following Resolution
#07-132 Approval to enter into an agreement for Emergency Medical Services with
the General Schuyler Emergency Squad (GSES)
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 is authorized
by virtue of Section 122 (B) of the General Municipal Law of the State of New
York to provide general ambulance service for the town, and
WHEREAS, the GENERAL
SCHUYLER EMERGENCY SQUAD has
trained and experienced personnel and is certified by the Department of Health
of the State of New York as an ambulance service, and
WHEREAS, the GSES is desirous of furnishing emergency medical
services to the town under the terms and conditions set forth in the EMS
agreement, now therefore be it,
RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to
authorize entering into the EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) AGREEMENT with the
GENERAL SCHUYLER EMERGENCY SQUAD,
for a term of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and will provide
consideration in the amount of $252,790.00.�
The full agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.����
On a motion by Councilwoman
Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm, the following Resolution
#07-133 Approval to enter into a contract for Fire Protection with the Village
of Victory 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 entering into the fire protection contract with the Village of
Victory, for a term of January 1, 2008
through December 31, 2008 and will provide consideration to the Village of
Victory in the amount of $11,571.30.�
The full agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.����
On a motion by Supervisor
Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the following Resolution
#07-134 Approval to enter into a contract for Fire Protection with the Village
of Schuylerville 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 entering into the fire protection contract with the Village of
Schuylerville, for a term of January
1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and will provide consideration to the Village
of Schuylerville in the amount of $32,933.70.�
The full agreement is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.����
Communications:
v
Notification from the Town
of Stillwater that The Study Advisory Committee for the Town of Stillwater
Farmland & Open Space Plan will be holding a Public Presentation on
Thursday, December 13, 2007 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stillwater Middle/High
School Cafeteria.�
v
Saratoga County Planning and
Zoning Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 at
the Saratoga Springs Hotel and City Center.�
Call 884-4705 with any questions.
v
Teleconference for �Just
Elected� on December 13, 2007 at Adirondack Community College.�
v
Old Saratoga Athletic Association
(OSAA) thank you to the Town of Saratoga for aiding with the Member Item Grant
from NYS Assemblyman Roy McDonald.
v
Saratoga County Economic
Opportunity Council, Inc. letter of thanks to the Town of Saratoga for their
support of the WIC Program.� A check for
$980 payable to the Old Saratoga Reformed Church for the Community Food Pantry
was sent as a thank you for hosting the WIC Program every month.
v
Thank you from Marlene
Bissell, Hudson Crossing Park, for the $300 donation from the Town of Saratoga
for daffodil bulbs.��
v
Thank you from Chief Ronald
Jon Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters
Foundation, for the $300 donation for 2 bricks on the Walk of Honor in the
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park.
Privilege
of the floor: �
Penelope
Benson-Wright addressed the board and presented the board
with a 10 page document of her concerns with the water tests for the Southard
Road subdivision and responses by the Town Attorney and Planning Board to her
concerns.� ��
Clarence
Fosdick reported that the census clock has started.� He has received lots of materials and is
reviewing them.� He added that he is
having a work session with the Planning Board at 7 p.m. on December 17th
to gain input from them on the Agriculture Map of the town that he has been
working on.�
Doug
Niles asked the board if they have any knowledge of plans
to widen Route 29 between Saratoga Springs and Schuylerville.� The board and Highway Superintendent Dave
Hall responded no.� He also stated that
Dr. Elmer Robinson has an old 16� ice boat that he is willing to donate to myself,
SLA, the town, or a combination of SLA and the town. Who will end up with it is
not yet decided.� Doug stated that he plans
to refinish the boat and says it is beautiful.�
�
Roger
Sherman asked if the park site was purchased.� Supervisor Thomas Wood responded that the
land was donated as part of the open space requirement of a conservation
subdivision by Saratoga Builders.� He
added that 27 acres were for a park and 1 acre was donated to the Quaker
Springs Fire Department.� He then inquired
about the fire protection contracts with the villages.� Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that they
contract with the villages because the departments are located within the
villages.�
Councilman
Charles Hanehan reported on an article in the Post Star on Stop signs.� He noted that the article stated that they should
not be used for speed control and they should be placed so that the minimum
number of vehicles are required to stop (at the less busy road).� He suggested that there are some
intersections in the town where the Stop signs could be replaced with Yield
signs.�
Upcoming
meetings:
v Special End of Year, Audit
the Bills Meeting � Friday, December 28th
�at 11:00 a.m.
v Building Committee meeting �
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
v Agenda meeting � Thursday,
January 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
v
Regular town board meeting � Monday, January 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. �
v
Park Committee meeting �
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and
seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the
following Resolution #07-135 - Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 12G
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, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize
payment of the bills listed in Abstract 12G (12/10/2007) in the following
amounts: General A $31,429.22, and General B $2,720.21, and Highway Outside
$52,655 for a total expense of $86,804.43.
A motion to adjourn
at 8:51 p.m. was made by Councilman Fred Drumm 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