DRAFT COPY

REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA, 30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

September 13, 2004

7:00 P.M.

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:00 p.m.

 

Roll call: Town Clerk Ruth Drumm called the roll.� Supervisor Thomas Wood- present, Councilman Bruce Cornell - present, Councilman Charles Hanehan- present, Councilman Michael McLoughlin � present, and Councilman Fred Drumm- present

Also present: Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway, Deputy Clerk Linda McCabe, Assessor/Bookkeeper Catherine DeFelice, Meghan Phalen, Bob & Peg Hall, Thompson Temple, David Carr, Lisa Tonneson McCorkell, Sherry Doubleday, David McKibbin, Dan Craine, Sam Aldrich, Ian Murray, Patricia Pierce, Geraldine Friedman, Byron Winney, and Sean Kelleher.

 

Proof of Notice having been furnished � the following sealed bids for the purchase of Highway Equipment were opened:

v     1984 International S-1600 6 Man Cab Dump Truck with 6.9 LD Diesel Engine:

 

Bishop�s Tractor Trailer Training School $1,200.00

Mark Rich� ����������������� ����������������� ���������� 325.00

Abel Tree Service������ ����������������� ����� ���������� 876.00

Jane McFarlane� ����������������� ����� ���������� 653.00������

 

v     1993 Case-IH 895 Farm Tractor, 72 PTO HP with a 60� Side Mounted Alamo Versa Hydraulically Powered Side Mower:

 

Jeff Multari ����������������� ����� ����� $1,650.00

Paul Brandt����������������� ����� ������������������� 4,026.06

Bishop�s Tractor Trailer Training School������� 2,000.00

Edward Mitchell����� ����������������� ����� ������ 3,000.00

Bryron Winney���� ����������������� ����� ������ 7,300.00

Scott Stiassney��� ����������������� ����� ������ 4,750.00

Mark Rich� ����������������� ����������������� ��������� 975.00

Byron Winney������ ����������������� ������������������ 6,600.00

Ted Emerson & Son� ��������� ����������������� �������5,000.00

William Herrick ����� ����������������� ����� �������3,501.00

Jane McFarlane� ����������������� ����� ������ 2,753.00

Russell Zink���������� ����������������� � ����� �������5,000.00

Luke Drumm������ ����������������� ����� ������ 4,133.17

 

 

 

 

 

����������������� �����������������

v     1996 Ford-New Holland Model 575-E Loader Backhoe, 4 WD with Extendable Dipper Stick:

 

Jeff Multari ����� ������������������������ $15, 575.00

Bishop�s Tractor Trailer Training School��� 19,050.00

Mark Rich� ����� ����������� ����������������� ����13,675.00

Charles Tierney������ ����������������� ����� ��� 15,000.00

Scott Staissney��� ����������������� ����� ��� 12,450.00

William Herrick ����� ����������������� ����� ����12,500.00

Jane McFarlane� ����������������� ����� ��� 16,887.00

Richard Whiley������� ����������������� ����� ��� 15,604.00

James Vitis � ����� ����������� ����������������23,000.00

John Foster����������������� ����������������� ��� 12,995.00

Allen Wood������� ����������������� ����� �� �19,651.00

Jane McFarlane� ����������������� ����� ��� 17,353.00

Douglas Clark��������� ����������������� ����� ��� 28,710.00

Conover Electric���� ����������������� ����� ��� 28,860.00

Capital Tractor������ ����������������� ����� ��� 25,270.00

 

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that one aspect of Local Law #6 of 2004, adopted and filed on 7/23/2004, provided for Planned Unit Development rezoning.� The purpose of the planned unit development is to encourage flexibility in the design and development of land in order to promote its most appropriate use; to preserve the natural and scenic qualities of open space; and to encourage the goals and objectives of the Town of Saratoga�s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.�� The application starts with the town board�s review and if it is determined that it merits further review is sent to the Planning Board for their review and recommendation.� It is then sent back to the Town Board for final determination.� A public hearing will be held by both the Planning Board and the Town Board. We have received the first application as follows:�

�

PUD Application: Saratoga Country Inn

Contact: David McKibbin

Stafford Bridge Inn, LLC��

����������� ������� ��� ����������� 901 George Bush Blvd.

����������� ������ ���� ����������� Delray Beach, FL 33483

S/B/L 168.-3-44.1 Rural District

 

David Carr, LA Group, David McKibbin, Tom Valente, and Lisa McKorkell addressed the board.� David Carr presented the conceptual plan to develop the

71.71 +/- acre parcel at the Southwest Corner of Staffords Bridge Road (County Rd. 68) and Wagmans Ridge Road.� A country inn with 48 suites, 18 of which will use a �timeshare� concept, will include a pool and clubhouse was presented.� The clubhouse would include a library, spa, lounge/bar, and restaurant.� The horse farm would have a horse barn, horse barn storage buildings and 3 apartments, and a Horse Farm Manager�s Office and apartment.� A single-family private residence was also proposed.� Dave Carr stated that they would maintain the existing farmland and would only need to remove about one acre of trees.�� The main entrance would be off Staffords Bridge Rd. (County Rd. 68) and only the horse breeding operation (brood mares) would exit onto Wagmans Ridge Rd.� The percolation tests and water studies have been completed and are included in the conceptual plan.� David Carr urged the board to start the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process.���

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Bruce Cornell and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to accept the minutes of the August 9th, and August 30th, 2004 meetings as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0.

 

Town Clerk�s report for August 2004: Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $87.40. Dog license fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets $27.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $2,094.80. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $22.50. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $215.10. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $354.20. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $2,801.00.

 

Zoning Officer�s report: August 2004: 11 Building Permits, 6 C.O.�s, and 29 Building inspections were done.�� A check for $1,105.00 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.

�

Supervisor�s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented August 2004 balances in Town funds as follows: General A $555,609.15, General B $72,356.41, Highway Outside $330,997.32, Youth Recreation & Services $3,239.81, Highway Equipment Reserve $178,022.13, Building Reserve $815,921.71, and Fire Protection $0.00.� August revenues were $214,024.39 and expenses were $219,459.79.� The total August balance is $1,956,146.52.

 

Highway: Highway Superintendent Grant Seymour reported that the CHIPS project on Burgoyne Road is finished and they are now working on the shoulders.� He stated that the County would put the centerlines on the road in the near future.��

 

Landfill: No report.

 

Insurance: No report.

 

Youth Committee report: Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that he has received Jeannie Duval�s Annual Program Report of the Learn to Swim Program.� He added what an excellent job she has done and how it was a very successful and record year for the program.�

 

Buildings: Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that he and Town Engineer Kenneth Martin have met and reviewed the earlier work done in regards to a new town hall building.� They have walked the present proposed location, which is the one-acre parcel north of the present town hall building.� It was decided that in order to determine the feasibility of the site, Town Engineer Kenneth Martin would notify five agencies (NYS DEC, NYS DOH, SCPB, and ACOE) in order to gain their input and identify any potential problems.

 

Senior Citizens report: Councilman Bruce Cornell reported that the Old Saratoga Seniors would meet this Wednesday, September 15, 2004.

 

Park Committee report: No report.

 

Cable TV Committee: Councilman Fred Drumm reported that we are still waiting for Time Warner to send us the revised contract agreement and that Time Warner has been granted Temporary Operating Authority until 2/27/2005.� Supervisor Thomas Wood asked Councilman Fred Drumm if he would check with George Smeade of Time Warner to see if they would provide cable to a section of County Rd. 70.�

 

Old Business:

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the board has been working on turning over an abandoned portion of Route 32 to the adjacent landowners, Chris Griffen, Blanche Carden and Gail Taras, over the last few months.� Resolution # 04-109 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, a step needed in order to accomplish turning over the property:

RESOLVED, that the highway in said Town of Saratoga, formerly a portion of NYS Route 32, and as described in the official order of the Division of Highways dated July 11, 1935, has not been traveled or used as a highway for ten or more years prior to the date of this certificate and said highway shall terminate and is hereby declared abandoned pursuant to Section 205 of the Highway Law as a highway and a public right of way.�����

Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk�s Office.)

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that he is continuing to pursue a solution to the water rate increase to Town residents on Village water. He added that the Town of Saratoga was instrumental in obtaining the HUD Grant for the Water tower project and that the town was the lead agency and administrator of the grant.� He also stated that he felt that the reasons for the increase are bogus.� He is planning to attend a water commission meeting tomorrow night.� It was also noted that the sewer rates would also increase as they are tied to the water rates.� The board requested that Town Attorney William Reynolds check into any regulations that would prohibit a preference being shown for one outside user over another.��

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reminded the board that a budget workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21st at 7:00 p.m. at the town hall.

 

New Business: The following resolutions accepting the highest bids for the Highway Equipment were adopted:

Resolution #04-112 was introduced by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell:

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept the highest bid for the 1984 International S-1600, 6 Man Cab Dump Truck with 6.9 LD Diesel Engine, VIN# 1HTLAHEM9EHA60295 from Bishop�s Tractor-Trailer Training School, 28 Fawn Dr., Ballston Spa, NY in the amount of $1,200.00. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk�s Office.)

Resolution #04-113 was introduced by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan:

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept the highest bid for

the 1993 Case-IH 895 Farm Tractor with side mower from Byron Winney, 113 Winney Dr., Schuylerville, NY for $7,300.00. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk�s Office.)

Resolution #04-114 was introduced by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin:

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to accept the highest bid for

1996 Ford-New Holland model 575-e loader backhoe,4 wd with extendable dipper stick from Conover Electric, 100 Coveville Rd., Schuylerville, NY for $28,860.00. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk�s Office.)

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the Saratoga Country Inn PUD conceptual plan has been in the board�s possession for their review for a few days and after having had the formal presentation this evening, it was determined that the project merits further review and the following resolution was offered:

Resolution #04-118 was introduced by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Bruce Cornell.

RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to refer the application to the Planning Board for its review and recommendation.� Supervisor Thomas Wood asked for any further discussion and Town Attorney William Reynolds added that according to our local law the owner�s signature must be on the application.� David McKibbin agreed to get that signature.� After no further discussion, the board voted. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk�s Office.)�

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that The Association of Towns and other municipal officials are trying to reverse a state budget action that shifts from local treasuries into the state treasury fine monies obtained from traffic violations that are reduced under plea bargaining, depriving towns of much needed revenues.� In light of this effort the following Resolution # 04-110 was offered by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm:

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga calls for the restoration of the original fine distribution formula in order to provide towns with the necessary revenues to fund justice court operations; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga urges the passage of legislation introduced by Senator Bonacic (S. 7757) and Assemblyman Cahill which amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to restore this source of revenue to local governments; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Governor George E. Pataki;

Joseph L. Bruno, Majority Leader of the Senate; Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the Assembly; Senator Elizabeth Little, Chair of the Local Government Committee; Senator Owen Johnson, Chair of the Finance Committee; Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell Jr.,

Chair of Ways and Means Committee; Senator John A. DeFrancisco, Chair of Judiciary

Committee; Assemblywoman Helene E. Weinstein, Chair Judiciary Committee; and

Senator Joseph Bruno and Assemblyman Roy McDonald. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk�s Office.)�

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood introduced Resolution #04-111 and it was seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan:

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to transfer $6,546.52 from the Contingency Account # A1990.4 to Account # A1910.1 Unallocated Insurance, to cover the additional costs incurred. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0. (The full text of this resolution is on file in the Resolution Book at the Town Clerk�s Office.)�

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the part-time Planning/Zoning Board of Appeals clerk position will become available on January 1, 2005.� The appointed position has become increasingly busy and the present clerk, Town Clerk Ruth Drumm, wishes to concentrate on her Town Clerk responsibilities.� A motion was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm to direct the town clerk to advertise the position.� Interviews would then be conducted.� Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0.

 

It was announced that the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors would hold a public hearing at the Saratoga Town Hall September 15, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. regarding the continuation of the Saratoga County Consolidated Agricultural District # 1 for eight years and proposed modifications to the district.�

 

In light of the Town of Saratoga being awarded an Inactive Records Grant, Councilman Bruce Cornell introduced Resolution # 04-115 and it was seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin as follows:

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has been awarded an Inactive Records Grant from the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund in the amount of $11, 968 and�

WHEREAS, the grant provides for the hiring of a Records Management Clerk and a Records Management Consultant, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga appoints Tomarra McCall, a very qualified and experienced records management clerk as the Records Management clerk at the rate of $10 per hour for 504 provisional hours as provided in the grant, not to exceed 19 hours per week until 6/30/2005 the grant end date, and further be it�

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga appoints Amanda Walsh as the Records Management Consultant for up to 10 days at $250 per day as provided in the grant.� She is an expert in the field and will provide training, development of policies and procedures for inactive record storage, develop a need assessment and a program plan, and will help with the close out reporting. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 5� 0.

 

Resolution # 04-116 was offered by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan as follows:

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has agreed to administer the Heritage NY Grant and reimbursement will be applied for, and

WHEREAS, documentation has been provided to verify work completed on the Schuylerville Visitors Center exhibit, invoice #2429 for $4,950.00, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga pay invoice #2429 in the amount of $4,950.00 to Wayland Design, 100 Main Street, Delhi, NY from account # A 7110.4 Parks.

Supervisor Thomas Wood � aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye.� Carried 5� 0.

 

Resolution # 04-117 was introduced by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm as follows:

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga has agreed to administer the Lakes to Locks Passage Saratoga Pocket Parks Grant, Contract # DO17673, Workplan PIN: 1SB1.02.121

and

WHEREAS, documentation has been provided to verify services provided from 7/10/04 through 8/20/04, now therefore be it

Resolved, that the Town of Saratoga pay invoice number 16509 in the amount of $2,266.74 from account A 7150.4 Special Recreational payable to the LA Group, 40 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Supervisor Thomas Wood � aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye.� Carried 5� 0.

 

Communications:� Supervisor Thomas Wood reported on two letters he received from Daniel Hewitt regarding the importance of accurately reporting the history of our area.� He also mentioned the short-lived Regional History Task Force and some of the accomplishments of it.� One accomplishment of the former Regional History Task Force that Supervisor Thomas Wood will follow-up on is the placement of signs along the �Turning Point Trail� (Route 4) that were approved but never erected.�

 

A letter was received from Lorraine Orton, past department President of the National Woman�s Relief Corps, regarding the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Civil War Monument in the Prospect Hill Cemetery, Victory Mills, NY on October 17, 2004. This organization has a nice exhibit that Sean Kelleher will incorporate into �Siege Week�.� He is planning to display their exhibit of memorabilia of the Grand Army of the Republic in the basement of the Town Hall during �Seige Week�.�

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported on a letter from Chick and Tom Barber expressing their gratitude to the town board for their support of the paramedics serving in our community and to the skilled paramedics that are on duty 24 hours a day.� The Barber�s especially praised paramedics, Glen Stevens and Andre Delraux, for their professional expertise in accurately evaluating and treating Tom Barber�s condition when called on August 25th, 2004.� Their speedy response and call for airlifting him to Albany Medical Center for emergency cardiac cauterization saved Tom�s life. �

�

Privilege of the floor:

Sherry Doubleday of the General Schuyler Emergency Squad, thanked Supervisor Thomas Wood for his suggestion and help in finding a parcel that could be purchased by the Ambulance Squad for their new building.�

 

Sam Aldrich stated that after voicing his frustrations over our current zoning ordinance at a recent Planning Board meeting and its lack of protecting open land, he has met with many of the people who were involved with the drafting of the Comprehensive Plan and the zoning regulations including Paul Griffen, Councilman Michael McLoughlin and Councilman Charles Hanehan.� Sam Aldrich was urged to become involved and he stated that he is currently doing research in a number of areas that he hopes will be useful in the future planning of the town that will help to keep the rural aspects of the town by acquiring and protecting farmland without placing additional tax burdens on the townspeople.

 

Councilman Charles Hanehan agreed to attend the Planning Board meetings which involve the Saratoga Country Inn, PUD rezoning, and to keep the board updated on the details and progress of the proposed plan.���

���

Sherry Doubleday also noted that within a 90-minute time span, Tom Barber was airlifted and delivered right to the cauterization Lab at Albany Medical Center Hospital.� She said that several lives have been saved with the help of the skilled paramedics on duty 24 hours a day at the General Schuyler Emergency Squad.��

 

Supervisor Thomas Wood offered a motion to enter into Executive Session at 8:48 p.m. to discuss the proposed acquisition of real property and a personnel matter.� Councilman Michael McLoughlin seconded it. Supervisor Thomas Wood � aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye.� Carried 5� 0.

 

At 9:20 p.m. Supervisor Thomas Wood made a motion to resume the regular meeting with no board action, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin seconded this. Supervisor Thomas Wood � aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye.� Carried 5� 0.

 

Councilman Michael McLoughlin left the meeting at 9:21p.m.

 

The next agenda meeting will be October 7, 2004 and the regular board meeting will be Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. due to the Columbus Day Holiday on Monday, October 11, 2004

 

Audit the Bills: Per abstract 09/13/2004 (9G): General A $47,352.50, General B $2,928.83, Youth $900.00, (9H): Highway Outside $205,399.18, Highway Equipment Reserve $106,566.00 for a total expense of $363,146.51.

�

 

 

 

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Supervisor Thomas Wood at 9:41 p.m. and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm. Supervisor Thomas Wood � aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin � absent, Councilman Bruce Cornell � aye, and Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye.� Carried 4� 0.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk

 

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