City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2000 CITY COUNCIL ROOM 6:45 P.M. PRESENT: Thomas Curley, Commissioner, Public Safety Kenneth Klotz, Mayor Michael Lenz, Commissioner, Finance Thomas McTygue, Commissioner, Public Works Bernard Mirling, Commissioner, Accounts ABSENT: Phillip Klein, Board of Supervisors Representative Anthony Scirocco, Board of Supervisors Representative STAFF PRESENT: Christine Gillmett-Brown, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Carol Kennedy, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Bob King, Deputy Commissioner, Public Safety William McTygue, Deputy Commissioner, Public Works Jeffrey Wait, City Attorney PUBLIC HEARING Water & Sewer Rates 2000 Joe O'Neill said a request had been made for metered accounts dedicated for outside usage. He said in some areas of the City homeowners water their lawns with a dedicated line and they have asked that their sanitary sewer bills reflect that usage. Joe O'Neill explained that sanitary sewer usage is based on water use; therefore, since water used for watering lawns does not go back into the sanitary system, homeowners have asked that their sanitary sewer bills reflect that non-use. He said the savings to homeowners would likely be somewhere around $140 per year. Joe O'Neill said they are proposing that the rate for this metered account be 1 1/2 times the current rate. He said these homeowners would be required to install a meter (cost between $140-$175). Mayor Kenneth Klotz opened the public hearing. John McLuckie, 9 Sundance Drive, asked about the time frame and when this change would take place. Joe O'Neill said once this was adopted, it would take effect immediately. He said they simply need to install the meters. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked how many homeowners might take advantage of this opportunity. Joe O'Neill said he did not think there would be more than 200. Joe O'Neill said this request had initially come from homeowners from within the newer housing developments which installed automatic sprinkler systems. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he did not think there would be many requests from the Knolls Spring Park subdivision because many are using their wells to water. Lou Schneider, Interlaken Development, asked how this usage would affect this development since they were not on the City's water system. Joe O'Neill said it would have no effect. He said for those homeowners without a meter, a flat fee is charged for the system. Nancy Gilligan, Sundance Drive, asked if there was a minimum rate. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this metered account would be for actual usage. He said if there was no use, there would be no bill. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Kenneth Klotz closed the public hearing. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kenneth Klotz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. MAYOR'S OFFICE Proclamation B Saratoga High Girls Softball Team (00-139) Mayor Kenneth Klotz read the following proclamation: WHEREAS, the Saratoga High School Girls Varsity Softball Team has completed its inspiring 2000 season; and WHEREAS, throughout its spectacular year, the team's achievements remained consistency impressive. They gained the Suburban Council Championship by going undefeated in 18 games. They went on to win the Section II Class A Championship and their regional Championship. They continued their winning ways through the highest levels in their sport, progressing through the State semifinals and stopping only after two hard-fought games as State finalists; and WHEREAS, in a time when schools, coaches and sports fans are recognizing as never before the outstanding abilities of women athletes, the team may be justly proud of its record year. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kenneth Klotz, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, am pleased to congratulate the Saratoga Springs High School Girls Varsity softball Team on its remarkable accomplishments. May the winning spirit they displayed this season continue to inspire them and all of us in the years to come. Proclamation B Spa Catholic Boys Baseball Team (00-140) Mayor Kenneth Klotz read the following proclamation: WHEREAS, the Spa Catholic High School Baseball Team has completed remarkable 2000 season; and WHEREAS, in a breathtaking season of competing, Spa Catholic's team chalked up enough achievements to fill a trophy case. After winning their school's own Phil Waring Memorial Championship, they progressed to an undefeated Tri Valley League Championship, a Section II Class C-CC championship and their Capital Region championship. They then won tremendous admiration by being the only sports team in their school's history to proceed to the New York State finals. They concluded their finals competition with a 27-2 record, including an incredible 26 straight wins. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kenneth Klotz, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York, take great pleasure in congratulating Spa Catholic's Championship Baseball Team on their sensational entry into the records books. Their skill and ability, their drive and determination and their competitive spirit will undoubtedly remain in the memories of sports fans for many years to come. Approve Copy Machine Maintenance Contract B Recreation Department Withdrawn from discussion. Waive of Bid B Playground Equipment Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to waive the bid to Bill Simone for handicapped playground equipment for the north, south and west side recreation fields in he amount of $5,988. Linda Terricola said this was a budgeted item. Ayes all. Approve Additional Trips B Camp Saradac Linda Terricola said the Mayor recently received approval from the Council for Camp Saradac trips. However, since that approval, her staff have decided that they would like to fund additional trips for the Camp Saradac program at a cost of approximately $1,800. She said in order to fund these additional Camp Saradac program at a cost of approximately $1,800. She said in order to fund these additional trips, the Recreation Department will not buy a new copy machine. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked for details on the Camp Saradac program. Linda Terricola said this program runs from June 26 to August 18 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. She said the age for this program is 5-12. She said last year there were 248 campers registered and this year that number had grown to 268. She reported that Debbie Pryor, of her staff, had obtained a grant from the Hawley Foundation in the amount of $17,350 which would cover the cost of 54 camp scholarships. She said $2,000 had also been received from the Children's committee. Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the additional trips for Camp Saradac in the amount of approximately $1,800. Ayes all. Proclamation B Korean War Veterans (00-141) Mayor Kenneth Klotz proclaimed the following: WHEREAS, the contribution made to a nation of free people by its war veterans is unlike any other, and WHEREAS, one of the most compelling lessons history teaches us is that all too often we have failed to appreciate and recognize the tremendous personal sacrifices our veterans have made in defending human lives and human rights; and WHEREAS, our veterans who served in Korea did so with courage, determination, and an unswerving belief that the world in the second half of the 20th century should be a better and safer place to live. With the horror and devastation of the Second World War still fresh in their memory they understood, perhaps better than any generation of veterans before or since, that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kenneth Klotz, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, am pleased to honor Korean War Veterans in our City and everywhere and to proclaim Korean War Veterans' Commemorative Day. Appointments (00-142) Mayor Kenneth Klotz announced the following appointments: Tom Fox and David Keehn, Community Renewal Committee and Don Sevits to the Sister Cities Committee. He said he had hoped to appoint two new members to the Design Review Commission at this time, however, he was not quite ready to do so. He said he would make those appointments by the end of the month. He said he also had hoped to appoint the Charter Review Commission at this time, but again, was not quite ready to do so. He said he would make those appointments within the next seven to ten days. IRS Certificate of Recognition Mayor Kenneth Klotz announced that the City had received a certificate of recognition from the IRS in connection with the VITA program. NYCOM Code Enforcement Seminar Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney, said he recently attended the NYCOM Code Enforcement Seminar. He said from what he had seen at this seminar, it appeared that the City is operating its code enforcement in a good manner. He said there was quite a bit of discussion on unsafe structure ordinances though. He said the NYCOM models of this ordinance were quite similar to the City's. He said there was also a good amount of discussion on absentee landlords. He said in most cases the only way to maintain these properties is for the City to gain an interest in the property. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked if that would be through condemnation. Tony Izzo said there was not much discussion on condemnation and/or emanate domain. Commissioner Thomas Curley said there had been discussions in the past on adding to the City's unsafe structure ordinance to make it stronger. Tony Izzo said a draft could be circulated to Council members in the very near future on that proposal. the very near future on that proposal. Approve West Side Neighborhood Grant Extension (00-143) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the West Side Neighborhood Grant extension to September 30, 2000. Brad Birge, Community Development Coordinator, said this $10,000 grant was for a cultural and recreational program under the Community Development Program and they were simply requesting an extension to September 30, 2000. Ayes all. CDBG Consolidated Plan Mayor Kenneth Klotz requested that a public hearing be set for July 5 at 6:45 p.m. on the Consolidated Plan. Council members agreed to that request. Brad Birge said this plan is required by HUD. He said it is a five-year strategic plan for investment into the community and provides guidelines for funding projects. He said this document was available at several locations throughout the City for review. SSTAR Task Force B Truck Traffic Enforcement Mayor Kenneth Klotz said the Council favors intensified efforts by the Department of Public Safety to enforce laws governing trucks traveling within the city limits. He said he would like to see DPS draw up plans for these enforcement efforts. Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded that the Department of Public Safety collect data on its enforcement efforts and report regularly to the Council. Commissioner Thomas Curley said DPS has a plan which has recently been expanded based on the commitment by this Council. He said they cannot remove the trucks from City streets, however, they can make sure that they are safe. He said he supported many of the SSTAR recommendations and he was sure that his department would rise to this occasion. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked if the City could expect to see more of the day long joint municipality efforts. Commissioner Thomas Curley said truck inspections take place at least once a week. Officer Crandall said cooperative efforts will be done throughout the year. He pointed out that the City's infraction numbers are up between 30 to 40 percent over last year. Commissioner Thomas Curley reminded Council members that the Council recently approved the hiring of two individuals to work in enforcement. Officer Crandall said with the hiring of these individuals and a good tracking system, the City should see a substantial increase in truck enforcement. Ayes all. Youth Issues Mayor Kenneth Klotz said there recently was a meeting between Commissioner Bernard Mirling, Matthew McCabe, Captain Flanagan, Chief King and himself on the youth advocate position. He informed Council members that individual had been hired. He said this individual will act as a mediator and will work towards a positive relationship between the youth and the downtown business community. He said everyone agrees that youth have a right to be downtown and he hoped that this individual would provide a positive effect on the youth of this community. Captain Flanagan said this individual recently attended a shift change in the Police Department. He said this individual also met with the downtown walking officers. He said the youth advocate's duties/responsibilities were explained to police officers. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if there would be periodic updates to the Council on this position. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said there were no plans at this time, however, it could happen. He said he would talk to Keith Coss, YMCA representative and supervisor of the youth advocate position, on updating the talk to Keith Coss, YMCA representative and supervisor of the youth advocate position, on updating the Council. Temporary Construction Inspector (00-144) Mayor Kenneth Klotz announced the appointment of a temporary construction inspector in the engineering department. He said this individual will help out with the backlog of construction inspections on a temporary basis. He said this individual, John Roberts would be hired at grade XI for 15 weeks at a projected cost of $8,700. West Avenue Update Paul Male said the Niagara Mohawk subcontractors are on schedule to replace the gas main and pole relocation for the electric and cable television. He said the gas main relocation is scheduled to be completed by July 24. He said the water main work will start within the next two weeks and the foundations for the traffic signal poles will begin on June 26. He said the storm sewer work across the Pitney property that was scheduled for last week has not yet been completed. Paul Male said he had received a request from CDTA asking for financial assistance in the reconstruction of Station Lane (sidewalks, curbs, lighting, sanitary sewer, etc.) as designed by Sear-Brown. He said this request is for approximately $40,000. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said it was his understanding the entire Station Lane project would cost approximately $400,000. Paul Male agreed. He said CDTA had been successful in obtaining most of the funding, however, there is a $40,000 gap which needs to be covered. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of June 6 & 8 City Council meeting minutes Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the June 6 & 8 City Council meeting minutes with some minor modifications. Ayes all. Set Public Hearing B Sarcom Rezoning Commissioner Bernard Mirling reported that the Council had received a favorable advisory opinion from the Planning Board on the petition from Sarcom, Inc., to rezone their one acre property at 393 Church Street from Rural Residential-1 (single family homes on two acre lots) to a Highway General Business District. He requested that the required pubic hearing be scheduled on this rezoning at 6:50 p.m. on July 18, 2000. Council members agreed. Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with John Doyle, Appraiser (00-145) Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded for authorization for the Mayor to sign the contract with John Doyle, appraiser. Ayes all. Award of Bid B Hydraulic Dump Trailer Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for the Hydraulic Dump Material Trailer to Versatile Trailer Sales, Inc., in the amount of $8,978.00 (lowest bidder). Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if this was a budgeted item. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said yes. Ayes all. Award of Bid B Turf Sweeper Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for the Diesel Powered Turf Sweeper to S.V. Moffett in the amount of $22,995.00 (only bidder). Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if this was a budgeted item. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said yes. Ayes all. FINANCE OFFICE FINANCE OFFICE Payroll Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the following payrolls: June 9, 2000 B $294,385.89 and June 16, 2000 B $290,866.92 Ayes all. Warrants Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded for the approval and payment of the 2JUN20 warrant #2 through #31 as follows: General Fund $ 155,088.68 City Center Authority 6,708.78 Water Fund 55,363.29 Sewer Fund 13,021.04 Capital Projects Fund 1,877.00 Special Assessment District 2,550.00 Trust Fund -0- Debt Service 1,281,872.57 Community Development 27,122.09 TOTAL $1,543,603.45 and the MC200614 warrant #2 - #4 as follows: General Fund $ 574,745.15 City Center Authority 449.21 Water Fund 208.69 Sewer Fund 61.83 Capital Projects Fund -0- Special Assessment District -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development -0- TOTAL $ 575,464.88 Ayes all. Budget Amendments Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the budget amendments as presented (Attachment A). Ayes all. Budget Transfers Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the budget transfers as presented (Attachment B). Ayes all. Appointment (00-146) Commissioner Michael Lenz announced the appointment of Yvette Shaver, as senior clerk, Grade VI, Step 1, effective July 5, 2000. Charter Review Commissioner Michael Lenz asked when the Charter Review committee would be appointed. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said within the next ten days. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Interlaken PUD Water Lawsuit Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced that the Interlaken Homeowners Association had dropped their lawsuit against the City. Paving Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced the micropaving of the following streets: Summerfield Lane, Mallard Landing, Leeward Way, Roberts Lane, Pine Road, Timber Lane and Sandspring Drive. Discussion B Grande Industrial Park (00-147) Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that Phil Klein, City's representative to the County Board of Supervisors, had been asked to take the lead role in working with Senator Bruno's office in obtaining a $1,000,000 grant for the Grande Industrial Park. Paul Male said he had been working with Barton & Loguidice and DPW on this issue. He said after refining the numbers, it appears that the cost of new wells and pump stations for Ball #1 & Ball #2 would be approximately $325,000. He said a four-month lead time was needed to order the equipment for this job, therefore, it would be quite helpful if the Council approved this amount this evening. He said this is a hazardous situation at the industrial park. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked if Commissioner Thomas McTygue had been assured that these funds would be received. He asked if Commissioner Thomas McTygue was asking the Council commit to $325,000. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he simply wanted to move ahead in ordering this equipment. Paul Male said it might be possible that a down payment would be necessary to order this equipment. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said a short term anticipation note could be utilized if necessary. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if there was some documentation in connection with this grant that could be reviewed. He asked if this grant required a match. Commissioner Michael Lenz said that perhaps this equipment should be ordered contingent upon the City receiving the grant. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to order the material for the sewage pumping station at a cost of approximately $240,000 and to order the pumps from Siewert. Commissioner Michael Lenz said it needed to be clear that the ordering of this equipment was contingent upon receiving the grant from Senator Bruno. Ayes all. Paul Male said the second piece of this project was an elevated water tank (1.5 million gallon tank). He said they are in the process of refining those figures and hoped to decrease that amount down to about $2 million. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked about the water pressure at the state park. Paul Male said there have been discussions on that issue. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said those problems have been solved. He said the water pressure problem was on the grounds of the state park. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said there is a water pressure problem in the Grande Industrial Park though. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said at some point he would come forward with a request for funding for this project. Adopt New Water Rates (00-148) Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to adopt the water rates as presented noting that the only modification was in section B pertaining to outside usage of water at 1 1/2 times the normal rate. Ayes all. Waive of Bid B Security System Congress Park Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to confirm the previous approval by memo for ADT Security Services in the amount of $1,875.00 for additional equipment. Ayes all. Waive of Bid B Nextel Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to waive the bid for Nextel Company for the cellular phones for DPW in the amount of $1,000 per month. Ayes all. Nextel Company for the cellular phones for DPW in the amount of $1,000 per month. Ayes all. Waive of Bid B Warren Electric Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to waive the bid to Warren Electric for three decorative street lights (not on the bid list) in the amount of $3,026.10. He said the lights would be paid for through insurance reimbursements. Ayes all. Discussion B Locust Grove Road (00-149) Commissioner Thomas McTygue informed Council members that there is a serious safety hazard at Locust Grove Road and Route 9N. He said it was recently verified that the culvert on Locust Grove Road does in deed belong to the City. He said this particular culvert has collapsed, causing a great deal of safety concern for vehicles. Paul Male, City Engineer, said there is a 4'x5' stone box culvert in this area which has collapsed. He said the estimated cost to replace this stone box with two new 48" pipe is $25,000. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to authorize Paul Male to proceed with the preparation of the bid documents, the City commit to this expenditure either through contingency or surplus funds and that Commissioner Michael Lenz make the determination on where this funding would come from. Paul Male said by the time the Council awards this bid it would be in August or September. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the Commissioner of Finance should determine where this funding should come from. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked how long has the City known about this problem. Joe O'Neill said it has been an ongoing for several years because of an ownership issue which was recently resolved. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said now that ownership had been determined the City was liable. Commissioner Michael Lenz said it was his recommendation that the funding come from within the DPW budget. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he did not have the funds available in his budget for this expenditure. He said this is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked if there were any short term solutions. Paul Male said no. Ayes: four; Nays: one (Commissioner Michael Lenz). Motion carried. Discussion B Washington Street Drainage Improvements (00-150) Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the City has gone to bid for the Washington Street Drainage Improvements and the low bidder was August Bohl Contracting in the amount of $366,343. Paul Male said this is phase two of this project. He said the plans were initially prepared in 1993 but only went out to bid very recently. He said the bid price from August Bohl was very competitive and is lower than the City's estimate. He said this project would solve many of the drainage and sanitary sewer problems in this area of the City. He said this project goes from Pleasant Street, through the little league field, through the school bus garage, across Walnut Street and up Bensonhurst Street. He said there is also the opportunity to continue this project to Newton Street. He said the time to do this project is now because the little league season is over and the school bus garage is not used as actively during the summer. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked if there was any county money available for this project. Paul Male said that Brad Birge, Community Development Coordinator, had informed him that the county had received funds for the 1998 ice storm and some of those funds could be available. He said this project seems to fit the scope for those funds. He said Skip Scirocco said that the funding could be in the amount of $50,000 to $100,000. He said the City has not yet formally applied for those funds, however, it seems like a viable source. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this is the last phase of this project to complete the drainage concerns in this area of the City. He said the West Side Neighborhood Association was very supportive of this project. this project. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said this is a high priority project which he looked favorably on. He said there is a hearing next week on the budget surplus and his preference would be to wait for those discussions before making a commitment to this project. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said there is no time to wait. He said the materials need to be ordered, which takes a number of weeks, and it could be as long as four weeks before this project could begin. He said delaying this project by another two weeks would run into the fall when school starts. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked how long this project would take to complete. Paul Male said about 45 days. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked if this project could be associated with the West Avenue project in some way. Paul Male said they initially tried to incorporate this project into the West Avenue project, however, that was not done. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked where the $366,000 would come from to fund this project. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it should come from surplus. He said this is an opportunity for the City that needs to be done now. He said that once this project is complete, it would open up some undeveloped lands that could then be developed. Commissioner Michael Lenz clarified that the funding should come from the surplus. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that the money could come from the surplus or it could be bonded. He said it was up to Commissioner Michael Lenz to make a recommendation on how it would be funded. Commissioner Bernard Mirling said he would like a clearer understanding on funding before making a commitment. He said he was not comfortable in approving a project that was brought forward tonight without the benefit of looking at the whole picture. He said the Council could go through the surplus rather quickly by approving projects one at a time instead of looking at the whole picture. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this project has been around for quite some time. Commissioner Bernard Mirling said he was aware of the history of this project. He said he had some problem with past Councils' lack of planning for future needs. He said this Council needs solid planning to look at these kinds of expenditures. He said the Council should not "pick off" these projects one at a time without a plan. He said he wanted a comprehensive plan of the City's needs, options, income, priorities, etc. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this project has been planned for many years. Commissioner Bernard Mirling said that by taking these kinds of projects one at a time at a Council meeting was not the appropriate way to plan. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this is the completion of a project that was started many years ago. Commissioner Bernard Mirling said it was not a project that was planned including the funding mechanism. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it was planned to be part of the capital budget but was removed. Commissioner Michael Lenz agreed saying that it was never approved in any capital budget. Commissioner Michael Lenz said we need to address the budget surplus with a comprehensive plan. He said Commissioner Thomas McTygue continually appears before the Council with "urgent" projects. Joe O'Neill said the West Avenue project had been reduced in cost and perhaps some of those funds could be used to fund this project. He said it would simply be a reallocation from the West Avenue project. Commissioner Michael Lenz said that would not work because they have already bonded that project. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked how close we are to the debt limit. Commissioner Michael Lenz said we are about $2 million under the debt limit. Commissioner Michael Lenz said, under his direction, the City is in the best financial position than it has been over the last several years. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved to go ahead with the project and that it be funded either through bonding or the contingency fund. There was no second. Discussion B Guide Rails (00-151) Commissioner Thomas McTygue and Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved to proceed with the work on the guide rails on Grand Avenue and that the project be funded through contingency or surplus. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked whether DOT might pay for this project. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said no. He said he had been trying to get this item in the capital register for some time now but that has not happened. He said the City has now been placed on notice by DOT. Deputy Commissioner Bill McTygue said the City received notification from DOT stating that this overpass had been flagged which indicates a critical condition. Commissioner Michael Lenz said this item was funded in the 2000 adopted DPW budget. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he made no agreement to fund this project through his budget. Deputy Commissioner Bill McTygue said this was initially a capital budget request but was removed. He said they disagree that it was included in their budget. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said this is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Commissioner Michael Lenz again asked how this would be funded. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it should be funded in either the contingency or surplus funds. He said it was up to Commissioner Michael Lenz make a recommendation. Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to amend the motion that the funding for this project come from the DPW budget. Ayes: two (Commissioner Thomas Curley and Michael Lenz); Nays: three (Commissioners Bernard Mirling, Thomas McTygue and Mayor Kenneth Klotz). Motion denied. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said if Commissioner Michael Lenz was unable to make a recommendation on where the funding should come from, he would recommend that it come from the surplus. Ayes: two (Mayor Kenneth Klotz and Commissioner Thomas McTygue); Nays: three (Commissioner Bernard Mirling, Michael Lenz and Thomas Curley). Motion denied. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Council agenda Commissioner Thomas Curley requested that the Mayor consider rotating the Council agenda so that his department was not always last. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said he had heard the request and will consider it but was concerned that there could be some confusion with a rotating agenda. Set Public Hearing B Revised Speed Limit B Ingersoll Road Commissioner Thomas Curley requested that a public hearing be set for Wednesday, July 5 at 6:40 p.m. to revise the speed limit on Ingersoll Road. Council members agreed to that request. Truck Traffic Enforcement Update Commissioner Thomas Curley said two new positions were approved at a recent Council meeting and those individuals will start in the vehicle traffic department once training is completed. Commissioner Thomas Curley said it appears that some appropriate signage might reduce some of the truck traffic on some of the streets. Captain Flanagan said lack of signage directing trucks was an issue. He said once trucks reach West Avenue when coming east, there is no signage. He said signage should be placed at the intersections on West Avenue directing the truck traffic to Church/VanDam Streets. He said DOT has recommended a West Avenue directing the truck traffic to Church/VanDam Streets. He said DOT has recommended a signage package and he hoped that DOT might pay for some of the signage. Commissioner Thomas Curley said because of the construction over the next two seasons that would also be an issue when placing the new signs. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said it was his understanding that DOT has told the City that signage is completely up to the City. Commissioner Thomas Curley agreed, but said he was concerned about the proposed construction. He said he had also hoped that some of the signage could be paid for through this construction. Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney, said the City has a weight limit for the Lake Avenue route between Broadway and Weibel Avenue. He said he had not yet spoken with DOT on the signage detail issues. Captain Flanagan said DPS will also be looking for funding for additional vehicles for these two new individuals. He said this traffic division and its enforcement effort would be limited until these vehicles are made available. He said the cost of a vehicle, fully equipped to meet their needs, would be approximately $27,000. He said the life expectancy of these vehicles would be between four to five years. He said they also need a place to do these truck inspections. He said currently the truck inspections are held at SPAC and the ice rink locations. He said a location is need on the west side near West Avenue & Washington Street. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he recently had the opportunity to discuss this issue with Tom Roohan, Roohan Realty, and he asked Tom Roohan to look for available land in that area that could be used for these inspections. Commissioner Bernard Mirling asked that Commissioner Thomas Curley discuss this issue with him in the very near future. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said it was his understanding that some of the $500,000 grant received from Senator Bruno's office could be used to purchase land. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he specifically inquired on that issue and he had been informed that purchasing land did not fall into the parameters of that grant. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said that was different from his understanding and he would like to research that issue in more detail. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said it was his understanding that some of these funds could be used for the construction of a connector route and perhaps there could be some redirection of those funds. Commissioner Thomas Curley said at this time he will be looking to DOT for exactly what signage would be allowed in this area during this construction. He said he hoped that DOT would fund some of this signage during this construction. He said this is a component-based approach and every component put in place will help to relieve this situation. Captain Flanagan said there is some conflicting information on east versus west bound truck traffic on Lake Avenue and some clarification is needed in that area. He said in order to be effective in truck enforcement, vehicles are needed. Truck Deliveries B Downtown Survey Commissioner Thomas Curley said he recently met with the Joe Dalton, Mat McCabe and Steve Sullivan to discuss truck deliveries in the downtown area. He said he is looking at whether it might be possible to stagger deliveries, limit the days and/or hours, etc. He said the Downtown Business Association will send out a survey on this issue. He then distributed a copy for Council members review. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he was willing to work with the Chamber and the downtown businesses in a voluntary effort to find a solution to this issue. He said he would report back to the Council on the results of this survey. Commissioner Thomas Curley said some of these issues will require a financial commitment by the City. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said more realistic planning is needed on the City's financial commitment to the truck enforcement issue. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he would prepare a plan. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Kenneth Klotz adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: