City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2001 CITY COUNCIL ROOM 6:45 P.M. P R E S E N T: Thomas Curley, Commissioner, Public Safety Kenneth Klotz, Mayor Michael Lenz, Commissioner, Finance Thomas McTygue, Commissioner, Public Works Bernard Mirling, Commissioner, Accounts A L S O P R E S E N T : Phillip Klein, Board of Supervisors Representative Anthony Scirocco, Board of Supervisors Representative STAFF PRESENT: Bruce Brown, Deputy Commissioner, Public Works Christine Gillmett-Brown, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Carol Kennedy, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Robert King, Deputy Commissioner, Public Safety Jeffrey Wait, City Attorney PUBLIC HEARING Community Development Block Grant Mayor Kenneth Klotz explained that although the public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant would be held this evening, there would be no vote. He said the Council would vote on these recommendations on May 1. He reminded Council members that a presentation was made at the March 20 Council meeting on this subject. Brad Birge then reviewed the recommendations (Attachment A). Mayor Kenneth Klotz opened the public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Kenneth Klotz closed the public hearing. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked Brad Birge that if he received any written correspondence on these recommendations, that the Council members be made aware. Brad Birge agreed. Page 1 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 MAYOR=S OFFICE CAPTAIN Youth Shelter B Presentation Patty Kilbore, Board member of Captain, said the County has granted a request from Captain to fund their program next year at the rate of $25,000 and she hoped those funds would continue in following years. She said even with the grants and funds they raise, their budget is still about 48 percent short of what it costs to run the youth shelter. She informed Council members that since January 1, 2001 to date, the shelter has served nine youth from the Saratoga Springs community and 197 youth in total. She informed Council members that the home recently received its certification and they hoped that would open a new avenue for grants. She then asked the City to support Captain, financially, so they may continue to serve the youth of this community. She also invited Council members to visit the home at any time. Mayor Kenneth Klotz thanked her for her presentation. Waive of Bid B UHA Digital Message Unit Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to confirm the previous approval by memo to waive the bid to S-Tech Associates in the amount of $1,300 for an audio unit at the Urban Heritage Area Center. Ayes all. Continuum of Care B Presentation Brad Birge said it had recently been brought to his attention that there are other grant funds available to assist in creating permanent homes for the homeless. He said it was stated in the Community Development five year consolidated plan that homelessness was given a top priority. He said the City is eligible this year for approximately $49,000 and the county is eligible for $195,000. He said together, that is a substantial amount. He further explained that according to the guidelines of this grant, if permanent affordable housing is created for the homeless, HUD may include up to another $500,000 in the approval. He said the City and the County plan to work together and submit a joint application and he was sure that the criteria could be met. He said the City would be the lead agency on this project. He said they will work together to maximize the application and hope to attain the additional $500,000. Brad Birge said he was simply keeping the Council informed and no action was required this evening Commissioner Thomas Curley asked if there were other programs already available to serve the homeless. Brad Birge said there is a variety of programs from nonprofit, local, county to state programs. He said there is a Section 8 rental subsidy program available both within the City and outside of the City limits. Page 2 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 Mayor Kenneth Klotz thanked Brad Birge for his presentation. Prevention Council Workshop B Report Mayor Kenneth Klotz said he attended the Prevention Council Workshop held on Saturday, May 24 at the Maple Avenue School. He said this was a positive event for both youth and adults of the community. Amy McFarland, Hadley Luzerne School, and Nicholas McElroy, Corinth School said they recently attended three workshops sponsored by the Prevention Council. He said through these workshops, environments were created to encourage youths and adults to join together to overcome obstacles. He said some of the recommendations include having teens sit on various boards throughout the community. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said this is a good organization which involves a lot of participants from the City. He thanked Amy McFarland and Nicholas McElroy for their presentation. Zoning Amendments Mayor Kenneth Klotz said the Council recently received from the Planning Board a set of 16 zoning amendments. He said these recommendations are part of an ongoing effort to keep the zoning ordinance up-to-date. Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded that the Council accept these amendments for study and send them to the County Planning Board for the required advisory opinion. Geoff Bornemann, City Planner, explained that these amendments are more fine tuning of the ordinance. He said a few of the more interesting amendments include the change of bed and breakfasts to main streets rather than side streets and the introduction of a neighborhood commercial district in the Beekman Street area. He said the Planning Board has been working on these amendments for about six months. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked about the proposed change in zoning in the Whitney Place area. Geoff Bornemann said that was an old recommendation which, if approved, would allow for two family residences and bed and breakfast in that area. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked about the proposed waiver of site plan review. Geoff Bornemann said that waiver would be allowed for very small projects only. He said the Planning Board would also likely set conditions on the approval for the small site plan issues. It was agreed that a public hearing would be set for Tuesday, May 1 at 6:45 p.m. use permit. Ayes all. Page 3 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 Ramsdill Park Mayor Kenneth Klotz said Governor Pataki announced on March 21 a $140,000 state grant to assist in the purchase of a 32-acre plot of land at Lake Lonely. He said the City’s purchase of this land will include a public boat access to the lake as well as retaining open space. He said this $140,000 grant was leveraged by the City’s commitment of $100,000. He said since the City will receive $140,000, we will only need to put up $61,000, therefore, there will be some funds remaining from the initial $100,000. Mayor Kenneth Klotz thanked Alayne Ball and Geoff Bornemann for their work on obtaining this grant. Consultant for Historic Preservation Plan (01-042) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the request from the Historic Preservation Plan Committee to hire the consulting firm of Neil Larson & Associates for an amount not to exceed $15,000 to a assist the committee with the preparation of the Citywide Historic Preservation Plan and that the Mayor be authorized to sign the contract for this consultant. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked how the selection process was conducted. Geoff Bornemann said the Mayor created a ten-person committee and that committee selected a four-member subcommittee. He said requests were sent to 23 people and 4 responses were received. He said a list of criteria was developed, the proposals were reviewed and the recommendation was then made. Geoff Bornemann said the criteria included the response to the proposal, knowledge of the City, assignment of staff and their expertise, and related experience. He said each criteria was ranked and then evaluated. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he would have liked to know this information before being asked to approve this proposal. Geoff Bornemann said he would send the information to Commissioner Thomas Curley. Ayes all. Comprehensive Review Plan Process Mayor Kenneth Klotz said the Comprehensive Plan Review committee met last week and they are now in the process of developing their conclusions. He said they are preparing to report to the Council with recommendations which are strictly advisory. He said it is the intent of the committee to have a draft report for the committee by April 11 and a final report by April 23. He said a public hearing would be set on May 7 and the final recommendations would be to the Council on May 15. He said the Council would then set a 30 day waiting period. He said the first meeting at which the Council could act on these recommendations would be June 19. Page 4 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 Special meeting Mayor Kenneth Klotz then informed Council members that a special meeting had also been scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Longfellows to listen to the public’s comments on development. Approve Request for Saratoga Springs IDA (01-043) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to adopt the attached resolution (Attachment B) for home rule legislation to establish a Saratoga Springs Industrial Development Agency. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said by creating an IDA it would give the City greater control over what kind of development the City would like to see. He said both Assemblyman D’Andrea and Senator Bruno support this proposal. Commissioner Michael Lenz said he would support this motion but wondered what type of development this would involve and further asked if the City really needed this IDA and why. He said he was concerned about the relationship with the County and wondered what impact this would have on that relationship. He said the City has had some positive benefits from the County, i.e., admissions tax, and continuing discussions on the Grande Industrial Park. He said he was concerned that this might have a negative impact on that relationship. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said he did not believe this would have a negative impact. He said this would simply give the City tighter control over City projects. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked who would appoint the members to the IDA. Tony Izzo, Assistant City Engineer, said the Council would appoint the members. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked who would bring the names to the table. Tony Izzo said any Council member can propose a name. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked how many members there would be. Tony Izzo said there are specific guidelines which the City must follow and he would need to review those guidelines. Tony Izzo said tonight the Council would not be establishing the IDA, but rather simply asking the state to create legislation to enable the City to appoint an IDA. He said once the state approves this request, there is a six-month window of opportunity to file the certificate. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked what triggered this proposal. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said Charles Wait had mention this idea to him. Ayes all. Page 5 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 Executive session Mayor Kenneth Klotz requested an executive session to discuss pending legislation. Council members agreed. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of March 20 meeting minutes Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the March 20 meeting minutes. Ayes all. Rescind Bid B Lube, Oil & Grease Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to rescind the bid for Lube, Oil and Grease previously awarded on February 6. Ayes all. Award of Bid B Lube, Oil & Grease Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for Lube, Oil and Grease to R.H. Crown (gear oil at $73.70); Noco Energy Corporation (hydraulic oil @ $139.55) and Farrell Oil Company (multipurpose oil @$104.00). Ayes all. Award of Bid B City Center Authority B Insulated window Replacement Upon the recommendation of the City Center Authority, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded award the contract for insulated window replacement to Allerdice Glass & Mirror for $1,613 (lowest respondent meeting specifications). Ayes all. Approval of Agreement between the City and School District (voting machines) Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with the Saratoga Springs School District which allows them to borrow 13 voting machines on May 15. Ayes all. Page 6 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 FINANCE DEPARTMENT Payroll Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the following payrolls: March 23, 2001B$290,255.58 and March 30, 2001 B $304,043.08. Ayes all. Warrants Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded for the approval and payment of the 1APR01 #2 through #27 as follows: General Fund $ 152,961.49 City Center Authority 18,512.00 Water Fund 37,633.21 Sewer Fund 2,013.30 Capital Projects Fund 25,713.37 Special Assessment District -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development -0- TOTAL $ 236,833.37 and MC010328 #2-#7 as follows: General Fund $ 1,099,613.53 City Center Authority 12,273.14 Water Fund 5,686.20 Sewer Fund 435,662.26 Capital Projects Fund -0- Special Assessment District -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service 8,334.28 Community Development -0- TOTAL $ 1,561,569.41 Ayes all. Budget Amendments Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the budget amendments as presented (Attachment C). Ayes all. Page 7 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 Budget Transfers Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the budget transfers as presented (Attachment D). Ayes all. Tax Exemption B set public hearing Commissioner Michael Lenz requested that a public hearing be set on April 17 at 6:55 p.m. to discuss proposed senior tax exemptions and a disability exemption. He said the disability exemption would be a new ordinance for the City. He also noted that the senior tax exemption had not been updated since 1995. He said both of these exemptions are income based and the STAR formula will be used. He said there are currently 13 City residents who receive a disability exemption for school taxes. He pointed out that residents would not be eligible for both exemptions. Tony Izzo clarified that there must be two separate public hearings on these matters. He said the senior tax exemption can be done through a City ordinance but the disability exemption must be done through a local law. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked when these could take affect. Deputy Commissioner Christine Gillmett-Brown said they would be placed on the 2001 assessment roll and would affect the 2002 taxes. Commissioner Michael Lenz said he would work with Commissioner Bernard Mirling on the impact to the rolls. He said the senior tax exemption would impact the rolls by about .6 percent. Council members agreed to the April 17 public hearing. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Waive of Bid B Brandano Displays B Street Christmas Decorations Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to waive the bid to Brandano Displays for 30 Christmas Decorations for the street poles in the amount of $10,050 plus shipping and further noted that a 100 percent deposit was required. He said the Special Assessment District will fund this purchase. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to waive the bid to Brandano Displays for cross street decorations in the amount of $5,242 plus shipping ($3,100 raised during the Victorian Street Walk and the remainder to be funded by the Special Assessment District) and further noted that a 25 percent deposit is required. Ayes all. Page 8 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 Water Sale & Distribution Agreement (01-044) Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the Water Sale & Distribution Agreement between the City and the Town of Wilton. Ayes all. Boyce & Drake Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to confirm the previous approval by memo for Boyce and Drake for water line extension and sewer work in City Hall in the amount of $6,963.11. Ayes all. Waive of Bid -- Restoration of Carousel Horses Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to waive the bid to William Finkelstein for clean up/repair work and varnishing for 28 carousel horses in the amount of $375/horse for a total amount of $10,500. Ayes all. Executive Session Commissioner Thomas McTygue requested an executive session to discuss contract negotiations. Council members agreed. Waive of Bid B 85 Beekman Street Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to waive the bid to Carpetland for carpet and flooring (installation included) for 85 Beekman Street in the amount of $2,200. Ayes all. Waive of Bid -- Ball 1 & Ball 2 (01-045) Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to waive the bid to Swarthout Construction in the amount of $108,950 for work at Ball 1 & Ball 2. Paul Male said ten contractors were contacted and five bids were received ranging from $108,000 to $190,000. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked how this would be funded. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said it would come from the capital budget. Page 9 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 Ayes all. Saratoga Lake Water Supply Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he recently listened to Supervisor Phil Klein in a radio program concerning the proposed Saratoga Lake Water Supply and his concerns. He said in that radio address Supervisor Phil Klein made mention of why the City was not proposing to use the Geyser Well System. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he would be glad to provide Supervisor Phil Klein with information on why the Geyser Wells are not adequate for the City system. He said there is much information available from Clough Harbor on this matter that he would be willing to provide. He further noted that the Saratoga County Water Authority intended to use Saratoga Lake as its primary water source. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he would like to have both supervisors on board with this proposal and would be willing to meet with them to discuss this project. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Waive of Bid B Service Contract Cerulean Technology Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to waive the bid with Cerulean Technology for the annual contract for laptop computer maintenance in the amount of $3,000. Ayes all. Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Contracts(01-046) Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the local law enforcement block grants which were previously approved by the Council on September 19, 2000. Asst. Chief Jim Cornick said these agreements are between the City and the Alcohol Substance Abuse organization and Captain. He said these organizations will provide counseling and intervention programs through the courts. He said these organizations will provide the City with final reports and evaluations of the programs. He said the grant for Captain is for $10,000 and for the Alcohol Substance Abuse program it is $5,000. Ayes all. Waive of Bid B Gun Cleaning Unit Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the waive of bid for gun cleaning unit in the amount of $1,320. He said this is a sole source bid and is Page 10 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 3, 2001 through the federal bid system. He said there is no New York State contract for this service. He said this would be funded through a grant. Clinton/VanDam Streets Commissioner Thomas Curley reported that they are working on the Clinton/VanDam Streets intersection and they hoped to have the traffic signal up and running by early May. Executive Session Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to adjourn to executive session at 8:05 p.m. Ayes all. Council members returned at 8:50 p.m. Mayor Kenneth Klotz reported that no action was taken and another executive session would be scheduled for Friday afternoon. He said he did not anticipate that any action would be taken at the Friday executive session either. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Kenneth Klotz adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: Page 11 of 11