City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2001 CITY COUNCIL ROOM 6:50 P.M. PRESENT: Kenneth Klotz, Mayor Michael Lenz, Commissioner, Finance Bernard Mirling, Commissioner, Accounts ABSENT: Thomas Curley, Commissioner, DPS Thomas McTygue, Commissioner, DPW ALSO PRESENT: Phillip Klein, Board of Supervisors Representative Anthony Scirocco, Board of Supervisors Representative STAFF PRESENT: Carol Kennedy, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Jeffrey Wait, City Attorney PUBLIC HEARING Zoning Amendment - Saratoga Harness Mayor Kenneth Klotz explained that although the public hearing on the Zoning Amendment for Saratoga Harness would be held this evening, there would be no vote. Mayor Kenneth Klotz opened the public hearing on the Zoning Amendment for Saratoga Harness. Skip Carlson, representing the Equine Center, addressed the Council stating that the arena would be on the west end of the harness parking lot and would host equine events such as rodeos, trade shows (country folk art, food shows, etc.), approximately 12 - 15 concerts and practice space for youth and scholastic athletic teams. The total seating for the arena would be 3,500. He also stated that the infrastructure (parking and horse barns) make it a natural fit in that location. Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney, pointed out that there was revised text which should be reviewed this evening. Alan Justin, 18 Nelson Avenue, stated that this will result in a lifestyle change for this community. He said this proposed use is a far cry from horse related activities. He also said the arena will produce large volumes of traffic and perhaps it was time for the Council to consider a cloverleaf entrance and exit off the Northway. He expressed concern about the proposed convention center being just the beginning of a big picture, and that a restrictive zoning schedule will close the door to legalized gambling. Page 1 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2001 Mark Baker, Executive Director of City Center, stated that he has watched the progress of this proposal and has met with City staff to discuss this application. He said that the equine center is an important segment of this community and the City Center is in unanimous support of all the horse related events of the arena. However, he expressed concern that the combination of uses will create conflicts for downtown businesses and the City Center. Mark Baker said Saratoga Springs cannot support this type of facility. He stated that the master plan promotes a healthy way of growth and that the idea of a hotel at this location was bad. He asked that the request for a hotel be reconsidered. Mayor Kenneth Klotz reminded everyone that the request for a business and conference center had been withdrawn from the proposal. Mark Baker said he still opposed this application. Joe Dalton, Chamber of Commerce, said he supported the arena. He said that the concerts will not draw extremely large crowds and will not cause a problem with SPAC. He agreed that at times the arena would compete with the City Center, but at other times it would not. Cheryl Arpey, 2 Nelson Avenue, said her concern is the location of the cloverleaf, how water and sewer would be affected and air and noise pollution. Mayor Kenneth Klotz pointed out that this proposal does not call for a cloverleaf. Jesse Wilson, 220 Crescent Avenue, said he is opposed to drawing people away from downtown. He said that he has no problem with the concerts. He said he was concerned about traffic though. Frank Fitzgerald, President of the Equine Center, stated that he is not asking for anything more than what has been done before. He said nothing will change. He explained that the conventions will not bring millions of people and that whenever they have functions such as the Sysco shows, they give out coupons that encourage their participants to go to the downtown business. He said many of their participants use the downtown hotels. Mr. Fitzgerald reiterated that his organization promotes downtown usage and that this proposal is a detriment to the community. He also stated that the cloverleaf is a whole different issue that is not part of this application. Judith Belt-Smith of Designer Studio, stated that she is opposed to this project. Gavin Landry of Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, stated he is in the business of marketing Saratoga Springs and he supports the arena proposal. Andrea Green, 117 Nelson Avenue, stated that she was concerned how this would affect this neighborhood. She stated that the houses on Nelson Avenue are built close to the road and the traffic has been known to go much faster than the speed limit calls for. She said this can cause a major increase in traffic in this residential area and wanted to know how the City would handle Page 2 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2001 it. Don Tussic stated that he supported this project. He said the harness industry has done a lot to vitalize the local industries and he was impressed with the rendering of this multi- opportunity facility. He also stated that the traffic patterns can be controlled and further noted that many of the proposed uses for this site already exist. He urged the Council to approve this project. Alan Justin asked if there is flexibility with the terms Frank Fitzgerald stated they presently have car shows and trade shows, and this will be business as usual with more space. Alan Justin asked if there is any mechanism to define the present uses. Frank Fitzgerald explained that he is trying to modify the existing zoning, as well as to upgrade the facility. Commissioner Bernard Mirling stated that there seems to be some confusion and suggested that maybe some of the representatives can meet to clarify the intended uses. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Kenneth Klotz closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Senior Citizen Tax Exemption and Disabled Persons Tax Exemption Mayor Kenneth Klotz opened the public hearing on the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption and the Disabled Persons Tax Exemption. Commissioner Michael Lenz stated that he had examined the Senior Citizen exemption levels and was now proposing to change them to conform with the Star Exemption. He said he is also proposing to provide disability exemptions. He said it would be so written that individuals may not take advantage of both of these exemptions at the same time. They must choose one or the other. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Kenneth Klotz closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. MAYOR'S OFFICE Sister City Report Christina Mettler, Jennifer Engelmann and JoAnn Kubricky are present to address the Council. Jennifer Engelman read a report of their most recent interactions with the sister city. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said that they have developed a sister city with a town in Russia he will be appointing a committee. He also thanked the committee for their presentation. Page 3 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2001 Recreation Department Reports Linda Terricola presented the Council with the Recreation Department’s Annual Report for 2000. She explained that there were five smaller budgets within this budget which includes Saratoga Recreation Commission Budget, the Weibel Ice Rink, Vernon Arena, Camp Saradac, and Youth Parking. She said that all budgets are self-sufficient except for Camp Saradac. She said the Recreation Department is now able to supply scholarship funding for 53 children to attend Camp Saradac. She said approximately 400 children attended the Camp Saradac and the Playground program combined. Chairman John Irving addressed the Council and explained that the policy and procedure manual had been submitted to the Council and he looked forward to working with the Council. Armory Contract Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to approve the voucher in the amount of $6,758.04 for the Camp Saradac and Playground programs. Ayes all. Youth Parking Agreement (01-047) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the Youth Parking in the amount of $4,000.00. Ayes all. Camp Saradac Director Contract (01-048) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to approve the Camp Saradac Director contract with Nancy Fontaine in the amount of $6,200.00. Ayes all. Camp Saradac Bus Agreement (01-049) Mayor Kenneth Klotz said that a final agreement between the City and the School District for bus rental had not yet been developed, however, this was an annual contract and asked that the council approved it at this time. Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to approve the bus agreement when submitted. Ayes all. Camp Saradac Trip Schedule (01-050) Page 4 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2001 Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the trip schedule as submitted. Ayes all. Grande Industrial Park Contract(01-051) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to ratify the previous approval by memo for the Grande Industrial Park Contract. Ayes all. Grande Industrial Park Property Transfer Jeff Wait, City Attorney, stated that he had not received a signed copy of the contracts. He explained that the plant manager had recently died and that had caused the hold up. He said though that he had been assured by Quad Graphics that they intend to proceed with the property transfer. Supervisor Phillip Klein explained that the contract is between the City and Quad Graphics and the contracts are needed before the City Council can approve the transfer. Jeff Wait stated that they will need a memorandum of understanding stating that William McNeary will donate the property to the City. He said the purpose of this property transfer is for a water tower. He said that the Council will need to approve the memorandum of understanding with William McNeary for the transfer 16 acres of land at no cost to the City (including the easement). Commissioner Michael Lenz asked why the Council should act on this now and not wait until the negotiations were completed. Jeff Wait said they need to move forward to retain the funds for the water tower. Paul Male, City Engineer, informed the Council that there is the possibility that the tower will also be used for antennas for private businesses. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said this water tower will greatly benefit the community. West Avenue Change Order (01-052) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to approve the corrected West Avenue Change Order. Paul Male stated that there was a discrepancy in the original paperwork and the amount is now $5,000.00 higher. Ayes all Open Space Working Group Commissioner Bernard Mirling was appointed to put together an open space working group. Sale of 85 Beekman Street Brad Birge said this property will soon be ready for resale to income eligible people. He said this Page 5 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2001 property is first in a series of assisted purchases that will be available as part of the 2001 Block Grant Funds. Crime Victim's Candlelight Vigil Mayor Kenneth Klotz announced that a vigil will be held at the Presbyterian Church on Circular Street for crime victims. Elks Club Student Government Day May Kenneth Klotz said students will soon visit the City Hall and the County Buildings to learn how local government works. He thanked Bob Lindall of the Elks Club, for organizing this program. Ramsdill Park Agreement (01-053) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to authorize the Open Space Project to administer Ramsdill Park Agreements. Ayes all. Grande Industrial Park Agreements (01-054) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the City as lead agency. Ayes all. Paul Male stated that this would involve a typical SEQR review. Executive Session Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked that the executive session to discuss pending litigation. Council members agreed. Masie Center Dedication Mayor Kenneth Klotz informed the Council and the public of the Masie Center dedication. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of the April 3 meeting minutes Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the April 3 meeting minutes. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Decorative Street Lights Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Bernard Mirling Page 6 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2001 moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to award the bid for decorative street lights to Thorpe Electric Supply for various prices. Ayes all. Award of Bid -- Heavy Duty Dump Body Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to award the bid for the Heavy Duty 2-3 yard Dump Body with Hydraulic Hoist to White Bear Equipment of Albany for $5,385.00. Ayes all. Award of Bid -- Dump Material Trailer Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to award the bid for Hydraulic Dump Material Trailer to Versatile Trailer Sales of Gansevoort for $10,238.10. Ayes all. Approval of Contract -- Alonzo Fireworks Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Alonzo fireworks in the amount of $6,000.00 for the July 4th Family Fun Day festivities. Commissioner Michael Lenz encouraged the public to make donations to this fund. Ayes all. Commissioners of Deeds Commissioner Bernard Mirling announced the following appointments as Commissioners of Deeds with a term of two years: James Cornick, Michael Kyne, Michael Salisbury and Edward Moore. Professional Services - Fiscal Impact Analysis (01-056) Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve professional services of John Behan of Behan Planning Association for the fiscal impact analysis. Ayes all. FINANCE Payroll Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the following payrolls: April 6, 2001-$263,207.96 and April 13, 2001-$297,244.53. Warrants Page 7 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2001 Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded for the approval and payment of the 2APR01 #2 - #25 as follows: General Fund $ 269,930.38 City Center Authority 13,426.94 Water Fund 6,729.70 Sewer Fund 4,802.19 Capital Projects Fund 8,167.93 Special Assessment District 10,225.00 Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development $ 8,444.76 TOTAL $ 321,726.90 and MC010411 #2 - #5 as follows: General Fund $ 130,429.57 City Center Authority 451.48 Water Fund 13,418.81 Sewer Fund 340.23 Capital Project -0- Special Assessment District -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development $ -0- TOTAL $ 144,640.09 Ayes all. Budget Amendments Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the budget amendments as presented (Attachment A). Ayes all. Budget Transfers Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the budget transfers as presented (Attachment B). Ayes all. Senior Citizen Tax Exemption (01-057) Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded the adoption of the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption as presented (Attachment C). Ayes all. Page 8 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2001 Local Law #2 -- 2001 -- Disabled Persons Tax Exemption (01-058) Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded the adoption of Local Law #2 Taxation Disabled Persons Tax Exemption. (Attachment D). Ayes all. Financial Report B 2000 Commissioner Michael Lenz said he would wait to do the full Financial Report for 2000 until all members are present. Multipurpose Recreational Facility Commissioner Michael Lenz said he would begin focusing on looking for a location for a multi-use facility in the City. He said he believed that the County would fund a certain amount towards this type of facility. Commissioner Bernard Mirling suggested that the City look into state and federal funding. Commissioner Michael Lenz said that a task force would be established to review the size of a facility, location, etc. Commissioner Michael Lenz said the City may already own an ideal property for the recreation center. He said there is quite a bit of information that needs to be compiled. He also stated that he has already spoken with several members of the community. Mayor Kenneth Klotz pointed out that this is a good time to invest in the community. Commissioner Michael Lenz added that the City has been very conservative with their spending. Mayor Kenneth Klotz stated that the Accounts Department saved a significant amount of money in 2000. Commissioner Michael Lenz added that a few different departments saved a significant amount of money in 2000. Supervisor Phillip Klein addressed the Council, and stated that he would urge the City to speak with the four adjoining municipalities on whether they would like to participate in this proposal. He said this type of facility could also be a good economic benefit for the City. Mayor Kenneth Klotz thanked Supervisor Klein for this suggestion saying that it would make sense. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Shakespeare in the Park (01-059) Page 9 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2001 Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement for Shakespeare in the Park. Ayes all. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY No items. Executive Session Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to adjourn to executive session and 8:40 p.m. Ward Sommer v. DEC (01-060) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to attain Ward, Sommer et. al. as legal representative in the pending litigation with DEC. Ayes all. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Kenneth Klotz adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Eve-Lynn Woodward Clerk Approved: Page 10 of 10