City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK TUESDAY, MAY 1, 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 S T U D E N T S : Mike Barss, Student Commissioner, Accounts Scott Daigle, Student Commissioner, Finance Liz Israel, Student Commissioner, DPW Sarah Baker, Student Commissioner, DPS Kelsey, Raga, Student Mayor 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 Mayor Kenneth Klotz presented the proposed 16 zoning amendments. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked for a description of each zoning amendment. Geoff Bornemann, City Planner, said many of the proposed changes are a simple fine tuning of the ordinance. He said the Planning Board had been working in conjunction with various Boards throughout the City and staff for more than a year on these modifications. He then reviewed the proposed changes as follows: 1. Map amendment for Whitney Place: Geoff Bornemann said there are only eight parcels involved in this area. He said it is a matter of zoning from UR-2 (single family) to UR-3 (two family). Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked if the homeowners had been notified. Geoff Bornemann said yes. He said with the exception of one property owner, all supported this proposed change. Page 1 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 2. Map amendment for Lathrop Avenue: Geoff Bornemann said this is an amendment to change the zoning from UR-1 (1/4 acre lots) to SR-1 (1 acre lots). He said this proposed change is to do the lack of city water and sewer in this area. 3. Soil disturbance: Geoff Bornemann said this is a proposal to clarify what types of activities trigger the need for a permit. 4. Waiver Special Use Permit: Geoff Bornemann said this is a proposal to waive site plan review in impact areas for very small projects. 5. Written violations: Geoff Bornemann said this is an amendment for clarification on reported written violations made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. 6. Definition of Kennels: Geoff Bornemann said this is an amendment/modification/deletion to definitions concerning animals. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked if owners of dogs had been notified of this change. Geoff Bornemann said there was no way of knowing who the individuals were that board or breed animals and collect fees for that service. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked if this amendment would apply to the average dog owner. Geoff Bornemann said if the owner has an animal that is more than four months old and is used for one of the uses as noted in the definition than yes that individual would need to apply for a special use permit. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he understood that this amendment stemmed from a recent zoning variance request. Geoff Bornemann said yes. Commissioner Thomas McTygue again said these individuals should be notified. Geoff Bornemann said at this time there is no way to identify those individuals. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he would like more information on this change. Geoff Bornemann reminded Council members that they had the ability to withdraw this item before voting on this package. 7. Bed & Breakfast locations: Geoff Bornemann said this amendment is to create a new bed and breakfast zoning overlay district that would allow these business, with a special use permit, to be located on major entrance ways to the City. He said they would be allow in UR- 3 and RR-1 districts. He said this proposal stemmed from complaints expressed by neighbors at several Planning Board meetings. 8. Beekman Street Commercial District: Geoff Bornemann said this was an interesting concept for this area in that it would allow for mixed uses. He said this is an experiment for the Beekman Street area and has the support of the residents. He said it involves parcels from Grand Avenue almost to West Circular Street. 9. Auto Sales and Services: Geoff Bornemann said the Planning Board believed this use would be complimentary to the other uses in the Downtown Business District. Page 2 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 10. Impact Area to Special Development Area: Geoff Bornemann said this was a minor change in renaming these areas. 11. Historic Review approval in the downtown area: Geoff Bornemann again said this was a minor change in connection with signs in the downtown area. 12. Color Review: Geoff Bornemann said this was a proposal to add color review over commercial buildings in residential areas. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he objected to this proposal. He said color review is a matter of opinion. Geoff Bornemann said the Design Review Commission is working with a student from Skidmore and the Chamber of Commerce in developing a color pallette. He reminded Council members that they had already approved, last year, color review in the downtown area. He said this modification was to simply allow review of color on commercial buildings in residential areas. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he objected to this modification. Commissioner Thomas McTygue clarified that the Design Review Commission would develop color charts. Geoff Bornemann said yes and further noted that the colors would likely be organic earth tone colors which are indicative of the Victorian time period. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked about the natural look. Geoff Bornemann said that could potentially be appropriate for some structures. He reminded Council members that the DRC has always reviewed whether the exposed area should be treated or left untreated, however, they did not have jurisdiction over the color. He informed Council members that there would be a presentation before the DRC on Thursday evening on this subject and Council members could attend if they so desired. John Arpei, 2 Nelson Avenue, asked how this amendment and the home occupation amendment would be enforced. He said he believed that choice of color was a freedom of expression. Geoff Bornemann reminded everyone that the DRC already has jurisdiction over color in some areas of the City. 13. Water consumption: Geoff Bornemann said this amendment is to allow for the estimation of annual increase in water consumption for all of the proposed uses on parcels. He said this amendment was added at the request of DPW. 14. Home occupation use: Geoff Bornemann said this is a clarification of home occupation uses. He said uses such as landscape architects, psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapists and social worker had been added. He reminded Council members that there are still traffic constraints that must be met. He said adult entertainment had also be add in the “not permitted” uses. He said home occupation uses may not generate more trips per day than the national statistics, which he would need to check on, however, he believed it was about 15 trips per day. Page 3 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 Johanna McDougall asked how neighbors would now there was a home occupation. Geoff Bornemann said the intention was to not know that there is a home occupation. He said if the home occupation is too visible with too much activity then it should likely be located elsewhere. He said a home occupation would be an automatic right and if standards were violated, then it should likely be located elsewhere. Geoff Bornemann again said this was a minor modification. 15. Multiple structures on same lot: Geoff Bornemann said this amendment was meant for large parcels. He said there recently was an incident where a very large parcel requested that another structure for residential use be located on the property and under the current zoning ordinance it needed to be subdivided or obtain a variance. He said this modification would allow for additional residential units at one for every two acres. 16. Application fees: Geoff Bornemann said this proposal would eliminate the staff review fee and increase the application fees to a flat rate. Mayor Kenneth Klotz opened the public hearing. Will Mixer, 22 Lincoln Avenue, said he supported the Beekman Street commercial district proposal and encouraged the Council to adopt that recommendation. He said this proposal could have a significant impact on this area and bring some life back to these parcels. He said it would allow for artists to move into this area as well as identifying a central located area for teenagers. Mayor Kenneth Klotz noted that the West Side Neighborhood Association also supports this proposal. Tom Torgenson said the Council should consider other home uses such as child care. He said that child care is an issue in this City and it needs to be reviewed. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Kenneth Klotz closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kenneth Klotz called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. MAYOR’S OFFICE Introductions -- Student Government Day Mayor Kenneth Klotz said Council members had recently taken part in the Student Government Day program sponsored by the Elks Club. He said this is a good, constructive program and Page 4 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 commended both the Elks Club and the students for their participation. Housing Authority -- Report Mayor Kenneth Klotz introduced Ed Spychalski, project manager for the Housing Authority. Ed Spychalski said the Housing Authority is required to do a five-year plan which includes their policies and procedures and long range plans. He said by completing this five-year plan it allows them to apply for grants. He informed Council members that recently there had been an incentive added to the funding in that the more successful a housing authority is bonus money could be received. Therefore, they potentially can increase their funding by improving themselves. He said they are also looking at applying for grant money for drug elimination programs, disability programs, etc. and they will continue to work with the Community Development Office on applying for such grants. He said one of their goals is to change the enigma that affordable housing is bad. Ed Spychalski said they have 339 units under the housing authority with a 98 percent occupancy rate. He said one of their problems is that their waiting list is not long enough. He said they continue to upgrade the apartments and parcels to improve their appearance so that residents can take pride on where they live. He said they will continue to seek the advice and assistance of the City and looked forward to a good working relationship. Sales Tax -- Discussion Mayor Kenneth Klotz said the study completed by KPMG had recently been distributed to Council members. He said this was a very thorough, professional and detailed study which showed mixed results. He said looking at the three methods, the projections range between 21.4 and 22.4 percent of the total amount that is generated in the county which is far more than the 13 percent that is the ratio of population. He said the existing formula of using population is to the City’s disadvantage. He said conservative estimates place the City at a breakeven point with the sales tax revenue by 2002. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said those figures suggest that the City should take some action. He said he hoped that the City’s supervisors would discuss this issue with the Board of Supervisors to find out what their sentiment is on this subject. He said though it is the Council’s obligation to do what is best for the taxpayers of this City. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if Council members would be given the opportunity to meet with officials of KPMG. Commissioner Thomas McTygue suggested that a workshop be scheduled. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said he would schedule that meeting and would also include Phil Klein and Skip Scirocco. Phil Klein said he had a number of questions. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he would appreciate it if Phil Klein could submit a list of questions in advance of the workshop. Phil Klein said that many of his questions would be fostered depending upon the answers to his questions, thereby making it difficult to develop definitive list. Page 5 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 Safe & Drug Free Schools Awareness Week -- Proclamation (01-062) Mayor Kenneth Klotz declared May 14 - 19 as Safe & Drug Free Schools Awareness Week. Home Rule Legislation -- Approval (01-061) Mayor Kenneth Klotz reminded Council members that they had recently approved this Home Rule Legislation request, however, Assemblyman D’Andrea asked that the resolution be amended to included the Assembly bill number in the resolution. Therefore, Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the Home Rule Legislation resolution as presented. Ayes all. CDBG Recommendations (01-063) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the CDBG recommendations as previously presented. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked what was the City Wide Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program. Brad Birge said it is the extension of an existing program which is for income eligible homeowners. Brad Birge said the Housing Acquisition and Revitalization program would be similar to what is happening at 85 Beekman Street. He said funding would be through a specific line item and it would be used to rehab a home and then sell it to income eligible individuals. Commissioner Thomas Curley said although this was a good program he did not want to see the City get into housing renovation work. Commissioner Thomas McTygue agreed saying that renovation work such as this would be kept to a minimum. He said though there are homes on Division Street and Jefferson Street that the City needs to take a look at. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this is a good program and sends a message to property owners that the City is willing to take over parcels, renovate them and get them back on the tax roll. He said the City would recover some of the funds through the sale as well as through the reassessment of renovated parcels. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked about the Shelters of Saratoga project. Brad Birge said that project consists of rehabilitating a dilapidated building and restore it to the original historic standards and create four senior apartments. He said the program will be administered by the Neighborhood Preservation Company which falls under the umbrella of SOS. Janine Farmer said they have almost completed 112 Washington Street and the next project will be 128 Grand Avenue. Brad Birge said there is also a program for first time home buyers who are income eligible. He said those individuals would go through a workshop before being eligible for this grant. Page 6 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 Ayes all. Skidmore-Saratoga Entrepreneurship Day -- Report Mayor Kenneth Klotz reported that this program has been going on for several months now by utilizing students from Skidmore to assist in projects throughout the City’s business community. He said this has been a great partnership, benefitting both, by allowing students to get some good hands on experience. Louden Road Traffic Signal Mayor Kenneth Klotz said it had recently been discovered that Niagara Mohawk had been double billing for the traffic signal at Louden Road. He said it has now been proposed by Roy McDonald, Town of Wilton Supervisor, that the Town of Wilton take over this payment and the City gets the refund. He said the City would maintain control over the light and will assume all responsibility. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked who actually owned the light. Lew Benton, from the audience, said the signal was required by the City because of traffic concerns. He said the City took possession of the light because the City could maintain and service it more readily than the Town of Wilton. He said this light actually sits on the line between the City and the Town. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said he recently had notification from DOT that the directional signs had been erected for east bound truck traffic on Lake Avenue. He said this was a recommendation of the SSTAR committee. Chamber WEB Site for Youth Mayor Kenneth Klotz said the Chamber of Commerce has established a WEB site listing activities as well as jobs for youth up to the age of 19. Sister City Delegation to Russia Mayor Kenneth Klotz reported that on May 16 through May 23 a delegation from this City will visit Chekhov. He said representatives from the business, education and cultural areas will be included in this delegation. He said he too would be one of the members of the delegation. He also pointed out that there would be no cost to the City. Myers Fun Service Contract -- Approve Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the Myers Fun Service Contract as presented. Linda Terricola said this is the third annual contract with this company. She said funding for this program is provided by the County Board of Supervisors in the Page 7 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 amount of $4,000. She said the total cost of this program is $4,215. She noted though that if it rains, there would be an additional cost of $1,500 to provide tents. Ayes all. Local Law to Delegate Powers to Chief of Police -- set public hearing Mayor Kenneth Klotz requested that a public hearing be set for Tuesday, May 15 at 6:55 p.m. for discussion on the delegation of powers to the Chief of Police. He said delegation of certain powers would enable the City to respond more quickly and efficiently. He said a local law is needed to do this delegation. He further noted that those actions taken by the Chief of Police would be reported to the Council in a timely manner. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if there was a definition of what these powers were. Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney, said there are definitions in the general municipal law. He said this local law could also be specifically tailored to meet the needs of the City. He said once this law is adopted, it would enable the Chief of Police to undertake these specific responsibilities in an emergency. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if the Chief of Police could declare a state of emergency. Tony Izzo said no. Jeff Wait, City Attorney, said generally, this local law would enable the Chief of Police to request the assistance of nearby agencies and it would also allow the City to extend City services, i.e., K-9 unit to other local law enforcement entities. He said this local law is meant for a sharing process. Easement Request -- Deborah Star (01-064) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the easement request for Deborah Star at the corner of Livingston Street and Spa Drive as presented. Ayes all. Camp Saradac Scholarship Fees (01-065) Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the fee schedule for Camp Saradac (as presented) in connection with the Hawley Foundation grant. Linda Terricola said this fee schedule is not consistent with the previously adopted three tier fee schedule. She said this creates a two tier fee schedule per the Hawley Foundation guidelines. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked how much is generally received from the Hawley Foundation. Linda Terricola said about $18,000. Ayes all. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of April 17 meeting minutes Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the April 17 meeting minutes. Ayes all. Page 8 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 Award of Bid -- Athletic Equipment Upon the recommendation of the Recreation Department and the Mayor’s Office, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to award the bid for Athletic Equipment to the following companies: Anaconda Sports; Bill Fritz Sports; US Supply Back of the Net; Pyramid School Products; Scholastic Sports Sales; and Sport Supply Group (lowest overall bidders meeting specifications). Ayes all. Award of Bid -- Printed Shirts Upon the recommendation of the Recreation Department and the Mayor’s Office, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to award the bid for printed shirts to Cameo Productions (lowest overall bidder meeting specifications). Ayes all. Award of Bid -- Tree Removal Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for Tree Removal to Richard Sears for various prices (low bidder). Ayes all. Marshall & Sterling contract for City Property Casualty Insurance (01-066) Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to confirm the previous approval by memo to extend the contract with Marshall & Sterling for City Property Casualty Insurance. Commissioner Michael Lenz said he had asked Commissioner Bernard Mirling on Friday when the City was actually notified of the change in policy and he received a response this evening. He asked for clarification on the exact amount because he has seen three different numbers ($326,750, $326,000 and $339,495) all from Commissioner Bernard Mirling’s office. He said this amounts to a $13,000 difference. Harry Buciffero, insurance consultant, said the correct figure is $326,753. Commissioner Michael Lenz said this amount needs to be clarified in the motion. Commissioner Michael Lenz said in the memo he received tonight it says the City received notification from St. Paul on March 3. Commissioner Bernard Mirling said the City received initial notification on February 2 in a meeting with Jack Perry and Harry Buciffero. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked what constituted official notification. Harry Buciffero said the insurance regulations state that the insurance companies must notify the policy holders 60 days in advance if the premium is going to increase 10 percent or more. He said on February 20 there was a meeting with the City risk manager and City staff, indicating that St. Paul had reviewed their information and Page 9 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 they felt there was going to be an increase of 10 percent or more. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if that qualified as official notification? Harry Buciffero said yes. Harry Buciffero said it is St. Paul’s position that they were not obligated to provide that 60-day notification because it wasn’t a matter of a rate increase but rather it was due to an increase in the experience modification based on the fact that the City’s claims and lawsuits had increased dramatically over the last year. He said at that time the City moved quickly on nailing down that 10 percent rate increase but by the time we got the approval of the underwriter on March 6 there had been additional claims that had been filed against the City generating a loss ratio for 10 months of 200 percent of the premiums that were paid by the City. He said as a result, the insurance company felt they could no longer live with that 10 percent obligation and they came back on March 28, with a premium of $346,000 in premium for the next year. He said there were then a number of discussions and the City went back to St. Paul with some ideas and by April 4 the premium was reduced to $326,753, which is the current premium that is being requested by St. Paul for the coming year. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if there was a contract between the City and Harry Buciffero’s firm. Harry Buciffero said there is no contract. He explained that the City historically, every three years, puts their insurance out to bid. He said it is understood as part of that process that the City would remain with the company for a three-year period. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if the City is obligated to stay with the same company. Harry Buciffero said no. Commissioner Michael Lenz said if the City receives notification prior to 60 days there would be enough time to go out to bid. Harry Buciffero said in the February 20 discussion there were two points: 1) the City experience rating had deteriorated; and 2) the insurance market had changed dramatically over the last year. He said based on the City’s experience rating and the fact that St. Paul was willing offer a 10 percent increase, it was agreed that the City should lock into that rate. He said unfortunately after that agreement there were more claims and litigation, therefore, St. Paul increased the premium further. Harry Buciffero said he did talk to four insurance companies to find out whether he could achieve a better rate. He said three of the four indicated they would want at least $400,000 to insure the City. He reminded Council members that prior to 1996 the City was paying more than $400,000 for insurance. Therefore, he said based on the information available at that time, they felt it was in the City’s best interest to remain with the company. He noted that when the contract was bid last year it was noted in the proposal that the City’s loss experience had been deteriorating over a five-year period of time and that some risk management initiatives needed to be implemented. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked whether the City would now be required to pay a deductible. Harry Buciffero said yes and it would be $2,500 per occurrence for claims and cases that are settled. He said it does not involve defense or investigative cost. Commissioner Michael Lenz said based on his calculations the City might need to come up with another $60,000 to cover the cost Page 10 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 of deductibles over the next 12 months. Harry Buciffero said the estimate by the City’s Insurance Department is at about $30,000, although he reminded Commissioners that it is based on the City’s claims. He urged the City to work with Jack Perry on establishing some type of a safety or risk management committee where procedures could be set up to help control the frequency and severity of claims. Commissioner Michael Lenz said his main area of concern was that he was notified of this last Friday when apparently Commissioner Bernard Mirling new of this potential increase on February 20. He said there is money in the contingency fund, however, that has been earmarked for contract negotiations. He said there was a surplus and perhaps that would need to be used to pay for this $48,000 increase. He said he was also concerned that there could be another $30,000 in deductible costs and hoped that Commissioner Bernard Mirling might address that issue. Commissioner Bernard Mirling said this is a requirement that needs to be filled. He said he did not believe it was his obligation to determine where the funds would come from because this was not his budget. He said in fact that his department recommended that this line item be at $315,000 but only $295,000 was reserved. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked about more aggressive risk management training. Commissioner Bernard Mirling said it was his intention to see that the City moves forward on creating the risk management committee. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked what were the premiums in 1999 and 1998. Harry Buciffero said they were in of $400,000 from 1991 to 1995. Commissioner Michael Lenz said in 1999 insurance premiums were at about $300,000; in 1998 it was around $300,000; in 1997 it was about $290,000; and in 2000 it plummeted to about $260,000. He noted that it has now jumped back up and said it was interesting that it plummeted and increased all under the same administration. Commissioner Bernard Mirling noted that while the premium decreased by about $60,000 last year the coverage increased. He said we have an increase this year due to two factors: loss experience and the market. He said though that we will still be getting our insurance at a reasonable cost given those two issues. He said the City could address the loss experience issue with good risk management procedures. Commissioner Michael Lenz agreed that the money would be found somewhere in the budget, however, he was concerned that he did not find out about this situation until only last Friday. He asked that when items such as these arise, they be brought to his attention quickly. He also noted that while the insurance line item is in his budget, he tried to get Commissioner Bernard Mirling to place it in his budget. He said if Commissioner Bernard Mirling had taken him up on that offer, Page 11 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 Commissioner Bernard Mirling could have funded that line with whatever amount he chose. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked if the City is an experienced rated policy. Harry Buciffero said yes. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked why the initial increase was only 10 percent while other companies were quoting a much larger premium. Harry Buciffero said he believed it was because this was the first year of a three-year commitment and they were simply willing to work with the City. He said he also believed it was because the City has indicated to St. Paul that the City is willing to get a handle on safety and risk management issues. He said they also have a risk management specialist who lives in Saratoga county who is willing to work with the City. He said he believed it was a good faith effort on their part. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked if the previously suggested risk management procedures were the same as a year ago and what were those recommendations. Harry Buciffero said a specialist was brought in to talk to the departments and based on those discussions recommendations were made. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked what were those recommendations. Harry Buciffero said the vast majority are automobile claims. Therefore, they have recommended defensive driving programs, safety programs for drivers, awards programs as well as addressing issues such as corrective actions and investigating incidents. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he would be interested in seeing the comparison of quotes that Harry Buciffero researched. Harry Buciffero agreed to that request. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked if the City would have deductibles in areas such as art work? Harry Buciffero said there would be a $2,500 deductible on property insurance. He said it would vary with items such as computer equipment and fine arts. Commissioner Thomas Curley thanked Harry Buciffero for this information. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked for clarification on the exact dollar figure that the Council would be approving this evening. Harry Buciffero said the exact dollar amount is $326,753. Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to amend the motion to included the correct dollar amount of $326,753. Ayes all. Vote on original motion as amended: Ayes all. Set public hearings on Saratoga Harness Track Commissioner Bernard Mirling requested that an additional public hearing be set on the Saratoga Harness Track for Tuesday, May 15 at 6:55 p.m. Council members agreed. Page 12 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 FINANCE DEPARTMENT Payroll Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the following payrolls: April 20, 2001-$302,525.33 and April 27, 2001-$297,437.13. Warrants Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded for the approval and payment of the 1MAY01 #2 - #28 as follows: General Fund $ 255,667.65 City Center Authority 4,578.46 Water Fund 74,815.65 Sewer Fund 7,139.45 Capital Projects Fund 106,887.79 Special Assessment District -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development $ 26,250.97 TOTAL $ 475,339.97 and MC010425 #2 - #5 as follows: General Fund $ 17,671.52 City Center Authority 12,237.75 Water Fund 3,963.50 Sewer Fund 993.08 Capital Project -0- Special Assessment District -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development $ -0- TOTAL $ 34,865.85 and MC042301 #2 as follows: General Fund $ -0- City Center Authority -0- Water Fund 1,050.00 Sewer Fund 1,050.00 Capital Project -0- Page 13 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 Special Assessment District -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development $ -0- TOTAL $ 2,100.00 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 Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the budget transfers as presented (Attachment B). Ayes all. Bollam, Sheedy, Torani Contract (01-067) Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the contract with Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Company at a cost of$15,500. Commissioner Michael Lenz noted that this was the same price as last year. Ayes all. Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2000 Deputy Commissioner Christine Gillmett-Brown reminded Council members that this is a preliminary report. She said the audit will begin on May 29 and after that time the figures will become final. She said though they do not anticipate any significant change to the preliminary numbers. Deputy Commissioner Christine Gillmett-Brown reported that there is a $6.6 million fund balance of which $4.4 million is unreserved. She said some of the reasons for the increase in this fund balance is the increase in sales tax, decrease in interest in short term debt, increase on penalties on property taxes, cash balance increase and that departments came in under budget in 2000. She said the payment to the NYS Retirement System was also less than anticipated, however, she expects an increase in the next payment. She pointed out that the economy is changing and it is a good time to be cautious. Financial Report for Month Ended March 31, 2001 Deputy Commissioner Christine Gillmett-Brown distributed the March 31 financial report. She said Page 14 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 we should be at about 25 percent with expenditures and departments seemed to be on target. She encouraged Council members to watch their budgets closely though. Deputy Commissioner Christine Gillmett-Brown also noted that attached to the March 31 financial report was revenue information. She said revenues are consistent with 1999 and 2000. Waive of Bid -- Evergreen Technologies Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to waive the bid to Evergreen Technologies for computer upgrades in the amount of$3,999.80 plus shipping. Ayes all. Recreation Task Force (01-068) Commissioner Michael Lenz announced the establishment for a bipartisan task force on recreation with the purpose of gathering information relating to recreational facilities in this community. He said he would appoint this task force but it would report to the Council. He said they are simply an information gathering task force with the charge of identifying land as well as gathering information on cost, size, use, etc. He then announced the appointment of the following individuals to this task force: Matthew Jones, Chair; Bob Spratt, Alayne Ball, Rosemarie Zacek, Michael Ingersoll, Dave Patterson and Beau Kilmer. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he resented that Commissioner Michael Lenz was making this announcement and appointments. He said it was his understanding that Commissioner Michael Lenz did not work with the Recreation Commission on this matter. He said the Recreation Commission should have been brought on board with this issue. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he would not work with the task force but rather would continue to work with the Recreation Commission. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS NYS Conference of Mayors 25 Years Recognition -- Gene Fallick Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced the retirement of Gene Fallick on April 20 and the recognition by the NYS Conference of Mayors for his many years of service to the City. Commissioner Thomas McTygue thanked Gene Fallick for his many years of service. Waive of Bid --International Truck Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to confirm the previous approval by memo for the waive of bid to International Truck & Engine Corporation in the Page 15 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 amount of $5,937 for non-contract options. Ayes all. Waive of Bid -- Design & Son Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to confirm the previous approval by memo for the waive of bid for the installation of a metal roof by Design & Son in the amount of $9,700. Ayes all. Waive of Bid -- G. Heath King Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to confirm the previous approval by memo for the waive of bid for appliances from G. Heath King in the amount of $1,374. Ayes all. Waive of Bid -- Lyons Equipment Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to confirm the previous approval by memo for the waive of bid for rental of a compost screen from Lyons Equipment in the amount of $4,500. He said the money was within his budget. Ayes all. Waive of Bid -- Yesco Company Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the waive of bid to Yesco for installation of a new generator in the amount of $21,108.20. He said the funds would come from the capital reserve fund. Ayes all. Waive of Bid -- Catoh Company Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the waive of bid to Catoh Company in the amount of $10,575.00 for well #7 in the Geyser Crest area. He said the money is in the water budget. Ayes all. Street Acceptance (01-069) Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded that Chapter 201, Section 201-1, Appendix B, entitled Street Naming and Number, be amended to include in Zone B the following public streets in Zone BB of the Interlaken PUD as follows: Campion Lane (public) Waterview Drive to end West: 1-9; East 2-10 Zone B Waterview drive (pubic) Crescent Avenue to Station 13.42 West 47-73; East 30-72 Zone B Page 16 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 Waterview Drive (private) Crescent Avenue Station 13.42 West: 1-45; East 2-28 Zone B Acceptance of these streets is conditioned upon the developer posting for one year the required maintenance security bond, filing the deeds and paying all recording fees, all within two weeks after Council action. Ayes all. Sidewalk Contract with Saratoga Flour City Bagels Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Bernard Mirling seconded to approve the contract with Saratoga Flour City Bagels for sidewalk work at 454 Broadway. Ayes all. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Emergency Medical Services Planning Task Force (01-070) Commissioner Thomas Curley said he had appointed a task force to review the emergency medical needs, determine the capabilities of various agencies and to look at ways to improve and be more efficient in emergencies. He said members of this task force include: Bob King, Kevin Robert, Clark Hayward, Paul Okosky, Vincent Verdile, Tim Brooks, John Kirkpatrick, Peter Shaw, Linda Rush, Erin Dryer and Dan Noeker. He said they would begin meeting in the next few weeks and he hoped to have a report by early fall. County Sales Tax -- Discussion Previously discussed. Central Dispatch Update Commissioner Thomas Curley commended the new central dispatchers on their first day at work when unfortunately there was a power outage. He said they did a great job considering it was their first day under this new system. Waive of Bid -- Software Support -- Police Management System Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to waive the bid for software support from Police Management System in the amount of $7,170. Ayes all. Student Government Day Page 17 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 1, 2001 Commissioner Thomas Curley commended all of the students who participated in this program. He said it is a great opportunity for the students and he additionally thanked his staff for taking the time to work with the students. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Bernard Mirling moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Kenneth Klotz adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: Page 18 of 18