City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2002 6:55 P.M PRESENT: Commissioner Thomas Curley, DPS Kenneth Klotz, Mayor Commissioner Michael Lenz, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW Commissioner Stephen E. Towne, Accounts ALSO PRESENT: Anthony Scirocco, Supervisor Phil Klein, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Bruce Brown, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Christine Gillmett-Brown, Deputy Commissioner Finance Debbie Harper, Deputy Commissioner Accounts Bob King, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Hank Kuczynski, Deputy Mayor Jeff Wait, City Attorney PUBLIC HEARING Street Naming & Numbering Mayor Kenneth Klotz said this is a public hearing on proposed amendments to Section 201 of the City Code -- Street Naming and Numbering. Geoff Bornemann, City Planner, said the Planning Board is proposing to drop the concept of the City being divided into five different zones for street naming and numbering. He said these zones were initially created 13 years ago to phase in the implementation of the new addresses for the 911 system. He said since the implementation of the 911 system had been completed, it was no longer necessary to use the zone concept. He said they are also proposing that new street names and changes in address ranges by resolution be done without a public hearing at the City Council. He said any changes or deletions of current street names would still require a public hearing though. Geoff Bornemann said this is the current official list of street names and their address ranges and for the first time the list is a comprehensive listing of all the streets. He said it also notes which streets are publicly owned and maintained and which are private. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked if streets could be added without a public hearing. Geoff Bornemann said that was the proposal. He explained most times the newly created streets are within subdivisions that appear before the Planning Board and a public hearing is held at the Planning Board. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said there had been some concerns expressed by The Springs neighborhood concerning their recent change in the numbering system. Geoff Bornemann said The Springs was not part of the original zones that were created 13 years ago. Mayor Kenneth Klotz opened the public hearing. Vaughn Woodworth, representing The Springs Homeowners Association, said this neighborhood received notice in October of proposed numbering changes. Geoff Bornemann said as a matter of regular review of the street list it was determined that the numbering system should be modified to reflect the more widely accepted practice of odd numbers on one side and even numbers on the other. Vaughn Woodworth said he Page 1 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 understood the reasons, however, there were 83 families affected by this change and there was a lot to do to in changing one's address. He said because there had not been any problems, there was no need to change the existing numbering system. He noted that there is a central mailbox system and there have been no difficulties for the residents or the mail carriers in getting or delivering their mail. He asked the Council to leave the existing numbering system as is. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked if there was a problem in leaving it as is. Geoff Bornemann said it was up to the Council, however, the City's existing regulations call for odd on one side and even on another. He said it was a widely accepted practice and the City's system was based on the County's 911 system. Commissioner Thomas Curley noted that there had not been any problems expressed by public safety officials in connection with emergency responses in this area. Geoff Bornemann said one option was to not do anything this evening and return to a subsequent meeting with a new address range for this area. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked what the regulations were that the City uses. Geoff Bornemann said it is established City regulations. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked if the proposed street name and numbering ordinance could be adopted this evening noting this change. Geoff Bornemann said the Council could allow this separate numbering system for The Springs, however, it has been the City's policy in the past to not deviate from this widely accepted practice and established policy. He said it is a rational system that is functional for not only emergency personnel but other individuals such as Federal Express and UPS. Mayor Kenneth Klotz suggested accepting the proposal this evening and revisiting The Springs numbering system at a later time. It was decided to wait on adopting the proposed street numbering and naming proposal as presented this evening and that the Council discuss this at another meeting. Commissioner Thomas Curley noted that The Springs would be in violation. Vaughn Woodworth said they have been in violation since 1989. 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 7:10 p.m. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Jim Walsh, 65 Arrowhead Road, Director of the Homeland Institute, Inc., managers of the property in question, and also representing the archaeological community and many residents along Arrowhead Road, suggested that this plan be returned to the developer for a more comprehensive plan on the 26 acres. He said it was his understanding that the proposal was for the 16 acre archaeological park with a horse barn and riding trails. He said he was somewhat confused as whether this project was for 26 acres or 16 acres. He then displayed a map. He said it was his understanding that the original plan called for this parcel to be deeded over to the Homeland Institute, Inc., but he was pleased that the HOA would be taking possession. He said though, they need to have an approved management plan in place when they accept the land. He said to date there has been no improvement to the archaeological park as was directed in the PUD ordinance. He said there is a change from 25 parking spaces to 6. He said there had been some limited archaeological work done in this area but he was not convinced that an extensive enough investigation had been performed. He said there had been a trench dug through this area and some artifacts had been found, therefore, he believed that a stage one survey was necessary. He said he was also not sure that the map included in the proposal was accurate. He said it was clear that the proposed access road would be directly across the street from Rosemary O=Haras driveway. Bob Pasciullo, 1 Beach Court, President of Woodlands HOA, said there were many neighbors here this evening who support this proposal. He said the recreational area that is being discussed this evening had nothing to Page 2 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 do with the archaeological park. He reminded Council members that the developer is now working on phase ten of this project. He said as part of the PUD process the area to the left of this proposal did not have to be mitigated. He said the proposed horse barn would only be 900 square feet. He informed Council members that when this project was fully developed there would be 304 families and an 8 stall horse barn would likely not be enough. He also asked where would the horse trails lead to noting that this was to be a passive area. He informed the Council that Jim Walsh had cut down several trees on this land and that Jim Walsh had picked up many artifacts. He said this area should be preserved. He noted that the HOA voted in favor of this proposal with approximately 85 percent being in favor. He said there were 45 more single family homes to be constructed in this area and the existing recreational facilities of an indoor and outdoor pool are simply not enough. He said when this project is fully developed there will be 198 single family homes in this area and a recreation area will be needed. He said this proposed recreation area is not part of the archaeological park. Bob Pasciullo said the only access left to Saratoga Lake is the little road that leads down to Kaydeross Creek which is used for canoe access. He informed Council members that Susan Bendor, Skidmore College, had done an archaeological dig in this area. He said he had also met with Open Space on this proposal. He said there is a plan that the Ramsdill property that the City recently acquired will be connected via a pathway from Lake Lonely to Kaydeross Creek and that would create a nice linear park along the 26 acres. He said they do not have a management plan yet and would not have one until the park comes under the purview of the HOA. He said the HOA pays its taxes to the City and noted that the archaeological park was assessed at $118,900 and the other smaller area was assessed at $19,400. Bob Pasciullo said the horse barn would require the addition of horse trails and the land in question was almost sacrosanct. He said he hoped the Council would consider this request and forward it onto the Planning Board for their consideration. Bill Boudreau, 131 Kaydeross Park Road, member of the Woodlands HOA, said he believed that this issue was benign. He said he was surprised that the Council had not forwarded this proposal to the Planning Board at the last meeting. He said the HOA is a good neighbor in the City. He noted that this request was located totally within the Woodlands PUD and there were no nearby neighbors other than Jim Walsh. He informed the Council that the setbacks were at least double what was required. He then distributed a map to Council members outlining the recreational area and archaeological area. He said that this proposal would not cost the City anything and it would provide a very large recreational area east of the Northway. He said nearly 90 percent of the HOA owners approved of this proposal and the developer supported the proposal. He said the only controversy was from two nearby neighbors. He said this recreation area would serve their 125 children and whatever guests they brought in as well as providing a safe place for their children to play. He said this issue was separate from the archaeological issue. He said he also agreed with Jim Walsh that there should be a comprehensive management plan, however, said it would be presumptuous on their part to develop a plan when they do not yet own the land. He asked the Council to forward this onto the Planning Board. MAYOR=S OFFICE Street Naming & Numbering Ordinance -- Vote Mayor Kenneth Klotz noted that it was agreed earlier to not vote on this issue this evening. Changes in Address Range for Louden Road -- Vote Geoff Bornemann, City Planner, suggested that this issue not be voted on until the Street Naming & Numbering Ordinance is adopted. Council members agreed. Authorization for Mayor to Submit Grant Application for Historic Preservation Planning (02-264) Page 3 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 Mayor Kenneth Klotz said each year the City has an opportunity to apply to the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for a grant for historic preservation planning. He said last year the DRC applied for a grant to run a series of workshops on how best to preserve historic properties and that grant was received and those workshops will be held this winter and spring. He said this year the DRC has the opportunity to apply for some funding for a public outreach program. He said the DRC is concerned that too many property owners do not understand or are not aware of the requirement to seek DRC approval before exterior building changes are made within the historic district. He said that along with some other outreach efforts, the DRC would like to develop a brochure and mail it to local property owners. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said the grant application is due December 15, 2002. He said the DRC is still in the process of preparing the details, but the estimated cost of the grant is not likely to exceed $5,000. He said the required local match will be provided by in kind services. Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded that the Mayor be authorized to submit the grant application in an amount not to exceed $5,000. Ayes all. Water=s Edge/Woodlands PUD -- Vote on Acceptance and Refer to the City Planning Board (02-265) Mayor Kenneth Klotz reminded Council members that this had been tabled at the last Council meeting. Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to accept the amended petition for study and send it to the City Planning Board for an advisory opinion. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said there will be many opportunities for the public to address this application. He said this is a routine procedure and should be forwarded to the Planning Board. Commissioner Michael Lenz agreed this was a routine procedure, however, was glad for the opportunity for the public to comment on this issue. He said it was his recollection that this item was tabled because one of the Commissioners simply did not believe that he had sufficiently reviewed the materials because his attention was focused on the budget. He said having these speakers this evening was most helpful. He agreed that this was not a controversial matter and said he was prepared to support forwarding it to the Planning Board. Commissioner Stephen Towne said it was important to understand the merits of this proposed amendment and at the last Council meeting this item was not labeled on the agenda as a vote, therefore, he focused his attention on the more pressing matter at that time of the budget. He said since that time he had reviewed the material as well as listening to tonight=s comments. He asked Geoff Bornemann if this particular parcel was part of the archaeological park. Geoff Bornemann said yes. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked if the management plan was a requirement for the land preservation/archaeological sensitive issues and if the horse trails and barns were clear of such archaeological matters. Jim Walsh said archaeological investigations are quite time consuming and expensive. He said the reason this parcel of land was set aside was because the previous developer did not want to pay the cost for a stage one survey. He said there are three archaeologically sensitive areas within this site that will require mitigation. He said the Homeland Institute does not desire to own the parcel and he believed there could be an effective and easy transition from the developer to the HOA. He said he was willing to assist the HOA on the archaeological issues. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked if the archaeological sensitive areas would be part of the discussion at the Planning Board. Geoff Bornemann said yes. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he believed this was a simple, routine matter that should be referred to the Planning Board. He said that public hearings would be held at that time which would allow the neighbors= ample opportunity to address their concerns. He said he could not understand why Commissioner Stephen Towne could not understand the process. Commissioner Stephen Towne said the value of a vote was serious matter. He said since the last meeting he Page 4 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 had talked to Geoff Bornemann and now fully understood the application. He said he was prepared to support this matter this evening. Ayes all. E-Government Conference Brad Birge, Community Development Coordinator, said Mayor Kenneth Klotz had been collaborating with the Masie Center on an E-Government Conference. He said information and invitations were sent to Council members on this conference. He said the intent was to create an informal session to discuss what was e- government. He said the day would begin at 9:15 a.m. with a welcome message from Mayor Kenneth Klotz and there will be presentations in the morning and then some breakout sessions in the afternoon. He said issues such as WEB sites, how technology can assist the public, etc. will be topics of discussion. He encouraged those invited to attend. City Charter -- Discussion Mayor Kenneth Klotz said the new charter calls for a number of new positions such as the Human Resources Director and a Director of Parks, Open Lands and Historic Preservation and a Director of Planning & Economic Development which the Council is obligated to have in place by January 1, 2004. He said the Charter Commission, through their work on revising the charter, tried to do two things, refine and clarify responsibilities of Council members and to also suggest new ideas. Mayor Kenneth Klotz pointed out that the budget process will be very different, in that the time table had been moved and the capital budget will now be developed by a committee chaired by the Mayor with representation from each of the departments. He said the capital plan would then be presented to the Finance Department. He said departments will also be required to develop policy and procedure manuals, a public comment period is to be provided to the public at Council meetings, an Ethics Code must be adopted, etc. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said although these are not requirements until January 1, 2004, it will take time and effort for that to occur. He said we are half way through the time to work on phasing in the new charter and it was time to have some productive discussion on this phasing. He urged the Council to take seriously the request of the Charter Review Commission and begin developing a plan. Korean War Commemoration Committee Kick-Off -- Announcement Deputy Mayor Hank Kuczynski distributed a certificate from the Department of Defense signed by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield designating the City of Saratoga Springs as a Commemoration Partner for the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. He said there will be a kick-off meeting of this committee and eventually a ceremony to honor those veterans. Wage & Salary Review Deputy Mayor Hank Kuczynski distributed a revised schedule for the interviews. He said to date the job questionnaires have been completed, the market study is underway and the interviews with employees will be done next week. He said the consultant will be prepared to make a presentation in mid-January of their recommendations. Mayor Kenneth Klotz noted that there will be confidential material for the Council. Commissioner Stephen Towne said Commissioners were asked to select cities to which Saratoga Springs should be compared. He asked what cities were chosen. Deputy Mayor Hank Kuczynski said he did not have that information available this evening, however, he would share it with Council members. County Water Report -- Supervisor Phil Klein -- Report Page 5 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 Phil Klein said the County had mailed out request for proposals to approximately 20 companies for the design and construction phase for the water treatment plan and transmission facility and those proposals were due back on November 22, 2002. He said a subcommittee developed a short list of companies to interview and conducted those interviews. He said they will be prepared to make a presentation to the Water Committee in December and then make a recommendation to the Law & Finance Committee. Phil Klein said communities expressing an interest in the water line include: Moreau, Milton, Greenfield, Wilton and Clifton Park. He said those communities have the same questions as the City on how much it will cost, when it will be completed, how close they will be to the line, etc. He said those answers will be provided when a finalist is selected. He said if the contract is awarded in the middle of December, work could begin immediately on the design and engineering study. He said he would expect a completed project within four months. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked how a design and engineering study could be done when we really don=t know what the needs are or how big of a system might be required. Phil Klein said they are proposing a 48 inch line from the Hudson River to the City of Saratoga Springs which will then divide into two 36 inch lines B one for the City and the other would circumvent the City on a route yet to be determined but would eventually feed into Malta. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said there is an urgency on the City=s part and asked when this information would be available from the County. Phil Klein said they estimate that once the contract is awarded the County will be able to provide numbers within 120 days. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked if the cost would be dependent upon the participants. Phil Klein said no. He said the engineers will develop a number using 4.5 mgpd. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he believed this was just another delay of four months. He said he sent a letter in October to the County and has yet to receive a response to his questions. He said the Water Committee should be working on a response to his letters. He said he did not want verbal commitments but wanted a response in writing. He said no municipality has yet to sign on to this proposal. He said the estimates developed for the City to bring water from the Hudson River to the City was $55 million and to $90 million to bring it to the Town of Malta. He said the clock is ticking and he did not want another delay. He said there was no reason the City could not work concurrently while waiting for the County to develop their proposal. He said the City could release the DEIS at this time. He again said that the City is not getting the answers to the questions they are asking. Phil Klein said he had addressed the Council on two other occasions to update them. He said after the contract is awarded to the engineering firm it might be appropriate to hold another workshop with the Council, DPW and the engineering firm. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked if there was any objection from Council members in releasing the DEIS and working on the City=s proposal concurrently while the County works continues on their path. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if the City accepted the DEIS, could the City establish the time limitations. He said it was his understanding that the City had 180 days once it was accepted the DEIS. Bill McTygue said it was his understanding that there was flexibility with the public input process and the time frame could be maximized. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it also depends on the involved state agencies and their time frame. Mayor Kenneth Klotz agreed saying that the Department of Health was a critical agency in the review the DEIS. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it was time to move this project along. He said this is just another stall tactic. Page 6 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 Commissioner Thomas Curley said perhaps the City was getting to a point in the time line where we should start thinking about the DEIS. Phil Klein said it was unlikely that any municipality would sign onto this project without knowing the price. He said obvious questions were how much can they buy, how much will it cost and when will it be available. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said there have been some preliminary numbers. Phil Klein agreed saying they are preliminary numbers. He said it was now time for the County to refine the numbers. Phil Klein said Commissioner Thomas McTygue=s questions will be answered when there is an engineering firm on board. Bill McTygue pointed out that the City will receive valuable information from the involved agencies as well. Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Funds -- 2003 Mayor Kenneth Klotz announced that there would be an informational meeting on December 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Court Room concerning the Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Funds for 2003. He said applications will be made available at that time and the deadline for return of the applications is January 31, 2003. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of November 19, 2002, City Council Meeting Minutes Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the November 19, 2002, City Council meeting minutes with a few minor corrections. Ayes all. Cost Control Associates - Vote (02-266) Commissioner Stephen Towne said at the last Council meeting he informed Council members that his office had been having conversations with Cost Control Associates of Glens Falls regarding various cost reduction services that they offer. He said their fees are based on a percentage of the documented and verified savings realized by the City. He said he previously distributed a memo with a copy of their agreement which shows the areas in which they could offer cost savings opportunities and also forwarded a copy of the agreement to Jeff Wait for his review. He said upon review by Cost Control Associates it may be worthwhile to have our telephone bills reviewed again with the addition of cell phones which he did not believe had been previously reviewed. He said it was agreed at the last Council meeting that he would return to the Council with a more defined contract outlining the parameters. He reminded Council members that since that time he had circulated a memo outlining the areas that could be reviewed. He said he received no response from Council members, therefore, he proposed that Cost Control Associates review the following areas for cost savings potential: natural gas, electricity, propane gas, telecom local services, telecom long distance services, telecom wireless services -- cellular/PCS, telecom wireless service pagers, telecom Internet access and telecom equipment maintenance. Commissioner Stephen Towne then moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded, that the Mayor be authorized to sign the contract with Cost Control Associates contingent upon review by the City Attorney. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked about the timetable. Leo Quinn, Cost Control Associates, said it would take between six months and a year to wrap up the project. He said much depends on the utility companies but about every 60 days Cost Control Associates could report to the Council. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked about the cost of this project. Leo Quinn said that split was 45/55 (55 percent to the City). Page 7 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 Ayes all. Safety Committee -- Appointment (02-267) Commissioner Stephen Towne said at a previous Council meeting, the Council adopted recommendations from the Risk Management Review Committee. He said one of those recommendations was to establish a Safety Committee. He noted that within the adopted policy statement members of the committee were identified as follows: Risk Manager, Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Mayor, Human Resources Administrator, City Engineer, Lee Miller, NYMIR, Bob Hartman, Saratoga County, Safety Officer and Harry Buccifero, Capital Risk Management. He then announced the formation of the Safety Committee with the above noted members. He said they are charged with establishing goals for 2003, reviewing the City=s safety policies and guidelines, reviewing their role as an Accident Review Board and discussing a Safety Incentive Program. Commissioner Stephen Towne informed Council members that he had asked Lee Miller, NYMIR, to chair the committee on an interim basis. Lee Miller said it was his intent to develop plans to reduce accidents, reduce insurance costs, improve safety and morale, and decrease the City=s exposure. He said it was likely that he would meet with each department head and then draw on the knowledge of City employees. Harry Buccifero said once the committee meets, ideas would be prioritized. He said an incentive program would likely be something considered first, quickly followed by fleet safety and work site safety issues next. He said the committee would return to the Council with recommendations. Vendor Ordinance Review Committee -- Announcement (02-268) Commissioner Stephen Towne announced the formation of the Vendor Ordinance Review Committee and appointed the following individuals: Tim Mabee, Adirondack Trust Company, chair; George Hathaway, Saratoga Race Course; Mark Baker, City Center Authority; John Baker, Gaffney=s; Gavin Landry, Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau; Joe Dalton, Chamber of Commerce; Roger Goldsmith, Crafters Gallery; David Barker, Impressions and Cathy Hamilton, Putnam Market. He said this committee is charged with reviewing and updating the existing ordinance. He said progress reports will be made to the Council. He noted that he had asked Council members for their recommendation on members to the committee but received no response. Zoning Ordinance Amendments -- Set Public Hearing Commissioner Stephen Towne said he had received the required advisory opinions from the City and County Planning Board on the zoning amendments proposed by the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee. He requested that the required public hearing on those amendments be held on January 21, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. Council members agreed. Award of Bid -- City Center HVAC Upon the recommendation of the City Center Authority, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to award the contract for 2003 HVAC Service to Technical Building Services, Inc., of Ballston Spa for an annual fee of $7,484 (lowest bidder meeting specifications). He noted that this bid had been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and was in compliance with the Purchasing Guidelines. Ayes all. Executive Session Page 8 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to adjourn to executive session at 8:35 p.m. to discuss certiorari matters. Council members returned at 9:00 p.m. Certiorari Matter -- Saratoga Warehouse (02-269) Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to resolve the certiorari case n the matter of Saratoga warehouse under the terms discussed in executive session. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked if the school district had reviewed and accepted this proposal. Commissioner Stephen Towne said yes. Ayes all. Certiorari Matter -- J. B. Realty (02-270) Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to resolve the certiorari case in the matter of J.B. Realty under the terms discussed in executive session. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked if the school district had reviewed and accepted this proposal. Commissioner Stephen Towne said yes. Ayes all. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Approve Payroll Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the payment of the following payrolls: November 22, 2002 -- $355,182.91 and November 27, 2002 -- $355,740.37. Approval of Warrants Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the following warrants: 1DEC02 - Warrant 2-30 General Fund $248,578.81 City Center Authority 4,373.16 Water Fund 12,838.11 Sewer Fund 1,852,88 Capital Project 27,007.51 Special Assessment District 9,500.00 West Avenue SAD 41,113.06 Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development 25,772.90 Page 9 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 $371,036.43 MC021127 - Warrant 2-8 General Fund $ 34,171.43 City Center Authority 10,138.52 Water Fund 11,200.91 Sewer Fund 1,646.56 Capital Project -0- Special Assessment District -0- West Avenue SAD -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development 27,531.25 $ 84,688.67 Ayes all. Approval -- Budget Transfers Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the budget transfers as presented (Attachment A). Ayes all. Approval -- Budget Amendments Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the budget amendments as presented (Attachment B). October 31, 2002 Financial Report Commissioner Michael Lenz distributed the October 31, 2002, Financial Report noting that average spending should be at 83 percent but the average was at 76 percent. Vacancy Review Committee Commissioner Michael Lenz said he had been looking into developing a Vacancy Review Committee and had obtained some information from the County on how they handle their vacancies. He said the largest part of the City=s budget was for personnel services which accounts for 71 percent of the City=s budget (salaries and benefits). He said the City needed to review this area and a vacancy review committee could be the place to start. He said he intended to develop a draft policy and will distribute it to Council members seeking their comments. He said it was his intention to put this on his December 17 agenda for discussion and he hoped to have the Council adopt a policy in January. Update 1998 and 1999 Foreclosure Proceedings Commissioner Michael Lenz reported that John Mannix, attorney for the City, would be filing a motion on 1998 and 1998 unpaid tax parcels. He said once the judge had assigned the judgements it could be possible to have the deeds by the end of the year. He said he anticipated having another auction in the spring with about 20 parcels. He said he would keep the Council posted. Mayor Kenneth Klotz asked if this was fewer parcels. Deputy Commissioner Christine Gillmett-Brown said this was about the same as before. Commissioner Michael Lenz said the parcels tend to be fewer by the time the auction actually takes place. Authorization for Mayor to Sign community Blue/Traditional Blue Rate Agreement Page 10 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 Commissioner Michael Lenz requested an executive session. Council members agreed. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Temporary Appointment and Permanent Appointment (02-271) Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced the temporary appointment of Ed Sarro as Water Meter Service Worker at Grade 6 step 1. Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced the permanent appointment of Tom Kirkpatrick as Chief Water Treatment Operator. Smoke Detectors -- Discussion Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he was seeking support from the Department of Public Safety for a community wide smoke detector program. He said the recent fire in which four children died because of a lack of smoke detector was upsetting and he did not want to see that happen in Saratoga Springs. He said he had spoken to the Firefighters Union and they were interested in supporting this program. He then announced that with the help of DPS and the Firefighters Union the City would be distributing smoke detectors to homeowners and landlords in need throughout the community. He said the Firefighters Union is willing to donate$1,500, DPS $750 and DPW $750 and Home Depot will sell the smoke detectors to the city for $7.50/piece and they were also willing to donate $250 worth of smoke detectors to the City for this program. He said it might be possible for the water meter readers to talk to residents to determine who needs smoke detectors and perhaps they could also install them. He said specifically there should be some focus on the mobile home parks. He said there might also be members of the community willing to donate to this program. Tandem Truck Replacement Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this tandem truck is an item that is needed. He said it would take more than a year to get the truck from the time that it is ordered. He said his department could come up with next year=s bonding payment of between $11,000 and $12,000 for the cost of this truck. He pointed out that the City has taken on many more roads over the years with all of the new subdivisions being constructed and this is a serious issue and his department needs this truck in order to maintain the roads. He said they do not have extra trucks in the garage just waiting to fill in for trucks that break down. He said that his department could come up with the $11,000 to cover the cost of the payment next year and suggested that he be allowed to order the truck. Commissioner Michael Lenz said he looked at this matter after the last meeting and the ran the numbers. He agreed the cost to the City next year would be about $11,000. He said he would like to see a revenue identified to cover this cost. There appeared to be agreement that Commissioner Thomas McTygue could order the truck and his department would make the first debt service payment. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he would bring this back to the next meeting for approval. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Page 11 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 3, 2002 Set Public Hearing for Proposed City Ordinance Changes Commissioner Thomas Curley requested that a public hearing be set for December 17, 2002, at 6:55 p.m. for the City=s parking ordinance to modify alternate side parking. Executive Session Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to adjourn to executive session at 9:20 p.m. to discuss contracts. Ayes all. Council members returned at 9:20 p.m. Authorization for Mayor to sign Community Blue/Traditional Blue Rate Agreement (02-272) Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the Community Blue/Traditional Blue Rate Agreement contract as previously distributed. Ayes all. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne 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 12 of 12