City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2003 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: Phil Klein, Supervisor Anthony Scirocco, Supervisor (arrived 7:20 p.m.) STAFF PRESENT : Bruce Brown, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Erin Dreyer, Deputy Commissioner DPS Christine Gillmett-Brown, Deputy Commissioner Finance Debbie Harper, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Hank Kuczynski, Deputy Mayor Jeff Wait, City Attorney PUBLIC HEARINGS Subdivision Regulations Mayor Kenneth Klotz said this was a public hearing on a proposed set of amendments to the subdivision regulations been proposed by the Planning Board. He said these amendments are intended to implement and be consistent with the conservation subdivision zoning amendments that were proposed by the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee and adopted by the City Council on May 21, 2003. He said these subdivision amendments are identical in substance to the zoning amendments adopted on May 21, 2003. Mayor Kenneth Klotz then opened the public hearing. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Kenneth Klotz closed the public hearing. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kenneth Klotz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD There was no one wishing to speak during the public comment period. MAYOR =S OFFICE Proclamation B Tim Stauffer (03-110) Mayor Kenneth Klotz honored Tim Stauffer with a proclamation. He informed Council members that Tim Stauffer had been chosen as a fourth round draft pick and he would now begin his career with the San Diego Padres. He then read the proclamation and congratulated Tim Stauffer on his successes to date and wished him well. Commissioner Stephen Towne said he too was delighted with Tim Stauffer=s successes and was proud that Tim could bring such honor and glory to his family, Spa Catholic and the community. Affordable Housing Report Page 1 of 9 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Mayor Kenneth Klotz said last week the Affordable Housing in Saratoga Springs Report was released. He said he would not ask for Council action this evening, but would do so at a later time. He said this committee met more than 20 times and held several public hearings. He said the recommendations of the plan include an affordable housing trust fund, a management advisory committee to oversee the trust fund, incentives by the City for affordable housing for fast tracking project and review of the comprehensive plan with the possibility of creating affordable housing overlay zones. He said this plan specifically limited the actions to those that the City could solve on its own. He said this issue has national, state, regional and county implications. He said he hoped the County would take some initiatives and he would give Phil Klein a copy of the report. Grand Opening Skate Park Mayor Kenneth Klotz announced the grand opening of the skate park on July 12 at 11:00 a.m. Pro Shop Contract Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Wayne Jones, d/b/a Blade Sharpening in the amount of $200 during the summer months and $300 during the winter months for rental of the Pro-Shop area at Weibel Avenue. Ayes all. Youth Hockey Concession Contract Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the youth hockey concession contract in the amount of $450 during the summer months and $600 during the winter months. Commissioner Stephen Towne noted that the Risk Manager had reviewed all of the contracts this evening and she was satisfied. Ayes all. Skate Park Construction Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Breaking Ground for skate park construction. Commissioner Stephen Towne said that Marilyn Rivers had developed a safety check list for the skate park. He said daily checks of the equipment will be required. He said individuals using the skate park will also be required to sign a participant agreement which will indemnify the City. Ayes all. Railroad Run Grant Award Mayor Kenneth Klotz announced that a grant had been received for phase two of the Railroad Run Trail System. He said that phase two will connect the trail to the state park. Part Time Clerk Mayor Kenneth Klotz said he had brought this item up for discussion at the last Council meeting, however, there was a request for it to be tabled for more information. He said Civil Service had requested that his office write a position description for this position. He said they periodically hire someone when the executive assistant is on vacation. Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the request for the Mayor =s Office to work with Civil Service Commission on the development of this part time position. Page 2 of 9 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Ayes all. Gilbert Road/Weibel Avenue Workshop Mayor Kenneth Klotz reminded everyone that the third public workshop on the Gilbert Road/Weibel Avenue issue would be held on Thursday, June 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Music Hall. He said upon completion of the workshops, an advisory report will be issued by this committee to the Council. City Hall Annex Renovations Change Order #3 Paul Male said this is change order #3 on the construction work being done in the Engineering Department. He said they have found a number of small items that were problematic, therefore, this change order is necessary. He said the money is within his budget. Mayor Kenneth Klotz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve change order #3. Ayes all. Saratoga Shakespeare Mayor Kenneth Klotz said the Saratoga Shakespeare production will run from July 15 to July 26 this year. He said over the last few years they have done a wonderful job with their productions and this was certainly and an asset to the City. He said the Saratoga Shakespeare Company has spoken with Senator Joe Bruno=s office on the possibility of getting some additional funding from him in order to continue this program. He said they are hoping to obtain those funds; however, if they do not, they will be in need of some money in order to keep the program going this year. Mayor Kenneth Klotz said it was his intention to bring this item back to the Council requesting funds for this program should it become necessary. (Anthony Scirocco arrived.) Commissioner Michael Lenz asked William Finlay if the program would run this summer without this funding. William Finlay said if they receive the funds from Senator Bruno=s office, they will be able to continue; however, if they don=t get that money, it could severely hurt this production. He said they have in the past received quite a bit of assistance from the City, via Commissioner Thomas McTygue, and they appreciate that assistance. He informed Council members that the Saratoga Shakespeare Company has become a small player on the national level. He said this is now the place to come for actors. He said this is a family event which makes Shakespeare accessible. He said this is a win/win situation and it would be a tragedy if it does not continue. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of city Council Minutes of June 3, 2003 Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the June 3, 2003, meeting minutes with a few minor corrections. Ayes all. Approval of city Council Minutes of June 10, 2003 Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the June 10, 2003, meeting minutes with a few minor corrections. Ayes all. Subdivision Regulations (03-111) Page 3 of 9 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Commissioner Stephen Towne said the Council had received a recommendation from the Planning Board for amendments to the subdivision regulations that are to implement the conservation subdivision zoning amendments adopted by the City Council on May 21, 2003. He said it was his understanding that the subdivision amendments are identical to the zoning amendments that were adopted and there is no substantive difference. Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to issue a negative SEQR determination and for the adoption of the subdivision amendments as proposed. Ayes all. Special Livery Ordinance Commissioner Stephen Towne announced the formation of the Special Livery Committee. He said that committee will create an ordinance which regulate Aspecial livery services@ within the City of Saratoga Springs. He said special livery services would include horse drawn carriages, pedicabs and antique cars. He said members on the committee are as follows: Mark Baker, chair, City Center; Gavin Landry, Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau; Joe Dalton, Chamber of Commerce; Cindy Hollowood, Special Assessment District; George Hathaway, Saratoga Race Course; Lou Schneider, Taxi Ordinance Committee member; Phil Diamond, Taxi Ordinance Committee member; Judith Belt-Smith, Downtown Business Association; Dr. Bill Barnes & Dr. Axel Sondhoff, Saratoga Equine Veterinarians and Kathy & Tony Canzone, Saratoga Horse & Carriage. He said this committee will meet weekly over the next several weeks. Commissioner Thomas Curley said Police Officer Mike Chowske would also join the committee. Commissioner Stephen Towne invited other Council members to include members of their staff. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Payroll -- Approval Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the following payrolls: June 6, 2003 -- $354,562.49 and June 13, 2003 B $416,238.56. Ayes all. Warrants -- Approval Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the following warrants: 2JUN03- -- Warrant 2-33 General Fund $ 204,122.80 City Center Authority 14,825.89 Water Fund 1,742.31 Sewer Fund 17,512.99 Capital Project 6,473.51 Special Assessment District 700.00 West Avenue SAD -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development 22,433.22 $ 267,810.72 MC030611 - Warrant 2-7 General Fund $ 41,009.57 City Center Authority 220.30 Water Fund 8,009.43 Sewer Fund 873.02 Capital Project -0- Page 4 of 9 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Special Assessment District -0- West Avenue SAD -0- Trust Fund -0- Debt Service -0- Community Development 18.24 $ 50,130.56 Ayes all. Budget Transfers Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the budget amendments as presented (Attachment A). Ayes all. Budget Amendments Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the budget amendments as presented (Attachment B). Ayes all. May 31, 2003 Monthly Financial Report Commissioner Michael Lenz distributed the May 31 monthly financial report. He said if there were any questions or concerns, to please contact him. Firework Donations Commissioner Michael Lenz moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to accept the donations from various companies for the fireworks to be held on July 4. He said the companies making the donations included: Boyce & Drake; Holiday Inn City National Bank; Roohan Realty; P.J. Bar-b-que; Saratoga National Bank; Sneeringer, Provost & Redgrave Title Insurance; Stewarts; Sutton & Tarantino; Wise Insurance and the Holiday Inn. He said the donations totalled $1,350. Ayes all. Sales Tax Resolution Commissioner Michael Lenz said his office recently received information from NYS Department of Taxation and Finance regarding sales tax. He said he was not asking for action this evening, however, the Council would need to take action by July 18 on this matter. He said the state recently determined that they will not have an exemption for sales of clothing and footwear which is less than $110 on and after June 1, 2004. He said the City would be required to enact a local exemption for the sales of clothing and footwear by July 18 if the City wants this exemption. He said there is also two, week long temporary exemptions in late August early September and again in January. He said the City would need to decide if it also wanted to maintain those two weeks as sales tax exempted. He said the state has chosen to maintain those two weeks, but not to maintain the general exemption of under $110. Commissioner Michael Lenz said it was his feeling that the City should not follow the state and it would give the City a competitive edge. Phil Klein said the County decided today to follow the state and maintain just the two, week long exemption periods. Commissioner Michael Lenz said it was his plan to bring this item back to the Council=s first meeting in July for further discussion. Parking Committee Page 5 of 9 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Commissioner Michael Lenz said he had appointed a committee to look at both short and long term parking needs for the City. He then distributed a report from that committee. He said the committee had focused on short term solutions and would return to the Council at the end of the summer with long term solutions. He asked that Council members review the report and get back to him with any questions and/or concerns. Commissioner Michael Lenz said he had spoken to the owner of the empty parking lot beyond City Hall (former car dealership) and it appears that the City will be able to provide additional parking over the summer months in that area which will help with the short term solutions. Harvey Fox, chair, Parking Committee, said this committee had been meeting since mid-April and they only yesterday finished their work. He said that he would not review the report with Council members this evening, but he was available at Council member=s convenience to address any issues. He said this committee did many Afield@trips to the locations to determine what was available. He said the report is filled with many inexpensive recommendations that could easily be implemented. He thanked Geoff Bornemann for providing the committee with all of the previous research done on downtown parking. Commissioner Michael Lenz said that the emphasis has been on getting some short term solutions in place as quickly as possible and it appears that can be done with some of the recommendations included in this report. He thanked Harvey Fox and committee members for all of their work. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Street Paving Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced the following milling/paving schedule: June 23: mill Lake Avenue (Maple Avenue to Henry Street) June 24: pave Lake Avenue June 25: pave Carriage House Lane June 26: pave Lexington Road from Lake Avenue to Bemis Heights Drive. Shirts for DPW Employees and Carousel Volunteers Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve the selling of shirts to City employees for a portion of what it costs the City. He said this had been recommended by the Risk Manager that the employees wear the orange shirts. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to approve giving Carousel workers and volunteers shirts which would distinguish them from the public. Ayes all. Niagara Mohawk Inspection Fee Commissioner Thomas McTygue said for years the City has not charged Niagara Mohawk a fee for street opening permits as we do other contractors in the City. However, lately the City has had to keep returning to the street opening locations to inspect the conditions and to then ask Niagara Mohawk to return to make repairs. Therefore, Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced that an inspection fee of $75 would be charged to Niagara Mohawk. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked if this fee was unusual. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this fee was the result of the increased inspections and time required by City staff to inspect Niagara Mohawk=s work. Hazardous Waste Day & Vote on Budget Transfer (03-112) Bill McTygue said DPW held the hazardous material waste day on June 7 at the Weibel Avenue Ice Rink. He said the company hired to do this job took away 134, 55 gallon drums of various household hazardous waste and 88 cubic yards of various household waste containers. He said they estimated the cost of the program to Page 6 of 9 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 17, 2003 be about $62,000 and they will be close to that. He said there is some assistance available from the state and he would apply for that 50 percent reimbursement. He said the program ran so smoothly that they were able to accommodate the individuals on the waiting list. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to transfer $70,000 from the landfill account to the Spring Brook Run Account to cover the of this job. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it was a terrible rainy afternoon but there was still a lot of participation in the program. He said this was such a good program that they are considering running it again. He said surrounding towns join together when holding this event. Bill McTygue said it would be likely that the numbers participating would go down each time the program is held. Ayes all. Campaign Signs Commissioner Thomas McTygue said there is an existing ordinance concerning campaign signs which states that campaign signs cannot be out more than 60 days before the election. He said according to the ordinance, the signs must be down within 15 days of the election. He said also according to the ordinance the name, address and telephone number of the individual to be contacted about the signs must be on the sign. He said he would like to propose that signs be down within two days of the election. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he also wanted to remind individuals that signs may only be placed on property where it has been approved by the owner. Commissioner Thomas Curley asked if this applied to the primary. Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney, said this ordinance has been on the book for many years and it was written with the general elections in mind. He saidit would be difficult to write into the ordinance that there could not be any primary signs. Commissioner Michael Lenz asked if the ordinance addressed the locations of campaign signs. Tony Izzo said if the sign is placed on private property the right-of-way must also be considered. He said if the sign is placed in a location that blocks vehicular view, it could be moved. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he planned to ask Tony Izzo to review this ordinance and to modify it to decrease the time the signs may remain up after the election. Malcolm Pirnie for Storm Sewer Bill McTygue said is an extension of the current contract with Malcolm Pirnie for the storm sewer investigation. He said material was distributed on this matter to Council members. He said they have begun the initial data collection and they are now recommending that the associated collection data be done. He said when this project is completed, a final report will be discussed on the overall effectiveness of the system. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Kenneth Klotz seconded to extend the current contract with Malcolm Pirnie for storm sewer investigation in an amount not to exceed $15,000. He said the funds would come from the landfill closure account. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked how much was left in the landfill closure account. Bill McTygue said there is currently $110,000, minus the $70,000 for the hazardous waste day and minus $15,000 for the storm sewer investigation. He noted though that there was the potential to get approximately $35,000 from the state for reimbursement expenses for the hazardous waste day. Ayes all. Curb Work Contract Page 7 of 9 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded for Council approval for the Mayor to sign the curb work contract for DPW to install 26 feet of curb in from of 165 Caroline Street. Ayes all. Energy Engineering Services Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he wanted to make Council members aware that the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority awards grants for technical assistance to firms and municipalities for energy savings audits. He said he had contacted the firm of Wendel Duchscherer who is an approved NYS firm for this type of service. He said for no charge they surveyed the DPW buildings and gave the City a price of $23,000 to do a full emergency study, half of which would be paid by NYSERDA. He said he was not looking for a vote this evening. He said he would have a representatives from the engineering firm at the first meeting in July to discuss this matter with the Council in more detail. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY HazMat Truck Commissioner Thomas Curley informed Council members that the HazMat truck had been transferred from the County to the City. He said this was a good program that will provide for both County and City residents. He said the cost of this truck without the equipment was approximately $250,000 and an additional $150,000 to $200,000 of additional equipment was necessary. He said this truck will give the City the ability to be the first responders to HazMat situations. State-wide Seat Belt Campaign Commissioner Thomas Curley said there was a seatbelt campaign from May 19 through June 1. He said on May 29 at the Roosevelt baths and on May 26 on Route 50 there were a total of 245 traffic tickets issued with 119 being seatbelt related. He said they also had 2 drug arrests, 1 felony and 11 driving with revoked or suspended licenses. He said this was a very good statewide program. Truck Inspection Station Commissioner Thomas Curley said the truck inspection station is in need of a new lease. He said the City Attorney had reviewed this renewal agreement and it is identical to previous years. Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for the truck inspection station. He noted that the Risk Manager had reviewed this contract. Ayes all. SUPERVISORS Youth Week Phil Klein reported that the County will sponsor Youth Week in the City. He said a number of activities will be held at the East Side field during that week. He encouraged Council members to attend. Water Phil Klein said yesterday the County Board of Supervisors received the schematic design for the Water Treatment Transmission facility. He distributed copies to Council members. He suggested that a workshop be Page 8 of 9 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 17, 2003 held or he could meet with Council members individually to answer questions. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Kenneth Klotz adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Approved: Clerk Page 9 of 9