City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2004 6:50 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Thomas Curley, DPS Michael Lenz, Mayor Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW Commissioner Stephen E. Towne, Accounts ALSO PRESENT: Phil Klein, Supervisor ABSENT: Anthony Scirocco, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Patrick Design, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Erin Dreyer, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Christine Gillmett-Brown, Deputy Commissioner Finance Debbie Harper, Deputy Commissioner Accounts Matthew Dorsey, City Attorney FIVE POINTS ZONING AMENDMENT Barbara Lombardo, 35 Park Place, said a few weeks ago this application appeared before the City Council and there were many concerns expressed by neighbors. She said the Council returned the application to the Planning Board for further review and thanked Council members for doing so. She said upon further review of the application, the Planning Board made modifications and they were able to find common ground between the applicants and the neighbors. She said she believed the proposed Five Points Neighborhood Commercial District was a district that all could live with. She encouraged the Council to approve this proposal and thanked them for all of their efforts. Marnie Onderdonk, 37 Park Place, also thanked the Council for listening to the neighbors’ concerns. She said the Planning Board reviewed the material and made modifications to that proposal which allows for reasonable expansion that is not intrusive. She encouraged the Council to vote favorably on this matter. Stephanie Melvin, 102 Lincoln Avenue, said the Planning Board crafted a good compromise that took into accounts concerns expressed by everyone. She thanked the Planning Board and encouraged the Council to adopt this proposal. Peter Buck, 41-45 Park Place, said he recently purchased this parcel. He thanked the Council for directing the Planning Board to review the material and encouraged the Council to adopt this proposal. Tony Izzo said the next step was to set a formal public hearing on this revised proposal. He said the legal ad that was placed was for the first proposal and not this revised proposal. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked if there was any reason that the property owners could not move forward with their plans under this new proposal. Tony Izzo said this new proposal has not yet been adopted, therefore, there would be a small risk on the property owners’ part. He said it needed to be clear that if they proceed, there is no liability on the City’s part. Edward Sarsner, attorney representing Peter Buck, said it was his understanding that the first proposal was available for review and comment and that this public hearing was scheduled with that text available for review Page 1 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 by the public. He said that it seemed that due process had taken place. Tony Izzo said the legal notice was for the initial proposal not the revised proposal that is before the Council this evening. He said technically, the only application the Council could address this evening is the first proposal. He said it is necessary for the City to advertise, hold another public hearing and then vote at the next meeting. Edward Sarsner clarified that the public hearing tonight was not technically necessary then. Tony Izzo said this public hearing was for the first proposal. Edward Sarsner said the legal notice that was published was based on old information. Commissioner Matthew McCabe clarified that the wrong legal notice was published. Tony Izzo said that was not correct. He said the legal ad was based on the first proposal. He said the revised proposal has not been advertised. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public hearing. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Michael Lenz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Peter Looker urged the Council to adopt fair water rates. He said he was subsidizing the use of other residents sprinklering their lawns when it is not really necessary with all of the recent rain. He said it is a frivolous use of water and encouraged the Council to consider adopting fair water rates. Lynn Bockner, City in the Country Land Protection Committee, said on May 20, 2003, the Council voted to zone the South Weibel Avenue from the RR-1 designation. She said four of the existing Council members were on the Council at that time. She said pursuant to that vote a lawsuit was initiated. She said that lawsuit had now been resolved and it was determined that the Council decision be set aside for technical reasons. She said, therefore, the status of that property as it is currently zoned is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan. She said it was time for the Council to rezone this parcel so that it is consistent with the comprehensive plan and return it to the RR-1 designation. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that the minimum rate for water usage is only $20.90 per quarter. He reminded everyone that it is not just for water but it is also for maintenance on water lines, fire protection and other items. He encouraged residents of the City to ask their neighbors to turn off their sprinklers. Commissioner Matthew McCabe agreed that the Southern Weibel Avenue district needed to be addressed. Mayor Michael Lenz said the decision from the courts on the Southern Weibel Avenue district just recently came in and they are in the process of addressing that outcome. MAYOR=S OFFICE Authorization for Mayor to sign Department of Health application for Camp Saradac Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the Department of Health application for Camp Saradac. Ayes all. Linda Terricola noted that the City’s Risk Manager had reviewed the material. Authorization for Mayor to sign contract with Myers Fun Services for July 9th Fun Day Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Myers Fun Services for the July 9th Fun Day. Ayes all. Page 2 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 Linda Terricola noted that the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors funds this event. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Authorization for Mayor to sign Ice Rink Leases Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Saratoga Springs City Council finds that the lease agreement with Saratoga Youth Hockey, Inc., would provide a public benefit to the people of the City of Saratoga Springs; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs shall hereby authorize the Mayor of Saratoga Springs to sign the lease agreement with Saratoga Youth Hockey, Inc. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Saratoga Springs City Council finds that the lease agreement with Wayne Jones d/b/a Blade Sharpening would provide a public benefit to the people of the City of Saratoga Springs. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs shall hereby authorize the Mayor of Saratoga Springs to sign the attached lease agreement with Wayne Jones d/b/a Blade Sharpening. Ayes all. MAYOR=S OFFICE Proclamation B National Garden Week (04-100) Mayor Michael Lenz read the following proclamation: WHEREAS, since the beginning of civilization, gardening has been an important part of life. It is both an art and a science. Its practitioners provide tremendous benefits to the food supply and the environment as well as to the landscape and natural beauty of every community, and WHEREAS, National Garden Clubs and the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State have for many years promoted gardening and have provided us with invaluable education and information. Garden Club members are active in planning and environmental matters, conservation and protection of natural resources, civic beautification and scholarships for youth, NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Michael Lenz, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, am pleased to proclaim the week of June 6, 2004, as National Garden Week in the City of Saratoga Springs and to offer thanks and appreciation to gardeners and Garden Club members throughout our nation. Proclamation for National Cancer Relay for Life Week (04-101) Mayor Michael Lenz read the following proclamation: WHEREAS, Cancer remains a leading cause of death for Americans, despite great advances in education and treatment, cancer-related deaths continue to deprive us of our friends, family, and neighbors, and WHEREAS, for the past seven years, the City of Saratoga Springs has participated in Page 3 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life an international event to promote and raise funds for continuing cancer research, educators, advocacy and patient support. This year’s event will be held on June 11 and 12 and is expected to draw many citizens from our community together n the ongoing battle against cancer, NOW, THEREFORE, I Michael Lenz, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, am pleased to proclaim the week of June 6 through June 13 Relay for Life Recognition Week and to request the support of my fellow Saratogians for the success of this important event. Authorization for Mayor to sign Department of Health application for Camp Saradac Previously done. Authorization for Mayor to sign contract with Myers Fun Services for July 9th Fun Day Previously done. Easement B 79 Henry Street & 767 North Broadway (04-102) Tony Izzo said the easement at 79 Henry Street is for Nemecs and is a small encroachment of the entire building wall. He said the easement request at 767 North Broadway is for the Conboy residence and is for a couple of feet for an existing carriage house. He said DPW has found no infrastructure related issues with this request. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign all related documents granting these easements. Ayes all. Disney Saratoga Springs Resort Grand Opening Mayor Michael Lenz said he was recently invited to attend the grand opening ceremony of the Saratoga Springs Resort at Disneyworld. He said the use of the Saratoga Springs name at Disney offers great publicity for the City. He said the City is essentially getting free marketing 365 days a years. He said that local vendors such as Saratoga Salsa, Saratoga Pig, Saratoga Water and Sundaes Best Fudge Company are all selling their products at this resort. He said people all over the world will see this resort and then will hopefully want to come to see the real thing. He said it was a wonderful event and a good time for him and his family. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he was somewhat disappointed that the Mayor was not offered the opportunity to say something. He said it was a very nice event though. He informed Council members that he recently received a publication from the Disney Vacation Club Members Owners Resort and in that publication it was noted that the train station at Disney was modeled after the original Saratoga Springs train station on Railroad Avenue. He said it was nice to see so many photographs from the Bolster Collection being displayed throughout the Saratoga Springs Resort. On another note, he suggested that the Design Review Commission needed to look at the new construction in the City and try to bring back more of the Victorian architecture. Commissioner Stephen Towne said it was a nice event on a very warm day. He said that Disney did a wonderful job on this resort. Commissioner Thomas Curley also said that it was a wonderful day. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he stayed at the part of the resort called Congress Park which overlooked a lake. Mayor Michael Lenz said it was nice to see Channel 9 attending the events. He said this was a nice opportunity and it was an honor for him to represent the City. He said he hoped there would be a good, longstanding relationship between Disney and the City. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said while everyone was in Disney, he had the opportunity to represent the City in the Memorial Day parade. He said it was a good feeling to represent the City and walk down the center of Broadway for such a wonderful event. He said it was not hard to imagine why Disney used the Saratoga Springs theme. Page 4 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of May 18, 2004, minutes Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the May 18, 2004, Council meeting minutes. Ayes all. Read Letter into the Record Commissioner Stephen Towne read the following letter into the record: “My name is Thilo Ullman. I am a resident of Saratoga Springs, 244 Maple Avenue. I look to this City Council to provide Saratoga Springs residents with water that is cheap, abundant, safe and secure. The only way, in my view, to ensure there is total City control over sources, treatment and distribution. Nobody has been able yet to explain to me what the advantages are to the City of Saratoga Springs of being mere buyers of water from other entities, submitting to the needs of outside agents. The Saratogian reproduced the letter that Commissioner Towne has sent to the County Authorities, requesting clarification of certain terms. With all due respect it was a softball that avoided asking all the really relevant questions. In particular, it did not request a robust, rigorously calculated price escalation formula. With energy costs being what they are and with worse to come, pumping water across many miles of pipeline will be increasingly expensive. With many Saratoga Springs residents now living in homes that they could not afford to buy, and the property taxes climbing, water should become the next profit center for the County. Thank you for listening.” Award of Bid B Chemicals Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for Chemicals to: Slack Chemical, hydrofluosilic acid, $1.58/gallon Jones Chemical, liquid chlorine, $27.50/cwt (per hundred weight) Holland Company, polyaluminum chloride, $13.00/cwt Thatcher Company, power activated carbon, $45.90/cwt Thatcher Company, copper sulfate, $60.00 per cwt. Duso Chemical, sodiumsilico fluoride, $36.45/cwt Surpass Chemical, sodium hypochlorite $.564/gallon This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets Purchasing Guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid B Decorative Street Lights Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for decorative street lights to Warren Electric as follows: Item #1A $1, 111.00/each Item #1B $1,111.00/each Item #1C $168.00/each Item #2A $1,143.00/each Item #2B $158.00/each Item #3A $2,856.00/each Item #3B $1,291.00/each Item #4A $1,878.00/each Item #4B $132.00/each This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets Purchasing Guidelines. Ayes all. Appointment of Commissioners of Deeds Commissioner Stephen Towne announced the appointment of the following individuals as Commissioners of Page 5 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 Deeds with a term of two years: Marjorie Hamill, Kevin Veitch, James Ruhle, JoAnn Clark, Sydney Holmwood and Dan Cogan, all employees of DPS. Collaborative Community Initiative with County Bar Association Commissioner Stephen Towne said he was pleased to announce a partnership initiative with the County Bar Association to provide an educational and informational session to members of our community regarding the assessment grievance process. He said this collaborative effort would be built upon the stated objective of a fair and equitable tax assessment roll. He said given the difficulties inherent in any reassessment process, CLT has done a fine job. However, this is not an exact science and taxpayers need to be made aware of the avenues of recourse available to them if they disagree with their tentative assessment. He said he served as chairman of the Board of Assessment Review for a number of years and encountered many situations in which taxpayers did not know the process or how to support their position. Therefore, he said he was planning an information session for the public on the completion of forms and other information useful for a discussion with the City’s five person administrative, non-elected Board of Assessment Review regarding their individual situation. He said this program will offer the opportunity for taxpayers and the City to benefit as taxpayers will be more effectively informed and the Board of Assessment Review will be in a more knowledgeable position to make decisions. He said he was in the process of determining a convenient date and location and will communicate it to the Council and public shortly. Risk Management Report Marilyn Rivers reviewed the loss prevention surveys noting that they were still working on the following: East Side Recreation Complex: skate park, grand stand and portable bleachers. City Hall: fire protection system. Senior Citizen’s Center: sidewalks and ventilation system Heritage Area Complex: sidewalks and minor crack in the facade. Fire Department: the RFP was recently released for the West Avenue Fire Station. Police Department: she said the first part of the survey had been completed and the second part will take place on June 17. Marilyn Rivers thanked DPW for all of their assistance in working on the items identified in the loss prevention surveys. Comprehensive Preventative Maintenance Program: Marilyn Rivers said the Safety Committee has recommended that a comprehensive boiler and ventilation inspection plan be developed. She said that she would continue to work with DPW on that matter. North Broadway Sidewalk: Marilyn Rivers reported that DPW repaired the sidewalks along North Broadway that had been identified as a hazard by code enforcement. Confined Space Training: Marilyn Rivers reported that there had been a request from employees for confined space training. PAD Program: Marilyn Rivers said the program has been approved by REMO. She said at this time it is being determined who needs the training which the Fire Department will do. City Hall Fire Drill: Marilyn Rivers said there will be a City Hall Fire Drill later this month and the committee would meet in the near future to work out the details. June is National Safety Month: Marilyn Rivers reported that June is National Safety month and electronic bulletins would be sent out to employees with safety tips. City Hall Emergency Evacuation Plan (04-103) Commissioner Stephen Towne reported that the City Hall Emergency Evacuation Plan recently was updated Page 6 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 to reflect the installation of the new fire protection system in City Hall. The Council originally approved the plan on February 3, 2004. Updates to the plan included the activation of the system itself instead of the operator manually notifying employees via the City Hall telephone system. The Safety Committee unanimously approved these changes at their May 20 meeting. Copies of the revised policy were distributed with the agenda. Therefore, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to adopt the revised City Hall Emergency Evacuation Policy as presented (Attachment A). Ayes all. Deputy Registrar of Vital Records (04-104) Commissioner Stephen Towne said that the transfer of the vital statistics operations from DPS to the Accounts Department was mandated by the new charter. He said that In January 2004, he came before the Council with a transition plan which provided for the establishment of a temporary senior clerk position for six months. He said that during the past months, the Accounts Department has been tracking the number of transactions processed on daily, weekly and monthly levels and we have been evaluating the transfer and redistribution of various departmental duties. He said there are approximately 40 transactions each day. Commissioner Stephen Towne said simultaneously, the City of Saratoga Springs Municipal Civil Service Commission held an examination for the position of Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics on March 27, 2004. A total of 21 candidates took the examination. Results should be formalized and it is anticipated that the Civil Service Commission will establish a list of eligible candidates at their June 22, 2004, meeting. The CSEA Union has approved this position and the Civil Service Commission will address establishment of the list at their next meeting. He said that Deputy Commissioner Harper and he would commence interviews immediately with the expectation of hiring a full time Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics in the near future. Therefore, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to establish the position of Deputy Registrar of Vital Records at Grade 8, step 1, ($29,533/annual) 33 hour work week noting that the money is within my budget. Ayes all. 20 Minor Zoning Ordinance Amendments Commissioner Stephen Towne said that pursuant to the Council’s request of May 19, the Planning Board reviewed the revised proposed set of 20 zoning ordinance amendments prepared by the Joint Zoning Amendment Workgroup relating to minor changes in the text of the existing zoning ordinance. The Planning Board discussed this request at their May 19 meeting and voted 6-0 to issue a favorable advisory opinion to the Council on all of the amendments as proposed for the following reasons: a. The Board believes that the proposed text amendments are not contrary to the general purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance. b. The Board also believes that the proposed text amendments are in accord with the Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, Commissioner Stephen Towne proposed to set a public hearing at the June 15, Council meeting at 6:55 p.m. Council members agreed. Saratoga Springs School District Zoning Map Amendment Commissioner Stephen Towne said pursuant to the Council’s request of May 5, the Planning Board reviewed the proposed zoning map amendment submitted by the Saratoga Springs City School District to change the classification of about 0.5 acres of land at 5 Wells Street from Urban Residential-2 (single family homes on 6,600 square foot lots) to Office Medical Business District. He said the Planning Board discussed this request at the May 19 meeting. Following the discussion, the Planning Board voted 6-0 to issue an unfavorable advisory opinion on the proposed zoning map amendment. The Board believes that the proposed amendment Page 7 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 is not in accord with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and is contrary to the general intent of the zoning ordinance. In addition the Board encouraged the applicant to work with the neighbors to develop a reuse for the property that is more compatible with the neighborhood. He said the Council must still act on this zoning amendment petition, therefore, he proposed to set a public hearing at the June 15 meeting at 6:45 p.m. Council members agreed. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Payrolls B Approvals Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the following payrolls: May 21, 2004 B $362,615.41 and May 28, 2004 B $347,426.55. Ayes all. Warrants B Approve Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the following warrants: 2004 Regular Warrant 6/1/04 1JUN04 $ 387,480.55 2004 Mini Warrant 5/26/04 MC040526 $ 103,686.99 Ayes all. 2004 Budget Amendments Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the 2004 budget amendments. Lines 1 through 4 are to record video sales, brochure rental and music donations for UHAP. Lines 5 and 6 are to record a flower donation to UHAP. Lines 7 and 8 are a reimbursement from New York State for the STEP program in DPS (Attachment B). Ayes all. 2004 Budget Transfers Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the 2004 budget transfers. No explanation needed since all transfers are fewer than 10% of budget appropriation (Attachment C). Ayes all. Five Points Neighborhood Commercial District Commissioner Matthew McCabe requested that a public hearing be scheduled for June 15, 2004 at 6:50 p.m. on the two Neighborhood Commercial Districts (Five Points and Beekman Street). Alternative Transportation Advisory Board Greg Cuda said that Commissioner Matthew McCabe appointed this committee several months ago to review alternative transportation issues such as the potential for a shuttle to the downtown, improved signage, making the area more pedestrian friendly, completion of the bike trail and other related issues. He said the committee has met with both CDTC and CDTA to discuss their involvement in this venture. He said CDTA made a presentation on May 25 which focused on short term solutions. He noted that CDTA has been informed that the Saratoga Springs designation has been changed from rural to urban which increased funding by an additional $400,000. He said they are now evaluating their system and requesting input from communities. Greg Cuda said the committee believes that transit is a cost effective way to solve some of the transportation issues. He said that route changes, increasing frequency and access to public transportation would increase ridership. He said more importantly though there needs to be support by the community. Page 8 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 Commissioner Stephen Towne asked that Greg Cuda forward a copy of the committee’s report and findings. Greg Cuda agreed. Greg Cuda said that CDTA believes there are opportunities to increase public transportation and ridership in the Saratoga Springs area. He said that the typical person who rides the bus is elderly. He said though that they are also looking at increasing the tourist related riders. He said that to date their committee has done alot of fact finding by meeting with CDTA, CDTC and talking to other communities. He said that they expect to make a recommendation to the Council when their report is complete. Commissioner Matthew McCabe thanked Greg Cuda and the committee members for this report and their work to date. DEPARTMENT PUBLIC OF WORKS Ice Rink Lease Previously discussed. Upgrade: Water Meter Service Worker to Water Meter Service Worker Supervisor (04-105) Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to create the position of water meter service worker supervisor. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTyue moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to upgrade Phil Coloucci from the position of water meter service worker at Grade 6, Step 4 to that of provisional water meter service worker supervisor at Grade 10, Step 4. This will be effect as of June 7, 2004, which will be his new step date. He will keep his current anniversary date for vacation and longevity. He said that they received both Civil Service and CSEA Union Approval. Ayes all. Compost Screen Rental Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the rental of a compost screen from Southworth Company for $15,000 per month and a one time delivery charge of $1,000. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this is a much larger machine than they have rented in the past. He said with the closing of the facility at the Harness Track, there is a greater need for the City to do more of this kind of work. Ayes all. Name Change for Engineering Firm Commissioner Thomas McTygue informed Council members that the City Engineer informed him that Sear Brown Engineering Firm had changed their name to its parent company, Stantec Consulting Group. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to approve the assignment of the existing pedestrian improvement contract with Sear Brown to Stantec and authorize the Mayor to sign the appropriate documents. Commissioner Stephen Towne reminded Commissioner Thomas McTygue that a new insurance certificate with the appropriate company name needed to be acquired from the firm. Commissioner Thomas McTygue Page 9 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 said he would do so. Ayes all. Pedestrian Improvement for Downtown Area Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that in 1998 there was an application submitted for Downtown Pedestrian Improvements in which the Woodlawn Avenue Parking lot was included. He said that at this time he is prepared to go out to bid on this project. He said there is between $250,000 and $300,000 available. He said this project will add some parking spaces and make it more pedestrian friendly. He said that at this point this is a project that needs to come to fruition, or the City will lose the money. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that there should be a little more discussion on the idea of having a parking deck at this location. He said that traffic was an issue at this location. Mayor Michael Lenz asked what was the deadline for spending these funds. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he was prepared to moved forward at this time with the bidding process. He said he was not sure of the deadline, however, the work could begin in the fall. Mayor Michael Lenz asked about the funding. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the total package was $562,000 which was for traffic and sidewalk improvements. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he believed the traffic light at Spring Street was included in this funding. Mayor Michael Lenz asked if the funds could be reappropriated for another use. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he was not sure. He said it was his understanding the funds had to be used or they would be lost. Mayor Michael Lenz said he was concerned about moving forward with this project when there had already been discussions on a parking structure at this location. He asked if the funds could be used towards a parking structure. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he was not sure, however, that could be looked into. Mayor Michael Lenz said he would prefer to hold off on these improvements until he had more information on how the funds could be used. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said a parking structure would cost between four and five million dollars. He said that he was confident that the Council would not want a structure at this location. He said this project would allow for a new alley way, improved sidewalks, lighting and other associated items. He said that Saratoga Associates was hired to design the projects. Mayor Michael Lenz said he would like information on how the funds can be used and what was the deadline. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he would rather see the immediate measure of making that lot a two hour lot. He said he could not stand the phrase “use it or lose it”. He said he believed that the Council should hold off on this project until it had been determined what the Council would like to see on this lot. He said he did not want to spend taxpayers money when there may be another solution. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that the City has no funds available for a parking structure at this location. He said that he had also had conversations with the Special Assessment District on making this a two hour lot and they would not take a position on that matter. He said that he was willing to make it a two hour lot. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he was concerned with making so many spaces in the downtown are two hour spaces. He said there needs to be a balance. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said there are plenty of spaces in the large parking lots behind City Hall, the Hub parking lot and the Spring parking lot that are all day parking. Bill McTygue said the funds that are available for this project have been in the works for quite some time. He said that getting this money was a very competitive process. Page 10 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 Mayor Michael Lenz said he understood that, however, he wanted to know what the City’s options were before making a decision. He said he would rather see the money put toward a deck. Commissioner Thomas Curley said the Woodlawn lot was part of a larger package which included traffic lights at Caroline Street, Grove Street, Spring Street, etc. He said he would like to know how much funding was still available under that project. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he did not believe that it was necessary to have a light at Spring Street near the carousel. He said the stop signs were working just fine. Commissioner Thomas Curley said the light was recommended by the traffic consultant. He said the light would be triggered so that there is no stacking of cars. He said it would be better for pedestrians in trying to cross the street. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Authorization for Mayor to sign contract between Saratoga County and City of Saratoga Springs Police Department for the Stop DWI Grant (04-106) Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract between Saratoga County and the City of Saratoga Springs Police Department for the Stop DWI Grant, contingent upon the City Attorney and the City Risk Manager reviewing the documents. He said this is an ongoing grant for the last nine years. Ayes all. Saratoga Springs Police Department awarded grant from The Bureau of Justice Assistance (04-107) Commissioner Thomas Curley announced that the Police Department recently was awarded a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the amount of $3,145 for bullet proof vests. Announcement and presentation of the winners of the police memorial week essay contest Commissioner Thomas Curley announced the following winners of the Police Memorial Week Essay Contest: Age 6-8, Jonathon Newman, age 9-10 Jennifer Oboy and age 11-12 Bridget Callahan. He said that each of these individuals will receive a $100 savings bond. SUPERVISORS Phil Klein said Ray Callanan had responded, today, to the Council’s letter of May 20. He said in that letter Ray Callanan said the County needed time to consult with their engineers before providing a response. Phil Klein said he would work with Ray Callanan on moving this along as quickly as possible. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that it was already taking too long. He asked why it had taken so long to get a response that says they are just now beginning to work with the consultants on this matter. Phil Klein said Ray Callanan has been working on some of the details of the letter. He said that they need to meet with their engineers and will do so next week. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Michael Lenz adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Page 11 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 1, 2004 Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: Page 12 of 12