City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2004 5:30 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Thomas Curley, DPS Michael Lenz, Mayor Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW Commissioner Stephen E. Towne, Accounts PRESENT: Phil Klein, Supervisor ABSENT: Anthony Scirocco, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Erin Dreyer, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Christine Gillmett-Brown, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Debbie Harper, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Alicia Wardell, Deputy Mayor Matthew Dorsey, City Attorney CALL TO ORDER Mayor Michael Lenz called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to adjourn to executive session to discussion contract and land acquisition/legal matters. Council members returned at 6:45 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING 20 Minor Zoning Amendments Mayor Michael Lenz said this was a public hearing on a set of zoning text amendments that have been prepared by the Joint Zoning Ordinance Review workgroup. These amendments are largely minor in nature and are intended to correct minor errors in the zoning text, reduce ambiguity and keep the intent of the ordinance clear and intact. The Planning Board issued a favorable advisory opinion on this set of zoning text amendments. Mayor Michael Lenz opened the public hearing. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public hearing. Five Points Zoning Amendment Mayor Michael Lenz said this is a public hearing on a revised proposal from the Planning Board for zoning text and map amendments relating to the neighborhood commercial districts. The proposal would create two distinct neighborhood commercial zoning districts. NCD-1 would be located in the Beekman Street and Excelsior Springs Avenue areas. NCD-2 would be located in the Five Points area. Each of the two districts would have slightly different uses that would be permitted by the issuance of a special use permit by the Planning Board. This revised proposal was developed by the Planning Board in response to concerns raised by neighbors in the Five Points area. The Planning Board issued a favorable advisory opinion on this revised set of zoning text and map amendments. Mayor Michael Lenz opened the public hearing. Page 1 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Barbara Lombardo, 35 Park Place, commended the Planning Board for reviewing this material again and developing two types of neighborhood commercial districts. She said this is a good plan that meets the needs of the neighborhood and the applicants. She urged the Council to approve the recommendation. Stephanie Melvin spoke on behalf of the three parcels involved in this application (grocery store, bed and breakfast and the laundromat/barbershop) saying they all supported this recommendation. Tony Izzo clarified with Council members that this proposal was for the establishment of two types of neighborhood commercial districts. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public hearing. Saratoga Springs School District Zoning Amendment Commissioner Stephen Towne informed Council members and the public that he had received a letter of withdrawal from the applicant late this afternoon. Therefore, while the public hearing would continue to be held this evening, there would be no vote. Commissioner Stephen Towne said that 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. 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 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. The neighbors have filed a protest petition against this project which requires that the Council approve this amendment by a majority plus one vote. Mayor Michael Lenz opened the public hearing. Gene Sirianni, 117 Van Dam Street, said the school board has been at this location for more than 40 years and they have not paid one dime in taxes. He said the school used a real estate firm from Albany to put this building on the market. He said it is a $600,000 project and $40,000 goes directly to Albany in fees. He said this building is surrounded by 22 single family homes and two multiple family homes. He said he did not want to see this area changed from the residential nature to commercial. He said the neighbors do not want a medical use in this building. He said this neighborhood cannot handle the traffic generated from medical use. He said if local Realtors were used, perhaps there would have been an opportunity for a better use of the parcel. He said the neighbors do not want to see the character of the neighborhood changed and urged the Council to not approve this request. Patricia Driscoll, 102 Van Dam Street, said The Saratogian represented the neighborhood with a negative story. She said that The Saratogian reporter called her under the guise of obtaining her feelings on this proposal. She said the questions asked of her though were very biased and the conversation ended quickly. Bob Cleary, 127 Van Dam Street, said he got a telephone call this afternoon informing him that the applicant was withdrawing their application and he was pleased to hear this. He said, though, that there is a lack of communication between the City, the applicant and the neighbors. He also agreed that The Saratogian’s story was negative towards the neighborhood. He said it is the applicant’s job to find the best use for the building, not the neighbors. He said the neighbors have appeared before the school board twice and did not receive a reply on either occasion. He thanked the Planning Board and the City Council for the time spent on this application and for listening to the neighbors’ concerns. Page 2 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Ed Sadler, 19 Russell Street, said his family has been in this neighborhood since 1890. He reminded everyone that when voters voted yes to sell the building they did not specifically vote yes to sell it to Dr. Spingarn. He said this parcel was on the market for only one month. He said he was concerned with the original proposal because Mr. Levinsky wanted residences rezoned for commercial uses. He said that would mushroom into other parcels being used for commercial uses thereby changing the character of the neighborhood. He said Saratoga Hospital was a good example. He said many of the properties around Saratoga Hospital are now doctors offices. He said this parcel should be used for existing permitted uses. Josh Nixon, Russell Street, said he has lived in this neighborhood since 1991. He said he wanted the residential use to continue and did not want to see the encroachment of commercial use. He said he has two children and wants to raise them in this neighborhood, however, if applications such as this are approved, he may be forced to relocate. He encouraged the Council to accept the Planning Board’s recommendation. Lisa Roberts, 111 Church Street, said she has lived in this neighborhood for two years and she wanted to keep it as a residential area. 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 7:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD David Bronner, 5 Royal Henley Court, applauded the Mayor for appearing on a local radio talk show and discussing the parking, water and sales tax issues. He encouraged all Council members to do so. He said though that he was concerned with other elected officials from the City using radio programs to complain about shutting down the City government to honor Ronald Reagan’s death. He said shutting down the City government should have been discussed among Council members, not on the local radio program. He said that same elected official should have been addressing more important matters such as the STAR exemption on his rental property. Chris Millis, 2 Marion Avenue, said that The Saratogian should be embarrassed because of the recent editorial in The Post Star on the water issue. He said The Saratogian editorial was flawed for two reasons: devaluation of property value and recreational use of the lake. He said properties would not be devalued. He said it was difficult to find residential properties near water and they rarely go down in price. He also noted that the recreational use of the lake would not likely be limited. He pointed to the Hudson River, noting that the recreational use of the river has not been limited. He said the City does not need a limitless supply of water saying that a limitless supply would certainly induce growth and over development of the area. He said the City needs to do what is best for the City and unabated development and sprawl was not good for the City. He said the Council needs to address the quality of life issue. He encouraged the Council to have a Citywide ballot on this matter. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said Chris Millis was correct. He said this is one of the biggest decisions that will be made by the Council. He informed Council members that the City pumped one mgpd more today than it did last year at this time. He said this is a serious situation that needs to be addressed. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said in reference to David Bronner’s comments he did appear on the radio talk show recently at his request. He reminded everyone that the host of that talk show attacks all democrats. He informed everyone that he had spoken to Mayor Michael Lenz about closing City Hall and had informed him that while the Mayor may have wanted to shut it down for the day, he (Commissioner Thomas McTygue) could not do so. He said he had already scheduled paving jobs that could not be changed, therefore, he could not close down DPW. He said that on the sales tax issue, the fault was with the NYS Tax and Finance Page 3 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Department. He said if David Bronner was concerned with the STAR exemption he should obtain a lawyer to pursue the matter. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public comment period. MAYOR=S OFFICE Alvey Contract (04-109) Mayor Michael Lenz informed members of the public that during the executive session, the Council voted 5-0 to hire the firm of Alvey & Cote for appraisal services for parcels 166.00-2-26, 166-00-2-25 and 166.00.2-21. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Five Points Zoning Amendment (04-110) Commissioner Stephen Towne said that pursuant to the Council’s request of May 18, the Planning Board took another look at the existing zoning for neighborhood commercial districts and for the rezoning proposal to create a neighborhood commercial district in the Five Points area. The Planning Board discussed this request at their May 19 meeting at which there was significant input from the neighbors in the Five Points area. The Board reviewed in depth a number of options and decided that the best solution would be to create two types of neighborhood commercial districts, an NCD-1 and NCD-2. The revised regulations relating to NCD-1 would be applied to the existing neighborhood commercial districts on Beekman Street and Excelsior Springs Avenue. The new regulations for NCD-2 would be applied to the Five Points area. The Planning Board voted 6-0 to issue a favorable advisory opinion to the City Council on this revised set of amendments with the following comments: 1. The Board believes that the proposed text amendments are not contrary to the general purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance. 2. The Board also believes that the proposed text amendments are in accord with the Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to issue a negative SEQR determination and to adopt the revised ordinance which creates two neighborhood commercial districts, NCD-1 and NCD-2 as proposed by the Planning Board (Attachment A). Ayes all. MAYOR=S OFFICE Proclamation for Birdstone Mayor Michael Lenz read the following proclamation: PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS WHEREAS, horse racing is not and never will be an exact science, the suspense and drama of racing makes it one of the most thrilling and invigorating spectacles on earth, and WHEREAS, Saratogians are particularly accustomed to thoroughbred racing surprises. Here is where Jim Dandy prevailed and where Man O’War failed against Upset. Many Saratogian still recall the hot August afternoons when Alydar beat out Affirmed, and when even the invincible Secretariat lost out to a horse named Onion, and Page 4 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 WHEREAS, just over a week ago a largely unsung and unheralded Saratogian named Birdstone amazed the overflow crowd at Belmont Park with powerful and riveting stretch run to victory in the 2004 Belmont Stakes. Despite long odds and little attention, he outran the heavilty6 favored and immensely popular Smarty Jones to win the longest and most grueling race of the Triple Crown. He impressed millions, but we in Saratoga Springs are all the more impressed because he was bred in our City. He was undeniable one of own and he has made us very proud indeed. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael Lenz, Mayor the City of Saratoga Springs, am pleased to congratulate Marylou Whitney, John Hendrickson, Nicholas Zito and all of the hard- working members of Birdstone’s team on a tremendous achievement and wish them and Birdstone the very best of good health and continuing success. Mayor Michael Lenz said he had spoken to John Hendrickson about this event and both him and Marylou Whitney appreciated the Council taking time to acknowledged this historic event. Mayor Michael Lenz said that while they were glad to win the race, they thought they would come in second. He said it was a great testament to the City that the City has had an influence in the last two Triple Crown seasons. He congratulated John Hendrickson and Marylou Whitney. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that all were excited to see Birdstone win this event. He said as DPW did with Funnycide, they have ordered a street sign and will hold a dedication some time during the summer. He said it is good for the City to have these connections and influences on such events. Behan Contract Renewal for Land Acquisition (04-111) Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the amendment to the contract with Behan Associates as presented. Ayes all. Maple Dell Address Change Mayor Michael Lenz requested that a public hearing be set on the street name change in the Maple Dell/Avenue D area. A public hearing was set for July 6 at 6:55 p.m. Congress Park Centre PUD Extension (04-112) Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to extend the Congress Park Centre Planned Unit Development legislation until December 31, 2004. Ayes all. Street Adoption Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the street adoptions as presented (Attachment B). Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue noted that these were all private streets. Part Time Secretary Rate Mayor Michael Lenz withdrew this item from discussion. Appointment B Shirley Needham, Secretary of Planning & Economic Development (04-113) Mayor Michael Lenz announced the appointment of Shirley Needham as the new Secretary of Planning & Economic Development effective June 15. Page 5 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Saratoga Hospital Easement (04-114) Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the easement for Saratoga Hospital as presented. He said that the Planning Board has reviewed and approved this proposal. Ayes all. Camp Saradac Trips & Programs (04-115) Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the Camp Saradac Trips & Programs as presented (Attachment C). Ayes all. Donations B Skate Park Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the skate park donations as presented (Attachment D). Ayes all. Street Hockey Program Mayor Michael Lenz and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the street hockey program as distributed (Attachment E). Ayes all. Approval of $1,500 to YMCA of Saratoga for Teen Services Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the YMCA Teen Services program in the amount of $1,500. He noted the money is within the recreation budget. Ayes all. Approval of $3,000 to YMCA of Saratoga for YMCA Basketball League Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the YMCA of Saratoga Basketball League in the amount of $3,000. Kathy Lanfear noted that the City does not run a basketball program for this level, therefore, the City contributes to the YMCA league. Ayes all. School Bus Contract Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the contract between the City and the school district for bus service. Kathy Lanfear noted that the contract had been reviewed and adjusted by the City Attorney and the Risk Manager. Ayes all. Recreation 2003 Annual Report Kathy Lanfear noted the 2003 Annual Recreation Report had been distributed to Council members. Approval to Submit State Grant Application (04-116) Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded that the Council give the Page 6 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Mayor authorization to submit a state grant application as discussed in executive session. He said the City Panning Department will work with Behan Associates to craft the application which needs to be in by June 30. He said this grant requests funding up to $350,000 for the acquisition of land for open space and/or recreation. He said if the grant is received, it will be applied towards the purchase of the land at Gilbert and Union Avenues. Ayes all. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of June 1, 2004, Council minutes Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the June 1, 2004, Council meeting minutes. Ayes all. Approval of June 8, 2004, Council minutes Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the June 8, 2004, Council meeting minutes. Ayes all. Saratoga Reads Program Commissioner Stephen Towne said that on May 5, the Saratoga Reads program was launched by a group of individuals from various local businesses. This program welcomes members of the community to be part of an extensive and shared conversation involving people of all ages and wide ranging interests through a community wide reading of a novel rich enough to sustain invigorating dialogue and inspire cultural and educational activities. Commissioner Stephen Towne said that Marie Glotzbach and Phyllis Roth were here this evening to further explain the program and invite the Council, as well as the community at large, to join in this cultural community activity. Marie Glotzbach said this group is in the process of soliciting nominations of books that would then be narrowed down to the final selection. She said they will begin with a list of 15 books that will be narrowed to five on September 10. In October, the final selection will be made and then on January 1 during the First Night festivities, there will be a kick off event. She said that from January through April, they will work with schools, newspapers, organizations, etc. on promoting the reading the book. She said that in May, if there is a film available, it will be shown. Phyllis Roth said that any local organization wishing to partner with them on this event is invited to do so. She said there are many ways to participate, i.e., advertising, buttons, signs, vendors, classroom activities, etc. She said that museums could have displays as could bookstores, schools and downtown businesses. She said that perhaps there could even be an ice cream flavor. She said if the author is living, the author could be invited to do readings. She said she hoped the schools, organizations, retirement centers and businesses would participate in this event. Commissioner Stephen Towne noted that the first deadline for submission of books was July 25. He said there would also be a kick off breakfast. Marie Glotzbach said the criteria for submitting a book is that it be a novel, in English, in paperback and appropriate content. Commissioner Stephen Towne said the Council would be following this event with interest and he was delighted to support this program. Commissioner Stephen Towne said that more information on this matter could be found at www.saratogareads.org or 580- 8008, or at P.O. Box 4396 Saratoga Springs. 20 Minor Zoning Amendments (04-117) Page 7 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 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 Ordinance Review 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. Commissioner Stephen Towne said that the proposed amendments are all a type II SEQR exempt actions, therefore, no SEQR determination by the City Council is necessary. Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to adopt the 20 minor zoning amendments as proposed (Attachment F). Ayes all. Saratoga Springs School District Zoning Amendment Commissioner Stephen Towne withdrew this item from discussion noting that the applicant had withdrawn their application. Donation B T-Shirts Commissioner Stephen Towne said that recently Automatic Fire Sprinkler Inspection & Services donated T- shirts to the City to be used as a prize for the planned City Hall evacuation to be held on June 28. The City’s Safety Committee is holding City Hall’s first fire drill on that date. Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to accept the donation of T-shirts from Automatic Fire Sprinkler Inspection & Services with a dollar value of $ 75.00. Ayes all. Dates for Bar Information session regarding grievance process Commissioner Stephen Towne said there will be public meetings coordinated by the Saratoga County Bar Association on grieving assessments. He said this meeting is geared to help the public gain the knowledge and information necessary to understand the process and to explain the review process. He said that tentative notices will be mailed on June 24. He said that two of these educational sessions have been set for June 28 and July 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the library. Provisional Appointment of Deputy Registrar (04-118) Commissioner Stephen Towne said that the Deputy Registrar position was filled on a temporary basis several months ago. He said that recently interviews were completed for this position. Commissioner Stephen Towne then announced the provisional appointment of Donna Buckley as Deputy Registrar of Vital Records, effective June 16. Saratoga Springs 93 Associates Certioriari (04-119) Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the agreement as discussed in executive session between the City and Saratoga Springs 93 Associates for years 2000 and 2001. Ayes all. Page 8 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Commissioner Stephen Towne informed Council members that Fleet Bank had withdrawn their 2000 through 2002 cases (2003 still pending). He noted that the assessed value of the parcel during those three years was $1,370,200 while the petitioner claimed the assessed value was $160,000. Commissioner Stephen Towne said that when he came into office there were 28 cases pending. He said that during his time 21 have been withdrawn or dismissed. He said this was a compliment to Matthew Dorsey, City Attorney, for a job well done. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Payrolls B Approvals Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the following payrolls: June 4, 2004 B $377,139.94 and June 11, 2004 B $376,924.95. Ayes all. Warrants B Approve Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the following warrants: 2004 Regular Warrant 6/15/04 2JUN04 $ 801,640.69 2004 Mini Warrant 5/26/04 MC040609 $ 129.098.72 Ayes all. 2004 Budget Amendments Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded for the approval of the 2004 budget amendments previously distributed. Lines 1 and 2 are to utilize NIMO refund money to pay Malcom Pirnie for testing at the Spring Brook. Lines 3 and 4 are to record additional site inspection money in the Engineer Office above and beyond what was budgeted for 2004. The money will used to pay for part time summer help. Lines 5 and 6 are to record a reimbursement for overtime from the Regional Emergency Medical Organization. Lines 7 and 8 are to record a reimbursement for overtime from Saratoga County for the Aggressive Driving Grant. Lines 9 and 10 are to record a reimbursement for overtime for DWI Patrol. Lines 11 and 12 are to record a donation from Marshall and Sterling to provide a defensive driving program in the City (Attachment G). Ayes all. 2004 Budget Transfers Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded for the approval of the 2004 budget transfers previously distributed. Lines 1-4 do not need an explanation. Lines 5 and 6 are to move 2003 encumbered money from RAN line to TAN line to cover 2004 note interest. Lines 7 B 12 are to move 2003 encumbered money in old Engineer lines to the new Engineer lines following the City Charter move of the department to DPW. Lines 13 and 14 are to transfer money in Engineer budget to gas and oil line. 2004 budget was not sufficient. Lines 15 and 16 are to cover the cost of the Compost screen rental (Attachment H). Ayes all. Lake Avenue End of High Rock Lot Sign Removal Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he was glad to see the signs had been removed from the parking lot behind City Hall and that it was now a two hour lot. He thanked the Council for their support of this program. He said while many of the spaces were vacant during the day, this move on the Council’s part gives the perception that there are spaces available downtown. He said this was a positive step. Page 9 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Woodlawn two-hour Parking Lot Proposal and Set Public Hearing Commissioner Matthew McCabe requested that a workshop be scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, at 6:00 p.m. on the parking issue. He said the Council needs to inventory the lots and discuss this issue. Shuttle Service Commissioner Matthew McCabe suggested that perhaps some advice be sought from Disney on shuttle transportation. He said they do an excellent job in shuttling people around and perhaps they could advise the City. Mayor Michael Lenz said he would follow up on this matter. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Loughberry Lake Water Levels Commissioner Thomas McTygue distributed information to Council members on the water level at Loughberry Lake. He noted that the City dropped below the spill line about a week ahead of last year. He said they have also increased the amount that is pumped from last year at this time. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that in reference to the PCBs in the upper Hudson it was not just a statement from him but rather it came from the EPA report. He said the EPA report clearly states that eating the fish is not advisable, therefore, he wondered how we could drink the water. He said over the next several weeks he would be distributing more information on this and other matters concerning the alternative water source. He said today he received a telephone call from Bev Valentine in which she reminded him of former Commissioner Edward Valentine’s law suit with GE on the PCB issue. He said that Edward Valentine died because of PCBs. He said if residents are not happy with his stand on the alternative water source, they are more than welcome to run against him. Carousel Commissioner Thomas McTygue informed everyone that the carousel is now open for the summer with hours from 11:00 a.m. until dark. He said the carousel is closed on Monday for maintenance. Street Paving Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced the following paving schedule: June 14: mill Ingersoll Road and Rock Street June 15: mill Van Dam Street June 16: pave Van Dam Street and Seward Street June 17: pave Rock Street and Birch Alley DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Elks Flag Day Parade Commissioner Thomas Curley said that over this past weekend, he was presented with a bouquet of yellow ribbons from Carol Hotaling. He said that it was located in his office and he would be sure that all Council members were able to see it. He said she was also looking for donations to assist her in sustaining her yellow ribbon campaign. Executive Session Page 10 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 Previously done. Firefighters Contract (04-120) Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the Firefighters contract as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he wanted to take this opportunity to explain his reasons for not supporting this motion. He reminded Council members that last year the Council moved up the Fire Department’s request for the aerial fire truck which was a significant cost. He said that upon reviewing the numbers for this proposed contract, he found that they were substantial. He asked where the funds would come. He said these are large expenditures for the City with no identified sources of revenue to cover the cost. He said increases such as these could result in 10 to 12 percent increases in taxes. He said the employees of this City deserve increases and benefits but between the reassessment and these salary increases it would be a significant impact on the budget. He reminded Council members that last year his budget was reduced to cover the increases in other departments. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said this is going to be a tough budget year. He said the City is beginning to see the end of an era of generous benefit packages. He said he is looking long term and with this proposed contract it was good for the City in the long term. He said he did not get the ten year contract that he had hoped for but it was a three year which was good. He said some employees will begin to pay for health insurance. He said the money to cover these increases will come from surplus. Commissioner Thomas Curley reminded Council members that he gave up $100,000 in the capital budget last year so that DPW could purchase heavy vehicles. He said this is a three year contract retroactive to January 1, 2004. He said the retirement plan will benefit both the City and the firefighters and also encourages long term employees to consider retiring. He said he appreciated all of the assistance from Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Deputy Commissioner Christine Gillmett-Brown and Deputy Commissioner Erin Dreyer on their assistance in bringing this to completion. Mayor Michael Lenz agreed this would be difficult times for the Finance Department during the budgetprocess. He reminded everyone, though, that the City consistently sees at the end of each year, that each department spends less than what is budgeted. He said he appreciates all of the comments, but it was clear that departments can get by with less. He said this contract provides for another year, which will help in the budget negotiations. He said this will be a difficult season for contracts. He agreed there were some long term savings in the retirement programs. He also noted that one way or another, there would be a contract with the firefighters and the bottom line was that this was a positive step for the City. He said that it is questionable as to whether arbitration would have been better. Ayes: four; Nays: one (Commissioner Thomas McTygue). Motion carried. PBA Contract Commissioner Thomas Curley withdrew this item from discussion. Addition to City Code to Post Alternate Side Parking Regulations on Lawrence Street Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to post alternate side parking on Lawrence Street, contingent upon the City Attorney reviewing whether a public hearing is necessary. Ayes all. Donation of Sick Time Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the Page 11 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 15, 2004 donation of one sick day from Jack Dejnozka to Neal Emanatian. Ayes all. SUPERVISORS Nothing at this time. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Ayes all. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: Page 12 of 12