City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2004 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Thomas Curley, DPS Michael Lenz, Mayor Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW Commissioner Stephen Towne, Accounts PRESENT: Phil Klein, Supervisor (arrived 7:00 p.m.) Anthony Scirocco, Supervisor (arrived 7:30 p.m.) STAFF PRESENT: Matthew Dorsey, City Attorney Patrick Design, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Erin Dreyer, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Debbie Harper, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Alicia Wardell, Deputy Mayor PUBLIC HEARING 2005 Capital and Comprehensive Budgets John Crause, 227 Grand Avenue, retired from financial management and budget business raised the following issues concerning the budget: the rate per thousand should correctly reflect the appropriate decrease that results from property revaluation; the school tax rate declined from $19.53 to $13.32 per thousand which is a 32 percent reduction; the library rate decreased from $1.54 to $1.03 which is a 33 percent reduction and the City’s tax rate decreased from $7.15 to $5.36 which is a 25 percent decrease. The City’s property valuation increased to $2.6 billion, $12.4 million is the proposed tax levy which is $2.7 million over the prior year. He estimated the tax rate to be $4.82 not $5.32. He asked why salaries were increasing by 6.1 percent. He said there should be a decrease in the tax levy due to the removal of the pension payment of $2.1 million. Are there any other nonrecurring items such as the submarine convention that should have been removed. He said that to say that the City has a $28.5 million budget is misleading when the City Center, SAD, Water & Sewer and Capital budgets have not been included. The budget should be explained in more detail to the public. He would be willing to assist the Finance Department in developing a presentation. Alaine Chinian, Saratoga Plan, encouraged and thanked the Council for considering funding the Spring Run Trail system. This has been an ongoing project. She supported land acquisition. She suggested that the City could use some assistance in coordinating the various potential contributors to the Excelsior Avenue project and perhaps a committee was in order. Eileen Finneran, representing the Districtwide Parent Association, urged the Council to support the Media and Technology Center project. It would greatly benefit the school district. She supported a recreation facility. Kathy Ireland urged the Council to fund the Spring Run Trail system. Dennis Brunnelle, Saratoga County EOC, encouraged the Council to support the Media Center project. There are 53 not-for-profit agencies in this area and the Media Center could be of great benefit to those organizations by advertising their services. Linda Terricola, Recreation Department, advocated for reinstating 45,000 to the Recreation operating budget. She requested that $25,000 be restored for the position in DPW to maintain parks. She also advocated for the Recreation facility, wading pools and skate park renovations. Page 1 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Maki Jacknowitz said the Media Center technology could be used to advertise the many services of the not- for-profits and encouraged the Council to support this project. Mark Lawton, 209 Nelson Avenue, representing the Charter Committee, said they were pleased that there was some progress on the Human Resources position. The progress made on the capital budget was also significant, but there was still a ways to go. The budget needed to be presented in a manner that is understandable. No capital project can be authorized unless it is included in the capital program. Items can be added or deleted from the capital budget by a 4/5 vote and public hearing. The City is required by state law to have a six year capital program. The committee is ready to work with Commissioners to achieve an orderly implementation of the charter. Jean Stam, 77 Phila Street, said information and technology are important to this community. She encouraged the Council to support the Media Center project. Carrie Woerner, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, asked the Council to consider their request for funding in the City=s budget. They have a small staff and many active volunteers. They also assist the Design Review Commission. Carol Maguire, Caroline Street, thanked Lou Schneider and Matt Dorsey for their prompt response to her concerns and for making information available to her. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public hearing. Linell Lands Zoning Amendment Mayor Michael Lenz opened the public hearing. Doug Ward, 116 Caroline Street, supported the Linell Zoning Amendment application. Rick Fenton, Spring Street, supported the Linell Zoning Amendment application. He also supported the Media Center project. (Phil Klein arrived.) Alaine Chinian, Saratoga Plan, said that Saratoga Plan will be one of the tenants at this location if the amendment is approved. She encouraged the Council to support this request. Carrie Woerner, SSPF, supported the Linell Lands zoning amendment proposal. This school building is on the National Register and was glad to see it preserved and restored. Rich Torkelson,170 Spring Street, supported the Linell Lands zoning amendment application. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public hearing. Railroad Alley Mayor Michael Lenz opened the public hearing on the Railroad Alley street naming and numbering ordinance revision. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public hearing. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Michael Lenz called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Page 2 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Dave Bronner, 5 Royal Henley Court, corrected the misinformation in the newspapers concerning his service in the military displaying his bronze star citation. He also said that it was inappropriate for Lew Benton, member of the City=s Planning Board to identify himself as a member of the Planning Board when not conducting City business. Michael Ginley real estate attorney representing Sarah Gill, 42 Warren Street, read a statement into the record concerning a paper street behind her house that belonged to the City. The Sicklers have fenced in a portion that is City owned. The May 1980 Council minutes reflect that the City owns the street. He has been working with the Real Estate Committee on purchasing a portion of the street. They have made a generous offer to the Sicklers to split the paper street or Gill would pay to have the fence removed and a new fence erected on the new property line at her cost. The Sicklers rejected the offer. This has been going on for more than two years. Sarah Gill is willing to pay whatever the City claims as the reasonable value of the paper street. The Sicklers have no right to the land. The City should force the issue by selling the paper street to Sarah Gill. Dan Chertock, attorney representing the Devizios, appearing on the paper street issue as noted above, said his clients have no objection to the City removing the fence. They too have concerns about the ownership of the street. He encouraged the Council to sell the parcel to Sarah Gill. Matthew Veitch, 2 Casino Drive, supported the concept of creating a multi-use trail along Geyser Road. Local programs such as Saratoga on the Move and Walkable Community encourage such trails. The trail would serve both transportation and recreation needs and would support the national program known as Safe Route to Schools. It would enable walkers and bikers safe access to the downtown. They are in the process of applying for a grant in order to conduct initial studies and design ideas for a multi-use trail. He asked for the Council’s support. Jeff Piro, representing the Saratoga Springs School Board, said the Board supports the Media Center project and encouraged and supported the Council in the renegotiation of the cable contract. He said the district just did a district wide update of their technology and they now have a completely outfitted video production room. He submitted a letter of support from the Board of Education. Barbara Glaser, Spring Street, said she supported the Media Center project. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public comment period. MAYOR’S OFFICE Appointment (04-188) Mayor Michael Lenz announced the appointment of Derick Legall and Remigia Foy to the Urban Heritage Area Board. Set Salary for Human Resource Administrator (04-189) Mayor Michael Lenz appointed Margaret Bridges as the Human Resources Administrator. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded that the position of the Human Resources Administrator be , 40 hours per week, $50,000, confidential management, non union position effective October 25. He said there is Civil Service approval. Ayes all. Page 3 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Set Salary for Administrator of Community & Economic Development (04-190) Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to dissolve the Planning & Economic Development Administrator position and create a position of Community and Economic Development Administrator at Grade 18, between Step 1 & 5, at 40 hours per week. The position has CSEA approval. When the position description is completed by Civil Service he will come back to the Council to announce the appointment. The position will be filled internally. The City Planner position will remain as is and the new position along with the City Planner position will incorporate the requirements of the new City Charter. Ayes all. Cable Franchise Renew Initial Survey - Steve Pierce Steve Pierce, Cable Franchise Renewal Consultant summarized the cable franchise renewal project. Cable is a lucrative business, with a minimum of 10,000 subscribers at $50/month which equates to $6 million per year for the cable company. It is a ten year contract. Cable is no longer just about television, but it is also telephone and internet access. Under the federal law, the City can negotiate with the cable company. He said the City could increase its percentage with better definition of gross revenues by at least five percent. The cable company can also be required to provide two or more local access channels. (Anthony Scirocco arrived: 7:30 p.m.) Steve Pierce said that the cable company could fund the construction of a media center and purchase of equipment for that center. He then showed a video from Lowell Massachusetts. He noted that they have public programming including religious, cultural, ethnic, government, school meeting, community wide events, festivals, etc. He said the programming was endless. Steve Pierce said that public channels can be a powerful tool to get information out to residents. The City should be aggressive in negotiations with the cable company. It is a complex field. He recommended that the City hire someone with national experience in this area. He said that contract review is necessary on a continuing basis to be sure that the cable company remains compliant. Contract negotiation items can include the franchise fee, technical review, customer service enhancement, etc. The City first needs to conduct a needs assessment. Without a needs assessment, the City cannot negotiate with the cable company because the cable company is required to meet the needs of the community. What is at stake are customer service, media center, public access channels, and franchise fees. Steve Pierce recommended that the City hire an independent consultant, not tied to the cable industry, with national experience. He said the consultant should be someone who works only with municipalities. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked why it might be necessary to hire someone from outside of the state. Steve Pierce said that ideally, the consultant would have some experience in New York State, but not exclusively in New York State. He said it might be possible that the benchmark may not have been set at the appropriate level in New York State. The NYS Public Service Commission does not encourage hiring someone from outside of New York State. He also reminded everyone that this is federal legislation, not New York State legislation. Mayor Michael Lenz thanked Steve Pierce for his presentation. Media Center Project Jackie Pardon and John Dandavere, representing the Media Center Project encouraged the Council to support the Media Center. John Dandavere said the Media Center Project committee had identified an opportunity to establish a Media and Technology Center. It is an opportunity to do what other communities are already doing. The City should Page 4 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 be at the forefront. The City should take advantage of the local cable contract and negotiate this project. The cable company could provide the City with 25 or 30 public access channels used for PEG (public, education, government). The public portion would be used by the not-for-profits, the education portion could show school board meetings, the government portion could televise governmental meetings. The channels could also be used for public safety programs, emergency alerts, political campaigns/debates, etc. It could be used as a tool for reach out to the community. The Media Center Project will seek support from the local organizations. The Saratoga Springs School Board supported the Media Center project. He recommended that the Council aggressively renegotiate the cable contract. Jackie Pardon, 11 Ten Springs Drive, said Steve Pierce did a good job educating the community on the possibilities. Phase one is now complete. The Media Center recommends that the Council adopt the outline as presented by Steve Pierce and that the City proceed with the hiring of an independent cable consultant with experience outside the New York State. She said the City needs someone with a proven track record who can guide the City through this process. The City should use the cable franchise fee that it currently receives to pay for this consultant. A local field organizer should also be hired with the charge of forming a committee, developing an RFP, developing a time line, getting assistance from local professionals, etc. A trip will be arranged to visit a location in Massachusetts to see their media center. They will continue to hold information sessions to keep the public and the Council aware of their progress. Mayor Michael Lenz said that he would meet with Jackie Pardon to discuss funding this project. Televised Council Meetings Mayor Michael Lenz said the televised Council meetings would be on the third and fourth Mondays of the month. It was also agreed to change the next Council meeting to Monday, November 1. American Legion Proclamation (04-191) Mayor Michael Lenz read the following proclamation: Whereas, Halloween has been an exciting and imaginative occasion for millions of children each year. Recently, however, more and more adults have chosen to participate in the fun and festivities, and it has become much more important to emphasize proper supervision and safety for our children. Accidents and injuries give us far greater fears than any costume, story, or movie, and Whereas the National Safety Council has developed guidelines which can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents during trick or treat and other popular Halloween traditions. Some of these guidelines stress common sense precautions such as flashlights, flame- proofing, and reflective tape. Others emphasize the need for adult supervision and thorough examination of candy and food received. Above all, responsible adults should take every step to inform themselves and their children about keeping safe from harm, Now, therefore, I, Michael A. Lenz, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, hereby extend my very best wishes to all for a fun and safe Halloween and I urge all citizens to be especially alert and to take every precaution to ensure the well-being of our young people. Planning Board’s Standard Construction Details Mayor Michael Lenz removed this item from discussion. Workforce Housing Summit Mayor Michael Lenz announced a Workforce Housing Summit to be held on November 4, 7:00 p.m. at the Marriott and a technical working session on November 5 at 9:00 a.m. at the public library. He said the public is invited to attend and he encouraged them to do so. Real Estate Committee Report Page 5 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Matt Dorsey said there is a request from Witt Construction to purchase a strip of land at 5 feet 6 inches for $1.00 along Grand Avenue. In return, he will improve the City’s infrastructure by extending the water and sewer lines and adding storm drainage mitigation at a cost of $70,000. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to sell the portion of land to Witt Construction for $1.00 as described by the City Attorney. Ayes all. Matthew Dorsey reviewed the alley matter between the Sickler/Gill/Devizio. In the 1980s a portion of the alley was sold to other residents, however, the Sicklers were not interested. The Sicklers have now erected afence. There is a question regarding title. The Sicklers believe they own the portion due to adverse possession. The matter has been before the City for some time. The Real Estate Committee encouraged the residents to work this out. Sarah Gill made a generous offer, but the Sicklers declined the offer. The options include: a) do nothing, b) bring legal proceedings to determine ownership, or c) sell the parcel to all or one of the interested parties and they bring action against the Sicklers. With the third option, the City could be forced to defenditself in proceedings. He recommended that the City take no further action. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the issue was that the Sicklers had erected a fence on City property and he believed the City should get involved in the negotiations. He requested a meeting with Matthew Dorsey. Matthew Dorsey said the third parcel is located in the Town of Wilton and is 80x250. The Council authorized Paul Male to represent the City at the Town of Wilton Zoning Board of Appeals to gain a variance for the parcel to make it a buildable lot. The variance was not granted. Tony Izzo said the City could file an Article 78 or ask the Town of Wilton ZBA to rehear the case. There are only 30 days to file the Article 78. He said he could talk to the Town of Wilton ZBA attorney and request a rehearing, however, rehearings are not generally easily obtainable. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked what were the benefits of pursuing an Article 78 as opposed to a rehearing. Tony Izzo said the City could request a rehearing but also keep the option open for an Article 78. Tony Izzo said the denial was based on the fact that the City had not exhausted all of its options. He said it is not possible to purchase land from the adjacent properties. Mayor Lenz asked for a recommendation. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked if it was worth it for the City to pursue this matter. Commissioner Stephen Towne said a buildable lot could be worth up to $50,000. Commissioner Stephen Towne suggested that a rehearing be pursued. Mayor Michael Lenz moved Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded that the City Attorney is directed to request a rehearing with the stipulation that the City not be precluded from filing an Article 78. If a rehearing is not possible, the Assistant City Attorney is authorized to pursue an Article 78 at a cost not to exceed $2,000. The motion is contingent upon a line item being identified to fund payment for the Assistant City Attorney. Ayes all. Railroad Ally Street Naming & Numbering (04-192) Matthew Dorsey said that the City is selling a portion of Railroad Alley to the Adirondack Trust Company, therefore, the City=s Street Name and Numbering Ordinance needed to be modified to change the description. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the modification to the Street Naming and Numbering Ordinance as discussed. Ayes all. Kuchesky Property (04-193) Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded the following: WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs is under a purchase contract for the acquisition of approximately 72+/- acres out of an existing approximately 76 +/- acre parcel at the intersection of Gilbert Road and Meadowbrook Road (“The Kuchesky Page 6 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 parcel”) in the City of Saratoga Springs after its subdivision, for the public lands to be acquired and used for the strict purposes set forth under the City of Saratoga Springs Environmental, Parks and Open Areas Program; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs previously conducted a review of the proposed actions of the project utilizing a full Environmental Assessment Form and determined that the project as described is subject to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) as an Unlisted Action; and WHEREAS, the City Council’s request to be Lead Agency was circulated to all potentially involved agencies and responses have been received in support of the City being the Lead Agency; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs hereby declares itself to be Lead Agency for the purpose of a coordinated review of the subdivision and land acquisition regarding the Kuchesky parcel pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617.6(b)(3) of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Ayes all. Mayor Michael Lenz said that the negative SEQR would be addressed at the next Council meeting. Matthew Dorsey said that a memo had been circulated to Council members on this matter. He said the lot lines had been staked and Recreation Commission members had looked at the lines and offered their comments. He reminded everyone that the Council had previously approved a contract for this parcel noting that the City could gain about 72 acres and Mr. Kuchesky would retain approximately 4 acres. He said the current plan calls for one 4.5 acre lot and one 72.6 acre lot. He said there is potentially some additional land that could be gained by the City. He then reviewed the maps. He explained that under current zoning, RR1, as many as 16 houses (which includes the density bonus) could be developed on this parcel. He said the current proposal though shows approximately 100 feet of land between the City parcel and Mr. Kuchesky’s parcel so that if the City chose, a road could be developed. He said Mr. Kuchesky requested some additional land on the corner lot, however, that line had been pulled back. Matthew Dorsey said there is potentially some additional land that could increase the City=s parcel to 75 acres which will include the small pond which will be entirely under the City=s control. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to resolve to consent to Mr. Kuchesky’s filing an application for subdivision consistent with material reviewed and discussed this evening. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it was his understanding that the lot lines had been moved back. He said Mr. Kuchesky was looking to move the lot lines to increase his lot size. Matthew Dorsey said the lot lines had been moved back to where the City wanted them and he also had spoken to Linda Terricola and it is her belief that the proposed lot lines would not impair the ability of the land to be used for recreational use. He said he wanted to be clear though, that the purchase of this parcel does not make this active recreation fields. He said public input will be required on that matter. The City is purchasing this parcel at this time for open space purposes. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that everything to date, was contingent upon Mr. Kuchesky attaining subdivision approval. He asked if there would be opportunity for Mr. Kuchesky to change his mind once subdivision approval was achieved. Matthew Dorsey said no. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the intent is to purchase the parcel for recreation use. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the City is using bond money and the Council needs to be clear on what it is doing. Mayor Michael Lenz said that one benefit of this transaction is that there is extremely accurate topography of the land. Page 7 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Ayes all. Authorization for Mayor to sign Marriot Reservation Form Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the Marriot reservation form. Ayes all. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of October 5, 2004, meeting minutes Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the October 5 meeting minutes. Ayes all. Approval of October 12, 2004, meeting minutes Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the October 12 meeting minutes. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Congress Park Bathrooms Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the contract for the Congress Park Bathrooms to SD Atelier, Saratoga Springs for $22,094. This proposal has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets the Purchasing Guidelines. The approval is contingent upon the City Attorney working out the minor details and finalizing the contract. Ayes all. Donation - Smoke Detectors Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to accept the $150 donation from NYMIR for safety programming for the Senior Citizen population. These funds will be used to purchase fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. Ayes all. Donation - NYMIR Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to accept the donation of 25 smoke detectors from Home Depot valued at $125 for use in fire prevention activities. Ayes all. Linell Lands Zoning Amendment (04-194) Commissioner Stephen Towne said that pursuant to the Council’s request of August 25, 2004, the Planning Board reviewed the proposed zoning text and map amendments submitted by the Linell Lands relating to a new Neighborhood Complementary Use District near the intersection of Spring and Court Streets. The Planning Board discussed the request at their September 29 meeting and the Board recommended that the petitioner’s request be slightly modified as presented. The Board concluded that it would be best to group this new zoning district with the other neighborhood commercial districts and call this one Neighborhood Complementary Use District B 3 and the other two similar districts, Neighborhood Complementary Use District-1 and Neighborhood Complementary Use District -2 respectively. For the NUCD-1 and NUCD-2 districts, there are no substantive changes only a new name. The petitioner expressed support for these amendments. The Planning Board voted 7-0 to issue a “favorable” advisory opinion on the proposed revised zoning text and map amendments. The Board found these revised amendments to be in accord with the Page 8 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Comprehensive Plan and with the general intent of the zoning ordinance. Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to issue a negative SEQR determination and to adopt the zoning text and map amendments as modified by the Planning Board. Ayes all. Henry Street Zoning Amendment Commissioner Stephen Towne said that pursuant to the Council’s request of September 22 the Planning Board reviewed the proposed zoning map amendment submitted by McTygue, Allerdice, Palmetto and Dejnozka to change the classification of approximately .7 acres of land along Henry Street from Urban Residential to Transect 5 - Neighborhood Center District. The Planning Board discussed the request at their October 6 meeting. Following the discussion, the Planning Board voted 7-0 to issue a “favorable” advisory opinion on the proposed zoning map amendment with the condition that the Council make an appropriate map amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed Comprehensive Plan map amendment that would change the designation of the Henry Street from High Density Residential-2 to Special Development Area was previously distributed. The Board believes that the zoning map amendment submitted by the petitioners would only be in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan if this Comprehensive Plan map amendment was also made. The Council would need to hold a special pubic hearing on the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment. The Board supports the Zoning Map amendment and the Comprehensive Map amendment. The Planning Board also found that the proposed zoning map amendment from UR-4 to T-5 not to be contrary to the general purposes and intent of the zoning ordinance. Commissioner Stephen Towne set a public hearing on the Comprehensive map amendment for November 16 at 6:50 p.m. and a public hearing for the zoning map amendment for November 16 at 6:55 p.m. 911 Numbering Commissioner Stephen Towne said he placed this item on his agenda to allow further exploration of the matter. He said there needs to be some consistency on the Council’s part on when the Council should weigh in on these matters. He mentioned this at other meetings and so far had no input from Council members. There have been concerns expressed and there needs to be a process established which makes everyone comfortable. He asked Council members to think about this and he will bring it back for further discussion at a later date. Fixed Assets & MSDS Commissioner Stephen Towne said that Marilyn Rivers, Risk & Safety Manager, had sent out an email requesting final updates on Department’s fixed asset inventory. The information is due back to her by October 22. Commissioner Stephen Towne said that a memo had been sent to each department requesting updates on chemicals. He asked that departments respond to Marilyn Rivers by November 19. Assistant Assessor Salary (04-195) Commissioner Stephen Towne said Joe Williams, Assistant Assessor, had decided to retire, therefore, he had reshaped the position with the assistance of Civil Service. He also had conversations with the CSEA union representative. Therefore, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to finalize the details of the position saying that the position will be a grade 16, step 1, with an annual salary of $65,279, 40 hours per week and it will remain part of the CSEA union. Both Civil Service and CSEA approved the position changes. Ayes all. Page 9 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 FINANCE OFFICE Payrolls Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the payrolls as follows: October 8, 2004: $456,792.06 and October 15, 2004: $327,776.44. Ayes all. Warrants Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the warrants as follows: 2004 regular warrant 10/15/04 2OCT04 $293,775.44 2004 mini warrant 10/13/04 MC041013 $ 27,265.24 Ayes all. Budget Transfers Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the 2005 budget transfer previously distributed (Attachment A) with Friday’s agenda as follows: lines 1&2 from DPW for the payment of an emergency sewer repair on Caroline Street and Maple Avenue on July 16, 2004; lines 3&4 no explanation necessary, lines 5&6 no explanation necessary; lines 7&8 from DPS to cover an anticipated deficit, lines 13 & 14 from DPS to cover an anticipated deficit due to price increases; lines 15&16 from DPW to cover the cost of repairs to the tub grinder, lines 17&18 no explanation necessary and lines 19 & 20 no explanation necessary. Ayes all. Budget Amendments Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the 2005 budget amendments previously distributed (Attachment B) with Friday’s agenda as follows: lines 1&2 from DPS for the reimbursement of an overpayment for a recent training program; lines 3&4 from the Mayors Office for the sale of videos; lines 5&6 from DPW for the sale of equipment; lines 7&8 from DPW for the sale of items by sealed bid; lines 9&10 from Finance to adjust the Interlaken budget to properly reflect the actual amount to facilitate a check swap with the district; lines 11 thru 15 from DPS an amendment to Police Department Personnel Services lines pursuant to the settlement of the police contract; lines 16 & 17 from Accounts for a donation from NYMIR which will be used for the purchase of fire extinguishers; lines 18 & 19 from Accounts for vouchers submitted to NYS in mid-October (reimbursement is expected by the end of the year ) for reimbursement for assessor training; and lines 20 & 21 from Accounts for reimbursement for mileage for ORPS test date. Ayes all. Transportation Alternative Advisory Board Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the Transportation Alternative Advisory Board is nearing the end of their work and a presentation would be made to the Council soon. 2005 Budget Workshops and Public Hearings Commissioner Matthew McCabe said a workshop on the budget had been held on October 12 and a public hearing earlier this evening. He requested the next workshop to be held on October 27 at 7:00 p.m. and the next public hearing to be held on November 1 at 6:00 p.m. He said if it is necessary, additional workshops would be scheduled. January/February 2005 Sales Tax Exemption Page 10 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that the next sales tax exemption week was January 31 to February 6, 2005. He said there are new procedures for participating. If the City wishes to participate then nothing needs to be submitted to the state; however, if the City does not want to participate, action needs to be taken by December 3. He said it was his intention to extend the sales tax exemption program and he would bring this back to the Council at the next meeting. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS RFP Hub Lot Committee Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that three proposals had been received from businesses interested in this project. He requested that a meeting be held tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in DPW to begin the review process. He said members of the Committee include a representative from each Commissioner, SAD (Ray Morris) and the City Engineer. Sewer Emergency Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he wanted to keep everyone aware of the previous sewer emergency expenses. He said invoices were received from Morris Excavating for $47,678.87 and Anjo Construction for $42,183.20 for a total of $89,862.07. He said the funds are within the sewer contingency fund to pay this expense. Carousel Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to accept a donation from Audrey’s Art Ltd. In the amount of $1,120 for the carousel. Ayes all. Water Plant Trainee Commissioner Thomas McTygue withdrew this item. Announcement Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced that new signs had been installed at the railroad station, Congress Avenue and South Broadway welcoming people to the community. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Executive Session Commissioner Thomas Curley requested an executive session to discuss land. Authorization for Mayor to sign GMH Contract (04-196) Commissioner Thomas Curley said this topic had been discussed a few months ago with a presentation made by GMH in connection with the Navy Housing. He said he had since been working with them and an agreement had been crafted for the City to provide fire, police and EMS services to the Navy housing development at a cost of $408 per unit. He said both the City Attorney’s Office and the Risk & Safety Manager had reviewed the contract. He said the services provided to the Navy housing would be no different from services provided to other areas of the City. He also noted that the funds received for these services are to be Page 11 of 12 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 19, 2004 dedicated to a special account in DPS. Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to enter into an agreement with GMH as discussed. Ayes all. Authorization for Mayor to sign Grant Application for Car Seat Grant (04-197) Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the grant application for the car seat grant program in the amount of $36,000. Ayes all. Donation to the DARE Program Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to accept the $100 donation from the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for the DARE program. Ayes all. COUNTY SUPERVISORS Nothing at this time. EXECUTIVE SESSION Land Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to adjourn to executive session to discuss land. Ayes all. Council members returned at 9:30 p.m. Mayor Michael Lenz reported that no action was taken. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Michael Lenz adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: Page 12 of 12