City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 6:00 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 ABSENT: Anthony Scirocco, Supervisor 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 Budget Mayor Michael Lenz called to order the 2005 budget public hearing. John Krause, 227 Grand Avenue, said the Council needs to focus on the budget and the tax rate. He said the City’s assessed value went from $1.5 billion to $2.6 billion. This year’s tax rate is $7.08 which was a 14 percent increase over the previous year. The school budget tax rate declined by 32 percent, the library tax rate declined by 33 percent and the City’s rate, at this time, has declined by only 24 percent. He said the City’s expenses appear to be in line but the revenues are flat or decreasing. The Council should focus on a tax levy between $4.20 and $4.50. The budget increase should not be more than 3 and 5 percent. New spending must be considered against these targets. Some of the new projects should be self-funded. He is willing to assist the Finance Department. If the Council is not able to adopt a budget by the end of November they should continue the process. There is precedent because both the state and federal governments have not adopted budgets on time. Claire Keal, 231 Caroline Street, representing the skateboarders, thanked the Council for funding that program. Jackie Pardon, 11 Ten Springs Drive, League of Women Voters and Media Center Committee, encouraged the Council to fund the Media Center project at $30,000. The $30,000 will allow the process to continue by hiring a field organizer. The field organizers will also develop a plan to identify local money to pay for this process. She submitted an additional 60 signatures in support of the Media Center project. Bob Spratt, Chair, Recreation Commission, said their initial budget request was cut by $45,000. They supplied justification for reinstatement of $17,540. They have a bare bones budget. He advocated for reinstatement of funding in the capital budget for the recreation facility. There are many supporters for this facility. This project has been discussed for many years. The City needs to provide these services for the residents. The facility will meet the needs of the community. Maybe there are county funds available. He also noted that revenues would be a byproduct of a new facility. Mark Lawton, co-chair of the Citizens for the Implementation of the Charter, 209 Nelson Avenue, said the Council has made progress but there was still a ways to go. He said there needs to be a process established for both the capital and general budgets and it must be more comprehensive and comparative from year to Page 1 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 year. There needs to be more focus on department functions to allow for comparisons. More work on the budget needs to be done in the off season. The charter requires more information in a simpler method to allow the residents to understand it. Linda Terricola, Recreation Department, encouraged the Council to include $30,000 in the capital budget for the recreation facility. She also advocated for the restoration of the funds eliminated from their general operating budget. Chris Hart, 7 Laura Lane, said if the City constructs a recreation facility, children from surrounding towns will use it. He asked where those supervisors were when it came to funding. Leaving the County sales tax formula was a mistake. The Council should return to the County with a request to get back into the tax formula. Saratoga Springs is the jewel of the county and a message needs to be carried to the County that the City wants to get back into the sales tax formula. Joy King, Vice Chair, Recreation Commission, said the City needs a recreation facility. There needs to be consolidation of games. It is difficult for parents to travel between Gavin Park and Ballston Spa. Other smaller surrounding communities have recreation facilities. This has been discussed for many years and it was time to do something. Lew Benton, 29 Thoroughbred Drive, said the City has historically underbudgeted and overspent in the DPS overtime line. This year DPS is requesting $1 million but will likely spend closer to $1.25 million. The deficits are then stabilized by transfers. He encouraged Council members to look at this situation. Since 1997 the overtime budget has increased by 250 percent. He also encouraged the Council to look at the sales tax revenue. The Council budgeted 7.6 million this year and the proposed budget is at 7.65 million. Last month the Council received $1.2 million in sales tax revenue which is a 26 percent increase over last year. The trend for the first six months of this year is up 21 percent from last year. He believed the City will top out at $8.5 million which is $900,000 more than budgeted. He encouraged the Council to look again at the sales tax figures. Mike Maylahn, 112 Cobble Hill Drive, Gansevoort, asked the Council to maintain the skate park funding. Commissioner Stephen Towne said a letter had been received today from Hank Kuczynski concerning the budget process. He distributed the letter and encouraged Council members to read it. Commissioner Matthew McCabe reminded everyone there is no surplus this year to bring the tax rate down. There is support for the recreation facility. There was good news from the county on the parking deck. He said with the County funds there were many more possibilities in bonding and debt limit calculations. He said maybe it was time to look at bonding closer to the City’s cap. He said maybe it was time for the City to take a stand and fund these programs. It will cost the residents though. There is no budget surplus left as a cushion. Maybe the funds from the County should be set aside for the year. There will be contractual obligations to meet next year. The Council needs to set priorities. The City should own the land for facilities first before designing. If land is purchased within the next three to six months, then bonding for construction would likely take place in 2006. There is money for design but it is not likely that construction will be next year. He is reviewing the sales tax revenue. We are over last year’s figures by about $1 million, but there is a drop in occupancy tax. It is likely that there will be a drop in the mortgage tax. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said it was his intention to have a budget adopted by November 16. Larry Levine, 4 Victoria Lane, said the price of construction continues to rise and he encouraged the Council to move forward on the recreation facility. He said a recreation facility is something of which the Council could be proud. Paul Mound, 5 Underwood Drive, informed Council members that there is a group of 20 City residents who will Page 2 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 commute to Troy and pay $7,000 to have baseball batting practice. The City needs to consider revenue generators such as this when considering the recreation facility. Dave Bronner, 5 Royal Henley Court, said the Council needs to solve the water alternative source matter first. He said there are two choices, spend between $17 and $24 million by going to Saratoga Lake or spend nothing by going to the upper Hudson. That $17 to $24 million could be used for the recreation and EMS facilities. Commissioner Thomas McTygue clarified that water projects are funded through the water budget. Therefore, the savings as stated by Dave Bronner were not available for the construction of recreation or EMS facilities. The City will not save millions of dollars by going to the upper Hudson. He said as long as he is Commissioner, residents of the City will not drink water from the upper Hudson. There is no savings to the residents by going to the upper Hudson. 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. Executive Session Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to adjourn to executive session at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Ayes all. Council members returned at 7:20 p.m. and reported the following action: Alvey, Cote and DiMura Contract (04-198) Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to hire Alvey, Cote and DiMura to provide appraisal services to the City at a cost of $2,800. Ayes all. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Michael Lenz opened the public comment period. Tom Roohan, 55 Warren Street, said he is in the process of constructing a pool and carriage house. He has been to all of the Boards and Departments within the City has paid his water connection fee. Once the water connection permit is issued, he can then apply for the building permit which is the last step. He has been waiting weeks for the water connection permit and found that there are many others also waiting. He questioned how one department could hold up this process and prevent him from getting a building permit. Dave Bronner, 5 Royal Henley Court, said there are many arguments to be made for using either Saratoga Lake or the upper Hudson, but he presented letters awhile ago from DEC and DOH that closes the matter on the pcbs in the upper Hudson. He said pcbs are not an issue and should not be brought up again. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he would present information on this issue to the Council within the next month. He said pcbs are a major issue. MAYOR=S OFFICE Page 3 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 Roohan/Fallon Zoning Map Amendment Mayor Michael Lenz said the Council has received a letter from the Planning Board regarding the advisory opinion on the petition from J. Thomas Roohan and Thomas G. Fallon for a zoning map amendment. The amendments would change the classification of eight parcels of land from Urban Residential-3 (single-family and two-family) to Transect-5 Neighborhood Center on Woodlawn Avenue. The petition also requests the rezoning for a vacant parcel at 557 North Broadway from Urban Residential-4 to Transect 6- Urban Core District. These amendments now need to be sent to the Saratoga County Planning Board for the required advisory opinion. A public hearing was set for December 7, 2004, at 6:55 p.m. on this matter. Planning Board Standard Construction Details Mayor Michael Lenz said the Council has received a request from the Planning Board to approve a revised set of Standard Construction Details. This document is a collection of acceptable minimum standards for projects that appear before the Planning Board. These details save applicants and the Board considerable cost and time during the review process. This set of standard construction details was originally adopted in 1991 and this new document is an effort to bring the standards up to date. The standards have been prepared with the assistance of the Office of the City Engineer and the Departments of Public Safety and Public Works. Pursuant to City Codes the Council has 30 days to approve modify or reject this document. Mayor Michael Lenz chose to acknowledge receipt of the document and to allow the Council more time to review the material. High Rock Avenue Zoning Amendment Petition Mayor Michael Lenz said the Council had received a petition from J.B. Reality Enterprise Corporation for a zoning map amendment that would change the classification of a two acre parcel of land at 112 High Rock Avenue from Urban Residential-4 (multi-family) to Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District (mixed use). This property is known as the Spring Valley Apartments. The Council needs to decide if it will accept this petition for study and forward it to the City Planning Board for the required advisory opinion. Bill Kerniry, attorney representing the applicant, said there are no formal plans at this point and there would be a feasibility study done. Therefore, Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to accept the petition for study and to send it to the City Planning Board for an advisory opinion. Ayes all. Expenditures for Workforce Housing Summit Mayor Michael Lenz said there are a number of expenditures associated with the upcoming Workforce Housing Summit. The costs for the summit are being borne cooperatively by the City, the Workforce Housing Partnership and the Saratoga County Builders Association. All the funding is being administered by the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council. The City’s portion of the summit cost is $1,125 and will come from the professional service line items in the Planning Board budget. There is adequate money in the Planning Board budget for this expenditure. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded that the Planning Board is authorized to contract with the EOC for the cost of these professional services in an amount not to exceed $1,125. Ayes all. Appointment Mayor Michael Lenz appointed Brian Hollowood to the Recreation Commission replacing Tim Brown. Human Resource Administrator Contract (04-199) Page 4 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded the following resolution: WHEREAS, theCity of Saratoga Springs appointed Margaret Brydges to the Human Resources Administrator position for the City of Saratoga Springs effective October 25, 2004; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Saratoga Springs is desirous of continuing employment of Margaret Brydges as Human Resources Administrator of the City of Saratoga Springs; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: A. The salary for the Human Resources Administrator of the City of Saratoga Springs shall be $50,000 effective October 25, 2004. B. The standard workweek for the Human Resources Administration office for the City of Saratoga Springs shall be 40 hours per week. C. The Human Resources Administrator for the City of Saratoga Springs shall enjoy and be entitled to the same holidays as defined in the CSEA contract for the City Hall employees bargaining unit. It is understood that for the purpose of calculating vacation time that Margaret Brydges’ service to the City of Saratoga Springs began on October 25, 2004. D. Sick time shall be accumulated for the Human Resources Administrator for the City of Saratoga Springs at the rate of one day per month. Upon completion of seven (7) years of continuous service, cash payments will be made for accumulated sick leave remaining in an employee’s individual account upon the following basis at termination of employment or upon death of the employee while in the employ of the City shall be paid to the employee’s beneficiary or estate. Margaret Brydges shall be paid twenty-five (25%) percent of accumulated sick leave up to a maximum of 200 days (cash payment of 50 days). It is understood that for the purpose of calculating sick time that Margaret Brydges’ service to the City of Saratoga Springs began on October 25, 2004. E. The Human Resources Administrator shall enjoy and be entitled to all of the non-salary benefits regarding: vacation time; sick leave; personal/bereavement leave; holidays; life insurance; health insurance; opt out; disability insurance; vision plan; and NYS retirement system as granted in the CSEA bargaining unit of the City Hall employees. F. This contract will be resubmitted on an annual basis by the Mayor. Ayes all. Kuchesky Subdivision and Land Acquisition - SEQR (04-200) Matthew Dorsey said the Council appointed itself as lead agency under SEQR at the October 19 Council meeting. The Council has received the final report from Hartgen Archaeological Associates and found that the land acquisition will not impair the character or quality of historical, archaeological or architectural resources. The Council has also received an environmental site assessment report from CT Male in which they recommended further assessment of the area of the site previously mined for gravel. DPW dug 16 test pits and found only clean fill and no evidence of hazardous substances. He then recommended that the Council pass a resolution determining the subdivision and land acquisition will not have any significant environmental impacts. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded the following resolution: Page 5 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs is under a purchase contract for the acquisition of approximately 72+/- acres out of an existing approximately 76+/- acres parcel at the intersection of Gilbert Road and Meadowbrook Road in the City of Saratoga Springs, 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 (SEQR) 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, and the City thereafter declared itself Lead Agency on October 19, 2004; and, WHEREAS, an archeological study consisting of a Phase 1a on the entire 76+ acres and a Phase 1b on the areas proposed for ground disturbance by this action, was conducted on behalf of the City of Saratoga Springs in September 2004 by Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc. of the project site; and, WHEREAS, a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment of the project site was conducted on behalf of the City of Saratoga Springs in September 2004 by C. T. Male Associates, P.C.; and, test pits were conducted on the appropriate areas of the property to adequately confirm the nature of the areas of fill on the property; and WHEREAS, a Conservation Subdivision Application was prepared on behalf of the City of Saratoga Springs and the applicant, Raymond Kuchesky, by Paul Tommell, L.S., P.C., proposed for submission to the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board. On the 76+ acre-parcel, a total of four residential lots will be established (two lots for two existing houses, and two lots for two future houses) on about four acres, and the remainder of land will be for the City’s environmental, parks and open areas program. The subdivision work included a detailed topographic survey, a floodplain study to determine the flood elevation, and the identification and mapping of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation freshwater wetlands and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers federal wetlands. A permanent conservation easement will be established on about 13 acres of the 76 acres as permanent open space land as defined by the City of Saratoga Springs Article IV B Conservation Subdivision Regulations (Added 5-20-03) '240-4.3 Permanent Open Space. WHEREAS, the reasons for supporting a negative declaration of the determination of significance for this proposed action has been prepared outlining a reasoned elaboration and referencing the above additional studies and the subdivision work that was conducted; and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, as Lead Agency, has thoroughly analyzed the potential areas of environmental concern and determines that the project will not result in any large or important impacts and therefore, is one which will not have a significant impact on the environment, and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part '617.7. The SEQR negative declaration form and attachment will be circulated to Involved Agencies. Ayes all. Real Estate Committee Report - Ethier (04-201) Matthew Dorsey said there has been a request by Stephen Ethier to purchase a portion of Reservation Road (paper street). He said the Real Estate Committee has recommended that the Council sell a portion to Ethier for $1,000, Klink for $350 and Daggs for $500. If any are not interested in purchasing the adjacent parcel, then it would be sold to Ethier. He noted that DPW has no objection to this sale. Page 6 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the recommendation of the Real Estate Committee and sell the portion of Reservation Road to Ethier for $1,000, Klink for $350 and Daggs for $500. Ayes all. Transportation Improvement Project Application (04-202) Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to add the transportation Improvement Project Application matter to the agenda. Ayes all. Mayor Michael Lenz said this material had been distributed to Council members. Brian Hanrahan said this is a unique opportunity for the City to apply for funding, under the air quality funding program. The application deadline is November 15. He said the grant application would allow the City to leverage the Woodlawn Avenue parking lot for up to $10 million in funds. He said the grant application would be for an intermodal transit center, including bus operations, waiting rooms, taxi cab stands, etc. The second part of the project could be for a parking garage for up to as many as 450 spaces on the Woodlawn Avenue site. The third part would include retail, office use and possibly a pad for workforce housing. The facility would not be operated by the City but the City could own the parcel. This application will only get the City on the list for consideration. He said that a vote of support by the Council is needed for this application. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked why not include the High Rock Avenue parking lot. Brian Hanrahan said the application could be expanded to include other areas. He said the City would leverage the project by 20 percent value of the parcel. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to support the application as presented, noting that the application will be expanded to include other sites. Bill McTygue asked how this application might impact the current project that is scheduled to go out to bid on the Woodlawn Avenue site. Brian Hanrahan said he would look into that matter, however, he did not believe that it would impact those improvements. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked if this motion could be delayed so as to allow Council members more time to review the material and formulate questions. Mayor Michael Lenz said the application deadline is November 15 and there is not another Council meeting before that date. Ayes all. Recreation Department Contracts Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to add the Recreation Department Contracts to the agenda this evening. Ayes all. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the rental agreements with the Town of Wilton, Skidmore, YMCA and the School District as presented. It was noted the contracts had been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office and the Risk & Safety Manager. Ayes all. Linda Terricola mentioned that the Saratoga Phillies baseball team wanted to thank the Council for a good first season and distributed a token of their appreciation (polo shirt). ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of October 19, 2004, meeting minutes Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the Page 7 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 October 19, 2004, meeting minutes. Ayes all. Correction to October 5, 2004, meeting minutes Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the correction to the October 5 meeting minutes as follows: page 6, second paragraph, add “Ayes all.” Ayes all. Award of Bid - Polyethylene Bags Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for the polyethylene bags to Central Poly Corp. of Linden, NJ for $194 per thousand (lowest bidder meeting specifications). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Diesel Wheel Type Tractor Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Stephen Towne and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for the commercial duty small size chassis, diesel powered wheel type tractor with attachments to Clifton Park Lawn & Leisure for $26,870 which includes bid items #1, and alternates #A1, A2, A3 and A4 (lowest bidder meeting specifications). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Commercial Duty Platform Type Truck Body Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for the bid for the commercial duty platform type truck body package to T&T Body King of Latham for $4,729 (lowest bidder meeting specifications). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Geyser Crest Well Field Garage Addition - No bidders. Weibel Avenue Storage Building - No bidders. Commissioners of Deeds Commissioner Stephen Towne announced the appointment of the following individuals as Commissioners of Deeds with a term of two years: Marilyn Rivers, Risk & Safety Manager, Margaret Brydges, Human Resources Director and Jason Tetu, police dept.;Robert Wilson, police dept., Richard Arpei, police dept., and Edward Braim, police dept. Assistant Assessor position (04-203) Commissioner Stephen Towne said that at the Council meeting of October 19, the title of Assistant Assessor was changed to a grade 16 with a 40 hour work week. There will be two employees holding the title of Assistant Assessor during the transition period, approximately one month. Therefore, Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded that the incumbent Assistant Assessor (Assistant Assessor One) be redlined, maintained at a 33 hour work week and stay at a grade 14. The provisional Assistant Assessor (Assistant Assessor Two) will have a Page 8 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 40 hour work week, be paid at a grade 16, step 1 starting November 3, 2004. The temporary suffixes of one and two will be deleted upon the vacancy of the incumbent. Ayes all. Appoint & Introduce (04-204) Commissioner Stephen Towne announced the appointment of Tony Popolizio as Assistant Assessor effective November 3 and introduced him. Tony Popolizio said a copy of his resume had been distributed to Council members. He has been in assessment for more than 20 years most recently as the Assessor for Schenectady. He was also employed by ORPS for 18 years. He said he was honored to be selected as the Assistant Assessor for the City. Mayor Michael Lenz welcomed Tony Popolizio. Commissioner Stephen Towne said he was disappointed to see Joe Williams retire, however, was delighted to bring Tony Popolizio on board. Review of Assessment Department Commissioner Stephen Towne said the Assessment Department is going through a reorganization with the retirement of Joe and Elaine. In the near future, he will interview and hire two additional individuals. The salary ranges have been discussed and reviewed with the union. He then distributed a breakdown of Assessment Department salaries for 2004, 2005 and 2006. He noted the cost of the new employees will be subsidized with the state aid. He said there would be no increase in the salary line items in 2005 and only a modest increase in 2006. Salary Ranges (04-205) Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the salary range of $35,000 to $42,000 for the Real Property Appraiser and $25,000 to $30,000 for the data collector. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he would support this motion. He reminded everyone of the recent salary study where it showed that some salaries should be increased. Commissioner Stephen Towne said that he also conducted a salary survey to get a better handle on salaries. He used the salary study as a reference point. The positions have been expanded with additional responsibilities. With the adoption of the annual maintenance plan there will now be perpetual reassessments on properties and values will go up on a systematic basis. There is also an increase in hours in the positions. This is a cost neutral plan. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked if these positions had been included in the proposed budget. Commissioner Stephen Towne said yes. Commissioner Stephen Towne said after the first of the year, he would bring to the Council a request for an assistant in the water department. He said the position would be funded through the water budget. Ayes all. Announcement - Saratoga County Sewer District #1 - Public Hearing Commissioner Stephen Towne moved and Commissioner Michael Lenz seconded to add this item to the agenda. Ayes all. Commissioner Stephen Towne announced that there would be a public hearing by the Saratoga County Sewer District #1 at 9:00 a.m. on November 20 at the County Office building in Ballston Spa on the proposed sewer rates for 2005. FINANCE OFFICE Page 9 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 Payrolls Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the payrolls as follows: October 22, 2004 - $327,867.70 and October, 29, 2004 - $327,521.73. Ayes all. Warrants Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the warrants as follows: 2004 regular warrant 11/1/04 1NOV04 $623,135.55 2004 mini warrant 10/27/04 MC041027 $277,330.32 Ayes all. Approve Budget Transfers Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to approve the 2005 Budget Transfers (Attachment A) previously distributed with Friday’s agenda as follows: Lines 1&2 B From the Dept of Recreation, for the correction of an amendment passed at the last council meeting; Lines 3 B From the Dept of Recreation, because more office supplies are needed through the end of the year; Line 4 B deleted due to a correction; Line 5 - From the Dept of Recreation, because funds are needed for Box Lacrosse payroll; Line 6 B From the Dept of Recreation, this is a new expense line set up for lights at Geyser Park; Line 7 - From the Dept of Recreation, need Skate Park supplies, including items to close up the park; Line 8&9 - From the Dept of Recreation, to purchase t- shirts (included in registration fee) for participants; Line 10 - From the Dept of Recreation, for clear nylon monofilament netting, hardware and installation needed for Vernon Area. (This item was reviewed by the DPW, The Deputy Mayor, the Rec Director, and the City Risk and Safety Manager); Lines 11- 23 - From the Dept of Recreation, these sources were used to fund items 1 through 10 described above; Lines 24 - 27 B From the Dept of Engineering, because of the creation of new budget lines; Lines 28&29 B From the Dept of Public Works, for continued testing under the consent order with NYS; Lines 30&31 B From the Office of Planning & Economic Development, to cover the computer program and other supplies not in this year’s budget; Lines 32&33 - No explanation necessary; Lines 34 & 35 B From the Dept of Public Works, for blacktop already purchased (no other work is planned for this year); Lines 36&37 B From the Dept of Public Works, for blacktop already purchased (no other work is planned for this year); Lines 38&39 B No explanation necessary; Lines 40&41 B No explanation necessary; Lines 42 - 45 B No explanation necessary; Lines 46 - 59 B From the Dept of Public Works, funds needed for transportation to pay Springer bills and tipping fees, as there was more garbage this year; Lines 60&61 B From the Dept of Public Works, to pay for Barton & Loguidice engineering invoices incoming; Lines 62 B 67 - From the Dept of Public Works, to cover a deficit in Labor; Lines 68&69 - No explanation necessary; Lines 70&71 B From the Mayor’s Office/Visitor Center, to cover salaries for a part time clerk through the end of the year; Lines 72&73 - No explanation necessary; Lines 74&75 - From the Mayor’s Office/Visitor Center, because merchandise is very low in the shop and must be replenished; Lines 76&77 B No explanation necessary; Lines 78&79 B No explanation necessary. Ayes all. Approval Budget Amendments Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the 2005 Budget Amendments (Attachment B) previously distributed with Friday’s agenda as follows: Lines 1-3 B From the Dept of Recreation, because the NYRA contract was not renewed, additional labor was needed to park cars at the downtown lot, and to sell concession items; also, supplies were needed at the concession stands; Lines 4&5 B From the Dept of Public Safety, a check was received from the County of Saratoga for overtime incurred on DWI patrols (a grant); Lines 6&7 B From the Dept of Accounts, reimbursement received from GEICO Indemnity for damage to a Maple Avenue fence; Page 10 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 Lines 8&9 B From the Dept of Accounts, this is the second installment of an award from the NYS Archives Local Government Record Management Improvement Fund. Ayes all. Parking/Loading Zone Clarification Commissioner Matthew McCabe said there was some confusion by residents on loading zones. It was clarified by Deputy Commissioner Erin Dreyer that loading zones are for commercial vehicles. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that it would be good for downtown business owners to know that it is for commercial use only. Mayor Michael Lenz said that there was an inquiry about the loading zones in that the signs state that they are for loading Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. After those hours, the spaces are being used on a regular, full time basis and the merchants are frustrated. He said perhaps this section of the ordinance needed to be received. Commissioner Thomas Curley said that they could be reviewed, however, there is a financial impact when creating new signage. Funding for Shuttle Pilot (04-206) Commissioner Matthew McCabe said there needed to be some discussions about the Victorian Streetwalk and what happens along Broadway. Greg Acuda, Chair of the Alternative Transportation Advisory Committee, said that committee had been working with CDTA on allowing people to park in the outer areas and to then shuttle them to the downtown area. He said that CDTA is willing to operate three trolley buses from the outer areas at a cost not to exceed $1,660. CDTA is willing to pick up half of the cost. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked what outer lots might be used. Greg Acuda said the group was talking to NYRA, SPAC and perhaps the railroad station. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that the large flashing DOT signs would also be used to direct people where to park. He said there was an issue with plowing the lots though, should there be snow. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that would need to be looked into. Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to take $830 from contingency (matching funds provided by CDTA) to be used for the Victorian Street walk trolley service. This is a one time program. Ayes all. Set Date for third 2005 Budget Public Hearing Commissioner Matthew McCabe requested that a third public hearing for the 2005 budget be held on Monday, November 8 at 6:00 p.m. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Parking Lot on Caroline & Henry Streets Commissioner Thomas McTygue said a memo had been sent to DPS requesting signage at the City parking lot located on Caroline Street and Henry Street be updated. Commissioner Thomas Curley said that later on his agenda, this matter would be addressed. County Sewer Service Area Change Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the recent news articles report that the Saratoga County Sewer Commission voted to expand the Sewer District boundary service area beyond the original boundaries as set forth by public referendum in the late 1960s. He said because the City had not been consulted and the City remains the largest single rate payer to the Sewer District, he believed the City had an obligation to look into Page 11 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 the legal propriety of the Sewer District Commissioners taking action and expanding the boundaries without voter approval. Therefore, he requested a determination by the City Attorney as to the legality of this proposed unilateral expansion of the Sewer District Boundaries as proposed by the Saratoga County Sewer Commission. He also noted that he had sent a letter to both the supervisors on this matter on April 12. Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Upgrade (04-207) Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to move the position of water plant operator trainee from a grade 6 to a grade 10 on the salary schedule. He said the union agreed. Ayes all. Approval of Contract - Water Treatment Plant Inspection (04-208) Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to add this item to the agenda. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Stephen Towne seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Conrady Consultant Services to perform the necessary inspections at the water plant with a cost not to exceed $6,800. The money is within the water budget. The contract had been reviewed by the City Attorney and the Risk & Safety Manager. Ayes all. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Donation of Fire Trucks (04-209) Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to donate the 1975 Mack Aerial Tower Fire Truck VIN #CF686FA1123 to the Village of Schuylerville. The truck has no dollar value. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to sell the 1972 Hahn Engine, VIN HC522127213 to the Lions Club for $250. He said the Lions Club will make a major investment in the truck and send it to Guatemala. Ayes all. Set Public Hearing to amend City Ordinance - Parking Lot Hours at Caroline & Henry Streets Lot Commissioner Thomas Curley requested a public hearing be set for November 16 at 6:45 on the Parking Lot ordinance at Caroline & Henry Street lots. Set Public Hearing to amend Section 225-59 of the City Code (Tow Truck Ordinance) Commissioner Thomas Curley requested that a public hearing be set for November 16 at 6:45 p.m. on the Tow Truck Ordinance. SUPERVISORS Phil Klein said the County is currently working on their budget. He said that outside agencies are making their requests for funding. The County is moving forward with their contract with Malcolm Pirnie for the water project. He suggested that the Council request that the officials who represent the City on the Saratoga County Sewer District make a presentation and to advise the City on the pending expansion. Page 12 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 1, 2004 Commissioner Matthew McCabe clarified that the commitment of $300,000 for the parking deck would be included in the County budget. He said he understood that it was the intention of the County to fund the project at $300,000 for four years and he hoped that the commitment would continue for the four years culminating at $1.2 million as intended. Phil Klein said it was the intent of the Board to fund the project at $300,000 for four years. He reminded Council members that it was a matching grant. The County will approve their budget in early to mid December. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he would include the $300,000 in the City’s budget. Bill McTygue, Director of Utilities, said the City had some concerns with the sewer rates. Phil Klein said there was no difference in the sewer rate. Bill McTygue said the City’s sewer bill would go up $170,000. He said while the rate remained the same, with the cryptic way in which the County calculates the charge they estimate that the City has 19,300 units. He said that they are estimating that the City had an increase of 1,300 units this year. Commissioner Thomas McTygue again said while the Town of Wilton will see a decrease, the City will see an increase. He said the Town of Wilton was paying 2 1/2 times the rate, but now that the developers have left and the residents are paying that rate, it has become a problem. He said that the City is absorbing 47 percent of the county sewer increase. He said it is imperative that the City review this matter. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked that information on this matter be sent to him for his review. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Michael Lenz opened the second public comment period. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the second public comment period. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Michael Lenz adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Approved: Kathy Moran, Clerk Page 13 of 13