City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2005 9:00 A.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Thomas Curley, DPS Mayor Michael Lenz Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW Commissioner Stephen E. Towne, Accounts ALSO PRESENT: Phil Klein, Supervisor ABSENT: Anthony Scirocco, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Frank Dudla, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Matthew Dorsey, City Attorney CALL TO ORDER Mayor Michael Lenz called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. PUBLIC HEARING Church Street Parking Deck hours for parking Mayor Michael Lenz opened the public hearing on the hours for parking at the Church Street parking deck. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public hearing. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Michael Lenz opened the public comment period. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public comment period. MAYOR=S OFFICE Capital Budget - set public hearing Mayor Michael Lenz requested that a public hearing be set for September 6 at 6:15 p.m. on the capital budget Church Street Parking Deck B Contract with the County Phil Klein, supervisor, said he talked to Mary Ann Johnson, Board of Supervisors chair, and a number of other supervisors concerning the contract between the City and the County on the County’s share of $1.2 million for the deck. He said the spirit of the $1.2 million funding to the City was meant to enhance the economic vitality of the City which in turn impacts the County. He reminded everyone that the City and the County share the sales tax revenue 50/50. He said the $1.2 million funding was for four years at $300,000 per year. He further noted that the $1.2 million was the maximum amount from the County. He said that the largest sales tax generators’ in the County are Clifton Park, Wilton and the City. He explained that the spirit of the discussion on the County funding the parking deck at $1.2 million was that it was meant to be free parking. He said it was unfortunate that the contract was not drawn up at the time of the approvals, however, it was always the Page 1 of 5 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 23, 2005 County’s intent that the parking would be free in the parking deck. He said that through his discussions with the supervisors it was suggested that the City approve this contract, however, noted that the City could seek an amendment to the contract for special events such as the Victorian Streetwalk or perhaps during August. He said the County may look upon an amendment favorably if the funds raised from paid parking were to go to the recreation department or perhaps the senior citizen center. He said that maintenance of the facility may not be looked upon as favorably as the other two subjects. He said the free parking is meant to encourage people to come downtown and there should not be an additional burden placed on those individuals coming to downtown Saratoga Springs to shop or dine. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said whether it was the spirit of the agreement or not, it was not discussed until this contract arrived. He said there was discussion on the unrestricted use of the funds during the last budget cycle and this was agreed to, however, there was no discussion on paid parking. He said the City should draft a new contract noting that the initial $300,000 be sent to the City and eliminate that first $300,000 from this discussion. He said then the County and the City could address the remaining $900,000. He said it was unfortunate that there was a lack of communication and there was now a problem. He said he would like to see a contract in place that does not tie the hands of the City. Phil Klein said the County does not owe the City $300,000 until there is a contract in place. He said the contract should have been in place at the beginning of this process, however, there was some urgency with this project and that did not happen. He urged the Council to adopt this contract and to then offer up amendments as they so desired. He said the County cannot make a payment to the City without the contract. Matthew McCabe said that even with an honest misunderstanding, the City should look into this matter in much more detail and resubmit a contract to the County with more favorable terms. Phil Klein said the terms of this contract are four years at $1.2 million total funding. He said it was meant to be $300,000 over the four years. This agreement locks into place forever that there will be no paid parking at this facility Mayor Michael Lenz said it was the spirit of the discussions from the beginning to generate funding for both the City and the County and that could be done through this parking deck. Both the City and the County agreed to work together on this matter. He agreed though that there is maintenance which costs a lot of money and the funding for that maintenance needed to be researched. He said he did not bring this before the Council today to ask for a vote but would bring it back to the next meeting. Commissioner Thomas Curley noted that the Spring Street parking deck was in need of some repairs. He suggested that perhaps some thought be given to drafting an agreement that released the City from the contingency of no paid parking after the four-year worth of funding by the County. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said maintenance is a very serious issue. He said there was a lack of communication on this matter, however, the City’s supervisors have the strength to go back to the Board of Supervisors to explain the City’s position. He agreed that perhaps a four-year contract would be a good compromise. He did not want the County telling the City how to run its business. He said that he was concerned where the control might stop. He also noted that at this time there is no intention on the City’s part to charge for parking, however, he did not want to tie the hands of future Council members by agreeing to the proposed contract. He said the City invests a lot of money in its downtown and the County has taken more than $16 million from the City through taxes. He said he attended an event at the Pepsi last evening and paid $15 to park in a garage. He said there needs to be some fees to cover the expenses of maintaining the garages. He urged the Council to consider a four-year agreement. Commissioner Stephen Towne said the County made a wise investment in the City and agreed that perhaps a limited time frame on their investment might be prudent. Sale of City Owned Parcel in Wilton (05-176) Page 2 of 5 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 23, 2005 Tony Izzo said an auction was conducted over the weekend and the City owned parcel in the Town of Wilton was sold for $51,000. He said that he did not yet have the final documents but would have them for the next meeting. Commissioner Matthew McCabe noted that the adjacent property owner purchased the parcel. Tony Izzo noted that the sale was contingent upon the buyer obtaining a variance from the Town of Wilton if he so desired. Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Kevin Gomez for the sale of the city owned parcel in the Town of Wilton in the amount of $51,000, contingent upon the review of the City’s Risk & Safety Manager. Ayes all. Mayor Michael Lenz said that he would like to see the additional funds raised above the anticipated amount to go to the parking solution’s fund. He asked that Commissioner Matthew McCabe look into this matter to determine how much above the anticipated amount was raised. Water Front Property Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to add this item (water front property) to the agenda for discussion. Ayes all. Mayor Michael Lenz said it was recently brought to his attention that there is a water front parcel for sale. He suggested that the Council look into the possibility of purchasing the parcel. He said this would allow for public beach access on the lake. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said perhaps the open space bond act funds could be used. He said a beach for the residents would be a good use of the open space funds. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Nothing. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Nothing. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Chips Program - Discussion Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that he had received a letter that the City’s Chips funding would be held up by the state because of the issues with the West Avenue reconstruction project. Paul Male reminded everyone that there had been an issue with the rock on this project. He said the dollar value of that issue was approximately $375,000. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the Chips funding was $221,227. Paul Male said both Matthew Dorsey, attorney for the City, and Matthew Jones, attorney for the WASAD, had been working on this matter. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it was puzzling that a senator from western New York had taken up this matter and was now preventing the Chips funding from being distributed to the City. Paul Male said that it was his understanding that there had been quite a bit of information compiled in the City’s favor on this matter, however, everything had now stopped. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that he would like to bring this matter up for discussion with Senator Bruno. Donation Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to accept the $50 donation from D’Andrea Pizza for the Italian Gardens. Ayes all. Page 3 of 5 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 23, 2005 Brust Property Jennifer Behan presented the Council with some options for the Brust parcel. She said there had been discussion on an indoor recreational facility and connections to the Spring Run Trail and brook. She also noted its close proximity to the Bog Meadow Trail and the ice rinks, etc. She said there are some wet lands that must be evaluated. There are some upland areas that could be used for a recreational facility. She also noted that there are some springs on the site. She said the trails could be extended and there could be some improvements to the stream. Mayor Michael Lenz said there is quite a bit of buffer area for a recreational facility and it would unlikely be seen from the road. He would like to see the gateway entrance theme maintained. He said his three main goals were to preserve the gateway entrance, infill and recreational opportunities. Commissioner Stephen Towne asked what was the percentage of buidable land. Jennifer Behan said she was not yet sure. He also asked about a campus type location and whether there was enough space for a building, parking, fields, etc. Jennifer Behan said those were issues that needed to be researched. Mayor Michael Lenz asked that some more research be done on those matters for further discussion at the next Council meeting. Sick Bank Request Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Michael Lenz seconded to approve the sick bank request for Steve McCormick for 20 days from the sick bank. Ayes all. Parking Garage Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced that the grand opening of the deck would take place on Wednesday, August 24 at 11:00 a.m. on the lower deck. Interlaken - Monroe Title Insurance Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Thomas Curley seconded to approve the hiring of Monroe Title Insurance in an amount not to exceed $800 for a title search. The funding will come from the water budget. Ayes all. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Parking Deck - Hours of Parking (05-177) Tony Izzo said the ordinance had been drawn up to allow for two hour parking on the first floor and no parking from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on the second floor. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it would need to be enforced. Commissioner Thomas Curley said he had no funds in his budget to purchase parking signs for this lot. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said they could be purchased through the parking deck funding lines. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked about two hour parking and was that long enough. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he had suggested three hour spaces to allow patrons a little more time to shop and dine and it would also allow the parking enforcement officers time to get back to this lot. Commissioner Thomas McTygue also asked if it might be appropriate to have some spaces at a half hour to allow shorter visits. It was agreed that rather than changing the ordinance at this time, it would be adopted as presented and if necessary changes could be made at a later time. Commissioner Thomas Curley moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to adopt the parking deck ordinance as presented noting the two-hour parking on the first floor and no parking from11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on the second floor. Ayes all. Page 4 of 5 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 23, 2005 Stop Signs at Arrowhead Road Commissioner Thomas Curley requested that a public hearing be set for the next Council meeting at 6:10 p.m. on placing stops signs at Arrowhead Road and Vista Drive. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Michael Lenz opened the public comment period. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Michael Lenz closed the public comment period. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Michael Lenz moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 a.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Michael Lenz adjourned the meeting at 10:05 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: Page 5 of 5