City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2006 11:00 A.M. PRESENT: Mayor Valerie Keehn Commissioner John Franck Commissioner Ron Kim Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW SUPERVISORS: Cheryl Keyrouse, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Michelle Boxley, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Patrick Design, Deputy Commissioner DPW Frank Dudla, Deputy Commissioner DPS Nancy Ohlin, Deputy Mayor Michael Englert, City Attorney Anthony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney OATHS OF OFFICE Kenneth Klotz, former Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, welcomed everyone to the Casino for the swearing in ceremony for the 46 City Council. Valerie Keehn will be the 18 Mayor of the City. The City was incorporated in 1915 but dates back to 1819. It was good to see so many people for this ceremony. He then introduced Reverend Thomas Keehn, father-in-law of Mayor Elect Valerie Keehn, who offered the invocation. He noted that Reverend Keehn lived in India for many years and several of his children were born in India. He also noted that Mayor Elect Valerie Keehn would be presented with a Haar from a traditional Indian ceremonial piece. Reverend Keehn said he was honored to participate in this event. He pointed out that he was born in1915. He said he looked forward to Valerie Keehn’s tenure as Mayor. He said this was a new beginning and then quoted T.S. Elliot. He said this is a challenge for the newly elected individuals. Many have pledged to create stronger families, improve educational opportunities and strengthen the City. In short, they have pledged to dedicate themselves to build a new spirit for this community. A. C. Riley, former Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs and master of the ceremony, said she was somewhat surprised to be included in this momentous occasion. Elections are partisan, government is for everyone. She noted that while the elected officials change the continuity, the very capable and competent staff at City Hall is the glue that holds it all together. The Council has the responsibility of making good decision for the City. The citizens have the responsibility to support those decisions. All are entitled to their opinion. Those who become involved in politics do so because they love the City and are willing to donate a lot of their time. The newly elected officials deserve the thanks and support the residents. The commission form of government is predicated on five people coming together to act as both department heads and legislators. Sometimes it is a difficult position to be in. The Council members need to cooperate for the good of the City. It’s the good will and mutual respect for one another that Page 1 of 4 makes the system work. She then introduced Judge Douglas Mills who performed offered the Oaths of Office. Judge Douglas Mills said he was glad to see everyone on this day. He then invited the newly elected officials forward to offer the Oaths of Office. He then swore in Cheryl Keyrouse, Supervisor; Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor; Valerie Keehn, Mayor; Matthew McCabe, Commissioner of Finance; Thomas McTygue, Commissioner of Public Works; Ron Kim, Commissioner of Public Safety and John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts. Mayor Valerie Keehn was then presented with a Haar. Bill Sherman, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman James Tedisco, said that Assemblyman Tedisco had previously accepted an invitation to attend the swearing in ceremonies in New York City. Assemblyman Tedisco sent his best wishes to all on their election and inauguration. He said though that Assemblyman Tedisco’s first priority is to represent the families of this district. Assemblyman Tedisco looks forward to working with the City on the issues such as affordable housing, open government and quality of life. He has an open door and is committed to working with the Council. A.C. Riley said that J. Michael O’Connell, former Mayor of the City, had planned to be here this morning, but had a family emergency. She said that he sent his best wishes to the newly elected Council members. He asked that as they embark on their tenure that they keep their deep abiding affection for this community in mind at all times. Assemblyman Bob Riley, wished everyone a Happy New Year. He thanked the outgoing officials for their many years of service and for their class they showed n the transition. He congratulated the newly elected officials. He asked that they remember their own principals and the principals of the democratic party. He asked for their support the issues at the state level and in particular as they tackle the very important racing issue. Assemblyman Roy McDonald thanked everyone for affording him the opportunity to be part of this celebration. He welcomed the newly elected officials and he commended and thanked the outgoing officials. He said all of the officials have one thing in common and that is their lover for their community. There are some tough challenges ahead for the Council members in particular the racing issue. He pledged to everyone that he would help in any way he could. He reminded everyone that the community must be kept first. A.C. Riley thanked everyone for joining in this celebration. She said it was now time for the Council to move forward. She also thanked all of the local businesses for their donations to the celebration. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Valerie Keehn called the meeting to order at 11:50 a.m. MAYOR’S OFFICE Comments Mayor Valerie Keehn thanked those who organized this wonderful celebration. She thanked the speakers for their wonderful comments and further noted that it is a reminder that we all share in the common goal to keep the City a great place to live. She thanked her family and the many businesses who gave so generously to this event. She also congratulated and welcomed the new Council members. She said they have been given a vote of confidence and each takes on a Page 2 of 4 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Sunday, January 1, 2006 great responsibility to meet the challenges of the City and to also take advantage of the opportunities to work together, to be fair and to truly listen to what the citizens of this community are saying. Appointments (06-01) Mayor Valerie Keehn then appointed Nancy Ohlin as Deputy Mayor; Linda Benton as Executive Assistant; Michael Englert as City Attorney and Anthony Izzo as Assistant City Attorney. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Appointment (06-02) Commissioner John Franck appointed Michele McGraw Boxley as Deputy Commissioner of Accounts He also pledged to serve all the citizens of the community by making his office more transparent, customer friendly and equitable. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Appointment (06-03) Commissioner Matthew McCabe reappointed Lynn Bachner as Deputy Commissioner of Finance. He reminded everyone that Lynn Bachner has replaced former Deputy Commission of Finance Christine Gillmett-Brown, when she took the position of Director of Finance. He said that Lynn Bachner has been a great asset to the City and would continue to be so. He said he looked forward to working with the new Council members and wished everyone a Happy New Year. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Appointment (06-04) Commissioner Thomas McTygue reappointed Patrick Design as Deputy Commissioner of DPW. He said that Patrick Design has been a great asset to the City and would continue to do so. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Capital Reconstruction Committee Commissioner Ron Kim announced the formation of the Public Safety Capital reconstruction Committee with Lew Benton as the chair. He said the infrastructure of the Public Safety Department needs to be accommodated to meet the needs of both the Fire and Police Departments. Appointment (06-05) Page 3 of 4 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Sunday, January 1, 2006 Commissioner Ron Kim thanked Frank Dudla for continuing in the roll of Deputy Commissioner during this transition period. He said that Frank Dudla came to the Department during a difficult time several months and has earned the universal praise and respect of City Hall staff. SUPERVISORS Cheryl Keyrouse said that she and Joanne Yepsen are the first democratic women to sit on the Board of supervisors. She said that she had put the pas t20 years of her life raising her sons and now it was time to move on. She now has the time, energy, devotion, patience and understanding to take on this responsibility. She thanked Phil Klein and Anthony Sirocco for their years of service. She said that she could not be a supervisor by herself and said that she needed the help of the community and with their help she could do the best for the community. Joanne Yepsen thanked everyone for the support of the community. She said she was both honored and excited to be part of this celebration today. She said she looked forward to working with the Council members. She too thanked outgoing Board of Supervisor members Phil Klein and Anthony Sirocco. She said that we are all untied in our lover for the City regardless of political philosophy. She reconfirmed her commitment to preserve the unique quality of life in Saratoga springs. She said we need smart growth and open space. She welcomed the input of residents. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to adjourn the meeting at 12:15 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Valerie Keehn adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: Page 4 of 4