City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING & WORKSHOP CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2006 6:15 P.M. PRESENT: Valerie Keehn, Mayor Commissioner John Franck, Accounts Commissioner Ron Kim, DPS Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW STAFF PRESENT: Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner Finance Michele Boxley, Deputy Commissioner Accounts Frank Dudla, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Michael Englert, City Attorney CALL TO ORDER Mayor Valerie Keehn called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to adjourned to executive session at 6:15 p.m. to discuss water matters, DPS disciplinary measures and litigation. Council members returned at 6:55 p.m. and reported that no action was taken. PUBLIC HEARING Emergency Water Repair Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public hearing on the emergency water repair matter. Bill Benton, local business owner, said this was not an issue for local plumbers. He said it was better for everyone concerned if the City did these emergency repairs. He urged the Council to support this proposal. Commissioner Thomas McTygue clarified that this was for emergency repairs only and not for general maintenance. The proposed fee is an additional $1 per quarter added to the water bill. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public hearing. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public comment period. Lee Nelson, 29 Underwood Drive, said she was very proud of the operation of the City government during the difficult times over the weekend due to the power outage. She said it was good to see the Mayor assisting the elderly and police & fire personnel knocking on doors. She said City staff should be complimented. Page 1 of 13 Kyle York, 59 Railroad Place, said the City did a good job during the power outage. Local developer Sonny Bonacio should also be commended for his service this weekend in providing manpower and equipment to the City free of charge. Doug Haller, 4 St. Jude Court and member of the Dance Flurry, said this was the 13th Dance Flurry held in the City. The flurry has grown over the years and last year there were more than 4,300 attendees. He said they were able to hold an abbreviated flurry, but unfortunately, they estimate their loss at about $100,000. He said they are not sure how they will overcome this loss but will try to do so. They are looking forward to next year, but they will need support from the local community to do so. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he had spoken to some local musicians about holding events over the next year with the proceeds to go to the Dance Flurry. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that if there was no objection from the Council, he would like to waive the fee for the use of the Music Hall and the Casino for next year’s event. Doug Haller thanked the Council for the use of the venues. There being on no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public comment period. MAYOR=S DEPARTMENT Ad Hoc Committee on the Future of Racing Mayor Valerie Keehn said she recently attended the Ad Hoc Committee meeting on the Future of Racing where they discussed several options on the RFP process. In that meeting they decided to give those people interested in responding to the RFP three options to choose from: 1) respond as if there were no new legislation, or 2) respond if there is some new legislation, or 3) respond as if there were sweeping changes to the legislation. She said respondents could respond to one, two or three of the options. She said it was suggested by members of the committee that sweeping changes were unlikely. There may still be an opportunity for racing fans to address the committee. She will continue to keep the community informed. CDTA & CDTC Meetings Mayor Valerie Keehn said she recently attended the CDTA and CDTC meetings where transportation needs and concerns were addressed. The general consensus was the greater public transportation access seems to be a priority for political officials but not necessarily for the public. According to CDTA use of public transportation has increased by more than 40 percent in the last three years. There is a grant to explore transportation modes and the City Planner is gathering information on this issue. She said that CDTC meets quarterly and at the last meeting there was discussion on a draft document to strategize on long term transportation needs. She will keep the Council informed. There will be a ride the bus day in the near future. Power Outage and Emergency Response Mayor Valerie Keehn said that due to the storm and subsequent power outage last week, there was a decision made on Friday afternoon to send home all nonessential staff. She met with Sgt. Jack King, Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners and talked to Dr. John MacFadden, Superintendent, on the emergency preparedness plan. The plan was put into effect and the City made it through this crisis. She applauded the police and fire departments and DPW for a job well done. She also commended National Grid for working so diligently and the Saratoga Housing Authority for making sure that the elderly residents at the Authority were safe. Jack King said that around noon on Friday he began to work with the school district on setting up a shelter at the Maple Avenue School. He said 300 people were housed at that Red Cross Page 2 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 shelter over the weekend. There was discussion on moving the elderly to that location and both the school and Upstate Transit Authority offered up their services to transport these people. There was a school bus and driver available all weekend to transport those individuals. When they found that it would be some time before power was on, both fire and police department personnel put teams together to go door to door to make sure that everyone was safe. They continued to canvas on Saturday and Sunday. He said the community came together and helped one another over the weekend. He also thanked Sonny Bonacio for providing equipment to power up the police department. He said that unsolicited actions such as those speak volumes for the community. Mayor Valerie Keehn said it was time to assess the weekend. She said there should be some thought given to streamlining the ability to disseminate information, perhaps through an 800 number. There should also be some thought given to a more centrally located shelter within the City and providing meals to people at the shelter. She said that perhaps there should be some volunteers trained for these types of emergencies. She encouraged those with suggestions to contact her. She said this was also a good time to look at the police department and the conditions that they work under. She also offered condolences to the family members of George Green who was killed during the storm. She thanked the private sector, such as the Country Corner Café and Sonny Bonacio, for helping the community. She said people like these are what makes our City great. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of January 17, 2006, meeting minutes Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the January 17, 2006, meeting minutes. Ayes all. Approval of February 7, 2006, meeting minutes Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the February 7, 2006, meeting minutes. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Street Trees Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for street trees to Garden Time per their bid (lowest overall bidder). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Flowers Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for flowers to Dehn’s Florist for various prices (only bidder). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Road Sand Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for road Page 3 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 sand to Cranesville Aggregates at $9/ton delivered and $5.25/loaded (low bidder). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Lube Oil & Grease Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for lube oil and grease to R.H. Crown at $115.25 gear oil (120 pound drum) and to R.H. Crown at 294.35 hydraulic oil (55 gallon drum) and further to award multipurpose grease to Farrell Oil Company at $195.50 (120 pound drum). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Set Public Hearing - Zoning Text Amendment for Variance Extensions Pursuant to the Council’s request of January 18, 2006, the Planning Board reviewed the proposed zoning text amendments submitted by the Zoning Board of Appeals to change the regulations for granting extensions of variances. The Planning Board reviewed the proposed amendment at their February 1, 2006, meeting. That Board supported the amendment but suggested that regulations for extensions of all development approval be uniform. Therefore, they have expanded the original request and proposed the additional amendments for extensions of decisions for the Planning Board, Design Review Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Board contacted the chairs of the ZBA and DRC and they supported the revised amendments. On a vote of 7-0 the Planning Board recommended a favorable advisory opinion. The Board found these amendments in accord with the Comprehensive Plan and the general purposes and intent of the zoning ordinance. Therefore, Commissioner John Franck set a public hearing for the March 7 Council meeting at 6:55 p.m. on the proposed zoning text amendments for variance extensions. Board of Assessment Review Appointments (06-43) Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to appoint David Morency and Robert Kuczynski to the Board of Assessment Review. Ayes all. Update - Risk Manager Report - Storm Bill McTygue, Director of Public Works, said that DPW had their hands full over the weekend. He reported that some siding blew off of the DPW garage. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The major concerns were with City Hall and the Casino. City Hall got through the storm with the help of Sonny Bonacio who brought in generators, thereby eliminating the possibility of frozen pipes. The Casino, however, was not as lucky. There are large expansive spaces there. Heaters were brought in and personnel stayed the night. Unfortunately there was some isolated freezing of pipes. They brought in a sprinkler company to drain the system, but there is still some damage to the ceiling in the bar area and the gift gallery. There will be further analysis of that situation. There were also some frozen pipe problems at the Saratoga Arts Council. Marilyn Rivers said she took pictures and worked with the insurance company throughout the power outage. The DPW garage did suffer some structural damage which will be reported to the insurance company. She said without Sonny Bonacio’s help, there could have been significant damage to City Hall. There is some plumbing damage at the Casino. At the Arts Council there was a burst compressor pipe. They have since pulled down the sheet rock and Mahoney Page 4 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Notifiers were brought into fix the alarms. The insurance company has agreed that these claims will all be looked at as one claim, therefore, the City will pay one deductible of $25,000. Commissioner Ron Kim said City employees deserve thanks for a job well done. He said specifically, though, the dispatchers, who are the first line of defense for the City should be commended. They work under difficult conditions with dim lighting and poor equipment. He also thanked the Police Department for a job well done. He said there were many other organizations such as the Saratoga EMS who also did a great job. The entire staff of the City went above and beyond the call of duty. His department is gathering information on overtime and other expenses. The reporting of numbers will be coordinated with the County. He agreed that a review of the emergency preparedness plan and how it functioned was in order. Mayor Valerie Keehn said that it was a priority. Commissioner Thomas McTygue thanked his employees for a job well done. He also noted that the gentleman that was killed in the Avenue of Pines was the father of a DPW employee. He said there had been some criticism of National Grid and that was unfortunate. Employees worked under difficult circumstances. They began with the core of the City and move outward. He especially thanked Pat Design, Bill McTygue and Tony Fishetti. He said everyone needs to remember that there were many homes without power and homes are a priority. He again commended his employees for a job well done. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he had been approached by many businesses because of their loss of business during the power outage. He said in some cases, a bad weekend like this is really tough on a small business. He said he had contacted the New York State Emergency Management Office and the Small Business Administration regarding relief for small businesses in Saratoga Springs. The Small Business Administration said that once a disaster is declared they determine the need for low interest loans for small businesses. He also thanked Jeff Cornick and Kevin Kling for ensuring the computer system was safe and no data was lost. He said it was time to finish a disaster recovery plan for the computer system. He recommended that a committee be formed to cover all aspects of the City’s disaster recovery. Joanne Yepsen said that Friday afternoon, all of the County Supervisors received phone calls from the County on this matter. She was in touch with the Mayor’s office and the press continually. She said there should be more coordination with the County during such emergencies. She will work with City staff on obtaining disaster relief funding. Commissioner John Franck thanked Marilyn Rivers for all of her work throughout this emergency. He also thanked DPW, Michele Boxley, Lynn Bachner, Gerard Hawthorn, Saratoga EMS and the Police & Fire Departments for a job well done. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Payroll Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the following payrolls: February 10, 2006 - $353,628.73 and February 17, 2006 - $375,652.83. Ayes all. Warrants Page 5 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to approve the following warrants: 2005 REGULAR WARRANT 02/21/06 6DEC05 $ 70,463.02 2006 REGULAR WARRANT 02/21/06 2FEB06 $ 179,217.07 2005 MINI WARRANT 02/15/06 MC6DEC05 $ 38,672.93 2006 MINI WARRANT 02/09/06 MC3FEB06 $ 280.00 2006 MINI WARRANT 02/15/06 MC4FEB06 $ 485,603.46 Ayes all. Budget Transfers - Payroll & Other Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the budget transfers as presented (Attachment A). Ayes all. Budget Amendments Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to approve the budget amendments as presented (Attachment B). Ayes all. Investment Policies (06-44) Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the investment policies as presented. Ayes all. Transportation Summit Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that last Thursday there was a meeting of area government officials and CDTA staff to talk about mass transit in this area. The idea behind the summit was to bring together the officials of the nearby communities to discuss this matter. He said that many of the surrounding communities were involved including Corinth, Ballston Spa, Glens Falls, Assemblymen Roy McDonald and Jim Tediso. He said all of these communities need to be aware of what the City is thinking so they can be supportive. He said Glens Falls needs to be included because they are now part of the greater capital district. Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs need to be connected. CDTA is developing some recommendations and when they are available, Saratoga Springs will give some feedback. He will also work with Cheryl Keyrouse. Marketing Committee Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the next meeting of the marketing committee will be on February 23 at 7:00 p.m. Their charge is to identify commercial parcels for sale, lease or rent and to recommended short and long term goals for those parcels. This committee will conduct a survey that will be done through The Saratogian newspaper. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Emergency Water Service Lateral Repair Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to adopt the emergency water service lateral repair proposal of $1 per quarter for every service connection as presented. Page 6 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that this is for emergency repairs such as cracks and leaks only. This will take the burden off of the homeowners in trying to find someone to make these repairs. He has talked to many of the HOAs throughout the City and they are in support of this proposal. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that this is a good program, however, because he had been contacted by both private and commercial businesses throughout the City, he would like to keep the public hearing open. He also noted that many people were away this week. He said he had more questions as well. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this is why we have agenda meetings. If there are questions, they should be brought forth at that time, that enables the departments to gather the material to answer the questions. He said he had no intention of holding this until another meeting. He said he wanted to vote this evening. He suggested that the questions be asked now. He said that he has talked to all of the HOAs and there are no secrets. Mayor Valerie Keehn said they were not suggesting that there were any secrets, however, there were plumbers who could not be here this evening to make comments. She said it was a courtesy to hold this until the next meeting. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said if this item was pulled from the agenda and there were leaks in the next few weeks, it would be the Council’s problem. Commissioner Ron Kim asked if it was approved tonight, when would it take effect. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said tomorrow. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked who would determine that it was an emergency, how will an emergency be defined, will the money go directly to the water fund, how will the expenditures be documented, etc. Bill McTygue said it will be determined an emergency when the water is bubbling out of the asphalt B that will be a cracked pipe, which is very common during the winter months. That water then freezes, causing ice, which is then a public safety hazard. He said plumbers cannot always get to this work quickly and the freezing continues. In some cases, it may take a plumber a week to get to this job. It is then a liability for the City. It is also a waste of water. The DPW crews can get to the job within a matter of hours. DPW is called in on these jobs anyway because it is a street opening. He again said this is for emergency repairs only. The City needs to maintain the integrity of the water system. Bill McTygue said there are on average between 12 and 15 of this type of emergency each year. The cost is generally $3,000 and up to make the repair. The revenue that could be generated by the City from this repair is approximately $34,000, however, that revenue would help to pay for the repair. The City will not make a profit on these repairs. Commissioner Ron Kim asked who owned the line. Bill McTygue said the City owns the main line in the street, however, the homeowner owns the lateral line to the house. Commissioner Ron Kim asked if the homeowners insurance would cover this cost. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said in some cases there are absentee landlords and it is nearly impossible to get a response from them. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that the City can make these types of repairs within hours. It takes plumbers up to a week. This is a service to the homeowners. In some cases, homeowners do not have $3,000 or $4,000 to make these repairs. He said that at this time of year, plumbers are consumed with keeping pipes from freezing. Page 7 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Mayor Valerie Keehn commended Commissioner Thomas McTygue for thinking about the homeowner and said she was not questioning his motivation, however, she believed it would be prudent to allow two more weeks for people to have input on this matter. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this proposal has been available for two weeks. Everyone has had an opportunity to come in and speak. In fact, there is a plumber here this evening in support of this proposal. He asked if there were problems with this proposal, where were those complainers. Commissioner Thomas McTygue called the question. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he wanted more detail on this matter and he wanted it in writing. Bill McTygue said that some of those complainers are not truly plumbers, but rather just handymen. He said DPW is trying to think about the community. Those handymen do not have the right equipment to make these kinds of repairs. This proposal is for emergency repair work only. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she was not questioning DPW’s motivation but answers were needed. Commissioner Thomas McTygue again said he wanted to vote on this matter. Ayes: two (Commissioners John Franck and Thomas McTygue); Nays: three (Mayor Valerie Keehn and Commissioners Ron Kim and Matthew McCabe). Motion denied. Ryan Biggs & Mid State Industries Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the continuation of emergency repair work on the Casino east and west parapet walls to Ryan Biggs ($18,700) and Mid State for a total cost of $193,000 the money is in the 2006 capital budget. Ayes all. Congress Park Bathrooms Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the additional cost of $500 for SD Atelier for architectural services in connection with the Congress Park bathrooms. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that unfortunately, this project was now on hold. He said because of the Design Review Commission and their continued requests, the project costs have increased by more than $100,000. He said there is just not enough money now to do the job. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he hoped that the DRC would reconsider their requests. Commissioner Ron Kim asked if there was a formal way to let the DRC know of the Council’s concerns. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she did not want to second guess the DRC. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the architect has changed the renderings three times. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she would explore the idea of a formal motion to the DRC on this matter. Ayes all. Alonzo Fireworks Contract Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to sign the contract with Alonzo Fireworks for $7,000 for the July 4th fireworks. Ayes all. Page 8 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Commissioner Thomas McTygue said they also plan to have entertainment during the day. CA Smith Contract - Environmental Services Rick Lederer-Barnes, Behan Planning Associates, said under phase one of the investigation of the water front site, they believe there could be some underground storage tanks and other debris. It is recommended that there be soil testing. The total estimate for the project is $18,919. They plan to subcontract the work and will use the City’s backhoes to save some money. He also noted that there also appears to be some asbestos testing necessary. Rick Lederer-Barnes said this is for testing only. It is not for the actual work. After the testing, the City can negotiate with the current landowner on mitigation. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with C.A. Smith for environmental services in the amount of $18,919. This is contingent upon the review of the City Attorney and the Risk & Safety Manager. This will be paid for from Open Space Bond Act money. Ayes all. CA Smith Contract - Asbestos Assessment Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with C.A. Smith in the amount of $15,500 for the asbestos testing. This contract is contingent upon the review of the City Attorney and the Risk & Safety Manager. This will be paid for from Open Space Bond money. Ayes all. Liz Ann Drive Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that Liz Ann Drive from old Schuylerville Road to house #11 is accepted for snowplowing only. Saratoga Springs Athlete Banquet Commissioner Thomas McTygue proposed having a banquet to honor Saratoga Springs athletes. He will look for sponsors and donations for this banquet and he asked for the Council’s support. The coaches and schools will put together a list of teams and individuals to be honored. This will not be an expense for the City. He will seek donations and raise the necessary funds. He would talk to the City Center about using that facility and they would try to schedule the event when college students can be here. Award of Bid - Interlaken Water System Improvements - Drilling Commissioner John Franck recused himself due to a conflict of interest. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to award the bid for the Interlaken Water System Improvements to Hawk Drilling Company in the amount of $87,422. This will be paid for from the water account. Ayes all. Commissioner John Franck resumed his seat on the Council. Power Outage - Emergency Purchases Page 9 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Commissioner Thomas McTygue said his department was still gathering the costs from the weekend power outage. He said there were some donated services over the weekend. Once a final number has been tallied, he would report to the Council. Donation - of Services - Bonacio Construction Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to add this item to the agenda. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to accept the donation from Sonny Bonacio of $7,233 for the work done at the Casino, Senior Center and City Hall during the power outage. Ayes all. Casino - Emergency Repair Work Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that there was a leak at the Casino from the sprinkler system. They won’t know for a couple of days the extent of the damage or the cost. Marilyn Rivers said it would be covered by insurance. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Christopher Watt Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to hire Christopher Watt, attorney, at $144/hour not to exceed $4,300 to represent the City. The funds will come from a Finance Department line. Commissioner Ron Kim said that he would report periodically to the Council. Ayes: four; Nays: one (Commissioner Thomas McTygue). Motion carried. Donation for K-9 Unit Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to accept the donation of $100 from David Chew for the K-9 Unit. Ayes all. Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to accept the $5,000 donation from Milk Bone/Price Chopper for the K-9 Unit. Ayes all. Traffic Safety Committee Grant Commissioner Ron Kim withdrew this item. Residence Inn Contract Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for the meeting room at the Residence Inn Marriott for June 4-6, 2006. He said the price would range between $125 and $250 depending on the number of rooms booked. The money is in the DPS training line. Ayes all. West Side Fire Station Contract for Architectural Services Page 10 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to approve the additional payment of $1,583.46 to James Daly Tobin in connection with the West Side Fire Station facade contingent upon the review of the purchasing department. Ayes all. Deputy Commissioner Position Commissioner Ron Kim removed this item discussion. He said at some point he may come back to the Council with a reorganization of the department. There is about $330,000 of unpaid parking tickets. He was considering an amnesty period and then they would be forwarded to collections. Alternate Street Parking on Washington Street Commissioner Ron Kim said that he was withdrawing this item from discussion and he would bring it back to the Council in the spring. Dog Ordinance Commissioner Ron Kim requested that a public hearing be set for March 7 at 6:40 p.m. on the dog ordinance. Ethics Committee Commissioner Ron Kim said he would forward a request to the Ethics Board on the use of the City office for business related to his private practice. SUPERVISORS Cheryl Keyrouse Power Outage: Cheryl Keyrouse said over the past weekend she had stayed in touch with the City and the County. She was glad to see the coordinated efforts. She assisted in the door to door efforts in Geyser Crest and other parts of the City. Transportation Committee: The county does not have a committee on transportation, however, it was her intent to establish one. County Water Plan: Cheryl Keyrouse said there are copies of the EIS on file at the Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park libraries. There are 30 days to comment on this project. This project will cost the taxpayers more than $100 million. Taxpayers who may not benefit from this water line may end up paying for it. In her opinion, this is a poor water source and there has not been enough investigation of the pcbs in this area. It is a financial risk. It will promote sprawl. It is her intent to educate the public on this plan and she encouraged everyone to express their concerns to the County Board of Supervisors. Legislative Program: Cheryl Keyrouse said the 2006 legislative program is available. Page 11 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Meeting with legislators: Cheryl Keyrouse said she planned to meet with Assemblyman Bob Riley on legislative issues. She will also meet with Senator Bruno on March 9 on various state legislation. Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network: Cheryl Keyrouse removed this item. Scholastic National Regatta: Cheryl Keyrouse said she was proud to announce that the Scholastic National Regatta would be held in Saratoga Springs during late May at Fish Creek. This is the first time that the City has been chosen to host this regatta. This is the “Olympics” of the regatta sport. There will be some serious competition at this event and it will draw thousands of people. She will be discussing this matter with Assemblyman James Tediso to look for state support and funding. Supplemental Energy Assistance Program: Cheryl Keyrouse removed this item. Joanne Yepsen Open Government: Joanne Yepsen said she and the League of Women Voters and will cosponsor an open government event focusing on openness and transparency on March 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the county building. February Board of Supervisors Meeting: Joanne Yepsen said the Board usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. They discussed the water grant proposed by Senator Bruno of $10 million for the construction of the county water wide system. She said they also discussed the sexual predator law and she will work with the school district on this matter. She reiterated that there is a 30-day comment period on the DEIS which will begin on March 1. Comments in writing should be directed to the County Supervisors, County Clerk or the County Attorney. Both she and Cheryl Keyrouse have sent a letter to Dave Wickerham on the water matter. They believe there are a number of issues not being addressed. Green Infrastructure: Joanne Yepsen said the County is putting together a plan on the county wide open space project. There will be several workshops on this matter. She noted that in Clifton Park there is an eminent domain matter in connection with open space. The eminent domain goes completely against the green infrastructure plan. Voting Machines: Joanne Yepsen said that the NYS Board of Elections has not yet determined when or what type of machine will be purchased. The County has four vendors in mind. The public will have an opportunity in April for a demonstration day to try out the new machines. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the second public comment period. Kyle York said that it was important for the Council to read the DEIS. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he had not yet received a copy. Cheryl Keyrouse said she asked for a copy, however, was told that it was too expensive to copy. Mark Lawton said there was some concern expressed by residents of the community on the priority system for National Grid to bring power back to residents. He said that some people felt as though Saratoga Springs was last on the list. Page 12 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 21, 2006 Mayor Valerie Keehn said that was not true. Jack King said the first priority was the hospital and the Wesley facility. Mayor Valerie Keehn said there are four major substations in the City that power large portions of the City. She said it was her understanding they were prioritized by systematically going through the substation to determine which serviced the most customers. There was also a problem with transformers. In some cases, trees needed to be removed before they could begin work. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said DPW was out there nonstop. Before electricity can be turned on, the areas need to be cleared. National Grid was operating crews all over the City. He pointed out that there are still communities without power. Mayor Valerie Keehn said it was reasonable to ask National Grid for information on how they prioritize their work. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to adjourn to executive session at 9:40 p.m. for discussion on litigation matters. Ayes all. Council members returned at 10:15 p.m. and reported that no action was taken. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Valerie Keehn adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Approved: Clerk Page 13 of 13