City Council

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Valerie Keehn, Mayor Commissioner John Franck, Accounts Commissioner Ron Kim, DPS Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW SUPERVISORS Cheryl Keyrouse Joanne Yepsen STAFF PRESENT: Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner Finance Michele Boxley, Deputy Commissioner Accounts Patrick Design, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Nancy Ohlin, Deputy Mayor Michael Englert, City Attorney Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney CALL TO ORDER Mayor Valerie Keehn called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to adjourned to executive session at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the PBA contract and police litigation. Ayes all. Council members returned at 6:40 p.m. Mayor Valerie Keehn reported that no action was taken. PUBLIC HEARING Water & Sewer Rates Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public hearing on the water & sewer rates. Bill McTygue said this is a three percent across the board water rate increase. There was also some updating of text in connection with the dwelling unit charge for multi-unit buildings. He reminded Council members that there is a $3,000 connection fee for each new residential unit to hook into the water main. Those fees are set aside in a special account and are used for improvements to the water system. The only other change was to the sewer section where text was inserted to reflect current policy of a double rate charge for those residences outside of the City limits. Mayor Valerie Keehn asked why there was a three percent increase. Bill McTygue said there were some employee contractual increases, however, the increase in utilities was the biggest factor (electricity to run the pumps). The projected increase in utilities costs for 2006 are estimated to be at about $90,000. This three percent increase will generate an additional $45,000 in revenue which will cover about half of that increase. The water department budget will absorb the rest. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that the water treatment plant is one Page 1 of 18 of the largest users of electricity in the City. Although the City’s water rate is the sixth lowest in the state, he wanted to prevent a significant increase in coming years. Bill McTygue also noted that the City is significantly lower than surrounding communities such as Clifton Park B they charge $3.53 per thousand gallons and Halfmoon charges $2.63 per thousand gallons. The City charges $1.16 per thousand gallons. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public hearing. Community Development Block Grant Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public hearing. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Valerie Keehn called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public comment period. Charlie Morrison said he was concerned about the Brust property that the City recently purchased with bond act money. The purpose of the bond act was to acquire and preserve green space. Before fill is brought onto that site, there needs to be a management plan which should be done by the POSH position. There will need to be DEC permits pulled, review of wetlands, quality of fill B all of those issues need to be reviewed. Supervisor Frank Thompson from the Town of Milton is interested in speaking to the City about the Corcoran parcel, however, he is not sure who he should contact. There are many things that the POSH position could be doing and it needs to be filled. Jacki Pardon, 11 Ten Springs Drive, encouraged the Council to move the supervisors to the beginning of the agenda. Commissioner Thomas McTygue disagreed, stating that City business should be conducted first. Kyle York, 59 Railroad Place, said the County held the public hearing on the water project last week. There were about 80 people with 19 speakers and only a very few from the City. There has been much discussion by Ray Callanan about where the pcbs are located ranging from 7 to 8 miles to 2200 feet from the intake. The County’s plans are not showing filtration processing for pcbs. He said that the County has not told the truth about this proposal. There was acknowledgment of pcbs in 1992 and Nimo cleaned the site in1994. The DEIS now states that the pcb area is within 2,200 feet of the intake. The County is also not listing mercury findings in the report. There is a mercury problem in the 11 mile stretch from Spier Falls to South Corinth. The International Paper Mill routinely dumped materials in the river. There has never been a sediment study of that plant site. James Stegmen, 30 Crommelin Drive, said he supported the Mayor’s efforts to construct a recreational facility. After 18 years of talking about it, the City now needs to determine the actual and true costs of the project. There needs to be consideration of sidewalks, lights, etc. He did not want to find out later that there is additional money necessary for the project. The actual costs should be determined before construction begins. David Bronner, 5 Royal Henley Court, said he read the articles in the newspapers about employee salaries. Residents are now aware of the generous salaries that employees make. Page 2 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 There was a statement by an employee who is making $93,000 a year that he dedicated an additional 600 hours above and beyond normal hours to the City. He is a salaried employee and he should do so. There are examples of other employees stating that they routinely work 50 hours per week. So what -- they are salaried employees. The senior employees are compensated well. He agreed with Commissioner Thomas McTygue that the supervisors’ agenda should be at the end of the Council meeting. Mark Lawton, 209 Nelson Avenue, said the Council continues to ignore the charter. There needs to be a regular system to inform the public of the City’s overall policies. There needs to be orderly promotion of planning and economic development. Programs for planning and economic development are subject to information meetings. The Parks position has not yet been filled. If there are administrators in this building who have time to do the Park Administrator’s work, then perhaps they should be doing their own jobs first to complete the required tasks of the charter. The Council should not be approving separate contracts for rental and use. There should be a policy approved and available for review in the Clerk’s office. Jennifer Leidig, Pearl Street, member of the Division Street PTA, thanked Council for their quick response to the PTA’s concern on the lack of stop signs along Division Street. She also appreciated the formation of a Downtown Pedestrian Committee and hoped that the results of that committee would be shared with the Team Saratoga Committee. Teresa Capazolla, 57 Gilbert Road, said the Brust property is currently open space owned by the City purchased through the bond act. She said the purchase of this land should further the bond act goals. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it was his plan to clean up and beautify the site. They will talk to DEC and obtain whatever permits are necessary. This work can be done without hiring additional staff. Teresa Capazolla said there may be another segment of the community with a very different vision for that site and that is why there needs to be a plan before any work is done at this location. She said that some people just want open space and it needs to be determined through community discussion. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that once the Parks position is filled, it will grow into an assistant and then into a secretary. Teresa Capazolla said her point was that some people may not have the same vision that Commissioner Thomas McTygue has for this land. Carol Maguire, 294 Caroline Street, said that there would be another meeting of the Concerned Citizens Embracing Saratoga Springs on March 29 at the library and she urged everyone to attend. Brian Burns, 222 Ballston Avenue, urged the Council to oppose adult entertainment use in the City. This is a family oriented town. He said that it was also time to reconsider allowing bars to remain open until 4:00 a.m. Ed Moore, Chief of Police, updated Council members on the recent incident at the high school. He said it is an ongoing investigation, therefore, could not give all of the details. He said though that there were several phrases written on a bathroom wall about an explosive device at the school. The school instituted a search program with their staff and police officers. The police department increased their patrols over the weekend and the school cut back on activities over the weekend. Lockers were also searched. Fortunately, nothing was found and nothing happed. He said, though, that these types of threats must be taken seriously. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he talked to Charlie Morrison today about the open space matter. He said this site needs to be cleaned up. DPW will talk to DEC to obtain the appropriate Page 3 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 permits. He said that he was talking about bringing fill onto three acres. This will beautify the entrance to the City. He also asked why other town supervisors were calling residents of this City when they could easily call him. Jamie Hudson said there is a promotion for downtown businesses during March Madness. He said that the idea is for a three course meal at $20.06. There are also 20 retailers who will offer 20 percent off in their stores. He said there had been advertising on the radio, web and the newspapers. He encouraged everyone to participate. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public comment period. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Water & Sewer Rates (06-55) Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the water and sewer rates as presented (Attachment A). He noted that there is a three percent increase in the water rates and a $1 per quarter charge on all bills for emergency repairs. These funds will go to a special account to be used for emergency repairs to water laterals. Ayes all. MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Proclamation (06-56) Mayor Valerie Keehn said the Humor Project and the Arts Council were bringing Carol Channing to Saratoga Springs as part of a national tour. She will be visiting the high school from March 23 to the 25. On March 26 she will perform at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady. On Friday, March 24 there will be a reception at the Arts Council to honor Ms. Channing where she will be presented with a key to the City. Mayor Valerie Keehn then read the following proclamation: PROCLAMATION CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS “CELEBRATE CAROL CHANNING WEEK” Whereas, Carol Channing, beloved actress and internationally-acclaimed personality, has entertained many millions of people with her joyous and energetic performances; and Whereas, Ms. Channing’s distinguished career has included some of the most memorable performances in American show business. Renowned as “The First Lady of Musical Comedy,” she is one of the all-time greatest stars of stage and screen. She earned rave reviews in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and in over 5000 performances of “Hello Dolly!” Her film work has brought her an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe Award. She has received three Tony Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Tony along with the Oscar Hammerstein Award for lifetime achievement in musical theater and The Julie Harris Award for lifetime achievement in theater presented by The Actors’ Fund of America. Whereas, after she received an honorary doctoral degree from California Page 4 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 State University, Stanislaus, Ms. Channing and her husband, Harry, have launched a nationwide campaign to support fine arts and performing arts in schools under the Doctor Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Endowment of the Arts. Whereas, Ms. Channing is visiting our city as a guest of The HUMOR Project, and will perform her one-woman show, “The First 80 Years Are the Hardest,” as part of the HUMOR Project’s 30th annual international program. Dr. Joel Goodman and Margie Ingram will present Ms. Channing with The HUMOR Project’s National Humor Treasure Award (on April 1, of course); Now Therefore, on behalf of my fellow Saratogians, I, Valerie Keehn, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, am delighted and honored to welcome Ms. Channing to our community, and to extend to her our hospitality and our very best wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding stay. I hereby proclaim the week of March 24 through March 31, 2006 as CELEBRATE CAROL CHANNING WEEK In the City of Saratoga Springs, New York. Second Council Meeting in April Mayor Valerie Keehn announced that the regularly scheduled Council meeting of April 18 will be rescheduled to April 11. Adult Use Moratorium Mayor Valerie Keehn said that the proposed moratorium on adult use would be held on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Ethics Code Mayor Valerie Keehn requested that a public hearing be set on April 11 at 6:15 p.m. on the Ethics Code. Committee on the Future of Racing Mayor Valerie Keehn reminded everyone that she is a member of the Committee on the Future of Racing. On Thursday, March 23, the committee will host a series of round table panel discussions at the Racing Museum starting at 10:15 a.m. The first panel will discuss the state of thoroughbred racing, the second panel will discuss integrity in the racing industry with an emphasis on medication and the third panel will discuss the backstretch emphasizing the challenges and issues backstretch workers face. From 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. the committee will host a “Fan Forum” public hearing which will seek input from area racing fans on the upcoming RFP for the state racing franchise. Town Hall Meeting Mayor Valerie Keehn announced the next town hall meeting will be at the community room at Water’s Edge on Saturday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. Downtown Transportation Improvement Plan Workshops Mayor Valerie Keehn announced the first public workshop for the Downtown Transportation Improvement Plan will be on Monday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Casino. She encouraged Page 5 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 everyone to attend. Items to be discussed included downtown traffic, parking, pedestrian and bicycle circulation, public transit, accessibility and other downtown transportation issues. Evening Hours in the Mayor’s Office Mayor Valerie Keehn announced that she would have evening hours in the office on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Upcoming dates include April 4, April 19, May 3, May 17 June 7 and June 21. She recommended that anyone interested in meeting with her make and appointment. Ethier Zoning Amendment Petition Mayor Valerie Keehn said this is a petition from Stephen Ethier for a zoning amendment at 303 Jefferson Street of approximately .22 acres of land from UR-2 to UR-4. The Council is being asked to accept the petition for study and to refer it to the Planning Board for an advisory opinion. She commended Stephen Ethier for his efforts in creating more affordable housing, however, said she was concerned the amount of zoning amendment requests that appear before the Council. She said that the City cannot continue to entertain these piecemeal spot zoning requests. The City needs to be looked at comprehensively. She then announced the formation of a comprehensive plan review committee. The community needs to take a collective look at where it wants to grow, how it wants to grow and in some cases, if it wants to grow. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to accept the petition for study and to refer it to the Planning Board. Ayes all. Biddy Basketball Sponsors (06-57) Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the Biddy Basketball sponsors as submitted (Attachment B). Ayes all. Coordinator Hourly Rates (06-58) Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the coordinator and hourly rates as submitted by the Recreation Commission (Attachment C). Linda Terricola said this is a routine matter and the funds are within the Recreation budget. Ayes all. Waterfront Property - Behan Meeting Mayor Valerie Keehn said Behan Planning has requested a meeting to discuss the waterfront property. The closing is tentatively scheduled for April 7. They would like to schedule a workshop to discuss short term plans for the property. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he would also like to discuss the parcel on Ballston Avenue and Broadway and the Brust parcel. Mayor Valerie Keehn asked that Council members get back to her on a date and time. Page 6 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Indoor Multi-Use Recreational Facility Investigation and Feasibility Study (06-59) Mayor Valerie Keehn said on February 7 the Council voted to hire SD Atelier to do a feasibility study for the indoor multi-use recreational facility on Weibel Avenue. The motion was to hire SD Atelier for $28,980 plus $500 in reimbursable expenses as presented in their December 22 proposal. Last week, SD Atelier presented a draft contract for the Council to consider. The contract was higher than the $28,980 because they included several items which she had brought up at the February 7 meeting including studying bike and pedestrian access to the site, public transit and other issues. She asked SD Atelier to split their contract into two contracts -- one for the original amount and another as an addendum to the contract. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved to approve the original contract in the amount of $28,980 plus $500 reimbursable expenses and the original scope of work subject to the approval of the City Attorney and the Risk and Safety Manager. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the Council already voted on this matter. He said the Council should only be voting on authorizing the Mayor to sign the contract. He noted though that there had been a change to the contract in that DPW had been removed as the contact person and he objected to that change. He said buildings fall under his purview and his department should be the contact. He said Geoff Bornemann was only staff to the Mayor and he should not be the contact person. He said if the Mayor wanted to remove DPW as the contact person, then the Mayor’s Office would be responsible for the entire project. He again said this does not need another vote. It only needs authorization for the Mayor to sign the contract. He said he was also concerned that this project has languished for seven weeks. He said that DPW has facilitated the construction of two ice rinks and parking garages and there was not this much controversy. He also said that he did not believe that this $28,000 expenditure was necessary. He said that this work could be done in house. He said that under this scenario, the bids would not go out this year. Mayor Valerie Keehn said this contract is for land and feasibility of the project. She said that there needs to be some thought given on this project in keeping the children safe as well as to be sure that this was the best location. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the Council has talked this subject to death. He said now we are spending money needlessly. There should be a design build contract. He said there are no sidewalks in this area. Parents don’t let their children walk anywhere. The YMCA is constructing a facility on the edge of the town and there are no sidewalks there. He said these kinds of studies and delays will add another half a million dollars to the project. He said the price of lumber will continue to rise because of events such as Hurricane Katrina. He said there was already a traffic study done by Bonacio/Roohan on another project for a nearby location. Why doesn’t the Council use that study? He said that these kinds of studies just end up sitting in the vault. He said that if the Mayor’s Office was going to be the contact person then he would send everything upstairs and they could handle it. Mayor Valerie Keehn said this was a feasibility study only. She said her only concern was for the safety of children. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he was concerned with the safety of children as well, but said that if sidewalks are constructed, that could cause problems. He said it would entice children to walk in that area, then there are no sidewalks out Lake Avenue or the reminder of Weibel Avenue. He said there will come a time when Weibel Avenue will be Page 7 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 widened. Don Davis and Peter Loyola said they have been working with DPW on the recreation facility for quite some time. Don Davis said they submitted their proposal on December 22, on January 19 they were interviewed and on February 7 the Council approved the original contract. On February 16, they submitted a contract, with the addendum. They used a boiler plate type contract. Peter Loyola said there was a traffic study in this area by Bonacio and perhaps some of that information could be used. He said the SEQR, bikeways, sidewalks, etc., all will increase the price of the project. The original contract is for the feasibility study. The additional items were included in the addendum and will cost the City more. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she pared the addendum list down to two items. She removed the SEQR and transportation study. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked that the 1.5 percent late fee be removed. Peter Loyola said that could be removed. Don Davis said there was also a question on the AIA clause, however, that had been discussed with the Risk & Safety Manager. Don Davis said that with 20/20 hindsight, they should have let the City draw up the contract. Commissioner John Franck asked if there was a contract when this was awarded or was the contract changed after it was awarded. Peter Loyola said in his experience, the Council would approve the proposal and the contract is only the piece of paper that works out the detail. Commissioner John Franck asked what were the changes from February 7. Peter Loyola said the only change was that they included an addendum. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this whole thing tonight is about the Mayor not getting what she wanted. He said that the Mayor should have called his office with her questions and/or concerns. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked for a timeline from Don Davis for the completion of the feasibility study. Don Davis said approximately three months from signing the contract. Commissioner John Franck asked if we were voting again on the original contract. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this was not the original proposal. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she is proposing that Geoff Bornemann be the contact person and if departments so desired they could be copied on everything. She is also requesting authorization to sign the contract. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded that the contract be approved with Geoff Bornemann as the contact person, DPW and the Mayor’s Office be copied on all documents and that the Mayor be authorized to sign the contract documents. It was noted that it seemed appropriate that the original motion from February 7 must be rescinded before this motion can be made. Commissioner Matthew McCabe reviewed the minutes from the February 7 meeting noting that the motion was to hire the firm but did not specifically address the contract. Mayor Valerie Keehn suggested that this be tabled. Page 8 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Commissioner Ron Kim suggested a friendly amendment on the contact person. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it was clear who should be the contact person. He said that it should be the elected officials as the contact person. He said that he wanted to have himself as the contacted person. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to amend the contract so that Commissioner Thomas McTygue is listed as the point person, copies be forwarded to Linda Terricola, Mayor’s Office and the Planning Office. The architect will make the copies. Ayes all. Indoor Multi-Use Recreational Facility Addendum (06-60) Mayor Valerie Keehn said this is an addendum to the contract that the Council just approved. This addendum would be for additional work for studying how the City can increase public transportation to and from the recreation center, sidewalks & bike path and one more public meeting before the consultant finish the report. Therefore, Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the contract amendment for SD Atelier for this additional work as outlined at a cost of $2,000 subject to the review of the City Attorney and the Risk & Safety Manager. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this will just slow the process down and is unnecessary. Mayor Valerie Keehn said the public needs to be kept apprised of what is going on with this project and that will be done through another public meeting. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this City could hold it’s own public hearing and save $800. Ayes: three (Mayor Valerie Keehn, Commissioner Matthew McCabe and Commissioner Ron Kim); Nays: two (Commissioner Thomas McTygue and Commissioner John Franck). Motion carried. Boxing Lease Mayor Valerie Keehn removed this item from discussion. Roohan Easement - 76 Woodlawn Avenue (06-61) Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to approve the revised Roohan property easement at 76 Woodlawn Avenue as presented. Ayes all. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT March 7, 2006, Meeting Minutes Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the March 7 meeting minutes with a few minor corrections. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Field Marking Lime Page 9 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to award the bid for field marking lime to Green Management of Glens Falls for $3.31 per 50 pound bag (lowest bidder). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Walk Off Mats Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to award the bid for walk off mats and mops to Coyne Textile Services for various prices (lowest bidder meeting specifications). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Grass Seed Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for grass seed to UHS Verdican for various prices (low bidder). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Grave Marking Flags Upon the recommendation of the Mayor’s Office, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for grave marking flags to Broadway Banner & Flag Company at $1,518.48 (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 Body & Hoist Package Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for the commercial duty platform body and hoist package to Arrowhead Equipment for $6,145 (low bidder). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Interlaken Water System Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for the Interlaken Water System - Electrical to Brunswick Electric in the amount of $70,726 and further move that the Mayor be authorized to sign the contract. This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid - Three Ton Cab Chassis Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for a second three ton cab chassis to the second low bidder Metro Ford Sales of Schenectady for $33,119. DPW recently purchased a similar truck from the low bidder, Page 10 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Morris Ford. DPW is now in need of a second truck and the low bidder is unable to supply another truck at their same price. This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said it had been budgeted in either the capital budget or within his budget. He said that his department is on a regular vehicle replacement program. Award of RFP - Skate Park Structure Upon the recommendation of the Mayor’s Office, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to award the RFP for the Skatepark structure as follows: Items #1-#4 to American Ramp Company not to exceed $35,121.73 and Item #5 to The Play Pro/Bill Simione & Associates not to exceed $4,005.00 and further move that the Mayor be authorized to sign the contract. This RFP has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Commissioners of Deeds Commissioner John Franck appointed the following individuals as Commissioners of Deeds with a term of two years (all from the Police Department): Glen Barrett, Gary Forward, Christopher Ozolins, Russ Terpening, Michael Welch, Stacy Rigano, Joseph Arpei, Denis Butler, Dave Levanites, Timothy Sicko, Paul Veitch and David Krylowicz. On Line Assessments Commissioner John Franck said that he sought office last year in order to develop an open, consumer friendly assessment process. Last week his office took the first step in that process by launching the on-line assessment program for the city. On-line availability of this information will help all property owners determine the reasonableness of their assessments and to prepare appeals to the Board of Assessment Review if necessary. We have effectively opened up the process to everyone and created a dialogue between our office and the public. This is phase one of a multi phase project that will expand to offer more detailed information as it develops. Deputy Commissioner Michele Boxley gave a brief overview of the new system. Deputy Commissioner Michele Boxley said this was phase one of a multi-phase project. She then gave a brief overview of how the program works through a power point presentation. She noted that individuals will be able to go on line and look up a parcel using the street address or SBL. In the next phases of this project, comparable sales will be added and pictures of homes. This program also links to ORPS. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that he is exploring the use of credit cards here at the City. He also noted that all of this information on assessments is already available in other locations and everyone’s right to privacy is being protected. Commissioner John Franck thanked Deputy Commissioner Michele Boxley and Kevin Kling for their work on this project. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Payroll Page 11 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the following payrolls: March 10 B $375,728.41 and March 17 - $350,369.87. Ayes all. Warrants Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to approve the following warrants: 2006 Regular Warrant 3/21/06 2MAR06 $1,476,419.52 2006 Mini Warrant 3/7/06 MCMAR06 $ 8,950.00 2006 Mini Warrant 3/15/06 MC3MAR06 $ 166,362.15 Ayes all. Transfers - Social Security Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the budget transfers from or to payroll accounts as distributed (Attachment D). These transfers have met the transfer guidelines. Ayes all. Transfers - Regular Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the budget transfers from or to payroll accounts as distributed (Attachment E). These transfers have met the transfer guidelines. Ayes all. Transfers - Contingency Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the budget transfers as presented (Attachment F). These transfers have met the transfer guidelines. There will remain in the general fund $194,979 and in the water fund $165,884 will remain after these transfers. These transfers have met the transfer guidelines. Ayes all. Budget Amendments Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to approve the budget amendments as presented (Attachment G). These amendments have met the amendment guidelines. Ayes all. February 17, 2006, Meeting Minutes Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the February 17, emergency City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes all. Standard Workday Resolution (06-62) Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to approve the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Saratoga Springs be and hereby establishes the following as a standard workday for elected and Page 12 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 appointed officials for the purpose of determining days worked reportable to the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System: Elected Officials Mayor Valerie Keehn Commissioner of Accounts - John P. Franck Commissioner of Public Safety - Ron Kim 5 day work week, 6.6 hour day Appointed Officials City Attorney - Michael Englert 5 day work week, 6 hour day Deputy Mayor - Nancy Ohlin Deputy Commissioner of Accounts - Michele McGraw-Boxley Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety - Frank Dudla 5 day work week, 8 hour day. Ayes all. Bond Rating Commissioner Matthew McCabe informed Council members that Moody’s Investors Services has retained the AA-1" bond rating for 2006 for the City of Saratoga Springs. This is the same rating that was assigned last year. This is a strong rating for a municipality and it will pay off when the City 2006 Bond Issue goes out to bid. Last year, the bidding ended with a low interest rate of 3.85 percent. Our below average debt budget burden and corrective measures in budgeting sales tax were both considered a plus. Rebuilding our undesignated fund balance and maintaining structural balance given budgetary pressures in 2006 are considered challenges and are reflected in the negative outlook designation. He noted that diversification of our local economy was mentioned as something which could make our rating go up. Director of Finance Christine Gillmett-Brown was a key part of receiving such a high rating and the City owes much of its financial fortitude to the existence of this position and her diligence. West Avenue Special Assessment District Annual Report - 2005 Matthew Jones, Chair of the West Avenue Special Assessment District, presented their annual reconciliation report. He informed Council members that the WASAD will pay the City over 25 years, their portion of the bonding for the project. There are 21 years remaining. There remains one outstanding and significant issue of $337,000. He said as a result of this bond project, there has been a fair amount of development on the West Avenue with the YMCA proposal and the senior apartments. He said, though, that there is a concern with the traffic bottleneck at Myrtle and Church Streets. He suggested that some thought be given to widening that intersection for a turning lane. He noted that the City currently has $90,000 available for that project and he estimated that there could be as much as $1 million from state/federal sources. However, the design of the project needs to be done. He said if the City was to go out for design of this intersection, there could be a $100,000 deficit, however, there were a number of pending revenue sources. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked Matthew Jones, again, about the street lights at the corner of West Avenue and Washington Street in front of Medical Arts building. He said those lights have been down for quite some time and he has requested several times through Matthew Jones that these lights be repaired/replaced. He informed the Council that the medical arts Page 13 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 building does not have a certificate of occupancy and suggested that their temporary certificate of occupancy be rescinded. He said they have been occupying that building for three years under a temporary certificate of occupancy. Matthew Jones said the City Engineer had contacted the building owner, however, there was no response. Commissioner Thomas McTygue suggested that this be turned over to the City Attorney. Director of Finance Appointment (06-63) Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that he was happy to announce the appointment of Christine Gillmett-Brown to the position of Director of Finance. CDTA Transit Development Plan Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he attended the CDTA open house today. The deadline for comment on the development plan is April 4 and the proposed adoption date is April 26. The proposed changes will expand and develop better service for mass transit in the City. One of the key issues of this proposal is their willingness to work with the City on four special events throughout the year. He said that the Victorian Streetwalk is one of those events. Other events could include: Hats Off, First Night, or the regatta at the lake. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Loughberry Lake Land Commissioner Thomas McTygue withdrew this item from discussion. Gridley Street - One Way Commissioner Thomas McTygue said this proposal for one way along Gridley Street needs a public hearing. He said there is opposition to this proposal. Thoroughbreds in the street could be a problem. He said the Council always holds public hearings on traffic related matters for City streets. He said this proposed change was done without the benefit of a public hearing. Therefore, he requested a public hearing be set for April 11 at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Ron Kim said he would not object to a public hearing, however, it set precedent for one Commissioner to reach into another Commissioner’s department. He said this recommendation had come from the Planning Board and the Safety Committee also reviewed the proposal. It is a temporary one way from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for three months. It is only a test. He said that he would not object to the request for a public hearing, however, his decision stands. Commissioner Thomas McTygue objected stating that while this may be a temporary request, it hinges upon a building being constructed. The City may change its mind on the one way issue, but the building will be there forever. He said the neighbors do not want this one way. He said he attended the Planning Board meeting to hear the complaints of the neighbors. Commissioner Ron Kim said he read the minutes of those meetings and the vote was 6-1 to approve the proposal. He asked his traffic department to review the proposal as well. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the maintenance of streets falls under his jurisdiction. He asked how would this be enforced. He noted that it is one way for only half of the street and it Page 14 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 will likely be confusing. He said the installation of stop signs must come before the Council and he could not understand why making a street one way did not need to come here. He said if it’s not in the code book, how can it be enforced. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the vote at the Planning Board was 4-3 not 6-1. There is opposition to this in the neighborhood. Paving Equipment Rental Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the rental of the paving equipment with operator from Pallette/Kubricky during 2006 at $1,600 per day and the cold planing milling machine at $4,000 per day. He said the funding comes from the CHIPS program and it meets purchasing guidelines. He said that it’s a highly specialized piece of equipment and he was unsure as to the exact amount of days that the equipment would be used. Ayes all. Water & Sewer Rates Previously discussed. Louden Road Litter Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he recently sent a letter to Art Johnson, Town of Wilton Supervisor, requesting his help in keeping litter picked up in the vicinity of the Wilton Mall. He has been sending his crews there to pick trash up and it’s an expense that the City should not have. Tree Removal Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that Donovan’s Tree Service has taken down nearly 30 trees at a cost of $13,335 since the wind storm. Although he did not budget for this expense, it can be funded through the salt and sand lines due to the mild winter. Brust Property Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he had discussed this matter with Paul Male, City Engineer, about applying for permits from DEC. This area, along Weibel Avenue, it a low lying area. He said he would develop a plan and if the public didn’t want it, it would not be done. He planned to talk to Behan Associates about this matter. The City currently pays a substantial amount of money to get rid of clean fill and this would be a good location. It is a messy area with a lot of undergrowth and downed trees. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked about recycling the sand from the winter months. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the sand cannot be recycled because when picking it up from the streets it picks up the stones and other items. It cannot be sent through the grinding machines with stone in it. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked if the clean fill had the salt, oil, and other items that might be hazardous. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that to his knowledge there was nothing hazardous in the fill. Sale of Compost Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the City would increase the price of compost by $.75 cents per cubic yard for 2006. The cost of compost will be $12.75 per cubic year for pick up with a two cubic yard minimum; for delivery in the City 7 yard minimum at $13.75 per cubic yard and Page 15 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 for delivery out of the City 7 yard minimum at $17.75 per cubic yard. He also informed the Council that the Town of Moreau was interested in purchasing a large amount of compost and he would give them a reduced rate. There is also another buyer who is interested in buying compost right out of the machine. Ribbons on Trees by Saratoga Center for the Family Commissioner Thomas McTygue said during the month of April the Saratoga Center for the Family will place blue ribbons on trees along Broadway. This is for their “Keep Kids Safe” Program. Sidewalk Contract Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign two contracts for curb and sidewalk work on Doten Avenue for 150 square feet of sidewalk at $4,500 and for 150 lineal feet of curbing for $2,400 for a total of $6,900. The money is in a cash bond for the project. Ayes all. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Pedestrian Safety Committee Commissioner Ron Kim announced the formation of a Pedestrian Safety Committee that would study ways to make the downtown area more pedestrian friendly. They would also look at other areas of the City such as the west side and Excelsior Avenue. Members of this committee will include: Karen Palledino, Chris Armer, Joe Dalton, Tim Mabee, Jeanette Kado-Marino, Martin Caravano, Keith Pellegri & Holly O’Leary as staff. He anticipated that this committee will work with the TEAM Saratoga Committee and Commissioner Matthew McCabe’s transportation committee Parking Ticket Amnesty Program Commissioner Ron Kim announced that there will be an amnesty program from April 1 to April 14 for overdue parking tickets. During that time, all overdue penalties will be waived. He said there are many people interested in using credit cards to pay these fines. There was a suggestion to hold the amnesty program during the entire month of April. Commissioner Ron Kim said he would consider that, however, there was an overtime issue. Collection Agency RFP to Collect Overdue Fines Commissioner Ron Kim said he would like to develop an RFP for a collection agency to assist the City in collecting overdue fines. There was also a suggestion to consider using the “boot” on some cars. Commissioner Ron Kim said he would consider that suggestion. It was also suggested that photos could be taken of cars and with advanced technology those cars could be tracked. Commissioner Ron Kim agreed, but noted that the City does not yet have that technology. Page 16 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 SUPERVISORS Supervisor Joanne Yepsen Openness in government week: Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said there was a symposium on better access to officials, public records and the law making process in connection with Open Government Week. It was video taped and will be aired. DEIS: Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said the DEIS had been released and the public has until April 7 to submit their comments in writing to the County Board of Supervisors. Monthly meeting: Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said the Concerned Citizens of Racing Committee recently adopted nine points concerning racing in the City. She said she would attend the Racing Committee forum. Sexual predator law: Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said that the review of the proposed sexual predator law had been moved to next month’s County Board of Supervisors’ agenda. Commissioner Ron Kim asked if there was something the City could do for the sexual predator law. Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said there is currently a state law, however, the proposed County law would supercede the state law. The legislation was delayed at the County because the school district asked for more time to review the material. Commissioner Ron Kim asked for a copy of the legislation. Open Space Plan: Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said there would be a series of workshops sponsored by the Green Infrastructure Committee to be held in May and June. She said there is a pool of $500,000 which municipalities may apply to for open space projects. The time period is April 1 to June 30. She said it seemed as though there were a few projects in the City that could be eligible for this funding. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked for an application for this program. Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouse CDTA: Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouse said she attended the CDTA meeting today. DEIS: Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouse reminded everyone that they have until April 7 to submit their comments in writing to the County Board of Supervisors on the DEIS program. She said whether a house ever gets water from this project, she believed that all county taxpayers would pay for this project. She did not believe that justice was being served to the residents of this community on this project. The City needs affordable housing before it needs more water. The DEIS is available on line or at the library. She suggested that if anyone had any questions on this project, they could call her. She informed everyone that she intended to present a power point presentation on this matter at both the Clifton Park and in Saratoga Springs libraries. Equalization & Assessment Committee: Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouse said she attended that meeting on March 13. DPW Committee: Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouse said that she attended that meeting on March 13 and there was an agreement approved to replace the Stewarts Dam bridge. Saratoga Prevention Council: Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouse said she recently met with Judy Page 17 of 18 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 21, 2006 Eckman from the council. This council provides services on school prevention program, counseling, SAD, tobacco free network, youth court, parenting classes, DWI prevention, family assistance program, gambling prevention programs and many others. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe 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 Clerk Approved: Page 18 of 18