City Council

City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2006 5:50 P.M. PRESENT: Valerie Keehn, Mayor Commissioner John Franck, Accounts Commissioner Ron Kim, DPS Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW (arrived 5:50 p.m.) SUPERVISORS: Joanne Yepsen Cheryl Keyrouze STAFF PRESENT: Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner Finance Michele Boxley, Deputy Commissioner Accounts Patrick Design, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Eileen Finneran, Deputy Mayor Michael Englert, City Attorney Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney CALL TO ORDER Mayor Valerie Keehn called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m. Executive Session Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to adjourn to executive session at 5:50 p.m. to discuss Article 7 litigation and the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief’s Contracts. Ayes all. Council members returned at 6:35 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS 911 Addressing Changes Mayor Valerie opened the public hearing on 911 addressing changes. No one spoke. Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public hearing for this evening, however, noted that the public hearing would be reopened at a future meeting pending notification of residents. Clinton & Vermont Streets Stop Sign Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public hearing on the Clinton & Vermont Streets stop sign. William Lewis, 226 Clinton Street, submitted a petition with signatures of residents of this neighborhood. All believed that the stop sign was a good idea. It’s difficult to cross Clinton Street. There is a lot of speeding. Stops signs will slow down the traffic along Clinton Street. Kathryn Sisk, 166 Clinton Street, said there has already been a fatality on Clinton Street. There is a lot of traffic on this street. The traffic needs to be slowed down. She encouraged the Council to support the installation of this stop sign. Page 1 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Diane Scannell, 168 Clinton Street, said there are a lot of kids in this area and a stop sign is needed to slow down the traffic. This is a difficult street to cross because of the traffic and the speed of the traffic. She encouraged the Council to support the installation of this stop sign. DRC Members Length of Term Mayor Valerie Keehn said this is a local law to amend the Code of the City to add a new section on the terms of office for Design Review Commission members. She said they are proposing to extend the terms from three to seven year. Nancy Goldberg, 66 Sarazen Street, said she had submitted a letter to the editor because of her frustration about the building permit process. She said since that time, though, she had a conversation with Pat Kane, Design Review Commission member and now believed that communication among the boards was possible. They both believe that communication among the boards is imperative in the building permit process. The current system is not working, however, they believe that a solution can be found through fostering communication among the boards. She said she supported the proposal to increase the lengths of terms for the DRC members. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she too believed that communications among the boards would help the building permit process. She agreed that the three boards were receptive to an open line of communication. Commissioner Matthew McCabe noted that the both Planning and the Zoning Board of Appeals are legislated by the state while the Design Review Commission is legislated locally. Nancy Goldberg said the length of terms should be uniform. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the board chairs need to meet on a casual basis. Nancy Goldberg agreed saying that communication was key. Mayor Valerie Keehn said that the chairs of these boards are committed to making sure that the lines of communication remain open. Patrick Kane, DRC member, said that the City has grown over the years. The level of communication between the boards needs to grow as well. He wished there could be “one stop” shopping for applicants, however, that is not possible. 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. David Bronner, 5 Royal Henley Court, said at the last meeting he requested figures from DPW on the cost of drawing water from Saratoga Lake. He said he got those number himself. The numbers have not been updated since 2002. At that time the projected cost was $17 million bonded for 30 years at 4 percent. Those numbers need to be updated for inflation. The City’s numbers and the County’s numbers need to be compared. He noted that the City will not receive any grants for their water project, while the County will. David Bronner said the Arrowhead Road project, archaeological survey matter, needed to be addressed. He said the homeowners should pay for that work. David Bronner said it was an abomination that the school district was offering coupons to voters. He said it was against everything that we know as American citizens on the right to vote. Peter Tulin, 40 Sarazen Street, commended the City’s supervisors for their strong fight on the water project at the County Board of Supervisors meeting. He said it was a charade with a vote of 22 to 3. It was too bad that the County’s taxpayers would end up paying for this project. Normally, when a government borrows money it is done through RANS or TANS. The funds should be given back to the residents to ease the tax burden. How could the County put together a water system that only has three users? He suggested that the Council put together Page 2 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 a committee to leave the County. The City should be collecting it’s own admissions tax and OTB revenues. He did not want to see City residents paying for the County’s water plan. Mark Lawton, 209 Nelson Avenue, thanked the Finance Department for their assistance on budgetary matters. He said in the future, the Finance Department will produce reports on a cash basis. It will take some work for them to do because of the MUNIS accounting system. He and his committee members stand prepared to assist on this matter. There are a number of issues that need to be reconciled such as labor contract settlements, emergency appropriations and adjustments to revenues. They must continue to be reconciled throughout the year. John Kraus, 227 Grand Avenue, said the goal of the City should be to educate taxpayers. He was delighted to see the recent grievance training process. It was professionally done and was a great help to the small group that attended. The Finance Department should make a formal presentation of 2007 budget. With the revised assessment roll of 2.9 billion, the new tax rate should be $4.47 per thousand. If the insurance savings and the VLT revenues are included, the tax rate should be $3.70. Kyle York, 59 Railroad Place, thanked the City’s supervisors for their work at the County Board of Supervisors meeting. He said Cheryl Keyrouze read the Council’s resolution on the matter and both supervisors stated their positions eloquently. He thanked the Council and the supervisors for their efforts in this matter. Chief Robert Cogan, Fire Department, thanked the Council for their support over the weekend in the death of Mike Beech. Council members then had a moment of silence for Mike Beech and Gene Fallick, former DPW employee. Bill McTygue, Director Utilities, said DPW would make a presentation at the next Council meeting on the Saratoga Lake water project. He said the numbers from both the City’s plan and the County’s plan will be compared. He reminded Council members that the County recently spent $16 million on a landfill in the Town of Moreau that is not being used. There are associated costs with running that facility, even though it is not being used. He said it was interesting now that the County cannot threaten the City with reduced sales tax. On the Arrowhead Road matter, the DPW will do whatever is necessary for the archaeologically work. The expense will be borne by the residents who are paying for the water line. It is good business to have residents pay for infrastructure. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the numbers from the Saratoga Lake Water plan are available and will be presented again. The County’s plan is not as cheap as the City’s plan. The County is just shuffling their numbers and it was akin to the Enron scandal. The City is better off on its own using the lake rather than the upper Hudson. He noted that the Town of Wilton does not have a distribution center if they buy water. He also noted that it was interesting that the County does not allow anyone to ask questions at their meetings. He wondered if any of the Supervisors had spoken to their constituents. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public comment period. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Johnson Controls – Energy Savings Christopher Kalwara said in January the City authorized Johnson Controls to conduct a preliminary assessment to identify energy savings through performance savings contracts. They have gone through the City’s buildings over the last few months. Tonight’s presentation is the Page 3 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 results of that study. The recommendations are $1.2 million for infrastructure improvement which would reduce energy costs by 12 percent ($93,000) annually, lower greenhouse gas emissions by 430 tons per year and improve building comfort. Christopher Kalwara then reviewed the process stating that they focused on City Hall. They developed a list of facility improvement measures, estimated implementation costs and savings and identified sources of potential funding. The procurement mechanism is allowed through the NYS Energy Law, Article 9. This mechanism permits the savings to pay for the infrastructure improvements. It does not impact the City’s capital budget and/or debt limit. His company would be the sole source responsible entity for the project and there would be no change orders. The subcontractors would work directly for Johnson Controls. His company is responsible for design, installation, training, performance, etc. The Saratoga County Arts Council and the City’s street lights were not taken into consideration in this survey. Their preliminary recommendations include lighting upgrades & controls, boiler replacement, air conditioner compressors, vending miser controller, pipe insulation, steam traps, weatherization improvements, attic insulation, hot water controllers and water conservation. They estimate the City could realize a $93,000 annual savings. The biggest savings would be at the ice rinks and City Hall. The Water Treatment Plant is currently operating efficiently. The concept of the program is the current utility bill of $780,000 would be reduced by $93,000. The $93,000 would be used to pay the principal and interest payments. Once the project is paid for, the City would then keep the entire savings. There is some funding available through NYSERDA. The next step is for a detail energy study. There is no out of pocket expense for the City and there is some reimbursement available from NYSERDA. This detailed energy study would take about 12 weeks. He said the $93,000 is a guaranteed savings. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked for a written copy of this proposal. Chris Kalwara said the savings is monitored through kwh hour usage. His company would provide an energy savings report each year to the City. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked if there were any solar or wind companies used. Chris Kalwara said there is there is limited solar power and no wind power in the northeast. Bill McTygue said DPW would provide the Council with a copy of this report. This program could be implemented with the assistance of NYSERDA. Johnson Controls guarantees the savings. DPW is anxious to accomplish some of the energy savings projects and he encouraged the Council to consider implementing the entire program. There is some funding available in the DPW budget and they would not ask for any funding at this time. Commissioner Thomas McTygue suggested that a meeting be held between DPW and Finance on this matter. Storm Water Management Annual Report Nadine Medina, Barton & Loguidice reviewed and updated the City’s storm water management annual report. The City has finished year three of the five year plan and is now in year four. The City has five years to become compliant. This program is mandated by DEC for municipalities in urban areas with certain density levels. There are three requirements: implementation, annual completion and certification. The City has been actively implementing the program. Education, control measures, focusing on discharge other than storm water, site management and post construction management are all important parts of the program. Nadine Medina then reviewed the report. Public outreach – the City has done well through activities at the County level, schools, web page, grease reduction program and the Middle School biology class distributed stormwater management material to downtown business owners. Public Involvement and Participation: Middle School students were involved in the Page 4 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 storm water awareness campaign. Illicit discharge detection and elimination: grease reduction with great traps, inspection of manholes, etc. Site management – the City has work to do in this area. Pamphlets have been down, however, there needs to be management practices and enforcement. Pollution prevention: The City needs to ensure that it will comply and will continue to comply with the mandates through self audits. Commissioner Ron Kim asked about enforcement and who would do it.. Nadine Medina said the City needs a plan for that. In 2008 DEC will give enforcement of this program to the City. Nadine Medina said the City has made good progress but there is only two years left. There needs to be permanent funding for an enforcement officer to continue mapping and enforcement of the project. There needs to be a local ordinance on illicit discharge detection elimination; an ordinance on construction site run off and an ordinance directed to post construction work. DEC has sample laws/ordinances available. The City’s laws may not be any less stringent than DEC laws. Mapping discharges will take a lot of time. The City needs to develop enforcement and training programs, mitigate impacts of specific pollutants and prioritize the locations. The City also needs to allocate funding for equipment. Bill McTygue pointed out that these are mandates forced on the City by state and federal laws. Commissioner Ron Kim asked what were the penalties. Paul Male said $37,500 per day per occurrence. Bill McTygue said cities of comparable size are under this mandate and eventually towns will be too. The message this evening is that the City is doing well. This program will require 100 percent attention by one individual overseeing the program. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked if this person was a specialist in hazardous waste handling. Bill McTygue said this was about living in harmony with the environment. He said the state wants the City to focus on where the pollutants end up. It’s important to instruct the public that they cannot dump their waste into the storm water drainage system. Commissioner Ron Kim suggested that perhaps the code enforcers in his department could be trained in some of these areas. He asked if fines would be instituted. Bill McTygue said yes. Mayor Valerie Keehn asked if we were working with other municipalities. Bill McTygue said this is part of the County wide effort. Mapping of storm water is important for the City’s storm water system. That will be the focus of the program. SUPERVISORS Billy Grey Ride Letter Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said Billy Grey died of cancer in July 2001. He led a short but remarkable life. His family now participates in the Brain Tumor Society through their many fundraising efforts. The Billy Grey research chair was established with $250,000 in grants. On May 21, the society will sponsor a 50, 25 and 10 mile bike ride beginning at High Rock Park. She urged all to participate. The family thanked the Council and Supervisor Joanne Yepsen for their support. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Capital Reconstruction Committee Lew Benton, chair, Capital Reconstruction Committee presented the committee’s work to date. The primary function of DPS is to provide proportionate, high quality and timely response to community emergencies, natural disasters, major fires or mass casualty events. The City’s Page 5 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 current public safety infrastructure does not support an appropriate and timely response. Current deficiencies according to NYMIR include: female cell area, male cell area, electrical services and other serious building and fire code deficiencies. Other deficiencies throughout the building include: overcrowding, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, bathroom facilities and evidence storage. The 2004 feasibility study showed that the police department needs more than double the existing 12,000 square feet. Since 2001 calls for police service increased by 17 percent. The role of the fire department has changed over the last 20 years. Their primary function is fire suppression but they also have an EMS program. In 1992 when the EMS program came on line, calls were answered in less than 6 minutes 95 percent of the time. In 1993, that number dropped to 91 percent. In 2004 the length of time to respond to calls ranged from 9 and 20 minutes. During the last 10 years, the City issued 1800 new residential building permits. There has been an uneven distribution of new construction. The shift in population has been away from downtown and the east side to the areas west of West Avenue and east of the Northway. The City’s population and safety needs have changed over the last 25 years. Population has gone from 23,906 in 1980 to 27,500 in 2006. Population east of the northway and south of Crescent Avenue has increased by 283 percent. Response time east of the Northway averaged 7 minutes but ranged between 4 and 17 minutes. The committee is preparing a set of detailed recommendations to be presented to the public in time for the 2007 capital budget. The program design will include: review of previously prepared plans, review of current facilities measured against current and historic crime statistics, fire suppression and EMT patters; existing and future staffing and program needs; opportunities for shared intramunicipal and intermunicipal service delivery; identify of legal and regulatory influences and primary cost analysis and financing plan. Mayor Valerie Keehn thanked the members of this committee for their work to date. She said there was an incident last week, whereby an individual wanted to file a missing persons report and it was unfortunate that this took place out in the open for all to hear. That is no longer tolerable and it needs to be addressed now. Victims should not be sitting on the steps of City Hall crying. Commissioner Ron Kim agreed that this needs to be addressed now. He pointed out that Saratoga Springs is the fourth largest City in square miles in the state. The City now has more houses and residents. It’s challenging for DPS. The City needs a new police and fire station. He is conscious of the taxpayer burden, but the reality is that the City can no longer function with its current infrastructure. He hoped that Council members would support him in this endeavor. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Geyser Road Sidewalk: Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said when she was campaigning she heard a number of concerns about public safety and in particular along Geyser Road. She said she hoped a solution could be found through public and private partnership to ensure the safety of kids along this road. John Meredith, 16 Skidmore Drive, said that Geyser Crest is a single family residence area with lots of children. There is a playground next to the school, however, there are no sidewalks to get to the playground. The children like to ride their bikes, but Geyser Road speed limit is 40 mph and parents are not comfortable letting their children ride on the shoulder of the road. There used to be a crossing guard at the school, but no longer. This is a great concern to parents. There is a great playground and playing fields that the kids can go to, but there is no safe way of getting them there. He asked that consideration be given to installing sidewalks. Page 6 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Scott Varley, representing the developer of the proposed Beaver Pond Village, said that developer has talked at length with the Southwest Neighborhood Association about installing a sidewalk in that area. This developer is interested in working with DPW to assist in getting the children from the neighborhood to the Geyser Park fields. MAYOR’S OFFICE Proclamation – Relay for Life (06-86) Mayor Valerie Keehn read the following proclamation: CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS Whereas, cancer remains a leading cause of death for Americans. Despite great advances in education and treatment, cancer-related deaths continue to deprive us of our friends, family, and neighbors, and Whereas, for the past seven years the City of Saratoga Springs has participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, an international event to promote and raise funds for continuing cancer research, educators, advocacy, and patient support. This year’s event will be held on June 9 and 10 and is expected to draw many citizens from our community together in the ongoing battle against cancer, NOW, THEREFORE, I, Valerie Keehn, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, am pleased to proclaim the week of June 5 through the 9 as RELAY FOR LIFE RECOGNITION WEEK and to request the support of my fellow Saratogians for the success of this important event. Nicole Borla said the Relay for Life Event would be held Friday, June 9 through Saturday, June 10. This is the ninth year for this event. Last year the event raised more than $100,000 for the cancer society. Opening ceremonies will be at 7:00 p.m. and she invited Council members to attend. There will be many events throughout the night. To date, 23 teams have registered. Experience Works Presentation Andie Zajaceskowski and Larry Finkle appeared before the Council to present the Experience Works program. Larry Finkle said this is a not for profit program previously known at the Green Thumb Program. If a person is over 55 and low income, they may participate in this program. This program allows for an individual to be placed in a position and the program pays a training subsidy for 90 days. The last four individuals placed in this program were from Saratoga Springs. They have placed persons in jobs ranging from a Nursing Home Administrator to a greeter at Walmart. He said this program does not condone taking position from unions. This program gives employers pre-screened, trained applicants. They have a ready made pool of applicants. City Historian 2005 Annual Report Mary Ann Fitzgerald, City Historian, said she has been the City Historian for a little more than two years now. She informed Council members that she receives requests on a routine basis from across the country and from Europe. She provides information to schools, colleges, archaeologists, etc. She periodically has volunteers from the Participation in Government class at the high school. She currently has a retired librarian cataloguing the book collection in her office. She also participates in many local, county, regional and state level meetings. She recently did a history of the Frederick Allen Lodge that resulted in a brown bag lunch at the library. It was a great collection of material on that organization. Page 7 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Telecom Workshop Mayor Valerie Keehn said that the telecom workshop would be held on May 17 at 1:00 p.m. in the council room. A draft ordinance will be provided for the framework for the cable television franchise renewal process. Saratoga Springs Housing Authority – Appointment Mayor Valerie Keehn announced the appointment of Eric Weller to the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. Ride the Bus Day Mayor Valerie Keehn announced that May 25 beginning at 10:00 a.m. would be ride the bus day. Waterfront Committee Mayor Valerie Keehn announced the appointment of the following individuals to the Waterfront property committee: Jeff Olsen, Larry McGourty, Sue Rodems, Jim Martinez, Gerry Magoolaghan, Chris Carsky, Joe Geiger, Chuck Brouillette and Tom Lollias. The closing on this property will take play on May 22. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Approval of May 2, 2006, Meeting Minutes Commissioner John Franck moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to approve the May 2, 2006, meeting minutes. Ayes all. Award of Bid – Sale of Used Trucks Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to award bid for the sale of used trucks to Kevin Older of Greenfield for $500 for item #1 and $4852.51 for item #2 (high bidder). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Kevin Older asked for assurance that the vehicles would be in the same condition as when he looked at them. Bill McTygue said they would available for pick up as per the bid specifications. Award of Bid – All Purpose Equipment Trailer Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to award of bid for the all purpose equipment trailer to Versatile Trailer Sales of Gansevoort for $3,420 (low bidder). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets purchasing guidelines. Ayes all. Page 8 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Award of Bid – Aquatic Weed Harvester Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for the aquatic weed harvester to Aquamarine Division of Erectoweld, Inc., of Waukesha, WI for $94,000 which includes a $7,500 trade in allowance (low bidder). This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets Purchasing Guidelines. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the City received $45,000 from the insurance carrier for the damaged equipment which will offset the cost of the new equipment. The vendor offered $7,500 as trade in value for the damaged weed harvester. The DPW budget will support the balance of the funds for this weed harvester. This machines comes with a trailer and conveyer. Award of Bid – Chemicals Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to award the bid for chemicals as follows: Hydrofluosilicic acid Slack Chemical $2.987 Liquid Chlorine JCI Jones Chemicals $35.00 Sodium Hypochlorite Surpass Chemicals $0.983 Sodiumsilico Fluoride Duso Chemical $43.25 Powdered Activated Carbon Thatcher Company $54.00 Copper Sulfate Fasey & Besthoff $104.00 Polyaluminum Chloride Holland Company $16.00 PCH-55 $15.50 PCH-180 This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets Purchasing Guidelines. Ayes all. Award of Bid – West Avenue Fire Station Facade Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Safety, Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to award the contract for the West Side Fire Station Façade to Plank, LLC, in the amount of $167,680. This bid has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department and meets Purchasing Guidelines. Ayes all. Name Change Commissioner John Franck announced that the City recently received correspondence from Select Energy that Northeast Utilities (Select Energy’s parent company), will be sold to Hess Corporation effective June 1. Select Energy is the City’s supplier of gas. The terms of our energy services contract will remain under the same terms and conditions. Therefore, for future reference, billing will be from Hess Corporation. Website Content Policies (06-87) Commissioner John Franck said that the City is required by the SARA grant to develop website content policies. Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to approve the website content policy as presented (Attachment A). Ayes all. Page 9 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the website usage policy as presented (Attachment B). Ayes all. Mayor Valerie Keehn asked if departments would receive the appropriate training to place documents on the web page. Deputy Commissioner Michele Boxley said that City staff would receive training before the end of June. Launch of E-Government Program Commissioner John Franck announced that the City’s new web page was up and running. He said he looked forward to enhancing the page. The page is easier to use, there is more access to information, minutes, parking ticket payments, etc. The thanked the members of the committee and encouraged everyone to explore the web page. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Saratoga Veteran’s Upcoming Events: Supervisor Joanne Yepsen informed Council members that the Vietnam moving wall would be coming to the Town of Malta very soon. Board of Supervisors Meeting: Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said that today’s event at the Board of Supervisors was an unfortunate outcome for County residents. The surplus money should not be used the water project and she voted against it. The supporters of this resolution are claiming that the loan of $15 million may not be needed if there are more users. However, they cannot bond the project if they don’t have enough users so they need the $15 million. There is $10 million funding from Senator Bruno, $10 million from Congressman Sweeney, $10 million from the state and $15 million from the County. That leaves $30 million to be bonded. The Town of Greenfield is the only other town to vote with her and Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouze. She informed Council members that if the state adopts their legislation on capping the sales tax on gas then the County may eliminate their tax as well. Cheryl Keyrouze Board of Supervisors Meeting: Cheryl Keyrouze said the $15 million should have been returned to taxpayers. She read her statement to the Council which she had read earlier today at the Board of Supervisors meeting. In that statement she stated that she could not support the resolution for many reasons, including the lost interest on the total surplus amount, there were only three towns that had signed onto purchase water. This project and loan of funds is irresponsible and financially unpredictable. Residents should be afforded the opportunity to speak on this matter and no town should have majority control on the committee controlling this project, etc. At the Supervisors meeting she made a motion to table the resolution to loan the $15 million. That motion was unsuccessful. Transportation committee: Cheryl Keyrouze said the Transportation Committee would meet on June 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the community room at the library to discuss transportation throughout the County. This committee will serve as a long term committee for educational purposes and to offer options to the County Board on this matter. She said it was her hope that at some point this might become a not-for-profit board. Other: Cheryl Keyrouze said she was working on a partnership between farm owners and horse owners to match them up when farm owners wish to sell their land. The plan is to maintain greenspace throughout the County by turning the farms into horse related activities. She said John Behan, David Height, Skip Carlson and George Karam are meeting to discuss this issue. Page 10 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 FINANCE OFFICE Payrolls – Approval Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to approve the following payrolls: May 5, 2006 -- $ 359,736.27 and May 12, 2006 -- $344,749.06. Ayes all. Warrants – Approval Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to approve the following warrants: 2006 Regular Warrant 05/16/06 2MAY06 $617,191.78 2006 Mini Warrant 05/10/06 MC1MAY06 $110,795.95 Ayes all. Transfers – Payroll, Social Security, Regular Revenue – Approval Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to approve the payroll transfers as presented (Attachment C). These transfers have met the transfer guidelines. Ayes all. Amendments – Approval Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to approve the budget amendments as presented (Attachment D). These amendments have met the amendment guidelines. Ayes all. Sales Tax Report Commissioner Matthew McCabe reviewed the sales tax data. He said in 2006, the City budgeted $8,350,000 and in 2005 budgeted $7,825,000. Year to date through March 31, 2006, the City had collected $1,790,789 while in 2005 the amount was $1,552,723. The percent collected over last year is approximately 15 percent with 21 percent of the total amount collected. He reminded everyone that there was also the lost weekend a few months ago with the windstorm/power outages. He also noted that while the percentages were higher now, they tend to dip as the year goes on. This is good news for the City. He also said that he is using the $2.4 million number given to him by the state in connection with the VLT revenue. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked if the City had received the funds from the County for the parking structure. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said yes. Budget Presentation Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that budget presentations would begin soon. 2005 Audit Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that the 2005 audit is under way. Alternative Transportation Committee Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that he would reconvene his Alternative Transportation Committee. Page 11 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Memorial Day Parade Commissioner Matthew McCabe reminded everyone that the Memorial Day parade will be held on Wednesday, May 24. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Johnson Controls – Energy Savings Previously discussed. Barton & Loguidice – Storm Water Management Annual Report Previously discussed. South Broadway Budget Amendment (06-88) Paul Male said a memo was circulated to the Council on March 31 outlining the budget amendment for $81,069 for this project. This project should be funded with 80 percent by the federal government, 15 percent by the state government and the City’s cost will be about $6,000. He said the revenue and expense lines must match the total amendment at $81,069. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the capital budget amendment in the amount of $81,069 for the South Broadway project. Ayes all. South Broadway Construction & Inspection Costs Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to add this item to the agenda. Ayes all. Paul Male said that construction and inspections costs for this project will need to be discussed and approved at some point. He again said this would be funded by 80 percent by the federal government and 15 percent by the state government. He said he would return to the Council with firm numbers at a later date. A public hearing was set for June 6 at 6:45 p.m. Paving Schedule Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced the following paving schedule: Monday, May 15 pave Iroquois Drive Monday, May 15 pave Oakland Drive Tuesday, May 16 pave Salem Drive Tuesday, May 16 pave Foxhall Drive Tuesday, May 16 pave Sunrise Drive Wednesday May 17 pave Caroline Street Thursday, May 18 pave Elizabeth Lane Thursday, May 18 pave Foxhall Drive Minutes Correction Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to correct the November 18 Council meeting minutes on the pay rate for the City Artist, part time. The correct hourly rate is $17 per hour, not $19. Ayes all. Page 12 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Sick Bank Request Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to approve the request of Jack Hopkins for two days from the CSEA DPW sick bank. Ayes all. Lillian’s Parking Lot – Emergency Bill McTygue said that memos were circulated on May 10 and May 16 concerning the City owned parking lot between Lillian’s and Professor Moriarty’s. Paul Male explained that the north and south sections are similar to decks, while the center area is on grade. On the north side, a portion has collapsed. Ryan Biggs came in did a structural analysis. The estimate is between $150,000 and $250,000 to repair the north section. The south section does not need any work at this time, however, it is likely that it will in the near future. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he was not sure that he wanted to spend that kind of money repairing the lot. He said that perhaps there should be some discussion on selling the parcel and the developer leasing the parking back to the City. Commissioner John Franck asked what was the next step. Paul Male said that significant sturdy barricades would need to be set up. Bill McTygue said that there have been conversations in the past about selling this parcel. He reminded everyone that years ago this was a retail location. He said before the City spends a lot of money to repair the structure, there needs to be conversations on what the Council wants to do with the lot. Commissioner Ron Kim asked if the DPW was sure that the use of the parking lot was not dangerous. Bill McTygue said that Ryan Biggs did a thorough inspection and they do not believe there is a problem using the center and southerly portions of the parking area. Archaeological Contract for Arrowhead Road – Emergency Commissioner Thomas McTygue withdrew this item from discussion. Open Space Use on Bingham Street Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that Council members had received copies of a petition submitted by neighbors in the Circular Street/Bingham Street area. He would like to have Behan Association take a look at this parcel to see if it is feasible to purchase the parcel through the Open Space Bond Act. An appraisal on the site should be done first. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he would like to know how much the appraisal would cost before authorizing it. Commissioner Ron Kim said that because this site is located very near to his home, he will recuse himself from any discussion on this matter. Mayor Valerie Keehn said perhaps it was more appropriate to have the committee chaired by Jeff Olsen to review the parcel first, advise the Council and then request Behan Associates to move forward. It was agreed that a cost estimate for the appraisal would be sought from Behan Associates and that the committee chaired by Jeff Olsen would review the matter. Page 13 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Privately Owned Parking Areas for Saratoga Thoroughbred Racecourse – Set Public Hearing Commissioner Ron Kim requested that a public hearing be set for June 6 at 6:35 p.m. on privately owned parking areas for the Saratoga Thoroughbred Racecourse season. Traffic Violation Fines (06-89) Commissioner Ron Kim reviewed the proposed fee schedule for parking violations stating that it had been submitted to the Council. He said the last time the fees were updated was in 1996. Due to the new web page and the ability to pay parking tickets on line, a surcharge will be added. Other communities using a surcharge range between $5 and $45. Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to increase the parking fees and to add a surcharge. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked if there was something that the City could look into on preventing trucks in the City from using jake brakes. Commissioner Ron Kim said the use of jake brakes is against state law. He said jake brakes do not activate brake lights, therefore, it’s a violation of state law. He said the bigger issue is noise, however, we don’t have a way to measure the noise from the use of these brakes. Mayor Valerie Keehn asked if the $5 surcharge would be charged if not paying on line. Commissioner Ron Kim said yes. The only time it would be waived is if an individual comes to City Hall and pays in cash. Ayes all. Clinton & Vermont Streets – Stop Sign (06-90) Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded the following resolution: An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 225, Section 225-77 of the Code of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York, Entitled “Vehicle and Traffic- Schedule XII: Stop Intersections: BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York, as follows: SECTION 1. Section 225-77 of the Code of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York, entitled “Vehicle and Traffic – Schedule DXII: stop Intersections”, is hereby amended to add the following: STOP SIGN ON DIRECTION OF TRAVEL AT INTERSECITON OF Clinton Street Both Vermont Street SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect the day after publication as provided by the provisions of the City Charter of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York. Ayes all. Page 14 of 15 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Stop DWI Contract (06-91) Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with the County for the Stop DWI Grant program in the amount of $36,000. Ayes all. 911 Addressing Commissioner Ron Kim said this item would remain open to allow more discussion with the property owners on this matter. Dr. Brooks Contract (06-92) Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Dr Brooks in the amount of $7,000, effective July 1 for physicals for firefighters. Ayes all. Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief’s Contract Commissioner Ron Kim withdrew this item from discussion. Capital Reconstruction Committee Previously discussed. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Billy Grey Ride Letter: Previously discussed. Geyser Road Sidewalk: Previously discussed. Saratoga Veteran’s Upcoming Events: Previously discussed. Board of Supervisors May 16 meeting update: Previously discussed. Cheryl Keyrouze Board of Supervisors May 16 meeting update: Previously discussed. Saratoga County Citizens Advisory Transportation Committee: Previously discussed. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to adjourn the meeting at 10:35 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Valerie Keehn adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Approved: Clerk Page 15 of 15