City Council

City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2006 5:20 P.M. PRESENT : Valerie Keehn, Mayor Commissioner John Franck, Accounts Commissioner Ron Kim, DPS Commissioner Matthew McCabe, Finance Commissioner Thomas McTygue, DPW SUPERVISORS: Cheryl Keyrouze Joanne Yepsen STAFF PRESENT : Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner Finance Michele Boxley, Deputy Commissioner Accounts Pat Design, Deputy Commissioner DPW 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 5:20 p.m. Executive Session Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to adjourn to executive session at 5:20 p.m. to discuss the Dreyer litigation, EEOC claim and water litigation. Council members returned at 6:30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING Capital Program Budget Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public hearing on the capital program budget. She reviewed some of the items included in the capital budget noting in particular the recreation facility and the new police facility. Matthew Jones, representing the West Avenue Special Assessment District & Saratoga Hospital, said that item #43 in the capital budget, Church & Myrtle Streets improvements was budgeted at $1.75 million in the 2008 capital program budget. He said this improvement was to allow for a third lane along Church Street. He said 80 percent of this project would be aided by DOT funds which leaves the City with an estimated cost of $350,000. The City has collected approximately $100,000 from developers in this area which then leaves the City with an estimated cost of $250,000. He noted that the hospital will begin work on the Emergency Department renovation which will bring in more money for the street improvements so in fact, the City’s contribution will be significantly less than $250,000. He said the capital program committee may not have been aware of this information when prioritizing the capital program budget. He asked that further consideration be given to these improvements. He also commended the City for including the recreation facility and the police station. Mayor Valerie Keehn agreed the capital program committee did not have all of those details. She suggested that he put this in writing and forward it to her. She further noted that the capital budget that is adopted by the Council in November could look different from what is adopted this evening. Seth Rosner, Birch Run, agreed that the Church & Myrtle Streets intersection is always congested and the improvements should be added to this capital program. 1 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 Bill McTygue, Director of Public Works, said there has been correspondence with DOT on the Church/Myrtle Streets improvements and there is some doubt as to the availability of funds. The committee was concerned with advancing this project sooner than 2008. A good portion of this street is a state highway. He also noted that the City’s planned improvements for Myrtle Street are on hold until the Emergency Department renovation work is completed. Mayor Valerie Keehn agreed that the uncertainty of the grants from the state played a part in moving the project to 2008. She said that if the funding source becomes more secure sooner than 2008, it could be looked at again. Linda Terricola, Recreation Director, thanked the architect for a job well done on their August 29 presentation. She also thanked former and present Council members on their efforts in bringing the indoor recreation facility project to this point. She said that within the last two weeks, her department received notification that the Town of Wilton will increase their facility rental by 40 percent and the City has lost all of its facility time in Ballston Spa. There is a critical need for space this year. The Camp Saradac program also is in need of indoor space when there is inclement weather. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked that she forward the information on gym rental fees to his office. Mayor Valerie Keehn asked if the Recreation Department had reviewed opportunities to increase revenues in her department. Linda Terricola said yes. There will be revenue producing items such as the rock climbing wall. They are also reviewing all of their revenues. She said that she would meet with Lynn Bachner at 8:00 a.m. on Monday on their budget. Mayor Valerie Keehn said that tonight the Council would vote to accept the capital budget, however, this was not the end of it. The budget would be forwarded to the Commissioner of Finance. The Commissioner of Finance will hold public hearings and workshops on the City’s budget before a final budget, including the capital budget, is adopted by mid to late November. She said that what is presented this evening may not necessarily be what is adopted in November. There will be more opportunities for the public to comment. Ian Klepetar asked how a 12 year old child would get to the recreation center on Weibel Avenue if both of their parents are working. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the location of the recreation facility had been discussed and he did not have an answer to that question. It is an issue that will need to be continually studied. Shuttles are used during the Victorian Street walk and perhaps that was an option. He said in this society, everyone drives. It is a mindset that needs to be changed through mass transportation, shuttleservice, bike paths and walking trails. Dave Bronner, 5 Royal Henley Court, thanked the Mayor for the capital budget briefing held at the library. He was concerned though that there is no mention of the impending water project in the capital budget. It will be a $35 million project when it is fully bonded. If it is going to be paid for through user fees or property taxes, the public needs to be made aware and it should be noted in the capital budget. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the water project was simple. There was no free lunch. Residents would either see a 55 percent increase with the County’s proposal or a 29 percent increase with the City’s proposal. One way or the other, residents would pay. Once the County takes over though, the City will loose control and it would end up like the sewer rates with the City’s residents paying three times more than the water rate. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public hearing. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Valerie Keehn resumed the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Executive Session Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to adjourn to executive session at 7:00 p.m. Council members returned at 7:30 p.m. and reported on the following matters. EEOC Fact Finding – Engage John Asplund, Attorney (06-151) 2 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to hire John Asplund, attorney, to represent the City in the EEOC fact finding matter . The rate is capped at $135/hour and at 15 hours. The funding will come from the self-insurance fund. Ayes all. Water Litigation No action taken. Erin Dreyer Litigation – Engage Mark Schachner (06-152) Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to hire Mark Schachner to commence action and provide defense with the insurance carrier in the Erin Dreyer litigation. The rate is not to exceed $5,000 and will be paid from the self-insurance fund. Ayes all. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD John Kraus, 227 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Citizens for Affordable Taxes, said that when attending recent Council meetings, it seemed like a free for all. Council members need to concentrate on budgets, sales tax, recreation facility, etc. They need to determine an acceptable tax rate. Last year it was $4.72. The rate should be lower because of the increased assessed values, VLT revenues, savings in insurance, legal fee savings, etc. It seemed as though $4.50 was a reasonable target rate. Joe Scala, 27 Vista Drive, Waters Edge/Woodlands HOA, said his organization stands willing to work with the City to try to resolve outstanding water issues. Wilma Koss, 160 Kaydeross Park Road, said that now AMD is coming to Luther Forest, the County water project will surely materialize. She said potential City users could end up paying $53.65 per thousand gallons if the City goes to the lake. If the water is purchased from the County it will be $2.08 per thousand gallons plus the distribution costs. She asked that the Council be fiscally responsible. Dave Bronner, 5 Royal Henley Court, said he was concerned how much the water was going to cost residents. He said the County’s water project was decided in June when it was announced that AMD was coming to the area. The City should stop any litigation on this matter and go with the County water project. The Council needs to acknowledge that the water issue is off the table and get on board with the County. The Charter Commission should be commended on a job well done. He was also glad to see the water line installed on Arrowhead Road. Phil Diamond, 29 Waterview Drive, said the new AMD plant could draw water directly from the Hudson River three miles east of their site. They do not need to go to the upper Hudson for water. Bill McTygue, Director of Utilities, said the community made its decision last November on the water issue when the new Council members were elected based on their platforms. This community has not shown any desire to bring water from the Hudson. The County plan does not have any customers. No one has signed on to that $100 million project. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that there are additional revenues this year such as the VLT revenue, but those revenues will cover the loss of the one time revenues received this past year. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that Wilma Koss would like everyone to believe that the City will buy only a little water. Saratoga Lake will be the primary long term water source for the City. If the county takes control, residents will pay four times what they are paying today. He reminded everyone of the sewer bill problem explaining that when the Town of Wilton residents complained about their sewer rates, Roy McDonald got their rate reduced by nearly $60,000. That same year the City’s sewer rate went up by $60,000. There being no further comments, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public comment period. CONSENT AGENDA 3 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. August 29 City Council meeting minutes 2. Rejection of Bid – Water Front property – only one bidder 3. Extension of Bid – EMT Supplies – Moore Medical for one year (8/16/07) under the same terms and conditions 4. Commissioners of Deeds: Michael Chowske, Daniel Mullan, John Barney, Christopher Kuznia, Linda Quattrini, Anthony Scirocco, John Catone, & Edward Lewis 5. Approve Payrolls - August 18, 2006 $397,115.18 August 25, 2006 $405,306.12 September 1, 2006 $458,946.79 6. Approval Warrants: 2006 Mini Warrant: 8/23/06 MC2AUG06 $29,484.51 2006 Mini Warrant: 8/30/06 MC3AUG06 $84,738.11 2006 Regular Warrant: 9/5/06 1SEP06 $1,080,077.12 7. Budget Transfer s – Payroll (Attachment A) 8. Budget Transfers – Regular (Attachment B) 9. Budget Transfers – Revenue (Attachment C) 10. Budget Amendments (Attachment D) 11. Accept Donations: Memorials for Benches in the amount of $1,130.00 each NYS Hospitality and Tourism Bureau (Kathleen Murphy) Madelyn Jennings & Mike Coleman (Bill McKelvey) Pat Flood Lynster (Ric Lynster) James Palermo (Farra) Ayes all. MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Proclamation – Phillies (06-153) Mayor Valerie Keehn read the following proclamation: WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs has long been recognized as a venue for the very best in athletic competition. While the sport of thoroughbred racing gains our City the most attention, we have been fortunate enough over the years to feature performers and great champions from many sports, and WHEREAS, over the past few years, our own Saratoga Phillies have proven to be great ballplayers and great favorites in our community. They have been a tremendous asset to our City’s image and identi ty and their spirited play has won them thousands of fans throughout our City and State, and WHEREAS, recently Saratoga fans were thrilled when the Phillies became champions of the New York Collegiate Baseball League in a dramatic 5-0 sweep in this year’s play-offs, NOW, THEREFORE, I, Valerie Keehn, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs am pleased to join my fellow Saratogians in congratulating the Phillies, their coaches, management, staff and fans on a spectacular winning season. We all know that there will be many more. Keith Rogers, member of the Phillies, accepted the proclamation. He said it was a pleasure to work with Linda Terricola and Tom Lollias. The members of this team are involved with the community through reading programs at the school and baseball scholarships. He thanked the City for recognizing the team. Presentation – Mayor’s Senior Committee Mayor Valerie Keehn announced the formation of the Seniors Committee. This committee is comprised of a wide variety of seniors from across the City. Bonnie Lanahan, chair of the Senior Committee, said this is a non-political committee with the goal to have a positive impact on the seniors in Saratoga Springs. Their meetings will be open to the public, they will serve as 4 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 a liaison between seniors and the County, attend a variety of community meetings, assess issues of concern to senior in the community, raise awareness of the issues and make recommendations to the Council. They have formed four subcommittees: communications, service needs, safety/security and housing/transportation. She noted that some issues such as pedestrian signage have already been solved. Sandy Cross from the Office for the Aging has made a presentation to their committee and other organizations will also be invited. Mayor Valerie Keehn thanked her for her presentation. She said she was pleased that some areas of concern had already been resolved. She said she hoped this would be a long standing committee that would cross political lines. Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network Bike Plan Mayor Valerie Keehn welcomed Ian and Colin Klepetar, Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network Bike Plan. Ian Klepetar said the purpose of this group is to improve and encourage bicycle transportation in the City. They thanked Commissioners Ron Kim and Thomas McTygue for the pedestrian signage and the bike racks. They then reviewed current conditions of transportation throughout the City noting that Saratoga is facing a variety of issues related to transportation. Those issues include: parking, energy costs, conflicts between motorists and pedestrians, walking, biking, transportation to area schools, air and noise pollution and obesity. He said they are trying to develop coordinated efforts to improve the bike and pedestrian environment. Recommendations include: changes to the City’s master plan which support safe routes to schools. The City and school district need to promote walking and biking. The 1993 bike route needs to be updated. The inclusion of the community trail system identified in the open space plan which also includes the heritage trail from the Spa State park to downtown need to be reviewed. They have identified the four “Es” in their program – engineering, encouragement, enforcement and education. They recommended bike registration programs, bike lanes, funding for a bike coordinate position, a bike parking lot with lockers, etc. They recommend that other modes of transportations connecting with bike transportation be improved such as bike racks on buses and more bike racks throughout the City. The City needs to be forward thinking in trying to reduce injuries and incidences involving bike and pedestrian accidents. Biking and walking need to be made more convenient. Ian and Colin Klepetar said this is a non-partisan group and they have made this presentation to many groups and organizations. The public has been positive and receptive to this plan. Council members suggested that this presentation be made at the college and school board. Ian & Colin Klepetar noted that the plan is available at the library. Capital Program Budget (06-154) Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to accept the capital program budget as previously distributed. Ayes all. Indoor Recreation Facility Linda Terricola, Recreation Director, said she would be willing to work with Ian and Colin Klepetar on the bike plan in connection with the recreation program. She asked if there were any further questions on the indoor recreation facility. There were none. Ice Skate Sharpening and Rentals Linda Terricola said the City has taken over the pro shop and will now rent skates and sharpening them. Approximately 100 pairs of skates have been purchased and they plan to rent and sharpen skates at $4 per pair. DPW staff will sharpen and recreation staff will collect the fees. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he wanted the ability to review the price of the sharpening and rental and perhaps increase the cost in the next budget. Linda Terricola said that was the Council’s prerogative. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to accept the skate sharpening and rental fees at $4 per pair. Ayes all. 5 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 NYS Children & Family Services Application (06-155) Linda Terricola said this grant application is submitted annually. The funding comes from the state and the county and totals $14,600. It requires a 50/50 match which is in her budget. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the grant appl ication. Ayes all. DRC Projects Update Mayor Valerie Keehn said she would periodically report to the Council on projects appearing before the PB/ZBA/DRC. The public needs to be kept informed on the land use board’s activities. She also encouraged the public to keep abreast of what is happening at these boards. She then reviewed projects in the pipeline for the DRC: a) the old YMCA building – SEQR determination has been issued, it is in the design phase and there is coordinated review with the Planning Board; b) Parkside Condominium – no SEQR determination as of yet, coordinated review with the Planning Board; c) Downtowner Motel – coordinated review phase with the Planning Board; d) Downtown Market Place – still in the design phase; e) 2 West Avenue – in the design phase. She said these are only a few of the larger projects that will be coming before the Boards. Behan Associates – Extension of Contract Mayor Valerie Keehn withdrew this item from discussion. Indoor Air Quality & Building Safety Review Mayor Valerie Keehn said in the spring, CSEA approached her about conducting an air quality review of City Hall. This review was initiated because some employees were complaining of headaches and nausea. Therefore, she authorized CSEA air quality specialists to conduct this review. She recently received the results of that review and forwarded it to the Council. There is no incumbency on the City’s part to accept the recommendations, however, she was open to discussion on the matter. She suggested that each department review the material and recommendations. She noted that most of the remediation was minor. Varano Zoning Amendment Petition – 487-516 Crescent Avenue Mayor Valerie Keehn said that the City has received a petition from Lisa Varano for a zoning map amendment to change the classification of 6.6 acres of land at 487-516 Crescent Avenue from Rural Residential-1 (single family homes on 2 acres lots) to Suburban Residential-2 (single family homes on 1/2 acre lots. The Council needs to decide if it will accept the petition for study and forward it to the City Planning Board for the required advisory opinion. Geoff Bornemann explained that this involves ten parcels which are located next to the D’Andrea parcel near the Vista project. Mayor Valerie Keehn noted that there were letters of support for this proposal. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said at some point the Council needs to determine when enough was enough on rezoning matters. Mayor Valerie Keehn agreed noting that the new comprehensive review plan committee would begin meeting soon and their first charge was to look at the nonconforming areas. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to accept the petition for study and to send it to the City Planning Board for an advisory opinion. Ayes all. S&D Realty Management, LLC, Zoning Amendment Petition – 120 West Avenue Mayor Valerie Keehn said the City has received a petition from S&D Realty Management, LLC, for a zoning map amendment to change the classification of a .04 acre portion of a lot at 120 West Avenue from Urban Residential-2 to Transect 5-Neighborhood Center District. The Council needs to decide if it will accept the petition for study and forward it to the City Planning Board for the required advisory opinion. Commissioner Ron Kim said he had some concern that this applicant was required to pay this fee and appear before these boards because the City created the T5 district and overlaid it on a portion of his parcel. He said the City created this problem and now the property owner needs to pay to have it corrected. Commissioner Thomas McTygue agreed. Geoff Bornemann said this was truly a unique parcel and this would probably not 6 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 be a regular occurrence. The applicant’s parcel, except for this one small portion was rezoned to the T5. Geoff Bornemann said if a member of the Council chooses to sponsor the application, there would be no fee. Commissioner Matthew McCabe suggested deferring the vote this evening until the details could be worked out. Commissioner Thomas McTygue disagreed saying that it should be dealt with this evening. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to reject the application for the zoning map amendment a t 120 West Avenue as presented by S&D Realty. Ayes all. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded add the zoning map amendment request to change the classification a .04 acre portion of a lot at 120 West Avenue from Urban Residentia l- 2 to Transect 5 Neighborhood Center District. Ayes all. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded that the City would sponsor the zoning amendment request to change the classification a .04 acre portion of a lot at 120 West Avenue from Urban Residential-2 to Transect 5 Neighborhood Center and to accept the petition for study and to send it to the City Planning Board for an advisory opinion. Ayes all. Ganem Contracting Corporation Mayor Valerie Keehn withdrew this item from discussion. Ryan Biggs Contract Mayor Valerie Keehn withdrew this item from discussion. She noted, however, that there is a possibility that the applicant may be fined later this week through court proceedings. She said she hoped that the City would be able to move forward and work out a solution. As more information becomes available, she will keep the Council updated. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Nothing at this time. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Actuarial/Attestation of Benefits Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for retiree prescription drug employer subsidies with Reden & Anders contingent upon the review of the Ci ty Attorney and it shall not exceed $2,000. The funds are within the Finance Department. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said this is a complicated process with multiple steps to determine the subsidies for this program. Mayor Valerie Keehn thanked Linda Curley for her assistance. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said this program would help the City with health care costs. He said he hoped he would be able to present new health care plans for the entire City in the near future. Ayes all. Summer Parking Program Commissioner Matthew McCabe reported that the summer parking program revenue this summer was approximately $34,000 which was $2,000 less than last year. The slight decrease could be due to weather and the cancellation of the races on one day. Budget 7 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 Commissioner Matthew McCabe said his office received budgets from departments and the data has been entered. Next week, he planned to meet with each Council member. He will present the budget at the October 3 meeting with the first public hearing on October 17. Workshops have tentatively been scheduled for October 10, 19, 24, 31 and November 19. There will be a second public hearing by November 2 and will remain open until the budget is adopted. All budgets will be adopted at one time. The requests to date have increased last year’s budget by about $5 million – now at approximately $37.5 million. There have been no corresponding increases in revenues. The VLT funds will be received on a different fiscal calendar than the City’s. There were some one time revenues last year. The City’s financial situation is dire. Departments will need to prioritize and make sacrifices. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked what one time revenues were lost. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said there was the $900,000 for the parking deck. Commissioner John Franck asked about the VLT money. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he was still working on how to assess that number. That money is on an April through March calendar so the City will receive about 75 percent next year. Commissioner Thomas McTygue asked if the City had received anything in writing from the state on that funding. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said yes, however, it was unclear. He said it is estimated at $2.4 million. He reminded Council members that there is a retirement payment of $1.5 million. Standard Workday Resolution (06-156) Commissioner Matthew McCabe moved and Commissioner Thomas McTygue seconded 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 appointed officials for the purpose of determining days worked reportable to the New York State and Local Employee ’s Retirement System Appointed Officials Deputy Mayor – Eileen Finneran Five day work week, 8 hour day Ayes all. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Sick Bank Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to allow a DPW employee to draw 10 1/2 days from the sick bank. There is union approval. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to allow a DPW employee to draw one day from the sick bank. There is union approval. Ayes all. Lillian’s Parking Lot – RFP Commissioner Thomas McTygue requested that a public hearing be set for the next Council meet at 6:30 p.m. on this matter. A draft document will be ready tomorrow for distribution. Curb Work Contracts Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the contract for 79 lineal feet of granite curb at 125 Phila Street in the amount of $2,528. The homeowner will pay for this curb. Ayes all. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the contract for 290 lineal feet of precast curb at East Broadway and Cleveland Avenue for $4,640. The money is in a special account that the City is holding for the owner. Ayes all. Street Acceptance (06-157) 8 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded that Chapter 201, Section 201-1, Official Street List, entitled “Street Naming and Numbering ” be amended to include the following roads as public streets: Cliffside Drive from Vista Drive to Kaydeross Park Road, and Tyler Drive Lot #4 and from lot #57 to lot #35, inclusive as shown on the Saratoga County tax map. Acceptance of the streets is conditioned upon the developer posting for one year the required maintenance security bond, filing the deeds and paying all recording fees, all within four working days after Council action. Ayes all. Street Name Change – Ritchie Place – Set Public Hearing Commissioner Thomas McTygue requested that a public hearing be set for the next Council meeting at 6:25 p.m. on Ritchie Place Excelsior Spring Avenue Culvert Replacement & Water Disinfection system – Amend 2006 Capital Budget – Set Public Hearings Commissioner Thomas McTygue requested that a public hearing be set for the next Council meeting at 6:20 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. on these matters. Household Hazardous Waste Day Commissioner Thomas McTygue said his department was going to explore whether a fee could be charged for users under this program. Bill McTygue said he was not sure. The state will reimburse the City 50 percent of the costs. He said this is for residents of the City only. Users must register beginning September 11. There are a limited number of spots. There will be advertising for this day. He projected that between 250 and 280 people could be accommodated. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY PBA Contract Commissioner Ron Kim withdrew this item from discussion. He said he would bring it to the next Council meeting. Alternate Side Street Parking on Greenfield Avenue – Set Public Hearing Commissioner Ron Kim requested that a public hearing be set for the next Council meeting at 6:05 p.m. on alternate side parking on Greenfield Avenue. Four Way Stop Sign at Webster Street Commissioner Ron Kim requested that a public hearing be set for the next Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. on the four way stop sign at Webster Street. One way (south to north) and alternate side Street Parking – Granite Street – Set Public Hearing Commissioner Ron Kim requested that a public hearing be set for the next Council meeting at 5:50 p.m. on one way (south to north) and alternate side street parking on Granite Street. Washington Street - No Parking - Set Public Hearing Commissioner Ron Kim requested that a public hearing be set for the next Council meeting at 5:35 p.m. on Washington Street, no parking. 9 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 Animal Control Position to Animal Control Parking Enforcement Officer Commissioner Ron Kim said his office was in the process of reclassifying the animal control position. It was his intention that it would become effective January 1, 2007, and that the position would be upgraded. As more information becomes available, he will bring it to the Council. Commissioner Matthew McCabe clarified that one of the current parking officer would share duties of the animal control officer. Commissioner Ron Kim said it would be a better allocation of resources. Phillips Associates Contract – Electrical Repairs to Police Station Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Phillips Associates for design services for electrical repairs to the Police Station in an amount not to exceed $9,000. Ayes all. Assistant Chief Murphy Retirement Commissioner Ron Kim announced the retirement of Asst. Fire Chief Fran Murphy on August 25 after 33 years of service. He said Fran Murphy has had a long and distinguished career with the City and he would be missed. 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Commissioner Ron Kim said there would be a meeting tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in his office to discuss 9/11 ceremony. Mayor Valerie Keehn said all Council members should be included in this ceremony. Commissioner Ron Kim said the funeral for the state trooper who recently lost his life will be held on Monday, September 11. There will be a fairly long procession leading to the Veterans Cemetery. Firefighter John Stewart – Canine Commissioner Ron Kim said he received a letter of recognition from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, honoring Firefighter John Stewart and his canine partner, Lani, for receiving their Type II Certification. This was a great accomplishment for this pair and they are a great asset for the City. Lt. Salisbury Retirement Commissioner Ron Kim announced the retirement of Lt. Mike Salisbury this coming Friday. He joined the department in 1969 and he too has had a long and distinguished career. He has played a major role in many facets of police department functions and he will be missed. Pedestrian Safety Signs Commissioner Ron Kim thanked Commissioner Thomas McTygue for installing the pedestrian crossing signs. The signs have done a great job in balancing the needs of the motorists and the pedestrians. SUPERVISORS Cheryl Keyrouze C.V. Whitney Memorial Highway Meeting: A meeting was held on August 18 with Assemblymen Tedisco’s and McDonald’s staff concerning the C.V. Whitney Memorial Highway. This highway was to be reconstructed to look like the South Broadway/Route 9 entrance. She said with the new Round Lake bypass and the tech park there is some uncertainty as to when this project will happen. This project was to be completed by 2010. Household Hazardous Waste County Coordination Update: She is working on a County wide coordinated hazardous waste day. A questionnaire will be going out to towns on this matter in hopes of making this a regional effort. 10 of 11 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 5, 2006 Horse Park Presentations: She is working on bringing a horse park to this community. It would operate much like a convention center for horse owners and it could bring millions of dollars to the community. County Road Conditions: She said she was able to figure out how to get potholes on County owned roads repaired, so if there were any potholes on county roads drivers should contact her. Upcoming Events: There will be a course offered to land use boards later this fall and she would forward further information on the matter. She will meet with the senior center board on September 22 and the transportation committee will also meet at her home. The business showcase is coming up at the City Center and she asked if anyone was interested in sharing the booth to contact her. Joanne Yepsen Water issues: There was a special Board of Supervisors meeting on August 29 where four resolutions pertaining to water were presented and adopted. She opposed those resolutions. This is a 28 mile pipe line at a cost of $76 million. She is working with Saratoga Plan on making the water line space useable and perhaps making it a bike path. Green infrastructure plan: The Land Preservation Committee will hold a forum in the near future on their plan. Department of Social Services: The Saratoga County Department of Social Services has a new phone number for all child support inquiries and customer service help line. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the second public comment period. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the second public comment period. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Valerie Keehn adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: 11 of 11