City Council

City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2006 6:55 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 Frank Dudla, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Eileen Finneran, Deputy Mayor Michael Englert, City Attorney Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney PUBLIC HEARINGS Fowler Lane Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public hearing. The purpose of this public hearing was to establish Fowler Lane as a public street. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public hearing. CALL TO ORDER – EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Valerie Keehn called the meeting to order at 6:25 p.m. A motion was made to go into executive session to discuss the ruling on the SEQR challenge on the DEIS and the Siano ZBA matter. Council members returned at 6:55 p.m. and reported that the items would be addressed later in the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public comment period. Wilma Koss, 160 Kaydeross Park Road, said the recent decision by the state supreme court which annulled the City’s EIS on the use of Saratoga Lake as a water source states that the City failed to take a hard look at the watershed. A number of legal professionals have reviewed the case and are of the opinion that the decision was well reasoned and reversal is unlikely. The City has, however, now filed for access under the eminent domain law for rights on private home owners. The Saratogian reported that the Council was going to consider appealing Judge Nolan’s decision. If the City loses the appeal, a major study to satisfy SEQR will need to be done. If the City wins the appeal there will still be challenges by the DEC. She urged the Council to stop pursuing the matter and to work with the county on a more cost effective solution. 1 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Phil Diamond said the City does not need the charter to be changed. The Chamber of Commerce does not support the proposed changes and he urged everyone to vote no. Dave Bronner, 5 Royal Henley Court, encouraged everyone to vote yes on the charter. He said the City has spent more than a million dollars on the Saratoga Lake issue and now the judge has rejected a key part of the DEIS. The judge said it was a fatal error and it nullified the October 2005 Council resolution. The Judge on this case is a well respected Supreme Court justice. He said it had been reported in the newspaper that he had filed a law suit against a commissioner. He has not filed a law suit but has filed a complaint under the Public Officers Law and the Board of Elections. He does not have a government pension. He has a military retirement for 30 years of service in the military. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public comment period. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approve minutes: September 19 & September 21 2. Approve payrolls: September 22 - $363,548.83; September 29 - $362,113.23 3. Approve warrants: 2006 Mini Warrant, September 27 MC2SEP06 $115,498.21 2006 Regular warrant, October 3 1OCT06 $556,739.72 4. Approve Budget Transfers – Payroll (Attachment A) 5. Approve Budget Transfers – Social Security (Attachment B) 6. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular (Attachment C) 7. Approve Budget Amendments (Attachment D) 8. Accept donations for Athlete ’s Banquet: Advantage Press $450, Fashion Floors, $1,000 9. Accept Donation to DARE from VFW Ladies Auxiliary #420 - $300 Ayes all. FINANCE DEPARTMENT 2007 Comprehensive Budget Commissioner Matthew McCabe presented the 2007 Comprehensive Budget to the Council. He said it is a rainbow with no pot of gold at the end. The Council has difficult choices to make but he was sure they would rise to the occasion. The 2006 budget was designed by one legislative group and administered by another. He then reviewed the progress the City has made: the City is the owner of waterfront property, the recreation facility feasibility study has been completed, a new police facility has been studied, an emergency water service lateral repair program was established, an on-line assessment program was established, a new City web site was designed, a transportation summit was held, the City was included on the Committee on the Future of Racing, a new Ethics Code was developed, there was an energy study of all city buildings, a parking ticket amnesty program was done, a new insurance company was retained, new ordinances were developed, the Lillian’s parking issues have been addressed and the City bonding limit was increased. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the county is not interested in giving money to the City this year. The retirement reserve was used and not replenished and the Capital Program Committee recommended a more expensive recreation facility a new police station and a new EMS facility. Contract settlements, gas, oil, NYS retirement are mandates which are a disproportionate percentage of the City’s budget. Fiscal constraints are needed and deep sacrifices are necessary. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the total budget is approximately $54 million, the change from 2006 was approximately $6 million, total general fund is approximately $35 million and the total general fund change from 2006 was about $3 million. Approximately 87 percent of the increases are due to personal service contracts, contingency line for contracts under negotiation, benefits and energy costs. Health insurance and retirements are the majority of the increase. Personal services account for 59 percent of the overall increase between 2006 and 2007. Health care and retirement account for 22 percent of the increase from 2006 and 2007. 2 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Health care increases are estimated at about 18 percent for 2007. Retirement costs for police and fire increased by about $130,000 but decreased for other City employees by approximately $100,000. There is also another $500,000 per year for ten years for the PBA retirement program. The NYS mandated retirement payments have been reduced, however, due to the City’s payment date and liability accrual time the impact of the savings will not be felt until 2008. Gas, oil and utilities account for about a 15 percent increase over last year’s figures. The City is considering an emergency savings performance contract. He said new expenditures were difficult to consider. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said there must be further discussions on the indoor recreation facility. The capital program was approved with $4.3 million which is in addition to the $2.2 million already budgeted bringing the total to $6.5 million. The general operating costs are about $535,000 with a one time request of $250,000 for furniture, fixtures and equipment. The year to year cost of operating the facility is estimated at $300,000. The City needs to determine if it can afford to run this facility. The furniture, fixtures and equipment request was not included in the budget. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said many municipalities are privatizing their recreation activities and the City must think about privatizing. It is time for the Council to decide if it is willing and able to pay for this facility. The City also needs to look at the locations and conditions for the little league teams. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the increases were kept to a minimum. They include: license plate reader at, increased hours and support for code enforcement, expansion of the Camp Saradac program for special needs children, EAP program, Administrator of Parks, Open Lands and Historic Preservation, senior citizens center increased support, city-wide computer and data protection, tipping fees and compost equipment. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that deep spending cuts will be required. About 90 percent of the City’s operating budget is driven by mandated expenses, i.e., wages, benefits, insurance and utilities. More than $156,000 was paid in sick leave for just three employees. That amount could have covered a 4 percent raise for the entire City Hall union. The NYS retirement package for the PBA will cost the City $500,000 per year for ten years on top of the annual cost for their retirement. Retirees receive full health care benefits for life. Many City employees receive free health insurance. No expenditure was immune from the decision making process. Capital Budget: Commissioner Matthew McCabe said that 2008 hold promise. The projects included in the capital budget are the 19 top ranked priorities. The total dollar value is about $8.6 million with approximately $8.4 million to be bonded (the remainder to come for other sources). Several of the top ranked priorities were mandated by the insurance (police radio system, Arts Council building repairs and security system for City Hall.) The water front property will have site improvements, the Casino and Putnam Street Parking decks will be repaired and the Congress Park restrooms have a high priority. Two fire tricks and the compost grinder will be replaced. The Downtown Pedestrian Improvements and capital improvements to the East and West Side Recreation areas will be funded by outside sources. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the City has an A1 rating from Moodys. The City’s bonding limit was increased to 2 percent which will enable the City to bond as of December 31, 2006, approximately $42 million. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he was committed to reasonable and realistic revenue estimates. Most of the budget is funded through five sources: sales tax, mortgage tax, state revenue sharing, VLT and fund balance. Sales tax is about 10 percent higher than last year. Mortgage tax has slowed. State revenue sharing increased in 2006 and will increase in 2007. VLT revenue is estimated to be at $2.7 million. The fund balance is not a large part of the 2007 budget. The PILOT program will have the completion of several agreements which will result in an increase in the tax assessment roll. OTB revenue has been declining and it is estimated that it will be at $50,000 for 2007 and zero for 2008. The Retiree Drug Subsidy program is off to a slow start. The City is not eligible for the 2007 state revaluation payment. The utility tax, hotel occupancy tax and other fees will increase. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said possible revenue streams included paid parking in the downtown area. The shuttle program needs to be investigated. Recreation must partner with the private sector. The City must work collaboratively with the state and county. 3 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the July 2006 tax assessment roll was $2.881 billion. The tax levy for 2007 will be about $13 million. The inside district rate is estimated at $5.01 and the outside district at $4.97. The average increase in the tax rate is 5.8 percent. A taxpayer with a $200,000 home will pay about $56 more each year. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said the 2007 budget will lead the City to a fiscally stronger 2008. 2007 Comprehensive Budget – Set Public Hearing Commissioner Matthew McCabe requested that a public hearing be set for Tuesday, October 17 at 6:20 p.m. on the budget. MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Open Stick Time Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to approve the stick time program for the Weibel and Vernon ice rinks. The fees are $7 for players under 50 City or non City residents, players 50 and older at $5 and goaltenders free. Ayes all. Recreation Department 2005 Annual Report Mayor Valerie Keehn announced that the 2005 Annual Report for the Recreation Department was available at the Recreation Department or the Mayor’s Office. Writing Consultant Contract Mayor Valerie Keehn said the Ethics Board made a request for the Ethics Code to be written into a “plain language document”. Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to engage the services of Nancy Ohlin, a professional writer, at a cost not to exceed $750 to assist the City in developing a plain language document and to waive the general/commercial liability insurance requirement. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he believed that the Human Resource Administrator, according to her position description, could write this document. He said that rather than expending more funds to hire an outside individual, it should be done in house. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she did not believe this was part of the Human Resource Administrator’s duties. Commissioner John Franck said he would not support this motion because of the proposed waiver of insurance requirements. He said the City requires this insurance from all other professional service individuals. Mayor Valerie Keehn asked what risks would be involved with someone simply writing a document. Commissioner John Franck said if something was written incorrectly, it could become an issue. This also sets a bad precedent. Mayor Valerie Keehn said the insurance requirements are a self imposed requirement and the Council could waive those requirements. She again questioned if there was a real liability. Commissioner John Franck said the insurance requirements are a practice of the City to shift the liability from the City to the contractor. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said he had researched this matter thoroughly and he did not believe there was any liability on the City’s part until the document is accepted. He also pointed out that the City Attorney would work with this individual in developing this document. Commissioner John Franck suggested that perhaps the Ethics Committee should pay for the insurance for this individual. He said there is staff available in City Hall to do this sort of work and they should be used. Commissioner Ron Kim said this document is necessary and he would support this proposal. 4 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Ayes: three (Mayor Valerie Keehn, Commissioner Ron Kim and Commissioner Matthew McCabe); Nays: two (Commissioner Thomas McTygue and Commissioner John Franck). Motion carried . Church Street Parking Garage Contract (06-166) Mayor Valerie Keehn said she was very concerned about signing this contract because the City had failed to provide the adequate fire protection within the structure. She said that before signing the document, she wanted to see a plan in place for the fire protection and to also allow the building inspector to inspect the garage structure. She said it was her understanding that a dry piped sprinkler system would be installed months ago. She said she wanted to see a timeline, costs and for the building inspector to inspect the structure. The City has until November 20 to sign the application and she was confident that her request could be met. The City needs to be compliant with the law. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said the letter that the Mayor is referring to was dated in April 2006 and he was alarmed that this was the first time that it was being brought to the Council’s attention. Mayor Valerie Keehn said that the letter that she was referring to had been seen by both Bill McTygue and Paul Male at the same time she had received a copy. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said his department had been working on these details for months and they details have been resolved. Some of the delay was due to the Adirondack Trust Company project. There is now an agreement with ATC. He said the Mayor should have called him for the details on this matter. The project is moving forward and the work will be done. Tom Frost, Frost Architecture, said the City needed a variance from the state on the fire protection system in order to avoid adding a wall. They City did not want to install a wall for security reasons. The state agreed that a wall was not necessary, however, they asked for a line of sprinkler heads in that area. He said on August 15 the sketches were sent to the NYS Codes Division asking if the City would be required to obtain another variance from the state in order to obtain water from the ATC basement. He said the state recently replied and another variance is not necessary so he will now produce the working drawings and then go out to bid on the project. He estimated the project to cost about $25,000. Commissioner Thomas McTygue suggested that the Council approve the application this evening so that the grant funding is not lost. He said the grant is for maintenance for parking structures. The building inspector could meet with the parking structure committee to follow up on these matters. Mayor Valerie Keehn said that construction of this structure was done without the benefit of a building permit. The City is required to issue building permits and to conduct inspections on construction projects and this has not been done. Therefore, she was not comfortable in signing a grant application. She questioned why the Risk and Safety Manager was not more involved in this matter. Bill McTygue, Director of Public Works, said the Putnam Street parking deck was constructed under the same procedures as this Church Street parking deck. He did not want anyone leaving here thinking that the City was not following building code. The building inspector’s office was consulted on many occasions about this project through Tom Frost and the ATC project. Inspections fall under the building department which ultimately falls under the Mayor. At no time has he ever been alerted by the building inspector’s office that the City was not following mandates. The City has not issued building permits to itself in the past. Mayor Valerie Keehn said the letter from the state says that a building permit should be issued on all construction projects. This project has no building permit, no certificate of occupancy and no inspections. Bill McTygue said those issues should be taken up with the building inspector’s office. He did not know why the City has not issued itself a building permit. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said there are buildings in the City that have no certificates of occupancy, but they are still occupied. He particularly noted One West Avenue. He said the City has been fighting them on some issues for many years and they still have not been issued a certificate of occupancy. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she wanted the building inspector to inspect the structure, she wanted a written outline of the proposal for adding the fire prevention system and she wanted a time line and the dollar amount of the project. She said she also wanted the fire inspector to inspect the structure. 5 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Bill McTygue said he would seek professional guidance from Tom Frost to bring this project together. He said it was always the City’s intention to meet the code. The City needs to find an affordable, practical manner to resolve this situation and it has done so. The sprinkler system does create some difficulties and will require some maintenance; however the City will meet its obligations and will install the system. Commissioner Matthew McCabe suggested that the motion be passed contingent upon the Mayor obtaining all of the documents that she requested. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she sat in on meetings several months ago where these items were discussed and nothing has been done to date. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that is incorrect and she should have called him. Mayor Valerie Keehn asked why a building permit was not issued or why the structure was not inspected. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that was a question that she should ask the building inspector. Commissioner John Franck said the Risk & Safety Department relies on the building inspector to alert her. There is no evidence or documentation, therefore, the Risk & Safety Department has not been involved. His concern is liability for the City and the City Attorney should be talking to the Risk & Safety Department. Commissioner Ron Kim said he would like to call the question. Commissioner Matthew McCabe said there should be a compromise. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said that Mayor Valerie Keehn continues to make comments that are nottrue. He said the City Engineer has been part of this project from the beginning and he could issue a building permit. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she wanted the building inspector to inspect the structure. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract when the building inspector goes over to the site, reviews the site and the fire system plan is delegated and approved between the state and the city so we can proceed to bid this. There is going to be some time involved with the bidding so the City could run over the deadline because of the bidding process, so he asked for authorization for the Mayor to sign and submit the grant application to the state. Mayor Valerie Keehn asked for the information to be on her desk within a week. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he was not sure how quick the documents could be put together. Mayor Valerie Keehn said the grant application requires that implementation procedures be attached. Tom Frost said he did not believe that the plans needed to be attached to the grant application. He said the preliminary drawings could be attached if so desired. Mayor Valerie Keehn said she wanted preliminary plans and a time line as security that this project is going to happen within a short period of time. Bill McTygue said the Council needs to authorize Tom Frost to undertake this project. Commissioner Matthew McCabe asked if the money was in the capital budget. Bill McTygue said there is a balance and there should be enough to cover this project. Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to amend the motion to authorize Tom Frost to proceed with the design plan for the project not to exceed $5,000. Ayes all. Design Review Commission Reappointment Reappoint Pat Kane to the Design Review Commission. Building Process of City Owned Properties Previously discussed. International Walk to School Day (06-167) 6 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Mayor Valerie Keehn read the following proclamation: . PROCLAMATION CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS Whereas, it seems that we are constantly becoming more dependent on motorized transportation. Many of us now drive our cars regularly even for short trips, and studies show that our driving habits are adversely affecting our health and our economy, and Whereas, recently a number of concerned individuals established the first International Walk to School Week, an event to encourage young people to recognize the many benefits in traveling under their own power. Walking and bicycling create healthy habits that can last a lifetime. They promote, both for the individual and for groups, a relaxing and refreshing alternative to motor travel, and at the same time they help reduce the effect of exhaust fumes on our environment. Now, therefore, I, Valerie Keehn, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs and Joanne Yepsen, City Supervisor of the County Board of Supervisors are pleased to encourage all Saratogians to participate in our own Walk or Bike to School Day, this Friday, October 6, 2006. Ian Klepetar accepted the proclamation and encouraged everyone to walk or bike to work on Friday. Executive session Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Ron Kim seconded to hire Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney, in the ZBA Siano matter at $100 per hour. It will be paid from the self insurance fund. Ayes all. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Upgrade On Line Assessment Program – Grant Application (06-168) Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the grant project application for the real property tax administration technology improvement grant program in the amount of $10,034. This is a non-matching grant. This grant will upgrade the City’s online assessment program to bring us in full compliance with the requirements of the Office of Real Property Services (ORPS). Ayes all. The proposed program is in compliance with the City’s website usage policy and security guidelines. He said that it will be financially supported within the Assessment Office budget for years two through five (2008-2011 of the program) at $4,036 per year. FINANCE DEPARTMENT 2007 Comprehensive Budget Previously discussed. Commissioner Matthew McCabe noted that copies of the budget are available for the public. 2007 Comprehensive Budget – Set Public Hearing Previously discussed. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SEQRA Challenge to City’s Water Source Development Project (06-169) 7 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to hire the law firm currently representing the City in this matter to appeal the decision by the judge in an amount not to exceed $20,000. Mayor Valerie Keehn said the City has put their faith in the attorney up to this point and it is the recommendation of the attorneys that there is cause for appealing. She said the Council does not take this matter lightly. Ayes all. September 5 Council Meeting Minutes – Correction – Tyler Drive Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to correct the September 5 Council meeting minutes to read as follows: “Tyler Drive, Lots 192.12-2-1 through 192.12-2-9 inclusive as shown on the Saratoga County Real Property Tax Map. Ayes all. Grant Acceptance Previously discussed. Stewart’s Property – Permission to Incur Expense (06-170) Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to utilize $100,000 from the water line extension reserve fund as partial payment for the purchase of Stewart ’s property adjacent to Loughberry Lake. The County will match this amount. The entire cost of the purchase is $250,000. There is currently $1.1 million dollars in the reserve account. The City is in the process of obtaining an appraisal for this parcel. Ayes all. Commissioner Matthew McCabe clarified that the County was giving the City $100,000. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said initially, the City was to pay $50,000 per year for five years. However, because of the grant from the County, the City needs to match the $100,000 this year. Paving Commissioner Thomas McTygue announced the following paving schedule: Monday, October 2 pave Worden Lane and Tuesday, October 3 pave Glen Drive. Clean Fill from Marion Avenue Hotel Site Commissioner Thomas McTygue moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to approve the Department of Public Works to haul clean fill from the hotel site on Marion Avenue to the City’s compost facility. The fill is free of charge. The City ’s Insurance Department has reviewed this matter. Ayes all. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Granite Street Parking Commissioner Ron Kim said there was a public hearing at the last Council meeting to discuss the Granite Street parking matter. A meeting was held on September 27 with the residents and they came up with a trial period, until March 31, 2007, to restrict parking on the west side of the street at all times. The street will remain a two way street. After that time, he will return to the Council with a more permanent recommendation. Washington Street – Restricted Parking Commissioner Ron Kim pulled this item from discussion. Animal Control/Parking Enforcement Officer Position (06-171) 8 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Commissioner Ron Kim said at the last meeting the Animal Control/Parking Enforcement Officer position was established. This is a dual role position with the individual serving in both capacities. Commissioner Ron Kim moved and Mayor Valerie Keehn seconded to establish the Animal Control/Parking Enforcement Officer at grade 11, effective October 4 and there is money in the budget. Both Civil Service and the Union have agreed to this proposal. Ayes all. Truck Weigh Station Commissioner Ron Kim said the area currently being used for the truck weighing station will no longer be available to the City. He is looking for locations on both the east and west sides of the City. Mark Benequista – Acknowledgement Commissioner Ron Kim commended Mark Benequista for going above and beyond the call of duty and saving the City a considerable amount of money by constructing a mobile weigh station. He said that Mark Benequista transformed one of the existing trucks to carry all of the necessary pieces of equipment to allow the City to conduct mobile weigh stations. SUPERVISORS Cheryl Keyrouze Equalization and assessment: The combine auction netted $394,610 or the County. Horse Park: Last week she visited the horse park in New Jersey and has returned with much information including budgets for not-for-profit horse park entities. Visits to other towns: She recently visited the County supervisors in Edinburg and Day and had good conversations with them. NYS Associaton of Counties: She recently attended a meeting in Warren County for the NYS Association of Counties. She attended the classes and learned quite a bit of information. National Incident Management System: She reported that municipalities need to become compliant with the NIMS program as a condition of receiving federal preparedness funding. The continuation requirements will continue to evolve. Locally, elected and appointed officials are encouraged to take the initial courses. She is discussing this training with the County. The date for that training compliance has been extended to December 31. Commissioner Ron Kim said that some of the City’s departments have undergone this training. Cheryl Keyrouze said it would be nice if the City was the first municipality to become compliant. Business Showcase: The City’s Business showcase will be this weekend at the City Center and she is the first government official to participate with a booth. Senior Citizens Center: She visited their board meeting last week. They are looking for transportation after 4:30 p.m. They are also looking for a better liaison between them and the Deputy Mayor. There are two positions open on the Board and if anyone was interested they should forward their application Bill Davis. She noted that there was an anonymous letter sent stating the some seniors are being treated poorly by Sandy Cross, Office for the Aging. The Board will look into it. Transportation: A transportation committee meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m .on Thursday evening. Joanne Yepsen 9 of 10 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Board of Supervisors Meeting: Joanne Yepsen said the Board of Supervisors has rearranged their meeting schedule and she had a revised schedule for anyone who was interested. NYSAC Conference: Joanne Yepsen said she attended the NYSAC conference where there were nearly 50 counties represented. It was a good event and a good opportunity for her to promote Saratoga County. County Open Space Public Hearing and Farm Tour: Joanne Yepsen said in September the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on the Green Infrastructure plan. The Board will vote in November on this topic. The local farm tour will be on October 14 for land use boards and elected officials. Saratoga seniors: Joanne Yepsen said that flu shots will be available on October 30 at the Raymond Watkins Apartments. They will also be available at the senior citizens center on November 6. By October 27 the Office for the Aging is seeking input and comments on their 2007 programs. International Walk to School Day – Saratoga Springs – October 6, 2006: Joanne Yepsen thanked the Mayor and Council for supporting the Healthy Transportation Network. She encouraged everyone to participate on Friday. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Valerie Keehn opened the public comment period. Commissioner Thomas McTygue said he was concerned that the Mayor ruled him out of order when there were individuals screaming from the audience. He said the member of the audience was out of order and the Mayor needed to take control. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Valerie Keehn closed the public comment period. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Valerie Keehn moved and Commissioner Matthew McCabe seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Ayes all. There being no further business, Mayor Valerie Keehn adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Moran Clerk Approved: 10 of 10