City Council

City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008 6:55 P.M. PRESENT: Scott Johnson, Mayor John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Ken Ivins, Commissioner of Finance Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW ABSENT: Ron Kim, Commissioner of DPS PRESENT: Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Michele Boxley, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Patrick Design, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Kate Jarosh, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Joe Scala, City Attorney RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting were taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not word-for-word transcript. PUBLIC HEARINGS Geyser Road Sewer Project – Capital Budget Amendment Mayor Scott Johnson opened the public hearing on the Geyser Road Sewer project capital budget amendment. Commissioner Anthony Scirocco said they did not have all of the numbers ready to request this dollar amount, therefore, requested that the public hearing be continued to the next meeting. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Scott Johnson closed the public hearing for this evening noting that it would reopened at the next meeting. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Scott Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen - The Giving Circle Mardi Gras Joanne Yepsen introduced Ron & Ray, representatives of The Giving Circle, who were here to update the City on the latest fundraising event for the City’s sister City, Waveland. Ron said The 1 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Giving Circle organization was formed two years ago to assist the residents of Waveland after Katrina. There were 8,000 residents before the storm and about half of them have returned. He said that 95 percent of the structures were destroyed. In May 2006, Saratoga Springs became a sister City to Waveland. The upcoming Mardi Gras event is a way to create awareness and to raise funds. Funds raised from this event will go to both Waveland and the Saratoga County Economic Council Latino Advocacy group. Ray said the festival would kick off with a reception at the Arts Council on April 26. On Sunday there will be a parade and events in the Beekman Street arts district. There will be bands and a Cajun cooking competition with 18 downtown restaurants participa5ting. He said they hoped for great success and hoped all would attend. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Scott Johnson opened the public comment period Jim Zack, Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network, said he supported the resolution to be presented by Supervisor Matthew Veitch on the plans to revive the Route 50 corridor. This plan upholds the City’s comprehensive plan through the tree plantings and bike and pedestrian path. He urged the Council to support this motion. Ameo Amyot, 219 Woodlawn Avenue, said she was very concerned with the over pruning of the trees by National Grid along Union Avenue. She said they did the same thing last year on Woodlawn Avenue and State Street. Trees serve more than an aesthetic purpose by providing oxygen, reducing noise pollution, assist with storm run off, shade, soil erosion, increasing property value, etc. She said that New York City recently did a survey of their trees by hiring the University of California to place a value on the trees. They found that New York City trees provide an annual benefit of $122 million. They further claim that New York City received $5.60 in benefits for every dollar spent on trees. She encouraged the Department of Public Works to institute a program to have the wires buried. Barbara Triphalek, 211 Circular Street, said she too was concerned with National Grid’s aggressive tree pruning and removal. With all of the discussions on global warming this was alarming. Trees cannot compete with the electrical wires, therefore, the wires should be buried. Beverly Mastrianni, 125 Regent Street, said she has been involved with streetscapes, beautification and preservation for many years. She did not understand how the City could allow a company to come in and simply whack off the branches without saying anything to the City. These trees are in front of the City’s main tourist attraction. The City needs to take an active role in the matter. Perhaps there should be an arborist brought in and a committee formed to review this issue. Patricia Lee, 28 White Street, said the City needs to take a proactive role in the tree matter. Remigia Foy, Oak Street, said there was a tree removed in front of her home this past winter. She was here this evening though because of the new positions being proposed on the DPS and DPW agendas. She said in both cases, there is no salary mentioned, no money in the budget and one of the positions is in addition to several other promotions already handed out in DPW. There were no budgetary provisions made for the DPW position. There is already a deputy and a director in this department. She said she was also concerned with the CDBG funding and the $150,000 award to be made to the newly formed Saratoga Housing network to assist that not for profit in purchasing property on Allen Drive. She said that funding is designed to address the affordable housing issue in Saratoga, however, these apartments are already fully occupied and affordable. She did not understand why the City would use CDBG funds to address affordable housing when the apartments are already affordable. That property would be removed from the tax roll and asked how those lost dollars would be made up. She said the 2 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 combination of creating new jobs in the City and removing the property from the tax rolls raises serious questions. The City should not accommodate the ambitions of the not for profit at the expense of the homeowners in this City. There should be a freeze on creating additional jobs. Phil Diamond, 29 Waterview Drive, said in the past four or five years he has spoken about many things to the Council but not prudent fiscal management. He said for the most part, he believed that the Council was doing a good job with the City’s money. However, the addition of two new positions in the City was ridiculous during these austere times. He said that long time residents are considering selling their homes and moving because they can’t afford the taxes. He asked that the Council reconsider the request to create the two new positions. There being no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Scott Johnson closed the public comment period. PRESENTATION Route 50 Arterial Project – Supervisor Matthew Veitch Matthew Veitch said he was here this evening to request the support of the Council to assist him in working with DOT on the resurrection of the Route 50 arterial project. He said several years ago, there was a plan to plant a median and trees and to add a bike/pedestrian trail along the Route 50 north corridor to be completed by 2003. However the project went dormant. He was now requesting that the Council adopt a resolution which would allow him to work on the City’s behalf on moving this project forward. He has already spoken to the surrounding town supervisors and plans to meet with state legislators. Mayor Scott Johnson asked if there was any funding included in the state’s capital budget for this project. Matthew Veitch said he was not sure. Executive session Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to adjourn to executive session at 7:30 p.m. to discuss proposed, pending or current litigation; personal private information of a person or corporation, or matter leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension dismissal or removal of a person or corporation. Ayes all. Council members returned at 8:00 p.m. Kathleen Kahl vs. City of Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson said there was one action taken during executive session. Tony Izzo said the Council authorized him to sign all documents in connection with the Kathleen Kahl Article 78 stipulation of agreement, which results in the dismissal of the law suit. Mayor Scott Johnson said this was a unanimous vote. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner Ken Ivins seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. April 1, 2008, City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Budget Amendments (Attachment A) 3. Payroll: 4/4/08 $490,190.29 4/11/08 $430,963.56 4. Warrants: 2008 Mid MC1APR08 $119,148.86 2008 Regular 2APR08 $274,935.11 Ayes all. 3 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Commissioner Ken Ivins said the amendment guidelines have been met and the funds are certified. MAYORS DEPARTMENT 2008 NYS Department of Health Renewal Application for a Permit to Operate Camp forms Linda Terricola said this is an annual agreement with DOH. Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the 2008 State of New York Department of Health Renewal Application for a permit to operate Camp forms. Ayes all. Saratoga Springs School Dist. Transportation agreement Camp Saradac & Playground Programs Linda Terricola said the only change from last years agreement was the mileage rate went from 50 to 65 cents per mile. She said these funds are included in the budget. Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner Ken Ivins seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the Saratoga Springs Enlarged School District Transportation agreement for Camp Saradac and Playground Programs. Ayes all. Saratoga Springs City School Dist. Rental Agreement for Camp Saradac & Playground Programs Linda Terricola said this is an agreement with the school district to use Caroline Street school for the Camp Saradac program. The hourly rate is $25 with $675 for labor. The total amount is $2,750. There could be a few minor changes of a couple of hundred dollars. The funds are in the budget. Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner Anthony Scirocco seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the Saratoga Springs City Enlarged School District rental agreement for Camp Saradac and Playground programs. Ayes all. Camp Safety Plan Updates Linda Terricola thanked her staff and the Risk & Safety department for working on the camp safety plans. Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner Ken Ivins seconded to approve the Camp Safety Plan updates as presented. Ayes all. 2008 Scholarship Proposal for Recreation Department Linda Terricola said there was one change to the scholarship program in that they would now use the number of individuals in the household rather than the number of children. This is for full and partial scholarships. She said City residents as opposed to those within the school district are given first priority. The funding for this program comes from the Hawley Foundation ($26,000) and the children’s committee ($3,000) Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner Ken Ivins seconded to approve the 2008 scholarship program as presented. Ayes all. 4 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2008 Personnel Proposal, Hourly Rates for Recreation Department Linda Terricola said that some positions in the skate park program and supervisors were realigned which created a savings of between $1,000 and $1,500. Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner Ken Ivins seconded to approve the 2008 personnel proposal as presented. Ayes all. Duval Vending for Services to Recreation Department Linda Terricola said that the City previously did an rfp for vending service at the recreation fields, however, there were no respondents. She said since that time, they have been in touch with Duval vending who has agreed to provide vending service at the recreation fields with the City receiving 16 percent of those sales. The company has provided the appropriate insurance to the City. Mayor Scott Johnson asked why there were no respondents. Linda Terricola said it had to do with vandalism. She said they are currently working on way to correct that and are considering the use of video cameras. Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner Anthony Scirocco seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Duval Vending for vending machine service at the recreation fields. Ayes all. Opening of Skate Park Linda Terricola reported that the skate park opened yesterday with a rather large turnout. She said that with the expected good weather and school vacation, she expected to see quite a few participants at the park. The park will be open from 1:00 to 7:00 each day this week and when the children return to school it will be open from 3:00 to 7:00 weekdays and 1:00 to 7:00 on weekends. Saratoga Speaks Linda Terricola said that members of the Recreation Commission would attend the Saratoga Speaks program on April 24. Community Development Block Grant recommendations (08-45) Mayor Scott Johnson said the public comment period ended on April 4 and there were no objections received. He said it was worth noting that these funds come from the federal government and are administered through the City. These are all worthy programs which should be supported. Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner Anthony Scirocco seconded to accept the recommendations as presented by the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board. Ayes all. Grant Application to NYS Council on the Arts for City Hall “Historic Structure Report” (08-46) Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to adopt the following resolution: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR PRESERVE NEW YORK GRANT PROGRAM ASSISTANCE TO PREPARE A CITY HALL HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT 5 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Mayor Scott T. Johnson Commissioner John Franck Commissioner Kenneth Ivins Commissioner Anthony Scirocco Commissioner Ronald Kim WHEREAS, City Hall – built in 1872 – continues to serve as the functional seat of city government and is a major symbol of the community’s proud and storied history, and WHEREAS, the building was entered on the National Register of Historic Places on September 12, 1979 and was subsequently designated a “City Landmark,” and WHEREAS, because of its status as a National Register property and a City Landmark, the community has a vital interest in preserving its historical and architectural heritage for this and future generations, and WHEREAS, this City Council has and continues to examine how best to use existing interior spaces, prepare for potential adaptive re-use of some spaces, meet the future needs of various city offices, and generally develop and implement a comprehensive City Hall renovation and restoration plan consistent with its historic and architectural significance, and WHEREAS, the preparation of a City Hall Historic Structure Report would provide this City Council and the general public with the documentary, graphic and physical information essential to developing an overall renovation and restoration strategy, and WHEREAS, Preserve New York, a grant program of the Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts, has invited applications to undertake historic structure reports, historic landscape reports and cultural resource surveys, and WHEREAS, said applications must be submitted by May 5, 2008 and may request up to fifteen thousand dollars in assistance to fund such a report, now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to cause the preparation and submission of such application consistent with all applicable procedures, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City may solicit proposals for preparation of such a Historic Structures Report but that no contract be made or executed unless and until said grant application is approved by the funding agency and accepted by this City Council. Mayor Scott Johnson said this is a program funded through grants which would enable the City to evaluate and document City buildings. He said it would assist the City to determine the best uses of the building and/or ways to adapt the buildings to new uses. Ayes all. Contract with PBA for ball field lease (08-47) Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to authorize the Mayor to enter into the lease agreement with the PBA for the use of the PBA ball fields. Mayor Scott Johnson said lease is for the PBA lands on Weibel Avenue. He said previously this was a ten year lease, however, this new lease is for one year only at a cost of $1. The City provides the maintenance of the fields. Ayes all. 6 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Design Review Commission Appointments (08-48) Mayor Scott Johnson announced the appointment of John Ballow to the Design Review Commission. He also announced the reappointment of Susan Davis and Jason Tommell as alternates to the Design Review Commission. He has one vacancy to fill and would announce that tomorrow. Labor Relations Committee with CSEA City Hall Mayor Scott Johnson announced the formation of a labor relations committee with the CSEA unit in City Hall. He said this came to his attention awhile go and because, as Mayor, he is charged with collective bargaining he believed it was a good way to keep the lines of communication open to address matters as they develop. Commissioners and/or their deputies would be invited to attend. Waterfront Park Development Mayor Scott Johnson said in 2005, the City purchased the water front parcel off of Crescent Avenue with the closing on that property in 2006. Since that time the City released an rfp for site plan development of the parcel. Two responses were received. He said it was time to move this project forward and he would meet with the two respondents next week. It was his intention to move this project along and he would include Lew Benton in on these discussions. This water front property is a wonderful site with a lot of potential. It’s possible that pavilions, similar to the Farmers Market pavilions, could be constructed. It was time to get this site open for public use. Indoor Recreation Center and Soil Sampling Schedule Mayor Scott Johnson said the plans for the indoor recreation facility at the south side are still being development, but there are some preliminary renderings. He said that he wanted to move this project along and he hoped to have some plans ready by the end of May. This will be a multi-use facility with basketball courts, indoor walking track, handball, racquetball, community room and rock climbing. The spray park will be incorporated into this facility. The soil sampling will be completed by April 25 with the reports available by May 2. Exit 14 Land Use proposal with NYS Department of Transportation Mayor Scott Johnson said over the last few days, the NYS Department of Transportation has decided to move forward with their plans to eliminate the informal park and ride at the exit 14. The have trucked in dirt and they intend to landscape the area. He was looking into alternate locations for a park and ride. Congress Park Restrooms Mayor Scott Johnson withdrew this item. “Saratoga Speaks” at the Principessa Elena Society Mayor Scott Johnson said that as part of the State of the City address he said that he wanted to hold open forums for the residents to give residents an opportunity to discuss matters with him. The first of those quarterly meetings will take place on April 24 at the Principessa Elena Society and will focus on the City’s recreation programs and needs. He invited all to attend. 7 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Gridley Street Zoning Map Amendment Commissioner John Franck said that pursuant to the Council’s request of March 19, the Planning Board reviewed the Gridley Street Stable, LLC Zoning Map Amendment at their March 26 meeting. The proposed zoning map amendment petition requests a change in the zoning designation for lots located at the corner of Gridley and Jefferson Streets. The request would change the zoning designation for these parcels from UR-2 to the Institutional Horse Track related district (INST-HTR). The Planning Board, as required by Article XV, Section 240-15.3 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance, reviewed the proposed change and determined that: 1) the revision is not contrary to the general purpose and intent of this Chapter and 2) the revision is accordant with the Comprehensive Plan. The Council must now set a public hearing and assure that it is in compliance with SEQR. Therefore, Commissioner John Franck requested that a public hearing be set for May 6 at 6:55 p.m. Parking Deck Signage Revenue (08-49) Commissioner John Franck said that on several occasions, he had discussed and presented the City’s parking deck signage program. The Council has awarded the rfp, set the rates and has begun leasing the space to the local businesses. As previously discussed, the intent was for the revenue from the signage program to go towards maintenance and construction of the parking decks. Now that the program is up and running and the businesses are ready to be invoiced, the Council needs to determine to which lines the revenue will go. Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Anthony Scirocco seconded that revenue from the parking deck signage program be used primarily to cover maintenance on the parking decks from the general fund with the balance at year’s end being transferred into the parking structure capital reserve fund. Ayes all. Grievance Class Commissioner John Franck announced that the annual class on how to grieve your assessment has been set for Wednesday, May 7 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Music Hall. He said he expected to see quite a few residents from the City as well as residents from the surrounding towns attending this class. The surrounding towns do not offer this class. Last year there were about 25-30 attendees. Grieving the assessment is a difficult process and this class will assist our residents in achieving the results they seeking. We will go through various steps on how to make your argument strong. Saratogian Article Commissioner John Franck said there was an article in The Saratogian newspaper on April 9 concerning the school board and their upcoming budget vote. In that article it was noted that the Town of Wilton would see a 30 percent decrease and Greenfield and Saratoga Springs would see an increase in their taxes. He said what should have been stated was that the Town of Wilton had a 30 percent decrease in their tax rate not in their taxes. He said the assessments were sent to the County today and his department will know the increases within the next few days. 8 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 City Clerk partnership with CDTA Commissioner John Franck said that Deputy Commissioner Michele Boxley had been working with CDTA for the last several months on mass transit issues here in the City. As a part of those discussions, his office plans to make the CDTA swiper card available to both residents and visitors here in the City Clerks office. Presently those passes are available only at the YMCA & train station, leaving no outlet in downtown area. There is no cost to the City for this program. It is simply a service that he wanted to offer to residents and visitors to make the swiper card more accessible. More details to follow when the procedures have been established with CDTA and City staff. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Amend resolution for non-union full time personnel (08-50) Commissioner Ken Ivins moved and Commissioner Anthony Scirocco seconded to amend the resolution, as presented, pertaining to the non-union, full time personnel resolution, adopted in December 2006 (Attachment B). Commissioner Ken Ivins said the amendment was to include the two new positions of Executive Assistant to the Commissioners of DPW and DPS. The positions are 33 hours and will receive the same salary as the Executive Assistant to the Mayor. Ayes all. Department of Public Works Payroll Transfer Commissioner Ken Ivins moved and Commissioner Anthony Scirocco seconded to approve the transfer of funds for the DPW salary as presented. The transfers have met guidelines and the availability of funds has been certified (Attachment C). Ayes all. Supervisor Veitch Resolution (08-51) Commissioner Ken Ivins moved and Commissioner Anthony Scirocco seconded to approve the following resolution: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs New York WHEREAS, in 1998, the Saratoga Springs Open Space Project, now Saratoga P.L.A.N. conducted a study of the New York State Route 50 North corridor, also known as the C.V. Whitney Memorial Highway, more commonly known as the Arterial; and WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs identified New York State Project 1096.18 in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted May 4, 1999 and amended July 17, 2001, as part of the major transportation policies included in the plan; and WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs has stated in its plan that improving the transportation gateways is a priority; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: 1. This Council reaffirms its commitment to improving the gateways to the City. 2. This Council authorizes Supervisor Matthew E. Veitch to act on behalf of the City in communicating with State representatives and the New York State Department of Transportation in expediting project 1096.18, Route 50 Arterial Improvements. 9 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 3. This Council also requests the Supervisor work with and report back to the City Council with any information or progress that is made in regard to this project. Ayes all. July 4th Weekend Celebration Update Commissioner Ken Ivins said that the July 4th celebration was 79 days away and everyone was working hard on making this a wonderful weekend destination event. On July 4th there will be fireworks with a fun race, food and face painting; on July 5 there will be a parade with a barbeque and dessert fest and on Sunday, July 6, there will be a dog walk and other neighborhood related activities. He will have further updates at future Council meetings. City Finances Commissioner Ken Ivins said the housing market has slowed. The mortgage tax budget was reduced this year by $250,000 and at this point there is a $95,000 shortfall. He said, though, that the next 6 months are the busiest months. The VLT revenue remains in tact at this time but it will be an annual fight. It appears that the City was overpaid last year on the VLT revenue so he anticipated that the City will receive between $300,000 and $500,000 less than budgeted this year. The City budgeted $3.7 million and he anticipated between $3.2 and $3.4 million. Delinquent property notices will go in the mail soon. Commissioner Ken Ivins said that at the last Council meeting there were some concerns expressed on whether budget activities were compliant with the charter and City policies. He assured everyone that the budget is not out of balance and that procedures are being followed. He said in every case, the expenditures have been certified and the charter has been followed. He said capital projects have received funding from the appropriate lines. Recently there have been public hearings held on obtaining additional funds for already approved projects. He again assured everyone that the procedures are being followed. Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfer Commissioner Ken Ivins moved and Commissioner Anthony Scirocco seconded to approve the transfer of payroll funds in connection with the Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of DPS. The proposed transfer has met the guidelines and the funds are certified. Mayor Scott Johnson said he had some concerns on this matter that were not addressed to his satisfaction. Ayes: Commissioners Ken Ivins and Anthony Scirocco, Nays: Commissioner John Franck and Mayor Scott Johnson. Motion failed to receive majority vote. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Contract with Jablonski Co. for Nelson Avenue Drainage Project Commissioner Anthony Scirocco moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Jablonski Construction for the Nelson Avenue drainage project. The City Attorney and the Risk & Safety Manager have reviewed the material. Ayes all. 10 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Public Hearing to Amend the Capital Budget for City Hall Stairs Commissioner Anthony Scirocco said that the public hearing is continued to the next meeting. Contract with Ganem Company for City Hall Stairs Commissioner Anthony Scirocco moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Ganem Construction Company for the City Hall stairs. The City Attorney and the Risk and Safety Manager have reviewed the contract. Ayes all. Commissioner Anthony Scirocco said that demolition work on the stairs will begin on April 21. Executive Assistant to Commissioner of Public Works Position (08-52) Commissioner Anthony Scirocco announced the appointment of Donna Buckley to the position of Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of Public Works. Commissioner Anthony Scirocco moved and Commissioner Ken Ivins seconded that Donna Buckley retain here original hire date of June 16, 2004. Commissioner Anthony Scirocco said that this office is constantly growing and getting busier. The existing staff is inundated and the Director of DPW and the Deputy Commissioner need to be in the field and not in the office. He requires a confidential secretary to meet his needs. Ayes all. Extension of contract - Barton & Loguidice - Phase II Stormwater MS4 Program Update Commissioner Anthony Scirocco removed this item from the agenda. Trees Commissioner Anthony Scirocco said the City Code states that DPW has exclusive jurisdiction over trees in the City. He will meet with National Grid to review their schedule of where the plan to work. Perhaps the City should rethink the tree planting locations in the City and/or look at planting shorter trees. He was open to new ideas and thoughts on this matter. This is a beautiful City and he planned to keep it that way. He will keep the Council updated. Church Street Project – Public meeting Commissioner Anthony Scirocco reminded everyone that there is a public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council room to discuss the rehabilitation of Church and Myrtle Streets. Mayor Scott Johnson said that in today’s Times Union newspaper, there was an article on this matter and in that article it was stated that both City and State officials are in favor of the roundabouts at this intersection. He said that was not correct. City officials have not weighed in on this matter yet. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPT. Parking & Commuting Recommendations for the City of Saratoga Springs Item withdrawn from discussion. 11 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 PBA Range Contract (08-53) Commissioner John Franck moved and Commissioner Anthony Scirocco seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the license agreement with the PBA for use of the PBA range, PBA hall and parking area in the amount of $10,000 (pro-rated to the date of the signing of the agreement). The funding will come from the training line in the DPS budget. The agreement terminates on December 31, 2008. The City Attorney and the City’s Risk & Safety Manager have reviewed the agreement. Commissioner Ken Ivins said he would support this motion, however, had some concerns. Last year, the City paid $2,000 for this range and now it’s $10,000. He said he understood that some of this was due to insurance, but thought that the City needs to look at other alternatives. He said this is a large increase and he was not comfortable with it. Commissioner Anthony Scirocco said there are not many alternatives for shooting ranges and the police officers are required by law to meet the state and federal regulations. Commissioner Ken Ivins said he understood that, however, this was a large increase. Mayor Scott Johnson said this is part of the DPS budget and they did anticipate this increase. Ayes all. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen April Board of Supervisor's meeting: Joanne Yepsen said the Board of Supervisors adopted 28 resolutions today. They approved an agreement with SEDC in the amount of $60,000 for Empire Zone administration. They also hired an architectural firm for the design of the animal shelter not to exceed $425,000. They accepted a $400,000 grant from the sate for the DWI program and $158,000 grant from Homeland Security. They also authorized the auction of 22 county owned properties. NYS Property Tax Reform Roundtable: Joanne Yepsen said she attended a roundtable discussion on April 7 on property tax reform. She said there was a diverse group of participants gathered to discuss the high property taxes in New York State. She said that group concluded that a comprehensive look needed to be done on property taxes which should include preserving and enhancing education throughout the state. There should be circuit breakers included that would prevent homeowners from paying more than a certain percentage of their income. The preliminary report will be available by May 22 and the final report by December 10. Meeting with NYRA: Joanne Yepsen said she and an Orange County legislator met with NYRA officials on April 3 at Aqueduct. This was a nonpartisan meeting to simply discuss racing and preservation issues throughout the state. She said an inventory of the buildings at the track will be conducted. They will work with SSPF and the state preservation offices on this issue. The new court date for the NYRA bankruptcy hearing is April 28. Upcoming Events: Joanne Yepsen said the Billy Grey Ride will be held on May 18. There will be a bike ride and a three mile walk to raise money for the brain tumor society. Matthew Veitch Autism Awareness forum: Matthew Veitch reported that the autism awareness forum was held on April 5 with between 50 and 75 attendees. He said that it was a good event with a lot of participation from the attendees. 12 of 13 City of Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Saratoga County Council on Autism: Matthew Veitch said the first meeting of the Saratoga County Council on Autism was held this month. One of their first goals is to update the County handbook on autism. They also plan to develop a brochure to be sent to local pediatrician’s offices. This brochure will have helpful information to the parents of newly diagnosed children. They received $10,000 from Assemblyman McDonald’s office to fund the development of this brochure. He said they were hoping to do an autism expo in the near future and will keep Council members posted. They are also developing a class for first responders to train them on dealing with autistic children. County Emergency Radio System: Matthew Veitch said the County received $158,000 from Homeland Security for pagers and radios for the new radio system. A request for information was sent to vendors which will enable the County to select the vendor of choice on this new system. They have also discussed the alert system for the fire departments, noting that the new system will not be compatible with the existing fire alert system. County Traffic Safety Committee Appointments: Matthew Veitch said now that Sgt. Crandall had retired, the City’s new appointee to the Traffic Safety Committee is Tom Mitchell. They decided to leave Sgt. Crandall on the committee until his appointment expires. Economic Development Committee: Matthew Veitch said the Council approved $60,000 for administration of the Empire Zone program. Senior Citizens Month: Matthew Veitch said that May is senior citizens month in the county. Animal Shelter: Matthew Veitch said the County approved a design services contract for the animal shelter. ADJOURN Mayor Scott Johnson moved and Commissioner John Franck seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Ayes all. There being no other business, Mayor Scott Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Katherine A. Moran Clerk Approved: 13 of 13