City Council

September 15, 2009 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM Budget Workshop 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 1. Swearing in of Newly Appointed & Promoted Fire Fighters 2. Announcement: Retirement of Finance Department Employees EXECUTIVE SESSION Discussion regarding proposed, pending or current litigation; personal private information of a person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a person or corporation. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Capital Budget & City Council Minutes for 8-28-2009 2. Approval of City Council Minutes 9-1-2009 3. Approve Budget Amendments 4. Approve Budget Transfers 5. Approve Capital Budget Transfers 6. Approve Payroll 9/04/09 $425,347.32 7. Approve Payroll 9/11/09 $464,244.93 8. Approve Warrant 2009 Mid MC1SEP09 $116,967.51 9. Approve Warrant 2009 Regular 2SEP09 $194,058.42 10. Commissioner of Deeds: Amy Evertsen, Justin Ahigian, Christopher Cole, Russell Faden, Aaron Moore, James Bell, Robert Dennis, Patrick O’Leary, John Guzek, Keith Pellegri, Kristen VanWert, Travis Carter, John Kehoe, Charles Fischer, Laura Emanation, and Vanessa Rose MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign SPAF Grant Application City Council Meeting 9/15/09 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Award of Bid: Municipal Solid Waste to Waste Management of NY 2. Award of Bid: Water Treatment Plant Materials to JEM Enterprises FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Transfer from Contingency 2. Discussion: Complete Streets Policy 3. Discussion: City Finances PUBLIC WORKS DEPARMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign 2009 Stormwater Grant Application 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Amendment #2 with Barton & Loguidice for Geyser Crest Well Field Improvements Project 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Lash Contracting for Nelson Avenue Phase 3 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Supplemental Agreement for South Broadway @ Ballston Avenue 5. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign with DelSignore Blacktop Paving, Inc. for Church Street Reconstruction PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARMTENT 1. Discussion: Female Officer Sexual Discrimination Matter 2. Discussion: Intersection at Grand Avenue & Birch Street SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. Full Board Meeting 2. Racing Committee 3. Jazz BBQ 4. Sustainable Saratoga Matthew Veitch 1. Racing Committee 2. County Animal Shelter Construction ADJOURN Page 2 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 City of Saratoga Springs Budget Workshop City Council Room Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:00 PM BUDGET MEETING The budget meeting began at 6:08 p.m. Tonight’s presentations will include finance, recreation and the mayor’s office. FINANCE Commissioner Ivins explained that each department will be presenting expenses and revenues for their department. The expense side is one of the easiest, but the revenue side is one of the toughest to project and predict. What is in the revenue side today is probably going to change by the time the Council votes to adopt the overall budget. We like to wait until the last minute for sales tax numbers to project where they are going. EXPENSES: Payroll – Commissioner Ivins advised 2 part time people retired in 2009 and they will be replacing those people with 1 part time person. The increase in the payroll line is based upon annual step increases according to union contract. Benefits & Lump Sums – Commissioner Ivins reported that health insurance rates will be increases. The governor passed on a surcharge to the health insurance companies that will in turn pass the charge on to us. The exact amount of increase will not be known until sometime in October. Insurance – Marilyn Rivers will be doing a separate presentation for the City. Equipment (new) - They projected $1,000 in 2009 and will be projecting $1,000 in 2010 as well for printers. Equipment (maint.) – This is for MUNIS support and upgrades. We are also now running fiber out to remote locations such as the lines to the fire stations, which we hadn’t done in the past. This cost is budgeted by the Finance Department even though it supports other departments. Supplies – This relates to various things. The amount has gone down since 2008. Professional Services – The accounting firm we are using would fall in this category. We managed to encumber some expenses for our auditing in 2008, therefore we will not have to spend it in 2010. IT – This area encompasses all departments, not just finance, for general hardware. They have reduced the number from $71,000 and has cut that back. Misc. – This number has come down. Some things have an offsetting income line, so they are not really an expense, such as special assessment districts. Last year $4,000 was put in the budget as an expense for the 4th of July celebration. They expended $19,000 but actually brought in $22,000. They are putting zero Page 3 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 in that line this year. They assume they will be doing the 4th of July celebration this year and will be brining in income. The contingency amount has had a variety amount of money. This year we have $60,000 (after the Council approves taking $60,000 out tonight). The finance department budget is going down and they will continue to work to bring it down. REVENUE: Commissioner Ivins stated he has not put a figure in for property tax as they don’t know yet what that will be. Sales tax is another big ‘if’. They are projecting to collect a little over $8 million for this year. He is projecting $8 million for next year right now, but that could be high. Mortgage tax has held its own with re-financing. They are talking about this number remaining flat. The gross receipts tax (from utility companies) are down but projecting it to be flat. The admissions tax projected may be a little high as attendance was down a little. They hope to put the admission tax around the $380,000 level. State Aid and revenue sharing will remain flat. Retirement – Commissioner Ivins stated this is something that is going to affect every department. The City paid around 9.2% for most employees; the police averaged 15.2% contribution into retirement. The employees contribute about 3% of the salary for the first 10 years. The City is looking at having to contribute 13% (from 9.2%) and 17% (from 15.2%) for police and fire. This will amount to $627,785 new dollars for 2010 from what was contributed in 2009. This alone would equate to a 4% tax increase alone. Commissioner Franck asked if the retirement percentage given is spread over several years to catch up. Commissioner Ivins stated this is for the first installment. Commissioner Kim asked if this is for a full year cost? Commissioner Ivins stated the bill is for 9 months of 2010 and 3 months of 2011. Commissioner Franck stated he would like to see what it would be if we didn’t have the shortfall. Also, is there any thought-process of this being reversed at all? Commissioner Ivins stated these figures are from the Comptroller’s Office as of last Friday. Commissioner Kim stated the miscellaneous line is huge. Can that be broken down? Commissioner Ivins stated the book has a line by line breakdown. This is all the special assessment districts, etc. RECREATION DEPT Linda Terricola and Kathy Lanfear presented the budget for the Recreation Department. Their budget format is broken down by program. Linda explained the function and responsibility of the Recreation Commission. Payroll - The increase in payroll is due to longevity and step increases. The equipment and software agreements have increased. Camp Saradac – There is little payroll increase for the camp counselors. The special needs programs remain the same. The labor amount requested for Camp Saradac is $167,177; the projected amount was $165,509.41. There was an increase in the camp t-shirts. The total requested for Camp Saradac is $204,627 and the projected is $207,469.41. Page 4 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 Indoor Recreation Facility – Linda explained that $21,530 includes existing coordinators, hall monitors and additional funding in the amount of $8,000 for support of the indoor supervision. There is a one time cost of $250,000 for fixtures, furniture, and equipment (FFE). They are still reviewing what FFE is eligible under capital program money. Commissioner Kim asked if the $21,000 is from an existing location. Linda stated they are pulling $15,000 from existing recreation budget. They will now also utilize their hall monitors for staff supervision. Mayor Johnson informed the public that a group has been formed that plans to raise money to offset the cost of furniture, fixtures, and equipment. They have already raised 20% of the FFE figure. Vernon Arena – Linda advised this budget has a decrease from last year. Weibel Avenue Arena – Linda stated this budget is remaining the same. Youth Parking Program – Linda advised there is no difference here; it also remains the same. Basketball Program – Linda advised there is a significant increase for the boys and girls basketball programs due to a law passed by the Department of Labor that requires all independent contractors to be placed on payroll. Therefore, the City is required to place all basketball referees, etc. on payroll. That will be a major budget impact. REVENUE: Indoor Recreation Facility – Linda advised the additional rental proposed for 2010 is $6,375. This is a conservative figure. The combine projected revenue for 2010 for the climbing wall and racquetball is $19,675; concession/vending is about $12,000; AA Youth Tournament is $12,000; additional rentals is $37,750 for a total of $87,800.00. Rentals will increase in 2011 to $75,500. There will be a proposed increase in 2010 from Camp Saradac of $15,000 from summer programs due to the new indoor facility. Anticipated revenues will be $150,550. Commissioner Ivins asked how much is the City saving in rentals by not going elsewhere and having our own facility? Linda advised approximately $60,000 per year is being saved in rentals. MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Mayor Johnson explained/listed the sub-departments of the Mayor’s Department as follows: City Attorney’s Office, City phone system, Human Resources, Civil Service, Building Department, Office of Planning and Economic Development, Parks Open Land and Historic Preservation, Urban Cultural Park, City Historian, and the Recreation Department. EXPENSES: Payroll – Mayor Johnson explained there is a slight decrease in 2009 from 2008 and then a slight increase in 2010 from 2009. This is due to a couple people in 2009 going out on unemployment. The 2010 salaries also include steps and longevity according to the union contracts. Benefits & Lump Sums – Mayor Johnson stated there is in increase over the 2008 actual and the 2009 projection of approximately $100,000. A number of those figures is based upon certain payroll items, including the unemployment. Page 5 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 Insurance – Mayor Johnson advised these figures come from Finance Department and are specific to the Mayor’s Department. There is a significant drop from the projection of 2009 to 2010. There was $50,000 encumbered from 2008. Whatever is not spent in 2009 will probably be encumbered and rolled over to 2010. Equip (new) – Mayor Johnson stated there is not much here as they don’t buy a lot in this department. Equip (maint) – Mayor Johnson advised their contracts for maintaining certain equipment is modest. Supplies – Mayor Johnson advised this relates to basic paper supplies to other items to run an office. Gas, Oil, Utilities – Mayor Johnson stated this is gas for vehicles in building department. It is the same as last year. Professional Services – Mayor Johnson stated this looks alarming on paper but it is an inclusive category of the City Attorney budget and the City’s support and funding of other organizations throughout the City such as: County Animal Shelter, the Saratoga Center for Family, Franklin Community Center, Senior Citizens Community Center, Veteran’s Allowance, EOC Soup Kitchen, Office of the Aging, etc. The total for 2010 is $146,972. In 2008 actual, there was $82,365, the 2009 projected is $190,000 and for 2010 requested is $175,000 for services paid to other firms for defense of the City. The increase from 2008 to 2009 is due to encumbrances of $130,000. IT – Mayor Johnson stated there is nothing for 2008 and 2009. There is an increase in 2010 for the purchase of software to maintain and operate the new phone system. Misc. – Mayor Johnson stated the increase is modest in 2010 from 2009. The items covered here are for civil service fees, medical exams, human resource, etc. Overall, a slight decrease is projected for next year. REVENUE: Mayor Johnson stated he was advised we were not presenting revenues as specifics tonight. They will project revenues on the following categories: fees collected through the city attorney’s office, the Visitor Center, Planning Department, Civil Service, the Arts Center Lease, Building Department fees, employee contribution fees, and grants received by the City. CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL ROOM TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2009 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Scott Johnson, Mayor Ken Ivins, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Ron Kim, Commissioner of DPS PRESENT: Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor Page 6 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Kate Jarosh, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Joe Scala, City Attorney EXCUSED: Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Michele Boxley, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts ABSCENT: Patrick Design, Deputy Commissioner, DPW 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 a word-for-word transcript. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. PUBLIC COMM IENT PERIOD Mayor Johnson opened the public comment period at 7:21 p.m. Mayor Johnson said the public comment period is limited to a total of 15 minutes and individuals are limited to two minutes each according to the rules approved in February of 2004 by the City Council. Diana Mills of 225 Grand Avenue stated her immediate concern is if a car misses the turn at the intersection, they will end up right in her living room. She is concerned with the upcoming winter season and would like assistance from the City to avoid a bad situation. Clark Hayward, President of SEMS addressed the Council tonight to respectfully request the Council address the contract between the City and SEMS as soon as possible. This was an urgent matter a few months ago and the urgency seems to have slipped recently. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated he too agrees with Mr. Hayward. The trend line in the City has been going down since 2005. The only thing holding up our revenues is property taxes and the VLT money when we got it. There was a tax increase in 2008 of 10% while we were getting the VLT money. If we take $130 million a year, which is 75% of the racino income, assume 20% of those dollars is coming from this community, and use a modest multiplier of 2; we can stated $50 million dollars a year of revenue is coming out of the City on top of the $3.8 million dollars. The City is looking at a double whammy. The County and the City need to put the hammer down. We are not getting anything and we are not going anywhere. As far as the SEMS contract, he doesn’t understand the $100,000. If the City gets $100,000, the taxpayers are going to get to pay $100,000 in additional fees anyway. It is either a backdoor tax increase or an extra $100,000 in revenue. Also, he believes we are dragging our feet regarding the dispatcher situation. We are looking at $800,000 in savings and a decision has to be made. John Krause of 227 Grand Avenue stated he lives 1 house up from the family that spoke earlier regarding the intersection at Birch and Grand. He has witnessed several accidents and offered assistance to several of the victims. Action has been taken to slow the traffic down with the installation of signs. He suggested an island be installed to slow traffic and allow for the placement of a stop sign and installation of crosswalks. Commissioner Kim stated the intersection is on his agenda for later this evening. They were approached by a resident this summer regarding the danger of the intersection and they agreed with him. Mark Page 7 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 Benaquista did a traffic study. There is some accident history for this intersection; but most people who get in accidents at this intersection are from out of town. DPS sat with DPW to make recommendations; that’s all DPS can do. A survey will be done by the engineering department in October. Paul Male clarified that it is a field survey for drawings, not a traffic study. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:36 pm. Presentations Swearing in Newly Appointed & Promoted Fire Fighters Commissioner Kim advised the people being sworn in tonight are replacing firemen that have retired. It takes approximately 15 months to have a firefighter replaced as each replacement must go through the academy and paramedic training. Assistant Chief Betor introduced the firefighters: Assistant Chief Chaplain Neil Draves, Captain John Kirkpatrick, Lieutenant Frank Spensieri, Firefighter Keith Philips, and Firefighter Brett Carpenter. Chief Cogan gave a little personal information on each of the new firefighters and those that have been promoted. The 2 new fire fighters have completed the 14 weeks of firefighter training and are currently enrolled in a paramedic program. Commissioner Kim stated behind these individuals are others who interviewed for promotions and didn’t receive it and are equally deserving of it; that’s a credit to the department. He then swore in each member. Assistant Chief Betor ‘pinned’ each of the members as part of the ceremony. Retirement of Finance Department Employees Commissioner Ivins stated the following proclamation will be presented to Betty Benton and Janet Woodcock. Together these 2 ladies have been in the Finance Department for 64 years. These ladies are truly dedicated and a wealth of information and knowledge. They will sorely be missed by all. Commissioner Ivins thanked Betty and Janet for all they have done for him in his first term in office. The mayor will be signing the proclamation. Betty and Janet are welcome to come back anytime. A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK Whereas, Janet (Wright) Woodcock and Betty (Wright) Benton are native Saratogians, born and raised in the area that is now Greenridge Cemetery, later moving to the corner of Nelson and Wright Streets. Two of six children, Janet previously worked at Thompsons' Laundry, was on the Board of Directors for the Saratoga Springs Federal Credit Union and was very active in the Saratoga County Women’s Republican Club. Betty previously worked at Thompsons' Laundry and Mr. Jacks Men’s Clothing Store, and was quite the bocce player at the Knights of Columbus with her now deceased husband, Mac, and Whereas, Janet Woodcock began her employment with the City of Saratoga Springs in 1969 as a part time clerk in the Finance Office. Her strong work ethic, astuteness and accuracy led her to a full time position in 1972. She retired in June of 1989, returned in May 1990 part time with the Saratoga Springs City Center. In 1992, Janet returned to the Finance Office “to help us out,” and Whereas, Janet progressed from Clerk to Account Clerk to Senior Account Clerk, during her tenure with the City. She was always willing to pitch in wherever the need arose: working actively with the Tax Collection and Payroll Processes. She participated in the transitions in the accounting system: from hand written ledgers to a data general main frame computer to a windows platform, learning MUNIS Software, along with all the continual updates, while in her late 70’s and early 80’s. Her ability to learn new things impressed us all, and Whereas, the Finance and IT departments will miss Janet’s stories and work ethic and City Hall will miss her attention to detail and punctuality of deadlines, especially for Deputies on signing the payroll and remitting time sheets. Page 8 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 Whereas, Betty Benton’s employment with the City of Saratoga Springs began in 1985 as a part time Account Clerk and moved up to a part time Senior Account Clerk.. Her initial duties included posting tax payments and backing up the computer system (changing 9 track reel to reel tapes as each completed), and Whereas, Betty’s responsibilities changed as the accounting systems became more complex. She was a team player that successfully picked up new responsibilities. She was often taking tax calls, processing tax searches and posting payments. She was a part time employee through out her tenure with a full time effort, and Whereas, Betty’s departure has left a huge void in the Finance Office, especially in the answering of phones, opening mail and tax searches, and Now, therefore, I, Scott T. Johnson, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, am pleased to recognize Janet Woodcock and Betty Benton not only for her forty and twenty-four years of service to our City, but for the extraordinary people and public servants that they are. Janet and Betty were assets to the workforce of City government and will continue to enrich all of our lives as fellow residents though they are not working side by side with us every day. Mayor Johnson stated he is pleased to sign these proclamations on behalf of the City. He wished them his best as well. Executive Session Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Kim seconded to move to executive session at 7:37 p.m. regarding proposed, pending or current litigation; personal private information of a person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a person or corporatio n, including the matters of 23 Greenfield Avenue LLC vs. the City of Saratoga Springs and the matter pending before the New York State Division of Rights. Ayes - All Council members returned at 8:10 p.m. where Mayor Johnson said the Council did not arrive at any final determination on the items discussed. Therefore there is nothing to report to the public at this time. Consent Agenda Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the consent agenda stated as follows with proposed amendment. 1. Approval of Capital Budget & City Council Minutes for 8-28-2009 2. Approval of City Council Minutes 9-1-2009 3. Approve Budget Amendments 4. Approve Budget Transfers 5. Approve Capital Budget Transfers 6. Approve Payroll 9/04/09 $425,347.32 7. Approve Payroll 9/11/09 $464,244.93 8. Approve Warrant 2009 Mid MC1SEP09 $116,967.51 9. Approve Warrant 2009 Regular 2SEP09 $194,058.42 10. Commissioner of Deeds: Amy Evertsen, Justin Ahigian, Christopher Cole, Russell Faden, Aaron Moore, James Bell, Robert Dennis, Patrick O’Leary, John Guzek, Keith Pellegri, Kristen VanWert, Travis Carter, John Kehoe, Charles Fischer, Laura Emanation, and Vanessa Rose Ayes – All Page 9 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 Mayor’s Department Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign SPAF Grant Application (09-270) Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the SPAF grant application as proposed . Mayor Johnson introduced Mayor Klotz to speak about this. Mayor Klotz stated these are grants the Arts Council oversees. The Visitor Center, which represents the City, periodically serves as a sponsor. Two groups have requested City sponsorship this year; New York City Ballet Musician and Friends, and Mary Chen of 70 Beekman Street. The Council needs to approve the application to move forward. Mayor Johnson read the following into the record: The Saratoga County Arts Council administers the state SPAF grants program. A SPAF grant requires the sponsorship of a not-for-profit organization with 501c(3) status or a municipality. Two groups have approached the City with the request that it provide formal sponsorship for their applications through the Visitors Center. The New York City Ballet Musicians & Friends proposes a series of concerts of classical music consisting of a free concert at Embury Apartments and a fundraiser at the Gideon Putnam in May 2010, and then two weekly noon concerts at the Arts Center during the Ballet’s anticipated residence in Saratoga Springs in July 2010. The highly popular noon concerts have a 15 year history in Saratoga Springs and have received Visitors Center by NY City musician Luellen Abdoo, principal with the Synergy Quartet and former member of the NYC Ballet Orchestra, and feature other present and former ballet orchestra members as performers. The 70 Beekman Street Art Gallery proposes a series of ten concerts throughout the year 2010, some at the Beekman Street gallery space and some at other neighborhood venues in the City. Mary Chen has been organizing these concerts in the community since 2003 and is seeking Visitors Center sponsorship for a SPAF grant for the first time. Typical programs include opera selections – Mary Chen and her husband Yong-Li, who recently performed in the Lake George Opera performance of Madame Butterfly, are former vocalists with the Beijing Opera, a guitar/flute duo featuring South American music, youth composers and performers, a Chinese a capella vocal group, and many others. A special feature of this program application calls for two of the performances to be held in the summer of 2010 for participants in the City’s summer youth recreation camp. The Visitors Center has agreed to sponsor these two applications with Council approval. Approximately $30,000 of grant money is available through the SPAF program. Arts Council guidelines allow eligible entities to sponsor up to 3 different applications for a maximum total of $5,000. The average award recently has been approximately $1200 for successful applicants. It is anticipated that the 2 application described above will be for approximately $2,000 each for a total of just over $4,000. These grant applications call for no money from the City and no City staff time, other than minimal contact with city staff of coordination and publicity purposes. Council approval should include specific approval for the Mayor to sign the application and any other required paperwork should the grants be awarded. Mayor Klotz advised that no one entity can ask for more than $5,000. The Council is required to approve the application to move forward. Ayes - All Accounts Department Award of Bid: Municipal Solid Waste to Waste Management of NY (09-271) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to award the bid for Municipal Solid Waste to Waste Management of NY; the lowest bidder. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Water Treatment Plant Materials to JEM Enterprises (09-272) Page 10 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to award the bid for Water Treatment Plant Materials to JEM Enterprises for addendum item #1 and items 2-18 for various prices. Commissioner Franck advised JEM Enterprises was the lowest bidder. Ayes – All Finance Department Discussion and Vote: Transfer from Contingency (09-273) Commissioner Ivins moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the transfer from contingency as previously distributed. Commissioner Ivins stated he sat with Commissioner Scirocco to determine where the money will come from to hire Barton & Loguidice for the DEC issue at the compost site. There is $120,412.71 in the contingency fund; $60,000.00 from that fund will be transferred leaving a balance of $60,412.71. Ayes - All Discussion: Complete Streets Policy Commissioner Ivins stated he presented the Council with a draft policy for a Complete Streets Policy. He thanked all who were involved on this committee. There will be a working committee that will try to make our City friendlier towards being a non-car city. It asks for an audit of our City to figure out where we are and where we want to go. There is no funding source right now to make this happen. If the Council is ready to vote on this at the next Council meeting, that’s fine, if not they can take more time. Commissioner Kim feels it is important to be as specific as possible and define what we mean. The last draft takes out the meat of the proposal. We are not defining what we mean by complete streets. He would like to see the specificity of what we mean by complete streets put back in. He believes what was taken out was elements such as drainage, covered design, location, street, width to allow for future bike lanes, etc. Commissioner Ivins asked Commissioner Kim to read through the document word for word and make suggestions of what he would like to see. There is time before the next meeting to make changes if need be. Discussion: City Finances Commissioner Ivins stated track attendance was down by 2.1%; but believes it will still come in at the budget we created. The City issued last week $1.386 million dollars in public improvement cereal bonds for 2009. They were purchased at in interest rate of 4.34%. It was a lot better than expected; part had to do with our bond rate going up – AA rating. We worked on getting our undedicated fund balance up; we are being conservative, and maintaining good financial position. Public Works Department * In the absence of Commissioner Scirocco, Mayor Johnson will be making the following motions on behalf of Commissioner Scirocco. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign 2009 Stormwater Grant Application (09-274) Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the 2009 Saratoga County MS-4 S tormwater Grant application and/or resolution as described. Mayor Johnson introduced Paul Male to explain this item. Page 11 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 Paul Male introduced Blue Neils from the Saratoga County Stormwater Program Coordinator to explain the requirements from the DEC. Blue Neils requested the Council consider the agreement put forward in a draft form, which is a resolution that outlines the nature of the stormwater permits and municipal program. There will be no budget impact to the City as the funding will be handled by his office through the County. The application will be signed by Saratoga County as the lead agency. The more municipalities that participate, the better the chances are of receiving the funding. Mayor Johnson clarified the attachment to the agenda which is called agreement is the resolution Blue was referring to. Blue advised that is correct. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Amendment #2 with Barton & Loguidice for Geyser Crest Well Field Improvements Project (09-275) Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with Barton & Loguidice for the construction administration services and construction observation services in the amount of $68,000 for the Geyser Crest Well Field Improvement Project. Paul Male explained this is an amendment to the Barton & Loguidice contract to provide construction administration service and construction observation services during the Geyser Crest Well Field Project. The cost is $68,000, $34,000 for each phase and is in the budget. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Lash Contracting for Nelson Avenue Phase 3 (09-276) Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the contract with Lash Contracting, Inc. for pump station upgrades and forcemain relocation in the Nelson Avenue area in the amount of $474,600.00; the funding is in the 2009 capital budget. Paul Male stated Phase 3 is the installation of forcemains and improvements to the Doten Avenue pump station and Furlong Street pump station. This will take some of the burden off the residents in the Vanderbilt/Jefferson Street area. The award of bid was made to Lash in the amount of $474,600.00. This is also in the 2009 capital budget. Commissioner Ivins asked if this was the last phase of the project. Paul Male advised they received some good prices so they will continue on with phase 4 with Stantec. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Supplemental Agreement for South Broadway @ Ballston Avenue (09-277) Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign supplemental agreement #4 for the South Broadway reconstruction project. Paul Male stated this agreement was prepared by NYSDOT and is a formality to make sure we get reimbursed. Funds were approved approximately 1 month ago. Mayor Johnson confirmed this is cost neutral. Page 12 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 Paul advised it is. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign with DelSignore Blacktop Paving, Inc. for Church Street Reconstruction This item was pulled from the agenda. Public Safety Department Discussion: Female Officer Sexual Discrimination Matter Commissioner Kim pulled this item as there was no action on this in executive session. Discussion: Intersection at Grand Avenue & Birch Street Commissioner Kim advised this was discussed earlier during public comment. Supervisors Joanne Yepsen Full Board Meeting Supervisor Yepsen reported Lauren Roberts was appointed as County Historian. The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce was designated as the tourism promotion agency to apply for the “I Love NY” grants. They are expecting $50,000 in 2010. A lease agreement was authorized with the Clifton Park Center to provide space for the Saratoga County Animal Shelter to house adoptable felines. There will be a County parcel auction on September 22, 2009. There is a NYSAG conference occurring this week in Saratoga Springs. Extra prescription cards will be left in the Mayor’s Department. The pharmacies are sacrificing their profits to support this program. Racing Committee Supervisor Yepsen deferred to Matt Veitch for a full report. Charlie Wheeler is taking a new job with NYRA to be Director of Planning and Community Relations. Jazz BBQ Supervisor Yepsen reported the 4th annual jazz bbq is happening at the Princepessa Elena on Saturday, September 19th at 3 p.m. All the money raised will benefit the restoration of the Frederick Allen Lodge. Sustainable Saratoga Supervisor Yepsen reported they are getting back to their monthly meetings. The next meeting on September 29th, 3rd floor of City Hall will be a joint meeting with the County’s Green Committee. There will be 2 speakers; Lisa Naigle and Bill Springnether. Matthew Veitch Page 13 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/15/09 Racing Committee Supervisor Veitch reported Charlie Wheeler and Ed Lewi attended the Racing Committee meeting. They spoke about the promotional programs and the promotional days at the track. The decline in attendance was smaller than expected this year – 2% versus the expected 5-7 %. If we get the VLTs going at Adqueduct, there is $100 million dollars worth of upgrades proposed for Saratoga. County Animal Shelter Construction Supervisor Veitch reported they appropriated $5.3 million in bonds for the County Animal Shelter. It is estimated the cost for the shelter will be $5.27 million and the construction team is in place. This is the first bonded project for the County in a long time. There will be a fundraiser on October 8th at Saratoga National Golf Club from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a silent auction. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes - All There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 10/6/09 Vote: 4 - 0 Page 14 of 14