City Council

April 6, 2010 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM 2010 Budget Workshop 6:55 PM P.H. – Amend Chapter 225-40 Removal of Vehicles 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 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 City Council Minutes 3/16/10 2. Approve Budget Amendments 3. Approve Budget Transfers 4. Approve Payroll 3/19/10 $402,303.15 5. Approve Payroll 3/25/10 $388,080.64 6. Approve Payroll 4/2/10 $379,059.86 7. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWMAR2 $2,963,425.47 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWMAR3 $7,163.39 9. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10 APR1 $945,740.26 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Skate Park Status 2. Discussion and Vote: Approval of Skate Park Manual Updates 3. Discussion and Vote: Approval of Community Development Block Grant Recommendations 4. Set Public Hearing for 2010 Consolidates Plan Update 5. Appointment: Appointment to the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board 6. Appointment: Zoning Board of Appeals 7. Discussion and Vote: Heritage Area Visitor Center Program Fees 8. Discussion and Vote: Real Estate Committee Recommendation – Sale of Garfield Avenue 9. Update: Trask Memorial Grant City Council Meeting 4/6/10 10. Discussion: Assistant Building Inspector on an as Needed Basis 11. Discussion and Vote: Clarification of 10% City Council Pay Reduction 12. Discussion: April 1, 2010 & April 2, 2010 Notices to All Unions/Employees of MVP HMO as Sole Health Care Provider Effective July 1, 2010 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: City Emergency Evacuation Policy 2. Award of Bid: Casino West Wall Drainage to DeBrino Caulking FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers 2. Discussion: City Finances PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Compost Fees 2. Announcement: Core Mobility Grant Handicapped Access a Public Bathrooms 3. Discussion and Vote: Geyser Crest Well Field – Iota Construction Change Order 4. Announcement: Sale of Compost 5. Announcement: South Broadway Award PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Discussion and Vote: Permission for the Council to Accept Donation from State Farm Insurance 2. Set Public Hearing: Post “No Parking Here to Corner” 3. Discussion and Vote: Permission to Amend the Towing Contracts that were Approved at the March 16, 2010 Meeting 4. Discussion and Vote: Permission to Hire a Replacement for Public Safety Officer Supervisor 5. Discussion and Vote: Permission to Hire a Replacement for Identification Clerk 6. Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 225-40 of the City Code V&T Removal of Vehicles – Reducing Amount from $500 to $350 7. Announcement: Interview Room SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. NY Racing: At Critical Crossroads 2. County Veterans Committee 3. Guardian House Fundraisers Matt Veitch 1. Rally at Belmont Park 2. Louden Trail ADJOURN Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 April 6, 2010 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Scott Johnson, Mayor Ken Ivins, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Richard Wirth, Commissioner of DPS Matthew Veitch, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Kate Jarosh, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Michele Boxley, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Frank Dudla, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Joe Scala, City Attorney ABSENT: Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor 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. Public Hearing Amend Chapter 225-40 Removal of Vehicles Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. Commissioner Wirth explained this is to change the towing amounts from $500 to $350. If fines are accumulated of $350 or more, we will be able to tow the vehicle. Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Kyle York of 59 Railroad Place stated this is a great idea to lower the amount. He is hoping the Council can look into publishing the names of the people who are not paying their fines. Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Johnson opened the public comment period at 7:05 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. Rick Stone of 26 Tiffany Place stated he is here to voice his opinion on the proposal to cut funding and personnel in recreation. He takes offense to those who think recreation is a luxury or that it functions to keep kids off the streets. Recreation is as much for adults and it is for children. As the president of the Saratoga Babe Ruth League, he can’t understand why the City would slash a department that is generating revenue. They utilize the Recreation Department to schedule their different events. Without that coordination, they could lose their ability to play at our outdoor fields and inside courts by having to play them outside Saratoga. He is also concerned when the new facility is completed, hours will be reduced because there will not be the staff to run it. At a time when the economy is causing so much uncertainty in our lives, we need the joy of games, sport, and play now more than ever. Charlie Samuels of 58 Court Street stated he is a skateboarder at 48 years old. He was shocked to hear the pool at the East Side Rec was filled in with dirt. That is one of the things that attracted him to this town. He has paid for the right to skate that pool for the past 3 years. He is not sure the reason of filling the pool other than someone feels it is dangerous. It is no more dangerous than any other sport. If the Council is afraid of lawsuits, then they should dump dirt all over the football fields in town; it is a more dangerous sport. Most skate parks have a skate at your own risk policy and he urges the Council to adopt that. He asked the Council to reconsider. Courtney Sulton of 2 Roosevelt Court is here to support Camp Saradac. She has been working at Camp Saradac for 10 years. This is a positive program in this community. It has run for 65 years because the families in this community need the camp. The camp provides structure for the kids, routines, and role models. They receive a lot of positive feedback every summer regarding the camp. There are a lot of different programs at the camp including educational programs. She reminded the Council that they voted to not raise the fees on families who use Camp Saradac as the families who use the camp and need it the most can’t afford it. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated it seems the savings on the health insurance would be ongoing. We also have in this budget a $600,000 contribution to the state retirement fund because of the shortfall. He believes it would be a shame to sell the Lillian’s lot because it is critical to downtown retail. The turnover in that lot on a daily basis is enormous. We make more in tickets in that lot than we would in property tax. He stated he has discussed many revenue ideas with Commissioner Wirth. He believes they should eliminate the non-paid parking lots. He advises that people buy a permit to park there. We can’t afford to do anything for free. Derrick Legall of 3 Daily Place and chairman of the Recreation Department stated he was originally going to read a letter to the council but the mayor highlighted a lot of the points in that letter. Recreation is an essential service. We have to look to gain efficiencies. He can’t understand why payroll in done in each department and not in the Finance Department. Why does each department have a copier in City Hall; Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 there could be network copiers. Until this City Council starts running like a private industry, nothing is going to change. Becky Dewitt of 8 Louden road stated she has worked with Linda Terricola for 20 plus years. She has received benefits to work with the group; it is a benefit every time she works with a small child. She asked everyone in the room to remember the benefits we all get from recreation in Saratoga Springs. Mike Laudicina of 9 Joseph Street stated he worked for the YMCA for 18 years. He feels recreation is very important and the new recreation center is very important. He would hate to see it not staffed the way it should be. Kyle York of 59 Railroad Place thanked public safety for the bike patrols. He also commended Public Safety for picking up on speeders. To the firemen, still a lot of misunderstanding of what happened at 2 Franklin Square. It was the quick thinking and brave work that saved the building. It’s been a year since 66 Franklin has been looked at. Since then there are more broken windows, the lock is off the door, etc. He hopes we can do something about this property. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:24 p.m. Executive Session Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to move to executive session for 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 and collective negotiations involving matters including but not limited to the Anderson litigation, the ethics board, and an update on the PBA union negotiations at 9:50 p.m. Ayes - All Council returned from session at 9:47 p.m. Mayor Johnson advised that after the Council having met, they did not reach a final resolution on any matter; therefore there is nothing to report. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of City Council Minutes 3/16/10 (removed) 2. Approve Budget Amendments 3. Approve Budget Transfers 4. Approve Payroll 3/19/10 $402,303.15 5. Approve Payroll 3/25/10 $388,080.64 6. Approve Payroll 4/2/10 $379,059.86 7. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWMAR2 $2,963,425.47 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWMAR3 $7,163.39 9. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10 APR1 $945,740.26 Mayor Johnson stated there are some items that should be removed from the Consent Agenda before they move to approve the balance of the items on the Consent Agenda. He would like to remove the approval of the 3/16/10 City Council Minutes from the Consent Agenda. There is an item that needs to be discussed on this regarding the reduction of the Council’s salary. The minutes do not reflect what they intended on doing and want to clarify/discuss it. Commissioner Franck stated they listened to it; it is almost verbatim. Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Commissioner Ivins stated there is a change to one warrant; 2010 Regular 10 APR1 $945,740.26. The amount of this warrant is now $945,095.89. Vouchers were pulled upon audit for questionable charges. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the consent agenda listed without the City Council minutes of 3/16/10. Ayes - All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion: Skate Park Status Linda Terricola stated the skate park does have remaining steel structures for skaters. They have been working closely with the school district and the recreation commission. The skate park will open tomorrow with the Council approval as a skate at your own risk park. Mayor Johnson clarified for the public that a portion of the park has been removed from use. The bowl was filled in because the City can no longer have paid personnel staffing the skate park because of our fiscal issues; it is all part of cut backs. It is also to protect the City from undue liability for claims for personal injury. It was then left for a skate at your own risk policy. The skate bowl is in a different risk pool. To allow the bowl to be unprotected is an unacceptable level of risk. Linda stated the reason it was filled with sand versus capping it with concrete is because it is easier to remove if down the road we choose to do that. Marilyn Rivers, director of Risk and Safety stated we first starting talking about skate at your own risk in 2009. That was offered by Risk and Safety, Safety Committee, and Recreation Committee with the skate bowl open. When we started to address community concerns, they decided to stop it temporarily and had it under lock and key. She recently walked the property with the school district’s loss prevention specialist. In 2003, the skate park was wooden structures that had to be rebuilt every year. In 2004 & 2005 we worked with community members to purchase state of the art skate park structures that are steel in nature and used throughout the country. In the future, should there be no budgetary constraints; the dirt used to fill the bowl could be removed. They cannot get the school district to agree to use the skate park as a skate at your own risk with the bowl there. City Council would not agree last year to a skate at your own risk with the bowl. To make the skate park a skate at your own risk, the policy that was adopted in 2003 needs to be rescinded and the new policy needs to be passed. We have confirmation from the school district in writing for a skate at your own risk if the signage is put up and we agree to period safety inspections. Individuals can go to the skate park from dawn to dust and use the existing steel structures. Mayor Johnson explained the first 2 items on his agenda have been mixed together. Commissioner Franck confirmed the school district was involved in the negotiations. Marilyn advised she spent a lot of time with the loss prevention specialist reminding him he was involved in the design in the skate park. Commissioner Franck confirmed the fencing around the bowl that was discussed never happened because of the cost to the school district. Mayor Johnson stated there is a fence around the park itself. Commissioner Scirocco asked if there is an age restriction. Marilyn stated there is not; it will be posted that skating is at your own risk. Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Mayor Johnson stated it became a compromise to keep the park open. Commissioner Scirocco asked if the hours are restricted. The park is not locked. Marilyn stated it is from dawn to dust. Discussion and Vote: Approval of Skate Park Manual Updates (10-81) Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to rescind the prior protocol and adopt the new one as described. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Approval of Community Development Block Grant Recommendations (10-82) Brad Birge advised each year the City receives a grant from US Department of Urban Housing and Development. These funds are to be used to assist persons of low and moderate income within certain areas of the City. The program begins in December with applications. The recommendations for allocation are before the Council for the funding. The City is receiving $400,116 in block grant funding. Mayor Johnson advised public hearings had been held on the recommendations. Brad advised there are 2 public meetings held by the Community Development Advisory Committee, a public hearing by the City Council, and a 30 day comment period. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the recommendations as described. Commissioner Ivins stated he is a volunteer for one of the organizations; not a decision maker. Ayes – All Set Public Hearing for 2010 Consolidated Plan Update Brad Birge explained every 5 years the City reviews its long term 5 year strategic plan towards the allocation of block grant funding. It identifies the priorities over the next 5 years. Mayor Johnson set a public hearing for Tuesday, April 20th at 6:55 p.m. Appointment: Appointment to the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board Mayor Johnson stated he is appointing Lillian Miles to the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. She is a life long resident of the City, very qualified to step in, and has an extensive knowledge of what the housing authority is. He wished her well in this position. Appointment: Zoning Board of Appeals Mayor Johnson withdrew this item from his agenda. Discussion and Vote: Heritage Area Visitor Center Program Fees (10-83) Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Mayor Johnson advised they are requesting an amendment to the current fee schedule as the current rates are not competitive. The rates are being adjusted to what the market will bear. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the fees as described and attached. Commissioner Ivins stated in the past we only accepted checks. Now if we are handling cash, there is no policy in place and there needs to be one. He asked the mayor to have his office work with him on that. Mayor Johnson stated it is his preference not to handle cash. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Real Estate Committee Recommendation – Sale of Garfield Avenue (10-84) Paul Male, member of the City real estate committee provided a tax map of the property for the Council. One portion of Garfield is a residential street and the portion Mr. Either is looking to purchase is a 40 foot paper street. Mr. Either would like to buy it to incorporate it into a subdivision. Mayor Johnson confirmed there is a history of doing this in the past. Paul advised this has been done in the past. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the sale of Garfield Avenue as described. Commissioner Ivins asked if they could add a line regarding the closing to be on or before December 31, 2010. Mayor Johnson asked for a second to the friendly amendment. Commissioner Franck seconded. Commissioner Franck stated he doesn’t have any direct workings with the potential buyer but for the record that the accounting firm he is affiliated with works on other affiliated companies. Commissioner Scirocco asked what the sale price is. Mayor Johnson advised $2,500. Commissioner Franck asked what the vote was on the committee. Paul believed it was unanimous. Ayes – All Update: Trask Memorial Grant Mayor Johnson stated the City previously applied for grant funds to help in the restoration of the Spencer Trask Spirit of Life in Congress Park. The application was under the direction and guidance of Lew Benton. We have received notification from New York State that the application was denied. Discussion: Assistant Building Inspector on an as Needed Basis Mayor Johnson withdrew this item from his agenda. Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Discussion: Clarification of 10% City Council Pay Reduction Mayor Johnson stated the Council voted in favor of this at the last Council meeting. He is still in favor of the 10% reduction. He is bringing this up because there were issues the Council was not aware of that have since surfaced. It has come to his attention that there may be legal issues with the approach. Last week was the first week deductions were taken in their checks and it may be premature. His recollection of the meeting that there were 2 friendly amendments; one was from Commissioner Ivins to put an end date of December 31, 2020 on it and that was accepted. The other was the concern he had about how to accomplish it; pre-tax or post tax. We didn’t have the answer at the meeting so he suggested that we go forward to approve the 10% reduction and leave it for the City attorney to further advise how they can accomplish it. That did not show up in the minutes as a friendly amendment, so it is not a friendly amendment, it is discussion. We need to bring it back and talk about it. Commissioner Franck stated the Charter states they can change the salary by local law. He would have no problem with making it a local law. Mayor Johnson stated section 2.1 of the Charter does say we can change the salary by local law. The next provision he sees as an issue is any local law regarding the Council’s salary would require a mandatory referendum under the NYS Municipal Home Rule Law Provision; which means putting it on the ballot in November. It is too complicated to go that route but he wants to bring to the Council the legal issues with a good intention. Commissioner Ivins stated that is why it was made a post tax payment so it is a donation. Donations are deductible. Commissioner Franck stated we are doomed if we can’t do something this basic. He agrees a local law would be the correct thing to do. Most of the local laws don’t have a referendum. Mayor Johnson stated we should bring it back as a local law at the next meeting and not seek the home rule. He doesn’t think anyone would complain about them giving back part of their salaries. Commissioner Scirocco stated to be fair, we are getting taxed on the money and paying it back. Commissioner Franck stated the amendment may not have been done properly but the spirit was there. He is willing to take risk with having trouble with the governor and comptroller’s office for having done this. Discussion: April 1, 2010 & April 2, 2010 Notices to All Unions/Employees of MVP HMO as Sole Health Care Provider Effective July 1, 2010 Mayor Johnson stated as indicated during the budget workshop, he issued official notices on April 1, 2010 to each of the City unions that the City will change health care over to one carrier (MVP) effective July 1, 2010. One would be a lesser co-pay at an additional cost to the employee. Unions can consent or deny. MVP was chosen as about 50% of employees are already with MVP; which would be least disruptive. The City looked at what is a good reliable carrier and cost effectiveness. Some employees already pay a percentage of the premiums. By reducing the premium, we are reducing the percentage the employee pays in; a further advantage. The City will be saving approximately $930,000 – $1.2 million per year. The prescription coverage is basically the same. The April 2, 2010 memo is a clarification to the union members of an oversight. It stated the change in health care is also applicable to retirees. Commissioner Franck asked how long the unions have to grieve or sue on this. Mayor Johnson stated it is under the current collective bargaining agreements that allow the City to do this; so far no union has grieved it. This year is the only year of realizing a true savings. We are reducing future increases as incurred from year to year. Commissioner Franck asked if this is year to year. Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Mayor Johnson advised that is correct. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: City Emergency Evacuation Policy (10-85) Commissioner Franck stated the Safety Committee has recently reviewed and updated the City’s Emergency Evacuation Policy for its City buildings according to the recommendations made by Homeland Security. Marilyn Rivers explained changes as presented were approved by the Safety Committee on March 18, 2010. The Police Department has added a section on what to do in an emergency for all personnel. It was brought to the committee’s attention that there are other buildings owned by the city that should fall under this policy. Commissioner Wirth asked for clarification to change the wording to “City Owned Buildings Emergency Evacuation Policy”. Commissioner Franck moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to accept the draft with the language just presented by Commissioner Wirth for the City Evacuation Policy as adopted by the Safety Committee on March 18, 2010. Commissioner Franck and Marilyn Rivers thanked the Police Department, Safety Committee, Chief Williams, and Chief Cole for working on this policy. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Casino West Wall Drainage to DeBrino Caulking (10-86) Commissioner Franck stated the Department of Public Works has recommended that the bid for the Casino West Wall Drainage be awarded to DeBrino Caulking, the lowest bidder in the amount of $75,067. This amount includes a 5% contingency with all 3 alternatives. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for the Casino West Wall Drainage as described. Ayes – All Approval of Minutes from 3/16/10 Mayor Johnson stated after their discussion he doesn’t see the need to amend the minutes as presented. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to accept the minutes as presented. Ayes – All Addition to Agenda – Set Public Hearing Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Commissioner Franck moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to add setting a public hearing to the agenda. Ayes - All Commissioner Franck set a public hearing for Local Law #2 for Tuesday, April 20th at 6:50 p.m. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the DPS payroll transfers as distributed to the Council. Commissioner Ivins stated it is a transfer from the fire fighters line to fire 207 line and transfer from school crossing guards line to police education awards line. Ayes – All Discussion: City Finances Commissioner Ivins stated they are cancelling the workshop on the 14th and setting a workshop for the 20th at 6:30 p.m. Also, mortgage tax continues to decline. We are behind about $260,000 from last year; therefore he is proposing a decrease to that line amount during the workshop. Commissioner Franck asked if Commissioner Ivins is looking to drop that line amount by $260,000. Commissioner Ivins stated they are looking to drop the amount by $400,000. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Compost Fees (10-87) Commissioner Scirocco stated when the Council adopted the fees last year there was a typo on rates for compost. The outside City delivery was listed as $20 and should be $22. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the rate change as described. Ayes – All Announcement: Core Mobility Grant Handicapped Access Public Bathrooms Commissioner Scirocco stated the grant for access to the public restrooms was received. The grant was $30,000 and a match of $5,000 by the City. City crews began work yesterday and should be completed within a couple of weeks. It will include handicap accessible sidewalks, drainage, and decorative lighting. Discussion and Vote: Geyser Crest Well Field – Iota Construction Change Order (10-88) Commissioner Scirocco stated the pump at bottom of well #6 was not operating. The pump is more than 20 yrs old and Goulds concluded the pump met its life expectancy and needs to be replaced. Change order #4 covers the cost of the installation and integration of the pump. Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order #4 in the amount of $5,595 for the replacement of the pump. Paul advised it is for installation of the pump and not the replacement. Commissioner Ivins stated funds have been certified. Commissioner Franck advised Commissioner Scirocco that the Accounts Department needs a requisition and a signed change order so it can be paid. Commissioner Scirocco stated he thought it was done on Friday. Ayes - All Announcement: Sale of Compost Commissioner Scirocco stated compost will be available for pick up or delivery beginning Monday, April 19th. Pick up is $15 per yard with a 2 yard minimum, delivered inside the City is $16 per yard with a 7 yard minimum, and delivery outside the City within a 10 mile radius is $22 per yard with a minimum of 7 yards. Saturday hours will be on 4/17 and 4/24 for pick up of compost. Announcement: South Broadway Award Commissioner Scirocco stated he and Paul Male attended a luncheon by the American Public Works Association. The City was honored at this luncheon with the 2009 Project of the Year - Transportation Highway for the $2 million - $10 million dollar category. Announcement Commissioner Scirocco stated Church Street construction will resume on April 12th. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Permission for the Council to Accept Donation from State Farm Insurance (10-89) Commissioner Wirth moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to accept the donation of a desk valued at $50 from State Farm Insurance. Ayes – All Set Public Hearing: Post “No Parking Here to Corner” Commissioner With set a public hearing for April 20th at 6:45 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Permission to Amend the Towing Contracts that were Approved at the March 16, 2010 Meeting (10-90) Commissioner Wirth stated previous contracts with the same providers for the same services were for a one year period of time beginning January 1st and ending December 31st of the same year. Commissioner Wirth moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to amend the two towing contracts as described. Ayes – All Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Discussion and Vote: Permission to Hire a Replacement for Public Safety Officer Supervisor Commissioner Wirth withdrew this from his agenda. Discussion and Vote: Permission to Hire a Replacement for Identification Clerk (10-91) Commissioner Wirth stated this is a one of a kind position that requires an extensive background check including a polygraph. This individual is required to compile sensitive reports for submittal to various law enforcement agencies including the FBI, NYS Police, etc. Other duties include maintaining electronic identification processing system, fingerprinting, record checks for the Accounts Department, etc. There are several people who have filled the background requirements and could be placed in the position on a temporary basis pending the results of a Civil Service exam which is due out in May or early June. Commissioner Wirth moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve replacing the identification clerk as described. Commissioner Ivins asked if there is any way to re-assign these duties to other current personnel. Commissioner Wirth stated he has reviewed the situation and feels it is appropriate and necessary to fill this position. Commissioner Scirocco asked if it is an in-house appointment that is temporary. Chief Cole stated the identification clerk is a one of a kind position. There is no other way to re-assign these duties unless they abolish the position. It is a very sensitive position because of the nature of the work they do. They can’t re-assign these duties to a police office without overtime being attached to it. This person is also the only clerical person within the Police Department. Commissioner Ivins stated this is being filled on a temporary basis and then they would be coming back to council to fill permanently. Chief Cole stated some employees took the exam that they could put in and hope they finish in the top 3 positions. They would be set back a long way if they have to do a 3 -4 month background check on a new employee. Commissioner Franck asked if someone is put into that position would there be a vacant position elsewhere. Deputy Commissioner Dudla stated an individual would be placed into that job from an existing position. Commissioner Franck asked if the salaries are compatible. Deputy Commissioner Dudla stated the salaries are compatible. The exam has been given and they are just waiting for the results. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 225-40 of the City Code V&T Removal of Vehicles – Reducing Amount from $500 to $350 (10-92) Commissioner Wirth stated this change would reduce the amount of fines from $500 to $350 before towing of the vehicle is permitted. The vehicle information will be loaded into the license plate readers so that if an officer passes a vehicle with fines exceeding $350 the officer would have the authority to have the car towed to an impound area. The owner of the car would have to pay the fines before the car is released to them. There are over 388 NYS registered vehicles that owe over $350 for a total of over $100,000 in Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 unpaid parking tickets. In the near future, a complete list of owners’ names will be released to the press for publication. The 2 week amnesty program recovered $15,455. Commissioner Wirth moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to amend chapter 225-40 of the City Code. Commissioner Franck asked if you receive a ticket and don’t pay it, is there a notice that is sent to the person to notify them. Commissioner Wirth stated they do receive a notice. Commissioner Ivins questioned if it is legal to publish the list of people who are offenders. Tony Izzo stated a lot of charges are public information with very specific exceptions. It is public information. Ayes - All Announcement: Interview Room Commissioner Wirth stated as a result of consolidation, they had the opportunity to make available an interview area. They can now conduct conversations in private with victims of crimes. Commissioner Franck commended and thanked Commissioner Wirth and the chief for taking action on this. This should have been done years ago. Mayor Johnson congratulated Commissioner Wirth and Chief Cole; this was long overdue. SUPERVISORS *Supervisor Veitch is reporting for Supervisor Yepsen Supervisor Veitch commended Commissioner Wirth on moving the interview area. NY Racing: At Critical Crossroads Supervisor Veitch reported a rally was held in Saratoga Springs but it is clear that all residents and business owners should contact the governor’s office and speakers of the Assembly and Senate. This isn’t just a Saratoga issue anymore. Without VLT revenue we are risking losing $1 million dollars per day for New York State, 43,000 acres of green space, 35,000 racing industry jobs, etc. Supervisor Veitch stated he attended the rally at Belmont Park. The rally was well attended. He was able to address the crowd from a Saratoga perspective. County Veterans Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they met yesterday and will sponsor the Army band on September 25th at SPAC. This will be an afternoon performance. Guardian House Fundraisers Supervisor Veitch reported fundraisers will be held on April 17th and 18th. Matt Veitch Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/6/10 Rally at Belmont Park Supervisor Veitch reported previously on this. Louden Trail Supervisor Veitch reported the trail markers are in and the trail is open. 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 9:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 4/20/10 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 15 of 15