City Council

May 4, 2010 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:45 PM P.H. – Revised Hours of Operation for Drinking Establishments 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 4/20/10 Budget Workshop Minutes 2. Approve 4/20/10 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approve Budget Amendments 4. Approve Budget Transfers 5. Approve Payroll 4/23/10 $383,234.10 6. Approve Payroll 4/30/10 $410,835.39 7. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWAPR2 $7,633,582.38 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10 MAY1 $429,465.95 9. Commissioner of Deeds MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Approval 2010 CDBG Consolidated Plan 2. Discussion and Vote: Contract with Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for Historic Review Legislation Update Grant 3. Announcement: Waterfront Park Grant City Council Meeting 5/4/10 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Award of Bid: Extension of Motor Oil Bid with Farrell Oil 2. Award of Bid: Extension of Motor Vehicle Filters Bid with Napa Auto Parts 3. Award of Bid: Extension of Sand Bid with Cranesville Aggregates Co., Inc. 4. Discussion: Revised Hours of Operation for Drinking Establishments FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Revenue Budget Transfer 2. Discussion and Vote: Decrease Budget Amendment 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Alonzo Fireworks 4. Discussion and Vote: Contingency Transfer 5. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donations – Saratoga’s All-American Celebration 6. Discussion: City Finances PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: B & B Invoice 2. Discussion and Vote: Chance Order #3 – DelSignore – Church Street Reconstruction 3. Discussion: Lillian’s Parking Lot 4. Discussion and Vote: Sidewalk and Curb Agreement 5. Announcement: Update on DPW Projects PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Discussion and Vote: Post “No Parking Here to Corner” on Crescent Avenue and Rt. 9P 2. Discussion and Vote: Hire Part-Time Laborer for the Traffic Maintenance Unit for the Summer 3. Announcement: Arrest and Conviction 4. Set Public Hearing: Place Stop Sign at Phila Street and Court Street SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. Save NY Racing Thorofan Rally 2. Community Open House Global Foundries 3. Saratoga County Summer Youth Employment Program 4. Saratoga Springs High School Government Day 5. Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Visit to Saratoga Matt Veitch 1. Announcement: To Love a Child Program for Haiti ADJOURN Page 2 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 May 4, 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 Joanne Yepsen, 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 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 Revised Hours of Operation for Drinking Establishment Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Commissioner Franck stated tonight is a public comment. We do not have a local law yet. He is proposing having a draft local law for the next meeting to change the closing time for drinking establishments from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. from the day after Labor Day until the day before the Memorial Weekend. He would then Page 3 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 send it to the County with our supervisors to see if we can do this. If the County states we can go forward, he will draft an actual local law to put in front of the Council for vote. John Baker, owner of Gaffney’s stated he has seen our downtown become the jewel of NYS. He is totally against changing the hours of operation. He does about 20% of his business between the hours of 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. They are no longer just a 4 month business but a year round business. In the summer he employs 23 people. There would be a loss of labor. Saratoga is a destination point and known for its downtown and nightlife. Saratoga is a very safe community and the police do a great job. The restaurant and bar owners also do a good job policing what goes on in their establishments. He urged the Council and the supervisors to take a good look at the impact at shutting down the establishments early. Let’s not mess up a good thing. Skip Izzo, owner of Trotters asked Commissioner Franck why he is picking on the bar owners in our community. Incidents happen every minute of the day. Price Chopper is open 24 hours; restaurants are open 24 hours and there have been multiple issues at their establishments. He is neither for nor against this proposal. He stated he doesn’t know why they are here as he has no statistics. Will Pouch, owner of Esperanto stated they rely heavily on late night trade even though they don’t serve alcohol. Between the hours of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. they serve 25% of their food. He employs 20 people, so if they close 2 hours early, he would have to lay off 5 people. He is looking to be more creative to solve the problem. He is also interested in the statistics. John Kettlewell of Lafayette Street stated he hears comments from business owners of how much money they lose. He wonders how much a life is worth. There is a lot of negative activity that happens that doesn’t appear in the police blotter or in the Saratogian. Every morning he picks up rubbish, broken beer bottles, etc. He has been woken up by squealing tires from cars and he has broken up several fights. Those activities are frequent and common. He would like to see Saratoga continue to be a great place to live in addition to a great place to run a business. The only argument they have is money. We have a quality of life here in this town. Dr. Margie Wells of Saratoga stated what has been happening in this town has become disturbing. Although revenue is important to Saratoga, the safety of the community is more important. Saratoga is losing its integrity. To read of the issues in the paper is not appropriate or acceptable to the community. The entrepreneurs need to come up with better ways to continue to provide themselves with revenue. She is not suggesting the bars close at 2 a.m. but they should at least stop serving liquor at 2 a.m. Nothing good goes on after 2 am. It is time for Saratoga Springs to step up to the plate and take back Saratoga Springs and make it the integrity ridden City we have had for many years. Clark Hayward, President of SEMS stated they feel this is a proposal the Council and the community should seriously consider. There are scores of incidents that happen in the early hours of the morning and these incidents and have alcohol as the contributing factor. As a public safety entity in the City they urge the Council to consider this proposal. Dr. Nemer, owner of 1 Roof on Henry Street stated lots of the traumas they treat happens from people under the influence. There have been 3 sexual assaults to women in the past couple of months; which were reported as happening around 4 a.m. She too has to clean up around her business each morning when she goes in. Kyle York of 59 Railroad Place stated we need a blue ribbon panel now if we ever needed. He has spoken with many bartenders and they have said close them down. These people can’t speak because their employers don’t want to hear this. There is a lot that goes on at that hour but most don’t know about it because the bartenders have to deal with it. Commissioner Franck published the numbers and stated ½ the calls come between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. in the Broadway section of the City. It is trouble time and not needed. In 2009, 10 of the 16 Injuries to our police officers occurred between 2 and 4 a.m. This is senseless risk time. Between the hours of 2 & 4 a.m., 64% of the assault calls in 2008 and 47% of the assault calls in 2009 were on Broadway. Also between these hours, 81% of criminal mischief occurs, 92% Page 4 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 of disorderly conduct occurs, 86% of harassment occurs, etc. These are numbers he can’t ignore. Ending it at 2 a.m. has its advantage. Michele Funiciello, owner of Circular Manor stated nothing good happens after 2 a.m. What she has seen over the last 13 years is change; it is violent. You used to see kids going by laughing. People scream profanities at the top of their lungs at 4 a.m. She doesn’t want to read about a stabbing or a death 1 block from her home; it’s creepy. Theresa Capozzola of Gilbert Road stated she doesn’t know how you hear of a brawl involving a knife and then a hit and run and not bring this issue up. There is nothing wrong with the City being responsible. More than half the cities in the County close at 2 a.m.; big cities like Boston and Philadelphia close at 2 a.m. To put a dollar amount on this is hard to buy. There are a lot of people being beaten where they have to be brought to the hospital. If you think you will lose money by closing at 2 a.m. think how much money you will lose if the City of Saratoga gets a reputation like Schenectady or Troy. Doris Aiken, founder and president of RID (Remove Intoxicated Drivers). RID is a national and international organization with their headquarters located at 1013 Nott Street, Schenectady. They have been able to rid Schenectady of all alcohol related deaths for the past 3 years. Globally, alcohol is responsible for 1 out of 25 deaths. Her props showed the number of people who have lost their lives due to drinking and driving, which ones who died from 1 a.m. on, etc. These numbers support pushing the bar closing to at least 2 a.m. The bar tenders can do a lot without changing anything by skipping free parties, ladies’ night, etc. She congratulated the Council for considering the issue. We shouldn’t assume people are going to drive to other towns if we move the bar closing hour; it hasn’t happened in other towns that have reduced their bar closing. Saratoga is known for horses, potato chips, and great hospitality. We can keep that up and have it also be known as the first City in the Capital District to do the right thing. Andy Brindisi, owner of Brindisi’s stated the issue at hand does affect him as he closes before 2 a.m. He has his people go through T.I.P.S. training which teaches bar tenders and wait staff the steps of intoxication. From a convention standpoint, when we try to recruit people to come to our town, they want to stay out late. We should look strongly look into this before we change the hour from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. Chester Rim, owner of a cab company of this City. He has spent more hours on the streets in this City than anyone. Everyone’s opinion is right. We all know alcohol is a major problem in the whole country. He is willing to give up his job if the Council can guarantee what goes on between 2 a.m. - 4 a.m. doesn’t happen earlier in the evening. Caroline Street is the problem. He asked that they don’t change anything until you can guarantee you can you can stop all the problems. This City is a safe city. David Alavara of 133 Lawrence Street stated he came to see if someone could convince him that the bars need to stay open to 4 a.m. When he came to this town he came to visit and ended up staying. Easter weekend there was a vigil in his church and he chose the 4 a.m. shift. He said he took the most peaceful walk on his way to church until he got to Broadway and Caroline Street when he was approached – it is not safe at 4 a.m. here. He is not sure if it would be any safer at 2 a.m. Best thing he has read in the paper is nothing good happens between 2 a.m. – 4 a.m. Tim Holmes of 440 Broadway and president of the DBA stated they wanted to address 2 issues. The incident on St. Patrick’s Day was tragic and as a community we should figure out a way so that it doesn’t happen again. He doesn’t think the way to do it is by changing the closing hour from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. The DBA’s mission is to be an advocate for their members. The DBA opposes any change that would drive people or businesses out of our area. Everyone wants what the City of Saratoga Springs has; we are the envy of all. The DBA is concerned that we are not doing enough to protect what makes this City the envy of all cities in New York. Maureen Carey of the Prevention Council stated she lives and works in Saratoga Springs. They support closing the bars by 2 a.m. They have spent time doing research; but there wasn’t a lot out there. What was there was restricting access to alcohol can change alcohol related problems and can deter underage Page 5 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 drinking. The norms of the community surrounding alcohol affect the children growing up here. She hopes the Council will be able to pass this proposal. Jasper Alexander, owner of Hattie’s stated he has children growing up in this community. The stats are important but you can’t ground everything because of 1 accident. There is a middle ground that they can find to work for all the parties involved. Turning off the taps 2 hours earlier is not going to solve the problem; it is a short sided solution to a complicated problem. Maclaine Matties, a freshman at Saratoga High feel the bars should be closed at 2 a.m. It would give people less time to drink and be out on the streets and reduce DWIs. One of her close friends passed away on St. Patrick’s Day. She understands people could lose jobs but it would save lives. Nothing good happens after 2 a.m. It would make for a safer community. Dimitri Khagon, owner of 13 Caroline stated Caroline Street makes up a large amount of revenue for the City. Having 2 police cars parked at the top of Caroline Street helps control the environment on Caroline Street; it is a lot safer. We had the same problems 15 years ago that we are having now; closing 2 hours earlier is not going to solve the problem. Unless we make this a dry City, nothing is going to change. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated drug use and drug sales are relevant to this issue and are becoming a bigger problem than the drinking issue. We need to address drinking along with the drugs. Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Mayor Johnson opened the public comment period at 8:03 p.m. and kept the public hearing open. 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. Remijia Foy of 95 Oak Street stated she supports the reduction in bar hours. She grew up here and then the bars closed at 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. She said she is here to talk about the bike race held in Dublin this past weekend. She received a notice that this event would occur from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.; but they were cut off from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. An event like this should never be held again in a residential neighborhood. In addition to being cut off, they were subjected to constant whistle blowing from the pace car. The races are dangerous; a racer fell at her doorstep and broke his shoulder. There was also a vehicular accident when a truck driver became frustrated, made a quick turn and hit a parked car on Washington Street. A beautiful Sunday afternoon was ruined by this event. She spoke with the event organizer to find out why the race was held in her neighborhood and was told because it is quiet and there is no traffic. The event was very disruptive to the area and the Westside Neighborhood Association was not consulted. In other cities where these events are held there is a fee. She is wondering how much money the City collected and how much it cost the City to put up the signs and remove barricades. She hopes if the City is approached again, this group is suggested to go elsewhere. John Kettlewell of Lafayette Street stated again he is in support of the drinking proposal. He would like to see it year round. He doesn’t have any optimism that this will go anywhere. He feels there is a lack of police presence after 2 a.m. He asked public safety to reconsider staffing on Caroline Street after 2 a.m. You can see visibly intoxicated people on Caroline Street; they are leaving the bars intoxicated and carrying out beer bottles. Page 6 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 Andrea Hyde Rogers of Saratoga Springs stated she agrees with Commissioner Franck. Maybe we should lead the way for other towns and save a few lives. We should be a leader and not a follower. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 8:11 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 4/20/10 Budget Workshop Minutes 2. Approve 4/20/10 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approve Budget Amendments 4. Approve Budget Transfers 5. Approve Payroll 4/23/10 $383,234.10 6. Approve Payroll 4/30/10 $410,835.39 7. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWAPR2 $7,633,582.38 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10 MAY1 $429,465.95 9. Commissioner of Deeds Ayes - All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Approval 2010 CDBG Consolidated Plan (10-119) Brad Birge stated this is the final action on a series of plans. This is the next 5 year strategic plan through which the next annual action plans will be guided. Comments have been received from the public and entered into the document. The document before the Council will be forwarded to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for their review and approval. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the 2010 CDBG Consolidated Plan as described and presented. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Contract with Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for Historic Review Legislation Update Grant (10-120) Brad Birge stated the City applied for this grant last year. This allows the City to regulate and review actions within the historic district. The City applied in conjunction with the Preservation Foundation; who will be assisting us and providing recommendations to the City Council on improvements to the legislative text, outreach materials and public process. Mayor Johnson stated the amount of the grant is $13,000 and will be paid to the Preservation Foundation in 2 stages. There is no cost to the City for its work. Brad stated the City has in-kind services applied to this grant. There is no hard cost to the City. Commissioner Ivins asked if there is any overtime associated with this. Brad stated his office is not accruing overtime costs. The only legal notice required is if the City Council adopts the legislation; which will be done as any zoning amendment. Page 7 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 Commissioner Ivins confirmed no overtime but the department will take time away from something else to focus on this. Mayor Johnson stated part of what the planning department does on an ongoing basis is review current legislation with the eye towards improving it. This is not something that is new due to this particular grant. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the contract with the Preservation Foundation as described. Ayes – All Announcement: Waterfront Park Grant Mayor Johnson stated on April 23, 2010, his office received notice that we have received a grant from the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation through the environmental protection fund for our waterfront project. The city applied for this last year. The state is looking to award pending the passing of their budget. It is a matching grant component; which can be in-kind services. He is not recommending we go forward in building something but wanted to inform the Council. There are certain funds that are available that were bonded in 2007 and available for the City to use should it decide to pursue any aspect of it. There is about $193,000 of bonded money left. If he can come back with something that makes fiscal sense for the City, he will. Commissioner Franck asked for the amount of the grant. Mayor Johnson stated the grant amount is $200,000. We have already incurred in-kind services that we can use towards the match. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Award of Bid: Extension of Motor Oil Bid with Farrell Oil Upon the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to extend the current bid for motor oil bid with Farrell Oil until April 11, 2011 under the same terms and conditions. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Extension of Motor Vehicle Filters Bid with Napa Auto Parts Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to extend the current bid for motor vehicle filters bid with Napa Auto Parts for an additional year under the same terms and conditions. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Extension of Sand Bid with Cranesville Aggregates Co., Inc. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to extend the current bid for sand bid with Cranesville Aggregates Co., Inc. for an additional year under the same terms and conditions. Ayes - All Discussion : Revised Hours of Operation for Drinking Establishments Page 8 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 Commissioner Franck stated he was taking notes from the people who spoke for and against this proposal. He will bring to the next meeting proposed legislation to get the vote to forward it to the County to get a legal opinion. To say legislation isn’t going to make a difference isn’t true; legislation has already been made at the state level. At the next meeting he will have stats showing how the change in drinking age has reduced fatalities. He never said this proposal is going to stop all the problems, but he believes it is the first step to reduce the injuries, fatalities, etc. Commissioner Franck stated after reading the letter from Mr. Baker of Gaffney’s, the letter makes the argument for him. The letter talks about sales tax revenue is going to drop dramatically. The City only gets 1.5 cents per dollar; so if $1,000 of sales is done in an hour – that is $15 to the City. Mr. Baker talked about him doing 20% of his business between the hours of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Commissioner Franck believes he means that all year. Mr. Baker also talks about employment; he employs 23 people between the 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. time period. In the off season he employs 4.5 employees between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.; that is an 80% reduction in staff which says his business is also reduced 80%. If people drink at home, the City will still get sales tax revenue from the markets, etc. He is not trying to kill business. The numbers from the commissioner of Public Safety and the numbers from City Court are close. In 2009, during the hours of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.: 16 officers were injured – 10 of them were on Caroline Street or within a block; 321 suspicious activity calls of which 210 were in the Broadway area; 188 DWIs with the assumption they came from downtown; 193 disorderly conduct and fights with 177 within 1 block of Broadway; 17 assaults with half of them in that area, etc. It is not all going to go to zero, but if we don’t try to make a change, we will never make a change in the stats. There will be a savings on City labor. We have the ability to work with the PBA and having them work different shifts. DPW doesn’t have to get the City cleaned up before the sun comes out. The worker’s comp claims are major – these people are at home with full pay and benefits. Then we have to pay overtime to cover their shifts. He is trying to work with the people and not kill the businesses and do the right thing. The bars weren’t always open until 4 a.m. in the City of Saratoga Springs. He can’t guarantee it’s going to get better but he likes his odds if we cut the hours. He also suggested putting a sunset clause in if necessary. We are Saratoga and we always do something better and different. The Chamber of Commerce isn’t out in force to fight this. It’s time to change. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Revenue Budget Transfer (10-121) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve revenue budget transfer as presented to the Council. Commissioner Ivins explained there is $1 million from unreserved/unappropriated fund balance; reduced mortgage tax to $1 million dollars; eliminated paid parking revenue, etc. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Decrease Budget Amendment (10-122) Commissioner Ivins moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve decreased budget amendment as presented to the Council. Commissioner Ivins stated it is $500,000 in departmental spending reductions; reduction in health insurance expense lines; reduce mortgage tax, etc. Commissioner Franck commended Commissioner Ivins for the work he has done; it has been a tough year. He is not supporting this because he feels we will be back here in a couple months to go over additional things. He agrees with the cuts made, but he believes this is a timing difference where we are pushing cuts we need to do currently into 2011. He believes each department can give more to the commissioner of finance to soften the blow going into 2011. Ayes – 4 Page 9 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Franck) Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Alonzo Fireworks (10-123) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Alonzo Fireworks. Commissioner Ivins stated the amount is $7,000 and paid for by donations. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Contingency Transfer (10-124) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the transfer from the contingency to the expense line as previously distributed to the Council. Commissioner Ivins stated we increased the expense budget for discounts given to taxpayers who paid for a full year by March 1st. We are looking at $6,877.56. There is over $290,000 left in the contingency balance. The contingency balance before the transfer was $300,000; the transfer is for $6,877.56; leaving the contingency balance of $293,122.40. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donations – Saratoga’s All-American Celebration (10-125) Commissioner Ivins moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to accept donations for the All-American Celebration 2010. Commissioner Ivins stated the donations pay for the fireworks and other things that happen that weekend. The donations are $500 from Saratoga National Bank, $100 from West and Company, $100 from Munter Enterprises, $100 from Ball Corporation, and $5 car show registration. Commissioner Franck disclosed for the record that he is a small percentage owner of West and Company. Ayes - All Discussion: City Finances Commissioner Ivins stated sales tax is up January, February, and March of this year over last year. Hopefully this will give us a cushion if this trend continues. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: B & B Invoice (10-126) Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve payment to B & B Plumbing in the amount of $1,734.84 for repair of furnace. Commissioner Franck stated the Accounts Department asked Commissioner Scirocco to bring this to the Council as a procedural standpoint as the amount is over the $1,499 limit and we did not have a requisition for the work done. The only way to remedy the situation is to bring it before Council for a vote. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Change Order #3 – DelSignore – Church Street Reconstruction (10-127) Page 10 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 Commissioner Scirocco stated they did try to have the portion of Myrtle Street that is in front of the hospital included in project but was not successful. The hospital gave the City $141,625 to use for infrastructure projects in that area. To complete this project, DelSignore has submitted a change order for this area. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order #3 with DelSignore in the amount of $103,892.80 for road reconstruction. Commissioner Ivins stated he has certified the funds. Mayor Johnson confirmed the reason for the funds being available is due to the most of the project being funded by stimulus money. Paul Male stated the money was originally given to the City by the hospital. Ayes – All Discussion: Lillian’s Parking Lot Commissioner Scirocco stated his concern is 2 doorways that open into the lot; one from the Cantina Restaurant and one from an apartment over the restaurant. People would have to walk into the area where the jersey barriers are. His concern is the fencing that is in place locks those people in the lot and they can’t get on to Broadway should there be a fire. He thinks they should build some kind of a walkway in case there was a fire and they could get out of the lot to be safe. He is willing to go in with risk and safety and public safety to take a look at it again. The quick fix was the only option we had at the time. Mayor Johnson asked if there are cost estimates for his proposal. Commissioner Scirocco stated it would be the similar fencing that there is now. They may have to or have the owners build some kind of ramp over the top of the area in question. They are looking at this with engineering. He believes it is a liability not to do it. Discussion and Vote: Sidewalk and Curb Agreement Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. Announcement: Update on DPW Projects Commissioner Scirocco stated the first section on Church Street will be open on Friday; the second section will be closed starting Monday for 4 -5 weeks. All work will be completed on or about June 25th. The entire Spring Run Trail, except for the bridge area, has been cleared and stabilized. Excelsior Spring Road will be closed from May 10 – July 16. The Arts Council sidewalk is nearing completion and will allow handicap access to the bathrooms. They are thinking about street lights going down to the bathrooms. Casino excavation work has begun on the west wall. New storm sewers and footing drainage will be installed next week. Nelson Avenue forcemain work has been completed. Piping upgrades and electrical upgrades are underway. Geyser Crest Well Field improvements are 98% complete. The last piece is the installation of the pump. City Center project was started last summer and the remainder of the project is scheduled to start in the next couple of weeks. Page 11 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 Mayor Johnson stated the City Center Authority is appreciative of DPW completing this portion of the project. Commissioner Scirocco commended the crew on their work. The City Hall annex project has been completed. Commissioner Scirocco provided the paving schedule as follows:  May 17th – mill Spring St. from Putnam St. to Broadway  May 18th – pave Spring St. from Putnam St. to Broadway  May 19th – pave Hutchins Rd. to the Milton town line  May 20th – pave Kirby Rd. from Allen Dr. to 9N  May 24th – mill Division St. from Broadway to Railroad Place  May 25th – mill Lake Ave. from Excelsior Spring Ave. to Patricia Lane  May 26th – pave Division St. from Broadway to Railroad Place  May 27th – pave Lake Avenue from Excelsior Spring Ave. to Patricia Lane Commissioner Scirocco also announced the carousel will be open on Sunday from 11 a.m. until dusk unless it rains. Rides are $1 per person. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Post “No Parking Here to Corner” on Crescent Avenue and Rt. 9P (10-128) Commissioner Wirth moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to post “No Parking from Here to Corner” signs on Crescent Avenue. Commissioner Franck inquired if this can be done even though the road is a county road. Deputy Commissioner Dudla stated the only thing we have to do is notify the County DPW. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Hire Part-Time Laborer for the Traffic Maintenance Unit for the Summer (10-129) Commissioner Wirth stated this position is necessary during the summer months to accomplish the annual striping of crosswalks in the City. There is money in the budget for this position and the supplies have also been budgeted. Commissioner Wirth moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to hire a part time summer laborer for the traffic maintenance unit. Commissioner Franck asked if there is anyway we can put marks on Broadway to indicate parking to maximize parking. Commissioner Wirth stated he will review and discuss this with his crew. Commissioner Ivins asked how much this budget line item is. Commissioner Wirth stated it is approximately $5,400. Ayes - All Page 12 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 Announcement: Arrest and Conviction Commissioner Wirth recognized several members of the Police Department for the investigation, arrest and conviction in the death of Ryan Rossley. This guilty plea was in direct result of information provided by general public who witnessed the incident and chose to get involved. Set Public Hearing: Place Stop Sign at Phila Street and Court Street Commissioner Wirth set a public hearing for Tuesday, May 18th at 6:55 p.m. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Save NY Racing Thorofan Rally Supervisor Yepsen reported over 200 people attended the rally. She thanked all for attending. Community Open House Global Foundries Supervisor Yepsen reported this will take place on a quarterly basis. It will be opened up for tours. Saratoga County Summer Youth Employment Program Supervisor Yepsen reported a summer jobs program is being offered again. They are looking for potential worksites and employing youths. Applications will be in the Mayor’s Office. Saratoga Springs High School Government Day Supervisor Yepsen reported this occurred on April 23rd. They registered 500 seniors to vote. Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Visit to Saratoga Supervisor Yepsen reported on April 24th, approximately 50 -60 guests came into the northeast touring the battlefield. They were the descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. She read a proclamation at the event on behalf of the mayor. Matt Veitch Announcement: To Love a Child Program for Haiti Supervisor Veitch reported the County is partnering with a group called To Love a Child, Inc. They are collecting high school books from the school districts to send to Haiti. Open Space Supervisor Veitch reported the committee has opened their grant application program for 2010. It will run through July 30th. 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 9:04 p.m. Page 13 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/4/10 Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 5/18/10 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 14 of 13