City Council

November 16, 2010 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:15 PM – P.H. – Fire Inspection Fees 6:20 PM – P.H. – Taxi Ordinance 6:25 PM – P.H. – Dog Licensing 6:30 PM – P.H. – 2011 Comprehensive Budget 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) None EXECUTIVE SESSION Discussion regarding proposed, pending or current litigation, collective negotiations. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 10/28/10 City Council Minutes 2. Approval of 11/1/10 City Council Minutes 3. Approval of 11/3/10 City Council Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments 5. Approve Budget Transfers 6. Approve Payroll 11/12/10 $402,543.11 7. Approve Payroll 11/5/10 $378,556.62 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MVNOV1 $227,554.73 9. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10NOV3 $481,560.12 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Discontinuation of Annual Contract with School District for Maintenance of the East and West Side Recreation Fields 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #6 with Luizzi Brothers for Spring Run Trail 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #7 with Luizzi Brothers for Spring Run Trail 4. Announcement: Spring Run Trail Grand Opening Ceremony, Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 2 pm ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Accounts Department Assistant 2. Discussion and Vote: Automated Licensing System Decal Application FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfers City Council Meeting 11/16/10 2. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers 3. Discussion and Vote: Recreation Department Payroll Transfers 4. Discussion and Vote: Accounts Department Payroll Transfers 5. Discussion and Vote: Contingency Transfer 6. Discussion: City Finances PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #1 – Barton & Loguidice – Geyser Crest Well Field 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #5 – DelSignore – Church Street 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Construction Permit – Railroad Run 4. Discussion: Overages at Compost Site PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Announcement: Buckle Up New York – Seatbelt Enforcement 2. Announcement: Recognition of Officer Justin Ahigian SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. County 2011 Budget Summary & Schedule 2. Report from November County Meetings, Resolutions and Introduction of Local Laws 3. Sustainable Saratoga Update – 2nd Anniversary Celebration Matthew Veitch 1. Update: Saratoga County 2011 Tentative Budget 2. Update: County Reverse 911 System 3. Update: Trails Committee 4. Update: Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation Awards ADJOURN Page 2 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 November 16, 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 Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor Matthew Veitch, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Kate Jarosh, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Sharon Kellner-Chille, 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 HEARINGS Fire Inspection Fees Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:17 p.m. Commissioner Wirth stated he would like to keep this item open until the next meeting. Chief Williams stated the suggested fee schedule inspections takes into account the complexity and size of structure instead of the current flat $50 fee. Page 3 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 Tony Izzo clarified that these fees do not appear in the City Code or Charter and are set by resolution. Commissioner Franck asked for a copy to be available in the City Clerk’s Office for public review. No one from the public spoke. Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 6:20 p.m. and left it open. Taxi Ordinance Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:20 p.m. Commissioner Franck stated this ordinance is in the draft format. They met with outside groups on this and would like to hold the public hearing open until the next meeting. He believes the City attorney and the mayor both still have to review the ordinance. Chet Rehm of Chet’s Taxi of Saratoga Springs stated he has a couple problems. The main problem is the taxi stand by the train station; rules are not being enforced. The problem occurs mostly at night when the City code enforcers are not working. He requested that inspections be changed from 1 time a year to 4 times a year to get the $100. That will allow the City to see the cabs more often. He only disagrees with the fees for the licenses going up if you don’t enforce the current laws on the books. He has made 17 complaints in the past 2 -3 years and has lost money due to this. We have 2 taxi stands in the City – one at the train station and one at Fasig Tipton. The code enforcer stated he is not enforcing the law because there are conflicts in the law. Other cab companies are coming in from Albany and ripping people off. Commissioner Franck stated one of the things they worked with the Police Department on is to provide them with more teeth and enforcement. Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 6:32 p.m. and left it open. Dog Licensing Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:32 p.m. Commissioner Franck stated this ordinance is in draft format. They also met with people on the dog licensing and tweaked the ordinance accordingly. He believes the City attorney and the mayor both still have to review the ordinance. Tony Izzo clarified that this is a brand new ordinance for dog licensing. We have a dog control ordinance which is separate. This is Chapter 101A and relates solely to licensing. No one spoke. Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. and left it open. 2011 Comprehensive Budget Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. Remijia Foy of 95 Oak Street stated she is also on the board of the West Side Neighborhood Association. She commended the mayor for relieving the City from the obligation of maintaining the school district’s recreation fields. The consolidated school district has received a huge bargain over the years; after 30 years they are still paying the same amount. The school district put a price tag of $300,000 on the fields but wouldn’t pay the City more for the maintenance. She feels there should be no sacred cows in this Page 4 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 budget. In 1989, just about all the special funding had been eliminated from the budget. Not for profits are receiving $145,000 in funding from the City. This is an area that needs to be scrutinized. All not-for-profits that are receiving money from the City should be audited. The time has come to explore the idea of declaring a moratorium on tax exempt properties. Until this fiscal situation turns around, we shouldn’t encourage removing tax exempt properties from the tax roles. Groups who don’t have roots in the community have gravitated to the City of Saratoga Springs, but we have to draw the line. We are not opposed to helping people but Saratoga Springs shouldn’t be in the welfare business. That is the responsibility of the County. Fee for service is one of her favorite topics. Skidmore College enjoys our police service and fire protection. It is not unusual for cities to leverage a fee for services for fire and police. Paid parking is another area that should be revisited; we certainly need the revenue. One time fixes are not going to do it. It seems that the unions and others are in denial of the seriousness of our fiscal situation. She is wondering what projections have been made for 2012, 2013, 2014, etc. as this situation is not going to go away. The Council’s business is to provide service to the community and represent the tax payers. You are charged with providing services at the most reasonable cost. For ever 1% of a tax increase, you should revisit the expense side of the budget and reduce that equally. Kyle York of 59 Railroad Place stated 81% of our budget is employee expenses. He spent a lot of time getting facts. The most common comment made as the budget workshop yesterday is the community is saying the tax increase is too much. Commissioner Ivins asked yesterday how we got to this point. Employee costs keep growing. The best overview stated was you only gouge the people so many times. Mayor Johnson stated that he wanted to add the $750,000 for the sale of the Lillian’s lot to the budget. The other commissioners were skeptical to do this and rightfully so; but Mr. York now believes the $750,000 is real money this time and should be added back in. To get a zero percent tax increase, we would have to find $1.4 million to cut. He supports Remijia’s comment that the parking idea was abandoned, not rejected. To this day the Council has not heard from the public on this. To get to the zero percent increase, he would recommend the following: hand off the operation of the Visitor Center to the Chamber of Commerce or the DBA (savings of $175K), create a downtown parking permit ($100 per year), graduated parking fines, ticket for the noise of illegally loud mufflers and cell phone usage. The only place the remaining million dollars can come from is the employees. If we have to ask the employees for the $1 million there is sound reason for it as every time they were asked to give something they said no. He suggested DPS and DPW reduce their gross cost by 4% which would equate to $776,500 for DPS and $338,200 for DPW. If 5 policemen were eliminated, that would be a savings of $347,000; if 5 firemen were eliminated, the savings would be $362,900. If 6 DPW employees were cut, they would save $322,041. All these cuts total $1.2 million leaving a real deficit of $200,000 or a 1.29% tax increase. He feels this is how the City should go. The City of Glens Falls Fire Department made concessions in their contract saving the tax payers $45,000 next year. This also happened in Schenectady, and the Wilton Town Board is considering having the employees contribute toward their health insurance. These numbers are real and can be accomplished. He doesn’t believe anyone should lose their job, but he does believe there are extras. We must reach out to the unions; we must do what’s right. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated we have heard a lot of good ideas but a lot are long term. They won’t help this budget but may help in the future. He does not support paid parking. We can cut fat. He believes DPS and DPW we come in under budget this year. He believes we have the shortfall covered this year. We need to come up with a long term plan. He believes some of these adjustments should be made for the next meeting so we know what we are looking at. He does not support the dispatchers being eliminated. It is not the right thing to do for us. Commissioner Franck stated we do have a lot of property that is not on tax roll; state parks, colleges, and we can no longer raise the assessments on the flat track due to the state taking them over. Many times when the pilot plans come over, we have not control as it comes through the county. He believes it is against the law to allow a resident a break on parking and not give it to non-city residents. We will have to look into that. A lot of the municipalities Kyle used as examples are not union and in some circumstances the fire departments are volunteer. There is talk that governor elect Cuomo will get rid of binding arbitration. If that goes through, you will see many of these cuts that we couldn’t do before. Page 5 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 Commissioner Ivins stated we can’t cut firefighter positions because the Council accepted the federal money. He hasn’t had a chance to verify numbers with other departments and doesn’t have the numbers ready. At the end of the year, people put together a purchase where the money comes out of one budget and goes into the next budget. One of the key factors in deciding our bond rating is how much money we have in the unappropriated/unreserved fund balance. Interest paid out is a waste. He hopes to have the opportunity before the next budget workshop to give a presentation. Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. and left it open. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:28 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Mayor Johnson opened the public comment period at 7:29 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. Todd Shimkus introduced himself as the new president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. He offered his assistance and support as the Council goes through the budget process and move the City forward. What he enjoys about working at the Chamber is bringing together the best and the brightest. He knows how much time and energy they are spending to make the right decisions and how hard those decisions are. If the Chamber can be of any help, he would love to do that. Mayor Johnson stated it has been a pleasure working with Mr. Shimkus since he has taken over the role as president of the Chamber of Commerce. Kyle York of 59 Railroad Place thanked the Council again for the time allotting him the time during the public hearing. Pat Kane of 19 Marion Place stated he is here representing Saratoga Citizen. They will be submitting another 1,000 signatures they collected in support of the recommended Charter Referendum. They will be handing it in to the City Clerk’s Office this week. They are all tied up in court over this and have every confidence that their efforts will be validated in the court of law. They look forward to working with you on this Charter Referendum. They did submit a bank of signatures collected. The City has chosen to challenge that and has gone to court; it is in state supreme court. They are waiting for the judge’s decision; they are very comfortable about that. You were concerned about three things: the ability to bind the documents together, the financial report required or not required, and invalidation of quite a few signatures. They are comfortable all three of those points will be addressed. They realize that in these economic conditions the last thing you want to do is spend money on lawsuits. They have had not choice; they had to pursue this in this manner. They would like to think this will come to a swift end in a very positive fashion for everyone concerned. They look forward to working with the Council. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:35 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 10/28/10 City Council Minutes 2. Approval of 11/1/10 City Council Minutes Page 6 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 3. Approval of 11/3/10 City Council Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments 5. Approve Budget Transfers 6. Approve Payroll 11/12/10 $402,543.11 7. Approve Payroll 11/5/10 $378,556.62 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MVNOV1 $227,554.73 9. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10NOV3 $481,560.12 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion: Discontinuation of Annual Contract with School District for Maintenance of the East and West Side Recreation Fields Mayor Johnson stated this was an annual agreement the City has had going back to 1978. Per evaluation by the City it was found that the agreement wasn’t fiscally feasible to continue the current arrangement with the school district. They could not come to agreement with the parties to continue with the agreement under different terms. It was mutually agreed between the parties to discontinue the arrangement effective January 1, 2011. He thanked the school district for what was an agreeable arrangement for a number of years. He assured the public the City will do everything in their power to make the transition as smooth as possible. This was not just the maintenance of the fields but the scheduling of recreation programs for sports groups. The school will also be taking over that role as well. Commissioner Ivins stated he hasn’t seen anything from the Mayor’s Office or DPW regarding the 3000 lines. He asked for any cost savings for the next workshop. Commissioner Franck stated 56% of the school budget is Saratoga Springs. He is not sure this is the greatest idea without discussing this with Council. He asked what is being done with the equipment that is on the grounds. Commissioner Scirocco stated they will have to remove the equipment from the grounds. The skate park is a bonded cost the City took on at one time and 2 spray parks. They tried to come to some sort of agreement that the City go in and do minimal maintenance on the spray parks. Commissioner Franck stated we were doing the maintenance at a 400% discount with us doing the work for $75,000. The City Council wins but the City loses if the school district goes forward with the $300,000. Commissioner Ivins added also if we don’t adjust our budget accordingly. Mayor Johnson stated the school district residents at large benefit from the use of the fields so why would the City subsidize the school district with City taxpayer money. That is being responsible to the City taxpayers. The NYS Department of Education has more stringent codes and there would be physical changes needed to meet those codes that are extremely costly. This was discussed with the Council a number of times about going forward with the contract. This is not something he alone decided. Commissioner Franck stated this was discussed in February and March; this was not discussed in any of their executive sessions for months. There will indeed be an increase to the City taxpayer in overall taxes. He is not opposed to having done this, but the taxpayer needs to be aware that their proportion of their school taxes will go up. Commissioner Scirocco stated the City Council has tried to negotiate with the school district on many occasions. Also, he is not sure if the $300,000 figure is real or not. Commissioner Franck confirmed we are under contract with the school district until the end of the year. Mayor Johnson stated we are. Page 7 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 Supervisor Yepsen asked if the taxpayers have had a chance to discuss this issue and what the public’s ability is going to be to use these parks. This is clearly going to hurt the taxpayers; not only in their pocketbooks but their ability to use the parks. When are they going to be able to use the parks? Will there be lights? Will there be lines on the fields? Commissioner Scirocco stated he first has to ask why Commissioner Ivins cut $70,000 out of his recreation budget. Those are people who take care of those fields. The taxpayer is getting hit twice; they are paying our people to go there and maintain the field and they are paying school taxes. We are not fortunate like the County to have a big surplus. It was a tough decision to make. Commissioner Franck stated he is not saying this is wrong but the public hasn’t been able to comment. He has heard a lot of complaints about this; they are not mad at the City, they are mad in general that this came out of left field. Maybe people need to go to the school district meeting to put pressure on them to up the amount they give the City to maintain the fields. Commissioner Scirocco stated they are still open to suggestions. The school district assured them at the meeting they would work with user groups. Mayor Johnson stated there is no intention to abandon recreation in the City regardless of who is doing the maintenance. He would suggest the public attend the public workshop on December 14th. The reality is we knew we needed more money and that wasn’t an option. Commissioner Franck stated if this was known by this Council, the $75,000 would not have been put in our comprehensive budget. It may have been thought about, but not known. The worst part is we are taking the expenses out of DPW and the revenue is going into the recreation budget. He does believe it will be seamless to move from us to them as it is in the winter. He will go to the school meeting and tell them they would have been better off giving Commissioner Scirocco more money. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #6 with Luizzi Brothers for Spring Run Trail (10-335) Paul Male, city engineer stated this is one of two change orders. This change order is for -$32.45. They are trying to clean up miscellaneous items on the job. Mayor Johnson asked if there is any fiscal impact or cost to the City. Paul Male advised it is coming out of the original budget and no cost to the City. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order #6 with Luizzi Brothers for Spring Run Trail. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #7 with Luizzi Brothers for Spring Run Trail (10-336) Paul Male, city engineer stated this change order is for -$271.93. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign changer order #7 with Luizzi Brothers for Spring Run Trail. Ayes - All Announcement: Spring Run Trail Grand Opening Ceremony, Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 2 pm Page 8 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 Mayor Johnson announced the grand opening ceremony of the Spring Run Trail is this Thursday, November 18th at the intersection of East and Excelsior Avenues. The construction of the trail was made possible through money the City received through the stimulus package. It is good to have this trail up and running. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Accounts Department Assistant (10-337) After 30 years of service, Sheila Brooks, the Assistant City clerk will be retiring effective November 27th. That will leave a vacant position in my department. With the current economic situation of the City, I would like to combine 2 positions – Assistant City Clerk and Fixed Asset & Inventory Clerk into one position and title it Accounts Department Assistant. This position will take the current duties of the Fixed Asset & Inventory Clerk and add the duties of the Assistant City Clerk. By not replacing the Assistant City Clerk and reclassifying the position of the Fixed Asset Inventory Clerk, the City will save approximately $37,000 plus benefits. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the reclassification of Stefanie Richard’s position as described to include the duties of the Assistant City Clerk at the salary of $40,449 effective November 27, 2010. Commissioner Scirocco asked if that is the only position he is going to put forward. Commissioner Franck advised that with the early retirement incentive, you have to show an aggregate savings of 50%. He has only 9 employees in his department of which 3 have taken the early retirement option. The retirement dates are staggered. We had to give the Finance Department a plan to show how we could make this work and put this in the 2011 budget. This existing position is being given considerably more duties. Commissioner Scirocco stated he is all for that. Commissioner Franck stated we got hit every year under GASB 34 for non-compliance. It required us to report all financial transactions including the value of their infrastructure assets, roads, bridges, sewer facilities, etc. We still need all this to be done to be GASB compliant. Because she is proficient, we don’t need her for 40 hours in just that position; we are able to take her position and the City Clerk position and combine it into one. We will be taking her 40 hour position and adding the 33 hour City Clerk position. He believes it can all be done by one person. If this doesn’t go through he won’t be able to issue any licenses as of November 27th as he won’t have a clerk. Commissioner Ivins stated we kind of already approved this when we approved the early retirement plan. Mayor Johnson stated he disagrees with that. They didn’t discuss detail of consolidated positions or salaries. He is not against consolidating positions; he did the same with 2 positions in his department at a significant savings to the City – maybe the salary was even too low. He other concern is there is a significant jump in compensation for the individual. Why can’t she do this job for the same amount she is being paid now. Commissioner Franck stated the exact figure is in the budget. This has been part of the plan; Commissioner Ivins was aware of the plan and Commissioner Scirocco knew there are 2 other positions in addition to this one that are in the same situation. He listed the 6 positions Mayor Johnson brought in to his department, one of which was at a higher salary than the person they replaced. He reminded the mayor that he voted in the affirmative because even in the instances where the amount was more, he believes the City is receiving better service and there was a consolidation of service. It made sense. He Page 9 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 could put her in the Assistant City Clerk position and pay her more to work fewer hours. He is looking to do what is best for the City. An increase in her pay is a lot better than paying a second position $35,000 plus benefits. Commissioner Scirocco asked how many hours will this position be. Commissioner Franck stated this person is already working 40 hours. Mayor Johnson asked if a salary survey was done. Commissioner Franck stated there was not. We looked meeting the 50% requirement. A lot of other people would have taken the early retirement but didn’t because they were afraid if they put their name out there they would be cut out of the budget. Commissioner Wirth stated he is for consolidation. We all run our own departments and he has to respect Commissioner Franck’s position. It has been in the budget and he is going to support this. Commissioner Ivins stated he has been voting against a lot of these re-appointments. He is more comfortable with this as we are reducing a whole position so he will be supporting this. This did go into the whole plan we approved. Commissioner Franck’s department went overboard which allowed other positions to take the incentive. Mayor Johnson stated he is not trying to second guess the running of his department. He just has to ask certain questions to be comfortable in casting a vote. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Automated Licensing System Decal Application (10-338) Commissioner Franck stated as the current Assistant City Clerk, Sheila Brooks was appointed by the state as the issuing agent with authority to issue hunting and fishing licenses. With her retirement, effective November 27th, a new licensing issuing agent needs to be appointed. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the Automated Licensing System Decal application for Stefanie Richards, as the Accounts Department Assistant to become the new licensing issuing agent for the City of Saratoga Springs. Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfers (10-339) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the Department of Public Works payroll transfers and previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers (10-340) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the Department of Public Safety payroll transfers and previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Page 10 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 Discussion and Vote: Recreation Department Payroll Transfers (10-341) Commissioner Ivins moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the Recreation Department payroll transfers and previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Accounts Department Payroll Transfers (10-342) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the Accounts Department payroll transfers and previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Contingency Transfer (10-343) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the contingency transfer as previously distributed to the Council. Commissioner Ivins stated the starting balance was $36,105.07. The Accounts Department is requesting $24,534.00 to cover one time retirement, sick leave, and hospitalization expenses for a retiree who switched from an opt out to an out of state insurance plan after the 2010 budget was adopted. The remaining balance is $11,571.07. Every contingency transfer requires a separate Council vote as being done here. Ayes - All Discussion: City Finances Commissioner Ivins stated sales tax for 3rd quarter is complete for 2010. We are a little more than 4% above 2009. Mortgage tax is complete for 2010 with a total of $1,113,000.00. We are finishing a little ahead of the 2010 budget as it was revised. Also, there will be a budget workshop on the 23rd in the Music Hall. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Change Order #1 – Barton & Loguidice – Geyser Crest Well Field (10-344) Commissioner Scirocco stated this project is nearing completion and under budget. Old pumps had to be replaced. Additional work resulted in the expansion of Barton & Loguidice’s scope of services in the amount of $8,000. These funds are in the allocated budget. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order #1 with Barton & Loguidice for Geyser Crest Well Field for the additional work required in the amount of $8,000. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #5 – DelSignore – Church Street (10- 345) Commissioner Scirocco stated this project is nearing completion with a few punch items remaining. This change order is for the replacement of an old 4 inch and 6 inch watermain at the Myrtle Street and Church Page 11 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 Street intersection. It is also for the addition of an 8 inch watermain at the Van Rensselaer and Church Street intersection. There has been confusion with change order numbers. During the summer, the City approved change order #5 for street lights and #6 for the waterline issues. DOT has requested the change order numbers be reversed to allow change order #5 be for waterline issues and #6 be for street lighting. The new change order list is as follows: change order #1 is the temporary water services, change order #2 is field condition changes, change order #3 is North Myrtle Street extension, change order #4 is South Myrtle resurfacing, change order #5 is waterline alterations, and change order #6 is additional street lighting, and change order #7 is balance (final). Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order #5 for waterline alterations to Church and Myrtle Streets and Church and Van Rensselaer Streets. Paul Male stated what the Council is approving is what they approved last June. The mayor signed the change order for $103,000. Because of the change in numbering they had to go back and have it re- approved. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Construction Permit – Railroad Run (10-346) Commissioner Scirocco stated DPW is working with Saratoga PLAN to do work on Railroad Run Trail. We need a permit to work on state land. Paul Male stated the trail will end up at Rt. 50 and West Avenue intersection. There is discussion as to where the trail will come out on Rt. 50. If it is brought to Rt. 50 at West Avenue it will require crossing state property. This is what this permit is for. They are getting this approved in case they need it. Mayor Johnson asked if after this is all done if we will get an easement from the state. Paul is not sure how that is all going to work. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a construction permit for Railroad Run. Ayes - All Discussion: Overages at Compost Site Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Announcement: Buckle Up New York – Seatbelt Enforcement Commissioner Wirth announced that through funding from New York State Traffic Safety Committee, the Police Department Traffic Control Division will be focusing on seatbelt compliance. They will enforce seatbelt laws. The effort began yesterday and will run through Sunday, November 28th. Announcement: Recognition of Officer Justin Ahigian Commissioner Wirth stated on Wednesday, November 3rd, Officer Justin Ahigian pulled over a vehicle making unsafe lane change. He observed the operator did not have a license and drugs were in the vehicle. He located 9 lbs of marijuana with a street value of $27,000. The operator of the vehicle and the passenger were arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana and sent to County Jail. He applauded Officer Ahigian for a job well done. Page 12 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen County 2011 Budget Summary & Schedule Supervisor Yepsen reported there will be a public hearing on November 30th for the 2011 budget. Property tax is not going up and there has been a modest growth in sales tax collection. They are committed to hold the line on taxes and spending. They have a $1 million in savings and spreading out construction for longer terms. They are realizing a savings due to a lot of retirees from the early retirement incentive. The big unfunded mandates are Medicaid reimbursements, community college expenses, and a pre-school program for disabled families. They will be reporting a surplus of approximately $24 million. Report from November County Meetings, Resolutions and Introduction of Local Laws Supervisor Yepsen reported they have had a hard time securing psychiatrists over the years, so they passed a law to partner with Saratoga Hospital. They have committed to matching the “I love NY” grants. They established a private pay rate for Maplewood Manor starting January 1, 2011. They agreed to several contracts with the Office of the Aging to help supplement their savings. Sustainable Saratoga Update – 2nd Anniversary Celebration Supervisor Yepsen reported this is their 2nd year anniversary in December. A community discussion on natural gas will occur on November 17th, there will be a walkability discussion on the 20th, and a 2 year anniversary presentation at the Empire State College. Matthew Veitch Update: Saratoga County 2011 Tentative Budget Supervisor Veitch reported the budget is prepared by the county administrator and the chair of the Law and Finance Committee and presented to the Board of Supervisors in a draft form. This is a budget increase of 5% with revenue increases of 5%. They are not debt free for the first time in many years. They have $3.2 million in debt service for various projects. Update: County Reverse 911 System Supervisor Veitch reported they approved a 5 year contract today for $19,000 per year. You will be able to enter on the company’s private webpage your cell and e-mail address so that you can be notified in those manners. Update: Trails Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they opened the Kalabus Perry Trail on Friday afternoon. This is a 3.4 mile trail in the Town of Northumberland. It is a remote location built by BOCES students. Update: Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation Awards Supervisor Veitch reported the awards were presented today. They gave away $25,987.00 and had 51 applications totaling $200,000. EXECUTIVE SESSION Page 13 of 14 City Council Meeting 11/16/10 Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to move to executive session for discussion regarding proposed, pending or current litigation as well as collective negotiations at 8:43 p.m. Ayes – All Council returned from executive session at 9:05 p.m. Mayor Johnson stated nothing was resolved during executive session; therefore there is nothing to report to the public. 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 9:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 12/7/10 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 14 of 14