City Council

December 21, 2010 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 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, collective negotiations CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 11/23/10 Budget Workshop Minutes 2. Approval of 11/29/10 City Council Minutes 3. Approval of 11/30/10 City Council Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments 5. Approve Budget Transfers 6. Approve Payroll 12/10/10 $440,221.05 7. Approve Payroll 12/17/10 $387,990.22 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10DEC2 $3,392,715.37 9. Approve Warrant Mid 2010 10MWDEC2 $151,201.89 10. Commissioner of Deeds MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Set Public Hearing: Amendments to Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations to Delete Existing Fee Schedules and Authorize the Establishment of Fees by Resolution 2. Set Public Hearing: 2011 Fee Schedule for Zoning, Planning and Building Fees 3. Discussion and Vote: Administrative Aide 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner, LLC Legal Services for Land Use Boards 5. Appointment: Design Review Commission 6. Announcement: Zoning Board of Appeals 7. Discussion: Status of East and West Side Recreation Field Maintenance Agreement 8. Discussion: City Adoption of Resolution on Racing ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Presentation: Year End Report – Laserfische Grant Funded Project 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Payment of Voucher 3. Award of Bid: Financial Advisor and Bond Counsel 4. Discussion and Vote: Hiring of Real Property Clerk 5. Discussion and Vote: Risk and Safety Director FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: 2011 Tax Rates 2. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfers City Council Meeting 12/21/10 3. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers 4. Discussion and Vote: Recreation Department Payroll Transfers 5. Discussion and Vote: Mayor’s Department Payroll Transfers 6. Discussion and Vote: Accounts Department Payroll Transfers 7. Discussion and Vote: Finance Department Payroll Transfers 8. Discussion and Vote: Hiring of Principal Account Clerk 9. Discussion and Vote: Investment Policy Agreements 10. Discussion: City Finances PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: 2011 DPW Fees 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract – Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects, LLP 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Alpine Environmental 4. Discussion and Vote: DPW Coordinator 5. Discussion and Vote: DPW Sick Bank Request 6. Discussion and Vote: EJP Water Meters 7. Discussion and Vote: Nelson Avenue Phase III – Lash Contracting – Change Order #1 8. Set Public Hearing: Summer Lane – Private Street PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Announcement: 19 Pinewood Avenue 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Amended Bulk Purchasing Agreement with Albany Fire Department SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. County 2011 $294 Million Budget 2. Public Health 3. Saratoga County Statistical Report 4. Personnel Appointments 5. OTB Closure Impact on Racing Matthew Veitch 1. Saratoga County 2011 Budget Adoption 2. new Administrative Positions 3. Friendship House 4. Public Safety Committee 5. Horse Racing Resolution 6. Reverse 911 System 7. Social Programs Committee ADJOURN Page 2 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 December 21, 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 Matt Veitch, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, 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. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Mayor Johnson opened the public comment period at 7:01 p.m. Commissioner 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 is president of the Saratoga Baseball League. He stated he understands the responsibility for the maintenance of the ball fields have been placed back on the school district. Under the current situation, they will not be able to play baseball due to the additional costs. We need to come up with a rate structure that will work for everyone. Matt Riker of 35 Union Street is president of Saratoga Pop Warner Football. He stated the ones who are caught in the middle of the field issue are the kids. East Side Recreation is part of Saratoga culture and history. This field is the legacy of Ed Valentine and Beau Kilmer. If they have to live with what the school Page 3 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 district is proposing; it will kill pop warner. He asked for the Council to negotiate in good faith and try to work this out. Bob Reed 0f 21 Wells Street Bldg 2 Apt 412 stated there is an element here that money doesn’t show. The sports they are playing builds character and values. He echoed some of the comments made earlier. Tony Piscitelli of 25 Moore Avenue stated he has coached in Saratoga for 25 years. They have managed to keep things going during rough times in the past and hopes we can do the same now. He wanted to lend his support to the little league and pop warner. Frank Scarpinato 247 Kaydeross Avenue East stated he does light farming at his residence. He would like to do a vegetable stand at that location. The zoning would require him to obtain a special use permit. He asked that the Council let him do what he wants to do. Antoinette McFarland of Milton stated her son has been part of pop warner for 5 years. She does not want to see it lost as it is a great program. It keeps so many kids off the streets. Kyle York of 59 Railroad Place stated the award of the franchise to Genting to run the VLTs at Aqueduct seemed a little odd so he did some investigating. He created a report and appendix that he would be happy to send if anyone wanted to e-mail him at york44@nycap.rr.com. This firm has proposed a full service casino for Aqueduct. They were able to far out-bid their competitors. NYRA will not see the $11 million they expect to see in 2011. Every downstate paper calls this a casino. When people come in and see only video lottery terminals, they will not return. Dereck Legall of 3 Deer Leap Place and chairman of the Recreation Commission stated he is glad the dialogue is continuing. He received a letter this week from a young man who was accepted into Colgate University. He was accepted based upon an essay he wrote on his experience in Saratoga National Little League. If it is going to cost the school district $20,000 to remove snow a year, how do they expect the City of Saratoga Springs to continue to maintain the fields for the same price? Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:16 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 11/23/10 Budget Workshop Minutes 2. Approval of 11/29/10 City Council Minutes 3. Approval of 11/30/10 City Council Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments 5. Approve Budget Transfers 6. Approve Payroll 12/10/10 $440,221.05 7. Approve Payroll 12/17/10 $387,990.22 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Regular 10DEC2 $3,392,715.37 9. Approve Warrant Mid 2010 10MWDEC2 $151,201.89 10. Commissioner of Deeds Commissioner Ivins made a friendly amendment and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to add a budget amendment from DPW for gas for the third quarter 2010. Ayes - All Ayes – All Page 4 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Set Public Hearing: Amendments to Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations to Delete Existing Fee Schedules and Authorize the Establishment of Fees by Resolution Mayor Johnson set a public hearing for January 4, 2011 at 6:55 p.m. Set Public Hearing: 2011 Fee Schedule for Zoning, Planning and Building Fees Mayor Johnson set a public hearing for January 4, 2011 at 6:50 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Administrative Aide (10-367) Mayor Johnson stated this is an existing position at a grade 5 step 1 at $30,433. He would like to move this position to a grade 8 step 1 for $33,890 and is budgeted in the 2011 budget. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve this increase as described. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner, LLC Legal Services for Land Use Boards (10-368) Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to authorize him to sign an agreement with Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner for land use boards. Mayor Johnson stated the compensation is $160 per hour not to exceed $20,000 for the year. Ayes - All Appointment: Design Review Commission Mayor Johnson withdrew this from his agenda. Announcement: Zoning Board of Appeals Mayor Johnson stated his is pleased to re-appoint Gary Hasbrook to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Hasbrook is willing to continue in this capacity. Discussion: Status of East and West Side Recreation Field Maintenance Agreement Mayor Johnson stated this has been brought up during the public comment period. The City did reach out to the school district to negotiate the City taking back the maintenance of the fields but at a different compensation. The school is willing to talk; everything is back on the table. Commissioner Scirocco stated the meeting they had with the school district was productive. It is important to have sports and recreation in the City. He thinks the school district realizes it wasn’t an equitable situation for the City. Commissioner Franck stated his whole point when he started discussing this a month ago was taxes would have gone up not down. He thanked the mayor and Commissioner Scirocco for moving forward on this. The City can do it cheaper because we know how to do it. Supervisor Yepsen thanked all who came tonight to express their concerns. The way it stands now it is a lose/lose and there is an opportunity for it to be a win/win. We need to support our groups. She appreciates all for getting back to the table. Page 5 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 Commissioner Ivins stated he too echoes a lot of the feelings here. This issue has been before other Councils. He commended the mayor and Commissioner Scirocco for getting the school district to realize this is much bigger and to change things around a bit. Commissioner Wirth thanked the mayor and Commissioner Scirocco for getting this item back on the table. Discussion: City Adoption of Resolution on Racing Mayor Johnson stated he plans to bring 2 proposed resolutions for adoption regarding racing and the impact of racing throughout the state. As a Council, they should be weighing in on this issue. We have a different playing field and situation today. We need to be taking a stand on this and send a clear message. The issue of casino gambling in the Catskills was addressed on December 10th with Senator Schumer’s Office. Commissioner Scirocco asked if we have a resolution regarding host benefits. Commissioner Franck suggested adding that to the resolution. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Presentation: Year End Report – Laserfische Grant Funded Project Nancy Wagner submitted and read the following: Since Commissioner Franck took office in 2006 and became, among several titles, the City’s Records Management Officer, Commissioner Franck’s goals and the mission of the City’s Records Management Program has been to reduce paper and utilize technology to improve the efficiency of information retrieval, increase information access and augment public service through the well organized and proficient handling of City municipal records. Our Laserfiche expansion project epitomizes this mission. Laserfiche is a software repository into which documents can be scanned so they are text searchable. The documents in our version of the Laserfiche software can be searched, emailed and flagged. The city has been using Laserfiche since 2004 for the City Council Minutes and from 2004 to 2009 we increased the number of users from one to three users. We received $14,206 this year in competitive grant funds from the New York State Archives to expand our laserfiche repository to include the minutes of the Zoning Board, Planning Board and Design Review Board from their inception to current and the minutes of the City’s now closed Urban Renewal Agency. The most current versions of the Open Space Update Document, the Comprehensive Plan, the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations were also scanned in. The amount of users was increased from 3 to 13 and they include 5 staff members of the Office of Planning and Economic Development; Executive Assistant to the Mayor, DPW Office Manager, Risk and Safety, Accounts Department Assistant, Deputy Commissioner of Accounts, Records Management, the City Council Secretary and (most importantly) the City Historian. The benefits of this project include: 1) Provides fingertip access to the history of activity on properties within the city. 2) Provides 13 City staff members with text searchable access to City Council minutes from 1915 to now. 3) Reduces time spent searching for specific information such as approval of contracts, Board or Council approval dates, and decisions. Page 6 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 4) Staff members with Laserfiche can fill information requests from the public more efficiently and accurately. 5) Eliminates the need for many City Departments to harbor duplicates of City Council and land use Board minutes. The project allowed us to dispose over 75 cubic feet of paper. Paper is also saved because search results can be emailed instead of copying documents. 6) Since Land Use Board staff members each have desk-top access to the laserfiche repository, they are able to prepare agenda notes for the land use board members more accurately and efficiently. This increased access to land use development board information helps ensure that officials are able to make appropriate and informed decisions on board applications. Increased information accuracy, efficiency and accessibility translate into improved public service which is always our ultimate objective. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Payment of Voucher (10-369) Mark Baker, President of the City Center Authority stated they have been able to shop their products from the state contract or bettering state contract through the purchasing department. What they recently did was put a requisition in for lobby furniture and receptacles. These requisitions were submitted at the same time and purchase orders were approved. Items are in receipt. He recently learned the receptacles are not under New York State contract. He contacted Stephani Voigt in how to address this. She suggested he bring this to Commissioner Franck and bring it to the Council for approval so that at some point in the future if there is an audit, they have met all the requirements. The total purchase price is $10,683.12. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the payment to DRB Business Interiors, Inc. as described. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Financial Advisor and Bond Counsel (10-370) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to award the bid for financial advisor to Fiscal Advisors & Marketing and the bid for bond counsel to Walsh & Walsh according to the terms as previously distributed to the Council. Commissioner Ivins stated there was a memo attached to everyone’s agenda with cost. They will be brining a contract to the next meeting. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Hiring of Real Property Clerk (10-371) Commissioner Franck stated at the December 7, 2010 City Council meeting, the Council unanimously approved the position of a Real Property Clerk. He is looking to fill that position effective December 27th so that the new person can receive a couple days training before our senior typist retires. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to hire the new real property clerk effective December 27, 2010 at the grade and step previously approved – grade 7, step 1. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Risk and Safety Director (10-372) Commissioner Franck stated Marilyn Rivers, as the Director of Risk and Safety, assists all departments in the City in many aspects. In addition to her current job responsibilities, she has taken on OSHA reporting for all departments, assists with the creation of contracts for all departments, manages the City’s Fleet Safety Program, teaches defensive driving to City employees, etc. Her dedication and commitment to Page 7 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 these programs has saved the City hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance premiums. Marilyn has been working at the same salary for 2008, 2009, and 2010. He proposed a $3,000 raise which was reduced to $1,000 in the adopted budget for 2011 in line A3051411/51720. He is looking to go back to the original $3,000 by moving money from another labor line (A3051461/51283) for a total increase of $3,000. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the salary increase as described effective January 1, 2011. Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: 2011 Tax Rates (10-373) Commissioner Ivins moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the 2011 tax rates as previously distributed to the Council. Commissioner Ivins stated the inside district is $6.06 per thousand taxable assessed value, the outside district is $6.00 per thousand per taxable assessed value, the Downtown Special Assessment District is $.5056 per thousand taxable assessed value. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfers (10-374) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the Department of Public Works payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers (10-375) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the Department of Public Safety payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Recreation Department Payroll Transfers (10-376) Commissioner Ivins moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the Recreation Department payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Mayor’s Department Payroll Transfers (10-377) Commissioner Ivins moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the Mayor’s Department payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Accounts Department Payroll Transfers (10-378) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the Accounts Department payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Page 8 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Finance Department Payroll Transfers (10-379) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the Finance Department payroll transfers as previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Hiring of Principal Account Clerk (10-380) Commissioner Ivins moved Commissioner Franck seconded to hire a principal account clerk to start January 5, 2011. Commissioner Ivins stated this person is replacing a person who retired from the department and is included in the 2011 budget. This is a grade 13. Commissioner Scirocco confirmed this is a new position. Commissioner Ivins advised they took the existing position, redefined it, added some duties and made it a 40 hour per week position. Commissioner Scirocco stated this is a new position as it is not the same title as the person before. He asked if a senior account clerk could do this job as it would be a savings of about $10,000 if that happened. Commissioner Ivins read the list of duties for this position for Commissioner Scirocco. Commissioner Scirocco confirmed that a senior account clerk couldn’t do it. His concern is when a human resource person is hired; this person is going to lose some of these duties. Commissioner Ivins stated the loss of duties is not certain. That will have to be addressed when the human resource person is hired. Commissioner Franck stated he is going to support this as there were only 6 positions in the City that were restructured with the early retirement incentive. Everyone thought this was a great idea and then it changed. This may even be late to get someone in at this point but will be supporting this. Commissioner Wirth stated each person on the Council has the responsibility to run their own department and should know what’s best. Mayor Johnson stated he is going to support this and express his reservation and condition. When the time comes that a human resource person is hired, they will need to revisit this position and possibly restructure it. Commissioner Scirocco stated that was his other concern; when the incentive program was moved forward. He doesn’t understand where the 50% savings comes in. Commissioner Franck advised it is not a per person savings but an aggregate. Commissioner Ivins stated most savings came from Commissioner Franck’s department. The savings has to be 50% over a two year period. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Scirocco) Page 9 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 Discussion and Vote: Investment Policy Agreements (10-381) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the investment policy agreement templates as previously distributed to the Council. Ayes – All Discussion: City Finances Commissioner Ivins stated October sales tax is in and above 2009 by 4.61%. Mortgage tax runs October through September. October of this year counts towards the 2011 budget and is consistent with 2010. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: 2011 DPW Fees (10-382) Commissioner Scirocco stated the fees were approved at the last City Council meeting with the exception of SWPPP and special events. He has removed the water connection fees from the DPW fee schedule as they are specifically listed in the water resolution. The fee for special events will range from $10 - $43. SWPPP has a $2500 minimum fee set if submitted with full and complete documentation. If documentation is missing, an additional hourly rate will be charged; $11 - $56 per hour. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to adopt the SWPPP and special event fees as presented. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract – Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects, LLP (10-383) Commissioner Scirocco stated quotes were obtained from 4 companies. Pieces of plaster have fallen from the ceiling in the Casino in the past. This is the full, complete investigate of the entire ceiling in the parlor and dining room. Once the investigation is complete, bids will be sought for the remediation. Only 2 companies responded with Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects being the lowest bidder at $24,628. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects in the amount of $24,628. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Alpine Environmental (10-384) Commissioner Scirocco stated a contract was awarded in September to Eastern Building and Restoration to preserve the existing slate, repair existing slate, and replace missing slate at the Visitor’s Center. As the contractor began work on the project, they identified asbestos under some of the slate. They obtained quotes from 3 companies. Alpine Environmental is the lowest responsible company providing the quote. They will provide design remediation services for the removal of asbestos. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Alpine Environmental in the amount of $11,904 for design service of asbestos removal. Paul Male, city engineer stated they found an unusual situation for slate. Normally asbestos is not used on a roof. There is not a huge quantity of asbestos but it does need to be removed. Ayes – All Page 10 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 Discussion and Vote: DPW Coordinator (10-385) Commissioner Scirocco stated over the past year his department has lost several key positions. The remaining employees have absorbed the duties relating to those positions. The individual who serves as the DPW coordinator has had new duties added over the past year such as: receipt of all funds coming in to the department, reconciliation of those funds, auditing payroll and leave records, maintaining the deputy commissioner’s calendar, processing vouchers and preparing invoices, and assists with the day to day operations of the carousel. Civil Service Commissioner reviewed this position at the December 13th meeting and approved the modifications to the position. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to establish the DPW Coordinator position at grade 10 step 1 effective January 1, 2011. Commissioner Ivins asked what the new duties are that this person is now doing. Commissioner Scirocco read the list of new duties again. Commissioner Ivins confirmed this person is already in place and at a step 3. He is going to vote for this against his better judgment. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: DPW Sick Bank Request (10-386) Commissioner Scirocco stated the sick bank has 140 days available and the DPW CSEA union has approved this request. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to allow the withdrawal of 5 days from the DPW sick bank for a DPW employee effective December 13th. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: EJP Water Meters (10-387) Commissioner Scirocco stated EJP sent a letter advising there will be a 5% increase in water meters on January 1, 2011. They would like to purchase meters before the price increase. Due to the policy of the Accounts Department, he is not able to do so without approval of the City Council. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the Accounts Department issue a purchase order in the amount of $7,733.88 for the purchase of meters and other materials. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Nelson Avenue Phase III – Lash Contracting – Change Order #1 (10-388) Commissioner Scirocco stated this project consisted of new pumps. This change order is for changes to the electrical panel in the amount of $12,267.78. Once this change order has been completed, a final invoice will be submitted. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order No. 1 with Lash Construction in the amount of $12,267.78. Ayes – All Page 11 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 Set Public Hearing: Summer Lane – Private Street Commissioner Scirocco set a public hearing for January 4, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Announcement: 19 Pinewood Avenue Commissioner Wirth stated on December 16th there was a structure fire. He commended the Fire Department for a job well done and thanked them. Assistant Chief Betor attended the meeting on behalf of the department to accept the thanks. Assistant Chief Betor reminded the public that there are hazards with live trees. Keep the trees watered. There is a lot of excitement going on so all should think about what you are doing and plan your day so you can enjoy the holidays. Commissioner Scirocco stated he lives on the street where the fire occurred. The response time from the Fire Department was unbelievably quick. He thanked the Fire Department for their efforts. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Amended Bulk Purchasing Agreement with Albany Fire Department (10-389) Commissioner Wirth stated this was voted on in the past. The Albany Fire Department changed the language since the previous approval. This new agreement has been reviewed by the city attorney. Commissioner Wirth moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the amended bulk purchasing agreement with the Albany Fire Department. Ayes – All SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen County 2011 $294 Million Budget Supervisor Yepsen reported the budget was passed unanimously. Taxes are not increasing at the County, amendments were approved, and revenue was increased. Public Health Supervisor Yepsen reported the committee passed 2 resolutions today. One resolution is to address the fiscal issues of Maplewood Manor. The other resolution is to more the mental health therapy center (Friendship House) to 431 Geyser Road. Saratoga County Statistical Report Supervisor Yepsen reported we are not immune to the fiscal issues that are haunting others. Food stamps have increased 87% since 2007; there was a 32% increase in individuals signed up in the Medicaid program since 2007; and the temporary assistance program saw an increase of 68% increase. Personnel Appointments Page 12 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 Supervisor Yepsen reported not all early retirement positions are being replaced. They have 6 appointments they added today as they are required to be in place for January 1st to do business. OTB Closure Impact on Racing Supervisor Yepsen reported the closing of OTBs is affecting us locally. The closing of OTBs has been in the process for 5 years; it didn’t just happen. The laws for OTB are so outdated they no longer work and the payout laws need to be updated. This isn’t a partisan issue but politics is getting in the way of the health of our local economy. A resolution was passed at the County to ask the state leaders to get their act together and make it a more improved system with updated laws. Matthew Veitch Saratoga County 2011 Budget Adoption Supervisor Veitch reported a few amendments were made; 3 dispatchers were added, and 3 part time clerks were added. His concern is the sales tax numbers were budgeted conservatively for next year. New Administrative Positions Supervisor Veitch reported the new County administrator is Spencer Helwig. The estimate of savings for the early retirement is close to $700,000. They received more retirees than they thought. Friendship House Supervisor Veitch reported the Friendship House is moving to the Town of Milton. The Friendship House is a rented house. The new location is better. Public Safety Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they received 2 homeland security grants. One was for a bomb sniffing canine and for a robot for bomb situations. The other is a fire arm simulator which will be available to all municipalities. Horse Racing Resolution Supervisor Veitch reported all issues have been well documented. The resolution asks the state to come up with a plan to make racing viable. The focus needs to be on the tracks and horses. Reverse 911 System Supervisor Veitch reported this program will start January 1. You can register your cell phone and e-mail address by going to the county website. Social Programs Committee Supervisor Veitch reported we need to keep an eye on the economy. ***Supervisor Veitch reported they approved a contract with the CSEA labor union today. He doesn’t have all the details but will bring those forward at the next meeting. Page 13 of 14 City Council Meeting 12/21/10 EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to move to executive session for discussion regarding proposed, pending or current litigation as well as an update on collective negotiations at 8:50 p.m. Ayes – All Council returned from executive session at 9:17 p.m. Mayor Johnson stated nothing was resolved during executive session; therefore there is nothing to report to the public. **Additional Agenda Item: Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to add an item to the agenda for correction to a payroll transfer. Ayes – All Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to transfer $50 from A3051351 / 51304 to A3051351 / 58030. Ayes – All 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 9:19 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 1/18/11 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 14 of 14