City Council

March 1, 2011 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) 1. WASAD Annual Report 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, collective negotiations. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 2/15/11 City Council Minutes 2. Approval Budget Amendments 3. Approve Budget Transfers 4. Approve Capital Fund Budget Transfers 5. Approve Payroll 2/18/11 $401,533.02 6. Approve Payroll 2/25/11 $425,436.10 7. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWDEC7 $14,229.89 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10DEC8 $1,250.00 9. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid 11MWFEB3 $775,606.42 10. Approve Warrant 2011 Regular 11MAR1 $256,142.33 11. Correction Payroll 2/4/11 $370,158.90 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Presentation: 2011 CDBG Funding Recommendations 2. Set Public Hearing: Citizen Advisory Committee Recommendations for 2011 Entitlement Action Plan 3. Discussion and Vote: Indoor Recreation Center American Red Cross Agreements 4. Discussion: Closure of Borders Bookstore ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Basic STAR Income Requirements 2. Discussion and Vote: Creation of a Temporary Clerk Position with State Archives Grant Funds 3. Discussion and Vote: SEQRA for Saratoga Golf and Polo Zoning Amendment 4. Discussion and Vote: Approval of Zoning Amendment for Saratoga Golf and Polo 5. Discussion and Vote: SEQRA for Saratoga Hospital PUD Zoning Amendment 6. Discussion and Vote: Approval of PUD Zoning Amendment for Saratoga Hospital City Council Meeting 3/1/11 FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers 2. Discussion: 2010 Sales Tax 3. Discussion: In-Rem Proceeding 4. Discussion: City Finances PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Mahoney Notify Plus 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign CT Male Contract 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Niagara Mohawk Agreement – Railroad Run 4. Discussion and Vote: Water & Sewer Rates PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Stilsing Electric 2. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation from OCA for a Metal Detector SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. County Sewer Expansion Update 2. County Veterans 3. More Funding Cuts to Impact Saratoga Springs 4. International Women’s Fest 5. Skidmore Mentoring Program 6. 2011 Sunshine Week: Open Meetings Law Matthew Veitch 1. Technology Committee ADJOURN Page 2 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 March 1, 2011 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Scott Johnson, Mayor (arrived at 7:22 p.m.) 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 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 HEARING Water and Sewer Rates Commissioner Ivins opened the public hearing at 6:32 p.m. Commissioner Scirocco presented information on the water and sewer rates for the public to comment on. He provided the responsibilities of the Department of Public Works, a map of the City, the number of miles of water lines, the number of hydrants in the City, and various water projects completed. He also provided a list of infrastructure projects that were contracted out. Revenue is received from metered water sales only. The total adopted budget is $2,834,742. A water rate comparison was provided between the current rates and the proposed rates. A comparison chart among Albany, Clifton Park, and Wilton was shown; Saratoga’s water rates are lower than those cities. Revenue for 2011 is being based on 2009 sales. Commissioner Scirocco stated the sewer budget is $3,658,236 with 71% of this budget being paid to the County for the County sewer charge. The City of Saratoga Springs has no control over the County charge. Revenues and expenditures have been steady over the past few years. Sewer charges are based upon water usage. Page 3 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 Commissioner Ivins stated the numbers Commissioner Scirocco showed have not been audited by his department yet. John Krause of 227 Grand Avenue asked if DPW has completed the project with the sewer line in the Jefferson Street area. Paul Male, city engineer advised phases have been completed. They have plans to start on Phase 5 this spring. Mr. Krause continued to say he can’t complain about a 2% increase. The water and sewer budget in total is voted on in November as part of the comprehensive budget. He understands it is a timing problem; however, he sees that problem as the same problem Commissioner Ivins faces when he has to put together an operating budget with information available through September. He wonders if there is a way next October to do trend analysis for the past 5 or 10 years to gain a better idea of the projected water and sewer budget. Commissioner Ivins closed the public hearing at 6:56 p.m. Zoning Amendment for Saratoga Golf & Polo Commissioner Ivins opened the public hearing at 6:57 p.m. Stephanie Ferradino, attorney for the applicant, clarified that items 3 & 4 of the Accounts agenda should have Saratoga Hospital removed as it relates to the golf and polo club only. Commissioner Ivins closed the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. PUD Zoning Amendment for Saratoga Hospital Commissioner Ivins opened this public hearing at 6:58 p.m. No one spoke. Commissioner Ivins closed the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Ivins called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Commissioner Ivins opened the public comment period at 7:02 p.m. Commissioner Ivins 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 Thompson of 26 Frederick Drive stated he finds it unusual our citizens can’t vote on a lawful issue. He read a letter to the editor from the February 26, 2011 Saratogian. This letter was written by Barbara Thomas of the League of Women Voters. He stated this is an unbiased group that would like to see this proposal on the ballot. Page 4 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 John Kirwin of 94 Lincoln Ave stated he heard the present form of government allows the citizens instant access to the commissioners. In the past several years he has had experiences that prove this wrong; the last incident was on February 8, 2011. He called ‘911’ to report a manhole that was not covered. It took 40 minutes for someone to respond. Two commissioners would have had responsibility for this situation; commissioner of Public Safety and commissioner of Public Works. Peter Tulin of 40 Sarazen Street stated he also read the letter from the president of the League of Women Voters. He was astounded by that letter as the League of Women Voters has always done a great job of be a non-partisan organization in this community. He couldn’t believe they would take a position on an issue that is in litigation. Dereck Legall of 3 Deer Leap Place and chair of the Recreation Commission read a letter from one of the coaches of the Lakeside Volleyball Club. This coach thanked the recreation staff for their help during their tournament this past weekend. The staff was very courteous. Mr. Legall pointed out there are good things going on at the Recreation Department. He also stated he has worked with several administrations and has never worked with a deputy mayor who is as dedicated and hard working as Shauna Sutton. Pat Kane of 19 Marion Place stated he is here to speak on behalf of Saratoga Citizen. He is aware this is a situation that has gotten out of control. They would like to see a speedy remedy. The Council has had a lot to think about over the past 3 years. He disagrees with Mr. Tulin’s comments as Mrs. Thomas is not endorsing an opinion one way or the other. She is simply asking to allow the people an opportunity to vote. Kyle York of 59 Railroad Place read a piece of the letter submitted by Barbara Thomas from the League of Women Voters. He believes this is about the rule of the law. Any change in government is not to be taken lightly. John Krause of 227 Grand Avenue stated he intended to send a letter to the editor but didn’t send it because he couldn’t decide what the title should be. His letter pertains to the effort to stall the Charter change. He commended Commissioner Franck and Commissioner Ivins for voting against the continuation of appeal. He asked when the evidentiary hearing was asked for. The lack of filing a fiscal note with the petition wouldn’t set a precedent of other organizations trying to affect charter change throughout the state. He said it is time for the mayor to drop the lawsuits and stalling tactics. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated he knows everyone takes the change in the form of government seriously. His feeling is if a judge does not allow the evidentiary hearing, a barrier is put up against the City. The City should be allow to present their case like the opposition did. He feels the mayor is well within his bounds and is responsible to ensure the proper procedures are followed. Bonnie Design of 3260 Rt. 9 stated we keep hearing we will not be able to elect the top City leaders; that is wrong. Citizens will elect the mayor and Council who are the top City leaders. The manager is chosen by these top City leaders. It is like the commissioners who now appoint deputies; we have to hope these deputies are qualified. Remigia Foy of 95 Oak Street stated it is interesting that a spin has been put on this issue. The issue is whether the City was treated fairly. The court system is in place with an appeal process to protect individuals, municipality, or a corporation from decisions that are less than fair. She would encourage the City to appeal this decision. The other issue that is clouding the legal aspect is that the Council is in pursuit of the attempt to deny the people the right to vote. The League of Women Voters did this about 30 years ago. They succeeded in depriving the electorate to vote in a primary. She has lived long enough to hear one of the women who promoted partisanship say it was a mistake. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:32 p.m. Page 5 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 PRESENTATION WASAD (West Avenue Special Assessment District) Annual Report Commissioner Ivins introduced Matt Jones to present the annual report. Mr. Jones of Jones Ferradino stated he is the attorney for the West Avenue Special Assessment District. The function of the report is to identify the original cost of the project and changes or credits to the project. The note to cover the project is in the eleventh year with fourteen left to go. The WASAD has a surplus in the account of the special assessment district. They decided to use $20,000 of that surplus to offset the $50,000 tax levy; leaving a $30,000 tax levy to be raised by the tax payers. He urged the adoption of the report by the City Council. Commissioner Ivins thanked WASAD for making that move. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 2/15/11 City Council Minutes 2. Approval Budget Amendments 3. Approve Budget Transfers 4. Approve Capital Fund Budget Transfers 5. Approve Payroll 2/18/11 $401,533.02 6. Approve Payroll 2/25/11 $425,436.10 7. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10MWDEC7 $14,229.89 8. Approve Warrant 2010 Mid 10DEC8 $1,250.00 9. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid 11MWFEB3 $775,606.42 10. Approve Warrant 2011 Regular 11MAR1 $256,142.33 11. Correction Payroll 2/4/11 $370,158.90 Commissioner Ivins stated the incorrect amount for the 2/4/11 payroll was presented at the last meeting and is being corrected tonight. Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Presentation: 2011 CDBG Funding Recommendations Bradley Birge stated each year the federal government provides the City with a grant to distribute money throughout the City to organizations. Applications were sent out in December and 2 public hearings were held. All proposals were discussed. We have about $400,000 to hand out. Recommendations have been presented to the Council. A public hearing will need to be set for the next City Council meeting. Linda Harvey Opiteck, a member of the CDBG committee stated she has been on the committee since 1992 and has seen a lot of positive changes. She thanked the Council for taking their recommendations under consideration. Mayor Johnson thanked the committee for their hard work. It is not easy to do with limited funds. Set Public Hearing: Citizen Advisory Committee Recommendations for 2011 Entitlement Action Plan Mayor Johnson set a public hearing for March 15, 2011 at 6:50 p.m. Page 6 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 Discussion and Vote: Indoor Recreation Center American Red Cross Agreements (11-67) Mayor Johnson stated this is an agreement to use the indoor recreation center as temporary refuge. There is no cost to the City for this and the agreement is open ended. When building the recreation center they included the emergency generator for this purpose. Commissioner Franck stated this is a great idea. Commissioner Scirocco stated he would like to see DPW added to the emergency contact list. Mayor Johnson stated he has no problem with adding them to the list of emergency contacts. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to enter into the American Red Cross Agreements as described with the modification to add the Department of Public Works to the contact list. Ayes - All Discussion: Closure of Borders Bookstore Mayor Johnson stated 200 out of 600+ stores nationally will be closed; including ours. There is a lot of concern in the community about this closing. He has been working closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the DBA to speak to the present owners and tenant to help them facilitate the process and to not have any prolonged vacancy. This is not a reflection on our downtown but more of a problem with chain stores nationally. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion: Basic STAR Income Requirements Commissioner Franck stated last year our legislature slipped in a new provision that if your adjusted gross income is over $500,000 you no longer qualify for the basic star credit. The Office of Real Property merged with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. That office provided a list of the people they were sure made over $500,000. There was an 80% incorrect rate. Our concern is we don’t feel comfortable with taking people’s tax returns with their social security numbers. New York State came up with a new form that allows people to come in without their tax return. This form is sent to NYS and then the information provided is shredded. Discussion and Vote: Creation of a Temporary Clerk Position with State Archives Grant Funds (11-68) Commissioner Franck advised funds have been received from the state archives to conduct an inventory of the records of the Office of Planning and Economic Development. The City Council approved the acceptance of the grant funds October 5, 2010. The project includes establishing the position of a temporary clerk at $10.50 per hour effective March 3, 2011 through June 30, 2011 at no cost to the City. This position is entirely funded by the grant including funds for worker’s compensation, unemployment benefit insurance, and FICA. The clerk will work with Nancy Wagner to complete the inventory. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to create a temporary clerk position as described. Ayes - All Page 7 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 Discussion and Vote: SEQRA for Saratoga Golf & Polo Zoning Amendment (11-69) Commissioner Franck advised the zoning amendment proposed is for the exchange of land between Saratoga Hospital and Saratoga Golf & Polo Club. The hospital proposes to exchange 1.5 acres of land from the hospital campus on the west side of Myrtle Street, upon which the Saratoga Golf & Polo Club has their driving range, for a .61 acre, “L” shaped portion of land from Saratoga Golf and Polo Club. The City and County Planning Boards reviewed this amendment and both boards approved or issued a favorable advisory opinion. The applicant has completed Part 1 of SEQRA Short Form. Now the City Council must complete Part 2 of the SEQRA Short Form. He proposed the following responses to Part 2 of the SEQRA Short Form: A. DOES ACTION EXCEED ANY TYPE I THRESHOLD IN 6 NYCRR, PART 617.4? No B. WILL ACTION RECEIVE COORDINATED REVIEW AS PROVIDED FOR UNLISTED ACTIONS IN 6 NYCRR, PART 617.6? No C. COULD ACTION RESULT IN ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING: C1. Existing air quality, surface or groundwater quality or quantity, noise levels, existing traffic pattern, solid waste production or disposal, potential for erosion, drainage or flooding problems? No Impact anticipated. C2. Aesthetic, agricultural, archaeological, historic or other natural or cultural resources; or community or neighborhood character? No Impact anticipated. C3. Vegetation or fauna, fish, shellfish or wildlife species, significant habitats, or threatened or endangered species? No Impact anticipated. C4. A community’s existing plans or goals as officially adopted, or a change in use or intensity of use of land or other natural resources? No Impact anticipated. C5. Growth, subsequent development, or related activities likely to be induced by the proposed action? No Impact anticipated. C6. Long term, short term, cumulative, or other effects not identified in C1-C5? No Impact anticipated. C7. Other impacts (including changes in use of either quantity or type of energy? No Impact anticipated. D. WILL THE PROJECT HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT CAUSED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREA (CEA)? No E. IS THERE, OR IS THERE LIKELY TO BE, CONTROVERSY RELATED TO POTENTIAL ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS? No Part III Check this box if you have determined, based on the information and analysis above and any supporting documentation, that the proposed action WILL NOT result in any significant adverse environmental impacts AND provide, on attachments as necessary, the reasons supporting this determination. Commissioner Franck advised based upon the answers to Part 2 of the SEQRA Short Form, it is the City Council’s opinion that the project will not result in any large or important impacts, therefore it is one that will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to issue a SEQRA Negative Declaration for this action. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Approval of Zoning Amendment for Saratoga Golf & Polo (11-70) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the zoning amendment proposed by Saratoga Golf & Polo Club. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: SEQRA for Saratoga Hospital PUD Zoning Amendment (11-71) Commissioner Franck advised the PUD zoning amendment proposes the following:  Remove a portion of land which is currently located in the PUD and add it to a .6 acre portion of land that is being received from Saratoga Golf and Polo Club.  Increase the size of the proposed C-2 building by 10,000 square feet based on .6 acre property proposed for additional parking. Page 8 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11  Modify portions of the legislation which are either no longer applicable or consolidate sections that have the same purpose and intent. He continued to say the City and County Planning Boards reviewed this amendment and both boards approved or issued a favorable advisory opinion. The applicant has completed Part 1 of SEQRA Long Form. Now the City Council must complete Part 2 of the SEQRA Long Form. He proposed the following responses to Part 2 of the SEQRA Long Form: Impact on Land: 1. Will the Proposed Action result in a physical change to the project site? NO 2. Will there be an effect to any unique or unusual land forms found on the site? (i.e., cliffs, dunes, geological formations, etc.) NO 3. Will Proposed Action affect any water body designated as protected? (under Articles 15, 24, 25 of the Environmental Conservation Law, ECL) NO 4. Will Proposed Action affect any non-protected existing or new body of water? NO 5. Will Proposed Action affect surface or groundwater quality or quantity? NO 6. Will Proposed Action alter drainage flow or patterns, or surface water runoff? NO 7. Will Proposed Action affect air quality? NO 8. Will Proposed Action affect any threatened or endangered species? NO 9. Will Proposed Action substantially affect non-threatened or non-endangered species? NO Impact on Agricultural Land Resources: 10. Will Proposed Action affect agricultural land resources? NO Impact on Aesthetic Resources: 11. Will Proposed Action affect aesthetic resources? (If necessary, use the Visual EAF Addendum in Section 617.20, Appendix B) NO 12. Will Proposed Action impact any site or structure of historic, prehistoric or paleontological importance? NO Impact on Open Space and Recreation: 13. Will Proposed Action affect the quantity or quality of existing or future open spaces or recreational opportunities? NO 14. Will Proposed Action impact the exception or unique characteristics of a critical environmental area (CEA) established pursuant to subdivision 6NYCRR 617.14(g)? NO Impact on Transportation: 15. Will there be an effect to existing transportation systems? NO Impact on Energy: 16. Will Proposed Action affect the community’s sources of fuel or energy supply? NO Noise and Odor Impact: 17. Will there be objectionable odors, noise, or vibration as a result of the Proposed Action? NO Impact on Public Health: 18. Will Proposed Action affect public health and safety? NO Impact on Growth and Character of Community or Neighborhood: 19. Will Proposed Action affect the character of the existing community? NO 20. Is there, or is there likely to be, public controversy related to potential adverse environment impacts? NO Commissioner Franck advised since there were no potentially large impacts identified in Part 2, we do not need to proceed to Part 3. The City Council has fully considered the environmental impacts of the project and hereby determines that the project will not result in any large or important impacts and will not have a significant impact on the environment. Page 9 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to issue a SEQRA Negative Declaration for this action. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Approval of PUD Zoning Amendment for Saratoga Hospital (11-72) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the PUD zoning amendment proposed by Saratoga Hospital. Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers (11-73) 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: 2010 Sales Tax Commissioner Ivins stated there is good news to report for 2010. Consumers spent over $45.5 million more in taxable items in 2010 than in 2009. The total sales tax collected for 2010 is $9,045,606.32. We started to see a change in spending trend in November 2009 with the amount of spending being to the positive. We realized an 8.2% growth in 2010 from 2009. He is confident that the sales tax total will be $9.1 million for 2011. Discussion: Update In-Rem Proceeding Commissioner Ivins stated tax collection is governed by NYS Real Property Law and his office is in compliance with the law. They have a 94% collection rate. Delinquent taxes are subject to a 6% late fee. Liens are held for 2 years before they could be placed in an in-rem proceeding. He started an in-rem proceeding last year. A mailing to each party found to have an interest in a delinquent parcel will be sent with notification of the proceedings. On or about March 15th they will fulfill the publication and posting requirements. Once the judge gives the City the deeds, the Council can choose to move to auction. The total amount owed was $882,697.17 when the proceedings began. The amount still outstanding is $655,809.01. Discussion: City Finances Commissioner Ivins stated the City received a new debt schedule regarding the refinancing of the interest on the 1997 bond. The principal payment will remain the same from August 15, 2011 through August 15, 2017. Under the old term, the City would have paid $202,626.25 in interest for that time period. Under the new terms, the City will pay $82,321.37 in interest; a savings of $120,304.88 in interest over that time period. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Mahoney Notify Plus (11-74) Commissioner Scirocco stated as a cost savings measure the Department of Public Works eliminated the Verizon lines at the 23 sewer pump stations and contracted with Mahoney Notify. In the event a pump Page 10 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 station goes down, Mahoney Notify will contact the city electrician. They have been using Mahoney since August 2010. The annual savings for 2011 will be $9,300. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the contract with Mahoney Notify Plus in the amount $10,488. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign CT Male Contract (11-75) Commissioner Scirocco explained the City is required by the DEC to monitor the gas and the surface water at the landfill on a quarterly basis. CT Male has provided this service for several years. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the CT Male agreement in the amount of $10,682.75 for the reporting year of 2011. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Niagara Mohawk Agreement – Railroad Run (11-76) Commissioner Scirocco stated it is necessary for an easement to be granted by National Grid to the City to construct a hike and bike trail in the area between the YMCA and ESPEY Mfg. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Niagara Mohawk for the easement for Railroad Run. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Water & Sewer Rates (11-77) Commissioner Scirocco noted there were a couple typos that were corrected; page 3, item 11 and page 5, item 15. The year was listed as 2009 and should be 2011. The water budget ended the year with a surplus of approximately $340,000. He stated due to the amount of snow this year, he does not anticipate selling a lot of water this year. He proposed an increase of 2% to the water budget. There is an anticipated surplus in the sewer budget as well of $225,000. An increase of 2% increase in the sewer budget will build a contingency fund for emergencies. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to adopt the water and sewer rates as presented and corrected tonight. Ayes - All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Stilsing Electric (11-78) Commissioner Wirth stated this is for the replacement of a traffic signal at Division Street and Railroad Place in the amount of $91,400. Commissioner Wirth moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Stilsing Electric. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation from OCA for a Metal Detector (11-79) Page 11 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 Commissioner Wirth stated the NYS Office of Court Administration has offered to donate a metal detector for use in the Police Department. The value is $5,000. Mayor Johnson asked if this is a portable device. Commissioner Wirth stated the device will be installed in the Police Department. Commissioner Wirth moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to accept the donation of a metal detector from the Office of the Court Administration. Ayes – All *** Commissioner Wirth congratulated Assistant Chief Michael Biss on his retirement from the Police Department after 36 years of service. He brought a lot to the department with his military background. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen County Sewer Expansion Update Supervisor Yepsen reported the surcharge was decreased this year. The original budget did not include Saratoga Lake and it is now included. County Veterans Supervisor Yepsen reported they will be honoring Mayor Ellsworth Jones in May. She also congratulated Judy Boyce on winning an outstanding citizens award for her work with the Guardian House. More Funding Cuts to Impact Saratoga Springs Supervisor Yepsen reported today is the deadline for the state to come out with their Medicaid Mandate Relief announcement. The most recent cut that has come to her attention is the Neighborhood Preservation Program. The Shelters of Saratoga has been administering this program and is now in jeopardy of losing $50,000. International Women’s Fest Supervisor Yepsen reported this program is celebrating their 100th anniversary. The celebration will run from March 8 – 27th. Skidmore Mentoring Program Supervisor Yepsen reported seniors at Skidmore have an opportunity to participate in this program. She has been asked to be a mentor in this program. 2011 Sunshine Week Supervisor Yepsen reminded the public that open government week is having a program sponsored to bring more information about open meetings law on March 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Page 12 of 13 City Council Meeting 3/1/11 Matthew Veitch Technology Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they put together a proposal to update the County e-mail. The current system does not have virus protection. The proposal is to spend up to $20,000 to upgrade their system. They also discussed a web filtering application to monitor what sites their employees are visiting and for how long. This is all in conjunction with developing a web and e-mail policy. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to move to executive session for discussion regarding proposed, pending or current litigation; personal private information of a person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a person or corporation as well as collective negotiations, and matters of the DEC consent order at 8:37 p.m. Ayes – All Council returned from executive session at 9:09 p.m. Mayor Johnson stated nothing was resolved in executive session 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 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 3/15/11 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 13 of 13