City Council

October 18, 2011 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:40 PM – P.H. – 2012 Comprehensive Budget 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 1. City Center Budget 2. Sustainable Saratoga – Skidmore Environmental Club Presentation EXECUTIVE SESSION CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 10/4/2011 City Council Minutes 2. Approve Budget Amendments 3. Approve Payroll 10/14/11 $393,282.73 4. Approve Payroll 10/7/11 $413,053.95 5. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid11OCT1 $518,258.13 6. Approve Warrant 2011 Regular 11OCT2 $171,232.40 7. Approve Budget Transfers MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: RFP Committee for Woodlawn Avenue Parking Deck 2. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for New York State Consolidated Funding for the Woodlawn Avenue Parking Deck 3. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for New York State Consolidated Funding for the Casino Renovation Project 4. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for New York State Consolidated Funding for the Waterfront Park Development 5. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for New York Stat NYSERDA Grant for Cleaner, Greener Communities 6. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for Smart Growth America Grant for the Complete Streets Technical Guidance 7. Discussion: Status of City Review of Zoning Ordinance Revisions 8. Announcement: Supervisory Training by Human Resources ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Nothing at this time FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Agreement with Toski, Schaefer & Co. for Audit and Related Services City Council Meeting 10/18/11 2. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers 3. Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfers 4. Discussion: City Finances PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Sidewalk Agreement PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Announcement: Traffic Committee Update 2. Announcement: Fire Department Open House – Saturday October 15, 2011 SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. County Board of Supervisors Meeting Update 2. Capital District Regional Economic Development Council Funding 3. Veteran’s Report 4. 2009 County Grant to Saratoga Springs 5. Office of the Aging Public Hearing 6. County Emergency Services Matt Veitch 1. Medicaid Resolution 2. Zim Smith Trail Update 3. 2010 Census Numbers Update 4. Sewer District 5. Saratoga Casino and Raceway Foundation ADJOURN Page 2 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 October 18, 2011 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Scott Johnson, Mayor Ken Ivins, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Richard Wirth, Commissioner of DPS Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Gerald Lundgren, 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 2012 Comprehensive Budget Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:43 p.m. Commissioner Ivins reminded the public this is not a question and answer period. There will be another public hearing at the November 15, 2011 City Council meeting and some workshops. There has been some confusion regarding how and when the comprehensive budget is to be presented. It was presented at the last City Council meeting as required in the City Charter. The comprehensive budget is to be presented to the Council at the first meeting in October. The budget was also put on line although it is not required. The PowerPoint presented was to give an outline of what is in the general fund. Page 3 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 Michele Madigan of 30 Horseshoe Drive submitted her statement in writing to the Council. A copy of her statement is attached. Pat Kane of 19 Marion Place stated he doesn’t understand why this budget can’t be voted on prior to Election Day. It is well within the Council’s means to do so. The $750,000 from the sale of the Lillian’s lot has been used in the 2010 budget and the 2011 budget; and now we are proposing to use it in 2012 for the parking structure. He is concerned about the $75,000 expense for a part time human resource person. Part time work for $75,000 for human resources is not a wise expense for next year. With the number of employees the City has, it is worth a full time person. The Recreation Center is underutilized and the income streams projected are way off; hundreds of thousands of dollars off on revenues. You have to answer to the people as to how this building is operating. You are over estimating income and under estimating expenses. Outside legal counsel bills are too high. The City has more lawsuits than any administration has seen in decades. Rick Thompson of 26 Frederick Drive and past member of the board of the Senior Center, they always received the stipend from the City in the amount of $88,000. In addition to this money they get snow removal services and lawn care from the City. He was wondering if they could give more money to the non-profits. John Krause of 227 Grand Avenue stated he is glad the $750,000 from the Lillian’s lot was brought up. He too is concerned with the number of times it has been budgeted. This is an election year so different themes that come out in the budget. The Capital Budget put together does recognize the need for an EMS station on the east side and repairs to the police station. He is blown away by the repairs to the police station, but $46,490 won’t get much in the way of repairs. Also, that money is being bonded so we are going to pay interest on that. He is pleased to see the $4.2 million in the unappropriated/unreserved balance. There is still $3 million to work with from the VLT money. What is being done with that money? He is very interested in what the water and sewer budget is looking like. Mayor Johnson adjourned the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. and kept it open. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT 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. Mayor Johnson opened the public comment period at 7:09 p.m. Charlie Samuels of 58 Court Street stated he and about 3,000 other skateboarders are trying to dig out the skatebowl before the weather gets worse. He met with Commissioner Franck and Marilyn Rivers and will be speaking at the Safety Committee meeting this Thursday. He is confident his safety presentation will convince everyone that the skatebowl can and should be re-opened. Gene Corsale of 59 Outlook Avenue stated he is not pleased to come here this evening to discuss a minute situation that should have been settled months ago. The Gideon Putnam Burial ground has been restored by contributions from private citizens and Senator Bruno and Assemblyman Tedisco. Over the past 7 years of restoration work, the Saratoga Springs Preservation has encouraged community involvement. One of the main volunteer groups is the local Heritage Garden Club. South Franklin Street is notorious as a short cut. It is unmonitored and becomes a speed zone. There is no designated crossing Page 4 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 area presenting a dangerous situation for those who volunteer to maintain the cemetery. This situation is a public safety remedial situation and he has met with Public Safety Department. He presented a petition to the mayor calling for a crosswalk. Rick Thompson of 26 Frederick Drive stated Saratoga Citizen handed in 2,300 signatures. After the appeal was filed, the Council could not talk publicly about the Charter change. Prior to that they asked the commissioners to speak with them to help them to craft a Charter with the present Council. We have heard many times that they will let a court decide our issues and not our commissioners. A new form of government will bring fiscal responsibility to Saratoga Springs; something he doesn’t feel we have today. Leslie Miller 18 Sweetbriar Drive of Wilton stated her son; David Taylor Miller served in the Army and went to Saratoga Springs High School. He died in Afghanistan about 1 ½ years ago. His 21st birthday is 11/11/11. They want to give back in his name so they started a non-profit organization called Taylor’s Heroes. It will be dedicated to help kids learn about fitness, nutrition, lose weight, etc. The first fundraiser will be on his birthday at the Preservation Hall. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:22 p.m. PRESENTATION City Center Budget Report Mark Baker of the City Center thanked Commissioner Ivins for the invitation to be here tonight to speak about the City Center’s 2012 budget. The Commissioner of Finance acts as their agent for their finances. He complimented Christine Gillmett-Brown on her management of their finances during the expansion period. The 2012 budget was created and approved by the City Center Authority and submitted to the Commissioner of Finance for inclusion in the City’s comprehensive budget. The balanced budget that was submitted is in the amount of $1,646,656.00. This budget is 2.6% less than the 2011 budget. They will see less revenue from their concession operations due to the change in their business model and the economy. Utilities expenses will only go up 1.8% due to the energy efficiencies in the building. By year end, we should see an approximate 20% increase in paid days of rental. In 2012, he is looking at an additional 11% increase. They are almost at 80% occupancy at the City Center. They projected a 40% increase over 3 years with the expansion of the City Center; they are almost there in 2 years. Commissioner Ivins thanked Mark Baker for coming here tonight. This presentation is normally done in the first quarter of the year. He asked Mr. Baker to explain how the City Center operates and how no money comes out of the City’s general fund. Mr. Baker explained the City Center property is a City asset and leased to the City Center Authority. All expenses within that facility come to the City Center Authority. They operate under the same protocol as the City but in their own rights. The relationship with the City has always been positive; hand in glove. Commissioner Ivins confirmed the City’s mayor is always a member of the City Center Board. Commissioner Franck stated the City Center does a fantastic job. He stated the Mr. Baker puts in very long hours every day and it is not uncommon to see him there on weekends. He appreciates everything they do for the City. Mr. Baker stated he spent most of his time today working with an international research group. They are working hard to get here because they want Saratoga and that building. Mayor Johnson stated Mr. Baker has done a tremendous job. He managed to keep the City Center open and operational through the expansion. Page 5 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 *** Commissioner Ivins asked Commissioner Scirocco to speak to the water and sewer budget at this time. Commissioner Scirocco stated he normally makes a presentation at the time they vote on the budget. When they put the water and sewer budget together, they reference the previous year’s budget to see where the numbers are. They look to see how they are doing to stay on budget and what they have to change to keep their costs of providing services to the residents at a minimum and affordable. At this time he can only guess there will be an increase at 1.5% - 2% for next year, 2012. Sustainable Saratoga – Skidmore Environmental Club Presentation Supervisor Yepsen stated Sustainable Saratoga is working closely with several clubs in town; one of which is the Skidmore Environmental Club. Beale St. George of Skidmore College is part of the Cool Cities Initiative Group. It is a national campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Their committee is working on inventory of greenhouse gas emissions at the municipal level and where the emissions are coming from. They also have a 3 prong proposal around transportation initiatives. Riley Johnson stated they would like to implement an idling vehicle ordinance. It is mainly for larger trucks and school vehicles. They would like to have this ordinance enforced by the police and City residents and raise public awareness. Christina Walker spoke about green fleets in Saratoga Springs. New York State just passed a law for all non-essential vehicles purchased by the state must be hybrids. Woodworth, New Jersey police purchased one hybrid vehicle and found the savings paid for the vehicle in just one year. Hybrid vehicles will make the City cleaner and safer. Roz Freeman spoke about bicycle infrastructure being implemented as roads are being repaired. This is not something they are looking to overhauled immediately. People don’t bike because they don’t feel safe on the roads. They are supported by Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network and Sustainable Saratoga. Beale wrapped up the presentation by re-instating the environmental and economic benefits of their proposal. This city could be a model city. She passed around a copy of their proposal. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 10-4-2011 City Council Minutes 2. Approve Budget Amendments 3. Approve Payroll 10/14/11 $393,282.73 4. Approve Payroll 10/7/11 $413,053.95 5. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid11OCT1 $518,258.13 6. Approve Warrant 2011 Regular 11OCT2 $171,232.40 7. Approve Budget Transfers Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Announcement: RFP Committee for Woodlawn Avenue Parking Deck Page 6 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 Mayor Johnson asked each commissioner to provide him a name of someone who can be part of the RFP committee. He would like to have the city engineer as part of this process as possible. He would like the names by the end of this week or early next week so they can get moving on this. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for New York State Consolidated Funding for the Woodlawn Avenue Parking Deck (11-289) Mayor Johnson stated the attachment to the agenda sets for the details to the resolution. The governor has an initiative to address economic development statewide. This is different than prior approaches as it goes to regional economic councils created by the governor. We are part of an 8 county region. This is an effort to seek additional funding from New York State for the parking deck. There are 2 levels of the grant funding state wide. His intent is to have an application drafted to assist us with funding of the Woodlawn Parking Deck. We have a couple ways to proceed; one is to offset the cost of the 2 level deck, and the other alternative is to use the money for a 3rd level of the deck. The resolution is as follows: A RESOULUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK A RESOLUTUION AUTHRIZING THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS TO SEEK FUNDING THROUGH THE NEW YORK STATE CONSOLIDATED FUNDING APPLICATION PROGRAM FOR THE WOODLAWN AVENUE PARKING DECK PROJECT Mayor Scott T. Johnson Commissioner John Franck Commissioner Kenneth Ivins Commissioner Anthony Scirocco Commissioner Richard Wirth WHEREAS, the development and maintenance of facilities for adequate public parking is a critical factor in sustaining a healthy local and regional economy. Sufficient parking is vital to a municipality’s business environment. It increases business income, encourages the development of new business, creates jobs, and boosts sales tax revenue for Cities and counties as well as for the State, and WHEREAS, the city of Saratoga Springs now proposes a unique public/private partnership to design and build a two level parking deck on the site of the City owned Woodlawn Avenue parking lot. The project includes upsizing the lot’s present foundations and embedding plates for added strength. It would add approximately 180 new parking spaces in close proximity to the City’s award winning downtown commercial district, and its design is such that it could readily accommodate a third level in the future for approximately 160 additional spaces, and WHEREAS, the proposal conservatively estimates the cost of the project at about five million dollars. More than $750,000 will come from private sources, with additional funding expected from the sale of various City owned parcels, from parking reserve funds, and from other appropriate City funds, and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to seek all available and assistance from the New York State Consolidated Funding Application Program, which has invited applications for worthy local projects in 2011, now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the mayor, as the Chief Executive Officer of the city of Saratoga Springs, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for the funding through the New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application Program in an amount not to exceed two million dollars ($2,000,000) in funding assistance for the Woodlawn Avenue Parking Deck Project, and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with the State for such financial assistance for that project. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to apply to the New York State Consolidated Funding for financing towards the Woodlawn Avenue parking deck. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for New York State Consolidated Funding for the Casino Renovation Project (11-290) Mayor Johnson introduced Bradley Birge to discuss this item. Bradley Birge advised in the past we have submitted applications throughout the year to different organizations and agencies. All the funding has been consolidated and there is now a single point of entry for these funds. Applications are first reviewed by the regional councils and then by the agency itself; a multi-step process. The City is looking for assistance in the renovation of the Casino to do a variety of projects depending upon the funding up to $400,000. The resolution reads as follows: Page 7 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 A RESOULUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK A RESOLUTUION AUTHRIZING THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS TO SEEK FUNDING THROUGH THE NEW YORK STATE CONSOLIDATED FUNDING APPLICATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CASINO IN CONGRESS PARK Mayor Scott T. Johnson Commissioner John Franck Commissioner Kenneth Ivins Commissioner Anthony Scirocco Commissioner Richard Wirth WHEREAS, the development and maintenance of historic sites and historic area programs available to all citizens of the city of Saratoga springs is deemed to be essential to the community’s well being, health and welfare, and WHEREAS, the City’s commitment to such a comprehensive historic preservation program is manifest in its adopted policies and the Community Land Preservation initiative approved at voter referendum in 2002, and WHEREAS, as a result of said policies and initiative the City has expended municipal funds to rehabilitate and repair the Historic Casino site in Congress Park and WHEREAS, the City council desires to use all available aid and assistance to make appropriate improvements to the Casino consistent with the urgent need to save this historic building which is in need of urgent repairs; WHEREAS, New York State through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application has invited funding proposals in 2011, and WHEREAS, this City Council desires to seek such available funding assistance, and WHEREAS, said communities must provide an equal match in cash and/or in-kind services, and WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs has eligible matching funds through a combination of in-kind services, available bonded proceeds from the Canfield Casino Rehabilitation Project and General Obligation Bond funding, now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the mayor, as the Chief Executive Officer of the city of Saratoga Springs, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funding through the New York State consolidated Funding Application and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with the State for such financial assistance fore rehabilitation of the Casino ion Congress Park. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the City to apply to New York State for funding for the Casino renovation project. Commissioner Scirocco asked what the time period is for this. Brad advised the state is still working through that. The regional councils have to have their endorsements done by mid November and then it goes to the agencies. Mayor Johnson stated the Capital District Economic Development Council is meeting here Thursday morning at the City Center. People interested in attending should do so. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for New York State Consolidated Funding for the Waterfront Park Development (11-291) Bradley Birge advised the Waterfront Park was purchased in 2006. Since that time the City has applied for matching funds in 2009 and 2010 to begin the development of the park. This year the City is asking for $400,000 in matching funds to progress that project and establish the upper level. The middle level is intended to be more natural – amphitheater like. If the funding is received, it will help us to progress with the development. Mayor Johnson stated this is in conformity with the master plan from the LA Group. The resolution is as follows: A RESOULUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK A RESOLUTUION AUTHRIZING THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS TO SEEK FUNDING THROUGH THE NEW YORK STATE CONSOLIDATED FUNDING APPLICATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO WATERFRONT PARK DEVELOPMENT Mayor Scott T. Johnson Commissioner John Franck Commissioner Kenneth Ivins Commissioner Anthony Scirocco Page 8 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 Commissioner Richard Wirth WHEREAS, the development and maintenance of parks, recreation lands and programs available to all citizens of the City of Saratoga Springs is deemed to be essential to the community’s well being, health and welfare, and WHEREAS, the City’s commitment to such a comprehensive parks and recreation program is manifest in its adopted policies and the Community Land Preservation initiative approved at voter referendum in 2002, and WHEREAS, as a result of said policies and initiatives the City has acquired a 3.5 acre property on Saratoga Lake known as “Waterfront Park”, and WHEREAS, a citizen group known as the Waterfront Committee have prepared “The Waterfront Park Committee Report” and submitted same to the City Council as a guide for the appropriate development of Waterfront Park, and WHEREAS, this City Council entered into contract with the LA Group to prepare, consistent with “The Waterfront Park Committee Report”, a final development strategy for “Waterfront Park”, and WHEREAS, this City Council desires to use all available aid and assistance to make appropriate improvements to Waterfront Park consistent with the “Master Plan for the City of Saratoga Springs Waterfront Park” prepared by the said LA Group and dated February 2, 2009, and WHEREAS, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has funded the 2009 Grant Application for said Waterfront Park in the amount of $200,000 for partial completion of Phase 1 of the “Master Plan” prepared by the LA Group, and WHEREAS, New York State through the New York State consolidated Funding Application has invited funding proposals in 2011, and WHEREAS, this City Council desires to seek such available funding assistance, and WHEREAS, said communities must provide an equal match in cash and/or in-kind services, and WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs has a total of $400,000 in eligible matching funds through a combination of in-kind services, proceeds from the City’s Recreation Fund, and available Open Space Bond Act and General Obligation Bond funding, now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the mayor, as the Chief Executive Officer of the city of Saratoga Springs, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funding through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application, in an amount not to exceed $400,000 and upon approval of said request to enter into and executed a project agreement with the State for such financial assistance for development of Waterfront Park and, if appropriate, a conservation easement or preservation covenant to the deed of the assisted property. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to approve the application to NYS for funding for the Waterfront Park as described. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for New York Stat NYSERDA Grant for Cleaner, Greener Communities (11-292) Bradley Birge stated this is the 3rd application through this funding point. NYSERDA has identified up to $1 million dollars for each regional council. The intent is to provide for the development of a regional sustainability plan. We can apply for funding for our own plan. We are co-partners with the City of Albany being the lead applicant. Mayor Johnson confirmed there is $9.6 million available for all programs statewide. The resolution reads as follows: A RESOULUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK A RESOLUTUION AUTHRIZING APPLICATION TO THE NEW YORK STATE NYSERDA GRANT FOR CLEANER, GREENER COMMUNITIES PROGRAM Mayor Scott T. Johnson Commissioner John Franck Commissioner Kenneth Ivins Commissioner Anthony Scirocco Commissioner Richard Wirth WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs wishes to create projects that improve energy efficiency throughout the community, promote renewable energy and result in reduced emissions of carbon; WHEREAS, New York State under a NYSERDA Grant Cleaner, Greener Program has invited funding proposals in 2011 for a Regional Sustainability Plan; WHEREAS, a regional consortium consisting of stakeholders within the 8-county Capital Region area will be submitting an application for the creation of a Regional Sustainability Plan; WHEREAS, this City Council desires to seek such available funding assistance; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs issues this resolution of support as a co- applicant of the Capital Region regional consortium, with the City of Albany as the leas applicant for a New York State Grant for Cleaner, Greener Communities Regional Sustainability Plan. Page 9 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the mayor, as the chief executive officer of the City of Saratoga Springs, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from New York State NYSERDA, and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with the City of Albany, and/or State for such financial assistance fore the Cleaner, Greener Communities Regional Sustainability Plan. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize the mayor to make the application for the NYSERDA grand for cleaner, greener communities. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Resolution Authorizing Application for Smart Growth America Grant for the Complete Streets Technical Guidance (11-293) Bradley Birge this is a difference funding source and not through the consolidating funding. Shared Access Saratoga which has representation from Healthy Transportation Network, Sustainable Saratoga, AARP, Saratoga Hospital, Skidmore College Sustainability, Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, and Bonacio Construction, has been trying to find the best way to develop a complete streets policy for the City. Smart Growth America is offering to provide expert technical advisors to present 2 full day training sessions to the community. The resolution is as follows: A RESOULUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK A RESOLUTUION AUTHRIZING APPLICATION TO THE SMART GROWTH AMERICA FOR COMPLETE STREETS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Mayor Scott T. Johnson Commissioner John Franck Commissioner Kenneth Ivins Commissioner Anthony Scirocco Commissioner Richard Wirth WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs is a vibrant tourist destination of upstate New York; WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs is a thriving community of citizens with diverse interests, ages, physical abilities, and needs; WHEREAS, safe and easy public access by all residents to all points within and throughout the City is paramount to City Leaders; WHEREAS, it is a goal of the City leadership to enable pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities to safely move along and across the streets of Saratoga Springs; WHEREAS, it is a premier objective of this municipality to make the street network better and safer for all in order to make the City a better, safer place to live; WHEREAS, The Smart Growth America (through a grant from the US EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities under their Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program) has invited technical assistance proposals in 2011; WHEREAS, this City Council desires to seek such available technical assistance; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs issues this resolution of support for the City of Saratoga Springs application for a Smart Growth America Grant for technical assistance for the complete streets workshops. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the mayor, as the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Saratoga Springs, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for technical assistance from Smart Growth America, and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with Smart Growth America and/or US EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities’ Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program for such technical assistance for the complete streets project. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Ivins seconded to authorize to apply for the Smart Growth America Grant for the complete streets technical guidance as described. Ayes - All Discussion: Status of City Review of Zoning Ordinance Revisions Mayor Johnson advised this is the first comprehensive reviewed of the Zoning Ordinance since it was enacted in 1990. Bradley Birge advised they are trying to improve and repair the Zoning Ordinance. There have been over 300 text and map amendments to the ordinance since 1990. They are looking to make sure it is comprehensive and consistent. Sometimes use of the ordinance is a challenge with the way it is currently Page 10 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 organized; it is less than friendly organization. They are working on re-organizing it so it is functional. They looked at the language of the subsystems within. They are trying to avoid multiple interpretations being derived from one sentence. The applicants should be able to focus more on their own projects rather than the complexity of our ordinance. They are being careful to track where they were and where they are now. The current ordinance is 15 chapters. That has been changed to 8 functional categories. Of the 8 – 5 are complete and have gone through legal review and are established – 2 are under legal review and 1 is under development. He estimated they are 90% done. Announcement: Supervisory Training by Human Resources Mayor Johnson advised tomorrow (10/19) and 10/26 there will be training to all supervisory staff regarding handling problem or difficult employees. This training will take the supervisors through the process to be more effective and proactive. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Commissioner Franck has nothing at this time. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Agreement with Toski, Schaefer & Co. for Audit and Related Services (11-294) Commissioner Ivins moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the contract with Toski, Schaefer & Co. for auditing services. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Department of Public Safety Payroll Transfers (11-295) 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: Department of Public Works Payroll Transfers (11-296) 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: City Finances Commissioner Ivins stated VLT money is anticipated to be granted this year and will be put into a revenue line in the comprehensive budget. Sales tax has been received through August of this year and is $100,000 more than August of last year. Mortgage tax runs from October through September – we are $79,000 over budget on that line. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Sidewalk Agreement (11-297) Page 11 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Wirth seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the sidewalk agreement for 191 Elm Street for 560 feet of sidewalk replacement at $7 per square foot in the amount $3,920. Ayes - All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT *** Commissioner Wirth stated he did meet with Mr. Corsale and he did respond to him via letter. He offered further discussion with the Council if they see necessary. Announcement: Traffic Committee Update Commissioner Wirth announced the committee is up and running. They will systematically review all complaints and requests from area groups. This committee is intended to be a proactive committee. The committee can be contacted through the City’s web site. Announcement: Fire Department Open House – Saturday October 15, 2011 Commissioner Wirth advised the open house was a success. Children had a lot of fun. He thanked the department for a great job done. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen County Board of Supervisors Meeting Update Supervisor Yepsen advised Pro-Act pharmaceutical discount program is now in 46 counties. Saratoga has saved residents $1.9 million since signing in 2009. She reminded all that if ‘211’ dialed, it will act as a point of direction for food, housing, employment, legal matters, etc. They also passed a compensation schedule and appointed Chad Cook to the position of Director of the Sewer District. Capital District Regional Economic Development Council Funding Supervisor Yepsen stated the deadline is October 31, 2011. Projects can be registered as viable projects without completing the application. Veteran’s Report Supervisor Yepsen advised she is honored to serve on the Taylor’s Heroes Committee. The Veteran’s Day ceremony will also be on 11/11/11 in Congress Park. 2009 County Grant to Saratoga Springs Supervisor Yepsen advised in 2009 the City applied for a grant to acquire 5 acres along Kaydeross Creek. The City hasn’t put in an application for quite a number of years. There have been 3 appraisals on this land and they need to close the books on this. She is looking for the Council to make a decision on this project in the near future. A document will be put together to assist the City in making that decision. Office of the Aging Public Hearing Page 12 of 13 City Council Meeting 10/18/11 Supervisor Yepsen advised a public hearing will be held 10/26 to hear about the budget for 2012. County Emergency Services Supervisor Yepsen advised many counties have received FEMA funding due to the storms. Funds need to be applied for by the end of this month for any projects relating to the storms. Matt Veitch Medicaid Resolution Supervisor Veitch advised the County did pass the resolution today regarding Medicaid funding. It is an 8 year take over of Medicaid costs. Currently the County pays 50% of the state’s cost to Medicaid. This will save the count $22 million per year or 47% of the County’s tax levy. Zim Smith Trail Update Supervisor Veitch stated the County has been talking about extending the trail to the city of Mechanicville from the Town of Halfmoon. The County has appropriated $180,000 this year from the capital fund for this process. 2010 Census Numbers Update Supervisor Veitch stated the resolution confirms the census numbers which is an increase from 2000. We were the slowest grown towns in the county. After us is negative growth. Sewer District Supervisor Veitch advised Chad Cook is the new sewer director. Saratoga Casino and Raceway Foundation Supervisor Veitch announced applications were due today. Decisions will be made in November. 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 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 11/1/11 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 13 of 13