City Council

January 3, 2012 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: CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 12/19/11 Executive Session Minutes 2. Approve of 12/29/11 City Council Minutes 3. Approve Mid Warrant – 11MWDEC2 - $2,899,855.19 4. Approve Regular Warrant - 11DEC3 $495,808.54 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Letter of Support for Proposed NY Horse Park 2. Discussion and Vote: Saratoga County Animal Shelter Agreement for 2012 3. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation from Saratoga Water for Inauguration Ceremony ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Acceptance of State Archives Grant for Records Inventory Project 2. Discussion and Vote: Creation of Temporary Clerk Positions with State Archives Grant Funds 3. Set Public Hearing: Zoning Map Amendment for 11 and 15 Maple Dell FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Mayor’s Payroll Transfers PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Set Public Hearing: Change Maple Street to Willow Lane in the City Code Book PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Discussion: Late Night Alcoholic Beverage Sales City Council Meeting 1/3/12 2. Discussion: Ambulance Service 3. Discussion: Safety on Entry Ways into the City 4. Discussion: Recommendations from City Real Estate Committee Presented at the 12-6-11 City Council Meeting SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. County Board of Supervisors Organizational Meeting for 2012 2. Martin Luther King Day Celebration: January 16, 2012 3. Saratoga County Planning & Zoning Conference 4. Global Foundries Job Fair for Saratoga County 5. County Deceased Veteran Ceremony 6. State of the State Address Matt Veitch 1. County Organizational Meeting 2. Committee Assignments ADJOURN Page 2 of 9 City Council Meeting 1/3/12 January 3, 2012 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Scott Johnson, Mayor Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Christian Mathiesen, Commissioner of DPS Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Sharon Kellner-Chille, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Eileen Finneran, 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 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 7:01 p.m. Page 3 of 9 City Council Meeting 1/3/12 Dave Bronner of 5 Royal Henley Court congratulated the Council and wished them all success. He also stated there is a continuing and growing problem with bars. There was a stabbing the other night, a couple serious head injuries, and a riot. We need to take a hard look and do something. It is time to re-open the bar closing issue. We also need to increase police presence as whatever is being done is not working well. We don’t need to do this all the time; just at specific times of the year. If you look at these instances, the majority of the people involved are from out of town; not residents. More pressure needs to be put on the bar owners; whatever they are doing isn’t working either. There also needs to be a tough enforcement if someone is in violation of the law. Mr. Bronner also complimented the Council for moving forward last month on the parking deck. Pat Kane of 19 Marion Place welcomed the new Council members. He is here representing Saratoga Citizen. He stated the mayor was quoted in a recent article stating that Saratoga Citizen was forced into compliance to provide a fiscal note on our proposed charter, a note that he then characterized as not sufficient. He read the following statement into the record: “To set the record straight, on January 5, 2011 the NYS Supreme Court ruled in favor of Saratoga Citizen regarding the obligation of a fiscal note and many of the other objections to the proposed Charter referendum that you raised. Furthermore Mayor Johnson, you requested Saratoga Citizen to provide a fiscal note in your State of the City address lastyear. Such a note was provided to you on the due date that you requested. There was no force involved. It was merely professional courtesy. Saratoga Citizen was simply trying to cooperate with you and the City Council. The fiscal note and public meeting that was provided almost a year ago detailed the estimated costs and savings of making all the structural changes in the proposed charter. After eleven months of silence on the fiscal note, you now make an unsubstantiated claim that it is not sufficient. Mayor Johnson, it is time to stop stalling the debate and the referendum. It is time to put this proposed Charter on the ballot for the public to debate and decide upon its fate. At the inaugural meeting of the 2012 City Council this past Sunday, you spoke of putting political differences aside for the good of the City. We agree. We are happy to work cooperatively with this Council on a plan to put this proposed Charter on the ballot. If you have any questions, we have answers. If you have concerns, let’s discuss them together in a meeting. For the sake of the City, abandon the appeal and work cooperatively with Saratoga Citizen on a referendum to put before the voters. We are ready to meet with you. You can schedule a meeting with Saratoga Citizen by calling me at 857-6129. Let’s set a new tone for 2012.” Mr. Kane provided handouts of the press release regarding the ruling last year of the objections and a copy of the ruling. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated the Gazette and the Times Union carried more in depth stories regarding the bed bug issue. He read that an action plan has been put together. If so, the Housing Authority should come in and present that plan to the Council and community so we can be sure this is happening. Their report to the Council last time wasn’t practical and he didn’t put much faith in it. Phil Diamond of 29 Waterview Drive welcomed the new Council members. He stated they should all remember why we voted for them to sit there. He too heard a delay postured by Ed Spychalski and board chair. What they are saying is ridiculous; the arrogance they displayed is ridiculous. He stated we should make them do something quickly. Mr. Diamond also stated he agrees there is a problem on Caroline Street. We need a new way of policing such as using undercover cops. They can spot drug deals a mile away and they can also easily spot bartenders who serve drunks. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:15 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 12/19/11 Executive Session Minutes 2. Approve of 12/29/11 City Council Minutes 3. Approve Mid Warrant – 11MWDEC2 - $2,899,855.19 4. Approve Regular Warrant - 11DEC3 $495,808.54 Page 4 of 9 City Council Meeting 1/3/12 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion: Letter of Support for Proposed NY Horse Park Mayor Johnson advised he was approached last summer by a group looking to establish a New York horse park in Wilton. A not-for-profit corporation has been formed called the NY Horse Park, Inc. They are looking to provide competitive, recreational, and learning opportunities for youths and adults while respecting and caring for the environment, while preserving the rural equestrian in our cultural character in the surrounding areas. The park will provide a premier regional, national, and international equestrian facility complimenting upstate New York’s involvement with in equestrian activities. A horse park is defined as a large acreage used primarily for horse shows and other livestock agricultural events which bring enormous direct and indirect economic impact to the community. It will also create a permanent open space. The parcel being referenced is between exit 15 and exit 16 in Wilton; 600 acres. This group is not seeking money from the City of Saratoga Springs but they are seeking support by the way of a letter that stands behind the effort. He stated he would draft a letter in support of the horse park and circulate it to the Council once he completes it. This is in line with what they have always promoted as the master plan for the area. There is no vote required at this time. He expects to accept the letter at the next Council meeting. Commissioner Franck asked if they should do a resolution rather than a letter. Mayor Johnson stated they can do it either way. They can do a resolution that states they will issue a letter of support. Discussion and Vote: Saratoga County Animal Shelter Agreement for 2012 (12-01) Mayor Johnson stated this agreement has the same context and terms as prior agreements. They provide the care and shelter for the impoundment of any animal; mostly dogs. The amount of this agreement is $3,582.55 and is in the 2012 budget. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation from Saratoga Water for Inauguration Ceremony (12-02) Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to accept the donation of 5 cases of Saratoga Water for the Inauguration. Mayor Johnson thanked Saratoga Water for their generous donation. Ayes - All ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Acceptance of State Archives Grant for Records Inventory Project (12-03) On January 18, 2011 the City Council authorized the mayor to sign an application for funding from the State Archives Grant Program to conduct an inactive records project to inventory and organize the records of the Department of Public Works. We have been informed by The New York State Archives that we have received the non-matching grant award from the Local Government Records Management Improvement Page 5 of 9 City Council Meeting 1/3/12 Fund in the amount of $19,225 to conduct an inventory of and organize the records of the Department of Public Works. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded for the City Council to accept these non-matching funds and approved the mayor to sign all related financial documents as necessary. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Creation of Temporary Clerk Positions with State Archives Grant Funds (12-04) Commissioner Franck stated this project includes establishing 2 temporary clerk positions at $15.00 per hour effective January 9, 2012 and to conclude no later than June 30, 2012. One of the temporary clerk positions is not to exceed 30 hours per week and the other is not to exceed 10 hours per week. These positions are entirely funded by the grant including the funds for worker’s compensation, unemployment benefit insurance, and FICA. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to create the 2 temporary clerk positions as previously described. Ayes - All Set Public Hearing: Zoning Map Amendment for 11 and 15 Maple Dell Commissioner Franck set a public hearing for January 17, 2012 at 6:55 p.m. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Mayor’s Payroll Transfers (12-05) Mayor Johnson explained they are requesting $24,000 be transferred from the city attorney line for 2012 to the Building Department to continue to use a retired inspector, Bob Hickey, on a per diem basis. This person will be brought in on certain commercial applications. It is a cost effective measure to do this as he is very familiar with these types of applications. This would allow for 15 hours per week at $30 per hour for the year. Commissioner Madigan clarified the transfer is from the professional services line. Mayor Johnson stated that was correct. Commissioner Madigan moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the mayor’s payroll transfer as distributed. Ayes - All PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Set Public Hearing: Change Maple Street to Willow Lane in the City Code Book Commissioner Scirocco explained we already have a street named Maple Avenue and Maple Dell. This has caused some confusion for emergency services; therefore they decided to change the name of the street from Maple Street to Willow Lane. Commissioner Scirocco set a public hearing for January 17, 2012 at 6:50 p.m. Page 6 of 9 City Council Meeting 1/3/12 PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Commissioner Mathiesen welcomed Eileen Finneran back to the Public Safety Department. He also advised of an article on our Fire Department in the Spirit of Saratoga magazine and encouraged all to read it. It sheds a lot of light on the Fire Department and the services they provide to the City. Discussion: Late Night Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commissioner Mathiesen stated the streets are well covered by the Police Department contrary to an earlier comment. He feels 4 a.m. is too late for a last call in Saratoga Springs. Many municipalities in New York have a last call that is earlier than 4 a.m. It is important to clean this mess up; it has damaged the reputation of our City. We need to be sure we have safe streets 24 hours per day; not just during the daytime. The State Liquor Authority needs to be more involved and the bar and club owners need to be more accountable. Discussion: Ambulance Service Commissioner Mathiesen stated this issue needs to be dealt with right away as he is not sure when Saratoga Emergency Medical Services (SEMS) will stop operating. Mayor Johnson has met with Empire and Mohawk Ambulance. He has met with Chief Williams regarding how to cover the City in the event coverage stops. Chief Williams has a plan ready to step in if need be. Commissioner Mathiesen encouraged Commissioner Scirocco and Mayor Johnson to talk with Chief Williams regarding his plan. Mayor Johnson stated he spoke with Empire and SEMS with Commissioner Wirth and with Mohawk with Commissioner Wirth. Empire does not have the approvals in place yet to operate in the City. Mohawk can be available to provide service within 24 hours if needed. They do have a certificate of need and are a big operation that is fully staffed. He suggested not to overly rush the process but to act quickly as SEMS may be out of operation by the end of the month. Commissioner Franck suggested having workshops with the City Council, fire chief and assistant chief. He asked if another RFP is being done. Also, he suggested having the Safety Committee or some members of that committee at the workshop. Whoever we go with we will be with for a long time. Commissioner Franck deferred back to the late night bar hours. He is putting together all the paperwork he has from a couple years back and will forward it to the Department of Public Safety. There are questions relating to if the City can be different that the County. We did get an opinion from the County attorney but there is still home rule law. In addition, Chief Cole has a lot of background on this as they worked together on this. Discussion: Safety on Entry Ways into the City Commissioner Mathiesen stated he is concerned about all the entry ways into the City. He is concerned with South Broadway, Route 29, and east and west of the City. He will be working with NYSDOT to reduce the speed limits as you enter the City. There are vehicle/vehicle accidents but there has been an increase in vehicle/pedestrian accidents. Discussion: Recommendations from City Real Estate Committee Presented at the 12-6-11 City Council Meeting Commissioner Mathiesen stated at the 12/6/11 Council meeting the Council passed a recommendation from the Real Estate Committee regarding a piece of property at East Avenue and Excelsior Avenue. This is City property and the impound area for vehicles. There is concern if there will be adequate space for the cars including the fencing around the property. He suggested the Council re-evaluate the situation. If we Page 7 of 9 City Council Meeting 1/3/12 have to rent space for the vehicles it is not in the best interest for the City long term. He is not sure how you would deal with something you have already approved. Mayor Johnson explained the history of this. It went through the Real Estate Committee and was 1 of 3 cases presented to the Council for a vote on December 6th. Each department has a designee on the Committee. The designee for DPS voted in favor of this so he is at a loss of the issue being brought forward. If the issue was raised to the Real Estate Committee, why would the DPS representative have voted in favor of it? There was no dissenting vote. He is not sure how we would undo the Council vote. Commissioner Mathiesen confirmed that the hill is being cut and maintained at no cost to City. The area to be the City’s will be fenced in. Are we sure we can accomplish that? Mayor Johnson stated he is not suggesting they do anything that City has a disadvantage in the end. The Committee made a recommendation that they do this. Maybe the city attorney can explain where it goes from here. Commissioner Mathiesen asked if the people who are more directly involved, the Traffic Department and the Police Department, be sure they see these plans. Commissioner Madigan stated she believes they should as we need to make sure we are not going to be renting space in the future for impounded vehicles. Commissioner Mathiesen asked if the Police and Traffic Departments review this and find it is inadequate for their needs, could we revisit this. Commissioner Scirocco stated he thought we were just giving Mr. Roohan an easement so he could have access to both pieces of property. In turn, they were going to deed over a piece of property to the City and cut back that bank. It is suppose to be the same size piece of property. They are supposed to just move the fence back. Mayor Johnson stated during the development process they do seek the input of the departments impacted. Commissioner Madigan went back to the discussion on the entryways to the City and asked Commissioner Mathiesen if he is meeting with the state regarding them. Commissioner Mathiesen stated they will have to work with DOT. Commissioner Franck stated there have been several deaths since he has been in office. Most of those deaths were alcohol related and have occurred on either Route 9 or Route 50. As a Council they have had concerns about this. Mayor Johnson stated it is difficult and as the state has greater jurisdiction. It is a good idea to look at it. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen County Board of Supervisors Organizational Meeting for 2012 Supervisor Yepsen announced that Tom Wood, from the Town of Saratoga, will continue as their chair of the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Woods made committee appointments today. He recognizing the problem with the budget process and proposed presenting monthly budget status reviews; reign in spending; and some new cost saving initiatives. The population growth in Saratoga County was the highest in the state at 9.6%. The supervisors were all sworn in today at the County. Page 8 of 9 City Council Meeting 1/3/12 Martin Luther King Day Celebration: January 16, 2012 Supervisor Yepsen announced the annual celebration will be January 16, 2012. They will have a day of service and the theme is Dignity for All. She encouraged the public to get involved to help not-for-profit organizations. They would like to see as many elected officials as possible. Saratoga County Planning & Zoning Conference Supervisor Yepsen announced the Planning and Zoning Conference is scheduled for January 25th. Zoning and Planning Board members can get credit for this. Very few City Planning and Zoning Board members attend and it is embarrassing for her and Supervisor Veitch. It would be nice to have a better attendance. Mayor Johnson advised they do notify all the land use board members of the conference. All but 4 of the 21 land use board members attended the conference last year. That may not have been the case historically, but they do understand the importance of it. He does encourage them to attend, however, since the conference conflicts with their jobs, it can be difficult sometimes. It is a great conference but he can’t force those members to attend. Global Foundries Job Fair for Saratoga County Supervisor Yepsen announced there will be a job fair with the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors on January 12th from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. There are 400 jobs available for Saratoga County residents to apply for. County Deceased Veteran Ceremony Supervisor Yepsen announced that just before the County Board of Supervisors’ meeting this month there will be an acknowledgement of Harold Stevens as the deceased veteran of the month. Mr. Stevens is from Saratoga Springs and died in a POW camp. She would like a City proclamation for him. State of the State Address Supervisor Yepsen announced the State of the State Address will be held tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Matt Veitch County Organizational Meeting Supervisor Veitch announced the County organizational meeting was held today. Chairman Wood asked to be invited to town and city meetings to talk about the County budget. They also mentioned doing a suggestion box regarding the County website. The 2012 budget is on line. Committee Assignments Supervisor Veitch announced he was appointed to the following committees: Budget Advisory, Law and Finance, Technical, Racing, Social Programming, and Public Safety. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes – All There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. Page 9 of 9 City Council Meeting 1/3/12 Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 1/17/12 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 10 of 9