City Council

February 21, 2012 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:55 P.M. – Parking on State Street 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 1. Grants to You EXECUTIVE SESSION: Discussion regarding 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. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 1/12/12 EMS Workshop Minutes 2. Approval of 1/17/12 EMS Workshop Minutes 3. Budget Amendments (Increase) 4. Budget Transfers: Regular 5. Approve Payroll 2/10/12 $389,342.77 6. Approve Payroll 2/17/12 $412,841.11 7. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid 11MWDEC5 $9,704.56 8. Approve Warrant 2011 Regular 11DEC6 $23,757.86 9. Approve Warrant 2012 MID 12MWFEB2 $575,061.81 10. Approve Warrant 2012 Regular 12FEB2 $173,321.46 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: Joel Reed – Recipients 2012 Saratoga Program for the Arts Funding 2. Discussion and Vote: Referral of 6 Woodlawn Avenue Parking Garage Plan for Joint Advisory Opinion from Planning Board and Design Review Commission 3. Announcement: New York Office of the State Comptroller to Audit the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Appointment: Board of Assessment Review 2. Award of Bid: Emergency Medical Billing and Revenue Collection to Multi-Med 3. Discussion: Gateway Action Program of Saratoga (GAPS) FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers: Payroll, Benefits City Council Meeting 2/21/12 2. Discussion and Vote: Update 2012 Casino Fees 3. Discussion: Municipal Recycling Initiative PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Set Public Hearing: Amend the 2012 Capital Budget 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Inter-municipal Agreement with the Town of Wilton for Snowplowing Only 3. Discussion and Vote: Sick Bank Request PUBLIC SAFETY 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract with Ryan Biggs to Add Construction Services for Lake Avenue Firehouse Project 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract with Girvin & Ferlazzo 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization to Pay Invoice from Systems Management 4. Discussion and Vote: Parking Regulations on State Street from Van Dam to Greenfield 5. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Empire Ambulance 6. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign a Contract with Multi-Med 7. Set Public Hearing: Amend Section 225-77, Schedule XII (Stop Intersection) on Glenmore Ave at West Circular Street, Travel Direction, Both 8. Announcement: Plan to Temporarily Restrict Traffic Flow direction on Glenmore Avenue to Southbound Only from Grand Avenue to West Circular Street 9. Announcement: Officer of the Year 10. Discussion: Recent Drug Arrests 11. Discussion: Random Drug Testing for Fire and Police Departments 12. Discussion: Vanderbilt Avenue Parking Meeting SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. Report from County Racing Committee 2. County Land Preservation Grant 3. Coalition for Women Veterans of NYS Matt Veitch 1. Public Health Committee 2. Racing Committee 3. Public Safety Committee 4. Law & Finance Committee 5. Social Programs Committee 6. Sewer Improvements Around Saratoga Lake ADJOURN Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 February 21, 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. PUBLIC HEARING Parking on State Street Mayor opened public comment period at 6:55 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen explained there was alternate side of the street parking for years. Prior to the end of Commissioner Wirth’s he changed the parking to have one side of the street parking only. DPW has no problems with this change. The residents have had time to live with this change and he now wants to hear their opinions. Gordon Boyd of 99 State Street stated he approached the City last fall about this situation. Greenfield from Broadway to Clement is one side only; State Street south of Greenfield was alternate parking; and north of Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 Greenfield there was no regulation. He thought this would improve consistency if the area south of Greenfield was changed to what is on Greenfield; one side only. He believes this change has been well received by his neighbors. He has submitted letters from himself and various residents of State Street in favor of this change. During the discussions with DPS and DPW last fall, concerns were raised regarding the width of the street. He respectfully requests the Council’s favorable consideration. Steven Godlewski of 26 State Street stated he never had an issue with the alternate side parking for the 3 years he has lived there. The other night he came home and couldn’t find a place to park and had to park a few blocks away. His concern with parking on only one side relates to snow and leaf removal. He doesn’t see the snow being cleared if the cars don’t move. He respectfully asks that they consider implementing seasonal limitations. Douglas Myer of 94 State Street stated he has some of the same concerns as Steve when it comes to snow removal. Often there are cars in front of his house that they don’t know whose they are. The winter is a real issue to them in regards to snow removal. He suggested every other day parking in the winter. He also asked that some kind of ability by allotted that they can call someone if a vehicle hasn’t been moved for a couple days. Martha Starky of 100 State Street stated she would support alternating in the winter. She is most concerned about snow emergencies. They all share the burden of leaf removal if it is alternate side parking. Mayor closed at 7:10 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:10 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 7:11 p.m. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated he is concerned about the ambulance rental number. He would also like to see the overtime numbers; is the overtime number directly related to the 8 firemen. By June we will be billing and we will be able to see real numbers. With just the adjustment to rent, we are going to see a $130,000 short fall without looking at any of the other numbers. Tosha Stopcheck of Saratoga Springs stated she was asked to come here to tell everyone about a program she works with; the Cancer Services Program. The month of March is colorectal cancer awareness month. They will be converting downtown to blue with the shops painting their windows blue, putting up blue ribbons. Cancer Services offers free cancer screenings for men and women from ages 40 – 64 that do not have health insurance. John Tighe of Rowland Street in Milton thanked Tosha for reminding the Council that a lot of people do not have health insurance. He is here to address the lack of alcohol and drug testing. It is time the City became an alcohol and drug free zone. Remijia Foy of 95 Oak Street stated there is a discussion and vote for the Casino fees on the Finance Department agenda. She noticed there is an increase of $500 for the use of the Casino by residents and a decrease in fees by $200 for use of the Casino by out-of-towners. At the last meeting Mr. Lawton stated Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 there is a section in the Charter that states the residents should receive preferential treatment. These rates don’t reflect any consideration for the taxpayer in the City. There is also a governmental fee; we need an explanation of what that means. A policy should be made clear as to how the Casino is to be used when rented. The City should not be competing with businesses that pay taxes here. The Casino is a historical building; not only has it been used but it has been abused. More respect needs to be shown towards the Casino. At the last meeting she was sitting with many other interested Saratogians and to hear a reference to the people as the “peanut gallery” is rude and insulting. An apology from Commissioner Scirocco is due. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:20 p.m. PRESENTATION Grants to You Supervisor Yepsen stated a program was started in 2006 called Grants to You. Saratoga Springs was the first eastern chapter of this program to open up. This program teaches you how to research and write successful grants. This program was funded with public state funds in 2006. It was only supposed to last 3 years and it is still going strong. They try to hold this program 3 times per year. She thanked Charlotte Justin for helping get this program started. Lynn Gelber stated she is here to ask for the Council’s support and get the word out about when the next program is going to happen. The workshop is scheduled for April 13th and 14th. She is now on the national executive board of Grants to You. They show people how to search for grants, write grants, and how to create a budget. People can register on line; the website is www.grantstoyou.org. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 1/12/12 EMS Workshop Minutes 2. Approval of 1/17/12 EMS Workshop Minutes 3. Budget Amendments (Increase) 4. Budget Transfers: Regular 5. Approve Payroll 2/10/12 $389,342.77 6. Approve Payroll 2/17/12 $412,841.11 7. Approve Warrant 2011 Mid 11MWDEC5 $9,704.56 8. Approve Warrant 2011 Regular 11DEC6 $23,757.86 9. Approve Warrant 2012 MID 12MWFEB2 $575,061.81 10. Approve Warrant 2012 Regular 12FEB2 $173,321.46 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Announcement: Joel Reed – Recipients 2012 Saratoga Program for the Arts Funding Joel Reed, Director of the Saratoga Arts Council stated they operate out of the Arts Center on Broadway. They present nearly 2 dozen programs on annual basis. Among the programs are the Saratoga Program for Arts Funding and the Arts and Education Creative Learning Grant. This year they will award $47,880 for programs in Saratoga County. The Dance Alliance, Saratoga County EOC, Saratoga Shakespeare Company, Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus, Spring Street Gallery, Caroline Street Elementary School, Saratoga Independence School, St. Clements School, and Marilyn McCabe. Since this program began, the Arts Council has awarded $589,149 in the Saratoga Program for Arts Funding and $179,883 in the Arts Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 and Education grants. He invited the Council and the public to their award ceremony on Tuesday, March 6th from 6 – 8 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Referral of 6 Woodlawn Avenue Parking Garage Plan for Joint Advisory Opinion from Planning Board and Design Review Commission (12-47) Mayor Johnson advised that this is the next logical step in finalizing the site plan for the garage. There is a sketch that was presented to the public and drafts by the appropriate architects is underway. The Committee felt it was best to seek some type of advisory opinion from the land use boards although they are obligated to do so. He would like to keep this on a short turnaround to not interfere with the construction schedule. He would like to have the advisory opinion back to the Council by March 20th. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to request a joint advisory opinion from the Planning Board and the Design Review Commission and have their opinion returned to the Council by March 20, 2012. Ayes - All Announcement: New York Office of the State Comptroller to Audit the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Mayor Johnson stated he thought it was best to ask for an audit of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority from the state Comptroller’s Office. He sent a letter to them January 30th outlining what the issues are and asking for their response. He did have discussions with the Comptroller’s Office regarding the type of audit. This audit will be a ‘performance’ audit which looks at performance and the propriety of spending. The Comptroller’s Office is willing to take this on, on behalf of the City. There has also been contact already between the Comptroller’s Office and the Housing Authority to commence the review. The Comptroller’s Office will provide the City with a timeline of how long this will take. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Appointment: Board of Assessment Review Commissioner Franck announced he appointment of Jim Martinez to the Board of Assessment Review. His term is effective immediately and will end September 30, 2016. Commissioner Franck thanked Robert Kuczynski for his time and dedication to this board. Award of Bid: Emergency Medical Billing and Revenue Collection to Multi-Med (12-48) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to award the bid for Emergency Medical Billing & Revenue Collection to Multi-Med. Ayes - All Discussion: Gateway Action Program of Saratoga (GAPS) Commissioner Franck stated he and Supervisor Veitch will co-chair this committee and are 2 of the members to the committee. Supervisor Veitch announced who has been appointed to the GAPS Committee. He stated there is a good mix of former planning and current planning members. The members are as follows: o Mayor Johnson has appointed Clark Brink o Commissioner Madigan has appointed Rick Fenton o Commissioner Mathiesen has appointed Amy Durland Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 o Commissioner Scirocco has appointed Stephen Towne o Supervisor Yepsen has appointed Geoff Bornemann o Supervisor Veitch has appointed Bill Sprengnether o Commissioner Franck appointed Dennis Brobston Commissioner Franck also set the following dates and times for committee meetings: o Thursday, March 8th at 6 p.m. o Thursday, March 22nd at 7 p.m. o Monday, April 2nd at 6 p.m. o Thursday, April 12th at 7 p.m. The main focus will be from West Fenlon to Lincoln Avenue but will be open to everything. All meetings will be held in the City Council Room, be open to the public and webcasted. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers: Payroll, Benefits (12-49) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2012 budget transfers payroll that was distributed previously. Ayes – All Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2012 budget transfers benefits that were distributed previously. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Update 2012 Casino Fees (12-50) Commissioner Madigan stated she was asked to present updated fees for the Canfield Casino by the Department of Public Works. The fees has been altered so that a City resident is charged $200 less than a non-city resident. Commissioner Scirocco stated he sat with the Convention and Tourism Bureau and came up with these rates. The rate for City residents has been reduced. The Charter states a City resident received preference but it does not state they will receive a reduction. The government fee is for a 501C. One of the issues that came up is chair rental. They looked into buying new chairs but found out that the caterers have their own chairs and are bringing those in. The cost to buy new chairs was $16,000 and we would have to get into laundering the cushions on those chairs. They didn’t see that to be profitable. Commissioner Franck asked what the difference is between a not-for-profit and a government rate. Commissioner Scirocco stated government means a government agency. Commissioner Franck confirmed that the $1,200 fee for government is for any day of the week. Commissioner Scirocco stated that fee is for any day of the week as long as the day is available. Commissioner Franck stated City residents went up $500 over last year and the non-city resident went down from last year. The lowest rate should be for the City residents. Commissioner Scirocco stated they are not breaking even at the Casino. We are losing money over there. Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 Commissioner Franck stated he doesn’t have a problem with a lot of these numbers. The City resident should just pay less. As far as the chairs, you have to pay for them. In the 2008 budget you had the money to buy chairs and you didn’t do it. Commissioner Scirocco stated there was an attempt to buy chairs but they didn’t do it because they didn’t see it to be profitable. They have been looking at the revenues they generate and they are not breaking even. If they want to spend more money and think they can generate money he will buy the chairs. The caterers are giving the chairs with the deal. He will lower the resident rate to $2,500. Commissioner Franck asked what the revenues were for the Casino in 2011. Commissioner Scirocco stated it was $380,000; expenditures are over that. The rental for the library which is $2,700 per month is included in those numbers as well as the rental for the Civil Service Office. It’s not a true representation of the revenue generated by the Casino. Commissioner Madigan stated it looks like the non-profits were lower drastically. Was that to draw them back? Commissioner Scirocco stated that was the plan. Mayor Johnson confirmed Commissioner Scirocco is will to reduce resident rental to $2,500 from $2,800. Commissioner Scirocco stated he is ok with that. The rates are comparable. Commissioner Madigan stated the revenue for 2010 was $382,000 and was $352,000 in 2011. She asked if Commissioner Scirocco would like to reduce the resident fees further. She asked if Commissioner Scirocco would like her to change the motion. Commissioner Scirocco stated he is recommending these rates as they stand. Commissioner Madigan stated she felt it would go a long way to further reduce the resident fees but these are Commissioner Scirocco’s fees. Commissioner Scirocco stated this is what he is recommending. Commissioner Mathiesen asked how long the City resident rate has been $2,500. According to the City webpage, the Casino seems to be well booked. Mayor Johnson recapped stating the Commissioner Scirocco wants the original motion to go forward. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2012 Canfield Casino rates as distributed with the agenda. Ayes – 3 Nays – 2 (Commissioner Madigan and Commissioner Franck) Discussion: Municipal Recycling Initiative Commissioner Madigan stated there are 2 municipal recycling initiatives she would like to coordinate with DPW. One is for inside City Hall and one is for outside of City Hall. On the outside she is most interested in a program where the provider gives the City free recycling bins built to our specifications, the City gives the provider permission to sell advertising on the bins according to our specifications, and revenue is shared via a revenue sharing agreement. Local businesses are promoted and recycling is encouraged. Inside City Hall we do nominal recycling. She looks forward to hearing more about this and looks forward to working with Commissioner Scirocco on this. Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 Commissioner Scirocco stated he intends to place receptacles in some of the offices. They can take the recyclables to our recycling center. Commissioner Madigan advised she learned there are bins by the elevators for all to use for recycling. She has spoken with Supervisors Yepsen and Veitch regarding the municipal recycling initiative. Mayor Johnson suggested Commissioner Madigan work with SAD and DBA. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Set Public Hearing: Amend the 2012 Capital Budget Commissioner Scirocco set a public hearing for March 6, 2012 at 6:55 p.m. regarding the Water Treatment Plant filter upgrade. The project budget must be increased by $840,000. Mayor Johnson clarified this project is in the capital program adopted last fall. The amount approved was based upon an estimate given to the City by the engineer; basically we received an ‘incorrect’ amount. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Inter-municipal Agreement with the Town of Wilton for Snowplowing Only (12-51) Commissioner Scirocco advised this agreement is with the Town Wilton for the City to plow the cul-de-sac at the end of Magnolia Drive in the Town of Wilton and the Town of Wilton will plow north of Rt. 50 - Loughberry Road. This is an extension of what we already plow in Floral Estates. Commissioner Madigan confirmed there is no dollar figure attached to this contract. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an inter-municipal agreement for plowing with the Town of Wilton. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Sick Bank Request (12-52) Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the request for 1 day from the DPW sick bank. Commissioner Scirocco stated CSEA has approved this. Ayes – All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract with Ryan Biggs to Add Construction Services for Lake Avenue Firehouse Project (12-53) Marilyn Rivers stated this contract is for the Lake Avenue floor. They need a construction manager who will be responsible for all the testing that is required by the building code. This includes a contract for Ryan Biggs and Dente Engineering. Dente Engineering is doing the soil testing. This is not to exceed $70,000. There was one piece that has been stricken from the contract – C.3. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Ryan Biggs. Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 Commissioner Mathiesen advised the funds are coming from capital budget line H3146952/52000/1132. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract with Girvin & Ferlazzo (12-54) Marilyn Rivers advised this pertains to 2 cases. One case is a 207-A and one is a 207C. On is for a case for a fireman from 1981. The second case involves a police officer from 2008. They met with the city attorney’s office to determine who the county uses for their 207 cases. The rate is $185 per hour and is capped at $5,000. Mayor Johnson stated the attached agreement does not indicate there is a cap amount. Marilyn advised it was discussed at pre-agenda. Mayor Johnson stated that is true but a revised contract has not bee received. Marilyn advised they will revise the contract after the vote tonight. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Girvin & Ferlazzo to provide legal services for a firefighter 207-A case and a 207-C police officer case at a rate of $185 per hour and not to exceed $5,000. Commissioner Mathiesen advised the funds are coming from the risk and safety lines A3051934/54777 and A3041934/54775. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization to Pay Invoice from Systems Management (12-55) Commissioner Mathiesen stated there was a purchase for hardware support. It was decided to extend it for a 3 year term, which was overlooked at the time of the original purchase. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the payment of an invoice for System Management in the amount of $1,963.91 for a 3 years extension of an existing site hardware support and maintenance plan with Dell for the Police Department. Commissioner Mathiesen advised the funds will be coming from budget line A3143022/52230. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Parking Regulations on State Street from Van Dam to Greenfield Commissioner Mathiesen stated he would like to discuss this but pull the vote from the agenda tonight. We heard from residents both in favor of and against the parking that is currently in place. The traffic committee recommended leaving the postings as they are. He is thinking he needs to meet with the neighbors to get a better feel and also meet with DPW regarding snow removal, leaf pick up, and street cleaning. Commissioner Scirocco stated they should discuss this with the neighbors. It could be a problem. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Empire Ambulance (12-56) Commissioner Mathiesen moved to authorize the mayor to sign an contract with Empire Ambulance. Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 Commissioner Mathiesen advised Empire agrees to lease the West Avenue station for $44,572 with monthly payments 0f $3,714.33. They are asking for $7 per square foot for the bay area and $8 per square foot for the admin area. Mayor Johnson asked Commissioner Mathiesen is he would like to touch on the key components of the agreement for the minutes. Commissioner Mathiesen stated Empire will be providing second and third call and maintaining all the standards that the City provides them. Empire will reimburse the City for ALS service that the City provides when Empire does a transport. Commissioner Madigan stated page 2 section 4 has fees listed and is a key portion to the contract. She confirmed that the Saratoga Springs Fire Department (SSFD) needs to be on the transport to get 100% of the ALS money. Commissioner Mathiesen stated that is correct. Commissioner Madigan confirmed the SSFD is responsible for repairs and maintenance including snow removal. Commissioner Mathiesen that is correct; the Fire Department is there anyway. Michael Aquino, COO of Empire explained they are paying the rent at West Ave.; they are reimbursing ALS services on second and third call as long as SSFD rides with the ambulance to the hospital. Commissioner Scirocco asked Mr. Aquino if his rates will be comparable to the rates the City adopts. Mr. Aquino stated they are; they are higher on some and lower on others. Mayor Johnson stated he noticed there is no expiration of the term in the agreement. It only terminates upon mutual agreement with 30 days notice. He thought the Council was trying to work towards annual contracts. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he has no problem with amending this to review it after 1 year. Commissioner Mathiesen amended his motion and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Empire with an annual renewal of the contract. Mayor Johnson stated he will support this agreement as Empire Ambulance has always provided an important and excellent service. This support is not to be confused with his prior vote that was against the City taking on the ambulance transport business. Since the City is taking on this service, they do need back up. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign a Contract with Multi-Med (12-57) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Multi-Med Billing Service for a total not to exceed $5,300.00. Commissioner Mathiesen advised the funding is coming from budget line A3143634/54747. Commissioner Madigan asked if we can keep up with all the billing requirements. It looks like if we don’t pay within 30 days there are fees that will be incurred. Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 Commissioner Mathiesen stated they are opening the line here and will amend the line as needed. Mayor Johnson stated there is an up to amount being referred but not seen in the agreement. Commissioner Mathiesen stated the $5,300 will be amended on a monthly basis based upon the revenue they receive. Commissioner Madigan confirmed the meaning of the termination clause; if you don’t pay within 30 days they will terminate the agreement. Commissioner Mathiesen clarified that the contract states it gives Multi-Med the right to terminate; not that they will terminate. Mayor Johnson stated page 6, #9D states the agreement will automatically renew year to year unless we cancel. This is not consistent with our contracts of going year to year. Ayes - All Set Public Hearing: Amend Section 225-77, Schedule XII (Stop Intersection) on Glenmore Ave at West Circular Street, Travel Direction, Both Commissioner Mathiesen set a public hearing for March 6, 2012 at 6:50 p.m. Announcement: Plan to Temporarily Restrict Traffic Flow Direction on Glenmore Avenue to Southbound Only from Grand Avenue to West Circular Street Commissioner Mathiesen advised he looked at this intersection with Mark Benaquista. They decided to put a one way traffic pattern in place temporarily for a trial basis. He is looking for feedback from the neighbors and will put this in place in the near future. West Circular Street was never intended for the amount of traffic it is seeing. Announcement: Officer of the Year Commissioner Mathiesen congratulated Thomas Sartan on the honor of being named 2011 Office of the Year. He was hired in April 2001 and is currently assigned to the traffic safety division. In 2011, he issued 851 traffic citations, 536 parking citations, and primary role in the department trainer. He has also taken on a leadership role by volunteering to maintain the department’s mobile data terminals and the department’s license plate readers. Discussion: Recent Drug Arrests Commissioner Mathiesen thanked Investigator Justin Ahigian and Investigator Charles Fischer for their work on this case. On February 14th a large amount of marijuana was confiscated from a citizen of Saratoga Springs. Discussion: Random Drug Testing for Fire and Police Departments Commissioner Mathiesen stated there was an arrest made of a person in the Public Safety Department. This person was not on duty at the time. All police candidates are tested prior to their completion of their training. The Fire Department personnel are not tested during their training. They are going to initiate baseline drug testing for fire personnel. A contract was signed in 2008 with the PBA for random drug testing and has been accepted by the PBA although it has never been activated. Under the circumstances it makes sense to look more closely at what can be done with random testing. Both chiefs, police and fire, feel there isn’t a problem with drug use. If firemen or policemen are found to be utilizing illegal drugs at any time during their career should not be tolerated. He wants to make it crystal clear that use of illegal Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 drugs is terms for dismissal and will not be tolerated in Saratoga Springs. He is going to do aquestionnaire with the Police Department to determine their concerns. Commissioner Franck stated they are not just firemen anymore; they are transporting people. This is a no brainer. Random testing has to be done. He understands is should be part of the contract. We are talking fire engines and ambulances. It’s good that this is being discussed. Commissioner Mathiesen stated personally he doesn’t feel it needs to be done. He doesn’t feel there is a drug problem in our Police or Fire Departments. He would like the community to understand that. Since drug testing is in the Police Department’s contract they will activate that. He is not saying they won’t do drug testing in the Fire Department, but it is something to look into. When there seems to be problems, they are detected and handled. If the community feels this is something they want he is not going to stand in their way. Commissioner Franck stated if no one feels there is a problem then why not do the test. Commissioner Madigan stated false positives is a concern. Commissioner Mathiesen is right in taken his time at looking into this. Commissioner Franck stated drug testing is much different now than years ago. If the school district can do it we should. They are performing a service of life or death. The community at large would feel better if this testing happened on a random basis. This is a standard. Mayor Johnson stated he has to agree with much of what Commissioner Franck is saying. The people we talking about are driving ‘weapons’. He is not saying there is a problem but because of the one issue as a City they don’t have any other option but require drug testing. How do you differentiate with what the police are going to do and what will be done with the firemen. The City has to be fully protected and how do we back away from it now that it has arisen. Discussion: Vanderbilt Avenue Parking Meeting Commissioner Mathiesen stated they met with residents February 9th. Most of the residents were happy with the changes that occurred. He thanked Captain Chowske, Mark Benaquista, Deputy Sutton, Kate Maynard, Derrick Legall, and Eileen Finneran for being there. Mark is suggesting further changes to the regulations from Crescent Street to Fenlon Street. Commissioner Franck asked if the same situation with snow would present itself here. Commissioner Scirocco stated his concern is if there is no parking on the east side of the street all the snow will be plowed to the west side of the street. The intent was to open up this one side. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he doesn’t feel we are going to have those problems. Commissioner Franck stated maybe consider alternate parking for certain times on the year. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Report from County Racing Committee Supervisor Yepsen reported the first meeting for 2012 occurred on February 14th. The received an update from the Saratoga Horseman’s Association regarding the number of jobs, etc. County Land Preservation Grant Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 Supervisor Yepsen reported the County implemented a open space grant program years ago. Grants have awarded to various applicants and raised the amount awarded since the inception in 2006. The application from Saratoga Springs was submitted in 2009 to preserve the Blodgett Project; approximately 5 acres along the Kaydeross. The County did fund this program. The total project estimate in the grant was $60,000 with 50% from the County and a match of $30,000 from the City. The Open Space Committee will be resurrected to review this project. Coalition for Women Veterans of NYS Supervisor Yepsen reported they held their first symposium at the Military Museum in October. The next step is to sponsor a service day out for women veterans. Matt Veitch Public Health Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they met last week. The main focus was the subcommittee for the process to change or decide what to do with Maplewood Manor. They will be creating an RFP for a consultant to help determine what to do with the facility. Racing Committee Supervisor Veitch reported this was well summarized by Supervisor Yepsen. Public Safety Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they met last week. The main item discussed was the incarceration grant. This is where juveniles would be placed in homes rather than incarcerated. That money is funded by state grants and will continue next year. Law & Finance Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they are authorizing $20,000 for replacement of computers. They also are authorizing a contract for an e-mail provider to develop a web based radio service management system for the Office of Emergency Services. Having a radio down in an emergency services department is not a good thing. They also are getting new software for the Public Defender’s Office for $18,500. The chair of their committee did the first ever monthly budget report. The budget review committee should be established at their Board of Supervisor’s meeting next week. Social Programs Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they also met last week. They approved 1 item to continue the home services for the elderly. It is a state grant they receive every year. Sewer Improvements Around Saratoga Lake Supervisor Veitch reported the sewer district is putting forward an engineering and design for around Saratoga Lake. There is a moratorium as there is a lack of capacity. He will keep the Council posted as this moves forward. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to move to executive session for discussion regarding proposed, pending or current litigation; personal private information of a Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/21/12 person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a person or corporation at 9:43 p.m. The City Council returned from session at 9:59 p.m. at which time Mayor Johnson reported nothing was resolved; therefore there is nothing to report to the public. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes – All There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 3/20/12 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 15 of 15