City Council

November 20, 2012 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:50 PM – PH – Amend 2012 Capital Budget – Lake Avenue Fire House Roof 6:55 PM – PH – Amend 2013 Capital Budget to Remove 41 Jefferson Parking Lot 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S): 1. City Center Authority Parking Proposal EXECUTIVE SESSION: The proposed purchase or disposition of real property or securities. Collective negotiations. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 10/17/12 2013 Budget Workshop Minutes 2. Approval of 10/23/12 2013 Budget Workshop Minutes 3. Approval of 10/29/12 2013 Budget Workshop Minutes 4. Approval of 11/1/12 2013 Budget Workshop Minutes 5. Approval of 11/5/12 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 6. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 7. Approve Payroll 11/09/12 $412,407.20 8. Approve Payroll 11/16/12 $425,981.93 9. Approve Warrant 2012 Mid – 12MWNOV1 $140,264.97 10. Approve Warrant 2012 Reg – 12NOV2 $374,828.22 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Approval of the Tiny Ballerina Program 2. Announcement: Recreation Programs and Recreation Center Holiday Hours 3. Discussion: Parking Regulations at the 6 Woodlawn Avenue Parking Garage 4. Discussion: Date of 1st City Council Meeting in January, 2013 5. Discussion: Conceptual Approval of City Center Authority Parking Proposal 6. Discussion: Office of the State Comptroller Audit Report on Saratoga Springs Housing Authority ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Purchasing Policy 2. Discussion: GAPS Committee Update 3. Award of Bid: AC/DC Power Inverter for High Lift Pump to Tri-State Electric Motors, Inc. 4. Award of Bid: Lake Avenue Fire Station Main Roof Replacement to Titan Roofing, Inc. City Council Meeting 11/20/12 5. Award of Bid: Lake Avenue Fire Station Cornice Repair to PCC Contracting, Inc. 6. Award of Bid: Weibel Avenue Ice Rink Furnace Replacement to Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 7. Award of Bid: Electric Vehicle Charge Stations to Car Charging Group, Inc. 8. Award of Bid: Commercial Real Estate Assessments to GAR Associates 9. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with GAR Associates, Inc. FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Health Care contract Rate Renewals 2. Discussion and Vote: 2011 Excess Fund Balance Recommendations 3. Discussion and Vote: Fund Balance Policy Update 4. Discussion and Vote: Property Auction – Additional Properties 5. Discussion and Vote: 2013 Tax Rate Approvals 6. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 7. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Benefits 8. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Regular 9. Discussion and Vote: Capital Budget Amendment – Lake Avenue Firehouse Roof Project PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Change Order – Jersen Water Treatment Plant 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Sidewalk Contract – Jeffrey Klembczyk PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Amend Capital Budget for the Lake Ave Firehouse Roof 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with PCC Contracting, Inc. for the Lake Ave Fire Station Cornice Repair 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Titan Roofing, Inc. for the Lake Ave fire Station Main Roof Replacement 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization to Pay Invoice to Wells communications for Work the Police Dispatch Area Project 5. Discussion: Fire Fighter Fitness Initiative 6. Discussion: Burglaries on Westbury Drive SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. Report from Nov. 20 Full Board Meeting 2. HEAP Program Update for Winter of 2012 – 2013 3. Mental Health Relocation Update 4. Peer-to-Peer Support Program for Saratoga county Veterans 5. Report on 2nd Annual Symposium of Veteran Coalition: Nov. 19 6. County Budget Public Hearing: December 3 @ 5:30 p.m. Matt Veitch 1. Public Safety Committee Update 2. 2013 Saratoga County Budget Update 3. Maplewood Mannor LDC Update ADJOURN Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 November 20, 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 Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor Matthew Veitch, 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 HEARINGS Amend 2012 Capital Budget – Lake Avenue Fire House Roof Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen stated this is the amount of $103,342 to repair and replace the roof and cornice at Lake Avenue Fire House. No one spoke. Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 Amend 2013 Capital Budget to Remove 41 Jefferson Parking Lot Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Mayor Johnson advised he brought this forward to amend the capital program from 2013 – 2018. This project is not going to happen based upon not being able to make a deal with the owner during negotiations. Ann Marie Kenyon of Jefferson Street stated the parking is deplorable over there when there is a tournament over there. The people are terrible they way they park. This should have been thought of before this was built. It makes you want to move but where can you go? Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. 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. David Bronner of 5 Royal Henley Court stated he is here to address the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. The Comptroller’s Report has been issued and is a comprehensive report. His concern is the reaction of the chair of that board. His comments were inappropriate; chose to attack the comptroller and said he doesn’t know anything about bed bugs. This gentleman has shown this type of arrogance in the past and is time for the mayor to ask for his resignation. The other thing he would like to comment on is the budget that was recently passed. In the past we have taken the month of November to work on the budget and he was surprised to read in the paper the budget was passed on November 5th. He was also surprised to see we added policemen and firemen to the budget; we don’t need more. Also, there are a lot of people in this City upset about the rape that wasn’t made public. Maybe if people knew about there would have been help to apprehend someone. We should have been told in general terms that the crime had been committed. John Tighe of Rowland Street, Milton asked where he could see a copy of the code of conduct that the police officers are supposed to follow. He believes it is time for each Council member to go on record about how they feel about the police problems that have been going on. Phil Diamond of 55 Railroad Place stated we all agree that the rape should have been reported. A woman’s name is never released in a rape case. The suspect has not been apprehended so there is no name to release there; so what is the big issue not to announce the crime. This Police Department needs help; not more people but better trained people. He would like each commissioner to think about a civilian review board. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:09 p.m. PRESENTATION City Center Authority Parking Proposal Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 Mr. Mark Baker, President of the City Center appeared to present the parking proposal. He is here with Todd Schimkus, Todd Garafano, and Paul O’Donnell to present this project. Since the opening of the newly expanded City Center, their operation has met and exceeded every bench mark in their operational studies. In 2012, the total guests attending events at the City Center grew by 82.9%. They increased the total number of events during that period of time and 2012 is projected to end the best year in history of the City Center. The building will be occupied more than 300 days this year. The ever-growing, year round demand for parking adjacent to and in the area to the City Center has grown. The City Center Authority has investigated and researched a parking project that would be on the east side of the City Center on leased property from the City. The City Center would take the lead in development, finance, building, maintaining and operating a fee based parking. They met with neighbors for input and the results were a very positive reaction. Todd Schimkus thanked Mark Baker for leading the charge in this endeavor. There is a huge bonus with people who come to the Farmer’s Market will be able to park and there will also be parking for the Military Museum. The completion of this project will likely solve this City’s parking problems. He urged the Council to support this and let them know the Chamber supports this. Todd Garafano, President of the Convention and tourism bureau stated they strongly support this project. With success comes challenges and part of that is parking. Paul O’Donnell of Celtic Treasures and member of the Downtown Business Association (DBA) stated he has been on Broadway for 20 years and all he has heard is we need parking. The next logical step is to put in this garage. He read a statement from Jeff Clark, the President of the DBA. Mr. Baker advised this parking structure would be a multi-level structure and could provide up to 500 parking spaces. There is also a sky-walk being proposed to go from the parking garage to the City Center. They would like to build this by using a portion of City owned land. The City would continue to maintain the ownership and control of these lots and leased to the City Center for 20 years. This would be a fee based parking structure with the first hour being at no charge. If the Council feels this concept has merit, he would ask the Council for a conceptual vote of approval. This will indicate to the City Center to proceed with the expenditure of funds for the necessary steps; SEQRA, engineering study, and the basic preparatory steps of survey and soils. If this concept has merit, he would ask the City Council to take lead in addressing all land use boards. This is another step to manage our successes. Mayor Johnson commended Mr. Baker and the City Center Authority for a practical solution. It is also a cost effective solution for the City. It is important to mention again that all costs to design, construction, will be absorbed by the City Center. He is in full support of this proposal. Commissioner Franck stated they looked at this general area in 2005 and it died in 2006. Then there was another concept in 2008/2009 where it would be parking and a police station; but that too fell through. This is by far the best proposal he has seen. The cost per parking spot has come down dramatically with the economy. The topography is great because if you are going up 70 feet from a lower area, the structure is still not tall. There is a value of this property, but there is a greater value of the property on the Lake Avenue side. He has worked the numbers and this makes the most sense. He suggested this committee work with the group that put the Woodlawn Avenue parking garage together as they know parking garages. The other suggestion he has is that they look at some other entrance from the Algonquin Parking Lot like a bridge. He also mention parking on High Rock be changes to parking on one side only. He is in full support of this. Mr. Baker reminded all that this is a City asset. The City would be leasing it to the City Center. Commissioner Madigan stated she too wants to voice her support. People need to realize this will be bonded through the City Center. She does have questions regarding revenue and expenses that she would like to discuss at some point. Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 Commissioner Scirocco stated this has been a long time coming. Every time there is a function at the City Center there is no parking to be had in this area. This project raises the limits of what can be done at the City Center. It makes sense. He sees it as another economic engine. He is in full support of this. Mr. Baker stated parking revenues are taxable and will produce a revenue stream back to the City. Commissioner Mathiesen stated the only criticism received when someone attended an event at the City Center was the parking. He believes people are willing to pay to park; they come with that expectation. In many ways this is a very good idea. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to move into executive session for the proposed purchase or disposition of real property or securities as well as collective negotiations at 7:38 p.m. Ayes – All The Council returned at 8:06 p.m. Mayor Johnson announced nothing was resolved during the executive session that needs to be reported to the public at this time. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 10/17/12 2013 Budget Workshop Minutes 2. Approval of 10/23/12 2013 Budget Workshop Minutes 3. Approval of 10/29/12 2013 Budget Workshop Minutes 4. Approval of 11/1/12 2013 Budget Workshop Minutes 5. Approval of 11/5/12 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 6. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 7. Approve Payroll 11/09/12 $412,407.20 8. Approve Payroll 11/16/12 $425,981.93 9. Approve Warrant 2012 Mid – 12MWNOV1 $140,264.97 10. Approve Warrant 2012 Reg – 12NOV2 $374,828.22 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Approval of the Tiny Ballerina Program (12-375) John Hirliman of the Recreation Department announced they are requesting the approval of this program. This is an introductory program for ages 3 – 6. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the program as described. Ayes – All Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 Announcement: Recreation Programs and Recreation Center Holiday Hours John Hirliman announced the hours for the Recreation Center during the holiday as: Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., they are closed Thursday and Friday they will be open from 11 am – 9 pm. All information is on the City’s webpage. Discussion: Parking Regulations at the 6 Woodlawn Avenue Parking Garage Mayor Johnson stated the focus was getting the project complete and open. They needed to get a feel for the operation/use of the garage before addressing the parking regulations. They have a written proposal from the Parking Committee with endorsements from the Downtown Business Association, Downtown Special Assessment District, and the Chamber of Commerce. The proposal is for discussion only tonight for: 2 hour parking on Woodlawn Avenue from Division Street to Church Street – Monday through Fridays 9 am – 5 p.m.; 2 hour parking on the surface lot north of the parking garage – Monday through Fridays 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; 2 hour parking on the ground level – Monday through Fridays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and all day parking in areas of garage accessed by ramp. Commissioner Franck stated he is fine with the proposal put forward. Commissioner Madigan stated she likes the idea of all day parking on the upper levels. Commissioner Scirocco stated he received a call from one of the merchants on Broadway who suggested the 2 hour parking be changed to 3 hour parking. He thinks that would be a better idea. Mayor Johnson stated it has been a tradition that spots downtown be a 2 hour limit. He too has received some comments from the retailers that we consider 3 hours. He reminded everyone that these restrictions are for the hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he agrees with Commissioner Scirocco that the 2 hours may be rushing people. It is something that should be considered. He feels this should be a work in progress where they can start with something like this and change if necessary. They will also be looking at parking on Railroad as they have received calls from merchants that their customers can’t park close as people are parking on Railroad all day. Mayor Johnson stated this is why the Parking Committee is recommending 2 hours on the surface lot. Commissioner Franck stated when he and the mayor originally talked about this parking lot, they discussed synchronized sign system so if one of the lots was full, the overflow could be directed to the other garage. He asked if that is something that is still being considered. Mayor Johnson stated signage is something that still needs to be addressed. Commissioner Mathiesen asked if cameras will be installed in the garage. Mayor Johnson stated it has been wired for that but they have not been installed yet. Discussion: Date of 1st City Council Meeting in January, 2013 Mayor Johnson stated the first City Council meeting in January falls on New Year’s Day. He is suggesting the Council date be changed to Wednesday, January 2, 2013. Commissioner Mathiesen suggested they look at the entire calendar year as Election Day 2013 will fall on a Council night. Discussion: Conceptual Approval of City Center Authority Parking Proposal Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 Mayor Johnson stated it would be inappropriate to take a formal vote as it would be more binding. A conceptual approval would state they like the idea of what is being proposed and the location of it. The City Center would lease the land on a 20 year basis; which is what the City Center does now. If the Council is against this, they should tell them now so they don’t spend their money. The details and negotiations will follow. This would be a preliminary consensus of the Council. Commissioner Madigan stated they have her support. At some point she would like to have discussions regarding the revenues and expenses. Mayor Johnson stated the Council should seek advisory opinions, when the time is right, of the Planning Board, Design Review Commission, and the Real Estate Committee. Commissioner Scirocco stated he supports this. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he is on board with this. Discussion: Office of the State Comptroller Audit Report on Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Mayor Johnson stated as of last Friday, the public was made aware of the report from the New York State Comptroller’s Office on the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. The report covered a period of July 1, 2010 through February 21, 2012. He will present a copy of this to the Accounts Department tomorrow to keep a copy on file. The focus of the report, in his interpretation, was in areas the City was most concerned with. The audit grew in its scope and duration during the course of the audit. This is not a forensic audit but is close to that. If they see irregularities they do make recommendations on how to correct them. Improvements are needed in the areas of checks and balances from a fiscal point of view and expenditures. His reading of the report is that nothing was improperly paid but the oversight of payment should have been greater. There were also findings of travel expenses where about $11,600 of the expenses were called into question. The positive the report points out is the relationship between the Saratoga Affordable Housing Group and the Housing Authority. There is certainly a need for improvement and he is looking for the Housing Authority’s Board Corrective Action Plan. Commissioner Franck stated this was basically a purchasing audit. To him, this is not a very professionally run organization. They think they are a country of their own and can do what they want. These are citizens of the City of Saratoga Springs. One issue in the audit was the bed bugs; which started this whole issue. One area which he thought was the mayor’s scope of charge was whether the City Council has authority over salaries. This area was not even addressed. The demolition and the asbestos issues are not even in this report. This did not cost the City taxpayers any money. This was not a good report for them. This is the taxpayer’s money and if we do not work to protect them than who will. Commissioner Madigan stated she doesn’t like Dr. Weller’s tone. The Housing Authority did not ask the City Council’s approval of their employees’ 2012 – 2013 compensation. Now that the audit has been completed, she asks if they will now come forward for Council approval. She also cited some of the issues found and written in the report by the Comptroller’s Office. Mayor Johnson stated in fairness to the current board; there are reports that Mr. Weller was not speaking for the entire board. Commissioner Scirocco stated he doesn’t disagree with some of the comments made tonight. He is not sure where our heart should be. He did not read the report but he would like to see their Corrective Action Plan. He would like to see them start reporting to the Council on a regular basis. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he is glad the audit has been completed. He is not sure as to where this leaves the Council regarding if they have any say in salaries. Commissioner Madigan read a comment from Tony Izzo in a memo dated March 20, 2012 regarding the Housing Authority has come before the City Council many times to seek salary approval. Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion: Purchasing Policy Commissioner Franck stated they have been working on the revision to the purchasing policy for some time. They met with each department and had Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Co. review it. They were made aware late last week by Finance that they would like to see ethics verbiage added to the Vendor Code of Conduct. They will be meeting with the city attorney to make this correction and bring the Purchasing Policy back at the next Council meeting for a vote. Discussion: GAPS Committee Update Commissioner Franck advised the GAPS Committee met on November 8th to review the draft report. Supervisor Veitch is putting the final touches on this report. Supervisor Veitch thanked everyone for their appointees to the Committee. They all had great ideas and changes to make to the report. They hope to present this report at the next City Council meeting. Award of Bid: AC/DC Power Inverter for High Lift Pump to Tri-State Electric Motors, Inc. (12-376) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for the AC/DC Power Inverter for the High Lift Pump to Tri-State Electric Motors, Inc. in the amount of $28,924.00. Commissioner Franck stated they were the lowest bidder and funding is in line F3638334 / 54330. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Lake Avenue Fire Station Main Roof Replacement to Titan Roofing, Inc. (12-377) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to award the bid for the Lake Avenue Fire Station Main Roof Replacement to Titan Roofing, Inc. in the amount of $163,030.00 A transfer is being completed this evening to fund line H3146952 / 52000 / 1174. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Lake Avenue Fire Station Cornice Repair to PCC Contracting, Inc. (12-378) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to award the bid for the Lake Avenue Fire Station Cornice Repair to PCC Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $43,532.00. They were the lowest qualified bidder and funding is in line H3146952 / 52000 / 1174. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Weibel Avenue Ice Rink Furnace Replacement to Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating, Inc. (12- 379) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for the Weibel Avenue Ice Rink Furnace Replacement to Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in the amount of $58,800.00. Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 They were the lowest qualified bidder and funding is in line H3567182 / 52000 / 1193. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Electric Vehicle Charge Stations to Car Charging Group, Inc. (12-380) Commissioner Franck moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to award the bid for the Electric Vehicle Charge Stations to Car Charging Group, Inc. at no charge to the City. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Commercial Real Estate Assessments to GAR Associates (12-381) Commissioner Franck advised they put out a request for quotes for the collection of commercial property inventory for 50 properties. New commercial property record cards, sketches, and photos of these properties will be created. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to award the bid for Commercial Real Estate Assessments to GAR Associates for an amount not to exceed $20,000. They were the most qualified and met all our criteria. Funding is in line A3051354 / 54721. There is a correction to amount on page 1 of the agreement; amount should read $20,000. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with GAR Associates, Inc. (12-382) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with GAR Associates, Inc. not to exceed $20,000. Ayes – All ***Commissioner Franck announced we just received notice today from the County that in accordance with Education Law Section 6305(3), we will no longer be issuing Certificates of Residence. Certificates will only be issued at the Saratoga County Treasurer’s Office at 40 McMaster Street, Ballston Spa. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Health Care contract Rate Renewals (12-383) Commissioner Madigan stated this is for Empire and is the last rate renewal. They send us rate renewals for hospitalization and vision. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign health care contract rate renewals as distributed on this agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: 2011 Excess Fund Balance Recommendations (12-384) Commissioner Madigan stated she is required to report annually on whether this is between 10 -12.5% of the adopted expenditure budget for the City’s general fund. The 2011 audited unrestricted fund balance is in excess of the 12.5% and in the amount of $1,522,574. The Council approved a recommendation of Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 $550,000 be used in the debt service fund. She suggested the following additional recommendations: contribution in the amount of $500,000 to the tax stabilization reserve and designate costs up to $472,574 for costs, excluding legal fees associated with the settlement of the City employment contracts or resolutions including salaries and other negotiated contract terms and New York State retirement expenses. These are 1 time costs. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded for Council approval to contribute $500,000 of the 2011 excess fund balance to the tax stabilization reserve and also to designate up to $472,574 of the 2011 excess fund balance for costs, excluding legal fees associated with the settlement of the City employment contracts or resolutions including salaries and other negotiated contract terms and New York State retirement expenses. These funds may also be used to assist with general expenses associated with New York State Retirement costs in the 2013 budget. These designations will be available until all expired contracts have settled or until year end 2013, whichever occurs first, at which time all remaining 2011 fund balance excess shall go to the City retirement reserve. Commissioner Scirocco stated this makes sense to have this money set aside. He stated the $120,000 that wasn’t funded in his labor lines in his comprehensive budget was an important part of his budget; it means bodies. He doesn’t feel he can support this. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Scirocco) Discussion and Vote: Fund Balance Policy Update (12-385) Commissioner Madigan advised background definitions and wording has been revised to reflect new terminology. Next year, the acceptable range will be from $3,986,663 - $4,983,329. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded for Council to approve fund balance as distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Property Auction – Additional Properties (12-386) Commissioner Madigan advised the Finance Department is preparing for a second auction on December 8th on the following properties: 292 West Circular Street, Ingersol Road in Wilton, and 382 Lake Avenue. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded for Council approval to offer the following properties for public sale as provided by law: 292 West Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, New York (tax map #165.18-3-26), 382 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York (tax map #166.-3-4), and Ingersol Road, Wilton, New York (tax map #154.-1-62). Pursuant to section 1166-2 of the Real Property Tax Law, the Council will be retaining its rights to approve all bids at auction and reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: 2013 Tax Rate Approvals (12-387) Commissioner Madigan stated the 2013 tax rates are based upon the 2013 budget approved November 5, 2012. The inside tax rate is a .01% decrease and the outside district rate is a .07% decrease. Commissioner Madigan moved and Mayor Johnson seconded for Council approval of the 2013 tax rates as follows: debt service capital fund rate is 0.6974%, general fund tax rate inside is $5.3259 per $1,000 of assessed property value; tax rate outside is $5.2483 per $1,000 of assess property value; and the special assessment district tax rate is $.06790. Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (12-388) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2012 budget transfers – payroll as distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Benefits (12-389) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the 2012 budget transfers – benefits as distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Regular (12-390) Commissioner Madigan moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to approve the 2012 budget transfers – regular which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Capital Budget Amendment – Lake Avenue Firehouse Roof Project (12-391) Commissioner Madigan advised the amendment is in the amount of $103,342 and reflects amounts needed over the amount available to complete this project. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2012 budget amendment - capital budget which was distributed with the agenda. Roll Call: Commissioner Franck – Aye Commissioner Madigan – Aye Commissioner Scirocco – Aye Commissioner Mathiesen – Aye Mayor Johnson - Aye PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Change Order – Jersen Water Treatment Plant (12-392) Commissioner Scirocco explained this is change order #1. This is part of the Water Treatment Plant Filter Upgrade Project. This change order is for the flow control and valve assemblies, bolts, gaskets, and labor for removal and disposal of the old assemblies. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a change order #1 with Jersen Construction Group in the amount of $61,348. Funding is in line H3638332 / 52000 / 1184. Ayes - All Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Sidewalk Contract – Jeffrey Klembczyk (12- 393) Commissioner Scirocco advised this if for 260 square feet of sidewalk at $7 per square foot at 25 Pinewood Avenue. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the sidewalk contract with Jeff Klembczyk in the amount of $1,820.00. Commissioner Scirocco stated this home is next door to him but no work is being done on his sidewalk. Ayes – All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Amend Capital Budget for the Lake Ave Firehouse Roof (12-394) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to amend the capital budget in the amount of $103,342 to allow them to repair the cornice and replace the roof at the Lake Avenue Firehouse. Roll Call: Commissioner Franck – Aye Commissioner Madigan – Aye Commissioner Scirocco – Aye Commissioner Mathiesen – Aye Mayor Johnson – Aye Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with PCC Contracting, Inc. for the Lake Ave Fire Station Cornice Repair (12-395) Commissioner Mathisen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with PCC Contracting, Inc. for the repair of the Lake Avenue Fire Station cornice in the amount of $39,575. Funding is in line H3146952 / 52000 / 1174. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Titan Roofing, Inc. for the Lake Ave Fire Station Main Roof Replacement (12-396) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Titan Roofing, Inc. for the replacement of the Lake Avenue Fire Station roof in the amount of $146,800. Funding is in line H3146952 / 52000 / /1174. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization to Pay Invoice to Wells Communications for Work the Police Dispatch Area Project (12-397) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to pay the Wells Communication invoice in the amount of $3,118 for work in the dispatch area which included moving equipment, computer, and telephone lines. Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 Ayes - All Discussion: Fire Fighter Fitness Initiative Commissioner Mathiesen stated the Saratoga Springs Firefighters and Skidmore are joining forces to develop a firefighter fitness program. Denise Smith from Skidmore College is working with the Fire Department to develop this program. Discussion: Burglaries on Westbury Drive Commissioner Mathiesen stated burglaries took place on Friday, November 16th. There were 3 homes which were unoccupied at the time. Items taken include jewelry, electronics, coins, etc. Value of items exceeds well over $100,000. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Report from Nov. 20 Full Board Meeting Supervisor Yepsen reported the Board voted in favor of forming a Level Development Corporation for the purpose of selling Maplewood Manor. She voted against this. The public hearing to transfer Maplewood Manor will be held January 9, 2013 at 5:15 p.m. There will be a presentation at the next City Council meeting regarding the sewer rates. They also approved mortgage tax reports. HEAP Program Update for Winter of 2012 – 2013 Supervisor Yepsen reported this program is expected to open January 2, 2013 and continue through March 15, 2013. Mental Health Relocation Update Supervisor Yepsen reported they passed a resolution to move forward a local law for the lease of the property for 10 years. There will be a public hearing on December 12, 2012 at 4:40 p.m. Peer-to-Peer Support Program for Saratoga County Veterans Supervisor Yepsen reported they passed a resolution today that accepts $180,000 for a pilot program that uses peer-to-peer programs. Report on 2nd Annual Symposium of Veteran Coalition: Nov. 19 Supervisor Yepsen reported she hosted this program for the Veterans’ Coalition of New York State. County Budget Public Hearing: December 3 @ 5:30 p.m. Supervisor Yepsen reported the County budget public hearing is December 3, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. The budget is on line for review. Matthew Veitch Public Safety Committee Update Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting 11/20/12 Supervisor Veitch reported 2 items were approved; $168,000 Homeland Security Grant for fire services, and appropriated dollars for the fire training center. They will be purchasing a propane fire training simulator and a propane fire prop. 2013 Saratoga County Budget Update Supervisor Veitch reported they voted to lower the tax increase by adding savings that will come from changing their health care provider. This will save approximately $400,000. Maplewood Mannor LDC Update Supervisor Veitch reported the vote was to move forward with the LDC. There was extensive public comment before the vote. He believes they listened to the concerns. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes – All There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 1/15/13 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 15 of 15