City Council

March 19, 2013 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:45 PM P.H. – 2013 CDBG Funding Recommendations 6:50 PM P.H. – City Center Polling Districts 6:55 PM P.H. – Recreation Center Polling District 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S): 1. 2012 Ambulance Report EXECUTIVE SESSION: none CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 2/19/13 City Council Minutes 2. Approval of 3/4/13 Pre-Agenda Minutes 3. Approve Budget Transfers - Regular 4. Approve Payroll 03/08/13 $444,966.64 5. Approve Payroll 03/15/13 $392,186.19 6. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWMAR1 $131,634.07 7. Approve Warrant: 2013 Reg – 13MAR2 $1,810.00 8. Approve Warrant: 2013 Reg – 13MAR3 $3,377,056.38 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Presentation: Comprehensive Plan Committee Update 2. Announcement: Recreation Announcements – Spring, Camp and Summer Programs 3. Set Public Hearing: Amend the 2013 Capital Budget 4. Discussion and Vote: Economic Development Revolving Loan – Black Diamond Caterers ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Memorandum of Support – S1000 and A682 2. Discussion and Vote: Move Polling Districts 3, 4, 8, 9, & 25 to the City Center 3. Award of Bid: Extension of Grave Marking Flags Bid to Saratoga Flag 4. Award of Bid: Traffic Control Signal Design and Engineering to Greenman Pederson, Inc. City Council Meeting 3/19/13 5. Award of Bid: Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask – Landscape Restoration/Conservation Plan to Martha Lyon Landscape Architecture, LLC 6. Award of Bid: Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask – Structure and Masonry Restoration/Conservation Plan to Daniel J. Wilson Architects FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: 2012 4th Quarter Financial Report PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Contract with NYS Environmental Conservation – Household Hazardous Waste 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Renewal Agreement with Mahoney Notify- Plus, Inc. Alarms 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement Addendum #2 with Greenman- Pedersen, Inc. – Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement Addendum #3 with Greenman- Pedersen, Inc. – Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project 5. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Agreement Addendum with Alpine – Water Treatment Plant 6. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Agreement Addendum with C.T. Male 7. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Agreement Addendum with Lorice Enterprises 8. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Change Order #3 with Stilsing Electric – Water Treatment Plant 9. Discussion: City Water PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Mayor to Sign Agreement with Empire Ambulance 2. Announcement: 2012 DPS Annual Report 3. Discussion: Thanks to All Involved in the Skidmore Lock Down on March 5, 2013 4. Discussion: Planning Board’s Decision on the Saratoga County Mental Health Special Use Permit 5. Discussion: Wilton Water Sales 6. Discussion: Follow up to March 5, 2013 Housing Authority Resolution 7. Discussion: Recent Drug Arrests 8. Discussion: Lawlessness After 2 A.M. 9. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Schedule 225-69, Speed Limits on Meadowbrook Road SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. Report on Full Board Meetings Resolutions 2. Proposed Department Head Appointments 3. New York State Budget Matt Veitch 1. Public Health Committee 2. Public Safety Committee 3. Proposed Department Head Appointments ADJOURN Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 March 19, 2013 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 (arrived at 7:20 p.m.) Matthew Veitch, Supervisor (arrived at 7:15 p.m.) STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Sharon Kellner-Chille, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Joe Scala, City Attorney ABSENT: Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW 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 2013 CDBG Funding Recommendations Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Richard Ferguson of the CDBG Committee thanked the members for their work. There were more requests than money. No one spoke. Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 City Center Polling Districts Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. Commissioner Franck stated this is the second public hearing regarding moving the polling location from the Lincoln Baths to the City Center. We will be voting on this tonight. David Bronner of 5 Royal Henley Court stated we need to do this. It is not fair for those people to have to travel. He encouraged the Council to vote in favor of it. Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Recreation Center Polling District Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Commissioner Franck announced he is looking to move the polling center from the William H. Ford Center to the Recreation Center. There will be one more public hearing on April 2nd for this item. No one spoke. Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. and left it open. 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. Samantha Bosshart of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation thanked the City for undertaking the Spirit of Life project. She thanked the Accounts Department and the Department of Public Works for all their hard work on the requests for proposals. The Spirit of Life Committee made recommendations to the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Board of Directors who fully endorsed the recommendations. She hopes the Council will move forward in awarding the two professional consulting contracts tonight. Dave Bronner of 5 Royal Henley Court stated he went to see what was going on at the gun show this Saturday as he did the first show. Susan Webber, the organizer of the demonstration stated the residents of this City don’t want the gun show. He only saw 15 people protesting; so how could she determine the people of Saratoga don’t want the gun show. He was told there is no correlation between mental health and gun violence. Most of the people who organize these protests are not from here. People want the City Council to do something about the gun shows and the Council should do nothing. Kyle York of 59 Railroad Place stated we have heard code enforcement officers, fire officers, etc. say the building at 66 Franklin is unsafe. The owner had an order to demolish the building and the order was just heard in court. The court says the City was right and hopes to see a resolution soon. Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Commissioner Mathiesen stated this issue was handled by the Design Review Commission. A resolution from the City Council is not necessary. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:12 p.m. PRESENTATIONS 2012 Ambulance Report Commissioner Mathiesen stated Chief Williams put together a report on our ambulance program. He provided the history of ambulance service. In the early ‘90’s the Fire Department started to provide emergency medical care. In November 2011 SEMS announced they will be ceasing operation. The City’s Fire Department took over ambulance service transport February 3, 2012. The Department of Public Safety advised they would report at 12 month and 18 month intervals. This is their 12 month report. Commissioner Mathiesen went on to advise that Empire Ambulance rents space from the City at the West Avenue location. No additional personnel were hired to operate the City’s ambulance service. There was an increase in overtime and compensation time; some of which was due to injury and unforeseen events. Chief Williams stated there was no way to determine what caused overtime; whether it was the ambulance or someone calling in sick. They projected and increase of overtime by $78,000 and the actual amount of overtime was $61,968. Overtime due to the racetrack, County hazmat, and special events is reimbursed to the City. Commissioner Mathiesen explained there were expenses associated with the start up the ambulance service such as the purchase of a back-up ambulance, equipment, and medical supplies. Chief Williams provided additional detail of the expenses. The total amount of expenses for the ambulance is $169,684. Commissioner Mathiesen stated on the revenue side there were a total of 2,253 claims for total revenue collected to date of $710,799.65. Chief Williams added that the City also receives revenue for the rental of the West Avenue location and ALS fees, bringing to total revenue to $751,518 for a 12 month period. All of this is based on 10 months of billing history. Commissioner Mathiesen stated the level of service and the coordination of service is so much better than what was provided in the past. They have received a lot of compliments and good feedback from the community. Mayor Johnson asked Chief Williams if they have thought about dedicating more calls to Empire Ambulance to help them become financially sound. Chief Williams stated they have been working with Empire to help them generate revenue. They have helped them secure the contract with SPAC and we are also looking at the racetrack. Mayor Johnson asked if it would be a fair statement that if Empire took on more calls our overtime would decrease. Chief Williams stated that wouldn’t be true; however they are talking with Empire about them taking the first call(s) of the day so it covers shift changes. Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Mayor Johnson advised based upon his reading of periodicals and the industry, it is being predicted that the reimbursement rates are going to decrease over time from what they are today. Chief Williams advised he does not agree with that. He too heard that and asked that question of MultiMed Billing. They sent him 2 flow charts showing that there has never been a decrease in Medicare reimbursement in the last 10 years or commercial ambulance services in Saratoga County. Revenues are constantly increasing. Mayor Johnson confirmed that 50% of the write-offs are Medicare. Chief Williams stated he couldn’t confirm that without looking at it. Mayor Johnson advised he is looking to get at our net figure rather than what we bill. Chief Williams stated in Saratoga County the average Medicare claim is $431. Commissioner Mathiesen advised if we went with a commercial service and they received less and less every year they would go out of business. That would be even more risky long term. Commissioner Franck asked Mayor Johnson what the revenue would have been if we went with Empire for emergency services versus us taking it on. Mayor Johnson advised he believed it would have been around $250,000. Commissioner Madigan stated one of the criticisms heard about the ambulance program is we don’t have an expense line on the personnel. She asked Chief Williams to explain the minimum shift requirements and the ambulance is one of the functions the firemen are required to do. Chief Williams explained this is just another task the firemen do in their daily duties; the other things such as inspections aren’t going away. Commissioner Franck reminded everyone that our firefighters were always the first responders to an ambulance call. Chief Williams further explained the only thing they didn’t do was drive the ambulance. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 2/19/13 City Council Minutes 2. Approval of 3/4/13 Pre-Agenda Minutes 3. Approve Budget Transfers - Regular 4. Approve Payroll 03/08/13 $444,966.64 5. Approve Payroll 03/15/13 $392,186.19 6. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWMAR1 $131,634.07 7. Approve Warrant: 2013 Reg – 13MAR2 $1,810.00 8. Approve Warrant: 2013 Reg – 13MAR3 $3,377,056.38 Commissioner Madigan advised there is a correction made to item #1, the 2/19/13 City Council minutes on page 11 of 15 under Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Pensioners. The year 2013 was removed from the motion. The transfers affected the 2012 budget as was stated at the meeting. Ayes – All Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Presentation: Comprehensive Plan Committee Update Mayor Johnson stated most people are aware of the controversy of the formation of a Comprehensive Plan Committee. He felt it was time for all to have greater insight on this. He explained the comprehensive plan is a policy that sets forth the City’s vision and road map for how to get there. The plan should be updated now to guide future development of “our City in the country” and promote sustainability for future generations. The comprehensive plan will address key areas of need such as economic development, utilities and public safety, open space and recreation, housing, transportation, streamline existing city policies into one incorporated plan, reduce zoning amendments and use variance requests. Mayor Johnson stated the way to update the comprehensive plan is to put together competent people with professional affiliations and community involvement. This committee needs to be the right size to reach consensus. Qualifications that were looked at when determining committee members were transportation, utilities and public safety, open space and recreation, housing, and economic development. All of the individuals selected have background in some or all of these categories. The members are: Jackie Hakes, Margaret Irwin, Bill Sprengnether, Sonny Bonacio, Samantha Bosshart, Dennis Brobston, Alane Ball Chinian, Casey Holzworth, James Letts, Oksana Ludd, Michael Piccirrillo, Steven Rowland, Todd Shimkus, Cliff VanWagner, Charles Wait, and Michael West. Mayor Johnson stated they will get the word out and engage the community by having monthly committee meetings open to the public, stakeholders meetings, periodic City Council updates, formal public hearings, multi-day public workshops and a web-based public engagement tool - www.mindmixer.com. This website will be available 24/7. The next steps include: awarding the contract, create a timeline, set community workshops, and an offer to the City Council. Mayor Johnson stated he is being told this may be dead on arrival as the Council wants more involvement in the process. He offered to the Council members to choose an appointment to the committee and he will put that person on the committee. Announcement: Recreation Announcements – Spring, Camp and Summer Programs John Hirliman of the Recreation Department announced the girl’s spring lacrosse program is open for registration, the soccer program is open for registration, and a ballet clinic is available during April vacation. Registrations end March 29th. The programs for adults include a new flag football program and a noon- time basketball program. Camp Saradac registration is on a first come first serve basis through May 17th. Set Public Hearing: Amend the 2013 Capital Budget Mayor Johnson set a public hearing for Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 6:50 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Economic Development Revolving Loan – Black Diamond Caterers (13-96) Brad Birge of the Planning Department explained the intent of this program is to assist small business and to provide jobs for those of low and moderate income. There is an application before the Council from the owners of Black Diamond Caterers seeking a loan in the amount of $25,000 to expand their existing catering business and establish a retail business. The interest rate is fixed at 5% with a 7 year term. With this loan, there is a balance in the loan fund of approximately $275,000. Mayor Johnson advised the money comes from the federal government and is disbursed by the City. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded for the Council to approve this application for a loan from Black Diamond Caterers. Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Ayes - All ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion: Memorandum of Support – S1000 and A682 Commissioner Franck announced that at April 2nd meeting, he will bring forward a Memorandum of Support for Senate & House Bills to Amend Real Property Law on Subdivision 581 and Subdivision 1 of Section 339-y. He has done this in the past with the prior Councils and would like to do this again with the current Council. He was one of the first city assessors to do such in New York State back in 2009 and there has been a ground swell in the state since. On February 24, 2009, through Supervisor Matthew Veitch, he was able to get a unanimous vote at the County to support my City Resolution of 2009. On May 12, 2009 he was also able to get a unanimous vote at the Saratoga Springs Board of Education to support my City Resolution. Commissioner Franck advised he will bring forward the tax effects again to the rest of the taxpayers of our City at the next meeting to show the crippling effects of 581 and 339-y. He will also bring forward the dollars of lost assessments in the City. Discussion and Vote: Move Polling Districts 3, 4, 8, 9, & 25 to the City Center (13-97) Commissioner Franck advised 2 public hearings were held and he received a letter from Mark Baker, president of the City Center Authority advising they are willing to be the host location for these polling districts. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded that the City Council recommend the following: the County Board of Elections add the Saratoga Springs City Center to the list of polling places for districts 3, 4, 8, 9 & 25; and the County Board of Elections discontinue the use of the Lincoln Baths on South Broadway as a polling place for those districts effective with this year’s general election. Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Franck both disclosed that they are in one of the districts discussed here. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Extension of Grave Marking Flags Bid to Saratoga Flag (13-98) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to award the extension of bid for grave marking flags to Saratoga Flag for an additional year under the same terms and conditions. Funding is not to exceed the amount allotted. Mayor Johnson added the funding is in line A3517554 / 54720 in the amount of $1,360. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Traffic Control Signal Design and Engineering to Greenman Pederson, Inc. (13-99) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to award the bid for Traffic Control Signal Design and Engineering to Greenman Pederson, Inc. in the amount of $8,400. Their product was determined to be of best quality. Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Funding has been certified and is in line: H3143312 / 52000 / 1198. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask – Landscape Restoration/Conservation Plan to Martha Lyon Landscape Architecture, LLC (13-100) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask – Landscape Restoration/Conservation Plan to Martha Lyon Landscape Architecture, LLC in the amount of $25,000. Funding certification has been requested. Funding will be taken from line: H3036952 / 52000 / 1039. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask – Structure and Masonry Restoration/Conservation Plan to Daniel J. Wilson Architects (13-101) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask – Structure and Masonry Restoration/Conservation Plan to Daniel J. Wilson Architects in the amount of $18,500. Funding certification has been requested. Funding will be taken from line: H3036952 / 52000 / 1039. Ayes – All Commissioner Franck advised he would like to add an item to his agenda that is time sensitive. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to add an item to the agenda for the appointment of 2 people as commissioner of deeds. Due to an emergency with one of my employees, the appropriate paperwork could not be filed within the required time period therefore causing this item of appointment of 2 people as commissioner of deeds to the agenda. Ayes - All Commissioner Franck stated he is appointing Tara Cosgrove of the Accounts Department and Nathan Baker of the Police Department as Commissioners of Deeds. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion: 2012 4th Quarter Financial Report Commissioner Madigan advised the City Charter requires that the Finance Department submit a written financial report to the Council each quarter. The 4th quarter does not end and our 2012 books do not close until February 2013. The report will be made as soon as possible after that date. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Contract with NYS Environmental Conservation – Household Hazardous Waste (13-102) Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Commissioner Scirocco stated on October 20, 2012 DPW sponsored a hazardous waste day. The total cost of disposing of the hazardous waste was $18,401.80. We expect to be reimbursed 50% of this or $9,200.90. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for 50% reimbursement of eligible expenses in the amount of $9,200.90. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Renewal Agreement with Mahoney Notify-Plus, Inc. Alarms (13-103) Commissioner Scirocco stated this is an annual agreement for the lease, maintenance, monitoring, and annual inspection of the ice rink complex and sewer locations. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Mahoney Notify-Plus for the high level alarm radio transmitters in the amount of $11,400 per year billed monthly at $950 for the 23 sewer locations. Funding is in line G3638124 / 54331. In addition, a monthly fee of $29.50 which is invoiced quarterly for the monitoring of the ice rinks. Funding is in budget line A3567184 / 54670 / 3000 for the Vernon Ice Rink and A3567194 / 54670 / 3000 for the Weibel Avenue Ice Rink. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement Addendum #2 with Greenman- Pedersen, Inc. – Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project (13-104) Commissioner Scirocco stated the preliminary design has been completed by Greenman-Pedersen and a draft has been submitted to the New York State Department of Transportation. This is an agreement addendum for the final design services. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign supplemental agreement #2 with Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. for the Ballston Avenue Improvement Project in the amount of $154,970.00. Commissioner Scirocco advised this is a federally funded project of which 80% is reimbursed by federal, 15% is reimbursed by the state, and the City pays 5%. Funding is in line H3133312 / 52121 / 75660. Commissioner Franck recused himself from this vote and left the room as he owns property in that area. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement Addendum #3 with Greenman- Pedersen, Inc. – Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project (13-105) Commissioner Franck remained out of the room for this item as he recused himself. Commissioner Scirocco stated this proposal is to begin the process for the right-of-way acquisition for a small amount of land on 4 parcels that City will be taking as part of the project. This proposal includes survey and preparation of the acquisition map, and appraisal work. Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign agreement addendum #3 with Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. for the Ballston Avenue Improvement Project in the amount of $24,650. Funding is in line H3133312 / 52221 / 75660. Ayes - All Commissioner Franck rejoined the meeting. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Agreement Addendum with Alpine – Water Treatment Plant (13-106) Commissioner Scirocco stated this is for the air monitoring during asbestos abatement at the Water Treatment Plant. The original contract only included air monitoring on the first of the 4 filters. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement addendum with Alpine Environmental for air monitoring of asbestos abatement at the Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $8,400. Funding is in line H3638332 / 52000 / 1184. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Agreement Addendum with C.T. Male (13- 107) Commissioner Scirocco stated this is a yearly contract for monitoring the sampling at the Weibel Avenue Landfill as part of the City’s post landfill closure permit. The annual contract is required by NYSDEC. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen authorized the mayor to sign an agreement addendum with C.T. Male for post closure monitoring at the Weibel Avenue Landfill in the amount of $9,217.75. Funding is in line 3638184 / 54720. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Agreement Addendum with Lorice Enterprises (13-108) Commissioner Scirocco stated this is for the continuation of the removal of lead based paint in the second of 4 filters. The increase in cost for the second filter is due to the outside walls needing to be heated prior to painting. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement addendum with Lorice Enterprises for the lead based paint abatement in the amount of $16,000. Funding is in line H3638332 / 5200 / 1184. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Change Order #3 with Stilsing Electric – Water Treatment Plant (13-109) Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Commissioner Scirocco advised this change order is for the installation of 3 new electrical transformers and associated equipment in association with the filter upgrade project at the Water Treatment Plant. It was determined an upgrade to the transformers was necessary to support the new blowers to ensure our ability to make water at all times. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order #3 with Stilsing Electric, Inc. for the Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $14, 799.90. Funding is in line H36338332 / 52000 / 1184. Tim Wales stated the plant has an old electrical system. They decided they should upgrade the transformer to ensure against any type of outages. Ayes - All Discussion: City Water Commissioner Scirocco stated there have been several articles and opinions in the local papers regarding the City’s water supply. As an elected official, as well as the entire staff of the Department of Public Works, it is their duty to keep the public safe as well as implement projects that best serve the public in the most cost effective manner possible. There will always be some people who disagree with what they are doing and how they are doing it. It is not possible to accommodate everyone’s comments; however they strive to take everyone’s opinions and comments seriously. Lately there has been a lot of misinformation about the City’s agreement with the Town of Wilton for the sale of water. A presentation was done by the city engineer in February about our water system and projects to answer some of the questions that are out there and clarify what the City is doing to maintain our water system. The Bog Meadow Project and the agreement to sell water to the Town of Wilton are two completely separate issues and have no relation. The City is in the process of developing additional water source capacity to service for a planning period for the next 20 years. The Bog Meadow area is located off Ingersoll Road next to Floral Estates subdivision; therefore, he can see how people might get the idea of how development of this area as a water source might be related to the issue of selling water to the Town of Wilton. There is no relation and just happens to be next door. There has never been nor will there ever be any plan to connect the Bog Meadow source out the ‘back door’ to serve the Town of Wilton. Commissioner Scirocco also explained the agreement to sell water to the Town of Wilton dates back to the 1990’s. The previous administration executed an agreement to sell up to 500,000 gallons of water per day to the Town of Wilton. Currently the City sells about 5,000 gallons of water per day to Wilton. Over the past year, discussions have been held to sell additional water to a small section of Floral Estates subdivision; up to 25 homes. The city attorney has determined we have the proper agreements to do so. This amounts to at most another 10,000 gallons per day of water and an additional revenue source for the City. We are paid 3 times the rate of water sales outside of the City. The Town of Wilton is embarking on a plan to extend their own water infrastructure to service this area of the town. City Council recessed at 9:27 p.m. City Council returned at 9:33 p.m. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Mayor to Sign Agreement with Empire Ambulance (13-110) Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Empire Ambulance Service to lease the facility on West Avenue for $30,000 annually with monthly payments of $2,500. Commissioner Mathiesen stated this is a 1 year term. Commissioner Madigan confirmed they are current with payments. Commissioner Mathiesen advised they are current. Ayes - All Announcement: 2012 DPS Annual Report Commissioner Mathiesen advised the annual report was distributed today to each Council member. Among the many accomplishments acknowledged, below is a few:  In 2012 dispatchers handled about 30,500 service calls and 4,413 calls for fire/EMS  Code enforcement was involved in the changes to Chapter 136 and liens can be placed for unpaid code enforcement expenses  Code enforcement responded to over 3,000 complaints in 2012  Fire Department received 4,260 calls for service; 3,296 emergency response calls, 498 alarm activations, 93 hazardous conditions, 144 service calls, 103 fire calls, and 43 others  Police Department overtime was down in 2012 compared to 2011  Funds were received for Police Department renovations which will take place in 2013  Police Department received 30,463 calls for service in 2012 Discussion: Thanks to All Involved in the Skidmore Lock Down on March 5, 2013 Commissioner Mathiesen stated they received a letter from Skidmore College thanking the Police Department for their assistance. He thanked the Atlantic City Police Department, Albany Police Department, Sherbourne, Massachusetts Police Department for their help and cooperation in this matter. It was well handled. Discussion: Planning Board’s Decision on the Saratoga County Mental Health Special Use Permit Commissioner Mathiesen stated he was approached and asked why he is against Saratoga County Mental Health going in where the old dealership was on South Broadway. He stated he is not against it; he can’t see it ever being a dealership again. He feels this is a good move and much needed in the South Broadway corridor. Discussion: Wilton Water Sales Commissioner Mathiesen advised a number of people have contacted him and have said the resolution is not adequate in restricting water to those 25 homes. He has been advised by Tony Izzo that it is. Tony Izzo stated the resolution in October dealt with one limited circumstance; the new meter only and a specified number of units in the particular subdivision. There are 3 documents that define the relationship between the City and the Town of Wilton; the original agreement from 1998, the 2004 amendment, and the amendment from last October. Commissioner Mathiesen confirmed that we can only sell water up to the 25 connections. Tony Izzo stated there is a provision in the original resolution that states any further connections to any water lines cannot occur without approval from the City Council. Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Commissioner Scirocco stated we are hardly selling water off the original contract. Discussion: Follow up to March 5, 2013 Housing Authority Resolution Commissioner Mathiesen stated there were comments made about his vote against the resolution due to him having friends on the board. He stated that is not true; he would never vote one way or another because of who he knows. It is contrary to the oath he took to sit in that chair. He contacted a woman from the Buffalo Office of Public Housing to get some answers to his questions. He also asked Tony Izzo if the housing authority reporting salaries the City and Tony stated it is a law. Tony Izzo stated the salaries are to be submitted to the local legislative bodies. Commissioner Mathiesen stated there are a lot of questions that need answers before dismissing members of the board. Discussion: Recent Drug Arrests Commissioner Mathiesen stated there have been a number of drug arrests in the past week or so. Discussion: Lawlessness After 2 A.M. Commissioner Mathiesen stated this goes back to problems on Caroline Street. We had 2 officers injured this past Saturday morning. We are not the only municipality going through this; Glens Falls and Albany are looking into earlier bar closings. The bouncers being trained has helped but people are still being over- served. Mayor Johnson asked if public safety will be looking into a security system. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he is looking into it. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Schedule 225-69, Speed Limits on Meadowbrook Road Commissioner Mathiesen set a public hearing for Tuesday, April 2, 3013 at 6:45 p.m. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Report on Full Board Meetings Resolutions Supervisor Yepsen reported there were 88 parcels up for auction tonight. Most speakers were at the board meeting tonight to speak against the recent appointment for the animal shelter. The director of veteran affairs was appointed without issue. Proposed Department Head Appointments This was addressed above. New York State Budget Supervisor Yepsen reported the governor asked the casino locations be identified in the vote; so this has been pulled out of the budget vote and will be voted on separately. Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting 3/19/13 Matt Veitch Public Health Committee Supervisor Veitch reported this meeting was held last week. They entered into a contract with Saratoga Bridges for transportation services; NYS DOH for the County to act as a provider for early intervention services and for payment of claims related to that. Public Safety Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they accepted a grant from the Department of Criminal Justice Services for domestic violence prosecution. They also re-appropriated $18,000 for the Sheriff’s Department. Proposed Department Head Appointments Supervisor Veitch reported they appointed Filipe Moon from Charlton to take over for Randy Davis. He also thanked everyone for their input in regards to the appointment for the animal shelter. Mayor Johnson announced the powerpoint for the comprehensive plan will be posted on the website tomorrow. Mayor Johnson also announced this is the last City Council meeting for Joe Scala, city attorney. He wished Joe well in future endeavors and thanked him for his service. 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 10:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 4/16/13 Vote: 4 - 0 Page 15 of 15