City Council

April 2, 2013 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:45 PM P.H. – Speed Limit on Meadowbrook Road 6:50 PM P.H. – Amend 2013 Capital Budget to Add for the School District 6:55 PM P.H. – Move Polling District 14 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S): 1. Saratoga 150 Celebration EXECUTIVE SESSION: none CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 3/18/13 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 3/19/13 City Council Minutes 3. Approval of 3/5/13 City Council Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 5. Approve Budget Transfers - Regular 6. Approve Payroll 03/22/13 $389,337.49 7. Approve Payroll 03/29/13 $432,201.16 8. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWMAR2 $597,276.42 9. Approve Warrant: 2013 Reg – 13APR1 $697,933.46 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Appointment to City Center Authority Board 2. Discussion: Update on Comprehensive Plan Committee 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. for Comprehensive Plan Update 4. Appointment: Design Review Commission 5. Appointment: Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board 6. Discussion and Vote: Identification Card Policy 7. Proclamation: Fair Housing Month 8. Announcement: Brown Bag Lunch City Council Meeting 4/2/13 9. Set Public Hearing: and Refer to County Planning Board for Advisory Opinion on the Proposed Zoning Map Amendment at Jefferson and Gridley Streets, Tax Parcel ID’s 179.37-1-1-1, 179.37-1-1-2, 179.37-1-1-3, 179.37-1-1-14, 179.37-1-1-15, and 179.37-37-1-1-16 10. Discussion: Shared Access Advisory Board Update 11. Discussion and Vote: Official Name Change – Complete Streets Advisory Board 12. Discussion: Restoration of VLT Aid in NYS Budget ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Memorandum of Support – S1000 and A682 2. Discussion and Vote: Move Polling District 14 from William H. Ford Center to Recreation Center 3. Announcement: Acceptance of Change of Polling Place to City Center for Districts 3, 4, 8, 9, and 25 4. Announcement: How to Grieve Your Assessment Class 5. Award of Bid: Printed Shirts to Life As We Know It Apparel 6. Award of Bid: Comprehensive Plan Update to M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, PC FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract with Novusolutions for Video Hardware and Services 2. Discussion: Comprehensive Plan Review Committee 3. Discussion: NY State Budget 4. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers - Payroll PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Agreement with Greenridge Cemetery Association 2. Discussion: Submit the 2012 Department of Public Works Annual Report PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Schedule 225-69 – Speed Limits 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Application Forms with Verizon 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Application Forms with National Grid 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Undertaking with DOT for Road Closures 5. Discussion: Police Department and City Elementary Schools Partnership 6. Discussion: Robbery on Granger Avenue on March 30, 2013 7. Discussion: Late Night Arrests SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. Maplewood Manor 3/26 LDC Meeting 2. NYS Budget Passage 3. Climate Smart Communities Training 4. Marketing Saratoga Through the Legislative Gazette Matt Veitch 1. Technology Committee 2. Racing Committee 3. Animal Shelter Position 4. Maplewood Manor LDC ADJOURN Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 April 2, 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 Matthew Veitch, Supervisor 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 EXCUSED: Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor 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 Speed Limit on Meadowbrook Road Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen stated the current speed limit is 30 mph. This change would result in the speed limit being 40 mph from Union Avenue to the first Beacon Hill Drive and then from the second Beacon Hill Drive to Staffords Bridge Road. Keith Kaplan of 67 Staffords Bridge Road stated he is happy to hear about this. No one drives 30 mph on that stretch of the road and to drive at 30 is over a 4 minutes ride. He is in support of this proposal. Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing at 6:53 p.m. Amend 2013 Capital Budget to Add for the School District Capital Improvement Project Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:53 p.m. Mayor Johnson stated this is an annual sum from the school district for the capital improvements on the east and west side recreation fields. The amount is $30,000. Mayor Johnson ended the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. and left it open. Move Polling District 14 Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Commissioner Franck stated this is the second item on his agenda tonight for discussion and vote. Amy Durland of 33 Lakewood Drive stated she is here on behalf of the League of Women Voters to read the following into the record: Dear Members of the City Council: The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active citizen participation in government. As such, we consider the city’s polling venues to be a topic of great interest and importance. We wish to thank the City Council for voting to change the polling place for Saratoga Springs Voting Districts 3, 4, 8, 9, and 25 from the Lincoln Baths to the Saratoga Springs City Center, as of the November 5, 2013 General Election. We understand that this recommended change has been accepted by the County Elections Commissioners as well. Reinstating the City Center site seems to most appropriate and effective action to maximize voter participation in the city, so again thank you for your vigilance on this matter. Regarding the subject of tonight’s hearing, moving the Voting District 14 polling place from the William H. Ford Center to the city’s Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, the League of Women Voters encourages the city to base this decision on the similar criteria of maximizing voter participation and improving the quality of experience for the voters of that district. Thank you for the leadership you’ve shown in raising these matters, holding these public hearings, and considering ways to better serve the citizens of the city. Please call on us if we can be of assistance. Sincerely, Patricia Nugent, President League of Women Voters of Saratoga County Commissioner Franck reminded the public that this change is being proposed because we have had problems in the past at the William H. Ford Center relating to heat and getting the doors open in time. There is also more parking at the new recreation center. 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 Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 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. Dave Bronner of 5 Royal Henley Court stated item #5 on the Public Safety Department’s agenda is a great idea. Also, at the last meeting he spoke about the gun show and his feelings about it. The anti-gun advocates prevent an opportunity to have a good discussion as they misname the ‘assault weapons’. An AR-15 Bushmaster is labeled as military assault weapon but it is not a military assault weapon. Military assault weapons are fully automatic; those types of weapons have been outlawed in this country since 1934. An AR-15 is simply a semi-automatic rifle people use for hunting small game, target shooting, and personal protection. Hopefully we can get the basic definitions straightened out then we can get gun control measures as deemed appropriate. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:04 p.m. PRESENTATIONS Saratoga 150 Celebration Mayor Johnson introduced Joe Dalton of the Saratoga Celebration 150 Committee. Mr. Dalton stated this is the 150th anniversary of Saratoga Race Course. There are reasons to celebrate the race course. The track generates over $200 million dollars of income to an 8 county area, pays over $1 million in property taxes and over $1 million in sales tax. It also provides a lot of jobs. Mr. Dalton stated he was asked to put together a celebration of the 150th anniversary. A committee of 30 individuals was formed whom decided they are going to have a 5 month celebration starting May 1st continuing through September 30th. To date they have over 180 events that will be taking place and the majority of the events will be free. The website was put together and is now a permanent website for the track. There is a section on the website for people to put their memories, weekly contests, and a section where souvenirs can be purchased. They will also be on national television with specials and tremendous displays of promotions and advertising. They will be showing films about Saratoga, encampments, chalk drawing contests on the sidewalks, a bettors ball at the City Center, and a trip to the Triple Crown to name a few. He thanked the Police Department for handling the Floral Parade and Commissioner Scirocco for his cooperation with the banners on Broadway. Commissioner Mathiesen stated we are all looking forward to this. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 3/18/13 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 3/19/13 City Council Minutes 3. Approval of 3/5/13 City Council Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 5. Approve Budget Transfers - Regular 6. Approve Payroll 03/22/13 $389,337.49 7. Approve Payroll 03/29/13 $432,201.16 8. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWMAR2 $597,276.42 9. Approve Warrant: 2013 Reg – 13APR1 $697,933.46 Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 Mayor Johnson announced he spoke with the clerk and asked for the 3/19/13 City Council Minutes be corrected to add the conversation he had with Chief Williams regarding the decrease in reimbursements for ambulance service. The Council agreed to pull the 3/19/13 minutes from the Consent agenda and place on the next City Council agenda to provide the Council time to review the additional information in the minutes. Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Appointment to City Center Authority Board (13-111) Mayor Johnson this is proud to re-appointment of Richard Higgins. This is his second term. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the re-appointment of Mr. Higgins to the City Center Authority Board. Ayes – All Discussion: Update on Comprehensive Plan Committee Mayor Johnson stated this is an issue that has been around for a while. Following a dispute among the Council of who is going to be on the committee he offered the Council members to appoint a person. Last week with a memo of March 28th he proposed each member of the City Council have 2 appointments to the committee. He removed anyone he thought there were objections to; therefore removing those who did not live within our community. He also removed the last 2 he appointed after he did not receive recommendations from the Council to balance the committee. He kept 7 on the committee of which 3 are from the City’s land use boards. Commissioner Franck stated he sent his 2 selections to the Mayor’s Office earlier this morning. His appointees are Geoff Bornemann and Devin Del Pas. He feels much more comfortable with what they are doing now as there is precedence with this committee from previous years. He also felt very strong that the members on this committee needed to have some ‘skin’ in this. Commissioner Madigan stated she feels better about having 2 appointees. One of her choices is Casey Holzworth and the second appointee is Tom Denny. Commissioner Scirocco stated he feels it is important to have a good balance and working relationship amongst the committee. He is appointing Jamin Totino and Dr. Janice White. He thanked the mayor for reconsidering the committee. Commissioner Mathiesen advised his appointments are Theresa Capozzola and Mark Torpey. He thanked the Council for coming to an agreement on this. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. for Comprehensive Plan Update (13-112) Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. as listed and described. Mayor Johnson stated the amount is $65,000 and funding is in line A3618684 / 54720. Ayes - All Appointment: Design Review Commission Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 Mayor Johnson appointed Georgeanna Nugent Lussier. Her term is from April 4, 2013 through July 1, 2013. As of July 1 she is eligible for re-appointment for a full term. Georgiana a former business development manager and spent 10 years in the environmental consulting industry. She also has a master in science and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. Mayor Johnson thanked the outgoing DRC member, Stacey Manion for her service to the community. Appointment: Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board Mayor Johnson appointed Lou Schneider to the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board. His appointment is effective immediately through 4/1/2018. Mayor Johnson thanked Sister Charla Cummins for her service to the community. Discussion and Vote: Identification Card Policy (13-113) The City Council agreed to waive the reading of the policy. Mayor Johnson explained this is part of the City’s Employee Handbook. This used to be run by the Police Department and is now being turned over to human resources with the support of Civil Service. This policy is reviewed annually. The current draft was approved by the Safety Committee in February, 2013. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the modification, revisions and changes. Ayes - All Proclamation: Fair Housing Month Mayor Johnson stated this year marks the 45th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act. This has been done every year to encourage everyone in the City to abide by the spirit of the Fair Housing Law. The Council agreed to waive the reading of the proclamation. The following proclamation was attached to the agenda: PROCLAMATION City of Saratoga Springs, New York WHEREAS, April marks the 45th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which sought to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities and to affirmatively further housing choices for all Americans; and WHEREAS, the ongoing struggle for dignity and housing opportunity for all is not exclusive province of the Federal government; and WHEREAS, vigorous local efforts to combat discrimination can be as effective, if not more so, than Federal efforts; and WHEREAS, illegal barriers to equal opportunity in housing, no matter how subtle, diminish the rights of all; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in the pursuit of the shared goal and responsibility of providing equal housing opportunities for all men and women, the City of Saratoga Springs, New York does hereby join in the national celebration by proclaiming April 2013 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH and encourages all agencies, institutions and individuals, public and private, in Saratoga Springs to abide by the letter and the spirit of the Fair Housing law. Announcement: Brown Bag Lunch Mayor Johnson announced the next brown bag lunch is April 11th from noon to 1 p.m. at the library. The topic is Collecting Saratoga – The Adventures of Minnie Clark Bolster. Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 Set Public Hearing: and Refer to County Planning Board for Advisory Opinion on the Proposed Zoning Map Amendment at Jefferson and Gridley Streets, Tax Parcel ID’s 179.37-1-1-1, 179.37-1-1-2, 179.37-1-1- 3, 179.37-1-1-14, 179.37-1-1-15, and 179.37-37-1-1-16 Mayor Johnson set a public hearing for Tuesday, May 7th at 6:55 p.m. Discussion: Shared Access Advisory Board Update Lou Schneider of the Shared Access Advisory Committee stated the committee’s role is to serve as a technical resource and provide guidance in the City’s implementation of complete streets within the City. There are 7 appointed members with one chosen by each Council member and 2 appointed by the mayor. They have a Skidmore student who takes all the minutes. The board developed a checklist for public and private projects. The checklist reviews existing conditions and proposed design by the applicant; it starts the process. This checklist was sent to the Council members and the land boards for input before it was finalized. They also reviewed the City’s plan for Ballston Avenue and submitted their suggestions to the city engineer and crafted a complete streets rules and regulations outlining the role and responsibility of the board. The newsletter created will be linked to the SAAB website. They are now requesting the City Council change their name to the Complete Streets Advisory Board. Their next meeting is April 15th to allow the land use boards to comment on the checklist. Commissioner Madigan asked if the minutes are on the City website. Kate Maynard advised they worked with IT and now have a home on the website for this along with all the agendas. Discussion and Vote: Official Name Change – Complete Streets Advisory Board (13-114) Mayor Johnson this is to change the official name from Shared Access Advisory Board to Complete Streets Advisory Board. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to change the name as indicated. Ayes - All Discussion: Restoration of VLT Aid in NYS Budget Mayor Johnson stated we received good news that we received confirmation that our amount of funding from VLTs is increasing. Now we are being advised we will receive a further increase of $327,251; for the total amount coming to the City being in excess of $1.8 million. The formula has been changed, which is important to note. He thanked the state representatives who worked with us on this – Senator Farley, Senator Marchione, Assemblyman Jordan, and Assemblyman Tedisco. We will continue to advocate for full restoration. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Memorandum of Support – S1000 and A682 (13-115) Commissioner Franck stated at the last City Council meeting he would be bringing the Memorandum of Support for S1000 and A682 back for Council review and approval. The Memorandum of Support is attached to the agenda along with the senate and assembly bills. The following memorandum was read into the record as follows: CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION Scott T. Johnson, Mayor Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 Michele Madigan, Commissioner John P. Franck, Commissioner Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner Christian Mathiesen, Commissioner BILL NUMBER: A.682 / S.1000 SPONSOR(S): In ASSEMBLY: Sandy Galef (prime), Co-sponsors: Jane L. Corwin, Dan Stec. In SENATE: Elizabeth Little (prime). TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the real property tax law and the real property law, in relation to the taxation of property owned by a cooperative corporation. PURPOSE: To allow a municipal corporation to pass a local law or resolution that would make the provisions of paragraph (a) of subdivision 581 of the real property tax law not apply to real property, owned or leased by a cooperative corporation on a condominium basis, that is converted or constructed on and after January 1, 2014. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 581 of the real property tax law is amended by adding a new paragraph (d), allowing municipal corporations to remove the limitations in that section on assessments on condominiums and cooperatives converted or constructed on and after January 1, 2014 in all municipal corporations and Nassau County. Section 2. adds paragraph (g) to section 339-y of the real property law allowing municipal corporation to remove the limitations in that section on assessments on condominiums and cooperatives converted or constructed on and after January 1, 2014 in any municipal corporation except New York City and Nassau County. STATEMENT IN SUPPORT: As condominiums are a form of ownership and not a building style, they should not be assessed differently than a single family home or owner-occupied commercial property. Assessments of condominiums based upon their potential to earn rental income rather than their sale price greatly reduces tax revenue for the City of Saratoga Springs. Current law forces assessors and appraisers to ignore clear, public market information about value, and instead apply an income-basis measure that has no credibility with the taxpayers. Current law undermines the credibility of residential assessments in cities like Saratoga Springs that recently have experienced growth of condominium ownership. The development of condominiums in our City is increasing, and driving growth in demand for municipal services, infrastructure, police, fire, and emergency services. The condominium owners are receiving these same benefits that a traditional homeowner receives but are receiving these benefits at a much reduced cost relative to assessed property value, putting additional tax burden on the traditional homeowner to sustain these services to our residents. Furthermore, the City of Saratoga Springs is committed to being an efficiently run city for the taxpayers we serve. We believe this legislation will strike a balance between being able to sustain our infrastructure, police, fire, and emergency services as our City grows, without negatively impacting our traditional homeowners. EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to assessment rolls prepared on the basis of taxable status dates occurring on or after January 1, 2015. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded for the City Council to adopt the memorandum of support for S1000 and A682 as distributed with the agenda. A copy of this memorandum will be sent to Senator Little, Senator Marchione, Senator Farley, Assemblyman Jordan, Assemblywoman Galef, Assemblywoman Corwin, and Assemblyman Stec. Commissioner Franck stated he will be bringing forth the price to this City on condominiums. What they have sold for and what they are assessed for is about 48%; they get on average a 52% discount. He does believe it should be based upon sales price and then some discount from that. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Move Polling District 14 from William H. Ford Center to Recreation Center (13-116) Commissioner Franck advised 2 public hearings were held regarding moving polling district 14 from the William H. Ford Center to the recreation Center. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded that the City Council recommend the following: the County Board of Elections add the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center to the list of polling places for District 14 and the County Board of Elections discontinue the Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 use of the William H. Ford Center on East Fenlon Street as a polling place for this district effective for this year’s general election. Ayes - All Announcement: Acceptance of Change of Polling Place to City Center for Districts 3, 4, 8, 9, and 25 Commissioner Franck advised that on March 29, 2013 he received a letter from the Commissioners of Elections, Bill Fruci and Roger Schiera, advising they are granting the change of location for Districts 3, 4, 8, 9, and 25 from the Lincoln Baths back to the City Center effective the November 5, 2013 general election. They will notify all the affected voters. Announcement: How to Grieve Your Assessment Class Commissioner Franck announced that the Assessment Department will be holding a class on May 9, 2013 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Room to teach residents how to grieve their assessment. Award of Bid: Printed Shirts to Life As We Know It Apparel (13-117) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to award the bid for Printed Shirts to Life As We Know It Apparel for various prices. Funding is in various lines and the list of those lines is attached to the agenda. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Comprehensive Plan Update to M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, PC (13-118) Commissioner Franck moved and Mayor Johnson seconded to award the bid for the Comprehensive Plan Update to M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, PC in the amount of $65,000. Funding has been certified and is in line: A3618684 / 54720. Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract with Novusolutions for Video Hardware and Services (13-119) Commissioner Madigan stated the City provides real time web streaming of City Council meetings and land use board meetings. The City currently breaks apart the meetings, which takes a lot of time. In the future the agenda will correspond with the webcasting and annotating will be done in conjunction as well. People will also be able to watch the meetings on mobile devices. The contract is $11,045 for the first year, $4,740 for the second year, and $4,740 for the third year. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Novusolutions for video hardware and services as distributed with the agenda. Commissioner Franck stated this is a great idea. Having the ability to see this on an I-phone or I-pad is a great idea. We should also consider creating an application; the New York State Police Department has a great application. Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 Mayor Johnson stated the ultimate goal is to coordinate Look TV with Time Warner to have live broadcasting. Ayes - All Discussion: Comprehensive Plan Review Committee This item was pulled from the agenda. Discussion: NY State Budget Commissioner Madigan stated this was partially covered already. The VLT reimbursement was increased from 45% to 55%. The new amount the City will receive is $1,827,251 for an increase of $331,251. The money is received every year in June; therefore this year we will receive the new amount. The law states we need to use this money to defray costs associated with the video lottery facility or to reduce real property taxes. Commissioner Madigan also advised that CHIPS spending has been increased to $612,090 for 2013; AIM (aid and incentives for municipalities) will remain at $1,649,701; and minimum wage is being increased. Commissioner Franck advised this is good news, however Stockton, California filed for bankruptcy. The thought was the bankruptcy judge was not going to let this go forward; but he is. He believes there will be a long list of municipalities filing for bankruptcy. There is a lot of unfunded liability relating to pensions. We still need to keep our purse strings tight. Commissioner Madigan stated Saratoga Springs is doing well and not on the verge of bankruptcy. The recommended amount in our unrestricted fund balance is 10-12%. Commissioner Mathiesen stated a lot of municipalities made promises long term for health care. It is important to be careful and think long and hard before any more concessions are made. Commissioner Franck stated he would like to see an analysis of the gross pay for the City versus the contribution. Commissioner Madigan stated 30% of our budget is retirement and health care costs. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (13-120) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2013 budget transfers – payroll which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Agreement with Greenridge Cemetery Association (13-121) Commissioner Scirocco advised this is an annual agreement with Greenridge Cemetery. The association agrees to supervise, maintain, and care for lots, roads, and paths in the portion of the cemetery that is owned by the City. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Greenridge Cemetery in the amount of $20,000. Service contract line item is A3638814 / 54720. Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 Mayor Johnson announced for the record that his deputy is an employee of the Greenridge Cemetery that pre-dates being in City Hall. He doesn’t believe it influences his ability to vote on this matter. Ayes - All Discussion: Submit the 2012 Department of Public Works Annual Report Commissioner Scirocco advised per the Charter the annual report is to be submitted in March. He read the executive summary into the record: The purpose of this Annual Report is to provide an overview of the 2012 City of Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works operations. The report describes the functions of the various DPW divisions. The DPW’s efforts continue to make Saratoga Springs a beautiful, vibrant, safe and sustainable City. We design, build, operate, maintain, and improve the City’s infrastructure, public rights- of-way and facilities with skill, pride and responsiveness, in partnership with the community. DPW’s efforts to continually enhance our streetscapes, neighborhoods and corridors make areas inviting and a good investment for small businesses and for residents to enjoy time outside. DWP’s significant efforts to preserve and enhance the integrity of its historic landmarks is critical to support the future of tourism and the economy of Saratoga Springs. DPW continue to implement cost saving measures including capital improvements to its aging utility infrastructure. Water sales have been steady through 2012 with the City’s price of $11.80 per 1,000 cubic feet of water. This is two to three times less than the ratesof surrounding municipalities. Last year’s infrastructure improvements focused mainly on the Water Treatment Plant at 111 Excelsior Avenue, built in 1935, which treats surface water from Loughberry Lake & the Bog Meadow Impoundment Area. 2012 was the start of a $1.6 million, four part project to replace four multi-media filter beds. The filter beds have been operating wit the same filter media material since 1968. In addition to the filters, aging controls, sections of piping and valves are being replaced. This year-long project allows the plant to continue operating while the filters are replaced one at a time. DPW is committed to improving these critical functions of the Water Treatment Plant to provide Saratogians with a safe and reliable water source for many years to come. Every part of Saratoga Springs, including each resident and visitor, is touched by the work of our department. DPW works 24 hours a day, cleaning, paving, building, designing, operating and maintaining the City’s infrastructure. I am proud to showcase our accomplishments in this year’s 2012 annual report, which illustrates the valuable contributions that our employees have made over the past twelve months. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Schedule 225-69 – Speed Limits (13-122) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Schedule 225-69, speed limits to add the following to schedule IV - Meadowbrook Road speed limit 30 between Beacon Hill Drive and Beacon Hill Drive and to delete the following from schedule IV - Meadowbrook Road speed limit 30 the entire length. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Application Forms with Verizon (13-123) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the application forms with Verizon. This will allow the City to place and maintain cables and equipment on Verizon poles. This will then allow us to move forward with a contract for Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Application Forms with National Grid (13-124) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the application form with National Grid. This will allow the City to make camera and camera attachments to Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Undertaking with DOT for Road Closures (13-125) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the undertaking with DOT. This undertaking known as a PERM-1 Mayor Johnson confirmed this will be done on an annual basis. Commissioner Mathiesen advised that is correct. Ayes - All Discussion: Police Department and City Elementary Schools Partnership Commissioner Mathiesen announced the schools will be providing space in the schools for the police to use for various activities so that they will not need to return to Lake Avenue to file reports. This will allow a better police presence and increase awareness and surveillance. It will also promote a good relationship with the students. He thanked Chief Cole and Assistant Chief Veitch for taking this initiative. Discussion: Robbery on Granger Avenue on March 30, 2013 Commissioner Mathiesen announced there was a robbery and assault on Granger Avenue Saturday evening. The department is investigating this. He reminded the public that it is important to make the effort to call the police as soon as possible if there is any indication of a crime. Discussion: Late Night Arrests Commissioner Mathiesen stated he has discussed some of the problems we are having in Saratoga Springs at the last City Council meeting. He was surprised and disappointed to see a blog in the Saratogian by Mr. McCarty who took a sarcastic tone to what he said. He is not sure why we are not supposed to talk about these things. We do release narratives of al the arrests in the City. Officers are being put at unnecessary risk, being injured and the City is paying a lot of money in overtime to have a police presence on Caroline Street. We need to find solutions. SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Commissioner Madigan read Supervisor Yepsen’s report for her in her absence. Maplewood Manor 3/26 LDC Meeting Commissioner Madigan read the following into the record: “I attended the second Maplewood manor LCD meeting held on March 26. A Lease back arrangement was discussed as well as the hiring of a Real Estate broker. The Board indicated 4 responses resulted from the RFP process. At the meeting the Board selected Marcus and Malichap. They are getting hired by a lot of counties that are selling their nursing homes in NYS. The board and supervisors then went into Executive Session to discuss the pending Article 78 law suit filed by the CSEA against the county regarding the legality of transferring assets to a Local Development Corporation (LDC) given the facility is not intended to be shut down or to be closed.” NYS Budget Passage Commissioner Madigan read the following into the record: “This year’s budget includes some mandate relief actions, and tools designed to allow counties to manage our governments more efficiently and Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 effectively. Did we get everything we asked for? No. There are some wins and some losses, but this is a good budget for counties in a challenging fiscal time. For the remainder of the Legislative Session we will continue to work with the Governor and Lawmakers on issues that were not addressed in this budget. MANDATE RELIEF & INCREASED FUNDING  A Stable Rate pension plan was included in the final budget. It has been modified from the original plan submitted by the Governor, but the final plan is supported by the New York State Comptroller and the Teacher Retirement System which will each be responsible for implementing the new stable rate option.  Accelerating County Medicaid savings – The State will lower the weekly Medicaid shares counties pay to the state beginning April 1, 2013. This accelerates savings that are expected to accrue to counties from the Affordable Care Act and are estimated to be in the range of $86 million in state fiscal year 2013-14.  Increased CHIPS authority of $75 million in each of the next two years, a nearly 18 percent increase over current levels for counties on average.  An increase of $150 per FTE in community college state aid, plus a variety of reforms have been ordered to the current chargeback system that will help take pressure off counties.  Enhanced preschool special education audit authority is provided in the budget which allows counties to retain 100 percent of approved audit recoveries.  Workers Compensation financing reforms.  Article 6 public health reporting reforms.” Climate Smart Communities Training Commissioner Madigan read the following: “The Capital District Regional Planning Commission will host training for all Climate Smart Communities of which we are one on Friday, April 19 at their offices - 1 Park Place in Colonie. This session will provide us with tools, resources, and general support to identify goals and strategies to achieve them. Best practices and lessons learned from around the country will also be provided as well as an update on climate impacts specifically relevant for New York local governments. Since there are 17 Climate Smart Communities in the greater capital region, we would expect a representative or two from each community to attend. There was also another training session held today, April 2 right here in our Recreation Center primarily for the City Engineer and staff.” Marketing Saratoga Through the Legislative Gazette Commissioner Madigan read the following: “Saratoga County will be featured in a May issue of the Legislative Gazette. In this edition, a list of upcoming events in Saratoga County will be featured. If there are city events that you think should be included please get them to me by email no later than April 25.” Matt Veitch Technology Committee Supervisor Veitch announced their meeting is this Thursday. The automated time and attendance system is progressing well and should be up and running in a few months. They will also be undertaking an infrastructure upgrade to their IT. Racing Committee Supervisor Veitch announced the committee meets this Thursday. The Saratoga 150 Committee will be doing a presentation and they will also have a resolution supporting casinos in their current location and a mechanism for setting up a revenue stream for breeding and purses for the horse business. Animal Shelter Position Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting 4/2/13 Supervisor Veitch announced the County is looking at the qualifications and recommendations for that position. They may be modifying the qualifications. Maplewood Manor LDC Supervisor Veitch announced they met on March 26th. The LDC is doing a lease back agreement; the LDC takes title to the facility and they lease it back to the county. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes – All There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 4/16/13 Vote: 4 - 0 Page 15 of 15