City Council

September 17, 2013 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:15 P.M. – P.H. – Firefighters Swearing In and Awards Ceremony 6:50 P.M. – P.H. – Saratoga Hospital PUD 6:55 P.M. – P.H. – Amend City Code Section 228-12 Entitled “Vessels and Water Fees” 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 1. Saratoga County Resolution for Saratoga 150 Committee 2. Update on the Dutch Elm Tree Disease 3. Explanation and Clarification for Third Fire/EMS Facility EXECUTIVE SESSION: The proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property; collective negotiations. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 9/3/13 Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 9/3/13 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 3. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 4. Approve Budget Transfers - Regular 5. Approve Payroll 09/06/13 $453,220.22 6. Approve Payroll 09/13/13 $450,331.90 7. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWSEP1 $21,058.79 8. Approve Warrant: 2013 REG – 13SEP2 $166,373.46 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Revision to Zumba Fee Structure to Include All Fitness Classes 2. Discussion and Vote: Revision of the Street Hockey Program to Indoor Floor Hockey 3. Announcement: Recreation Announcements – Fall/Winter Programs 4. Discussion and Vote: Children in the Workplace Policy 5. Discussion and Vote: Request to Assume SEQRA Lead Agency for Saratoga Hospital PUD Amendment 6. Discussion and Vote: An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 228 of the City Code Entitled “Vessels and Waters – Fees” 7. Discussion: Disposition of Arbitration with CSEA City Hall Step Grievance 8. Appointment: Recreation Commission 9. Set Public Hearing: Amend the 2013 Capital Budget for Safe Routes to Schools Grant 10. Announcement: Saratoga Community Health Center 11. Discussion and Vote: Change the Date of First City Council Meeting in November City Council Meeting 9/17/13 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Acceptance of State Archives Grant FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 2. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Benefits 3. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments - Benefits 4. Set Public Hearing: 2014 Comprehensive Budget PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Set Public Hearing: Amend the Capital Budget – Water Treatment Plant Emergency Generator 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Supplemental Agreement #1 with NYS DOT for the Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Addendum #2 with Barton & Loguidice – Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation Project PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation for Ambulance Service SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen 1. Report on Full Board Meeting 2. County Racing Committee Report 3. County Economic Development Consultant: TIP Strategies 4. Non-Profits/Grants To You: September 27 – 28 5. Coalition for Women Veterans of NYS Update 6. Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project Matthew Veitch 1. Update: IT Director for Saratoga County 2. Update: Real Property Tax Services Director 3. Update: Racing Committee 4. Update: Contract with TIP Strategies for Economic Development Strategic Plan 5. Update: Law & Finance Committee 6. Mental Health Move to South Broadway ADJOURN Page 2 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 September 17, 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 STAFF PRESENT: Shauna Sutton, Deputy Mayor Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Sharon Kellner-Byrnes, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, City Attorney RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting were taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript. PUBLIC HEARING Firefighters Swearing In and Awards Ceremony Chief Williams presented awards to various members of the Fire Department and Commissioner Mathiesen swore in two new firefighters. Saratoga Hospital PUD Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:51 p.m. Ana Avital is representing Woodland Court. She thanked everyone for all their help in answering their questions. The only concern now is the traffic that is going to generate and signage. They have several children on the street. They have a safety concern about the corner and the street being very narrow. Commissioner Franck stated that area is also a short cut to avoid Van Dam and Church. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he is not sure if the Planning Board has addressed that issue. Morgan Street is a narrow street with telephone poles almost on the road. The project will increase the traffic; it’s an issue to look at. Page 3 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Amend City Code Section 228-12 Entitled “Vessels and Waters – Fees” Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Mayor Johnson stated this is an amendment to delete a fee of $25 that is in the code and place it with the fees that are established by resolution of the City Council. 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. Wilma Koss of 160 Kaydeross Park Road stated she is in favor of the public safety facility on the east side. She would like to see this City Council make that happen. She would like to see a little more flushed out on how the business downtown is going to be affected by trading the Collimer parking lot and the tax impact. William McTygue of 15 York Street stated he is here regarding the setting of a public hearing for the installation of the emergency generator on Excelsior Avenue. He has been watching the capital budgets as they’ve been formulating over the past several years. He has been waiting to see when the funding for the generator project and the well project at Bog Meadow is going to get into the budget. The well project is projected to be over $2 million dollars and the generator project is over $1 million. Neither project appears as part of the 2014 suggested funding. We are seeing an attempt to come in under the radar without having them legitimately posted as a capital project. There is a big hole in this request. Why were these important projects not included in the scheduled for 2013 or 2014? We knew in 2011 the Health Department was strongly recommending the City initiate emergency measures in the form of a generator at the Water Treatment Plant. Now we are going to ask for a budget amendment for over $1 million dollars. Budget amendments are not for million dollar projects. He objects to this and this is no way to conduct City business. Charlie Morrison of 88 Court Street stated he has some of the same questions about the proposed 2013 budget amendment. There are a lot of unknown legal aspects; questions about the capital budget and the Charter requirements for that. We have a problem for the funding for the wells as they have dropped off the map. The Department of Health has also been demanding we do something about finding a new source of water. We need to look at some of this. A stipulation was signed in 2011 and a revised stipulation was signed in 2012. We knew about these projects but we don’t seem to move on them. The long range plan wasn’t explained or how the wells are going to fit in. It wasn’t explained how the wells are going to get to the homes. There seems to be a lack of transparency. Mayor Johnson closed the public comment period at 7:10 p.m. Page 4 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 PRESENTATIONS Saratoga County Resolution for Saratoga 150 Committee Supervisor Veitch advised the County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution for the Saratoga 150 Committee. Charles Wait, Field Horn, Joe Dalton, and Mike Veitch from the Saratoga 150 Committee were in attendance to accept the resolution. Supervisor Veitch read the following resolution: RECOGNIZING THE ENORMOUS SUCCESS OF THE SARATOGA 150 FESTIVAL CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF RACING AT THE SARATOGA RACE COURSE AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE HONORARY CHAIRS, FOUNDING MEMBERS AND SPONSORS WHEREAS, on August 3, 1863, thoroughbred owners John Hunter and William Travers, and casino owner John Morrissey, created a race track on the north side of Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, on a site which is now the Oklahoma Training Track; and WHEREAS, the initial four day race meet held in August 1863 attracted thousands of locals and tourists to the track; and WHEREAS, the success of this initial meet prompted John Hunter, William Travers, John Morrissey and Leonard James to construct a new, permanent grandstand in 1864 across Union Avenue on the current site of Saratoga Race Course; and WHEREAS, Saratoga Race Course is not only the oldest race track in the United States, but also the oldest sporting venue in the country, and has been named by Sports Illustrated as one of the “Top Ten Sporting Venues in the World”; and WHEREAS, while the initial four day racing meet has expanded to forty days, the quality of racing Saratoga Race Course has continued at the highest level and the Saratoga meeting is considered the premiere racing meet in the nation, if not the world; and WHEREAS, over the past 150 years, racing fans have witnessed many historic races at Saratoga Race Course and been thrilled by such epic champions as Man O’War, Gallent Fox, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Alydar and Rachael Alexandra; and WHEREAS, in order to appropriately celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Saratoga Race course, the Saratoga 150 Committee was formed to plan a five month celebration filled with daily events to feat the crown jewel that is Saratoga Race Course; and WHEREAS, Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson have graciously served as Honorary Chairs of the Saratoga 150 Celebration; and WHEREAS, over sixty-four local non-profit organizations were involved in sponsoring 150 separate events during the Saratoga 150 Festival; and WHEREAS, the Saratoga 150 Festival included such signature events as the Floral Fete Parade and Ice Cream Social; the Saratoga 150 Family Fun Night at the Spa State Park; the Saratoga Arts Fest; the $2.00 Bettors Ball; Encampments for the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, French and Indian War, and Civil War; the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival War; and a gift by Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson of $15,000 to each of five lucky racing fans to bet on key stakes races; and WHEREAS, the Saratoga 150 Festival was an enormous success, with food, beverage, and apparel sales up 18% during 2013 Saratoga Racing Meet, and approximately $41 million bet nationwide on races run on Travers Day; and WHEREAS, the success of the Saratoga 150 Festival was the result of the cumulative efforts of many individuals, businesses and not- for-profit organizations that donated their time, labor, energy, creativity and financial support over the past year; and WHEREAS, it is appropriate that this Board acknowledge and congratulate the Saratoga 150 Committee and all those who contributed to making the Saratoga 150 Festival a huge success; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that this Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes and applauds the enormous success of the Saratoga 150 Festival celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Saratoga Race Course; and, be it further RESOLVED, that this Board congratulates the Saratoga 150 Committee, Honorary Chairs Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, and every person, business and not-for-profit corporations that donated their time, labor, energy, creativity and financial support to make the Saratoga 150 Celebration the huge success and thoroughly enjoyable event that it was; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Board forward a copy of this Resolution to the Saratoga 150 Committee and Honorary Chairs Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson. Charles Wait thanked Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson for their contributions and Joe Dalton. He also thanked Ed and Maureen Lewi and Maureen Okby for setting up the Floral Fete. We had press articles in Tokyo, the west coast, and many magazines thanks to Ed Lewi. Update on the Dutch Elm Tree Disease Commissioner Scirocco stated Tom Denny, Rick Fenton, and Deputy Sutton met and found there is more grant money available. Tom Denny is here to update the public on the Dutch Elm Tree Disease. Tom Denny stated they thought it was important to bring this to the attention of the Council and public. He showed a map of Dutch Elm trees within the City and how many are diseased, alive, and dead. These trees are worth preserving. There are some trees that are as large as 48 inches in diameter. In the last 2 years, the trees that are 20 or more inches in diameter have contracted the disease. Page 5 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 Tom Denny stated prevention is more successful than treatment. To prevent the disease, quickly remove the tree and dispose of the wood and/or bark through chipping, burning, or burial. Prevention includes . Tom Denny also pointed out challenges they face such as: some of the sick trees are on private property, budget constraints, and resource constraints. Commissioner Madigan asked Commissioner Scirocco if there are any plans. Commissioner Scirocco stated there are no problems taking care of City trees. They have discussed treatment. Commissioner Madigan asked if the city arborist is licensed or trained in the Dutch Elm Disease. Commissioner Scirocco stated he believes he does. Josh is the one who treated the one tree. Tom Denny stated Josh supervised but is not yet certified to do this yet. Commissioner Mathiesen asked if there is an upsurge in the disease. Mr. Denny stated it seems there has been a surge in 2012 and 2013. We know we haven’t been getting rid of the trees as they’ve died and it has caught up with us. Explanation and Clarification for Third Fire/EMS Facility Commissioner Mathiesen stated Chief Williams is here to explain some of the issues that have come up over the past several weeks and meetings. They have been looking for an appropriate piece of property that would serve the other stations well in the City and the eastern plateau. Deputy Finneran has worked tirelessly to communicate with the land owners who are near the area of the land they are looking at. The property on Union Avenue was appraised and the owner has agreed to sell the land to the City at the appraised value in exchange for the City selling a piece of land downtown to them for the appraised amount. The City would end up making money as the piece of land downtown is worth considerably more than the one on Union Avenue. The piece of land downtown would be put back on the tax roll and the other piece of land would come off. The downtown piece is worth more and would be sold at a profit for the City. Chief Williams advised the area we are talking about is called District 3. It covers over 1,600 households, commercial area on Weibel Avenue, and is a total of 13 square miles. Development = population = risk = demand for services. This square miles is outside of the accepted range (bench mark) for response times according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The response time for structure fires is 5 minutes for the first engine and 8 minutes for the second truck. The response time for medical emergencies is 5 minutes for basic life support and 8 minutes for advanced life support. Right now they are only meeting that response time less than 3% of the time. Chief Williams reviewed the call volume from 2008 to 2013 citywide. District 3 is up 18% to date this year. Chief Williams stated they are looking at building a 3 bay facility at approximately 10,000 square feet. It will be made of concrete and steel to accommodate 4-6 personnel and cost approximately $3 million. Just moving an ambulance on the east side doesn’t serve the purpose and they have medically approved protocol as far as dispatching. Chief Williams explained how they will achieve this with the personnel they currently have. They have 58 members in the department now and are looking to increase to 60. He also showed a breakdown of the costs. They will do what they can to get any grants they can. Page 6 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 A copy of the presentation is attached to the minutes. Commissioner Madigan confirmed the proposal is to go from 4 on each engine to 3 on each engine. Chief Williams stated that is correct. It is not uncommon to see 3 men engine companies. It would be a re- education and training process. Commissioner Mathiesen stated the overall coverage isn’t different; the firefighters would just be spread over more of the City. He feels this is a proposal that requires further discussion but makes sense. Mayor Johnson stated there is a lot to digest in the report that was circulated yesterday. He confirmed that the Fire Department agrees they rely upon the National Fire Protection Association and the response time is not sufficient. Chief Williams advised that is correct. Mayor Johnson asked that they do not endorse their recommendation that there be a minimum of 4 firefighters per engine. Chief Williams stated he doesn’t argue the point; 4 firefighters is where we should be but they have to deal with reality and finances. It is a balance in setting priorities and thinking outside the box. Mayor Johnson stated he is trying to clarify the difference between 3 or 4 firefighters on an engine. Currently we have 4 per engine with our 2 stations. He confirmed the proposal before us now is to reduce it to 3 per engine which would be a decrease of the overall service available citywide to provide additional service to the eastern plateau. Chief Williams stated that is not correct. It is about managing the resources. The procedure is the driver stays with the engine and 3 guys get off the engine. Now they would change the procedure that the driver would get out of the engine so there would still be 3 guys off the engine. Mayor Johnson asked if the same level of service per engine is kept citywide and a third station is added on the eastern plateau, we would need to add at least a dozen more firefighters. Chief Williams stated if they went to 4 – 4 – 2 they would be adding a dozen but he is proposing 2 additional firefighters. Mayor Johnson confirmed the Chief is aware of OSHA requirements of 2 in 2 out. Chief Williams advised he is fully aware however it has to be IDLH (immediate damage to life and health) situation. If it is a waste paper basket fire it is not an IDLH. Critical thinking and critical decision making would help alleviate some of these things. Policies would change so that the first engine will do an assessment and establish a water supply. Commissioner Mathiesen stated the scenario would change the operations a bit but you would quickly have 6 people on the site. We are not reducing the number of firefighters in the City; we are actually increasing the number of firefighters in the City. Mayor Johnson stated he believes the residents should know what the potential could be. He has doubts that you can operate on 3 firefighters per engine on an indefinite basis. If we build a station on the eastern plateau it will soon be treated the same way as the other stations today and there will be more staffing and more cost to the taxpayer. Commissioner Mathiesen stated they are not asking for that. Commissioner Madigan stated she asked the same question as she is concerned with the safety of the firefighters and the residents. Page 7 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 Commissioner Franck confirmed the estimate of $3 million includes water and sewer. Chief Williams advised it does. Mayor Johnson stated the figure used to project the cost of a firefighter is $60,000 - $65,000. Chief Williams advised that is correct. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 9/3/13 Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 9/3/13 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 3. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 4. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 5. Approve Payroll 09/06/13 $453,220.22 6. Approve Payroll 09/13/13 $450,331.90 7. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWSEP1 $21,058.79 8. Approve Warrant: 2013 REG – 13SEP2 $166,373.46 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Revision to Zumba Fee Structure to Include All Fitness Classes (13-314) Mayor Johnson stated they are requesting to expand the current zumba fee structure to include all fitness classes. The fee structure will remain the same but classes will be added. The 3 new classes will start with a drop in fee of $6 per City resident, $8 per school district resident, and $10 for a non-city/non-school district resident. More sessions could be added depending upon interest. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the revision to fee structure as described. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Revision of the Street Hockey Program to Indoor Floor Hockey (13-315) Mayor Johnson advised the street hockey program is moving from the Weibel Avenue outdoor pad to the indoor recreation center on Vanderbilt. The program is changing its name from street hockey to indoor floor hockey and the fees will remain the same. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the revision as described. Ayes – All Announcement: Recreation Announcements – Fall/Winter Programs Mayor Johnson stated they are still accepting registration for the following: introduction to ice 1 & 2, box lacrosse, Golf World clinic sessions 1 & 2, volleyball clinic, field hockey clinic, boys basketball, girls basketball, zumba, and junior sluggers. Additional information is on facebook and the City website. Page 8 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 Discussion and Vote: Children in the Workplace Policy (13-316) Mayor Johnson advised this is coming from the human resource administrator. The Council was provided a copy of the revised policy. The biggest change to the policy is under #1 which is a new provision. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the revisions to the Children in the Workplace Policy as listed and described. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Request to Assume SEQRA Lead Agency for Saratoga Hospital PUD Amendment (13-317) Mayor Johnson stated this action has been described as a Type 1 action. Someone needs to assume lead agency for the project. He is proposing a coordinated review process with the City Planning Board and Design Review Commission. Tonight they would like to state their intention to assume the lead agency status. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to assume the lead agency status under SEQRA for the purpose of the Saratoga Hospital PUD amendment. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 228 of the City Code Entitled “Vessels and Waters – Fees” (13-318) Mayor Johnson advised the public hearing was held earlier this evening to amend this chapter. This is to amend and remove the fee of $25 under the current article to bring it into conformity with the rest of the fees in the City to be established by resolution. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to amend chapter 228-12 as described. Ayes – All Discussion: Disposition of Arbitration with CSEA City Hall Step Grievance Mayor Johnson stated the City Hall Unit of CSEA filed a grievance last July contesting not receiving steps they thought they were entitled to. A memorandum of agreement was worked out March, 2011 in which all steps would be frozen effective January 1, 2012. The union thought they were entitled to the steps they previously enjoyed and he disagreed. The union disagreed, filed a grievance and forced it to arbitration. They had a hearing in May, 2013 and a decision was made on August 29, 2013 in favor of the City. Commissioner Madigan pointed out that funding for the step increases for 2013 were included in the budget and are included in 2014 budget. The taxpayers have already been taxed on the step increases. Mayor Johnson stated it would depend upon if anything is retro-active. Even though there was money budgeted, it could be used towards whatever increase in labor would result from the new negotiation. Commissioner Mathiesen stated it should be mentioned that the union was under the impression when they left negotiations that the steps were being frozen for only 1 year. Mayor Johnson stated the City prevailed as the arbitrator saw the language to be very clear. He does agree there were some members at the table that may have misunderstood. The City had counsel at the table and the union had a professional negotiator from Albany. Appointment: Recreation Commission Page 9 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 Mayor Johnson re-appointed Derrick Legall to the Recreation Commission. His term will take him through September 18, 2020. Set Public Hearing: Amend the 2013 Capital Budget for Safe Routes to Schools Grant Mayor Johnson set a public hearing for Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 6:55 p.m. Announcement: Saratoga Community Health Center Mayor Johnson announced that the Saratoga Community Health Center is now open. The grand opening was last week. Discussion and Vote: Change the Date of First City Council Meeting in November (13-319) Mayor Johnson stated the first City Council meeting in November is Election Day. He suggested moving the meeting to Monday, November 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to change the City Council meeting from November 5, 2013 to November 4, 2013. Ayes - All ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Acceptance of State Archives Grant (13-320) Commissioner Franck advised in January, the City Council approved the filing of an application for a non- matching grant for 2 e-mail archivers. We received official notice that we have been awarded that grant, which is non-matching, in the amount of $13,239 from the New York State Archives Government Records Management Improvement Fund. One archiver will be for the City Hall network and the other for the Police Department’s network. This system will help with the management of approximately 10,500 e-mails that are transmitted through the City’s network per week. It will allow complex searches by date, time, reference key words, and contents of attachments. This will save a substantial amount of staff time currently necessary for these tasks. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to accept the state archives grant and authorize the mayor to sign any and all documents pertinent to the project. Ayes – All ** Announcement: Commissioner Franck advised that Beth Cervenak from New York State ORPS will do a brief presentation at the October 1st City Council meeting to talk about Basic STAR and assist taxpayers with registering after the presentation. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (13-321) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2013 budget transfers – payroll which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Page 10 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Benefits (13-322) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2013 budget transfers – benefits which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Benefits (13-323) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2013 budget amendments – benefits which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Set Public Hearing: 2014 Comprehensive Budget Commissioner Madigan set a public hearing for Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 6:45 p.m. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Set Public Hearing: Amend the Capital Budget – Water Treatment Plant Emergency Generator Commissioner Scirocco set a public hearing for Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 6:45 p.m. Commissioner Scirocco stated the 2013 – 2018 capital budget program has the emergency generator listed for 2014. Commissioner Madigan asked to see the DOH order that states it needs to be completed in 2013. Commissioner Scirocco stated he will send that out to the entire Council. Also, during the presentation they will be able to tell the Council and the public how many years it has been in the works and how many years it has been pushed out. Commissioner Madigan stated $1.2 million dollars is a lot for a budget amendment so she would like to see the order from the DOH. ** Mayor Johnson advised the city attorney just brought something to his attention that needs to be addressed right now. The Council agreed to recess at 8:58 p.m. City Council meeting resumed at 9:02 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Supplemental Agreement #1 with NYS DOT for the Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project (13-324) Commissioner Scirocco stated this is a supplemental agreement with DOT for the engineering and right of way work for the Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project. The project expanded to include the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Ballston Avenue. Commissioner Franck left the room and recused himself from this item. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign supplemental agreement and resolution with NYS DOT for the Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project. Page 11 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 The City Council agreed to waive the reading of the resolution. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Addendum #2 with Barton & Loguidice – Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation Project (13-325) Commissioner Scirocco stated this is for additional construction observation time until the project is completed. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign addendum #2 with Barton & Loguidice for the water treatment plant filter rehabilitation project in the amount of $20,400.00. Funding is in line H3638332 / 52000 / 1184. Tim Wales, city engineer stated the project was put on hold for the track season and we are just starting it up again. Ayes - All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation for Ambulance Service (13-326) Commissioner Mathiesen advised a person who received services from our ambulance service sent a donation of $50 in appreciation for services they received. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to accept the donation. Ayes -All SUPERVISORS Joanne Yepsen Report on Full Board Meeting Supervisor Yepsen reported they had 2 proclamations: 1. Live Nation Farm Aid guests and SPAC, and 2. childhood cancer. September is childhood cancer month. There were 16 properties put on the auction block today. Joanne Bosely was re-appointed of property tax director. They also endorsed the Champlain Canal Trail; authorized the chair to enter into an agreement with TIPS Strategies; and recognized the success of the 150 festival. County Racing Committee Report Supervisor Yepsen reported that on Travers Day, $41 million dollars was bet world wide just on the Travers’ race. County Economic Development Consultant: TIP Strategies Supervisor Yepsen reported this passed but a lot closer than she thought it would be. There was hesitation on many supervisors’ parts. Page 12 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 Non-Profits/Grants To You: September 27 – 28 Supervisor Yepsen reported this started years ago and brings money back into our community. There is a minimal cost for supplies and materials. Coalition for Women Veterans of NYS Update Supervisor Yepsen reported the coalition has been contacted by other agencies and asked to participate in a retreat downstate. This is bringing women veterans together from all over the state. Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project Supervisor Yepsen reported this program was started by Sustainable Saratoga. Hundreds of hours have been put into tree inventory. In order to raise money, paintings by Ann Diggory that are purchased will have a percentage go towards this program. Matthew Veitch Update: IT Director for Saratoga County Supervisor Veitch reported they appointed Eileen Bennett as the IT director. He will be working with her as he is the chair of the IT Committee. Update: Real Property Tax Services Director Supervisor Veitch reported the appointed Joanne Bosely as the real property tax director. Update: Racing Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they met on September 5th. The all source handle was off about .2% for the year; on track handle in up 21%; attendance was down 3.9%; and food, beverage, and apparel was up 20%. Update: Contract with TIP Strategies for Economic Development Strategic Plan Supervisor Veitch reported they voted to approve the contract TIP Strategies. They are doing an economic development strategic plan. There are 4 parts to the contract: take inventory of current economic development position is, do an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses, do an outreach with all of the economic development stakeholders in the county, and develop a strategic plan for moving forward with a look to future in 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. Update: Law & Finance Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they will be going forward with a fund balance policy at the County. Mental Health Move to South Broadway Supervisor Veitch reported this is scheduled to be open October 1st. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes – All Page 13 of 14 City Council Meeting 9/17/13 There being no further business, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 10/1/13 Vote: 4 - 0 Page 14 of 14