City Council

February 4, 2014 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:55 PM – P.H. – Amend Capital Budget for Bog Meadow 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 1. Bog Meadow Infrastructure and Water Supply Project 2. Presentation: Broadway Corridor Traffic Analysis 3. Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation – Spirit of Life EXECUTIVE SESSION: none CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 1/1/14 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 1/6/14 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 1/7/14 City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approval of 12/30/13 City Council Meeting Minutes 5. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 6. Approve Payroll 1/24/14 $427,127.63 7. Approve Payroll 1/31/14 $592,391.58 8. Approve Warrant: 2014 REG – 14FEB1 $998,313.49 9. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWDEC4 $6,093.20 10. Approve Warrant: 2013 REG – 13DEC5 $180,171.13 11. Approve Warrant: 2014 Mid – 14MWJAN2 $8,907.44 12. Approve Warrant: 2014 Mid – 14MWJAN3 $3,908.16 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Proclamation: Proclamation for Retirement of Father Dominic S. Ingemie 2. Discussion : 2014 Capital Region Local Government Council – Legislative Agenda 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Saratoga County Animal Shelter 4. Discussion and Vote: Recreation Department Part Time / Seasonal Hourly Rate Personnel 5. Discussion and Vote: Tiny T-Ball Clinic & Ultimate Frisbee 6. Announcement: Saratoga Springs Recreation Department spring Registration City Council Meeting 2/4/14 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 212 Article 3 of the City Code Regarding Senior Citizen Tax Exemptions 2. Discussion and Vote: Parking Garage Sign Contract with Purdy’s FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: 2014 Annual Tax Resolution 2. Discussion and Vote: 2014 Bond Resolution 3. Discussion and Vote: Resolution for the Use of Reserve – Capital Reserve Fund to Finance the Construction, Reconstruction or Acquisition of Buildings 4. Discussion and Vote: Resolution for the Use of Reserve – Subdivision Recreation Fund 5. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign MVP HMO 25 Health Insurance Contract 6. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign MVP PPO Health Insurance Contract 7. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 8. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Capital Budget, Bog Meadow Water Source PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Amend the 2014 Capital Budget 2. Discussion and Vote: Donation – Saratoga Central Catholic High School PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Casino Expansion Proposal 2. Discussion: Land Use Board Alternative 3. Discussion: Last Call 4. Discussion: Noise Ordinance 5. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225-72 Schedule VII: One Way Streets 6. Announcement: Department of Public Safety Forum on March 13, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Room SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch 1. Home Heating Assistance Program 2. NYSAC Conference 3. Planning and Zoning Conference 4. Sale of Saratoga County Landfill Peter Martin 1. New York State Association of Counties – 2014 Legislative Conference 2. Saratoga County 2014 Planning and Zoning Conference 3. Chinese New Year 4. Veteran’s Affairs ADJOURN Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 February 4, 2014 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Joanne Yepsen, Mayor Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Christian Mathiesen, Commissioner of DPS STAFF PRESENT: Joe Ogden, 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 Peter Martin, Supervisor Sarah Burger, 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 Amend Capital Budget for Bog Meadow Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Commissioner Scirocco advised this is to amend the 2014 capital budget to modify the description to include the Bog Meadow Water Supply. Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 William McTygue of 15 York Street stated few know anything about this subject. He hopes during the presentation later in the agenda will describe what this project will entail. The format of the agenda asked for comment before people find out what the project is about. Commissioner Scirocco stated he would be glad to put the presentation before the public comment period but it is set up by protocol. Mayor Yepsen advised that in the future the presentation be done before the public comment. Commissioner Scirocco asked to leave the public comment period open until the public has had a chance to comment. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Yepsen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Mayor Yepsen 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 Yepsen opened the public comment period at 7:01 p.m. Todd Garafano, president of the Convention and Tourism Bureau thanked the Council as a whole for their support with Chowderfest. They were able to bring 30,000 people to the City. Russ Pittenger of 19 George Street stated the issue of pro or against the casino is going to be resolved at this time. He encouraged the Council to consider a resolution to have some control over the activities that are going to happen in the City. Robert Davis of 61 Phila Street stated he was curious at the last Council meeting regarding a comment from form Chief Moore about no increase in crime with the racino. All research that shows negative effects on crime and costs was done on full casinos and not on a VLT casino only. The research is clear that the communities that have full casino gambling will have a negative effect. Phil Diamond of 55 Railroad Place stated we have been hearing arguments for weeks about the casino. Why not wait to see what the RFA looks like and what the state wants. Let’s see if we can figure out a way to come together. All these groups are doing is dividing ourselves. That will make it harder to work together when it is time. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road provided the Council with 2 information sheets. He will present the balance of his comments after the Council has had a chance to digest the material. John Ellis of 2 Callagan Drive stated what we are not realizing is the governor already has his mind made up. The committee he has formed is for show and he will put it where he wants. Nancy Coleman of Madison Avenue stated the worst part of this casino issue is the division of this community. They are looking for leadership; the vote is done. It is the responsibility of our City Council to represent its constituents and that Saratoga rejects prop 1. Another referendum will only create greater division. Many wonder what is stalling you from doing your job. We have much to lose and hugely disrespectful to generations who worked long and hard rebuilding this city. Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 Lisa Bates of Fasig Lane stated she went to Skidmore College and stayed to raise a family. She feels she has little to no voice as one who has voted for this Council. Everyone is agreeing on one thing; a vegas style casino doesn’t belong in Saratoga Springs. She implored the Council to pass a resolution against a casino in our city. Denise McDonald of 61 Phila Street stated there are representatives in the state that are looking to have local say in terms of communities actually saying if they want a casino or not. One of their initiatives would be to have the City Council unanimously vote against having a casino here and to say we want local control. Janette Kaddo-Marino of Jackson Street congratulated the Council on their election to their offices. She asked the Council to take an action, now that you know how the majority of your constituents feel. We do have a voice here. If there is so much vagueness in this process, you can vote no until the questions are answered. Tom McTygue of 251 County Road stated there are no threats. He is not aware of anyone in his group out there supporting the state legislation for Saratoga Springs versus it going to Rensselaer County. He voted against it because he didn’t like the way the legislation was passed. It needs to be explained to people. Are we prepared to lay more people off? Additionally, the County spent $10 million dollars to upgrade the dirty water in the Hudson River. Our engineers sent them a report telling them it is a wrong location. Residents of the County are paying for loan to general fund. Water is supposed to pay for water. Theresa Hammer of Kirby Road stated she has read the letters in the paper every day saying the same thing over and over. She doesn’t believe we can use the statistics of Nevada which has many casinos to compare to here. She hopes the people don’t forget that the racino has been a good partner and neighbor over the past 10 year. Ian Klepetar of 20 Waterbury Street stated he spent a lot of time in Seattle and witnessed the mayor of Seattle who was impressed with his leadership and representing the people. He only lasted one term because he wasn’t willing to make compromises. This issue has become quite a challenge for everyone involved. We need to be weary of the path we choose. Representing the people who voted against this is a very telling story of our city picking one path and regretting it. Mayor Yepsen closed the public comment period at 7:27 p.m. PRESENTATION(S) Bog Meadow Infrastructure and Water Supply Project Tim Wales, city engineer introduced Travis Mitchell of Environmental Design. He stated this presentation is basically the same he gave a year ago with some updates. He reviewed the City’s main water source and its back up water sources. The permitted safe yield is 7.8 mgd (million gallons per day). He also recapped the amount of water the City uses – about 3.46 mgd per day January through March; 5.58 mgd June through August; and total year daily average is 4.19 mgd. Any water project and debt has to be paid by water rates. The additional source capacity project is for the City to keep water rates under control; have control of our water source; fund a new source that does not require capacity increase of Marion Avenue Water Plant; evaluate connection to County water at tee locations; and meet NYDOH conditions and deadlines. Travis Mitchell of Environmental Design stated the historical peak demand was 7.84 mgd. The current source capacity comes from 3 sources. Over the next 20 years, they are projecting the average day flow for the City will increase by 300,000 gpd; and the peak flow will increase by 620,000 gpd. Tim Wales stated the NYSDOH conducts sanitary surveys bi-annually. In 2011 NYSDOH required the City to have a backup source capacity plan. The Bog Meadow Project components include the installation of Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 pumps and infrastructure for 3 of the 4 wells. The project is in the final design stage with their engineer and will bid the project. (Slide presentation is attached to the hard copy of the minutes.) Commissioner Mathiesen asked if the City can arbitrarily stop fluoridating the water. Tim Wales stated under our permit we are not required to do it. It is more of an operational question for the Department of Health. Commissioner Scirocco stated that isn’t a consideration now. Public comment period opened at 7:58 p.m. Al Callucci of 9 Lexington Road stated the last study was 8 years ago. We are now have additional hotels and have new ones being constructed. How confident are you that we can address those needs today and what would be the alternative if we couldn’t. Travis Mitchell advised the water usage projections were based upon population and usage over the past 30 years, then the next 20 years. At this point the Bog Meadow project provides more than what they can project over the next 20 years. Wilma Koss of Kaydeross Park Road stated she has been following the water issue since she has been president of the Saratoga Lake Water Association. There was a letter concerning what happened in West Virginia could happen here. She encouraged the Council to support the budget transfers to make the money available to connect the Bog Meadow wells to the City system. William McTygue of York Street stated this is a valuable discussion. No one is trying the stop the project at Bog Meadow. From a practical point of view, there is some information that is not being provided. The Health Department will let you spend a couple million dollars on a system that in his opinion will have little value in case of a sustained drought in the City. He told the Council the 7.8 mgd is no longer a valuable number; it is outdated. The wells at Geyser Crest are not operating at the original designed capacity bringing the 7.8 number down. The wells at Interlaken are down to only 1 well. The capacity of the Loughberry Lake water system has dropped. He still is not understanding how the system that EDP has been hired to develop will work. This is a supplemental system and will not be used day in and day out. Tom McTygue of 251 County Road stated there is a lot here the engineers aren’t telling you. The farthest that water can be pumped to the City from Geyser Crest is the high school; you can’t get it any further. The Interlaken system is not able to bring it into the City and Bog Meadow has so much soot in it to the point you can’t turn it on. It a truck went into the lake, you have enough water for 3 or 4 days. Tell everyone you have a real serious problem. Let’s start telling the people the facts about the water system. Commissioner Scirocco stated in 2009 the City, by administrative order had to upgrade the pump stations in Geyser Crest. Mayor Yepsen closed public comment at 8:19 p.m. Broadway Corridor Traffic Analysis Commissioner Mathiesen introduced Peter Faith of Greenman-Pedersen and Mark Benaquista of Public Safety. Peter Faith advised their purpose was to review traffic operations of the Broadway corridor. They studied 9 intersections: Broadway & Ellsworth Jones; Broadway & Church/Lake; Broadway & Caroline; Broadway & Division; Broadway & Washington; Broadway & Spring; Broadway & Congress; Congress & Hamilton; and Lake & Maple. They analyzed 6 different conditions including existing conditions; timing modifications; the impact of adding left turn lanes; and the addition of exclusive pedestrian phases. The following statistics Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 were shared: 13,000 daily through vehicles; 18,000 pedestrian crossings; and delivery trucks cause 2-3 lane blockages per hour. Conclusions of the analysis overall is the current system works pretty well but can be improved. Mark now has the software to test models of traffic flows. Commissioner Scirocco stated there is an obvious issue at Broadway and Lake. There is another issue when the trucks turn onto Washington from Broadway. He asked if they looked at that issue. Mr. Faith advised they did not with this study. Commissioner Mathiesen stated they are looking into that issue separately. Commissioner Franck stated there was a study done in 2006/2007 which showed one lane north and one lane south. The problem is people are almost hit at the main intersection on a daily basis. The turn signal is backwards. Mark Benaquista advised that turn signal has been that way for 30 years per Council request. The Council was receiving a lot of complaints that the pedestrians couldn’t get across the street. This way it give the pedestrian a 5 second lead before cars can go. The Council took a break at 9:07 p.m. The Council returned at 9:10 p.m. Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation – Spirit of Life Commissioner Scirocco stated the City, in joint partnership with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, are working to restore the Spirit of Life. He introduced Samantha Bosshart from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and Martha Lyons of Martha Lyons Landscaping. Samantha Bosshart stated over time many of the elements of the memorial have deteriorated or removed. To date they have raised $175,000 in addition to the $75,000 the City has contributed over the years. The goal of the project is to fully restore the elements back to the 1915 design and condition in time for the centennial. Martha Lyons provided the history of the Spirit of Life. (Slide presentation is attached to the hard copy of the minutes.) Dan stated the statue is actually in really good shape. He reviewed the various areas that will be re- pointed. The entire memorial will have the graffiti removed and gum and sap removed from the walls. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 1/1/14 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 1/6/14 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 1/7/14 City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approval of 12/30/13 City Council Meeting Minutes 5. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 6. Approve Payroll 1/24/14 $427,127.63 7. Approve Payroll 1/31/14 $592,391.58 8. Approve Warrant: 2014 REG – 14FEB1 $998,313.49 9. Approve Warrant: 2013 Mid – 13MWDEC4 $6,093.20 10. Approve Warrant: 2013 REG – 13DEC5 $180,171.13 Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 11. Approve Warrant: 2014 Mid – 14MWJAN2 $8,907.44 12. Approve Warrant: 2014 Mid – 14MWJAN3 $3,908.16 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Mayor Yepsen advised that a prominent member of the community passed away this morning – Bob Pasciullo. Bob was head of Saratoga County EOC and achieved so much for our community with affordable housing. A moment of silence was offered in honor of Bob. Proclamation: Proclamation for Retirement of Father Dominic S. Ingemie Mayor Yepsen read the following proclamation into the record: A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY WHEREAS, Father Dominic S. Ingemie, pastor of the Church of St. Peter, has given more than 40 years of dedicated and faithful service to his ministry. During his years with us in Saratoga Springs, Father Ingemie was well known for his patience, his diligence, and his firm commitment to helping those in need. He has been especially determined to aid the homeless in our community, and our City’s volunteer organizations know that they can count on him to help in every way, and WHEREAS, Father Ingemie has made invaluable contributions to our City’s Code Blue project, and through his tireless efforts our community will always provide a place of warmth and shelter for persons endangered by severe winter weather, and WHEREAS, Father Ingemie has announced his intent to retire from the priesthood and as pastor of St. Peter’s, and a retirement celebration for him will take place on February 9, 2014. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joanne D. Yepsen, Mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs, am pleased to join with my fellow Saratogians, with the congregation of St. Peter’s Church, and with all of Father Ingemie’s family and friends, in expressing our thanks and appreciation for his exemplary service to his faith and to the people of our city, and to wish him the very best of health and happiness in the years to come. Discussion: 2014 Capital Region Local Government Council – Legislative Agenda Mayor Yepsen stated a legislative agenda was put together based upon input local officials. They called upon the state to take action to improve or change state law in areas of mandate relief and pension reform; provide adjusted AIM (Aid Incentive Municipalities) payments assistance; insure statewide access to broadband services; and increase state funding earmarked to support infrastructure. Mayor Yepsen stated Senator Paul Tonko will be here this Friday with his staff to reach out to constituents in this area. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Saratoga County Animal Shelter Mayor Yepsen pulled this item from here agenda. Discussion and Vote: Recreation Department Part Time / Seasonal Hourly Rate Personnel (14-041) John Hirliman of the Recreation Department state the Recreation Commissioner is requesting that any returning part time seasonal hourly employee will receive a rate increase of $.25. All youth parkers’ rates will be increased from $7.50 to $8.25 and include a $1 shift differential for the evening shift; the skating program coordinator will not receive the $.25 increase as it is at its maximum hourly rate; camp nurse 1 will not receive the $.25 increase as the position is at its maximum hourly rate; the sports coordinator $20 per hour position will not receive the $.25 increase as it is at its maximum hourly rate; and bus driver years 1 – Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 5 and years 6 + years will not receive the $.25 increase as the position has a built in increase after 5 years. The Recreation Commissioner is asking these rates go into effect February 8th. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the 2014 part time seasonal hourly rates for certain Recreation Department personnel as described and distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Tiny T-Ball Clinic & Ultimate Frisbee (14-042) John Hirliman of the Recreation Department stated the fees will be $50 for City residents and $50 for school district residents and $70 for non-city/non-school district residents. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the tiny T-Ball clinic and ultimate frisbee programs and any associated fees as distributed. Ayes - All Announcement: Saratoga Springs Recreation Department Spring Registration John Hirliman of the Recreation Department advised their spring registrations are now open. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 212 Article 3 of the City Code Regarding Senior Citizen Tax Exemptions Commissioner Franck advised the purpose of this amendment is to allow senior citizens to renew their existing exemptions after the City's taxable status date of March 1st, giving seniors more time to file these important documents. A public hearing was scheduled for the next Council meeting, Tuesday, February 18th at 6:55 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Parking Garage Sign Contract with Purdy’s (14-043) Commissioner Franck advised this is an annual lease agreement with Purdy’s for their advertising sign in the parking garage. They have 2 signs at $75 per sign for a total of $150 per month. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the agreement with Purdy’s Discount Wine and Liquor for the parking deck sign program as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: 2014 Annual Tax Resolution (14-044) Commissioner Madigan stated each year they bring the tax resolution forward for review. It confirms the levies for the following: City, County, prior year’s utility tax, Saratoga Lake Special Improvement District, Special Assessment District, West Avenue Special Assessment District, Gilbert Road Water District, and the Gilbert Road Water District II. Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 The resolution is as follows: February 4, 2014 RESOLVED, that the City of Saratoga Springs, New York on this 4th day of February, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. adopt and confirm the 2014 tax roll carrying a levy on the inside district of $10,098,848.16 for the City and $4,965,741.25 for the County; total Inside District levy $15,064,589.41. Levy on the Outside District of $8,522,651.68 for the City and $4,243,687.74 for the county: total Outside District levy of $12,766,339.42 making a total tax levy of $27,830,928.83 and that the Commissioner of Finance be authorized to collect such a levy computed at the following rates per one thousand dollars of assess valuation. INSIDE DISTRICT RATES City $6.0701 County $2.974798 OUTSIDE DISTRICT RATES City $5.9920 County $2.974798 FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York adopt and confirm the relevy of the 2013 Utility Tax in the amount of $482,866.74. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York adopt and confirm the 2014 Saratoga Lake Special Improvement Tax for the Saratoga Lake Improvement District in the amount of $98,783.22. FURHTER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the city of Saratoga Springs, New York adopt and confirm the 2014 Special Assessment Ax for the Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District in the amount of $115,595.39. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2014 tax resolution as previously distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: 2014 Bond Resolution (14-045) Commissioner Madigan advised the bond resolution is for an amount totaling $3,789,686 and includes all items approved in the 2014 capital budget that require bonding. This is for the financing as needed, not for the financing itself. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the 2014 bond resolution as previously distributed with the agenda. Roll Call: Commissioner Franck – Aye Commissioner Madigan – Aye Commissioner Scirocco – Aye Commissioner Mathiesen – Aye Mayor Yepsen - Aye Discussion and Vote: Resolution for the Use of Reserve – Capital Reserve Fund to Finance the Construction, Reconstruction or Acquisition of Buildings (14-046) Commissioner Madigan advised this is for the use of $50,000 from the capital reserve fund to finance the construction or reconstruction of buildings. A total of $200,000 was included in the 2014 capital budget; $150,000 of it will be bonded; and $50,000 is to be drawn down from the building reserve fund. The building reserve fund currently has about $701,367 in it. This fund is replenished yearly from carousel and chair rentals. The Council agreed to waive the reading of the following resolution: RESOLUTION (For Expenditure of CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION OR ACQUISITION OF BUILDINGS RESERVE FUNDS) Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs established the CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION OR ACQUSIITON OF BUILDINGS Reserve Fund on November 7, 2006 “to accumulated moneys to finance the cost of a type of capital improvement…the construction, reconstruction, or acquisition of buildings and additions to or conversion thereof as described in subdivisions 11 and 12 of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law” (aka the “Buildings Reserve Fund”), and , WHEREAS, on November 4, 2012, the City council approved the 2014 Budget with the following capital project to be funded from bonded funds and the Buildings Reserve Fund:  City buildings and Facilities Repairs and Upgrades: Work may include building or facility upgrades required to improve building condition or overall operation included and not limited to unexpected and/or emergency repairs, the Handicap Ramp Stabilization, Main Floor tiles, woodwork & widow repairs and Annex asphalt roof replacement & attic ventilation, and security and upgrades to the Finance department areas; and WHEREAS, the city reasonably estimates that said work will cost approximately $200,000, and that it is appropriate and proper that $150,000 of said amount will be bonded, and the remaining $50,000 will be paid from said Buildings Reserve Fund; and WHEREAS, this expenditure is in accordance with the purposes of the CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, OR ACQUISITION OF BUILDINGS Reserve Fund; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the above-described specific expenditure up to the amount of $50,000.00, is hereby approved as authorized as in accordance with the CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, OR ACQUISITION OF BULIDINGS Reserve Fund. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the resolution for the use of the capital reserve fund to finance the construction, reconstruction or acquisition of buildings as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Resolution for the Use of Reserve – Subdivision Recreation Fund (14-047) Commissioner Madigan advised this is for the use of up to $189,500 from the subdivision recreation fund towards the 2014 capital budget projects for recreation facilities. The amount in the subdivision recreation fund before this resolution is $1,049,999. The Council agreed to waive the reading of the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs as follows: WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs has established a subdivision recreation fund as part of it Subdivision Regulations and as part of its Zoning Ordinance (Section 7.2.18). The purpose of the subdivision recreation fund is to use site plan fees paid in lieu of usable recreation land for “neighborhood park, playground or recreation purposes, including the acquisition and improvement of property”; and WHEREAS, on November 4, 2013, the Cit y Council approved the 2014 Budget with the following capital projects to be funded from the subdivision recreation fund:  Resurfacing or reconstruction of courts at City owned and/or managed parks (possible sites include the East Side, West Side, Veterans Memorial, and Hawthorn) in the amount of approximately $72,500; and  Field rehabilitation for playing fields in need of repair and/or reconstruction (possible sites include Veterans Memorial Park and North Side) in the amount of approximately $95,000; and  Updating and expanding playgrounds (possible sites include East Side, West Side, North Side, South Side, and Veterans Memorial), in the amount of $22,000; and WHEREAS, the courts, fields and playgrounds are found to be worn and deteriorated to the point where only a complete resurfacing, repair and/or reconstruction will return them to safe and proper use. These facilities are popular features of City parks and provide many people with opportunities for recreation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows: 1. The City Council finds that the following expenditures are in accordance with the purposes of the subdivision recreation fund:  Court Resurfacing and/or reconstruction – up to $72,500  Field rehabilitation – up to $95,000;  Playground expansion and updates: up to $22,000 2. The City Council authorizes said payment of $189,500 to be paid from said fund for the aforementioned specific expenditures. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the resolution for the use of reserves – subdivision recreation funds as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign MVP HMO 25 Health Insurance Contract (14- 048) Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 Commissioner Madigan advised a signature is required when there is a change to the policy. The change is there is now an annual out of pocket maximum. This is due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act and a plan enhancement for employees. The rates of the contract remain the same as those approved at the November, 2013 meeting. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the MVP HMO 25 health insurance contract renewal documents as distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign MVP PPO Health Insurance Contract (14-049) Commissioner Madigan advised a signature is required when there is a change to the policy. The main change is there is an out of pocket maximum due to the Affordable Care Act. The rates are the same as presented and voted upon at the November, 2013 meeting. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the MVP PPO health insurance contract renewal documents as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (14-050) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2014 budget transfers – payroll which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Capital Budget, Bog Meadow Water Source (14-051) Commissioner Madigan advised the waterfund infrastructure and improvement project involves numerous tasks. The budget amendment would be created for a separate project for the Bog Meadow water source project. There will be no increase or decrease in the budget amount at this time but will be a transfer of funds from the main project to the new project number. The amount of the transfer is $1,100,000. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2014 capital budget transfer for the Bog Meadow water source project which was distributed with the agenda. Roll Call: Commissioner Franck – Aye Commissioner Madigan – Aye Commissioner Scirocco – Aye Commissioner Mathiesen – Aye Mayor Yepsen – Aye PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Amend the 2014 Capital Budget (14-052) Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to amend the 2014 capital budget to modify the description of the infrastructure improvement and replacement project to include the Bog Meadow infrastructure and water supply project as presented. Ayes - All Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 Discussion and Vote: Donation – Saratoga Central Catholic High School (14-053) Commissioner Scirocco advised they have started the rehab of the Music Hall and have replaced the stage curtains. The old curtains have no value and will cost the City money to dispose of them. They have been asked to donate the stage curtains to Saratoga Central Catholic High School. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the donation of the stage curtains to Saratoga Central Catholic High School. Ayes - All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion: Casino Expansion Proposal Commissioner Mathiesen stated over the past 3 months everyone has had a chance to think about the expansion of casino gambling and the selection of a site. It is obvious to him that the opinions vary tremendously. There are those who are reluctant to acknowledge we have had a casino in our city for the past 10 years. Saratoga Springs continues to have low crime rates as do other municipalities with casinos. The Saratoga Casino and Raceway has saved the local harness racing operation, provided many new jobs, and has been responsible for direct revenue (although unpredictable) for our city. The people voted against a referendum that dealt with a statewide change in policy for gaming; the expansion of gaming here is a different question. We will never know exactly how our citizens feel about this issue. He would like to work toward the preservation of the existing jobs and the additional jobs associated with a moderately expanded gaming facility. He is opposed to a self contained hotel, event center, casino complex. The proposed hotel and event center proposed on the grounds of the harness track will undermine the City Center use. He does believe Saratoga Springs is the best location in the 8 county area for expanded table gaming. We already have the casino, meeting space, hotels, and restaurants required. He can only support a moderate expansion of the existing VLT parlor in order to accommodate expanding gaming. Discussion: Land Use Board Alternative Commissioner Mathiesen stated on September 4, 2012 the Planning Department proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. At that time land use board alternates were put into place and what the terms of the alternates would be. It was suggested that the alternates be appointed for a 2 year term and alternates would be appointed alternate years so that one would be appointed each year. We would never have approved the previous mayor to appoint 2 alternates on the last day of his administration. Mayor Yepsen stated her office is diligently working on this issue and working to bring the resolution back to the table and closer to the intent of the law. She will distribute the draft electronically to the Council for their input after she has had a chance to review it. It is clear the intent of the law was not the way it played out. Commissioner Franck stated he agrees with Commissioner Mathiesen as this was not a discussion in just September 2012 but it goes back as far as when he first came into office. It is very unusual to make these announcements this way. Discussion: Last Call Commissioner Mathiesen advised Commissioner Franck brought this issue up in 2010 and he brought it up in 2012. To go forward, it has to be approved by the County Board and be County wide. Essex County and Warren County have changed their last call to 3 a.m. The number of calls to the Glens Falls Police Department have decreased with this change. Discussion: Noise Ordinance Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 Commissioner Mathiesen it is early in the year and we should focus on this now. The problem is they don’t have anything in the noise ordinance that enforcement can use for the outdoor music venues. There will be guidelines the venues will have to follow so they don’t disturb residential neighborhoods and adjacent businesses in those areas. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225-72 Schedule VII: One Way Streets Commissioner Mathiesen set a public hearing for February 18, 2014 at 6:50 p.m. Announcement: Department of Public Safety Forum on March 13, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Room Commissioner Mathiesen reminded the public that the next public safety forum is March 13, 2014 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Room. SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch Home Heating Assistance Program Supervisor Veitch announced this program is still going on. The emergency benefit is available until March 17th. NYSAC Conference Supervisor Veitch announced the conference started yesterday and will conclude tomorrow morning. He serves on the Public Safety Committee on the NYSAC level; he was the moderator for a forum on the 911 system; and attended a forum on Ethics in Government. Planning and Zoning Conference Supervisor Veitch announced the Planning and Zoning Conference was held last week at the City Center. He participated in a trails presentation on how they can better build them in Saratoga County. Sale of Saratoga County Landfill Supervisor Veitch announced the County closed on the sale of the landfill. There was a $4 million dollar upfront payment and a stream of revenue will continue to follow over the life of the landfill. Peter Martin New York State Association of Counties – 2014 Legislative Conference Supervisor Martin reported there was an executive budget overview. If the state adheres to its 2% spending increases, we could have a surplus by next year at the state level. Saratoga County 2014 Planning and Zoning Conference Supervisor Martin stated Supervisor Veitch covered this item well; he nothing additional to add. Chinese New Year Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting 2/4/14 Supervisor Martin announced this is the year of the horse. He would like to see if we can use that in some fashion to advertise Saratoga. Veteran’s Affairs Supervisor Martin announced there is a current problem with the law regarding those who may be suffering from the affects of Agent Orange. If you were a ‘blue water’ veteran (out at sea), they aren’t receiving the assistance they need from the veteran’s agency. He is going to ask the County to consider a resolution to ask the federal government to extend the treatment to the ‘blue water veterans’. AUSA (Association of the United Stated Army) has an event planned on March 29th at the Military Museum to commemorate the Vietnam War. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ayes – All There being no further business, Mayor Yepsen adjourned the meeting at 10:41 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 3/4/14 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 15 of 15