City Council

July 1, 2014 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Agenda 6:55 PM P.H. – Amend Capital Budget – Spirit of Life 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION(S) 1. Way Finding Program 2. Saratoga Children’s Theatre and the Music Hall Update EXECUTIVE SESSION: Discussion on CSEA Contract CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 6/2/14 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 6/3/14 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 6/4/14 City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve 5. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance Reserve 6. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 7. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 8. Approve Payroll 6/20/14 $414,410.07 9. Approve Payroll 06/27/14 $461,826.85 10. Approve Warrant: 2014 Mid – 14MWJUN2 $3,089,427.27 11. Approve Warrant: 2014 REG – 14JUL1 $1,244,602.86 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Mayor’s Desk 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement with CSEA City Call Collective Bargaining Unit 3. Discussion: Annual Update from Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board 4. Discussion and Vote: Proposed 2014 – 2015 Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Salaries 5. Discussion and Vote: Authorization of the Position of Executive Assistant in the City Attorney’s Office 6. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Regarding SEQRA Lead Agency Status for City Center Parking Structure Project 7. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract for Saratoga Springs Summer Concert Series – Peg Delaney City Council Meeting 7/1/14 8. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract for Saratoga Springs Summer Concert Series – Sonny and Perley 9. Announcement: Victoria Pool Project ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Amendment to the Purchasing Policy 2. Award of Bid: Extension of Bid for Pre-Cast Manholes, Catchbasins, Risers, Dry Wells and Frames/Covers to Pallette Stone Corp. 3. Award of Bid: Sale of Used Vehicles to Various Bidders FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: SEQRA – Spa Solar Park Development Project 2. Discussion and Vote: Letter of Intent – Sun Edison, NYSERDA Application for Spa Solar Park Development Project 3. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 4. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – City Center Contingency 5. Announcement: 2014 Bond Rating and Sale 6. Announcement: 2015 Budget Call Letter PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects, LLP 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Property Agreements for the Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project 3. Discussion and Vote: Sick Bank Request PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Saratoga School District for the School Resource Officer for the 2014 – 2015 School Year 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with NYRA for the 2014 Racing Season 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Taser International 4. Set Public Hearing: Amend Capital Budget for the Police Department Infrastructure Project SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch Nothing at this time. Peter Martin 1. Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, LDC 2. Recycling Operations Proposal 3. Veteran’s Affairs ADJOURN Page 2 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 July 1, 2014 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Joanne Yepsen, Mayor John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance 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 Sarah Burger, City Attorney Peter Martin, Supervisor EXCUSED: Matthew Veitch, Supervisor 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 – Spirit of Life Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:59 p.m. Commissioner Scirocco stated the City has partnered with the Preservation Foundation to renovate the Spirit of Life. The project involves masonry work, landscaping, and the restoration of the monument. He Page 3 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 asked this public hearing continue to the next City Council meeting. The amount of amendment to the 2014 capital budget will be at least an additional $100,000. Jared Tatich of 29 Ludlow Street stated this is a project he has been involved in since 2011. They will be starting another capital campaign. They entered into an agreement with the City for a match. He asked the budget be amended. Mayor Yepsen concluded the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. and kept it open. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Yepsen called the meeting to order at 7:03 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 7:04 p.m. Rose Tait of 164 Lincoln Avenue stated for the 4th time she is asking the Council to put the Lincoln Avenue on the agenda. She returned from her home in South Carolina early for this issue. She asked that the one-way street be put on the agenda. Her parking lot will be deserted, he house will be assaulted with the noise, dust, dirt, and pollution by the increased traffic generated by the new traffic patterns. This seems to be a power trip. Sam Brewer of 161 Lake Avenue stated his understanding is a taser was recently used in an incident that will probably go to litigation. The liability of Taser International in the incident is probably still in question so the Council may want to hold off on signing an agreement with them. Dave Pedinotti of 38 Pinewood Avenue stated he is concerned about the speed the City Center is attempting to get the parking structure approved. Understanding the City Center needs this parking structure to compete with the racino expansion, it would make more sense to work with the community on a design that appeases everyone. He feels the City should take lead agency for construction. Aaron Pedinotti of 53 York Avenue stated the proposed plan will block the view of High Rock Park. The only physical connection between the proposed green space and the park is a sidewalk trail running along the garage. He opposes giving lead agency of the project to the City Center. Diane Pedinotti of 38 Pinewood Avenue stated she is for the City to take lead agency over the garage. The people of the City need a say over what is built on City owned land. If they take their time an do this right, we could attract more tourists to our downtown. Commissioner Mathiesen stated the agreement with Taser International deals with the cameras worn by police officers. Mayor Yepsen closed the public comment period at 7:13 p.m. PRESENTATIONS Way Finding Program Page 4 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 Mayor Yepsen introduced Harvey Fox and Mike Ingersoll of the Special Assessment District to present this program. Mr. Fox stated the Special Assessment District is a taxing district from the Holiday Inn to the Hilton and then one block east and west of Broadway. This project is to get rid of sign pollution in this district. Mr. Ingersoll stated this was initiated in 2009. The Special Assessment District invested $40,000 with various firms to help them understand what would be better signage for downtown. They are looking to engage the same firm to develop standards. They will determine what our key gateways are to direct people downtown. There are 150 signs in a 2 block area starting at the City Center and going south. One thing that is critical is using international symbols. Recent conversations with DOT identified that signs can be consolidated. Elements that are essential for downtown is a way to move people. If we are serious about this we need to brand our downtown. The City of Burlington has digital counters in each of their parking garages to note if a lot is full. They would like to standardize the ‘S’ in signage to indicate Saratoga. Mayor Yepsen stated this would establish a great impression of Saratoga Springs. Commissioner Scirocco stated there are a lot of signs and flags. Making the City more pedestrian and vehicle friendly would be great for us. His department is willing to work with them to make this happen. Commissioner Mathiesen asked how you get rid of route signs without making it more confusing. Mr. Ingersoll stated you don’t get rid of them but make them smaller. They will need to work through all of it. Saratoga Children’s Theatre and the Music Hall Update Commissioner Scirocco introduced Meg Kelly, director of the Saratoga Children’s Theatre. Ms. Kelly provided the Council with a handout (attached). She commented on the improvements to the Music Hall including the painting and curtains. The Music Hall is the perfect venue for her team but it needs air conditioning and the floor needs to be insulated/sound proofed. The projected revenue would be a win/win; once people see the Music Hall they will come. She encouraged the Council to look into the future for the rental of this space. As the space is improved, the rental fees can also go up. She would like to come up with a plan in the next 30 days and plug in some real numbers to put it into the capital budget. Mayor Yepsen stated the Climate Smart Community Task Force has been looking at lowering the cost of energy. City Hall could use some energy upgrades. There are some grants for this that the City should look into. Commissioner Scirocco stated they hired a consultant to look into the cost to install air conditioning in the Music Hall and the courts. These numbers should be available shortly. Air conditioning in the Music Hall is a necessity as well as improving the acoustics. Improving the air conditioning, acoustics, and sound proofing would be a benefit for the City. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Yepsen adjourned to executive session for the purpose of discussion of labor negotiations at 7:43 p.m. The Council returned at 8:15 p.m. A decision was made and will be addressed under the mayor’s agenda item #2. Page 5 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to accept the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 6/2/14 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 6/3/14 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 6/4/14 City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve 5. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance Reserve 6. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 7. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 8. Approve Payroll 6/20/14 $414,410.07 9. Approve Payroll 06/27/14 $461,826.85 10. Approve Warrant: 2014 Mid – 14MWJUN2 $3,089,427.27 11. Approve Warrant: 2014 REG – 14JUL1 $1,244,602.86 Ayes - All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Mayor’s Desk Mayor Yepsen advised the Comprehensive Plan Committee will not meet during the summer. The committee has accomplished a lot. She thanked the members of the committee for all their work. Mayor Yepsen also attended the NYRA press conference to kick off the season. Thousands of season passes have been sold for a promising season. Mayor Yepsen announced they have gone out for bid for the Waterfront property. They hope to award the project shortly after its opening and avoid losing the grant funding the City has been awarded. Mayor Yepsen stated the Kosovo Delegation visited on June 24th. There were 15 government officials that participated. They did a walking tour of downtown with the group. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement with CSEA City Call Collective Bargaining Unit (14-235) Mayor Yepsen presented a contract for January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016. They are making progress with settling all contracts that were left unsettled when she took office. If the labor contracts were to remain unsettled, it would put our bond rating at risk. All negotiations were done in house with no outside counsel; therefore, a considerable savings to the City and taxpayer. The employees will received a step increase effective 1/1/13 at their anniversary date; effective 1/1/13 employees will received a 2.5% increase; effective 1/1/14 the salary schedule will reflect a 2.5% increase; effective 1/1/15 the salary schedule will reflect a 2% increase; and effective 1/1/6 the salary schedule will reflect a 2% increase. The contract was ratified 57 – 1 by the City Hall CSEA Unit last week. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the collective bargaining agreement with CSEA City Hall Unit as distributed with the agenda and ratified by the union members. Commissioner Madigan advised the cost of increase from 2012 to 2013 for the 2.5% raise plus steps plus social security is $126,801; the cost of increase from 2012 – 2014 for an additional 2.5% raise plus steps plus social security is $278,955. This is retroactive payment. The cost of adjustments for longevity Page 6 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 payments going forward is $10,537. An estimate to bring the 2015 budget into line would be an increase of $450,000. Ayes - All Discussion: Annual Update from Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Board Mayor Yepsen stated the Housing Authority Board has agreed to present to the City Council. Lou Schneider is here to present the update. Mr. Schneider introduced Paul Feldman, the assistant executive director. The Public Housing Assessment System is HUD’s way of evaluating the operations and administration of public housing. Housing authorities are evaluated on 4 categories – physical plant, financial soundness, capital fund, and management score. The Saratoga Springs Housing Authority has far exceeded the average Public Housing Agency Director’s Association’s score for authorities for the past 6 years and anticipates earning the HUD designation of ‘high performer’ for the seventh consecutive year. HUD also uses the Section Eight Management Assessment Program to evaluate the administration of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. There are 13 indicators audited to determine the overall score. The following was highlighted by the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014:  They project a break-even result (or slight loss) for this year.  They realized significant savings in both utilities and maintenance versus budget.  SSHA will end the year with reserves in excess of $1 million dollars.  Capital improvements included new windows in Jefferson Terrace buildings 14 – 28, new siding on buildings 20 – 28, new boilers in the Vanderbilt Terrace apartment buildings, new hot water tanks in the Vanderbilt Terrace apartments, repair of old sewer lines serving Jefferson Terrace, and kitchen remodels at the Stonequist Apartments.  SSHA has community partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, Embury Apartments, Shelter Plus Care Program, and Saratoga County Housing Committee.  Completed the assistant director search.  Mayor Yepsen appointed a new board member to replace an outgoing member. Mr. Schneider also reported there is sufficient structural damage to the Ford Center from the constant flooding to raise questions about its long-term safety and there is black mold behind some of the walls rendering it a health hazard to any human occupants. They are looking into how to address this issue. (written report attached) Mr. Schneider stated the following from a personal perspective; for the past several years the authority has been getting bad press especially Ed Spychalski. Ed Spychalski took the Housing Authority to its highest level. He highlighted the following accomplishments of Mr. Spychalski:  Started on site Head Start Program and built the facility for the program  Built police sub-station at Jefferson Terrace and Stonequist Apartments  Purchased 28 units at Allen Drive  Built 15 new affordable housing units (list and comments attached) Commissioner Madigan stated the wording regarding the City’s involvement regarding the Ford Center is rough. Why wouldn’t the Housing Authority want to work with the City? Discussion and Vote: Proposed 2014 – 2015 Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Salaries (14-236) Page 7 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 Mayor Yepsen stated the New York State Public Authority Law stated the local governing body must approve the salaries of the Housing Authority. The Council is doing their due diligence and she asked the Council to consider a resolution that approves the salaries of the unionized employees of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority as well as the salary of the assistant director through December 31st. She is not comfortable with approving the account clerk typist salary as there is no comparable salary information. She is also not comfortable with approving the assistant director salary past December 31st as comparable information has not been provided yet. She is not comfortable with approving the executive director’s salary as the position’s salary has been found to be excessive and not comparable to similarly sized authorities. The following resolution was read into the record: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga Springs is required to abide by the provisions of Article 3, Section 32 of the New York State Public Housing Law regarding compensation for the employees of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority (hereinafter “the Authority”) and, WHEREAS, attached hereto is the “Schedule of All Positions and Salaries” document outlining salaries for Authority employees for FY 2014-15, submitted to the Saratoga Springs City Council (hereinafter “the Council”) by the Authority in June 2014, and WHEREAS, the 2014 – 2015 compensation of all Authority employees, with the exception of the Executive Director, Account Clerk/Typist, and the temporary position of Assistant Housing Director, were agreed to pursuant to a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Authority and the Civil Service Employees Association, Local 1000, signed on March 22, 2013, and WHEREAS, the Council has been provided with updated comparative compensation data for the position of Assistant Housing Director, however, updated comparative compensation data supporting or explaining the compensation for the positions of Executive Director and Account Clerk/Typist has not been submitted, and Now, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, in accordance with section 32 of the New York Public Housing Law the Council approves all compensation or FY 2014-15 for those employees of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority that was reached pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement signed by the Authority and Civil Service Employees Association, Local 1000 signed on march 22, 2013, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in accordance with section 32 of the New York Public Housing Law, the Council approves the compensation of the Assistant Housing Director of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority for the period of July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in accordance with section 32 of the New York Public Housing Law, the Council disapproved the compensation of the Assistant Hosing director of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority for the period of January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015 due to insufficient updated comparative compensation data for the position, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in accordance with section 32 of the New York Public Housing Law, the Council disapproves the FY 2014-15 compensation of the Account Clerk/Typist of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority due to insufficient updated comparative compensation data for the position, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in accordance with section32 of the New York Public Housing Law, the Council disapproves the compensation for the position of Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority for FY 2014-15, which begins July 1, 2014 and ends June 30, 2015, due to insufficient updated comparative compensation data and the potentially excessive salary when compared to similar positions in other comparable housing authorities in the State of New York. Commissioner Madigan stated she will be voting no based upon principle. She has been asking the Housing Authority to bring the salaries forward prior to adopting their budget, not after adoption of the budget. Additionally, they were asked to vote on the budget contingent upon salaries being approved by the City Council and they did not vote on it contingent upon Council approval. Commissioner Scirocco stated he was under the impression that the assistant director was suppose to be a 6 month position; not going into the next year. Mayor Yepsen stated at the last Council meeting Commissioner Franck asked to see the spreadsheet reflect that. Commissioner Scirocco asked what the terms are of the union contract. Commissioner Madigan advised it is a 3 year contract. Commissioner Scirocco asked if there has been any discussion to freeze the salary of the assistant director. Commissioner Madigan advised HUD has frozen salaries for executive directors in various ranges. Page 8 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 Scott Petersen clarified his salary was voluntarily frozen last year. Commissioner Mathiesen asked what stand will the Housing Authority take if the Council does not approve the salaries. Scott Petersen stated his understanding is once the information is available it will be brought back to the Council. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the resolution that was distributed to the Council and read aloud tonight that addresses the approval and disapproval of various salaries of the employees of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority for the 2014/2015 fiscal year. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Madigan) Discussion and Vote: Authorization of the Position of Executive Assistant in the City Attorney’s Office (14- 237) Mayor Yepsen advised filling of this position on a full time basis is critical. They are attempting to do more legal work in house which requires the assistance of this person. Filling this job does not require additional funding; it is a reorganization of existing funding within the Mayor’s budget. The position will be a CSEA City Hall position at a grade 10 and will be a 40 hours per week. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the executive assistant position in the City Attorney’s Office at the CSEA City Hall grade 10 level for 40 hours per week to be effective July 7, 2014. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Resolution Regarding SEQRA Lead Agency Status for City Center Parking Structure Project (14-238) Mayor Yepsen introduced Mark Baker, president of the City Center. Mr. Baker stated the resolution deals with establishing the lead agent. This is a public benefit project that started in 2011 as part of the City Center’s expansion. The ability to have additional parking downtown is not just a City Center project. The obvious choice is to have the City Center Authority be the lead agency as they were successful in 2009. It is the position of the Authority that the exemptions under the new code would apply to the City Center. Direct them to the DRC on an advisory basis. They would work collectively with DRC and Planning and have public comment. He appreciates all the input and time that has been put into this. Mayor Yepsen stated there are 3 pieces to this issue: whether this project is advisory versus full site plan review; who is lead; and the lease agreement. Commissioner Madigan asked if the Council has the right to waive full sight plan approval. Sarah Burger, city attorney, stated the Council would have to amend the Zoning Ordinance. Brad Birge of the Planning Department explained this comes down to who is involved, who wishes to be involved and who wants to be lead agent in the SEQRA evaluation. Mayor Yepsen read the following resolution into the record: RESOLUTION REGARDING LEAD AGENCY STATUS FOR CITY CENTER Page 9 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 PARKING GARAGE PROJECT WHEREAS, the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority seeks to construct a new parking garage adjacent to the City Center on property owned by the City of Saratoga Springs; and WHEREAS, the Authority has prepared an Environmental Assessment Form and circulated it along with its request that the Authority serve as Lead Agency for the purpose of review of potential environmental impacts pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act; and WHEREAS, the Authority has acknowledged the status of the City Council as an Involved Agency because Council approval would be required to lease the property to the Authority; and WHEREAS, the City Council understands that the Design Review Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Boards are each Involved Agencies pursuant to the City’s zoning ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council understands that the City Planning Board intends to seek Lead Agency for review of potential environmental impacts of the parking garage project; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes that the Planning Board can best serve as SEQRA Lead Agency for review of potential environmental impacts of the parking garage project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Saratoga Springs City Council hereby does not consent to designation of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority as SEQRA Lead Agency for the parking garage project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby consents to the City Planning Board serving as SEQRA Lead Agency for review of the City Center Authority’s proposed parking garage project. Commissioner Mathiesen asked why the Planning Board would be best for lead agency. Brad Birge advised the Planning Board undertakes this evaluation each and every time. Sarah Burger stated the resolution could be amended so that the last paragraph would read: “…, should the Planning Board seek lead agency”. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the resolution that was distributed with the agenda stating that the City Planning Board should serve as SEQRA Lead Agency for the Saratoga Springs City Center Parking Garage Project with the amendment. Roll Call: Commissioner Franck - Aye Commissioner Madigan – Aye Commissioner Scirocco – Nay Commissioner Mathiesen – Nay Mayor Yepsen - Aye Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract for Saratoga Springs Summer Concert Series – Peg Delaney (14-239) Mayor Yepsen stated the trio is scheduled for July 13, 2014. This amount is $500. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Peg Delaney in the amount of $500 for the performance of the Peg Delaney Trio in Congress Park on July 13, 2014 as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract for Saratoga Springs Summer Concert Series – Sonny and Perley (14-240) Page 10 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 Mayor Yepsen stated this is scheduled for July 6, 2014. The amount is $500. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Sonny Dae, Inc. in the amount of $500 for the performance of Sonny and Perley on July 6, 2014 as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Announcement: Victoria Pool Project Mayor Yepsen announced that Senator Marchione and Senator Little have secured $500,000 for repair and maintenance of the Victoria Pool in the state park. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Amendment to the Purchasing Policy (14-241) Commissioner Franck advised the current purchasing policy allows for piggybacking on contracts through the Office of General Services and other municipalities and or counties within the state of New York. On August 1, 2012, Governor Cuomo signed into law a bill that authorizes the State of New York’s municipality’s to contract for goods jointly with federal and any state or other municipality. He would like amend the current purchasing policy on page 8 under - This procedure is waived if: use of cooperative purchasing, also called piggybacking, as has been amended in GML section 103 subdivision 16, with federal and any other state or municipality. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to amend the Purchasing Policy as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Extension of Bid for Pre-Cast Manholes, Catchbasins, Risers, Dry Wells and Frames/Covers to Pallette Stone Corp. (14-242) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to extend the bid for Pre-Cast Manholes, Catchbasins, Risers, Dry Wells and Frames/Covers to Pallette Stone Corp for an additional year under the same terms and conditions. Funding is in the following budget lines: A3335014 / 54180; A3638144 / 54180; F3638354 / 54180; and G3638114 / 54180. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Sale of Used Vehicles to Various Bidders (14-243) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for the Sale of Used Vehicles as follows:  Vehicle #12 to M.R. Parillo for $1,027.17  Vehicle #40 to M.R. Parillo for $917.27  Vehicle #49 to King Enterprises for $1,101.00  Vehicle #69 to Rocky Daniels for $400.00  Vehicle #83 to M.R. Parillo for $515.27  Vehicle #88 to Rocky Daniels for $350.00  Vehicle #96 to Daniel Marcotte for $753.00  Groundmaster to Rocky Daniels for $1,600.00 Page 11 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14  Overseeder to James Collins for $5,001.00 Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: SEQRA – Spa Solar Park Development Project (14-244) Commissioner Madigan stated the City awarded the bid to Sun Edison. The energy generated from this site will be used by the City. SunEdison will build, own, and maintain a solar array on the City landfill for 20 years and then will decommission it. SunEdison will be applying again to NYSERDA for funding as the original application was denied. Commissioner Madigan read the following questions of the Part 2 SEQRA and the suggested answers: Part 2 - Impact Assessment. The Lead Agency is responsible for the completion of Part 2. Answer all of the following questions in Part 2 using the information contained in Part 1 and other materials submitted by the project sponsor or otherwise available to the reviewer. When answering the questions the reviewer should be guided by the concept “Have my responses been reasonable considering the scale and context of the proposed action?” No, or Moderat small e impact to large may impact occur may occur 1. Will the proposed action create a material conflict with an adopted land use plan or zoning X regulations? 2. Will the proposed action result in a change in the use or intensity of use of land? X 3. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of the existing community? X 4. Will the proposed action have an impact on the environmental characteristics that caused X the establishment of a Critical Environmental Area (CEA)? 5. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change in the existing level of traffic or X affect existing infrastructure for mass transit, biking or walkway? 6. Will the proposed action cause an increase in the use of energy and it fails to incorporate X reasonably available energy conservation or renewable energy opportunities? 7. Will the proposed action impact existing: a. public / private water supplies? X b. public / private wastewater treatment utilities? X 8. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of important historic, archaeological, X architectural or aesthetic resources? 9. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change to natural resources (e.g., wetlands, waterbodies, groundwater, air quality, flora and fauna)? X 10. Will the proposed action result in an increase in the potential for erosion, flooding or drainage problems? X 11. Will the proposed action create a hazard to environmental resources or human health? X Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve to adopt the finding of facts as recited in this presentation and determined that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts – a negative SEQRA declaration. Page 12 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Letter of Intent – Sun Edison, NYSERDA Application for Spa Solar Park Development Project (14-245) Commissioner Madigan stated this is a non-binding letter. The letter was read as follows: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority To Whom It May Concern, This letter of intent dated July 17th, 2014 between SunEdison Government Solutions, LLC and the City of Saratoga Springs affirms our mutual intent to develop a Solar PV project located at 41 Weibel Avenue Saratoga Springs, New York. The Applicant proposes to install a 2.5968 MW DC ground mount system and will be requesting remote net-metering. The system will be interconnected with National Grid Mohawk and is not located in a utility designated Strategic Location. The City of Saratoga Springs acknowledges that this letter of intent is for purposes f seeking funding under PON 2956, NYSERDA’s NY SUN Competitive PV Program, and that such funding application for the project at this site is exclusively through SunEdison government Solutions, LLC. If selected under the Program, SunEdison Government Solutions, LLC and the City of Saratoga Springs intend to enter into an Agreement to develop and install this PV project at this site. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the mayor to sign the NYSERDA application as distributed. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (14-246) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2014 budget transfers – payroll which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – City Center Contingency (14-247) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2014 budget transfers – City Center contingency which were made available with the agenda. The current contingency balance is $15,000; and the contingency amount remaining after the transfer will be $ 5,000. Ayes - All Announcement: 2014 Bond Rating and Sale Commissioner Madigan stated the City’s bond rating is AA+. Saratoga Springs has maintained a strong budgetary performance for the past 3 fiscal years and continues to improve reserve levels. Commissioner Madigan stated the bond sale took place on June 11. Bonded amounts totaled $5,123,686 which covers the 2014 capital budget as well as several capital budget amendments. Announcement: 2015 Budget Call Letter Commissioner Madigan announced the call letter went out on June 26th. She asked that the departments keep their budget amounts within their 2014 budget amounts. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Page 13 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects, LLP (14-248) Commissioner Scirocco stated this to assess the mechanical and electrical system at the Canfield Casino. They will also make recommendations and cost estimates for attic ventilation, modifications to the air conditioning system, artificial back lighting for after dark events, natural ventilation, impacts on the fire sprinkler system, condensation in the building, insulation, storm windows, and thermal envelope consideration. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects, LLP for the Canfield Casino building Envelop Project in the amount of $ 24,922. Funding is in line H3537112 / 52000 / 1165. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Property Agreements for the Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project (14-249) Commissioner Franck recused himself and left the room. Commissioner Scirocco stated the 4 right-of-way acquisition agreements are for the Ballston Avenue Traffic Improvement Project. Part of the project includes widening of the roadway and construction of sidewalks in right-of-way green space to improve the safety of traffic and pedestrians. To do this they had to acquire additional right-of-ways from 4 property owners on Ballston Avenue. The total amount is $125,100. Funding is in line H3133312 / 52221 / 75660. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the right-of-way acquisition agreements that were previously distributed to the Council in the amount of $125,000. Ayes – All Commissioner Franck re-joined the meeting. Discussion and Vote: Sick Bank Request (14-250) Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the removal of 19 sick days from the sick bank for 3 employees. This has been approved by the DPW CSEA Union. Ayes – All Commissioner Scirocco announced the following paving schedule:  Tuesday, July 8th – mill Lake Avenue from Circular Street to Nelson Avenue  Wednesday, July 9th – pave Lake Avenue from Circular Street to Nelson Avenue PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Commissioner Mathiesen congratulated the police officers who graduated from the academy today. These officers are: Kristopher Cammaro, Megan Hall, Shawn Thorpe, William Iachetta. Page 14 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Saratoga School District for the School Resource Officer for the 2014 – 2015 School Year (14-251) Commissioner Mathiesen advised this is an annual contract with the school district paying 65% of the officer’s salary. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Saratoga Springs School District for the school resource officer for 2014 – 2015. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with NYRA for the 2014 Racing Season (14-252) Commissioner Mathiesen stated this is an annual agreement we sign with NYRA for services rendered by the Fire Department. The amount is $78,500. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with NYRA. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Taser International (14-253) Commissioner Mathiesen advised this agreement is 5 years to allow us to download data from the body worn cameras. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Taser International in the amount of $26,421.86. Funding is in line A3143124 / 54740. Ayes - All Set Public Hearing: Amend Capital Budget for the Police Department Infrastructure Project Commissioner Mathiesen set a public hearing for Tuesday, July 15th at 6:55 p.m. SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch Nothing at this time. Peter Martin Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, LDC Supervisor Martin reported this was created by the Board of Supervisors in May. The economic development plan called for new corporation full time staff. Jack Lawlor was elected chair of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership and is an unpaid position. The Board has 10 members including 3 supervisors. Page 15 of 16 City Council Meeting 7/1/14 Recycling Operations Proposal Supervisor Martin reported there have been meetings at the towns of Corinth, Moreau, and Clifton Park. They all have expressed an interest. Veteran’s Affairs Supervisor Martin reported the Veteran’s Services Agency co-sponsored a Peer to Peer Program at the City Center. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Yepsen adjourned the meeting at 10:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 8/5/14 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 16 of 16