City Council

April 6, 2015 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Pre- Agenda Meeting 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 Maire Masterson, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Vince DeLeonardis, City Attorney Peter Martin, Supervisor EXCUSED: Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Matthew Vetch, Supervisor CALL TO ORDER Mayor Yepsen called the meeting to order at 9:33 a.m. PUBLIC HEARING Community Block Grant Brad Barge, of the Planning Department, advised this public hearing was left open from the last City Council meeting. They will be asking for the Council’s approval of the plan at the next meeting. Amend 2015 Capital Budget and Program for Loughery Lake Parcel Mayor Yepsen advised this is a private owner selling the parcel for $25,000. Commissioner Madigan advised they will need to complete SEQRA and a budget amendment. Revision to Tourist Related Business Zoning District Commissioner Madigan advised this was left open from the last City Council meeting. They received the response from the Saratoga County Planning Board. They are ready to do SEQRA. She is recommending animal clinic is left in as is. New City Code Chapter #205 – Street Performances City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting April 6, 2015 Mayor Yepsen stated the business community approached her to create a plan for street performers for this upcoming season. We want to be an arts friendly community. This public hearing will be kept open until the next City Council meeting. Tony Rizzo, assistant city attorney advised this is a 1st Amendment/freedom of speech issue. Some types of regulation are not permissible. PRESENTATION High Rock Park Springs Preservation Mayor Yepsen stated the Centennial Committee will present their proposal for the High Rock Park Springs Preservation. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mayor Yepsen advised there will be an executive session immediately following the pre-agenda meeting. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 2/24/15 Comprehensive Plan Workshop Minutes 2. Approval of 3/16/15 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 3/17/15 City Council Minutes 4. Approval of 3/2/15 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 5. Approval of 3/3/15 City Council Minutes 6. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 10 7. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 11 8. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 12 9. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 13 10. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance Reserve 11. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 12. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 13. Approve Budget Transfers – Revenue 14. Approve Payroll 3/20/15 $424,412.17 15. Approve Payroll 3/27/15 $448,579.60 16. Approve Payroll 4/3/15 $426,558.58 17. Approve Warrant: 2015 Mid – 15MWAPR1 $94,034.83 18. Approve Warrant: 2015 Mid – 15MWMAR2 $117,221.60 19. Approve Warrant: 2015 REG – 15APR1 $1,275,584.12 Commissioner Madigan advised items 6 – 19 are all finance related items. MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Announcement: Centennial Celebration – April 7th at 2:00 pm at the Saratoga Springs Visitor’s Center No comments. Announcement: $1.5 Billion Upstate Revitalization Initiative in 2015 – 2016 State Budget Mayor Yepsen advised this will provide the City with an opportunity to apply for funding. Appointment: Saratoga Springs Housing Authority No comments. Page 2 of 6 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting April 6, 2015 Discussion: Linkage Study Citywide Bike, Pedestrian and Transit Plan Kate Maynard of the Planning Department advised the Council took action July 16, 2013 to authorize the signature on the MOU. There is a required match of $15,000 from the City’s recreation fund. Funding has been received from CDTC and is our Complete Streets Plan. Discussion and Vote: SEQRA Evaluation for Geyser Road Improvements Kate Maynard stated the Geyser Road improvements is comprised of the City’s advancing of 3 projects – Safe Routes to School, Geyser Road Path, and the intersection improvements at Rt. 50 and Geyser Road. This short form is looking at all 3 actions. Discussion and Vote: Mayor’s Department Employee Request for 17 Hours from Sick Bank No comments. Discussion and Vote: Collective Bargaining Agreement – PBA No comments. Discussion: Additional Information on D’Andrea Parcel Mayor Yepsen advised there will not be a vote taken tomorrow night. This is just an opportunity for the Council to ask questions and discuss. There will be an additional workshop. Discussion: Additional Information on Saratoga National Expansion Mayor Yepsen advised that Saratoga National met with the Planning Department on Friday. They provided an outline of their revised proposal which included the removal of all condos and looking at lower density. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement for Appraisal of Spirit of Life Marilyn Rivers, director of risk and safety, advised this is to obtain a certified appraisal of the Spirit of Life. This has never been done and must be done before restoration efforts can take place. Award of Bid: Spirit of Life – Landscape Restoration to Mid State Industries Marilyn Rivers advised Mid State Industries is working with Commissioner Sirocco to put landscaping plans together. Commissioner Sirocco stated funding is split 50/50 with the Saratoga Historical Preservation. Award of Bid: Website & Social Media Design and Upgrade to Civic Plus No comments. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Stilling Electric for Traffic Signal at West and Grand Avenue Marilyn Rivers advised this belongs to Commissioner Mathiesen and is as a result of a claim. The City’s insurance carrier has agreed to put out the money for this and be reimbursed by the people who hit the pole. Page 3 of 6 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting April 6, 2015 Commissioner Franck advised he is adding 2 items to his agenda: Announcement: Grievance Class and Discussion and Vote: Article 7 Case Settlement. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Determination of SEQRA for Proposed Zoning Text Amendment – Tourist Related Business District No comments. Discussion and Vote: Proposed Zoning Text Amendment – Tourist Related Business District No comments. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Declaring Intent to Continue Discussions with Gravity Renewable, LLC with Respect to a Proposed Power Purchase Agreement Commissioner Madigan advised she will be looking for the Council to recognize their work towards the closing of a power purchase agreement. They are looking to be grandfathered in on something going on with the PSC at this time. They believe cash is more beneficial. This is a resolution of intent that they still want to move forward. Discussion and Vote: Referral to Planning Board – Proposed Amendment to City Code Chapter 240 Zoning Ordinance, Section 6.4.8 Supplemental Regulations – Solar Access Commissioner Madigan advised this relates to a project in the T-6 zone and has rendered the City parking lot behind City Hall practically worthless. Any development that would cast this shadow is now outlawed. She recommends a change to this section and would like advice or guidance from the City’s Planning Board on this. Commissioner Franck stated this clearly has to do with the parking garage. In relation to the property being worthless is blinking at reality. This is something that should be on the mayor’s agenda. Discussion: New York State Budget Commissioner Madigan advised she will be mentioning highlights as they relate to the City. Discussion: 2014 4th Quarter Financial Report No comments. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll No comments. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Assignment for Refund of Prior Year Taxes No comments. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – 2013 Fund Balance Excess for Web Redesign No comments. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – 2013 Fund Balance Excess for Centennial No comments. Page 4 of 6 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting April 6, 2015 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Renewal Agreement with Mahoney Notify- Plus, Inc. Alarms Commissioner Scirocco advised this is an annual agreement. Discussion and vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Green ridge Cemetery Association Commissioner Scirocco stated this is an annual agreement. The City receives $25,000 for taking care of part of the cemetery. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Stewart’s Shops Corporation Commissioner Scirocco advised this is for the installation of a new waterline from the Home of the Good Sheppard to the Stewart’s plant on Rt. 9N. Tony Izzo, assistant city attorney, advised prevailing wage is no longer an issue. The Council can waive the competitive bidding by a 4/5 vote. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Policy for Procurement of Boots – DPW Unit Commissioner Scirocco stated he needed clarification of one piece of the policy regarding the review of the vendor each year. He asked if it meets the current purchasing policy. Vince DeLeonardis, city attorney, stated it does not need to go out for bid as each individual purchase order is up to a maximum of $200. Commissioner Scirocco added one item to his agenda: Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign an Agreement with Mid-State for the Spirit of Life for Landscaping. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Announcement: Appointment of Father Thomas Chevalier as Fire Department Chaplain Commissioner Mathiesen advised Father Thomas Chevalier is the pastor at St. Peter’s. Commissioner Mathiesen added one item to his agenda: Discussion and Vote: Transfer of 81 Days Sick for a Police Officer. SUPERVISORS MATTHEW VEITCH 1. Saratoga County CHPS Funding 2. VLT Restoration for 2015 Saratoga County 3. NYS Budget Impact on Saratoga County 4. Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership 5. Racing & Gaming Committee Update PETER MARTIN 1. Saratoga County Framework for Success 2. County Recycling Page 5 of 6 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting April 6, 2015 3. Equalization and Assessment Committee 4. Vietnam Veterans EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of an Article 7 at 10:32 a.m. The Council returned at 11:01 a.m. Mayor Yepsen advised this issue discussed is on tomorrow’s agenda. ADJOURN Mayor Yepsen adjourned the meeting at 11:02 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 4/21/15 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 6 of 6