City Council

May 5, 2015 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 7:00 PM 6:55 PM – P.H. – New city Code Chapter #205 – Street Performers 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION 1. Street Performers Update 2. 2014 Preliminary Year-End Financial Report 3. Saratoga Springs financial Transparency Portal – OpenGov CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 4/14/15 Comprehensive Plan Workshop Minutes 2. Approval of 4/20/15 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 4/7/15 City council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 16 5. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 17 6. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 18 7. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance Reserve 8. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 9. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 10. Approve Payroll 04/24/15 $419,741.95 11. Approve Payroll 04/29/15 $387.54 12. Approve Payroll 05/01/15 $459,833.12 13. Approve Warrant: 2015 Mid – 15MWAPR3: $6,735.83 14. Approve Warrant: 2015 REG – 15MAY1 $1,362,904.52 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Updated 2015 Comprehensive Plan 2. Discussion and Vote: Accept $194 Donation from Crafters Gallery for Framing of Centennial Proclamations 3. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation of Centennial Trees from Sustainable Saratoga 4. Set Public Hearing: To Amend the 2015 Capital Budget & Program for Purchase of Development Rights of the Pitney Family Farm 5. Set Public Hearing: Use of Open Space Bond Authority to Purchase Development Rights of Pitney Family Farm 6. Announcement: Saratoga Race Course Improvements – May 28th Public Hearing City Council Meeting 5/5/15 7. Announcement: Memorial Day Parade ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Article 7 Proposed Settlement for Multiple Parcels 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Hoosick Valley Contractors 3. Award of Bid: Parking Deck Stairs Replacement to Debrino Caulking Associates, Inc. 4. Award of Bid: Pipe, Fittings, Hydrants and Valves to Ferguson Waterworks 5. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Approve Retroactive Non-Profit Exemption for the Legal Aid Society of NE New York FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Help Desk Technician 2. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Contingency (Boots Policy) 3. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers - Payroll PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Addendum Agreement with Fitzgerald Morris Baker & Firth 2. Discussion and Vote: Sick Bank Request 3. Discussion and Vote: Accept a Gift of Services from Saratoga County Foundation - Drilling of High Rock Park 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Hawk Drilling Co., Inc. – High Rock Park PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: Sgt. Mark Leffler Receives Recognition of Excellence Award 2. Announcement: 2014 Officer of the Year 3. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX; 225-89, Schedule XXIV: Load Zones (Passenger) and Amend chapter 225, Article IX; 225-90, Schedule IIX; Taxi Stand 4. Set Public Hearing: Amend city Code Article 225, Section 225-72, Schedule VII One-Way Streets SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch Supervisor Veitch presented he report at the pre-agenda meeting on Monday, May 4th. His report can be found in those minutes. Peter Martin 1. Greater Capital Region Chasing Assets, Savings and Hope Program 2. Capital Region Vietnam Veterans Exhibit ADJOURN Page 2 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 May 5, 2015 PRESENT: Joanne Yepsen, Mayor CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts City Council Meeting Michele City Council Room Madigan, Commissioner of 7:00 PM Finance Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Christian Mathiesen, Commissioner of DPS STAFF PRESENT: Joe Ogden, Deputy Mayor Maire Masterson, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Vincent DeLeonardis 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 HEARINGS New City Code Chapter #205 – Street Performers Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Barbara from Saratoga Springs would like a time ordinance because she has been woken up by street performers. There is a guy with a snake she asked if those people would be prohibited. Randall Deshane “Chalk Boy” questioned why only 9 people can be performing at a time. It is the people who are not performing that are begging for money. He does not support the people begging. The buskers are being looped in with the beggars. Tim Weckler of Saratoga Springs stated there are amplifiers that are quite loud even though they are battery charged; make it acoustic. Will Wagenski stated the decibel level would prohibit loud singing. He suggested limiting it to acoustic. It would be a shame to get rid of the buskers. Roger Borgen of Saratoga Springs stated he thinks these are very restricting regulations. There should be simple regulations that everyone can understand. The issue is the noise, not when performers can perform. He thinks some of the items do not need to be in the policy, take out what is not needed. Page 3 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 Bonnie Sellers of Saratoga Springs stated she is around Broadway walking a lot and sees the issues with the beggars. They may give the buskers a bad name. She does enjoy the buskers but thinks these regulations are a bit much. Mary Carr of Saratoga Springs stated she does not doubt this is going to pass. She feels it is not good for the City. Marceline Taylor of Saratoga Springs said she thinks we might be over regulating. Vagrancy and homelessness is more of a problem then the buskers. The tourists don’t want to see that. Jordan Bover of Saratoga Springs stated Broadway is always loud. He does not believe there should be a time limit. No one who is busking is going to be able to pay a fine if they are fined. He loves the city and doesn’t think this works. Jeff Carroll of Saratoga Springs stated he thinks 30 feet would be too close to another performer. Please take that into consideration. He has no problem softening the loudness but has never had a complaint. He asked if the hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday could be extended to 3 a.m. Barbara of Saratoga Springs stated the comment about the weekends would be fair to extend the times for the weekends. She has felt unsafe at night by the vagrants not by the buskers. Roger Goldsmith of Saratoga Springs and owner of Crafters Gallery stated downtown is a business district first and foremost. The owners are the ones who pay the taxes and are trying to earn money. We hope you are doing what’s best for the business district. The Council needs to address the vagrants - that is a very big issue. Joy King of Saratoga Springs lived on Broadway for 9 years and kept her windows open so she could hear the performers. She is sensitive about the homeless issue. She thinks the people that are dropping garbage are not the homeless or the buskers. She supports the buskers. She hopes the ordinance is fair for all buskers and homeless. Mary Kate Acey Saratoga Springs stated that vagrancy is an issue. She has been asked by tourist if it is safe to walk the street. It is a growing issue the numbers of homeless in Saratoga is growing. She knows this issue needs more attention. Vincent Riggi of Saratoga Springs stated we need to resolve the ordinance that we are here to talk about. He said we need to help the homeless not attack them. Do something to help the homeless. Help the shelters and Code Blue. The people of Saratoga need to help them; pitch in and don’t complain. Ronald Riggi of Saratoga Springs stated we can all agree this is a thriving community. He does not see an issue on the streets. Don’t take negatives and blow them up. He would like to see more police presence. Barbara of Saratoga Springs stated that all other communities are coming to Saratoga Springs that are homeless. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. Mayor Yepsen stated they want to make this all work. They have removed a lot of the regulations and want to make this as simple as possible. They need to get something in place and will reevaluate later on. Tony Izzo stated you can’t over regulate or that can be overturned in a court. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he agrees with the people to not over regulate. The best thing to do is regulate the decibel level. He also stated that they are having more police presence but they do not have as much man power as they used to. He feels safe downtown. Page 4 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 Commissioner Madigan believes there are some issues with noise. I do believe police patrol will discourage issues downtown. She does not see the point of all of this. She said she feels there might be more of an issue with vagrants than buskers. Commissioner Scirocco doesn’t see this ordinance taking care of a whole lot of the issues. It might even work against us. It does need some work. He is hearing the issue with the homeless and it does need to be addressed. Mayor Yepsen stated they circulated information they can vote on. Code Blue is a wonderful thing and there are great ideas to help the homeless. There are a lot of ideas and we all need to be open to them. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Yepsen called the meeting to order at 8:16 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 8:17 p.m. Ken Ivins of 50 Outlook Avenue commended the Commissioner of Finance for enforcing the policy of how to use the extra funds available to the Council. It is important that the money goes back to the taxpayers. Roger Goldsmith of Saratoga Springs stated he was disappointed that he didn’t hear Commissioner Franck’s thoughts on the busker issue. When he has called the Police Department, he has been told it is not illegal for someone to take up a bench with bags, and it is not illegal for someone to sit in front of a brick wall and put a cup out. Lance Ingmire stated he was a street cop back in the day. He feels that cops walking the street does gives a presence of the law and is a good thing. William Sorrell Saratoga Springs wanted to know what young people his age can do to help? Mayor Yepsen stated we have a lot of things for you to do. She asked for his number to set up a meeting. Commissioner Mathiesen stated these are all things we need to address. There is a freedom of speech issue. People have a right to congregate in public places. He feels the homeless are not always ready to receive help and we do have Code Blue in place. We want people to feel safe going in and out of the parking garages. His department is in the process of putting in more cameras, as well as more police presence. Commissioner Franck stated he did not comment because he was listening to all of the public comment. He lives and has a business on Broadway. There is an issue with the vagrants. He has had people block his path in order to get money. We do have some issues that need to be addressed; but to do nothing would be a mistake. Commissioner Mathiesen advised the public that if they are being harassed, they should call the police. Commissioner Madigan stated there are some issues with vagrancy, noise, and buskers. Maybe more police presence would be good. Parking garages are also an issue; maybe having garage attendants would be a good idea. We don’t want this to impede the downtown businesses. Page 5 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 Mayor Yepsen closed the public comment period at 8:25 p.m. PRESENTATION Street Performers Update Tony Izzo updated the council on the changes that have been made there are no fees those have been removed. Noise levels still need to be decided. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he doesn’t think there is an issue with the decibels. He does not think we have ever had a complaint about the performers being too loud. Mayor Yepsen stated that this applies only if the street performer uses an amplifier. 2014 Preliminary Year-End Financial Report Commissioner Madigan advised this report is an unaudited year-end financial report for 2014. This serves as our fourth quarter financial report, which is required under the Charter. The following was reported: SURPLUS:  Unaudited year-end figures resulted in a 2014 general fund operating surplus of $91,082. Surplus is an annual calculation comparing actual year end revenue to actual year end expenses.  This year’s surplus shows that actual revenues were nearly balanced with actual expenses; 2014 revenue collected totaled $41,283,865; and 2014 expenditures totaled $41,192,783. FUND BALANCE:  Unaudited year-end figures resulted in a 2014 general fund fund balance of $15,530,496.  Surplus is an annual calculation comparing actual year end revenue to actual year end expenses. Fund balance is a cumulative calculation. It is the addition of the annual surplus or deficit from each and every one of the City’s fiscal years. For the current year, fund balance is determined by adding the annual surplus to the prior years’ fund balance. FUND BALANCE EXCESS:  The City’s fund balance policy ensures that the City has sufficient funds in case of an emergency, unexpected flux in revenue or expense, or other unforeseen event that requires funding.  The acceptable range of unrestricted unassigned fund balance is between 10% - 15% of the total adopted budget for the ensuing year.  The City should have a minimum of $4,175,952 and maximum of $6,263,928 in unrestricted unassigned fund balance.  Current amounts are predicted to be in excess of the 10% - 15% range by $1,538,137. These amounts are unaudited.  The Commissioner of Finance is required to make recommendations in case of an excess or a deficiency in fund balance. Excess should be used to offset one-time expenditures, and/or expenses that do not result in recurring operating costs. GENERAL FUND REVENUES:  Actual revenue collected was less than revised budget estimates by $1,355,140. Actual expenditures were within $91,000 of actual revenue – an almost exactly balanced budget.  Sales tax increased from 2013 by 5% and exceeded the budget. Sales tax collections in 2014 were $11,234,000, a $583,000 increase from 2013 actual collections.  Hotel room occupancy tax increased by 11%; collections were $554,000 – an increase of $56,000 from 2013. Actual amounts exceeded the 2014 adopted budget. Page 6 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15  Franchise fees increased $34,000 in 2014, or 6.5%.  Ambulance fees decreased in 2014 by $14,000 - $798,000 was collected for ambulance services, a 2% decrease from last year. Actual amounts exceeded the budget by $13,000.  Admission tax increased $132,000 or 31% from 2013. Actual amounts received for 2014 were $563,000. The budget was exceeded by $122,000.  LT aid was $2,326,000 in 2014. This was an increase of $498,000 or 27% from 2013. The adopted budget was $1,827,000.  Mortgage tax receipts declined in 2014; actual receipts $1,193,000 – 32% lower than 2013. The budget for 2014 was $1,450,000. GENERAL FUND EXPENSES:  Health insurance costs were $6,093,000 in 2014. This was an increase of 4% from 2013.  Retirement costs decreased 3% for police and fire; and other employees’ increased by 1%.  Social Security expenses in 2014 were $1,442,000; $97,000 less than budgeted.  Utility costs were budgeted for $505,000 and actual expenses were $472,000. Actual expenses in 2014 were $84,000 less than fiscal year 2013.  Overtime costs totaled $927,000 in 2014 which was a 5% increase from 2013.  Payments for compensatory time amounted to $565,000; a 20% decrease from 2013.  Total personal services costs were $1,009,000 higher in 2014. This was primarily the result of the settlement of numerous union contracts. WATER AND SEWER FUNDS:  The water fund has a projected annual surplus of $468,266. When added to last year’s fund balance, this results in an estimated 2014 fund balance in the amount of $2,033,585.  The sewer fund has a projected annual surplus of $129,884. When added to last year’s fund balance, this results in an estimated 2014 fund balance in the amount of $990,724.  Interfund loan has declined substantially. Since 2012, the water fund loan decreased by about $556,300 and the sewer Fund loan decreased by about $689,500. These loans have decreased by over $1.389 million dollars. Christine Gillmett-Brown, director of finance, stated these are preliminary numbers and are not final. There is an audit that is ongoing. Commissioner Scirocco thanked the Finance Department and Commissioner Madigan for all their hard work. Commissioner Mathiesen seconded what Commissioner Scirocco stated. Saratoga Springs Financial Transparency Portal – OpenGov Commissioner Madigan stated the portal is now up and running. You can get answers to many questions right on the website and pre-defined questions are answered on this website. It is a system of interactive graphs and downloadable tables of City Budget data dating back to the year 2009. It is a wonderful new tool for everyone to use. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to accept the consent agenda as follows: Page 7 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 1. Approval of 4/14/15 Comprehensive Plan Workshop Minutes 2. Approval of 4/20/15 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 4/7/15 City council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 16 5. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 17 6. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 18 7. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance Reserve 8. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 9. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 10. Approve Payroll 04/24/15 $419,741.95 11. Approve Payroll 04/29/15 $387.54 12. Approve Payroll 05/01/15 $459,833.12 13. Approve Warrant: 2015 Mid – 15MWAPR3: $6,735.83 14. Approve Warrant: 2015 REG – 15MAY1 $1,362,904.52 Ayes - All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion: Updated 2015 Comprehensive Plan Mayor Yepsen advised there is a new version that was updated today. Brad Birge of the Planning Department advised the document is now accurate and up on the website. It reflects all of the changes the Council wished to make. The draft document that the Council approved will be sent to the Saratoga County Planning Board. The document can still have changes made to it after they review. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to add an item to her agenda to set a public hearing for the 2015 Comprehensive Plan draft document. (15-139) Ayes - All Mayor Yepsen set a public hearing for the May 19, 2015 at 6:50 p.m. Mayor Yepsen stated the next step is to send the document to the County Planning Board. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he felt they needed to take a vote on that. Brad advised a vote to send the document to the County Planning Board is not a requirement; however, the Council can do that if they choose. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to add an item to her agenda for discussion and vote to send the draft Comprehensive Plan document to the County Planning Board for their review. (15-140) Ayes – All Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to send the draft Comprehensive Plan document to the County for the Planning Board review. (15-141) Ayes - All Commissioner Madigan stated she received a request from Saratoga National for an updated Comprehensive Plan. She wanted to know how or when we would be able to provide those documents. Page 8 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 Discussion and Vote: Accept $194 Donation from Crafters Gallery for Framing of Centennial Proclamations (15-142) Mayor Yepsen advised at the April 7 event; many elected officials presented the City with proclamations. Crafters Gallery framed the proclamations to preserve them. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve a donation from Crafters Gallery for the framing of various centennial proclamations presented to the City on April 7th valued at $194. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation of Centennial Trees from Sustainable Saratoga Mayor Yepsen pulled this from the agenda. Set Public Hearing: To Amend the 2015 Capital Budget & Program for Purchase of Development Rights of the Pitney Family Farm Mayor Yepsen set a public hearing for Tuesday, May 19th at 6:45 p.m. Set Public Hearing: Use of Open Space Bond Authority to Purchase Development Rights of Pitney Family Farm Mayor Yepsen set a public hearing for Tuesday, May 19th at 6:40 p.m. Announcement: Saratoga Race Course Improvements – May 28th Public Hearing Mayor Yepsen announced that this meeting will be at the city center. There is a book in her office that can be reviewed with regards to this. Announcement: Memorial Day Parade Mayor Yepsen thanked Celeste Caruso and all the volunteers who are working on this parade. The parade will take place on Thursday, May 21st at 6:00 p.m. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Article 7 Proposed Settlement for Multiple Parcels (15-143) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded for the City Council to settle 6 Article 7 cases for parcel #s 165.60-3-1, 165.60-3-3, 165.60-3-6, 165.60-3-7, 165.60-3-8, and 165.-7- 1.11 for year 2014 as follows: Parcel # Original 2014 Negotiated Reduction Amount Refund Amt Assessment Assessed Value 2014 165.60-3-1 $189,000 $75,542 $113,458 $0 165.60-3-3 $252,000 $140,056 $111,944 $0 165.60-3-6 $287,300 $101,699 $185,601 $0 165.60-3-7 $329,400 $129,418 $199,982 $0 165.60-3-8 $332,000 $129,418 $202,582 $0 165.-7-1.11 $8,410,0000 $5,035,000 $3,375,000 $0 Page 9 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 The grand total of refunds for 2015 for these parcels is $0. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Hoosick Valley Contractors (15-144) Commissioner Franck advised this agreement is for repairs to the vestibule at the Arts Council caused by ice damage. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with Hoosick Valley Contractors in the amount of $19,900. Funding is in line A3031934 / 54775. Ayes - All Award of Bid: Parking Deck Stairs Replacement to Debrino Caulking Associates, Inc. (15-145) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for the Parking Deck Stairs Replacement to Debrino Caulking Associates, Inc. for $265,567. Funding is line H3416952 / 52000 / 1226. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Pipe, Fittings, Hydrants and Valves to Ferguson Waterworks (15-146) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for Pipe, Fittings, Hydrants and Valves to Ferguson Waterworks. Funding is available as follows: A3638144 / 54180 for $5,000; F3638354 / 54180 for $45,000; F3638371 / 54180 for $3,000; and G3638114 / 54180 for $9,000. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Approve Retroactive Non-Profit Exemption for the Legal Aid Society of NE New York (15-147) Commissioner Franck advised that upon purchase of the parcel at 40 New Street, the Legal Aid Society failed to fill out and file the required application forms in time for preparation of the tentative tax roll; therefore they didn’t receive their entitled non-profit exemption from taxes. The City Council waived the reading of the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Legal Aid society of Northeastern New York did on October 24, 2013 purchase premises known as 40 New Street, Saratoga Springs, New York, Parcel ID: 178.33-1-14; and WHEREAS, thereafter the Legal Aid Society of northeastern New York failed to fill out their required application forms in time for preparation of the tentative tax roll; and WHEREAS, the Assessor did send Notice of Exemption Removal on November 13, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York is an organization entitled to a total non-profit exemption from taxes; and WHEREAS, due to the failure of the appropriate filing for such exemption the City taxes owing for the year 2014 and the school taxes for the year 2014-15 remain outstanding; and WHEREAS, the city of Saratoga Springs agrees to grant a retroactive exemption once appropriate State authority is obtained; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City of Saratoga Springs is hereby authorized to accept an application for exemption for the 2014 assessment and agrees to grant the retroactive exemption once appropriate State authority is obtained. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded for the Council to approve the resolution as distributed with the agenda. Page 10 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 Ayes - All Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to add an item to his agenda regarding the Saratoga Farmer’s Market. (15-148) Ayes – All Vince DeLeonardis, city attorney, advised there was confusion regarding applications and permits for the vendors who sell prepared foods. These permits were not filled out in time as the Farmer’s Market thought all documents were filled out. They have come up with a solution to reduce the permit fee on a one time basis for this season. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded the reduced fee for vending of hot foods and/or prepared food vendors. This would be a one-time only reduced fee for the 5 approved vendors. The reduced fee would be $50 totaling $250 for the 2015 Farmer’s Market. (15- 149) Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Help Desk Technician (15-150) Commissioner Madigan stated they are hiring a new help desk technician and is in the Finance Department budget. There was an error in the salary on the letter of appointment of $35,118; a grade 6 step 1 position. She is requesting the new person start at a grade 4 step 5 for $34,936 effective May 4, 2015. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve starting the new help desk technician at grade 4, step 5 with a 2015 annual salary of $34,936 effective May 4, 2015. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Contingency (Boots Policy) (15-151) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2015 budget transfers – contingency as distributed with the agenda. The current budget amount in the general fund contingency line is $390,000; there will remain $375,800 after this transfer. The current budget amount in the water fund contingency line is $43,413; there will remain $ 42,413 after this transfer. The current budget amount in the sewer fund contingency line is $25,000; there will remain $23,800 after this transfer. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (15-152) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2015 budget transfers – payroll which was distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Addendum Agreement with Fitzgerald Morris Baker & Firth (15-153) Page 11 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 Commissioner Scirocco stated the addendum agreement is for the provision of legal services to the City involving the construction of L.G. White for the construction of the Casino ramp. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the addendum agreement with Fitzgerald, Morris, Baker & Firth, P.C. for the provision of legal services regarding the Casino ramp restoration in the amount not to exceed $10,000. Funding is in line: A3537114 / 54720. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Sick Bank Request (15-154) Commissioner Scirocco moved and commissioner Madigan seconded to request 772 hours from the DPW sick bank for two employees. This has been approved by the DPW CSEA Union. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Accept a Gift of Services from Saratoga County Foundation - Drilling of High Rock Park (15-155) Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded accept a gift of services in the amount of $1,370 in material and $3,800 in labor from the Saratoga County Foundation for the drilling of the well at the City’s historic High Rock Park; provided by Hawk Drilling Company, Inc., Ballston Spa, New York. Commissioner Franck recused himself from this agenda item and the next. He left the room. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Hawk Drilling Co., Inc. – High Rock Park (15-156) Commissioner Scirocco advised this agreement is between the City, Hawk Drilling, and the Saratoga County Foundation for the restoration of the function of the High Rock Springs. Hawk Drilling will provide the services of drilling the well. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement the Saratoga County Foundation and Hawk Drilling Company, Inc. for the drilling of the well at High Rock Park. Ayes – All Commissioner Franck rejoined the meeting. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Announcement: Sgt. Mark Leffler Receives Recognition of Excellence Award Commissioner Mathiesen announced Sgt. Mark Leffler received the Recognition for Excellence Award. He received this for his efforts and support in determining impaired drivers. He has had a distinguished career in the Saratoga Police Department. Announcement: 2014 Officer of the Year Page 12 of 13 City Council Meeting 5/5/15 Commissioner Mathiesen announced they do this every year. Mark Leffler was named the 2014 officer of the year. He was hired in 1994 and works very hard to get the drunk drivers off the road. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX; 225-89, Schedule XXIV: Load Zones (Passenger) and Amend chapter 225, Article IX; 225-90, Schedule IIX; Taxi Stand Commissioner Matheisen set a public hearing for Tuesday, May 19th at 6:35 p.m. Set Public Hearing: Amend city Code Article 225, Section 225-72, Schedule VII One-Way Streets Commissioner Matheisen set a public hearing for Tuesday, May 19th at 6:30 p.m. This is a correction to the code that was put in place on March 17th. SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch Supervisor Veitch gave his report during the pre-agenda meeting on May 4th. Please see those minutes. Greater Capital Region Creating Assets, Savings and Hope Program Supervisor Martin reported he participated in a meeting held in Mayor Sheehan’s in Albany regarding this program. They want to address the problem in the capital region where households are under-banked. That means a household may have a savings or checking account but are not using it due to not being aware how to. The idea is to work with local banks to start a financial education program. Capital Region Vietnam Veterans Exhibit Supervisor Martin reported an oral history project, put together by Professor David Kieran, and his students, reflecting the memory of 11 veterans who served in Vietnam. Two residents’ stories are included – Lou Benton and Dave Wallingford. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Yepsen adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Margaret LoPresti Clerk Approved: 5/19/15 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 13 of 13