City Council

June 15, 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 Matthew Vetch, Supervisor Peter Martin, Supervisor EXCUSED: Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW CALL TO ORDER Mayor Yepsen called the meeting to order at 9:36 a.m. PUBLIC HEARING Solar Ordinance Commissioner Madigan advised this is a revision of the ordinance. An advisory opinion has been received from the City’s Planning Board and it has been sent to the County Planning Board. Pedal Bus Ordinance Marilyn Rivers advised there is a change to the ordinance; the allowable width of the pedalbus has been changed from 6 feet to 96 inches. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Yepsen advised they will break into executive session at the end of the pre-agenda meeting. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 6/1/15 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 3. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 4. Approve Payroll 6/05/15 $534,601.65 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting June 15, 2015 5. Approve Payroll 6/12/15 $439,495.32 6. Approve Warrant: 2015 Mid – 15MWJUN1 $95,789.12 7. Approve Warrant: 2015 REG – 15JUN2 $4,183,466.35 No comments. MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Announcement: Saratoga Rowing Association National Champions Mayor Yepsen advised the members of the Saratoga Rowing Association champions are coming in tomorrow night to be recognized for their achievements. Announcement: Mayor Yepsen Officially Invites Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah to Run at the Spa Mayor Yepsen advised she sent a letter on behalf of the City to invite American Pharoah to the City. It looks like he will run one more race this year; either the Haskell or the Jim Dandy. This resolution will be signed by the entire Council. Mayor Yepsen read the resolution into the record as follows: A Resolution of the City Council of the city of Saratoga Springs WHEREAS, on June 6, at Belmont Park, American Pharoah became the first horse in 37 years to win racing’s Triple Crown. Racing fans across the country and around the world cheered his victory, but nowhere was the joy greater than in Saratoga Springs. We eagerly await his next great race, and we hope it will take place at Saratoga Race Course; and WHAEREAS, we recognize that out enthusiasm for our great racetrack is influenced by the pride we feel for our city, but none can deny that a win at Saratoga Race Course is a win for the ages, a win that stands alongside the achievements of the greatest horses, jockeys, owners and trainers of all time. IN a sport where every champion is measured down to the smallest detail against all the champions that have gone before, Saratoga Race course matters, and it matters like no place else; NOW, THEREFORE, BET IT RESOLVED that this Council respectfully and enthusiastically invites Mr. Ahmed Zayat and Zayat Stables, Mr. Bob Baffert, and all of American Pharoah’s team to bring him to the 2015 racing meet at Saratoga Race Course in this year of our city’s centennial. Saratoga Race Course has seen more history than any other racetrack in America. We fervently ask American Pharoah to join in becoming a part of the next chapter in the history of Saratoga Race Course. Discussion and Vote: 2015 Comprehensive Plan SEQRA Review Brad Birge of the Planning Department advised this is a Type 1 action with the City Council as the lead agency. There is a draft resolution that identifies a negative declaration. Discussion and Vote: Adoption of 2015 Comprehensive Plan Mayor Yepsen advised a letter has been received from the County. Discussion and Vote: Amend 2015 Capital Budget and Program for Purchase of Development Rights to the Pitney Family Farm Mayor Yepsen advised the amendment is in the amount of $1,165,000 and will allow the City to purchase the development rights of the farm. She proposed using the open space bond authority for this. Commissioner Madigan advised a corresponding amendment is required on the Finance agenda in relation to this item. This would impact the 2016 capital budget and payments will begin in 2016. Joe Ogden, deputy commissioner, advised the Capital Budget Committee met on this item. He spoke with Commissioner Mathiesen and Commissioner Scirocco. He believes there is sufficient support to move this forward. Page 2 of 6 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting June 15, 2015 Barbara Glaser advised there is an October closing date. The family is committed to this remaining farmland. The presence of the bond act is allowing them to apply for grants that they don’t close on until October. Commissioner Scirocco stated they are looking at space issues that will cost the City money. Commissioner Madigan asked what waiting 3 weeks to the next City Council meeting would mean in terms of the closing. She wants to be sure the Council has done their due diligence. Ms. Glaser stated she has 3 major grant proposals that she has been waiting for this approval. They are also in a fundraising position to secure pledges for a project they want to be able to show is going to happen. Commissioner Franck stated he is fine with going forward with this tomorrow. We are getting an asset that is more valuable than what we are getting the land for and interest rates are also the lowest they have been for bonding. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he is in favor of this and should not be passed up by the City. It is too important of an opportunity to pass up. Discussion and Vote: City Council to Accept Donation of Materials and Labor: Blodgett Property Civil Work Mayor Yepsen stated Friends of the Kaydeross Group would like to start maintenance work on the Blodgett property. Marilyn Rivers, director of risk and safety advised this is for the building of a footbridge and do civil workat the Blodgett site. The agreement provides the City with insurance for them to do work on the property. A building permit will be obtained for a footbridge. Discussion and Vote: City Council to Adopt Resolution on “Saratoga Spur” Mayor Yepsen stated this comes as request from the Lakes to Locks and states the City encourages New York State Department of Transportation to modify the designation of Lakes to Locks passage state scenic byway to add the Saratoga Spur. It will go from the byway intersection of US Rt. 4 and NYS Rt. 29 in the Village of Schuylerville west along NYS Rt. 29 to the intersection with US Rt. 9 in downtown Saratoga Springs. If passed, this will help with our tourism and recreation. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign the Saratoga City School District Transportation Agreement John Hirliman of the Recreation Department advised this is the annual agreement for transportation for the summer for Camp Saradac. The cost is $25 per bus plus mileage. Discussion and Vote: City Council to Approve 5 Year CDBG Strategic Plan Mayor Yepsen stated the Community Development Citizens’ Advisory Committee has re-affirmed the City’s established priorities. There will be a resolution tomorrow night to pass this as the priorities for the next 5 years. Brad Birge of the Planning Department stated we receive about $350,000 each year to distribute. Over 8 years we have received over $8.3 million dollars. Announcement: Saratoga Springs Recreation Department Programs & Registration No comments. Page 3 of 6 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting June 15, 2015 Announcement: Solarize Saratoga Kick-Off Meeting Mayor Yepsen announced the kick-off is June 24th at 6 p.m. Announcement: Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee Survey Mayor Yepsen advised a survey has gone out to 1,000 random households. This survey was developed with the help of the Social Work Department of Skidmore College. Announcement: First Public Linkage Study Meeting June 29th 6:00 PM No comments. Announcement: Code Blue Event Mayor Yepsen advised Ed Mitzen and Fingerpaint Marketing is holding an event June 26th. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Commissioner Franck announced he is adding an item: Award of Bid: Green Mountain PipelineServices. Public Works asked us this morning to add this to my agenda. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Announcement: 2015 Bond Sale Commissioner Madigan advised the bond sale took place June 9th and she will be describing its outcome. Announcement: Public Access Wi-Fi Commissioner Madigan advised she has been working with IT to bring Wi-Fi to City Hall. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Regarding American Pharoah Commissioner Madigan advised she will be removing this item from her agenda. Discussion and Vote: Director of Finance Grade & Step No comments. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll No comments. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Green Mountain Pipeline Services – Adam Street Area Sewer Cleaning Tim Wales, city engineer stat this is to clean the sewers around the area of the Adam Street pump station. Discussion and vote: authorization for the Mayor to Sign Curb Agreement with Lynn Feenan No comments. Page 4 of 6 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting June 15, 2015 Discussion and vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Designated Engineering Service Agreement with Clark Paterson Lee Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. Discussion and Vote: Authorization or the Mayor to Sign Designated Engineering Service Agreement with Dente Engineering PC Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Designated Engineering Service Agreement with Foit-Albert Associates Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Designated Engineering Service Agreement with Greenman Pedersen Inc Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Designated Engineering Services Agreement with The Chazen Companies Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Designated Engineering Services Agreement with Barton & Loguidice DPC Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Engineering Service Agreement with Ryan Biggs Clark Davis Engineering & Surveying Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Sidewalk Agreement with Paul Waterfield No comments. Discussion and Vote: Authorization to Pay Invoices Commissioner Scirocco pulled this item from his agenda. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Pedalbus Ordinance No comments. Discussion and Vote: Resolution of the City Council of Saratoga Springs Regarding Nicholas’ Law Commissioner Mathiesen stated this law is being considered by the state assembly and senate. Commissioner Mathiesen added an item to his agenda: Discussion: High Rock Parking Lot Forum. Page 5 of 6 City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting June 15, 2015 SUPERVISORS MATTHEW VEITCH 1. Tour of the county 2. NYRA Track Improvements – Local Advisory Board 3. Analysis of the Capital Region’s High Tech Economy – CEG Event, June 10th PETER MARTIN 1. Social Programs 2. Public health 3. Trails Supervisor Martin advised he is taking the Lakes to Locks State Scenic Byway item off his agenda. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Yepsen adjourned to executive session for the purpose of negotiations and a personnel matter at 10:51 a.m. The City Council returned from executive session at 11:30 a.m. Mayor Yepsen advised no decisions were made in executive session to report to the public. ADJOURN Mayor Yepsen adjourned the meeting at 11:31 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis & Margaret LoPresti Clerks Approved: 7/7/15 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 6 of 6