City Council

July 21, 2015 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 6:50 PM – P.H. – Pedalbus Ordinance 6:55 PM – P.H. – Open Space Bond – Loughberry Lake 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION 1. CDTC New Visions Plan 2. Role of Counties Nationally 3. Smart Parking Project – ParkMe App for Municipal Parking Guide CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 20 2. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance Reserve 3. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 4. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 5. Approve Payroll 07/09/15 $457,486.34 6. Approve Payroll 07/17/15 $479,944.27 7. Approve Warrant: 2015 Mid – 15MWJUL2: $94,693.80 8. Approve Warrant: 2015 REG – 15JUL2: $1,401,381.74 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: Farewell to Johnnie Roberts 2. Presentation: Housing Task Force Update 3. Appointment: Complete Streets Committee 4. Discussion and Vote: Special Assessment District 5. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation of a Painting of City Hall from Stu Eichel 6. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Saratoga County Animal Shelter 7. Discussion and Vote: Resolution Supporting the Grant Application of Coesa, Inc. to Refurbish Roosevelt II in Saratoga Spa State Park 8. Discussion and Vote: SEQRA Review of Adirondack Trust to Purchase a Portion of Long Alley 9. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract to Sell a Portion of Long Alley to Adirondack Trust 10. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Adopt City Wayfinding Program City Council Meeting 7/21/15 11. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Apply for a New York State Consolidated Funding Application Grant for the Crescent Avenue Corridor ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Change Orders #1 and #2 for Hoosick Valley Contractors for Work at Saratoga Arts Council 2. Discussion and Vote: Safety Committee Resolution FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: Spa Solar Park Planning Board Advisory Opinion 2. Discussion and Vote: Resolution from City Council to the New York Racing Association 3. Discussion and Vote: Standard Workday Resolution 4. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 5. Budget Transfers – City Center Contingency 6. Discussion: Mayor’s Box for the City at the Saratoga Race Course PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Designated Engineering Service Agreements with Creighton Manning Engineering LLP, Foit Albert Associates, Environmental Design Partnership and Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Change Order with DeBrino Caulking Associates – Time Extension PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 148 of the City Code Entitled “Noise” 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with NYRA for the 2015 Racing Meet 3. Discussion: High Rock Parking Lot RFP SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch 1. National Association of Counties Conference 7/10 – 7/13 2. Open Space/Trails Grant Program 3. NYS Public Welfare Association Summer Conference 4. August Meetings 5. Deceased Veteran Honors - July Peter Martin 1. Social Programs 2. Board of Supervisor’s Meeting ADJOURN Page 2 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 July 21, 2015 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room PRESENT: Joanne Yepsen, Mayor Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Christian Mathiesen, Commissioner of DPS STAFF PRESENT: Joe Ogden, Deputy Mayor Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Maire Masterson, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Vincent DeLeonardis Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Peter Martin, 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 Pedalbus Ordinance Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:53 p.m. Commissioner Franck advised that upon further review of the pedalbus ordinance passed on 6/16/15, his department identified some additional housekeeping items that needed to be addressed. Those changes have been made and the public hearing tonight is to hear comments regarding the changes. Changes include: substituting City Clerk for Office of the Commissioner of Accounts; suspension or revocation Page 3 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 process of an owner’s pedalbus license; and correction to the numbering of items. These changes have been reviewed by Public Safety, Risk and Safety, and the Accounts Department. Maire Masterson advised the pedalbus is not operating yet as modifications to the pedalbus’ width has not been completed. No one spoke. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 6:56 p.m. Open Space Bond – Loughberry Lake Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:56 p.m. Commissioner Scirocco stated we want to purchase as much property around the lake as possible. This piece will also serve to launch and remove the harvester. No one spoke. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Yepsen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Mayor Yepsen said the public comment period is limited to a total of 15 minutes and individuals are limited to two minutes. Mayor Yepsen opened the public comment period at 7:01 p.m. Mayor Yepsen asked for a moment of silence for Amy Stock, co-founder of Sustainable Saratoga. Bonnie Sellers of Saratoga Springs stated construction noise was supposed to be used in the noise ordinance. It is not just construction on that side; there are landscapers and arborists that are very noisy. Rick Fenton of Leffert Street stated he is excited to learn the City is about to put out a request for proposals on the High Rock lot. He is hopeful this will happen. It is the best approach to the management of the property. This is probably our last chance to get this right. Otis Maxwell of Saratoga Springs stated he too is very excited about the RFP. Because we are going to have to live many decades with what is done here he believes this is timely. John Safford of Saratoga Springs encouraged the Council to keep the relationship with NYRA. One thing we have to be concerned about is no allowing them to extend the season. He encouraged the Council to encourage them not to extend the season. Dave Morris of Saratoga Springs stated the newly formed PAC is the first of its kind. The members of the PAC include wealthy contractors and business owners who live in the County and who failed at attempts to build or expand. PAC is nothing more than a way to legally bribe our officials. Residents against the PAC, Saratoga County Residents Against PAC (SCRAP) are circulating petitions on line and will be going door to door for signatures on a petition that states they will not vote for any candidate that accepts money from Saratoga PAC. Page 4 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Joe Dalton of Saratoga Springs stated he serves as the volunteer chair of the City Center. The City Center is pleased to offer its assistance to the City Council in developing an RFP. Diane Pedinotti of Saratoga Springs stated she is here to say thank you for issuing the RFP. There is so much potential. It is exciting that this could be a thriving area that is connected to Broadway. Hans Tyson of Saratoga Springs and founder of Space Derby stated they were caught by surprise when they heard there was an app for parking. They were told there would be an RFP when the time was right. Regina Camaletti of Saratoga Springs stated she supports what Dave Morris and the SCRAP members said. She doesn’t believe PAC understands the importance of the American citizen’s right to a vote. It is a process that allows them to group together to circumvent the vote. Mayor Yepsen closed the public comment period at 7:16 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he agrees with the comments made about PAC. He is very concerned about those financial interests having such a strong impact on our elections. He will not accept contributions from that PAC. PRESENTATIONS CDTC New Visions Plan Mayor Yepsen introduced Michael Franchini, executive director of the Capital District Transportation Committee. Mr. Franchini stated they are here to get input. They have had public meetings to get input on the draft. The committee is made of 21 members with each of the four counties (Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady) being represented. They have 4 main products: Linkage Studies; Unified Planning Work Program, Transportation Improvement Program; and New Visions (long-range regional transportation plan). They plan by gathering data; analyzing trends; developing and localizing forecasts; gathering community input; and build recommendations. They look at where the money is going to come from. Most federal transportation funding comes from the gasoline tax. New Visions started in March 2014 and they hope to bring a final plan to the Policy Committee this September. There are a total of 104 recommendations in the plan. They can be contacted at: newvisions@cdtcmpo.org or www.cdtcnewvisions.com. Role of Counties Nationally Supervisor Veitch stated the National Association of Counties (NACO) held their annual conference. He played a video which displayed why counties matter. There are 3,069 counties in the nation. NACO advocates for us on a national level for counties nationwide. The Map 21 has been pushed for transportation funding. Smart Parking Project – ParkMe App for Municipal Parking Guide Commissioner Madigan showed some screen shots of what the app looks like on a cell phone. This app will give the user basic information such as how many spaces are in the municipal lots but not how many spaces are available. It does have a navigation button that will tell you the 2 closest parking lots to the venue you are looking to go to. CONSENT AGENDA Page 5 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to accept the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approve Resolution for the Use of the Insurance Reserve – 20 2. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance Reserve 3. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 4. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 5. Approve Payroll 07/09/15 $457,486.34 6. Approve Payroll 07/17/15 $479,944.27 7. Approve Warrant: 2015 Mid – 15MWJUL2: $94,693.80 8. Approve Warrant: 2015 REG – 15JUL2: $1,401,381.74 Ayes - All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Announcement: Farewell to Johnnie Roberts Mayor Yepsen recognized Johnnie Roberts for all her accomplishments with the City of Saratoga Springs. Her last day was July 15th. She was with the City for 12 years. Johnnie Roberts stated she has been honored to serve the City. She cares deeply about the City. She greeted and assisted thousands of people from all walks of life over the years. She thanked the City and the Convention and Tourism Bureau for crafting this new venture. Presentation: Housing Task Force Update Mayor Yepsen pulled this item from the agenda. Appointment: Complete Streets Committee Mayor Yepsen re-appointed Maureen Roberts, Lou Schneider, and Steve Godlewski. Discussion and Vote: Special Assessment District (15-245) Mayor Yepsen nominated Dean Kolligian. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the nomination of Dean Kolligian to the Downtown Special Assessment District board effective August 1, 2015. Ayes – All Mayor Yepsen nominated Maryann Barker. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the nomination of Maryann Barker to the Downtown Special Assessment District board effective August 1, 2015. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation of a Painting of City Hall from Stu Eichel (15-246) Mayor Yepsen advised Stu Eichel would like to donate his painting of City Hall. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to accept the donation of a painting of City Hall from Stu Eichel valued at approximately $500. Page 6 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Saratoga County Animal Shelter (15-247) Mayor Yepsen advised this is an annual agreement the City signs with the County. The County will bill the City various fees for various types of services. Funding is in line A3113514 / 54720. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Saratoga County Animal Shelter for various types of animal shelter services as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Resolution Supporting the Grant Application of Coesa, Inc. to Refurbish Roosevelt II in Saratoga Spa State Park (15-248) Mayor Yepsen advised Coesa was formed in February 2015 for a holistic, wellness, and retreat center in the Spa State Park. The reading of the following resolution was waived by the Council: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS WHERAS, Coesa, Inc., a New York not-for-profit is applying to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) for a grant under the Park Acquisition, Development and Planning grants for a holistic wellness center to be located in Roosevelt II, a site located within the territorial jurisdiction of this City Council; and WHEREAS, as a requirement under the rules of these programs, said not-for-profit corporation must obtain the “approval/endorsement of the governing body of the municipality in which the project will be located”; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the city of Saratoga Springs, New York hereby does approve and endorse the application for Coesa, Inc. for a grant under the Park Acquisition, Development and Planning fund for a project known as Coesa, Inc.: request for Funds for Development of a Holistic Wellness Center at Roosevelt II in the Saratoga Spa State Park which is located within this community. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the resolution supporting a grant application for Coesa, Inc. to refurbish Roosevelt II in Saratoga Spa State Park as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: SEQRA Review of Adirondack Trust to Purchase a Portion of Long Alley (15-249) Tony Izzo advised the Adirondack Trust requested we sell them a portion of Long Alley for $31,000 to allow them to square off their land. The price is $31,000. Tony read the SEQRA and proposed answers (SEQRA form attached). Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to issue a negative declaration in respect to the sale of a portion of Long Alley to the Adirondack Trust Company. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract to Sell a Portion of Long Alley to Adirondack Trust (15-250) Tony Izzo stated the sale of the property to Adirondack Trust Company is to adjust their property line. We will be retaining an easement for infrastructure and maintenance purposes. Page 7 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Commissioner Mathiesen confirmed the Real Estate Committee reviewed this. Tony Izzo advised they did and recommended the sale. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he was visited by some people when they worked with the sale of the Collamer lot, who state whenever there is a sale of a piece of property in the downtown that a majority of the profits are supposed to be reinvested in downtown. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract to sell a portion of Long Alley to Adirondack Trust Company as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Adopt City Wayfinding Program (15-251) Mayor Yepsen stated the Planning Board and the Design Review Commission have requested the Council adopt this resolution. Mayor Yepsen read the following resolution into the record: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS WHEREAS, the city of Saratoga Springs (City) has a safe, vibrant, award-winning downtown that is home to many different types of economic and cultural activities, which is central to the City’s character; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to improve its existing streetscape through the implementation of a coordinated way-finding program that will significantly improve the ability of both pedestrians and motorists to safely and effectively navigate the City’s downtown core; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes that providing individuals in the downtown core with clear, understandable information on the locations of public, commercial, cultural, and recreational destinations is of great benefit to the City’s residents, visitors and businesses; and WHEREAS, the Saratoga Springs Downtown Special Assessment District (DSAD) has commissioned a study that details the benefits of a coordinated way-finding program and have presented that report the City Council and the public; and WHEREAS, the project will be funded jointly by the City, DSAD, and private donors subject to approved funding in the Adopted Capital Budget; and WHEREAS, the City’s Planning board and Design Review Commission have requested that the City adopt the way-finding program, so that it may be used as a standard for future downtown development activities. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that due to the reasons listed above the City hereby approves and adopts the way-finding program as presented. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the resolution adopting the Wayfinding Program. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Apply for a New York State Consolidated Funding Application Grant for the Crescent Avenue Corridor (15-255) Mayor Yepsen stated the consolidated funding application is in the amount of $200,000. There is a required match of $40,000. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to apply for a New York State Consolidated Funding Application Grant for the Crescent Avenue Corridor. Ayes - All ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Page 8 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Change Orders #1 and #2 for Hoosick Valley Contractors for Work at Saratoga Arts Council (15-252) Marilyn Rivers, director of risk and safety advised this loss occurred in February of this year. They found when the tiles curled, the asbestos became evident. The original quote did not include the remediation as we did not know it existed. Change order #1 is in the amount of $759.00 and change order #2 is in the amount of $9,821.00 for a total of $10,580.00. Commissioner Franck advised funding is in line A3031934 / 54775. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change orders #1 & #2 with Hoosick Valley Contractors totaling $10,580.00 for work at the Saratoga Arts Council as described by Marilyn Rivers. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Safety Committee Resolution (15-253) Marilyn Rivers, director of risk and safety advised this Committee was formed in 2003. They are adding 2 positions to the Committee. This resolution adds back in the director of public works, the Safety Committee reviewed the existing Safety Committee Resolution to add the director of public works and the zoning & building inspector as members of the Committee and removed the city electrician from the membership list. The Council agreed to waive the reading of the following resolution: WHEREAS, the City Council did originally establish a Safety Committee in 2002 with representation from all appropriate City departments to assist in the identification of and management of risk and safety issues on its behalf; and WHEREAS, the City Council hereby reaffirms the importance of the City Safety Committee and its charge of protecting the welfare and safety of its employees, citizens and visitors on behalf of the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council reaffirms the commitment of each City Department and the universal goal of providing a safe and healthful working environment for all City employees and the safety of the community at large; and WHEREAS, the Safety Committee is charged with assisting the City Council in: providing a safe and healthy working environment for its employees in accordance with federal and state regulatory requirements; participating in the identification of and measurement of the risks facing the City and community at large; responding to and assisting in the resolution of safety related inquiries and complaints from citizens, employees and/or employee bargaining units; assisting and responding to local, state and federal regulatory matters as they pertain to risk and safety issues; developing risk and safety programs in response to federal and state regulatory mandates and/or City insurance requests for correction; providing the City’s Capital Budget Committee with annual requests for the repair, refurbishment and/or replacement of the City’s buildings, equipment and/or property in accordance with the City’s insurance loss prevention studies, City Fire Department Inspections, and federal and/or state regulatory and compliance mandates; reviewing inspection reports and responding to recommendations, violations and fines as needed; providing risk and safety policy programming recommendations to City Council for adoption; and assist in implementing the risk and safety policy programming as adopted by City Council; and WHEREAS, the Director of Risk and Safety shall have the responsibility of chairing the City’s Safety Committee and acting as its liaison as Safety and Compliance Officer of the City to ensure the City’s risk and safety directives are carried out in accordance with this Safe City Program per the City Council’s directives; and NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council does hereby establish the voting membership of the Safety Committee as follows: Director of Risk and Safety as Chairperson; City Engineer; Director of Public Works; Zoning & Building Inspector; Fire Chief or his/her designee; Police Chief or his/her designee; Police Department Administrative Lieutenant; Civil Service Secretary; Human Resource Administrator; Administrative Director of Recreation; Deputy Mayor; Deputy Commissioner of Accounts, Finance, Public Works and Public Safety; and one representative from each of the City’s collective bargaining units. The City’s Insurance Agent and the City Attorney shall serve as Ex-Officio Non-Voting Members and advisors to the Safety Committee. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded for the City Council to adopt the Safety Committee Resolution as distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Page 9 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Announcement: Spa Solar Park Planning Board Advisory Opinion Commissioner Madigan announced this is on schedule. The Planning Board issued a favorable advisory opinion by unanimous vote. Sun Edison will build, own, and maintain a 2 mega watt solar array on the landfill for an estimated 20 years. The City will receive a monetary credit for energy generated. Commissioner Madigan showed slides of the proposed design of how the solar panels will look. Discussion and Vote: Resolution from City Council to the New York Racing Association (15-254) Commissioner Madigan stated she is concerned that NYRA is making changes without the City’s input; therefore she put this resolution together. Commissioner Madigan read the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Saratoga Race Course is one of the most significant and important landmarks in the City of Saratoga Springs; and WHEREAS, our City’s national and international reputation, local economy, and identity is directly connected to the track, and has been so connected for more than 150 years; and WHEREAS, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) is currently led by the NYRA Reorganization Board, a temporary reorganization board with a limited tenure, put into place in 2012 to ensure the New York Racing Association Inc. works in the best interests of all stakeholders in horse racing, including fans, owners and breeders by managing the racing franchise with transparency and accountability. WHEREAS, NYRA recently announced significant plans for renovation and/or expansion of existing facilities at the track. While this City Council is encouraged to hear that NYRA will be acting to improve track facilities, to date the City has been given no opportunity to participate in any Discussion regarding specific improvements. This is a significant concern for this Council. A change in track facilities will impact surrounding neighborhoods, established vehicle and pedestrian traffic patterns, public safety, water and sewer infrastructure, and historic buildings and structures. The City’s input and suggestion in developing new track facilities will save unnecessary effort for both the City and NYRA, and result in a better, safer improvement. The City Council is also concerned that NYRA, under the auspices of a temporary reorganization board, may implement permanent policy changes in track operations, such as revised fees, reservations processes, track events, or a new track meet schedule. Such changes could affect daily attendance and City traffic patterns, and cause a significant impact on City economy and character. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows 1. This Council respectfully requests that NYRA promptly establish regular, timely communication with all members of the City Council regarding its specific plans for improvements at the track, and keep those Council members informed as construction progresses. 2. This Council respectfully requests that NYRA promptly establish regular, timely communication with all members of this City Council regarding any changes in the policy and procedure of track operations and keep those Council members informed as new ideas are being considered. 3. This Council respectfully requests that the status of the NYRA Reorganization Board be resolved so that a permanent and fully functioning steward of the Saratoga Springs Race Course is established as soon as possible to serve its best interest and the interests of all its stakeholders. 4. A copy of this resolution shall be forward to the NYRA Board, Governor’s Office, NYS Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, and NYS Assembly Committee on Racing and Wagering. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the resolution from the City to the New York Racing Association as distributed with the agenda. Commissioner Scirocco stated he knows there have been sewer and water issues there. He has received petitions from residents in that area. There should be an open door policy. He only knows what he reads in the newspapers. Commissioner Mathiesen stated it is possible that the people in charge of NYRA don’t fully understand. He has received calls from people who are concerned about some aspects of these plans. They would benefit from having our input. Mayor Yepsen stated when she met with Chris Kay and described the process we went through with Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. Their cooperation made it a better process. She encouraged Mr. Kay to do the same. The public does need more description. Commissioner Scirocco stated they don’t have the capacity on Adam Street to take the flow. This is a current situation that they have been telling NYRA. Page 10 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Standard Workday Resolution (15-256) Commissioner Madigan stated this resolution must be filed with the state. It validates standard workday hours for retirement. This resolution is for the city attorney. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the standard workday and recording resolution as distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (15-257) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2015 budget transfers – payroll which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – City Center Contingency (15-258) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2015 budget transfers – contingency - City Center that were made available with the agenda materials. The current budget amount in the City Center contingency line is $10,000; there will remain $673 after this transfer. Ayes - All Discussion: Mayor’s Box for the City at the Saratoga Race Course Commissioner Madigan stated it has been 140 years that the City of Saratoga Springs has been provided with a box at the track. About 3 years ago NYRA took this box away and required the City pay for it. Former Mayor Johnson communicated the change with the Council and a few commissioners joined in to retain the box. Last year she heard from Mayor Yepsen about the box and shared the cost. This year she did not hear from the mayor and the mayor used some campaign funds to purchase the box. If Citizens for Yepsen want a box they should wait in line behind everyone else to do that. We need to be careful about what kind of precedence we are setting. She would like to see the box maintained for City business and feels strongly that campaign funds should not be used. Mayor Yepsen stated if anyone else wants to pay for it she would be happy to share the expense. Tony Izzo stated his discussion this morning with Commissioner Madigan was one of many possibilities the Council would have. The Council took a break at 9:50 p.m. The Council returned at 9:54 p.m. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Designated Engineering Service Agreements with Creighton Manning Engineering LLP, Foit Albert Associates, Environmental Design Partnership and Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (15-259) Page 11 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Commissioner Scirocco advised this is for assistance to the engineering staff with Planning Board applications. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Manning Engineering, LLP, Foit Albert Associates, Environmental Design Partnership, and Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign a Change Order with DeBrino Caulking Associates – Time Extension (15-260) Commissioner Scirocco advised this change order is for time extension. Additional time is needed to complete each set of stairs after installation. Completion date is being moved out to 12/31/15. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order with DeBrino Caulking Associates for the Woodlawn and Spring Street parking decks. Ayes - All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 148 of the City Code Entitled “Noise” Commissioner Mathiesen set a public hearing for Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 6:55 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with NYRA for the 2015 Racing Meet (15-261) Commissioner Mathiesen stated this is an annual agreement between NYRA and the City for fire equipment and personnel. NYRA will pay the City $85,667 for the services provided. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with NYRA. Ayes - All Discussion: High Rock Parking Lot RFP Commissioner Mathiesen stated he has read the RFP and feels it is very well done. He asked how one would ascertain popular public support as stated on page x paragraph 3. Mayor Yepsen stated they took that out as another commissioner had the same concern. Commissioner Mathiesen confirmed the Council has the opportunity to appoint a committee to review the responses or can do the review themselves. Brad Birge of the Planning Department advised that interpretation is correct. Council discussed having the property appraised and when the appropriate time is to do so. Commissioner Franck stated it should be done within a 12 to 18 month time period of the project. Page 12 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Commissioner Madigan stated she believes a covered connection to the City Center should be a required component. Commissioner Scirocco stated he is concerned about the response time. It is a straight forward project. SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch National Association of Counties Conference 7/10 – 7/13 Supervisor Veitch reported he attended an all day technology summit where they learned about cyber security. Open Space/Trails Grant Program Supervisor Veitch reported the County has opened the Open Space/Trails Grant. The program opened July 14th and closes September 14th. NYS Public Welfare Association Summer Conference Supervisor Veitch reported he attended this conference yesterday. August Meetings Supervisor Veitch reported as an employee of Verizon, he may be out of the county if there is a strike. Contract negotiations begin August 2nd. Deceased Veteran Honors - July Supervisor Veitch reported Donald Gilcrest from Milton was honored this month. Peter Martin Social Programs Supervisor Martin reported a number of resolutions were adopted today; one was for approving a home healthcare service vendor. Board of Supervisor’s Meeting Supervisor Martin reported they authorized the construction of a new 6 unit hangar at the County Airport. They also authorized the sewer district to spend $850,000 for repairs to their aeration and dewatering system. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Yepsen adjourned the meeting at 10:39 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Page 13 of 13 City Council Meeting 7/21/15 Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 8/18/15 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 14 of 13