City Council

September 1, 2015 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 6:40 PM – P.H. – Revision to City Charter – Transition Civil Service Functions 6:50 PM – P.H. – 2016 Capital Program and Budget 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATIONS Update: The Saratoga Springs Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Committee CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 08/17/15 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 08/18/15 City Council Minutes 3. Approval of 08/04/15 City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 5. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 6. Approve Payroll 08/28/15 $469,889.49 7. Approve Payroll 08/21/15 $590,046.64 8. Approve Warrant: 2015 Mid – 15MWAUG2: $82,125.55 9. Approve Warrant: 2015 REG – 15SEP1: $1,159,679.02 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Presentation: 2016 – 2021 Capital Budget and Program 2. Discussion and Vote: 2016 – 2021 Capital Budget and Program 3. Discussion and Vote: Approval of Form Agreement Template for Community Development BlockGrant Sub-Recipient 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign an Agreement with Behan Planning and Design for Unified Development Ordinance 5. Discussion and Vote: Local Law Amending the City Charter to Transition Civil Service Function from the City to the County 6. Discussion: Update on Apprenticeship Program 7. Discussion and Vote: Amendment of 2015 Capital Program and Budget for Purchase of Land on Loughberry Lake 8. Appointment: Design Review Commission City Council Meeting 9/1/15 9. Discussion: Recognition and Thank Yous for Travers Weekend 10. Announcement: 9-11 Ceremony ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Gas Agreement with Direct Energy 2. Set Public Hearing: Saratoga National Golf Course Text Amendment FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: 2016 Budgets 2. Discussion and Vote: Assignment for the Refund of Prior Year Taxes 3. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 4. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Benefits 5. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Benefits 6. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Assignment for Contract Settlement (PO Lts) 7. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Capital Budget for the Purchase of Loughberry Lake Land PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Alpine Environmental for the Arts Council Building Basement 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Auburn Armature Inc. – Water Replacement & Improvement Project 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Barton & Loguidice D.P.C. for the Washington Street Water Main Replacement Project 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Barton & Loguidice P.C. for the Spring Run Trail Monitoring 5. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Gallo Construction for the Washington Street Water Project 6. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Saratoga Youth Hockey Concession Stand 7. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Schnabel Engineering of New York for the Loughberry Lake Dam Project 8. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Winchip Door Co., Inc. for the Marion Avenue DPW Building Garage Doors PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: Public Safety Forum on September 30, 2015 in the City Council Room at 7:00 p.m. 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization to Pay May Nixon Peabody Invoice 3. Discussion: Traver’s Weekend SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch 1. State Interoperable Communication Grant Award Peter Martin 1. Trails 2. Public Health ADJOURN Page 2 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 September 1, 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 Revision to City Charter – Transition Civil Service Functions Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. Mayor Yepsen stated this is a revision to the City Charter that would transition the functions of Civil Service to the County. This revision would eliminate the section of the Charter that establishes the Civil Service Commission making it a City function. Page 3 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 John Ellis of Saratoga Springs asked if this would affect the school district. Mayor Yepsen advised this would affect the school district among other entities. No other comments at this time Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. 2016 Capital Program and Budget Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Mayor Yepsen stated this is the second of the two required public hearings for the capital program and budget. Harvey Fox of Saratoga Springs thanked the Council for their cooperation with the Wayfinding Program. He is here to support another $100,000 for 2016. He announced 2 new partners: NBT Bank and Saratoga Hospital. They both have committed to doing signs. He believes they have a lot more public monies coming. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs thanked the Council for making Hamilton Street better and fixing the pot holes. John Willson of Saratoga Springs stated last year the capital budget had $3 million dollars for the east side station marked for 2016. It is not included in this year’s program, which is disappointing. He asked that the Council keep the line item for an east side fire house for 2017 in the approved program. Douglas Myer of Saratoga Springs stated he wanted to thank the council for the support of the trail project. 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 COMMENT 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. Mike Lyons of 3 Troon Court stated he wanted to address an item on the Mayor’s agenda. They are looking for the apprenticeship language. If there is a vote please approve this language. It is not going to bring any form of detriment to the City. Andrew Gilchrist, attorney from Albany, stated he is representing a number of real estate developers. He wanted to discuss water connection fees with the Commissioner of the DPW; which is scheduled. The City is imposing the water connection fees after the repeal of the water connection fees in December. He provided copies of the letter (attached). Mark Mitcher of Saratoga Springs is the business agent for the operating engineers. They need the municipalities to adopt the apprenticeship requirements to place people. We have a program Helmets to Page 4 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 Hard Hats for direct entry for returning veterans to train and earn. He strongly supports the apprenticeship requirements in the City for upcoming projects. Dave Smith, member of Local 158, stated he is a returning veteran and he would not have the training and benefits without Helmets to Hard Hats. He supports the apprenticeship program. Julie Cuneo of Saratoga Springs stated she wanted to discuss the parking garage at the High Rock parcel. Things just don’t make sense because so much has changed. Unless this is redesigned, it is not going to work. If the RFP doesn’t work we need to have an alternative. We very much need parking for the city Center. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs stated she went to the Hungry Spot with the mayor and took ‘selfies’. She took ‘selfies’ all over town. Our veterans count every day. We do not need another parking lot. Get up and walk. We do not need another hotel or condos. We need low income housing and a place for veterans to live. Carl Alvarado of Local 106 and recent graduate of the apprenticeship program stated that this is wonderful program and it has helped him learn a trade. This is a very good program. John Wilson of Saratoga Springs stated last year at this time when he was here talking about this matter he was a happy camper as he could see the light at the end of the tunnel. We were hoping the construction could happen this year for the fire house. The primary responsibility of protecting the citizens was being met by the Council. Then the unthinkable happened; an unsolicited offer was considered valid and former city officials made it a political matter and pursued a lawsuit. It would be tragic if something happens to one of our citizens while this matter is delayed by what appears to be political maneuvering. Phil Diamond of 55 Railroad Place stated we all agree that we needed to get EMS services out to that area. John Ellis, CSEA Union member, wanted to say that he supports the apprentice program. Diane Pedinotti of Saratoga Springs wants to ask the Planning Board to hold off on the subdivision for the parking lot. All of you have said that this needs to be redesigned. It does not make sense. I can’t tell you how many people are against this parking lot design. Wait until the RFP is done; what is the hurry. George Schuloff of 55 Regatta View wanted to point out that they pay the same taxes and they deserve the same safety that the people in the rest of the City of Saratoga get. Commissioner Mathiesen stated that we have listened to the public and this is why they are going forward with the RFP. Commissioner Scirocco stated the Council got a memo from the Land Use Board attorney stating they can’t shut the City Center down; they can continue their process. Mayor Yepsen closed the public comment period at 7:22 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to accept the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 08/17/15 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 08/18/15 City Council Minutes 3. Approval of 08/04/15 City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 5. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 6. Approve Payroll 08/28/15 $469,889.49 Page 5 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 7. Approve Payroll 08/21/15 $590,046.64 8. Approve Warrant: 2015 Mid – 15MWAUG2: $82,125.55 9. Approve Warrant: 2015 REG – 15SEP1: $1,159,679.02 Ayes - All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Presentation: 2016 – 2021 Capital Budget and Program Mayor Yepsen reported it was her pleasure to present the City Budget to the city and her colleagues. She thanked the Committee that worked on throughout the year. Once the recommendations are made, the Capital Budget Committee ranks them and prioritizes them based upon the City’s needs. There are 23 projects at a total cost of $5.9 million of which $5.2 million would be bonded. The mayor reviewed a number of projects. (A copy of the presentation is attached.) Discussion and Vote: 2016 – 2021 Capital Budget and Program (15-304) Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to adopt the 2016 – 2021 capital budget and program as filed with the City Clerk’s Office on August 11, 2015. Commissioner Madigan stated she is going to reserve her right to vote no. She takes this budget and integrates it into the budget she puts out in October. She needs to look at this and the budget as a whole. Commissioner Franck stated he will support this but requested a spreadsheet for the public in the future. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Madigan) Discussion and Vote: Approval of Form Agreement Template for Community Development Block Grant Sub-Recipient (15-305) Mayor Yepsen advised this change allows the sub-recipients of CDBG to receive their allocations without having an additional contract approved by the City Council. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the form agreement template for the Community Development Block Grant sub-recipients. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign an Agreement with Behan Planning and Design for Unified Development Ordinance (15-306) Mayor Yepsen explained the overall goal of this project is a comprehensive revision of the Zoning Ordinance and subdivision regulations to synchronize current policy and regulatory documents while incorporating new sustainable initiatives. The cost of this project is $128,995 and funding is in line: A3618684 / 54786. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Behan Planning and Design to be the City’s consultant on the Unified Development Ordinance Project as distributed with the agenda. Page 6 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 Commissioner Madigan stated she will not be supporting this as she felt the City Council should be the oversight body for the Comprehensive Plan. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Madigan) Discussion and Vote: Local Law Amending the City Charter to Transition Civil Service Function from the City to the County (15-307) Mayor Yepsen advised there will be a vote in November and this would transition the Civil Service functions to the County effective January 1, 2017. She felt it is best to keep the Civil Service Office here and adhere to the state requirements. This is not a one person job and we cannot keep operating this way. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to adopt a Local Law eliminating Section 2.5 of the City Charter that establishes and governs the City Service Commission as distributed with the agenda. Commissioner Scirocco asked what the approximate cost would be to upgrade them. Commissioner Madigan stated this would cost approximately $72,000 in the general operating budget and then software. She would support this if it is a priority of the City. Commissioner Mathiesen stated Patsy Berrigan has been well aware of these problems for some time. An employee was lost in 2009 and was never restored. Patsy Berrigan being in-house has been a huge help to the Public Safety Department. Would we receive the same focus from the County that we do with in house Civil Service? My preference is to find the funds to support the functions of the Civil Service Office. Commissioner Madigan stated this would require another full time hire. We could probably find the $72,000 but that would be in the Mayor’s budget. Her preference is to keep it here. Commissioner Franck stated we could vote for a referendum or stop it now at this point. If it went to vote and people vote it down; we are mandate it to do it anyway. Commissioner Madigan said the new hire would be a senior clerk. Deputy Commissioner Bachner advised the prior budget for Civil Service was about $103,000. The new budget would be about $173,000. The increase includes an additional person, associated social security, associated health insurance, increase in medical exam funding, increase in office rental, and equipment. Commissioner Scirocco stated he sees the benefit of having this remain with the City. Ayes – 0 Nays – All Discussion: Update on Apprenticeship Program Mayor Yepsen stated since that last time this was on the agenda the city attorney has spoken with all the Council members. They have also received letters of support and have looked into this more over the last couple of weeks. This is a job creation program and will continue to look at a revised program. We would be committing to a one year pilot. Commissioner Franck stated he understands Commissioner Scirocco’s concern would support this program. He hopes the concerns can be worked out. Commissioner Mathiesen also stated that he would support this program as well. Page 7 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 Commissioner Madigan stated she likes the idea of increasing the threshold so we can ease our way into a full blown apprenticeship program. Commissioner Scirocco stated he was surprised he wasn’t contacted by the people promoting this. A concern is with the language that states the City must choose a contractor that has an apprenticeship program. All the contractors we have done business with are not in the apprenticeship program. We are supposed to look at the low bidder and this language takes away our ability to go with the lowest bidder. The projects could come in at a price higher than what the City can afford. Vince DeLeonardis City Attorney stated it is possible the lowest bidder may not be part of the apprenticeship program; therefore resulting in an increase cost. The program can result in a better educated individual at the workforce and a better work product. They are looking into increasing the threshold amount. He hopes to bring back a resolution for review and adoption at the next Council meeting. Discussion and Vote: Amendment of 2015 Capital Program and Budget for Purchase of Land on Loughberry Lake (15-308) Mayor Yepsen advised this amendment is so the City can purchase a piece of property on Loughberry Lake for the protection of the watershed. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to amend the 2015 capital program and budget in the amount of $25,000, using open space bond authority, for the purchase of a parcel of land on Loughberry Lake. Ayes – All Appointment: Design Review Commission Mayor Yepsen appointed Leslie DiCarlo to the Design Review Commission. She has been a City resident since she attended Skidmore College. Discussion: Recognition and Thank Yous for Travers Weekend Mayor Yepsen thanked the council to vote to have American Pharoah to come and run. She was sorry he didn’t win but wanted to thank the winner of the race; NYRA; Chris Kay; and the Zayat family. Announcement: 9-11 Ceremony Mayor Yepsen announced the 9-11 ceremony will be held at High Rock Park at 8:30am on September 11. Mayor Yepsen asked for all to attend this remembrance. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Gas Agreement with Direct Energy (15-309) Commissioner Franck advised the City has the option of signing a 12 month or 24 month agreement for gas. The rate for the 12 month agreement is $3.412/Dth and the rate for 24 months is $3.558/Dth. The contract will need to be signed tonight to lock the rate in. The contract will be effective December 1, 2015. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a 24 month contract with Direct Energy for $3.558/Dth. Ayes - All Set Public Hearing: Saratoga National Golf Course Text Amendment Page 8 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 Commissioner Franck set a public hearing for Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 6:45 p.m. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion: 2016 Budgets Commissioner Madigan reviewed the budget process for the public and Council. The proposed comprehensive budget will be submitted to the Council on October 6th. The budget must be adopted on or before November 30th. The state has capped our tax levy growth at 0.73%. Budget workshops will be scheduled. Discussion and Vote: Assignment for the Refund of Prior Year Taxes (15-310) Commissioner Madigan advised the resolution is to be reviewed annually. We are over the maximum of the resolution. She recommended removing the maximum limit in the resolution and reallocate amounts in the assignment. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the revised assignment of refund of prior year taxes as distributed with the agenda. She also moved to have amounts moved from the assignment for the refund of prior year’s taxes as follows: $100,000 shall be moved to reserve for the payment of bonded indebtedness; $66,790.98 shall be moved to the insurance reserve. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (15-311) 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 – Benefits (15-312) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2015 budget transfers – benefits which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Benefits (15-313) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2015 budget amendments – benefits which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Assignment for Contract Settlement (PO Lts) (15-314) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2015 budget amendments – assignment for contract settlement (Police Officers and Lieutenants) which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Page 9 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Capital Budget for the Purchase of Loughberry Lake Land (15-315) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2015 budget amendments – capital budget which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Alpine Environmental for the Arts Council Building Basement (15-316) Commissioner Scirocco stated this is for $1,200 for mold consulting services in the basement of the Arts Council. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Alpine Environmental Services for the Arts Council building for the mold consulting within the basement not to exceed the amount of $1,200. Funding is in line: H3031492 / 52000 / 1141. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Auburn Armature Inc. – Water Replacement & Improvement Project (15-317) Commissioner Scirocco advised this is for the replacement of the low lift drive at the Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $7,675. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Auburn Armature, Inc. for the water replacement and improvements project in the amount of $7,675. Funding is in line: H3638332 / 52000 / 1167. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Barton & Loguidice D.P.C. for the Washington Street Water Main Replacement Project (15-318) Commissioner Scirocco advised stated the design has been updated by Barton & Loguidice. This new agreement includes construction observation services to make sure the selected contractor completes the construction in accordance with the approved design plans. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Barton & Loguidice D.P.C. for the Washington Street Water Main Replacement Project in the amount of $26,250. Funding is in line: H3638332 / 52000 / 1167. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Barton & Loguidice P.C. for the Spring Run Trail Monitoring (15-319) Page 10 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 Commissioner Scirocco advised the City is required to conduct monitoring and recording for 5 years. This addendum will provide for 4 years of the water level and vegetation monitoring and reporting. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement addendum with Barton & Loguidice, P.C. in the amount of $8,975. Funding is in line: A3031494 / 54746. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Gallo Construction for the Washington Street Water Project (15-320) Commissioner Scirocco advised this is for the replacement of 1,350 feet of 4 inch water main on Washington Street from Beekman Street to Bensonhurst Avenue. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Gallo Construction Corporation for the Washington Street Water Main Project in the amount of $638,952.90. Funding is in line: H3638332 / 52000 / 1167. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Saratoga Youth Hockey Concession Stand (15-321) Commissioner Scirocco advised this is an annual agreement for the use of the concession stand at the Weibel Avenue Ice Rink. The fee is $450 for July and August; and $600 per month for September 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Saratoga Youth Hockey for the amounts and dates as stated. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Schnabel Engineering of New York for the Loughberry Lake Dam Project (15-322) Commissioner Scirocco advised this is to complete an engineering assessment of the Loughberry Lake surface impoundment. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Schnabel Engineering for the Loughberry Lake Dam Study in the amount of $31,500. Funding is in line: A3031444 / 54720. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Winchip Door Co., Inc. for the Marion Avenue DPW Building Garage Doors (15-323) Commissioner Scirocco advised there are 6 roll up doors at the cold storage that require replacement. Price include installation and removal of doors. Page 11 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Winchip Door Company for the Marion Avenue garage doors in the amount of $7,700. Funding is in line: H3031492 / 52000 / 1141. Ayes – All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Announcement: Public Safety Forum on September 30, 2015 in the City Council Room at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen advised the next public safety forum will be on September 30, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Room. The focus of this discussion will be the noise ordinance around the Oklahoma Track. Discussion and Vote: Authorization to Pay May Nixon Peabody Invoice (15-324) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the payment of the May 15, 2015 invoice from Nixon Peabody in the amount of $2,143.50. Funding is in line: A3143014 / 54720. Ayes - All Discussion: Traver’s Weekend Commissioner Mathiesen we had great weather and we had a concert at SPAC that night. Things went very well. It was great to have so many assisting such as the Saratoga County Sheriff Deputies, NYS Park Police, State Troopers, and our Fire Department. SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch State Interoperable Communications Grant Award Supervisor Veitch reported that the State Interoperable Communications Grant Awards came out last week and 17 counties will be receiving grants totaling $50 million. Peter Martin Trails Update Supervisor Martin reported they finished cutting the County forest land in the Town of Corinth. The parcel the County forested last year in Moreau is being converted to equine paths. The Zim Smith trails is close to having final plans for the southern extension of the trail into Mechanicville. The County is going to grant $100,000 to local municipalities for their trails. The program closes on September 14, 2015. Public Health Supervisor Martin reported the chair of the Community Services Board issued a report which talked about the role of the board; setting policy; and there are no short comings. Page 12 of 13 City Council Meeting 9/1/15 Supervisor Martin advised he attended the Gaming Commission Summit today at the request of the mayor. In the ‘70’s, many race horses were not given a chance for retirement; they were slaughtered. That is not the case today. There are adoption programs and new purposes have been found for retired race horses. New York State and the Capital District are on the right path. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Yepsen adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Margaret LoPresti Clerk Approved: 9/15/15 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 13 of 13