City Council

October 17, 2017 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 7:00 PM 6:30 PM P.H. – Amend Chapters 101 and 101A to Include Animal Control Fees 6:35 PM P.H. – Amend Chapter 215 – Taxi Inspection Fees 6:40 PM P.H. – Amend Chapter 225 – Handicapped Parking Zone 6:45 PM P.H. – Proposed 2018 Comprehensive Budget 6:55 PM P.H. – Adoption of Universal Taxi 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENATIONS 1. SiFi Networks Citywide Fiber Infrastructure Proposal EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Article 7 Settlement 2. Pending Litigation: City of Saratoga Springs vs. East Side Group 3. Pending Litigation: Village of Ballston Spa et al vs. City of Saratoga Springs CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 10/2/17 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 10/3/17 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 9/19/17 City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments – Regular (Increases) 5. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 6. Approve Payroll 10/6/17 $464,499.02 7. Approve Payroll 10/13/17 $484,695.53 8. Approve Warrant: 2017 – 17MWOCT2 $610.00 9. Approve Warrant: 2017 – 17MWOCT3 $187,503.43 10. Approve Warrant: 2017 – 17OCT2 $1,143,593.00 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Update from Human Rights Task Force 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Site Host Agreement with Energetics 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign “Intent to Apply for Restore NY Funding” City Council Meeting 10/17/17 4. Discussion and Vote: Approval for Mayor to Execute Collective Bargaining Agreement with PBA 5. Announcement: Comprehensive Code Revision ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: How the Proposed City Manager Form of Government will Affect Your Assessment 2. Discussion: Potential Ethical/Legal Issues Relating to the Use of Personal Funds to Pay for a Mailing Using the City’s Return Address and Seal 3. Award of Bid: Titan Powerliner to Epic Solutions FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: Addressing Recent Charter Change-Related Allegations 2. Set Public Hearing: 2018 Budget Second Public Hearing on 11/6/17 3. Set Public Hearing: SiFi Networks Citywide Fiber Infrastructure Proposal 4. Discussion: 2018 Budget Update 5. Discussion and Vote: Approval to Pay Invoice – Clark Patterson Lee 6. Announcement: Health Fair for All City Employees on Thursday, November 2, 2017 7. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donations for Health Fair 8. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Payroll and Benefits Decreases 9. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll and Benefits PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Approval to Pay Invoice – Pallette Stone PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Authorization for Mayor to Sign ProCare Stryker 2017 Agreement 2. Set Public Hearing: Amend City Code Chapter 225 Article IX Schedules, Subsection 225-77 Schedule XII Stop Intersections 3. Discussion and Vote: Amend City Code Chapter 225 Article IX Schedules Subsection 225-93, Schedule XXVIII: Handicap Parking Zones (B, Unlimited Time) 4. Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 215 of the City Code to Establish & Include Taxi Inspection Fees 5. Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 101 & 101A of the City Code to Establish & Include Animal Control Fees SUPERVISORS Matt Veitch 1. Active Trails Committee 2. Proposed Saratoga County Bike Routes 3. Special County Board Meeting 10/11/17 4. Louden Road County Forest Peter Martin 1. Public Health 2. Airport th 3. 100 Anniversary of Women’s Vote 4. Board of Supervisors Meeting ADJOURN Page 2 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 October 17, 2017 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 7:00 PM 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: Meg Kelly, Deputy Mayor (arrived 7:09 p.m.) Mike Sharp, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Maire Masterson, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Franck Coppola, Jr., 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. ** Mayor Yepsen postponed the public hearings to have a quick attorney/client meeting with Mark Schachner. PUBLIC HEARING Amend Chapters 101 and 101A to Include Animal Control Fees Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:42 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen stated this is to add an animal control fee for each dog that is licensed. Proof of this payment made to the Department of Public Safety must be shown to obtain the dog license. No one spoke. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 6:44p.m. Amend Chapter 215 – Taxi Inspection Fees Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:44 p.m. Page 3 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 Commissioner Mathiesen stated there will be a fee for the inspection of taxis. No one spoke. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. Amend Chapter 225 – Handicapped Parking Zone Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen stated this amendment will establish a handicap parking zone on West Circular Street in the vicinity of Stonequist Apartments. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs asked when installing this parking spot to be aware of the curb cuts so people can get out. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Proposed 2018 Comprehensive Budget Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Commissioner Madigan advised this is the first public hearing for the 2018 comprehensive budget. There is no property tax increase proposed for 2018. This public hearing will be closed and will be setting the next public hearing for the next City Council meeting. No one spoke. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Adoption of Universal Taxi Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Lauren Bailey of the Capital District Transportation Authority stated the governor gave them a directive to create a new taxi system/service. They are asking for comment on the revised taxi ordinance for the City of Saratoga Springs. Mayor Yepsen advised the vote on this will be taken at the next City Council meeting. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs stated this will be a great idea. Mayor Yepsen concluded the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. and kept it open. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Yepsen called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Page 4 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 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 7:04 p.m. John Kaufman of Saratoga Springs stated the Charter Commission operates independent of the City Council but that does not allow them to operate in an opaque manner. The public should expect the Charter Commission to honor reasonable requests for documents. Mr. Altamari and Mr. Turner told the public they did an in-depth study of staffing needs under the proposed Charter. The study was never presented, it is not on their website, and Mr. Turner is not responding to his requests for a copy of this study. (attachment) Bonnie Sellers of Saratoga Springs and member of SUCCESS stated when the Charter Commission was established, Tony Izzo, assistant city attorney, advised them they are subject to FOIL requests. Just like the open meetings law, they ignored that and now they are ignoring these requests. Dave Bronner of Saratoga Springs inquired of the status of the EMS station on the east side. He read one of the candidates for public safety’s editorial which stated they were going to bring the thirst station to the east ridge; but there are no specifics to the plan. Also, he noticed the Charter Commission is using Watertown as a comparison city. He lived in Watertown and to use Watertown is disingenuous; it is a failing city. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs asked what affordable means. She wants to know numbers. Public transportation is poor in the City. Mayor Yepsen closed the public comment period at 7:15 p.m. Commissioner Madigan thanked the public regarding FOILS and transparency. She too has submitted a FOIL regarding interviews with deputies and was informed there were no official interview with deputies or notes. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he doesn’t disagree with John Kaufmann. The Charities Bureau looked at the property on Union Avenue and decided it did not meet the guidelines as the owner of the property is a charitable organization. Commissioner Franck clarified that he didn’t come up with Watertown; that was chosen by Mr. Altamari and the Charter Commission. He agrees with Mr. Bronner regarding Watertown. Commissioner Madigan stated there is a current discussion going on in Watertown regarding if they should change to a strong mayor form of government. Mayor Yepsen stated there is a huge gap in this City for lack of housing in certain price ranges. The 2 projects on South Broadway and West Avenue will help close the gap. The next Affordable Housing Task Force meeting is November 14, 2017. PRESENATIONS SiFi Networks Citywide Fiber Infrastructure Proposal Commissioner Madigan introduced Scott Bradshaw of SiFi Networks. He is here to review a potential project to bring to the City fiber optics. Page 5 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 Scott Bradshaw, president of SiFi Networks advised they would like to create a super fast highway throughout the City by bringing in multiple service providers who can offer any service to any resident or business. They are building everything and having people quality assure that it is being built the way they say it is going to be built. They are building an application for a generation that hasn’t been born yet. There are no municipal dollars involved; they spend their money on their risk. This is a 100% private investment. They will pass every building where someone could connect. This will be done within 2 years. They are not the service provider. By going past every building, it creates a high speed smart city fiber infrastructure. The fiber is the infrastructure; the operator is a neutral organization and will make sure the service is always up achieving quality service; and then allow anybody to offer your product. Commissioner Madigan asked Mr. Bradshaw to explain how they came to the decision to offer this to the City of Saratoga Springs. Mr. Bradshaw advised what caught his eye was the City’s roadmap. They found the fact that Saratoga Springs had a beginning and was thinking differently than other cities. They looked at the types of business the City has, the average income, the median age, etc. Commissioner Madigan stated this will require the City to enter into an agreement with SiFi Networks. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to accept the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 10/2/17 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 10/3/17 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 9/19/17 City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments – Regular (Increases) 5. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 6. Approve Payroll 10/6/17 $464,499.02 7. Approve Payroll 10/13/17 $484,695.53 8. Approve Warrant: 2017 – 17MWOCT2 $610.00 9. Approve Warrant: 2017 – 17MWOCT3 $187,503.43 10. Approve Warrant: 2017 – 17OCT2 $1,143,593.00 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Update from Human Rights Task Force Mayor Yepsen asked members of the Human Rights Task Force to provide the Council with an update. Members who were in attendance include: Dominique Vuvan, Judy Beck, Margie Ingram, Diana Barnes, Mehmet Odekon, Dora Lee Stanley, Megan Turnbull, and Marta Brunner. Dominique Vuvan stated they believe human rights should be a driver for making policy for our City. They identified the following issues: immigration issues and quality of life for immigrants residing in the City; domestic violence; sexual harassment; homelessness and the need for affordable housing in the City; veteran services; lack of diversity in City employees, teachers, business owners and staff; comprehensive health care. There are many organizations in our City that are making our City a great place to live for all. They plan to act as an advisory board to the Council. The Task Force has asked Mayor Yepsen to bring a motion to the next Council meeting that invites each Council member to publically reaffirm your support of the resolution you passed last year. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Site Host Agreement with Energetics (17-328) Page 6 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the site host agreement with Energetics. Tina Carton, sustainability coordinator, advised the City was chosen to have an electric vehicle charging station installed via a grant. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign “Intent to Apply for Restore NY Funding” (17- 329) Mayor Yepsen advised the City is allowed to submit 2 letters of intent. She was contacted by the Adelphi to apply for the stone building behind the hotel. This would be a $1 million dollar grant. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the intent to apply for Restore NY Funding. Commissioner Scirocco stated he is concerned this is running in competition with the Universal Preservation Hall. Commissioner Madigan stated she will be voting ‘no’ on this. She doesn’t want any competition for the Universal Preservation Hall. Mayor Yepsen stated it doesn’t compete with Universal Preservation Hall to send this in. Ayes – 2 Nays – 3 (Franck, Madigan, Scirocco) Discussion and Vote: Approval for Mayor to Execute Collective Bargaining Agreement with PBA (17-330) Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the mayor to execute the collective bargaining agreement with the PBA. Vince DeLeonardis advised the PBA contract covers 61 members and has been ratified. This is a 5 year contract effective 1/1/18 – 12/31/22. The contract will remove CDPHP as an available health plan one year from the effective date and bring the number of available plans down to one. They increased the amount of opt out; they are allowing the available on a dental plan at the expense of the members; increased the education incentive and clarified the courses they members can take; leveled out the monetary increase between years 2 and 4; and the salary increase will be 2%. Commissioner Madigan advised there is no retroactive pay component to this contract. This contract calls for annual salary increase of 2% over the term of the contract. In addition to the 2% increase, there is a 7.16% increase and 10.69% for officers at step 2 and step 3 respectively. The increases were included to attract and retain new officers. The total increase cost is $1.03 million dollars over the life of the contract. The total increase in 2018 for the contract is $200,000. Commissioner Mathiesen stated this contract is not drastically different which is good. Maybe look into a flexible spending plan in regards to dental coverage. We need to look at better ways to incorporate raises to all employees and contracts in the City. This is not sustainable. Overall this is a fair contract. Commissioner Scirocco stated this is a fair contract and increasing the salary to retain new officers is a smart move. Police officers today have a more dangerous job and as first responders should be compensated. He will support this. Ayes – All Page 7 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 Announcement: Comprehensive Code Revision Mayor Yepsen announced that Tony Izzo, assistant city attorney, will be reviewing the City Code to determine which fees should remain in the code and which ones should be removed to be done by resolution. Tony Izzo, assistant city attorney, advised the Accounts Department provided a list of fees that still exist in the City Code. He suggest they look at all remaining fees in the City Code and have the Council determine which ones should remain in the Code and which ones should be done by resolution. Commissioner Franck stated he believes most of the fees in the Code are in his department. His department will be happy to review these with Tony. Some fees they have no say in the amount as they are set by the state. ** Mayor Yepsen left the meeting at 8:48 p.m. due to a family emergency. Commissioner Madigan will preside over the meeting. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion: How the Proposed City Manager Form of Government will Affect Your Assessment Commissioner Franck stated this came to light based upon various Facebook posts. He provided some st background on assessments and clarified misstatements made. Most municipalities fall under the May 1 / st July 1 roll date. The costs to do a re-assessment is substantial; approximately $2 million dollars today. In 2004 and 2005 there was 100% reassessment done in the City. He froze the assessments in his first year in office – 2006. The more grievances you have the more lawsuits you tend to have as if people don’t agree with the board’s decision. The number of grievances filed have decreased over the year which tells him most people in the City are happy with their assessment. The law requires all real property be assessed at the uniform percentage of market value; that is what we do. If the proposed Charter goes through, the city manager may request permission from the City Council to live outside the City. If they live outside the City, they will have no skin in the assessments. Overall, we are in compliance. Commissioner Mathiesen asked how the proposed city manager form of government will affect/increase assessments. Commissioner Franck advised right now if people don’t like their assessment they can vote him out. If the form of government changes it is the decision of the city manager to reassess or not. The city manager doesn’t even have to live in the City. Commissioner Mathiesen stated if you don’t reassess periodically, you run into a problem. Some people may be paying less than they should be and others are paying more than they should be. Commissioner Franck stated he disagrees because of the cost benefit and people have the ability to grieve their assessment based upon the sale of a neighboring property. All the information is available and on line for people to determine what they feel their assessment should be. Commissioner Scirocco stated in this form of government, the assessor is an elected official that can be voted out our in. That person will be accountable. The city manager will not be held accountable to the taxpayer, just the Council. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he believes every employee of the City is held accountable to the taxpayers. Page 8 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 Discussion: Potential Ethical/Legal Issues Relating to the Use of Personal Funds to Pay for a Mailing Using the City’s Return Address and Seal Commissioner Franck stated the by-laws of the Charter Commission states treasurer must give a report if requested. A recent news article states Gordon Boyd and Mr. Altamari paid $9,000 of their own funds with hopes of being reimbursed in relation to the Charter document sent to every household this week. When st nd Commissioner Franck was on Channel 13 on October 1 or 2 , Robert Turner, the chair of the Commission stated he too paid for this. Mr. Boyd has been asked for a report of the payment and Mr. Altamari won’t tell Commissioner Franck how much he paid out of pocket. The mailing was done prior to the last City Council meeting so they didn’t wait for a Council decision. Mr. Altamari’s wife put on Facebook prior to the mailing going out for people to look for something in their mail. He doesn’t understand how or when the decision was made to do this mailing. He explained Municipal Home Rule Law 36. The Commission has to submit a request to incur an expense; which they did not do. The issue he has is the Commission didn’t follow the rules regarding the incurring of expenses. This proposal also falls under Election Law as it is a proposal on the ballot. He is questioning if this is a violation of the Election Law and sending a letter requesting an investigation. Commissioner Madigan stated she has a number of concerns. She doesn’t know how the Commission has been purchasing things. Her main concern is are they trying to buy an election? Mr. Altamari and maybe others are using their own finances. Commissioner Scirocco stated Commissioner Madigan makes some good points and Commissioner Franck’s presentation was very good. We voted to not pay for the document that was going out as they believed it was advocacy. He would be happy to sign the letter with Commissioner Franck to support him as he believes in everything the letter states. Commissioner Madigan asked if the mailer is going to be allowed at the polling places. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he feels the mailer sent out is not a piece of advocacy but a proposal. He asked Tony Izzo if he was present for any of the meetings regarding the decision of the mailing. Tony Izzo stated he was not present for those meetings. Commissioner Mathiesen stated most of the letters to the editors he has seen deal with the form of government. He hasn’t seen any attacks on this Council. In regards to the PAC, quotes were taken that were in the public domain. He does plan on attending the event mentioned on the mailing. Commissioner Franck stated a clean version of the Charter must be delivered along with the red-lined version to the County. The County will give it to the polling inspectors. His concern is the Charter Commission didn’t follow their own by-laws, Municipal Home Rule Law 36, and their own treasurer’s report and not answering their Commission’s questions as to who paid for this mailing. Award of Bid: Titan Powerliner to Epic Solutions (17-331) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for the Titan Powerliner to Epic Solutions for an amount not to exceed $15,250. They are the only bidder that met all of the terms and specifications of the bid. Funding is in line: A3143314 / 54713. Ayes – All **Council took a break at 10:11 p.m. **Council returned at 10:18 p.m. Page 9 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion: Addressing Recent Charter Change-Related Allegations Commissioner Madigan advised the Charter Review Commission members and others not on the Commission have been vocal in recent weeks with misleading and factually incorrect statements. A public response to an editorial is appropriate tonight given Mr. Altamari’s position on the Commission. The Charter Commission continues to ignore the basic question regarding their fiscal analysis. Commissioner Franck stated before his time in office former Mayor Watkin sued the U.S. Post Office to keep the post office here. Most of the people for the Charter change are mayors as it is not a strong mayor form of government. Commissioner Scirocco stated it is a mystery of how the document was paid for. No one at this table tried to interfere – we tried to help them. He would like to see the mailing list; did everyone one in the City get one? He has never seen any public outcry about the form of government. Our Charter states it is to be reviewed; but they didn’t do that. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he doesn’t believe anyone has been saying you can’t accomplish things under the commission form of government. The proposal is looking at our form of government and saying there are shortfalls. If things were done differently would there be benefit? He cannot see how this City would not continue to be successful under the proposed form of government. Commissioner Madigan stated if there is a new form of government the City will be under transition. She won’t be looking at Airbnb or reduction of health care costs. Set Public Hearing: 2018 Budget Second Public Hearing on 11/6/17 Commissioner Madigan set a public hearing for Monday, November 6, 2017 at 6:55 p.m. Set Public Hearing: SiFi Networks Citywide Fiber Infrastructure Proposal Commissioner Madigan set a public hearing for Monday, November 6, 2017 at 6:50 p.m. Discussion: 2018 Budget Update Commissioner Madigan advised the Finance Department continues to make progress. The first budget workshop was held last Wednesday. The next workshop is scheduled for this Thursday at 3:00 p.m. All workshops are open to the public and time will be allotted for the public to speak. Discussion and Vote: Approval to Pay Invoice – Clark Patterson Lee (17-332) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the payment of invoice 54331 in the amount of $8,000 to Clark Patterson Lee, a pre-approved City engineering firm, for a building assessment report for the Saratogian Building. The work was completed prior to a purchase order being issued. A copy of the invoice was previously distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Announcement: Health Fair for All City Employees on Thursday, November 2, 2017 nd Commissioner Madigan announced there will be a health fair for all employees on November 2 in the Music Hall from 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. There will be flu shots, blood pressure monitoring, etc. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donations for Health Fair (17-333) Page 10 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 Commissioner Madigan advised each item donated for raffles is valued at no more than $25 and have been received from: Hannaford, ESI, MVP, and Aflac. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to accept the donations noted above for the health fair. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Payroll and Benefits Decreases (17-334) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the budget amendment – payroll and benefits decrease as previously submitted with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll and Benefits (17-335) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the budget transfer – payroll and benefits as previously submitted with the agenda. Ayes - All PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Approval to Pay Invoice – Pallette Stone (17-336) Commissioner Scirocco stated this was for remediation work done at the DPW garage. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve payment to Pallette Stone in the amount of $10,662 for asphalt and rubble at the DPW garage. Commissioner Franck recused himself from this vote and left the room. Ayes – All Commissioner Franck returned to the meeting. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Authorization for Mayor to Sign ProCare Stryker 2017 Agreement (17-337) Commissioner Mathiesen advised this is in the amount of $2,199 for annual maintenance of ambulance power stretchers and power loaders. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with Stryker Corporation. Ayes - All Set Public Hearing: Amend City Code Chapter 225 Article IX Schedules, Subsection 225-77 Schedule XII Stop Intersections Commissioner Mathiesen set a public hearing for Monday, November 6, 2017 at 6:45 p.m. Page 11 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 Discussion and Vote: Amend City Code Chapter 225 Article IX Schedules Subsection 225-93, Schedule XXVIII: Handicap Parking Zones (B, Unlimited Time) (17-338) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Schedules Subsection 225-93, Schedule XXVIII: Handicap Parking Zones (B, Unlimited Time), location: West Circular Street, side: north, location between South Federal Street and Union Street. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 215 of the City Code to Establish & Include Taxi Inspection Fees (17-339) Commissioner Mathiesen moved to amend Chapter 215 of the City Code to establish and include taxi and inspection fees. No second. Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 101 & 101A of the City Code to Establish & Include Animal Control Fees (17-340) Commissioner Mathiesen moved to amend Chapter 101A of the City Code to establish and include animal control fees. No second. SUPERVISORS Matt Veitch Active Trails Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they met last week. There is a large parcel of land in the Town of Providence used for horse trails and found a historical marker upon that land. The County is looking to do signage about the owner of that land. A survey of trail users was done throughout the Capital Region; Railroad Run th th was the 8 most used trail in the area and Spring Rung was the 9 most used trail. In 2016, there were 1,673,191 visits on 9 multi-use trails. Proposed Saratoga County Bike Routes Supervisor Veitch reported they are looking to have all trails be a larger standard - 4 ft. wide. The county planner and DPW deputy commissioner are going to look into this. Special County Board Meeting 10/11/17 Supervisor Veitch reported the County voted to retain a law firm and join a class action regarding the opioid litigation. There is no cost to Saratoga County to do this. Louden Road County Forest Supervisor Veitch reported there is a nature trail on a County forest parcel next to the Wilton Mall. There are concerns about target shooting on the parcel. There will be putting forward a local law to prohibit target shooting on the parcel; hunting and other activities will still be allowed. There will be a public hearing on th November 15 at 4:40 p.m. at the Board of Supervisors. Page 12 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 Peter Martin Public Health Supervisor Martin reported they renewed agreements with 13 providers of mental health services in the County. They also authorized additional amounts to be paid to the Franklin Community Center, Shelters of Saratoga, and the Center for the Family. They made a change to respite care for families who have children in need of early intervention services. They approved an increase in the amount they will pay for respite care services for these families. Airport Supervisor Martin reported the work is ready to commence and will be done by the end of this fall. There has been an issue with not being able to mow the areas surrounding the runways due to Karner Blue Butterflies. The DEC has advised allowing the County to move the Karner Blue Butterflies to another area. th 100 Anniversary of Women’s Vote th Supervisor Martin reported November 6, 2017 is the 100 anniversary of the first time women were allowed to vote in New York State. He presented a resolution to the Board Chair which has been adopted by the Board regarding this. There were 2 women (Katrina Trask and Katherine Starbuck) from Saratoga Springs who were instrumental in the movement. Board of Supervisors Meeting Supervisor Martin reported the County Water Authority presented a check to the County today for $2 million. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to go into executive session for an Article 7 Settlement and pending litigation City of Saratoga Springs vs. East Side Group at 11: 14 p.m. Ayes – All **Council returned at 11:31 p.m. Commissioner Madigan advised one item was settled in executive session and will be added to Commissioner Franck’s agenda. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to add an item to his agenda to authorize the settlement of an Article 7 case for parcel numbers 165.66-2-34 and 165.66-2-90. Ayes - All Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded for the City Council to settle the Article 7 case for parcels 165.66-2-34 and 165.66-2-90 for the year 2016 as follows: Page 13 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/17/17 Parcel # Original Negotiated Reduction Refund Amt for 2017 Assessment Assessed Value Amount 165.66-2-34 $207,400 $156,938 $50,462 $305.60 165.66-2-90 $888,900 $649,312 $239,588 $1,450.94 Total $1,756.54 The grand total of refund for 2017 for the parcels listed is $1,756.54. Ayes – All ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Commissioner Madigan adjourned the meeting at 11:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 11/6/17 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 14 of 14