City Council

January29,2019 CITYOFSARATOGASPRINGS CityCouncilMeeting StateoftheCityAddress CityCenter 7:00PM 7:00PM SALUTE TO FLAG MAYOR’SDEPARTMENT 1. StateoftheCityAddress ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. StateoftheCityAddress FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. StateoftheCityAddress PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. StateoftheCityAddress PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. StateoftheCityAddress SUPERVISORS MattVeitch 1. StateoftheCityAddress TaraGaston 1. StateoftheCityAddress ADJOURN City Council Meeting 1/29/19 January29,2019 CITYOFSARATOGASPRINGS CityCouncilMeeting StateoftheCityAddress CityCenter 6:00PM PRESENT: MegKelly, Mayor MicheleMadigan, Commissioner ofFinance JohnFranck, Commissioner ofAccounts AnthonyScirocco, Commissioner ofDPW PeterMartin, Commissioner ofDPS STAFFPRESENT: LisaShields, DeputyMayor MikeSharp, DeputyCommissioner, Finance MaireMasterson, DeputyCommissioner, Accounts JoeO’Neill,DeputyCommissioner, DPW JohnDaley, DeputyCommissioner, DPS MatthewVeitch, Supervisor TaraGaston, Supervisor RECORDING OFPROCEEDING Theproceedings ofthismeetingweretapedforthebenefitofthesecretary. Becausetheminutesarenota verbatimrecordoftheproceedings, theminutesarenotaword-for-wordtranscript. Anentire copy ofthe mayor’s,commissioners’, and supervisors’ speeches are attached.) CALL TO ORDER MayorKellycalledthemeetingtoorderat7:02p.m. MAYOR’SDEPARTMENT StateoftheCityAddress MayorKellythankedallforcomingout tonight andtheCityCenterforhostingtheStateoftheCity. She reviewedtheeventsofthelightningstrikeonCityHallandhowtheCitywasupandrunningwithindaysof thelightningstrike. Sheprovided highlights of2018foreachdepartment thatfallsunderthemayoraswell aswhateachdepartment willbefocusingonin2019. Page 2 of 4 City Council Meeting 1/29/19 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT StateoftheCityAddress Commissioner Franckadvisedhehasbeenservingascommissioner since2006. Heandhisdeputytake prideintheircommitment tothecommunity. Commissioner Franck reviewedaccomplishments ofthe AccountsDepartment in2018andprovidedinformation onthedepartment’sfocusfor2019. FINANCE DEPARTMENT StateoftheCityAddress Commissioner Madiganthanked themayorforallowingtheCouncilmembers toparticipate intheStateof theCityagain. Sheadvised thegeneraloperating budgetfor2019increased by2.1%.Commissioner Madiganreviewedtheaccomplishments oftheFinance Department in2018andreviewedwhattheir prioritiesarefor2019. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT StateoftheCityAddress Commissioner Scirocco advisedthemainpriorityoftheDepartment ofPublicWorksisthe restoration/renovation ofCityHall. HethankedMikeVeitch, businessmanager; DeputyCommissioner Joe O’Neill; TomBrown; andtheentireDPWstaffforalltheirhardworkanddedication ingettingtheCityup andrunning attheRecreation Centerafterthelightningstrike. Headvisedthereare4phasesinvolvedin therestoration/renovation ofCityHallandtherewillbemorespacetoaccommodate thesecondjudge. Theirfocusin2019willbeoninfrastructure. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT StateoftheCityAddress Commissioner MartinadvisedthepublicwhattheDepartment ofPublicSafetyisresponsible for. The PoliceDepartment isnearfullstaffforthefirsttimeinyearsat74officers. Crimeremains lowintheCity; thereisincreased footpatrol; andtheofficers havecompleted over4,200hoursoftraining innumerous topics. Commissioner Martinadvisedwhatthedepartment’sfocuswillbein2019. Healsogaveaspecial thankyoutoChiefRobertWilliamswhowillberetiringtheendofFebruary, 2019. SUPERVISORS Matt Veitch StateoftheCityAddress Supervisor Veitchreviewedhisaccomplishments in2018includingtheCountystartingconstruction onthe newpublicsafetyfacility. Heworkedtogetthe2economic development agenciesinthecountytowork together; hebelievestherewillanannouncement comingoutinthenearfutureonthis. Thisyearaschair oftheBuilding & GroundsCommittee atthecounty, itwillbehisjobtobesurethenewpublicsafetyfacility iscompleted ontimeandunderbudget. Hiscommittee willalsobegintheplanningfor thesaleofthe Woodlawn buildinghereintheCity. Page 3 of 4 City Council Meeting 1/29/19 Tara Gaston StateoftheCityAddress Supervisor Gastonstatedinherfirstyearassupervisor, shereleasedherscheduletothepublicviasocial media. ShealsopushedtheBoardofSupervisors tosubmitaresolutionleadingtoSaratogaCounty’sfull representation ontheCapitalDistrictTransportation Authorityforthefirsttimeinyears. In2019shewill workonfindingsolutions totheopioidcrisis; affordable andunstablehousing; andthe localcostsof responding toclimatechange. ADJOURNMENT Therebeingnofurtherbusiness, MayorKellyadjourned themeetingat8:28p.m. Respectfully submitted, LisaRibis Clerk Approved: 2/5/19 Vote: 5 -0 Page 4 of 4 56Agreements 53Board Appointments 24+Initiatives Drafted/Supported 100Meetings Monthly  MayorMegKelly DeputyMayorLisaShields  Peddling & Vending Legislation: Exemptions forMinors Exemption forminors whosellbottled waterand/orwriting instruments during theSaratoga Thoroughbred RacingMeet inthefollowing areasadjacent totheSaratoga RaceTrackin thegreenspacebetween theNYRA fenceandthesidewalk: a.TheeastsideofFrankSullivanPlaceforadistance offivehundredfifty (550)feetsouthofitsintersection withLincolnAvenue. b.ThenorthsideofLincolnAvenueforadistanceof twohundredfifty (250)feetwestofitsintersectionwith FrankSullivanPlace. c.TheeastsideofNelsonAvenuebetweenWright StreetandGridleyStreet,withtheexceptionoffifty (50) feetfromtheintersectionofNelsonAvenueandWright Streetwherenovendingwillbeallowed. Peddling & Vending Legislation: Exemptions forMinors Minors must: Be accompanied byaparent orguardian if under the age of fourteen (14); OR Provide acopy oftheir working papers if over the age offourteen(14); Sellwater bottles orÅlucky pencilsÆ during the track meet between the hours of 7:00AM and 7:00PM; Complete and submit anapplication with their parent orguardianÈs permission; AND Provide proof ofage.  Federal Highway Authority ÃNYS DOT ADA Programming Web based program hasbeen developed byRisk and Safety Interns that allows onsite GIS Mapping and cataloguing oftheCityÈs infrastructure Accessibility forall isapriority forboth residents and visitors Catalogue streets and sidewalks for potential public and private funding initiatives Goals aresafety and connectivity Goal for2019 istomap theCityÈs infrastructure to assist other City Complete Streets Initiatives SafetyCommitteeEmergency ManagementProgramming The Office ofRisk and Safety works inpartnership with the Saratoga Countywide Emergency Preparedness Committee and Saratoga County Local Emergency Planning Committee todevelop protocols for: Community-wide Hazard Mitigation Programming Community Emergency Preparedness  SpecialEventProgramming Department staff continue towork with thecommunity anditsbusiness leaders forevent programming Streamlined application procedures with fillable online forms Assessment Department 2018 sawtheleast number ofgrievances at41 Lowest areadenial ofSenior Exemptions Annual Grievance Class Local Law Article 10,Chapter 212CityCode à ColdWarVeteranÈs Exemption Forthe2019 taxyear wewillbeusing the2017 TaxReturn - thesame oneweusefor Enhanced STAR exemptions. WillNOT Reassess theCity in2019  Records Retention Working withFinanceandITtoautomate theÅCashReceivable ProcessÆtherebyeliminating theannualaccumulation of12cubicfeet ofrecordsgoingforward. Obtained estimatesfortheprofessional scanningofvarious records thathavepermanentorlong-termretention. Theseproposals willbe usedin2019tomovetowardthedigitizationofasmanyofour permanent recordsaspossible. WehaveupdatedtheCityÈsLaserfiche Programtoaccommodate ananticipated largequantityofdigitized recordsin2019. Completedthescanning intoLaserfiche ofalloftheminutesand important attachments oftheRecreation Commission, resultinginthe streamlining ofthosefilesandthedisposalof12cubicfeetofobsolete andduplicate records. Theminutesarenowtextsearchable andwill soonbeaportaltoalloftherecordsinLaserfiche availablethroughthe City's website. Fullyutilizing andaccessing previously scannedimagesoftheCity's birth,death, marriageandgenealogy recordsinordertoefficiently servethetaxpayers ofthisCity.Itisnolongernecessary torequire community memberstogotoAlbanytoobtaintheirbirthcertificate. Accounts Department Team One Part-Time Staff Member: RecordsRetentionCoordinator Seven Full Time Staff Members: AssistantAssessor AssistantPurchasingAgent DeputyRegistrar DirectorRiskandSafetyÃSafetyand ComplianceOfficer SecretarytotheCityCouncil SeniorAssessmentClerk AssistantCityClerk  AccountsÈDepartment FutureInitiatives CommunityDriven ConservingTaxpayer Dollars MakingtheÅNumbersÆ WorkforYOU CommissionerMicheleMadigan DeputyCommissionerMikeSharp FinanceDepartment ITDepartment BudgetChairperson ¥ NetworkSecurity PayrollAdministrator ¥ HardwareManagement ReceiverofTaxes ¥ InternalSupport InternalAuditor ¥ ProcessAutomation HealthBenefitsCoordinator ¥DisasterRecovery Adopted Budget 2018 2019 General Fund $ 46.1M $ 47.1M Change: +2. 1% CapitalBudget 2018 2019 Combined $ 7. 0M $9. 3M Change: +32.8% TaxRates 2018 2019 TotalInside $ 6. 0553 $6.0763 TotalOutside $ 5. 9844 $6.0094 Average $ 6. 0199 $6.0428 Change: 0. 38% ACollaborative Effort by All City Departments Transition Occurred Over aFive to Six Week Period Moved Building Contents in Three Weeks Special Recognition to DPW, IT, the City Electricians Phase I:Asbestos Abatement - In Progress Phase II:Conceptual Design - 95% Complete Phase III:Design Development & Bid - February - April 2019 Phase IV:Construction Renovation - Fourth Quarter 2019 Effective and Useable Space in City Hall Resolve Court Administration Mandate Cohesive Police Department Space Updated IT Systems and Infrastructure Asbestos Free Building Safer City Hall for Residents, Visitors, and Employees  CommissionerScirocco,DeputyOÈNeill,andDPWworkers demonstratenewroadrepairequipment. PhotoCredit: FrancineGrinnell, TheSaratogian DPWCommissionerScirocco,Deputy OÈNeill,SupervisorVeitchandDPW workersre-openDeerSpring Peter R. Martin, Commissioner John S. Daley, Deputy Commissioner Chief of Police Fire Chief Gregory Veitch Robert Williams Joseph Dolan Assistant Chief Assistant Chief John Catone Peter Shaw Police Department Parking Enforcement Dispatch FireDepartment EMS Code Enforcement Fire Prevention PublicSafety Administration Traffic Maintenance Administrative Unit 162full-timeemployees 40part-timeemployees Staffing 74Officers Nearing full staffing forthefirst time in 10years Promotions Crime Crime in Saratoga Springs Crime remains low 700 600 500 Violent Foot patrols 400 300 Property increased 200 Total downtown 100 0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Citizens Advisory Board 10member board, plus Department staff Will advise the Commissioner & Chief onpolicy and community relations Two-way line of communication Training Over4,200Hoursin 2018 Types Firearms/Armorers DefensiveTactics Taser ActiveShooter CPR Leadership/Supervision DomesticViolence DetectingSuspicious BehaviorinCrowds TrafficMaintenance & Enforcement Pedestriansafetygrant opportunities Betterexperiencefor allmodesof transportation Improvementscoming in2019 Addedcrosswalksinthe downtownarea Addedbikelanes Fire Fire Response Times 10.00 63fire fighters and 9.00 officers. 8.00 District 1 7.00 District 2 6.00 District 3 5.00 Responded to76fires 4.00 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 in2018, 11fewer than Staffing 2017. 2013 Paramedics Response times 2015 Firefighters remain stable. Total 2018 0 20 40 60 80 EmergencyMedicalResponse EMS Calls 2018 CityprovidesEMS 2017 service,outsideservices 2016 SSFD provided by Empire 2015 Empire/ Ambulance. Mutual 2014 Aid 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 3,804emergency EMS Revenue medicalcallsin2018.A 1,400, 000 2%increaseover2017. 1,300, 000 1,200, 000 TotalEMSrevenueof 1,100, 000 EMS Revenue 1,323,735.Revenues 1,000, 000 900, 000 increasedby26%. 800, 000 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 FireStationIII The City continues conversations with numerous property owners Weremain committed toathird fire station tobetter serve ourEastern Plateau residents CodeEnforcement & FirePrevention CodeEnforcement & theOfficeofFire Preventionmerged undertheFire Department FirePrevention Battalionwillbeunder themanagementof BattalionChiefAaron Dyer Firesafetypublic educationprogram CodeEnforcement & FirePrevention Vacant Strutcures Approaching100% registration Almost90%offees paidin2018 Goal: Eliminate unsafe structures and loss ofhistoric structures ASpecialThankYou ChiefRobertWilliams willretireonFebruary 28 35yearsofservice Thirdgeneration firefighter,second generationchief Focusontechnology andstaffing LedresponsetoCity Hallfire ChiefJosephDolan Joseph Dolan assumes the role of Fire Chief in2019 20years ofservice totheDepartment Department Initiatives FirePrevention CommunityPolicing Safer & Healthier Transportation Regulationofshort-term rentals Improvedparking 2018: Economic Development Committee Chair Prosperity Partnership & SEDC State & National Committee Work Define: County-wide Bike Route System 2019: Building & Grounds Committee Chair Adopt: County-wide Bike Route System 2018: Increased Social Media Presence Resolution: Full Representation onCDTA State & National Committee Work 2019: CDTA: Transportation Opportunities Focus: Opiod Crisis, Affordable Housing, Climate Change Costs, Early Voting Costs Thankyouforcoming! Good evening. Welcome tothe 2019 Saratoga Springs State ofthe CityAddress. As your mayor, itismyhonor togivethis annual address. Again, Iwillbedelivering thisalong with myfellow City Council members andCounty Supervisors. Under a new administration, and unexpected circumstances, wehave worked together this year like noother, and this evening will reflect that continued practice. Iwould like torecognize several current and former officials whoarewith usthis evening. StateOfficials FormerCity NavalCommander CityOfficers CityStakeholders Also thank you toRyan McMahon and the City Center forhosting usonce again this year. Iwould like tothank myoffice staff Rachel Petryna atthefront desk, Lynn Bachner, myExcutive Assistant and Lisa Shields, myDeputy Mayor. Lastly Ithank myfamily Doug Egan Mary & Paul. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Last year Istated that Çnew administrations bring opportunities for new ideas and traditionsÈ. The lightning strike of2018 was anextraordinary event that tested us, took usoutofthesafety and comfort ofourworkplace and moved usintoagym. Still, City business stops fornothing, and this was noexception. Ibelieve ourresponse tothis event provides remarkable context forthe accomplishments of2018. SoIwould liketotake afew moments totellthestory ofextraordinary employees who make this City great. Iwill leave thefulldiscussion ofCity Hall reconstruction toCommissioner Scirocco, head oftheDepartment ofPublic Works. LightningStrike ÃPhotoStory Asmany ofyou know, theCity Hall was struck bylightning onFriday evening, August 17, 2018. The building sustained substantial water damage -- adrainage pipe intheroof was struck and melted, causing heavy rains topour into thebuilding. Wewere still assessing the damage at3:00am Saturday morning, assembling priorities and organizing under theComprehensive Emergency Management Plan. At8:00am, Imade myfirstofatleast 20real estate surveys. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. While City Hall -thebuilding - was out-of-service, thebusiness ofÅCity HallÆ was required tocontinue. Finding sufficient square footage was only a small partofourrelocation challenge: ITneeds such ascabling and bandwidth Alocation large enough and within thecity limits Secure storage formoney and confidential records were justsome oftheissues that hadtoline upwell-enough toserve the City. While the Recreation Center isatough sacrifice, itisatemporary one, and ultimately itwas thebest option. Adisaster that requires thecomplete evacuation ofamajor public service hub requires acoordinated effort byevery City employee. Some employees arereadily recognizable ÃFire, Police, Risk & Safety à and they navigated usthrough unchartered ÅwatersÆ. However, many employees arethepublic servants who work quietly, behind thescenes. Themen and women you generally seebehind a counter oradesk à became theRelocation Team à and applied their skill and every ounce ofenergy toorganize, move and helpprepare for City Hall offices toÅre-openÆ, without regard todepartment orjob title. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. And inlessthanaweek,you could Get amarriage license, adog license, apaving schedule, Submit anapplication totheBuilding and Planning Departments; Pay your taxes, autility bill,oraparking ticket. Vendors continued tobepaid ontime. The CityÈs information systems never stopped protecting your data. The Citywas patrolled and protected; thestreets were cleaned and flowers watered. Racing season 2018 concluded initsusual, timeless fashion, and summer quietly came toaclose. Afew months ago, ÇCity HallÈ was anhistoric and esteemed building in the heart ofdowntown Saratoga Springs. Today, Irealize that ÇCity HallÈ ismore than aplace; ÇCity HallÈ isthepeople who bring their talents, cooperation, and dedication towork every day and provide the excellent public service weexperience inourCity. Hats offand endless thanks totheemployees oftheCity ofSaratoga Springs. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Iamafirm believer inpausing toreflectonpriorgoalsandplanswithaneye towardsprogress. Itiswith that spirit Ipresent this State oftheCity Address. In2018, theMayorÈs Department alone signed over 56Agreements, recommended 53Board appointments, and drafted orsupported atleast asmany initiatives as there have been Council meetings. Ihave personally had anaverage ofalmost100 meetingspermonth,even during ourrelocation totheRec Center, with constituents, stakeholders, organizations, council and staff. Being available and accessible ismypriority and privilege. Tothat extent, Ihave built relationships throughout thecity, county, and state. I have reached out and/orjoined forces with these entities and organizations, andyou canexpect this tocontinue: NewYorkRacing Authority Saratoga Community HealthCenter Backstretch Employee Assistance Team Saratoga Springs PublicLibrary Saratoga Performing ArtsCenter Saratoga Springs ArtsCouncil Saratoga SpaStatePark Saratoga SpringsYMCA Department ofTransportation Yaddo USNavalSupportActivity atSaratoga Springs SeniorCenter NewYorkConference ofMayors Franklin Community Center Skidmore College Southwest Neighborhood Association Capital District Transportation Committee Wellspring Capital District Transportation Authority Downtown Business Association Saratoga Builders Association Farmers Market Saratoga Economic Development Corporation CodeBlue Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership Shelters ofSaratoga Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council Universal Preservation Hall Saratoga County Chamber ofCommerce Affordable Housing Developers Saratoga Springs CityCenter Sustainable Saratoga Discover Saratoga LocalRestaurants Saratoga Convention andTourismBureau LocalBanks Saratoga Springs CitySchool District LocalBusinesses Saratoga Hospital Citizen Stakeholder Ifirmly believe that ourCity ismore solid than itever hasbeen thanks tothe progress wehave made forming fair, open and mutual working relationships with key stakeholders, including citizens, grass roots organizations, public and private entities. They areinvaluable tothestrength ofourcommunity. Now, Iampleased topresent highlights from each oftheMayorÈs departments. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. RecreationDepartment\] Imust take this moment tocomment onthework ofourRecreation Department. During thesame year that their space was re-purposed tomanage theemergency of City Hall, they have notlost sight oftheir mission. The Recreation Department reports that itstopthree 2018 accomplishments include: Increased Summer Program, Clinic, andCamp enrollment by7%compared to2017. Developed anewPickleballLeague foradults, maxing outinitsfirst season. Implemented and managed over $190,000infacility improvements toward playgrounds, softball fields, baseball fields, reccenter gym, andskate park. Thanks totheleadership and professionalism ofourRecreation Administrator John Hirliman and hisemployees, and theguidance ofourRecreation Commission, the Recreation Department responded totheloss ofitsspace, regrouped and reestablished programs forchildren and adults allover this city. Reaching outto the relationships fostered with theYMCA, Saratoga Springs Schools, St.Clements School, Spa Catholic High School and Gavin Park inWilton, theRecreation Department continues toserve theCity inevery way. Thank youallforyour remarkable response toextraordinary circumstances. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Having witnessed 2018, Ihave nodoubt itwill complete its2019 objectives and more, which include: Completing theRecreation Master Plan. Renovating theVeterans Memorial ParkPlayground. Developing one new recreation program while increasing overall program registration by3%. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. OfficeofPlanningandEconomicDevelopment\] Saratoga Springs continues toexperience robust growth. Our staff inthePlanning Department manages avariety ofcapital and infrastructure projects within thecity, aswell asprovides technical assistance during thedesign process toapplicants and theCityÈs Land UseBoards. Our 2018 highlights include: Over $250Million inEstimated Construction Value, which isanincrease of 82%compared to2017, andreflects some large projects, like theSkidmore and Intrada projects, making their way through theLand Use Boards and receiving Building Permits lastyear. Development andCityCouncil approval ofaconcept planforFlatRock ParkonLake Avenue toinclude: Apublic park featuring the revival ofFlat Rock Spring, Incorporation oftheGreenbelt TrailÈs Downtown Connector, Interconnection toHigh Rock Park, Amuch needed municipal parking structure, and Outparcels forfuture development. Several newBikeshare locations installed including Railroad Run, the Lincoln Bathhouses, and theEast Side Rec. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Completion oftheÇEconomic Impact ofHistoric Properties StudyÈ in conjunction with theSaratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. The CityÈs CommunityDevelopmentprogram administered over $350K inHUD Grant Funding, Residential Rehabilitation Loans and Economic Development Loans, which brought assistance tomore than1,000 people inourcommunity, in theform ofhousing, jobcreation and public services. Efforts inaffordable housing throughout theCity also saw much success this past year. Currently, there areseveral affordable housing projects atvarious stages in theapproval process, which willadd hundreds ofnewaffordable housing units to theCity. Intrada, isaproject onthewest side ofthe City, broke ground this past summer. This development includes 158 affordable housing units, aswell as over 10acres forpublic recreation. TheLink@SoBro, will provide 106 affordable housing units, inaddition toa small business incubator space tobemanaged bytheSaratoga Economic Development Corporation. The Community Development Department facilitated anEconomic Development Loan intheamount of $ 105,000forthe project. Itisset tobreak ground summer 2019. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. ThePromenade atStonequist, will add 63affordable housing units, including 18townhouses and 45apartments. Not only will this project add much needed housing totheCity, butalso vastly improve thestreetscape ofWest Circular Street. Parks, OpenLands, HistoricPreservationandSustainability\] Saratoga Springs strives toincorporate sustainability into allofitspractices, projects and operations. In2018, through theoffice oftheAdministrator ofParks, Open Lands, Historic Preservation, theCityofSaratogaSpringsreceived $75,000 ingrants: Saratoga County Farmland Protection Open Space program, the Saratoga County Trails program, and CDTC SMART Communities Program. Anadditional $2.9 million ingrants arebeing managed forclean transportation, open space, natural resources, and trails. Tohighlight theCityÈs sustainability goals and projects, and inpartnership with the Commissioner ofFinance, Iamproud toannounce anewsustainability-landing pageonourcitywebsite.Commissioner Madigan will share more information on this new page during herpresentation. More ofthis yearÈs highlights include: 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Saratoga Greenbelt Trail: In2018, thecity progressed preliminary designs forroughly 3.7 miles ofnew trails linking theSaratoga Spa State Park to downtown, Congress Park, High Rock Park, Spring Run Trail and our new urban development along Excelsior Avenue. Coordinating with the Complete Streets Advisory Committee andthe Department ofPublic Safety, weplan tohost a2-day demonstration ofa potential design onHenry Street. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: In2018, thecity opened itsfirst two public electric vehicle-charging stations, making iteasier and more affordable forSaratogians and ourvisitors touseenvironmentally friendly electric vehicles. Natural Resource Inventory: The City was awarded grant funding through theNYS Department ofEnvironmental Conservation tocomplete aNatural Resource Inventory. The NRI isthefirst steptodetermine thebaseline for updating the2002 Open Space Resource Plan. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Newandcontinuingprojectsandexpansionsfor2019willinclude: Continued development oftheCityÈs Unified Development Ordinance, with completion anticipated in2019. Notable developments ontheWashington Street corridor: including Universal Preservation Hall, Adelphi Boutique Hotel & Spa, theBethesda ChurchÈs expansion and Enhancements toexisting structures and New and upgraded infrastructure. Inthe historic district, the project at385Broadway includes two Broadway- facing storefronts, and one internal, for atotal of10,000 sqftofcommercial space, aswell as69residential units. Outside ofthedowntown center, theStation Laneareawill continue tobe actively developed through four distinct projects, which include hundreds of residential units, including affordable housing, aswell ascommercial and civic space. Continued work tofind suitable land foranEastSideFireStation isunder way. Iknow thisisapriority theentire City Council shares, andIam currently talking with two entities inattempts todevelop anopportunity. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. AstheCityCenter moves forward with Phase 1oftheFlatRockCentre, we will pursue Phase 2funding and develop apreliminary design. Inthe Arts arena, weexpect todevelop aCityPublic ArtsMaster Planin conjunction with theSaratoga Springs Arts Commission. Wewill alsodevelop andexplore funding opportunities forSaratoga Artscape; apublic arts initiative along Railroad Run from the Beekman Street Arts District toSPAC. Construction ofthelong anticipated Geyser RoadTrailwill commence, providing anadditional 2+miles oftrailtoSaratoga SpringsÈ trail system, and advancing connectivity toourState Park trails. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. BuildingDepartment The Building Department provides services that support theconstruction process and isresponsible forreviewing plans and issuing permits, performing inspections and enforcing compliance with New York State Building Codes and local zoning regulations. Inaddition, theBuilding Department supports theplanning staff inreviewing code and especially zoning compliance. The typical winter slow-down isathing ofthepast, and requests forbuilding permits were onasteady increase early in2018. Thebacklog ofapplications was notsustainable. With thehelp ofHuman Resources and theFinance office, wehiredan additionalbuildinginspectorand initiated important process improvements. Bythelastquarter of2018, wewere already reaping the benefits ofboth. This year thedepartment issued arecord 1001permits. This represents a 17%increaseover lastyear. Revenues in2018 forpermits grew 57%, another indicator ofthesize and volume ofprojects intheCity. 370COÈswere also issued in2018, anincreaseof8%over 2017. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Naturally, with such strong construction activity, thedemand forinspections hasalso increased: ourinspectors performed 2205inspectionslastyear, averaging12inspectionsperday. The large projects currently in development throughout thecity areexpected todrive upthenumber of requests forinspections even further this year. By itself, thedaily demand for12inspections requires thetime ofmore than two inspectors tobescheduled, inorder toavoid causing delays in construction. Wehave already seen the improvements inourproduction since adding afifth inspector. Thegrowth inzoning reviews, compliance matters and requests forzoning determinations hasreached asignificant level, and this isanopportunity forus going forward. This workload currently represents morethan20%ofthe overall building department activity. Theincrease instaff hasdirectly affected theaverage time toissue apermit, which hasbeen reducedfrom10-12weekstoabout30-40days¼more than35%faster. And thebacklog ofpermit applications hasbeen reduced bymorethanhalf! While there aremany factors that contribute tothe review time, wewill implement process improvements again thisyear and continue increasing ourlevel ofservice. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Focus2019 Since we nolonger experience aÅlullÆ intheconstruction season, ifwehope toprovide consistent, quality service and toberesponsive tohigher volumes ofapplications in2019, wemust continue focusing onefficiency. Both thePlanning and Building Departments have active projects focused on optimal response times through process improvements and maximizing efficiencies. Some ofthese are: Reducing our paper files byarchiving project documents onour Laserfiche system and Providing applicants and Land Use Board members online access to those files, and Employing geographic information systems (GIS) tools and applications toimprove visibility and communication about development intheCity. Wewill further analyze thezoning-related activities inthePlanning and Building Departments and define the resources required toimprove our review processes forzoning compliance. In2019, theBoard ofPlumbing Examiners, will belicensing plumbers inour City forthefirst time in10-15years. TheBoard was re-established inAugust 2018 asrequired bythe City Code 171. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. The City hasbeen without this Board, although itiscalled forinourCity Code. This means that aplumber was unable togetaplumbing license in Saratoga Springs. Inorder todoplumbing work inSaratoga Springs, which requires aplumbing permit from theBuilding Department, aplumber had to belicensed inanother city. Italso means thatthe Cityhasforegone revenue for plumbing licenses and fees. The new Board hasfive members: 2Master Plumbers, and 1Journeyman plumber); thecityÈs Plumbing Inspector, and theCity Engineer ordesignee. Inconjunction with the resurrection ofthis Board, Iasked tohave City Code Title 171 reviewed and re-vamped inaccordance with the Board ofPlumbing Examiners requirements. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. OfficesoftheCityAttorneyandHumanResources\] The City AttorneyÈs Office serves asgeneral legal advisor and isresponsible for providing legal services and guidance totheCity and allitsdepartments and entities. Likewise, theHuman Resources Office serves alloftheemployees and departments intheCity. CityAttorneyÈsOffice: Works with the Building and Zoning Enforcement officers toensure compliance with allFederal, State and City laws. Participates inUnion contract negotiations and isresponsible forthe prosecution ofallArticle 78matters. Saves theCity legal feesand expenses onmatters that historically were handled byoutside legal counsel. Responsible forFOIL requests: 254 FOIL requests were processed in2018, ensuring thatwecontinue tooperate inamanner that isastransparent and open aspossible. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. HumanResourcesOffice: Most oftheattention fortheHRoffice isfocused internally. Afew items that may beofinterest tothepubic include: Coordinated Community Donations Program in2018 2019 Goals: Establish Succession Planning; and Improve Recruiting Efforts OfficeoftheCityHistorian The City Historian holds aspecial position inacity like Saratoga Springs. 2018 brought many opportunities toshare history invarious venues and formats. Highlights include: Saratoga Springs Public Library Brown BagProgram, including aspecial feature entitled EchoesfromtheMill: ClarkTextileandVanRaalte. Publication intheHeritage Hunters ofSaratoga County Newsletter October/November 2018issue, entitled ÅClarkÈs Silk Gloves, Made in Saratoga Springs Where Health and Fashion Meet.Æ 2019 objectives include opportunities forcollaborative andcontinuing education such asdevelopment oftheSaratogaCollaborativeCountyHistoryRoundtable, anew group ofhistorians, librarians, museum staff, and history buffs embarking 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. upon aventure toidentify any oral history that hasbeen recorded, create an inventory, have itdigitized and made accessible. Volunteers Icannot complete arecounting oftheMayorÈs Department and CityÈs 2018 success without commending ourvolunteers. Our form ofgovernment relies ontheir input, expertise and efforts. Volunteers and community engagement isoutstanding in Saratoga Springs. We sincerely thank you fortaking your time toreach out, speak up,advise and serve! 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. LookingForward The MayorÈs department isfocused onmany exciting initiatives this year, and I would like toacknowledge myfellow Council members, whose departments are key tothesuccess ofthese efforts. Weareinterdependent andserveallresidents together. Collaborationand building consensusamongst our departments is critical. Creating opportunities towork more efficientlyisimportant toallofus. Ingovernment, there isanabsolute need towork together. The events of2018 epitomized that notion, and Ibelieve weareÇteed upÈ foratremendous year! Referring totheCouncil¼\] May Isay, once again, that ourmutual civility and leadership have made this City asstrong asithas ever been, when itneeded tobeasstrong asitcould be! Iwill nowturn thefloor over tomyfellow Council members and County Supervisors. Now ontoCommissioner Franck¼ 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT, JOHN FRANCK Goodevening fellowSaratogians. Ihavehadtheprivilege ofserving asyourCommissioner ofAccounts since2006. Thisismy7thtermandmy 14thStateoftheCityAddress. IwouldliketothankMayor Kellyforhergraciousness thiseveningingiving metheopportunity tosharetheCityÈsAccounts Department community initiatives withyou.Ialsowouldlike tothankmywifeStephanie forhaving thepatience ofJob, itisnotaneasytaskbeing married toapolitician. Deputy Commissioner MaireMasterson andItakeprideinourcommitment tothecommunity andtheworkwe doforyoueveryday. Iampleased topresent someoftheglobalinitiatives mydepartment willbeworking on in2019incooperation withotherfederal andstateagenciesanddepartments withintheCity: (CHANGE SLIDE TOPEDDLING ANDVENDING EXEMPTIONS FORMINORS SLIDEONE) 1. Peddling and Vending Legislation: Exemptions for Minors: TheAccounts Department completed anextensive reviewoftheCityÈsPeddling andVending Licensure in 2018withtheassistance oftheCityAttorneyÈs Office, PublicSafety, Planning andPublicWorks. Anew streamlined ordinance wasdeveloped which includedaspecific exemption fortheentrepreneurial spiritofour communityÈs children. Theexemption provides ourcommunityÈs children withtheopportunity tosellbottled waterandÅlucky pencils duringtheannualthoroughbred trackatspecific locations onandadjacent toFrank Sullivan Place. (CHANGE SLIDE TOPEDDLING ANDVENDING EXEMPTIONS FORMINORS SLIDE TWO) Therearebasicrulesassociated withthisnewMinor Exemption thatprovide guidance withregard toageand thedocumentation needed toobtainaÅMinorVendorÈs Badge.Æ ThereisNOCOSTassociated withthis application anditsexemption. (CHANGE TOSLIDE FEDERAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY NYSDOTADA PROGRAMMING) 2. Federal Highway Authority NYS Department of Transportation Division: ADA: TheOfficeofRiskandSafetyiscontinuing itsworkwithADAprogramming forourcommunity. Accessibility isapriority forbothourresidents andthevisitors toourarea. Shortandlong-termplanning that coordinates withourComplete Streets philosophy willenable ourgovernment tobettermeettheneedsofour agingworkforce andcommunity. OurSkidmore RiskandSafetyInterns working underthedirection oftheDirector ofRiskandSafetyhave developed anon-lineweb-basedtooltoutilizeelectronic devices tocapture roadway intersections and sidewalks, mapthemusingGIStechnology, andidentify nextstepsforrepairorreplacement. Theprogramming hasbeensharedwiththeCapital DistrictTransportation Committee hasbeen wellreceived byotherlocal municipalities asaninteractive toolthatcosteffectively benefits thecommunity including ourown. (CHANGE SLIDE TOSAFETY COMMITTEE) 3. Safety Committee Emergency Management Planning: TheSafetyCommittee iscontinuing itsworkwiththeSaratoga County LocalEmergency Planning Committee ofwhichtheCityÈs Director ofRiskandSafetyChairs. Emergency planning isimportant toeachofusaswe 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. prepare ourselves andourprospective visitors inwhatservices canandshould beexpected inatimeof emergency weatherorother situations thatarise. FEMA andHomeland Security Training willbeoffered toemployees inthecommunity inthecoming yearto continue ourCityÈssafetyefforts. (CHANGE SLIDE TOSPECIAL EVENTS) 4. Special Event Programming: TheAccounts Department, RiskandSafetyandtheCitySafetyCommittee continue toassistinplanningthe City'sSpecial Events incooperation withthelocal Saratoga Chamber ofCommerce. Theapplication process hasbeenrevamped andprocedures streamlined tobetterservethecommunity asawhole. Wecontinue tomeet withlocalcommunity leaders tobetterplanforthewonderful eventsthatwillbeheldthroughout theyear encouraging ourtourism andplace ageminthehistoric racingcommunity. (CHANGE SLIDE TO ASSESSMENT DEPARTMENT) 5. Assessments: TheAssessment Officecontinues toseestabilization inthenumber ofGrievances beingfiled. Inprevious years wehavehadwellover100. In2015itdroppedto79,in2016to71and2017 wehad75.2018sawtheleast number ofGrievances at41. In2018wealsocontinued tohavethelowest SeniorCitizen Exemption Denialrate. Thisisthecontinued result ofcontactwitheachSeniorViaphone callstoremind themofdeadline. TheOfficecontinues toofferayearlyGrievance Classtohelpeducate andinform property owners. This includesexplanation ofassessment. Inmanyinstances owners findtheyareproperly assessed andtherefore do notneedtofile. TheDepartment ofTaxation andFinancehaschanged theExemption criteria forSeniorCitizens andhas effected closeto500seniors intheCity.Therequirement isconfusing tomany andrequires theaddition of multiple applications anddocumentation. TheAssessment Officeisinundated withcallsandquestions. Residents areconfused aboutwhatneeds tobesubmitted. Wewalkthem throughitoverthephoneorhavethem comeintotheofficeandwewalkthemthrough itstepbystep. Thatwillresultinthestatenotissuing adenial. Inordertomake theRenewal process easierfortheSeniorCitizens theAssessment Officehaschanged theTax yearrequired forproofofincome. Forthe2019taxyearwewillbeusingthe2018TaxReturn thesameonewe usefortheEnhanced STARexemption. Thisalleviates thestressandpressures tohavethe2018taxreturn prepared andsubmitted before theMarch1stdeadline. Iwould like to take this opportunity to state that Iwill NOT be reassessing the City in 2019. Our annual level of assessment is in compliance with NYS guidelines and the cost of reassessment far outweighs the benefits. ( CHANGE SLIDE TORECORDS RET) 6. Records Retention: AstheCityÈs Records Management Officer, mypriority hasalways beentoincrease theefficiency of information retrievalandaccessinordertorespondaccurately andquickly tocustomersÈ inquiries. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Mydepartment isworking withFinance andITtoautomate theÅCash Receivable ProcessÆ thereby eliminating theannualaccumulation of12cubicfeetofrecords going forward. Wehaveobtainedestimates fortheprofessional scanning ofvariousrecords thathavepermanent orlong-term retention. Theseproposals willbeusedin2019tomovetoward thedigitization ofasmanyofourpermanent records aspossible. Wehaveupdated theCityÈs Laserfiche Program toaccommodate ananticipated large quantity ofdigitized records in2019. Wehavecompleted thescanning intoLaserfiche ofalloftheminutesandimportant attachments ofthe Recreation Commission, resulting inthestreamlining ofthosefilesandthedisposal of12cubicfeetofobsolete andduplicate records. Theminutes arenowtextsearchable andwillsoon beaportaltoalloftherecords in Laserfiche available through theCity's website. Mostimportantly, wearenowfullyutilizing andaccessing previously scannedimages oftheCity'sbirth, death, marriage andgenealogy records inordertoefficiently servethetaxpayers ofthisCity.Itisnolongernecessary torequire community members togotoAlbany toobtaintheirbirthcertificate. Wecandoitonlineinjustafew minutes. CHANGE SLIDETOACCOUNTS DEPTTEAM) Conclusion: Inconclusion, theAccounts Department Teamiscomposed ofaspecial groupofprofessionals whomanage a variety oftasks. Itisimportant thatmycharge tothemisleadership, based upontransparency. Wearedrivenby theneedsofthecommunity, andtogetherwearecommitted toexcellent service. (CHANGE SLIDE TO ACCOUNTS DEPTFUTURE INITIATIVES) Itrytomakeeverydollar count, thatisimportant toyouasafamily andasataxpayer. MyAccountsÈ Team makeseverydollaryouearnandpayintaxesaworking ÅnumberÆ foryou. Streamlining government tomakeit asefficient aspossible helpsusall,asgovernment mandates increase andourcollective dollars continue to shrink. IÈmalways opentoyoursuggestions andyourconcerns. YouÈre important toeachofusaselected officials becausewetryourverybestgiventheresources wehavetoserveyouandyourfamilyÈs needseach andeveryday. GodBlessallofyou, GodBlessAmerica andmostimportantly GodBlessSaratoga Springs! THANK YOU 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, COMMISSIONER MADIGAN 1)Thank youMayor foragaingivingCityCouncilmembers theopportunity toparticipate intheStateofthe CityAddress. Thelightning strikeandrelated-strainonCityoperations made2018mymost unique yearin officeto-date, though IÈmproud tosaythatitwasalsoaveryproductive yearfortheFinance Department asa whole. Wehaveentered 2019withseveral goalsallofwhichwillcontribute tothesuccessoftheCityandour residents. Before Igettothesegoals, lastyearmyleadslidehadasinglebulletpointfortheITDepartment. Thelightning strikehighlighted justhowcritical ITisacross CityHall,sothisyearIdecided tospeaktosomeofwhatthe teamdoessuchas: Securing andprotecting theCityÈsnetwork; Overseeing theconsistent cycleofhardware upgrades; Providing timelysupport across dozensofsystems andapplications; Working tostreamline Cityprocesses; Andensuring theCityiswell-prepared tohandleanyemergency. Thatlastbulletpointhadlargely beenatheoretical exercise untilwewereforced outofCityHall, atwhich pointtheITDepartment rosetotheoccasion andensured Cityoperations werefunctioning within days, not weeksormonths, butdays! Whydidwerecover soquickly? Well, itwasbecausetheITDepartment, under thedirection ofKevin Kling, hasspentmuchtimelastfewyearsensuring adequate fiber infrastructure between CityHallandourother facilities à theRecreation Center, theIceRink, FireStations, PoliceDepartment, the DPWGarage, andother buildings. ItistheCityÈs fiberconnection totheRecreation Center thatensured employees didnotmissapaycheck, andthatallessential services (likepaying taxesandutilitybillsor obtaining thevarious licenses people need) wereupandrunning within afewshortdays. Again, Iwantto thankITforproviding thetechnical foundation thatallowed theCitytoquickly respond tothisemergency. 2)Turning totheCityÈs finances, the2019 General FundOperating Budgetincreased 2.1%toaccountfor additional services toresidents andrisingpersonnel costs, while thetaxratehasagainremained stable. There have beenvirtually noincreases inthetaxrateforseven straight years, whichcoincides withmytimeas Commissioner ofFinance. Asour vibrant Citygrowsandadapts toanever-changing economy, efficiently managing Cityresources remains acriticalfunction oftheFinance Office. IwanttothankthisCityCouncil for supporting myeffortstoofferstellar servicestoourresidents andbusinesses atacostthattheycanafford. In2018thisfocusonresource management allowed theCitytoretain itsstrong bondrating, receive another positive auditreport, andcontinue tomaintain ahealthy fundbalance alongwithseveral reserve funds. Additionally, theCityÈs ITDepartment continued tomakesimprovements thatpositively impact Cityprocesses, suchasstreamlining howdepartments interact withresidents, increasing userfunctionality ontheCitywebsite, andadding software andtoolstohelpCityemployees getthings done. These improvements makeyour interactions withCityHalleasier, andalsocontribute positively totheCityÈs bottom line. AsIdiscussed duringthe2019Budget presentations, therenovation ofCityHallwasthefocusofthisyearÈs budget andDPWwillspeaktotheprogress madeshortly. Theserenovations willnotonlyrepairthedamage donebythelightning strikeandrelated water damage, butwillallowforsafety, layout, andenergy improvements thatwould havebeennearlyimpossible toachievewhileCityHallwasoperational. Providing budgetary support forcost-savingandprocess efficiencies continues tobeagoalofmineandthiswas evident acrossdepartments in2018, including theadoption ofnewtechnology byDPW, creative solutions for 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. budgetary hurdles found byDPS, theuseofoutside services toassistintheAssessment process, andthe reorganization oftheBuilding Department bytheMayorÈs Office. Another budgetary focusisHealthcare costs, whicheffectalldepartments andrepresent oneoftheCityÈs largest expenses. Inthecoming weeksIhopetohaveadditional information onchanges totheCityÈs healthcare strategy thatwillbebeneficial totheCityemployees andtheCityÈs budget inamaterial way. 3)Looking backonlastyearÈsStateoftheCityaddress, Ilaidoutseveralgoalsandprojects Ihopedtoachieve in2018. Firstandforemost wasthesuccessful adoption ofa2019CityBudget, which Ialluded toearlier. The unanimous approval ofthisbudget inNovember represented months ofwork andcountless revisions across departments. Theresultisanexcellent budget forCityDepartments andtaxpayers. Turning tospecific projects, in2018theCityCouncil approved acontract withSiFiNetworks todesign, install, andmaintain afibernetwork thatwillbeavailable toeveryhomeandbusiness intheCity. Arelatively new entrant totheU.S.broadband market, SiFiNetworks waschosen based onthepedigree oftheirteam, the industry experts theypartner with (such asNokia), andthequality oftheirresponse. They alsometallofour contractual needstoensuretheCityiswell-prepared foranyissuesthatmayarise. Theproject iscurrently inthe early-planning stages, butIlookforward toitseventualcompletion whichwillbeatechnological game-changer forSaratoga Springs andaneconomic driverfortheCityeconomy. Additionally, Finance supported several projects tospurprosperity andopportunity through economic development in2018, including: Partnering withtheSaratoga Performing ArtsCenter toshowcase Saratoga Springs asaworld-wide arts destination; Submitting agrantproposal fortheredevelopment ofUniversal HallwithProctorÈs thatresulted in 750,000ofStatefunding. TheCityalsocontributed $50,000toward therenovation toshowtheState ourcommitment totheproject, whichhasthepotential tobeaneconomic enginefortheentireCity; Andassisting onmultiple affordable housing projectsthatwillensure working individuals andfamilies canbepartoftheCityÈsdynamicgrowth. In2018Finance alsomadeprogress onseveralenergy initiatives, which Iwilldiscussshortly. Twootherprojects thatmydepartment worked onin2018wereshort-termrentals andcommunity solar. Inlast yearÈs address, Ispoke ofhowthegrowth ofcompanies likeAirBNB hasresulted inanexplosion oftheshort- termrentalmarket throughout theCity, andtherelated quality-of-lifeandfiscalfairness concerns. Through countless meetings andcallsweÈvedetermined thataresolution onthisissuewillneedtobedriven bythe County orState. Wecontinue tomonitor thismarket andwilladdourvoiceinsupport ofappropriate solutions. Regarding community solar, thenextslidewillhighlight theCityÈs success withtheSpaSolarPark, anditwas myintenttobringforward asimilar project thatcoulddirectly benefit Cityresidents. Unfortunately, regulatory changes andoperational hurdles haveshownthataCity-runcommunity solar projectisuntenable atthistime. It doesappears thatsomeexternalproviders havebegunoffering community solar programs in-and-around the City,andmyhopeisthattheyallowresidents economic andenvironmental benefits similar towhattheCityhas experienced firsthand. nd 4)Turningtothetopic ofenergy, onAugust 22 of2017all7,992solar panelsinstalled attheSpaSolarPark st wereenergized, andasofDecember 31 2018, thefacility hasgenerated 3.6 million kilowatt hoursof electricity. Financially, thisgeneration represents over $60kofutility expense savings fortheCity. Environmentally, 3.6 million kilowatthoursofelectricity represents roughly 108,000gallons offuelsaved, or 1.3 million trees worth ofcarbon dioxide beingoffset. Thesesavings havegonefarbeyond ourinitial 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. projections, andin2019wewillbeexpanding thenumber ofCityutility billsreceiving solarparkcredits from 11to19. InAprilof2018, theCityCouncil unanimously approved aMunicipal Agreement andMembership Letterwith Energize NYPACEFinance", aNYSERDA-and-Department ofEnergy fundedprogram thatworkstoincrease cleanenergy adoption acrossNewYorkState. Energize accomplishes thisbycovering 100%oftheup-front funding fornon-residential greenprojects through long-term, competitively-pricedfinancing. Noprojects have beenfunded throughEnergize intheCityjustyet,though wehavebeenmadeawareofpending applications. I willupdate theCityCouncil andpublicaswelearnmore. OnereasonEnergize hasnÈt seenmanyapplications todateisbecause the publicisunaware oftheprogramÈs existence. Thisissue issimilar tofeedback weÈve received onotherCityenergy andsustainability initiatives, so toaddress thisproblem Finance haspartnered withtheMayorÈs Office tocreate acentralized hubabout sustainability-related programs forresidents. 5)Whatyouseeonthescreenisadraftofthathub. TinaCarton, whohasbeenaninvaluable resource tothe Citywithhersustainability experience andexpertise, hasbeenworking onthisforseveral weeksandwillmake aformal CityCouncil presentation inFebruary. IdonÈtwant togiveawaytoomuchofwhat shewilldiscuss, butasyoucansee, thehubwill: directresidents toprograms andservices likeEnergize, theGreenbelt Trail, andEVcharging stations, and; highlight alltheCityhasdoneinourprioritization ofsustainability, suchasourenergy benchmarking, thevarious Cityentities workingonsolutions, andindividual Cityachievements, such asthestepstaken byDPWthatallowed Saratoga Springs tobedeemed aTreeCitybytheArborDayFoundation. Sustainability isimportant totheCityforavarietyofreasons, suchastheenvironmental benefits, planning implications, andpositivefiscalramifications. IwanttothanktheMayorÈs Officeforpartnering withFinance tohighlight alltheCityhasdone, andwhatisavailable tolocalresidents andbusinesses. 6)InFebruary 2016 Icreated theSmartCityCommission tohelpsetSaratoga Springs onapathtobecoming a smarter, moretech-drivencity, andinOctober2016Ipresented ourinitialvision, dubbed SmartCityRoadmap 1.0. LastyearIspokeonprogress madeinvarious 1.0 initiatives, suchaspublicWi-Fi.Going into2019, my goalwiththeSmartCityCommittee istoreorganize thegroupandfocusourefforts on1or2largescale projects tobenefittheCityanditsresidents. Beyond theimpressive listofmember organizations listedon screen, theCommittee includes avariety oflocal techexperts andCIOswhohavededicated timeandenergy to thegroup. Myearly2019feedback has beenencouraging, andIlookforward tousingtheCommitteeÈs collective talents tobringforwardtransformative SmartCityinitiatives thatwillposition Saratoga Springs tobe amodel FutureCity. TheSmart CityCommission, alongwithIgniteU andlocalsponsors, willalsobehosting anEconomic Development Lunch & Learn SeriesattheCityCenter thisyear. Thefirstevent, ÅThe AIOpportunityÆ, was th heldonJanuary 24,andwehadover100attendees including localbusinesses, industry experts, elected officials, andinterested residents. Thegoalofthisseriesistohighlight localtechsuccess stories, andtocreate a collaborative environment tospurfutureinnovation, investment, andgrowth. Forinformation onfutureevents, pleasebesuretofollowtheCitysocialmediaaccounts. 7)Lookingtothefuture, therearefourmainpriorities IÈmfocused onfor2019. Firstandforemost isalways thebudget. Whiletherenovation ofCityHallisthelargeproject oneveryoneÈs mind, thereareavariety ofprojects intheworksthatwillhave materialcapital andoperating costs, include the 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. creation ofFlatRockPark, anEastSideFire/EMSStation, andimprovements toLoughberry LakeDam. These areeachmulti-milliondollarprojects withuncertainty around ultimate costs. Iwouldaskthatthose involved continue topush forexternal funding sources, andtothinkcreatively forsolutions thatbestposition theCityfor thefuture. Inregard totheoperating budget, theCitywillalsoneedtoadapttochanges outsidetheCityÈs control, suchastheimpact ofrisinginterest ratesonthehousing market, federally mandated changes that impact thecostofhealthcare, andtechnological changes thatdisrupt traditional localmarkets. Inregard ofhowtheCityinteracts withthepublic, the2019budget included funding foranexperienced Communication hire. Thisindividual willhave aroleincommunications City-wide, including improving the usability oftheCitywebsite, expanding theCityÈs social mediapresence, andensuring aconsistent and professional message isconveyed tothepress andpublic. Howpeoplefindandengage with localnewshas changed dramatically overrecentyears, anditismygoaltohiresomeone thatcanclearly communicate allof thegoodworkbeingdoneacrossCityHall. Ispoke aboutsustainability severaltimestoday, anditwillcontinue tobeanareaIadvocate forin2019. The Cityhasshowntheseprojects canbegoodbothenvironmentally and financially, andIwilldoallthatIcanto ensureweareattheforefront forsustainability intheregion, whetherthanmeanssupporting ourbeautiful urban forestorparticipating inlocalalternative energy initiatives. Lastly, theCityisinaunique positiontoleverage technology andusealltheinformation available tofoster materialquality-of-lifeandsafety improvements forourconstituents. Iaimtobuild ontheSmart City achievements todateandbringforward projects thatwillbenefit theCityanditsresidents inimpactful, tangible ways. TheSmartCityCommission hasbeenoneofthemostprofessionally andpersonally fulfilling endeavors IÈveeverbeenpartof,andIverymuchlookforward towhat2019willbring. Thankyouallforyourtime, andIlookforward toahappy, healthy, andsuccessful 2019. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC WORKS, SKIP SCIROCCO SLIDE 1) ItÈsnosecretthatthepriority forDPWheading into2019istocomplete theCityHallrestoration and renovation project. Everyday ourstaffisfocused andworking onthisproject, andwillcontinue todoso diligently, untilcompletion. SLIDE 2) Following theinitialresponse oftheEmergency Management Plan, DPWbeganworkontwoverydemanding projects, thefirstwastransitioning thereccenterintoatemporary CityHall, andthesecond wastherestoration andrenovation project forCityHall. Thereccentertransition tookapproximately fivetosixweeks. Thefirsttwoweeksconsisted ofplanning the spacelayout, setupofITorelectrical connections, andlogisticsofthemovefromCityHall. Citystaffworked collaboratively infollowing aplantotagallitemsinCityHallthatneeded tobemoved, stored, ordiscarded. Thephysical moving ofitemsfromCityHalltothereccentertook threeweeks; amoving company was utilized forsomeofthelargeritemswhileamajority ofthebuildings contents were moved byDPWcrews. Thereisongoingworktomakethereccentermoreaccommodating tostaffandresidents, butthishasbeena monumental effortthattookthededication ofanumber ofCityStaffthatIwouldliketoespecially recognize. TheDPWBusiness Manager MikeVeitch project managed allaspects ofturning theRecCenter intoa temporary CityHall.Mikecoordinated withthecouncil andallcitystafftomeet theirneedsandmakesurethe transition wasasseamless aspossible. DPWDeputy Commissioner JoeOÈNeil wasresponsible fordirecting DPWcrews inthephysical move, andspecial recognition tolaborer TomBrownwhocoordinated muchofthe workinCityHall.TheDPWelectricians DanRancour, DaveKownak, andJoshGregory carefully worked to makesurethebuilding waswiredforofficeneeds. They worked inpartnership withtheITDepartment, including KevinKling, Patrick Mahoney, JimBaker, andJeffCornicktomakecertain workstationswere operational forstaff. Thiscoreteam, andmanyothercityemployees, madetheimpossible arealityandcontinue toshineindifficult circumstances. SLIDE 2) Atthesametime, DPWhasbeenworking diligently ontherestoration andrenovation ofCityHall.Thishas beenacollaborative effortunlikeanything IÈveseenbefore. TheentireCityCouncil andcitystaffhaveworked together toputCityHallbacktogether. Recognizing thatthelightning strikecreated anopportunity withthe building essentially vacated, theplantorenovate theentirebuilding willpaylongtermdividends. TheCitycontracted withoneofourdesignated engineers, ClarkPatterson Lee, toassistwiththeproject. Since thattime, weÈve beenworking withthecouncil, staff, architects, engineers, andtheOfficeofCourt Administration ontherenovation. Theprojectwillhave fourmain phases, thefirstisasbestos abatement, followed byconceptual design, nextisbidforconstruction, andthefinalphaseisconstruction renovation. The completion timeframe forthisproject isthefourthquarter of2019. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. IÈmhappytoreporttodaythatweareonscheduletomeetthisdeadline. SLIDE 3) Theproject hasmanygoals, buttheoverall objective ispreserving CityHallÈs historic charm, while updating thebuildingÈs infrastructure andlayouttoimprove thedelivery ofservices tothepublic. Byutilizing spaceinthebuilding moreeffectively, thedecades longidentified problem ofcityhalllacking spacewillberesolved. Sotoowillbethelegislative mandate toprovide morespace toaccommodate thesecond fulltimecitycourtjudge. Joining thepoliceadministration withthepolicedepartment ontheground floorwill alsoresolve thelongstanding problem ofadisjointed policedepartment. Addressing these problems separately couldhavecarried asignificant pricetaginthetensofmillions ofdollars, andmighthavetakenyearsifnotdecades tocomplete. Asaresultofworking collaboratively, thesepreviously unanswered problems willbeaddressed forconsiderably lessandinapproximately ayear. SLIDE 4) TheCityHallproject hasnotinterfered withtheongoing workDPWprovides inservice tothecity. The following isjustabrieflistofsomeofthemajorprojects forDPW in2018and2019. TheRestoration oftheKatrina Traskgateway, thenewDPWDispatch building willbeopened, andthefinal phaseofthefleetmanagement andGPSsystem willbeimplemented inthespring. In2018wesuccessfully repaired multipleroadways intheCityutilizingover $800,000inCHIPs funding, and DPWpurchased anewasphalt re-claimer toimprove roadmaintenance andrepairin2019. Improvements incorrosion control atthewatertreatment plant haveshownpositive resultsresulting inlower appearances ofleadinwater. Ifanother roundoftesting demonstrates similar results, theDepartment ofHealth willallowforreduced testing because thetreatments areworking. Meanwhile, theservices residents have comerelyonsuchaslawndebrispickup, roadway repair, snowandice removal Ãevenwiththismostrecentverydifficult storm Ãcontinue asnormal without interruption. In2019DPWwillcontinue tofocusoninfrastructure andteamwork, andouremployees areoptimistically tackling theunexpected challenges 2018presented. ThestateofDPWheading into2019isstrong, determined, andtogether. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, COMMISSIONER MARTIN ThankyouMayor, andthankyoufellowmembers oftheCityCouncil. TheDepartment ofPublic Safetyisresponsible forpoliceandfire/EMSservices intheCityofSaratoga Springs. Italsooversees codeenforcement, trafficmaintenance, andparking enforcement. AsofJanuary 2019, theDepartment has162full-timeemployees, and40part-timeemployees. Full-timeemployees include: 74policeofficers 63firefighters 2code enforcement officers 3members ofourtrafficmaintenance team 2parkingenforcement officers 11dispatchers 5administrative staffmembers Part-timeemployees include: 16schoolcrossing guards 2part-timetrafficteammembers 20trafficcontrollers toassistattheSaratoga Racetrack 2cleaners Aswebeginanewyear, Ireflectonwhatwasaconsequential yearforbothpoliceandfire, andlookforward to greatthingsin2019. ThePoliceDepartment isnearing fullstaffing forthefirsttimeinadecade. Thishasimproved thedepartmentÈs abilitytoservearapidlygrowing, andeverbusier, community. Crimeremained lowin2018. In2017, there were56violent crimes, defined asmurder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault andin2018therewere54violent crimes. These arelownumbers foracityofover28,000 residents andhundreds ofthousands ofvisitors. In2017, therewere457property crimes defined asburglary, larceny, andvehicle offenses, andin2018thisnumber fellto421property crimes. Thepolice department has increased footpatrols inthedowntown coretodetercrime, apolicyweintendtocontinue in2019. Amajordepartment initiative undertaken in2018 wasthecreation oftheSaratoga Springs Citizens Advisory Board. Theboardconsists oftenmembers, representing adiverse cross-sectionofthecommunity. Itspurpose is toadvisetheCommissioner ofPublicSafetyandtheChiefofPoliceonbothpolicyandcommunity relations. TheBoardwillbeatwo-waylineofcommunication betweenthepublicandourpolicedepartment. Iwouldlike tothankthemembers oftheboard fortwoveryproductive initialmeetings. Welookforward tomeeting over thecomingmonths andcontinuing tostrengthen police-community relations inSaratoga Springs. TheSaratoga Springs PoliceDepartment undertakes extensive training everyyear, and2018wasnoexception. Lastyear, department personnel spentover4,200hoursintraining, andcovered numerous topics. Training topicsincluded firearms, defensive tactics, taseruse, activeshooter, CPR, supervisory, domestic violence, and detecting suspicious behaviors incrowds. Ourdepartment isproudtologsomeofthemosttraining (andmost 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. diverse areasoftraining) inthestate. Wewillcontinue tolearnallwecanabouthowbesttoprotectandserve theCityofSaratoga Springs. Anothercritical facetofsafetyinanycityistrafficmaintenance. TheSaratoga Springs Traffic Department maintains trafficsignals andsigns andpavement markings overabout148miles ofcityroads. Thisyearwewill workcooperatively withareabusinessorganizations toimproveparking regulation inthedowntown. Wewillcontinue toexpand uponourexisting infrastructure bycontinuing topursue thebestexperience possible forallmodesoftransportation. TheCityiscurrently pursuing anumber ofgrantopportunities tomake newprojectspossible. In2019, thedepartment willundertake anupgrade ofthepedestrian crossings atUnion Avenue andRegent StreetandUnionAvenue andClark Street. Additionally, weareintheprocess ofseeking fundingtoupgrade thecrosswalks atChurch StreetandWoodlawn Avenue andChurch Street andRailroad Place, asubstantial portion ofwhichhasalready beensecured. Also2019willseetheinstallation ofbikelanes alongmuchofLakeAvenue, andothertemporary andpermanent additions toComplete Streets inourcity. TheSaratoga SpringsFireDepartment sawgrowth andpositive changes inthislastyear. TheDepartment is currently staffedat63firefighters, including command staff. Wewillcontinue todoallwecantoassure adequate firestaffing tomeetthecityÈsneedsinthecoming year. Thenumber offirestowhichthedepartment responded thisyeardecreased by11fromtheprioryear. Although response timesremaining stableinourthree designated firedistricts, thegapinresponse timestodistrict 3demonstrates theneedforathirdfirehouse. Emergency medicalservices continue tobeacorepartoftheFireDepartmentÈs operations. Thefiredepartment responded to3,804medical callsin2018. EMSrevenue increased by26%or $ 271,538over2017. ThecityÈsgrowth alsobringswithittheneedforexpanded fireservices. Animportant initiative forthefire department continues tobetheestablishment ofathirdfirestation toserve thecityÈs eastern ridgeandSaratoga Lake. Thedepartment hashadanumberofconversations withproperty owners, andweremain committed to makingfirestation 3areality. Amajorgoalisfireprevention through inspections andeducation. Thisyear, theDepartment ofCode Enforcement andtheOfficeofFirePrevention havebeen combined intoanewFirePrevention Battalion. The battalion willbeunderthecommand ofBattalion ChiefAaronDyer, withthecontinued support ofCode Administrator JackDonnelly. Because ofsignificant growth inbothresidential andcommercial properties, it crucial thatweprovidecutting edge buildingandfirecodeenforcement services toensurethesafetyof residents andvisitors alike. Inthatvein, Iampleased toannounce thatChiefDyerandCodeAdministrator Donnelly willbeintroducing afiresafetyeducation program toensuremembers ofthepublicknowhowtostay safeandtopreventtragedy beforeithappens. Wewillalsoincrease efforts toregulateshorttermrentals forthe safetyofourvisitors andneighborhoods. Ourvacantstructure program hasbeenamajorsuccess fortheDepartment ofPublicSafetyoverthepast several years. 2018wasitsbestyearyet.Iampleased toannounce registration ofvacantstructures inthecityis nearly100%.Similarly, payment ofvacant structure feeswasnearly90%in2018. Thiswasasignificant improvement overjustafewyearsago, whenjustoverhalfthevacantstructures inthecitywereregistered, and evenfewer feeswerepaid. Thegoalofthisprogram issimple: toeliminate unsafestructures andpreserve thelossofhistoricbuildings. To thatend, Iwillintroduce legislation totoughenthepenalties onthosewhoallow buildings tocrumble through willfulneglect orlethistoric structures tofallintodisrepair. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Finally, thisyearmarksamilestone fortheSaratoga SpringsFireDepartment. ChiefRobert Williams willbe th retiring onFebruary 28after35yearsofservice toourcity.Asathirdgeneration firefighter, andsecond generation firechief, therecanbenodoubtthatBobhassetapowerful example foranyoneinpublic service. Heledthecharge tobringthefiredepartment intothedigitalage, focusing heavily onoperations management andintegration ofnewtechnology. Hisleadership duringandintheimmediate aftermath ofthefireatCityHall exemplified thequalities thatmade himatrulygreat firechief. Asoneeraends, another beginsasJoseph Dolanassumes theroleoffirechief. Inhistwenty yearsofservice to thedepartment, Chief Dolanhasdemonstrated himself tobeaproven leader. Ihavefullconfidence inChief Dolanandlookforward tothegreatthingsourdepartment willachieve underhisleadership. Inclosing, Iamlooking forward totheyearahead. Thisyearwillseeaheavyfocusoncommunity engagement. Agreaterfocus oncommunity policing andthefireprevention education program bothprovide opportunities to connect withthepublicweareproudtoserve. Welookforward toproviding saferandhealthier transportation options toresidents andvisitors alike. Finally, weremain committed tokeeping Saratoga Springs oneofthe safestcitiesintheStateofNewYork. ThankyouandIwishyouahealthy andhappy2019. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. COUNTY SUPERVISOR, MATTHEW VEITCH Thankyou, Mayor Kelly, forgivingmesome timeattheStateoftheCityaddress tosharesomeofwhatIhave beenworking onasSupervisor. IÈmproudtobeabletorepresent thisgreatCityattheCounty level, andto serveourconstituents inmycapacity asSupervisor. First, Iwill review accomplishments from 2018. ItwasabusyyearattheCounty, wherewebegan construction onanewpublicsafetyfacility intheTownofMilton neartheJail, toexpandadministrative space fortheSheriff, aswellastomovetheprobation andPublicHealth departments tothatspace. Asforme, itwas anhonortoserve astheChairman oftheEconomic Development Committee, andtohighlight what makesour Countyanattractive placetodobusiness. AtthelastStateoftheCityaddress, Iexpressed mygoalof attempting togetthetwoeconomic development agencies toworkbetter together, andtoshareinthegoalof improving oureconomy. Ispentalotoftimemeeting withboardmembers ofboththeSaratoga County Prosperity Partnership andSEDC, working withthemtoaccomplish thatgoal. Smallsubcommittees ofthe groups alsomettogether todiscuss options forworking cooperatively. Ibelievetherewillbeapositive announcement soonfromthegroups astotheresultsofthoseefforts. Icontinued toadvocate fortheneedsofCityandCounty residents atboththeStateandNational levelsasa member oftheNewYorkStateAssociation ofCounties, andtheNational Association ofCounties. Iserveas theVice-Chairman ofthePublicSafetyCommittee attheStatelevel, andinthatcapacity weworkasa committee tomakesurethattheStateaddresses issueslikemental healthinJails, using911fundsthatpeople payontheircellphonebillsappropriately, improving technology inthecriminal courts, andaddressing the shortage ofemergency volunteers inmoreruralfireandambulance departments. AttheNational level, Iserve ontheCommunity, Workforce, andEconomic Development steering committee, whereweadvocate forthings likecontinued funding fortheCDBG program, betterfederal policies tomoreeasilyconstruct affordable housing, andlooking atwaystheworkforce canbedeveloped tomeettheneedsofmodern business. Ialso serveontheInternational Economic Development TaskForce, theITStanding Committee, andtheArts & Culture Commission attheNational Association. Inearly March, Iwillbetraveling toWashington tohaveour annualmeeting withourFederal representatives. Ialsoledandparticipated inasmallworking groupthatislookingatdeveloping aCounty-widebikeroute system. TheCounty hasover800miles ofroads, andforthose whoride, itwouldbebeneficial tohavethese routesdeveloped, bothforthosewhoarelocalandwanttoknowthebestCounty roadstorideon,butalsofor tourists whomaybeunfamiliar withwhere togo. These willnotbeseparated bikepaths, butsignedroutes, muchliketheStateisdoingwiththeirNYSBikeroutes. Thisgroupisalsolooking atthefeasibility of constructing theGreenbelt trailonCrescent inthenearfuture. BothTinaCarton, ourSustainability coordinator, andCommissioner Martin havebeenmeeting withmeonthisworking group. Supervisor Gaston hasalsobeen involvedonthevarious emailsandcommunications aboutthisproject. Looking forward to 2019, there is much to do. ThisyearIhavebeen appointed bytheCounty Chairman to serveastheChairoftheBuildings & Grounds committee. Itisacommittee assigned tooversee allcounty properties andfacilities, andtoworkonanycapital projects thatwemayhaveontapfortheyear. Withthe PublicSafetybuilding already underconstruction, ItwillbemycommitteeÈs jobtoensure thattheproject comesinontimeandunderbudget. SincethePublicHealth Department willbemoving tothenewbuilding onceitiscompleted, theBuildings & Grounds committee willbestarting thepreliminary planning surrounding thepotential saleoftheWoodlawn Avenuebuilding hereintheCity. Ifyoudidnotknow, theSaratoga County LawLibrary, isbeingmovedfromCityHalltotheCounty Courtbuilding #3. TheBuildings & Grounds 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. committee willalsobeoverseeing thatconstruction project attheCounty complex inBallston Spa. Thereare several othersmaller projects thatthecommittee willbelookingatthisyear. Otherthanthat, theothergoalsIhaveforthisyearwillbetocontinue working ontheCounty Bikeroutesystem andtofinalize theroutes, andtoseekCounty approval andimplantation oftheplan. Theworking groupwill keepmeeting aswemoveforward. Additionally Iwillkeepworking inmyrolesattheStateandNational level toadvocate forourCityandCounty soweareproperly andappropriately served bybothourStateandFederal representatives. Ialsowillbeserving ontheRacing & Gaming, Economic Development, HumanResources & Insurance, Trails, andLong RangeCapital Planning committees attheCounty. IwillagainservewiththeMayorontheSaratoga Casino HotelFoundation. Iwasjustelected theTreasurer oftheSaratoga County Capital Resource Corporation, andIwillcontinueserving ontheNYRA LocalAdvisory Board. Thereismuchtodo,andIamlooking forwardtomanyaccomplishments in2019. Ilookforward toworking withalltheCityCouncil members, aswellasmyfellowcolleague, Supervisor Gaston, tocontinue toservethe residents ofSaratoga Springs attheCounty level. Again, Mayor Ithankyouagain forgivingmesome timeat theStateoftheCitytospeak. 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. COUNTY SUPERVISOR, TARA GASTON ItÈsbeenanincredible firstyearontheBoardofSupervisors, andIcontinue tobegratefulforthehonorof representing Saratoga Springs andforthehelpandsupportofSupervisor Veitch, theCityCouncil, andthe many, many residents whohavesharedboththeirconcerns andtheirsuggestions forhowIcouldbestrepresent myconstituents andtheCounty asawhole. Thefirstyearofanyelected office isoftenatimeofsettling inanddeveloping Åsealegs.Æ Whileitwas definitely ayearoflearning, 2018wasalsoayearofaction. Isought tofulfillmypromises tobringlightonthe workoftheBoard, byreleasing public schedules ofmymeetings anddistributing information aboutCounty functions andactivities through Facebook, Twitter, email, andpublicforums - methods notfullyutilizedbythe BoardofSupervisors asawhole. Ialsopushed theBoard tosubmit aresolution whichwillleadtoSaratoga CountyÈs fullrepresentation ontheCapital District Transportation Authority forthefirsttimeinmanyyears. In addition, Ireceived appointments toanumber ofstateandnational committees forveterans, mental health, publichealth, gaming, andbeingtheonlyNewYorkrepresentative ontheNational Association ofCounties committee forEnergy, Environment, andLand Use. Thesecommittees allowmetoshare County challenges and achievements withothercounties, obtainresources andinformation thatcanbenefit Saratoga County, and influence stateandlocallegislations, suchaswhen Iwasabletodevelop language toadviseNewYorkState of localneeds regarding election changes andduringthetransition tothelegalization ofadult-usemarijuana. In2019, Ilookforward toanother busyyear. WithinthenextmonthIanticipate completion ofmymeetings witheachoftheCounty departments, which willallowmetomaximize transparency, technology, and accountability oftheBoard, tothebenefit ofSaratoga Springs residents through improving accesstoCounty services andincreasing efficiency whilekeeping costsdown. Inordertomaintain CityresidentsÈ accessto needed services, Iwillbeworking withtheCapitalDistrict Transportation Authority toreview Saratoga County transportation opportunities, especially inlightofthemovement ofpublichealth, emergency services, probation, etc.tothenewpublicsafetybuilding inBallston Spainearly2020. Iwillalsocontinue myworkto advocate forSaratoga Springs andSaratoga County onthestateandnational levels, withafocusonfinding solutions forpointsofpainsuchastheopioidcrisis, affordable andunstable housing, andthelocal costsof responding toclimate change. Indeed, thisweekIamattending theNewYorkStateAssociation ofCounties meeting inAlbany, where Iamadvocating fortheneedsofthecounty bydemanding theGovernor include funding forearlyvotingande-pollbooks inhisbudget sothatthecostsofthesemuch-needed butunexpectedly sudden votingreforms isnotanundue burdenonSaratoga County. Asalways, Iremain humbled bythetrust oftheresidents ofSaratoga Springs, andalways appreciate receiving communications fromresidents tohelpmebestrepresent them. Thankyou, andIlookforward toaproductive andprogressive 2019! 2019 State of the City Address Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. CLOSING Inclosing, Ithank you fortheopportunity tobeyour Mayor ofSaratoga Springs. I amproud toserve this city, one ofthe best cities inNew York State. Collectively, wehave made adversity ourfriend, and Iknow that bycontinuing towork together, wewill achieve thegoals soimportant toourfuture. We have more toaccomplish, and Ilook forward todoing soasyour leader andpublic servant. This concludes our State ofthe City presentation. Thank you for attending.