City Council

September 15, 2020 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting Recreation Center 15 Vanderbilt Avenue 7:00 PM 6:30 p.m. – P.H. – Amend Chapter 225, Section 225-77 Stop Intersection P.H. – Local Law No. 2 of 2020 – Tax Cap Override 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION 1. Palmertown Range – Conservation Effort in Saratoga County CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 2. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance 3. Approve Budget Amendments – Regular (Increases) 4. Approve Payroll 9/4/2020 $513,085.26 5. Approve Payroll 9/11/2020 $546,782.86 6. Approve Warrant – 2020 20MSEP1 $744,053.42 7. Approve Warrant – 2020 20SEP2 $441,448.89 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Appointment: Appointment Recreation Commission 2. Announcement: Census Response Rates 3. Announcement: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) – Draft 2 Release 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Workforce Housing Deed – 168 Jefferson Street Unit 1 5. Discussion and Vote: Return to REC Operational Plan ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: City Council Approval of Resolution of Official Newspapers 2. Award of Bid: Extension of Bid – Fire Suppression Services to SRI Fire Sprinkler, LLC 3. Award of Bid: Extension of Bid – Precast Manholes, Catch Basins, Dry Wells, Risers, Frames and Covers to Pallette Stone Corp. 4. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Extend Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas to October 31, 2020 City Council Meeting 9/15/20 FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: 2021 Comprehensive Budget 2. Set Public Hearing: 2021 Comprehensive Budget 3. Discussion and Vote: Local Law #2 of 2020 – A Local Law to Override the Tax Levy Limit for Fiscal Year 2021 Pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 3-C 4. Update: SiFi Smart-City Citywide Fiber Project 5. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Addendum Two, Bolton St. Johns for Government Services 6. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers - Payroll PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Pallette Stone Corporation for Precast Manholes, Catch Basins, Dry Wells, Risers, Frames & Covers 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #14 with DLC Electric, LLC for City Hall Renovation - Electric PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with NYRA for 2020 Racing Season 2. Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 225, Section 225-77 of the City Code, Schedule XII – Stop Intersections SUPERVISORS Matt Veitch 1. October Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2. Work From Home Policy 3. Status on Search for New Public Health Commissioner 4. Update – 31 Woodlawn Avenue Tara Gaston 1. COVID-19 Update 2. External Review Committee 3. Executive Order 203 4. Board of Supervisors Update ADJOURN Page 2 of 10 City Council Meeting 9/15/20 September 15, 2020 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 474 Broadway 7:00 PM PRESENT: Meg Kelly, Mayor Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Robin Dalton, Commissioner of DPS STAFF PRESENT: Lisa Shields, Deputy Mayor Deirdre Ladd, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Maire Masterson, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Vincent DeLeonardis Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Tara Gaston, Supervisor EXCUSED: Joe O’Neill, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting were taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript. PUBLIC HEARINGS Local Law No. 2 of 2020 – Tax Cap Override Mayor Kelly opened the public hearing at 6:56 p.m. Commissioner Madigan stated this local law authorizes the Council to override the tax cap. It does not require the Council to override the tax cap and does not state the amount. Sam Brewer of Lake Avenue stated he is aware of the City’s financial challenges. Most households are under the same pressures as the City. As the Council continues to issue more debt to cover its operating expenses, the creditors are going to insist taxes be raised to cover the debt service. He is against any tax increase or removal of tax cap removal. Mayor Kelly closed the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. Page 3 of 10 City Council Meeting 9/15/20 Amend Chapter 225, Section 225-77 Stop Intersection Mayor Kelly opened the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. Commissioner Dalton stated this is to allow a four way stop at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Walnut Street. No one spoke. Mayor Kelly closed the public hearing at 6:59 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:59 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Kelly said the public comment period is limited to a total of 15 minutes and individuals are limited to two minutes. Mayor Kelly opened the public comment period at 7:00 p.m. Bryce Belvin of 289 Jefferson Street # 17 stated he is in desperate need of a permit as he has water coming in to his residence. He is battling black mold. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs stated she was speaking with this morning told her she knows the city better than the people that work there. She has been doing the work filling potholes with manure and writing potholes matter. Richard Sellers of Saratoga springs and a member of the SUCCESS group stated Commonsense Saratoga put financials on their webpage. He agrees with the number they listed for a City manager costing the city $262,000 annually. They also say there will be a $320,000 saving. They would be firing 9 people to get to that number, the deputies and the 4 commissioners. Pat Kane of Saratoga Springs stated the numbers Richard Sellers presented are wrong. He will get the correct numbers shortly for everyone. Sam Brewer of Lake Avenue stated he spoke with his daughter who informed him the number of COVID cases on her campus are grossly understated. He provided copies of maps to the Council to show we are still on a rise. Commissioner Madigan responded to the groups discussing what will be saved with the change of Charter and asked that they wait until she presents the City’s comprehensive budget on October 6 th. Commissioner Dalton suggested that both sides of the Charter present their positions in an open forum. Mayor Kelly closed the public comment period at 7:08 p.m. Page 4 of 10 City Council Meeting 9/15/20 PRESENTATION Palmertown Range – New Conservation Effort in Saratoga County Tina Carton, sustainability coordinator showed a video introducing everyone to the Palmertown Range. The vision is to establish it as a regional recreation destination. Saratoga PLAN was awarded a $500,000 grant through the Sarah Foulke Friendship Trail. This grant envisions a trail network from the City of Saratoga Springs to Moreau State Park. They are looking to protect 8,000 acres. In Greenfield, 280 acres have already been conserved. There are 4 other films released at this time in addition to the one shown here. Trail use is 79% higher now than pre-COVID. Mayor Kelly stated it is nice to see Sara Foulke in this, as she was a big part of this community. Commissioner Madigan thanked Tina Carton for this presentation. She also thanked Tina for all her work on behalf of the City. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 2. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance 3. Approve Budget Amendments – Regular (Increases) 4. Approve Payroll 9/4/2020 $513,085.26 5. Approve Payroll 9/11/2020 $546,782.86 6. Approve Warrant – 2020 20MSEP1 $744,053.42 7. Approve Warrant – 2020 20SEP2 $441,448.89 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Appointment: Appointment Recreation Commission Mayor Kelly re-appointed Derrick Legall to the Recreation Commission once his term expires 9/18/2020. His new term will run from 9/19/2020 - 9/16/2027. Announcement: Census Response Rates Mayor Kelly announced the current response rate is 63%, which is way below our goal of 80%. Announcement: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) – Draft 2 Release Mayor Kelly announced the UDO draft documents and maps are on the City’s website. The comment period is open until Thanksgiving. There is a Zoom meeting this Thursday with Camiros this Thursday. Camiros will make 3 presentations to the public via Zoom. Details are forthcoming. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Workforce Housing Deed – 168 Jefferson Street Unit 1 (20-243) Mayor Kelly advised this will be the 8th workforce-housing unit sold. The purchaser’s household income is below 80% AMI, which is required by the deed covenance. Page 5 of 10 City Council Meeting 9/15/20 Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a workforce housing deed for 168 Jefferson Street, Unit 1. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Return to REC Operational Plan (20-244) Mayor Kelly advised they are pleased to welcome back our programs and facilities. They studied the New York State Sports & Recreation Guidelines to develop new protocols. Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to approve the return to rec operation plan. Ayes – All ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: City Council Approval of Resolution of Official Newspapers (20-245) Commissioner Franck advised per the City Charter Section 13.3, the Council shall designate not more than 2 newspapers of general circulation to be the official newspaper or newspapers of the City of Saratoga Springs. Upon review of circulation and cost effectiveness, it was found that the Daily (Schenectady) Gazette and Saratoga Today to be the best value with the largest circulation. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to adopt the resolution designating the Daily Gazette and Saratoga Today as the official newspapers of the City of Saratoga Springs, as included with the agenda. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Extension of Bid – Fire Suppression Services to SRI Fire Sprinkler, LLC (20-246) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to extend the bid for Fire Suppression Services to SRI Fire Sprinkler, LLC, for an additional year, under the same terms, conditions, and prices as included in bid 2019-35. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Extension of Bid – Precast Manholes, Catch Basins, Dry Wells, Risers, Frames and Covers to Pallette Stone Corp. (20-247) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to extend the bid for Precast Manholes, Catch Basins, Dry Wells, Risers, Frames & Covers to Pallette Stone Corp. for an additional year under the same terms, conditions, and prices as in bid 2019-31. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Extend Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas to October 31, 2020 (20- 248) Commissioner Franck advised our downtown restaurants have had great success with outdoor seating; therefore, we would like to extend the date a second time. We are looking to extend outdoor seating until October 31, 2020. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to adopt the resolution extending outdoor seating to midnight, October 31, 2020 as included with the agenda. Page 6 of 10 City Council Meeting 9/15/20 Commissioner Dalton stated she has heard from the restaurants they would like to stay open until December or as long as they can. Is that something we are open to? Mayor Kelly stated that would be a discussion with Public Works as there will be snow. Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Announcement: 2021 Comprehensive Budget Commissioner Madigan advised the budget will be presented to the Council on October 6 th. We are working with approximately $41.9 million dollars in revenue. This is down $7 million dollars. This has been one of the most challenging budgets in her tenure here. We are looking at large across the board expense reductions with a focus on keeping our City government in tact by providing essential City services throughout 2021. Set Public Hearing: 2021 Comprehensive Budget Commissioner Madigan set a public hearing for 6:45 on October 20, 2020. Discussion and Vote: Local Law #2 of 2020 – A Local Law to Override the Tax Levy Limit for Fiscal Year 2021 Pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 3-C (20-249) Commissioner Madigan advised the law authorizes the Council to override the property tax cap. It does not specify the amount of the override within the law. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to approve the local law to override the tax levy limit for fiscal year 2021 pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 3-c as included and uploaded with the agenda. Roll Call: Commissioner Franck – Aye Commissioner Madigan – Aye Commissioner Scirocco – Aye Commissioner Dalton – Aye Mayor Kelly - Aye Update: SiFi Smart-City Citywide Fiber Project Commissioner Madigan advised they will be building a privately funded fiber network throughout every City street in Saratoga Springs. Fiber will be the most effective stable way to send information for the foreseeable future. The project is in full design stage with our City Engineering Department. The goal is to begin construction on the network in the spring of 2021. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Addendum Two, Bolton St. Johns for Government Services (20-250) Commissioner Madigan advised they were vital in obtaining the reinstatement of VLT Aid. The first addendum with Bolton St. Johns is set to expire the end of September. This addendum is for an additional 3 months from October to December at $1,000 per month. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign addendum two to Bolton St. Johns agreement for government relations as included with the agenda. Page 7 of 10 City Council Meeting 9/15/20 Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (20-251) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to approve the budget transfers – payroll as included with the agenda. Ayes - All PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Pallette Stone Corporation for Precast Manholes, Catch Basins, Dry Wells, Risers, Frames & Covers (20-252) Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded for the mayor to sign contract with Pallette Stone Corporation for precast manholes, catch basins, dry wells, risers, frames & covers not to exceed unit bid price per June 25, 2019 proposal. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #14 with DLC Electric, LLC for City Hall Renovation – Electric (20-253) Commissioner Scirocco advised this change order is due to the change in the scope of work for audiovisual work and cabling in the City Council Room. An upgraded projector and screen was replaced in the Council Room to ensure high quality viewing. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order #14 with DLC Electric, LLC for the City Hall renovation – electric in the amount $18,703. Ayes - All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with NYRA for 2020 Racing Season (20- 254) Commissioner Dalton advised this the annual agreement for fire services. Commissioner Dalton moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with NYRA. Mayor Kelly asked why this is being signed after the racing meet. She asked that this be looked into. Ayes- All Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 225, Section 225-77 of the City Code, Schedule XII – Stop Intersections (20-255) Commissioner Dalton advised this amendment is to allow for a four-way stop to be installed at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Walnut Street. Page 8 of 10 City Council Meeting 9/15/20 Commissioner Dalton moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to amend Chapter 225, Section 225-77 of the City Code, Schedule XII stop intersections, stop sign - Grand Avenue, direction of both travel, at intersection of Walnut Street. Ayes - All SUPERVISORS Matt Veitch October Domestic Violence Awareness Month Supervisor Veitch reported a resolution was passed today recognizing the agencies in the County that assist with domestic violence. Work From Home Policy Supervisor Veitch reported the Board of Supervisors didn’t have a work from home policy but have started the process of creating a work from home policy. They discussed this at their Law and Finance Committee meeting last week and will have a special H.R. Committee take a look at it. Status on Search for New Public Health Commissioner Supervisor Veitch reported the search is underway. They will be hiring a medical doctor for the first time. He hopes that all applicants are shared with the Board so they can make an informed decision. Update – 31 Woodlawn Avenue Supervisor Veitch reported the original idea was to have a temporary homeless resource center in the Woodlawn Avenue building to help get the people off the streets and connected to services. An idea was bought up to do a lease agreement with the Shelters of Saratoga for the building. The lease is for the first floor only. The area would be for the overflow of Code Blue. The Committee unanimously agreed to do the lease from October 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021 to coincide with Code Blue season for Shelters of Saratoga. It will primarily be a resource center but can be used for overflow as well. The Board of Supervisors also unanimously agreed to this today. The County is still looking for a buyer for the building. Mayor Kelly asked Supervisor Veitch if he received the letter from the City advising they wish to purchase the building. Supervisor Veitch stated he did receive the letter. Mayor Kelly stated she hopes Shelters of Saratoga knows they had a hard time staffing one facility, now they will have two with the overflow location. Staffing is critical. Now we have more neighbors that will be calling the mayor. It’s critical that this run as a real operation and not just as an ‘overflow’. This is a staffing and safety issue. If our City cars are going to be parked there, that changes the game. Tara Gaston COVID-19 Update Supervisor Gaston reported stated there has been a slight uptick in cases recently. College students who test positive elsewhere and come back to Saratoga County to isolate are counted in our numbers. Saratoga Bridges had an outbreak. There are currently 79 active cases. Page 9 of 10 City Council Meeting 9/15/20 External Review Committee Supervisor Gaston reported they met on September 10th. No action was taken at that meeting. The next meeting will be held September 22nd at 3:45 p.m. The Board of Supervisors voted to authorize E. Stewart Jones to issue an amended report. The initial report contained a matter of employment law that was later determined not to be accurate. Executive Order 203 Supervisor Gaston reported this is the police reform issued by the governor. The County has not been moving quickly and has delegated this to the Sheriff’s Office. Board of Supervisors Update Supervisor Gaston reported all of our mental providers has seen an uptick during COVID. It’s important the people know if they need assistance they can get it. County departments have been working hard planning for 31 Woodlawn. Employment and Training will be there, veterans will be there, Department of Social Services, and mental health will all be there. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Kelly adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 10/6/2020 Vote: 4 - 0 Page 10 of 10