City Council

February 2, 2021 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting 7:00 PM (via zoom) 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 1/19/2021 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 1/19/2021 Pre-Agenda Meeting Transcript 3. Approval of 1/19/2021 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 4. Approval of 1/5/2021 City Council Meeting Transcript 5. Approve Resolution for Use of Insurance Reserve #1 6. Approve Resolution for Use of Insurance Reserve #2 7. Approve Resolution for Use of Insurance Reserve #3 8. Approve Budget Amendment – Insurance Reserve #1 9. Approve Budget Amendment – Insurance Reserve #2 10. Approve Budget Amendment – Insurance Reserve #3 11. Approve Budget Transfers - Regular 12. Approve Payroll 1/29/2021 $871,580.84 13. Approve Payroll 1/22/2021 $548,048.61 14. Approve Mid-Warrant – 2021 21MWJAN3 $668,726.71 15. Approve Mid-Warrant 2020 20MWDEC6 $15,376.85 16. Approve Warrant – 2020 20DEC5 $237,044.23 17. Approve Warrant – 2021 21FEB1 $112,105.16 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Accept the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center Donation from Mayor Scott Johnson 2. Announcement: Mayor’s Food Drive to Benefit Franklin Community Center and Mother Susan Anderson Women & Children’s Emergency Shelter 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Community Development Planner to Execute HUD Mandated Environmental Reviews as a Certifying Officer 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Saratoga County Office for the Aging Transportation Agreement 2021 5. Discussion and Vote: Approval for Mayor to Sign Saratoga County Office for the Aging Nutrition Agreement 2021 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Award of Bid: Bond Counsel to Walsh & Walsh 2. Award of Bid: Fiscal Advisory Services to Fiscal Advisors & Marketing 3. Award of Bid: Resilient Wedge Gate Valve to Blaire Supply Corp. FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: American Heart Association Go Red for Women – National Wear Red Day February 5, 2021 2. Announcement: City Hall Department Addresses: Suite Numbers 3. Update: City Finances 4. Discussion and Vote: 2021 Tax Resolution 5. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Walsh & Walsh, LLP for Bond Counsel Services 6. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Fiscal Advisors & Marketing, Inc. for Fiscal Advisory Services 7. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Civic Plus for Website and Design Maintenance 8. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 9. Budget Transfers – Contingency 10. Set Public Hearing – Local Law #1 of 2021: A Local Law to Defer Scheduled Payments of Taxes During the COVID-19 Emergency PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Blair Supply Corp. for Resilient Wedge Gate Valve 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Tree City USA Application 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Tree City USA Growth Award Application PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: COVID-19 Update 2. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 58 of the City Code Entitled Alarm Systems 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with HIXNY 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with CHA Consulting, Inc. for Architectural Design Services 5. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with CHA Consulting, Inc. for Civil Engineering Design Services 6. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Hueber-Breuer Construction Co., Inc. for Consultant Support Services 7. Announcement: Retirements SUPERVISORS Matt Veitch 1. Building and Grounds Committee Tara Gaston 1. COVID-19 Update 2. Health Committee Report 3. Technology & Resiliency Committee Report ADJOURN Page 2 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 February 2, 2021 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting 7:00 PM (via Zoom) 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 of Finance Maire Masterson, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Joe O’Neill, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Vincent DeLeonardis Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Tara Gaston, Supervisor RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting were taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kelly called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 7:01 p.m. Claudia Braymer stated she is representing residents on the east side who are opposed to the third fire station location. She is asking the Council from voting on and moving forward with award the bid for the design services. There has not been an environmental impact statement done to date. They would like to have that done before moving forward. Hollyday Hammond stated she is speaking to ask the Council to support the police reform task force. The task force released a survey last week. She asked the Council to complete the survey and take an active Page 3 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 interest now in the issues being addressed and not wait until the recommendations are in front of them. The lack of visible interest indicates this task force and its mission are not important. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs stated she has been trying to discuss with the City that we have a water problem. She found we have coli form bacteria in the water system. Commissioner Dalton stated she takes exception to Claudia Braymer saying she represents the residents of the east side. She lives on that side of town and she is not be represented by Claudia. In regards to the task force, she does watch all the meetings. Just because she cannot always watch them live does not mean she does not take an interest. Commissioner Scirocco stated the water in the City is safe. He will send someone to check out her water to be sure there are no issues. Commissioner Madigan stated we did not have any layoffs in the City; we ran a furlough program. Our bonding capacity remains healthy, which is what the EMS project would be. In regards to the task force, she is interested in what’s going and does watch the meetings. It is not always appropriate to have the City Council show up at a meeting. Mayor Kelly stated the task force was created to be an independent group to work without the influence of the Council. Mayor Kelly closed the public comment period at 7:07 p.m. Commissioner Dalton moved and Mayor Kelly seconded to add an announcement regarding Black History Month. (21-031) Ayes - All Announcement: Black History Month Commissioner Dalton stated Black History Month started yesterday. The community is working on a number of events for Black History Month. She encouraged the City Council to appoint someone to the outreach committee to be involved in celebrating Black History Month. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 1/19/2021 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 1/19/2021 Pre-Agenda Meeting Transcript 3. Approval of 1/19/2021 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 4. Approval of 1/5/2021 City Council Meeting Transcript 5. Approve Resolution for Use of Insurance Reserve #1 6. Approve Resolution for Use of Insurance Reserve #2 7. Approve Resolution for Use of Insurance Reserve #3 8. Approve Budget Amendment – Insurance Reserve #1 9. Approve Budget Amendment – Insurance Reserve #2 10. Approve Budget Amendment – Insurance Reserve #3 11. Approve Budget Transfers - Regular 12. Approve Payroll 1/29/2021 $871,580.84 13. Approve Payroll 1/22/2021 $548,048.61 14. Approve Mid-Warrant – 2021 21MWJAN3 $668,726.71 15. Approve Mid-Warrant 2020 20MWDEC6 $15,376.85 Page 4 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 16. Approve Warrant – 2020 20DEC5 $237,044.23 17. Approve Warrant – 2021 21FEB1 $112,105.16 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Accept the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center Donation from Mayor Scott Johnson (21-032) Mayor Kelly advised the donation is for fitness equipment with a value of $6,700. She thanked former Mayor Scott and Julie Johnson. Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to accept the donation for the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center from Mayor Scott Johnson. Ayes - All Announcement: Mayor’s Food Drive to Benefit Franklin Community Center and Mother Susan Anderson Women & Children’s Emergency Shelter Mayor Kelly announced there is a drive thru food drive to benefit Franklin Community Center and Mother Susan Anderson Women & Children’s Emergency Shelter February 11 – 13, 2021 at the Recreation Center. Additional information is on the City’s website. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Community Development Planner to Execute HUD Mandated Environmental Reviews as a Certifying Officer (21-033) Mayor Kelly advised Lindsay Connor has successfully completed dozens of environment reviews for CDBG funded projects. With the retirement of her immediate supervisor, she is requesting the Council to authorize Ms. Connor as a certifying officer for environmental reviews. Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the City Community Development Planner to execute the HUD mandated environmental reviews as a certifying officer. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Saratoga County Office for the Aging Transportation Agreement 2021 (21-034) Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the Saratoga County Office for the Aging Transportation agreement 2021. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Approval for Mayor to Sign Saratoga County Office for the Aging Nutrition Agreement 2021 (21-035) Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the Saratoga County Office for the Aging Nutrition agreement 2021. Ayes – All Page 5 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Award of Bid: Bond Counsel to Walsh & Walsh (21-036) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to award the bid for Bond Counsel to Walsh & Walsh as included with this agenda. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Fiscal Advisory Services to Fiscal Advisors & Marketing (21-037) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to award the bid for Fiscal Advisory Services to Fiscal Advisors & Marketing as included with this agenda. Ayes – All Award of Bid: Resilient Wedge Gate Valve to Blaire Supply Corp. (21-038) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to award the bid for Resilient Wedge Gate Valve to Blaire Supply Corp. in the amount not to exceed $43,730. Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Announcement: American Heart Association Go Red for Women – National Wear Red Day February 5, 2021 Commissioner Madigan announced Friday, February 5, 2021 is Go Red for Women Day. She encouraged everyone to wear read that day to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Announcement: City Hall Department Addresses: Suite Numbers Commissioner Madigan announced suite numbers have been added to all the office addresses. All the suite numbers are posted on the City’s website. Update: City Finances Commissioner Madigan advised New York State Office of the State Comptroller will be on site for a 2021 budget audit regarding the impact of COVID-19. We are well prepared for this audit. We have borrowed $11.3 million dollars. The governor’s executive budget has removed VLT aid and AIM aid. The federal government is working on a stimulus that will provide aid for local governments. Discussion and Vote: 2021 Tax Resolution (21-039) Commissioner Madigan advised 2021 tax bills went in the mail today. The resolution is as follows: 2021 Tax Resolution February 2, 2021 RESOLVED, that the City of Saratoga Springs, New York, on this 2nd day of February, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. adopt and confirm the 2021 Tax Roll carrying a levy on the inside district of $11,551,594.78 for the City and $7,013,111.88 for the County; total Inside District levy $18,564,706.66. Levy on the Outside District of $9,590,168.20 for the City and $$5,877,979.61 for the County; total Outside District Page 6 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 levy of $15,468,147.81 making a total tax levy of $34,032,854.47 and that the Commissioner of Finance be authorized to collect such levy computed at the following rates per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation. INSIDE DISTRICT RATES City $6.4331 County $3.897426 OUTSIDE DISTRICT RATES City $6.3714 County $3.897426 FURHTER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York, adopt and confirm the relevy of the 2020 Utility Tax in the amount of 575,794.57. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York adopt and confirm the 2021 Omitted Tax in the amount of $13,875.23 for the City and $7,777.27 for the County; total Omitted Tax of $21,652.50. FURHTER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York adopt and confirm the 2021 Saratoga Lake Special Improvement Tax for the Saratoga Lake Improvement District in the amount of $109,448.14. FURHTER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York adopt and confirm the 2021 Special Assessment Tax for the Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District in the amount of $138,262.02. FURHTER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York adopt and confirm the 2021 West Avenue Special Tax District for the Saratoga Springs West Ave Special District in the amount of $51,003.03. FURHTER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York adopt and confirm the 2021 Gilbert Road Water District Tax for the Saratoga Springs Gilbert Road Water District in the amount of $17,342.00. FURHTER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, New York adopt and confirm the 2021 Gilbert Road II Water District Tax for the Saratoga Springs Gilbert Rd II Water District in the amount of $3,015.00. TOTAL 2021 TAX ROLL $34,949,371.73 Commissioner Madigan moved and Mayor Kelly seconded to approve the 2021 tax resolution as included with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Walsh & Walsh, LLP for Bond Counsel Services (21-040) Commissioner Madigan advised Walsh & Walsh is a local law firm and very familiar with the City. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Walsh & Walsh, LLP for bond counsel services as included with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Fiscal Advisors & Marketing, Inc. for Fiscal Advisory Services (21-041) Commissioner Madigan advised this firm also has a local office and works well with Walsh & Walsh. This is a 3 year contract. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to authorize the mayor to sign agreement with Fiscal Advisors & Marketing, Inc. for fiscal advisory services as included with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with Civic Plus for Website and Design Maintenance (21-042) Commissioner Madigan advised Civic Plus has supported the web page for several years. They are looking for an additional year of maintenance and service. Page 7 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Civic Plus for website design and maintenance as included with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (21-043) Commissioner Madigan moved and Mayor Kelly seconded to approve the budget transfers – payroll as included with the agenda. Ayes – All Budget Transfers – Contingency (21-044) Commissioner Madigan advised this transfer is to cover a contract with eScribers for transcription services. The amount being transferred is $2,364.17. The current balance in contingency is $250,000 and $244,635.83 will remain after the transfer. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the budget transfers – contingency as included with the agenda. Ayes - All Set Public Hearing – Local Law #1 of 2021: A Local Law to Defer Scheduled Payments of Taxes During the COVID-19 Emergency Commissioner Madigan set a public hearing for Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 6:55 p.m. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Blair Supply Corp. for Resilient Wedge Gate Valve (21-045) Commissioner Scirocco advised this is to replace 2 gear operated valves in the water system. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign contract with Blair Supply Corp. for resilient wedge gate valve in the amount not to exceed unit bid price proposal. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Tree City USA Application (21-046) Commissioner Scirocco advised the City of Saratoga Springs has been recognized as a Tree City USA Community. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Mayor Kelly seconded to authorize the mayor to sign Tree City USA application. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Tree City USA Growth Award Application (21-047) Commissioner Scirocco advised this award is presented by the Arbor Day Foundation. Page 8 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 Commissioner Scirocco moved and Mayor Kelly seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a Tree City USA Growth Award application. Ayes - All Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to add an item to his agenda regarding an announcement for VLT aid. (21-048) Ayes – All Announcement: VLT Aid Commissioner Scirocco stated he believes the City needs to be vigilant in fighting for VLT aid. They should also bring in their colleagues at the Board of Supervisors and other municipalities in to fight for this. They are stronger in numbers. Commissioner Madigan stated they have been on this. She welcomed Commissioner Scirocco to testify. She has sent a letter and the mayor has sent a letter. Mayor Kelly advised including the County is a great idea. Supervisor Gaston stated the County is working on a letter to advocate for this. Mayor Kelly asked the supervisors to each send a letter. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Announcement: COVID-19 Update Commissioner Dalton advised she is turning this update over to Supervisor Gaston for this evening. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 58 of the City Code Entitled Alarm Systems Commissioner Dalton set a public hearing for Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 6:55 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Agreement with HIXNY (21-049) Commissioner Dalton advised this is Healthcare Information Exchange of New York (HIXNY). This agreement will allow the paramedics to access patient records with the patient’s permission. This will allow paramedics additional health history to prepare in advance for treatment. This is at no cost to the City. Commissioner Dalton moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with HIXNY. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with CHA Consulting, Inc. for Architectural Design Services (21-050) Commissioner Dalton advised this is for the schematic design of the 3 rd fire station. Commissioner Dalton moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with CHA Consulting for architectural design services. Ayes – All Page 9 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with CHA Consulting, Inc. for Civil Engineering Design Services (21-051) Commissioner Dalton advised this is for civil engineering design for the 3rd fire station. Commissioner Dalton moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with CHA Consulting for civil engineering design services. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Hueber-Breuer Construction Co., Inc. for Consultant Support Services (21-052) Commissioner Dalton advised this agreement is to help guide us through the schematic and civil design services. Commissioner Dalton moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Hueber-Breuer for consultant support services. Ayes – All Announcement: Retirements Commissioner Dalton announced the following retirements: Lt. Mark Bellantoni from the Fire Department and Tom Armstrong of the Traffic Maintenance Department. SUPERVISORS Matt Veitch Building and Grounds Committee Supervisor Veitch reported they met yesterday and will be meeting again on Monday. They plan to renew the lease with the Gateway House of Peace in Milton. They sent out a bid for an auctioneer to sell a County building. Tara Gaston COVID-19 Update Supervisor Gaston reported their dashboard is up and will be replaced with a new one soon. The County now has 121 deaths, 58 hospitalizations, and 22,000 residents have received the first half of the vaccine. Today the governor expanded the people who can receive the vaccine to restaurant workers and taxi drivers. Health Committee Report Supervisor Gaston reported a lot of their work is focused on COVID-19. Suicide rates have dropped in the County but the rate of overdose deaths has doubled. The County received $6.8 million from the U.S. Treasury to provide support for renters who have suffered financial hardships due to COVID. The County is waiting for the state to complete their application portal to be sure is adequately serves the County. Page 10 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/2/2021 Technology & Resiliency Committee Report Supervisor Gaston reported the County is looking at an upgrade of technology in the amount of $600,000. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Kelly adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 2/16/2021 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 11 of 11