City Council

October 19, 2021 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting 7:00 PM P.H. – 2022 Proposed Comprehensive Budget P.H. – New Chapter 37 of the City Code – Community Police Board P.H. – Substantial Amendment to 2021 CDBG Annual Action Plan P.H. – Unified Development Ordinance (Final) 6:20 PM – P.H. – Weibel Avenue PUD Amendment 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENTATION 1. SiFi Networks Broadband - Groundbreaking CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 10/05/2021 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 10/4/2021 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 3. Approve Resolution for the Use of Insurance Reserve #10 4. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance Reserve #10 5. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 6. Budget Amendments – Regular (Increases) 7. Approve Payroll 10/01/21 $406,171.03 8. Approve Payroll 10/15/21 $413,298.27 9. Approve Mid-Warrant – 2021 21MWOCT1 $109,950.82 10. Approve Warrant 2021 21OCT2 $1,520,753.93 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: The Next Pre-Agenda and City Council Meetings Will Be Held on Monday, 11/1/21 2. Update: Implementation of Task Force 3. Discussion: Cannabis Legislation 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Execute Visitors Center Agreement – Addendum Five 5. Announcement: Resolution in Memory of William Benton City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Approval of Resolution Recommending the Saratoga Springs School District to Rename the East Side Recreation Major Field in Honor of William J. McNeary, III 2. Discussion and Vote: Approve Resolution to Extend Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas to November 30, 2021 3. Set Public Hearing: Zoning Amendment for the Marion Avenue – Maple Dell Planned Unit Development FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Rename the Recreation Center in Honor of Former Mayor Scott Johnson – The Scott T. Johnson Recreation Center 2. Discussion: Commemorating Former Finance Commissioners Remigia Foy and Matt McCabe 3. Discussion: Common Energy Solar Sign-up Program 4. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Establish an Assignment to Fund Recommendations and Initiatives Adopted by City Council in Response to the Police Reform Task Force 5. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Establish a Non-Profit Grant Program Assignment 6. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Replenish an Assignment for Sick Leave 7. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Contingency 8. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Payroll 9. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 10. Announcement: 2022 Budget Workshop #2: Public Works, Public Safety, and the Mayor’s Departments PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Approval to Pay Invoice #529602 to Pallette Stone Corp. in the Amount of $11,776.00 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with MityLite, Inc. for the Purchase of Chiavari Chairs with Cushions PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Adopt a New Chapter 37 of the City Code 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Biometrics4All SUPERVISORS Matt Veitch 1. Saratoga County 2022 Budget Update Tara Gaston 1. COVID-19 Update 2. Saratoga County Budget 3. 2021 Election ADJOURN Page 2 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 October 19, 2021 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting 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 of Finance Maire Masterson, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Vincent DeLeonardis Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Tara Gaston, Supervisor EXCUSED: Joe O’Neill, Deputy Commissioner, DPW 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 Weibel Avenue PUD Amendment Mayor Kelly opened the public hearing at 6:22 p.m. Vince DeLeonardis, city attorney, stated this is an amendment to the existing PUD. The first amendment is to extend the expiration date and the second amendment is to add additional uses. The County and City both issued favorable advisory opinions regarding the extension of the expiration date but both had concerns regarding the addition of uses. No one spoke. Mayor Kelly concluded the public hearing at 6:23 p.m. and kept it open. Unified Development Ordinance (Final) Page 3 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 Mayor Kelly opened the public hearing at 6:23 p.m. Samantha Bosshart of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated they focused on the changes relating to the preservation of the City’s historic resources. They support the UDO as presented. (copy of letter attached). Steve Samuel of Saratoga Springs and Sustainable Saratoga stated the UDO provides regulations that are going to shape our City in the future. The final draft fails to address two areas – they would like to see several new uses removed from the greenbelt and the gateway. The second area of concern is the design standards need to be strengthened and they should be made mandatory. Jason Doty of Saratoga Springs and the Planning Board thanked the Council for all the work that went into the UDO. He looks forward to the UDO being approved. Jennifer Michele of Saratoga Springs moved here a year ago because this is a walkable City, it is one of the things that draws people here. If you want to attract more people and tourists, keep in mind what you have. John Iacopone of Saratoga Springs stated Maple Dell area still has one open item – minimum building height requirement. The GCU mandates a 24’ minimum building height, which would eliminate a building like the new Stewart’s at exit 13. This is a very nice looking building. They are not against a two-story building with the right site plan and design. Vince DeLeonardis read an e-mail into the record from Mark Torpey, chair of the Planning Board. (see attached). Mayor Kelly advised the staff is preparing the SEQRA document to bring forward in the next few weeks. Mayor Kelly concluded the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. and kept it open. Substantial Amendment to 2021 CDBG Annual Action Plan Mayor Kelly opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. Mayor Kelly advised this substantial amendment is to further the affordable housing priorities. This will allow for six units at 43 Allen Drive. No one spoke. Mayor Kelly concluded the public hearing at 6:39 p.m. and kept it open. New Chapter 37 of the City Code – Community Police Board Mayor Kelly opened the public hearing at 6:39 p.m. Commissioner Dalton advised they are looking to create a new chapter and create a community police board. Tony Izzo and Jason Golub wrote the ordinance being presented. It is a broad framework for changes to be made down the road. Paul Collins-Hackett – member of the Community Police Review Board in Albany stated they should include critics in the process. It will help them to understand there is a system of accountability in place. How they move forward is all that matters. He is willing to assist the City in developing their board. Liz Ack of Saratoga Springs expressed concern with how the members of the Community Police Board will be selected as well as the requirement of residency. (see attached e-mail) Page 4 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 Jim Montagnino of Saratoga Springs stated there are components of this ordinance that would not survive a legal challenge. The first is in paragraph 1, policy change recommendations should be made to the Commissioner of Public Safety only. In paragraph 3, need change to language so that the City Council ratifies the proposed procedures and forms. In paragraph 5, recommendations should go the commissioner only. The last thing is a severability clause should be included. Angela Kaufman of Saratoga Springs asked that authority not be given that is going to gate-keep a supremacist system in a new way with new language. There has been no accountability for the way the police have acted. We are starting with a bad baseline. Commissioner Dalton stated we can poke holes and ask questions but at some point, they have to vote on the concept that they are doing this, and then work on the details. The mayor and her department has been doing everything possible to prevent them from doing any kind of civilian oversight group. Mayor Kelly stated she begs to differ, Commissioner Dalton put out bad legislation. Sara Marlin of Saratoga Springs stated eight months were spent researching, discussing to create a 50- point plan. Why hasn’t the Council talked with anyone to get input along the way? Why not talk to all task members? You expect the community to trust your selection without community input of who might be on the board. Jerome Steele stated he has two issues with the ordinance – representation and funding. There is no clear stipulation for funding that allows an independent board to provide a proper response. Commissioner Dalton stated by codifying the ordinance it establishes funding. Holliday Hammond of Saratoga Springs stated the ordinance misses the mark. For example, the name, Community Police Board, centers police. City employees don’t feel threatened by the establishment of the Ethics Board so the police shouldn’t feel threatened by the establishment of a Civilian Review Board. Kristen Dart of Saratoga Springs stated she sat on the Task Force and took it seriously. What is before the Council has no structure or teeth. There is no clear process for how a complaint is filed. There is no timeline for investigation or how a resolution will be achieved. There should be an application process. Elz Figuereo of Saratoga Springs stated he is happy about the conversation regarding the board. This is vague and there aren’t any answers. They don’t know about training, funding, etc. He wished there was more community involvement. The chief of police should know about the board. Samira Sangare of Clifton Park stated this is not a community review board but a community police board. There will be no trust until there is justice for Darryl Mount. Vote no on the CPB and don’t rush this. Terri Diggory of Saratoga Springs stated he is not pleased with the process. They need to find an acceptable way to move forward. All they have now is the framework. Camille Daniels of Saratoga Springs stated she was the co-chair of the Task Force. Why can’t the document the Task Force created be used? It is very vague and sketchy. Commissioner Dalton stated there are a lot of details to work out as to how this would operate. If they were not going to adopt anything, it’s a waste of time. They should vote on the concept and take the time to figure out how the policy and details would work. Mayor Kelly stated this Council in principle is on board with the CRB. At this time, they need to come together as a Council and work with all the stakeholders to get this across the finish line. Commissioner Madigan advised there is an item on her agenda tonight regarding the funding for the Task Force. Page 5 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 Andrew Beagan stated he supports the implementation of review board. Years ago an officer was accused of attacking a civilian but no arrest was made of that officer for that attack. Mayor Kelly concluded the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. and kept it open. 2022 Proposed Comprehensive Budget Mayor Kelly opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Commissioner Madigan advised this is the first public hearing as required by the City Charter. No one spoke. Mayor Kelly closed the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kelly called the meeting to order at 7:32 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 7:33 p.m. Kristine Dart of Saratoga Springs stated most recently, the SSPD violated the civil rights of numerous people by refusing their entry into court. The only consequence for violating people’s civil rights was a weak apology. Do you jobs and hold the police accountable. Angela Kaufman of Saratoga Springs stated one reason to involve the community is it starts leveling the playing field. Robert Millis of Saratoga Springs stated he is interim executive director of the New York State Cannabis Network. They are based in Saratoga Springs and will be holding an annual conference here. The purpose of this group is to put together the industry players and help the governments get their piece of the tax revenue. He asked the Council not to opt out of on-site lounges or retail outlets. Tracy Krosky of Halfmoon stated this is scary for all of us who care about black and brown people in Saratoga. She thought that maybe they didn’t see the police have become a rogue terrorist organization. SSPD is making things worse and won’t protect anyone and turn on you. Elz Figuereo of Saratoga Springs stated they are holding a ‘Rock the Vote’ event. He is disappointed by a lot of things that are going on in the City and how silent the Council has been. John Iacopone of Saratoga Springs stated he is confused why a public hearing is being set for the Maple Dell/Marion Avenue zoning amendment. The neighbors don’t support the new proposal. Commissioner Franck advised the public hearing for Maple Dell/Marion Avenue zoning amendment is being set as part of the process. It is required regardless of the outcome of the vote. Page 6 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 Commissioner Dalton stated she read the advisory opinion for the Maple Dell/Marion Avenue amendment and doesn’t feel it meets the criteria. Commissioner Madigan advised Commissioner Franck is legally obligated to set a public hearing. The Council does not have to approve the proposal. Mayor Kelly closed the public comment period at 7:45 p.m. PRESENTATION SiFi Networks Broadband - Groundbreaking Commissioner Madigan introduced Bob Knight and Sean Parker from SiFi Networks. Bob Knight advised this is a $32 million dollar project installing fiber to provide the fastest speeds available. They are limited only by the electronic on either end. Permits have been submitted for phase 1 of the project, which is for the two test areas. They will make sure the materials put in the ground can handle the winter months here. The paint and flags people see at the test sites are utilities identifiers so they avoid hitting utilities when digging. They will be meeting with residents and business owners in the community to educate them. This process will create competition. Sean Parker is the vice president of government affairs. He stated their relationship with the City is critical. It will take approximately two years from start to end of this project. They will work with the City to identify the order of the areas in which they will lay the fiber. Customers will be able to start hooking up within the first three months of the start of the project. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 10/05/2021 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 10/4/2021 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 3. Approve Resolution for the Use of Insurance Reserve #10 4. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance Reserve #10 5. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 6. Budget Amendments – Regular (Increases) 7. Approve Payroll 10/01/21 $406,171.03 8. Approve Payroll 10/15/21 $413,298.27 9. Approve Mid-Warrant – 2021 21MWOCT1 $109,950.82 10. Approve Warrant 2021 21OCT2 $1,520,753.93 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Announcement: The Next Pre-Agenda and City Council Meetings Will Be Held on Monday, 11/1/21 Mayor Kelly announced that due to City Hall being closed November 2nd for Election Day, the pre-agenda and City Council meeting will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021. Update: Implementation of Task Force Page 7 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 Kim Galvin of the Task Force provided an update. She stated many items on the list require funding. They have updated every issue. Most are in progress and many are done. The immigration policy is scheduled to be updated by the end of the year. Commissioner Dalton stated there are 20 items on the spreadsheet with no updates. Kim stated it is Commissioner Dalton’s spreadsheet not hers. Commissioner Dalton stated she thought they were supposed to have estimates assigned to each task so that they could rank them. Mayor Kelly stated the estimates would have to come from the chief, as there is no way Kim would know. Commissioner Madigan advised there is $250,000 being assigned for the Police Reform Task Force. This should help this get started with what was adopted. Kim advised she voted no for a Civilian Police Board. She doesn’t know what it means for the Board to work as a liaison between the community and the Police Department. She agrees that applications should be accepted. She feels residency requirements should go from 10 years to 1 year. Will there be a disqualifier with the background checks? Discussion: Cannabis Legislation Vince DeLeonardis, city attorney, advised a decision must be made by the Council by end of year regarding if they wish to opt-out. Most of the comments received on line were in favor of keeping this in the City by a 3 – 1 margin. There is an additional 4% local tax imposed on this product of which 3% will come to the City and 1% will go to the County. If the Council is comfortable with allowing both the dispensary and the on-site consumption facilities, then they don’t need to do anything. Mayor Kelly stated she is in favor of not opting out. Vince DeLeonardis stated they addressed the location of these in the UDO. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Execute Visitors Center Agreement – Addendum Five (21-434) Mayor Kelly advised this addendum will reinstate the fourth quarter payment to the Visitor Center. Mayor Kelly moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to authorize the mayor to execute the Visitors Center agreement – addendum five. Ayes – All Announcement: Resolution in Memory of William Benton Mayor Kelly read the following resolution into the record: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS IN MEMORIAM WILLIAM E. BENTON III 1967-2021 WHEREAS, William E. Benton III, a lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs, died on October 12, 2021; and WHEREAS, Billy’s sudden passing has brought great sadness to the many Saratogians who regarded him as a friend and colleague. He was a skilled professional who was well known and respected in his business. More importantly, he was a kind and generous man who loved his family, his friends, and his community. In one of his more recent contributions to our city, he brought his talent and knowledge to City Hall when it was threatened by water damage after a lightning strike. His quick action and organization helped to prevent further damage, and he made a critical difference in the preservation of this historic building. He also provided tremendous Page 8 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 insight and information for the long-needed revision to the City’s plumbing code, and he served as a member of our Plumbing Board, an appointment he was holding at the time of his death, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, on behalf of the people of Saratoga Springs, this City Council hereby honors Billy’s life, his memory, and his service to our city, and extends sympathy to his family. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Approval of Resolution Recommending the Saratoga Springs School District to Rename the East Side Recreation Major Field in Honor of William J. McNeary, III (21-433) Commissioner Franck advised Mr. McNeary donated countless hours improving facilities and raising funds for youths to have the opportunity to participate in sports. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded for the City Council to approve the resolution, as included with the agenda, recommending the Saratoga Springs School District rename the East Side Recreation major field in honor of William J. McNeary, III. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Approve Resolution to Extend Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas to November 30, 2021 (21-435) Commissioner Franck advised due to the COVID numbers still being high, the restaurants have requested we extend temporary outdoor seating areas to November 30, 2021. Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve the resolution, as attached to the agenda, to extend temporary outdoor seating areas to November 30, 2021. Ayes - All Set Public Hearing: Zoning Amendment for the Marion Avenue – Maple Dell Planned Unit Development Commissioner Franck set a public hearing for Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 6:55 p.m. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Rename the Recreation Center in Honor of Former Mayor Scott Johnson – The Scott T. Johnson Recreation Center (21-436) Commissioner Madigan read from the minutes of the Recreation Commission, which provided accolades about Scott Johnson. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to rename the Recreation Center in honor of former Mayor Scott Johnson, the Scott T. Johnson Recreation Center. Ayes – All Commissioner Madigan read a note from Scott Johnson thanking everyone for this honor. Discussion: Commemorating Former Finance Commissioners Remigia Foy and Matt McCabe Commissioner Madigan stated Matt McCabe provide so much to this City. She would like to get something done for him by the end of this year. She suggested a bench on Broadway in front of the Collamer Building be dedicated to him. Page 9 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 Commissioner Scirocco advised he will locate a bench that can be dedicated to him. The Council just needs to advise what they would like to see on the plaque. Commissioner Madigan advised there are several charcoal and ink portraits of Remigia Foy done by Sharon Bolton. She would like to hang these in the Finance Office foyer and rename the foyer in honor of Remigia. Discussion: Common Energy Solar Sign-up Program Commissioner Madigan advised this is a solar program. This company has made a landing page for the City of Saratoga Springs. Their mission is to accelerate green, clean energy and reduce the carbon footprint by lowering emissions and enabling the public to save money. Homeowners, renters, and businesses can support clean energy and save money with their existing utility account. There is no fee to enroll, no contract and no cancellation fee. The sign-up program will be available on the City’s website. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Establish an Assignment to Fund Recommendations and Initiatives Adopted by City Council in Response to the Police Reform Task Force (21-437) Commissioner Madigan advised an assignment of cash is set aside to be expended as needed. She is recommending $250,000 for this assignment. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to approve the resolution to establish an assignment to fund recommendations and initiatives adopted by City Council in response to the Police Reform Task Force as included with the agenda. Ayes – All The resolution is as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY TO ESTABLISH AN ASSIGNMENT TO FUND RECOMMENDATIONS AND INITIATIVES ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL IN RESPONSE TO THE POLICE REFORM TASK FORCE Be it resolved, by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs NY, as follows: WHEREAS, on June 12, 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, issued Executive Order No. 203 requiring local governments, including the City of Saratoga Springs, to perform a comprehensive review of existing police force deployments, strategies, policies, procedures and practices and, with input from community members and stakeholders, to develop a plan to improve such deployments, strategies, policies, procedures and practices; and WHEREAS, on August 4, 2020, the Mayor, in consultation with the City Council, established the Saratoga Springs Police Reform Task Force and appointed eleven (11) members of the community, together with the Police Chief and the City Attorney, to serve on the Task Force and develop recommendations for the City Council to improve police force deployments, strategies, policies, procedures and practices in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order; and WHEREAS, on March 31, 2021 the City Council unanimously passed a resolution (attached hereto as “Exhibit A”) stating that “the City Council, in accordance with the Saratoga Springs City Charter and Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order No. 203, accepts the identified Task Force recommendations as contained in certain enumerated sections of the “Reinvention Plan: Toward a Community Centered Justice Initiative” (Attached here to as (Exhibit B”), and WHEREAS, The City’s Public Safety Department has continued to review, discuss and consider implementation of the Reinvention Plan. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, 1. The City Council establishes an Assignment to Fund Recommendations and Initiatives Adopted By City Council in Response to the Police Reform Task Force; and 2. The Assignment will be funded using unassigned fund balance in the amount of two-hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Establish a Non-Profit Grant Program Assignment (21-438) Commissioner Madigan advised this sets aside cash for a grant program for organizations that provide benefits to the City. This program is modeled after the CDBG process. She recommended funding this in the amount of $200,000. Page 10 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the resolution to establish a non-profit grant program assignment as included with the agenda. Ayes – All The resolution is as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY TO ESTABLISH A NON-PROFIT GRANT PROGRAM ASSIGNMENT Be it resolved, by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs NY, as follows: WHEREAS, in an effort to address growing community needs, as well as provide equitable access to City financial support for our local non-profit organizations, the City Community Development sub-department, in coordination with the Mayor and Commissioner of Finance, propose the creation of a City-funded Community Development Non-Profit Grant Program; and WHEREAS, currently, the only consistent resource for supporting identified priority needs is the annual Community Development Block Grant Entitlement (CDBG) Funds. While this funding stream has supported hundreds of projects and programs at the benefit of Saratoga Springs’ low-moderate income community, its rigid federal restrictions often render the most needed initiatives ineligible for CDBG support; and WHEREAS, historically, the City has provided allocations to a few select non-profit organizations on an annual basis through the Mayor’s budget. (It is the case that these have been deemed vital to critical public services, and will continue to be funded via the annual budget until the City determines otherwise); and WHEREAS, the City Community Development sub-department has created a funding program modeled after the time-tested Community Development Block Grant program for processing the aforementioned non-profit grant requests. A draft of the Proposal Funding Summary is marked “Exhibit A” and attached hereto; it will be refined and presented to Council for discussion and approval prior to the effectuation of funding; and WHEREAS, the goal of this resolution is to establish a funding mechanism for the program that is adopted by Council. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, 1. The City council establishes a Non-Profit Grant Program Assignment to fund a City grant program for nonprofits as adopted by City Council. All grants under this program shall require a finding by the Council that the amount of the individual grant provides a public benefit equal to or greater than the amount of the grant; and 2. The Assignment will be funded using unassigned fund balance in amounts as follows: a. Initial funding for the Non-Profit Grant Program Assignment will be provided by adding two-hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) from the general fund unassigned fund balance to the Assignment. b. The Non-Profit Grant Program Assignment will be replenished each year if/when the City’s audited financial statements, indicate that the City has an unassigned fund balance of not less than 10.00% of the total adopted budget expenditures of the General Fund as determined via section E(2)b of the City’s Fund Balance Policy. c. Upon meeting the requirements of 1(b) above, funding may total zero-three hundred thousand dollars ($0 - $300,000) annually, with the final amount to be approved by Council. d. The funding of this program shall not cause the City’s general fund unassigned fund balance to be in a deficit, as defined by the fund balance policy. e. At no time shall the total amount in this Non-Profit Grant Program Assignment exceed five-hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). f. Subject to the items b-d above, other funding resources may be used as the Council deems appropriate. Discussion and Vote: Resolution to Replenish an Assignment for Sick Leave (21-445) Commissioner Madigan advised this was depleted in 2020 due to the cash flow with COVID. She is looking to replenish this with a modest amount. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the resolution to replenish an assignment for sick leave as included with the agenda. Ayes – All The resolution is as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY TO ESTABLISH AN ASSIGNMENT FOR SICK LEAVE Be it resolved, by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs NY, as follows: On 09/17/18 the City Council adopted a resolution creating an Assignment for Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sick Leave, singling out DPS because Police and Fire collective bargaining agreements don’t include language that incentivizes employees to alert the City when they are going to retire, which is used as a planning tool for the City budget and to avoid estimating uncertain retirement expenses and taxing property owners on the same. On 05/19/20 this assignment was released to cover budget and cash flow implications in response to the economic downturn of the 2020-2021 pandemic. Page 11 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 An Assignment to cover sick leave expenses is valuable to all departments for budget and cash flow planning. Now therefore be it resolved that $125,000.00 from the general fund unassigned fund balance be added to an Assignment for Sick Leave to cover the above described costs. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Contingency (21-439) Commissioner Madigan advised the current balance in contingency is $167,651.70 and $130,351.70 will remain after this transfer. There is $20,000 being transferred for the fourth quarter payment to the Visitor Center and $17,300 being transferred for the City website update. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to approve the budget transfers – contingency as included with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendments – Payroll (21-440) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the budget amendments – payroll as included with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (21-441) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to approve the budget transfers – payroll as included with the agenda. Ayes – All Announcement: 2022 Budget Workshop #2: Public Works, Public Safety, and the Mayor’s Departments Commissioner Madigan announced the second 2022 budget workshop is scheduled for tomorrow, October 20, 2021 at 1 p.m. This workshop will cover DPW, DPS, and the Mayor’s departments. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Approval to Pay Invoice #529602 to Pallette Stone Corp. in the Amount of $11,776.00 (21-442) Commissioner Scirocco advised Pallette Stone was not willing to extend the price per contract. The order was placed prior to knowing this. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve payment of invoice #529602 to Pallette Stone Corp. in the amount of $11,776. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with MityLite, Inc. for the Purchase of Chiavari Chairs with Cushions (21-443) Commissioner Scirocco advised they purchased 350 chairs and cushions to replace the Music Hall chairs damaged in the fire. Page 12 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Dalton seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with MityLites, Inc. for the purchase of chiavari chairs with cushions in the amount of $27,023.50. Ayes - All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Adopt a New Chapter 37 of the City Code Commissioner Dalton pulled this item from her agenda. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Biometrics4All (21-444) Commissioner Dalton advised this is for the digital fingerprinting in the Police Department. Commissioner Dalton moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Biometrics4All. Ayes - All SUPERVISORS Matt Veitch Saratoga County 2022 Budget Update Supervisor Veitch reported the total 2022 County budget, which was released last week, is $381 million for all funds. They increased the amount of funding for open space and trails. The budget workshop is scheduled for November 10, 2021. Overall, there is a slight tax decrease. Tara Gaston COVID-19 Update Supervisor Gaston reported there is a slight tic upward in numbers. They will be holding clinics around the county for vaccines. They are finding individuals are no cooperating with tracing. Saratoga County Budget Supervisor Gaston reported she has a few concerns with the proposed budget. This budget allocates $4 million dollars to the Sheriff’s Department but only allocates $3 million dollars to expansion of the public health services. 2021 Election Supervisor Gaston reminded everyone Election Day is November 2nd. Early voting starts this Saturday and goes through Halloween. Page 13 of 14 City Council Meeting 10/19/2021 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Kelly adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 11/01/2021 Vote: 4 - 0 Page 14 of 14