Village Board Minutes

March 5, 2008 (65)

A public hearing of the Village Board was held March 5, 2008 at 6:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Mayor Winslow called the meeting to order and Chief Kelley led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:  Trustees Denno, Densmore, Enekes & Lescault were present.

Mayor Winslow opened the public hearing and read the legal notice as published in the Post Star on February 28, 2008 re: proposed application for Community Development Block Grant.

Michael N’dolo from Camoin Associates explained that the Village planned to apply for a $650,000 comprehensive grant for housing and commercial development in a target area.  This grant would be used to prioritize the redevelopment of the downtown area destroyed by the February 11 fire.  Up to $25,000 would be available per income eligible residential property owner and $25,000 per commercial unit providing jobs to low or moderate income individuals.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS – none.

With no comments or questions from the public, Mayor Winslow closed the public hearing at 6:12 PM.

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held March 5, 2008 at 6:12 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Mayor Winslow noted that the Village was being encouraged by the DHCR to submit an application for the Main Street Grant; the Village will need to find an applicant on its behalf.

Resolution #89 approved authorizing mayoral signature on application documents for $650,000 Small Cities grant.

Resolution #90 approved authorizing submission of a Main Street Downtown Revitalization grant application.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Densmore, approved minutes of regular meeting Feb 27, 2008 as typed.
Carried – 4 – 0

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Kelley was present, report for February 2008 read & filed.

A breakfast will be held at the firehouse Sunday, March 8, 2008 from 8:00 – 11:00 AM.

At 6:15 PM, Chief Kelley was excused.

SPECIFIC REQUESTS

Dave Woodcock of the American Legion appeared before the Board and commended the fire department on behalf of the American Legion for their efforts in fighting the downtown fire of February 11.  Mr. Woodcock also invited the Board to participate in the Memorial Day Parade on Friday, May 30, 2008; line-up is at 5:30 on Fifth Street and ends at the firehouse.  The rain date is May 31.  The Board will request additional Sheriff Dept presence for the parade.

Wayne Clarmont, Harlan McGee, presented plans for the Jessup’s Landing Park pavilion.  The first phase of construction would include a pavilion 90 feet long and 24 feet wide containing restrooms, storage area, and kitchen with two serving windows.  There are plans for a six-foot wide walkway connecting the existing parking lot to the pavilion area for increased access.  Dennis Morreale asked if this is entirely paid by grants.  $75,000 from Small Cities grant and $50,000 from the LWRP grant will be used, in-kind services from the DPW will be utilized, and fundraising by the Parks Committee will provide additional cash.  The project will be put out to bid for completion.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

ATTORNEY – Atty Auffredou was present, report for 3/5/08 read & filed.

Atty Auffredou introduced John Wright, an associate with his firm attending the meeting.

The Board discussed the issue of fencing the properties damaged by the downtown fire.  The consensus of the Board was that the Board would follow up on today’s stake holders meeting with the owners of the properties and recommend what type of fencing should be put in place to protect the property  and allow them to cooperate amongst themselves to secure the location.

At 6:40 PM Atty Auffredou was excused; Atty Wright remained.

CLERK – Clerk Colson was present, report for 3/5/08 read & filed.

Clerk Colson has received a letter of intent to apply for a liquor license from Bench Warmers restaurant, 429 Palmer Avenue.

TREASURER – Treas Fuller, report for 3/5/08 read & filed.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Densmore approved payment of abstract #20: Payroll $33,167.72; General $45,083.87; Water $3,496.16; Sewer $6,408.44; Community Development $30,227.08.
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #91 approved budget transfers.

A budget workshop meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2008 in the firehouse at 6:00 PM.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present, report for February 2008 read & filed.

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Denno approved attendance by Mike Stanton and Supt Lozier at the Adirondacks Water Conference in Saratoga Springs on March 27, 2008 at the cost of $62.00.
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #92 approved hiring Jon Mann Jr. as part-time laborer for the DPW at $9.50 per hour effective immediately.

Supt Lozier will set up a meeting with Mayor Winslow, Trustee Densmore and Dan Bolduc to discuss a sequestering agent for the water system.

Supt Lozier is in class Tuesdays and Thursday nights through May for Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator training at ACC.  Foreman Walsh will be available for emergencies at those times.

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Jacon was present, report for 2/28/08 – 3/5/08 read & filed.

Insp Jacon recommended the Board explore adding a permit & fee to the Village Code regarding demolition permits.  Board agreed to ask Atty Auffredou address the issue.

OLD BUSINESS

Proposed Loitering Law was tabled.

No further update on GWUDI determination or the West Mtn Reservoir Project. WWTP effluent disinfection awaiting DEC approval.

Trustee Denno and Trustee Enekes will be meeting with Mr. Rogers as a ZBA candidate.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution #93 approved authorizing mayoral signature on agreement with Camoin to apply for GOSC grant at a $12,000 flat fee and Main St grant at $3,500 plus hourly administration costs.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Dennis Morreale thanked the DPW for their timely response to removing snow banks at the Mechanic St/Center St intersection.  Mr. Morreale also discussed the new assessments issued by the Town and asked if the Village Board can address the fact that assessments and projected taxes have both increased.  Mayor Winslow stated that individual property owners can make appointments with the assessor to grieve their assessments.  Mayor Winslow also stated he hoped to meet with Treas Fuller, Trustee Densmore, Supv Lucia and the assessor to gain clarification on the new assessments.

Michael N’dolo stated the DHCR has offered the services of an architect free of charge to review the Village’s design guidelines and give suggestions on codifying them.  The Board accepted the offer.  Mayor Winslow stated Bret Basinger of Saratoga Associates has also offered to help review the design guidelines.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS – none.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Lescault, seconded by Trustee Enekes that Board adjourn, 7:07 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk