Village Board Minutes

December 5, 2012 (34)

A special joint meeting of the Town and Village Boards was held December 5, 2012 at 5:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Mayor Morreale called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Trustee Denno, Trustee Halliday and Trustee Saunders were present.  Trustee Enekes was delayed.
Also present: Atty Buettner, Clerk/Treas Colson, Supervisor Lucia, Councilman Brown, Councilman Byrnes, Councilman Halliday, Town Atty Mike Hill, Town Assessor Mary Ellen Pierce and Town Clerk Rose Farr.

Lisa Caseman of Conifer Realty appeared before the Boards to discuss Conifer’s plans to remode the Adam Lawrence apartments.  Ms. Caseman outlined the structure of Conifer’s ownership of the complex under USDA funding and asked that both Boards consider terminating the current PILOT in place for the facility and enter into a new PILOT with Conifer Realty.  The new PILOT agreement would contain approximately the same monetary terms with payment being made to the Town and divided amongst the Town, Village, School and County.  The Boards expressed their willingness to consider a new agreement.  Ms. Caseman will confer with the Town and Village attorneys to draft an agreement.

There was no service to mark the anniversary of September 11 this year, John Clinch had previously organized a service, he moved away this year.  Mayor Morreale stated the Fire Department is interested in organizing a solemn service for next year.  Trustee Denno will work with the Fire Department and a Town Councilman to plan an appropriate service for 2013.

Mayor Morreale informed the Boards that the rehabilitation project at the reservoir property was progressing well.  The Boards discussed the need to preserve the natural beauty of the property and use it as a community property without incurring additional costs.  Mayor Morreale expressed his desire to have the property become financially neutral and remain open to the public for recreational use.  Assessor Mary Ellen Pierce suggested the Village explore the forest tax exemption to help reduce costs.

At 5:50 PM Trustee Enekes arrived.

The Senior Housing Committee, represented by Councilman Byrnes and Trustee Denno, introduced Gary Olsen, developer, to discuss low-income senior housing.  Mr. Olsen discussed the potential development of a low-income senior housing facility in the Village.  Mr. Olsen’s company built the Westview Senior Apartments in Saratoga Springs.  Mr. Olsen stated a potential Corinth site for apartments would be the Jessup’s Landing Park location; it is close to downtown shopping and medical offices as well as having a river view.  There is a potential for a 40-unit facility at the park location.  Both Boards acknowledged the need for affordable senior housing and expressed interest in hearing a more detailed proposal.

Supervisor Lucia expressed interest in conducting a joint meeting with the School Board in the first part of 2013.

Motion by Trustee Halliday, seconded by Trustee Denno, that the Board adjourn, 6:20 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held December 5, 2012 at 6:30 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Roll Call:  Trustee Denno, Trustee Enekes, Trustee Halliday and Trustee Saunders were present.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Saunders, approved minutes of special meeting November 5, 2012 and public hearing & regular meeting November 7, 2012 as typed.
Carried – 4 – 0

SPECIFIC REQUESTS

Jason Denno of the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and Chad Kortz of CT Male appeared before the Board to discuss the water filtration project.  The Department of Health has approved the revised engineering report for the cartridge filtration plant, replacement of distribution lines and water meters.  The pilot study to determine cartridge life is set to move forward and should be completed in four weeks.  The next step in the process is to file the full financing application with the EFC to allow closing on short-term financing in May or June.  Full EFC application must be submitted by February 1^st.  The Board discussed in detail the aspects of the proposed project and the particulars of the funding package.  Clerk-Treas Colson stated the projected yearly debt payment on the full $7.5 million would be $375,100 per year for twenty years.  The final funding package would be determined by the EFC finance committee and could possibly include a grant portion or extension of repayment terms up to 30 years.  The Board discussed financing and other details of the project in detail, including the possibility of hiring an independent construction manager to oversee the construction of each individual project as it is performed.

Resolution #33 approved, authorizing the Clerk/Treasurer to submit a full funding application to the EFC for up to $7.5 million for the water filtration plant, distribution line improvements and installation of water meters.

Resolution #34 approved, authorizing the issuance of up to $7,500,000 serial bonds for the construction of a water filtration treatment system, including installation of water distribution mains, water connections, water meters and all necessary infrastructure; subject to permissive referendum pursuant to Section 36 of the Local Finance Law.

CORRESPONDENCE – none.

PUBLIC COMMENT, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS (AGENDA ITEMS)

Jim Murray, Center Street, requested the Board rescind the bond resolution due to uncertainties with the project and the economy.

Jim Hopkins, Hamilton Ave, and Brad Winslow, Main Street, asked questions relating to reimbursement and lending terms.  Mr. Hopkins also asked if the Board had considered completing part of the project instead of the complete project.  Mayor Morreale explained the potential savings involved with financing the entire project at the zero percent interest rate instead of waiting to finance parts of the project later.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK/TREASURER – Clerk/Treas Colson was present, report for 12/5/12 read & filed.

Resolution #35 approved, adjustments to water/sewer roll.

Motion by Trustee Denno, seconded by Trustee Enekes, approved payments of abstract #11: Payroll $25,301.82; General $41,915.92; Water $3,935.70; Sewer $9,174.00; and Capital Reserve $130,756.28; and payment of abstract #12: Payroll $25,900.74; General $162,670.42; Water $3,826.43; Sewer $8,213.66; and Community Development $1,100.00.
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #36 approved, budget transfer.

Clerk/Treas Colson informed the Board that the renewal paperwork for the Village’s Certificate of Need for the Jessup’s Landing Ambulance Service had been completed by Rich Reuther, signed by Mayor Morreale, and submitted by Mr. Reuther.

FIRE DEPARTMENT - Chief Kelley was present, report for November 2012 read & filed.

Chief Kelley stated the baffles in the tank on truck ETA 211 were damaged and the support bracing for the tank is rotted.  In its current condition the truck does not meet State safety standards, he is gathering quotes for repair work.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was present, report for November 2012 read & filed.

The River Street pump station is currently operating on the bypass pump; both main pumps are currently out of order.

Motion by Trustee Saunders, seconded by Trustee Halliday, approved publication in the Pennysaver of dates of Christmas tree removal December 31, 2012 – January 14, 2013.
Carried – 4 – 0

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Jacon was excused, report for December 5, 2012 read & filed.

OLD BUSINESS

Motion by Trustee Saunders, seconded by Trustee Halliday, approved publication in the Post Star of notice of public hearing re: proposed local law 4 of 2012 establishing a three-way stop intersection on White Street, to be held December 19, 2012 at 6:00 PM in the firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.
Carried – 4 – 0

NEW BUSINESS

Bids were opened on November 26, 2012 for the River Street pump station repairs:
Troy Belting & Supply              $43,600; up to $3,500 each for pump and motor inspection
Rohmer Associates                    $16,850; $8,500 total pump and motor rebid
Koester Associates                    $56,718; includes cost of new pumps
Supt Lozier discussed vetting the bids; Troy Belting is the only vendor that met the specifications.  Rohmer Associates do not have the proper confined space training and certification to do the job.  Supt Lozier recommended awarding the bid to Troy Belting.

Motion by Trustee Saunders, seconded by Trustee Denno, approved bid award to Troy Belting & Supply to repair River St pump station at the cost of $43,600 plus up to $3,500 for each pump and motor.
Carried – 4 – 0

Motion by Trustee Enekes, seconded by Trustee Denno, authorized mayoral signature on a contract with Troy Belting for River St pump station repairs costing $43,600 plus up to $7,000 for pump inspection.
Carried – 4 – 0

The board discussed proposals by LA Group to update the Comprehensive Master Plan completed 10 years ago, and to develop a Planned Use District (PUD) for the IP site.  The Board decided to table the possible development of a PUD at this time and concentrate on evaluating the Comprehensive Master Plan.  Jim Martin of the LA Group will attend the Dec 19 meeting to discuss his proposal.

The Board is reviewing a proposal from Siemen’s regarding an energy and infrastructure review and upgrade.

Motion by Trustee Enekes, seconded by Trustee Saunders, approved mayoral signature on a water easement with Hudson River Credit Union.
Carried – 4 – 0

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Ray Bush requested the Board publish the all night parking ban notice.

Motion by Trustee Halliday, seconded by Trustee Denno, approved publication in the Pennysaver of overnight parking ban in effect 11/1 – 4/1.
Carried – 4 – 0

Edd Vonseggern requested more effort be made to encourage people to update their phone numbers and cell phone numbers with the emergency alert system.  Trustee Denno suggested the Village send out requests in the water/sewer bills in March.

Jim Hopkins asked how much impact a senior housing project would have on the waste water system.  Supt Lozier stated it would need to be determined when a proposed plan was received.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Trustee Enekes thanked all involved in the Hometown Christmas celebration and stated our thoughts and prayers are with Betty Bovee who has taken ill.  Mayor Morreale informed the Board that the Saratoga North Creek Railroad company has donated their share of the profits from the holiday train ride back to the Image Committee.

Trustee Denno thanked the new Board members for their consideration of the water filtration project and ultimate approval.  Trustee Denno also asked the Board members to read the Town of Wilton noise ordinance on their website for ideas on enhancing the Village’s ordinance.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Morreale requested an executive session to discuss CSEA negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement.

Trustee Denno was excused, 8:10 PM.

Motion by Trustee Halliday, seconded by Trustee Enekes, that Board adjourn to executive session as requested by Mayor Morreale above, 8:10 PM.
Carried – 3 – 0

At 8:30 PM, the Board reconvened with no action taken in executive session.

Resolution #37 approved, ratification of terms of the memorandum of agreement dated 11/9/12 and authorization for the mayor to enter into collective bargaining agreement with CSEA.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Saunders, seconded by Trustee Halliday, that Board adjourn, 8:32 PM.
Carried – 3 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer