The regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ballston was held Tuesday evening, February 6, 2007. Members present were Supervisor Raymond Callanan, Councilmen James Briaddy, Harold Townley, Robert Boice and Councilwoman Mary Beth Hynes. Also present were Town Attorney Carlton Pott and Town Clerk Muriel Swatling.
Supervisor Callanan called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by Robert Boice that the minutes of the December special meeting, the Board of Health meeting, and the January regular meeting be approved. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
The Town Clerk read a letter from Robert E. Pustolka, Sr. asking for a street light at the intersection of NY State Rt. 67 and Mann Road.
Library Trustee Larry Rogers reported that the circulation for 2006 was flat. The air quality problem at the Library seems to be OK at this point. A $2,000.00 donation from the Baum family is being used for extra programming.
Building Inspector Thomas Johnson, Highway/Water Superintendent Joseph Whalen, Dog Control Office John Christopher, Deputy Dog Control Office Thomas Shambo, Historian Richard Reynolds, Supervisor Raymond Callanan and Town Clerk Muriel Swatling submitted reports, and they are on file in the Town Clerk’s office.
Councilman James Briaddy reported that the Town has an estimate to remove the house on Round Lake Road that is collapsing. There are asbestos shingles on the outside of the house, and they have to be taken to a special landfill. The cost to remove this dangerous building is $30,500.00.
Supervisor Callanan reported that the week of May 14th will be the Spring clean up week. County Waste will again be picking up bulk metal and other large trash items. On August 11th, the Town of Ballston in conjunction with the Towns of Charlton, Greenfield, and Milton will have a hazardous waste day. More information on this will follow at a later date.
Polly Windels asked if this would include electronics waste such as computers and old televisions. If not, has the Town looked into an electronics waste collection.
Supervisor Callanan presented his financial report to the Town Board.
A motion was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Mary Beth Hynes to approve the Supervisor’s report for January. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
Edward Guider stated that the Court Security issue was brought up by Ballston Men Against Violence. He is very gratified that the Town is looking to put security in the Courtroom.
Mr. Guider presented some suggestions.
There is an information rack in the Courtroom with information regarding domestic violence. He suggested that it be distributed throughout the building so someone that might be intimidated by taking information in front of others in the Court, could take the information without being intimidated.
Mr. Guider asked that information regarding Domestic Violence be displayed on the website.
Establish a policy for workers in the workplace regarding domestic violence.
Form a subcommittee to look at this issue.
David Stern informed the Board that he knows of places that will accept used electronics, and he will be glad to provide additional information.
Patti Southworth asked the price of the Bettys Tavern property located on Route 50. She also asked the cost to rehabilitate the property. What will the building and property be used for?
Mrs. Southworth also asked questions regarding the proposed Saratoga County Water System. How do we pay for it. Do we pay for the amount of water used; is there a minimum amount we have to pay for? What is the time frame? Has the Town looked at alternatives?
Supervisor Callanan replied that this is a business deal, and it is intended to save money. It is estimated that over the next ten (10) years, the Town would save approximately one and one half million dollars. Since the Town’s system is fairly old, this money could be used to make repairs without charging the people in the water district.
Merrill McColl stated that since the Bettys Tavern property is two hundred fifty (250) years old, it could cost a lot to bring it up to Code. Supervisor Callanan replied that if the Town declared the site a Historic Site, some areas of the Code do not have to be met.
Lewis Hill asked about the enforcement of the NYS Building Code. He said there are some new items that have not been dealt with in the past. Supervisor Callanan informed Mr. Hill that the Code has been in effect and enforced for the last ten (10) years.
The following items were presented for discussion and action.
Highway Superintendent Joseph Whalen presented the Agreement to Spend Highway Funds for 2007. The total for General Repairs is $151,800; Permanent Improvements – Highways (paving) - $306,774 and Equipment Purchases - $160,000.
07-14: A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by James Briaddy to approve the Agreement to Spend Highway Funds for 2007. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
The Town Board discussed the Bettys property located on Route 50. They are trying to reach a decision as to whether to pursue the purchase of this property. C. T. Male did a structural inspection and provided a report with problems they found. There was no dollar amount shown as to the cost of bringing the building up to code. It was said that if the property were designated an historical site, the Town could apply for grant money. Polly Windels stated that many small museums have trouble keeping their heads above water. There are on going expenses such as heat, insurance, etc. As an overall thought, how much is it going to cost to bring the building up to code and pay for the overall operating expenses. At this time, the Board is going to gather additional information so a decision can be made.
07-15: Discussion was held on the Bettys property; no action was taken.
T-Mobile has presented a proposal to the Town to locate equipment on the northern water tower. The Town Board feels they should meet to negotiate the cost of the monthly lease. Water Superintendent Joseph Whalen said he would like to sit in on these negotiations.
07-16: Discussion was held on the T-Mobile proposal; no action was taken.
Due to changing times, the Town Board feels there should be a security person hired to be in the Courtroom when Court is in session.
07-17: A motion was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Robert Boice to approve the hiring of part-time security to be present in the Courtroom when Court is in session. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
H. R. Schultz has requested an amendment to his Planned Unit Development to include a Mixed Use designation.
07-18: A motion was made by Mary Beth Hynes and seconded by Harold Townley to set a public hearing for February 27, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. on proposed Local Law No. 3 of the year 2007 to amend H. R. Schultz’s Planned Unit Development to include Mixed Use designation. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
07-19: A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by James Briaddy to approve the following resolution petitioning New York State to work for property tax reform. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
WHEREAS, in New York State, municipal revenues which support local spending for schools, public safety, and other public services are raised through the property tax levy, state aid, and other sources; and
WHEREAS, despite the increase of over 70% in New York State aid to school districts in the past 10 years, most New York State school district budgets have continued to skyrocket out of control causing local school tax levy increases of between 5% and 15% annually; and
WHEREAS, many residents of the Town of Ballston located in Saratoga County and other municipalities across New York State are unable to pay these excessive school tax rates which are forcing many families into debt and causing some to sell their property and relocate their families outside of their communities and, in some instances, outside the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, over half of all states throughout the United States have passed some form of property tax limitation statute which attempts to reasonably manage excessive property taxation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Ballston requests its New York State Legislators to review and conduct a comprehensive study and evaluation of all existing state property tax limitations statutes in effect; and be it further
RESOLVED, that New York State Legislators and the New York State Governor, based upon the above study and evaluation, enact appropriate legislation which will provide necessary property tax reform for the benefit and relief of all New York State residents; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Honorable Eliot Spitzer, Governor of New York State, all New York State Legislators representing the County of Saratoga, the Chair of the New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee, the Chair of the New York State Finance Committee, the Chairs of the Assembly and Senate Education Committees, all municipalities within the County of Saratoga, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, the New York State Association of Towns, the New York State Association of Counties, and the Office of Real Property Services.
New York Development Group has presented a Traditional Neighborhood Design Planned Unit Development Application. Councilwoman Hynes feels it should be forwarded to the Planning Board because it meets with the criteria set forth in the Comprehensive Plan. This designated area provides for more density along with sidewalks, lighting, and parkland. Councilman Briaddy stated it fits with what the Town drew up.
07-20: A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by Robert Boice to accept New York Development’s Traditional Neighborhood Design Planned Unit Development Application and forward it to the Planning Board. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
Revisions regarding enforcement and administration of the New York State Building Code have been presented.
07-21: A motion was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Harold Townley to set a public hearing for February 27, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. on proposed Local Law No. 5 of the year 2007 regarding the proposed revisions regarding enforcement and administration of the New York State Building Code 19NYCRR Part 1203. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
Corporate Technology Park has requested an amendment to their Planned Unit Development to add Public Assembly/Retail to the Uses Allowed.
07-22: A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by Mary Beth Hynes to set a public hearing for February 27, 2007 at 7:05 p.m. on proposed Local Law No. 4 of the year 2007 to amend the Planned Unit Development Application of Corporate Technology Park to add Public Assembly/Retail to the Uses Allowed. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
There are some dangerous properties in the Town that need to be brought to the owner(s) attention.
07-23: A motion was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Mary Beth Hynes to authorize the Town Attorney to notify the property owners in cases of dangerous properties. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District has requested permission to use three (3) voting machines and the services of Voting Machine Custodian, Charles Hildreth, for their construction referendum vote on March 1, 2007.
07-24: A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by Robert Boice to authorize the use of three (3) voting machines and the services of Voting Machine Custodian, Charles Hildreth, for the School’s construction referendum vote on March 1, 2007. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
State Funds in the amount of $798,000 have been allotted for a turning lane at the intersection of Route 50 and McCrea Hill Road. The Town will administer the funds but will not be liable for any cost. If the project should cost more than the money allotted, Specialty Silicone Products will be responsible for the additional cost.
07-25: A motion was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Mary Beth Hynes to approve the Town of Ballston accepting State Funds (Multi-Model) in the amount of $798,000 for a turning lane at the intersection of Route 50 and McCrea Hill Road. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
The Town Board has received an estimate from Jackson Demolition to remove the house on Round Lake Road for a cost of $30,500.
07-26: A motion was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Harold Townley to condemn the property located at 189-190 Round Lake Road as a hazard to public health. The Town Board has not been successful in dealing with the owners; therefore, the Town Board also approves the contract with Jackson Demolition to remove the house at a cost of $30,500.00 with that cost being assessed on the owner(s) property tax bill. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
Motion to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Muriel K. Swatling
Town Clerk