The regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ballston was held Tuesday evening, July 3, 2007 at the Town Hall on Charlton Road. 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, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A motion was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Mary Beth Hynes that the minutes of the May special meeting, public hearings, and June regular meeting be approved. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
Building Inspector Thomas Johnson, Highway/Water Superintendent Joseph Whalen, Dog Control Officer John Christopher, Supervisor Raymond Callanan, and Town Clerk Muriel Swatling submitted reports for the month of June, and they are on file in the Town Clerk’s office.
Library Trustee Kelly Stewart reported that the Library now has downloadable books. Also, nine computer workshops will be offered this summer. The Children’s Reading Program for the summer has 65 programs scheduled.
Councilman James Briaddy reported that the generator in the Town Hall is now up and running, and if the Town Hall should have a power failure, we will be able to continue to function.
Scott Miller read a letter from three members of the Land Conservation Committee. Mr. Miller listed what they considered several minor proposals which the Town has enacted and then continued to state what areas and plans the Land Conservation Committee had recommended to protect the rural character of the Town of Ballston that the Town Council did not enact. The following members of the Land Conservation Committee: Bob Cawley, Robin Larkin, and Scott Miller, felt they could not continue to serve on this committee, so therefore, tendered their resignations.
Supervisor Callanan reported that a meeting was held with the residents of Scotch Bush Road between Jenkins Road and Evergreen Court regarding extending water to that section of Scotch Bush Road. The residents attending were receptive to that proposal. At the present time, numbers are being compiled to pass on to those residents.
Supervisor Callanan presented his financial report for the month of June.
A motion was made by Robert Boice and seconded by Harold Townley that the Supervisor’s Report for the month of June be approved. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – None. Carried.
Richard Kinney wanted to show his appreciation for the members who served on the Land Conservation Committee and worked very hard to consider the open space preservation for the Town.
The following items were presented for discussion and action.
The Town has been looking to extend the bike path from Outlet Road to Brookline Road, an additional mile and one-half. National Grid has changed their policy so there is a possibility that the bike path can be extended. The Town has received a proposal from C. T. Male Associates to prepare plans to extend the trail system to be located within the existing National Grid Right-of-Way in conformance with National Grids Recreational Trail Policy.
Councilwoman Hynes stated she feels this is a very positive step; this bike path is one of the most used recreational facilities located in the Town. Councilman Briaddy replied that this has been a long time coming.
07-82: A motion was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Harold Townley to approve an agreement with C. T. Male for a project plan and services to proceed with the application to National Grid for extension of the Town Bike Path. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
The Town’s insurance comes due for renewal in July. The following quotes were received:
Selective Ins. Co. - $63,390.65; Philadelphia Ins. Co. - $70,794.00; Ace Insurance Co. - $71,756.00; and AIG - $72,331.00. The expiring premium from Selective was $65,390.65. The current quote shows a decrease.
07-83: A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by Robert Boice to approve the renewal of the annual liability/casualty insurance with Selective Insurance Group for a premium of $63,390.65 with the policy in effect through July of 2008. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
Matthew Keenan is building a residence located at 135 Eastline Road in the town of Ballston. The Clifton Park Water Authority has granted access to the public water supply to the property of Mr. Keenan. Mr. Keenan has requested permission from the Town of Ballston to access the water from Clifton Park Water Authority. There will be no cost to the Town of Ballston.
07-84: A motion was made by Robert Boice and seconded by James Briaddy to approve the request of Matthew Keenan of 135 Eastline Road to access the Clifton Park Water Authority to service one residence at no cost to the Town of Ballston. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
07-85: A motion was made by Mary Beth Hynes and seconded by James Briaddy to authorize the establishment of a dedicated checking account for the construction of the Corporate Technology Park Route 50 Turn Lane. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
The Town has received notice that one of its Court decisions is being appealed.
07-86: A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by Mary Beth Hynes to authorize the retention of Attorney Thomas Peterson to act on behalf of the Town of Ballston for the appeal of a Court decision. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
The Town has an opening for an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The name of Ellen Brown has been proposed to fill that vacancy.
07-87: A motion was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Robert Boice to appoint Ellen Brown of Westside Drive, Ballston Lake as an alternate member to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
The Town of Ballston Justice Court is requesting approval to apply for grant funding not to exceed $30,000 from the State of New York Justice Court Assistance Program which would enable the Town Court to purchase computer, office and security equipment.
07-88: A motion was made by Mary Beth Hynes and seconded by Harold Townley to authorize a grant application not to exceed $30,000 for the Town of Ballston Justice Court for computer, office and security equipment. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
Proposed changes to the Subdivision Regulations with reference to street, surface and sidewalk design have been presented to the Town Board. In order to make these changes, a public hearing must be held.
07-89: A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by Robert Boice to set a public hearing on the proposed changes to the Subdivision Regulations with reference to street, surface, and sidewalk design for July 31, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
07-90: A motion was made by Harold Townley and seconded by Robert Boice to approve the following resolution in support of Assembly Bill 8775, New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act. Roll Call: Ayes – all; Noes – none. Carried.
WHEREAS, the tremendously high property tax burden on New York families and businesses is the number one issue facing our community today, and the sheer cost of living in New York has forced many residents and businesses to leave, thus slowing the economic engine of the state; and
WHEREAS, young people are finding it difficult to purchase homes, seniors are struggling to maintain their homes, and businesses are facing immense challenges to create and retain jobs; and
WHEREAS, New Yorkers face the highest property taxes in the nation, and when measured as a percentage of home value, nine of the top 10 property tax rates in the entire country belong to counties in New York; and the State must act now to thwart the detrimental effects that high property taxes are having on local governments; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Minority Members have introduced the "New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act" (Assembly Bill 8775), which puts forth new and innovative ideas for property tax reform that limit the amount school districts can raise annually through local tax levies to four percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less; in addition, the Act would relieve municipalities and school districts of unfunded mandates, reduce county Medicaid costs, strengthen financial accountability over school tax dollars, promote local government efficiency, and encourage local option insurance pooling; and
WHEREAS, the "New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act" will help fix New York’s broken property tax system, providing homeowners, businesses and municipalities significant and lasting relief from the crushing burden of skyrocketing property taxes; and now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to acknowledge New York State’s property tax crisis and urge the immediate passage and chaptering of the "New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act", which will help local governments reinvigorate New York’s economy by providing incentives for people and businesses to move and stay here; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Governor of the State of New York, the Temporary President of the New York State Senate, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, and to all members of the New York State Legislature.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by James Briaddy and seconded by Harold Townley. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Muriel K. Swatling
Town Clerk