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[JK:Press Release From Commissioner Michele Madigan]

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE

CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS
MICHELE MADIGAN
COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE

For Immediate Release: February 28, 2019

Contact: Commissioner of Finance, Michele Madigan
Telephone:  (518) 587-3550 ext 2577
Email: michele.madigan@saratoga-springs.org

City of Saratoga Springs to Save over $300,000 in 2019 Health Care Costs

Saratoga Springs, NY — On February 27, 2019, at a special City Council Meeting, Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan brought forward an updated healthcare rate quote that will save the City $300,000 in 2019. This savings is attributable to the City changing their premium rate structure from a community-rated plan, in which the City’s premium risk is allocated across a large pool, to an experience-rated plan based solely on the City. The ability to switch to an experience-rated plan has existed for some time, but Commissioner Madigan held off bringing any change forward until it was confirmed that the City provider would allow the City to return to the community-rated pool should rates under the experience-rated plan rise dramatically. Madigan stated, “As Commissioner of Finance my priority has always been to effectively manage the budget for City taxpayers. Benefits make up 27% of the total Operating Budget, so this change to an experience-rated plan will dramatically reduce one of the City’s largest costs in the short-term while maintaining flexibility to adapt to an ever-changing market going forward. Additionally, the new plan allows for additional out-of-network benefits for City employees, making this a true win-win.”

Changing to an experience-rated plan and the associated savings are the result of a comprehensive healthcare review initiated by Commissioner Madigan in mid-2018 that included members of the Finance Department, Legal Department, and Human Resources. The review included an evaluation of both the City’s broker and the healthcare provider. Per Commissioner Madigan, “This thorough and open process involved employees across departments and representatives from each of the City’s seven bargaining units. We’re proud of the results and the collaborative effort that went into achieving it.”

The new experience-rated plan will go into effect on April 1, 2019, and the City Council will have the ability to reevaluate whether it should stay in the experience-rated pool or move back to the community-rated pool in the fall annually. This timing aligns with the preparation of City’s budget, a process that begins in the summer and concludes in November of each year.

Madigan states that she will continue to evaluate ways to manage City expenses while still providing resources to meet the demands of the City. “I have kept the property tax rate stable for eight years with my recommendations to contribute to critical capital needs, to create, strengthen, and tap reserves when appropriate, to push for additional revenue opportunities, and to look for creative solutions to address large expense drivers for the City, such as healthcare.”

The Special City Council meeting held on February 27, 2019 will be available on the City website, and Commissioner Madigan will review the process on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

Michele Madigan

Commissioner of Finance

City of Saratoga Springs

474 Broadway

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-587-3550

For Immediate Release

February 27, 2019

Contact: Matt Hogan: (518) 859-3628

SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE ENDORSES MATTHEW VEITCH, STEPHEN MITTLER, ROBIN DALTON and ANTHONY “SKIP” SCIROCCO 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs City Republican Committee endorsed four candidates at their meeting on Tuesday evening.

City Republican Chairman Matthew S. Hogan said, Anthony “Skip” Scirocco received the committee’s endorsement for Commissioner of Public Works; Robin Dalton received the committee’s endorsement for Commissioner of Public Safety and Matthew Veitch and Stephen Mittler, each received the committee’s endorsement for County Board of Supervisor.

Chairman Hogan said, he expects the City of Saratoga Springs to elect Republicans this November.

“We expect 2019 to be a good year for the City of Saratoga Springs Republican Committee,” said Chairman Hogan.  “We have a very strong slate, of qualified and experienced candidates who will work hard and deliver results for the people of our City.”

A current member of the County Board of Supervisors, Matt Veitch said, “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Saratoga Springs Republicans for another term.  I look forward to campaigning on my record of public service and representing the residents of our City at the County level.  Keeping the County on a continued path of low taxes, efficient government, and maintaining our great quality of life are my priorities for the upcoming year.”

Stephen Mittler, Candidate for County Board of Supervisors said, “I thank the Saratoga Springs Republican Committee for their trust in me and my ability to represent the City of Saratoga Springs at the County level. As a life long Saratoga County resident, and a resident of Saratoga Springs for 15 years, I am so looking forward to working with City Council to continue to enhance the lives of our residents.”

Candidate for Public Safety Commissioner, Robin Dalton said,  “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Saratoga Springs Republican committee and look forward to bringing my leadership, experience and passion for the City of Saratoga Springs to the office of Public Safety Commissioner.” 

Anthony “Skip” Scirocco the current Commissioner of Public Works said, “I appreciate the support of the Saratoga Springs Republican Committee and their trust in my ability to serve the city we all love. In my time in office, I’ve worked to update the city’s infrastructure, utilize technology to improve the delivery of services, and give residents peace of mind every day that the water and sewer systems are working, the roads are clear and safe, and that our city is beautiful and the envy of surrounding communities.” 

 

 

 

I spoke with Matt Hogan who chairs the Saratoga Springs Republican Party Committee.  He shared with me the candidates selected for the coming November election:

1. Skip Scirocco for Public Works Commissioner
2. Matt Veitch for Saratoga County Supervisor
3. Steve Mittler for Saratoga County Supervisor
4. Robin Dalton for Public Safety Commissioner

 

 

The Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee met on Saturday, February 23^rd to decide on endorsements for positions in the upcoming city elections.  The endorsement  meeting lasted a grueling eight hours.

The committee split over endorsing Mayor Kelly but she prevailed and she is now their endorsed candidate.

In a last minute action, Patti Morrison asked the committee at the meeting to endorse her for Commissioner of Finance.  In the end, the committee endorsed Michele Madigan in another split vote.

Eileen Finneran and Kendall Hicks sought the committee’s endorsement for Public Safety Commissioner.  Due to a previous commitment, Ms. Finneran was unable to attend the meeting but sent a statement.  The committee decided not to endorse either candidate and leave the decision to be determined in a primary.

John Franck (Commissioner of Accounts), Dillon Moran (Commissioner of Public Works), and Tara Gaston (Supervisor) were endorsed by consensus.

The committee declined to endorse Steve Mittler who was seeking to run for supervisor.  Mr. Mittler is not currently registered as a Democrat.

I understand the Republican City Committee will be meeting on Tuesday to decide on their endorsements.

 

 

After asking to be interviewed seeking an endorsement from the City Democratic Party, Bob Turner has indicated that he has withdrawn from the mayoralty race.

As some background, the local primaries have been moved up significantly creating a bit of a scramble for some.

 New York State used to hold its primaries in the fall.  In 2012 the Federal Government requested that New York move the primaries for US Senate and the House of Representatives up to June in order to insure that military and overseas ballots had sufficient time to be received and counted.  At the time the State Legislature considered moving the state primaries up to the same June date.  The New York State Assembly controlled by the Democrats supported the change but the Senate where the Republicans were in control rejected the change.  The Republicans argued that because the legislative session ran through June, they would not have enough time to campaign. 

 According to an excellent article in the New York Times  that explains all this, “New York’s bifurcated primaries, however, have caused the state to spend millions of dollars more; at the same time, having two separate primaries can also suppress voter interest, election law experts and state officials say.”  The Times story goes into more detail about other problems with having primaries occur on two different dates.

 So in January when the Democrats took over the New York Senate they passed a package of reforms which included adjusting the dates for state primaries.  According to a January 10 article in the New York Times :

“The proposals are a veritable wish list for those who have blamed New York’s laws for driving down voter turnout. The measures include allowing early voting, preregistration of 16- and 17-year-olds and consolidating state and federal primary elections, which are now held in different months.”

 “Lawmakers also plan to pass bills to allow vote-by-mail and same-day voter registration, though those proposals will also require voter referendums — and passage by the next Legislature, scheduled to be seated in 2021 — as they change the State Constitution.”

 The legislature is also considering bill to limit the contributions and require reporting for LLC’s.  These are Limited Liability Corporations which have been used to hide the ownership of these LLC’s while allowing large contributions.

 So all primary elections this year will be on June 25^th.  This means that candidates will be able to start circulating petitions on February 26.  The petitions must be submitted to the local board of elections between April 1 and April 4.

 The Saratoga Springs Democratic Party has set up a committee to consider endorsements.  The committee is in the process of interviewing candidates, and the City Democratic Committee will vote on endorsements on Saturday, February 23.

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So Who May Be Running For Saratoga Springs City Council Seats In The Upcoming November Election?

 Here is the latest information I have on the Democratic field of candidates.  I assume that all the council seats will be contested in the coming primary.

Definitely Running:

Meg Kelly – Mayor

John Franck – Accounts

Michele Madigan – Finance

Eileen Finneran – Public Safety

Skip Scirocco (Republican) – Public Works

 Extremely Likely To Be Running:

Dylan Moran – Public Works

 Rumored to Be Running:

Bob Turner – Mayor

Billy McTygue – Accounts

Kendall Hicks – Public Safety

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An Exchange With Shafer Gaston That Suggests What The Primaries and Elections May Be Like

 To Shafer Gaston from John Kaufmann on January 9 at 3:39 PM

I was told that you had solicited Ron Kim to run for mayor.  I wanted to confirm whether that is true.

To John Kaufmann from Shafer Gaston on February 9 at 3:59 PM

It is true.  He declined.

To Shafer Gaston from John Kaufmann on February 9 at 7:18 PM

 Interested in why you are seeking someone to replace Mayor Kelly

 To John Kaufmann from Shafer Gaston on February 9 at 7:21 PM

 At the time, Mayor Kelly had not announced she was running for re-election.  Unfortunately, due to the compressed timeline that few people were expecting, if there were going to be candidates for city offices they would need to announce much earlier (and therefore be approached much earlier) than in previous years to make the timeline.

 To Shafer Gaston from John Kaufmann on February 9 at 7:43 PM

 Why wouldn’t you check with her first?

To John Kaufmann from Shafer Gaston on February 9 at 8:42 PM

 On the other hand, why would I check with her first?

 

 

 

 

The New York Racing Association has announced that this year the Saratoga flat track season with begin July 11 and run through Labor Day September 2.  While the meet will be longer.  The number of racing days will remain the same, 40 days.  There will now be two dark days, Monday and Tuesday.

This is a link to the Saratogian story.

The Saratoga Springs City Council were presented with latest design of proposed Flat Rock Centre including SEQR application.

Here is a link to the Saratogian story.

Sometime ago I did a post on a development that John Witt is pursuing that would affect Saratoga Lake and the slopes that abut it.

Recently I was contacted by John Cashin who has been active in opposing this project.  Mr. Cashin has put up the good fight in trying to protect the area.  Recent events surrounding the chairman of the town of Saratoga’s Planning Board chairman add to the ugliness of the  situation.  I offered Mr. Cashin to be a guest writer for my blog to share with the readers the most recent developments.

The following is a brief biography of Mr. Cashin:

John Cashin is an attorney and has been a resident of the Town of Saratoga since 1984.  He practiced law for over forty years in both the private and public sectors. Now semi-retired, he serves as a member of the board of directors of the Saratoga Lake Association and chairs its Community Affairs Committee. Mr. Cashin is an ardent advocate for Saratoga Lake and was one of the founders of the Saratoga Open Space Preservation Committee.

john@jcashinlaw.com

www.jcashinlaw.com

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Will A SHORELINE HILLSIDE OF DECAYING TREE STUMPS PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE SCENIC BEAUTY OF SARATOGA LAKE?

THE TOWN OF SARATOGA SEEMS TO THINK SO.

Local officials in most rural and sub urbanizing areas¹ have made a long-term choice to abandon conventional subdivision development in favor of conservation or open space development which preserves the rural character of our communities. Conservation subdivisions allow the same overall amount of development that is already permitted. The key difference is that this technique requires new construction to be located or clustered on only a portion, typically half, of the parcel.  The remaining open space is preserved in perpetuity for the benefit of the community for generations to come.

The beauty of open space subdivision zoning is that it is easy to administer, does not take development potential away from the developer and can be extremely effective in permanently protecting a substantial portion of diminishing forested lands. It does not require large public expenditures to purchase development rights or acquire land outright and allows farmers and others to extract their rightful equity without seeing their entire land holding bulldozed for complete coverage by housing lots.  By clustering the homes in one area, towns can preserve certain types of irreplaceable natural resources, protect a watershed or preserve other scenic features of a hill crest and mature tree stands. Ongoing stewardship of the set aside open space is typically the responsibility of a homeowners’ association (HOA), deeded to the municipality or a land trust under a permanent conservation easement.  Appropriation of the open space to an individual lot owner disenfranchises the community of the natural setting of what should be set aside for the benefit of the community.

The Town of Saratoga recognized the value of open space preservation in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan with its stated intent to focus on “…preservation of the most environmentally sensitive lands. These lands include steep slopes, floodplains, wetlands, mixed forests and streams, together with a protection corrido on both sides.  The long-term goal is to preserve one-hundred percent of these sensitive environmental resources.²  In conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga’s zoning code reflects the goals of protecting our rural character, scenic beauty and natural resources.  The Town’s zoning code for Conservation Subdivision Development specifies that its “…primary consideration will be focused on the preservation of forest lands, open space and viable farmland, provide residential developments that respect, conserve and enhance current topography, natural habitats, forests, hydrological, archeological, historical and visual features of the town.”³

While the goals, intents and purposes espoused by the Town are laudable, they can only be brought to fruition by rigorous adherence to and enforcement of our zoning code against those developers and their lawyers who persistently attempt to ignore them. A case in point is the Cedar Bluff Subdivision application now before the Town Planning Board. This Conservation Subdivision covering 111.6 acres consists of 32 homes clustered on 58.0 acres above Saratoga Lake. The allegedly “Preserved Open Space” portion of the parcel covers 54.27 acres which is largely steeply sloped, forested land. The trouble is the application calls for the complete clearing of the 54+ acre forest in the “Preserved Open Space” to create lake views from the housing lots above it. Contrary to science on the topic, to prevent erosion and sediment from flowing off the steep slopes into Saratoga Lake, the plan is to leave the tree stumps on those slopes. In papers filed with its application, the developer indicates this will have “No Impact” on the Town’s aesthetic resources.

As your average fourth-grader knows, tree stumps are dead. Dead things don’t grow; they decay. In fact, depending on the tree variety – hard-wood versus soft-wood­­ – a tree stump will lose between one-fifth and one-third of its biomass in the first two years.⁴ This can accelerate in the warmer months when insect infestation is more likely. Hillside tree stump retention is only suggested in forestry when immediate tree replanting is implemented. The theory is that stump retention may serve to obstruct ‘sheet-flow’ stormwater run-off until replacement trees’ root systems are established. This was all explained in a research paper prepared for the Planning Board by Dr. Thomas Yannios. Unfortunately, no replacement trees are included in this application as they would eventually obstruct lake views from the million-dollar homes on the hilltop.

It is stunning to think that the Planning Board is accepting this proposal without question. As the December 19^th meeting minutes reflect, “Chairman Ian Murray asked if there were any Board questions; there were none.”  How is it possible that a Planning Board of 8 people appointed to serve the interests of the residents of our town, can review this proposal in detail and not raise a single question? Were they intimidated into silence by the developer or the non-resident Planning Board Chairman? Can you imagine how an entire hillside of decaying tree stumps will enhance the scenic beauty of our community? As the stump decay continues over time, without replacement trees, how will this prevent erosion and runoff into the lake? A panel of fourth-graders would do better.  In the end, the community gets to look at Nature’s junkyard, while the million-dollar-home owners get their lake views. If this doesn’t incite outrage among our residents, nothing will.

Dense clusters of trees on steep slopes slated to be cleared with only stumps remaining

To make matters worse, the cleared open space will be owned, not by an HOA or any other independent body as required under the zoning code. Rather, one lot owner will have exclusive ownership of what should be perpetual, set aside open space preserved for the benefit of the community. Such privatization and obliteration of the forest are not what was contemplated and promoted in the zoning code nor the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Yet, at the December meeting, not a single question was raised, as members of the public in attendance were prohibited from speaking.

These drastic deviations from the Comprehensive Plan and zoning code set the trajectory of future development as other developers demand similar treatment. The Planning Board appears poised to approve this travesty. It can only happen if a groundswell of lake community residents fails to object. Several Town activists have provided the Planning Board with extensive letters, legal memos and technical papers. To date neither the Town Board nor the Planning Board have offered any response on the merits of these submissions.  It appears we are all being dismissed as mere NIMBY’s by the ‘we know better’ Planning Board. Believe me, you can’t make this stuff up. It is there for all to see in the minutes of the Planning Board meetings on March 26^th and December 19^th as well as numerous documents filed with the Board.

http://www.townofsaratoga.com/contactinformation/December%2019%202018%20Planning%20Board%20Minutes.htm

http://www.townofsaratoga.com/contactinformation/March%2028%202018%20Planning%20Board%20Minutes.htm

If you care about conservation of open space, protection of Saratoga Lake, enforcement of the zoning code, preservation of our Town’s scenic beauty and rural character, please write or call Town Supervisor, Tom Wood, and ask him to protect our irreplaceable natural resources for the future generations of our Town. Tell your friends and family members to do the same. If we don’t express our concerns now, we’ll be living with the consequences forever.

(twood@albany.twcbc.com; (518) 695-3644 ext. 314; 695-4034, 695-3263; FAX: (518) 695-6782)

 

1. A notable exception is the proliferation of high density Planned Development Districts (PDD’s) on the lake shore in the Town of Stillwater (see: https://www.timesunion.com/7dayarchive/article/Stillwater-tries-to-speed-up-process-for-11739895.php)
2. Town of Saratoga Comprehensive Land Use Plan – Statement of Issues, Goals and Recommendations at Chapter 2-1. (2002) (available at: http://www.townofsaratoga.com/contactinformation/Comprehensive%20Land%20use%20Plan%201aa.pdf)
3. Town of Saratoga Zoning Code Section 400-14. Conservation Subdivision Development (available at: https://ecode360.com/11101341)
4. “Stump Removal in Landscapes”, Dr. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia, May 2014, at p. 17.

https://www.warnell.uga.edu/sites/default/files/publications/Stump%20Removal%20pub_14-8.pdf

 

A friend who is far better informed than I am regarding the details of planning sent me some corrections and additional information regarding the Racino’s (I will always think of them as the Racino rather than Saratoga Casino Hotel).  This person told me he was surprised that this proposal had enough legs to be even under consideration.  This person told me that the way the Racino is attempting to have the property rezoned would be so broad that they could make the whole thing a parking lot.  This is one of the reasons the Planning Board unanimously rejected the project.

In order to construct their project they must amend both the city’s comprehensive plan (text and map) and the city’s zoning (text and map).

The current comprehensive plan’s text defines what a “Residential Neighborhood” is and what “Equine and Related Facilities” are.  The Racino needs to get the city to change the designation of this area from Residential Neighborhood to Equine and Related Facilities  

Here is the definition for “Residential Neighborhood-1 (RN-1) and Residential Neighborhood-2 (RN-2)

Residential Neighborhood -1 (RN-1) and Residential Neighborhood- 2 (RN-2) The Residential Neighborhood-1 and Residential Neighborhood-2 designations are characterized by single family residential uses with moderate density two family. While a mix of housing types is present, these areas retain the basic character of single-family neighborhoods, such as front and rear yards, driveways, and garages. Small, neighborhood-scale commercial uses may currently exist to complement the residential uses. RN-1 Note: The maximum density is 3.5 Units/Acre. RN-2 Note: The maximum density is 7 Units/Acre.

 Here is the definition for “Equine and Related Facilities”:

 Equine and Related Facilities (EQ) The Equine and Related Facilities designation includes areas utilized by the equine industry and supporting facilities. Such areas include, but are not limited to, the thoroughbred race track, harness track, stables, racing museum, sales barns, parking and feed stores. This designation represents a significant contribution to the City’s tourism economy. This designation is also envisioned to allow for supporting facilities such as employee housing and businesses that are essential to the equine industry’s sustainability and future success in the City. Uses and design within this designation must be sensitive to the surrounding neighborhoods.

 The current zoning describes  “Rural Residential” and “Institutional – Horse Track Related’.  The Racino needs to change the zoning from Rural Residential to Institutional – Horse Track Related

The intent of “Rural Residential” reads:

To provide low density residential and agricultural uses in order to preserve open space and a rural character. Limiting topography, soil condition, slopes and lack of public infrastructure also warrant the low densities.

The intent of “Institutional Horse Track Related” reads:

To accommodate uses that supplement and complement the horse track operations,  

 Here is the information this person sent me:

Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment: Applicant is seeking to change the 2015 Comp Plan designation of this site from “Residential Neighborhood-1 (RN-1)” (single family uses at max density of 3.5 units/acre) to “Equine & Related Facilities”.

Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment: Applicant is seeking to change the 2015 Comp Plan text description of the “Equine &Related Facilities” land use category to allow multi-family residential uses.

Zoning Map Amendment: Applicant is seeking to change the current zoning map for this site from “Rural Residential” (low density residential max density of 0,5 units/acre) to “Institutional – Horse Track Related”.

Zoning Text Amendment: Applicant is also seeking a text amendment that would allow multi-family residential use in the Institutional – Horse Track Related zoning district.

Greenbelt:  The site is NOT in the greenbelt. The 2015 Comp Plan (on page 61) defines the “greenbelt” as those areas within the Country Overlay District Map.  The site is NOT within the boundaries of the Country Overlay District.