PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 15, 2005
GALWAY TOWN HALL

Supervisor Hargrave called the public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m.  The following Town Board Members were present:

PRESENT:       Supervisor George Hargrave                 Councilman Michael Tillson Councilman William Topper                       Councilwoman Susan Sutch
Councilman George Weed

OTHERS PRESENT:  M. Concilla, Zoning Administrator & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.

The clerk read the legal notice as placed in the Daily Gazette on October 21, 2005 and posted at Town Hall.  Salary figures on Preliminary Budget for 2006 are as follows:  Supervisor -$13,000.00; Council Members (4) – each at $3,600.00, with Deputy Supervisor an additional $150.00; Town Clerk - $21,000.00; Superintendent of Highways - $48,600.00.  Supervisor Hargrave then asked if there were any questions or comments from the audience.  There were no questions or comments from the audience.  The Public Hearing was closed at 7:03 p.m.

REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 15, 2005
GALWAY Town Hall

Supervisor Hargrave called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  The following Town Board Members were present:

PRESENT:       Supervisor George Hargrave                 Councilman Michael Tillson
                        Councilman William Topper                  Councilwoman Susan Sutch
                        Councilman George Weed

OTHERS PRESENT:  A. Oakley; M. Concilla, Zoning Administrator; T. O’Brien, Dog Control Officer; C.W. Hansen, Highway Superintendent & M. DeFoe, Town Clerk.

Pledge to the Flag

A motion was made by Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the minutes of the October 11, 2005 meeting as submitted.
All ayes.                                                                       MOTION CARRIED

Communications – Town Clerk read legal notice placed in Daily Gazette on October 9, 2005 advising public of zoning workshop being held on October 17, 2005.  Town Board held zoning workshop to review information received from consultant on zoning updates.  Correspondence was received from NYS Office of Real Property Services advising that STAR Administrative Aid payment will be $1,306.46.  All Board Members received copies of the following correspondence: NYS Dept. of State regarding training for local officials.  NYS Association of Towns information on training for local officials.  Dog Control Officer’s Report for October 2005.  Packet from Saratoga County Planning Department on PDD application & fee schedules from other towns in Saratoga County.  Planned Development Application of James & Pamela Lombard, represented by Carmen Gutto.  Clerk advised that packet & PDD application were given to Board Members last week to allow Board Members time to review prior to tonight’s meeting. 

Supervisor Hargrave advised that representative for Propane Coop Presentation was not present.

Presentation by James Vienna, PLS representing Carmen Gutto for the Planned Development Application of James & Pamela Lombard for property locate on Route 29 & Crooked Street.  James Vienna gave clerk notarized statement from Carmen Gutto authorizing Mr. Vienna to represent him with reference to Planned Development Application.  Mr. Vienna stated that applicant was requesting a change in zoning for this parcel of land in Town of Galway.  They are looking to create a mixed use, residential & commercial.  Senior Citizen & Young Families have relayed an interest to Mr. Gutto for affordable housing.  He is looking at units in cost range from $120,000-$140,000.  He has also been in contact with local medical professionals interested in a medical professional building to service area.  Property is currently zoned C-1 Commercial for about ¾ of parcel and bottom ¼ portion is Residential/Agricultural.  Planned Development District conceptual sketch is higher density, with no survey or engineering study completed.  Applicant would like parcel rezoned prior to incurring costs for survey & engineering work.  They would then proceed with project thru planning board with usual site plan process.  Mr. Gutto is under contract with applicant for purchase of property pending approval of site plan process.  Mr. Vienna went over proposed project.  He advised board that Mr. Gutto would like to retain ownership of the two commercial buildings and sell the (6) six unit town home building to the Homeowners Association.  They would leave the 10% green space required after commercial lot & wetlands had been cut out of project.  Councilwoman Sutch had concerns with project coming in under PDD design standards and then subdividing project afterwards into commercial & residential lots.  Cutting out the commercial lot after would allow maximum density on both commercial & residential lots, further minimizing green space set aside under PDD.  Councilwoman Sutch felt applicant was looking at two separate projects.  If Mr. Gutto was interested in separating project into commercial & residential subdivision, she felt this should be done in the beginning without a PDD.  Mr. Vienna stated that land usage, setbacks & density requirements were vastly different with reference to residential & commercial subdivision vs. planned development districts.  Mr. Vienna stated that this was a conceptual plan, if subdivision of commercial section from residential section was not feasible, applicant would have to look at altering project to comply with boards requirements.  Councilman Weed had questions regarding septic systems for this project.  Mr. Vienna stated that Mr. Gutto has preformed 16 preliminary borings and found no ground water at 72”.  Engineering study will be done on property and septic systems will be designed by an Engineer.  Councilwoman Sutch read Section 115-43 of Zoning Regulations with reference to procedure for PDD in the Town of Galway.  Mr. Vienna was advised that no zoning change would be made until after Planning Board reviewed project and sent recommendations back to Town Board.  Mr. Vienna stated that applicant wanted to get a feeling from Town Board on this possible PDD before they went further financially.  Councilwoman Sutch stated that she would be willing to entertain a PDD at this site; her approval would be contingent on Planning Board recommendations after site plan review process.  Councilwoman Sutch stated that Galway has not had experience with PDD in the past.  She would like time to look into the legality involved in one ownership at start of PDD and subdividing project into two separate ownerships after project is under way.  Mr. Vienna referred to section 115-42 of the Town’s Zoning Regulations under standards for residential planned development district, he feels this question is addressed under accessory uses.  Councilwoman Sutch felt further investigation of separate ownership within a single PDD project was needed.  Mr. Vienna requested that conceptual plan be forwarded to County Planning for their comments on preliminary plan.  Councilwoman Sutch stated that application did not contain information required under zoning regulations for a formal application on a PDD.  Mr. Vienna reiterated that they were looking for feeling from Board regarding PDD at this site before they went further financially, this is a conceptual application.  He further stated that this was a maximum build out plan for PDD.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that board will discuss PDD application & fee schedule later in meeting.  Applicant will file formal application as required in Town Zoning Regulations with all required documentation for actual PDD process to begin. 

Privilege of the Floor – None.       

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  Library – A. Oakley stated that last performance of Story Quilt will be held December 7th at Café Lena in Saratoga at 7:30 p.m.  Artist JoAnn Johnson will be having an open house at Library on Tuesday, November 29th from 6-8 p.m.  Sara will have a children’s Christmas program on December 10th at 2:00 p.m.  Library will be having a fundraiser with Barnes & Noble Book Stores on Saturday December 3rd, shop local stores with voucher and Library will earn 20% of your purchase.  Friends of Library will running gift table at Saratoga store from 10-2 p.m. & Library will have two story hours at 11:00 & 1:00 that day.  Vouchers are available at Library & Alissa had some with her tonight.  Assessor –Tracy Killeen gave Board Members copies of recent sales in town.  He gave board a sheet on exemption possibilities for the Town.  Tracy went over both the Veteran’s & Volunteer’s Exemptions and how the Town could increase these exemptions on a Town level thru Local Laws.  Councilwoman Sutch questioned how volunteer exemption would be administrated?  Tracy stated that Fire Departments & Ambulance Corps. would have to send him a yearly list of eligible members for this exemption.  Public Safety -    Councilman Topper stated that he had mentioned last month a visibility concern he had on corner of Ballston Galway Road & Jockey Street.  Councilman Topper has not contacted anyone regarding this because the leaves are now off the trees and visibility is fine.  He will keep an eye on this to see if it becomes a problem in the spring.  Property – No Report.  Public Affairs – Councilwoman Sutch stated that she attended the November 9th meeting of the DARE group at school.  She shared the outcome of the student survey and their comparison from previous years.  Councilwoman Sutch had graphs available on survey for review.  Town & County – Supervisor Hargrave stated that we had a public hearing at 7:00 tonight regarding the budget.  He congratulated the Town Board on budget.  Board was able to hold line on tax rate for Town; Library & Fire Department went up slightly.  Supervisor Hargrave advised that looking over the budget for the past five years the total Town spending went up 20%, but the tax rate went down, this is a result of this Boards hard work.  On a County level, Supervisor Hargrave stated that the Law & Finance Chairman, Harry Guthrie is working very hard to lower tax rate again next year and also bring more money back to the Town’s.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that 419 parcels in Galway were returned to the county unpaid with reference to school taxes this year.  These unpaid taxes will be relevied onto the January Town & County tax bills.  Buildings & Grounds – Councilman Topper stated that Company supporting loan for ball field project will be acting on project on Thursday at their board meeting.  Town Board will be addressing further information needed on this project later in meeting.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that pillars for front of Town Hall have been painted and will probably be put up in spring.  Highway – C.W. Hansen requested that a speed limit reduction request be sent for Dean Lung Road and the entire span of Donna Road.  Bill stated that the Broadalbin Highway Superintendent contacted him and stated that they would like to pave the Galway section of Edwards Hills Road.  Broadalbin maintains this road; paving would have no impact on our budget.  Bill Hansen stated that he has been advised of a dumping problem on Ridge Road.  Board discussed this dumping issue with Highway Superintendent.  Discussed ongoing FEMA projects status.  Bill Hansen advised that highway department will start working on West Galway Road tomorrow.  Councilwoman Sutch advised Highway Superintendent of a hole on side of road by culvert on Greens Corners Road & Hermance Road intersection.  Historian – No Report. 

LIAISON REPORTS:  Planning Board – Councilman Tillson stated that application was received from Gordon & Gordon Properties, LLC for a special use permit & site plan review for a professional office plaza at 1525 Route 29.  This was the former site of the Country Kettle Restaurant; applicant is looking to convert commercial operation into a professional office plaza.  This property is located within the C-1 Commercial Retail District.  Gerry McKenna was in for a continuation of the pre-submission conference on the Gilligan project on Route 147.  Planning Board went over the SEQR application for the major subdivision of the Scripter Estate on Alexander Road.  Board granted a negative SEQR Declaration, project is ready to go to public hearing.  Councilman Tillson went over correspondence received by Planning Board from Saratoga County Planning.  Youth – Councilman Topper advised that the Rifle Team had 19 shooters this year; two boys are working on Distinguished Expert.  Soccer ended with 180 youth participating in program this fall.  Karate has had between 30-38 students attending.  Girls Basketball will begin soon and run for six weeks on Saturday’s.  Councilman Topper advised board of a problem woman running soccer program had with port-a-potty rental and Deb Wilday at school.  Councilman Topper clarified that port-a-potty rental is only provided by Town for Youth Commission Programs; school programs need to make their own arrangements.  Councilman Topper went into lengthy discussion with Town Board on ongoing problem with receiving baseball contract on a timely basis.  Councilman Topper would like to see contract date be due in September.  ZBA – Councilman Weed advised that there was one application before the Zoning Board on November 9th; William Trosan received approval for a side lot variance on Lake Road.  Senior Citizens – Councilwoman Sutch attended the senior meeting last month on the 3rd Thursday.  They had their cover dish dinner, which was very well attended.

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION # 55-2005 – Budget Adjustments.  On a motion of Councilman Weed, seconded by Councilman Topper the following resolution was ADOPTED:  AYES – 5 NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board approve the following budget adjustments:
Increase           A1680.4          $500.00                       Data Processing CE
Decrease          A1620.4          $500.00                       Building CE
(Computer Repairs)

Increase           A5132.4          $500.00                       Garage CE (New Building)
Decrease          A909               $500.00                       Fund Balance
(New Cleaning Position)

Increase           A7989.4          $500.00                       Recreation Field CE
Decrease          A909               $500.00                       Fund Balance
(Engineering study ball field)

Increase           B8010.4           $3,000.00                    Zoning CE
Decrease          B909                $3,000.00                    Fund Balance
(Zoning Consultant)

Increase           DA5130.4        $1,000.00                    Machinery CE
Decrease          DA909             $1,000.00                    Fund Balance
(FEMA)

Increase           DB9060.8        $3,000.00                    Medical Insurance (Town Share)
Decrease          DB909             $3,000.00                    Fund Balance
(New member & Jim Andrus)
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (A) dated 10/13/05 thru 11/09/05 for a total of $10,791.30.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the General Abstract of Vouchers (B) dated 10/13/05 thru 11/09/05 for a total of $6,416.55.
   All ayes.                                                                    MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Tillson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Topper to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DA) dated 10/13/05 thru 11/09/05 for a total of $6,627.19.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the Highway Abstract of Vouchers (DB) dated 10/13/05 thru 11/10/05 for a total of $37,382.32.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Tillson to approve the Lighting District Abstract of Vouchers (SL) dated 10/13/05 thru 11/09/05 for a total of $110.64. 
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Councilman Topper made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to approve the Supervisor’s Operating Statement for the period ending  10/31/05.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Supervisor Hargrave stated that he would be paying the NYS Retirement $43,942.00 by December 15th, this payment is actually due February 1st.  By paying in December the Town will save over $420.00. 

RESOLUTION #56-2005 – 2006 Town of Galway Budget.  On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED BY ROLL CALL VOTE:
Supervisor George Hargrave – AYE                 Councilman Michael Tillson – AYE
Councilman William Topper – AYE                  Councilwoman Susan Sutch – AYE
Councilman George Weed – AYE
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board adopt the 2006 Budget as submitted.
All ayes.                                                                       MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION #57-2005 – Designating Town of Galway Board lead agency for purpose of conducting an Environmental Review of the 17 acres on 147.  On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman  the following resolution was ADOPTED:  AYES – 5   NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED THAT THE GALWAY TOWN BOARD DESIGNATE THE TOWN OF GALWAY TOWN BOARD AS “LEAD AGENCY” FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING AN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF THE PURCHASE OF 17+ ACRES ON THE EAST SIDE OF NYS ROUTE 147, SOUTH OF THE VILLAGE OF GALWAY FOR THE PURPOSE OF A TOWN PARK.

WHEREAS, the Galway Town Board desires to fulfill its obligations under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), in conjunction with the purchase of 17+ Acres of land on NYS Route 147 to be utilized as a town park, and

WHEREAS, the approval of said project is an “Unlisted Action” subject to the provisions of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and the regulations (6 NYCRR Part 617) promulgated to implement said Environmental Quality Review Act, and

WHEREAS, the provisions of SEQR require the designation of a “Lead Agency” to determine the environmental significance of the Action, and

WHEREAS, the Town Board has determined that no other agencies are involved in the review or approval of the action, now therefore be it,

RESOLVED that the Town of Galway Town Board and the same is hereby designated the “Lead Agency” for the purpose of conducting the SEQR review and determination of significance of the proposed action.

Date Resolution Adopted:  November 15, 2005
AYES – 5        NAYS - 0                                            MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 58-2005 - Town Board as lead agency shall prepare a negative declaration pertaining to the 17 acres on NYS Route 147.  Councilwoman Sutch had not reviewed information from Supervisor Hargrave on this action.  Supervisor Hargrave advised that if action was not taken on this tonight, town would loose $50,000.00 grant.   Supervisor Hargrave recessed meeting for 10 minutes to allow Councilwoman Sutch time to review material.  On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilwoman Sutch the following resolution was ADOPTED:  AYES – 5    NAYS – 0

WHEREAS, the Town of Galway Town Board is the designated “Lead Agency” for the purpose of conducting the Environmental Review of the purchase of 17+ Acres on NYS Route 147 for use as a town park pursuant to (6 NYCRR Part 617) regulations of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and

WHEREAS, the “Lead Agency” has caused the appropriate and necessary forms and materials pertaining to its review of the project to be prepared, and

WHEREAS, upon review of the information recorded on the project Environmental Assessment Forms and consideration of the magnitude and importance of each impact, the “Lead Agency” has reasonably determined that the purchase will result in no major impacts and, therefore, is one which will not cause significant negative impact to the environment, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that this agency, as the designated “Lead Agency”, shall cause the preparation and filing of a Negative Declaration pertaining to purchase of 17+ Acres on NYS Route 147 for use as a town park in accordance with prescribed regulations.

Date Resolution Adopted:  November 15, 2005           
AYES – 5        NAYS – 0                                           MOTION CARRIED

Other Business Supervisor Hargrave advised that Town Clerk had request that Town Board make a donation to one of the three organizations noted by the Bingham Family in honor of past Supervisor Patrick Bingham.  Supervisor Hargrave looked into this request at county and found that contribution is perfectly legal.  Councilman Weed suggested possibly setting up a scholarship fund in Supervisor Bingham’s honor.  Councilwoman Sutch stated that she would run idea by DARE group at school and see what they suggest.  Town Clerk suggested contacting family and finding out what their thoughts were on an appropriate scholarship.  Supervisor Hargrave felt it was best to get different options together and run it by family.  Board will work on this and make decision at a later date. 

RESOLUTION # 59-2005 – Authorization to go out for bid on arm mower.  Board went into lengthy discussion with Highway Superintendent on upcoming equipment purchases.  Highway Superintendent stated that purchase is listed in his five year plan, he would like to go out for bid now.  On a motion of Councilman Topper, seconded by Councilman Weed the following resolution was ADOPTED:  AYES – 5                      NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED that the Galway Town Board authorize the Highway Superintendent to go out for bid now on an arm mower to be purchased in 2006 in an amount not to exceed $26,000.00 charged to Account #: DA5130.2 , bid opening not to be scheduled until after January 1, 2006.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

RESOLUTION # 60-2005 – Fee schedule for Planned Development District.  Town Clerk could not find in any previous minutes where a fee schedule was approved by Town Board for a Planned Development District.  Board went into lengthy discussion regarding PDD fees.  On a motion of Councilwoman Sutch, seconded by Councilman Tillson the following resolution was ADOPTED:  AYES – 5 NAYS – 0
     RESOLVED  that the Galway Town Board approve the following fee schedule with reference to a Planned Development District Application:  Residential Planned District:  $500.00 at application; $100.00 per living unit or lot at final approval; Reimbursement by applicant to town for all professional fees; Recreational fees of $250.00 per living unit or lot at final approval.  Commercial/Industrial Planned District:  $500.00 at application; $25.00 per 1,000 square foot of commercial/industrial space at final approval;  Reimbursement by applicant to town for all professional fees.  Mixed use Residential/Commercial/Industrial Planned Districts the residential fee schedule shall apply.         
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Board will make decision on adoption of a PDD application at a later date.  Councilman Weed liked packet from Malta.  Town Clerk stated that she could contact Malta and see if their PDD packet can be emailed to town.  Supervisor Hargrave stated that he will scan Malta application and forward to Planning Board for their review prior to our next meeting. 

 

Councilwoman Sutch made a motion, seconded by Councilman Weed to adjourn the meeting at 9:57 p.m.
     All ayes.                                                                  MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

 

Margaret L. DeFoe
Town
Clerk