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Author: Saratoga TODAY

City Budget 2023: Employee Salaries, Benefits & Insurance Costs Account for 84% of City Expenses

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Presentation of Saratoga Springs’ proposed 2023 Comprehensive Budget at City Hall on Oct. 6, 2022. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi proposed a $54.2 million 2023 spending plan for Saratoga Springs during the city’s initial Comprehensive Budget presentation on Oct. 6.

While similar to the $54.1 million 2022 budget, next year’s proposal accounts for 7 percent more in revenues, as the 2022 budget contains $3.9 million of ARPA monies received from the Federal Government, Sanghvi explained.

The main sources of revenue were property tax, sales tax, mortgage tax, State aid, and VLT aid, accounting for 75 percent of the city’s revenue. 

Employee salaries, benefits and insurance costs account for 84 percent of the city’s expenses, with the rising cost of healthcare, retirement benefits, and insurance being the main sources of strain on next year’s expenses. 

The budget includes the addition of 16 new fire fighters for the 3rd EMS/ Fire Station under development on Henning Road. While these new additions will be paid for by a Federal SAFER grant, the grant only pays for personnel and benefits costs and would not cover the day-to-day operations, uniforms, medical exams, equipment, and other various costs of the fire station, Sanghvi said. 

To balance these costs Sanghvi proposed raising Real Property Tax from $6.43 to $6.67 for the Inside District, and from $6.37 to $6.61 for the Outside District; an average increase of 3.72 percent. 

 “This means if your house is assessed at $200,000 you will pay $4 a month more on your property tax. If your house is assessed at $300,000 you will pay $6 a month more on your property tax. If your house is assessed at $400,000 you will pay $8 a month more on your property tax,” Sanghvi said. 

A series of workshops – one for each city department – are scheduled to take place this month at City Hall. Upcoming workshops include: Public Works & Recreation (11 a.m., Oct. 17); Public Safety (3 p.m., Oct. 24); Capital Budget (4 p.m., Oct. 26), and Summary of Amended Budget (3 p.m. Oct. 28). 

The public will have the opportunity to comment on the budget during a 2023 Comprehensive Budget Public Hearing at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

The Life of U.S. Grant Exhibit at Brookside Museum

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Grant Bust and Death Mask. A traveling exhibit about U.S. Grant’s life is on exhibit in Ballston Spa. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA —To celebrate the Bicentennial of Ulysses S. Grant’s Birthday, the Presidential Library at Mississippi State University has created a traveling exhibit about Grant’s life.  

Banners describe his life from his humble beginnings until his accession to the United States presidency.

The exhibition will be presented at the Brookside Museum at the Saratoga County History Center as part of a special agreement between Friends of Grant Cottage. The exhibition runs to Nov. 11 during regular business hours (Thursday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m.).

The SCHC Brookside Museum is located at 21 Fairground Avenue in Ballston Spa.  Admission to the museum is free and donations are appreciated.  More information about Brookside Museum can be found on the website at www.brooksidemuseum.org.

Campfire Concerts at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

WILTON — Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be hosting a fun and warming day of campfire concerts on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 1-4 p.m. While the focus will be on live music, there will also be refreshments, roasting marshmallows, a fall scavenger hunt and more… all while warming up by the campfire. 

In keeping with their work with the endangered Karner blue butterfly the musical performers will feature “blue”grass and the “blues.” The Red Spruce Band and Thomasina Winslow will be the featured artists. At last year’s concert, Winslow collected information from the audience about the Karner blue butterfly and she will be performing her Karner Butterfly Blues for the first time in front of an audience.

This is a free program. Saratoga Arts made this program possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. For more information about the program or to register, contact the Preserve & Park Office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

Forest Bathing, Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration Among Upcoming Events at Moreau Lake State Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — On Saturday, Oct. 15, from noon to 2 p.m. an Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration will take place at Moreau Lake State Park. There will be a presentation from an Indigenous person, spring water tasting, food, stories, a game and a craft in a learning session about the Native People who first inhabited the Saratoga Watershed. No registration is required, there is no charge, and all are welcome.  

Sunday, Oct. 16, at 9 a.m. Forest Bathing: Coined shinrin-yoku in Japan in the 1980’s, forest bathing is the ecotherapeutic practice of spending time immersed in nature, absorbing it with all the senses. The physiological and psychological benefits last for days afterward with the additional benefit of a new appreciation of our precious woodland and its inhabitants. This is a beginner- rated walk along the Nature Trail with long pauses to sit and enhance our awareness of our surroundings and it is approximately a 2-hour program. A small mat is beneficial to ensure a dry seat. Pay $5 per adult (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance; call or text 518-917-2174.

Sunday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. Learn to Fish: This is a beginner program for kids of all ages to learn fishing basics, and practice right here in our lake. Pay $5 per adult and $1 per child (cash or check) at the office. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance; call or text 518-917-2174.

Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. Knee High Naturalist. Knee High Naturalist is a program for ages 2-5 and their caretaker(s). We will read a story or two and then go outside for a short nature hike. Dress for the weather! The cost is $1 per child, this can be paid in cash or by check at the office upon arrival. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance; call or text 518-917-2174.

Friday, Oct. 21 at 8 a.m.  Wiggly Wanderers. Wiggly wanderers is a new program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner’s hike/wander series for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. This program has limited sign up available, please pre-register. Call 518-917-2174. Fee is 1$ per child. 

Nemer Family Helps Saratoga Hospital’s Growing Demand for Emergency Monitoring

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA — The Nemer Motor Group and the Nemer family have once again stepped up to support cardiac care at Saratoga Hospital—this time, with equipment to help meet increased demand for cardiac monitoring in the Hospital’s Alfred Z. Solomon Emergency Center.

Saratoga Hospital set records for Emergency Department patients in April, May and June, including many who required cardiac monitoring. 

“Chest pain is the second most frequent complaint of Emergency Department patients worldwide,” said Lisa West, administrative director of emergency and urgent care services at Saratoga Hospital. “Thanks to the Nemers’ generosity, we now have an additional cardiac monitor — an invaluable tool for giving patients the best chance for a positive outcome.”

The monitor is the Nemer family’s third cardiac-related gift to Saratoga Hospital in recent months. Since March 2021, the family has donated $56,000 to provide the Emergency Department monitor, fund four neonatal cardiac monitors, and underwrite the Hospital’s subscription to the emergency LifeNet System.

LifeNet transmits electrocardiogram and other critical patient information to the Emergency Department while the ambulance is en route. “Three to four patients each month benefit from this service, which allows us to read their EKG and start planning treatment before they even arrive at the Hospital,” said Robert Donnarumma, MD, chair of the Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We’re not just saving time. We’re saving hearts and lives.”

Nemer Motor Group owns four dealerships, including Nemer Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Saratoga. Several family members live in Saratoga Springs. All three Nemer family gifts were prompted by their love for the Saratoga region and a family medical history of cardiac conditions.

Saratoga Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Saratoga Hospital, a member of the Albany Med Health System. The foundation secures, manages and distributes charitable gifts exclusively to support the mission of Saratoga Hospital. To date, the foundation has raised more than $70 million for Saratoga Hospital programs and facilities, all of which benefit the people of the Saratoga region.

October 8 – 14, 2022

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga County Court 

Jason M. Benson, 41, of Corinth, was sentenced Sept. 30 to 1.5 years incarceration and 1.5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree. 

Beatriz A. Garcia, 42, of Mechanicville, pleaded Sept. 30 to attempted assault in the second-degree. Sentencing Dec. 7.

Frederick J. Paul, Jr., 50, of Troy, pleaded Sept. 30 to felony DWI, first charged in Stillwater. Sentencing Dec. 2. 

Jordan Garafalo, 39, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Sept. 30 to assault in the second-degree, first charged Aug. 14-15, 2021 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Dec. 8. 

NY State Police

On Oct.  4, State Police of Wilton arrested Michelle Wilson, 33, of Greenfield, for criminal mischief in the third-degree, two counts of menacing in the second-degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth-degree and harassment in the second-degree, in connection with a domestic dispute. It is alleged that during a verbal argument, Wilson displayed a knife and an axe, threatened harm and used both weapons to cause damage to the home and belongings inside. 

On Oct. 1, State Police in Wilton arrested Matthew S. Kingsley, 52, of Corinth for aggravated DWI and other vehicle and traffic laws violations, after Troopers responded to the area of Stark Road in Corinth, for reports of a two-car crash. The investigation determined a vehicle was stopped on the shoulder of the roadway and occupied by two people.  Kingsley is suspected of striking the vehicle head-on and leaving the scene.  Kingsley has a previous DWI conviction in the past 10 years, according to police. He was transported to SP Wilton for processing, where he recorded a 0.19% BAC. No one was injured in the crash.

Saratoga Police Department 

Charles Pavia, 32, was charged Oct. 3 with petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and false personation. 

Caitlyn Mount, 23, of Gansevoort, was charged Oct. 3 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and registration suspended. 

Avery Zulio, 25, of Lake George, was charged Oct. 1 with harassment in the second-degree, and disorderly conduct. 

Daniel Clarke, 62, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 1 with menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon. 

John Lavada, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 1 with petit larceny. 

Anthony Gordon, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 30 with two counts criminal tampering, two counts menacing, and single counts harassment. Resisting arrest, and assault in the third-degree. 

James Maas, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 28 with DWI, and no license. 

Steven Bodnar, 32, of Halfmoon, was charged Sept. 28 with DWI, and refusal to take breath test. 

 Justin Nielsen, 26, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 27 with criminal mischief. 

Amanda Homsey, 33, of Greenwich, was charged Sept. 27 with criminal mischief. 

Joseph Fiddemon, 34, of Albany, was charged Sept. 27 with criminal trespass. 

Kevin Cavanagh, 56, was charged Sept. 27 with burglary in the third-degree, and petit larceny. 

Padraic Decker, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 27 with DWI, aggravated DWI, moved from lane unsafely, failed to obey traffic device, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. 

 Joshua Salak, 35, of Ballston Spa, was charged Sept. 27 with resisting arrest, obstruct governmental administration, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.  

Theresa Merchant, 47, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 25 with DWI, leaving the scene of an accident, unsafe backing of vehicle, and refusal to take a breath test. 

Mico De Los Santos, 30, of Rensselaer, was charged at 3:09 a.m. on Sept. 24 with resisting arrest, criminal obstruction of breathing, and disorderly conduct, on Caroline Street. 

Daniel Valastro, 26, of Liverpool, NY, was charged at 12:07 a.m. Sept. 24 with obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct, on Caroline Street.  

Jacob Laudenslager, 54, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 23 with DWI, aggravated DWI, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving on the sidewalk. 

Amber Logan, 35, of Argyle, was charged Sept. 23 with aggravated unlicensed operation, and insufficient tail lamps vehicle violation. 

Celestino Williams, 43, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 23 with DWI, refusal to take breath test, failure to keep to the right, and moving from lane unsafely. 

Donald Heaton 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Donald Heaton age 63, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022, following a short illness.  

He was born on March 4, 1959, in Amsterdam, NY the son of the late Donald E. Heaton and Barbara Ann Stangle.

Donald worked at TRIP in the Troy area doing home repair for the elderly and disabled, The Housing Authority in Saratoga Springs, NY and for Burns Management as a property manager.

Donald was a loving,  compassionate man with a good heart who loved to help others. He loved his friends and to travel around with them to shows and hanging out with those of like minds and interests. He was an avid concert goer of Classic Rock, Reggae, Jam Band and all other forms of music.  Now he has returned to jamming in the name of the Lord with arms reaching thru the clouds of purple Haze and ascended the stairway to heaven.  

Donald is survived by his friends and caregivers, Lisa Marshall and Nancy Engastrom; sisters, Laurie Lawton (Paul) and Mary Jo Schrader (Alan), many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces; one great nephew and one great-great nephew, and many many friends. 

He is preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Heaton.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the First Baptist Church of Saratoga, 45 Washington St., Saratoga Springs. A gathering will be held at the Strike Zone, 32 Ballston Ave, Saratoga Springs, immediately following the service.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs.

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Andrew M. Keefe

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL — Andrew Michael Keefe, known and loved as Mike Keefe, age 61, passed away on September 21, 2022 at The Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, FL.

He was born in Selkirk, NY on June 7, 1961. He was the son of the late Andrew E Keefe and Julia Sheila (Lithgow) Keefe.

Mike grew up in Niantic, CT, was a Veteran of the US Coast Guard and resided in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 

Mike looked forward to his trips with his sons to Saratoga Springs, NY to see family and the racetrack. His sense of humor and his gift of telling a story, along with the love for his family will be missed but forever cherished.

He is survived by his sons, Nile Keefe and Nathaniel Keefe, his sister, Patricia Keefe (Ted Hidde), longtime girlfriend Lisa, his Aunt Joan Miller and many cousins.

On behalf of Mike’s family, a special thank you to all of the Hospice staff for their kindness and care.

To honor Andrew’s wishes there will be no formal services held. 

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Patricia Bialahoski 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Patricia, Pat, Patty, Bialahoski, 80, passed on Sept. 27, at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by her family. A Remembrance of Pat’s life will be held in the spring for family and friends. Visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Alexandru Brumusescu 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Alexandru Brumusescu died September 27, 2022, at home. A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Compassionate Funeral Care. Visit compassionatefuneralcare.com