BALLSTON SPA  — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors held their monthly meeting Sept. 21. The in-person meeting was attended by approximately 50 people. The Board addressed the following issues: 

Cost-of Living Increases Approved for Some County Officials

• The board approved a local law amending the 2021 county compensation schedule to provide a cost-of-living increase for certain county officials.  Effective Jan.  1, 2021, the measure calls for the compensation for the following county officials to be increased to the following levels:

Elected Officials – Susan Hayes-Masa, County Coroner $31,182; David DeCelle, Coroner $31,182; Michael Zurlo, Sheriff $139,601; Craig Hayner, County Clerk $120,848; Andrew Jarosh, County Treasurer $120,848.

Appointed Officials; Christopher Schall, County Auditor $ 89,598; Andrew Blumenberg, Public Defender $135,095; Margaret McNamara, Director of Human Resources $135,182; Anna Stanko, Director of Real Property $ 89,209; Tina Potter, Commissioner of Social Services $141,918

Saratoga Springs Supervisor Tara Gaston cast the lone vote against. “I’m not opposed to the increases. I just would have don’t think that now is the time,” Gaston said. “There are a number of financial issues with regard to COVID that do impact the staff at the county that I would like to see handled prior to that – but again, it’s nothing against the staff here, I fully support them.” 

Positions Created for COVID Testing in Schools

• Earlier this year, the board accepted a $3.98 million Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Reopening Schools Grant. The funds are targeted to assist with establishing COVID-19 screening and testing programs for students, teachers and staff to support and maintain safe, in-person instructions for schools. 

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As such, the board approved the creation of temporary positions of COVID-19 School Epidemiology Officers – as needed at the discretion of the Commissioner of Health – at the base salary of $40/hr.; as well as the temporary creation of positions of COVID-19 School Testing Site Supervisors (base salary of $25/hour); and COVID-19 School Testing Site Coordinators (base salary of
$20/hour). 

The Impact of COVID on the County Court System

• Due to the impact COVID-19 had on the Court system in 2020, many cases could not proceed through the system to conclusion, creating a backlog of cases which are now being disposed of in 2021, the board reported.  The backlog has caused an increase in assigned counsel attorney invoices. To this purpose, the board approved a transfer of $160,000 from its Fund Balance to the Human Resources Department to pay for additional assigned counsel attorney services.

October Proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month

• The Board proclaimed October 2021 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” In Saratoga County.  The resolution cited “the horror of domestic violence (that) continues to plague our society.” In addition to resulting physical and emotional damage inflicted, the national financial ramification of domestic violence is $8.3 billion in expenses annually. The following statistics were also cited: 

– 30% to 60% of families where adult domestic violence is present, child abuse is also present; 

– Despite underreporting, domestic violence calls make up more than half of all calls to the police; 

– More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced rape, severe physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner; 

– The NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline received 8,584 calls last year.

The proclamation reports heightened public awareness is an effective tool and urges all citizens to support and participate in ongoing programs designed for the reduction and eventual elimination of domestic violence. The help hotline, which operates 24-7/365 is 1-800-942-6906. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City Council met Tuesday night, Sept. 21 to discuss a variety of issues. The meeting included four council members. City Mayor Meg Kelly was unable to attend the meeting due to a personal issue, said Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan, who ran this week’s meeting. 

City Seeks Public Input Regarding Upcoming Cannabis Deadline 

• Cities in New York have until Dec. 31 to opt-out of potentially siting dispensaries, and/or on-site consumption facilities as it relates to a local cannabis industry in their respective communities. 

Correlated to alcohol, Dispensaries are akin to a liquor store, while On-Site Consumption is more akin to a bar, explained city Attorney Vince DeLeonardis. 

To opt out, a Local Law would need to be adopted and public hearings held in advance of a Local Law, so any move to opt-out would need to be conducted sooner rather than later. Municipalities must opt out to not be a part of the measure moving forward.  If interested in permitting marijuana retailers or social consumption sites, the city need not do anything. 

Financial ramifications: a 4% local tax is to be imposed if the city allows the measure to move forward  –3% would come to the city of Saratoga Springs, and 1% would go to the county, DeLeonardis said. 

The city is actively requesting the public comment regarding the matter. Comments may be submitted via: public.comment@saratoga-springs.org. 

Next Move on Civilian Review Board is Up To City Council

Jason Golub, a member of an independent city advisory committee tasked with studying police reform, provided an update regarding the formation of a potential city Civilian Review Board. 

“I think there is plenty of evidence that a Civilian Review Board will add value to our community. I think it protects civilians, I think it protects police, I think it adds transparency and accountability,” Golub told the council Sept. 21. 

Golub had previously served as co-chair of the city’s ad hoc Police Reform Task Force – which had recommended the implementation of a CRB as part of a 50-point plan evaluated by the council earlier this year. The council voted to accept a police reform plan shortly before the state-mandated April 1 deadline, although a handful of the 50 items were removed because the city did not have the authority to implement them, or because they required further evaluation, city attorney Vince DeLeonardis said at that time. 

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This week, Golub pointed to specific points as being critical to forming a successful board. Those points included securing the support and involvement of police and political leaders, ensuring the board is comprised of credible and impartial members, and setting appropriate funding that would secure budgetary needs over multiple years, as opposed to year-by-year where they may be subject to ever-changing political winds. 

Golub also provided a framework for a timeline. He suggested six months be spent in preparation and in advance of hearing any potential cases, as well as using that time to ensure that funding is in place, and setting two years for a pilot program. “To me that would be the next logical step from where we are today.” 

Absent of future City Council direction, Golub indicated last Tuesday’s presentation would serve as a final update. The City Council will now need to determine if taking steps to form a CRB is something it wants to move on. The council is scheduled to next meet on Tuesday, Oct. 5. 

Council Looks to Future Saratoga Springs as a Bike-Friendly City 

• The council unanimously voiced its support for a resolution from the Saratoga Safe Cycling Coalition and presented by Bikeatoga that calls for the city’s continued budgetary funding of future bike lane signage and striping projects. 

“As we pass this resolution I want to make the council aware that we want to work with (the department of) Public Safety, Traffic, Complete Streets, and Bikeatoga to come up with some good projects to connect our community with good bike lanes,” said Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan.  Madigan reported there is currently $233,000 available to spend on an “upcoming good, overall Complete Streets project” as well as $100,000 in the mayor’s Capital Budget passed during last month’s council meeting – “so, we’re already looking at $333,000 – which is a fair amount of money to start looking at an engineering plan and scoping out some good bike lines internally for the city.” 

City Supervisor Matt Veitch additionally noted there have been multiple talks regarding bike route systems at the County level. “We’ve come up with a proposal to present to the county for bike routes that would be sign-bicycle-routes on county roads connecting various communities,” Veitch said. “There will be at least one road in every single community designated as a bike route, and a few local roads as well that we’re going to hopefully get some of the towns to sign off on and make connections to county roads.” Veitch said the goal is to bring the measure to the county Board of Supervisors for approval in October.   

Next Steps for UDO – Public Hearings in October, Vote in November 

• A presentation was staged Sept. 21 regarding the proposed city Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO – a tool which aims to streamline the review and approval process as it relates to zoning and subdivision regulations. Public Hearings regarding the UDO, which may be reviewed on the city’s website, are slated to take place during the next two scheduled council meetings Oct. 5 and Oct. 19, with a potential vote to adopt on Nov. 16. 

Click Here: Saratoga Recycles Day: New Stations, Printable Packing List & Community Composting Challenge

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A fourth and final workshop was recently conducted to review opinions from the county and city Planning Boards, the public, and the Design Review Commission, pertaining to the proposed Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO. 

A UDO is a tool combining traditional zoning and subdivision regulations, along with other development standards for items such as design guidelines, storm water management, and signs and street standards into one, easy-to-read reference document. 

The council announced the next steps regarding the UDO. They include: Inputting the most recent changes and creating a “final-final” version for public released at the next City Council meeting, on Sept. 21; Hosting Public Hearings regarding the document on Oct. 5 and Oct. 19, with an anticipated vote to adopt the UDO on Nov. 16. 

CLIFTON PARK  — Saratoga County officials announced last week that work is continuing on the Ashdown Road Bridge construction project. 

The delivery of steel has shifted the project closer to its initial timeline. The project is now estimated to be completed by mid-October.

Construction began in late spring and was initially expected to be completed in September. Delays in procurement of materials, labor shortages along with general supply chain issues caused an amended timeline of completion, according to Saratoga County officials. 

ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced last week that the commissioner of health has designated COVID-19 a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health under New York State’s HERO Act, which requires all employers to implement workplace safety plans in the event of an airborne infectious disease, helping to prevent workplace infections. 

The NY HERO Act mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Under the law, all employers are required to adopt a workplace safety plan  and implement it for all airborne infectious diseases designated by the New York State Department of Health. Employers can adopt a model safety plan as crafted by the New York State Department of Labor or develop their own safety plan in compliance with HERO Act standards.

The HERO Act’s purpose is to ensure that businesses are prepared with protocols and resources to protect their employees and the public from the spread of airborne infectious diseases, like COVID’s Delta variant.

The law protects employees from retaliation for making a complaint about employer’s failure to comply with the law or the adopted plan. 

Additional information and industry-specific templates for employers are being made available on the DOL’s website, at: www.dol.ny.gov/ny-hero-act  

MALTA — At its full board meeting Sept. 7, the Malta Town Board unanimously approved in a 5-0 vote a resolution to designate the Millard-Emigh House as a historical landmark. The property, located at 340 Brownell Road, is currently owned by Dr. Geoffrey Hill and Jayne Kirber. 

• Following up on an Aug. 10 workshop, the Board voted 4-1 to use $70,000 the town had received in American Rescue Plan funds for technology upgrades – which is detailed as computer equipment board meeting upgrades.

• In July, the town received a petition signed by 29 residents concerned about the speed of motor vehicles and safety of residents on Nelson Avenue Extension. At its Sept. 7 meeting, the board formally requested that state Department of Transportation study the conditions on Nelson Avenue Extension with a goal of lowering the current speed limits on the road. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Floydwarriors.com, Inc. ‘Helping Families Cope with Cancer, One Household at a Time” is currently selling pink satin tribute bows for its 8th Annual ‘Pink Bows on Broadway’ Campaign. This only annual fundraising drive by floydwarriors.com, gives individuals ($50 donation) and businesses ($250 donation) the opportunity to recognize heroes who have battled cancer or fought alongside someone who has. Three very special “Main Event Sponsorships” ($1,500) are open, as well.

All pink bows will be prominently displayed on Broadway in Saratoga Springs THROUGH October. Each bow is accompanied by a tribute card that allows the sponsor to celebrate individual heroes including survivors, lost loved ones, physicians, fundraising warriors, special caregivers, family/friends, and any other person that deserves recognition for their involvement in the war against cancer. 

All proceeds from the campaign will benefit floydwarriors.com, a 501 (C3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide real help in the home for families undergoing cancer treatment mainly by the way of meals, cleanings and support of childcare. Floydwarriors.com started in 2010 and for the past 9 years delivered its mission, “Dinner is Done, Dishes are Clean, and The Kids are OK!” 

All sponsorships are due by Sept. 25. To purchase a bow online visit Eventbrite’s (URL) campaign or visit www.floydwarriors.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The annual Saratoga International Flavorfeast, slated this year to take place in October, has been postponed and rescheduled to take place October 8, 2022. 

“As you know, Saratoga International Flavorfeast couldn’t go on last year due to COVID-19, and as we approached this year, we thought it might be doable,” said event co-organizer Fran Dingeman, in a statement. “Unfortunately, in light of the recent increase in cases, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event and look to a brighter and safer 2022.”

For more information on how to participate in the 2022 event as a sponsor, restaurateur, retailer, or entertainer, visit www.saratogaflavorfeast.com or call 518-365-3459

MALTA ­— Malta Veteran Appreciation Program has dedicated and donated their second house to a deserving local veteran.

On Sunday, Sept. 12, a ceremony and ribbon cutting was held to welcome a local veteran and his family to their new home in Malta Gardens Park. The home, donated by the Solomon Organization, is the second Homes to Heroes project completed by the Malta Veteran Appreciation Program. 

The 3 bedroom, 2 full-bath home was fully gutted and remodeled. It now features a modern farmhouse kitchen, ample closet/storage space, plenty of natural lighting from brand-new windows, and even a small deck off the living room space. 

This is the second Homes for Heroes project completed by Malta Veteran Appreciation Program. The first was a tiny home built in the same park and donated two years ago. Local contractors, trade unions, and volunteers donate their labor and materials. You can watch a video of the full remodel process here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ey16v9Wdc4&feature=youtu.be. 

“We do this to improve the lives of veterans and improve neighborhood,” said Renee Farley, Chairperson, Malta Veteran Appreciation Program. “We are hoping to create a better community and a better park.” 

Farley also noted that three local students who volunteered their time have taken an interest in the trades and aspire to attend trade schools; even children as young as six years old were helping with the yard work. 

“The military has served us, and now it’s our turn to serve them,” said Farley.”

When the remodel is close to being complete, the Program asks the community for the names of local veterans in need. The two requirements are that they live in Saratoga County and have an honorable DD214 discharge. An appropriate veteran (and family) is picked for the size of the house, but they keep a list of names for future houses.

The Malta Veteran Appreciation Program also provides other charitable support services to veterans in Saratoga County, such as helping them get medical transportation, home repairs, and buying groceries. 

Support the Malta Veterans Appreciation Program and help locate our veterans in need by visiting www.maltavets.com or reaching out to MaltaVets@gmail.com.