Displaying items by tag: charlie samuels

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Now in their fourth year, the firefighters  from the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and Impressions on Broadway are teaming up in the month of October to help battle cancer by wearing pink and selling the specially-designed pink T-shirts.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – At the council meeting on Tuesday, October 1, the proposed 2014 comprehensive budget was detailed by Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan.

The keywords comprehensive and detailed also described Madigan’s presentation message to the council and the packed chamber. The philosophical underpinnings behind the choices made (such as “a safe city is an economically viable city,” and “…decreasing the amount of fund balance used in the operating budget is an important step towards a sustainable government”) were explained before she itemized how she would effectuate those broad goals.

The bottom line for the taxpayer is this: a 0.68 percent increase in the property tax rate for 2014, or a $4.11 increase for a homeowner with an assessed value of $100,000.

The PowerPoint budget presentation is available on the finance department page on the city’s website. Visit www.saratoga-springs.org to access this. The first public hearing on the 2014 comprehensive budget is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 at 6:45 p.m. Also, a number of budget workshops have been scheduled that will review the 2014 budget by department: 

·         Tuesday, October 8 at 1 p.m. – Mayor and Recreation Department

·         Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. –    Department of Public Works                                                                                                                                                                   and Capital Budget

·         Thursday, October 17 at noon- Finance and Accounts Departments

·         Wednesday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. – Department of Public Safety

·         Tuesday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, October 31 at 1 p.m. – General review

      The rumor that costumes will be optional at the last workshop could not be confirmed at press time. In any event, the entire council has until November 30 to pass or submit modifications to this comprehensive budget. By city charter, should the council not act by that time, the budget submitted by Madigan becomes the operating budget for 2014.

      In other council news:

Roll call votes unanimously passed two amendments to the 2013 Capital Budget. The first adopted the Safe Routes to School provision, which is eligible for complete reimbursement by NYS DOT and the second adopted a water treatment plant emergency generator to satisfy a state mandate.

Mayor Scott Johnson led a discussion and vote which serves to advance the adoption of the master plan and Phase I development for the Waterfront Park project. A public hearing on this has been set for 6:50 p.m. on October 15, prior to the next council meeting.

Accounts Commissioner John Franck sponsored a motion to merit for review to the city and county planning boards the proposed Beekman Street Art District zoning and map modifications. After some discussion as to how the filing fees (about $4,700) could be waived, city attorney Matt Dorsey clarified the matter and the motion passed unanimously.Franck also announced that the voting districts that had been at the Lincoln Baths at Spa State Park would be moving back to the Saratoga Springs City Center for the next election on November 5.

Mayor Johnson, on Public Safety Commissioner Mathiesen’s behalf, announced that a public safety forum on late night noise and other public safety issues will take place on Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m. in the city council room

County Supervisor Matthew Veitch announced that the Saratoga County Office for the Aging will have a public hearing on Wednesday, November 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. He also reviewed his experience from attending the recent New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) conference, and noting that the county had received $13 million in capital requests, of which $11 million were adopted. The county pays for these capital projects out of the general fund, unlike the City of Saratoga Springs, so there was no bonding costs associated with them.

         BALLSTON SPA — On the last weekend in September, Ballston Spa’s Fifty South and Saratoga Springs’ One Caroline Street Bistro are both supporting local, organic food and farming by donating a percentage of their evening revenue to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY). Currently 14 restaurants around the state have signed on to donate a portion of their proceeds to NOFA-NY. The fundraising event is part of the NOFA-NY Locavore Challenge, a month-long challenge to inspire awareness and action in eating locally and organically through events and activities held around the state and online.

Owner Kim Klopstock opened Fifty South after living sustainably for 30 years on a 7-acre farm with her family. The restaurant now uses practices like sourcing its ingredients locally, composting, and recycling and repurposing. 

“I wanted to make sure that these personal ideals and convictions were honored not only in my personal life but my business life as well,” Klopstock said. “Community and sustainability are the heartbeat of what we are about—keeping it local as much as possible, realizing that sometimes local can mean in our state, in our region and in our country, rather than just within a designate mileage of where we live,”

Fifty South sources from area farms including Kilpatrick Family Farm, Argyle Cheese and Minglewood Farm.

“It has been a treat to see the slow food movement grow as well as the popularity of the farmers markets. Who would have ever thought it would be chic to shop at the farmers market and to eat at a farm to table restaurant?” Klopstock asked. 

Run by the Pedinotti family, One Caroline Street has been operating in Saratoga Springs for almost 20 years, and using local produce has always been part of the family’s mission. 

“My dad is a pioneer in that he has always supported local farms,” said Elizabeth Pedinotti-Haynes. “Even before there was a farmers market in Saratoga, we would drive out to the farms to pick up food.”

The menu at One Caroline changes daily based on the availability of organic locally sourced ingredients. 

“We have a vegetarian farmers market special and a market salad on our menu, and we shop directly at the farmers market on Wednesday and Saturday for the ingredients for those dishes,” Pedinotti-Haynes said. “The chef really likes that part of his job; it’s creative and he enjoys interacting with the farmers.”

The goal of the Locavore Challenge has always been to connect consumers with their local organic farmers and to encourage local consumption and education. This year, NOFA-NY is expanding the challenge, hoping to strengthen communities through local collective initiatives and encourage engagement in state and federal policy change that supports local organic food and farming.

“The Locavore Challenge is an opportunity to celebrate the bounty of New York’s organic and sustainable farmers as well as to grow the movement of consumers seeking local organic food,” said NOFA-NY Executive Director Kate Mendenhall. “I am thrilled that hundreds of people across the state will join in this celebration and mobilize positive change in food policy. I encourage community members to support restaurants who source from local organic and sustainable farmers on the evening of the Harvest Dinner and into the future.”

Harvest Dinner at Fifty South: Sunday, September 29 from 5 - 9 p.m. 2128 Doubleday Avenue, Ballston Spa and 20 percent of proceeds to NOFA-NY. 

Harvest Dinner at One Caroline Street Bistro: Sunday, September 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. 1 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 20 percent of proceeds to NOFA-NY. 

Sponsoring the challenge are Once Again Nut Butter and “Edible New York” magazine. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A reward of $20,000 is being offered by the StarNet Insurance Company for information leading to the arrest, recovery and conviction in regard to the September 12 burglary at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in which five precious trophies were stolen.

The trophies stolen are the 1903 Belmont Stakes Trophy, won by Africander, the 1903 Brighton Cup Trophy, won by Hermis, the 1905 Saratoga Special Trophy, won by Mohawk II, the 1914 Brook Cup Handicap Steeplechase Trophy, won by Compliment, and the 1923 Grand National Steeplechase Trophy, won by Sergeant Murphy.

Any information or questions should be directed to the Saratoga Springs Police Department through Inv. Laura Emanatian at (518) 584-1800, ext. 3402 or Inv. James Bell at (518) 584-1800, ext. 3492.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Halloween just got a little less scary for struggling parents who feared the cost of buying a new costume for their little monsters. 

The primary for Saratoga County Sheriff is on Tuesday September 10, Noon - 9 p.m.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – This year’s Enchanted Wedding Bridal Expo at the Saratoga Springs City Center will be bigger and better than ever with 78 vendors, wide open spaces for easy viewing of products and an exclusive fashion show by Don O'Neill, Creative Director and Designer of Theia Couture and Theia White Collection.

SARATOGA COUNTY – Thanks to a new state program that will give high school students the opportunity to prepare for in-demand technology and manufacturing jobs, up to 6,000 students throughout the state can now look forward to earning both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree by the time they’re 18.

Okay, we just couldn't let the season end and Cuko is putting together a great match, so Friday September 6, at 5:30 p.m. Saratoga Polo will be playing on Whitney Field 2, all tailgating, $20 per carload, pay at the gate, bring your own picnic. Of course, season ticket holders get in for free. Who could ask for anything more? Any questions call (518) 584-8108, or check the website saratogapolo.com

The following is the press release issued by Saratoga Springs Police Chief Greg Veitch concerning the foot pursuit of Darryl Mount:

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- At about 3:02 a.m. Saturday morning police officers assigned to foot patrol on Caroline Street reported that they observed a 21 -ear-old male, later identified as Darryl Mount, Jr. of Malta, shove a female’s head into a brick wall near the corner of Caroline Street and Broadway.  Police officers approached Mr. Mount and he fled on foot.  

Police officers then engaged in a foot pursuit in an attempt to stop Mount and take him into custody.  Saratoga Springs Police Department policy mandates an arrest in cases of domestic violence where any offense is committed in the presence of an officer, even if the victim does not want to pursue the arrest or prosecution. 

Mount ran south on Broadway into the alley on the north side of the Washington Building at 422 Broadway.Police officers twice attempted to deploy the Taser electronic control device during the foot pursuit while in the alley.Both attempts failed and did not make any contact with Mount who continued to run behind the Washington Building into the construction area at the rear of the building.  All Taser probes have been recovered at the scene and have been secured in the custody of the police department.  The recovery of the Taser probes confirms that there was no contact made with Mount or his clothing.      

At the rear of the building a wooden barrier is in place to prevent unauthorized access to the construction area and scaffolding behind the building.  The area behind the building has no lighting and was wet from rain that had fallen earlier in the evening. Police officers pursuing Mount reported that he climbed over a railing adjacent to the wooden barrier and onto the scaffolding at the rear of the building.  Only one officer pursued Mount onto the scaffolding and he was slowed by the construction area that is a tangle of wood and metal posts and support beams.  It was at this point that the following officer lost sight of Mount briefly.  Once the officer made his way onto the scaffolding he no longer could see Mount.

Other officers then ran around the front of the building to Gardner Lane next to Lillian’s in an attempt to secure any escape routes and establish a perimeter. The initial officer trailing Mount noticed an individual approaching the area along the sidewalk between Gaffney’s and Izumi Bar and Grill.  He called to the person to inquire if they had seen anyone running through the area and the witness reported that he heard a thud or crash and came to investigate but that he did not see anyone running.  A few moments later, the officer on the scaffolding observed Mount lying on the ground as other officers began arriving from the area of Putnam Street.  They found Mount unresponsive but breathing and called for emergency medical treatment.  

Saratoga Fire Department personnel arrived and provided medical care on scene, including cutting away Mount’s clothing. He was then transported by members of SSFD to Albany Medical Center.  

The police department has received several calls inquiring if police officers have been suspended or charged in relation to this incident.  Many have referred to allegations made on social media and other internet websites.  Some of the calls reference police officers, by name, who were not even working at the time. Some have referred to the tearing of Mount’s clothing as evidence that the police tore his clothing off of him during a beating although firefighters cut off his clothing to attend to his injuries as they do in many serious injury cases.Others still have claimed the police assaulted Mount on Caroline Street and were later seen chasing him down Gardiner Lane. There is no evidence at this point that police engaged in anything other than a foot pursuit onto unlit construction scaffolding behind 422 Broadway. The pursuit was begun after officers observed Mount assault another person and in accordance with what Saratoga Springs Police Officers are mandated to do. No witnesses have come forward and stated that they observed police officers using force on Mount. Anyone who claims that they observed any officers beating a suspect in this or any case is encouraged to contact me directly and I will personally take their statement.  

A canvass of the area for video has been conducted. None of the video in possession of the police department shows the area behind 422 Broadway or the attached scaffolding. There is video of Caroline Street showing Mount shoving the female victim into the wall just off of Broadway, running away, and police officers giving chase.Video on Broadway shows several officers in pursuit of Mount as he runs into the alley on the north side of 422 Broadway and moments later three officers running from the alley south bound in front of the building to Gardner Lane as they attempt to intercept Mount or establish a perimeter at the rear of the building.A third video shows officers running down Gardner Lane; no one is running in front of them. All of the video is secured as evidence pending grand jury action.  

Because police officers had lost sight of Mount and no witnesses have come forward who observed what happened in the area behind 422 Broadway, police speculate Mount somehow fell or jumped from the scaffolding in an attempt evade police. This was the initial report to dispatchers who provided that information to responding medical personnel. At the time of the incident, the area had no lighting. The scaffolding has many wood and metal support and cross beams and one can only pass through the area by stooping to avoid the cross beams or by hanging off of the edge of the scaffolding. It is about 19 to 20 feet from the scaffolding to the ground where Mount was found.  Falls from this height can result in very serious injuries.  

Mount has suffered serious, life threatening injuries. It is most important that he gets the medical care he needs to recover. It is for that reason alone that the police have not formally charged Mount with any offense at this point. Any criminal case will proceed at an appropriate time in consultation with prosecuting authorities. 

I would again encourage anyone who has information regarding this incident to contact the police department at (518) 584-1800, on the web at www.saratogapolice.org or anonymously at (518) 584-TIPS.  

Any allegation of police brutality will be taken seriously by the Saratoga Springs Police Department.This investigation is still on-going.  There may be additional facts, evidence or witnesses that are not yet known to the police. I encourage anyone who witnessed this incident to report their information to authorities.  

Gregory J. Veitch   

Chief of Police 

Saratoga Springs Police Department