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Archive for the ‘City government’ Category

Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathiesen

It’s been an active few months for the city’s new public safety commissioner.

Chris Mathiesen, who took office in January, announced this week that he supports a year-round 3 a.m. last call for city bars, and random drug testing of police officers and firefighters, pending discussions. The commissioner’s statements came after a busy January in which he called on the state to lower the 55 mph speed limit on Route 9, and orchestrated the fire department’s takeover of primary ambulance services for the city’s 30,000 residents.But it’s Mathiesen’s plan to call for a spring vote on closing bars and clubs an hour earlier that’s growing into the biggest test. While police officers and firefighters do not oppose random drug testing, cutting off alcohol at 3 a.m. has raised objections from bar owners and the “racino,” which serves liquor until 4 a.m. Even police officers question the proposal. Some believe an earlier closing time could cause a simultaneously exodus from bars to widespread locations across the city.

“The 4 a.m. more or less filters people out gradually,” said Sgt. Paul Veitch, president of the Police Benevolent Association. “We’d like to see more staffing at night, only because it’s an officer safety issue.”

Mathiesen works as a dentist. He says he campaigned on most of the moves, and has had to react to events. Since he took office, the city’s ambulance provider dissolved, a motorist accidently struck and killed a pedestrian on a dark stretch of Route 9, and police charged city firefighter, Justin Moran, with possessing crack cocaine. Moran remains on involuntary leave. His arrest led to discussions about drug testing.

The PBA has agreed to drug testing, and a program could be implemented through discussions with Mathiesen, Veitch said. Members of the Firefighters Local 343 would discuss drug testing as part of current contract negotiations, said Lt. Joe Dolan, union president. Both union leaders said there were questions about the integrity of the tests and who administers them.

Mathiesen, a Democrat, points to last year’s brawl at the former Club Shadow and a bar stabbing on New Year’s Eve as examples of why bars should close earlier. Accounts Commissioner John Franck tried in 2010 to change last call in the city to 2 a.m. between Labor Day and Memorial Day, but that effort failed in a 2-2 vote. Mayor Scott Johnson recused himself, citing financial ties to two restaurants/drinking establishments in the city.

Mathiesen recently met with bar owners in the city, and the two groups will convene again in March. On the agenda will be a discussion of a possible 3 a.m. last call.

“None of the bar owners think it’s a good idea,” said Tom Clancy, owner of Clancy’s Tavern on Caroline Street. “Everything mixes well the way it is. I feel the city is a safe city.”

The Saratoga Casino and Raceway opposes a change, senior vice president Rita Cox said. “Cutting off what we already offer customers wouldn’t be a good thing,” she said.

The SSHA Board of Directors, by Michael Farrell (TU)

We reported today that U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wants to investigate the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority, and on the authority’s monthly meeting held Thursday in Stonequist Apartments. Here is the letter Sen. Grassley sent to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:

2012-02-16

The state Comptroller will audit the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority for impropriety, officials said Wednesday.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office told city and housing authority officials in separate letters that it had selected the agency for an imminent review of its financial operations.

The move came in response to Mayor Scott Johnson’s Jan. 30 request for DiNapoli to check the housing authority for “potential financial irregularities and spending practices such as salary, compensation, travel and business expenses, and claims of nepotism.”

The state office’s Division of Local Government and School Accountability would start audit field work “within the next week,” state Deputy Comptroller Steven Hancox told Dennis Brunelle, chairman of the housing authority’s Board of Directors, Wednesday.

“We agree that the public interest would be served by an audit of the authority’s financial operations,” Hancox told Johnson. “Such an audit should help provide the transparency and accountability needed to ensure that this governmental agency operates as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

The review will cover a period to be determined, and could include meetings with housing officials, including board members, Hancox wrote. DiNapoli will report on the results.

The state comptroller is the first state or federal authority to investigate the housing agency since bedbugs were found in its Stonequist Apartments six months ago. Tenants and city officials had for months criticized housing authority Director Ed Spychalski and Brunelle for not treating the 176-unit tower for the blood-sucking bugs. Spychalski hired a pest control company last week. The company completed its initial round of treatments at Stonequist Wednesday. Town and Country Pest Solutions found bedbugs in 43 apartments, according to an employee who did the job.

The bedbug criticism led to revelations that Spychalski received an annual salary of $152,000, raises of 105 percent in five years, hired his daughter without board permission, promoted his son without Civil Service permission, and drove at least one authority vehicle. Spychalski and Brunelle spent about $50,000 in 2010 and 2011 on faraway trips for job training, and other authority members also went on trips. Johnson welcomed the review, which he called akin to a forensic audit. “As such, the review will encompass whether the housing authority has operated as efficiently and effectively as possible,” he said.

The Saratoga Springs Police Lieutenants on Friday named officer Thomas Sartin as the 2011 Officer of the Year, citing his high standard of performance and strong leadership qualities.

Lt. Linda Quattrini, Lt. Sean Briscoe, Patrolman Tom Sartin, Lt. Robert Jillson, Lt. John Catone

Sartin is an 11-year veteran of the force, having been hired in April 2001. He is presently assigned to the department’s Traffic Safety Division, and works days and evenings. Sartin reviously worked as a police officer for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police and the State University Police.

Officer Sartin last year issued 851 traffic citations and 536 parking citations. He served as primary department trainer on a wide range of topics, commercial vehicle inspector, motor vehicle collision reconstructionist and one of the department’s field training officers. He volunteered to maintain the department’s mobile data terminals, all R.A.D.A.R. and L.I.D.A.R. equipment and the department’s three license plate readers. Sartin also worked closely to acquire a new license plate reader for the department, valued at over $20,000.

Sartin earned a reported $103,534 in 2011. The Officer of the Year Award is given annually by the Saratoga Springs Police Lieutenants to those who display excellence in policing and dedication to duty.

Here is a rendering of the four-story parking garage approved by the entire City Council last night. The crowd at Tuesday’s City Council meeting broke into a round of applause for the $4.7 million structure at 6 Woodlawn Ave. City leaders have vowed to have it built by racing season (mid-July).

Source: Mayor Scott Johnson/BCI Construction

Lawyers for the city of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Citizen, a group of petitioners who support a change of government in the city, squared off Tuesday in the state Appellate Division of Supreme Court in Albany.

Each side presented their opinions before the judges for 15 minutes. John Aspland of Glens Falls represented the city. John Henry, a partner at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna in Albany, argued for the citizen’s group. A decision is due in 30-60 days.

The proceedings involve the city’s appeal of State Supreme Court Judge Thomas Nolan’s validation of Saratoga Citizen’s signed petition to put charter change to a community vote. The group gathered more than 2,000 signatures for a ballot vote to change the city’s commission government, which contains five elected officials, to a professional manager and elected council. The city mantains that the group needed to file a “fiscal note” with its petition, spelling out how much the change would cost. Nolan sided with Saratoga Citizen in a prior ruling.

Here’s some of what is on the agenda for Tuesday’s City Council meeting being held at 7 p.m. in City Hall:

- The city is expected to announce and vote on new ambulance fees now that the Fire Department has taken over emergency medical services from Saratoga Emergency Medical Services. The fees are higher than what SEMS charged.

- The Saratoga Springs Housing Authority and Gramercy Communications have parted ways. The housing authority hired the Albany public relations firm to assist it with press relations after being barraged with criticism for its handling of bedbugs, salaries, hiring, travel expenses and more. At Tuesday’s meeting, authority board member Eric Weller is expected to speak and Accounts Commissioner John Franck will announce a bedbug hotline. Incidentally, the housing authority’s website recently down and is presently under reconstruction.

- A council vote is planned for hiring BCI Construction to build a three-story parking deck at 6 Woodlawn Ave., that would contain up to 500 parking spaces. The project was bid at $4.4 million.

- Public Works Commissioner Anthony Scirocco has called for a vote to hire a new reservation coordinator at the Canfield Casino.

Here is Mayor Scott Johnson’s State of the City address from Sunday and a brief response from Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan:

Welcome and good afternoon to my fellow Saratogians. As in prior

years, it’s my honor, as your Mayor, to help better serve our very unique and wonderful community. I also recognize and thank my fellow City Council members, Commissioner John Franck, Commissioner Michele Madigan, Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco, and Commissioner Christian Mathiesen, both for being here today and being committed to serve our City.

I trust we, as a Council, will continue with the civility and professionalism we’ve attained in City Hall during the last four years. A welcome and thank you also goes out to Deputy Mayor Shauna Sutton, Deputy Commissioner Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner Timothy Cogan, Deputy Commissioner Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner Sharon Kellner-Chille, City Attorney Joseph Scala, Assistant City Attorney Anthony Izzo and my Executive Assistant Therese Connolly.
I also welcome our County Supervisors, Joanne Yepsen and Matthew
Veitch, and recognize their dedication to our City and efforts to improve our City and County relationship.
I also welcome the other elected officials here today, as well as all
former members of our City Council. We appreciate and recognize your
dedication to our city. On a personal note, I must always thank my family, my wife Julie, son Conor and mother Jane, for their support and love each and every day. I wouldn’t be here today without you.
Lastly, please join me in a moment of silence to remember and

express gratitude to our fellow Saratogians, family and friends who are no longer with us but who all contributed to make our community what it is today. Please join me now as we consider the State of our City. By design, the State of the City address examines where we have
been within the past year and where we are now heading. Unquestionably, 2011 continued to present many unprecedented economic challenges, which are bound to continue for some time. As a destination and resort community, we are better able to weather the economic downturns than other communities, but we must continue to plan for uncertainty in 2012 and beyond. We must continue to expand our tax base to ensure future fiscal stability, while managing our growth to protect the appeal of what is uniquely Saratoga. We must never forget the increasing demands on the cost of living to many Saratogians, that struggle daily to make ends meet and provide for a secure future. Certainly, the current issues present many challenges, some more difficult than others, but all demanding our attention.
In order to be a community equally responsive to all, we must put aside our politics, act with sincere purpose, pursue innovative solutions and
collectively work toward the common goal, to strike a balance in our
community. Many issues may call for vigorous debate but we must never return to the politics of dissention. As your elected officials, we must at times make tough and perhaps unpopular decisions to ensure fiscal responsibility and uphold our sworn responsibilities as elected officials. Without doubt, the power of a united community far exceeds the power of any individual or special interest.
In prior State of the City Addresses, I have asked the City Council and
all Saratogians for new eras of cooperation, responsibility, accountability and meaningful assistance as we plan for our future and meet our challenges. Today, I once again repeat that message to all Saratogians. As we face our challenges, the charge to our City Council remains obvious: Continued fiscal conservatism, good management and improved efficiency. If the economic recession has taught us nothing else, it is that we can never return to the tax and spend mentality of the past and must control those costs that are within our power. Fortunately, many financial indicators and ongoing economic
development indicate our City remaining relatively strong, stronger than most, given the new economic realities at hand.

Let’s look at the events of 2011. Financial statistical data for 2011 continues to indicate that, for the most part, our City continues to trend upward from the results of 2010. For example, City sales tax collected for 2011, although not final until completely received by February 29, 2012, indicates a 4% increase over that collected in 2010; our hotel occupancy tax in 2011 was up 4.84% from 2010; mortgage tax for 2011 was up 5.88% over 2010; the 2011 occupancy
rate for City hotels and boarding establishments posted a 6.8% increase over 2010; total revenue from City hotels and boarding establishments was up 6.8% over 2010; the reported increase in new small businesses expanding into available commercial space throughout the City; over 300 new high quality apartments scheduled for completion this Spring and early Summer; the Saratoga County unemployment rate, at 6.5%, is still significantly better than the New York State rate of 8%; and last, but not least, an increase in our unappropriated, unreserved City fund balance, our “rainy day” fund, of $4.2 million in 2010. Bear in mind that a further increase in the unappropriated unreserved fund balance was achieved in 2011, despite a tax reduction of 0.81% for 2012, based in large measure on good management practices, great efficiencies and good old fashioned fiscal conservatism with your tax dollars.
Last year also saw the adoption and first implementation of the New
York State property tax cap, under which many municipalities throughout the State have had either difficulty or inability in compliance, forcing many municipalities to massive layoffs and cuts to essential services. Saratoga Springs has fared better than most, having made prior cuts beginning in 2009 and continuing with implementation of better efficiencies to simply doing more with less. However, what remains lacking from the State property tax cap legislation is unfunded mandate relief, in order to achieve true savings to the taxpayers and not simply a shift of the tax burden from the State to the local level. In the long term, a property tax cap cannot work without unfunded mandate relief, particularly when many of the mandates are unsustainable when funded at the local level. There must be pension reform, reform in collective bargaining laws that unfairly favor labor over management, relief from the burden of Medicaid imposed at the County level, and repeal of the cost excessive Wick’s Law. We are not seeking an unfair advantage, simply a level playing field. The time is overdue to correct the excesses and inequities over the last several decades that have brought us to this financial breaking point. Therefore, I implore you to get involved, join with us and take action by contacting our State representatives and Governor Cuomo to voice your opinion, that this imbalance is insanity and cannot continue.
Fortunately, 2011 saw the restoration of our rightful share of Video
Lottery Terminal, or VLT, revenue from New York State, that had been
eliminated back in 2009. Following elimination of the VLT funds in 2009, our City acted in collaborative fashion with our State representatives, notably Senator Roy McDonald, Senator Hugh Farley and Assemblyman James Tedisco, under a unified voice to demand restoration of the VLT funds rightfully due us as a host municipality. As you all know, we have now received at least partial restoration, of $1.5 million per year, from what we had previously received as $3.8 million. Last year, the City Council treated the restoration of $1.5 million in VLT funds, as intended by New York State, not to meet general operating expenses but, rather, to offset the tax burden. Without a guarantee that we’ll annually receive the VLT funds from New York State, it would be financially irresponsible to rely on those funds to simply balance an annual operating budget. Instead, approximately
$1 million of the $1.5 million reinstated has been put into a special tax
reserve fund to offset future tax increases, as needed. This $1 million tax reserve fund is not part of the previously described over $4 million
unappropriated, unreserved fund at year end. While some restoration is obviously better than none, we must continue our efforts to increase our equitable share of the VLT revenue generated to New York State from our local racino, and further work toward a guarantee of receiving funds each and every year. Our advocacy must not end until we are assured that this inequity is righted and common sense prevails.

The racing industry also received a long overdue boost by the long
awaited finalization and opening of the Aqueduct VLT. Of course, the
significance on a local level is the infusion of millions of dollars into the
New York Racing Association based upon the success of that VLT
operation. Plans are already in place for NYRA to increase its purses over $30 million annually and to finance over $100 million in capital
improvements to our Saratoga Race Course. Last year, NYRA unveiled a long range plan for capital improvements at the track, through Turnbery Consultants, working in conjunction with our local Preservation Foundation and Racing Advisory Board. Our track has always, and undoubtedly, maintained its charm and attraction as the premier racing venue and the oldest sporting venue in the nation. It has long been recognized that, while improvements are needed, changes must be consistent with the architectural heritage and Spa experience. While Saratoga is certainly more diversified than ever, in our economy and entertainment, we remain realistic that the Race Course is still the core of our vitality and economy. After many years of racing industry woes and New York State delay in finalizing the Aqueduct VLT, it is now reassuring to Saratogians that the future at the Spa does look brighter now than in recent memory.
Last year also saw the final touches on the expansion of our City
Center, where we are fortunate to assemble here today to enjoy the obvious improvements and the engine that drives our economy year round. True to prediction, since the completion of the expansion the City Center business is up over 33% in the first year alone. It is not just the number of bookings and business as increasing but the nature and future potential this competitive facility brings even to an international level. For example, they hosted the first semi-conductor related global conference, the SEMI ASMCll, which brought over 200 semi-conductor manufacturing engineers from around the world last May and Saratoga rolled out the red carpet! The conference was such a success that they rebooked us for 2012, to return this May. This is the first time this group has booked the same destination in back to back years in over 20 years of existence. In addition, as a result of this successful conference, we were also able to book the Semi Conductor Industry Association’s World Semi Conductor Council meeting in May of this year also. This global conference only comes to the United States once every six
years, to bring the CEOs and top executives from the world’s leading semi conductor manufacturing companies from across the globe. Clearly, the combination of our wonderful expansion, our inviting and vital city, and development and continued expansion of Global Foundries and the Luther Forest technology campus nearby is already producing many tangible benefits to our City, now and into the future. Our Saratoga quality of life, and the emerging high tech growth nearby, will only serve to economically strengthen us as we move forward. The City Center Authority and its Board deserve our congratulations and gratitude for recognizing and committing to the pivotal role this venue plays in our future success. Collective bargaining issues were again front and center last year. Many of the same contracts are up for renegotiation this year. I will continue to negotiate in good faith, to strike a balance in reaching fair, but affordable, contracts. Aside from union contract negotiations, the consolidation of all City employees into one health care provider significantly moved forward. My decision to force that move was to simply contain the escalating cost of health care, while still providing personal security to the employees but in a more cost effective manner. After the unions filed grievances to prevent the conversion and arbitrations commenced, we were able to come to an agreement with all unions, but the PBA, to make the conversion. We must all recognize that decades of unsustainable contracts require a new thinking, some give and take, and that
reasonable change is not the enemy. Given that our annual labor costs are approximately $30 million of an approximate $36 million annual budget, the consolidation of health care is a prime example of controlling what costs you can control, to produce savings measured in the hundreds of thousands of dollars each and every year. To those union members still withholding consent on this issue, I repeat my prior requests to develop a new mindset that recognizes the old model is broken, but we can nonetheless work together to contain costs and maintain job security. As I have often stated, cost containment is not an option, but a necessity, for fiscal survival.

Last year also produced the first public-private partnership between
the City and downtown businesses to provide a solution for the parkingv

shortage downtown. After countless studies over the years, it took this first public-private partnership formation, of over twenty bipartisan members, to develop a parking solution in the most cost effective manner by simply sharing the burden between the City and the private sector. The result? Currently going to contract is a downtown parking garage that will accommodate approximately 500 vehicles versus 147 current parking lot spaces, coming in under the projected bid budget and, most importantly, to be completed before our 2012 racing season. This has truly been a collaborative, bipartisan effort to finally act on a long awaited solution, while also providing economic development stimulus for our All American Award downtown corridor. With the addition of this garage, we will finally reduce the downtown parking shortage and, perhaps equally as important, the perception of lack of parking. To coin an old adage, build it and they will come. Lastly, and this will please many Saratogians, it’s not paid parking.

As the holidays approached, 2011 didn’t end quietly. In November,
long standing emergency medical service provider SEMS (Saratoga
Emergency Medical Services) announced it could no longer continue
operating indefinitely and intended to transfer its certificate of need and operating license to another provider. In response, the City Fire Department sought to become the primary EMS provider, and transporter, for the City. For years, the City Fire Department has trained and used paramedics at all response calls as needed. Two commercial ambulance services provided proposals to provide full service to the City. The Fire Department’s proposal was to provide partial service of primary response, with secondary and third response by an outside service by contract. After some public discussion and City Council consideration, the City Council approved, by
divided vote, the Fire Department proposal, with the condition that the
financial success of the operation be evaluated within 12-18 months. At this juncture, public opinion is divided on the issue, with questions of cost effectiveness, long term costs, timing, comprehensiveness, and some claims of unanswered questions. It is not a question of the qualifications of Fire Department paramedics to protect the public. The question remains whether the City providing the service is the most cost effective manner and fiscally responsible. The Fire Department has now commenced this operation. Final determination of the propriety of the City undertaking the service, and liability, must await future determination.

We also had a variety of issues, some serious, some not, that bear mention:
o Skidmore College celebrated its 100th Commencement with its largest graduating class. Extensive redevelopment and expansion of its
facilities continues, as does its cooperative and collaborative effort
with the City to better improve relations. We continue to build on our
relationship, improve communications and promote mutual respect.
o The 9/11 Sculpture, titled “Tempered by Memory”, eventually finds a
new home amid some controversy after the initial site could not
accommodate the sculpture as fabricated. The newly proposed site at
High Rock Park is viewed favorably, by most Saratogians, as more
pastural and contemplative in the context of historical significance
and artistic vision.
o The legal battle over proposed Charter change by Saratoga Citizen
continues with appellate argument now scheduled for next week,
February 7, 2012. Final decision on appeal is expected within two
months thereafter.
o Environmental initiatives continue to advance, with Complete Streets, Sustainable Saratoga, Cool Cities, and the City becoming the 100th member to join the Climate Smart Communities.
o The closing of Borders on Broadway, at a central location, initially
shocked the City and understandably disappoints many with a
vacancy in the core of downtown. However, most people recognize
the closure was the result of a national bankruptcy, not local failure,
and efforts remain ongoing to re-let the space in consultation with the
owner.
o Near year’s end, some residents of Stonequist Apartments came
forward to the City, to complain of bed bug infestation and allege the
Saratoga Springs Housing Authority was not addressing the problem.
The allegations led to new charges of fiscal and staffing
mismanagement. Last week, public forums were held and a written
request was sent to the New York State Office of the Comptroller,
demanding an audit of the Housing Authority. The matter remains
ongoing.
o The Spa City is listed the 75th best place to live in the United States in
the September issue of Money Magazine. The criteria included
quality of life, job opportunities, top notch schools, safe streets,
economic strength, nice weather and plenty to do.
o The Mary Lou Whitney rose was formally dedicated at Congress Park
and Yaddo Gardens. In Congress Park, there is a formal garden
entitled Mary Lou Whitney Rose Garden, in recognition of the
innumerable contributions by our friend and benefactor in so many
respects, and the mutual love earned many times over.
o Plans began for the 150th celebration of thoroughbred racing in
Saratoga Springs, to be celebrated 2013. Older, or more seasoned
residents, recall the 100th celebration and events back in 1963.
o Census results, based on 2010 sampling, surprised many residents
with results that our population has increased only approximately 500
residents over a 10 year period.
o SPAC yet again posted another successful season, also in the black. It
was the 7th consecutive year of not posting a deficit. In 2011 alone,
SPAC generated over $100 million in ancillary tourism dollars to the
region, proving that supporting the arts means supporting our
economy.
o The Saratoga Spa State Park celebrated its 100th anniversary with the
renovation and rededication of the Vale Springs.
o The City and the City School District come to an agreement to
reestablish the City’s maintenance and care of both the East and West
side recreation fields.
o Our Central School District continues to be highly ranked and
recognized as among the top 10% of all school districts beyond New
York City, by the Buffalo Business Journal; ranked 9th out of 85 area
school districts, by the Albany Business Review, now being in the top
10 for the last 6 years; and national recognition of excellence, by the
Washington Post, as one of the top High Schools in the country for
our Advanced Placement and Honors courses.
o The Canfield Casino undergoes extensive renovations, most notably
the front sidewalk and entrance to the historic building, producing a
sigh of relief from many high heeled female residents that risked life
and limb in entering many social events.
o Same sex marriage is enacted in New York State and is officiated
here.
o The Eastside recreation Skate Bowl finally, finally, reopens, under a
skate at your own risk policy.
o Our Farmers Market was voted the Best Farmers Market in New York
State, 3rd Best Medium Sized Market in USA and a top 10 Farmers
Market in the USA in the American Farmland Trust “America’s
Favorite Market Contest”. The market was established in 1978 by a
small group of farmers and grown in its 32 years to a year round
market of 55 vendors providing all local produce to the citizens and
visitors of our City.
o Saratoga Hospital continues its expansion and improvements by
announcing the addition of a 40,000 square foot administrative
building.
o South Broadway McDonald’s completes a one-of-a-kind multi-million
dollar reconstruction, as a key component and model in the future
redevelopment of a primary gateway to our City.
o Fasig-Tipton completes another successful sales meet in its state of
the art and designed for success venue.
o Hurricane Irene wallops a punch and results in the first closure of
NYRA racing on Travers Sunday in recent memory. Nevertheless,
NYRA posts an approximate 6% increase in on-track handle for the
meet.
o Last, but not least, Saratoga almost out does itself by performing a Lip
Dub on September 1, 2011, drawing thousands to downtown Saratoga
Springs to participate in the fun and simply act goofy on film. The
event, sponsored and organized by the Chamber of Commerce, was an
enormous success, to be posted on YouTube and used as an effective
marketing tool to visit Saratoga.

These items are just some of many things that we faced in 2011. The
list is not meant to be exhaustive of all we faced but, simply, some
perspective. As we are now into a new year, how do we best prepare ourselves for continued global economic uncertainty, fiscal impacts from both the State Federal levels, and still take advantage of the emerging tech center in our backyard? Simply by controlling what we can control within our own sphere of influence, by continuing with improved efficiencies and productivity in our own government, continuing to plan reasonably and cost effectively for the future needs of our City, and by reassessing the potential for redevelopment of certain areas in our City that are ripe for smart development.

In the face of the great recession, we have already taken steps toward improving efficiency, productivity and changing the mindset that more staff is necessarily better. We must continue with these measures because, again, these are costs that we can control. As chair of the Capital Program Committee, I will continue with the better planning process and substantiation we have put in place, to effectively project the six year needs of our City to enable better fiscal planning. For those that seek longer, multiyear planning on our annual budgets, the answer is driven by one reality: controlling labor costs. Labor costs exceed 80% of our annual budget and, as such, have to be the focal point. It’s no small wonder that New York State, and across the country, union contracts have become targets in an effort to correct unsustainable models of the past. As I have often stated, it is better to have no contract than one we can’t afford. We must continue to work together, both labor and management, to strike a fair, but better, balance if we are to survive what lies ahead. Aside from controlling spending, we must continue our preparation to take advantage of the development opportunities at our doorstep due to our neighboring technology park. As often emphasized, we continue to take great strides in streamlining and improving our Building Department and Planning Department, to take advantage of business opportunities that enable a healthy expansion of our commercial tax base. There are certain areas within our City, most notably the main gateway to our City from Exit13 to South Broadway, that are prime candidates for a fiscal impact analysis to identify the economic benefit to our City by best utilizing these areas, in a creative fashion to conserve the aesthetics of our City. As I have often stated, to plan for development is not synonymous with over development. To ultimately remain a viable community, we must be competitive, open-minded and not impose unreasonable barriers. A thoughtful and balanced expansion of our tax base is the most realistic way to lessen the future burden on the residential homeowner. A fiscal and tax base analysis will show how new development and current land usage can impact our City finances. We can better identify strategies to stimulate private investment, create employment opportunities and strengthen our tax base. Of course, this analysis requires funding and City expenditures must always be minimized. Therefore, I propose the formation of another public-private partnership, with our business community, to come together and work toward the common goal of determining development opportunities, under more articulated standards and guidelines, to preserve and improve our competitive edge. We will continue to work with the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation to promote good development, attract businesses and create jobs, now and for future generations.

We are fortunate to have diverse types of development, the
combination of commercial/industrial, mixed use, educational, new
construction, redevelopment and infill. It is precisely this type of diverse development that illustrates the healthy business development and continued investment in our community. Even within the past few years, in the midst of the economic downturn, there has been encouraging development in our City. Overall, the City is faring well, certainly in comparison with most other communities.
Before we close today, we would be remiss if we did not discuss the
apparent statewide movement toward legalizing casino gambling. While the approval is by no means finalized and has much remaining process well beyond this year, we must act to protect our parochial interests as a racing community. We must also recognize the impact casino gambling may have on the racing industry, upon which we depend. Clearly, New York State is looking at casino gambling as a way of solving its economic deficits. While we are all New Yorkers, we must first and foremost be Saratogians on this issue. The racing industry has for years waited for the finalization of the VLT operations in order to financially survive without burdening the taxpayer. Whatever may jeopardize the VLT model, that now enables NYRA to bridge its economic gaps and remain competitive, must be very carefully scrutinized by our community. As a community dependent upon
racing as our core identity, whatever may be detrimental to racing is
certainly critical to us. At what point is the saturation point reached with the gambling dollar? One must also question whether we want full casino gambling in our City, with the potential loss of quality of life and certain increase on the cost for public services. As we have unfortunately learned from the past, New York State has not been willing to guarantee us, as a host community, funds to reasonably compensate us for the impacts, both fiscally and aesthetically, to our detriment. Therefore, whatever proposal may go forward on casino gambling, it must contain permanent guarantees that we
receive fair compensation and have no adverse impact to the stability of our racing meet. Make no doubt about it, a threat to racing’s future is a threat to our survival.
With a newly constituted City Council, there is both change and
opportunity. Whether change is for the better is always subject to opinion, but opportunity can never be denied. Just as we have previously been at crossroads facing the challenges of economic uncertainty, this Council too must make choices of working together, for the common good, or allowing politics to divide us. In these difficult economic times, now more than ever it’s critical that we keep politics out of government. As a new Council, we are positioned to demonstrate to our community that we are willing to listen, willing to compromise, willing to collaborate, and willing to serve the taxpayer. In short, we must do simply that for which we were elected. Cooperation remains the cornerstone in any successful venture, whether business or government. As a Council, and as a community, we must rededicate ourselves to join together for what should always be paramount in
serving our City: to be a City inclusive of all Saratogians. Certain values and virtues are timeless. Honor. Responsibility. Accountability. Integrity. Sincerity. Cooperation. Forgiveness. If we hold true to these ideals, the task before us is large, but not insurmountable. As
public officials, our duty is nothing less. We must always be a voice of
reason, remain practical and never lose sight that common sense works. On the other hand, as the French philosopher Voltaire stated: “Common sense is not that common”. No matter what, we should always act in accordance with the pride that is uniquely Saratoga.
In a prior State of the City Address I quoted from John F. Kennedy,
whose words continue to stand the test of time and bear repeating today, particularly since we now have a new Council. He said:
“So let us begin anew – remembering on both sides that civility is
not a sign of weakness and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let
us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. Let
both sides explore what problems unite us, instead of belaboring
these problems which divide us.” To my fellow City Council members, if we abide by these standards, we will better serve our City. In conclusion, this year I reiterate, to my fellow City Council members, to our City and its people, this is our charge. Thank you all for attending today and for your commitment to our City. God Bless America, the City of Saratoga Springs, and all Saratogians.

Madigan’s response:

The Mayor’s speech today contained many eloquent words urging cooperation and an end to partisanship. While he may not have completely heeded his own advice (subsequently deriding the “tax and spend mentality of the past”) I believe that we all are public servants with the best interests of the City of Saratoga Springs at heart.

I was encouraged by the tone and content of the Mayor’s remarks on casino gambling in New York. We must first and foremost be concerned with the impact this would have on the horse racing industry and must vigorously defend our quality of life and our city finances from any deleterious impact of casino gambling in our backyard. I was also very pleased to hear the Mayor demand both an increase in our share of the VLT revenues generated by our racino and a guarantee from Albany that we will receive those funds each and every year.

VLT aid is a revenue source that has become critical, albeit still difficult to rely upon, to this City.  The Mayor stated – rightly – that “it would be financially irresponsible to rely on those funds to simply balance an annual operating budget”. Unfortunately, this is precisely what the previous Council did in the 2012 Budget that it devised and adopted. Despite uncertainty as to the existence or amount of any VLT revenue provided by Albany for this year, despite past experience with this issue, the previous Council relied on the VLT revenue to balance the 2012 Operating Budget.  We must continue our vigilance with our Albany compatriots to retain and increase amounts to offset our significant expenses as host City.  We must continue to look for ways to most effectively utilize VLT revenue.

The Mayor’s remarks on the unappropriated unreserved fund balance also require clarification. The Mayor stated that this fund balance increased by $4.2M in 2010.  In fact, the fund balance grew by roughly $1.35M from 2009, a substantial difference that we must understand and be aware of in order to accurately plan and budget for the future of the City.  Moreover, as Finance has discussed with the Mayor, we are not yet in a position to state that an increase in the fund balance was achieved in 2011.  While an increase would be welcome, the City’s 2011 books do not close until the end of February and this number will not be finalized for several weeks.  Good planning dictates that we use solid, accurate data to make important statements about the City’s finances.

The current administration has just closed its first month of duty with a truly remarkable set of projects and much progress to show for it.  I look forward to the State of the City 2013 and I have confidence that it will resound with the success of this year.

I received the following communication Friday morning from the housing authority’s public relations spokesperson that outlines some major changes:

Contents of a Feb. 2 letter from housing Director Ed Spychalski to Mayor Scott Johnson:
Dear Mayor Johnson,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday concerning the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. I understand the urgency and sensitivity of all the issues you raised and I want to assure you that the Board of Commissioners and I are working diligently to address these immediate issues and to stay focused on our mission of providing safe, decent and affordable housing to our residents.
We had our first meeting/visit this afternoon with the newly appointed Housing Authority Commissioner, Albert Callucci. I felt that we had a very productive first meeting and I believe his experience in management and government will be of great assistance to the housing authority, particularly now as we look to improve our administration and operations.
To address some of the concerns you raised with me and to improve communication between the housing authority and your administration, I plan to send you and the City Council regular reports to update you on our progress – addressing both outstanding issues of concern and keeping you informed of our future plans. And of course, the Board of Commissioners will be involved and have prior knowledge of the content of my reports to you. With the bed bug issue being the most urgent concern at this time, we will be distributing the attached letter to all residents tomorrow morning. It outlines a new comprehensive approach to the problem and we believe our actions will result in a successful resolve to this sensitive problem.
We realize that we have other administrative and operations issues to deal with in the coming months. In some instances we have relied on past practices that are no longer effective and so we will be evaluating our business practices with the Board and making appropriate adjustments. We welcome your input and I want to assure you that we will proceed in a transparent manor and engage in good governance practices.
Please know that we appreciate your continued support and assistance.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Spychalski

Feb. 2 letter from Spychalski to Stonequist Apartment tenants:

I am writing to provide you with an update on the bedbug issue. First I would like to apologize to all of you for having to deal with this sensitive issue. Please know that we have heard your concerns loud and clear and we are doing everything in our power to get this situation under control and will take whatever steps we can to prevent this problem from happening again. But as you know, this is a community and it will take diligence on all our parts to help achieve this goal. I ask that you continue to work with me towards this end and that you continue to communicate to me your concerns whenever you deem necessary. I appreciate your candor and I promise that I will keep you updated on a regular basis of our progress.

Due to the sensitive and urgent nature of the issue with bedbugs, the housing authority will be implementing an immediate corrective action throughout the entire building. We will start an accelerated, comprehensive IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Plan beginning late in the week of February 6, 2012, with housing authority personnel and an extermination firm we have contracted. The IPM Plan will consist of the following:

1. Comprehensive inspections;
2. Pest Identification;
3. Planning the response which may employ two or more control methods (possibly sanitation, mechanical, cultural, biological or chemical); and
4. Evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the response and any necessary follow-up.
I realize you may have questions and concerns and I encourage you to write to me or see me in person. Alternatively, I am happy to organize a building wide meeting to answer your questions in a group session.
On a separate note: Today we had an unannounced visit from our new Housing Commissioner, Albert Callucci. He is very anxious to get on board and is looking forward to spending time in the building and meeting all of you.
Thank you again for your cooperation and your patience.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Spychalski

Statement from Board of Commissioners Chairman Dennis Brunelle:

“The Saratoga Springs Housing Authority is actively accepting and reviewing bids for extermination services to address the bedbug issue at the Stonequist Apartments,” said Dennis Brunelle, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. “It is our intention to select a winning bidder in the coming days and we will share that information with Mayor Scott Johnson and the City Council and our residents. In addition, we will continue to communicate with our tenants on the treatment schedule from inspection, on through, to follow-up.”

Mayor Johnson at Stonequist Tuesday

The director of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority cut a longtime bug control program for hundreds of public housing units in the years before bedbugs invaded Stonequist Apartments, the extermination company’s owner said.

Director Ed Spychalski canceled Staring’s Pest and Rodent Control’s monthly sanitary inspections for cockroaches, ants, bedbugs and insects around the summer of 2009 because he thought the $600 monthly cost could be better spent, owner Thomas Staring said Thursday in an interview.

Staring, 54, said he had never seen a bedbug in the 25 years he had worked in Stonequist, Vanderbilt Terrace and Jefferson Terrace. But Spychalski ended the job in the years after he became director in 2006, Staring said.

“He decided I was no longer needed, that the budget could be spent better,” Staring said in an interview.

Blood-sucking bedbugs arrived at the 176-unit Stonequist tower by July 2011. Complaints from residents that Spychalski did not actively work to rid the apartments of the pests led to revelations that his salary had more than doubled to $152,000 over five years, he hired his daughter, promoted his son and drives at least one authority-owned vehicle. Tenants have alleged that Spychalski has bullied them with threats of eviction.

During a meeting with Mayor Scott Johnson at Stonequist Tuesday, at least three authority residents said that bug control inspections of their homes stopped a few years ago. Vanderbilt resident Stephanie Shean told Johnson that cockroaches and spiders had entered her apartment after Spychalski discontinued the service. Shean, 31, and Pastor Peter Berrios Jr., 55, of Jefferson Terrace, said their leases had included monthly inspections for insects.

“It just got dropped for some reason,” Shean said.

Staring said that housing authority administrators rehired him about seven weeks ago for a one-time inspection of Stonequist Apartments. A partial look in the building revealed bedbugs in 16-18 units and the building’s hallways, Staring said.

“I’m not at all surprised,” he said. “If (Spychalski) had a pest control service come in when they were first found, he could have nipped it.” Now, pesticides are needed to kill the bedbugs, and residents will have to be shuffled out of their rooms during treatments, he said.

The housing authority’s maintenance workers started spreading non-toxic powder last month to kill the bedbugs. During a City Council hearing Tuesday, Dennis Brunelle, chairman of the authority’s Board of Commissioners, told Accounts Commissioner John Franck that the authority had the money to treat the bedbugs problem, but wanted to do it in the most economic way. He said the authority had spent $6,000-$8,000 on bedbug removal so far.

Brunelle was appointed by a previous mayor. His five-year term expires April 1. A public relations company the authority hired did not respond to Staring’s claims Thursday.

The authority had more than $2.8 million in surplus funds in 2011, Franck said. Its annual budget is $2.1 million. An Orkin Pest Control employee told the City Council Tuesday that he had found bedbugs in Stonequist last year and could of have inspected all nine floors for free, but Spychalski failed to return three phone calls to him. A year of preventative treatment for the entire building would have cost $25,000, the Orkin worker said. Brunelle said Tuesday the authority was considering hiring Orkin.

Staring said Thursday that the housing authority should have never scrapped its bug control program, which he said had cost $7,200-a-year.

“You cannot not do something,” Staring said. “You can’t ignore it.”