Minutes from May 11, 2004

                                 Southwest Neighborhood Association

                             P.O. Box 4783, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866

                                             SSWNA.org

----Meeting held in the cafeteria of the Geyser Road School at 7pm.

----Introduction of Officers

----Opening statement from Molly Gagne’, President, encouraging everyone to “share the burden”.  Becoming involved by “adopting an issue” is what   members are doing to make our Association so successful.

----Joe Kearney, Vice-President reported an upcoming meeting for Saratoga’s Neighborhood Associations.  The meeting is supposed to discuss a possible request for a building moratorium until the “water issue” can be addressed. A motion was made to endorse a building moratorium in the City of Saratoga Springs if the general meeting comes to that conclusion. (People attending tonight’s meeting were reminded that only “dues-paying members” are permitted to vote.)

----Cary Hickey, Recording Secretary presented the minutes of the March 9 meeting.  They were read silently and approved.  The minutes can be found on our web site and our site is linked to the City’s web site under “nonprofit organizations”.  Member Ken Williams is our “web master”.

----John Baldwin, Corresponding Secretary, was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.  Members compiled a list of people who deserve to receive “thank yous” from SWNA.  They are - STEWARTS STORES (contribution of trash bags for highway clean-up), COMMISSIONER TOM MCTYGUE (for the demolition of the ugly, rusted building on the City property on Hathorn Blvd.), SUPERINTENDENT JOHN MCFADDEN AND MARTIN CLARK (for letting the SWNA use the school cafeteria for meetings), SUPERINTENDENT DAVID LEE of the State Tree Nursery for the tree seedlings and Public Safety’s Assistant Commissioner ERIN DREYER  for taking a personal interest in our organization and assisting us in achieving our goals.

----Arlene Fernandes, Treasurer reported a current balance in our account of $391.50.  More membership dues were accepted at tonight’s meeting.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS -(adopted issues)- Cary Hickey detailed the results of the request she made to DPW to improve the appearance of a storage building on the City’s Hathorn Blvd. property. She received a call from DPW saying “your problem has been taken care of.  We just demolished the building!”     Jean Hall reported the improvement of the litter situation on Geyser Road with our first “clean-up”. The first Spring project totaled 25.5 man-hours of work.   The County is preparing two signs that will say  “Roadside Adopted by the Southwest Neighborhood Association”.  Stewarts Shop on Geyser Road donated the trash bags.  The next “clean-up will have more advance notice” for members. Jean is considering a “weekday crew and a weekend crew”.    Molly Gagne’ reported making follow-up calls to the Mayor’s Office and the State Dept. of Transportation in her continuing effort to get the sign “CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS” replaced on Route 50 in the new and correct location (at the City line near Northline Road). It was also reported that the Bike Path proposal for Geyser Road has received a lot of good press and ”public awareness”, all part of an important beginning.  Molly Gagne’ reported that her F.O.I.L. request to the City Attorney to see  “Permits to pave or stone the public tree belt/right-of-way” found that no permits have been issued and filed with DPW, as required by City Codes. She has met with the City Attorney Matt Dorsey, Mayor Lenz and Deputy Mayor to come up with solutions for this illegal activity.

“Accuracy of Realtor Maps” has now been adopted by Matthew Veitch. Many houses in the Southwest Neighborhood remain un-numbered, which could be a serious safety issue. Anyone ready to “adopt” this issue?????  Also, Phyllis Littorin is moving to Florida and her adopted issue has been  “derelict cars”.  We need a new person to adopt this issue which is so critical to the appearance of our neighborhoods.

 OLD BUSINESS  - an update was given on the proposed development for building homes off of Geyser Road.  The President recognized that there are members both for and against this project and stressed that the Association will not take a position on the merits of the project.   It was stressed that the most important thing our association can do is to keep everyone informed of meetings regarding the project and  encourage members to educate themselves and express their respectful  opinions to the Planning Board.  A meeting on “wetland information” was announced for 5/13/04.

  Raoul Gagne’ announced he has prepared a new application to submit to the School Superintendent requesting the continued use of the school for meetings.  The new dates will be announced after approval but they follow the usual formula of “second Tuesday, every other month, with a one week delay in September.”

Erin Dreyer announced the long-awaited Community Police Program will begin Thursday, May 13. The police officers will be doing a rotation instead of just one officer being assigned. They will be working closely with those of us who have “adopted issues”.  Public Safety is looking for input from all residents in the SW Neighborhood.  Police patrol will be by car, bike and even horseback!  Get your carrots (and cookies) ready and introduce yourselves when you see our assigned officer. CALL 584-1800 WITH ANY IMMEDIATE CONCERNS. The Police can’t help us if we don’t  make our needs known.

NEW BUSINESS -A report on “Property reassessment” was given by Susan Ransom, (who already had a meeting about her assessment).  Susan encouraged members to examine their notice from the City and, if it seems inaccurate, gather related info and make an appointment to discuss it. Joe Kearney reported that the new Bus Garage will have an Open House on Saturday, May 15 from 10-2. Molly Gagne’ reported that Tom McTygue would like to speak at the July meeting about his idea for helping city water users in the event of a residential breakdown at the street.   Molly also reported that she attended a 4 hour workshop entitled “Walkable Communities” as part of the “On the Move - Saratoga” initiative.

Special Announcement- Superintendent David Lee of the State Tree Nursery will be moving onto the nursery grounds (part of the SW Neighborhood) with his family.  Welcome!

SPRING PLANTING AND GARDENING- Cathie Commerford distributed literature supplied by Saratoga County Cooperative Extension and Master Gardener Frank Pemberton.   Cathie is our resident “Master Gardener”.  She also offered white spruce seedlings donated by the State Tree Nursery.

Meeting adjourned 8:40

Next Meeting July 13 - possibly at the State Tree Nursery -- 7pm