Minutes from  January 10,  2006

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

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

SSWNA.org

---- Meeting was held at Geyser School cafeteria,  7pm.

---- Introduction of Officers - officers in attendance; Molly Gagné (president), Joe Kearney (vice president), Arlene Fernandes (treasurer), John Baldwin (corresponding secretary),  Cary Hickey (recording secretary).

----President Molly Gagné -  Members were alerted that the appliance mentioned at the November meeting remains in the front yard of a residence months later.  Molly encouraged members to become more active in demanding clean-up of unsightly conditions. Also, she reminded members that new people must step forward and run for an office in SWNA and that it is especially important to have more SW neighborhoods represented.  

----Vice President Joe Kearney reminded members about the topic of “water pipe insurance”.  Joe introduced Commissioner Tom McTygue who stopped in to speak about his idea to protect homeowners from costly water pipe repairs.  The Commissioner is suggesting that an additional $1 be added to each quarterly water bill. Breakage of the water pipe at the street would be repaired by the city DPW,  at no cost to the homeowner. The Commissioner has talked to all neighborhood associations and the idea will be presented to the City Council.  Joe Kearney made a motion to support the idea as presented. Lynn Goodness seconded the motion. A supporting letter from SWNA will be sent to the City Council.

---- Cary Hickey presented the minutes from the November 15 meeting. Joe Kearney made the motion to accept them.  Matt Veitch seconded the motion.    

---- Secretary John Baldwin - A “get-well” card was sent to Jack Kelly of Casino Drive.  Matt Veitch suggested a “thank you” be sent to outgoing members of the City Council and County Board  who have been helpful in SWNA endeavors.  The suggestion was supported and notes will be written. 

----  Treasurer Arlene Fernandes -- Current balance is $999.50.  Dues for 2006 are now being accepted. Membership is $10 per household per year.

Guest Speakers

   - Marilyn Rivers, Risk and Safety Manager for the City and works from the Accounts Department.  Marilyn introduced Commissioner John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts.  Mr. Franck encouraged residents to feel welcome in asking questions and voicing concerns to his department.  He hopes to have assessment information on-line and have expanded Saturday hours at his City Hall office. 

  Marilyn Rivers summarized the function and reasons behind the “Risk and Safety” office. Her department deals with city insurance and works closely with the police and fire department. Safety issues within neighborhoods are of interest to the Risk and Safety Department.    She emphasized the importance of good communication and sharing of ideas and concerns to avoid problems that impact the safety of residents and costs to the city.

   The subject of “reverse 911” was explained.  Close proximity to rail lines is a concern in the event of a hazardous materials derailment.  Member Russ Lehr brought up the idea of a siren in the event of a dangerous derailment.

Risk and Safety Office -    587-3550  extension 612

Marilyn.Rivers@Saratoga-Springs.org

-Allison Saul,  Councilwoman from the town of Milton, gave us some insight into the plans for Geyser Road and the Milton Shopping Center on Rowland Street.  Milton has made plans for a continuous sidewalk, lighting and curbs on Geyser Road.  Those in attendance were enthusiastic in support of a walkway to reach the stores without the use of automobiles.  Ms. Saul said that more businesses, possibly a “fast food”, will be in the future.  It was suggested that Milton find a candidate for an “adopt -a- highway” program  to help with the litter situation on Rowland Street,  going north.

CouncilwomanSaul@yahoo.com

- Investigator Ed Lewis  addressed the group regarding the Sex Offender Registry. He has been with the S.S.P.D in that capacity for over 5 years.  Only level 3 offenders (most serious) are listed with addresses. Level 1 and 2 have name, photo and 12866 zip code.  Investigator Lewis told of the challenges of keeping track of where these convicted persons live. He detailed some of the methods used by offenders to find a victim and that, most frequently, the sex offender knows the victim. He advised to “expect it when you would LEAST expect that they are watching your children.”  He encouraged members to be watchful and to contact him if they have any questions or concerns. 

Inv. Ed Lewis -    584-1800 ext. 530

ELewis@saratogapolice.org

- Lt. Mike Salisbury reported that he and Officer Tetu have not had many phone calls or emails from our SW neighborhood.  Is it a sign of “no problems”?  Officer Tetu (not present) has been busy with issuing traffic tickets.  Neighbors reported that they called police regarding someone trespassing in yards on Vichy Drive and loitering under windows.  Bill Todd inquired about more enforcement of parking regulations and non-motorized items (boats and trailers) left on streets. Officer Salisbury encourages everyone to lock their vehicles in the driveway and store items in the trunk, out of sight.

Reminder to learn the police phone # ...............584-1800

MSalisbury@saratogapolice.org

JTetu@saratogapolice.org

          Standing Committee reports - “Adopted issues 

 Multi-use Trail  -  member Matt Veitch reported that he is working with members  Eric Lacoppola and John Murphy.  Eric has an upcoming meeting with PLAN in the hopes that they can assist in creating a safe passage for residents on Geyser Road. He is also expecting to address the Planning Board regarding our trail.  Matt Veitch  reported that we were turned down for the NY Parks and Trails Grant. More grant applications will be in our future.  Molly Gagné has been in touch with Behan Associates, a local planning firm,  which is  doing a green-space and trail project for the County. We expect to hear more from them at our March meeting.

Animal Control - Bill Chisham passed around a description of “signage” for members to examine. It showed the official posting for enforcement of “pooper scooper” and “leash” laws. It has been suggested that SWNA might share the cost of a few signs and request that DPW put them in designated spots in the neighborhood. It was announced that Dennis Butler is an animal control officer working 4 to 8pm.  Skip Scirocco works 7 to 3 pm.  Bill Chisham’s  name is in the minutes of the last City Council meeting of 2005, advocating for people to be kind to their pets and respectful of residents and pedestrians, especially in the downtown and at large public gatherings.  Good job Bill!!! 

New Business.......

 County Supervisor -  Member Cheryl Keyrouze, who is also our County  Supervisor, was represented by her husband Tom.  Since Cheryl is on the  Public Works Committee for the County, she will be instrumental in seeing that a sidewalk/bike path be incorporated into any  plans to rehab the bridge on Geyser Rd.  Tom Keyrouze shared a phone number where Supervisor Keyrouze can be reached  583-7897.  SWNA surprised Tom with a cake and candles to share with his family, a celebration of his 50th birthday on this very day!

2006 Elections - Joe Kearney -

 Elections were held for President (Molly Gagné), Corresponding Secretary (John Baldwin) and Treasurer (Arlene Fernandes). Since the current officers are unopposed, a single vote was cast by member Russ Lehr. 

2006 Dues - $10 per household per year.  Dues will be collected for membership until March.

Want to volunteer????    sign up to help with the carousel - DPW 587-3550

        or  be a volunteer with Hospice - call Linda Andrus -   581- 0800

Want to donate????  United Methodist Church garage sale - 2/4/06 

Next meeting --- March 14, 2006          Geyser School    ......    7pm.

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