Minutes from May 9,  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) - not present, 

Cary Hickey (recording secretary)- present.

----Meeting called to order by President Molly Gagné.  Molly called attention to three  SWNA members who are volunteers to the community.

  Steve Rodriguez is currently running for re-election to the Saratoga Springs 
School Board.

  Tom and Sandy Smith are chairpersons for the All-Firebird Lawn Show which benefits Special Olympics. Date is July 8 from 9am to 4pm at the Saratoga Auto Museum in the State Park.

  Susan Ransom is Chair of the annual Scleroderma Walk-a-thon to be held on June 11 at Hudson Riverfront Park. Start time 10am. www.firstgiving.com/SusanRansom

----Vice President Joe Kearney reported on correspondence sent by secretary John Baldwin.      

 For service to our community:

                                    - Supervisor Scirocco

                                    - Commissioner Towne

                                    - Mayor Lenz

                                    - Commissioner Curley

Congratulations:

                                    -Mayor Keehn

                                    -Commissioner Franck

                                    - Commissioner McCabe

                                    -Commissioner McTygue

                                    -Commissioner Kim

                                    -Supervisor Keyrouze (member SWNA)

                                    -Supervisor Yepsen

Thank you for presentation at March SWNA meeting:

                                    - Commissioner McCabe

                                    - Rick Lederer-Barnes, Behan Assoc.

----Treasurer report - Arlene Fernandes reported the balance as of May 19, 2006 is $1,314.90.

----Minutes for March 14, 2006 (taken by Jean Hall) were accepted as read.   

Old Business 

----Animal Control -  Member Bill Chisham reported meeting with Public Safety and Public Works to discuss the new signs we are requesting for entrances to the southwest neighborhoods.  The signs would publicize the Leash Law and Animal Waste Law. Bill said the signage would cost  $230.00.  Members voted to purchase the signs, if the city is not willing to provide them.   

----Derelict Cars -Member Jerry Huffman absent. 

----Adopt-a-Roadside - Member Jean Hall reported that, despite rain, the clean-up of Geyser Rd. on April 22 went well. Jean will have another date to announce at the July meeting.

---- Emergency Call List - Molly Gagné gave a copy of the SWNA Emergency Call List to our Community Police Officers. (A copy was already sent to Chief Moore and Public Safety Commissioner Kim) This list has names and phone numbers of members who would be willing to go “door-to-door” in an emergency, if requested and directed by the police department.  

----Community Policing Program -Neighborhood Officer Jason Tetu and Sgt. M. Chowske gave a report.  There are fewer speeding violations and many parking issues have been resolved.  They expect the Bike Patrol to begin in July. The Officers gave special recognition to 11 year old Michael Richardson who assisted in solving a neighborhood crime. Michael was awarded a certificate from the Saratoga Springs Police Department and a “thank you” card including a gift certificate from SWNA.  It was announced that Investigator John Kelly  will assist in coordinating the Community Policing program. Please add him to your email list when contacting the S.S.P.D. with any concerns or questions.

                            jtetu@saratogapolice.org

                            msalisbury@saratogapolice.org

                            jkelly@saratogapolice.org  

Multi-Use Trail - Member Matt Veitch provided detailed maps of the proposed Geyser Rd. Trail. He is working with the County DPW  in an effort to insure that the railroad bridge rehabilitation will include  safe bike and pedestrian access.

Cemetery Clean-up - Matt Veitch reported on the April 30th clean-up of the abandoned Cady Hill Cemetery. The historic site was overgrown  and littered.  Eight SWNA volunteers cleaned and created a huge pile of brush which will be removed by DPW. Matt gave everyone a brief history of the “residents” of the cemetery and promised to post the information at the entrance gate. 

Guest Speakers  

Mayor Valerie Keehn  - The Mayor encouraged members to attend the Town Meetings. Two have been held and the next will be on June 3, 9:30 - 11:00am.

   The Mayor mentioned  many issues that are handled by the Mayor’s Office -  land use board meetings (open to the public), downtown building heights, use for newly acquired waterfront property,  horse-racing industry and its local impact. A list of committees and “chain of command” under the Mayor’s office was provided and it was explained that these committees are depended on to do the “ground-work” which would not be possible by one individual. Any SWNA members, and all residents, are encouraged to contact the Mayor’s Office if they are interested in participation on a committee.  

Marilyn Rivers - Risk and Safety Manager  reported on many issues that pertain to the southwest neighborhood.

--- The lighting that has been out of service on Route 50 is being restored.

--- Coordination with the Park Police regarding parking and traffic during

    SPAC events.

--- Postal workers should be observing safe driving laws.

--- New dog ordinance prohibits dogs from certain large downtown events, which is kind to both dogs and humans.

--- Hand-outs provided on West Nile Virus, ticks, Lime Disease and Rabies.   Reminder that any standing water in yards is unsafe, a breeding ground for mosquitoes and possible West Nile Virus.

--- Interactive spray water parks (Geyser Park) will have required improvements made this year and more next year. Ms. Rivers reminds everyone that reporting unsafe situations to her office is protection for all our community.

Peter Whitten -Housing Administrator for Shelters of Saratoga - Mr Whitten reported that grant money is available to residents within the southwest neighborhood.  If a resident is income eligible and has a need for repairs on their dwelling, they should contact him at 581-5955.  Also, Senior Apartments will be available on Grand Ave. beginning  July 1.  Mr. Whitten provided hand-outs on both matters and residents are encouraged to call him for more details.

County Supervisor Keyrouze (member)  -  The Supervisor explained that, unlike many County Supervisors, the elected officials from Saratoga Springs have no staff.  All work is done alone and with volunteers. If you would like to volunteer your time and talents, please contact Supervisor Keyrouze at 583-7897.   

New Business

  -airport sound control has greatly improved.

  - summer jobs at N.Y.R.A. May 13 (10 - 2)

  - Lynn Goodness reported that the Senior Center will have a fund raising event after the June 10 Flag Day Parade. There will be food, a craft fair and  more.   The event happens from 11 to 5pm.

  - Yard Debris - Bill McTygue, Deputy Director for DPW explained the importance of bagging yard debris or using barrels.  This year the deadline for putting debris curbside was April 15. A handout was distributed asking for resident cooperation. 

Next meeting --- July 11, 2006  Ball Manufacturing Facility    7pm. (reservations required)