Minutes from November 9, 2004

           SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
            P.O. Box 4783, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866

                                            SSWNA.org

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

---- Introduction of Officers

---- Opening statement from President Molly Gagne’, thanked guest speaker

Commissioner Tom McTygue , DPW deputy Bill McTygue, Commissioner Tom Curley, DPS deputy Erin Dreyer and Lt. Mike Salisbury for attending.

Molly also noted that “invitations” were delivered to Evergreen Pointe for tonight’s meeting. She noted that this invitation program would be good to have before each bi-monthly meeting. 

---- Vice President, Joe Kearney - no report at this time. 

----Recording Secretary, Cary Hickey presented minutes from Sept. 21 meeting.  One correction made by treasurer Arlene Fernandes.   Minutes from Sept. 21, 2004 adopted. Cary also reminded everyone of the Geyser Gecko T-shirt sale for Geyser Rd. School  ($6.00, all sizes, call 495-9076).

---- Corresponding Secretary, John Baldwin reported that a “thank you” will be sent to David Lee of the N.Y. State Tree Nursery. A “get well” card for member Bill Chisham was passed around the room. 

---- Treasurer Arlene Fernandes reported the balance, as of 10/09/04, is $376.50 . Expenses included renewal of the Post Office box for one  year ($48) and payment for our web site domain name for two years ($17).

Dues for 2005 are now being accepted.   Dues will remain at $10.00 per household per year. Dues must be paid to be eligible to vote.

GUEST SPEAKER - COMMISSIONER TOM MCTYGUE,

                                    DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS  

- insurance proposal that would cover water pipe breakage at the street.  Proposed fee would be $2.00 per quarter and would be a protection for homeowners.

- handout distributed regarding the County Sewer increase for 2005.

- homeowners can arrange to get a separate meter dedicated to yard sprinkler systems.

- Saratoga Water Issue: The firm that was hired to study Saratoga Lake reported that no restrictions for recreation would be put into effect. There is no concern for the lake going below a safe level if there is a drought.  Saratoga Lake has a very healthy recharge.

- The Commissioner explained the difference between the FEIS and the DEIS.  All of the information is available at the library and on the City Web site.

   Standing Committee Reports   - ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY-Jean Hall reported that our clean-up duties have ended for the season and read a “thank-you” from county supervisor Skip Scirocco.

MAPS - Matt Veitch has gotten an agreement that the advertising map found locally will correct the placement of the MILTON sign and move it west (into Milton and out of Saratoga Springs).

ROUTE 50 SIGN - CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS - Molly Gagne’ reported that a reminder call has been placed to the City Attorney, Matt Dorsey’s office.  Mr. Dorsey is polling the commissioners and will write a request to D.O.T., if there is no objection. Then the State will place the sign at the correct city boundary line on Route 50 near North Line Rd.

STOP SIGN at VICHY and HAYES - John Baldwin reported that he is waiting for a response from Public Safety for the stop sign request.  With Commissioner Curley present, we immediately learned that the sign will be placed as requested within a few weeks.

MULTI-USE TRAIL- Molly Gagne’ reported that member Matt Veitch addressed the City Council during the open forum period requesting the Council members endorse the concept of a multi-use use trail on Geyser Road.  It was reported that Dennis Hodges has submitted a grant proposal to the Rotary and another grant request has just been submitted to Parks and Trails New York.

Old Business ---Community Policing - It was announced that Mark Lyon will adopt “Community Policing” for our association.  Lt. Mike Salisbury reported that the Policing program for the SW Neighborhood is going well, 8 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also, the bike patrol is not feasible because of a problem with the portable radio system now in use.  Members report a noticeable difference in traffic control. A bike registration and rodeo will be held in the Spring. Children under 13 need to wear helmets.  New attendees from Evergreen Pointe reported a problem with speeding before and after the shifts at the Grande Industrial Park. They also questioned if more stop signs are planned for their new streets.  Residents are encouraged to  email Lt. Salisbury with any reports...         MSalisbury@saratogapolice.org

--News Box-no response from The Saratogian to remove the illegally placed box at Tiffany and Geyser.  Public Safety “will take care of it” within the next day.

Fairground Storage --  Tom and Sandy Smith have agreed to “adopt” the issue and will prepare an informational handout for next year’s storage of trailers, RV’s, cars, boats, etc.

“Scam Man” -- the person was arrested and any additional information about this individual should be reported to the Police Dept.

NEW BUSINESS - SAND DUNE - needs more protection.  A member is considering “adopting” this issue for the Spring.

ONLINE JOURNAL - being developed by Chris Millis.  

PETITION - available regarding “water issue” - Cheryl Keyrouze

ROADWAYS - drainage grates and manhole covers which are set too low should be reported to the DPW office at City Hall. (587-3550)

adjourn 8:45                     Next Meeting - January 11, 2005   (2nd tues)