Minutes from September 21, 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 Molly Gagne’, President saying that the SWNA is having beneficial effects as evidenced by the assistance we gave to resolve a “mosquito/drainage problem” in the Wagonwheel/Deerleap” area.

---- Vice President Joe Kearney was not able to attend. Joe sent a message that he was present at a recent meeting about the City Water Issue presented by the engineers who did the report for the City. He would be happy to speak to anyone about his impressions and conclusions he drew from that meeting.  Please call him at 584-8997. 

----Recording Secretary Cary Hickey was not able to attend. Minutes were taken by Mary Dudley.   Minutes from July 6, 2004 adopted.

---- Corresponding Secretary, John Baldwin reported that a “thank you” will be sent to David Lee of the N.Y. State Tree Nursery.  John also reported on a letter he sent to Commissioner Curley, dated  Sept. 16, requesting review and possible addition of stop signs at the intersection of Hayes Dr. and Vichy Dr.

---- Treasurer Arlene Fernandes reported the balance as of 9/21/04 is

      $441.00.

 It was recommended by Ken Williams, and approved, that renewal for the domain name for our web site be renewed for 2 years at $8.50 per year.

Standing Committee Reports   - ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY-Jean Hall reported that 3 members did a Geyser Rd. clean-up on Sept. 16.  Our “adopted” area extends from Hayes Dr. to Route 50 and we are committed to 2-3 cleanings a year. She has contacted the County about relocating our sign from the sand dune area to near Hayes Dr., where our coverage begins. Jean reported that bright orange bags are now being provided by the County. Final Fall clean-up will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16.  Bring work gloves.

SIGNAGE - Sue Slawson’s email report said she has tried to keep the street signs free of debris, mostly from garage sale postings. She noted that duct tape creates the biggest mess, leaving debris and stripping pole paint.  Lt. Mike Salisbury reminded everyone that it is illegal to use street signs for posting notices. ROUTE 50 SIGN - Molly Gagne’ reported continuing communication with N.Y.S.D.O.T. regarding the “City of Saratoga Springs”  sign missing from  Route 50.  D.O.T. is waiting for a communication requesting sign placement at the City line from City Attorney Matt Dorsey. Molly has mailed a letter to Deputy Mayor, Alicia Wardell, to be shared with Atty. Dorsey, requesting that the sign request be sent to William Logan at D.O.T.

MULTI-USE TRAIL- Dennis Hodges has been in touch with County Planner Larry Benton and City Planner Geoff Bornemann.  Dennis is investigating the possibility of applying for a Rotary Grant.  The Grant deadline is Nov. 1.

Also, there is a Bike Path Workshop Sept. 22 at the Malta Community Center from 3 to 7.

Old Business -Community Policing -  Lt. Mike Salisbury reported that we have daily coverage - 7 days a week, usually from 4pm to midnight.  He stressed that you should call the Police (584-1800) if there is something you need to have addressed and that your name need not be shared with the person or situation you have issue with.  You may also email Lt. Salisbury with any reports...         MSalisbury@saratogapolice.org

Lt. Salisbury reminded us that all bicycles should be registered with the Police/Juvenile Aide Division. This is available Mon.-Fri. from 9 to 4.  Questions were asked if a special registration day could be planned for the southwest neighborhood at Geyser School.

Unsafe mosquito conditions -as reported at the beginning of the meeting, the site has been cleaned and improved  with the help of Public Safety Dept.

Water for Saratoga Springs - John Baldwin attended informational meetings at the public library and has reached conclusions regarding this critical issue.  He will be available after the meeting to share his thoughts and examine a petition he would like you to endorse. (be reminded that V.P. Joe Kearney also has information to share.)

Fire Dept. survey/ house numbers - Assistant Fire Chief Fran Murphy was pleased with the Smoke Detector response from the Southwest Neighborhood. He also suggested that the Association enlist the help of Lt. Rocco to address the lack of “numbering” on residential houses, as required by Code.

2004 Curb Appeal Awards - 12  homes in the S.W. Neighborhood were ”recognized” by SWNA.  A number of the recipients emailed notes of “thanks”, “appreciation” and “surprise”.

  New Business - Saratogian News box - With investigation by Cathy Commerford and Raoul Gagne’, it has been confirmed that the news box

 chained to the street sign at the corner of Tiffany Pl. and Geyser Road is illegal. Lt. Salisbury has assured us that the Police Dept. and Code Enforcement will remedy this situation. (calls to the Saratogian have gone unanswered).

Meeting dates approved - The School District has approved the SWNA request to continue using the cafeteria at Geyser School for meetings. Dates are as follows :  9/21,  11/9,  1/11/05,  3/8/05,  5/10/05.   These dates conform to the “second Tuesday, every other month”, formula.  We are most grateful to Superintendent McFadden, Martin Clark and the Geyser Rd.. School Administration for accommodating our civic group.

Fairground Storage-  Tom Smith was the first member to report the great storage opportunity he is using at the County Fairgrounds.  All storage is under cover. Participants may store RV’s, boats, cars, jet skis etc.  $130 for the first 15 feet and $5 each additional foot. Everything locked and secure until first Saturday of April.  By Appointment only. Call 885-9701

Recognition of Mary Beth Delarm - Red Cross Volunteer.

Member questions/comments-

1. Exploring ways to give unwanted, useful items to others. Possibly put list on back of our agenda?  Elinor Brook (new member) suggested checking out the web site      Freecycle.org for a similar program.

2. “Geyser Road Geckos” - tee shirt sale- call Cary Hickey (584-0903).  Only $6 for all sizes.  Great holiday gift for a Geyser Road  student, parent or alumni. Grey shirt with a VERY green gecko.

3. Lynn Goodness announced an upcoming chicken barbecue to benefit the Senior Center catered by P.J’s.  $8 charge. Take-out available. Sat. Sept. 25.

4. Diana Bradley suggested that we check out the new publication “Saratoga Living”. Perhaps we can get the publisher interested in the Southwest Neighborhood???

adjourn 8:30                                              Next meeting  Nov 9,  2004