Minutes from  September 20,  2005

SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

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

SSWNA.org

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

---- Introduction of Officers - officers in attendance; Molly Gagne’(president), Joe Kearney (vice president), Arlene Fernandes (treasurer).

      Officers not present - John Baldwin (corresponding secretary), Cary Hickey (recording secretary). Minutes recorded by Mary K Dudley.

    ----President Molly Gagne’ presented minutes from July 12, 2005 meeting which were read and approved.

----  Treasurer Arlene Fernandes --$897.50.  Noted that Molly made a contribution of $3.00 to meet the mandatory three month transaction required by Citizens Bank.   

OLD BUSINESS -- Curb Appeal Awards -Two families that were recipients, the Flintons and the Manleys, responded in thanking the SWNA.  Mary K Dudley has volunteered to “adopt” this program for next July.

                           -- Condition of Geyser Road Bridge - a handout was distributed with information from the Saratoga County Department of Public Works regarding the CR 43 Bridge.  SWNA is interested in seeing that any replacement or rehabilitation of the bridge include provisions for a multi-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists.

                            -- Air Brakes - Don Peters reported no further action on decreasing the truck brake noise on Geyser Road. He will explore what is done in other communities in N.Y.

            Standing Committee reports - “Adopted issues”

The following is a review of all “adopted issues”.

Animal Control - Bill Chisham suggested permanent signs be placed on various corners in the southwest neighborhood explaining the law and fines for not picking up after your dog.  Bill reports that a reason given for a lack of dog census ( insuring dogs are licensed and have innoculations)  is due to insurance issues (possible danger to the census taker). Dog licenses can be obtained at City Hall for a nominal fee.  Free Rabies Clinics are held in the area several times a year. Check newspaper for times and places.

City Property on Hathorn Blvd. - Cary Hickey not present.  It was  suggested that the area is not an attractive part of the neighborhood. If interested in helping with improvements or suggestions, please contact Cary Hickey.

Derelict Cars - This important issue needs to be “adopted”.  Kevin Veitch (Code Enforcement)  has been contacted to obtain what exact Code is being followed in Saratoga  Springs. There has been confusion about City and State laws.  As of now, SWNA has no response to this request.

Household Debris - Diana Bradley - agreed that less household debris has appeared curbside.  Reports of a hot water tank on Quevic and unknown items under tarps on Wagonwheel Trail.

Master Gardener - member Cathy Commerford is a Master Gardener.  She is a good resource for other members. Lynn Goodness stated that Master Gardener Sue Beebe also lives in our neighborhood and speaks on 1160AM radio, one Saturday a month, 8 to 9am.

Permits and Zoning  - Joe Kearney pointed out that most of the neighborhood is UR-1 single family residences. A City Zoning map was available for examination.

Sidewalk/Multi-use Trail - Matt Veitch not present.  Dennis Hodges is no longer able to assist with this issue.  Molly stated that  two previous grant applications were turned down but that re-applications were planned. More members are needed to get involved in this project, especially anyone with experience in “grant writing”. Molly also stated that the developers of the proposed Beaver Pond Village have expressed willingness to build a portion of trail along Geyser Road.

Right-of-Way/Tree Belt - Molly Gagne’ reported that nine paved right-of-ways, located in all parts of the City, have been reported (Sept. 15) to the Office of Risk and Safety Management at City Hall. These nine constructions represent how streetscape is being impacted when Codes are not enforced.

Adopt-a-Highway - Jean Hall  announced that Fall clean-up will be on Wed. Oct. 19. Members will be notified by email.  A trash pick-up utensil was donated by Raoul Gagne’ to Jean Hall.  Bill Chisham was recognized for the time he spent last month single handedly cleaning along Geyser Road. 

Sand Dune - Raoul Gagne’, Cathy Commerford, Lori McCarron - Raoul reported that he had been in contact with owners of the sand dune property.  They have agreed to purchase the materials for a 150 foot split rail fence.  A sign-up sheet was passed for those willing to erect the fence on Oct. 1st.  It was also stated that DEC may want to add sand to restore the dune.  A  sign may also be provided by DEC for this protected area.  Lori McCarron is willing to oversee reseeding blue lupines in the Spring.

Signage in Public Spaces - Sue Slawson (not present) - Molly stated that people seem to be helping take signs down from street corners.  She stated that large, box board signs were attached to stop signs with packing tape and damage was done. The signs were removed and delivered to the S.S.P.D., Public Works and Code Enforcement requesting that fines be imposed for defacing property.

Street Lights- Mary Dudley reported a good response from Niagara Mohawk in replacing a light.  Please call Mary K or Niagara Mohawk to report a light out.

Storage Container - this issue needs “adopting”.  Molly reported there is still one storage container located on Geyser Road.  We should be proud that our organization was responsible for having a law added to the City Code addressing this issue.

Missing House Numbers - This issue needs “adopting”.  A hand-out was distributed - copy of a press release (June 29, 2005) from the Saratoga Springs Police Department.  The information addresses the Code requiring residents to properly number their property, aiding prompt emergency response.

Community Policing - Mark Lyon not present. Lieutenant Mike Salisbury spoke on the status of our community police officer.  He stated that Officer “Andy” will no longer be a full time offcer in our neighborhood.  The current policy will be that many officers will be trained for this type of duty.  He estimates that the area patrol will be done by the same 3 or 4 officers.  Lt Salisbury requested that we call or email him if we are aware of problems or potential problems in our neighborhood.  584-1800

                                                     msalisbury@saratogapolice.org

RV and Boat Storage - Tom and Sandy Smith not present.  Molly reminded members that an email was sent on 9/ 20/05. It contains information concerning safe storage at the Fairgrounds. Print and share it with neighbors who have boats, campers, etc.

Train Derailment Plan - member Russ Lehr has been learning about this issue and has contacted  Sgt. Jack King who is Coordinator of the S.S. Emergency Plan.  Sgt. King  presented a review of the City Emergency Plan which encompasses train derailments and other emergency related issues.  He indicated that the response team from Saratoga Springs has a very good working relationship with the railroad company. 

  Sgt. King stressed the danger of ATV’s trespassing on railroad property.  There was a discussion of “Emergency Shelters” and the importance of  only having shelters recognized by the Red Cross.  

Next meeting --- November 15, 2005 

(third Tuesday due to election day on second Tuesday)

 Geyser School cafeteria, 7pm.

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