[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6617383,"mediaKeyId","2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4","parentId",2842342,"title","Council approves multiple contracts, grants and capital items including EV purchase and police facility study","audioSeconds",4111,"startMs",2688000,"endMs",6799000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4&start=2688&end=6799","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4/thumbnail_2688000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6617383/Saratoga-Springs-City/Saratoga-County/New-York/Council-approves-multiple-contracts-grants-and-capital-items-including-EV-purchase-and-police-facility-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617383-1bcfba8c55ba987b8575b13f6ad65523/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445670&Signature=JgJEZhBeumJ6aIf57qxxjPZX1XumI3IQapcFopdWekf6~jnmt4Ia2vWreJNWoTWzdSgHu4yMRakc4-W7jRj130YaSjy5t8tnD94Ibvp5OqEcMaD235QFgnoUcYzfASWrZx263BBkjSUgBR3L1yCEzv9w3XGtAmMk5TLlUL1nf76SiKycR5iBYOSJJe4gd1xRReIdrJevguaugK8La9wTjEBcjBzWaHWcTr8JZEcd~yYHtRER7Dxjy5Qly1sBxq2Wx1XD2r~55jqZdpBigMmysOVRLL9EqzU32h0kbu9L0m2CQF6L19NFzExfaUk8gfIA6fjsv8yYIP4KXi9Y7fOX~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Saratoga","date","2025-04-01T00:00:00Z","article","The Saratoga Springs City Council approved a series of routine and capital items during the meeting, including grant acceptances, contracts and budget actions. Below is an at‑a‑glance list of the votes and key details. Many items were approved unanimously; where the meeting record showed a different tally it is noted.

Votes at a glance

- Authorize mayor to sign contract to purchase a Chevrolet Equinox EV for the Building Department (replacement for a 2007 Impala). Funding: NYSERDA clean energy community grant ($50,000 match‑free grant noted). Vote: passed (voice vote recorded as aye; matter passes).

- Authorize mayor to sign Addendum 1 with Hinman Straub LLP for constitutional legal counsel, not to exceed $15,000 (to cover AG report). Vote: passed (4–1 recorded on the motion to approve addendum funding usage; one recorded nay/abstention on related assignment resolution later).

- Determination of merit and map amendment referral for two parcels on Crescent Avenue (RR to PUD/interlake) to send to planning board review: Vote: passed 5–0.

- Authorize purchase/installation of EV charging stations for the city center garage using NYSERDA award; purchase reimbursable by National Grid: Vote: passed 5–0.

- Participatory budgeting adjustment for Pitney Meadows Community Farm Community Compost Program: reduced award from $30,000 to $23,723.75 and authorized participatory budgeting agreement at the lower amount; Vote: passed 5–0.

- Authorization for mayor to sign multiple professional contracts: RBT CPAs for accounting services (not to exceed $24,750) to close 2024 books and prepare AFR and Q1 report; Garnet River for IT staff augmentation and project management ($34,000); Vote: each passed 5–0.

- Event recording system contract for SSPD: authorized mayor to sign contract with Interaction Insight Corp for Eventide phone and audio communications recording ($25,727.91). The city noted the certificate of insurance was being finalized and that services/PO will not commence until the final COI is received. Vote: passed.

- Police equipment grant: accept New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services law enforcement equipment grant (Edward Byrne JAG funding) for about $100,000 for tactical equipment; Vote: passed 5–0.

- Police facility: authorized Addendum 1 with LaBella Associates for schematic design of the Police Department facility project, cost $214,500, to advance to schematic design and cost estimating; Vote: passed 5–0. Council requested a financial briefing on bond/debt implications for large capital projects.

- Multiple public‑works and public‑safety procurement and change orders were approved (PCC contracting change order for garage repairs, Stilson Electric invoice payment, curb/sidewalk work, bench donation acceptance, purchase of an International utility truck for utilities, and contract amendments for apparatus and radios). Vote: generally passed, most recorded as 5–0 on the record.

Council procedures noted that several items had brief staff presentations and limited debate; many passed unanimously. Where final annual or multi‑year costs are involved (police facility schematic design, truck purchases and apparatus equipment) councilors requested follow‑up on financing and scheduling.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Saratoga - City Council - Apr 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting the council approved a series of motions covering purchases, contracts, grant acceptances and project addenda: EV vehicle purchase, NYSERDA grant‑funded charging stations, legal and accounting contracts, participatory budgeting adjustments and several public‑safety and public‑works contracts.","taxTitle","Saratoga Springs City, Saratoga County, New York","taxId",7807,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617388,"Public hearing opens on 2025 Community Development Block Grant recommendations; remains open",94,5000,99000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4&start=5&end=99","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4/thumbnail_5000.jpg","/articles/6617388/Saratoga-Springs-City/Saratoga-County/New-York/Public-hearing-opens-on-2025-Community-Development-Block-Grant-recommendations-remains-open","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617388-7003e8b4d3984c6756d1f05a1e6e179f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445670&Signature=W~Bu2QN1o1rV4keh5IgPxTGMpaaPdq5nd7rtoCl1K2XxFyDocMDbEWMtqZPYmCtl2MNRLyvFOtQBaOP8z4WbrWouE5APxVxYOuOlzKpTa6RZTVeoCcbzPQ9uOhrXy3aYNxgDYDdZ6CxV5GPm4U4DvyKUnMear1hq3IubeOdNKdEpX4PHBPW2ZiQ0MtYMyAhg8SXZZIuiiIXSSpBrdsT-Wpa7b4thpaAAyjriZDohmfxDChjT5dY-Z-BCSUvBpnzm4cX~LqHpAGjcUeloudmPFRGyaOVWzi9X6t~zSrFCZksXW6lRFfOqdFARpnaQfzWdryDUUUsceWqqoTsRQPggZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saratoga Springs City Council opened a public hearing on the city’s recommended awards for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The hearing will remain open until the council’s next meeting, when members plan to hold another public hearing and then vote on final allocations.

Sam Brewer, a resident of Lake Avenue, spoke during the hearing and suggested the city centralize grant‑seeking and dispersal activities under a single office to improve efficiency. Brewer estimated the city’s CDBG funds “were, you know, somewhere between 3 and 5 and $700,000 per year, perhaps,” and urged more oversight to maximize value for the city.

City staff said the CDBG recommendations are available as an attachment to the meeting agenda and reminded the public that the hearing will reopen at the next meeting before council action. The city made no final award decisions at this meeting.","The council opened a public hearing on the 2025 Saratoga Springs Community Development Block Grant recommendations, heard one speaker urging centralized grant administration, and kept the hearing open until the next council meeting before a final vote.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617393,"Short‑term rental zoning text amendment pulled for more work; licensing registry launch delayed",3759,110000,3869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4&start=110&end=3869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4/thumbnail_110000.jpg","/articles/6617393/Saratoga-Springs-City/Saratoga-County/New-York/Shortterm-rental-zoning-text-amendment-pulled-for-more-work-licensing-registry-launch-delayed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617393-57269d463edf931045785d508334b6fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445670&Signature=LQ62aTtKqUn-vdFRNSTr5ggwfJycUJhxeMub5OhmGMXr0hSyiDUe3ZygxB2ia5tax9o4lPaclH1pciA6B9J87f7Np8YKWXfxxDnc5IIcBggWtej~hBf4MSRK4U665FXqqL2cw072BDgX9FOm0qum1PJ~hDCYmUKqAwGvkwWwZDB8vtnjtT0D~WnrRLDin8TZfbReLtbMal9p7BmVosSjRWMqUGicH3HjBBGpgrzd3u6MvRdf5b6PxzHKtlgho6Pz0MAbNzuxK4wpK6pCHafk5cRCuwvAoXCS1y7TuClIUSw78P9Eug72h4-YRQv~TQI5zXB8yzqkFwULxwz342cGtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saratoga Springs City Council moved to pull the proposed Local Law No. 4 of 2025, which would amend the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with definitions and zoning measures to support the city’s recently adopted short‑term rental licensing program. Councilors said additional revisions are needed and that a shorter form will be returned at a future meeting.

Background: Council members said the UDO amendment is a follow‑up to a licensing ordinance already adopted. The zoning text would codify definitions such as “primary” and “non‑primary residence” and specify that short‑term rental is a secondary, not primary, use. Staff told the council that some of the originally proposed amendments were only partially adopted earlier and that the item requires additional review before final enactment.

Separately, the mayor reported the city’s short‑term rental registry and enforcement module remains under construction. The vendor’s build is delayed; officials now expect a mid‑May launch of the online registration portal with a 90‑day grace period beginning June 1. The council and staff said registrations and scheduled inspections will be treated as compliant during the initial rollout, and they promised “plenty of notice” and no enforcement until registrants have been notified and scheduled for inspection.

Council members said inspections will be conducted by code enforcement with fire department support, and the city has added temporary staff to handle the increased workload. The council urged owners to consult the city’s short‑term rental FAQ page and the online registry when it launches.","The council delayed action on the Unified Development Ordinance text amendment for short‑term rentals and pulled Local Law No. 4 of 2025 so staff can return with a short form; registration software is now expected to launch in mid‑May with a 90‑day grace period starting June 1.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617398,"Council amends charter to remove $15,000 mayor stipend after heated public comment",5209,1024000,6233000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4&start=1024&end=6233","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4/thumbnail_1024000.jpg","/articles/6617398/Saratoga-Springs-City/Saratoga-County/New-York/Council-amends-charter-to-remove-15000-mayor-stipend-after-heated-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617398-ca87c66ac889aa4e0402e6b88ab8843a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445670&Signature=QgQG8vw1Uy0CKXeVF8LySd8QWeu0KdKXHa5sp~WJlu9Y~QpHkHUclU4ruDEzZr9RhT2tmauvlHVFwWXy-whSko3~gmkahDsp8WftbCOEFqNBq8qGG-ibBmkKpSQY-JKoox67vriHqw6cCeZuPzEuIODJvXq4sKjaZO4OsretWXZ78ojo-BG36udG1maJSQvZpK7XUy~l1GOV6py8IM29XvZwyBJMhyYAbA4WI60lpCBEhbQsck6HHe2u1cXsKu2ui5HEc0Y9hQbnT26U59mpqLBUFWh3i99a-478FN8ybqhM3tcOpi-8v58j6QbU-mZL9u6iSj6pxq~cYmKgZ2XP~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saratoga Springs City Council voted to amend Section 2.1 of the City Charter to remove the $15,000 stipend that had been added to mayoral compensation. The proposed local law (referenced in the agenda as Local Law No. 5 of 2025) was the subject of a public hearing and extended public comment before the council debate and vote.

Why it matters: Council members and members of the public framed the issue as one of equity among elected officials, fiscal stewardship and political intent. Supporters of removing the stipend argued council members should be paid equally; opponents and several public speakers characterized the change as political and said the mayor’s job requires additional compensation because of time and external duties.

Public comment during the hearing included statements both for and against the stipend. Michelle Madigan, identified in the record as a Democratic candidate for mayor, said she “supported the stipend when it was first enacted” and called the council’s push to reverse it “political.” Richard Sellers urged equal treatment among elected members. Other residents urged consistency in council actions and for the body to focus on other priorities such as paid parking and infrastructure.

In council debate, members discussed options including indexing compensation, mileage or expense reimbursement alternatives, and using a charter commission or salary study to set compensation levels. Legal and procedural points were also raised about whether pay levels must be stated as a fixed amount in the charter.

The motion to amend Section 2.1 of the charter passed by a recorded voice vote; the meeting record indicates the measure passed by a four‑to‑one margin. The council directed that purchasing and human resources staff prepare options for reimbursing travel and event expenses and asked staff to report back. The change to the charter will take effect in accordance with local law timing and was recorded on the council’s agenda as enacted at this meeting.

Council members emphasized they will pursue policy work on reimbursement and consider broader compensation studies in future charter or commission work.","The council voted to amend Section 2.1 of the city charter to remove the $15,000 mayoral stipend; the measure drew extensive public comment and divided council debate before passing by a 4–1 margin.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617403,"Council clears JW Hemingway PUD for further review after developer presentation",3563,292000,3855000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4&start=292&end=3855","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842342-39338749b2e454c427f9dc6a418025f4/thumbnail_292000.jpg","/articles/6617403/Saratoga-Springs-City/Saratoga-County/New-York/Council-clears-JW-Hemingway-PUD-for-further-review-after-developer-presentation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617403-114fd4c00f322ee47c19c9fc8a463715/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445670&Signature=JmJ0PikSawZ5ak7VA6PSIu0ezqwkE62eUYnyaOYfM3YUefnTKp0cBg-Y-Ch4BBuTNtUqr9NPmXpay-Jj-7l3E2cjiRIK8qvi~Is0rnUZRkOMW9JQH3idv30vCRHjpewBEuq7X7p~bd8UXbDkRkzIIJPptUmW99M7-Qw4Qz73jrTyv3qsQOiPslW5ckbOw~6RFF5qpA901yZ~it4-MJmruJeLSHGniagHSA6UVptzgK-hqYVTLtISUSfDmu6J3CqhOzobdvVnbJ-ShLFGKYYoyobho8GzjJUB980bTEz9DRVcpuBGq6iG~k0lv7hlCOcPqE6j~Z0UX2SPltZQC1PdFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saratoga Springs City Council voted to enact Local Law No. 2 of 2025 to create the JW Hemingway planned unit development district, moving the project forward to planning and site‑plan review. Developers from the LA Group presented a conceptual plan to the council and answered questions during a public hearing before the vote.

The developer team — represented at the meeting by David Carr of the LA Group and John Witt of A and W Holdings — described the proposal as a mixed‑use development on an approximately 1.8‑acre parcel near the racetrack. Carr said the proposal includes single‑family homes along Nelson Avenue, private drive access from Frank Sullivan, a mixed‑use building with three condominiums and “a very small 800 to 1,000 square foot commercial, seasonal commercial space” and guest suites without kitchens tied to the primary units.

The nut graf: Enacting the PUD creates the zoning mechanism to allow the concept to proceed to more detailed site plan, design review and other approvals; the council repeatedly said remaining design, setback and public‑benefit issues will be resolved in later stages.

During public comment and council questioning, speakers and members sought clarity on density, guest‑unit use, traffic and neighborhood character. Carr and Witt said the guest units would not have kitchens and “cannot be rented out,” and that the mixed‑use building’s short‑term apartment would be limited to condominium owners’ personal use. When asked about total unit and bedroom counts, the developer described the plan as conceptual and estimated roughly 12 homeowners and a range of three to five bedrooms per unit depending on final buyer choices.

Council members emphasized the project will undergo a thorough review. Commissioner commentary noted concerns over setbacks and neighborhood fit; councilors said they expect planning board and design review board scrutiny. One councilor asked that the “benefit agreed to by the applicant” — described earlier as an expanded and paved recreation center parking lot at an estimated $150,000 — be paid at the time of PUD establishment rather than later at site‑plan approval.

The motion to enact the local law was approved with three votes in favor, one nay and one abstention. Council members who seconded and voted on the motion were recorded in the meeting minutes. The enactment sends the PUD into the formal planning review process; site plan approval, design review and any additional negotiated public benefits remain to be completed.

The council set expectations that the PUD process will include detailed design review, potential conditions on setbacks and public‑benefit performance, and further public hearings before any building permits are issued.","The Saratoga Springs City Council voted to enact Local Law No. 2 of 2025 to create the JW Hemingway Planned Unit Development district and send the project through the planning and site‑plan review process after a developer presentation and public comments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves multiple contracts, grants and capital items including EV purchase and police facility study

Public hearing opens on 2025 Community Development Block Grant recommendations; remains open

Short‑term rental zoning text amendment pulled for more work; licensing registry launch delayed

Council amends charter to remove $15,000 mayor stipend after heated public comment

Council clears JW Hemingway PUD for further review after developer presentation