[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6472170,"mediaKeyId","5776906-42b4d9f400aeddb4538ec2878a58fe05","parentId",5776906,"title","Council approves contracts, budget moves and resolutions; article 7 tax settlement accepted with one abstention","audioSeconds",907,"startMs",3316000,"endMs",4223000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776906-42b4d9f400aeddb4538ec2878a58fe05&start=3316&end=4223","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776906-42b4d9f400aeddb4538ec2878a58fe05/thumbnail_3316000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6472170/Saratoga-Springs-City/Saratoga-County/New-York/Council-approves-contracts-budget-moves-and-resolutions-article-7-tax-settlement-accepted-with-one-abstention","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472170-ce759646c80abd44c1686f7daefca2d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187898&Signature=YCLQzdzAbc0ZbXHECYXkUYuzHPPmOrGt7NhqQGvw6dlilOT3DqsXanFDfA5yqUvaVnAsU0ADpery7Mpa4CAN5fy8KR0hZYaCbRwBQ~WdAWmJWOLHhV2RSs3YK2InOoI-h3mRvi5TcCidGJCDNHsx0-QsMbRMEBy6Dnl1ZJaOapDFC~V6XL8tLNjrRTclpAl02H1JB6jlOk5rY02l6EcvMfLNiazfbbqx5Vqmebbri3kLUXoRJ~k2EItcKWINpWzPzjZ0rfCq4i4ZZw-F9MvwduQr5ka0zalTTLOT5vzTn9FWpSlK7cqIt3QelkNwPxPPMPRgAjybkydJXF~jukRKeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Saratoga","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Saratoga Springs City Council approved multiple motions at its meeting, including contract awards for public works, traffic-signal improvements, purchases of vehicles and chemicals for water treatment, budget transfers and acceptance of a stipulated final judgment on a tax parcel after executive session.

Key approvals and outcomes (summary):

- Consent agenda adjustments: Council amended the consent agenda to correct a warrant line (25 MWSEP 1, $160,483.57) and removed item 6 (a minutes approval) to be corrected and returned at a later meeting. The amended consent agenda passed unanimously.

- Contracts and procurement: The council authorized a series of contracts and purchases, each approved by recorded voice vote with no abstentions unless noted below. These included: an addendum with Goldberger and Kremer for labor-and-employment representation (section 75 appeal) — approved 4–1; authorization to pursue a NYSERDA Clean Mobility grant application ($100,000 request with $20,000 city match) — approved 5–0; a contract addendum with CT Male Associates for geophysical groundwater investigation ($13,500) — approved 5–0; purchase of two Western Star trucks with plow packages from Tracy Road Equipment, not to exceed $585,016 (two trucks at $292,508 each) — approved 5–0; a contract for sodium silico fluoride supply from ChemRite (unit price; not to exceed $14,000) — approved 5–0; a contract with Stillson Electric for traffic-signal improvements at Broadway/Lake/Church (not to exceed $667,200) and related construction oversight with JMT of New York ($26,000) — both approved 5–0; and a supply contract for vehicle parts with Saratoga Auto Supply (product only, unit-pricing via Sourcewell contract) — approved 5–0.

- Invoices and financial motions: The council approved payment of multiple invoices and transfers: Travelers self-insured invoice (deductibles) $83,255 — approved 5–0; payment to bond counsel Walt Walsh Schwartz ($1,850.43) related to Art Center bond anticipation notes — approved 5–0; invoice to Barton & Judas for engineer review services ($4,422.50) — approved 5–0; and several intra‑budget transfers and payroll/benefits transfers described in the agenda — each approved 5–0.

- Appointments: The council appointed Ali Dockum and Christina Abel as alternates to the Design Review Board (terms to 2027) and named Jay Rogoff as poet laureate for a two‑year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026; motions carried without opposition.

- Opioid settlement and class-action documents: The council added and approved a motion authorizing the mayor to sign documents proposed by class action counsel for the Purdue and other settlements (described as the class-action proposed documents), and the motion passed 5–0.

- Article 7 tax parcel stipulated final judgment: After executive session, the council voted to accept a stipulated final judgment (Article 7) for parcel section/block/lot 165.82‑1‑61 for tax roll years 2024 and 2025. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one abstention (councilor explained the abstention because the parcel is a neighbor) — recorded outcome 4–0 with one abstention.

- Resolution on congressional oversight and ICE access: The council adopted a resolution expressing appreciation to Congressman Paul Tonko for his oversight efforts and calling on the Department of Homeland Security to comply with federal statutes concerning congressional access to detention facilities (the resolution cites \"section 5 27 of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024\" as written in the resolution). The motion passed 5–0.

What council members said: Several councilors expressed frustration about federal immigration enforcement activities and said the resolution was intended to support congressional oversight and due process. The Goldberger and Kremer addendum was the only recorded split vote (4–1) on the evening's consent/contract items; other procurement and finance matters passed unanimously.

Provenance and follow-ups: Each action listed above appears in the meeting record and will be reflected in the city clerk's minutes and contract files. The article 7 tax settlement will be processed per the stipulation terms and the opioid settlement paperwork will be executed by the mayor per council authorization.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Saratoga - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","At a regularly scheduled meeting, the Saratoga Springs City Council approved a package of contracts, budget transfers and resolutions and accepted a stipulated Article 7 tax judgment with one abstention.","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},6472176,"Saratoga Senior Center outlines services and growth; city contributes roughly $104,000",495,492000,987000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776906-42b4d9f400aeddb4538ec2878a58fe05&start=492&end=987","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776906-42b4d9f400aeddb4538ec2878a58fe05/thumbnail_492000.jpg","/articles/6472176/Saratoga-Springs-City/Saratoga-County/New-York/Saratoga-Senior-Center-outlines-services-and-growth-city-contributes-roughly-104000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472176-2cfaf2ab2fc2fb264b7f3530dbe9a61b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187898&Signature=nsSOM~Dnnpy4Ul9vWkO63sGazGM5BIXcpaPLwt5qSTlC~7Oms~zqdPJpJkXW55doDLYkq-Zasy9u7fxQBZMxG730U--fmhKv7O3qh9FUMcuOWEroGEfscNDKxd9GI9PELSaM1VdKyF0ffql2ZFvntPo9L5EvB7iZsLtA2qwGYk6ped3I7oaYBjwBTSKTkaDitm7~lfn0DxIXNRC--dC4XAvsb9F9mexNqw5cWKqDFWDlc7705FXlsMaAiXQCwaQIekRihJkwxHzcRewJP2KDKXoxxLGIbaifreyl34oiTKK82b6RRwOjvuFNUezWpzpxK5ALlU435U8ad31QBJa2uQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lois Celeste, executive director of the Saratoga Senior Center, told the Saratoga Springs City Council the nonprofit has expanded from a traditional senior center into a regional social-services \"impact sector\" provider and now operates a $1.5 million annual budget.

Celeste said the center, founded in 1955, now provides programs ranging from volunteer matches and transportation to a four‑year-old \"Senior Life Transitions\" case-management program for seriously ill residents. \"All of those services are free and we fundraise quite a bit,\" she said, noting the city provides about $104,000 a year—\"that's 7% of the budget.\" She said current service metrics include roughly 3,300 program attendees, 700 clients, 2,800 members and about 240 visitors a day.

Why it matters: Celeste stressed the center's work reduces social isolation, helps residents age in place and can avoid costlier institutional care. She said the center now fields referrals from local hospitals and has 16 open cases in the Senior Life Transitions program.

Council follow-up and questions: A councilor who identified themself as the finance commissioner confirmed the center reports that about 70%–75% of members are Saratoga Springs residents and asked about additional municipal support; Celeste said the center receives limited county program grants (about $7,500 last year) and some state funding that was cut this year. She said outreach to neighboring towns and the county is a potential future revenue stream but noted many nearby municipalities run or support their own senior services.

Celeste also said the center doubled its space two years ago (from 7,500 to 14,000 square feet), reported an enrollment spike that included 500 new people this year, and emphasized that scholarships and fundraising aim to keep programs affordable. \"There should be no barrier to keeping people from being together and social,\" she said.

Provenance: Celeste's presentation and the council's finance questions occurred during the meeting's presentation segment; councilors thanked the center and accepted the update.

","Saratoga Senior Center Executive Director Lois Celeste described expanded services, a $1.5 million annual budget and growing demand; she thanked the council for roughly $104,000 (about 7% of the center's budget) in city support.",{"_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},6472180,"Council holds public hearing on draft indemnification ordinance; no vote tonight",73,283000,356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776906-42b4d9f400aeddb4538ec2878a58fe05&start=283&end=356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776906-42b4d9f400aeddb4538ec2878a58fe05/thumbnail_283000.jpg","/articles/6472180/Saratoga-Springs-City/Saratoga-County/New-York/Council-holds-public-hearing-on-draft-indemnification-ordinance-no-vote-tonight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472180-1e19f661e734df4940548c61812b6da7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187898&Signature=op1ihcxz7xDwbd7~GXOhCMdQuI8uAUffbnW~VqDCVpPvbQkUqVJvY5x5zt1OAq-rnRcG-E5PyHEvdj-D4oJlC-INEffH794o5J2-rXO1Aizq1BhBkTK5MAEcJ8vPwqOqdrMD4ruT7kKmpzhCMqQKV5O6mq~1t1niM59jUQ-aOjtXp935NR0gEsmobedrZIY5DpYbkPqAHqIVaUsKCBOZrBC8ZfIHc3vBMiyVh3ogLElVAZVYm7Z9f9Cs~NvdJYzx9oE7yS~Kb9zRRZ--bfNdnR~ktZ4bhZ7pZ8BJNVd9NOtCuJSuhnzx9ipuBALohBZBz9IGuD5G527dAm8sXvNisA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saratoga Springs City Council held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 9 of the city code—\"Defense, Representation and Indemnification\"—but took no vote and left the hearing open for a later meeting.

City Attorney (speaking at the hearing) said the draft was modeled on state law and intended \"to lawfully provide the widest possible scope of defense and indemnification to our city's officers and employees acting within the scope of their public employment.\" He told the council the draft tracks Public Officers Law sections 18 and 19 and expressly provides coverage \"when the need for counsel arises and the city attorney finds there's a conflict of interest for civil and criminal legal proceedings and also explicitly for witnesses in an investigation, whether it's civil or criminal, who are named in a subpoena.\" He said a more detailed provision describing the nuts-and-bolts of hiring outside counsel had been pulled for further council discussion.

Why it matters: The ordinance would set the city's procedures and scope for paying legal fees for covered employees and witnesses. The city attorney said the draft responds to a recent judicial ruling (referred to in the hearing as a Judge Walsh decision) that limited use of the city's current Chapter 9 in at least one on-call pay investigation. That decision, the city attorney said, prompted the rewrite to align more closely with state law.

During public comment, resident Gordon Boyd said he welcomed the changes but urged the council to add a specific definition of \"city\" in the ordinance text because the opening paragraph refers both to actions brought \"against the city\" and actions the city might bring. Boyd said the new draft \"seemed to more closely track articles 18 and 19 of the public officers law,\" but he said some charter implications may remain and that he might offer additional comments at the next hearing. Another speaker, identified only as Carlos, offered remarks not directly on the ordinance and did not affect the council’s decision to keep the hearing open.

The mayor said the council wants the ordinance \"done right\" and that the hearing would remain open; the council will likely vote after further revision and a subsequent public hearing.

Provenance: The city attorney's explanation and residents' comments were given on the public-hearing portion of the meeting; the council explicitly stated it would not vote on the ordinance at this meeting and would hold another hearing.

","Saratoga Springs City Council opened a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 9 (defense, representation and indemnification). City attorney and residents discussed alignment with state law; council kept the hearing open and will not vote at this meeting.",{"_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},6472166,"Council hears further debate on Grand Avenue sidewalk design after property-owner objections",187,4779000,4966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776906-42b4d9f400aeddb4538ec2878a58fe05&start=4779&end=4966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776906-42b4d9f400aeddb4538ec2878a58fe05/thumbnail_4779000.jpg","/articles/6472166/Saratoga-Springs-City/Saratoga-County/New-York/Council-hears-further-debate-on-Grand-Avenue-sidewalk-design-after-property-owner-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472166-9cdcd8825aea0bb47d4ee4c806111ec7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187899&Signature=bmacxmiqytQZQKIQkn6Wh~9RIygTwKFEyuUT6L3~YPY51deEi~sQmrIFasPiB5BXCYOWOczMZCTlPG03W3ryz9rxHqB74Ajd6QaHbeXMavR59K80qPQzn3iRgId1gjCM4wQOtrum9IH3ssGELVqDXGbU8lX3tUR~hcB-Vu0taqMwHi45zN5JFgq-ZQ0IH2xqr4ZGN9SfejvzDHPdvTLu~KPZSE-MLLLcy~KXs2zkZKD~-SkWLa37lkFtERxwqk~8K1PdrBfr0BLoQkFOadDvZphKk4Qrz14HxIX2PRN1e2I1ZBME5uLFMb4558vgugcFz-WRunbn8zbKlsb~LB8luQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works staff reported to the Saratoga Springs City Council that a long‑planned Grand Avenue pedestrian improvement faces resistance from property owners and the city is shifting its design approach to reduce impacts.

Staff said the city had previously appropriated about $1 million in 2023 for a Grand Avenue sidewalk project that initially proposed a 10‑foot asphalt multi‑use path. After design review the proposal was reduced to an 8‑foot multi‑use path to add opportunities for pedestrian-actuated crossings. Following a May 16 on‑site meeting, staff said many property owners declined to sign the easements needed for an 8‑foot path; flags were placed to show boundaries and the project team reported that 54 properties would be affected by any corridor change and that 18 properties would be affected regardless of whether the corridor were an 8‑foot path or a 5‑foot sidewalk.

Public Works described a new consensus around a 5‑foot concrete sidewalk alternative; staff also asked engineers to explore marked shoulders with striping as a lower‑impact option, though striping could remove a standard five‑foot green buffer between road and sidewalk. The public‑works representative said reducing width from 10 to 8 feet earlier had allowed funds for two pedestrian crossings, but the property‑owner refusals made the 8‑foot option infeasible without takings.

During council Q&A, a councilor who has championed the project for several years asked whether a sidewalk could be curved to follow the road rather than be poured straight; staff noted the city standard discourages serpentine sidewalk alignments but said minor adjustments could be considered to reduce impacts where feasible. Staff reiterated the goal of minimizing takings and litigation and said the 5‑foot alternative reduces the number of affected properties.

What happens next: staff said they will continue to work with the design engineer to finalize a plan that minimizes property takings and returns with detailed plans and cost estimates when available.

","City public-works staff reported that property-owner resistance to an 8-foot multi‑use path on Grand Avenue has led the city to consider a narrower 5-foot concrete sidewalk alternative; 54 properties would be affected by the corridor work and 18 would be affected regardless of option chosen.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves contracts, budget moves and resolutions; article 7 tax settlement accepted with one abstention

Saratoga Senior Center outlines services and growth; city contributes roughly $104,000

Council holds public hearing on draft indemnification ordinance; no vote tonight

Council hears further debate on Grand Avenue sidewalk design after property-owner objections