Saratoga Springs council approves budget amendment, site plans and pedestrian crossing

Saratoga Springs City Council on Tuesday approved a set of routine and project-specific actions, including a fiscal-year 2025 budget amendment, multiple site plans and a pedestrian-safety contract.

The council unanimously adopted Resolution R26-04, the third budget amendment for FY2025, after staff outlined adjustments that included converting a part‑time victims advocate position to a part‑time records clerk, a request for a new battalion chief in the fire department, depreciation entries and adjustments to public‑works project budgets to reflect final costs. The mayor opened a public hearing; no members of the public spoke, and the council approved the resolution by roll call vote.

On land‑use matters the council approved a major site‑plan amendment for a Walmart at 136 West Crossroads Boulevard to add electric‑vehicle charging. Bryce Christiansen, representing Walmart’s design team, told the council the project will install four DC fast chargers (dual‑port) to serve eight EV stalls, replace six existing stalls but retain parking above the code minimum, and include screened fencing around electrical equipment. “We’re excited to bring 4 new DC fast chargers to the city of Saratoga Springs,” Christiansen said. Council members asked about payment (the chargers will use an app), accessibility, landscaping and construction impacts; staff and the applicant said construction is expected to take about six weeks.

The council also approved the site plan for Lot 304 in the Saratoga Town Center at 1508 North Redwood Road, with staff‑recommended conditions addressing drive‑aisle widths, interconnection with adjacent sites and landscape materials. Staff said the building could be configured as up to six lease units but is expected to house one or two primary users initially.

Separately the council awarded a contract for a pedestrian crossing at 400 South by Patriot Park. Staff member Jeremy said the crossing was supported by traffic warrants and prior direction from the council; the project is estimated at about $85,000, with roughly 60% construction costs and roughly $20,000 for flashing beacon equipment procured in‑house. The crossing will include curb bulb‑outs and solar‑powered flashing beacons intended to improve safety on a regional trail crossing.

All motions on the agenda items passed on unanimous roll calls. The council moved into a closed session at the end of the evening.