Bridge over CR 49 over the Kayaderosseras Creek in Milton. Photo: Google Maps, July 2021, Google LLC. See Story

Millions Allocated for City Capital Projects

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors gathered for their full monthly meeting June 21, at the county complex in Ballston Spa.

Among the measures approved by the Board: •An agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for upgrades to the county’s 800mhz emergency radio system infrastructure. The Board cited “the need to strengthen our system’s infrastructure from cyber intrusion.” The one-year agreement begins July 1 and authorizes a cost of up to $1.5 million. •The Board targeted $3.34 million in ARPA funds for additional roadway and bridge rehabilitation projects in the town of Milton and town of Wilton. The specific bridge rehabilitation projects are located on County Route 49 over the Kayaderosseras Creek in Milton, and rehabilitation of 1.84 miles of County Route 33 in Wilton. In March 2021, the Federal Government passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”), making those funds eligible to be utilized for general government services including highway and bridge infrastructure repair and rehabilitation. •The Board approved the creation of an assistant county attorney position at a base salary of $94,188 to aid in County Public Health Services’ transition to a full-service health department. The salary and fringe costs associated with the position are anticipated to be partially reimbursable through funding and grants administered by the New York State Department of Health and/ or Health Research, Inc. •A Bond resolution was approved authorizing the issuance of $6.974 million bonds to finance the cost of various Capital Projects, and related SEQR act determination.

Among the items is the purchase of a Police Department Emergeny Response Vehicle - identified as a Bearcat - for Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department use. The cost is estimated as up to $300,000, and is anticipated to have a five year period of usefulness. A variety of other county-use equipment purchases are anticipated, including a dump truck, water truck, bucket truck and other similar machinery and apparatus. The projects related to the resolution include: The reconstruction, improvement and renovation of County administrative office buildings ($1.98 million); the County Correctional Facility building ($1.1 million); the County Social Services building ($310,000), and the County Municipal Complex Building 4 ($550,000).

The Board of Supervisors approved two public hearings to take place next month. They are: •A Public Hearing will held at 4:35 p.m. on July 13, regarding upgrades to the Saratoga County Sewer District No. 1’s Wastewater Treatment Plant to properly treat ammonia and meet new limits proposed by an administrative order on consent imposed by DEC. •A Public Hearing to be held at 4:40 p.m. on July 13 on the proposed lease of real property to Prime Group Holdings, LLC for the construction, maintenance, and use of an airplane hangar on county owned airport land.

Prime Group Holdings, LLC has proposed the construction of a 15,600 square foot hangar for the storage of aircraft, a paved automobile parking area, and relocation of approximately 650 linear feet of existing airport perimeter roadway. The company has proposed to lease the property on county airport land to be located on approximately 0.73 acres of currently undeveloped land at the south end of the existing FBO apron at the Saratoga County airport, for an initial term of 20 years, subject to mutual renewal.

Prime Group Holdings will privately fund the project - including permitting, design, and construction at an estimated cost of $2.5 million, and once constructed, will maintain ownership of the hangar, including maintenance, and pay any applicable taxes.

The public hearings will take place in the Meeting Room of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors in Ballston Spa.

Saratoga County Sheriff Makes Commitment To Boat Safety Ahead Of Summer Season

Saratoga Lake. Photo by Super Source Media.

STILLWATER/

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo has announced that law enforcement agencies are cracking down on reckless and impaired boating throughout Saratoga County this busy season. Zurlo is leading a joint effort from New York State Police, New York Park Police, New York Environmental Conservation Police and Town of Stillwater Police to increase their presence on County waterways.

Surrounded by state and local authorities, Zurlo issued a statement saying, “there is absolutely no reason for anyone to operate a motorized vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. My marine patrol, along with our law enforcement partners, will be out in full force this summer to ensure those who decide to operate recklessly or under the influence are held accountable, and most importantly, the safety of all who enjoy the lake is protected.”

Karen Heggen, Saratoga County’s District Attorney, reiterated Zurlo’s concerns in her statement. “I join today with Sheriff Zurlo in shining a light on the importance of boater awareness and safety in the upcoming months. Enjoying the many waterways in Saratoga County is a wonderful pastime. When you choose to pilot a watercraft, it is vital to everyone’s safety that you do not operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

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Saratoga County Hires Its First Environmental Director

Brown’s Beach, Saratoga Lake. Photo by Super Source Media.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County officials have recently announced the appointment of Brian M. Miner of Halfmoon as the County’s first-ever Director of Environmental Health. Miner will help lead the County’s efforts in forming a Division of Environmental Services as the current Public Health Services Department transitions into a full-service local Department of Health. Miner has more than 35 years of experience as a public health leader dedicated to protecting and improving the health of New Yorkers.

Most recently, Miner was the Director of the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection where he oversaw multiple statewide health and environmental programs. In his new position, he will enforce the State Sanitary Code and regulate and/or operate the following, among others: • Drinking Water Supplies • Food Service Establishments and Community Sanitation • Migrant Farmworker Housing • Lead Poisoning Prevention • Ionizing Radiation Avoidance • Swimming Pool and Bathing Beaches Safety • Legionella Eradication in Cooling Towers