New council member

Renee Snyder the Carbon County Assessor came to speak before the council Tuesday, September 6. She wanted the council's advise on how to get information to the residents of Saratoga, explaining the process involved in accessing the value of their property. Snyder explained the entire complicated process that is involved in assessing property and buildings. Mayor James suggested a pamphlet sent along with the assessment.

A letter was received from Bridge Street Bargains concerned about the condition of the Odd Fellows Park. The letter stated that when BSB gave the grant to develop the park, they assumed the town would care for it. Jon Winter said that he did not recall any commitment promised by the town of Saratoga to maintain the park. A motion was made to take care of the park for the rest of year and add it to 2023s park maintenance contract. The motion was approved by the council.

Sarah Laughlin said the Fall Festival will be held October 1 and 2. The first day festivities will be on Veteran's Island with Kids games, 5K run and a chili cookout. Day 2 will be at the parking lot of the Community Center with a Pickle Ball tournament. This is a fundraiser with the proceeds going to the Recreation Center and the Chamber of Commerce. Laughlin said they wanted to do something to bring in some revenue for the Chamber of Commerce since the Ice Fishing Derby has been cancelled.

Laughlin also advised that the gym hours have changed. She said there was an incident on Sept 2 with underage kids in the gym unsupervised so now it will have to be locked. Laughlin also asked for signatures on the CCSD2 Recreation Board Grant for $13,800. Motion approved.

Food Trucks were part of the next discussion that ensued. Statements were made by two food vendors concerned that there would be permit requirements for food vendors that set up at the Farmer's Market or in the Odd Fellows park. The council assured the vendors that they were not targeting Farmer's Market or vendors in the park. The concern expressed last week was about Food trucks. The council had not taken any action and would be doing more research before moving forward with any kind of decision.

Treasurer Georgia Gayle reported that they will be ready to turn over the 2021 financials to the auditors within a day or so.

New phone lines are coming in and they will be porting over to the new system.

Chief Lehr requested that part time officers be allowed to contribute to retirement. Motion was made and passed. Lehr also advised the council that Dr. Janssen had donated the money to pay the invoice for the bullet proof vests that had to be replaced due to being expired. The grant that was written for this purpose is still pending.

Jon Winter of Public Works reported that there had been an individual living out of town limits that was paying $3.75 per month for mosquito abatement, and was now asking for a refund because there wasn't a plane used so he did not reap the benefits of the mosquito abatement program. The council decided that there would be no refund, but in the future billing would be corrected and people living out of town would not have this option.

Kathy Beck was sworn in as a new council member.