The Mayor shall exercise the following powers and duties, and
such duties as the Council may prescribe by ordinance or local law,
and supervise their execution:
A. Chief Executive. The Mayor shall be chief executive
officer and official representative of the City, and shall have and
exercise powers conferred on that office by this Charter or laws of
New York State or the United States.
B. Intergovernmental Representative. The Mayor
shall represent the Council in negotiations or matters affecting agreements
and contracts with neighboring local governmental jurisdictions, or
the county, state, or federal governments. The Mayor may delegate
such duties in consultation with Council members. All Departments
shall provide assistance that the Mayor or Mayor's delegate shall
require. The Mayor shall obtain the Council's approval prior to entering
final agreements. The Mayor shall report regularly to the Council
on the status of negotiations and/or discussions.
C. Executor of legal documents. The Mayor shall
execute in the name of the City all instruments requiring the assent
of the Council except as otherwise provided by New York State Local
Finance Law. The Mayor shall cause the City Seal to be affixed to
instruments as required.
D. Presiding Officer of the Council. The Mayor
shall be presiding officer of the Council and shall prepare the final
agenda for each Council meeting by obtaining a list of agenda items
from each Council member and supervisor.
E. State of the City Address. The Mayor shall submit
in writing to the Council and the public a State of the City Message
on or before the first regularly scheduled Council meeting in February
each year. The message shall detail the overall status of City operations
for the previous year as well as the challenges, opportunities, goals,
and objectives for the succeeding year.
F. Initiation of reviews. The Mayor shall cause
a review of the City Comprehensive Plan and City Charter to be conducted
periodically. The City Comprehensive Plan shall be reviewed at least
every five years, commencing with the effective date of this Charter.
The City Charter shall be reviewed at least every 10 years commencing
with the effective date of this Charter.
G. Enforcement of laws. The Mayor shall have ultimate
responsibility for and see to enforcement of City laws, codes, rules,
and regulations. Departments shall provide aid and assistance to the
Mayor in execution of these responsibilities.
H. Progress reports. The Mayor shall have authority
to require any Department to report to the Council in writing on the
status of any function, program, or project involving the City. Departments
shall provide aid and assistance to the Mayor in execution of these
responsibilities.
I. Collective bargaining. The Mayor shall, in consultation
with the Council and professionals retained by the Council for the
purpose, conduct collective bargaining with City employees' bargaining
units. The Mayor may delegate this authority, as the Mayor deems necessary.
The Council shall approve collective bargaining agreements and auxiliary
agreements before they take effect.
J. Official appointments. The Mayor shall make the following appointments: The City Attorney, in accordance with Section 8.1 of this Charter, and members of the City Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review Commission, Urban Heritage Program Board, Housing Authority Board of Directors, and Recreation Commission. Such appointments shall be pursuant to Civil Service Law and the Public Authorities Law.
K. City Department administration. The Mayor shall
have responsibility for the following functions and boards in City
government and shall organize such functions to ensure efficient,
cost-effective operations: Human Resources, Parks, Open Lands and
Historic Preservation, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Design
Review Commission, Planning and Economic Development, and other functions
assigned to the Mayor's office by action of the Council by virtue
of federal, state, or local laws.
L. Capital Program Committee Chairperson. The Mayor shall be Chair of the City's Capital Program Committee, which shall develop and submit for public review an annual assessment of the City's needs and priorities regarding its physical facilities, equipment, and appurtenances. The Committee shall consist of one representative each from the Departments of Finance, Public Safety, Public Works, and Accounts; the City Planner; the City Engineer; Chair of the City Planning Board; a representative of the Recreation Commission; and the Administrator of Parks, Open Lands, and Historic Preservation. The Capital Program Committee shall prepare and submit to the Council annually a six-year Capital Program consistent with § 99-g of the New York State General Municipal Law and program elements outlined in Section 3.1 of this Charter.
The Mayor may lawfully delegate the above-cited powers, duties,
and responsibilities. The Mayor shall ensure that employees in the
Mayor's Office have appropriate skills, work experience, and education
to perform professional quality work. The Mayor shall have immediate
responsibility for administering and operating the Mayor's Office
and shall organize the Office to provide efficient, cost-effective
services. All City departments and personnel shall provide the necessary
data, assistance, and information required in the execution of these
powers, duties, and responsibilities.
In conjunction with the Capital Program Committee, the Mayor
shall be responsible for preparing the City's Capital Program for
a six-year period. The Capital Program shall be submitted to the Council
for adoption. The program shall consist of Capital projects and capital
equipment, be listed by Department, and contain recommended priorities.
3.1.1
Capital projects. Each capital project shall contain
the following information:
a.
A description of the proposed project and its estimated total cost.
b.
The proposed means of financing, indicating the amount proposed to
be financed by local taxes, and the amount, if any, estimated to be
received from the Federal government, the State government, any other
government, nongovernment or private entity, or any other source of
funds procured for the project.
c.
The proposed method of financing, indicating the use of reserve funds,
grants, transfers, current taxes, notes, bonds, or any other type
of debt obligation or similar devices to be used to finance each project.
d.
The expected useful life of the capital project, the cost of annual
maintenance and upkeep, and other expected operational and personnel-related
costs.
e.
A general summary description of the project and additional comments
and recommendations of any department, board, officer, or agency affected
by the proposed project.
3.1.2
Capital Program preparation. In preparing the six-year
Capital Program, the Capital Program Committee shall consult with
each Council member who shall provide whatever information is required
to ensure a complete, comprehensive, up-to-date priority listing and
program plan regarding City capital needs.
3.1.3
Capital Program presentation. On or before the first
regularly scheduled Council meeting in September each year, the Mayor
shall present to the Council and the public the proposed six-year
Capital Program highlighting capital requests for the upcoming fiscal
year to be included in the City's annual Capital Budget. Two public
hearings shall be scheduled prior to the Council's final adoption
of the six-year Capital Program. The City's Capital Budget for each
upcoming fiscal year shall be derived from projects included in the
City's adopted six-year Capital Program. The proposed Capital Program
and projects to be included in the City's upcoming Capital Budget
shall be available in writing in the City Clerk's office at least
five days prior to the public hearings.
3.1.4
Capital Program adoption. The Council shall adopt the
six-year Capital Program annually after its review and revision. Two
public hearings shall be held prior to final adoption by the Council.
No capital project shall be authorized or undertaken unless it is
included in the Capital Program adopted by the Council. A capital
project may be added to or deleted from the Capital Program any time
by affirmative vote of 4/5 of the Council, only after public hearing
and publication of information supporting the requested action.
3.1.5
Capital Budget. The Mayor shall transmit Capital Budget
projects recommended for the ensuing budget along with the six-year
Capital Program to the Chairperson of the Budget Committee on or before
September 15 each year to ensure its incorporation into the City's
annual Capital Budget.
There shall be a Human Resources Administrator under the direction
of the Mayor. The Mayor shall, in accordance with Civil Service Law,
appoint the Human Resources Administrator. The Administrator shall
be a qualified professional in the field of human resources, and shall
be appointed on the basis of education and experience in human resources
work in a like jurisdiction.
The Human Resources Administrator shall be responsible for providing
all City departments and entities with the following services:
3.2.1
Job audits. With cooperation from the Human Resources
Administrator, the Civil Service Commission shall undertake job audits
of all positions on the City payroll to determine appropriate job
duties, compensation, and comparability for like positions throughout
and among City departments. The Human Resources Administrator shall
undertake periodic salary surveys.
3.2.2
Job descriptions. The Human Resources Administrator
shall support the Civil Service Commission in developing job descriptions
and duties to ensure equal pay for equal work and comparable pay schedules
throughout the City work force. The Human Resources Administrator
shall ensure that there are career opportunities for all City employees
and that employees can advance through competitive testing and transfers
between departments through development of a unified series of job
titles applicable to all City departments.
3.2.3
Personnel Manual. The Human Resources Administrator
shall prepare a written Personnel Manual to be distributed and used
by all City departments. The manual shall be approved by the Council
and relied on for day-to-day administration of personnel functions
in all City departments.
3.2.4
Personnel policies. The Human Resources Administrator
shall develop personnel policies that shall be forwarded to the Council
for adoption or modification upon the Mayor's review and approval.
If the Council fails to act, then policies shall stand as submitted
by the Mayor. Such policies shall address, but not to be limited to,
such issues as: discrimination, recruitment, hiring, termination,
harassment, outside employment, vacation and personal time, benefits,
contract administration, discipline, and other appropriate matters.
Policies adopted by the Council shall be effective throughout all
City departments and entities, and be consistent with collective bargaining
agreements and Civil Service Law.
3.2.5
Recruitment. The Human Resources Administrator shall
work in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission in the recruitment
and employment of personnel.
3.2.6
Employee assistance program. The Human Resources Administrator
shall develop a comprehensive employee assistance program in consultation
with appropriate labor representative to address the health and welfare
of City employees. The program shall be sent to the Council for modification
and adoption.
3.2.7
Employee counseling. The Human Resources Administrator
shall provide City employees counseling and information regarding
City benefits and personnel policies. The Administrator shall provide
guidance and assistance to each City department and its employees
through orientation and information sessions.
3.2.8
Labor contracts. The Human Resources Administrator shall
be responsible for the preparation of background material and analysis
required to support the City negotiator in labor contract negotiations.
The Human Resources Administrator shall provide information regarding
contract administration and disciplinary procedures and other provisions
implementing various employee contracts.
3.2.9
Training. The Human Resources Administrator shall coordinate
and promote training for all City employees through maintenance of
appropriate training schedules and programs.
3.2.10
Grievance. The Human Resources Administrator shall provide
advice and counsel to employees and department heads on all matters
regarding personnel policy and administration, and shall coordinate
any grievance process.
3.2.11
Personnel records. The Human Resources Administrator
shall work in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission in maintaining
complete and up-to-date records for each City employee in so far as
it is practicable and consistent with law. The Human Resources Administrator
shall assist the Civil Service Commission in maintaining a single
shared database for all such records.
There shall be an Administrator of Parks, Open Lands, and Historic
Preservation under the direction of the Mayor. The Mayor, in accordance
with Civil Service Law, shall appoint the Administrator. The Administrator
shall be a qualified professional in the field of parks, open lands,
or historic preservation administration, and shall be appointed on
the basis of education and experience in a like jurisdiction.
The Administrator of Parks, Open Lands, and Historic Preservation
shall be responsible for the planning, management, development, and
administration of a parks and open lands system within the City of
Saratoga Springs and shall integrate and coordinate the activities
of the Heritage Area Program, the City Historian, and all policies
and programs of the City dealing with historic preservation. The City's
parks and open lands, whether used for active or passive recreation,
environmental protection, or scenic enhancement, are held in trust
by the City of Saratoga Springs for the public. The parks and open
lands may not be alienated from their purposes except as provided
by the laws of the State of New York and the United States.
3.3.1
Policy development. The Administrator of Parks, Open
Lands, and Historic Preservation shall recommend policies regulating
the use of the lands and facilities in the City's park and open lands
system. Such policies regarding use shall be subject to review and
approval by the Council.
3.3.2
Inventory. The Administrator of Parks, Open Lands and
Historic Preservation shall regularly update and maintain an inventory
of City-owned land and buildings currently used as parkland, open
lands, or for historic purposes and shall request formal designation
of such lands and buildings by the Council.
3.3.3
Master plans. The Administrator of Parks, Open Lands,
and Historic Preservation shall, in conjunction with the Commissioner
of Public Works and the Office of Planning and Economic Development,
develop a City-wide Parks, Open Lands, and Historic Preservation Master
Plan, which shall include all designated lands and facilities extant
or proposed. The Plan shall be developed and transmitted to the Council
for comment and adoption. The Council shall hold a public hearing
prior to adoption of the plan. If not adopted by the Council within
90 days, the Master Plan as submitted shall be the official Parks,
Open Lands, and Historic Preservation Master Plan of the City until
subsequently modified by the Council. Such Master Plan shall be reviewed
and updated periodically, but not less than once every five years.
3.3.4
Capital plan. The Administrator of Parks, Open Lands,
and Historic Preservation shall develop a long-range Capital Plan
in cooperation with the Office of the City Engineer for all lands
and facilities under its jurisdiction. The long-range Capital Plan
shall be transmitted to Chairperson of the City's Capital Program
Committee in sufficient detail on or before August 1 and in time for
inclusion in the City's six-year Capital Program. The Administrator
shall transmit its capital and operation budget requests annually,
including maintenance and improvements, to the Commissioner of Finance
on or before August 1.
3.3.5
Acquisitions. The Administrator of Parks, Open Lands,
and Historic Preservation shall be responsible for identifying, negotiating,
and recommending lands for addition to the City's parks and open land
system including gifts offered to the City. The Administrator shall
provide the Council with the following information for each recommended
acquisition:
Location.
Size.
Description of natural and cultural resources.
Any needed improvements.
Whether the cost of such acquisition and improvements are within
the limits of available monies and/or appropriations.
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The Administrator shall utilize whatever acquisition techniques
are appropriate, including, but not limited to, purchasing property,
conservation, and/or development easements, or using private/public
partnerships to achieve open land preservation and public access.
No additions to the City park, open lands, or historic preservation
system shall be made without approval of the Council.
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3.3.6
Grants. The Administrator of Parks, Open Lands, and
Historic Preservation shall, with approval of the Council, seek out
and apply for private and public grants for the purposes and benefit
of the system.
3.3.7
Bond and grant allocation. The Administrator of Parks,
Open Lands, and Historic Preservation shall make recommendations to
the Council regarding use of proceeds from bonds for park, open lands,
or historic preservation purposes or from state, federal, or private
grants for such purposes.
3.3.8
Concession standards. The Administrator of Parks, Open
Lands, and Historic Preservation shall recommend general standards
to the Council relative to concessions on City-owned property within
the system, including concessions for sale of merchandise and food.
3.3.9
Coordination with the Department of Public Works. The
Administrator of Parks, Open Lands, and Historic Preservation shall
assist the Commissioner of Public Works in developing a maintenance,
operation, repair, and public use policy for each site in the system.
3.3.10
Coordination with the Recreation Commission. The Administrator
of Parks, Open Lands, and Historic Preservation shall work closely
with the Recreation Commission to ensure that the Recreation Commission
has access to appropriate lands and facilities for scheduling the
Recreation Commission's programs.
The Recreation Commission shall have power to equip, operate,
and maintain playgrounds and recreation centers primarily for the
benefit of City residents.
The Recreation Commission of the City, created by resolution
of the Council on 5-6-1977 pursuant to § 243 of the General
Municipal Law, shall reside for administrative, reporting, and oversight
purposes in the Office of the Mayor.
3.4.1
Program activities. The Recreation Commission shall
establish programs and equip, operate, and maintain playgrounds and
recreation centers that serve City residents. It shall hold regular
meetings in a public place, at a time convenient to the public, to
present to the public proposed recreation programs. Subsequent to
these public meetings, a schedule of planned programs shall be made
available for public view at the City Clerk's office.
3.4.2
Staffing. The Recreation Commission shall have power
to appoint qualified employees in consultation with the Human Resources
Administrator and in accordance with Civil Service Law.
3.4.3
Budget. The Recreation Commission shall be subject to
the budget process promulgated by the Commissioner of Finance pursuant
to Section 4.4.2 of this Charter and procedures and policies adopted
subsequent thereto.
3.4.4
Financial activities. The Recreation Commission shall
be subject to the Finance Policy and Procedures Manual developed by
the Commissioner of Finance prior and subsequent to its adoption by
the Council pursuant to Section 4.2.1 of this Charter. All purchases
by or on behalf of the Recreation Commission shall be undertaken in
conformance with the City's Purchasing Policy and Procedures Manual
promulgated by the Commissioner of Accounts in accordance with Section
7.3.1 of this Charter.
3.4.5
Program coordination. The Recreation Commission shall
coordinate with the Administrator of Parks, Open Lands, and Historic
Preservation and the Commissioner of Public Works to ensure appropriate
maintenance of City playgrounds and recreation centers. The operational
and capital costs of such maintenance shall be reflected in their
respective budgets.
3.4.6
Annual report. The Recreation Commission shall submit
a written annual report to the Council on the activities and accomplishments
of the Commission. A copy of the report shall be forwarded to the
City Clerk's office for public view.
There shall be an Office of Planning and Economic Development
that shall be under the direction of the Mayor. The Office of Planning
and Economic Development shall be responsible for City planning activities
and for promoting the orderly economic development of the City, consistent
with the City's Comprehensive Plan and other plans adopted by the
Council.
The Mayor shall appoint the Administrator of the Office of Planning
and Economic Development in accordance with Civil Service Law. The
Administrator shall be a qualified professional in the field of planning
and/or economic development and shall be appointed on the basis of
education and experience in planning and economic development in a
like jurisdiction.
3.5.1
Support to boards. The Office of Planning and Economic
Development shall provide staff support for the activities of the
Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Design Review Commission.
3.5.2
Community Development Block Grant. The Office of Planning
and Economic Development shall be responsible for planning and implementing
the activities of the Community Development Block Grant Program.
3.5.3
Technical activities. The Office of Planning and Economic
Development shall be responsible for a variety of data gathering,
research, analysis, and technical activities related to community
and economic development. The Director shall ensure the work is carried
out in accordance with procedures prescribed by federal, state, and
local laws and policies.
3.5.4
Informational hearings. The Office of Planning and Economic
Development shall conduct public hearings and community informational
meetings, as appropriate, to ensure that the community is aware of
programs and plans contemplated for funding and execution.
3.5.5
Grant and loan applications. The Office of Planning
and Economic Development shall manage and coordinate application for
grants and loans for all City departments, and shall assist in the
identification of grant opportunities and the preparation of applications.
[Amended 9-4-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012]
The Building Inspector and the Zoning and Building Inspector shall be under the direction of the Mayor and shall have authority to administer and enforce those provisions of the City's codes, rules and regulations as specified in Chapters 117, 118, 240 and 241 of the City Code, together with other authority conferred on him or her under the laws of the State of New York.
The Mayor shall appoint Building Inspectors, Zoning and Building
Inspectors, and Assistant Building Inspectors. The Mayor may appoint
additional Building Inspectors, Zoning and Building Inspectors, and
Assistant Building Inspectors on a temporary or permanent basis, and
shall have authority to designate which of such additional inspectors
shall act in the place of the Building Inspector or Zoning and Building
Inspector when either is absent, unavailable, or such position(s)
is/are vacant.
The Mayor shall establish policies and procedures to assist
persons in obtaining accessible public records and public information.
