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.
 
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.
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.