Current, proposed, CRB leaves investigation procedures up to council
We wrote the story yesterday, a holiday, about the idea that subpoena power could be granted to a Civilian Review Board overseeing police activity in Saratoga Springs, but it would have to be an “Administrative Subpoena” power, one that has no force of law but could be used to muscle a person into providing evidence.
Given the Holiday and the lateness of the request, we did not hear from the city's attorney Vincent DeLeonardis before yesterday’s post.
Today, he writes: “Subpoena power, if provided to a Civilian Review Board, would need to be administrative. This is different from a judicial subpoena as it does not have the force of a court order, but can still be effective.
“The proposed Chapter 37 [that creates the CRB as part of city code] brought forward by Commissioner [of Public Safety Robin] Dalton does not currently include subpoena power. It provides that the procedures for the investigation of complaints will be developed by the Civilian Review Board, subject to approval by the City Council.”
[For yesterday’s story, click here.]
NYS Code: watch the heater type used in outdoor dining
A local restaurateur, who asked not to be named, found out that the type of heating used for outdoor dining matters.
Saratoga Springs Assistant Fire Chief Aaron Dyer said, according to state code, any canopy or tent used at a restaurant for outdining must adhere to fire ratings, obviously.
Also, open-flame-style heaters cannot be used under those canopies or tents, as a general rule, though there are exceptions, he said, again citing NYS code.
"Any canopy, whether tent or fabric awning, can't have the open flame heater,” he said. That includes the tall, open-flame heaters that have become popular for sidewalk dining at restaurants and bars region-wide during the pandemic.
"Those type of units have to be a minimum of 5 or 10 feet away from the structure,” Dyer said.
Radiant-style heaters can be allowed. Although they can be run on gas, these do not have open flames, he said.
"I know with covid, everybody is trying to do everything they can” to serve customers, but a lot of businesses just don’t know the rules, he said.
Open flames should not be the only concern, he added: "Most of the tents and canopies [available] are not winter-rated for snow load."
Be careful out there!
Bank Opens Branch
From a press release: Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company is pleased to announce the opening of a new full-service branch office at 3025 Route 50 in the Wilton Square shopping plaza (near Target), just off Exit 15 of the Northway.
[To read our coverage of this branch and branches in general, click here.]
At over 3,000 square feet, the office will provide a modern banking environment for customers. It offers full banking services, including ATM, drive-in, lobby and expanded parking. Additional teller access, offices and conference room space will provide an improved overall customer experience, right in the middle of the busy Wilton shopping district. This location replaces two smaller offices on Jones and Ballard roads.
"This newly renovated and larger office design will enhance our ability to deliver an improved customer experience and to expand customer relationships," said President and Chief Executive Officer Dave DeMarco. "We're excited to open this more centrally located office."
Wedding drama is funny, Am-I-right?
From a press release: Six-year-old Heather Ritchie threw open the curtains and belted out the words to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” like she was onstage at the Rialto. In reality, the first-grader was visiting her mom in the hospital, singing to patients and nurses.
“That’s when I knew I was going to be a star,” said Ritchie, a second-year student at SUNY Adirondack majoring in English with a special focus on theater.
Next week, she will be front and center at the Wood Theater for SUNY Adirondack’s production of “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” Alan Ball’s comedic tale of five reluctant bridesmaids hiding from an ostentatious wedding reception.
"The Wood Theater is thrilled to host the production of ‘Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.’ As a former SUNY Adirondack student, I performed in this on-campus show nearly a decade ago and it’s very exciting to see a new generation of artists learning and performing,” said Emily Murphy, executive director of Wood Theater.
“Five Women” is open to the public and will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18-20 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21. General admission is $14; free for SUNY Adirondack students and faculty with ID; $10 for seniors and other students; and $12 for SUNY Adirondack alumni and military. Tickets are available at the Wood's box office at 518-480-4878, by email at boxoffice@woodtheater.org or online at here.