Jillson said the police department will be offering crime prevention training to local businesses and interested individuals as well as security assessments for businesses and homes.

“We need everyone as eyes and ears to help prevent crime or close cases,” he said. “It’s cheaper for all of us to prevent a crime than to incarcerate someone.”

Those who are interested should contact the police department or visit www.saratogapolice.org, Jillson said.

“We are here, we are starting this for all of you, please get a hold of us. We need everyone’s help to prevent crime,” he added.

Training has already taken place in Geyser Crest and Stonequist Apartments and residents have already used their training to prevent a crime, Jillson said.

In an attempt to boost New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra attendance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Shane Williams-Ness presented a new initiative that would introduce visitors and shoppers on Broadway to the upcoming performances.

Williams-Ness’ initiative suggests placing televisions in the windows of downtown businesses to market SPAC, specifically the ballet and orchestra which doesn’t get the attention that the more popular concerts get, she said.

“We have so much to be proud of in Saratoga, and we need to engage the arts,” she added.

The past few years, SPAC has been struggling with sales, and the TV screens would give visitors a preview of what performances will be taking place and inform them on what the ballet and orchestra performances are about and how to follow the stories that take place during the performances.

“Sometimes people just don’t feel comfortable and we want to help them learn and become comfortable going to a ballet or concert,” Williams-Ness said.

Deputy Commissioner of Finance Kate Jarosh discussed new events for the annual Fourth of July celebration in Saratoga Springs. Fireworks will still take place in Congress Park and new food competitions will be taking place around the city. Like Chowderfest and Chilifest, restaurants are invited to take part in the first annual BBQfest and Dessertfest by coming up with original recipes for barbequing and desserts. Like past events, this is a friendly competition among restaurants and tastings will cost $1. Other events planned for that weekend include a parade on Broadway, a vintage car show, a “patriotic pooch” event on Ellsworth Jones Place and local bands playing in various locations in the evenings.

“With the current economy, it is suggested that many people will be staying close to home for the holiday, and we want to target locals and make Saratoga Springs a great destination for the weekend,” Jarosh said.