Common Council Agendas and Minutes

COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - 7:00 P.M. Special Meeting Common Council Chambers Prior to the start of the Special Meeting, the Common Council Workshop was conducted. Mayor Morse led in the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:15 PM Roll call was taken PRESENT: ABSENT: Mayor Morse None Council President Briggs Council Member Smith Council Member Russell Council Member McCarthy Council Member Napier Council Member Koniowka Public Comments: None At 7:16 PM, Council President Briggs made a MOTION to enter into Executive Session for discussion of contract matters. Seconded by Council Member Russell. Council President Briggs, and Council Members Smith, Russell, and McCarthy voted “AYE”. Council Members Napier and Koniowka voted “NAY”. The motion passed, and Council Members adjourned into Executive Session At 7:28 PM, Executive Session adjourned, and Council Members began the Special Meeting. Council President Briggs, and Council Members Smith, Russell, McCarthy, Napier, and Koniowka presented Resolution No. 93 for the year 2017 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE MUSIC HALL ARTS ALLIANCE, INC. REGARDING THE COHOES MUSIC HALL Council Member Napier, “I have some questions. In the first contract we had with the Palace, what have we paid out in management fees up until December?” Michael Durocher, City Comptroller, “We have not received invoices from November and December yet. We are paid to October 31.” Council Member Napier, “So prior to that point, we paid $148,107.00 in management fees and we are expecting some more?” Common Council Special Meeting 12/12/2017 Page 2 of 2 Michael Durocher, “The IDA picked up the first $135,000.00, and the City will pick up the rest.” Council Member Napier, “My understanding was that we would be paying $135,000.00 management fees in the first and second year of the contract out of the IDA?” Mayor Morse, “No, the first year was the IDA.” Council Member Napier, “When we discussed this in the meeting, we discussed both years would be paid out of IDA.” Mayor Morse, “I would refer to the contract that you voted on.” Michael Durocher, “I was under the impression the IDA would pay the first $135,000.00, but I don’t know what the contract says.” Mayor Morse, “Regardless of were the money came from, we have an obligation, we voted on, to support the Music Hall. The response from this Community has been overwhelming to the use of the Music Hall, it is the biggest attraction in our City, it provides the biggest economic engine, and has filled our restaurants and bars beyond belief. We are overwhelmed with the response it has received in the first year and a half. Regardless of what the previous contract stated, we are now discussing a new contract that states the City will pay $135,000.00 a year to operate the Music Hall with a 50% split in revenue above and beyond the budget, as well as $2.00 for every ticket. I would focus on what we are paying this year. There is no value in discussing a contract that no longer exists.” A roll call vote was taken to approve Resolution No. 93 for 2017. Council President Briggs, and Council Members Smith, Russell, McCarthy, and Napier voted “AYE.” Council Member Koniowka voted “NAY.” Resolution No. 93 for 2017 passed. At 7:48 PM, the Common Council Special Meeting adjourned. ______________________________ Lori A. Yando, City Clerk