Common Council Agendas and Minutes

COMMON COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING AND SPECIAL MEETING Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - 7:30 P.M. Common Council Chambers Roll call was taken. PRESENT: EXCUSED: Mayor Keeler Council President Biggs Council Member Izzo Council Member Higgins Council Member Soloyna Council Member McCarthy Council Member Frainier PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC HEARING THE CITY OF COHOES’ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND THE SUMBISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE RESTORE NY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE. Public Comment: Joe Ritchie- asks is this a grant for the remediation of Saratoga Sites? The Mayor responded it is not specific to the remediation but to the overall project development. Joe says I thought it was being sold as is. He asked if the City submitted a letter of intent? Mayor responded yes, we did submit the letter. Paula Brewer- spoke about the library. She asked if we have the administrative capacity for this grant? The Mayor responded yes we do. The Mayor said we have had a turn over in the Planning Department but we now have Sharon Butler in that office. Unknown speaker – Asks if the grant will be used for housing and the Mayor said no it will be used for industrial use. SPECIAL MEETING Public Comment: Carl Godfrey – His proposal for an 18 unit was not accepted back in May. He has a new proposal for 30 1-bedroom apartments unit with 32 off-street parking spots and 2 commercial units. Will IDA open the project back up? Mayor asks do you have a diagram? What would it cost? Carl says 3.2 million. Shawn Higgins apologizes for the inconvenience with the IDA. Carl has met with the historical board and Stephen Napier is on board. Carl says he is a local guy. He has asked the historical society to help with the design. Mayor asks Carl if he can get the rendering to Stephen Napier and Sharon Butler. Carl says he is looking to get young professionals to rent his apartments. Sean VanSleet – discussion on the incident that happened at CHS. Was it a result of bullying? Do we have any information on what happened, it seemed to be a planned attack. Mayor responded that is probably a better question for a school meeting. Sean says this is the 2nd time it has happened, last time it was at CMS. Lieutenant replies that the incident is still being investigated and anyone who can be charged will be. Resolution No. 61 for the year 2024 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for and receive funding under the RESTORE NY Communities Initiative Municipal Grant Program. Council Member McCarthy made a MOTION to approve Resolution No. 61 for the year 2024. Seconded by Council Member Higgins. All members voted “AYE.” The motion passed. Resolution No. 62 for the year 2024 A Resolution amending the annual budget for fiscal year 2024. Resolution No. 63 for the year 2024 A Resolution ratifying a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Cohoes and the Cohoes Police Officers Union. Council Member McCarthy made a MOTION to approve Resolution No. 63 for the year 2024. Seconded by Council Member Izzo. All members voted “AYE.” The motion passed. Resolution No. 64 for the year 2024 A Resolution approving the sale of certain surplus vehicles and equipment. Council President Biggs made a MOTION to approve Resolution No. 64 for the year 2024. Seconded by Council Member Higgins. All members voted “AYE.” The motion passed. Resolution No. 65 for the year 2024 A Resolution granting the award of the City’s insurance contracts. Council Member Higgins made a MOTION to approve Resolution No. 65 for the year 2024. Seconded by Council President Biggs. All members voted “AYE.” The motion passed. Shaw Higgins presentation of a plaque for Council Member John Frainier on behalf of the Mayor and the Council. Thanking him for his services. At 7:49 PM Council President Biggs made a MOTION to adjourn. Council Member Higgins seconded the motion. All members voted “AYE.” The Common Council Meeting concluded. ______________________________ Roni Miorin, City Clerk