City Council

June 7, 2016 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 7:00 PM 6:40 PM P.H. – Amend Section 203 of the City Code – Streets and Sidewalks 6:45 PM P.H. – Amend 2016 Capital Budget and Program – Adams Street Pump Station 6:50 PM P.H. – Amend Chapter 222 of the City Code – Vacant Buildings 6:55 PM P.H. – Amend Chapter 118 of the City Code – Building Code Administration 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENATIONS 1. Housing Task Force – Update on Affordable Housing Initiatives EXEUTIVE SESSION CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 5/16/16 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 5/17/16 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 5/26/16 Special City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 5. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 6. Approve Payroll: 05/27/16 $449,825.76 7. Approve Payroll: 06/3/16 $471,846.91 8. Approve Payroll: 05/20/16 $482,776.25 9. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWJUN1: $3,302.69 10. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWMAY3: $14,946.35 11. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWMAY4: $500.00 12. Approve Warrant: 2016 REG – 16JUN1: $1,124,507.99 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Amendment of Zoning Map to Include 199 and 200 Woodlawn Avenue in the City’s Historic District 2. Discussion and Vote: City Council to Approve Donation of 2016 HUD Summit Surplus Funds 3. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation from Mike and Susana Hoffman for 2016 Memorial Day Parade 4. Discussion: Update Charter Commission City Council Meeting 6/7/16 5. Announcement: Appraisal of 209 South Broadway 6. Announcement: Henry Street Bike Party 7. Announcement: Climate Smart Communities Task Force/Sustainable Saratoga – Solar Workshop th Monday, June 27 8. Announcement: Free Energy Code Training Sponsored by Saratoga Builders Association on Monday th June 20 in Music Hall 9. Announcement: Draft Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Plan Release by Complete Streets Committee June 20th ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Appointment: Commissioners of Deeds 2. Award of Bid: Extension of Bid for Granite & Pre-Cast Curbs to the Fort Miller Company, Inc. FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: 2016 Bond Rating & Report 2. Discussion: Spa City Solar Park Development at the Landfill 3. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 4. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Assignment for Refund of Prior Year Taxes 5. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Assignment for IT Initiatives (14XB) 6. Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Benefits 7. Discussion and Vote: Capital Budget Amendment – Adams Street Pump Station (NYRA Donation Reduction) PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Amend the 2016 Capital Program & Budget for the Adams Street Pump Station Project 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Trinity Construction, Inc. for the Adams Street Pump Station Mechanical Upgrades 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Curbing Contracts PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Sales Agreement with Firetec 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Auctions International, Inc. 3. Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 118 of the City Code 4. Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 222 of the City Code 5. Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 203 of the City Code 6. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #1 to Hoosick Valley for the Lake Avenue Firehouse Window Project SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch 1. Verizon Strike update and Return to Saratoga Peter Martin 1. National Drug Policy vs. Opioid Addiction 2. Veterans 3. Sundae on the Farm ADJOURN Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 June 7, 2016 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 7:00 PM PRESENT: Joanne Yepsen, Mayor Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Christian Mathiesen, Commissioner of DPS STAFF PRESENT: Joe Ogden, Deputy Mayor Lynn Bachner, Deputy Commissioner, Finance Maire Masterson, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Tim Cogan, Deputy Commissioner, DPW Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Vincent DeLeonardis Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Peter Martin, Supervisor RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting were taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript. PUBLIC HEARINGS Amend Section 203 of the City Code – Streets and Sidewalks Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 6:40 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen stated this is an amend to prevent people from obstruction of people from public ways and places. It will be unlawful for someone to sit or lay down in the City of Saratoga Springs. There are exceptions to this such as a medical emergency, attending a parade, or on a City bench. Commissioner Mathiesen read the ordinance for the public. Sue Martin of Saratoga Springs stated she enjoys the street festivals. She is an advocate for people with addictions. The way to solve vagrancy and homelessness is to find treatment for these people. Taking the people of Broadway and Caroline Street is not going to solve the problem. Todd Garafano of the Convention and Tourism Bureau stated this has been a problem for years and has been getting worse. This is one step of trying to address the issue. Having things like a daytime drop in center would also help with this. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs asked how is imprisoning someone going to make things better. Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Jeff Saperry of Saratoga Springs stated he works at Wheatfields and sees these people on a daily basis. They are annoying but they don’t harass him. There is going to be loopholes in the code. He is against this. Resident of Ballston Spa stated she can’t imagine telling people it is illegal to be homeless. You are targeting a certain type of people. You are making people feel like crap about themselves for existing. Dave Bronner of Saratoga Springs is in support of this ordinance. He is on Broadway most days of the week. He sees this as a safety issue. The problem has gotten worse recently but also has gotten better with a strong police presence. Laying and sitting on the sidewalks is a hazard for people. This is not a problem of homelessness but a problem with vagrancy and pan handling. Bob Reed of Saratoga Springs asked what other plans do you have after incarceration. Is social services in the loop? There should be a master plan about what to do after they are released. Dave Supernaut of Saratoga Springs stated he is here speaking on behalf of the homeless and any other people that are strange in the world. People are different. Patti Riggi of Saratoga Springs stated it sounds like the new law is aimed at homeless people. Commissioner Mathiesen explained again this is not being directed at anyone. This is a public safety issue to prevent obstructions. Patti Riggi stated there is a larger problem in Saratoga Springs such as drugs and overdosing. Kim Palermo of Saratoga Springs stated she understands what Commissioner Mathiesen is saying. Part of the issue is the obstructions are humans. There is a chance this law could be used to keep homeless people from coming into our town. Rachel Dwyer of Saratoga Springs stated we all know this is targeting the homeless. If people would spend as much time helping the homeless as they do complaining we would be better off. Phil Diamond of Saratoga Springs stated this is a complex issue. If any of these people are veterans, they should be treated differently. Bonnie Sellers of Saratoga Springs asked if the Council has readily available the services that are available to help people. Some people may not know the services we already have in place to help. Jacqueline Regionette of Argyle stated based upon her appearance you wouldn’t think she has a college degree or a job or votes. There are other ways than restricting people of where they are allowed to be. Randall “Chalk Boy” stated he has a problem. He asked that this not be voted on tonight. As good as the intentions may be with this law; who is to say the next Council will want to do something different. There are about 9 people that are ruining the lives of others and creating this law. Let’s use the current laws first. Jason of Saratoga Springs stated you are talking about a public safety ordinance and by quick head count in this room, there are 67 people and the sign says no more than 50. Don of Saratoga Springs stated he sees the people they are talking about. He sees people getting mad at others. There should be more detox facilities to control the situation. Joy King of Saratoga Springs stated Saratoga is a vibrant city. You don’t everyone to look the same and bee the same. We should be about all different types of people. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Amend 2016 Capital Budget and Program – Adams Street Pump Station Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. Commissioner Scirocco advised NYRA has originally committed to contributing $750,000 towards this project. The cost of the project was $400,000 less that thought. The capital budget needs to be reduced by $400,000. No one spoke. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Amend Chapter 222 of the City Code – Vacant Buildings Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen stated we have a registry which is working well. They would like to fine tune this ordinance. No one spoke. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. Amend Chapter 118 of the City Code – Building Code Administration Mayor Yepsen opened the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. Commissioner Mathiesen stated this amendment is to fine-tune an ordinance. This will provide a better definition of the powers of our code enforces and the penalties. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs stated if we are talking about the City Code where are they now? This room is only supposed to hold 50 and we had 67. Commissioner Mathiesen asked if the solution would be to only allow 50 and exclude the rest. Darlene McGraw stated this city is not all about the racetrack, Bonacio, Roohan, SPAC. Mayor Yepsen closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Yepsen called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Mayor Yepsen said the public comment period is limited to a total of 15 minutes and individuals are limited to two minutes. Mayor Yepsen opened the public comment period at 7:44 p.m. Paul Rosenburg of Albany stated he brought the Dance Flurry Festival in 1994. He stated one of the facts in the newspaper stated the Music Hall is not historic. He did research and it is historic. It has been very difficult deal Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Gracie of Saratoga Springs stated what makes Saratoga is the arts. Saratoga Music Hall has been able to fill a role for people of all different ages. She would like to remind them there is only one Saratoga Music Hall. Charles Brown of Saratoga Springs stated he is here speaking on behalf of the Democratic Committee. They had an executive meeting where they discussed the flying of the Confederate Flag in the Memorial Day Parade. Over the years the flag has become a symbol of something that is racist. They asked the Council to consider working on protocol so that the flag is not welcome in upcoming parades. Kira Cohen of Saratoga Springs stated the City Council needs to clarify the definition of condos and residential/multifamily and residential/single family. The ZBA members told them the City Council would have to make the clarification. The ZBA has decided to interpret the zoning code to exclude condos from multi-family. (copy of letter attached). Dave Wolf, business owner in Saratoga Springs and coordinator of the Diamond Dance stated this is an economic argument. They are going to cost our city from dollars every year. Dancers care about wood floors and you won’t find wood floors within 100 miles of this area. Robert Henshaw stated he helps manage the Dance Flurry every year. He asked the Council not to sacrifice the Music Hall. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs stated she is going to stand up for what is right. She spends a lot of time researching things in the law library. Michael Pace of Burnt Hills stated he has signatures to save the Music Hall. To say the building is not historical is an insult. Lucas Jones of Ballston Spa stated the only other options for dancing other than the Music Hall is Albany and Troy; which is not safe. There are no alternatives to the Music Hall; it a unique space. This will have a huge impact on them and they do care. Kim Palermo of Saratoga Springs stated she was sad to hear someone chose to fly the Confederate Flag in the Memorial Day Parade. Macy Fredrickson of Ballston Spa stated she is in favor of saving the Music Hall. Jenna Camputo, owner of Silver Pen Productions. She is dismayed to see some of the Council rolling their eyes at the speakers. The Music Hall is historical and has been under utilized. She would like to see them have a meeting about the Music Hall. Garland Nelson of Saratoga Springs stated the infrastructure of running city government has to grow with the size of the city. Buildings and rooms have their own history. The Music Hall has been falling into disrepair. This art spot may need to have further conversations to figure out revenue generation. Megan Miles of Saratoga Springs stated if the Music Hall were properly renovated it would receive more use. Dave Bronner of Saratoga Springs stated he was very happy with the Memorial Day Parade. The flag was inappropriate but was done by a rogue rider and should not reflect on the Patriot Riders. The number of people in attendance was not there for the parade due to taking it off Broadway. Joy King of Saratoga Springs stated when she was a kid the parade would come down Broadway and end at the cemetery. The Confederate Flag hurt her. She has never seen a Confederate Flag flown in Saratoga. Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Zachary Hall of Ballston Spa stated he is here regarding the Music Hall. His parents are willing to drive him here every month to the Diamond Dance because the Music Hall is a safe place. Linda LaTender of Saratoga Springs stated she was sick by seeing the confederate flag in the parade. Sara Goldner of Ballston Spa stated she was introduced to swing dancing 8 years ago and starting dancing in the Music Hall. She is sad to hear the City is going to do away with the Music Hall. Artie Russell, chair of the Saratoga Springs Arts Commission, stated the Arts Commission will work diligently to find other office space in town. Jason of Albany stated it is not feasible for people from this area to go to other places to dance. Carol Star of Saratoga Springs stated she appreciates all the Council does. Randall ‘Chalk Boy’ of Saratoga Springs stated he is against turning the Music Hall into a court room. Having modular and mobile furniture would make the room usable during the day as a court and for other things at night. Joe Cleveland of Wilton stated he is the minister of the Unitarian Universal Congregation stated he is dismayed to see the stars and bars flown at the Memorial Day Parade. Lea Moore of Saratoga Springs stated she puts on a play in the Music Hall. That is the only space that is affordable in Saratoga. The space is one of a kind and underutilized due to lack of advertising. She would like to see the Council open up the discussion to the community again. We are a city that supports the arts. Cassandra Bumford stated almost all of the dancers here tonight are missing their dance class to be here tonight. They are here to tell you they would like to see the space stay as is. Maria Hoffmaier of Ballston Spa stated the Music Hall is a one of a kind place. Ben Miles of Saratoga Springs stated the dancers didn’t plan to show up tonight; it just happened. The Music Hall is truly a unique space. Mayor Yepsen closed the public comment period at 8:35 p.m. Mayor Yepsen stated it is a tremendous amount of work to put on a parade. They wanted to be sure all the veteran administrations were represented. They decided they wanted to end in the cemetery and worked with the police on the route. The Patriot Riders agreed to participate but they had no knowledge that there would be a confederate flag. It is the City’s parade and they can create guidelines. Commissioner Mathiesen agreed with Mayor Yepsen about the parade. He believes the ceremony being held in the cemetery was nice. In regards to the Music Hall, he has appreciation for it and appreciation for its deficiencies. To correct the deficiencies would be extremely costly and the purpose of the venue is not consistent with the rest of City Hall. The responsible course of action is to utilize option 5. Commissioner Scirocco stated his department has been charged with getting the consultant on board and provide the second court room. We are very limited in space in City Hall. The last thing anyone wants to do is get rid of the Music Hall. The problem is we have to provide a second court room and we have no control over it. We are waiting for the Office of Court Administration (OCA) to give us their response. *The Council took a break at 8:49 p.m. *The Council returned at 8:55 p.m. Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 PRESENTATIONS Housing Task Force – Affordable Housing Update Mayor Yepsen stated she appointed people to the Affordable Housing Task Force to ensure they brought housing stock to the table. She introduced Cheryl Perez, co-chair of the task force. Cheryl Perez, executive director of Saratoga County Rural Preservation and chairperson of the task force stated they started meeting over a year ago when the mayor signed on to the challenge to end homeless for veterans. At that time, 18 vets were homeless and all are now permanently housed. None of them were able to be housed in Saratoga due to the lack of affordable housing. She applied to HUD for new funding to get units in the City of Saratoga for vets. Starting September 1 they will be providing 14 units to vets. They did a current inventory of affordable housing in the City of Saratoga and found 939 units of affordable housing in the City of Saratoga and 72% are for seniors leaving 264 units for low income, workforce, and domestic violence victims. They also did a study on the condition of these units. They are working with employers and putting together a survey which the employers will complete and also send to their employees. This will help determine what the need is. According to HUD guidelines no one should pay more than 30% of their income for housing. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to accept the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 5/16/16 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 5/17/16 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 5/26/16 Special City Council Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments (Increases) 5. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 6. Approve Payroll: 05/27/16 $449,825.76 7. Approve Payroll: 06/3/16 $471,846.91 8. Approve Payroll: 05/20/16 $482,776.25 9. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWJUN1: $3,302.69 10. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWMAY3: $14,946.35 11. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWMAY4: $500.00 12. Approve Warrant: 2016 REG – 16JUN1: $1,124,507.99 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Amendment of Zoning Map to Include 199 and 200 Woodlawn Avenue in the City’s Historic District (16-213) Mayor Yepsen stated they have held public meetings on this. The property owners are voluntarily seeking to be included within the City’s Historic District. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to amend the current City zoning map to include 199 and 200 Woodlawn Avenue in the City’s Historic District. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: City Council to Approve Donation of 2016 HUD Summit Surplus Funds (16-214) Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Cindy Phillips of the Planning and Economic Development Department stated the summit was held in April. They had over 280 attendees and presenters over the 2 days. She thanked all the supporters of the event. The expenses came in less than the support funds leaving a surplus of $7,803. This surplus will be divided between the Shelters of Saratoga and Saratoga Rural Preservation Company with each receiving $3,901.50. Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the donation from the surplus for the 2016 HUD summit currently $7,803 with 50% being donated to the Saratoga County RPC for veterans housing initiatives and with 50% being donated to the Shelters of Saratoga for the programs involving homelessness and housing. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation from Mike and Susana Hoffman for 2016 Memorial Day Parade (16-215) Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve a donation from the Hoffmans in the amount of $250 for the Memorial Day Parade. Ayes - All Discussion: Update Charter Commission Mayor Yepsen provided copies of a booklet to the Council called “Revising City Charters in New York State”. She would like the Commission to go section by section as it has been a while since it has been reviewed. NYCOM is offering resources. Tony Izzo stated they have seen a lot of different kinds of Charter Commissions in the City’s history. In 2000/2001 they had over 100 meetings and a lot of public input. Mayor Yepsen advised in the first meeting they will create a reasonable budget, a set of rules, and establish how decisions will be made. The members are as follows: Jeff Altamari, Gordon Boyd, Laura Chodos, Elio DelSette, Matt Jones, Pat Kane, BK Kermati, Robert Kuczynski, Mike Los, Barbara Thomas, Robert Turner, and Beth Wurtman. Commissioner Madigan asked Tony Izzo if we are duty bound to review our Charter because it is in our own Charter. Tony Izzo stated it is a directive in our Charter. Commissioner Madigan stated she is not hearing a list of the details of the goals; create a whole new charter or amending what we have. Mayor Yepsen stated the main reason is to review and update the Charter we have. It is up to the Commission to decide if they want to entertain a new form of government. Commissioner Franck advised the new Charter could be the same form of government or a new form. Either way you still have to red-line it. Mayor Yepsen stated it is important to put this out to the voters. Commissioner Mathiesen stated the current Charter reads well. Commissioner Franck stated the Charter in 2006 was voted down. When you get a lot of revisions, it would be considered a new Charter. People want to have a full understanding. Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Announcement: Appraisal of 209 South Broadway Mayor Yepsen stated the Council approved GAR Associates to appraise this parcel. The appraisal amount is $105,000. The mayor will be in contact with the owner who wishes to donate the property to the City. Announcement: Henry Street Bike Party Tina Carton, administrator of parks, open land, and preservation stated the City was award money which they will use for a ‘pop-up’ event. They will at the Henry Street Bike party this Sunday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. and donating helmets, education material, and velcro reflective straps that will be handed out. Announcement: Climate Smart Communities Task Force/Sustainable Saratoga – Solar Workshop th Monday, June 27 th Tina Carton stated they will be holding a solar workshop on Monday, June 27 at the Saratoga Springs Library. Announcement: Free Energy Code Training Sponsored by Saratoga Builders Association on Monday June th 20 in Music Hall Tina Carton announced there will be training on the energy conservation construction code of NYS. The nd code will be in effect October 2 . Announcement: Draft Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Plan Release by Complete Streets Committee June th 20 Mayor Yepsen announced the Complete Streets Committee completed a draft plan for release on June th 20 . Tina Carton stated they hope to have a lot of feedback from the community. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Appointment: Commissioners of Deeds Commissioner Franck appointed the following people as Commissioner of Deeds: Police Officers Adam Dingmon, Stephanie Berbrick, and Stephanie Ostrander effective July 8, 2016; and ACO/PEO Theresa Barchuk and PEO Patrick Fitzpatrick effective immediately. Award of Bid: Extension of Bid for Granite & Pre-Cast Curbs to the Fort Miller Company, Inc. (16-216) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to extend the bid for granite & pre-cast curbs to Fort Miller Company, Inc. for an additional year under the same terms, conditions, and prices as 2015. Funding is in line: A3335014 / 54180. Ayes - All FINANCE DEPARTMENT Announcement: 2016 Bond Rating & Report Commissioner Madigan announced the City has been awarded AA+ bond rating by S&P. The City was described as a commercial and industrial center for surrounding areas and well as a popular summer destination. They are going to go out to bond mid June. Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Discussion: Spa City Solar Park Development at the Landfill Commissioner Madigan advised SunEdison has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They are looking to restructure their business model and complete some of their ongoing projects. The City is considered one of their ongoing projects. We have signed a power purchase agreement with SunEdison. Commissioner Franck asked if there is an out-clause since SunEdison filed. Vince DeLeonardis stated there are some but it is more difficult than it seems. There is no reason to think at this point that they won’t go forward with the project. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (16-217) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2016 budget transfers – payroll which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Assignment for Refund of Prior Year Taxes (16-218) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the budget amendment – assignment for refund of prior year taxes which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Assignment for IT Initiatives (14XB) (16-219) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the 2016 budget amendment – assignment for IT initiatives (2014 excess fund balance) for training and security matters and for the DPW garage work stations which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Budget Amendment – Benefits (16-220) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to approve the 2016 budget amendment – benefits which were distributed with the agenda. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Capital Budget Amendment – Adams Street Pump Station (NYRA Donation Reduction) (16-221) Commissioner Madigan stated the amendment is for a decrease in the capital fund budget by $400,000. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to approve the 2016 budget amendment - Adams Street pump station mechanical upgrades which was distributed with the agenda. This is contingent upon approve of DPW agenda item #1. Roll Call: Commissioner Franck - Aye Commissioner Madigan – Aye Commissioner Scirocco – Aye Commissioner Mathiesen – Aye Mayor Yepsen - Aye Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Amend the 2016 Capital Program & Budget for the Adams Street Pump Station Project (16-222) Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to approve 2016 capital program and budget to decrease the actual project by $400,000 for the Adams Street Pump Station project. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Agreement with Trinity Construction, Inc. for the Adams Street Pump Station Mechanical Upgrades (16-223) Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign agreement with Trinity Construction, Inc. for the Adams Street Pump Station Mechanical Upgrades in the amount of $307,873. Funding is in line H3638122 / 52000 / 1241. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Curbing Contracts (16-224) Commissioner Scirocco advised he has 9 additional contracts for curbs for approval. The City will perform the work for the residents. Commissioner Scirocco listed the following curb contracts: • Vanessa Banks – 61 Catherine Street – 75 linear feet for $1,500. • Tim James – 47 Catherine Street - 75 linear feet for $1,500. • Dave Williams – 95 & 97 Catherine Street – 60 linear feet for $1,200. • Lynn McCane – 99 Catherine Street – 32 linear feet for $640. • Karl Sleight – 7 Pinewood Avenue – 40 linear feet for $800. • Betty Bedrey – 11 Pinewood Avenue – 38 linear feet for $760. • Peg Olsen – 40 Pinewood Avenue – 39 linear feet for $780. • Frank Shultz – 18 Pinewood Avenue – 61 linear feet for $1,220. • Chris Sullivan – 52 Catherine Street – 34 linear feet for $680. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Mathiesen seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the residents curbing agreements in the amounts as stated. Aye - All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Sales Agreement with Firetec (16-225) Commissioner Mathiesen stated this is an agreement to sell the 1989 truck to Prestonsburg Fire Department for $15,000. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Firetec. Ayes - All Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Auctions International, Inc. (16-226) Commissioner Mathiesen stated this is to allow for the sales by on-line auction. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with Auctions International, Inc. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 118 of the City Code (16-227) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to amend Chapter 118 of the City Code. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 222 of the City Code (16-228) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to amend Chapter 222 of the City Code. Ayes - All Discussion and Vote: Amend Chapter 203 of the City Code (16-229) Commissioner Mathiesen stated people are concerned with the penalties. He noted the penalties include community service and the judges in the City are very fair. Tony Izzo stated there is one typo technical in nature - Section 1: the quotation should stop after Streets and Sidewalks. The phrase “obstruction of people from public ways and places” is the article right before that. The obstruction language is in Section B of 203-21.4. . The phrase “obstruction of people from public ways and places” should be deleted. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to amend Chapter 203 of the City Code. Commissioner Scirocco stated it is a good tool for law enforcement. He doesn’t see this as targeting any specific group. Mayor Yepsen asked Commissioner Mathiesen to explain how this came about. Commissioner Mathiesen stated his observation was people were sitting on sidewalks downtown and others were having to walk around them. People laying in the public way were causing a hazard. The city would be liable therefore has an obligation to take care of it. It doesn’t target anyone. Mayor Yepsen agreed the safety of people is #1 and the police needs some tools to deal with this. She feels this is harsh and asked if Commissioner Mathiesen would consider an escalating scale of fines. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he finds it hard to believe if someone is told they are blocking the sidewalk and to move that they wouldn’t. Commissioner Madigan stated she is going to support this. It is unfortunate what happened during the public comment and the media making it look like Commissioner Mathiesen and the Council is targeting the homeless. This is about public safety. If we need more space for people to sit and congregate, maybe more benches should be added. Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Commissioner Franck stated it did show on TV. that this is not directed towards homeless people. Commissioner Mathiesen has been looking at this for a while. This has been an issue the last 6 months to a year. Although he doesn’t own the sidewalk in front of his building on Broadway but he has to remove the snow otherwise he will receive a citation for the hazard. The police needs to be given the mechanism otherwise there isn’t much they can do. It is the safety for the person laying there as much as it is for the person walking. Mayor Yepsen stated she feels this is well intended but too harsh so she will not support it tonight. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Mayor Yepsen) Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Change Order #1 to Hoosick Valley for the Lake Avenue Firehouse Window Project (16-230) Commissioner Mathiesen advised this change order increases the contract by $4,038.95 for changes made to the windows to better match the divide light of the windows and match masonry of the windows. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Scirocco seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order #1 with Hoosick Valley in the amount of $4,038.95. Funding is in line H3146952 / 52000 / 1186. Ayes - All SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch Verizon Strike update and Return to Saratoga Supervisor Veitch advised Verizon negotiated for 10 months before they went on strike. He was covering Columbia, Greene, Ulster, and Sullivan counties. He worked 12 hours a day with only 4 days off in 7 weeks. He thanked Supervisor Martin for covering for him as well as Dave Miller of the Open Space Advisory Committee, and Supervisor Grattidge from the Town of Charlton for covering the May Racing Committee meeting. Peter Martin National Drug Policy vs. Opioid Addiction Supervisor Martin reported he attended a forum sponsored by Congressman Tonko. Governor Cuomo has promised resources to fight the opioid/heroin epidemic. Everyone agreed we need to focus on treatment and additional funding for treatment. Veterans Supervisor Martin reported it has been said our military does a great job programming people to do what doesn’t come naturally; to enter into combat areas, to fight, and to kill. What they don’t do well is de- programming people to get people back into the main stream. The County is going to sponsor a veteran’s th concert at SPAC on September 5 . Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting 6/7/16 Sundae on the Farm Supervisor Martin reported Sundae on the Farm is this Sunday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Turning Point Dairy on Rt.67. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Yepsen adjourned the meeting at 11:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 6/21/16 Vote: 4 - 0 Page 15 of 15