City Council

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL July 23, 2012 The Meeting was called to order by the Council President Denise Brucker at 7:07 p.m. in Room 209, City Council Chambers at City Hall. Ms. Brucker called upon Reverend Emanuel Adams to deliver the invocation. Ms. Brucker called upon Council Member Carl Erikson to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The City Clerk called the roll and the following members of the City Council answered to be present: Present – Council members Leesa Perazzo, Marion Porterfield, Carl Erikson, Margaret C. King, Vincent Riggi, Barbara Blanchard and Denise K. Brucker Absent – None Also Present –City Clerk Charles W. Thorne, Corporation Counsel John Polster and Mayor Gary R. McCarthy. At this point, Ms. Brucker asked if there were no objections, she would like to take Agenda Item # 9 out of order. There were no objections. Resolution 2012-156 - A Resolution Celebrating the Creation of the Bellevue Market in the City of Schenectady. Ms. Brucker invited members of the Bellevue Green Market inside the rail to accept a resolution. Ms. Perazzo moved the resolution and it was seconded by Mr. Erikson. The resolution was passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None COMMUNICATIONS: Official: From the Mayor, a list of appointments dated July 23, 2012 From the Directory of Water & Wastewater, a letter recommending the award of the “Water Main Replacement Project” to the lowest responsible bid, made by Tom Kubricky Company, Inc. of Gansevoort, NY in the amount of $413,137. From the Directory of Water & Wastewater, a letter recommending the award of the “Water Valve Replacement Project” to the lowest responsible bid, made by Jersen Construction Group, LLC of Watervliet, NY in the amount of $287,632.95. From the City Engineer, a letter recommending the award of the “City of Schenectady 2012 Paving Program – Parts 1A & 1B” to Carver Construction Co. Inc. of Altamont, NY in the amount of $1,318,149.86  General: None Petitions: None COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Erikson stated that a Claims Committee meeting would be held on Wednesday, July 25 followed by a recessed Council Meeting. The topic would be ATF. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITEMS) Ms. Brucker invited all who wished to address the Legislative Agenda to come forward. Robert Sanders, Schenectady – Stated he heard seven miles of road are being paved, he asked, “What roads?” Seeing no other speakers to come before the City Council, Ms. Brucker declared the Privilege of the Floor on the Legislative Agenda closed. INTRODUCTION OF AND ACTION UPON LOCAL LAWS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: Ordinance No. 2012 – 09 (Roll Call Vote) Adopted 6:1 Voting AYE: Blanchard, Brucker, Erikson, King, Perazzo, and Riggi Voting NO: Porterfield, Ms. Porterfield - Stated her concerns about the possibility of imprisonment for lack of liability insurance. Ms. King made a motion that Council approves the Consent Agenda and the motion was seconded by Ms. Blanchard. Consent Agenda – Resolution No. 2012 – 157 Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 158 Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 159 Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 160 Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 161 Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 162 Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – CS-19 Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – CS-20 Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – CS-21 Adopted Unanimously PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Ms. Brucker invited all who wished to address the City Council on any matter of City business to come forward. The following speakers rose to be heard and their remarks are summarized: Joe Riedhammer– Keybank – Spoke about the success of the Key to the City home sales and financing program. He stated that the program has brought new residents to the City and created many first-time home buyers. The program has resulted in 52 home closings, 798 inquiries and 16 loans. He also talked about the success of the pre and post closing financial consulting to homebuyers program. Mary D'Alessandro-Gilmore, Schenectady – Announced the upcoming Key to the City Open House Tour coming up on Sunday, July 28, would kick-off at Central Park’s Rose Garden. The press conferences have been held in various locations across the City. She cited financial home related costs that showed homes purchased in Schenectady represent a better value than other communities in the Capital District. Harry Brand, Schenectady – Asked for feedback regarding park fees and stated that manhole covers need to be repaired. He cited home foreclosure statistics regarding senior citizens. Kevin Chaires, Schenectady – Asked why he had to pay $45 for a fingerprint check when he applied for a job as a crossing guard. Lorrie Robinson, Schenectady – Stated that jobs are needed – the City needs to create jobs. Mary McClaine, Schenectady – Several items tonight. First one of your constituents asked me to tell you she has called City Hall to report problems at 8th and Cutler Streets and the alleyway of 7th and Cutler Streets. No one has responded. If anyone here is so inclined, please do something about the graffiti and abandoned house. Regarding litter in the street. A Gazette reader suggested I share my ideas about the problem. I will do that. Last month I attended the Hamilton Hill Arts Center Block Party. My husband parked the car on Avery Street. As I walked down the street there was litter all around me. So this is my suggestion whenever groups organize community events they should include cleaning the area as part of the activities. It’s a good way to utilize manpower while people stand around waiting for the food to cook. Having said that, no one needs to pick up litter from the street. But anyone who feels that way can be assured that the litter will be there tomorrow, only more of it. A perfect example is that area where the former cloister convent is located. There is more trash on the ground than there is vegetation. If I were sitting in one of your seats I would have paid a visit to that faculty a long time ago. But that is the difference between what is offered and what we get. Regarding the two expenditures that were passed at the last Council Meeting. I want the people out in TV Land to understand what Council did at the July 9, Meeting. Council voted to spend nearly one-half million dollars on two projects. One project cost $114,000. A Council Member voted for it because she felt that if the job was outsourced that contractor might not show up to do the work. That may be the way things are done in the restaurant business but no bona fide business man is going to jeopardize a lucrative city contract and not show up to do the work. As for the other project I suggest that in the future council seek an objective source for information. Council members must understand the impact of their votes. You are not playing monopoly. This is the real thing. Taxpayer’s money. Learn to respect it. Peter Cappiello, Former Owner Cappiello Dairy– Disputed recent news reports that maligned his company, accusing them of illegal dumping in waste water. Starting in 1995 Cappiello's  began hauling waste whey out of the city location and around 2000 began meetings regarding compliance involving City, State and Metroplex officials. Robert Sanders, Schenectady – Stated that the ordinances requiring liability insurance for dogs and banning smoking in the parks are just more laws telling us what to do. He praised the programs at the Schenectady Museum and suggested people visit if they haven't lately. Tony Buonome, Schenectady – Complained about a neighbor who puts trash out in front of the home, animals get at it and there is garbage all over the street. OGS says they have fined the person but the problem persists. He also questioned the boundaries of the Erie Blvd Project stopping at Liberty Street; he thought it reached Union Street. Helga Schroeder, Schenectady Neighbors for Peace – Invited all to attend a Commemoration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombing on August 5. P.D. Voorhis, Schenectady – In reference to Liberty Park, “You broke it, you fix it.” She also noted a listing on the Police Blotter referring to a charge of “Obstruction of Government.” Gino Cimmin, Schenectady - Stated that the recent shooting on 5th Avenue and Congress Street did not happen in front of Joe's Bar. Robert Archambault, Schenectady – Stated that the shooting did in fact occur in front of Joe's Bar. He went on to complain about the lack of response to previous complaints regarding problems at the bar. He believes officers should be required to live in the City and said non- resident officers don't care about the community. Reverend Emmanuel Adams, Schenectady – Urged everyone to pray for peace and the victims of the Colorado shooting. Called for everyone to come together. Seeing no other speakers to come before the City Council, Ms. Brucker declared the Privilege of the Floor closed. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL Ms. Perazzo – Reminded everyone about the FixErieNow.com website to keep up on progress and other news regarding the Erie Boulevard Project updates. Mr. Erikson – Congratulated everyone associated with the Key to the City initiative and also recognized what a success the Summer Night out was. He stated that police probe need to be addressed. Mr. Riggi – Expressed frustration regarding problems people are experiencing and stated a Zero Tolerance Policy should be instituted. Mayor McCarthy – Stated he expects Police Officers to be community leaders and also praised the Key to the City program. RECESSED: Seeing no further business to come before the City Council, Ms. Brucker recessed the meeting at 8:16 p.m. A true record By Charles W. Thorne Schenectady City Clerk