City Council

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL November 26, 2012 The Meeting was called to order by the Acting Council President Margaret King at 7:03 p.m. in Room 209, City Council Chambers at City Hall. Ms. King called upon Father Dominic Isopo to deliver the invocation. Ms. King called upon Jim Salengo 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, and Vincent Riggi. Absent – Denise Brucker, Barbara Blanchard, Council members Also Present –City Clerk Charles W. Thorne, Corporation Counsel John Polster and Mayor Gary R. McCarthy. At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no objections, she would like to take Agenda Item number 6 out of order. There were no objections. Resolution 2012-216 – Recognizing the Efforts of the Mont Pleasant Neighborhood Association and the Successes of the Adopt-a Hydrant program. Mohamed Hafez accepted the resolution on behalf of the Mont Pleasant Neighborhood Association and thanked the Council for the recognition. He stated there is a new energy in the neighborhood. Ms. King invited members of the Neighborhood Association inside the rail to accept the resolution. Ms. Perazzo moved the resolution and it was seconded by Mr. Erikson. The resolution was passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Amending the City Code relative to the Senior Aged Exemption Ms. Brucker invited all who wished to speak to come forward, seeing no speakers Ms. Brucker declared the Public Hearing closed. 2. Authorizing the Approval of the 2013 DSAD Budget Ms. Brucker invited all who wished to speak to come forward. Vickie Hurewitz, Schenectady – Did not speak directly to the budget, but suggested that DSIC take over the organizing of Art Night. She felt it is an important component of downtown activity. Chris Sarngeng, Schenectady – Spoke on favor of approving the DSAD Budget and offered to answer questions regarding the budget and operation of DSIC. Richard Antokol, President of DSIC – Asked for support for the budget and stated that the new assessment only affects the larger companies and does not the smaller residential properties. He thanked the Council for their past support and encouraged them to approve this budget. He stated Schenectady City Council Minutes November 26, 2012 Page 2 of 5 that a majority of DSIC Board members are owners and operators of downtown businesses. Attendance at the annual fundraiser is an example of the widespread support of the organization. Jim Salengo, Executive Director DSIC – Described the function of DSIC, citing marketing holiday programming, special events, and supplemental sidewalk cleaning. He emphasized they are a not-for-profit organization and work hard to control costs. Frederick Killeen, State & Jay Development – Submitted letter - Thank you for forwarding to me for my review the DSIC’s proposed 2013 Budget. It is my understanding that the same will be discussed a public hearing tonight before the Schenectady City Council. Although I am not able be present at the public hearing, you may present or submit this correspondence on behalf of State and Jay Development as an expression of support for the approval of DSICs proposed budget. State and Jay Development, as the owner of commercial property At 175-177, 181-185 Jay Street and 435-439 State Street, continues to strongly support the DSIC’s function as an independent business improvement district, representing the property and business owners in Downtown Schenectady. Despite this strong support for your organization, have significant concerns regarding the diminished level of support and cooperation for the DSIC being committed by other economic development entities and the City of Schenectady. In 2001, the DSIC’s role was expanded to undertake the function of a business improvement type district. That action was taken based in significant part upon the support and commitment of both the City of Schenectady and Metroplex Development Authority. The 2013 proposed budget reflects another increase in the assessment levied upon the business and property owners in downtown Schenectady. Furthermore, since 2001 those assessments have increased by approximately 27%. During that same period the funding provided by Metroplex in support of the DSIC has decreased by approximately 36% and City taxes levied upon the district’s taxpayers have also increased significantly. Accordingly, the DSIC presently lacks the resources to address areas of critical importance, such as the attraction, recruitment and expansion of retail business downtown Schenectady Indeed, this line item in this year’s budget allocated to “business development” is a mere $2,500. Accordingly, it is the position of State and Jay Development that future DSIC budgets address situation by requiring expanded support from both the City of Schenectady and Metroplex Development Authority. Seeing no additional speakers Ms. Brucker declared the Public Hearing closed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ms. Perazzo made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2012, as submitted by the Clerk; Ms. Porterfield seconded the motion. COMMUNICATIONS: Official: From the Mayor, a list of appointments dated November 26, 2012. From the Commissioner of the Office of General Services recommending the award of the snow and ice control, plowing and hauling snow 2012-2013 to Carver Construction Co. General: Schenectady City Council Minutes November 26, 2012 Page 3 of 5 None Petitions: A petition signed by 41 people asking the Council to not approve the DSAD proposed budget. COMMITTEE REPORTS: None PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITEMS) Ms. Brucker invited all who wished to address the Legislative Agenda to come forward. Jason Planck, Schenectady – Made remarks in reference to CAPER. He criticized the process and the lack of minority hiring during the first phase of the Erie Boulevard rebuilding project. He quoted statements from the Daily Gazette attributed to Carver Construction representatives. 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: Ms. Perazzo made a motion that Council approves the Consent Agenda and the motion was seconded by Mr. Riggi. Consent Agenda – Ordinance No. 2012 – 12 .......................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 217 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 218 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 219 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 220 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 213 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 214 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – 215 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2012 – CS-23 ................................Adopted Unanimously CS-24 – A Resolution Awarding a Contract for “Snow and Ice Control, Plowing and Hauling Snow 2012-2013” To Carver Construction, Inc. Ms. Porterfield – Stated that a contractor would be held to honoring a contract if they failed to plow when the specified number of inches of snow had fallen and questioned why they are not held to honoring contractual minority hiring practices. Mr. Erikson – Stated there are not enough companies bidding on contracts and suggested the City reach out to companies that have not submitted bids and find out why. Schenectady City Council Minutes November 26, 2012 Page 4 of 5 Mr. Riggi – Voiced the same concerns as Ms. Porterfield and Mr. Erikson, especially the lack of minority hiring. Ms. King – stated she shares the same concerns as the other members of the City Council 4:1:2 Voting AYE: Perazzo, Erikson, Riggi and King. No: Porterfield Absent: Blanchard and Brucker The motion was moved by Ms. Porterfield and seconded by Ms. Perazzo. 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: Jason Planck, Schenectady – Asked that the Affirmative Action Contract be amended before being renewed. He also asked for a breakdown of the City workforce. He questioned the need for caucuses. Tony Buonome, Schenectady – Stated that Council Members need to answer to the voters, not other members of the Council. Joy Hall, Schenectady – Pedestrian crossing at State Street and Nott Terrace is not safe and the signs need to be changed. She also said Erie Boulevard needs to be fixed. P.D. Voorhis, Schenectady – Stated the City’s website is not functioning and minutes are missing since earlier in the year. Mary McClaine, Schenectady – Although Council approved the minutes for the October 22, 2012 City Council Meeting the minutes were incorrect because the speakers for the “Privilege of the Floor” segment of the meeting. Nor did the minutes include the public statements which I also submitted in writing for the record. Those statements were important. I wanted the record to show that it was the second time I had requested the re-instatement of Jason Cuthbert for his city job. Mr. Riggi told the citizen’s that Jason’s firing was the result of insubordination. A man’s conscience always takes precedence over obedience. When Hitler’s henchmen led the Jewish people to the gas chambers they told the courts “they were soldiers obeying orders. The courts did not agree. The so-called “obedient soldiers” were executed. Jason’s conscience compelled him to take a position regarding a public issue. As a resident of the City, he also had a right to do it. And in so doing, Jason Cuthbert told the truth. On the night of the Public Hearing, several speakers told Council not to pass the 8-year county tax contract. Neither did Moody agree with the Mayor’s strategy. The 8-year County sales tax contract never should have been passed. All of you need to get together with the Mayor to re-instate Jason Cuthbert to his city job. Jim Salengo, Executive Director DSIC – Announced that this coming Saturday is “Small Business Saturday.” DSIC is working on a gift drive with the City Mission and the YWCA, a downtown window decorating contest and rededicating the Christmas tree. Seeing no other speakers to come before the City Council, Ms. Brucker declared the Privilege of the Floor closed. Schenectady City Council Minutes November 26, 2012 Page 5 of 5 MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL Ms. Perazzo – Stated she is in discussions with members of SLIC landlords regarding changes to the Housing Standards Review Board. She announced the arrival of the Christmas Train in Schenectady at ALCO Museum on Thursday. She noted the passing of Barbara Katz and expressed her condolences to the family. . Mr. Riggi – Requested an update on the Ethics Board from the Mayor. He also stated that something has to be done about the violence at some city bars. He stated it is always the same players. He complimented the Mont Pleasant Neighborhood Associations on the projects and congratulated Vickie Hurewitz on her appointment to the Schenectady Civilian Police Review Board Mr. Erikson – Stated he attended the parade on Saturday and rode on the Fire Truck. He witness first-hand the love people have for firefighters. He also recognized the volunteers in Mont Pleasant and other areas of the City, saying that this is what comprises a City. There are no official budget changes, but he looks forward to meeting with the Mayor and Ismat Alam. Ms. Porterfield – Congratulated the Mont Pleasant Neighborhood Group Mayor McCarthy – The Commissioner, the Police Chief and he have been involved in ongoing meeting and discussions with problem bar owners. RECESSED: Seeing no further business to come before the City Council, Ms. King recess the meeting at 8:55 p.m. until Monday A true record By Charles W. Thorne Schenectady City Clerk