City Council

OFFICE 0 F THE CITY CLERK SGHEBEGTADU, NEbV YORK AGENDA FOR THE COG'NCIL CAUCUS ATD THE CITY COUNCIL b1EETI:"lc'C June 9.2014 PUBLIC HEARING Regarding Revisions to Chapter 248 of the Code of the City of Sebenectady Regarding Parking Large Vehicles on City Streets. Regarding Revisions to Chapter 248 of the Code of the City of Scbenectady Regarding Parking Meters. Regarding Revisions to Chapter 138 of the Code of the City of Sehenectady Regarding Building Inspections, Regarding Revisions to Chapter 2 7 0 of the Code of the City of Schenecrady Regarding Rental Certificates,  ORIGINAL CONSIDEWTION A RESOLUTION Suppor~inga NUS DOS Local Government Efficiency Grant Application to Implement a Shared Reganal Code-Enforcement Repository Pilot Prc?ject for Cost Savings and Efficiency Measures, 4 Votes 2014 - 138 2. By Goweilmernber 31s. Perazzo A Resolution Supporting a Grant Application to New Vsrk Stale for Improvements 2% Expansion of Liberty (Gateway) Park and a SEQRA determination. 3 Voles 2014 - 139 3. By Councilmember &Is, Perazzo A RESOLUTION Accepting a HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantee, 4 Voles 2014 - 140 4. By Cotinellmember Mr, Mrslsfarr A RESOLUTION of the City of Schenectady in Suppod o f an Roil Call: 5:%:(d AppZIcation to Develop and AYE: Erikson, Krng, Operate a Gaming Factlily in the Kosiur, Permzs, City of Sckenectady. Mootooveren, NAY: Perlafield, 4 Votes 2014 - 151 Rig$ 5. By Councr~rnember Mr, Rig@ A WES(CILU7ilCdN Authorkzsng the City o f Sc"nmes;tady to Settie a Claim b~ b1eaetl;fe &SIO Wellon. 6. By Councilmember Mr. Rig& A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Settlement of a Tax CertioraPii Brought by Lupe & Debra Rodrimez (835 PImouth Ave.). 4 Votes - 2014 642 7. By Councilmember Mr. Riggi A RESOLUTfON Autboizing the Settlement of a Tax Cediorari Brou&t by G-T-W Realty (435-39 Slate Street). 4 Votes - 2014 143 8. By Councilrnerirber Nlr, M g g A RESOLUTION Authorizing the City of Scheneetady to Settle a Claim by Ansceritta Wilson. 9. By Councilmember Mr. Riggi A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Settlment of a Tax Ceptiorasi Brought by Stockade Apartments, LLC (613 Union St.). 4 Votes 2014 - 145 10, By Councilmember &Is,Porterfieid A RESQLG'TIO:aS Recups~nng Girls Circle At MI. Pleasant Meddle School.  CONTElAGT SL SUPPLY A RESOLETION Authogzing the Alvard of a Contract for the 20 14 !%'alertins Replacement Project, 4 Votes 2014 - 146 15 2- By Councitmember 31s. Perazzo ORIGINAL CC)NSIZ)ER_ilTION A RESOLUTION of me City of Schenectady in Support of Using Host Municipality Rearenues from a Proposed Gaming Facility for Property Tax Relief 4 Votes 2014 --147 13. ISy Coun~ilmernber Mr, S g & A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Home Rule Message Requesting Enactment of Assembly Bill A-9844 of 2014 and Senate Bill 5-75 18 of 20 14, Continuing the Tax-Exempt Status of Sbiloh Church located at 957 Congress Street 4 Votes 2014 - Mi18 I 4. By Goumcrlmember Riggi A RESOLUTION Autboriz~nr?; the Transfer of Title to 242 Brandywine Avenue, Consisting of SBL #49.432-19 4 Votes 2824 149 -. 15, By Councilmember hIr, %ggi A RESOLUTION Autho~zingthe Mayor to Execute a Home Rule hjilessage Requesting Enactment of Assembly Bill A-0982OA o f 20 t 4 and Senate Bill S-075 14A of 2054, Granting Retroactive Membership with Tier 11 status in the New Vork State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System lo Vincent Verret.  3IISCTE;S OF THE MGt'LPcWU SCHEDULED JIEETIXC OF THE SGBENECTADY CITY COUNCIL June 9,2014 The City Councrl 3leetlng was called to order by the City Council Pres~dentMargaret King at 7:07 p.m. in Room 209, City Coilncit Chambers at City Malt. Ms. King asked Rev. I3111 teslering to provide the invocation, Xfs, King called on -Anthony Vazzone to Iead the Pledge of Allegiance The City Clerk cafled the roll and the hllowing members of the City Councrl answered to be present: Present - Council members Carl Erikson. %fargaret King, Ed Kosiur, John "VIootoo\ercn, tcesa Perazzo. bltilarion Poflerfietd, and Vincent Rig@ Also Present - City Clerk Chuck Thome, Corporation Cowsel John Folster and Mayor Gar) McCadby At this point, Ads. King asked if there u ere no objections, she would Iike to rake ager~darkrn number I0 out o f order, There were no objections. Resolution Xo, 2014 - $37 - A Resolution Recognizing Girk Cirele at >font Pleasant A%iddleSehoot. The toung wornelf recopized III the resolut~onextended the~rgatltude to the Mayor and the City Council for the acknowledgement. The resolution was moved by Ms. Porterfield and seconded by Ms. Perazzo. 7f1e resolut~on passed unanrmously. PUBLIC ITEAMEGS: 1. Regarding Revision to Chapter 248 of the Code of the City of Schenectady Regarding Parking Large Vehicles on City Streets. Patricia 3leDonaid - Scheneetady - Noted she is the owner of an RV which she pays to store off the street irt the winter months. She is not opposed to the proposed legslation but is requesting allowance be given for loading and unloading the vehicle. She suggested signage that restricted o~ern;&tparking. Tony Buotaorrre - Schececi-ady- Noted he has obsenred large vehicles parked on City streels w11;ck; block dnvewais He rs rn support ofthe proposed changes to the City Code Seelnp no finher .;peaks ccrrne fornard, Ms Krng declared the Publrc Hearmg closed 2, Regarding Re.risions to Chapter 248 of the Code of the CiQ of Schenectaebq Regarding Parking %Teters, Sreiqg ra speakers conx li'orward, %Is Kmg deciared the Piablrc k-Ie;arlr;g clused. 3, Regarding Resisfcrnsto Chapter I38 sf the Glade o f the CiQ of Scheneiztady Regarding Building Inspections, Snai ? a kLilie no si;c&crs come Caxard* MS.King declared the P~ub'iic1-ieas-ingclosed. 4 Regarding Reaiisions to Chapter 2 I O of the Code of the CiQ o f Schenectadi Regarding Rental Certificates,  A letter fmrn Sharon-Llan Schm~dtdated June 9. 20 t 4 ststt~ngthat she ""belier,es the caslno project on "tohats k Harbor is needed to spur economrc groi~rh,prot tde jobs, enhance the arts dlstnct, proiide a destination 1 acation. and hi&li@t the other attractions in Schenectady". A letter from --BusinessOwnas o f Schenectady""uith tLventfi s i a a m e s in support:of the Rii ers Casino & Resort at tlohawk Harbor. A Statement on Casrno Gamhlirlg in Schenectady, Why no Pubhe Healing? 331s statement expressed s need for public input and conversation on what 1s a long term possiblIity for our communtty. The statement is supported and eirdorsed b!, \ arious religious and community leaders. Petitions: CO?rIMfTTEEREPORTS: >3r, Eriksoa - Referenced the proposed legisladon related to alfocaring rer enues fiisn~the proposed gaming facrlity for tax rel~ef.He noted his support and adiocacy for this le&slation in relation to the Council suppod resolution for a gaming fac~liryin the City of Schenectady. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE: ITE3IS) Ms. M~ngrnt l e d all w i ~ o 77~1shedto address the Legislat1t.e Agenda to come forward: Mary 3IcCIaine. Schenectady - *"Ton~glrt"s legslarive agenda caHs for a resolution of the City of Schenectdy in support of an application to develop and operate a gaming facility 11-1 the C ~ t y nf Schenectad-?;.I am asklng City Cout~crlto vote "No-- on ~ t e mnurnber four, Do not suppod the resolution, I hake a great deal of experience with casinos. In 1969, my husband worked on a project fo"nrGE at the Xevada Prov~ngGmunds. My ch~ldrenand I accompanied him on one of his trips, We lived on the upper floor of the casino located on the stripe In Las Vegas and ohsenred the ga~ningscene. Approximately 34 years later the I '' casino opened ~ t s doors in Atlantic City. I was there. Casinos didn't bring prosperity to the City. The slums are still there. Prostitution is wide-open. The ""women of the evening" are aggessive and in your face, Regarding employment. the presenters dld not mention the incidences of employee theft, Surrounded by all that rnonel day after day the temptation rs so great that casrno workers steal from the house The consequences are manj.: no job. lost reputatror-i and ja1-11nrt-ie. Also the clam ol'b12 saldnes IS rnislead~ngIn some cases, salanes rnelude trpr..The tips arc: put I? a common pot and drserrbuted among the workers ar +heend ofthe pa) pennd. My sisters were dealers at the Atlant:~CITYcasinos If the) sir anted to clay to gamble after -,to& they had to change lrito street clorhes. it uao an "rage s s s w Mt n q h e l ~ swere u n m carpenters i hey got a lot df cacrns t'\ork but they alsin't gmib!e So who feeds h e one dm bandrts3 Last but net leesr :here 16~erke chaldrefi: people bnng t h r chddren to the czinos. Ch~!drenare dllorr; ed rn the bliildlng but not the cis1410room. So the cl-nddrcn s i t on the floor r%rrhrhe~rbacks agalnst the tvsii PO wall for thelr parents. I don't Iike 11 hat casino? dn tofam-riies and *ndiirduais Vote ""Yo'- 4 casrno :s not n ! i I>-or:f c v Schenectad? -s fii~anc~ai .A ellness Angei alazzone --- '-I am the Dast Chaiman cii'tl~eBoard of the Chamber {if Scheneciad? Ccuntji'. On behalf of the Chamber*i t s Wcard 04.' Directors and cur i .i)t?O hnriiiess merakrs. ;he Chamber ~, i.fithiisrastrcalb-cl;~"fiec pr~p~~e RIVI_"TS d ( - a ~ i n;zt~M&;i\vk Harbor, a prer;zier e;i:esajalnneal i!csiia;atii;n, i?iiS~ilefiectaCj."hhrsg-:.i4tic ~-it.erfrc>ct. -&e g"hlljnber Boarit Dircctor.s voted u-ria~imi?usiy to pass a reselutiitr~in s~ppoi-lof the Gales1 Gri:up Rush Street Gaming City would a11otv him to rennain in the C ~ r yafier krs studies are complete. He noted tire casino would create jobs that would benefit other areas of study at the college as tsell. Sheila Spraragen - hooted her support of the proposed de~elopmento f a casrno facihty in the City of Schenectady. She noted the casino de~elopmentwould comptiment economic development rn the Crty and help Jurnpstart careers. She added the casino would afTord youth new oppoflunities and prevent the City %om going dark. Peter St-eerns- Xoted his suppon of the proposed deveInpment of a casino facrlily in the City of Sehenectady. He noted the casino would help create good construction jobs even if they are temporary in namre, He added most every construction job is temporaq but the paid work prevents the sk~lledlaborer fkorn needing to rely on unemplorment or other gobemnsnt funded supporl programs. Josh Shauf - Noted brs siippofl of the proposed deceloprnent o f a casino facility in the Gity of Scheneetady, Marsha Pompitio - Soted she does not support the proposed del elopmenr of a casino facility in rlie City of Schenectady. She noted a casino wccuId reduce the value o f hmnev in Clay and lead youth into crtrninai behavior. She noted gmhling 111 NYS is at an all time high but has still not helped the school d i s t ~ c t swhtcii are stmggltng finmcially. Pbillis Smalls - Noted her support of the proposed development of a casino facrlity in the Ctty of Schenectady, She noted all three of her &~ldrenleft the area and now at1 barre children of their own. She added high school gaduates are also leaving the area and the City needs to do better at attracting youth to remain in the area. She noted the c a i n o offers a libing wage and would help provide revenue to improve the City's infrastructure. Anthony Carota - Noted he does not support the proposed development of a casino i'aeitity in the City of Schenectady. We noted casinos rnvlte cnme and the City is already struggling ~ i t h high crime rates, He noted the Gity needs to identil-ji better opportunities for youth, EIaino Wiili - Noted she does nut support the proposed Oeveiopxnent o f a. csslno kcll~ryIII the C ~ t yo f Schcncctady She rroted she 1s a proud taxpayer and proud of small business. She noted a cas:no ~ r i lked inrse and addickron in the Crty She asked the fleuncll not to gamble fi;ltli the Clt.1 Rudy Grant - \oted h ~ s suppcm of the psclplred de-i,eInprnsi~tof a casino facrl~ryin the C;cy of Scheneztzdy He nored he rs a mall hiis~i~ess o:wer in ilomntown Schenectad) wh1~11bas bee^ in erlrtencr: srfict :398 He i^rrPted?raddrum to the casrqst he t%w~ld like to \ee more retall ~ r r do\%ncitou n \lichaeB Escclbar - %oted 51s support o f t5e proposed decziopmenr of a casrno fac:l~ty In the City of Scheqectadj He noted the casrno ~xoi~fcl be ~rnpoflantfor hose in the hosp~taiirir tndubeqd He added ihc: ca-;-lrri>iz,culbbe an ettlract~iinfor triunsts and celebr~rteswhile boostng :he jocili ccorromj, Andy SayLes, Sehenectady - Noted his support of the proposed dei,elopment of a casino facility in the City of Scheneetady. Noted the C ~ t yhas a gaduate progam that would benefit from the delelopment, As a business o\snner and resident of the City he belietes the casino it111 create - mod jobs Antonio Civitella, Schenectady - Noted his support of the proposed deveiopmcnt of a casino filcrlrty rn the City of Scheneetady, He noted he is the owner ofTranaFinder Located in dol~ntownSchenectady and that he suppofis the work of the Calesi Group and Rush Street Gaming, He noted he does not want to see the casino ar+;irded to another Cit]. %chard Terry, Schenectady - Noted he does not suppost the proposed de\ elopment of a casino facility In the City of Scheneetady. tie nored b ~ sobjections are not hased on moral~tybut rather that he tvoulb like to see the casino in Rotterdm. Othenvlse he added the C ~ t ytvrll bear the cost sf rnfrastmeture development at the casino site. He then listed s series of questions .for follow up Jim Zautner, Schenectady - Noted he does nut support the proposed development of a caslno facility in the City o f Schenectady. We noted he attended the opposition meeting held in the Stockade and he th;tf&ed Mr, Rig@ for his attendam~ceas webi. He ad\ised the City to rekiew rhe floodplain and the impact of traffic on Ene Bivd, He noted concerns about the proximity o f Price Chopper ileadquarters and Cnion Coilege. Bobby A%allozzi,Schenectady - Noted his supporl s f the proposed developent of a casino facility in the City o f Schenectady. He noted he is a business owner in the City of Schenectady. He wouid like to see the financial retelzue &om the casino to help fund area schools. He noted the City can't raise taxes and the casino is an opportunity to iltlcrease revenue for the City and benefit the p u t h . Ales Chiaravafle, Rotterdam - Noted hic support of the proposed development of a casino facility in the Clty of Schenectady. He noted he is a senior gaduating from college in a tough job market and he believes the casino would create good Iocal jobs. He identified as a young adult and noted the casino would benefit his age g o u p in paflicular. -4aneke Bull, Schenectady - Noted she does not support the proposed deb eiopment o f a casdns fac111tym the C i t j of Schenectadj. She noted she has trztnessed many ecocorn~cde.*elopmenr: forecasts a d prorn~seqand fit* h a w produced results She encouraged the Ctilinacalt~listen to rhoce In the decen"~She added there 1s on!) one Schenecrad) and the decns~onon ;Icasnno shocld get rts due justrce. Daniefi Curtley, Scherlectadgi Uoted h ~ s ~bigportofthe pr~poscbd e ~ cioprneni of a casrro fac11ir.iIn the Cst) of %hmectad) Yo:ed he .isa gaduate o f SCCC mid a small btrs~nessold ner- He noted the casnni: tliouid bmefir the Cit) and creak jobs for re.;rdemrs. Gordon Furlam, Schenecsady - %ore3 h ~ s >upport ofrhe propoqed dei elopment ofa cdiino i'scr1ir.i. In the City of Oclsenecrady Ycted he has been a res~dentof Schenectady for hO >ears and he reballs rkne "az1stor.l.oi- :he c - 1 ~He a~otedthe Ctty r~ (81- i t s 19a.i up and he tkank.5 the Ga!esi C~~i-aip for their *nt,ehtmcart In i-hc City take adiiantage of rbe elderly. Regxjrd~ngRush Street G m r n g I-readded the rekenue WIII go to Chicago. Itlark Tos+nsend,Sckenectady - Noted he does not suppon the proposed dei elopment of a casino facility in the City of Schenectady. He would prefer the City improt e the nei&borhoods and let the casrno be delvetoped elsewhere. Me noted his previous svork related to the Rexford Bndge and concems reIated to traffic jams. He noted based on the traffic: crosslng the brldge there is no shorrage ofjobs rn Schenectady County. Vito Spiiielti, Scotia - Noteed he does not slappon the proposed development of a casino facility In the City of Schenectady. He reflected on the gaming industv In A t l m t ~ cCity and noted ~ t ' sa dump. He added Sew Jersey srlll experiences tax increases e\ en with the casinos, Jessie 4lifler, Schenectady - Sated she does not support the proposed development of a caslno facility in the City o f Schenectady, She noted the casino proposal is plamed for de.i eiopment in the Rood plain. She noted the businesses are fbr the caslno but that the City should trust age minJ misdorn. "bfeiissaLagone, Schenectdy - Soled she does not support the proposed d e ~ etopment o f a casino fac~lityin the City o f Sehenecrady. She noted she is a 20 year resldent of the Crty, She quest~onedwhere the tax re\ enue ii-om the casino would go. She added she would like to see jobs for college gaduates but not in a casino, Jay NEsh, Iu'iska~vna- Noted his support. o f the proposed detetoprnent of a casino fac~litym the City of Schenectady. He noted ~n~estnient creates more ~nvestmentand helps to create more jobs. He noted all jobs have dignity and as a society we need to respect self-dctemination. He added the City gave him an opportunity and he is forever gate&]. ISlichael Aragosa, Sebetiectady - Noted his support of the proposed developmetit of a casino facility it1 the C:ty of Schenectady. He noted he is a small business owner in the City and the casino is a win for the City and business owners. He then encouraged Rush Street Caning to ~nquireabout the Mayor's HOME'S program. \Vilfiarn \'ining, Schenectady - Noted he does not support the proposed development of a czsino facrllly In the 61ty sf Schenectady. He rroted he is ong~nall: from S Clz.~oIiniiand now works at GE He t a k a abtantage o f t h e walk-to-wofk enr;il;rc~nrnel~t He questtoned the ioag a limn i i i - a ra5rno :n the City d ~ ~ d i v b t happens ~f*t gees out of bussne%s asked Howard Vies, Scisenectady - Asked that the C-ity perf~nni t s due drirgence regardrng the potentra'l en%ironmentai Impact the ~roposeddeve?opment would laat e on rhe u ater rabie 2nd sslrrcrundrng r-ieighbor11oiids He aisu expressed cuccems about uhetser rile community ;$rikild be able to support a asn no and hotel. He added he had only h e a d a fen ueeks ago that the dei elopers *ere considering a h ~ b i i ar1 the s~te. Peter Looker, Schcnecrady -- Xoted he does not support the proposed be-i-eioprnento f a casino hci!it;y j~ the CSp of S ~ h e n e c t a dH ~ .e noted the City needs fr? ho?d a publit hc:a~-ingin relarinra 10 t.ann<>&ieiopmer;l. He added easlnos .;re a pre32bicir~~ kUi4.;ne~s sin~bjartt;) Wal-mari. Philip Crigsby, Schenecrady - Soted he is part of group of concerned residents \bho be'ireke the City should host a public hearing In relation to the proposed casino facility in the City of Schenccrady. He encouraged the City not to rush to a dec~slonmd to take trrne for pubi~c discussron. Also see communications presented to City Council for Iklofzday, June 9,2013 for attachment, 'X htarcmcnt on Casino Gambling in Schenectady: Why No Public Hearing?". Jason Planck, Schenectady - Asked why the City and developers have not pruk~derla cost benefit ana1>sis related to the dexefopmeni. He noted other projects have been abIe to bypass stare requirements and then tile for a PILOT resulting in no economic stimulus to the sit en municipal1ty. Jean Zegge, Schenectady - ;toted the paper reporled the Stockade Nei&burhood Association is neutral on the proposed casino facrlity development in the City of Schenectady. She noted this is nor true. but rather members of the L 1 ~nernberboard reported thrs p o s ~ t ~ u n \vitfiout holding a - ~eneral meeting of the association. She then noted concerns about flooding in hcr basement and the Stockade District as a result ofthe debelopment at the XIeo s ~ t e , Dianne Crozier, Schenectady - "ll'tn a home ouiner In Schenectady and I add my .cotee to those opposed to a catslno. I llt~edIn Schenectadp in its heyday and watched ~ t s declrne. 1 couldn't be Iiapprer to see i t on the upswing and I applaud ~ t s progess and those who have contributed to rts nse. But as we move ahead 1 have g a v e coneems about d d r n g a casino. Tragcalfy there has been no public conversarlon about the pros and cons to tnfom crtrzens. As I've pursued some ~ndepenldentresearch on vbebsltes such as savesaratoga.org, the New York Time on upstate casrnos, Rush Street Gaming and art~cfesabout outcomes at other of Rush Street's casinos, I hate learned that the news rs mixed and often newive. Re\ enues are questionable. In fact, at some sites Rush Street has pieked taxes when revenues were lower than projected. On May 29thth in the New York times, State Comptroller Thomas De Napoti warned in a new report that to quote the artlcle, "casino complexes planned for upstate u111 face stiff regional competition and that much of the new revenue anticipated fmrn casinos will come from New Yorkers and not necessarriy out of state visitors". He cautions that the casino marketplace is overcrowded, affecting successes of east coast sites such as Delaware and Atlantic City. He continued, "We just want people to hare realist~cexpectat~onsas tn what may, or may not come fiom this." As the ~ e b s l t e ,sar,esit~atog;l.orgstates. casinos are a ssagle-destmatron act~vttyprofit~ngfrom kceprng guests at the casino, not strmillatrng the local economy Soc~alcosts for our cosnrnunitj itre a -ctony as liueli. Gambi~ngaften profits from those nhca can least afford finmc~ailosses is thr.: the kind itf buc~nesswc ij8iinf rlow as Schenectad) 1s regamrcg t"r footrng after decades of declrne'' \Vhy not contmue wlrh t h ( ~ u ~ l f i t det1 tloprnenr rtether than 3eeklng a qurck fix G l i t ~ y pxerene&tmisfrom the developer m d gamrng partncrshlp are amed to mpress The other s:de o f the story 1s: n u a h less ~ompelii:~g1 ti-rnk & casrno rn Scbenectady 1s a gamble not worth rakrng '" Patricia ~lcDoaald,Schecectady - Yoted she does not scpport the proposed dei eikrprnent i ~ f a caslirci faalar) in the City df Schenectady She ensted there 3re nor enough poosrbkzs TG' sbipp~rta caslnn She not& the tinlons su~iponthe casinos becatlse the? want jobs. She refle~tedon Proctors dddrng a pr?slbir,eculture 6 0 the Clry and she belles e a casmo ~%cluid "rs e anegarst a_. 3larilyn Kaufman, Schea~ectady- Noted she doer nos support the proposegi devi;jopmen:ritof 3 ca.aix;c-.5cilih:y in thc City of Schcnectadg.. She refined 10 her experiences in xe;-v Jersey 2s exlainpje i,?" 2 stare that pefiili;trjd casinos. She the (;aainosdsr:'t ha1.e a :.::~ugatjon <,f  for the casrno to esta"oIisb an ageement w ~ t hProctors to ensure Proctors rernarns the enterraiarnent hub. He added less than five percent of the gambling rekenue stays in Saratoga Spnngs whrch has a Racano. Me noted the promotion for the casino pro~idesa lot of ruaisinfomation. Seeing no hrther speakers come fonvard, Ms. King declared the Privilege of the Floor on the tegslative Agenda closed. INTRODCCTION OF AND ACT103 UPOX LOCAL LAR'S, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIOKS: Mr. Kosiur made a motion that Council approles the Consent 'Agenda and the motlnn was seconded by Mr. b1ootcro.i eren. Consent Agenda - Resolution. No, 20 13 - 138 ............................ Adopted Unanimously Resolution Wo. 20 14 - 139 ................................... adopted Cnmimously Resolution No. 20 5 4 - 140 .................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - I4 1 ................................... * A 4 d ~ p e d Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 142 ....................................A d o p t Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 143 ...............,... . .. .z4d~ped Unanimously Resolution No, 20 14 - 114 .................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No, 20 1 4 - 145 .................................... Adopted L'nanimousty Resolution No, 20 1 4 - 1 46 ....................................Adopted Unanlmousty Resolution No. 20 14 - 147 ................................... Adopted Unmimously Resolution Nu.20 14 - 148 ................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - 149 .................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 1 50 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2013 -- GS - 13 .............................. i4d~ptedtinmimously A Resolution of the City of Schenectady in Support of an AppIication to Develop and Operate a Camring FaciliQ in the City of Scbeneetady. 2014 - 351 The motion was mils ed by Mr. Kssrlrr and seconded by Xlr. Mootooveren. 5.24 M q , Perazzo - Y banked the cpeakers for colnrqg oil: a3d shanng a h e x cornmeutc: with tile Counc~lShe noted the zuiilence ;r;as d1.i erse and grsod posnrs r\ ere made both SSI$E"S She es fhe pros csutvcigh the corns She rioted she had put 3 lot i i f t k o ~ g h t~ n t oher ddec;srsn mil bi3ji"c~ added, of the fiur PUMICHearings held tanlght there nere a "ital iif three speakers Wou et er, dllrnng the &egrciatr=e comment section o f eke agenda 60 people spoke regarding the res~lut~ori related 10 the gamlvg facrlat? :n i k ~ C=e>o'r'Sihesectdd> ' >Is, Porterfieid - ><u:iriedshe Iistened to ihc; feedback arnvided tonigl: arid i.1the iveeks leatiin.. ~ L tip to this C'oufici] mcefi~g.She refir~nced3 repon from the SYS Cc*cptri:llicr ~whkh rcc~znme::ded ccautic~iwitEr regards to gaming in the State. She nroted lottery rreverzues and 111ar Yeiv jVorkis a mature marker h r gasing. She refe~encedthe finasicial and social impact of  ~ grrt er front devetopmenr, but where are much o f <he proposal was already rn place r e g a r d ~ ~the all the supporters now that real business of rbe City needs to be done. He then noted Flag Day w ~ l lbe celebrated this ureekend. On June 14 at 1809 Unron Street there u ~ l lbe a flag retirement cermony at the American Legion at 9:00 am. along with a breakfast ilor $5.00. He added there \%it1be a Veterans Run stading at the American Legon to benefit the Schenectady County 'Lketerans group and the cost is S20.00 and includes a chicken BBQ at 4:00 p.m. *JasonPfanek. Sehenectady - Rcpoficd on June 1 1 at Proctors starting at 6:OO p.m. the Schenectady County Humm Rights Goinmission ti rll be hosting an event on Minority Issues. Then on June 22. he noted the 1999 Suprme Court case of Homestead reiated to dessgregat~on of persons w t h d~sabisilities.will be celebrating its 1st%annit ersary ci~tfian elrent at the Sew Ynrk State Captnr'ral at I :00 p.m. Jemlvant Ramauth, Schetlectady - Nored he is concerned about City Council and City Wall negligence. He noted he has received a summons. after someone fell on his propeflty, and now he is being sued. He noted a tree has uprooted h ~ s sidewalk and the tree 1s endangering hls fixmil>. He noted foIIosv up with City Council members &4\iladanPorlerfisld. John Muotooverm and Vince Riggi and nothing has been done. E-fe added he has spoke 1~1th contacts in the engineering and Iav~department along w ltb staff in the Mayor's office and nothing has heen done. We asked do I have to handon my properly and leabe? He closed by asking someone to ansNrerh ~ s questlonc. Eileen IVilIy. Sehenectady - Aivare the Council has gwen the topic of a caslno a lot of thought. However, she said sornethtng is not n@l-rtbecause a Lot of people are opposed to a casino. She rtoted the gaming commission still needs to make the final decision. She wants residents to know they can still oppose the casino. She noted she wilt continue to network and get more sirnatures in the community. She \.iould like more people to know about the proposed casino and given an opportunity to be heard on the topic. Seerng no other speakers to come before the City Council. Ms. King declared the PPivilege of the Floor el osed regarding City Business. XIfSCEtLANEOUS BUSIKESS OF THE COUNCIL Mr. Riggi - Regarding Mr. Ramnauth's situation he was told by City staff the tree i.twuld be taken dottm. He be11c.t.c~there mi&t be a csrnmuntcat~ontssue regard~rsgwhy that has not been done yet, Regard~rigconzmirnrt] events he noted the Bellewe Presen anon w:ll hake nts monthly meeelng on June 5 I at St. P a d - s is,~tlzspecial p c s i Shemff i-agostzno~Then 011 June i 2 the Belletue F.~rms;rsMarket :viiB k a e nts grand open~ngon June 12 The e.tent wril rnclude a nbboc cuttrng w>thi;peclrzl guest and rnu\i:: fog-kids Thc market M iii be held weekit fiiorn I (SO p rn lo7 00 p rn \1r, Ilootoo"rerein - fiegardlng "kiir Rana.~tl-i's concern, he w t e d contact ixlth t'itg. ~taffrelared t o rhe t:ee and txi a> toid tbe tree ikouid he dovn wrth~riz ta eek, I-(e asked the City \tat? md %farorto fol10u up iii~z-therRegarding enr?ll-?unrrj announcernests he noted the Vnci Pieasam ne~ghborhoodassoc-iat~onwiIl hoqt 11smonthly meellnp on June 1 k t 4ym orz O~rar-derPIade- Special ~~es"ipedkcr fro111the Cummun~ttEc7m F ~ n d ~ i ibei on hand >Is, Porterfield - Regarding Mr. Ramnau:k's C C ~ Y I C Cshe ~ noted she also was under the isnpression :he issue ivas p i n g to be resollb-ed.Regarding the earlier mentioned Scheneciedy t- .. 6."t~unr;vrHuman Rights Co-rrn.ilssi,in.June i ! evesit a: P-rocrors-shc noted the cainect title o f t h e ~ *-DiLe;4iry i ii; ~ e ~anti ~ ~ !nciu.;ii,p", - Kegar;jing col-nmuniti a,en:s noted the Hamiitofi I31:] nciri&ilrhood a.;-;Occl:.a;;sn" has" beerr ;r;trK!ng :in jemy B'.rmcli B;zrb;. she no-;& the ip:~upi.; i6rc,kine a .  3IINtiTES OF THE REGULAWV SCHEDULED RlEETlNG OF THE SGHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL he City Council Meeting was called to order: by the City Council President Margaset King at 7:03p.m, r Room 209, City Council Chmbers st City Hail. fs, King asked for a moment of silence in lieu of the invocation. fs, King catfed on Bill Frank to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, be Deputy City Clerk called the roll and the foIfocsing members of "ie City Council answered to be resent: Present - Council members Carl Erikson, Margaret King, Ed Kosiur, John Mootooveren, teesa Perazzo, M a ~ o nPoderfield, and Vincent Riggi .Is0 Present - Deputy City Clerk Chad Putman, Coqoration Counsel John Polster and Mayor G a y IsCaahy .t this time Ms, King introduced Austin Fisher and J e n n i k Jennings representing the Seheneetady ireenmarket ~,'irbothen presented as part of the sene3 on Schenectady's Economic Strengths, .t this point, Ms. King asked if &ere were no objections, she would like to take agenda item number 13 ut of order. There were no objections. Resolution No. 2014 --- 124 -- A Resolution Honoring the Service and Saerifiee of our Nation's !Men and Women in Uniform and Proclaiming Sefieneetady as a Purple Heart City. Bill Frank, Director of Sehenectady County Veterans Sewice Agency extended his gatitude to the Mayor and City Council for the recopition. He then introduced Schenectady County veterans incIuding Ma'ct.Tilly who is a Purple Heart recipient, The resolution was moved by Mr. Kosiur and seconded by Mr. Erikson. The resolution passed unanimously. City Council President then presented Mayor McCarthy with the Good News Award which was awarded to Mayor McGarthy and the City of Schenectady, at a recent Chamber event, related to the City's HOMES prcrgt-am. The Mayor extended his gt-atitude to the Chamber and Council President for the recopition. 'UBL1C HEARINGS: None Ms. K ~ n gasked for a rnot~onto approve the mrnutes horn the May 12, 7014 rneet~ngas submatted by the Grty Clerk; Rfs, Pesazzcj made a motion to q y ~ o v e the mrnuies, Mr. Mootooveren seconded the motion. Official: From the %fajora :IS'&:)f appo~ntmenrsdated \la;{ 28,201 4.  None Petitions: None 0,tlMITTEE REPORTS: None RlrllLECE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITEMS) Is. King inkited all who wished to address the Legislative Agenda to come fornard: Jason Planck, Scheneetady - Noted the recent City audit indicated that the City was in eompiimce with Affimative Action requirements. He repoas this assertion is false. He asked the Council to re~ietvki;lrtlrer, blargi &IeClaine,Scheneetady --- -7 am very much opposed to the installation of kiosks in the City*The City attorney told us the kiosks wilt be convenient and economical. For whom? If the kiosks are installed, I will have to pay to pick up my maif at the post office e v e q day. So will more than a 1000 other people. mere are more than 1000 rental boxes at the post office and box renters will be affected if kiosks are installed in the City, Nor the le@slators who will vote on the issue, If I have to pay to pick up my maif as a result of this administration" decision to install kiosks then 1 suggest that the Mayor pay a monthly rental fee to park his car in the spot outside this building that is now resewed for such a City official. Secondly; kiosks will mean a new line item in the City budget because kiosks will necessitate a rental fee that must be paid every month by the taxpayers, There are 700 meters in the City. Currently, when a meter head breaks it e m be fixed with a new part and no more monies are required from the taxpayers. Kiosks mean monthly costs. It is better to fix the broken rneters than shell out monthly rental fees. Schenectady doesn't need kiosks. Concentrate on litter. eeing no further speakers come forward, Ms. King declared the Pnvllege o f the Floor on the egislative Agenda closed. VTRBDUCTZON OF AND ACTICON UPON LOCAL &A\YS, ORDINANCES AND :ESOLF;TIONS: Ir, Kcsrur made a motion that Councai! approves the Cscsent Agenda and the mot-ion was seconded by ir hlootosveren. Consent Agenda - Resolution NO-3014 - 125 .................................. ..Adopeed Unanimously ResoBution No-28 14 - 126 .................................. ..Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 124 .................................... Adopted Garaninmoilsly Resolution KO.2 0 14 - 1 28 .................................... Adopted Unanimous8y Resolution No. 20 1% - 1257 .............. adopted Unanimously Resitlullon No. 20?4 - i .?if ...................................iIdspted ur?animousiy Rescs'rution No. 21114 - 13 1 ................................... ,A4d~ptedUnanimously  Resolution No. 20 tit --- L 32 ................... .. A d o p t d'nanimousf y Resolution No, 20 14 - t 33 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No* 20 14 - Z 34 .................. adopted Unanimous1y Resolution No. 20 14 - 135 ............................... A d o p t Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 136 .................................... A d o p e Unanimousiy WIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Is. King invited all who wished to address the City Council on any matter of City business to come ,ward, The following speakers rose to be heard and their remarks are surnmar;tzed: Jason Planck, Schenectady - Koted there i s a public hearing taking place on June 9 related to proposed changes involving Section 8 and the Code Enforcement rental certificate progam. He noted the le@station will be available for review on June 4, He expressed his belief that the Gity should not be involved with Section 8 inspections. Regarding propefty values he encouraged City residents to Me @evanees in an effort to have their assessments reduced. He would like to see the City conduct a h"ulCity reassessment by completing a section of the City ever)i five years, Regarding the CDBG hnding resolution be repot-ts two of the seven Gity Council members should not have voted given their board membership with organizations receiving hnding. Bbsrrith Arjoon, Seheneetady - Noted his request fur the City Council to Iook into the pending convenient store on Emmett Street. He referenced the petition be submitted to the Council with 50 sipatures for the May 12"' Council meeting. He noted if the store is permitted the police will be bombarded with calls and this would be a burden on the City. He asked the Council and the City to deny the request. Sharon --- Linn Schnridt, Schenectady - Extended her gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who participated and helped with the cleanup event in Mont Heasant on May 3'". Some of the volunteers and goups included representatives from the Police and Fire Department, City Council members Ms. Perazzo, Mr. Rig@ and Mr. Mootooveren, Rev. Bookhout with the Bridge Church and Rev. Grigsby with SICM. She then thanked the Daily Gazette, Home Depot and Stewart Shops for donations, M a r v a Isaacs, Sckenetady - Xu'oted on May 24 Hamilton Hilt hosted the Schenectady Bike Rescue which was a success, She then expressed concerns about a haif-\:-wayhouse on Emmett Street which i s in need sf a cleanup. She noted there i s garbage ei~er:rgwhere and people drinking, Joy Ha%I,Schenectady - Noted that her car was towed recently following a temporary no parking order. She noted the City needs to give housing residents more notice before tow~ng r chicles, %lohamedHafez, Sckenectady - holed concerns related to the iasano proposal, He noted the Councrl seems to be seeking approval in a hurry and it makes no econornlc sense.He noted skudres ha\ e shown "illat most casanus draw locals and not tourasts iind thus wilt not draw the reported revenue. He noted the casinos WIH create parkrng problems and increase problem gambling and bankruptcies, He noted the casinos are an a%enue for mot ing money from the poor to the nch and cn 3-5years wtli: have a negative impact on jobs. He quoted Warren Buffet and then asked the Couwrl not to vole rn favor of the casrno Mary McClsine, Schenectady - Y \was riot able 10 be here for the ldst Ccsunc~!~rreetlng hen t5e ciiniephzlence store ~kcmwas rlseed on the agenda. 3-0ccrntrenrencegture should be i~l!oaedto operate l ~ k ethe one on the comer sPNott Street and Van Rankin Avenue, The grounds are filthy,  weeds grow three feet high and at this time a cfurnp of sod was pulled from the gound and has been lying on the sidewalk for a month. The area is one of the main thorou& fares of the City, Not pretty. I was called regarding the next issue, It has to do with cutting out stars after an American flag has been retired. I first Learned of the practice about a year and a half ago when one of the T.V, stations did a story on it, I was surprised then and I am still puzzled by it now, As I understand flag etiquette, cutting up the Amertcan flag after it has been retired is still an desecration, R s t i ~ n gthe flag is a solemn riilual even if it is done by an individual rather than a g o u p (such as scouts, etc,), I gave leeares on Rag etiquette and distribute pamphlets after the talk. 1 m taking the Liberty to give everyone a copy so that you can understand rhat retiring a flag is not taken ti&tly by our government. 1 asked about the practice of cutting out stars when I t~lsited%rest Point fast year, They said they wouldn't do it. Neither will I. A citizen has appfoached this podium several times to draw attention to the practice of cutting out stars from retired flags, Since this fomm is being used for such adtrocacy, I think Council should know more about the issue and make a disclaimer on the practice, m e n flags are retired properly, there are only ashes left and the ashes are bufied.'" eeing no other speakers to come before the City Council, Ms. King declared the P~vtlegeof the Floor osed regadkg City Business. Mr. Evikson - Noted several points for consideration related to the proposed casino development. Some of \xihick include; consideration of the risks associated with a casino and the potential for increased crime; pro's being kancial incentives including an estimated 56 million dollars in revenue to the City tvlrich would allow the City to cut taxes similar to what Saratoga County did; eumently he is undecided but wants to make sure revenue is spent prudently; he noted the City would share the revenue with the County even thou& aH the revenue cvould be generated within the City and thus the City should receive a larger share; be noted meetings with the proposed operators and that the representatives were very professional and run a good cornpany. Mr, Kosiur - Noted the ceremonial resolution reeoqizing local seniors followed similar recognition by the County Legislature and New York State. He noted the County a w d e e s include a t 03 year old resident (Elise Marrrngon) md local neighborhood association leader (Lou Grasso), He noted he attended a recopition at Sehenectl-idy High School which honored juniors and );%;1110rs and the Woodlawn Nei&borhood Association awarded at $1,500 sckcrfarshig to a graduate perusing a career as an emergency medical technician, He noted Union College recently hosted a U-glare Bay which rneluded campus IOIIP.S and a carnival lrke atmosphere for area residents. Mr, Rig@ - Xoted the earlter presentat~onby the Schenectady Greenmarket i s a good example L ~ f h o aw@.;ass-rootidea can become a very successful community asset, He noted the Beliretue Famers "iia~lcetwill start back up on June 82 at 4pm on the comer s f Thompson and Broadway, He then noted his pmierpation in the City staff v~alkrngchallenge and has noticed a number o f potholes on "ras 3.5mile route. He added the side streets are the worst including Iocations near Bmadway Lunch, Thompson, Rose Street and on Broadway, He noted he had damage to hes car due to a pothole and he encouraged the City to address the issues or the condrtsons will continue ta detenorste, \Ir, tlss&ooveren- XOEE&% M ~ n tPieasant tvill be hsei, rng 1:s monthly nerghborhood assa;clatto? rne~trng(in Julie lr? at 7pm ah the Fat% Dzir~~ermce W I ! ~be ~;qe--iki;r Tabe~lracleChurch. G ~ s k the Exccut~ieDsrector o f the Cornrnunlty Loan Fund, Mayor 31cCarthy - Noted the City Streets Deparlmeni is going t h u g t r neigfihorhood by nei&borhood in a strategic manner to address potholes and improve the conditions of the roads, Me noted reports of specific focalions are helpful and that he appreciates evevone" patients while the work is being completed. He then welcomed the Phantom of the Opera back to Proctors which was the 6rs-t Broadway play to take place in the theatre following the renovations. He closed by noting the school district has repotted an inereafe in attendance m d gaduation rates. &Is,Mng - Noted the City Engineer, Chris Waitin is being reeogized by his c s l f e a ~ e sfor a New Vork State En&neer of the Year award at a recent event. She then reported attending a recent conference hosted by Nodhem Rivers and recopized a theme of non-profits stmggltng with decreased iiunding strems; adding it will be important for organizations to explore consolidation as the Council reviews applications for GDBG Gnding in 201 5 , Seeing no fudher business to come before the City Council, Ms. King asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was moved by Mr. Kosiur and seconded by Mr. Riggi and the meeting recessedpt R:06 p.m,