City Council

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL August 11, 2014 The City Council Meeting was called to order by the City Council President Margaret King at 7:04 p.m. in Room 209, City Council Chambers at City Hall. Ms. King called upon Rev. Dave Chetram of Shree Ganesh Mandir of Schenectady to provide the invocation. Ms. King called on Carmella Rusitto to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The Deputy City Clerk called the roll and the following members of the City Council answered to be present: Present – Council members, Margaret King, Ed Kosiur, John Mootooveren, Ms. Perazzo, Marion Porterfield, and Vincent Riggi. Also Present – Deputy City Clerk Chad Putman, Corporation Counsel John Polster and Commissioner Wayne Bennett. At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no objections, she would like to take agenda item number 3 out of order. There were no objections. Resolution No. 2014 – 187 – A Resolution Recognizing August 16-17, 2014 as the Polish Harvest Festival, to be Held by the St. Adalbert’s Church, and Recognizing the Polish Experience in Schenectady.. Representatives from St. Adalbert’s Church extended their gratitude for the recognition by the Mayor and City Council. The resolution was moved by Mr. Kosiur and seconded by Ms. Porterfield. The resolution passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ms. King asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the July 28, 2014, meeting as submitted by the Deputy City Clerk, Mr. Riggi made a motion to approve the minutes and Ms. Porterfield seconded the motion. COMMUNICATIONS: Communications Presented to the City Council for Monday, August, 11, 2014 Official: None General: None Petitions: None Schenectady City Council Minutes August 11, 2014 / Page 2 of 6 COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ms. Porterfield, Health & Recreation – Noted the public hearing previously scheduled for tonight regarding Steinmetz Park Fees has been postponed until the next City Council meeting on August 25, 2014. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITEMS) Ms. King invited all who wished to address the Legislative Agenda to come forward: P.D. Voorhis, Schenectady – Noted concerns about equitable participation with regards to funding noted in agenda item number two. She added bonds can only be issued to groups and venture capitalists can be considered a group. She questioned whether this was ethical or not. She closed by noting municipal funds belong to the community. Seeing no further speakers come forward, Ms. King declared the Privilege of the Floor on the Legislative Agenda closed. INTRODUCTION OF AND ACTION UPON LOCAL LAWS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: Mr. Riggi made a motion that Council approves the Consent Agenda and the motion was seconded by Mr. Kosiur. Consent Agenda – Ordinance No. 2014 – 19 .......................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 – 188 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 – 189 ....................................Adopted Unanimously PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Ms. King reviewed a recent article in the paper which highlighted an outside review of the City dog shelter which found no significant grievances with the condition of the shelter or care of dogs in City custody. She noted the outside reviewer has made some recommendations which the City is taking under consideration. Ms. King then invited Mr. Riggi and Mr. Kosiur to speak on their recent visit to the City dog shelter in response to resident concerns about the condition of the shelter and care of dogs at the shelter. Mr. Riggi – Noted his recent tour of the City shelter for dogs and that he did not see anything alarming. He noted the shelter was clean and the dogs were calm. He added there is room for improvement and he would like to see the topic discussed further at the next Committee meeting. Some of the improvements may include adding air conditioning to the shelter, relocating the shelter, better utilizing volunteers and local animal advocacy groups to care for and possible place the dogs. He added the Police Department is in the process of purchasing a tool to identify dogs with microchips to assist with reuniting lost dogs with their owners. He recognized the Animal Control Officers are taxed and suggested a potential partnership with the County regarding the dog shelter. Mr. Kosiur – Noted his recent tour at the City shelter for dogs and that the facility was clean. He noted there was a large supply of food in the building along with a washer and dryer. He expressed his interest to work with community groups and volunteers to best care for the dogs in Schenectady City Council Minutes August 11, 2014 / Page 3 of 6 the shelter. He noted the City has been advocating for dogs to be licensed in the City which helps to reconnect lost dogs with their owner and avoids placement at the shelter. He is interested to hear more from the public regarding concerns and suggestions. Ms. King 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: Laura Inglis, Rotterdam – Noted her dog if placed in the hands of animal control would be observed as a vicious dog if provoked. She noted she would expect the City dog shelter to be a safe and humane facility. She noted the City website does not provide a phone number for the dog shelter and there is no air conditioning in the shelter. She noted the City does not take the dogs to the vet upon intake and added a lost dog in the hands of the City can be put to sleep within a week. She closed by noting she is interested in looking for solutions with the City. Carol Johnson, Capital Region– Noted she has ties to Schenectady and assured the Council the City dog shelter is not currently in the condition it was two weeks ago. She noted when stray dogs are entrusted to the City, they should not be left uncared for in their own waste with no hope of release. She added no dog should die in a civil society or be euthanized after their blood was sold for profit. She pleaded with the City to operate the dog shelter in a human fashion. Angela Tatem & Elroy Tatem, Schenectady – Shared a personal experience which occurred last fall. She noted locating a stray pit bull which she was interested in adopting but after relinquishing the dog to animal control. When she followed up two days later Police Department had no record of the dog. She noted the stray animal control process appears to be disorganized and she questioned what policies and procedures are in place for processing stray dogs. She closed by noting the sewer treatment plant is not a place for dogs and the shelter appears to be a trap and kill facility. Penny Ross, Hagerstown – Noted she has observed the dog shelter to be a dark and damp place where dogs are sheltered in their own waste. She noted dogs should not be forced to live like that. She noted the Police Department has reported a shortage of staff as a contributing factor for the condition of the shelter. She asked who is feeding the dogs. She noted prior meetings with the Police Department where volunteers have offered to sign waivers to assist with the care of the dogs. She noted sick dogs need treatment and when housed in the shelter they are exposed to various illnesses. She noted there are options for inexpensive treatment and illness prevention. She closed by noting City dog shelter care takers need to better understand the care of stray dogs. Brenda Jean Troy – Noted she was shocked to see the City does not have qualified staff to evaluate the dogs at the shelter at the time of intake. She noted she is the proud owner of a dog from a rescue. She noted she finds it troubling the City does not have information about the sheltered dogs on the City website. She noted lack of resources is no excuse for not providing appropriate intake and vet care for stray dogs. She closed by noting stray dogs, under the care of the City, are left to suffer for days and then euthanized. Stef Krueger, Troy – Noted her affiliation with the Rotterdam Pet Rescue and that she has concerns about the condition of the City dog shelter. She added she is troubled by the Cities denial of issues at the shelter. She noted that stray dogs receive no medical treatment for seven days and the building is hot with the stench of the sewer treatment plant. She noted the dogs are euthanized after their blood is donated. She asked what the City does when the Animal Control Officer is out sick and why the City does not utilize volunteers familiar with the care of stray dogs. She asked the City to present a plan of action regarding the care of stray dogs moving forward. Schenectady City Council Minutes August 11, 2014 / Page 4 of 6 Tina Hudson, Clifton Park – Noted she is the Chair of the Rotterdam Pet Rescue and that she has met with the Schenectady Police Department about the dog shelter. She noted prior meetings have included a review of the shortcomings of the dog shelter along with available resources the rescue can offer. She noted volunteers are willing to sign waivers to help provide additional care for the stray dogs held in the shelter. She noted the rescue is willing to help raise funds for the shelter by collecting donations. She closed by noting other area rescues are willing to help as well. Tony Buonome, Schenectady – Noted concerns related to the Front Street pool after reviewing last year’s contract. He noted the pool is suppose to be open seven days a week and he read in the paper it was closed on Sundays. He noted the article reported the reason for the pool being closed had to do with funding and he asked if the group managing the pool was in breach of their contract. He then closed by asking why residents in Hamilton Hill did not contact National Grid after smelling gas. He noted National Grid could have helped to prevent the recent house explosion. P.D. Voorhis, Schenectady – Noted recent police citations in the paper. She noted 87 names were printed recently and the time before that there were 70 names associated with citations from the Schenectady Police Department. She added after reviewing other police citations from other local municipalities 14 of the 19 names listed, reported residence in the City of Schenectady. She noted other examples and added it is shameful that other municipalities are left to carry the expense of Schenectady City residents entangled with the legal system. Claud Rizzio, Niskayuna – Questioned whether City law outweighs State law? He noted his truck was towed due to outstanding tickets and being parked in a fire lane will in the hospital. He noted he was never notified of the tickets and he questioned when the statue of limitations expires on traffic tickets. He added he was considering suing the City for violating State law. Beth Jacob, Schenectady – Noted she is a volunteer with the Niskyuna Fire Department and that people should treat animals as we treat other people. She noted she has visited the City dog shelter and would encourage unannounced site visits. She noted the option to allow interested dog owners to adopt on site would increase the level of traffic at the site. She also questioned the ethical practice of veterinarians who euthanize dogs without pain killers. She noted the Police Department needs to make an investment in the shelter and adequately staff the shelter. She closed by noting the current environment at the shelter is taxing on the Animal Control Officers. Frank Wicks, Schenectady – Reiterated his comments from the August 11th City Council meeting with regards to fabricated offenses and related solution. He again suggested the requirement of police officers to have evidence to support the issuance of traffic tickets. Seeing no other speakers to come before the City Council, Ms. King declared the Privilege of the Floor closed regarding City Business. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL Mr. Riggi – Thanked speakers and noted their concerns were heard. He noted plans to examine options with regards to the City dog shelter with the Police Department with the goal of improving the current environment and process. He suggested one possible solution maybe to move the shelter or partner with the County. He noted the Animal Control Officers are taxed and the addition of a third officer maybe necessary. He noted it may also be in the best interest of the City to staff the City dog shelter with a staff person or volunteer five days per week from 9:00 Schenectady City Council Minutes August 11, 2014 / Page 5 of 6 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He noted there are a lot of dog owners in the City and it may be necessary to create a committee to review options related to the shelter. Mr. Kosiur – Pledged his support to involve the community with regards to concerns expressed about the City dog shelter. He noted he is a dog owner and he too is interested in identifying resources to assist with the care of the dogs in the City shelter. He then congratulated the Bellevue Neighborhood Association on a successful neighborhood cookout this past Saturday. He noted the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association would be postponing it’s cookout until August 20th due to a wet weather forecast for August 13th. He noted Woodlawn Park and the Neighborhood Association would be hosting a free movie night in the park on August 16th, starting at dusk. Ms. Porterfield – Thanked the speakers for sharing their good ideas with the Council with regards to the care of dogs at the shelter. She noted the expressed concerns create an opportunity to improve the current condition of the shelter and the processing of stray dogs. She then reminded City residents to contact emergency services if they smell gas in their neighborhood. She noted the recent home explosion on Page Street is a reminder of that. She noted a recent celebration of the “Reach one, Teach one” program which serves 25 students every year since 2004. She noted a program participant who has been involved with the program for the last ten years was part of the celebration. She closed by extending her condolences to Linda Sweet and her family following the loss of her mother. Mr. Mootooveren – Thanked the speakers for coming out and expressing their concerns and suggestions related to the City dog shelter. He noted he supports plans to work with groups and individuals to improve the facility. He noted Mont Pleasant would be hosting its monthly neighborhood association meeting on August 14th at 6pm at the Tabernacle Church on Ostrander Place. He noted the Mont Pleasant Neighborhood Association would also be hosting a health fair in partnership with the Bridge Church on Crane Street and he encouraged residents to contact the Mont Pleasant Neighborhood Association President for more information. Ms. Perazzo – Noted that it takes a village to address all the concerns and needs of the City. She added she was not aware that the Rotterdam Pet Rescue group existed and she is interested in talking further with volunteers about opportunities to assist with the care of dogs at the City shelter. She noted the City budget is tight and the use of volunteers is important. She closed by noting it’s important for residents to raise their voices and concerns to government and that the City Council is there to serve. Commissioner Bennett – Noted the recent home explosion on Page Street and he thanked all the residents and emergency personal for their patience’s and service following the explosion. He noted the lots next to the house which imploded were vacant and there were no casualties as a result of the incident. He stressed the importance of residents to contact emergency services if they smell gas. He noted the Police Department and National Grid did not receive any calls related to the recent gas leak that lead to the explosion. Ms. King – Congratulated those involved with the recent successful Bellevue Neighborhood cookout. She noted the annual benefit in Central Park for the Schenectady Day Nursery will be taking place on August 16th and that tickets can be purchased online. She closed by thanking Proctors OSM cameraman for his four years of service and wished him well as he transfers to Iowa State. Adjourned: Schenectady City Council Minutes August 11, 2014 / Page 6 of 6 Seeing no further business to come before the City Council, Ms. King asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was moved by Mr. Mootooveren and seconded by Mr. Kosiur and the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m. A true record By Chad Putman Schenectady Deputy City Clerk  OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK AGENDA FOR THE COUNCIL CAUCUS AND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 11, 2014 Room 209 7:00 P.M. 1. By Councilmember Mr. Mootooveren (ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION) AN ORDINANCE Re-Appropriating the 2014 Budget with Regard to the Department of Development. 4 Votes 2014-19 2. By Councilmember Ms. Perazzo A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Supplemental Agreement relative to Erie Boulevard Authorizing the implementation, and funding in the first instance 100% of the federal- aid and State "Marchiselli" Program- aid eligible costs, of a transportation federal-aid project, and appropriating funds therefore. 4 Votes 2014-188 3. By Councilmember Mr. Kosiur A RESOLUTION Recognizing August 16-17, 2014 as the Polish Harvest Festival, to be Held by the St. Adalbert’s Church, and Recognizing the Polish Experience in Schenectady. 4 Votes 2014-187  -2- 4. By Councilmember Ms. Porterfield A RESOLUTION Calling for a Public Hearing Regarding Changes to Chapter 186 of the Code Regarding Steinmetz Park Fees. 4 Votes 2014-189