City Council

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK SGHIENECTADU, NEW YORK AGENDA FOR THE GOUIC'GIL CAUCUS mTD THE CITY GOUXCIL MEETING November 24,2014 Room 209 5:30 P.M. 1. By Councilmember PUBLIC NEARING Regarding the Downtown Special (DSAD) 2015 Assessment Dist~c-t Budget. Regarding the Sale on Tobacco Products. Regarding Convenient Stores & Second Hand Cell Phone Stores. A RESOLUTION Aul-ficrfizingthe Mayor to Enter into Supplemental Ageement No, 2 with the NUS Dept. ofTransporlation. 4 Votes 2014-268 2. By Councilmember Mr*Kasiar A RESOLUTION Appointing John J. Ferrari to fill a Vacancy on the City Council. 4 Votes 2014-252 3, By Councilmember Ms. Porterfield A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Transfer of Properties to the Community Builders. 4 Voles 2014-269 4. By Councilmember Mr, Riggi A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Settlement of a Claim Brought by Eriek Blanding. 4 Votes 2014-270 5. By Councilmember Mr. Riggi A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Settlement of a Claim Brought by Loretta Simmons. 4 Votes 2014-271 6. By Coundlmernber JrR/Tr,g g g i A RESOLUTION Authohzing the Settlement of a Claim Brou&t by MaPlon Ho"caling, 4 Votes 2014-272 7, By Counciimember Irifr, Rggi A RESOLUTION iruthorrzing the Sale of 1192 Park~voodBlvd, if Votes 2014-273 8. By Councilmember Mr. Rjggi A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 1602-1604 Foster Ave. 4 Votes 2014-274 9, By Councilmember Mr. Riggi A WSOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 1571 Becker Street. 4 Votes 2014-275 10. By Councilmember Mr, Eggi A RESOLUTION Authollzhg the Sale of 655 Lansing Street. 4 Votes 2014-276 1 1, By Councilmember Mr. Mggi A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 109 Van Ryan Ave. 4 Votes 2014-277 12, By Councilmember Mr. Riggi A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 4 Elmer Ave. 4 Votes 2014-278 13, By Councilmember M r , Mggi A RESOLUTION Authonzmg the Sale of 1834 Hamburg St, 4 Voles 2014-279 14, By Councilmember Mr, mggi A RESOLUTION illathorzaing the Sale o f 2 1 8-220Duane Ave, 4 Votes 2014-280 15. By Councilmember Mr. Riggi A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 27 Brown St. 4 Votes 2014-281 16. By Councilmember Mr. Riggi A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 1605 Becker Ave. 4 Votes 2014-282 17. By Councilmember Mr. Riggi A RESOLUTION L4uthorizingthe Sale of 2334 Campbell Ave. 4 Votes 2014-283 18. By Councilmember Mr. iiMootooveren A RESOLUTION Recomizing the Upcoming Visit of Actor, Director and Producer Mahadeo Shivraj. 4 Votes 2014-263 19. By Councilmember Mr. Riggi A RESOLUTION Honoring the Hamilton Hill Neighborhood Association. 4 Votes 2014-264 20. By Councilmembe-r Ms. Perazzo A RESOLUTION Recognizing the Month o f November as Epilepsy Awareness Monl-tz- 4 Votes 2014-265 2 1. By Councilmember Ms. Perazzo A RESOLUTION Recognizing Dr. Laura Schtveitzer, the Recipient of the Schenectady Business and Professional Women's Club "Women of the Year" Award. 4 Votes 2014-266 22. By Councilmember BZr. Ferrari A RESOLUTION Proclaiming Sahrday, November 29", 27814 as Small Business Saturday in the City of Schenectady & in Recognition of Small Businesses throughout the City. 4 Votes 2014-267 23. By Golrneilmember Mr. Mootooveren. A RESOLUTION Awarding a Bid for a Mid-Mount Aerial Platform. 4 Votes 2014-GS-18 24. By Councilrnember Rilr, Bfootooveren A RESOLUTION Awarding a Bid for Two Custom P u q e r s . 25. By Comcilmember &Is,Porterfield A RESOLUTION Au1:hro~zkg the Purchase o f Supplies and Equipment- 2024 ibr the Water Deparlment. 26. By Councilmernber Ms. Porterfield A RESOLUTION Awarding the Bid and Contract for ''Erie Blvd. and Nott St. Intersection Improvements, NUSDOT PIN 1758.00"' to Rifenburg Constnrction, Inc, in the amount of $2,887,550. 4 Votes 2014-CS-21 27. By Councilmember Ms. Perazzo A RESOLUTION Calling for a Pubtic Wearing related to the Approval of the Budget for the Upper Union Street BID. 4 Votes 2014-284  BlINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BIEETING OF THE SGHENEGTADU CITY COUNCIL November 24,2014 The City Council Meeting was called to order by the City Council President Pvfargaret King ;It 6130 p,m. in Room 209, City Council Chambers at City Hall. The City Clerk called the roll and the follo~vingmernbers of the City Council answered to be present: Present - Council members, Margaret King, Ed Kosiur, John Mootooveren, Leesa Perazzo, Marion Porterfield, and Vincent Riggi Also Present - City Clerk Charles Thorne, Corporation Counsel Carl Falotico and Mayor Cary McCarthy At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no objections, she would like to take agenda item number 2 out of order. There were no ob~ections. Resolution No. 2014 - 262 - A Resolution Appointing John J. Ferrari to fill a Vacancy on the City Council. Mr. Ferrarii was sworn in by Mayor Cary Mecarthy and was accompanied by his parents Anthony and Rose Perrari. Mr. Fenafi extended his appreciation to the electorate, the City Council and Mayor Mecarthy. He then expressed his commitment to work hard on behalf of the residents of the City of Schenectady, The resolution was moved by Mr. Kosiur and seconded by Mr. Riggi, 6:O Voting AYE: King, Kosiur, Nlooloo~eren~ Perazzo, Porterfield & Riggl Voting NAY': None Seeing further business to come before the City Council, Ms. King asked for a motion to recess the meeting to allow for a reception in celebration of Mr. Ferrari's appointment to the Council. The motion was moved by Mr. Mootooveren and seconded by Ms. Perazzo and the meeting recessed at 6:35 p.m. The City Council Meeting was called to order by the City Council President Margaret King at 7 9 7 p.m. in Room 209, City Council Chambers at City Hall, Ms. King called upon Rev, Richard Frank to provide the invocation, Ms. King called on Cornell member John Ferrari to lead the Pledge o f Alle@ance. The City Clerk called the roll and the following members of the Cit* Council answered to be present: Present - Council members, John Femara, Margaret King, Ed KOSIMT, John Mootooveren, I-eesa Peraazo, Marion Pcrderfield, and Vincent Riggi Also Present - City Clerk Charles Thorne, Co~crrationCounsel Carl Faloties and Mayor Gary McCa~hy At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no objections, she would like to take agenda item number 19, 20,2 1 & 22 out of order. There were no objections. Resolution No, 2014 ---- 264 - A Resolution Honoring Hamilton Him Neighborhood Association, Representatives from the Hamilton H11l Nelghborhsod Association extended their gratitude i'sr the recognition by the Mayor and Citj Carunczi, Maws Isaac noted the neighborhood association i s working with residents, businesses and local officials to inprove the quality o f life in the community. A representati~eof the Bethal AME Church noted the church Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24,201 4 / Page 2 of 13 hosts the nei&borhood association meetings, is a proud partner of the nei&borhood association and encouraged more residents to participate. The resolution was moved by Mr, Riggi and seconded by Ms. Perazzo. The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution No. 2014 - 265 - A Resolution Recognizing the Month of November as Epilepsy Awareness BZonth. Mr. Sanders noted the Council is the first in the region to recomize Epilepsy Awareness Month. Mr. Sanders and a representative from the Epilepsy Foundation extended their gratitude for the recornition by the Mayor and City Council. The resolution was moved by Ms. Perazzo and seconded by Ms. Porterfield. The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution No, 2014 - 266 - A Resolution Recognizing Dr. Laura Schweitzer, the Reeipient of the Sehenectady Business and Professional Women's Club "Women of the Year" Award. Dr. Schweitzer and representatives from the Business & Professional Women's Club were on hand and extended their gratitude for the recopition by the Mayor and City Council. %e resolution was moved by Ms. Perazzo and seconded by Ms. Poderfteld. The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution No. 2014 - 267 --- A Resolution Proclaidng Saturday, November 2gth,2014 as Small Business Saturday in the City of Schenectady and Recognizing Small Businesses throughout the City. Small businesses representatives and Jim Salengo with the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation extended their gratitude for the recognition by the Mayor and City CnunGil and emnuraged residents to shop smd1 on November 2flthand every day. The resolution was moved by Mr. Ferrari and seconded by Mr. Mootooveren. The resolution passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Regarding the Downtown Special Assessment District (DSAD) 2015 Budget Richard Antokol, Schenectady - President of the Board of Directors for the Downtown Sebenectady Improvement Distfiet (DSIC) noted he owns a property on State Street and will have an increase of $63.00 following the approval ofthe DSAD 2015 budget, He noted the downtown district i s a vibrant business with lots of activity, He noted this increase will help cover marketing expenses for downtown, He noted there is a small wrirtorrty of naysayers in downtown who are opposed to the increase, He noted the DSlC hosts an annual kndraiser with over 350 people in attendance and the proceeds help fund the operation and initiatives o f the ISSIC. He noted the DSZC is collecdng revenue of the assessed propedries totding $260,000 compared to the $367,000collected by the d'pper Union Street BID. He noted although the cap i s set at $367,000the DSIC is not seeking the total allowable m o u n t and noted the DSAD proposed 201 5 budget i s a bargain. Jim Salerrgo, Sckenectady - Executive Director of the DSIC noted an ovenlevti of downtown improvement districts similar to the DSlC, He noted they are created for one reason which i s to enhance the districts in mhich they sene. When patrons come to downtoow the> will enjoy seasonal Irghting and deeoa-at.is-.rsthat are funded b) the gsartnershnp between the dsu wtswn busrnesses and the DSZC. He noted the DSIC 1s respcrnsrble for marntaemng the d o ~ n t o v m srdewalks to ensure they are clean s f litter and debris, Me noted the DSIC also publishes vnsieor Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24,2014 1 Page 3 of 13 guides that are readily available for residents, visitors and tourists which include lists of area businesses and events. He noted the DSIC hosts multiple events throughout the year which brings patrons to downtown supporting area restaurants and retail establishents. He asked the Council to consider that the fast increase to the DSAD collection, was eight years ago and in that time the workload has increased with a number of new businesses that now occupy spaces which use to be vacant, 2, Regarding the Sale of Tobaeeo Produets Jim Calvin, Schenectady - President of the NU Association of Convenient Stores with 8000 members across the state including stores in Schenectady, The association has provided NUS certified training to over 6000 clerks related to the sale of tobacco products. I3e noted the association opposes the passage of the legislation. He noted the proposed legislation i n ~ n g e son commercial speech. Regarding proximity to schools, he noted there appears to be an arbitrary distance that was establishment which does not address concerns related to new stores. He noted questions related to the option to grandfather in established convenient stores with a valid cedifieate of use. Me asked what about this new ordinance related to established stores. He noted this legislation would deflate the value of these -family o~vnedbusinesses. He then asked questions about the constitutionality related to restdctions on ads and promotions in stores. He closed by noting this proposed legislation does not make any sense unless the legislation is intended to provide a competitive advantage for smoke shops over convenient stores. Judy Rightmyer, Sehenectady - Director of the Capital District Tobacco Free Coalition. She noted her intent to explain the rational related to not selling tobacco within 1000 .feet of schools. She then showed a photo that illustrates the advertisements that youth are exposed to when entering a convenient store. She noted research bas shown the sale of tobacco near schools increases the likelihood of youth smoking. This legislation would reduce youth exposure to these advertisements in the city and in turn would reduce the number of youth who take up smoking. She noted in 2009 the Family Smoking and Prevention Act passed which allows municipalities to regulate the time, place and location related to the sale of tobacco products. She noted there is a higher concentration of convenient stores surrounding schools, than in other locations of the City. She noted ninety percent of youth start by the age of 18 and most smokers start by the age of 2 I . She then showed another map related to the nurrtber of convenient stores in lower income communities, She noted lower-income individuals, ~?.lko;..;tiesand persons with mental illness have a hi&er incidence o f tobacco use than do more affluent Caucasians which is a social justice issue, She closed by turning ~"ver I00 signed petitions from Schenectady residents asking to decrease the amount o f tobacco advefiisements in the City of Schenectady. Rev. Phil Grigsby, Scheneetady - Noted he i s the only City resident to speak on this tobacco issue and that he gcrriirup on the North Side ofthe City, He noted his parents both smoked heavily which cau&t up with them late in Ilk, Me noted while he 'iiiias in college he studied the economics of the tobacco industry related to the correlation between price and the use of tobacco. He noted his coneems related to the use of tobacco by youth in the City. He also i-eco~ized that the Council faces a diiEeult decisional balance related to this legislation. He closed by noting our community will be judged based on how we treat our most wlnerable which includes our children and noted this should be keep in mind while considering this leg-rslatian, 3, Regarding Convenient Stores & Second Hand Cell Phone Stores. Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24,2014 1 Page 4 of 2 3 Jim Calvin, Schenectady - President of the NV Association of Convenient Stores. Noted he finds it troubling that convenient stores are being singled out. He noted other businesses are being excluded including taverns and eateries. He noted the legislation was drafted with the mindset that convenient stores are the route of all evil and therefore need to be regulated and penalized more than other businesses. He noted the restrictions impede on the operation of cont~enientstores in a variety of ways including restrictions on product marketing and hours of operations. He added the City is not holding other types of businesses to the same restrictions with this proposed legislation. I-le noted convenient store owners are law abiding and contribute to the tax base. He encouraged the Council to consider these concems as they deliberate on the proposed legislation. Rloharned Hafez, Schenectady - Noted he shares some of the concerns previously noted. He noted the recent outrage related to convenient stores has labeled these businesses as a negative presence in the community, He added most of these convenient stores are owned and operated by law abiding citizens who are trying to provide for their fmilies. He noted the City has not properly informed the store owners regarding the proposed changes and is concerned about the business owner's bill of ri&ts. He proposed the City hold training classes for the store owners regarding the new legislation. He noted shutting down a store for a year is a hardship for the business owner and would ilnpact their ability to pay taxes. He encouraged the Council to consider these concerns hrther. Judy Rightmyer, Schenectady - Director of the Tobacco Free Coalition. She noted the City of Schenectady is not alone in restricting signage in convenient store windows. She noted the City of Kingston did this four years ago related to a beautification pro~ect,She noted this initiative also addressed safety concerns related to visibility by restricting the allowable signage to 20 percent of the window space. She then noted the U-Matter Survey showed the smoking rate in the City of Schenectady is 37 percent in comparison to just 16 percent for the state as a whole. She noted her mother-in-law and father were both smokers who started in their teens and both died in their sixties. She closed by noting smoking has consequences. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ms. King asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the November 10,2014 Council meetings as submitted by the Deputy City Clerk; Mr. Kosiur made a motion to approve the minutes, Mr. Mootooveren seconded the motion, Official: A letter dated November 19,3014, from Paul LaFond, Director o f Water & Nriaste.;a-ater recommending the award of 'T~un~ishing Supplies and Equipment 201q9contract be awarded to Ferguson Watemorks, HD Supply, and Tri-Sales, Inc. A letter dated Nos ember 2 1,2014, fium Christopher Wallrn- C ~ t yEng~neerecommending the award of "'En%Boulevard and Nott Street Intersecbon Yrnpmr~ernents''be awarded to Rafenbusg Ccrnstrucrron- k c , Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24,201 4 / Page 5 of 13 A letter dated November 24, 2014, from Fire Chief Senecal, for the leasing of one Aerial Tower Platform and two Sutphen Fire Apparatus Pumpers. General: None Petitions: None COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ms. Porterfield - Health 2% Recreation - Noted the City Council passed a Capital Budget which included $250,000 for improvement in City parks. She noted she has heard from three park goups in the City who are interested in the knding related to projects in their park. She noted the Mayor has established a Parks Advisory Committee to work with Council's Health & Recreation Committee to move this process fornard. She noted the intention to leverage the funds similar to the recent improvements in Quackenbush Park which also benefited from financial support h m TmstCo bank as welt. She closed by noting the intention to discuss these efforts now in order to prepare for improvements to take place during the summer season. Ms. Porterfield - Public Services & Utilities- Noted she received an email related to the DOT project as it relates to Disabled Business Enterprises. She noted hearing f?om the Affirmative Action Advisory Board related to lanmage in the contracts. She asked for follow up and cla~ficationh r n Corporation Council at the next Committee meeting. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITEMS) Ms. King invited all who wished to address the Legslative Agenda to come forward: Vickie Hurewitz Schenectady - Noted she is speaking tonight as a local activist related to agenda item number three regarding the transfer of properties to Community Builders. She noted her preference that the proposed development is done as a scatter sight development as opposed to the cuwent plan d i c h will concentrate poverty in Hamilton Hill. She noted the developer is seeking $14.4 million in public hnding to develop SO units and will utilize low income tax credits to subsidize part of &he project as well, She noted if you divide $14-4 million by 60 units it would cost $240,000 for each unit, She then referenced an article from 3008 Ceatu17ng a local architect who repoded you can build a 4 bedroom LEAD eerlifified home for $1 10 per square foot. She noted at this cost you could get an additionat 20 units for the same amount. She asked the Council to incorporate the use o f foreclosed propefiies in the project which would help scatter the detrelrtgment, She then referenced HUT> recsrnrnendatlons which advised on resolving concentrations o f poverty and minoity communities related to fair housing, She noted HUD development requirements include criteria that 20 percent of units must be available to families at or below area-medium ineorne along with 40 percent of the units available to families at or below the area-medium income, She advised the Council to expand the offermgs of subsidized housing to moderate ineorne households to encourage these .families to move into lower income communities in an effort to reduce the concentration s f poverty in a given nei&borhood. !%larvaIsaacs, Sckenectady - Noted she wants the Cowrmlm~tyBiiaiders project to go forward because the people need homes rn Hamrlton HillI.She added these homes wslB be affordable and the Cauneil needs to push fonvard, Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24, 201 4 1 Page 6 of 13 &lolain Gilmore, Schenectady - Spoke briefly about the Community Builders prdect. She added that she is a small business owner and Community Builders will be utilizing small businesses in the neighborhood related to the de\ielopment. She noted her appreciation of Community Builders and their use of minority businesses in Hamilton Hill. Jeanica Pefik, Schenectady - Noted she is the Project Manager for Community Builders. She thanked the Council and Mayor for the warn welcome and continued support. She noted Community Builders has engaged in developments in both Vale and the Hamilton Hill neibborhood. She noted Community Builders is a non-profit with a mission to build and sustain housing for ail incomes levels, She noted ongoing plans to work with area stakeholders related to these projects and properties.. ~Mary&IeClaine, Schenectady - ''Why is Mr. Erikson's resirnation being handled differently than Ms. Bmcker's resignation? T o n i a ' s agenda item reads a resolution appointing John J. Ferrari to Sill a vacancy on the City Council. i%en Ms. Bmcker resigrmed, Council immediately appointed Mr. Kosiur to fill her seat and he has been here for several months. During his appolnment he ran to finish her unexpired four y e a team. We won the election and there i s I year left to the tern. When i'tilr. E ~ k s o nresiaed there was no appoinknent, Instead, the Democratic Party endorsed a candidate. The candidate accessed the ballot without benefit of petitions which is a legally required process to mn for office. So tonibt, an individual is present who didn't collect petitions, ran for office, and won the election and now Council wants to appoint him to a Council, seat. Why is Council making an appointment if he already won the seat? Shouldn? the appointment have been made before the November election? Was the election not valid and does an appointment impact the t h e e years left in the tern? None of this rnakes any sense to me. Can someone explain tonl&t% resolution and why the Council's vacancy was handled differently this year? Thank you." Seeing no other speakers come foward, Ms. King 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. Kosiur. Consent Agenda - Resolution No.20 14 - 263 ....................................A d o p t Unanimous1y Resolution Xo, 2014 - 268 ....................................A d o p t Unanimously Resolution No.2014 - 269 ....................................A d o Unanimously Resolution No, 20 14 --- 270 ...................................'Adopted Unanimously Resolution No, 20 13- 27 1 ...................................*AdopedUnanimously Resolution No,20 14 - 272 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 --- 273 ..................................*.AdoptedLinmimously Resolution No,2014 - 2"s ,................... . ........* Adopted Unanimously Resolution No.2014 - 275 .................................. adopted Unanimously Resolution No,20 I 4 ---- 276 ................................... A d o p t Unanimously Resolution No, 20 I4 - 237 ...................................ez4d~pted Unanimously Resolution No.2084:- 278 ..................... ............ Adopted Un;m~mowsly Resolution No,2014 - 279 ...................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution &0,2013 - 280 .................... . . . ....*Adopted Unanimously Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24,2014 1 Page 7 sf 13 Resolution No. 2014 - 281 .................................. Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 282 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 283 ................................. ..Adopted Unanimous1y Resolution No. 20 14 - 284 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - GS - 18 ..............................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - GS - 19 ............................. Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - CS - 20 ..............................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - GS - 21 ..............................Adopted Unanimously PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Ms, King invited all who ~iishedto address the City Council on any matter of City business to come forward. The following speakers rose to be heard and their r e m d s are summarized: Joe Rodriguez, Schenectady - Noted his mother-in-law had a stroke in the fall. Me noted there is a Code Enforcement Inspector who is harassing residents. He noted his mother-in-law was sighted by this individual and she l i ~ e son $1000 per month. We noted she pays her taxes and has been threatened with court and arrest related to this code violation, He noted the porch code violation is not as dangerous as it is being represented. He noted the property is not a nei&borhood blight like other properties in the City. He noted his mother-in-law is a 75 year old women and she had to come into City Cou& related to the matter. He noted she is being required to complete work over the winter given the original citation was issued back in June. Marva Isaac, Schenectady - Noted three break-ins on Fuman Street. She noted one break-in was at the home of a 35 year old and she was robbed. She noted if someone robs someone they need to go to jail and be held responsible. She noted the robber stole the elderly woman's purse, car, and TV. She noted the elderly need more protection in the City. Enza Pantan, Schenectady - Noted he submitted a complaint to the Mayor's office and the complaint has been unanswered for three years in a row. He noted his street has not been repaved in 35 years. He noted he bas previously left messages and sent an email to the Mayor's office related to this request to have his street repaved. He was told priorities streets are given priority and that he lives on a major street off of Rosa Road. He noted a dead end street was repaved in his nei&borhood which was very upsetting for him. He noted he is upset that he has attempted to communicate with the Mayor's offlee aJld he has not received a response from the administration related to his request. He closed by noting he will be resending the email, kmthoay Gavotss, Scheneetady --- Noted he would like the City Council to recspize Amer;;ean Diabetes month and added that he has Type Two Diabetes. He then noted concerns refated to problems with the City parks including smaller nsi&borhood parks. He noted a f ~ e n dreCuses to visit certain parks in the City due to the threat of dangerous dogs. He added people are doing drugs and other inappropmate "ctel-raviorsin these parks, He asked the LMayo~ and Council to make sure that the parks are being patroiled by the police, He then suggested utilizing area veterms to help with m;lmtenance in the parks. N i c k FValslr Sehenectady - ""IIrve on Main Avenue in hMon"iPleas;mt, I have o w e d my home since 1984 and have witnessed the decline of our Mont Pleasant neighborhood, This decline is especially pro"elemalie along Grme Street. We need to improve the Quality o f Life in our neighborhood. The Crane Street Business District MUST be det eloped, Rampmt vandalism, loitering atnd litter are continuous problems. Business owners are a h i d to confront the perpetrators, because o f retribution, such as broken windows anend harassment inside and outside o f thear shores Potential customers are fearful o f shopping what once was re thriving area sfMont Pleasant.we would like to see better, newer camera systems, more frequent monito-fing o f Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24,2014 1 Page 8 of 13 cameras that are now in place, as kvell as MORE cameras strategcally placed to monitor problem areas. We'd like to see better Police enforcement of EXISTING loitering and Iittering statutes, and a quicker response when problems occur. Over the past years. a number of businesses have tried to make a go of it on Crane Street. Hotvever, the persistent problems are NOT CONDUSIVE, iVe lost a full Market and Butcher shop, the Mont Pleasant Diner has tried three times in the past few years, but could not maintain a viable clientele, Callo Florist and Marcella's Appliances have left Crane Street, leak-ingVACANT store -fi-onts.We do appreciate the Mayor's decision to address the problem of vacant and boarded-up buildings; three of the properties to be demolished are in Mont Pleasant. That is a start, unfortunately vacant buildings attract squatters and criminals.. .and once they move into the buildings, it becomes much harder to rehab and sell, Securing these buiidings and maintaining a progam overlooking the inteMty of the stmcbres is necessary. The Schenectady METROPLEX has done a good job dotvntown and in other nei&borhoods. Some projects have been huge successes in Upper Union Street and Eastern Avenue. We do hope that this trends continuous and Metroplex would consider the kfont Pleasant nei&borhood, the most populous neighborhood in the city for such a plan. ilie understand the need to have a vibrant downtown for Seheneetady to progress. But a vibrant downtown cannot exist with decaying neighborhoods. We need your HELP in Mont Pleasmt. Thank you*" iMoharned Hafez, Schenectady - ""Im the k m e r President of the Mont Pleasant Nei&borhood Association. We feel that the City is turning its back on Mont Pleasant. ilie don't see any economic development plans. The City and the County have not made any efforts to keep businesses opened on Crane Street. We've Just list the Fastenal Hardware store, Marcella's Appliances. the Prtnt: Shop, the Rite Aid Dmg store, and Frank Gallo the florist, Mont Pleasant has plenty of empty storefronts and vacant buildings. Homeowners are undemater, because their hornes are woTth less than tl~eirmortgages. The aei&borhood is hrming into a GHETTO. 'Fakc a walk up Union Street, you will see bank branches, 1 counted 5 banks, lawyers, real estate and insurance offices, a huge number of doctors, dentists and medical offices, and a large number of restaurants and eateries. You do not see vacant stores or abandoned buildings on Union Street. It is a booming affluent neighborhood. Take a walk up Crane Street. You will find one Tmstco bank branch a few convenience stores, a few eateries and a large number of vacant storefronts and abandoned buildings. We've got a poor neighborhood. It's the poor vs. the affluent. It's economic inequalities. In other words, discrrmination. However, this discrimination is by design, because of the City" failed economic effofis in Mont Pleasant, while systematically developing other neiglrborhoods Like Union Street, Eastern Avenue and downtown, Fudhermore, the City i s continuously granting pernits to developers that are building new apafiments downtown and elsekvhere, while not making any efforts to push those der,elopers to fix the large number 06 vacant and abandoned properlies in Mont Pleasant. We want to know what exactly is the city's infrasttueture poliey"?Ve want to see a FIX-IT-FIRST policy in Schenectady. we want the City to ask its ~vorkers,COPS, fireEd~tersand teachers to buy hornes and live in Mont Pleasant. We want our fair share o f Federal and State @ant money spent; on the detelopment o f the nei&borhuod. W e want our tax money spent in Mont Pleasant. We want to see real economic development in -Mont PIeaant, and me want it soon. Thank you,'" B e Q &Iurptry, Sehenectady - "'I am here to talk about loitering and I l t t e ~ n gin Mont Pleasant, The New Uork State Penal Law, can$ Chapter I92 sfthe City Code both address bitering and It is against the law in NUS, It is not up to the store owners and residents to remove the i~.irel-Ing, Zorierers or the I~tterers.This causes fear I'or the store owners as retnbutmn among criminals I:, ~fhal wllI happen. PoB~ceneed to enforce the law, rt 1s unfa~rto property or busnness owners to have to lit e in fear, Chapter 192 defines Isitenng and explains littering and the penaZlrss, Polrce Scheneclady City Council Minutes November 24,2014 / Page 9 of 13 should be enforcing this ordinance to prevent retribution for the store owners, property ovirners and other residents of Mont Pleasant. The code is useless unless it is enforced. Getting these two topics under control by enforcing the city code as it is written would be a huge improvement for Mont Pleasant. m e n people are paying fines and facing jail time this should change their way of thinking when they are about to drop a soda can or candy wrapper or any type of debris on our sidewalks and streets. This should change the quality of life in Mont Pleasant and improve the prospect for people to want to live in m d do business in Mont Pleasant. Enforcing the code should be city-wide and when the word gets out that the code is being enforced think about the advantage to the entire city. Remember, if you are not part of the solution. you are part of the problem. Thank you and Z would like to thank Pat Smith for all her efforts. Mohamed Hafez for the use of his ofice, Donna Foley, Nick & Lillian Walsh and all the ~vonderklpeople of Mont Pleasant for wanting to make Mont Pleasant a better, safer part of the g e a t city of Schenectady. Thank you." Patricia Smith, Schenectady - ""Im the President of the Mont Pleasant Meiabobood Association. I have lived in Mont Pleasant for 27 years. My gandparents raised my father on Ten Eyck Avenue from the time of the Depression until 1979. 1 am here to speak on some of the issues concerning Mont Pleasant. First: the cameras at the various locations, are they being checked regularly for proper h c t i o n " ? ~ they all work on a 2417 basis? We appreciate the cameras, but they all must work, as we depend on them. Street lighting: there are areas of Mont Pleasant were lighting is almost nonexistent. Lighting deters criminal action. What can be done to remedy the issue? We need police patrols; this is a -fact of life. Officers are limited in number and other areas need patrols. I personally have seen patrol cars stationed at key locations on Crane Street at va;i-;oustimes and days. The Police Department does a good job as much as it is able to with the resources they have. It may help if there was an officer on the walking beat from 1 I :00 am - 10:00 pm. The city's efforts and some of the progams are appreciated, but other programs can be started to cut down on crime and the unacceptable behaviors in Mant Pleasant, for example tossing trash cans, destroying flower beds and tearing up peoples properties just to name a few. Store owners are reluctant to chase loiterers away, as retribution, in the form of broken windows and doors being the main occurrence. Customers of those businesses are increasingly cautious about shopping in Mont Pleasant. The streets appear to have the look of the aftemath of a small tornado, with all the litter and broken windows on buildings. Not all store owners discourage the loitering, but most prefer that is was not prevalent. The city has done a good job with some of the theaid, but the persistent issues are people who litter, loiter and cause the damage, Our g o u p would like to sit dourn ivlth the posvers that be and discuss some of our ideas for ~ ~ I u t i o n s We . are here to stay. this is our nei&borhood, our homes, our little piece of the world, IVe are not to be iaored and we are willkg to work with the city to make this a great neighborhood once again. Many s f the buildings on Crane Street at this point would make a great backdrop for a movie about the 1930's @re;bCDepression. T h i s is not a compliment, 929 Crane Street, a foreclosure, brokers store front window and people now are using this to gain access to the building, including the apadrunents upstairs. Do we see a tragedy in the making? We would like to see a progam to help fmilies who can afford a mortgage, but who are short on the down p a p e n t to obtain home orz;inership, thus taking pride once again in the nei&borhood, We need 169 change the face sf the Mont Pleasant nei&bcrrhood as well as the attitude. There are still too many people living here, owners and renters who want to call Mont Pleasant their home and need the city to actively help us. Please put the pleasant back in hlcrnt Pleasant, Thank you." Flora Romsnowski, Schenecrady - Noted her corngratu.ufationsto Council member Mr. Kosiur and Mr. Fenam?on their recent election \%in.Noted she supports her ner&bors. She then noted her concerns. She noted &font Pleasant has the largest growth 06 families with children and Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24,201 4 / Page 2 0 of 13 elderly, She noted the infiux of students &om other nei&borhoods are coming into Mont Pleasant. She noted the neighborhoods also have sports field and parking on both sides. She then noted she read in paper that Fred Leah was suggesting moving the Boys Club into Mont Pleasant but she noted the nei&borhood already has one. She noted perhaps urith grant money the City can do this for another neighborhood. She noted Crane Street down to Broaduray needs to be paved however she is being told this will be a challenge due to the trolley tracks. She noted she has taken issue with the Supemisor of Schools related to lack of talk about trauma. She noted her son Robert was doing \?re11 in school and then he was bullied and then she had to relocate him into a new school. She closed by noting he is still paying for that abuse. Frank Wicks, Schenectady - Noted Mont Pleasant concms may make his concerns seem less significant. Referred to a prior Council meeting speaker, Ms. Coleman and the police home invasion she reported at her residence. He noted a prior threatening experience he had with a police officer and another offreer then fabricated an offense when questioned in court. He noted the officer lied about it in court. He noted he attempted to address the inJustice and chose not to sue the City. He wants to use the experience to help reshape the police department and added the department is too impersonal. He noted the police unifoms are intimidating and the police headquarters looks like a barracks. He then r e k e e d to the Fermson demonstrations. He noted police could be Less anonymous by putting numbers on officer and making cameras available for t-iewing interactions on a website. He noted the police overtime is excessive and the Commissioner is requesting more funding to cover overtime expenses. He advised the Council not to approve this and if overtime is needed they should apply for it, Mary MeClaine, Schenectady - ""My husband is an engineer. He helped put the first man on the moon. The piece he worked on is on exhibit in the Srnithsonian Institution. When the space program was cut back in 1969, my family moved to Virginia. Were my husband built and tested nuclear-powered ships for Admiral Rickover's Navy. Had I won a seat on City Council last year I would have been in a position to get a second opinion when the city was faced with an engineering issue such as the pump station in the Stockade. Folks, the city doesn't need a new pump station. No one on this City Council has the academic credentials, knowledge or expertise to tell this community that it does need a new one. The best interest of this community was not served with Council's affirmative vote. That "yes" vote was all about the 2015 Council race and pandering to the special interest goups. Which brings me to the budget. When is the city going to sell the city ears? Only Schenectady employees drrve city cars home to wait for emergencies. Did Council look at the PBA contract? The senlorrty system is wrong because it dise~minates against the rookie police officer who straps a gun to this waist Just like the senior member, The rookie officer puts his life on the line every day at work, The seniorrty system cost the taxpayer too much money and it mould not hold up in court. Get rid of it. The mayor said he was looking for equity in the budget, For whorn"r%ere i s the equity when the a me"re do well points a gun at a Cello\\ American and stays home for a year with pay. SO much largess from the taxpayer, Was he a pillar o f society, an exemplary model eitizen"PStay home for a year with pay3 That's equityWo~~- sownyone who votes for a democrat in Scheneetady is voting against himself- 201 5 is not a taxpayer fdeadly budget," Joy Hal, Sekenectady - Noted Mont pleasat is not the only place with problems. She noted drivers are going the wrong way on one way streets in the City. She wants the City to put up traffic cameras, She added speeders are siwyNhere. She noted pedestrian safety i s a priority and the City should inska.8'1more walk lights for seniors, She closed by noting the police has, e a big job on fhe~rhands, Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24, 2014 / Page 11 of 13 Emanuel Adams, Schenectady - Noted be hears the concerns of seniors. He added we have a crisis in the City. He noted talks with Hamilton hill clergy about offering mentoning for nei&horhood youth. He noted tve are losing the battle with our children being incarcerated. If they finish school they have options, he added. He noted his group is looking for more mentors to help. We noted the Gity, county and school district can't do it by themselves. He noted there appears to be a sense of disregard from generation to gneration related to youth. He noted there are many single parent households and it is hard to do this by yourself. He noted parenting issues with behaviors of neighborhood children and the lack of shared parenting, He noted plans to come together with area clergy to mentor and save as many youth as possible. He noted he understands the lack of jobs, the down economy, and challenges facing youth. He closed by noting this is not a time to relax, we need to be alert and come together. Seeing no other speakers to come be-litre the City Council, Ms. King declared the Privilege of the Floor closed regarding Gity Business. BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL I\.?IPSGELL~EOUS *Mr.Riggi - Noted his appreciation of the speakers and the comments from the nei&borhood association. Noted it would be important for the Council to address these concerns. He noted a prior meeting with the police depastment heads and was told they would ticket people for littering or engaging in other negative quality of life behaviors. At the time he asked the Police Chief to hold a press conference related to this effod with the intention of drawing attention to the planned enforcement. He noted Mont Pleasant was a vibrant neighborhood and now it resembles a war zone. He noted the City needs to address quality of life issues and that he is willing to work with anyone to help move this fornard. He hopes the police will at least send out a press release. He hopes tickets are being written. He noted addressing quality of life issues will help the Mayor's HOMES program. He noted the neighborhoods are the life blood of the Gity. He added he had his 5othhigh school class reunion recently and only a few classmates still live in the city. He noted there are reasons why people chose to leave the City and high taxes are one issue. He noted the City selling eleven houses tonight is a positive step to move foreclosed properties back on the tax rolls. He noted concerns related to an 84 year old nun who was mugged recently and he questioned the morals of the peqetrator. Regarding the DSAD budget and only a few naysayers he noted their voices count as well, He noted he fielded a lot of calls regarding the DSAD budget and noted the concerns center on the 28 percent increase. He added these concerned padies don't feel they are being invol.ired in the DSAD budget process. He noted he has concerns related to churches being assessed in the district and has asked for a list o f churches that will be affected, H e noled St. J o h s i s facing an increase. We closed by wishing everyone a happy holiday. &Is, Porterfield - Noted her: appreciation o f toni&tSs speakers and noted there i s progess k i n g made in Mont Pleasant. She noted there are ongoing challenges which are similar to those in the Hmilton Hi19 nei&borhood. Regading convenient stores she noted these smdl business owners are trying to make a living for familries. She added not all convenient stores are troubled businesses. Regarding the 20 percent restistion on conk enlent store window cove~ngshe noted this i s a recommendation fiorn a crime grecenlion initiatit~e,She noted the recommendation aides with public sa6et-i.for patrons seeing inside and outside o f the establishment. Regarding the proposed Hami%ronHill Community Bu~ldersproject, as a resident, she noted her support-e. She noted there have been ongoing concerns regarding the large vacant bu~ldingon Craig Street. She noted &.is rs an oppomlunaty h~ turn the pmpcdy into affordable ho~i;skg,She added this project ev111 not gentrify the nerghborhood, She noted she has been ~ u r k i n ghard to 1nvo1c.edifferent Schenectady City Gauncii Minutes November 24,201 4 1 Page 22 of 13 businesses with the Community Builders improvement project and is looking to ensure community members and businesses will benefit from the development. She closed by wishing everyone a happy holiday. M s . Perazzo - Koted her congratulations to Council member Mr. Ferrari and noted it is good to have a full City Council again. She then noted the hard work of moving the I 1 properties t h u & the various departments and the City Council toni&t is positive. She then noted it is u n G r to say we need to start to address quality of life issues when the efforts have alredy been undenvay. She then gave examples of positives steps taking place in the Goose Hill neighborhood and various community cleanups taking place thr;oupbout the Gity. She noted the Land Bank as another positive step fornard in taking down bli&t in the nei&borhoods. She noted the process is slow but the efforts will continue considering there is a lot more to do. Regarding police and ticketing for littering she noted the department continues to do more with less. She noted the department olrien needs to deal with emergencies over more routine code inli-actions. She encouraged her colleagues to develop programs to address graffiti or pick up litter and to rotate liiorn one neikborhood to the next while working with volunteers. She noted it is the Council's job to move initiates fornard and she is proud to be part of initiatives which are moving the City fornard. Mr, Kosiur - Wdcomed Council rnevnber Mr, Ferrari to the Gity Council and he thanked the residents i'or their support. He noted as a member ofthe Public Safety Committee he would welcome an offer to come and speak at the Mont Pleasant neighborhood association meeting to address concerns. He noted his wife is a school nurse in Mont Pleasant middle school and he drives down Crane Street every day. We then thanked the Schenectady County Cbmber of Commerce for organizing a woderful holiday parade. He noted there were a n u d e r of businesses, organizations and schools who participated along with 27 fire tmcks. He noted his support of the Community Builders project in Hamilton Hill. He added it was a pleasure, in 2002, to vote in favor of the Vale nei&borhood community project. He noted the Hamilton Hilt Community Builders project is a great project and the will address concerns related to the vacant Craig Street building. He closed by wishing everyone happy holidays. Mr. hlootooveren - Noted his congratulations to Council member Mr. Ferrari and congrahlated him on the recent election win. Regarding the Mont Pleasant neighborhood association concems he noted he lives in the nei&borhood and has had ongoing discussions with the mayor and there has keen an increase inpolice presence. We noted demolitions of bli&ted property in the City are scheduled to start taking place. He closed by wishing everpne happy holidays. Mayor Mecarthy - Thanked the speakers fo"opexpressingtheir concerns, He noted when he took office three years ago he wanted to restmcture internenlions to produce long hem results while maintaining a coordinated response. We noted this has been accomplished with code sweeps, serving violation notices and the fo:Oilowup persecution. Me noted he understands people are fixstt-ated and if these are urgent concerns he asked residents to call his office or the Police Chief He noted the process for ~mprovementsi s slow and ~ncrenaentalwhile trying to address issues in all the neighborhoods, He noted the recent installation of termis courts in Mont Pleasant which i s a resource for the nei&borhood and the whole city, He added the City i s now hosting tennis tournaments which also benefits local business- Re noted the demobition of "sai&ted propeflies will be starting and the City will be accepting bids this week nlel.1six building to come down- He noted he is taking concerns seriously and i s focused on Isng tern results, He noted he joined with four mayors this week to end r eteran homelessness and the initiative is looking at affordable housing Cer everyone, He noted on Friday he authorized City personnel to respond to the BrsfYafale, snow emergency at the request ofthe Got emor and the staffw~llbe corning back Schenectady City Council Minutes November 24, 2014 i Page 13 of 43 home tonight. He wished everyone a happy holiday. He noted snow is in the forecast and he reminded residents to clean around fire hydrants and not to shovel snow into the streets. Me added the holiday parade was a success and brought a Lot of people downtown. He closed by reminding residents to paf-ticipate in Small Business Sahrrday and et-erq. day and added local dolIars have a greater impact on our community. &Is.King - Thanked the speakers for coming out to the Council meeting to address their concerns. She then commended the holiday parade organizers and noted she watched from the downtown SCGC campus. She then noted the Upper Union Street Bid will host a holiday tree lighting on December 2 at 6:00 p.m. She closed by urishing everyone a happy holiday. Adjourned: 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. Kosiur and seconded by Mr. Mootooveren and the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. ip By Charles Thorne Sckrenectady Gily Clerk