City Council

RIIIMUTES OF THE REGULAUU SCHEDULED RlEETlNG OF THE SGHENEGTADU CITY COUNCIL December 8,2014 The City Council Meeting was called to order by the City Council President Margaret King at 7:05 p.m. in Room 209, City Council Chambers at City Hall. Ms. King called upon Rev. Moon Hawk River Stone to provide the invocation, Ms. King called on John Polirneni 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. John Ferrari, Margaret King, Ed ICosiur, John Mootooveren, Leesa Perazzo, Mafion Porterfield, and Vincent Riggi Also Present - Deputy City Clerk Chad Putman, Corporation Counsel Carl Falotico and Mayor Gary iVlcCartby At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no objections, she tvould like to mvite Kelly Cross from the School of Social Welfare at SUNU Albany to present on open enrollment ;forthe New Uork Stare health insurance program. There miere no objections. Ms. Gross noted open enrollment is taking place h m November 15 - February 15,2014. She noted assistance with enrolling is available by calling 51 8-442-3854 and by ernail at navigator@albany.edu. She noted residents will qualifjr for open enrollment if they got married or divorced, moved to NUS, bad or adopted a child, Lost employers insurance or another life event took place. The infomation was then reiterated by a colleague in Spanish. At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no objedions, she would like to take agenda itan number 3 & 10 out of order. There were no objections. Resolution No. 2014 - 285 - A Resolution Honoring TrustCo Bank for the Quackenbush Park Improvements. TrustCo Bank's Executive Vice President, Bob Gushing extended his gratitude for the recopition by the Mayor and City Council. The resolution was moved by Ms, Poderfisld and seconded by Mr. Mootooveren, The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution No. 2014 - 286 - A Resolution Honoring Winifred EEIze Warlock, Ms. "lJTarlock extended her gatitude for the recowition by the Mayor and City Council, The resoiution was rnoved by Ms. Perazzo and seconded by Ms. Porterfielead. The resolution passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1, Regarding the Upper Union, Street BID 2015 Budget Seeing no speakers come forward related to the public I-rearrng, M s . King declared the public hearing closed, Schenectady City Council Minutes December 8, 2014 I Page 2 of 6 APPROVAL OF hIINUTES: Ms. King asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the December 8,2024 Council meetings as submitted by the City Clerk: Mr. Kosiur made a motion to approve the minutes, Mr. Mootooveren seconded the motion. Presented to the (:it\. C'ourlcil for Jlontia\., Deceniher 8, 2014 C:omn~u~iic;itio~~s Official: From the Mayor a list of appointments dated December 8, 2014 General: None None COMMITTEE REPORTS: None PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITEMS) Ms. King invited all who wished to address the Legislative Agenda to come i'onvard: Mary McClaine, Schenectady - "With regards to item #8 on tonight's agenda that deals with the sale of property. I request that in the hture the sale price and name of the buyer also be listed on the agenda. I think it is important for taxpayers to know to whom the city is selling city owned properties. We are told the intent of the sale is to put properties back on the tax rolls but taxpayers have no assurances that sales will bring more money to the city. The last time the city revealed the names of the dead beat taxpayers on Open Stage Media, there were as many as eight properlies Listed for one owner who hadn"t paid taxes on any of them. At a nei&borhood meeting I asked the Mayor if the city continues to sell city propedies to people who owe back taxes on other propert~es.He said he didn't know. Such a practice is counterproductice, Item -if2 on tonight's agenda contracts to give union employees a $4000 yearly bonus if they waive their e ~ t ymedical insurance, In other words if the city doesn't have to pal for an employee's coverage, the employee u rll receive a S3000 yearly bonus on fam~lyplan. Rather than breathe a srgh s f relief that the eaty doesn-t have added expense it rs creat~ngan expendltasse b> gittng bonuses rnstead of coverage. The contract appl~esto couples who work fortthe eaty. Does thrs mean that the Councrlman who told us his wife i s a nurse in the school system will be entitied to the same bonus he 1s being asked to approke on ton~gI-ii"s agendauin either case they are not entitled to bonuses, Medical Insurance coverage is all the bonus they need especially when it comes from tihe taxpajers l ~ k ethe G.E. retrrees who had therr cokerage abruptly taken from them. It's payback trrne for endorsements. -Anyone ~ i h okotes for Democrats In Scheneckady rs t otrng agarnst h~rnseX'' Sce~ngno other speakers come fontaard, Ms K~rigdeclared the Pn.cilegr: r;f the Floor on the Leg~slat~ve Agenda closed, Scheneclady City Council Minutes December 13,2014 1 Page 3 of 6 INTRODUCTION OF AND ACTTON UPON LOGAL LA\%rS,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 - 287 ................................. Adopted Utzanimously Resolution No. 2014 - 288 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - 259 ....................... . ......x4doptedUnanimously Resolution No. 201 4 - 290 ...................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 29 1 ................... ...........Adopted Unanimous1y Resolution No. 2014 - 292 adopt Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - 293 ................................... M o p e Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - 294 ................................ Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 295 ................................. *AdoptedUnanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 296 ....................................A d o p t Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 297 .................................. Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - 298 .......................... *AdoptedUnanimously Resolution No. 2014 - 299 ................................ * A d o p tUnanimously Resolution No, 2014 - 300 .................................. Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - CS - 22 ..............................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2014 - CS 23 ............*.............. Adopted Unanimously -. Resolution No. 2014 - CS .24 ............................ Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 14 - CS .25 .............................*AdoptedUnanimously A Resolution Approving the 2015 Downtown Special Assessment District Budget, 2014 - 301 The motion was moved by Mr. Kosiur and seconded by Mr. Mootooveren. 6: 1:O Voting AYE: Ferrari, King, Kosiur, Mootooveren, Perazzo and Porterfield Voting NAY: Riggi Ms, Perazzo -Noted her supporl of the resolution and added the DSAD budget has not h d an a increase in eight years, She noted most o f the feedback she has received fmm the public related to the proposed budget has been positive, She added most of the feedback came after the public bearing and size encouraged residents to use the hearing as a means to express concerns or suppod. She closed by noting the BSlC is doing a @eat job, Mr, Perrari - Noted the DSAD budget has not had a increase in ei&t years, He noted the DSlC i s doing a good job and he supports the resolution. M r , Wiggi - Noted he has heard from some of the churches in the district who have expressed financial distress related to the increase and noted they can't wait fir a reduction in the fee until next year, He noted some rvolxld like to see more trmsparency related to the I)S_4Dbudget process and clarification on what sfen~ices- they receive. He noted he had asked the DS1C for a list hif~hur~kes impacted by the DSAD budget and was told to folloiv up with the City Assessor, He noted his follow up with the Assesss-rient office %asnot helgkl. He noted he would not support the resolution. Schenectady Gity Council Minutes December 8,2014 1 Page 4 of 6 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Ms. King invited all tvho wished to address the City Council on any matter of City business to come fomrard. The following speakers rose to be heard and their remarks are summarized: Mary lt"lcClaine, Schenectady - ""Neither the Mayor nor City Council has done anything to publicly stress the importance of clean city streets. For the past three years the main streets of Schenectady have been perennially filthy. Downtown is free of litter because money is corning %om the private sector to pay workers to clean it. Tbe same thing is now happening on Eastern Avenue. Price chopper bas of&red to pay individuals living on the street to clean the litter. It's working. The results are astounding. The positives are corning from the neighborhoods. Mount PIeasant residents have gone above and beyond the call of duty to improve their area. The Mayor says the city built the tennis courts but it was the Mt. Pleasant residents cvho painted the neglected chain link fence. A big job. The Mayor says he wants to demolish the dilapidated eye sores. But it was the Mt. Pleasant residents who painted 70 fire hydrants in their neighborhood. They even mowed the lawn in their park. This kind of work is the city's responsibility not the homeowner. Mt, pleasant desewes all the things they asked for. Please see to it that it happens. In my case, 1have spent time on my knees planting Rowers and pulling weeds in the island garden; bent over pieking up cigarette buMs 20 at time with the point of my scissors for 5 years all surnmer long on Sunday afternoon, gratis. m i l e at the other end of Nott St. the business man is allowed to eanl a profit and run his business Like a city dump. Someone finally picked up sod that was lying on the dirt, The area was not swept. Mr. M a p r , you sent a crew to BuftBlo. Now please send a crew to Nott St. and Van Vranken Ave. to clean up h a t messy comer. 1refuse to do it, I have been thrown off the ballot four times and bi-passed four times by both the Democrats and Republicans for a City Council seat. El appears that the council seats are for a chosen k w . The rest ofus have the green right to do all the p n t work in the city." Joy Hall, Schenectady - Noted the Gity has big problems related to traffic and pedestrian safety. She noted lower Liberty Street is very bumpy. She noted concerns related to the closing of the Ellis Hospital Emergency Room on McGlellan Ave. She noted the Ellis Hospital Emergency Room on Nott Street is too far for some residents to travel and especially for those who do not have transportation. Anthony Gavota, Schenectady - Noted a recent article in the paper that reported crime is down. He noted -this is a lie and the Council needs to be aware of the facts. He asked, if crime is dourn then Life in the City would have improved. We noted on the national ~ o n t the public is having issues with cops, He noted there are always a few bad srpples, He noted the impadance of looking out for crneseK David Di Girolamo, Scheneetady - Noted he has been a one man protest related to an expe~encehe had with the Sehenectady Police Dega&menl, He noted the department has a history of dirty cops and added a few still remain, He noted the depwment violated the HIPAA pnvacj; Iaw when an anesting officer required him to report specific health related infomation, He noted this was unlawhl aznd the officer was wrong, He noted he will continue to protest but will not be filing a lawsuit, 3garr.a Isaac, Scheneckady - Noted a recent cartoon in the Gazette which she finds offensive, She noted the illustration I"e;llures two persons 06color and the elder tells the younger person, ""don't act black"' when you are outside and see the police. She closed by suggesting a boycott of the Gazette pending an apology. Ton. Baonorne, Schenectady - Koted t111.swas the '73id mni\ersarq since the bombing o f Pearl Harbor. Noted this i s also the anniversary o f the start o f WWIY, H e asked all those in attendance Schenectady City Council Minutes December 8, 2014 / Page 5 of 6 to remember those lost in the bombing and the war with a moment of silence. He noted he recalls hiding under his desk as a child during air-raid drills. Stefan kueger, Schenectady - Noted he is with the Rotterdam Empire Rescue group and he extended his gatitude to the City officials, M a p r and Council for improvements at the City dog shelter. He noted it has been an extended process overall but improvements include longer bold times for dogs. Patricia Smith, Schenectady - Noted there was another shooting in hilont Pleasant and the residents find it very unsettling. She noted the shooting is akin to a murder with bad aim. She added Mont Pleasant is primarily single family homes with young families with children. She noted it is important for residents to feel safe in their neighborhood. She noted the taxes are too high for families with limited resources. She noted troubled residents are moving in and causing an increase in police calls and decrease in properly values, Marienne Schuter, Schenectady - Noted she has three items to address: ( I ) She is requesting an ordinance related to restricting road side basketball set up. She noted she has had three broken windows as a result 06 road side basket ball's going astray and it is also a dangerous practice with speeding traffic. (2) She noted she has photo's of drug buys taking place near her home. She noted the activity has been taking place for the last 20 years. She noted these illegal actitiities add a negative element to the neigh"oorhood. (3) She noted her tax assessment is 2x the value of her home. She noted that she has attempted to secure a reduced assessment on her property and has been denied twice with the same form letter. She closed by noting that she can't sell the home at the assessed value. Carol Johnson, Schenectady - Noted she is with Rotterdam Empire Rescue. She noted the conditions at the Schenectady City dog shelter where not favorable. She noted the situation has improved in large part due to the persistent advocacy by people like her and related groups. She noted the new Animal Control Officers are compassionate and it's apparent by their actions when transporting dogs in City custody. She noted the City website needs to be maintained and updated on a regular basis regarding dogs in City custody. She appreciates that the dogs are being held longer. She noted her interest and intentions to work together and noted there are still volunteers in the wings ready to help when asked. Viekie EJlurewitz, Scheneetady - " hama local community activist and I am up here to "Eel1 you about Job Matching, Pathways a project I am doing with Couneilw~rnanMarion Porler%eld,The puqose o f Job Matching Pathways is to help people find jobs.. There is no charge for this service, We have an office in 920 Albany Street, where the SEFGI; branch is in Hamilton Hill* Office hours are Tuesday. 10:00 a-m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday. 12:00 p,m. to 7:00p.m. and Thursday from 10.00 a m , to 4:00 p.m, No appointment i s necessary durrng regular hours. The telephone number is 377-4516. W e are o f f e ~ n gan individualized, hands on approach to helpkg people find jobs, W e have a 60 question test to evaluate ecfisnt's areas of strengths and then w e match these strengths sitla types ofjobs that would fit and then actual Jobs that are available. We mill also recommend and help clients Link up to job training and educational opporl-unities for targeted career adr~ancement,Ms, Porkerfield and I svould Like to extend an irr~iitationfor et eryane to come by, see the office and if you are looking for work or a\ ouid like to gee a better or different job come take advantage of this eliciting community based service.'" Colleen &%era>s,Sehenectady - Inrr,~bedres~dsnksto pafincspate: an the City-s Hol~daqevent takrng place on Saturday, Decemkrirp-L 3 rn downto~+n.She noted there ~1.41be plenty of actn ltres horse dra~vncarnage ndes. She noted all the act~i~tres for kids along t ~ t h are fkee and the etenh Schenectady City Council Minutes December 8,2014 1 Page 6 of 6 runs from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Locations include the downtotvn Library, City Hall and event padieipants include MiSci and Proctors. Seeing no other speakers to come before the Gity Council, Ms. King declared the Privilege of the Floor closed regarding City Business. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL &Is. PorterfieId - Noted the Affirmative Action A d v i s o ~Board will be meeting on December 18 at 6:00 p.m. at Gity Hall in room 1 10. She noted the meeting is open to the public and business otvners are encouraged to attend. She reflected on cuPrent events specifically related to law enforcement and race in America. She noted it is important to maintain open dialogue and conversation ho?vever she believes the comic in the editorial section of the Gazette was inappropriate. She noted the City needs to be part of the discussion in order to create better understanding. She noted this is less about race and more about developing relationships. She closed by noting she has family in law enforcement. Mr. Wggi - Noted improved community relations is a good thing. He noted a few months ago, Schenectady Police were able to dehse a situation which involved law enforcement and a local youth with a toy gun. He noted a crisis -was averted and advised caution related to youth playing with toy guns that took like the real thing. He noted officers would benefit from attending neighborhood association meetings and added other municipalities have policies like ""sop, walk and talk". He noted this can be a beneficial interaction to collect infomation and concerns &om residents, He then noted Albany has a "cod blue" policy related to &eezing temperatures and ensuring homeless are off the street. He asked the Mayor if the City has a similar policy. He then noted the Beltewe Neighborhood Association will host their annual Christmas Party on December I I at 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Church. He noted there will be a tree li&ting followed by a reception. Mr. Kosiur - Noted a save the date in relation to the amual Woodlawn Park Ziti and Meatball dinner fundraiser. He noted the event will take place on January 20 at the Hibernian on State Street. He noted proceeds will benefit Woodlawn Park redevelopment. He then thanked the DSIC for their work on organizing the City Holiday celebration scheduled for December 13thin downtown Schenectady. He then noted the passage of the Building Trades union contract as part of the consent agenda tonight. He noted the cost of health insurance -for employees averages around $25,000 a year. He noted the City offers incentives ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 for employees who opt out of coverage for themselves or a f m l l y member. Mayor McCarthy --- Noted that he agees with Council member Porterfield regading relations between law enforcement and the comnturaity~We noted the Police and Fire department are looking for people all the time, He asked residents to assist with clean-up related to the expected snow fall, He asked residents to shovel around the fire hydrants and noted no parking on p ~ r r r r t j ~ streets when there is thee inches of snow or more, 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. RiggI and the Scfienecllady Depufv City Clerk