City Council

hIINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED RIEETING OF THE SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL January 12,2015 The City Council Meeting was called to order by the City Council President Margaret King at 7:47 p.m. in Room 209, City Council Chambers at City Hall. Ms. King caHed upon Rev. William Levering to provide the invocation. Ms. King called on Chris Morris to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The City Clerk called the roll and the following members ofthe City Council answered to be present: Present - Council members, John Ferrari, Margaret King, John Mootooveren, Leesa Perazzo, Marion Porterfield, and Vincent Riggi Also Present - City Clerk Chuck Thorne, Corporation Counsel Carl Falotico and Mayor Gary McCarlhy Absent - Council member Ed Kosiur At this point, Mayor Gary McCarthy provided the State of the City Address (see attached). At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no ob~eetions,she would like to take agenda item number 14 out of order. There were no ob~ections. Resolution No. 2015 - 1 --- A Resolution in Recognition of Rev. James Boobout and the Bridge Christian Church. Rev. James Bookhout and church representatives &om the Bridge Christian Church were on hand a d extended their gratitude for the recognition by the Mayor and City Council. Rev. Bookhout also thaded the leadership of the Bridge Church for their commitment and service to the community. The resolution was moved by Ms. Perazzo and seconded by Mr. Mootooveren. The resolution passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ms. King asked for a motion to approve the minutes &om the December 22, 2014 Council meetings as submitted by the City Clerk; Ms. Perazzo made a motion to approve the minutes, Mr. Ferran seconded the motion, OfEcial: From the Mayor a list of appoinhents dated January 13,2015 General: None Petitions: None @OMla!$"dTFEE REPORTS: Schenectady City Council Minutes January 12, 2015 1 Page 2 of 5 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITETIIS) Ms. King invited all who wished to address the Legislative Agenda to come fomrard: Jason Planck. Scheneetady - Noted his intentions to speak on item #I. He acknowledged the item was pulled from the agenda which deals with best value purchasing. He noted the new legislation does not include persons with disabilities. He noted State and Federal law requires they should be included. He added Council member Mootooveren's suggestion was slighted and the text; "should", should read "must". He noted the RFP process includes asking City staff to give best value. He added the way the legislation reads, it throws out the REP process. This would shortchange minorities: disabled, and small businesses in the City. He gave examples related to the purchase of City vehicles and the contract for food service at the Muni golf course. Teneka Frost-Amusa, Schenectady - Noted she avould resene her comments given agenda item $1 (A Local Law Allowing for Best Value Purchasinl;) was pulled. Seeing no speakers come fornard, 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. Mootooveren. Consent Agenda - Resolution No. 20 15 - 2 ............................. . ...'.Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 15 - 3 ....................................... . A d Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 4 ........................................A d d Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 5 ........................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 6 ........................................ Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 7 ........................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 8 ........................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No, 20 15 - 9 ...................... ... d o e Unanimously Resolution No. 201 5 - I O ................,............a..S..... A d o p t Unanimously Resolution No. 20 15 - I I .................................... s.Ad~pted Unmirnsusty Resolution No, 20 15 - 12 .................................... ad Unanimous1y PRIVILEGE OF THE mOOR: Ms. King invited all who wished to address the: City Council on any matter of City business to come fornard. The fo"ol~owmgspeakers rose to be head suzd their remarks are sarwrmarrzed: Jason Planck, Scheneetady --- Noted this i s the time when City Development Block Grant applications go out. However he noted the City has not held any public heartngs on CDBG hnding, He also noted the City is supposed to present a five-year plan this year and the City has not held any public headngs, He noted on April I is when the thirty day public comment period opens related to Ganding, but the City has not yet engaged the public leading up to this date. He noted this is a pattern ofbehavior for the City Department. He added the 20 t 0 comprehensive plan included the creation o f 100jobs. brat theere have been no pmposals. He nofed the 2014 CDBC funding paid S50,000 lo an A f f i m a t i t e Action Officer and recetved little rn return, He added the City Council recently passed a $2.5 million dollar contract for the round-about which S ~ h e n e c t a d yCity Council Minutes January 12, 201 5 / P a g e 3 of 5 did not include minority hiring practices. He noted the City continues to violate Affirmative Action related to the hiring of persons with disabilities. Me noted the puqose of the funding is about getting people back to work. He then asked where the affordable and accessible housing development is taking place in the City. He noted the City is creating economically distressed areas with the detrelopment of luxury apartment clusters and leaving out the constmction of affordable housing as well, He noted that City depaments have time in January, February and March to put out RFP applications for constmction projects. He noted the City needs to look at the affimative action componeflls of those applications. Larry DePauIo, Schenectady - Noted he teaches an entrepreneur class but is here tonigbt as a veteran of the A m e d Forces. He noted his intent to address concems related to police officers being attached in NUC and in Canada. He asked what the emergency service readiness plan is on the local level. He noted this time of year brings up unique challenges. I-Ie shared a personal experience related to his active duty militaq service. He added there are very bad people out there who have declared war on the U.S.A. and he invited all in the room to think about safety. We noted 30 years ago he took an oath to protect this country and he will continue to do so the rest of his life, He asked the Mayor to get together with the Cities emergency sewice departments to develop a street emergency services strategy and added the Mayor can count on his supporl. Anthony Cavota, Schenectady - Noted his concerns related to lack of respect. He added there are individuals who like to beat up on others and are posting videos on UouTube and Facebook. He then noted there is a group of people who think that "Muslim'" is a race and he noted it is not, it's a religion. He noted Muslims are tving to push laws in City gov ents. He noted this is happening in this City. He noted he has a friend who got beat up at Mt Pleasant Middle School and was hurt. He noted the City Council and the Mayor need to be aware because people's lives are in danger. Marva Isaac, Schenectady - Noted at 305 Duane Avenue there is a house that has been boarded up for years. Couple nights ago she noted she saw a candle burning in the house and she went over and put the candles out. She noted this type of activity could start a fire. She noted something needs to done about it. She added the police boarded it up recently but people are still getting in the building and the second floor windows are open. She reiterated that something needs to be done. She then thaked the Bike Rescue for the bikes at Christmas time and the She~ff Depadment for the helmets. She closed by encouraging people to see Selma the movie. Joy Hall, Seheneetady --- Noted the streets need to be salted for vehicle and pedest~ansafety, She hi&li&ted the area by the museum off of Nott Terrace. She added walk lights need to go up and the hill streets need to be salted. She closed by ssltressing that sometl-nngneeds to be done about drivers speeding on City streets. Portia ABston, Sehenectady --- Noted concerns related 80 domestic violence in Seheneetady which she added happens more frequently than it should, She reflected on ;a recent domestic violence incident that was in the paper and she added, eonkary to what the article said, this was not an isolated incident. She noted domestic kiolence is not an isolated phenomena and more attention needs to be focused on it. She added the recent incident involved m individual who had a prior record and when released, re-offended, She noted he needed to be in a progarn, She added individuals released to parole, on probation or corning through community supervision need to be required Is complete anger management and dsmesk~cviolence preventmn training. She added these interventions wsil educate high-nsk indlc~dualso they are better aware o f the Issue .;&atcan lead to domesnc *ioHence incidents She referenced data reports which indicated twenty-two percent of ~ndividualsunder community supenisron have a history ofdomestic Schenectady City Council Minutes January 12,2015 f Page 4 of 5 violence, She closed by asking the City of Schene~tadyto offer more training and to fafollow up on risk assessments. Stephanie Bandosik, Schenectady - Noted that she is a third generation Betlekxe resident. She noted she adopted her dog which went though training classes. She noted her focus of using therapy dogs to comfort the homeless and veterans. She noted her dog is part of the family. She noted her concerns relate to encounters she has with off Leash dogs during the week while walking her dog. She noted on a .few occasions she has been chased by two dogs traveling together and when she encounters an off leash dog she finds it terrifying. She noted when she calls animal control she always receives the voicemail box. She added when she has spoke with Animal Control Officers (ACO) she was told to find out where the loose dogs live and then the ACO will visit their home. She noted she was asked by the ACO? if the dogs are viscous and she replied any loose dog is a safety issue for walkers and drivers. She noted half or more of the loose dogs have an owner present and she oRen sees dog owners in Hillhurst Park allowing their dogs to run without a leash. She noted she puts herself in h a m 3 way to protect her and her dog. She noted she is open to suggestions and hopes the City Council will take these concerns seriously. Seeing no other speakers to come before the City Council, Ms. King declared the Pl-ivilege of the Floor closed regarding City Business. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL Ms. Perazzo - Noted her thanks to the Mont Pleasant Neighborhood Association for hosting City Council members at their recent meeting. She noted the meeting was a good opportunity to have a conversation about the ways the City is progressing and discuss some of the neighborhood concerns. She closed by noting she is looking forward to continuing the conversation. Mr. Riggi- Reflected on the prior speaker regarding issues related to dog walking and loose dogs in City parks. He noted this is an ongoing concern in the Bellevue neibborhood and throughout the City, especially in the good weather. He asked why people think it's ok to unleash their dogs in City parks when there is a leash law in effect. He noted residents are willing to call the Animal Control Officers but sometimes are unable to reach them which is a problem. He noted the pl-iority is the safety of dog owners and City residents. He suggested more enforcement with regards to the leash law, especially in the City parks, Regarding the recent police officer attacks and assassinations he noted his full suppod behind the officers, As such he noted he would be weafing a blue ribbon for those who have been slain and those in hams while on active duty, He added he is speechless regarding the recent attacks against police officers. He noted his support for proactive measures which would make public safe@ officer safer in the field. He added some of which WOUICJ include hnmding for bullet proof windows for police vehicles. He closed by noting the City could do the work in-house to same money, Ms, Porterfield - Reflected on the Mayor% remarks from the State o f the City, She added job oppomitiies are happening on a replar basis and she is looking forward to involving more people in the renaissance taking place in the community, She noted with the pending development there will be demolition and construction work oppof-tunities to come, She then noted the Hmilton Hi11 Arts Center will be having its annual awards dinner at 34allozzi%son January I S at 5130 pm, She added there will be a silent auction along \with the Legacy Awards presentation, For tickets, residents can call 346-1362. 3%r,Ferrari - Koted he is honored. to announce the first meeting o f the hliilemial Cuunc~lto take place on Januargi 14 at 6:30p m . at City Hall in room 209, He noted the Council is intended Schenectady City Council Minutes January 12,201 5 f Page 5 of 5 for young professionals who like in the City who are making significant contribution to the City. He then extended a public invitation to interested residents to attend the meeting. He asked interested parties to send resumes to his attention at the City Clerk's office. He then noted the Woodlawn Park Redevelopment Committee would be hosting its annual Ziti & MeatbaIl Dinner on Januav 20 at 5:30 p.m. He invited Gity residents to attend and noted there would be Perreca's bread and a 50150 raffle. Mr. Mootooveren - Reflected on the Mayor" State of the City and appreciation for the Mayor's leadership and successes this past year. He added the City has a bright outlook for 2015. He then noted the recent press release from Metroplex related to the PILOT Program. He noted based on the figures in the report the PILOT Project is working. He encouraged residence to review the report. He then thanked Development leadership and Metroplex for bring business back to Schenectady. He closed by wishing everyone a happy new year and added he is looking fomard to working with his colleagues in the F a r ahead. Adjourned: Seeing no fufiher business to come before the City Council, Ms. King asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was moved by Mr. Rig@ and seconded by Mr. Fenari and the meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. By Chuek Thorne Scheneetady Gity Clerk  State of the City Address City of Schenectady January 12,2015 Mayor Gary McCarthy Good Evening. Council President King, Mernbers of the City Council thank you for the opportunity to address you tonight as we begin our 2 1 7 ~ year as a eity. I want to review some of our acmmplishmenls last year and outline some opportunities and objectives as we start this New Year. E u7ant to thank everyone for joining us tonight and those who are able to watch this and all City Council meetings at home via Open Stage Media as a Time Warner or Verizon cable subscribers. This is a service ule have provided to the people in this co ity for over 35 years, I said this was our 21 7&year as a city. That is a long time c o m i n g some good times and some m r e challenging periods. 2014 was a very good year and we should all be exciked about the hture. Economic Development We continued the redevelopment of Schenectady in partnership with Metroplex, Under the leadership of Ray Gillen the Metroplex orgarlization and our unified economic development team continues to produce impressive results and regionally recognized accomplishments. We revitalized lower State Street with investments by the city. Metroplex and National Grid of over $4 million. This transformation includes new sidewalks, curbs, street lights, vault repairs, water, gas lines and re-paving the street surface. In addition $14 million spent on the re-building of Erie Boulevard, we have successhlly transformed the western entrance to the city. The NYBizLab at 251 State Street, the creation of Transfinder CEO Antonio Civitella, began a multi-million dollar building renovation including a modern faqade. This site is eligible for the Governor" Start-Up New York program which creates tax 6ee status for qualifying businesses through Schenectady County Cornunity College's approved plan. We saw the completion of the $3.6 million conversion of the former MVP Headquavters on Liberly Street into 21 luxury apa&ments and the re-buildkg of the parking lot: at 1.19 State Street, This will be followed this year by a $20 million &vestment by Prime Companies and Highbridge Development in the Robinson Block project assisted by a $1.2 million @ant from Governor C u o m 3 regional council - the: second largest amrasd in the Capital Region. 200 State Street was redeveloped into market rate housing with a gound floor art gallery. Absolute Tile Company relocated their office and \\rarehouse operations to the entrmcs of the Stockade at 17 South Church Street, the former Kelly Glass building. Absolute Tile kvested well oter $100,000 in renovating this one story brick building. Other Downtown Projects include: Prodors unveiled their renovated marquee sign which paired the iconic design with up-to-date digital imagery, Kew businesses that chose to move to Seheneetady in our revitalized downtown kelude Buzz Media and the soon to open Pioneer Bank in the 400 block of State Street, Crossfit 518 and Studio4 Hot Yoga added to the recreation amenities in downtown ~nthe revitalized 151 Lafayate Street building. Schenectady State of the City 2015 Page 2 WolfPs Biergaden on Erie Boulevard added to Matt Baumgartnerb investment in our e an invention company that has successhlly partnered with GE to produce innovative consumer products, opened an ofice in the Center City Building. They occupy two floors in the building and are well on their way to create the projected 180 new jobs for our cc, Mexican Radio opened their doors to the $3 million transfornation of 325 State. The restaurant is another addition to the great variety of dining options making downto~\rna regional destination for ';fiodies ". The Parker Inn has been revived thou& a change in management to Mazzone Hospitality. A streetscape project replacing the planters and sidewalks in &ont of the main library was completed enhancing one of downtown's great exmple of modernist architecture. The VVfnitney Book Store at 600 Union Street was repainted with the assistance ofMetroplex. Helping promote Schenectady as a pedestrian and bike &friendlyco nity. we hosted a bike share program for a week last su Following the successful mixed-use apartment proJect at 245 Broadway, Iocai builder John Luke Hodorowski announced plans to construct a four-story building at 242 Broadway that would have office space on the f ~ s t floor and 39 upscale apartments on the top three floors. This is an estimated $7 million investment. nity Loan Fund of the Capital Region officially opened its satellite office at 920 Albany Street in the Hamilton Hilt neighborhood. The office Located at the Schenectady County Business Center wilt provide technical assistance and business classes. It is expected to invest $1-9 million in new loans within Schenectady to micro entepllses for business development, to non-profit organizations for housing and co nity improvement and to dividuals for home ownership and repair. The City of Schenectady and Metroplex also continue to invest in the Upper Union Street Business District. We repaired the decorative crosswalks at the intersection of Union and Dean Streets. Metroplex worked with local business owner Tom Pai to redevelop the old Salamack's building at 1613 Union Street and helped local businesses such as Trendy Tots with sign grants. Eastern Avenue is now being transformed one property at a time. Schenectady's approach to the state land bank legislation has been unique. We worked with existing organizations such as the City IDA, Metroplex and other unities in a unified approach to neighborhood redevefopmea and tvere able to Ler, our first award for capacity buildkg into significant progess, We have already demlished six o f the most blighted buildings with more scheduled to c o w down in the ener hture, tVe worked with the Land Bank and members of Eastern Avenue Neighborhood Association to develop a concept plan for a new pocket park on Eastern Avenue, Eastm Avenue businesses such as k k e t Electric reinvested in their buildings with attractive new facades. A local entrepreneur is workkg to rejuvenate the former St, Mary's Church with new tally minded uses. Finance Deparbment The City's finances went though tough rimes followkg the housing bu"oble & nrre1ttrdor.l-nin the m d g a g e market, The expense and allocation resources that dealing with distressed propedies cost the city is a problem u e are still dealing with. But the state o f Schenectady's finances cu.bllinues to impror,e, Schenectady State of the City 2015 Page 3 Standard & Poor upgaded Schenectady's Bond Rating to A with a Stable Outlook last year. The City's 2013 Audit, which was published in the spring of 2014, was the first to contain a corrrprehensive Management Discussion and Analysis. We started 2014 with a $14.4 million h n d balance in the General Fund. That was an increase of $1.6 niillion 6om 2013. I expect a modest General Fund operating suvlus for Fiscal Year 20 14. This will be the third consecutive surplus. Our total property tax levy is lower this year than it was three years ago by about .72% and our General Fund Budget rose an a-c.erage of less than I% a year over the same time. Fire Department Doing a great job every day and having national and state raking in the urorkload they do. Rescue 1 is the 2"d busiest non-transport medical unit in the country. It also holds the distinction of being the busiest piece of fire apparatus in New York State, Car 22 our riding Deputy Fire Chief is the 2'"usiest Baltalion Chief in the State. Truck I is the 4' busiest tmck company in the state and 21'" busiest in the countrl;. Engine 1 is r a k e d 3"" busiesr engine company in the state* The Schenectady Fire Department was named EMS Agency of the Year and Fire FighteriParannedic Alex Knowlton was named Paramedic of the Year by the Schenectady County EMS Council. Nationally only about 6% of arson cases result in an arrest. Schenectady Fire Departments Investigation Division in partnership Alcohol, Tobacco and Fireams Agents has produced an arrest rate ofjust under 90%. Truly impressive work. Police Department The department responded to 74,555 calls for service last year. The members of the department made over 4,800 (4,845) arrests and issued over '7,700 (7,704) traffic tickets. Under the DDACTS initiative since 2010 we have seen a reduction in our Part 1 Crimes of just under 25% (2010 - 4,425 to 2014 - 3340). The more conservative comparison to our 5 year average shows an 18.4% reduction. Evaluating our results in DDACTS target areas, traffic crash analysis shows over a 32% reduction and almost a 42% reduction in crashes involving injury. We have closed with anest 4 of the 5 homicides last year and significant progress in being made in the 5'" Data driven policing is worEring. Code Enforcement We have continued OUP II rhood code enforcemnl sweeps, utilizing a eo approach. As Mayor, 1 am ted to bringkg the same transformation we have seen downto\vn to o w neighbo have brou&t a eontiming and consistent focus on code enforcemnt and distressed progedies, heiudillg p ~ n e r s k i p swithneighboring co bring rzlterrltcln to this major issue plaguing upstate comunities, In our f i s t phase, cve began neighborhood reviews and creaked a .iacant propedj~registry to help deal with the problem o f blight. We complimented the many prope&y owners who maintained their propedies and we gave polite notices ofnon-eompiianee for first time or minor problems, We hatre issued appearance tickets for city court and hate gone as far to seek \vanants for individuals who do not maintain their property and have major issues, Tn 20 14 we wrote afmost 10,800 notices and had over an 31% compliance rate without court action. Schenectady State of the City 2015 Page 4 Our Code Oficers now are using tablets with m b i l e applications. This enables the staff to work more eficiently and in a coordinated manner with the Law Department, Office of General Services, Police and Fire Departments. m e n I started as mayor in 201 1 our code records were all manual there was no automtion. To remedy this Scbenectady partnered with the Center for Technology in Coverment, c o m o n l y referred to as CTG- an applied research unit of the University at Albany, to investigate the best practices in technology in infomation sharing in Code Enforcement. A startling fact is that code data is not stmdardized in New Uork State. This is very similar to bow data for D W was in the late 70's and domestic violence was in the 80's. You need to c o q i l e the empirical data so everyone understands the problem. Our partnership with CTG found out that a single property slated for demolition can, on average, generate expenses for a municipality in excess of $65,000. (Lost property taxes, police, f i e and code enforcement and actual demolition) Properties tend to follow a predictable and costly seven year cycle as they move from mildly distressed to blighted or vacant and some ultimately in need of demolition, Schenectady ended 2014 as the lead awardee of a $558,002 New York State Depa&ment of State Local Government Efficiency Grant to partner with Amsterdam, Troy and Glo~rersvillein a pilot progam to combat blight and better manage distressed properties. This will be done through an innovative information sharing initiative with the assistance of the Center for Technology in Government, This project I hope will lead to the standardization of code data across New Uork State, CommuniaJi Development We continue to make major imestments in our neighborhoods. The City of Schenectady was awarded, in partnership with Schenectady County, a secolld $3 million HUD Lead Abatement grant which will run for three years. We received over $2.6 million in combined CDBC, HOME and ESG moneys. 7 new homes were built last year, 33 housing units rehabbed and assistance was provided for 18 energy efficient rehabs. Schenectady Housing Development Fund Corporation closed on 8 houses for lYttime home buyers. More than 300 individuals with disabilities were assisted. We closed on the $3 million I-IUD Section t 08 Loan which will allow us to eliminate some of the worst of our distressed propedies. I want to t h a k Senator Sehumer for his help in enabtkg Schenectady to use this progam in an imocallve way. Schenectady is setting a national example by using this program f i r spot blight removal. We know &om national statstics that vacant and abandoned homes Left to d d ~ o r a l ecreate an environment for crrrne and hare a significant negatim influenee on the quality of life and the value o f adjacent and nearby propedies, By demolishing the worst buildings and doing aggressive code enforcemnt we are r e m v k g the hurdle to hvestmiat 22 redevelopment in our ngighborhoods, I want to send a strong message that \we will hold progerb-y owners accountable, The first 7 $emlitions with the 108 funds were completed in 20'14, Approximately 68to 70 more will happen .intine: next year, Yn addition to our Z 08 &nds, the Capital Region Land Bank won the largest award in the state h r n Attorney General Schneiderrnan - $3 million. With this m n e y we completed the first 5 demolitions last year. The Land Bank will dernoYisk.1 approximately 40 "sildrngs and do 25 rehabs over the next >ells. Schenectady State of the C i t y 2015 Page 5 Combined with our Lead Grant, our CDBG investments and our 108 fknds, we are investing over S 10 million into our neighborhoods over the next se~eralyears. One of the challenges I faced as Mayor was changing the perception of realtors, investors and prospective home buyers of Schenectady. I started Home Ownership Made Easy in Schenectady (ti.0.-M.E.S.) program started out with 9 partners.. ... Key Bank, Pnrdential Manor Homes, the Schenectady City School District, the Gazette, NBT Bank, U, S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Legere Restorations. SRC Architects and Open Stage Media. We continue to bring in additional partners.. .... Trustw Bank, Coldwell Bankers, the Community Loan Fund and others join in our efliorts. We held 10 Open House Weekend events as part of our Home Ownership Made Easy in Schenectady program. In April the Chamber of Schenectady County recognized this great progam and gave the H.O.M.E.S. program its 2014 "'Good News Award". Schenectady was also showcased through two major regional housing events: Strengthening unities and Homes Su it in April and the Greater Capital Area Realtor Association annual meeting in September. both were held at Proctors. They brought realtors and housing professionals Eom t and across the state to Schenectady to see fxsthand the progress happening in our c Schenectady has also taken a unique approach to property disposition. M i l e many cornunities use auctions for simple disposition and quick cash, Schenectady is taking a more deliberate horneownership- centered approach. We have built a strong and innovative partnership with the local real estate comunity. We had 42 Professional Real Estate Agents listed and marketed 101 of our foreclosed properties. We have sold and retumed to the tax rolls 56 properties generating $72 1,000 in gross rewnue in 20 14. Infrastructure Since I have been mayor we have paved an average of 8.5 miles of city streets each year. That compares to an average of 2.6 miles in the prior 4 years. Later this year I will recommend that the City Council adopt a paving program to pave more than 10 miles of streets this year. The structural analysis on the Oak Street Bridge will be completed in the next few months and I anticipate repairs to begin later this year. Scheneetady partnered with the Schenectady School District and was amlarded a nearly $380,000 grant to improve sidewalks around two of our schools. We also pafinered with the county and received a $ I . I million gra& to improve the Central Park - Downtown Sckneetady Trarl connection, We completed the installation of a 3,029 panel 71 1 kilokvatt solar m a y on top ofthe Bevis Hill Reserwlr. This i s one of the Largest municipal systems in the state and is expected to save Schenectady $800,000over the life o f the contract. Using remote metering we will oEset the electricity used by City Hall and all four City Fire Stations. Parks Our parks are one of our ge;alest assets. We had over 22,000 visitors used the City pools in 2014, Though CBBG and 52,998su er lunches were serried to city youth in ow parks. In Central Park we had 180 basebalkgames, 45 softball games, 146 Park Pavilion rentals, 2 8 5K runs were held and we re-established pedal "oats on Iroquois Lake, W e completed two park ~mprot-ementsin our parks with partnerships u ith neighborhood associations - the Steinmetz Park Pa-iiion and major trsns&marion of Woodlawn Park. Scheneaady State of the City 2015 Page 6 Mohawk Harbor Essentially we have the Largest, most iqressive partnership in the region happening here in Schenectady. The news that a casino will be corning to our city was preceded by months of work done hand-in-hand by our business co nity? our friends in arts, culture and hospitality, and those working to advance economic d pment in our city and region. Rush Street Ga and the Galesi Croup came up with a winning plan, one that includes a 5300 million casino integated into the $150 million Mohawk Harbor mixed use development, which for anyone who's traveled down Erie Boulevard recently knows is already undernay. This project -will incorporate not only services that our city needs, but public and s e e n spaces that will be of great benefit to all. It will also be a tremenilous economic driver - the casino alone will employ 1,200 people. During the next several months, we will see one of the oldest brown fields in the United States transformed into a tvaterfront destination devetopment unrivaled in Upstate New Uork. This plan was rnet with great support &om our community, in past because Rush Street Gaming and Galesi have been open and responsive throughout the process, and fomed partnerships in our toea1 co Conclusion time in our city' has truly been the result of such pafinerships, at all levels of gov nt, business and ty. All of the &reat achievements over the past year were arrived at together. As I look around this room and consider everyone who has made a difference over the past ~ a rI ,know our city is a ee, nity of dedicated individuals and inspired leaders. I have no doubt that we will all continue to w r k together over the corning year to build on our m n y successes: stabilized city finances, crime is down, over a billion dollars in completed or plamed economic development. So I thank you for your past support and look fornard to working with you as we continue to shape an even brighter future and continue making the City of Schenectady a better place to work, visit and call home. Schenectady -- You can bet on it!  City of Schenectady kd--t r" :$,. STATE OF THE CITY Mayor Gary R. McCarthy January 2015 SCHENECTADY m c o m a hfrngweet Ktrrg, Presrdnrt lohrt F m Ednvlrd Kmrsr lahrr Mootoowrrn Lee31Ptlnzzo hlrntott Porterfrelrl Vrnc~rrfR~ggr I Economic ~eveloDmentl 9 Economic Development %,,8*Erie Boulevard Project Completed q ? - - 'J'-' -. . . * m I '. - % - 1 '1 L 1 I aEconomic Development -y*' - 251 State Street -A new business incubator Economic Development $3.6 million conversion of the former MVP Headquarterson Liberty Street into Z I luxury apartments 200 State Street was redeveloped into market rate housing with a ground floor art gallery Absolute Tile Company relocated their office and warehouse operations and - 2- b y invested well over $100,000 in renovations . $ :.at . -. 1 9. Economic Development Downtown Additions Economic Development A Regional "Fwdie" Destination !iiiiic~ rqp-- Proctors unveiled their renovated marquee sign which + .I paired the iconic design with up-to-date digital imagery New Additions: Pioneer Bank, Buzz Media, Crossfit518, Studio4 Hot Yoga Quirky opened an office in Center City and are well on their way to create the projected 160 new jobs for our community Economic Development @ ~conomicDeveloprneni .T - 7 Improvements . ,, New Investments - 242 Broadway a four- -- ->m b me Main Library had a major story with office space c ;heetscape upgrade replacing and 39 upscale apartments the planters and sidewalks -an estimated $7 million investment The City hosted a week long bikc The Community Loan share program helping promote Schenectadyas a pedestrian and Fund opened its satellite bike friendly community office and will provide Total Miles Ridden: 173.74mi. assistance, classes, and Average Ride Length: 1.3lmi. invest $1.9 million in Total Rides: 133 new loans 9 . ' Economic Development Upper Union Street Investments Continue .. Economic Development Eastern Ave The Cify of Schenectady The City of Schenectady and Mehoplex c o n ~ o e to partnered with the Land invest m the Upper Unlon Street Business Drstrict. - * - - Bank, the I.D.A., r Repamed the decorahve Metroplex, and rmswalks at the Schenectady County to intersection of Union and Dean Slreets --, . '. a -4 leverage $360,000in 2014 r Assrsted in the First 5 demolitions d e e o p ne o --t:; & completed in 2014 F Salamack's bntldmg at 1613 Unxon Slreet Helped local b s s m e s w 1 Completed Design for new gateway park such as rrendy lots nr r wrth slgn grants pT - ,-. FINANCE DEPARTMENT 9 7 FINANCE DEPARTMENT City's Bond Rating was upgraded by Standard J From 2012-2015 the property tax levy has & Poor's Rating Services to "A with a Stable decreased 0.72% Outlook J General Fund Budget has risen only an The City's 2013 Audit, published in 2014, was the first to contain a comprehensive average 1% a year since 2012 Management Discussion and Analysis J Stayed under the property tax cap Began 2014 with a $14.4 million fund balance in the General Fund, up $1.6 million (11%) when !!!!I 1 t L- compared to 2013 >?$get ,3>846JW31,35h.lF,JI.3.'O9"8~~1,b17.8~ Expect a modest General Fund Operating (~nnnl~t Surplus for Fiscal Year ending 2014 FL-d Budget 79,264,426 78,071,679 79,428,753 81,635,576 FIRE DEPARTMENT -3 SFD Rescue 1 - 2nd Busiest 1 -.. FIRE DEPARTMENT The Schenectady Fire Department was named "EMS AGENCY OF THE YEAR " 91 - non transport medical unit in and the Country and busiest in the Fire fighteflaramedic Alex Knowlton was named State "PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR" d SFD Truck 1 - 23rd busiest in the Country and the 4th busiest in the State I by the Schenedady County EMS Council I 6 SFD Engine 1 4th busiest in - the State SFD - Car 22 Platoon Commander - 2nd busiest Battalionchief in the State ' A .unimgm.iirrhirrh nap- apdihstup,"dd ""z.NFLmlhrHrs~i~ 9 " . - ? FIREDEPA - ' .- POLICE DEPARTMENT P Calls for Service - 81,710 i Arrests 5,239 - - 9 -J i. Parking Tickets Issued- 12,966 i Traffic Tickets Issued 8,795 - - P Total Grant Funding Awarded $682,088 - ' > Continued Community Outreach +:* ;- -u.w SFD Fire Investigation Division 86 percent of - = arson fires in Schenedady result in a n arrest Nation-wide average is only 6 percent - 'A r.aw iXl d (hl, C+-I MpdlllYi tknr -6. 3  9 POLICE DEPARTMENT r& Code Enf orcernent .% Under the DDACTS initiative, Schenectady has *:* Continued Common Sense observed a 18.4% reduction in Part I crime Neighborhood-based compared to our five-year average. Evaluating approach our results in DDACTS target areas, traffic crash analysis shows a 325Oh reduction and a 41.7% *: Deployed Inspector Moblle reduction in crashes involving injury. Applicatton a n d Tablets *:* Coordinated with the Legal ! 1 1 . . 1 .'I Department, Office of General Services, Police and Fire (4,425 to 4112) (4,112to 3882) (3,882to 3,729) (3729 to 3340) *:* 10,798 notices issued - 8,797 complied w ~ t h o u tcourt acr Lon $558,002 New York Department of State Local Govenunent Efficiency Grant to partner w i t h Gloversville, Troy, and Amsterdam in a pilot average, generate expenses for a municipality in excess program to combat blight through an innovative information sharing initiative w i t h the assistance 3 "Properties follow a predictable and costly seven-year of Center for Technology i n Government (CTG) at cycle as they move from mildly distressed to blighted the University a t Albany. or vacant and some ultimately, in need of demolition. But the cycle can be interrupted." -"dl " n d n u d i ~ t C < * I d a ~ a l d d r + n ~ i n * C l , d i h n ~ Y \ " W ".L .?-i*mhmuim \ernw*irri liuly"".nl M f " i"**~. "..mmm -9 -. .'I Community Development Schenectady was awarded, in partnership I. I . -9 - ... .'> HUD 108 Loan Program $3million for affordable I with Schenectady County, a second $3 housing and spot blight million HUD Lead Safe Housing Grant removal which will mn for three years Repaid with CDBG and Sales --- -- - - Tax funds Received over $26 million in combined Innovative use CDBG, HOME and ESG r Over WOO indivtduak were assisted through Eliminated some of the worst varions funding s o m e blight that is preventing z 7 new homes were bndt, 33 housing units neighborhood investment rehabbed and assistance provided for 18 energy First 7 demolitions completed - efficient rehabs Schenectady Housing Development Fund Corporahon closed on 8 houses in 2014 Approximately 60-70 more to come r Over 333 persons with disabil~tieswere dsskted  '% . a- LandBank - The City of Sfhenectady 8 I r H.O.M.E.S. ra . 7 .. @ A I partnered with the Land Bank, the I.D.A., Metroplex, and Since aE=E incephon: ,"tl, Schenectady County to leverage Key Bank, NBT Bank --"" $360,000 in M14 Prudential Manor Homes Realtors First 5 demolitions completed in 2014 Schenectady City School Dlstrict Largest single award from the The Dady Gazette Attorney General in the State - US Department of HUD $3 million Approximately40 demolitions Legere Restorations and 25 rehabs over 2015 and SRG Archtects 2016 Q H.O.M.E.S. @ - ,,,- i/\ I o Additional 10 Open House MML-PRO 8 Weekend Events occurred in 2014 - Won the Chamber of *" Schenectady County 2014 "Good News Award" in April 9H.O.M.E.S. @ . A t P;? H.O.M.E.S. @ ....+ n t Schenectady was showcased through two major regional events: i Strengthening Cities, Communities and Homes i Greater Capital Area Realtor Association $721,000 in property sales for 2014 qi\ Infrastructure . .. I Infrastructure Paving Miles Per Year Over 10 miles expected to be paved in 2015 9 8 Oak Street Bridge - analysis completed in - 2014 with repairs anticipated to begin in the I 7 6 fall of 2015 5 % %St \1 4 3 4 2 -* r* 1 0 2007-2010 2011-2014 7 .,""Infrastructure I .,I Infrastructure Safe Routes to School - awarded a nearly $380,000 grant to City installed a new 3,029-panel 7ll kilowatt solar array improve pedestrian infrastructure around City schools P Expected to save the City $800,000 over the life of Central Park-Downtown SchenectadyTrail Connection - the contract Received a $1.1M grant to create a better connection > One of the largest municipal systems in the State > Offset the power used by City Hall and all four of the City Fire Stations w ', 4.;' .TPartners in Progress 3 22,240 visitors went to City pools in 2014 Schenectady completed two important park > Through CDBG and SICM, 52,999 summer lunches were improvements in our parks with partnerships served to 7,325 City Youth in City parks B 146 Central Park Pavilion rentals with local neighborhood associations B Total of 18 5K runs were held in Central Park P Re-established the Pedal Boats on Iruquois Lake Stemmetz Park Buddmg and City crews created a new Pavdton Opened seatmg area m \Yoodlawn Park 6  1 Mohawk Harbor City of Schenectady f'?$ 4 4 $450 million project One of the oIdest brownfields in the country ,.?'.. STATE OF THE CITY Mayor Gary R McCarthy January 2015 SCI~ENECTADYan comca Mmgmet Krrrg, Pre~rdmrt lohr~Ferrnrt kiuwd Kosrur lohn A4ootcmwnr Lee= Pernzzo Mrrnor~Porterfield Vtrrcolt Rlggt 7