City Council

MINUTES OF THE REGZILAmU SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE SCHENECTADU CITY COUNCIL The City Council Meeting was called to order by the City Council President Margaret King at 7:04 p.m. in Room 209, City Council Chanzbers at City Hall, Ms. King called on Rev. Arthur Butler to provide the inwcation. Ms. King then called on Mark Blanchfield to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The 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 Kosiur, John Mootooveren. Leesa Perazzo, Marion Porterfield, and Vincent Riggi Also Present - City Clerk Charles Thome, Corporation Counsel Carl Falotico and Mayor Gary McCartby At this point, lMs. King turned the floor over to Council member Ed Kosiur who introduced Marl< Blanchfield and students from the Central Park International Magnet School who preformed two songs from their upcoming perfomance of Alice in Wonderland. The performances will take place on March 13 & 1 4 ~ ~ . Joe Piazzo, Media - Noted the live video cable which was attached to the building across the street and allowed for the live broadcast of City Council meetings was lost in the fire. He noted tonight's meeting will be streaming online at and be will be looping the internet stream back on the pu"olc access c h m e l thou& Open Stage Media. He noted the quality will not be as good and be is not sure how long the intemption will last. At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no objections, she would like to take agenda item number 8, 9 & I0 out of order. There were no objections. Resolution No. 2015 - 54 - A Resolution Honoring the John F. Kennedy Division 1 Ancient Order of Hibernians, as well as All People of Irish Descent Throughout the City of Schenectady on the Occasion of the Feast of Saint Patrick, this March 17th, 2015. - Prior to the presentation of the ceremonial resolution there was a dance recital feahring youth from a local Irish dance group. Then representatives with the Ancient Order of the Hibernian accepted the resolution and extended their gatitude for the recopition by the Mayor and City Council. The resolution was moved by Mr, Fenad and seconded by Mr, Mootooveren, The resolution passed unmimously. Resolution No, 2015 - 55 --- A Resolution Recognhing Jenrllifier Lawrence as the 2015 VoukhBuild Director sf the Year, - Jennifer La'tvrenee was on hand and extended her gatitude k r the r e c o ~ i t i o nby the Mayor and City Council. She was also accompanied by students and faculty from the YouthBuild progam. The resolution was moved by Mr. h s i w and seconded by Ms, Porberfield, The resollal-ion passed unanimousiy, Resolution No, 2015 - 62 --- A Resolution RecrsgnHing the Festival Cinema Invisible o f Persian Speaking Countries and Communities, - Professor .%iahmoodKarimi-Hakak involved with the i-'estiva'i was on hand and extended his gratitude for the recognition by the Palfayor and City Council, Schenectady City Council Minutes March 9. 2015 1 Page 2 of 6 The resolution was moved by Ms. Perazzo and seconded by Mr. Mootooveren. The resolution passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None APPROVAL OF PtIINUTES: Ms. King asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the February 23 and March 2,201 5 Council meetings as submitted by the City Clerk; Mr. Riggi made a motion to approve the minutes, Ms. Perazzo seconded the motion. COMMUNICATIONS: Official: From the Mayor a list of appointments dated hlarck 9,201 5 General: A letter fi-om the Schenectady Veterans Council to the City of Schenectady extending their gratihde for the donation to syport their organizlllion. A letter from the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Post 357 to the City of Schenectady extending their gatitude for the donation to support their organization. Petitions: None COMMITTEE REPORTS: None PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE lTEiGlS) Ms. King invited all who wished to address the Le@siakiveAgenda to come fornard: Seeing no speakers come fonvard, Ms. King declared the Privilege o f the Floor on the LegisIative Agenda closed. 1NTRC)Z)UGTIQ)NOF AND ACTION UPON LOCAL LA\VS, 0I;USINANGES AND RESOLUTIONS: Mr. Rig@ made a motion that Council ;approves the Consent Agenda and the motion was seconded by %4r,Kosiur, Consent Agenda - Local Law Yo, 201 5 - 02 .- - - a * e e , . - - ~ ~~-.triXd~pted Lnan~mously .e~=..~.e..-.e Resolution No. 201 5 --- 56 ............................ 4 d o p t Unanlmorrsly ~ -.sa.*,a-* Scheneciady City Council Minutes March 9, 2015 I Page 3 of 6 Resolution No. 20 15 - 57 ...................................a,. A d Unanimously Resolution No. 202 5 - 58 ..................................... . A d Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 59 ................................... A d o Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 60 ......................................M o p Unanimously Resolution No. 20 15 - 6 1 ..................................... A d Unanimously Resolution No. 201 5 - CS - 08 ..............................Adopted Unanimously PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Ms. King invited all who wished to address the City Council on any matter of City business to come fonward. The following speakers rose to be heard and their remarks are summarized: Joe Rodriguez, Schenectady - Noted that fie is proud to be using the new car wash that opened up on State Street which he says offers a fair price. He then noted it's unfair for the Gazette to run a story related to residents who owe taxes and to only picture people of color. He noted the lack of Caucasians pictured who are also named in the article presents a bias. He then asked why there is a City Code Enforcement officer still issuing violations when this officer has failed the test related to their position twice, He closed by questioning if the City is being held to the same standard related to its own buildings that don't meet code requirements. Marva Isaacs, Schenectady - Noted concerns related to Avery Street and Duane. She added Avery is a one-way street following the death of a child. She noted she is asking for a Do Not E~ztevsign on the comer to help direct traffic. She noted follow up with City staff with no response. She noted speaking with Council member Mootooveren and the Clerk's office whom assisted her further. She noted a follow up email from Mr. Coluccio which referred to her as ""tat woman" urhicb she found to be offensive, She then recognized the City firemen for their service especially following the recent f%e. She noted they should receive specially recornition. Ed Smith, Jr. Scbenectady - Noted concems related to snow emergencies. He noted other municipalities in the region do issue snow emergencies when applicable. He added when be drives around the City he encounters streets that are reduced to one lane due to the snow build. We noted this increases the probability of car accidents and reduces the ability for emergency services to navigate the streets. He noted be has been a resident of the City for over a decade and has watched winter by winter the deterioration of cleared City streets. He shared an example of when there was an emergency near his residence and emergency personal had to take alternate routes to get to the call due to vehicle access issues. He noted Becker Avenue is listed as a p ~ o n t ystreet however it was not adequately cleared following the buildup o f winter snow. We noted the lack of parking enforee-ment and cars on the street despite alternate street parking, We noted repeated attempts to corztxt the Mayor's office and related depadnnents regasding his concerns with no response. Me noted it was not until he contacted the media that the no parking signs went. up on his street and the City crews came out and cleared the street of snow approprrately. He closed by noting this reminds him o f the kedership styles o f Mayor Corning out of Albany and added the citizens of Schenectady deserve better, Joy Hall, Scheneetady - Xoted she is a senior and trustee with the GE Union. She noted the City needs to do a better job cleaning up the streets, She added it is difficult for seniors to navigate the streets. She noted the Police and Fire Depafiments are doing a good Job. She closed by encouraging residents to make sure they check their fire extinpishers and detectors to make sure they are rr,orking, Ton2 Buonsme, Schenecrad;; - Noted he did not get a response on the Oak Street Bndge from the Mayor at the last City Counc~lmeeting. He noted he would 11keto hear from the City blasunc~i when the repairs and renovations on the bridge are going to start, Schenectady City Council Minutes March 9,2015 / Page 4 of 6 Stanley A. RuCharne, Jr. Schenectady - Noted there have been attempts in the past to close the pedesthan tunnel between Watt Street md Grout Park. He noted he supports the Gity closing the tunnel. He then asked the City to continue to fill the potholes on the City streets as well. Patricia Smith, Schenectady - Noted she is the Mont Pleasaslt Neighborhood Association President. She noted on behalf of the neighborhood residents she is asking the City to please close the pedestrian tunnel. She noted the turnel contributes to a lot of criminal activity and it is past its usefir1 purpose. She noted the neighborhoods tvould be safer if it was closed. Mary BlcClaine, Schenectady - "City Council is spending taxpayer" dollars needlessly. When Council voted for the 2015 budget back in October (2014) the budget included money to cover bonuses for the trades union whose contract was being negotiated at the time. The public could also speak on the item at the Decmber 8"" Council meeting. Had 15 people stood at the microphone and asked Council to vote NO the taxpayers' pleas would have been meaningless because the money was already in the budget for the bonuses. On February 23,201 5, Council finalized the deal. The bonus was a gift and not a financial necessity for the Gity. The item involved couples who are City mployees. They have a two income household, steady paying jobs, medical coverage for both partners and other liferime benefits. Al the things I don't have but my tax dollars are used to give to others who want more for themselves. It is wrong to spend tax dollars this way. As for the $40,000 Council spends on fiuoride every year, it is an unnecessary expenditure. Council needs to look at other communities to see how they handle their item. Another umecessary expendibre that recently came to my attention is the purchase of s o h a r e so taxpayer can pay their taxes online. For the past 10 years, the City has tried to draw pedestrians to the downtown area with the b l i k of an eye, that concept has been turned upside down with Council" vote, What has Council done? A, Reduced foot traffic downtown. £3. Diminished bus ridership. 6 . Lost business for restaurant and store owners. D, Destroyed a concept that had been nurtured for years. E. Bought something that was not needed. F. Spent money needlessly. Even the City department head told me when people go downtown, they don't go there just to pay their taxes. Council took it away. This is nuts. Four seats are up for election this year, folks. Go elsewhere for your representation, you are not well served with the present goup." Seeing no other speakers to come before the City Council, Ms. King declared the Privilege of the Floor closed regarding City Business. Mr. Ng@- Noted his appreciation for the Cities first rresponders in relation to their bravev and act of smiee related to the recent Jay Street fire. He extended his slmgathies to the victims and fmilies impacted by the tragedy. He noted there was a County dispatcher who hmdled calls related 6 0 the tragedy and did it with professionalism and patienee, He then noted the Bellewe Presematicm League will host its monthly meeting on March 12 at 7:00p,m- with special guest speaker, Seheneetady City Fire Chief Senecal. Re also noted the Bellewe Famers Market is looking for more vendors, He added interested parties can contact 393-0403to learn more, M s , Pcrrlerfield- Noted her appreciation for the Cities first responders in relation to their bravery and act of sewice related to the recent Jay Street fire, She atso extended her sjmpathies to the vrctims and famities impacted by the tragedy, She then noted special appreciation for dllh~stChwch WJZIC~ 0pe~edthen- doors to the victrrns of the fire and acted as a "Irnporar> sheleer in ssiiaborateon with the Red Cross. She noted she had an opgsrrt~nityto vrsit with fire victims at the chureh and many o f the cictims were still in a state o f shock, She also thmked all Schenectady City Council Minutes March 9,201 5 / Page 5 of 6 the individuals and organizations who donated items and money to assist the victims. She then expressed her appreciation for the Irish youth dance goup that perfomed at the start of the Council meeting, With regards to pot holes she noted it's important for the City to actively folfow~up on addressing the pot holes in the city along with the narrow side streets which have been difficult to pass this winter with all the snowfall. With regards to the pedestrian tunnel bettveen Grout Park and Watt Street she noted there will be a public hearing on March 23. Lastly she noted the Hamilton Hill Nei&borhood Association will host its monthly meeting on March 12 at 6:30 pm at the Bethel AME Church. M s . Perazzo - Noted her appreciation for the Cities first responders in relation to their bravery and act of service related to the recent Jay Street fire. She then thanked the local press for their coverage related to the fire and noted the extent of the coverage helped to keep people away from a dangerous scene. Mr. Fenari - Noted he echoed the sentiments above by his colteapes. Then he noted the Millennia1 Council in collaboration with Kelly Marr, founder of #SchenectadyDoesntSuck. has raised over $5,000 for the victirns of the Jay Street Fire via GoFundMe.com. He closed by noting his appreciation for the Cities first responders in relation to their bravery and act of sen-ice related to the recent Jay Street fire. Mr. Mootooveren - Noted his appreciation for the Cities first responders in relation to their bravery and act of service related to the recent Jay Street fire. He also extended his sympathies to the victims and families impacted by the recent tragedy on Jay Street. Me noted he had an opportunity to visit with fire victims at the church following the fire and he encouraged everyone to donate what they can to help those impacted by the tragedy. Mayor MeCarthy - Noted the Jay Street fire is a tragic event and the Cities Fire and Police Department issued an impressive response. He noted emergency services provided a coordinated effort, providing mubal aid, and contained the fire too two buildings. Me also thanked Scotia and Grand Blvd Fire and Christ Church for establishing the emergency shelter. He noted the NUS ATF is now on the scene conducting an investigation to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Given the scope of the fire and extent of the damage he noted travel restrictions will likely run througb this week which he understands will be an inconvenience. He also recognized there will be parking restrictions and he appreciates those working with the City to minimize the impact. Regarding the pedestdan tunnel be noted it is owned by the State of New York m d maintained by the City, He added the state has asked the City to hold a public h e ~ n g before closing if in order to solicit public feedback, Regardillg the Oak Street Br;idge he noted the City has had trouble coordinating with the railroad and that the cost estimates should be ready shorlly. He added that he hopes the proposal will be withk budget and then the City can move fornard to rehab the bt-i;dge*He closed by thanking all those who have stepped up to assist with the tragedy including the Millemla1 Council to ease the impact on the victims of the f?"lge, &Is, mglg - Extended her sppat"chresto the iietirns md families impacted by t"n erecent tragedy and extended her appreciation for the Cities first responders in relation to their bravery and act o f sen ice regarding the Jay Sheet fire. She closed by suggesting residents concerned with the issuance of snow emergencies in the City to read the Mayor's letter-to-the-editor in the Scheneetady Gazette today. She added the Mayor addressed the issues related to snow emergency in a very thorough manor, Schenectady Gity Council Minutes March 9, 2015 i Page 6 of 6 Adjourned: Seeing no further business to come before the Gity 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 8:05 p.m. w By Charles Thome Schenectady City Clerk