City Council

NllNUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED NIEETING OF THE SGHENEGTADU CITY COUNCIL April 27,2015 The City Council Meeting was called to order by the City Council President Margaret King at 7:04 p.m. in Room 209, City Council Chambers at City Hall. Ms. King called on Rev. Cewan Roberts to provide the invocation. Rev. Roberts then invited Ms. King then called on Madelyn Thorne 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 Thorne, Corporation Counsel Carl Falotico and Mayor Gary McCarth y At this point, Ms. King turned the meeting over to Mayor McCarthy for the swearing in ceremony of transfers, laterals and promotions in the Scheaectady Police and Fire Depadment. He was joined by Police Chief Brian Kilcullen, Fire Chief Ray Senecal and other department representatives and family. Police Bepastment: Trans&r - Jeremy M . Liggett; Ltztemls - William P. Gannon, Jr. & William C. Stockman, Jr; Promotions - Michael R. Dalton - to Sergeant & Brian J. m i p p l e - to Sergemt Fire Department: Promotions - Marc Ciccone - to Captain & Brian Heaney - to Lieutenant; Neur Hires - Brendan Leach & Andrew Congdon At this time Mayor McCadhy invited representatives from the American Red Cross to come forward. He Lvas also joined by Schenectady Fire Chief Senecal and Matt Daley, Schenectady Municipal Golf Course Pro, Mr. Daley then presented the representatives &om the Red Cross with a $600 check from a raffle hosted by the golf course, At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no objections, she would like to take agenda item number 26 & 27 out of order. There were no objections. Resolution No. 2015 - 89 - A Resolution Recognizing Karen B. Johnson as the first woman Mayor of the Gity of Sehenectady during Woman" Historgi Month - Ms. Porterfield read the resolution and extended her gratikde -For the recognition by the Mayor and Gity Council. The resolution w-as moved by Ms. Poderfield and seconded by Ms, Perazzo The resolution passed unmimausly. Resolution No. 2015 - 90 --- A Resolution Recrzpkhg Sckienectstdy's Maennlial Coundl -. Representatives from the -zilillemial Council were on hand and extended their gatitude for the recopition by the Mayor and City Council- Evan Eu~pidou,Chair of the Miliemial Council then invited the public to a kick offreception at the Van Dyck on AgPlI 30 at 6:00 p.m. The resolution was moved by Mr, Fenarr and seconded by M s , Poderfield. The resolution passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1, Regarding the Proposed 2015 Consolidated Plan and the 29315-2019 Fire Year Pian, Schenectady City Council Minutes April 23, 2015 I Page 2 of Il Rev. Stan Skinnard, Middleburgh - Noted his support of the Better Neighborhoods organization and related support for GDBG knding to support the progam. He noted he has a long history with BNI and has seen the difference BNI has made in the neighborhoods. He added BNI has built or renovated hundreds of properties for low income families and first time home buyers. Without BNI, he noted the City would have more blight in the nei&borhood. He closed by noting that BNI provides first time home buyer education and assists homeowners with staying in their homes. Jason Planek, Schenectady - Noted that the CDBG report indicates that all the goals for the last five years have been achieved and he said this is false. He added the City did not reach its goal related to hiring minorities or person with disabilities. The city needs to provide jobs and has not done so. He noted that CDBC hnds have been used for the Cities paving program and did not include the apprenticeship program. He noted that the Cities weakest link is Hamilton hill and Mt pleasant and the City needs to improve the quality of life in these neighborhoods. He closed by noting the City needs to work on creating job opportunities in order to improve the overall quality of life in the City. Yeme Ifabayo Egunbumi, Fort Plain - Noted she is present to represent the Hamilton Hill Arts Center. She noted that she is the primary guardian for her non-verbal autistic nephew, Foreed Cole. She noted that he was starved and tortured while in a domestic violence environment which took the life of his mother. Due to red tape and unfortunate events she noted she stmggled to get services for her nephew. She added this is when he was introduced to the Hamilton hill Arts Center. She noted the staff helped him build a motorcycle ramp which was one of his favorite obsessions. On his behalf she respectfully ask for an increase in CDBC hnding for the Arts Center. She closed by noted the center is a safe place and like a family for so many. Sharon Carter, Schenectady - "I'm a long-term resident of the City of Schenectady. I am also a proud new homeowner, investing in the Northside neighborhood. I very much appreciate the opportunity to comment on the City's proposed use of federal funds through the Consolidated Plan process. I am wearing two hats this evening. I am employed by the Schenectady Inner City Ministry and have been affiliated with the Harnilton Hill Arts Center in various capacities for a dozen years. Both of these organizations have served for almost 50 years and both address the needs of some of our City's most vulnerable citizens. Wearing my SICM hat, I will say we certainly appreciate your continuing support of our fiee summer lunch pr-ogam. 1hink most o f you h o w that last year was our 20" year p r o v i d i ~lunches thoughout the City and that we senled over 65,000 lunches. This year with your help we anticipate seming 80,000!WeaPlng my Hamilton Hill Arts Center hat, I cerlalnly appreciate the City's recommendation o f continued hnding for ArtReach, However, the Arts Center is in a ~ e r y challeagkg situation fiscally. Uie request that you ser?ously consider increasing the allocation sipificantly this year. For me the most ImpoPtant reason for insuring the survival of the Arts Center is that the Arts Center saves Ii.; es - literally. Located in the section of our City noted for its many problems, AdReach is a safe h e n , probiding a free culrurally suppodive environment where hundreds of children are introduced to the Arts each year. Black lives matter -- throu&out our countq and right here in Sehenectadj. The other most compelling reason i s that the Arts Center i s needed now more than ever. The City's dernogqhics are chmging. In the 70's the non-white population was only 3 percent, in 2040 it uas 40 percent. Earlier this month at Times Union article reported that the Capital Region ranks last of 100 metro areas for health? deve1opwten"hi'r Mack chrldrsn, the Harnnlton H ~ l i neighborhood \\as spec~ficaliymentsoned. Caner Communrty Center closed rrs doors nn 20 11 nf nothrng else I ark YOU to consider glvrng to the Arts Center what h~stoncall~ a went to Schenectady City Council Minutes April 27, 2015 5 Page 3 of 11 Carver Community Center. I encourage you to be part of the solution. Thank you for your kind consideration." Sara Hill, Schenectady - She noted she attended public school and studied media arts. She added her work with Proctors was inspired by the work of the Arts Center. She noted the center has had a major impact on her life and other childhood friends. She then read a statement on Margaret Cunnin&am written by Rev. Taylor from 1977 which she said is still true today. She closed by encouraging the Council to keep the Arts Center alive. Jessica Hunter, Schenectady - Noted her support for Hamilton Hill Arts Center. She added she has been an active part of the dance troop which performs and practices at the Arts Center. She noted the group is called Umoja which defined means family and unity. She added she is the youngest of four kids and when she was young her parents worked full time and the kids were left to look after themselves. She noted she was invited to the Arts Center by a friend. Today she reports she holds a masters fi-om MIT and would travels in &om Troy and Boston while in college to participate in programs at the center. The dance group is about cultural history and perfomance she noted. Perfomance taught her to keep moving fonvard and that one mistake meant she can get better. She closed by noting she retumed to Seheneetady to make a difference and the center helps children rise out of poverty. I\/Liki Gonn, Schenectady - Noted she is one of the former Executive Directors of the Hamilton Hill Arts Center and that she is still involved today. She noted she came out to share her support for the Arts Center and added the need for the center has increased over time. She noted the center has always struggled with having adequate funding limited staff and reliance on volunteers. She added the eomm1~nitydeserves better. She noted the 5 x 0 s requested would help retain the minimal staff the center has. Recently she noted the center conducted inteniews of children who attended program at the center and the message was clear, the youth have a strong desire to receive more education on black culture and heritage. She closed by asking the Council to support the Arts Center funding request. RiIichele Bergern, Schenectady - Noted he is a member of the Hamilton Hill community for fifiy plus years. He noted the community needs a foundation and the Arts Center is that. As the Interim Director of the center she asked for the council's support related to their funding request. She noted neighborhood residents need the support of the Arts Center where they learn value and look forward to the programming. Marsha Mortimer, Scbenectady - Read a statement on behalf of Bernard Carey. "'I am speaking on behalf of a fomer Hamilton Hill A&s Center participant. To members of the Seheneetady City Council. My name rs Bernard Carey and 1 am w ~ f n g this letter in support ofthe Hamilton Hill Arts and Grafts Center request for assistance with increased hnding* For those o f YOU who don't know my story, the Arts Center was the most ptvotai community resource growing up in Hamilton Hill, F~rstof all it was a safe haven fi'or me and all my fiends "seeuse it ~ntrodueedme to the world of arts, Being a natural athlete, there was always places to go to play sports. Such as the Caner Community Center, the Boys Club, little: League, baseball and footbail teams. Quite &a&ly, I was always curious about other things than sports, So living on the E-IiII, my mother would ailow me to go over to the center as much as T wanted. By being in the community my mother h o w that 1 would be safe there. The grogams the center offered turned me on to the ads. For the first tlme in mq life I was learning to use the arts as a means of expression, In essence the AI$S Center was literally the rnstihtion that facrlitated rnte7_lectualcuriosity for me to become the person 1 am today, I don't say t h ~ sfightl>. 1 give all the accolades to the Arts Center, an organazation that ahsaw someth~ngelse rn me besides playrmg sports. Not onlq was I ~ntriiducedIs thsngs there were nor: alevays ar, ailable sn my cornmunrty, I was mentored to rend even sbta~nedmy iirst real job Schenectady City Council Minutes April 27, 2015 / Page 4 sf l I as a janitor. I hurnbly request that you could find it in your budget to support their funding reyest. The Arts Center is the only cornunity organization lee on the hill. I know that there are lots of young Bernard's growing up in and around the hill, that could utilize the services the center has to offer. Let's provide for them the same opportunity I had when 1 was an impressionable youth growing up in Schenectady. In closing, in addition to my mom, I also attribute my success in college to the Arts Center and can proudly say that my son and I are the first Afkican-American father and son team to graduate &om Union College. Thank you." Shirley Readdean, Schenectady - Noted she was present to speak in support of the Schenectady Basketball Club. She noted this is a new proposal for CDBG funds. She added the $10,000 requested is relatively small in comparison to other requests. Volunteer effort and the funds can help stabilize the program. She noted this is an after school and off the streets program for boys and girls in the community. She added the Capital Region metro area ranks at the bottom of list when the area was compared to similar municipalities regarding opportunities for Afi-ican American youth. She noted the Schenectady Basketball Club provides opportunities and formal life skills exposure for participants. She noted the program is working on their tax exempt stabs. She noted the community policing is set to receive S 165,000 in funding. She proposed the question wouldn't it be better to prevent the need for policing with progarns rather than knding more police? She encouraged the Council to rethink hnding the progp-am at the requested amount, Sheila Long, Schenectady - Noted she is present to speak about the home ownership oppomnities available to her via the Better Neighborhood Inc. program. She noted she has been in her home since 1983. Now she is a widow and at the time she had five children and nobody wanted to rent to her. She was referred to BNI and looked at a possible property but had no money at the time for a down paynnent. She noted BNI makes home ownership a possibility. She added BNI has also helped to put houses back on the tax rolls in the City. She noted that she has owned several businesses in the City and has taken on other projects to improve the City. George Warner, Schenectady - Noted he was on the board for the Hamilton Hill Arts Center for nine years. He added it was a pleasure to see the joy from the children who participated in the program. He noted the small Arts Center is the strong root of the neighborhood. Rev. Phillip Grigsby, Schenectady - ""Im the Director of the Schenectady Inner City Ministry, and a city resident, homeowner, and taxpayer. lPhank you for this opporhtnity to speak on the proposed Consolidated Pian budget and plan f i r the next five years, T h i s budget always has difficult choices. We are still in riery challenging fiscal times and you have difficult chiees to make. I want to make brief comments m SICM's faus applications and then cornmems on other areas, Three mlmtes is too shod for somethhg that covers five years so my comments on the longer portion are in writing since just this year will take up the time, SICM fummer Lunch Program: All o f us involved 'r,r,-iththe Summer Lunch P r s g m (Which will be here soon!) appreciak the City's conthuing parlnershtp to supporl feeding hungry children. For too many i t is the firsmeal o f the day; and for some it is &he only meal, With your help last year we provided a record 65,000lunches,We are planning on more sites for this year and with your help with can keep mokkg in that direction. As I did last year, 1 want to ask the Corrncll members md the Mayor to consider corning together on a day to distribute lunch, We operate with volunteer teams at most sites and provide the lunch for you to give out. Please consider it as a way to get away from another committee meeting, Wenovations at 837 Albany Street: This was not recommmded but since we applied tve believe we have another way to provide %r %hisa Yaks CSA Pilot Program: This was not recornmended but Schenectady City Council Minutes April 27, 201 5 / Page 5 of 2 1 we are glad to see that food security as an issue is part of the five-year plan. You may have seen the recent article in the Times Union about this project we are starting with Fox Creek Farm. As with the previous one, we believe we have another to provide for this. Schenectady Basketball Club: This is not our program but we are involved as the fiscal agent and we believe this is a very important community effort. I and others will ask for your consideration of adding this to the plan this year. It clearly fits the youth priority. The club is largely volunteer. This hnding would help lead to stability. The club involves primarily A h c a n American young men and women. We know the Times Union (April 2; Dead End for Black Kids) that unfortunately our area is at the bottom for opportunities for Afi-ican American youth. This is basketball program is making a difference and needs to be sustained and supported. In Other Areas on this Year's Recommendations: I ask your re-consideration for additional support of the Hamilton Hill Arts Center. The City has partnered to support the center consistently. However, I have been asked to be involved in the Center's Advisory Committee to urgently look at strengthening the financial resources. Since Carver Community Center is no longer around, it would be appropriate for the City to at least make available the resources that used to go to Carver as well. In the youth conference convened by the Scheneetady Foundation, youth expressed very well great interest in arts related activities. As a community we need to continue the ones that we have. Last year I spoke in favor of the proposed allocation for the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region. While it is included, I ask your consideration of their full grant request of $40,000. They are one of the few in the recommended list that can work on job creation as well as business development. I m eoncemed that the budget shows less support for affordable housing providers that provide housing counseling, BNI and the Community Land Trust. Because of hnding cuts both operate on reduced schedules. Yet the arnounts recommended are below even last year's and far below their requests. I encourage the City to support the two groups beyond what is required for HOME funding for operation support. Many aspects of the housing crisis of 2008 linger and housing counseling provides a critical service not only to get families ready for home ownership but also to provide critical information and intervention to prevent foreclosures. Finally this year's recommendations continue the City's practices of utilizing relatively scarce public service funds for what is called community policing. My comment here is not about the SPD or anyone in it. I greatly appreciate the leadership and commitment of the SPD now as opposed to some years ago. It appears that all that is in the proposed budget i s an allocation of $ f 64,838 towards the salatles of 4 officers tvho work in GDBG eligible areas, The regular City Budget should support public safety. 1 encourage the City to remove this item. and then remove the nei&borhood stabilization category, incorporate those in the public sewice eategol-3;and then have the resource for additional allocations in ways that what many commonly would see as public semices.'" Frank Gilmsre, Schenectady - Noted he i s a member o f the Mayor's HOMES task force. Regarding SantaFae Street and the call for legislation related to Zombie properrles he noted he i s working with BNZ tvhiclrs engages in constmcrion and re-eonstmetion projects within the City, He encouraged the City to build its relationship with BNI to develop the HOMES progam and establish a pirfate/publiepadnership to address Zombie houses, Dominic Dagost-ino, Sehenectady - Koted he i s in attendance to state his support o f the Hamiiton HIE Arts Center which he said has been around for 50 plus years, He noted the Center introduces the youth to the arts. He noted he had comments %om a law enforcement perspective and youth director instmctsss perspective. As a youth instmctor he noted most youth are rnos"i./ulnerable d u ~ n g the aAer school hours when they irkeiy have less supescilsron. From a law enforcement perspective hat lmg aAer school i)rogaillm~ngIS an investment to unsure youth are successful during this vulnerable time. He then shared advice Schenectady City Council Minutes April 27, 2015 1 Page 6 of 11 that he received from a respected mentor, Harry Corbet who developed gang prevention progarnming in urban communities. The advice he said, proBarns, programs and programs, Vincent Kittie Schenectady - Noted he is here tonight to speak on behalf of the Ring of Hope Boxing and Fitness club and more specifically the Peacefit1 Warriors youth program. We noted the youth come from the high school and engage in training at the eross-to~vnplaza location. He noted, the program is in need of funding. We added the funding they had on hand for three years is drying up. H noted he has two youth from the progam on hand and will speak as well. He closed by noting that his group is respected by the community. Walter Sirnpkjns, Schenectady - Noted that the arts and culture are important. He added his generation was inspired by the death of MLK and was exposed to black history. He noted he has a Master's of Arts in African American studies from SUNY Albany. He suggested the Council consider changing the structuring of funding to ensure that youth programs are being funded. He noted he is concerned about the $62 million dollars the Schenectady City School District should be receive and rather residents are toId to be happy with the $5 million they will get instead. He added everyone deserves something and their needs to be a change in mentality. We noted he is here to express his support for the Arts Center as the former director. He asked the City Council to consider culh-lre with regards to funding allocations. Pat Aycot, Schenectady - Noted she is on hand to express her support for the Hamilton Hill Arts Center and is a former president of the organization. She noted she was fortunate to have been part of the leadership with more funds were available though the CDBG. She added she would like to get back to the days when the center could offer more programs. She loves Schenectady and sees a lot of great things happening. She noted a g e ~ t city needs to take care of the least of those who can't take care of themselves. She added these are the children who are in need. Having the arts center is a place to learn and play for children in the neighborhood. She urged the Council to fund the Arts Center as much as they can. Sean Burke, Schenectady - Noted he is a sophomore at Schenectady hi& school and is in the Peaceful Warriors boxing program noted earlier. He noted the program currently runs on very little hnding and it's worth keeping. He noted the program and boxing has changed him and his peers for the better. He added that he really enjoys the club and believes it's a way of life that promotes hard work and dedication. Tyler McDuffie, Schenectady - Noted he is in the Peaceful Warriors boxing program at the Ring of Hope facility. He noted the program has very limited hnds. He added the p r o g m helps with discipline and in the past he had issues and was a detkquent. He added be has not had a delinquent referral while in high school because of the boxing progam. We asked the City Council to invest in the propam and added together we can make a difference, Debra Baurnes, Seheneetady --- Noted she has been in Scknnectady for 35 years and at the time was an expecting mother lookkg for an affordable aparlmenl, She added a fiead in real estate suggested she consider buying a home. She noted she was a renter and with the help o f BNI became a home owner, Today she noted she is speakkg as the President 06Better Nei&borhood, Inc. and has been on the board since 2002. She noted BNI provides information for home owner and financing for Ikst time home buyers. She reported BNI has helped 268 first time home buyer and rebuilt 134 housing units in the City o f Sckenectady, She urged the City to continue to pmvide $14,004)in hnding to BNI. Orion Tucker, Sehenecdady --- Noted he Is the President of the Schenectady Basketball Club. He noted the club has been mund for 25 years on a volunteer bases. H e then introduced five young members of club to the CcmnciI. He added rhe club is irnpodmt for inner city kids and residents o f tire Hamilton Hill, Vale, Steinmitz Homes and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods. He Schtenectady City Council Minukes April 27, 2015 / Page 7 of II request the City Council provide hnding for the program t h u g h the CDBC. He added the progam collaborates with the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club. Omoye Cooper, Schenectady - Noted she is on hand to speak as an advocate for the Hamilton Hilt Arts Center. She added she has been associated with the center since 1970. She added she founded the African Dance Company at Hamilton Hill Arts Center and has been a board member for years. She noted she was asked to be the Executive Director last year and is cunently the Art Director. She noted she had to lay off staff off because there was not enough funding available. She added the summer program operates solely on volunteers, She noted the Arts Center is a Life Skills Academy and asked the Council to consider increasing the CDBG hnding. Vickie Hurew-itz, Schenectady - Requested an increase in fbnding for BNI from the proposed $37,000 to $54,000 which would be the same as last year. She added she is a volunteer at BNI for the last eight years. She noted BNI provides education courses which are beneficial for first time home buyers. She closed be noting that BNI is the only HUD certified counseling agency in the City of Schenectady. Gloria Herman, Schenectady -Noted that she is an advocate for BNI. She noted the agency provides education on home purchasing, budgeting, dealing with banks. She added she has been a Realtor for last nine years. She closed by requesting more funding for BNI. John Scharf, Schenectady - Noted he is the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County. He noted the program has assisted moving forty-four properties back onto the tax rolls by working with homeowners. He added Schenectady Habitat has paid $144,000 in taxes to the City of Schenectady and added the program needs help with t h e e more properties located on C a ~ e Street. He noted Habitat's construction project is a model used thougbout the Capital District. He asked for an increase in CDBG funding for project. He closed by noting the projects are energy star certified homes and all the construction meets local and state code enforcement regulations. Mary McClaine, Schenectady - Noted she was moved by the stories shared tonight. She added she is the product of a community center. She noted when she ran for City Council she was invited to the Boys and Girls Club. She noted that youth need to be exposed to the programs offered by the organization.' Rev, Emanual Adams, Schenectady -- Noted be is on the board for Minority Contractors Teehieal Assistance Program (MCTAP). We noted home ownership i s good but people don't have jobs to buy homes, He added TVCTAPhelps produce entrepreneurship, trades and skills to help Lmpro\ie their financial situation, He suggested the City work to find a way to train individuals rkrou$ MCTAP to get individuals o f f street. Cynthia Jordan, Sc"nenec";ady - Noted she i s with BNZ as a part time pre-purchase counselor. She spoke about the counseling process which i s often long tern process w ~ i t f i their clients, She added the process includes dealing with credit issues. She closed by requesting more funding f i r the program, APPROVAL OF BILNUTES: ?+Atits. King asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the April 13,2015 Council meetings as slrbrnitted by the Deputy City Clerk: $4~.Riggi made a motion to approve the minutes, lVr. Mootooveren seconded the motion, Schenectady City Council Minutes April 27, 2015 / Page 8 of 11 Official: From the Mayor a list of appointments dated April 27,201 5 A letter &om William Winkler dated April 13.201 5 recommending the contract for the "Electronic Waste Recycling" be awarded to Sunking. General: A letter %om the Upper Union Street BID, City Representative - Madelyn Thorne notifjiing the City of Schenectady of her resipation. Petitions: None COfifNLITTEE REPORTS &tarionPorterfield, Health & Recreation - Reported the Recreation Advisory Commission has started audits of City parks. She noted the commission has looked at five parks already with plans to audit more in the coming weeks. She commended the commission fur taking their job very seriously and encouraged residents to talk with the commission when they are in their neighborhood. Vince Riggi, Claims - He commended the Law Department for their efforts regarding a negotiated claim which was eventually dropped by the complainant. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITEMS) Ms. King invited all who wished to address the Legislative Agenda to come forward: Jason Planck, Schenectady, NU - Agenda itern #I - He noted this is a continuation of legislation passed on Novernher 26,2014 regarding the authorization of $2.5 million dollars for the Erie Boulevard round-about project. He noted federal law requires the City to include minority participation and person with disabilities related to these projects. He noted the City's Corporation Council said we did not need to do this which he reports is legal maleficent. Tonight he added the Council is scheduled to approve another $6 million dollars for the same project and again did not make include the hiring of minority and persons with disabilities in the contract. He closed by noting the law has been in effect for decades and the City can't keep i m o ~ n git. Seeing no other speakers come fornard, Ms. King declared the Pr;;vilege ofthe Floor on the Legislative Agenda closed, INTRODUCTION OF AND ACTION UPON LOCAL LAlVS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: hlr, Riggi made a motion that Council approves the Consent Agenda and the motion was seconded by Mr. Kosiur. Consent .Agenda --- Resolution 30.2015 - 91 ............................*......... A d o p t Unanimously Resolution No, 20 I 5 - 92 ...............................re so l adopted kirianimously Resohution No. 201 5 - 93 .....................................*AdoptedUnanimously Resolution No. 2095 - 94................................adopted Unanimously Resolution No, 20 3 5 -- 95 ....................................*Adoptedklnanimously Resolution Xo. 2015 - 96 ........................ .....**. A d o p t Unanimous1y Schenectady City Council Minutes April 27, 2015 / Page 10 of II in that area. Regarding the paving schedule for 201 5 he noted that Helderburge Avene is in poor condition and "tikely won? last another year. We noted Edison Avenue is bad near GE and added Phillip Street is a forgotten City street and it is in need of attention. He noted on lower Broadway the City could limit the speed to 25 MPH and also put up signs which indicate children at play, Vickie Hurewitz, Schenectady - Noted her concem about potholes in the City. Noted there are a number of them in Hamilton Hill. She also had a picture of a particular pothole on Emmitt Street. She added that Mama Isaac has called the City twice regarding concerns related these potholes, She noted she heard there is going to be a meeting related to potholes and she encouraged the City to clarify the details of that meeting. She closed by asking that these potholes be addressed. John Polimeni, Schenectady - Noted he attended Assembly member Angelo Santabarbara's Women of Distinction event this evening. He noted that two active Schenectadian's were honored at the event including Marva Isaac and Cora Schroeter. He then commended Mayor McCarthy on his efforts related to "zombie houses" in the City of Schenectady. He added this is an important issues with regards to quality of life and neighborhood revitalization. He noted he supporls the legislation Mel Minlz, Schenectady - Noted while listening to the organizations who came before the Council to speak tonight related to CDBG hnding he came up with a few suggestions. What he would like to see is if someone could put all the organizations together on a list get the leaders into one general meeting to see if there is overlap and/or room for collaboration. He noted there is a lot of repetition and some are residents are losing out on services. He then suggested the City could publicize list and then secure donations to help fund the various organizations progams. Me closed by reiterating that there needs to be more coordination in an effort to engage more residents. Seeing no other speakers to come before the City Council, Ms. King declared the Privilege of the Floor closed regarding City Business. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL Mr. Kosiur- Extended his appreciation to all the speakers who came out for the publie hearing held tonight related to CDBG funding. He noted the theme of the comments centered on engaging youth. On that note he added the Schenectady County Job Training program extended the deadline for applicants until May 12. He noted the Schenectady County Legislahrre will be securr;ng more %-mding for an additional 100jobs for a total of 300 jobs to be hnded through the program, He noted applicants are youth and young adults ages 14-20 and applications can be found in the lobby o f City Hall or on the Scheneetady County websike,He added representatives with the Youth Bureau will be at SGCC this weekend from 2 0:00 a m , until 12:00 p.m, in an effort to recmit more young adults into the progarn. He added School Board President, Kathy Lewis was in attendance tonight and noted the school d i s t ~ e tis looking for paraprskssionals and school aids. He noted there was an ad in the paper and the district will be caking applications until April 29. He encouraged interested residents to call the distP1ct with hfirrljler questions, &Is,Porterfield --- n a k e d all the speakers for coming out to share the comments and concerns, She added the Council has a drfficult job Iooking at hndmg ailocations related to CDBG, She noted ~t rs important to sirpporl youth progammlng and she added the Councrl wrll do as much as they can to make sure youth hatie a place to go and access to afforda"ole housing. She then thanked the Mayor for press conference he held related to the Nerghborhuod Relref Act. She add &ere bere many hapg) netbbors fofifowing the event and she 1s iooklng fom a d to rno\ :ng ahead, She tkieil noted on May 2 the Csty w111 bosf I1we my Schenectad) Parks Bay &om 8:00 a.m. bnntll4:UO p m., She noted the 1st of C ~ t y parks papllcrpatrng rn the event and added Schenectady City Council Minutes April 27, 2015 1 Page 11 of 11 residents can find more infomation regarding the event on the city website. She made special note that Hillburst Park will have a clean-up hours fi-orn 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and Jerry Burrell Park &om 10:00 a.m. - until (unspecified). She closed by noting if residents don't have a neighborhood park to clean they are welcome to come to Jerry Burrell. Mayor MeCarthy - Thanked the City Council for resolutions of support for the zombie legislation, healthcare consolidation, lighting efficiency. He added on May 2 the City will host I love my parks day and he hopes the weather will be good. He then thanked the speakers for coming out and providing input on the CDBG funding allocations. He added the CDBG hnding rnakes a big difference in so many programs. However he added, Congress continues to cut the fbnding and it makes it more difficult to allocate the funding we do receive. He closed by noting he appreciates the Council's deliberations. Adjourned: Seeing no hrther 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 9:2 1 p.m. By Charles Thorne Sche~lectadyCity Clerk  Schenectady Housing Development Fund CHAIR M A N Corporation BO'aLf OF DIRECTORS P %layorGary R. M c C ~ h y I aimnce T Dahike, E S ~ 105 Jay Street, Room 14. City Hail Ponefieid V~ncentRlggi VICE CHAIR WOMl.IAN Schenectady, W 12305-1938 Delores Danguzzl Cathy Len is 5 18-352-5 147 Sh a r m Jordan Ann Petersen Horace P e q m a n Jr Joceph Reirlhanlmer Schenectady City Council City Hall 105 Jay Street Schenectady, New Vork "12305 Re: Scheneclatly Hausing Development Fund Coporation Dear President King and Council Members: I am writing to you as the Chatrman of the Schenectady Housing Development Fund Corporation in connection with your Public Hearing scheduled this evening regarding proposed funding issues. In talking to Development Department staft there is not currently any funding for the coming fiscal year for the Corporation. By way of background the Schenectady Housing Development Fund Corporation was incorporated in 1990 and has served as a volunteer board utilizing City Development Department staff and City facilities to conduct its meeting for purposes of making down payment loans to fi~anciaiiyqualified first time home buyers in the Ciw of Scheneclady Over the years we have assisted approximately 326 new home buyers with this process The program lnrl~allyrequired annual financial recerlificatran and luil repayment of all assistance Over the years we have evc;ived to permit t h e homeowner" to pay back a portion 05 the assrslanee turning some of the funds into grant in return for their wrilrngness to stay for a specific period 0%time Our Board was ~ncssporatedby the then Mayor, Karen Johnson, and City Councld members James Csni-sy and Alberl Jurczynskr and ccansrst's of the Mayor two COURC~! members, local bank empioyees aikmerps nerghborhood representatives, members of Schenectady City Council Page Wo April 2 7 22015 a clergy and other community volunteers. Our program has been successfufly and independently audited, monitored by the City and HUD throughout its existence. The Schenectady Housing Development Fund Corporation has partnered with banks, local transportation agencies, realtors and first time home buyers to promote and successfuily accomplish private kame ownership in the City. The Schenectady Housing Devetopment Fund Corporation applied for 2015 funding of $40,000.00, to be able to assist approxirnateiy six new home owners during the coming year My understanding is that no funding was granted. In light sf the City's recent push for the Mayor's Home Owner Made Easy Program I am hoping the Council would reconsider this oversight. Our Board recently commiQed $25,000.00 to three nevi h ~ m e ba.y.efs on the north side of the City and has little over $9.000.00 available to commit to an appficanl, which woutd soon be presented to the Board. If that application is granted we will be without funding for the next year. 1 am concerned that having to turn away applicants in the coming year and a lengthy period of inactivity for our volunteer Board could be the death knell to the Schenectady Housing Development Fund Corporatton 1 am writing to urge you to reconsider our program's request for the $40,000.00 in Funding so that we may continue to partner with the Giv in promoting home ownership. Thank you for consideration Very truly yours, I, i iiJ Chairman a f x e Sehenectady Housing Beveioprr;ent Fund Corperalron  SCHENECTADY INNER C I N MINISTRY 1055 Wendell Avenue Schenectady, New York 12308 Relating the resources of the churches to the needs of the crty 1 -mbdvv For the Consolidated Plan Hearing April 27, 2015 Good evening City Council President King, Mayor McCarthy and Council members: I am Rev. Phillip Grigsby, Director of the Schenectady Inner City Ministry, and a city resident, I homeowner, and taxpayer. Thank you for this opportunity to speak on the proposed Consolidated Plan budget and plan for the next five years. This budget always has difficult choices. We are still in very challenging fiscal times and you have difficult choices to make. I want to make brief comments on SICM's four applications and then comments on other areas. Three minutes is too short for something that covers five years so my comments on the longer portion are in writing since just this year will take up the time. SICM Summer Lunch Program1All of us involved with the Summer Lunch Program (which will be here soon!) appreciate the City's continuing partnership to support feeding hungry children. For too many it is the first meal of the day; and for some it is the only meal. With your help last year we provided a record 65,000+ lunches. We are planning on more sites for this year, and with your help we can keep moving in that direction. As I did last year, I want to ask the council members and the Mayor to consider coming together on a day to distribute lunch. We operate with volunteer teams at most sites and provide the lunch for you to give out; please consider it as a way to get away from another committee meeting. Renovations at 837 Albany Street: this was not recommended but since we applied we believe we have another way to provide for this. Yates CSA Pilot Program: this was not recommended but we are glad to see that food security as an issue is part of the five-year plan. You may have seen the recent article in The Times Union about this project we are starting with Fox Creek Farm. As with the previous one, we believe we have another to provide for this. Schenectady Basketball Club: this is not our program but we are involved as the fiscal agent and we believe this is a very important community effort, I and others will ask for your consideration of adding this to the plan this year. It clearly fits the youth priority. The club is largely volunteer; this funding would help lead to stability. The club involves primarily African American young men and women. We know from The Times Union (April 2; "Dead End for Black Kidsn)that unfortunately our area is at the bottom for opportunities for African American youth. This is basketball program is making a difference and needs to be sustained and supported. I.n..oth-erareas on this vear's recommendationsI I ask your re-consideration for additional support of the Hamilton Hill Arts Center. The City has partnered to support the center consistently. However, I have been asked to be involved in the Center's Advisory committee to urgently look at strengthening the financial resources. Since Carver Community Center is no longer around, it would be appropriate for the City to at least make available the resource that used to go to Carver as well. In the youth conference convened by The Schenectady Foundation, youth expressed very well great interest in arts related activities. As a community we need to continue the ones that we have. Last year I spoke in favor of the proposed allocation for the Community Loaflund of the_:a_~2@al Region. While it is included, I ask your consideration of their full grant request of $40,000. They are one of the few in the recommended list that can work on job creation as well as business development I am concerned that the budget shows less support for affordable housing providers that provide housing counseling, BNI and the Community Land Trust. Because of funding cuts both operate on I reduced schedules. Yet the amounts recommended are below even last year's, and far below their Executive Director, Rev. Phillip N. Grigsby Phone 518 3 74-2683/ Fax 518 382-1871 E-mail: re vphil@sicm.us Website: www.sicm.us  requests. f encourage the City to support the Wo groups beyond what is required for HOME funding for operating support. Many aspects of the housing crisis sf 2088 linger and housing counseling provides a critical sewice not only to get families ready for home owership but also to provide critical information and intervention to prevent foreclosures. Finatfy this year" recommendations continue the City's practice of ~"fiiringretalivery scarce Public Service funds for what is called community policing. My comment here is not about the SPD or anyone in it. I greatly appreciate the leadership and commitment of the SPD now as opposed to some years ago. It appears that all that is in the proposed budget is an allocation of $1639.,838 towards the salaries of 4 oFficers who work in GDBG eligible areas, The regular City budget should support public safety. 1 encourage the City to remove this item, and then remove the neighborhood stabilization category. incorporate those in the Public Sewice category and then have the resource for additional allocations in ways that what many commonly would see as Public Services. On the five-year pian: this document represents considerable and thorough work by city staff to look ahead, I commend all involved for the hard work. It helps to simpliFy the goals into four areas. VVhise there was reasonably good public pa~ictpationgiven the relatively short time frame, I encourage the city next year to give a greater time period for information and input. Since the CAPER is typically produced in the fall. there is sufficient time later in the year or early in the following year for review, hearings, and input for the rquest for proposal process and allocations. I am attaching to this the comments I provided in writing after the public meeting in February. M i l e the input was noted, a number of areas that I raised appear to need fufiher development, in the housing area 1 again encourage development of 'live where you work' and 'rent to own' initiatives beyond what is being done in the HOMES program. A Focus BlockVinitiative in prior years produced strong results. I am concerned that the allocations for the corning year do not reflect the new areas indicated in the five-year plan, The Promise Neighborhoods ~nitiatrveIS a good one, and hopefully there will be time to broaden the partnership and utilize the 'collective impacf model as a way to achieve positive community change. Finally, 1 am concerned that the outcomes proposed be more measureable than what is indicated. Page 89 shows the ""6oai Butcomes Indicator"".For example, it does ask to show the number of jobs created or retained. That is appropriate. However. it goes on in "re same goal to indicate the number of businesses %~sis%ed;~ and the number of persons assisted.' In the first goal, to meet the essential needs for food, shelter, and safety, the only indicator is the number "assisted.' Assistance is usualty not an outcome. The indicator often should go further to indicate assisted for what outcome, e.g, a business started, youth averted from gang activity, job seekers provided job readiness but then how many got jobs, etc. Simply to put persons 'assisted' can provide inaccurate or insuWicienl: measurements and outcomes Thank you for your consideration (Rev.) Phillip N Grigsby April 27,2015 Executive Director, Rev, Phillip N. GrigsM Phone 518 374-2683 / Fax 518 382-"187f E-rna& re vphi/@sicm*us Website: www,sie;:m,us  SCHENECTADY INNER CIN MINISTRY 1055 Wendell Avenue Schenectady , New Y ork 12308 Relating the resources of the churches fo the needs of the city February 11, 2015 Ms. Jackie Mancini Dept. of Development City Hal, Schenectady, NY 12305 RE: Consolidated Plan one year and five year Dear Ms. Mancini: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Consolidated Plan. I appreciate the opportunity to comment on a program that was established to primarily benefit low and moderate income households in our community. In terms of the one year plan, I am grateful to the City for support of the Summer Lunch Program. Last year we provided 65,000+ lunches to young people in our community. With your support we were able to expand. Unfortunately the need is much higher and we hope you can assist with additional need in the future. To follow up this evening, the following are items I believe are important for consideration for a five year plan: 1. Jobs. I shared two stories of people coming to my door to shovel snow who are desperate for work. Job strategies should be in the five year plan. The prior plan listed job accomplishments but at the onset assumed a JOBS etc program. JOBS etc was a consortium of groups with SlCM as the lead agency that provided a street level job placement service. Since the City can no longer support this, other strategies are needed to address this area. We stand ready from the experience of JOBS to work in partnership with the City on job access and job creation. Some of the prior efforts were well intentioned but have not yielded the job results. In addition I recommend an annual report by the Affirmative Action office which has been funded by ConPlan funds. Such a report would include not only persons served but actual job placements as well as contracts reviewed, and any other affirmative action initiatives undertaken. 2. Live Where you work. The Con Plan could support initiatives for live where you work. Such efforts would encourage members of Ellis or Golub or others to live closer to their employment. Programs such as this need funding for outreach and usually some form of incentive. 3. Rent to Own. Con Plan funds could readily support a rent to own initiative that could operate in one or more neighborhoods. Such a program requires funding for both staff outreach and whatever forms incentives are offered. 4. Focus block Some years ago, Con Plan funds supported a Focus Block initiative in Hamilton Hill. I encourage you to revisit this Con Plan funds could support a focus block effort that would target development and re development I have not ~nthe past supported use of CDBG funds for street paving in general. This IS something that should be supported by government and not use targeted CDBG funds However ~tmakes sense if it is part of a focus block activity that targets re development to a certain block, ~ncludrnghousing and commercial development. 5. Youth. Wth the demise of Carver Community Center, there is a need for greater youth activities ~n neighborhoods. Particularly, the Electric Ctty Bike Rescue is worthy of support for their work to develop a presence on Duane Avenue and work 1~1th youth. The Hamilton Hill Arts Center provides a valuable service for youth and City support through the ConPlan IS critical and should not only be continued but expanded sfnce Carver IS no longer there. 6. Food Security Whatever definrtion of 'food desert' you use too many of our tow and moderate income nerghbors are challenged to find quality and affordable food While many of us have called for development of a community grocery store, ConPlan funds can support food security in~tratlvessuch as expansion of community supported agriculture, community gardens, youth agr~cultureprograms such as Roots and W~sdom.and others.  I add the folioihiing concerns fsr consideration 7 Keep public service for public sewice i am gratehi that the City ~n the past has chosen to opt for up lo 15 per cent for public service activttres i encourage the GI& to stti! opt for pubirc service actlvrties Most beileve these sholiid rncIude the provtsior? for non profits i urge the G ~ t ylo restore publ~csewice to what most betreve to oe public service, I e take out payments for the Poke Departmen"i~\lhrie technrcaiiy an eligibie actlvr@,such payments should be part of the regular city budget and not use reiatrveiy scarce CDBG funds If tbe C ~ t y chooses to continue such payments, they should not label them 'communr"cypoi~c~ng' since as we know we do not have communi@policing tn the City of Schenectady but only incident based policrng 8 F~nallyI encourage consideration of outcome targets thai ate more measurable than ones used in t h e prior ~ i a n For example, reporting on youth only rndtcated the number of youth served There was no rndrcatron of what; the youth were involved with the type of activity, the resiill, etc For example, the reporting on code enbrcement only tndicated the number of units inspected, it did not lndtcate the resuits of the inspections or how many were brought up lo standards Thank you for your ccrns~deratian Rev Phillip N Grigsby  TARGETED TOWARD FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS AND CLIENTS OF MODEST MEANS." * Clients must meet income eligibility guidelines- call us for details. - - ONE TOTALLY REHABED HOME AN new inside and out! 1064 Strong Street Feature upstairs laundries, and modern kitchens and bathrooms. 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