City Council

bIINUTES OF THE REGULAmY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE SCHIEYEGTABU CITY 66)Ui"a'CLL The City Council Meeting was called to order by the Gity Council President Margaret King at 7: 2 8 p.m. in Room 209, Gity Council Chambers at City Halt. Ms. King asked Rev. Carlos Gara Ballo to provide the invocation. Ms. King then called on Council member Marion Porlerfield 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 Permzo. Marion Porterfield, and Vineelit Riggi Also Present - City Clerk Charles Thome. Corporation Counsel Carl Fafotico and Mayor Gary h1eCadhy At this point, Ms. King asked if there were no objections, she would like to take agenda item number 8 & 9 out of order. There were no objections, Resolution No, 2015 - 182 - A Resolution Honoring the City of Arpino, Italy. - Descendents and relatives from Arpino, Italy were on hand and they extended their gatitude for the recornition by the Mayor and City Goundl. Resolution No, 11115 - 183 - A Resolution Recognizing the 2sthAnniversary of the Americans with Disability Act. ---Disability advocates and persons with disability were on hand and extended their gratihrde for the recognition by the Mayor and City Council. They also highlighted needed improvement and progress that bas been made related to handicap accessibility issues. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Amending Parking Ticket Payment Recovery Fees Jason Planek, Schenectady - Noted there was a Judge in Rotterdam that would not require a p a p e n t on a surcharge because the surcharge was not noted on the ticket. He added in response new tickets have been pllnted. He encouraged the Mayor and City Council to make sure the surcharge is noted on the parking ticket to avoid the above, 2, Amending Chapter 36; Elections, o f the GiQ Code P,D, Voorbes, Scheneetady - Noted the City should be in compliance with the election laws, This should include the election s f Council officers, She added the President sfthe City Council i s elected for a two year tern even thou& she was not able to find kideo evidence related to this action. She closed by noting the election o f the officer should be elaborated on in this legislation* Ms. King asked for a motion to approve the minutes &om the J u l ~13,2015 Council meetings as submitted by the Deputy City Clerk; "tar, Rigg~made a mollon to approve the mrntrkes, Vr. \4ootaso~,eren seconded the rnstlon. Scheneclady City Council Minutes July 27, 2015 / Page 2 of 6 From the Mayor a list of appointments dated July 27,201 5. General: None Petitions: None GOlVMITTEE REPORTS Marion Porterfield, Health & Recreation - Noted six City parks have been identified to receive h d i n g for new playgromd equipment. She noted the parks are Uroodlakvn, Front Street, Quakenbush, Steimetz, J e w Bunell and Hlllhurst Parks. She added the vendor recently visited these parks related to what equipment ~ ~ e e d tosbe ordered and installed. She noted the timeline for installation is this summer with completed installation plamed for the early fall. She noted she would provide ongoing updates and that fundraising efforts will continue. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITEMS) Ms. King invited all who wished to address the Ledslative Agenda to come fornard: Mary McCldne, Sehenectdy - ""lttrm #9 - The 25'%miversaV of the Arneriesrls with Disabilities Act. It was a very sensible piece of legislation. The law made mobility possible for many people who were restricted before the legislation was passed. In the mid 70's Z was a member of a group call Mobility - on- Wheels. The goal of the group was to remove architectural barriers from public buildings. It was a new concept and changed the thinking of how Americans viewed people in wheelchairs. I met the President of the group who herself, was confined to a wheelchair. She showed me the limitations such confinement meant for those with disabilities. After meeting her, I returned to my district and began to lobby for the physically challenged. At this time in Virginia, the cost for a license plate with the handicap log on it was Iri&er than regular plates, T got the cost of the plates changed so that evevone paid the same for plates, 1reviewred new building plans and made s u e the facility u~olnidbe handicap accessible. In the 70's no"E\en nursing homes included cut-away curbs for their facilities, My efforas got the alrenticm o f the local Assemblpen land they brou&t the issue to Richmond, Today we enjoy physical fieedonas because someone ealne up with m idea that benefitted all Amerrcans and I thank Council for the resolution on toni&tmsagenda that notes the anniversary of the Amerrcans with Disabilities Act," P,D, Vorrrlaes, Sehenectady - Noted her comga~lationson the stabilization program and the removal ofcondemned buildings. She then addressed concerns she has related to the City COUMC~~ ~ S of a elaina by -Mark M. She noted she i;krouldlike to see more details u hen handing claims o f damages, caused by the City, come before the City GOUMCII,She added the details have been discussed. in executive session. She noted she has had six occurrences in the last several months related to damaged property and repom the Police Depafirnent won9% respond to her request to file a report, She added she then goes to District Attorney's office related to her complaint and &hen rs handed a firm to complete bua: she d ~ e s not know the name crfrbe officer she wishes to file the cornpiaant against. She then cong=r--ater%ated the recipients ofthe ceremonial Scheneetady City Council Minutes July 27, 201 5 1 Page 3 of 6: resolution -for Americans with Disabilities. She added this does not however give license to persons with disability to ride-motorized wheelchairs to the streets. Seeing no other speakers come fonvard, Ms. King declared the Privilege of the Floor on the Legislative Agenda closed. IIXTRODTJCTION OF AND ACTION UPON LOCAL LAkVS, ORDINmCIES AND RESOLUTIONS: Mr. Kosiur made a motion that Council approves the Consent Agenda and the motion was seconded by Mr. Mootooveren. Consent Agenda - Resolution No. 20 15 - 184 ..................... . ..........A d o p t Unanimous1y Resolution No. 2015 - 185 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 t 5 - 186 ....................................M o p e d Unanimously Resolution No. 20 15 - 187 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 188 ................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - f 89 ............................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 20 15 - 190 ........................ .Adopted Unanimous1y Resolution No. 2015 - 191 ................................ A d o p t Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 182 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 193 ................................ Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 201 5 - 184 ....................................Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2015 - 195 ...................................*AdoptedUnanimously PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Ms, King invited all who wished to address the City Council on any maMer of City business to come forward. The following speakers rose to be heard and their remarks are summarized: Anthony Carota, Schenectady - Asked why the public was not infomed about two violent incidences that occurred in Vale Park and on Albany Street. He added that he heard about the incidences on the news. He then noted he had suggestions related to problems with youth and afterschool structure, He added many 5;out.h come from single farnlly hornes their fathers are absent. He noted there are progams like the Boys dt Girls Club which is good, but they also need a mentor to look up too, He added that he can understand where the youth are coming h m - He noted someone on City Council can create a mentor pro-ogram "rat sets up area youth with a Council member, police crfGcer, fire fl&ter, Mayor etc. He noted that youth look up to movie stars ;end athletes- He noted Michigan has a program that the City can rep1ie;tt.e. He closed by noting this type: o f program tvould help pull youth o f f the streets and out sf crime. iwauc-a Isaacs, Schenectady - Noted this past Saturday was a March for Jesus in Schenectady. She added the Mayor was there along with City Council members Madon Psde~eldand I-eesa Perazzo. She added the group had cleaned up the park with the help o f 13x1but i t 3 been left a mess and needs to be cleaned again before the basketball game, Bate Mcrnq, Scheneetady --- Noted his intent to express concern arid opinions relatechto the new dispatch center on Hamburg Street. He added that he has called the center about different carnplarnhs. FOPexample he noted the "orgglar alarm went off111hrs house. AD%called the d~spjitchcenter because he could not be reached, He noted he later plajed back the 1rdeo, watched 1.8: for fiw and a ha'LPkours, and no polrce patrolled or drote by the home, He noted Pie Schenectady City Council Minutes July 27, 2015 / Page 4 of 6 called another time related to noise disturbance at 1 1:30 p.m. and listened to scanner. He noted at 5:30 a.m. the call was made by dispatch to the police department to follow up. He added he has a nei&bor who is driving without a license. He was asked by the police if he sees him driving, he i s instructed to call the police. He noted the calls are given out from dispatch to the police department six hours later. He noted Schenectady has the best Police Department in the area, but they can't do their job if dispatch is not giving out the calls. He closed by noting that the blame needs to be on the dispatch center and something needs to be done. Jacob & Celaine Sheppard, Schenectady - Noted that he and his wife have been residents on Star Avenue for 21 years. He added all the other streets have been paved but not Star Avenue. He noted he wants the street repaved now. We knows the street is on the list and he does not believe the residents need to wait any longer. Me noted he is a veteran and he wants the street repaved. Frank Wicks, Schenectady - ""Take a moment to think and reflect upon the death of Sandra Bland in Texas jail cell. This 29 year old black woman died 2 weeks ago while in isolation. She was falsely accused of "felony assault of a police officer." The video exposes the lie. She was illegally ordered out of her car, threatened with a tazer, and implhsoned with a bail she could not pay. Consider the similaities to Schenectady. A 23 year old black male, Shaquille Pzker. is wronghlty charged with ""felony assaulting a police officer." Mr. Parker works for the Daily Gazette, helps his mother with 3 grandchildren, and volunteers with lunches for children in the nei&borhood park. Mr. Parker reksed to submit to an illegal search and started to uralk home. A citizen video exposes the police lie. It shows Mr, Parker being assaulted from behind by a police officer, pepper spragied, tazered and forced to the ground. The police chief arrives an the scene. After being wronghlly accused of "felony assault of a police officer" Mr. Parker is incarcerated for several days with a bail he cannot pay. Note I am also wearing an Amenican Rag, to remind myself and the mayor and the council and the citizens of Schenectady our founders fought for and founded a free and democratic country. The founders also warned that if we did not protect our rigbts, we will lose them. My own vigilance increased when I observed Patrick Morris, a high overtime officer, creating more overtime by fabricating an offence at a fabricated location, and then lying in court. It demonstrated how dishonest police can also corrupt the district attorney and the court by "going along to get along". Many police officers are honest, hardworking, respectful and thoughtful. We recognized the merit of the proposal. Schenectady can pioneer this method for improving the effectiveness and community relations. Schenectady can become a model to be copied by all taw enforcement agencies across "ie country," Blloltarned Hafez, Schenectady - He noted the Mayor claimed the casino will generate $14-9 million in tax revenue f i r the City and County combined, He added this is not a marantee, In addition, he noted because the Mayor did not establish a eontrat with the developer, the expenses related to the casino are unknown, He asked who will pay for the increase cost sf infrastructure and use s f arnbulanees and fire apparatus, Me asked who is paying for gambling programs, increase in child abuse and bakruptcy, He asked the Mayor how he i s going to lower property taxes with casino revenue. He noted that jobs that could have been resewed fbr City residents are now going elsewhere, He noted other casinos have required conkact with developers refated to these issues and the Mayor has failed to order an ageernent and failed to serve the best interest ofthe residents. He closed by noting the Mayor has instead served the interests ofthe developer and residents of Amsterdam and Gloversville, Mary RlcCLaine, Schenectady -- '"ecent'ly the Mayor said, "Beauty is in the eyes o f the beholder'', T h i s is the Comprehensia e Plan.It is replete with the word "saaaatificarion. The City bought st, 7-he City o\+ns ~tand 11 4s the Cit.1'~responsrbiSley to act on it. The City didn? beautify my street uhen it gut dorm new asphalt, Instead of beauty, the C ~ t y brought bli&t to my street Schenectady City Council Minutes July 27,2015 / Page 5 of 6 because the new section Lets the old section stick out like a sore thumb. The street will never look new at the same time nor will it get old at the same time. A11 streets have investment values; not just the streets with the Mayor or Council members pet projects on them. The same people who told me there was no money to fix my street properly were the same people who found $16,000 to install plug-in stations for hybrid cars and money for bike paths. Neither bike paths or plug in stations produce revenue for the City but all the homes on my street do. All the homes represent a strong tax base but the City didn't have money to fix it right. At this time, 3 weeks after completion of the work. the street remains a big mess. The contractor spattered bits of asphalt on the sidewalk and didn't clean them up. Someone painted letters on the concrete. The pain is still there. Cars drove over the clay that the contractors dug up from under the asphalt. The clay Looks like gaffiti. Xo one has been back to clean it up. Point #2 - I understand the DSIG was responsible for the hanging flowers baskets. So tvho inserted the flags? The hanging baskets would have been beautihl in multiplies and the effect dramatic, But the Council turned the City over to the Jezebels and the spoilers htrned downtown into a Coney Island midway. Nothing is the same. Evembing is different. On one side of Jay Street there are flowers, on the other side banners. On State Street the poles have an American Flag and a banner, tacky, tacky, tacky. The Jezebels really destroyed what could have been a beautih1 sight downtotvn this summer*" P.D. Voorhes, Schenectady - Noted on Febmary 29,2007 she made four calls to the police deparlcrnent after obsewing the theft of federal food. She added that she called back at 11:33p.m. and reported the theft a second time to the police department. She added she use to distribute commodities and knows what the products look like. She noted there was no response at 11:46 p.m. or 12:07 a.m. She noted she called back at 12:16 a.m. no response, and again at 12:40 a.m. same thing. She noted that she has had problem tenant neighbors upstairs from her apartment and as a result has had to have her toilet replaced twice due to the issues they created with plumbing. She added that water has been dripping &om her ceiling and though her apartment floor and into the bookstore. She closed by noting she has never known these tenants to be employed. Jason Planek, Schenectady - He noted concerns related to property tax increase in relation to the levy. He added the 2016 budget is going to be a tight budget. He noted City Council and the Mayor need to make sure City services will not be impacted. He added there is no planned cola increase for 2016 related to Social Security checks. He added the disability trust fund will go dry in 2016. He noted it is important not to cut Title Two benefits, but the government can hit SSI with a 20 percent cut which is equivalent to a $100 reduction. He noted when the M a p r releases the budget he urged the Council to make sure there i s a safety net for people in the community. Me added Section 8 has seen reductions as well and these are some of the issues to look at related to the 20 16 budget, Seeing no other speakers to come before the City Council, Ms. King declared the Prrvilege o f the Floor closed r e g d i n g City Business. MISGELEASEBUS BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL Ms, Perazzo - Noted this past u eekend was booked with great ekents, She noted on Saturday she started out with Give Graffiti the Brush and then headed over to the Woodlawn Preserve for a, fishing derby. She added other Council members %erepresent as well includkg Council member Porterfield and Kosiur. She noted the presene has a new deck and the event hosted between 30 and 40 kids. She noted she then attended the March for Jesus tvhich she said was an inspirational event and filled with positive energy. Then she headed over to Ski~mehzPark for Family Fun Day which hosted between 400 - 500 people. She added, eilerything mas free ~nclud~ng hotdogs, snacks and pony rides. She noted she also attend a h4usl.arn faith awareness event at Central Park whnch had a great turn out as well. She congratulated a91 the nrganrzers and Scheneclady City Council Minutes July 27, 201 5 / Page 6 of 6 commmity members for participating. She then announced on August 12 there wit1 be a *Milesof Smiles event plamed, for State Street with a lineup of volunteers stading at IO:d0 a.m. She added volunteers can pick a spot on State Street &om MVP to Washington Avenue. dress up, make signs, and represent their neighborhood. Then at 1 1:00 a.m. the smile cam will make its way down State Street to capture the event. She noted she is available for more information as needed and she is looking forward to participating. Ms. Porterfield - Noted she participated in all the above noted events on Saturday and she added City residents had a good time. She noted her sister was in town recently and was impressed with downtown improvements. She added a former resident was in town recently as well and they offered other tips on neighborhood improvements. She noted that she explained the 108 de~nolitionsthat are taking place. She added other beautification projects should be considered and perhaps this is something neighborhoods can take on. She then announced that at Girls Inc. there will be a Stop the Violence event which is intended to provide education and infomation for the Hamilton Hill community. She noted paents will receive a coupon for back to school supplies. The event will be on July 30thfrom 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m,. She noted a bonk siming will take place on August 8 from l:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the author of The Wonderhl You. She added the author is a graduate of Lhton W i d 1 School and she has provided copies of the book to Gity Council members and the Mayor. She noted that she has flyers related to the event which is .free and open "Ithe public. Mr. Riggi- Noted the 16""annual Reile.;ue in the Park will take place nn humst 8 or August 9 as the rain date. He noted the neighborhood event will include an afternoon of food and entertaiment. We noted the Bellewe's Farmers Market takes place every Thursday on the comer of Broadway and Thompson Street. He then thanked residents for their public comments. He then noted concerns about the Schenectady Little League game not taking place in Scheneetady due to an issue with a parent. He noted the chair and administration should have called out the parent rather than moving the venue to Scotia. We closed by noting the sihration could have been handled different1y. Mayor Mecarthy - Noted Council member Perazzo provided a nice recap of all the nice events that took place over this past weekend. He noted the Oak Street Bridge repair is waiting on the Gity Engineer to receive the supplemental agreement and design approval from the state by September 15, He added the final approval is slated for January I and then will go out to bid and constmction in Apfil o f 2016. He added the repair has taking longer than anyone has expected do to ongoing negations with the railroad and lining up the money, He closed by noting he appreciates residents patience, 31s. K n g - Csngraiulated all the organizers related to the events held over this past weekend, She also thanked volunteers including city staff, Counc11 members and the Mayor who helped with the SECM summer lunch event held this past week at the library. Adjourned: Seeing no h h e r business to come before the City CoundY, Ms. King asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was moved by .Mr. Kosiu and seconded by Mr. Mocstoor,erea and the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m. Schenectady Deputy City Clerk