City Council

l\1INUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL February 8, 2016 The City Council Meeting was called to order by the City Council President 'VL ULd.-"-; at p.m. Room 209, City Council Chambers at City Hall. Ms. Perazzo asked Father Theodore Roupas from St. George Greek Orthodox Church to provide the invocation. Ms. Perazzo then called on Carl Jackson to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The Deputy City Clerk called the roll and the following members of the City Council answered to be present: - Council members, Edward Kosiur, John Ferrari , Marion and Vincent Riggi if were no nh':Pf'tUUl to agenda were no objections. Resolution No. 2016-16 - A Resolution Recognizing African American History Month. Mr. was on hand extended gratitude the recognition by Mayor and City Council. was Ms. Porterfield seconded by Mr. Riggi. The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution No. 2016-17 - A Resolution Recognizing the Retirement of Lee DiCaprio. Mr. DiCaprio was on hand and he extended his gratitude for the recognition by the Mayor and City Council. The resolution was moved by Mr. Polimeni and seconded by Mr. Ferrari. The resolution passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None  Minutes 8, 6/ Petitions: None COlVll\flTTEE REPORTS Mr. Kosiur, City Development & Planning - is selling properties amounting to $300,000 sales. He added increasing home ownership is the goaL He noted additional properties on the agenda are being purchased from SURA by the city related to demolition. He also noted the city development office will host an additional public hearing related to CDBG funding allocation to take place on Tuesday, Febmary 23 at 6:00 p.m. at 839 Albany Street. He added details related to the additional hearing were published online and the Gazette newspaper. He then noted the Council has several committee appointments noted on the agenda. He extended his gratitude to newly appointed committee members and to those who have served. to a vacant property which has been hopefully to a PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (LEGISLATIVE ITEMS) to address Legislative Agenda to come forward: P.D. Voorhis, Schenectady Noted she reviewed city personnel handbook online and she agreed work place violence section. She then highlighted an industrial school in South Carolina a gift. noted a school Denmark changed the name Mary McClaine, Schenectady - "Item #1 - Energy loan program; you already know how I feel about this program. It's not a good one. You wanted information from the company representative. She didn't even have the same information I had. Council would fare better to do its own homework. Troy is the only city in the capital district that has this type of program. I called Troy, they wouldn't answer my question. Vote no. Item #11 - Golf course rates; this is another item that should not have made the agenda A veteran is a veteran, is a veteran. When he goes off to serve, he rates to veterans ~vfJvu.u.u.F, "''-'V'-UH  Minutes 8,2016 3 Consent Agenda - Resolution No. - 18 Resolution No. 2016 19 Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - 20 ...................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 ...................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - ...................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - 24 ...................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - 25 ...................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - 26 ...................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - 27 ...................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - 28 ...................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - ...................................... Adopted Unanimously Resolution No. 2016 - 30 Unanimously No.2016 31 Unanimously .A(lOprea Unanimously Adopted ............ Adopted Unanimously - 5 ................................ Adopted Unanimously A Local Law to Establish a Sustainable Energy Loan Program in the City of Schenectady. LL-2016-02 motion was by Mr. v,~u.u and seconded by Ms. Porterfield. J. .... 1:1 Voting AYE: Kosiur, Ferrari, Perazzo, Polimeni & Porterfield Voting NAY: Riggi Absent: Mootooveren Mr. Polimeni - Noted he had a number of initial concerns however after running the numbers the indicated the program offers minimal risk to the city. lVlr. Riggi -  Minutes 8,20161 of 6 A Resolution Appointing Tracey Chance to the Schenectady Industrial Development Authority (IDA). 2016 37 m motion was moved Mr. Kosiur and seconded by Mr, Hprr<1rl 1:1 Voting AYE: Kosiur, Ferrari, Perazzo, Porterfield & Riggi Voting NAY: Polimeni Absent: Mootooveren Ms. Perazzo - Read the mission statement of the IDA and noted the proposed appointee's resume does not reflect relevant background or experience related to the boards responsibilities, He added someone with a background in economic development or a small business owner would be a better selection. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: City Council on matter business to and their remarks are "LUJlUU.l.u Joy Hall, Schenectady concerns to on the street and creating garbage trucks making the rounds. She also expressed a safety issue related to the garbage trucks and suggested adding a step for personnel to use to better access the trucks. She said the additional step would help reduce potential injury. Oroni Tucker, Schenectady - Noted he is with Schenectady Basketball club and that he came before City Council to extend his gratitude for the CDBG funding support the club has He the program has been around for years and is open to boys and girls. He noted the program includes an academic monitoring mechanism to support the youth in their studies as well. He added the program has a number of volunteers who help facilitate the program and he noted the need for continued funding support by the Council is needed. P.D. Voorhis, Schenectady - Noted she recognizes several appoints to the various boards live on Wendell Avenue and noted the Mayor lives on that street. She noted she is looking for answers related to trees that are being knocked down on Consaul Road. She added the chairman of the Planning Commission being removed is news to her as welL She noted another member of the  Minutes 8,20161 5 of 6 to convert 400 of those 1,200 volunteer jobs smart schools is a smart- member. School personnel pay 16 percent a family medical plan, 13 percent single plan and taxpayers pay 84 percent. Why can't workers pay the 84 percent? The schools would have all money they need to operate. Recently, Mr. Phil Steck wrote in the Gazette that schools within the 110th Assembly district are average or below average wealth. Schenectady being the poorest. And council voted for a casino. How smart is that? Madam President were you and your colleagues instrumental in bringing to Schenectady all those businesses currently located in Center City and paying taxes? You all voted for the industrial heating installation to the Steinmetz Park multipurpose room that was refurbished for wedding rentals. And I will never forgive you for the way you voted to fix my street. I came to city hall four times to bring the problem to the city's attention. You fixed it your way. Hell hath no fury like a women scorned." Kanema Haynes, Schenectady - Noted a community effort is underway related to equitable funding for Schenectady City School district which does not receive its share of Foundation includes 70 pastors and community leaders. She noted with facing youth today we can do better related to state funding. She been to 'Uv>.<>...",.... VvLH"JU" available 50,000 signatures. no to come hAl-Art" closed regarding City Business. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL Mr. Kosiur- Noted the City Council resolutions include details related to the purchase price and purchaser of properties being sold by the city. He also added the Mayor does not live on Wendell Avenue. He then spoke on the recent ground breaking for the new River Casino which took place at Mohawk Harbor and that construction is ahead of schedule. He added the new casino will host 1,400 new jobs. He noted on February 27 the new Schenectady Public Library on State Street will host an open house and ribbon cutting. He also noted Schenectady County is hosting a civil service exam for correction officer positions and more information is available online or by at  Minutes 8,2016 Page 6 of 6 an appointment. She add the program is income-based and sponsored by the Way and the on at a.m. County Senior Services host a Friendship Cafe at Apostrophe Cafe for residents who are 60 years of age or older. She added the program will provide information about services available to seniors in the community. She then noted February is Heart Health month and added Ellis will be hosting workshops on February 22 at 6:00 p.m. related to congestive heart failure. She encouraged interested residents to register for this free workshop. Mr. Polimeni - Noted Brade1y Lewis is highly qualified for the Planning Commission. He added Mr. Lewis is a full time professor at Union College and is of high moral value. He then thanked Mr. Lewis for his service. He closed by noting the Jack Falvo Foundation fundraiser held over the weekend was a success and well attended. Ms. Perazzo - Wished everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. She then noted Habitat for Humanity hosting a fundraiser at its ReStore location on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She also noted Schenectady Pride will be hosting a benefit on February 13 at St. Mary's on Avenue at 6:00 p.m. She extended condolences to Angelo Mallozzi who by "'>V,JVu. next Council meeting will place 16 due to the Day holiday on Adjourned: to come Ms. asked a motion to adjourn meeting. The motion was moved by Mr. Riggi and seconded by Mr. Ferrari and the meleulllg adjourned at p.m. A tr. rec;P:.1;/ ~~ By chid Putman Schenectady Deputy City Clerk