City Council

OFFICE OF CITY CLERK SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK AGENDA FOR THE COUNCIL CAUCUS AND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 14, 2022 Room 209 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING 001 Regarding Barrett Street & South Avenue Rezoning ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 01 Council Member A RESOLUTION Calling for a Public Hearing to Amend the 2021 - 2022 HUD Annual Action Plan Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 02 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the City to Enter Into an Agreement with the County of Schenectady for Funding under the NYS 2022 STOP-DWI Grant Program Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 03 Council Member A RESOLUTION Accepting a Grant for Improvements to Jerry Burrell Park Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 04 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Mayor to Terminate and Release an Existing Easement Votes Required 4 Friday, February 11, 2022 Page 1 of 3  Monday, February 14, 2022 Room 209 7:00 p.m. ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 05 Council Member A RESOLUTION Approving an Amendment to the Agreement with Cares of New York, Inc. and Bethesda House for the 2020-2022 HUD Emergency Solutions Grant COVID-19 (ESG- CV) to Re-Allocate Program Funds of $19,216.00 from the HUD ESG-CV Rapid Rehousing Program to the HUD ESG-CV Homeless Prevention Program Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 06 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the 2021 Budget Reallocation Related to an Agreement between the City of Schenectady and Local 28 IAFF AFL/CIO for Retroactive Payments for 2019, 2020, and 2021 Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 07 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the 2022 Budget Reallocation Related to an Agreement between the City of Schenectady and Local 28 IAFF AFL/CIO Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 08 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 3 Chester Street Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 09 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 8 Mynderse Street Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 10 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 1033 Glendale Place Votes Required 4 Friday, February 11, 2022 Page 2 of 3  Monday, February 14, 2022 Room 209 7:00 p.m. ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 11 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of 2321 Broadway Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 12 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Mayor, or his Designee to Enter into Supplemental Agreement #1 with NYSDOT for the Implementation, and Funding in the First Instance 100% of the Federal-Aid and State "Marchiselli" Program-Aid Eligible Costs, of a Transportation Federal-Aid Project, and Appropriating Funds for Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 13 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Issuance of Revocable Permit No. 664 to Jay Street Properties, LLC for a Sign that Will Overhang the City's Right-of-Way at 132 Jay Street Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 14 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Settlement of a Claim by Macenzie Donnelly Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 15 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the City of Schenectady to Settle a Tax Certiorari with 40 Love Associates, Ltd. with Regard to 1 Broadway Center Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 16 Council Member A RESOLUTION Recognizing American Heart Month Votes Required 4 Friday, February 11, 2022 Page 3 of 3  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: RESOLVED, that the City Council will conduct a public hearing in relation to: Amending the 2021-2022 HUD Annual Action Plan Said Public hearing shall be held on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Council Chambers, Room 209, Schenectady City Hall, 105 Jay Street, Schenectady, New York, for the purpose of receiving public comment relative to amending the 2021-2022 HUD Annual Action Plan; and be it further FT RESOLVED, that copies of the proposed allocations be made available at the City Clerk’s Office and the City of Schenectady website at www.cityofschenectady.com for public inspection beginning no later than February 23, 2022; and be it further D RESOLVED, that all interested parties may also be heard by submitting written comments to the City Clerk via www.cityofschenectady.com/158/City-Council, by email at smykoo@schenectadyny.gov, RA or mail at City Clerk, 105 Jay St., Schenectady, NY 12305, by 12:00 p.m. on February 25, 2022; and be it further RESOLVED, that the City Clerk shall have the following notice published in the appropriate manner: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Amending the 2021-2022 HUD Annual Action Plan On Monday, February 28, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., the Schenectady City Council shall conduct a public hearing in relation to the above-referenced matter. Said public hearing shall be held in Council Chambers, Room 209, Schenectady City Hall, 105 Jay Street, Schenectady, New York, for the purpose of receiving public comment relative to the above-referenced matter. All interested parties may also be heard by submitting written comments to the City Clerk via www.cityofschenectady.com/158/City-Council, by email at smykoo@schenectadyny.gov, or mail at City Clerk, 105 Jay St., Schenectady, NY 12305, by 12:00 p.m. on February 25, 2022. Copies of the proposed allocations will be made available at the City Clerk’s Office and the City of Schenectady website at www.cityofschenectady.com for public inspection beginning no later than February 23, 2022. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. __________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel FT DRA  City of Schenectady, New York RESOLUTION No.: Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the City to Enter into an Agreement with the County of Schenectady for Funding under the 2022 NYS STOP-DWI Plan Grant WHEREAS, the City of Schenectady wishes to enter into an agreement with the County of Schenectady regarding the 2022 NYS STOP-DWI Plan Grant; and WHEREAS, the County of Schenectady will provide funds in the amount of $22,000.00 FT to the City of Schenectady for the purpose of driving while intoxicated (DWI) enforcement; and WHEREAS, the agreement shall be effective from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT D RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute an RA agreement with the County of Schenectady, and any additional documentation, to effectuate receipt of the funds under the NYS 2022 STOP-DWI Grant Program, the terms of said agreement to be set by the Corporation Counsel; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Commissioner of Finance and Administration is directed to receive and allocate the funding as directed in the Budget Detail Worksheet within the grant award. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. __________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel D RA FT  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Accepting a Grant for Improvements to Jerry Burrell Park WHEREAS, the City of Schenectady is the recipient of a $200,000.00 grant from County of Schenectady to be allocated for improvements to Jerry Burrell Park; and WHEREAS, under the terms of the grant, the City of Schenectady will make FT improvements to the park including removing the existing mushroom fountain apparatus, installing a new splash pad, upgrading the basketball court and bleachers, as well as improvements to the immediate surrounding area, which may include, but are not limited to, additional seating areas and landscaping: NOW THEREFORE BE IT, D RESOLVED, that this Council, authorizes the Mayor, or his designee, to execute a grant agreement with the County of Schenectady and any additional documentation to RA effectuate receipt the grant funds, the terms of said agreement to be set by the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. __________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel  City of Schenectady, New York RESOLUTION No.: Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Terminate and Release an Existing Easement WHEREAS, the City of Schenectady has an easement on vacant property that is part of parcel SBL# 39.71-2-14.1, which is located at the corner of State Street and Erie Boulevard; and WHEREAS, this is the parking area next to the building. The description of this easement is recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Schenectady County in Liber 361 on pages 356 et seq.; and FT WHEREAS, the City has no use for this easement: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the City Council does hereby authorize the Mayor to terminate and D release the existing and now ineffective easement recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Schenectady County as described in Liber 361 on pages 356 et seq. RA Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin , Esq. Corporation Counsel  City of Schenectady, New York RESOLUTION No.: Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Agreement with Cares of New York, Inc. and Bethesda House, Inc. for the 2020-2022 HUD Emergency Solutions Grant COVID-19 (ESG-CV) to Re-Allocate Program Funds of $19,216.00 from the HUD ESG-CV Rapid Rehousing Program to the HUD ESG-CV Homeless Prevention Program WHEREAS, HUD Emergency Solutions Grants COVID-19 (ESG-CV) programs funds are authorized by Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136; and FT WHEREAS, these special ESG-CV funds are to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance, and to support additional homeless assistance and homelessness prevention activities to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19; and D WHEREAS, the City of Schenectady, Cares of New York, Inc., and Bethesda House, Inc., working together for this project, seek to modify the budget to reallocate $19,216.00 of RA HUD ESG-CV Rapid Rehousing Funds to ESG-CV Homeless Prevention Funds: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the HUD ESG-CV Rapid Rehousing Program funds of $19,216.00 to be moved to the HUD ESG-CV Homeless Prevention Program; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Gary R. McCarthy, is authorized to execute any and all agreements and related documents with Cares of New York, Inc. and Bethesda House, Inc., as shall be necessary to effectuate this resolution. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin , Esq. Corporation Counsel  City of Schenectady, New York RESOLUTION No.: Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing a 2021 Budget Reallocation Related to an Agreement between City of Schenectady and Local 28 IAFF AFL/CIO for Retroactive Payments for 2019, 2020 and 2021 WHEREAS, in October 2021, the City Council authorized a collective bargaining agreement with Schenectady Firefighter Local 28 IAFF AFL/CIO that contained retroactive payments back to 2019, 2020 and 2021. The City did not appropriate settlement of this contract in the 2021 Budget; and FT WHEREAS, in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards, the 2019, 2020 and 2021 payments must be disclosed and charged to the 2021 fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the 2019, 2020 and 2021 payments were recently disbursed, pursuant to the D collective bargaining agreement with Local 28 IAFF AFL/CIO. In accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards, it is recommended that that the attached budget re- appropriation be approved using ARPA Loss revenue and/or general fund reserves: RA NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby authorizes this reallocation of the 2021 Budget as provided in the attachment hereto and made a part hereof. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin , Esq. Corporation Counsel  121 D RA FT  122 D RA FT  City of Schenectady, New York RESOLUTION No.: Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing a 2022 Budget Reallocation Related to an Agreement between City of Schenectady and Local 28 IAFF AFL/CIO WHEREAS, in October 2021, the City Council authorized a collective bargaining agreement with Schenectady Firefighter Local 28 IAFF AFL/CIO that contained payments back to 2019, 2020, and 2021. The City did not appropriate costs of FICA, Medicare and pension payments of this contract in the 2022 Budget; and FT WHEREAS, in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards, the 2022 payments must be disclosed and charged to the 2022 fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the 2022 payments are being disbursed, pursuant to the Local 28 IAFF AFL/CIO Agreement. In accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards, it is D recommended that that the attached budget re-appropriation be approved using general fund reserves: RA NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby authorizes this reallocation of the 2022 Budget as provided in the attachment hereto and made a part hereof. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin , Esq. Corporation Counsel  124 D RA FT  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of 3 Chester Street WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Schenectady to sell parcel numbered SBL 60.47-1-43; and WHEREAS, there is no municipal use for the property: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, FT RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract to transfer the title of parcel numbered SBL # 60.47-1-43 to William Lenkowitz and/or assign for the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00); and be it further RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale shall contain a clause requiring that D purchaser pay $500 at closing for building, electrical, plumbing and other applicable permits, that rehabilitation of the property begin within thirty days of the purchase, and that total rehabilitation of the RA property, requiring compliance with the State Building Code and securing appropriate building permits with necessary inspections be completed within six months of purchase, as well as any other terms deemed necessary by the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of 8 Mynderse Street WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Schenectady to sell parcel numbered SBL 49.25-3-13; and WHEREAS, there is no municipal use for the property: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, FT RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract to transfer the title of parcel numbered SBL # 49.25-3-13 to Jones O. Darkwa and/or assign for the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00); and be it further RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale shall contain a clause requiring that D purchaser pay $500 at closing for building, electrical, plumbing and other applicable permits, that rehabilitation of the property begin within thirty days of the purchase, and that total rehabilitation of the RA property, requiring compliance with the State Building Code and securing appropriate building permits with necessary inspections be completed within twelve months of purchase, as well as any other terms deemed necessary by the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of 1033 Glendale Place WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Schenectady to sell parcel numbered SBL 49.61-2-30; and WHEREAS, there is no municipal use for the property: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, FT RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract to transfer the title of parcel numbered SBL # 49.61-2-30 to Kamaldai Liladhar and/or assign for the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00); and be it further RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale shall contain a clause requiring that D purchaser pay $500 at closing for building, electrical, plumbing and other applicable permits, that rehabilitation of the property begin within thirty days of the purchase, and that total rehabilitation of the RA property, requiring compliance with the State Building Code and securing appropriate building permits with necessary inspections be completed within six months of purchase, as well as any other terms deemed necessary by the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of 2321 Broadway WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Schenectady to sell parcel numbered SBL 48.59-1-26; and WHEREAS, there is no municipal use for the property: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, FT RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract to transfer the title of parcel numbered SBL # 48.59-1-26 to Doodnauth Thakurdyal and/or assign for the sum of Forty- One Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($41,750.00); and be it further RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale shall contain a clause requiring that D purchaser pay $500 at closing for building, electrical, plumbing and other applicable permits, that rehabilitation of the property begin within thirty days of the purchase, and that total rehabilitation of the RA property, requiring compliance with the State Building Code and securing appropriate building permits with necessary inspections be completed within twelve months of purchase, as well as any other terms deemed necessary by the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor, or His Designee to Enter into Supplemental Agreement #1 with NYSDOT for the implementation, and funding in the first instance 100% of the federal- aid and State "Marchiselli" Program-aid eligible costs, of a transportation federal-aid project, and appropriating funds for Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP), City of Schenectady, Schenectady County, PIN 1760.95 WHEREAS, a Project Pedestrian Safety Plan (PSAP), City of Schenectady, Schenectady County, P.I.N. 1760.95 (the “Project") is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended, that calls for the apportionment of the costs such program to be borne at the ratio of 100 % Federal funds and 0% non-federal funds; and WHEREAS, the City of Schenectady desires to advance the Project by making a commitment of 100% of the non-federal share of the costs of Design and Construction/Construction Inspection FT NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council duly convened does hereby RESOLVE, that the City Council hereby approves the above-subject project; and it is hereby further RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby authorizes the City of Schenectady to pay in the first instance 100% of the federal and non-federal share of the cost of Design and Construction/Construction Inspection work for the Project or D portions thereof; and it is further RESOLVED, that the sum of $179,752.00 has previously been appropriated from the Capital Budget Code RA IC617083-201and made available to cover the cost of participation in the above phase(s) of the Project; and it is further RESOLVED, that the additional sum of $1,821,000.00 (100% HSIP $1,204,151.00 + 100% Local NPS $616,849.00) is hereby appropriated from the Capital Budget Code IC617083-201 and made available to cover the cost of participation in the above phase(s) of the Project; and it is further RESOLVED, that in the event the full federal and non-federal share costs of the project exceeds the amount appropriated above, the City of Schenectady shall convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon the notification by the New York State Department of Transportation thereof, and it is further RESOLVED, that the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to execute all necessary Agreements, certifications or reimbursement requests for Federal Aid and/or Marchiselli Aid on behalf of the City of Schenectady with the New York State Department of Transportation in connection with the advancement or approval of the Project and providing for the administration of the Project and the municipality's first instance funding of project costs and permanent funding of the local share of federal-aid and state-aid eligible Project costs and all Project costs within appropriations therefore that are not so eligible, and it is further RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the New York State Commissioner of Transportation by attaching it to any necessary Agreement in connection with the Project and it is further RESOLVED, this Resolution shall take effect immediately Approved as to form this 14th day of February 2022 __________________________ Andrew Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel STATE OF NEW YORK } } ss.: COUNTY OF Schenectady } I, the undersigned, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that I have compared the above copy of a resolution adopted _____________, 20___ with the original record in this office and that the same is a correct transcript thereof and of the whole of said original record. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of said ________________________ This _____ day of _________________, 20__. _____________________________________________ Clerk FT DRA D RA FT D RA FT  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Revocable Permit No. 664 to Jay Street Properties, LLC for a Sign That Will Overhang the City’s Right-of-Way at 132 Jay Street, Schenectady, New York WHEREAS, Jay Street Properties, LLC would like to install a sign that will overhang the City’s right-of-way at 132 Jay Street, Schenectady, New York; and FT WHEREAS, the City Engineer recommends the issuance of a permit for the Sign; and WHEREAS, said revocable permit shall be subject to standard conditions that include, but are not limited to, the required indemnification of the City for any and all lawsuits stemming from the installation of these items, securing and maintaining liability and casualty D insurance, and the maintenance of the encumbrance on City property; and WHEREAS, said permit shall be subject to revocation at the discretion of the City Engineer: RA NOW THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the City Engineer is hereby authorized to issue Revocable Permit No. 664 to Jay Street Properties, LLC for the Sign that will overhang the City’s right-of-way at 132 Jay Street, Schenectady, New York, subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions as may be justified in his expert professional opinion to safeguard the interests of the City. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. __________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel D RA FT D RA FT D RA FT D RA FT D RA FT D RA FT D RA FT  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Settlement of a Claim by Macenzie Donnelly WHEREAS, claimant served the City of Schenectady with a Notice of Claim (2021-064); and WHEREAS, the Office of the Corporation Counsel has recommended that it would be in the best interest of the City to settle this matter; and FT WHEREAS, the settlement proposal was accepted by the City Claims Committee: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Office of the Corporation Counsel is authorized to enter into a settlement D with Macenzie Donnelly to settle the property damage claim for $1,007.12, the terms of said settlement to be set by the Corporation Counsel. RA Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel  City of Schenectady, New York RESOLUTION No.: Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the City of Schenectady to Settle a Tax Certiorari with 40 Love Associates, Ltd. with Regard to 1 Broadway Center WHEREAS, 40 Love Associates, Ltd. owns property located at 1 Broadway (SBL# 39.80-3-1.111) in the City of Schenectady; and WHEREAS, 1 Broadway Center’s assessed value for 2021 was $9,070,000; and FT WHEREAS, 40 Love Associates, Ltd., by and through its attorney, filed a petition pursuant to Article 7 of the Real Property Tax Law in State Supreme Court seeking a reduction in the property’s assessed value for Assessment Roll Year 2021; and WHEREAS, Office of Corporation Counsel and the City Assessor have recommended that it would be in the best interest of the City to settle this matter; and 2022: D WHEREAS, the settlement was approved by the City Claims committee on February 7, RA NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Office of Corporation Counsel is authorized to enter into a stipulation agreement with 40 Love Associates, Ltd., whereby the assessed value for 1 Broadway Center (SBL# 39.80-3-1.111) for the 2021 assessment roll will be reduced from $11,672,000 to $9,070,000. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin , Esq. Corporation Counsel  CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Recognizing American Heart Month WHEREAS, February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health; and WHEREAS, American Heart Month is observed to raise awareness on the importance of a healthy heart and to encourage healthy habits that help reduce the risk of heart disease. Each year more than 650,000 Americans die from heart disease. It is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States; and FT WHEREAS, heart disease can affect everyone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular health remains a top public health priority. Public health officials warn about the relationship between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease; and WHEREAS, not only have there been more deaths from cardiovascular disease during the pandemic, but D people who have serious heart conditions are also at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19; and RA WHEREAS, the American Heart Association said heart disease is the number one killer of women. Nationally, it claims the lives of one in three women; and WHEREAS, it is important to educate ourselves about heart disease risk factors. Knowing the risks helps to understand the steps needed to lower the chances of developing or worsening heart problems; and WHEREAS, focusing on our heart health has never been more important. Staying active, eating healthy, watching our weight, not smoking, getting good sleep, and reducing stress are all important parts of maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. By taking care of our hearts, we set an example for those around us to do the same: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Gary R. McCarthy, and the Schenectady City Council do hereby pause in their deliberations to recognize American Heart Month in the City of Schenectady. And speaking of hearts, Happy Valentine’s Day. Approved as to form this 14th day of February, 2022. ____________________________ Andrew B. Koldin, Esq. Corporation Counsel