City Council

Name: City Council — Schenectady, NY
Start: 2025-03-10
End: 2025-03-10
Location: Schenectady, NY

Regular Meeting

Schenectady, NY · March 10, 2025

Minutes

Christopher Wallin, P.E. March 6, 2025 Schenectady City Engineer 105 Jay Street Schenectady, NY 12305 Chris, The GE Realty Plot neighborhood requests reconsideration of the pedestrian crosswalk and stop sign changes made at the intersection of Rugby Road and Wendell Avenues (Location 1) and their relocation to the intersection of Union and Wendell Avenues (Location 2). We feel that safety warrants the reinstallation of the crosswalk, the southbound stop sign on Wendell Avenue, and installation of a new northbound stop sign at Location 1. The reconﬁguration is less safe for pedestrians and for vehicles. Vehicle movements: Based on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 11th edition (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/Chapter2b.pdf), there are two warrants allowing all- way stop controls that we believe are applicable to justifying stop signs at the intersection of Rugby Road and Wendell Avenue. Section 2B.14 – All-Way Stop Control Warrant B: Sight Distance “All way stop control may be installed at an intersection where an engineering study indicates that sight distance on the minor road approaches controlled by a STOP sign is not adequate for a vehicle to turn onto or cross the major (uncontrolled) road.” Due to the line-of-sight obstructions for southbound traffic on Wendell for vehicles at the intersection of Rugby at Location 1, it is frequently observed that vehicles approaching Wendell on Rugby proceed into the intersection and into the northbound lane of Wendell, before being able to conﬁrm the absence of southbound approaching vehicles. Location 1 has shrubs at the Northeast corner. Removing them to the mandated 20’ from the intersection, or even complete removal of the shrubs in their entirety, would not allow clear vision for westbound Rugby Road vehicles. Removal of any part of the shrub would also create unfavorable yard conditions for the owner. Section 2B.16 All-Way Stop Control Warrant D: 8-Hour Volume (Vehicles Pedestrians, Bicycles) While hourly data does not exist, the combined northbound and southbound annual average daily traffic (AADT) volume on Wendell Avenue is 4,683 vehicles per day (vpd) (Source: NYSDOT Traffic Data Viewer [TDV] https://nysdottrafficdata.drakewell.com/publicmultinodemap.asp). This yields an average of 195 vehicles per hour over 24 hours. It would be expected that hourly counts are not linear and would be higher during the day. Of additional note, while both Locations 1 and 2 are “T” intersections, vehicles at 2 are prohibited from proceeding southbound onto Wendell Avenue (which is signed as “Do Not Enter”). There is a higher volume of vehicles traveling through Location 1 and more potential vehicle conﬂicts. While Vehicle Counts are not available for Wendell Avenue south of Union Avenue, there is no legal southbound activity and minimal northbound activity. The volume of vehicles that only use the short stretch of Wendell for travelling north-south between Rugby Road and Union Avenue is absent from the traffic data above. Although the TDV does not provide traffic data for Rugby Road, it does show AADT of 4,832 vehicles per day on Brandywine Avenue between Rugby Road and Union Street, and a reduction on McClellan Street of 2,752 vpd between Union Street and Schenectady High School. It is logical to assume that a signiﬁcant portion of the combined 4,832 + 2,752 = 7,584 vpd has a destination/origin of Wendell Avenue or Union Avenue via Rugby Road, which is widely used as a parallel local alternative to Union Street. For estimating purposes, it is presumed that one-third of the combined total (7,584 / 3 = 2,528 vpd) reaches Wendell Avenue. This estimate is corroborated by cross-referencing the Wendell and Rugby traffic with the AADT of 6,159 on Union Avenue, west of Lenox Avenue. Based on the data presented above, it is reasonable to believe that the combined vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic exceeds the warrant D requirement of 300 per hour for 8 hours. Given that much of the northbound traffic on Wendell originates from Rugby, this road also likely attains the 8-hour volume of 200 combined vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles. Using the TDV data, extrapolation techniques, and general guidelines to approximate hourly vehicle counts from AADT, a summary table is presented to support the warrant for 8-hour volume. Please note that this tabulates only vehicle traffic, and does not include bicycles and pedestrians, which will increase the tabulated values, further supporting the warrant. Parameter Value Source Wendell Ave AADT 4,832 vpd NYS DOT Traffic Data Viewer (TDV) Rugby Road AADT (est.) 2,528 vpd Extrapolated from TDV Combined Wendell/Rugby AADT 7,360 vpd Sum of above Maximum 8-hour volume 4,048 veh / 8hr 55% of AADT Avg hourly volume max 8-hr 506 vph Max 8-hour volume divided by eight. Lowest hourly volume max 8-hr 405 vph 10% of Max 8-hour volume Pedestrian movements: The new conﬁguration mostly accommodates pedestrians from the Boulevards neighborhood of Oxford Place, Brierwood Blvd, and Maryland Avenue. This pedestrian volume is comparatively small versus that of Rugby Road. Rugby Road is a major route for children walking to and from Schenectady High School and Oneida Middle School from the Union Triangle neighborhood as well as pedestrians enroute to/from Ellis Hospital and Union College. The existing crosswalk at location 2 is a low volume leg of Wendell Avenue, and the crosswalk does not really create protection. Pedestrians who are traversing Rugby Road with a destination of Union College and wish to cross in a designated crosswalk, are redirected out of their way either one block to the south or north. Most pedestrians continue to cross at the unprotected intersection of Location 1, as has been witnessed since the removal of the previous Wendell Avenue crosswalk. Recommendation: The signiﬁcant dissatisfaction with the new conﬁguration of the Wendell Avenue intersections is not only from GE Plot residents. The city should be prioritizing pedestrian safety and encouraging drivers to yield to pedestrians by improving crosswalks and making streets more walkable. The recent reconﬁguration of the Wendell Avenue/Rugby Road intersection signage and the elimination of the east-west crosswalk at that location is contrary to that objective. We strongly suggest the restoration of the Southbound Wendell Stop sign, introduction of a northbound Stop sign at location 1, and re-establishment of the Wendell Avenue crosswalk at the end of Rugby Road with appropriately designed accessible (ADA) curb ramps at each end of said crosswalk. This new intersection creates a vehicle safety issue as well as a pedestrian safety issue. While we do not feel the stop signs at location 2 provide any vehicle or pedestrian beneﬁt, we do not object if they remain, as they are a further enhancement to the pedestrian experience. Thank you for your consideration. GE Realty Plot Rugby/Wendell subcommittee Reuben Hull, Mike Ippolito, Steven Strichman CC: Clarke Darlington, GE Realty Plot Board President Mayor Gary McCarthy Schenectady City Council Boulevard Appreciation Neighborhood Association Upper Union Neighborhood Association

Agenda

OFFICE OF CITY CLERK SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK AGENDA FOR THE COUNCIL CAUCUS AND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 10, 2025 Room 209 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING 001 Amending Certain Sections of Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City Code Regarding the Rules and Procedures of the Schenectady City Council ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 01 Council Member A RESOLUTION Calling for a Public Hearing to Add Section 182-8 to Chapter 182 of the Schenectady City Code to Create a Sound Permit Application Process Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 02 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Lease of Green Space in the Liberty and North Broadway Parking Lot Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 03 Council Member A RESOLUTION Authorizing the Sale of a Vacant Lot Located at 14 Backus Street for $2,500.00 Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 04 Council Member A RESOLUTION Re-Appointment Mary D'Alessandro-Gilmore and Imran Khan Mohamed to the Board of Assessment Review Votes Required 4 1 Friday, March 07, 2025 Page 1 of 2 Monday, March 10, 2025 Room 209 7:00 p.m. ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 05 Council Member A RESOLUTION Recognizing Holi (Phagwah) Spring Festival, 2025 Votes Required 4 ORIGINAL CONSIDERATION 06 Council Member A RESOLTUION Recognizing March 2025 as Irish American Heritage Month Votes Required 4 CONTRACT & SUPPLY 07 Council Member A RESOLUTION Approving the Change Order for up to $20,000.00 for Electrical Work Performed by BW Electrical Services, LLC Votes Required 4 2 Friday, March 07, 2025 Page 2 of 2 f CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK ORDINANCE NO. Councilmember offered the following: The Schenectady City Council, in regular meeting, does ordains as follows: An Ordinance to Amend Certain Sections of Chapter 28 of the Schenectady City Code to Update Certain Language. Section 1. Purpose: It is necessary to update the language in designated portions of Chapter 28 . Section 2. Section 28-14 Rules governing debate When a member is about to speak, [he] the member shall rise from [his] their seat and address the chair, and when two or more members rise at once, the member to speak shall be named by the presiding officer. The speaker shall speak [confine himself] to the question under debate and avoid personalities. No member shall speak upon the subject under discussion more than twice nor more than five minutes each time, except by unanimous consent. If any member, in speaking or otherwise, transgresses the rules, the presiding officer shall, or any member may, call the member [him] to order, in which case [he] the member shall immediately sit down and shall not rise unless to explain or proceed in order. The question shall be decided by the presiding officer without debate. Section 28-15.1 Rules governing speaking by members. [Added 2-6-1989 by Ord. No. 89-06A] When a member is about to speak, [he] the member shall rise from [his] their seat and address the chair, and when two or more members rise at once, the member to speak shall be named by the presiding officer. No member shall speak more than twice nor more than five minutes each time, except by unanimous consent. If any member transgresses these rules, the presiding officer shall, or any member may, call him to order, in which case he shall immediately sit down Section 28-22 Procedure for adoption of legislation. 3 A. Except as otherwise provided by local law, no ordinance shall be voted upon earlier than the 12th day after its introduction except by unanimous consent of all the members of the Council present, being not less than 2/3 of all members thereof. The passage of an ordinance requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the members of the Council. The same number of votes shall be required to adopt an amending ordinance as was necessary for adoption of the ordinance it purports to amend. B. All ordinances and local laws shall be presented either in printed or typewritten form, and a copy of all proposed ordinances and local laws shall be delivered under the direction of the Clerk to each member of the Council at least seven days before the same shall be put upon their passage, except when unanimous consent is granted for immediate adoption of an ordinance. C. One copy of every proposed ordinance shall be prepared and delivered to the City Clerk no later than 12:00 noon on the Thursday preceding the Council meeting at which the ordinance is to be introduced. The City Clerk shall provide a copy for each member of City Council and the Mayor. No City officer shall be required to prepare or approve a proposed ordinance within 24 hours of the meeting at which it is to be presented, and no ordinance shall be introduced until approved as to form by the Corporation Counsel or one of [his assistants] the Assistant Corporation Counsels. [Amended 10-13-1981 by Ord. No. 81-110] Section 28-33 Approval of ordinances by Corporation Counsel. No ordinance granting any right, franchise or property shall be introduced until approved by the Corporation Counsel or one of [his] the assistants as to its form and legality. The Corporation Counsel shall report the same within 10 days after its referral. [reference to him] Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately. Approved as to Form __day of February 2025 _______________ Maxine Barasch, Esq Corporation Counsel 4 CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: RESOLVED, that the City Council will conduct a public hearing in relation to: An Ordinance to Add a Section 182-8 to Chapter 182 of the Schenectady City Code to Create a Sound Permit Application Process. FT Said Public hearing shall be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, 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 adding a Section 182-8 to Chapter 182 of the Schenectady City Code to create a Sound Permit Application Process. RESOLVED, that the City Clerk shall have the following notice published in the appropriate manner: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING RA An Ordinance to Add a Section 182-8 to Chapter 182 of the Schenectady City Code to Create a Sound Permit Application Process. On Monday, March 24, 2025, 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; and be it further RESOLVED, that copies of the proposed amendment of Chapter 182 of the Schenectady City Code will be made available on the City website at www.cityofschenectady.com for public inspection D beginning no later than March 17, 2025, and be it further RESOLVED, that all interested parties may also be heard by submitting written comments to the City Clerk www.cityofschenectady.com/158/City-Council, by email to: smykoo@schenectadyny.gov, or mail at City Clerk, 105 Jay St., Schenectady, NY 12305, by 12:00 p.m. on March 24, 2025. Approved as to form this ___ day of March 2025 ____________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 5 D 6 RA FT D 7 RA FT D 8 RA FT D 9 RA FT D 10 RA FT D 11 RA FT D 12 RA FT D 13 RA FT D 14 RA FT D 15 RA FT D 16 RA FT D 17 RA FT D 18 RA FT D 19 RA FT CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Lease of Space in the Liberty and North Broadway Parking Lot. WHEREAS, the City is the owner of the "Liberty and North Broadway lot" located at 27 Broadway, in FT the City of Schenectady, County of Schenectady, State of New York (the "Parking Lot"); and WHEREAS, Lessee is opening a restaurant, Chengdu Impression, Inc., located at 13 North Broadway, which directly abuts a portion of the Parking Lot (the "Restaurant"); and WHEREAS, the Lessee desires to use a portion of the Parking Lot, comprising approximately 512 square feet of greenspace in the northwest corner of the Parking Lot (the “Premises”), as a supplemental, contiguous service area for service of food and beverages at the Restaurant, and the City desires to allow the Lessee to use the Premises for such purposes; RA NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a lease (attached here) to Chengdu Impression, Inc. for use of the Premises, the final terms of which to be set by the City Engineer in cooperation with the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this ____ day of March, 2025. D ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 20 CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of a Vacant Lot at 14 Backus Street for $2,500 WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Schenectady to sell parcel numbered SBL # 49.49-3-20 and FT WHEREAS, there is no municipal use for the properties: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract to transfer the title of parcel numbered SBL # 49.49-3-20 to Deodat and Zarifa Chintomby and/or assign for the sum of TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND 00/100 Dollars ($2,500.00); and be it further RA RESOLVED, that SBL # 49.49-3-20 be merged with existing property belonging to Deodat and Zarifa Chintomby located at 936 Emmett Street (SBL #49.49-3-19), at closing. and RESOLVED, that the terms of the contract for sale shall include any terms deemed necessary by the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this ____ day of March, 2025. D ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 21 CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Re-Appointing Mary D’Alessandro-Gilmore and Imran Khan Mohamed to the City of Schenectady Board of Assessment Review. FT WHEREAS, the City Council has the sole authority to appoint members to the City of Schenectady Board of Assessment Review as set forth in Section 10-9 of Chapter 10 of the Schenectady City Code; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby re-appoints Mary D’Alessandro-Gilmore and RA Imran Khan Mohamed to the City of Schenectady Board of Assessment Review for separate terms expiring March 2030. Approved as to form this ___ day of March 2025. D ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch Esq. Corporation Counsel 22 CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Recognizing Holi (Phagwah) Spring Festival, 2025 WHEREAS, Holi or Phagwah, the festival of colors, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in spring. At this time, everyone smeared colored powder and sprayed fragrances on each other. This FT reflects exactly what happens in nature with all the blooming flowers of different varieties and scents. The celebration of this event invokes oneness with nature, and we are all encouraged to cultivate our inner selves to be just as fragrant and beautiful; and WHEREAS, Holi like other festivals has its spiritual value as it promotes devotion to God when correctly observed. Similar to other Hindu festivals, Holi fosters detachment from material enjoyment and enhances spiritual development. It unites the great, the small, the underprivileged and the well-to-do and symbolically eliminates all forms of inequality. Holi inspires us to forget the negative sentiments we may harbor for others and to start the New Year with love, peace, health and understanding; and RAWHEREAS, Holi imparts to us that we must always keep God in our hearts. Hindus recognize spring as the king of all seasons, it is the time of creation, all reckoning begins, grains are discovered edible, and the spring crop is soon to be harvested. Holi is an auspicious time and is considered very appropriate for worship and spiritual pursuits. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Gary R McCarthy, and City Council, do hereby pause in their deliberation to recognize March 15, 2025 as Holi (Phagwah) Spring Festival in the City of Schenectady and call on everyone to celebrate the history and culture with appropriate ceremonies and activities. D Approved as to form this ____ day of March, 2025. ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 23 CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Recognizing March 2025 as Irish American Heritage Month. WHEREAS, since 1991, the United States Congress and the President of the United States have designated March as Irish American Heritage Month in tribute to the generations of Irish Americans FT who have made invaluable contributions to our nation’s history, culture, and development; and WHEREAS, Irish immigrants have played a crucial role in shaping the history and growth of the City of Schenectady and the United States, overcoming adversity and discrimination to contribute significantly to the fields of public service, business, labor, education, science, the arts, and more; and WHEREAS, the Irish American community has maintained strong cultural traditions while embracing the ideals of freedom, democracy, and opportunity that define the American experience; and RAWHEREAS, March is a time to celebrate the achievements, heritage, and enduring spirit of Irish Americans, coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, a day widely celebrated in honor of Irish culture and patron saint; and WHEREAS, locally, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and the Ladies’ Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) contribute their time, talents, and resources to numerous charitable efforts, community organizations, and civic initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Schenectady; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Schenectady City Council, in collaboration with Mayor Gary McCarthy, hereby recognizes and proclaims March 2025 as Irish American Heritage Month in the City of Schenectady; and D BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Schenectady encourages all residents to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions and enduring legacy of Irish Americans in our community and across the nation. Approved as to form this ____ day of March, 2025. ____________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 24 CITY COUNCIL SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK RESOLUTION NO. Councilmember offered the following: A Resolution Approving a Change Order for up to $20,000.00 for Electrical Work Performed by BW Electrical Services LLC. FT WHEREAS, the City Council previously approved a bid and award for electrical work at the Schenectady Municipal Golf Course Maintenance Facility to the company BW Electrical Services LLC in the amount of $80,856.00; and WHEREAS, now additional electrical work needs to be completed within the scope of the original contract and in compliance with the City of Schenectady’s Purchasing Policy; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT, RA RESOLVED, that the City Council, acting as a Board of Contract and Supply under Section C5-9 of the City Charter and per the City’s Purchasing Policy hereby approves a change order up to $20,000.00 for electrical work to be performed by BW Electrical Services LLC; and IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor or his designee is authorized to execute the change order to the contract identified hereinabove, the terms of which shall be set by the City Engineer in cooperation with the Corporation Counsel. Approved as to form this ___ day of March 2025 D __________________________ Maxine L. Barasch, Esq. Corporation Counsel 25

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