City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, April 16, 2018 5:30 p.m. Room 110 The Council President reserves the right to add or delete any agenda item prior to Committee Meeting. Presentation 1 Woodlawn Preserve Administrative Efficiency 1 Code Enforcement Discussion Ed Kosiur City Development & Planning 1 Accept DEC Climate Smart Community Grant E. Shannon/A. Epstein/K. O'Connor 2 Purchase Option - Miracle on Craig Street R. Ward/K. Walsh 3 Boys and Girls Club Zoning Amendment Rachael Ward 4 Paving in Yards J. Mootooveren/C. Wallin 5 Sale of 308 State Street R. Gillen/R. Ward 6 Sale of 154 Erie Boulevard R. Gillen/R. Ward 7 Sale of 122 North Ferry Street Rachael Ward 8 Sale of 305 Oregon Street Rachael Ward 9 Sale of 622 Sunset Street Rachael Ward 10 Sale of 726 Kenwood Avenue Rachael Ward 11 Sale of 1018 Lakeview Avenue Rachael Ward 12 Sale of 1060 Wendell Avenue Rachael Ward 13 Sale of 1551 Rugby Road Rachael Ward 14 Sale of 1704 Albany Street Rachael Ward 15 Sale of 1763 Avenue A Rachael Ward Finance 1 Acceptance of CHIPs Funding Chris Wallin Public Safety 1 ABAC Removal of Asbestos Fire Station 3 Chris Wallin Health & Recreation 1 Park Field Use Deposit John Mootooveren/John Polimeni Claims 1 Tax Certiorari - Crenshaw v City - 824 Londonderry Rd. A. Savarese 2 Tax Certiorari LeFevbre v City, 3 Properties K. Smith 3 Property Damage Claim - Shelton K. Walsh 4 Tax Certiorari - Dozer Blaze - 4 Properties K. Walsh Friday, April 13, 2018  Legislative Request Form Departments: Development & Bureau of Services COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 16, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Eric Shannon, Innovation & Performance Specialist Kerry O’Connor, Community Development Program Coordinator Re: Authorize the Mayor, or his designee, to accept a 2017 Climate Smart Communities Grant of $28,000 awarded by the Department of Energy Conservation’s Office of Climate Change. TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: April 23, 2018 Background Information: The City of Schenectady applied for the 2017 Climate Smart Communities grant program to help us better understand existing climate action plans and long term strategies associated with climate risk factors such as heat, flooding and drought in our City and will aid in the completion of action items that will contribute towards Climate Smart Community Certification. Critical infrastructure, operations and community engagement will be three main themes of the municipal portion of this vulnerability assessment. The project focuses on three main topics: 1. The creation of a Long-term Sustainability and Planning Committee made up of at least 6 City staff members along with local representatives that will conduct a vulnerability assessment of various City of Schenectady municipal and community systems including infrastructure, energy, food, waste, transportation, and cultural and natural assets. 2. A greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory for municipal operations will be compiled to understand the City’s energy expenditures. 3. A review of existing plans and implementation projects to align our visions into a comprehensive strategy identifying municipal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats while identifying potential projects and grant opportunities that the City should take into consideration in the future. Evaluation/Analysis: The City has received notification of award from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Climate Change and is currently in the process of developing a state assistance contract. Recommendation: Authorize the Mayor, or his designee, to accept the award of $28,000, officially recognize the establishment of a Long- term Sustainability and Planning Committee, and move to contract execution. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Law Department 1  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 12, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel Kelly Walsh, Assistant Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Miracle on Craig Street Background Information: Miracle on Craig Street is asking for a Letter of Intent (“Option Agreement”) for the sale of 700 Craig Street, 702 Craig Street, 201 Duane Avenue, 215 Duane Avenue, 605 Craig Street, and 205 Duane Avenue. All parcels previously owned by Carver Community Center. In exchange for payment of $1,000 the City will undertake negotiations to execute a purchase and sale agreement with Miracle on Craig Street within six months. Evaluation/Analysis: Miracle on Craig Street is looking for an agreement that they can provide investors showing that the City of Schenectady is willing to move forward with them in this project. This will further their fundraising capabilities and allow the Purchaser to have access to investigate and inspect the physical and environmental condition of the properties. Recommendation: Execute Letter of Intent with Miracle on Craig Street LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 4/12/18 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Kristin Diotte SUBJECT: The Boys and Girls Club New Facility Background Information: The Boys and Girls Club approached the City last year regarding building a new clubhouse on City owned parkland on Education Drive. On June 5, 2017, the City Council passed a resolution of support to alienate the parkland with the goal to transfer the land to the Boys and Girls club for the construction of their new facility. The proposed parkland alienation and replacement with new parkland in Gateway Plaza was passed by the New York State Legislature soon after. Evaluation/Analysis: The current zoning of the City parkland is "OS" Recreation and Open Space. The "OS" District does not allow the construction of the proposed clubhouse, therefore it will be necessary to change the zoning of the parcel of land being transferred. The Boys and Girls Club is requesting that the zoning be changed to "I" Institutional District. The purpose of the "I" Institutional District as stated in the Zoning Ordinance is: The Institutional (I) District is established to allow for an increased development scale and intensity than would typically be found in the adjacent residential districts to reflect their respective institutional missions and to support continued growth and flexibility. Development is intended to respect the historic development pattern of the existing campuses as well as the surrounding residential neighborhoods and be predominantly pedestrian oriented. Recommendation: The City Council shall declare the intent to act as the Lead Agency for the State Environmental Quality Review by calling for a public hearing to determine the environmental significance of the project. Additionally, the City Council shall pass a resolution referring the zoning amendment proposal to the City Planning Commission for a recommendation. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____Law Dept._____  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 4/16/2018 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: J. Mootooveren/C. Wallin SUBJECT: Paving in Yards Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____ ________________ K:\Legislative Data & Forms\Legislation Request Form Mail Merge.doc From: robert harvey To: Chuck Thorne Cc: robert harvey; barb-EANA mcevoy; pat/dick-EANA yager Subject: PAVING YARDS DISCUSSION Date: Tuesday, April 03, 2018 1:29:39 PM Greetings Mr. Thorne,      Per our earlier discussion, when I had asked you to forward to the City Council my letter to the Code Enforcement Director, Chris Lunn, I want to add to that forward. I had only sent Mr. Lunn my letter a few days ago, and had not expected an answer yet. Now that Mr. Mootoveren and Mr. Wallin are going to discuss the issue of paving over residential yards, front or back, in City Council Committee session, on April 16th, let me add this idea: since it may be difficult to get homeowners to take out illegal paving in their yards, they should bear some burden for what they have done to the city environment, to the city stormwater system, and to the degradation of our streetscapes. For those homeowners unwilling to undo their illegal paving, they should be liable for a monthly fee of $50.00. Those fees should go to a city environmental fund dedicated to such activities as purchasing a system to photograph all our underground storm and waste water pipes, or hiring a contractor who can use a mobile system to vacuum litter from sidewalks and curbs.      Best regards,      Bob Harvey      President, Eastern Ave Neighborhood Association       CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 11, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 122 North Ferry Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 11, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 305 Oregon Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 11, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 622 Sunset Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 11, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 726 Kenwood Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 11, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 1018 Lakeview Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 11, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 1060 Wendell Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 11, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 1551 Rugby Road Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 11, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 1704 Albany Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: April 11, 2018 TO: City Council FROM: Rachael Ward, Deputy Corporation Counsel SUBJECT: Sale of 1763 Avenue A Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Health & Recreation DATE: 4/16/2018 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: John Mootooveren SUBJECT: Park Field Use Deposit Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____ ________________ K:\Legislative Data & Forms\Legislation Request Form Mail Merge.doc  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Claims DATE: 4/16/2018 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: A. Savarese SUBJECT: Tax Certiorari - Crenshaw v City - 824 Londonderry Rd. Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____ ________________ K:\Legislative Data & Forms\Legislation Request Form Mail Merge.doc  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Claims DATE: 4/16/2018 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: K. Smith SUBJECT: Tax Certiorari LeFevbre v City, 3 Properties Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____ ________________ K:\Legislative Data & Forms\Legislation Request Form Mail Merge.doc  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Claims DATE: 4/16/2018 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: K. Walsh SUBJECT: Property Damage Claim - Shelton Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____ ________________ K:\Legislative Data & Forms\Legislation Request Form Mail Merge.doc  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Claims DATE: 4/16/2018 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: K. Walsh SUBJECT: Tax Certiorari - Dozer Blaze - 4 Properties Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____ ________________ K:\Legislative Data & Forms\Legislation Request Form Mail Merge.doc