City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, June 21, 2022 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 2021 Audit Acceptance Anthony Ferrari 2 Police Department Technology Eric Clifford Finance 1 2022 Budget Amendment for the Fire Department Don Mareno 2 2022 Budget Re-appropriation for the Code Enforcement Department Chris Lunn 3 Allocating $20,000 CDBG-CV3 Funding to Feed Albany, Inc. Gary R. McCarthy Public Safety 1 Discussion – Reducing City Speed Limit to 25 mph Carmel Patrick 2 Discussion - Installing Speed Humps Marion Porterfield Government Operations 1 Discussion – Filling Vacant Positions on the City Workforce Marion Porterfield City Development & Planning 1 Discussion – City’s Annual MS4 Report Chris Wallin Authorize the Issuance of Revocable Permit No. 671 to Bear & Bird Boutique & Gallery, LLC Chris Wallin 2 for a Sign that Will Overhang the City’s Right-of-Way at 160 Jay Street ABAC – for the “City of Schenectady Fire Training Facility Improvements – Training Facility Chris Wallin 3 Improvements – Base Bid and Add Alternate #2” to Mid-State Industries, Ltd. In the Amount of $249,000.00 ABAC – for the “City of Schenectady Fire Training Facility Improvements – New Training Chris Wallin 4 Structure – Base Bid and Add Alternate #3” to MA Schafer Construction in the Amount of $272,900.00 5 Amendments to the CDBG Contact with Miracle on Craig Street Kristin Diotte 6 Swimming Pools Operating Agreement with Boys and Girls Club of Schenectady, Inc. Andrew Koldin 7 Discussion – Hosting Quarterly City Council Meetings Outside of City Hall – Follow-up Carl Williams 8 Sale of 656 Sunset Street Maurice Brown, III 9 Sale of 658 Crane Street Maurice Brown, III 10 Sale of 820 Bradt Street Maurice Brown, III Sunday, June 26, 2022  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Finance DATE: June 7, 2022 TO: City Council FROM: Anthony Ferrari Presentation to be done by: John Tafilowski June 21, 2022 SUBJECT: 2021 Audit Acceptance TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF JUNE 21, 2022 Background Information: The City is required to have an independent financial audit annually. The City engages the services of an independent auditor, currently Cusack & Company, to complete this audit which includes an audit of the City’s financial statements as well as a Single Audit (OMB-133). Evaluation/Analysis: Cusack & Company has reviewed the financial reports produced by the City and has completed its independent audit, as described above, for the City’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Recommendation: I respectfully recommend that the City Council to view the presentation and accept the audit results and findings. . LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_______Law Department________ 2  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Public Safety DATE: June 21st, 2022 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Assistant Chief Michael Seber SUBJECT: Axon Services Presentation/Discussion Background Information: The Police Department is in the process of researching upgrades to its technology and innovation systems, which has a connection to police reform. These system upgrades include Department Tasers, In-Car Video, Body Worn Camera, Interview Room Cameras, Virtual Reality (V/R) training, and electronic evidence storage systems. The Department’s preferred vendor is Axon. Axon will be in Schenectady to provide a presentation to the Council regarding their Officer Safety Plan products, which also includes an electronic evidence storage product, bringing all services under one platform. Recommendation: This legislation request is for presentation purposes only. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Michael Seber 3  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: TO: Members FROM: Chief Donald Mareno, Fire Chief SUBJECT: 2022 Budget Amendment TO BE PLACED ON COMMITTEE AGENDA OF: 6/21/2022 TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: 6/27/2022 Evaluation/Analysis: In the Arson Task Force, we currently have Deputy Chief, 2 Lieutenants and 1 Firefighter position. During a fire investigation, there are situations and decisions that need to be made that only an officer has the authority to do so. Currently, if the person that is in the firefighter’s position is faced with a situation that requires an officer, one would have to be called to the scene. This may increase the need for overtime. In order to operate more efficiently, it is proposed to reorganize the Firefighter’s position to a Lieutenant’s position. Evaluation/Analysis: The 2022 Budget amount stay the same. Therefore, that amount and the companion fill percentage will remain in the Fire Administration salary line. As noted previously, the net effect of this change is budget neutral." 2022 2022 CURRENT BUDGET REVISED BUDGET AVAILABLE ACCOUNT # DESCRIPTION FILL # AMOUNT FILL # AMOUNT BUDGET * A3413-100 Fire Fighter 1.0 $75,359 5 $ 37,576 $ 37,783 A3413-100 Lieutenant 2.0 $ 162,771 2.5 $203,464 ($40,693) A3413-112 Overtime $34,640 $ 31,730 $ 2,910 3.0 $272,770 3.0 $272,770 $ 0 *Positive Numbers reflect a decrease in a budget line. Negative numbers reflect an increase in a budget line. Recommendation: I respectfully recommend that the City Council accept this 2022 Job and budget re- appropriation. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: 4  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: FINANCE TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: CODE ENFORCMENT OFFICE DATE: JUNE 21, 2022 SUBJECT: 2022 BUDGET RE-APPROPRIATION TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF JUNE 27,2022 Background Information: The City's Code Enforcement 2022 Adopted General Fund Budget includes 10 Code Enforcement Officers During 2022 the department feels that there is a need for an Assistant Building Supervisor. This position will help the Building Inspector in all duties related to running the department. This budget amendment does not change the Code Enforcement Department's total fill number or budgeted salary. Evaluation/Analysis: The 2022 Budget amount stay the same Therefore, that amount and the companion fill percentage will stay in the Development salary line. As noted previously, the net effect of this change is budget neutral." 2022 2022 CURRENT BUDGET REVISED BUDGET AVAILABLE ACCOUNT # DESCRIPTION FILL # AMOUNT FILL # AMOUNT BUDGET * A8664-100 CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS 10 $506,127 9 $469,720 $36,407 A8664-100 ASSISSANT BUILDING SUPERVISOR 0 1 $ 34,907 (34,907) A8664-136 STIPEND $3,000 $ 4,500 (1,500) 10 $509,127 10 $509,127 0 *Positive Numbers reflect a decrease in a budget line. Negative numbers reflect an increase in a budget line. Recommendation: I respectfully recommend that the City Council accept this 2022 budget re-appropriation. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: _Law Department___ 5  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: June 16, 2022 TO: City Council FROM: Gary McCarthy, Mayor SUBJECT: To allocate $20,000 CDBG-cv3 funding to Feed Albany Inc. Background Information: Throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic Feed Albany and the Schenectady Police Department have been coordinating to provide food to residents of the city of Schenectady. To date over 4,200 meals have been provided to City residents. As of June 30, 2022, their funding to provide the meals in the City of Schenectady will be exhausted. On September 11, 2020, the City of Schenectady received $619,061 of CDBG-CV3 funding. One eligible use of funding to provide food and assist with food security within the City Evaluation/Analysis: Due to the rapid cost in food and the continued effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic food security is a serious concern for City residents. The City of Schenectady has $25,000 in contingency from CDBG-CV3. The request is for $20,000 and can be covered by this contingency. Recommendation: Authorize the Mayor to enter a CDBG-CV contact for $20,000 with Feed Albany Inc. to provide food for City of Schenectady residents. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_______Law Department________ 6  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Health and Recreation DATE: for June 20, 2022 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Carmel Patrick SUBJECT: Discussion about Reducing City Speed Limit to 25 mph Background Information: Gov. Hochul is expected to sign a bill that authorizes cities to impose a city-wide speed limit as low as 25 miles per hour on city roads. City Council had previously requested this authorization from NYS. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: City Council needs to discuss all issues related to reducing City speed limit to 25 mph. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 7  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Government Operations DATE6/16/2022 TO: City Council FROM: Council President Marion Porterfield SUBJECT: Discussion - Filling Vacant Positions on City workforce Background Information: Many City departments are understaffed. There were 20 vacant positions posted this week. Evaluation/Analysis: The City has $4,618,553 available in ARPA funds to fill vacant positions. Recommendation: The City Council work with Mayor to consider options in creating a plan to fill vacant positions. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____ 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: June 16, 2022 TO: City Council FROM: Kristin Diotte, Director of Development SUBJECT: Amendments to the CDBG Contract with Miracle on Craig Street Background Information: In the 2018-2019 Annual Action Plan the City of Schenectady allocated $150,000 towards the Miracle on Craig Street Project, located at the site of the former Caver Community Center. In addition, the Miracle on Craig Street Inc. has a Use Agreement with the City of Schenectady that was executed on December 19, 2019 for the parcels associated with the Carver Community Center redevelopment project in the Hamilton Hill Neighborhood. Thus far, electricity has been hooked up to the property, a feasibility study has been completed and Asbestos and Lead assessments have been completed. Evaluation/Analysis: To advance the project, it has become apparent that fencing to secure the property must be installed, architectural drawings must be completed, a project manager must be contracted with to oversee the project and site cleanup must be completed. Recommendation: Approval from the City Council for the City to extend the period of performance of the CDBG Agreement with Miracle on Craig Street until December 31, 2022 and to amend the scope of work for the remaining unexpended balance of $103,685.40. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________ 62 Feed Albany combats food security issues in the Capital Region by providing balanced, professionally prepared meals to at-risk individuals and families. During Covid, Feed Albany provided meals to individuals who were immunocompromised, mentally ill, homebound, or disabled. Feed Albany worked closely with NYOH, Albany Med, NY Connects, APD, SPD, and other resources to identify those residents who were experiencing food security issues. • Feed Albany has provided upwards of 80 meals a week that have been delivered to Schenectady City residents. • Feed Albany provided approximately 4200 meals this past year, through our delivery program, for Schenectady City residents who were/are experiencing health related issues. In April of 2021, Feed Albany was asked by SPD to assist in a curbside meal program in the City of Schenectady called Feed the Streets. • Feed Albany prepares and hands out approximately 120 meals a week during the Feed the Streets program • Feed Albany works closely with the Schenectady Police Department to identify areas for our curbside programs so we can best address food security in the city. Each address is chosen by the foot traffic and its proximity to services. • The addresses that have been chosen for 2022 are the City Mission who has been experiencing some issues with their food pantry, and has low income elderly housing behind them. St. Luke’s Church in centrally located by people on the east side of the city, the city bus line, and services. The Bridge Church on Crane St. is near the Mount Pleasant neighborhood and has a lot of foot traffic. • The Feed Albany/Feed the Streets program has been able to provide meals for families with a single female headed household; grandparents who are the primary caregiver of a grandchild(ren); families who are receiving SNAP benefits, but the benefits have run out for the month; individuals who are experiencing mental issues, homelessness, or have a development disability; and, senior citizens who are on a fixed income. • Over the past year, Feed Albany has provided the City of Schenectady approximately 6500 meals through our Feed the Streets program. Each meal that is produced at Feed Albany costs $3.22, this includes, containers that can be frozen/ microwaved, food, and every aspect of production. • Feed Albany is asking the City of Schenectady to assist in the cost of the meal production. We are asking for $15000-$20000 so that we may continue providing the City with quality meals. Food prices are soaring, rent is rising, and more people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Feed Albany is providing nourishing meals, along with other produce and proteins that fulfill basic needs so that each individual can focus on making ends meet, without worrying about food security. • If the City of Schenectady is not able to assist us financially, Feed Albany will no longer be able to provide the curbside program-Feed the Streets; this program will be forced to end on June 30th due to financial constraints. 63  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: June 21, 2022 TO: City Council FROM: Andrew Koldin, Esq. SUBJECT: Swimming Pools Operating Agreement with Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Inc. Background Information: The City of Schenectady has contracted with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Inc. for a number of years for the operation of City-owned swimming pools, which includes the provision of lifeguard staffing. In 2021, the City paid the Boys and Girls Clubs $145,000 for the operation of the City pools. Due, in part, to staffing concerns, the negotiated contract is for $155,000. Under the terms of the agreement, the Central Park, Front Street, and Quackenbush pools will be open through August 26 seven days per week (Central Park) and through August 19 six days per week (Front Street and Quackenbush). Evaluation/Analysis: The Boys and Girls Clubs has the requisite experience and familiarity with the City’s pools to operate them. The increase in the contract amount is necessary to ensure proper staffing at the pools. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Committee approve the legislative request authorizing an agreement with Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Inc. to operate the City’s pools for the 2022 season. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________ 64  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: June 16, 2022 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Councilman Carl Williams SUBJECT: Hosting quarterly City Council meetings outside of City Hall – Follow-up discussion Background Information: City Council meeting attendance is relatively low on a routine basis due. Evaluation/Analysis: Recent COVID social distancing and government mandates may have affected public turnout, but alternative approaches should still be reviewed to safely increase community involvement. Recommendation: Further discuss potential locations/logistical issues, and topics. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: LAW DEPARTMENT 65  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 06/21/22 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 656 Sunset Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 66  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 06/21/22 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 658 Crane Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 67  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 06/21/22 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 820 Bradt Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 68