City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, October 3, 2022 5:30 p.m. Room 110 The Council President reserves the right to add or delete any agenda item prior to Committee Meeting. Finance 1 CPH – 2021 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Kristin Diotte 2 Reminder – 2023 Budget (PH on 10-11-2022) John Mootooveren 3 Discussion – Noise Violation Follow-up John Polimeni Government Operations 1 Implicit Bias Training Marion Porterfield City Development & Planning 1 CR – Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month John Polimeni 2 CR – Rotary International World Polio Day Carmel Patrick Doreen Ditoro / 3 “It Starts With Me” Anti-litter Action Plan Carmel Patrick / John Polimeni 4 Sale of a Vacant Lot at 818 Congress Street Maurice Brown, III 5 Sale of a Vacant Lot at 1534 Third Avenue Maurice Brown, III 6 Sale of 1537 Devine Street Maurice Brown, III Thursday, September 29, 2022 1  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: September 29, 2022 TO: City Council FROM: Kristin Diotte, Director of Development SUBJECT: 2021 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Background Information: The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is a report on accomplishments of the projects and programs, approved and undertaken in the 2021-2022 Federal Fiscal Year, using CDBG, ESG and HOME funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Evaluation/Analysis: HUD requires an annual CAPER, due 90 days after the close of the Federal Fiscal year. The 2021 CAPER will be made available for a 15-day public comment period beginning Monday, October 3, 2022 and ending Tuesday, October 18, 2022. Recommendation: Presentation of the 2021 CAPER and announcement of a comment period for comments to be incorporated into the citizen participation process. In addition, a call for a Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, October 11, at 7:00 pm with the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting in City Hall, Room 209, for the purposes of hearing comments on the 2021 CAPER. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _______Law Department________ 2  2021‐2022 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) Summary City of Schenectady | Department of Development The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is a report on accomplishments of the projects and programs, approved and undertaken in the 2021‐2022 Federal Fiscal Year (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) using CDBG, ESG and HOME funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The 2021 CAPER addresses the implementation of the three goals established in the 2020‐2024 HUD Consolidated Plan in addition to plans to prevent and respond to city residents impacted by COVID‐19 with funding through the CARES Act. The City of Schenectady (City) five‐year Consolidated Plan identified three overriding goals for the next five years in relation to entitlement funding: 1) Enhance Housing Opportunities, 2) Expand Economic & Workforce Development, and 3) Strengthen Local Neighborhoods. The city conducted these three goals in the following ways: The City of Schenectady expended $3,329,369 in CDBG funding, $509,118 in HOME funding and $850,022 in ESG funding. These funds supported a wide range of projects and programming. Outcome Summary Enhance Housing Opportunities: 15 demolitions of vacant or abandoned structures throughout the City, rehabilitations of 15 owner‐occupied units, and the 760 Eastern Ave. Project, which turned a vacant property into an owner‐occupied property with rental. The Mont Pleasant Outreach Project, located at the library satellite location, provided twenty‐four (24) households with tenant training responsibilities and legal assistance. As a result, they secured improvements in their living conditions. In all, there were seventy‐four (74) residents that received services which included Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re‐ housing. In addition, the first‐time homebuyer program was connected to Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. (BCNI) initiatives to reach more qualified applicants. The Bethesda House Tenant‐ Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program served 19 participants as of June 2022 and provided $50,000.00 in rental assistance. Expand Economic + Workforce Development: After a pause due to the pandemic, the City’s construction skills training program re‐started, with 10 program participants gaining construction skills, giving them knowledge to further career advancement and develop life‐long skills. This also included a tool library where equipment can be shared and utilized. In addition, resources were invested in the City of Schenectady’s paving program with approximately 1 mile of roads being paved in the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) and over a half mile of sidewalks being restored surrounding Jerry Burrell Park and Orchard Park. Strengthening Local Neighborhoods: The Collaborative Tree program in partnership with Community Fathers, Schenectady Job Training Agency, ReTree Schenectady and the City was implemented in the Hamilton Hill and Mont Pleasant, planting 50 trees throughout as an area benefit and training program supporting youth employment. As part of the Thriving Neighborhoods Challenge, a sculpture park was completed in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood by Hamilton Hill Arts Center which re‐activates former vacant land and offers a haven for community engagement. At Orchard Park, the installation of playground equipment and a fitness court serves to benefit City residents of all ages as enhanced public space. In addition, organizations that serve youth in the city formed a Coalition to better serve the City's youth. More than 8 programs and organizations joined forces to provide arts/culture, urban farming, 3 mentoring, academic support, volunteer opportunities, catering, and entrepreneurial skills and other activities to more than 500 youth located in the city. The Capital Region Community Loan Fund awarded two (2) Covid‐19 business grants at $5,000.00 each to small businesses that were having financial challenges due to Covid‐19. This was in addition to the 60+ small businesses in the City that received $376,000.00 in grants ranging from $2,500.00 ‐ $10,000.00 to help with the purchase of PPE supplies, payroll, insurance, training, etc. the prior year (2020‐2021). The grants helped many businesses to remain operational and to continue employment. Development staff participated in several community outreach events to circulate information on homeownership, youth programs, and workforce development throughout the year. Expenditure Report For HUD Funded Programs For Federal Fiscal year 2021‐2022 Amount Expended Resources Made Source of Funds Source During Program Available Year $ $ CDBG public ‐ federal 2,277,762.00 2,403,765.92 $ $ CDBG‐CV public ‐ federal 1,984,107.00 925,603.40 $ $ HOME* public ‐ federal 1,057,515.00 509,118.00 $ $ ESG public ‐ federal 197,895.00 200,259.10 $ $ ESG‐CV public ‐ federal 1,666,789.00 649,763.29 *HOME funding is expended as part of a HOME Consortium consisting of the City of Schenectady, City of Troy and Town of Colonie. 4  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Monday, October 03, 2022 From: John Mootooveren Subject Reminder - 2023 Budget (PH on 09-26-22) Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, September 30, 2022 5  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: October 3, 2022 – Follow-up for cost estimates TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: John Polimeni SUBJECT: Noise Violation Discussion Background Information: The dangers of noise pollution are well known; too much noise makes people sick. Noise pollution is the second most damaging environmental threat to human health of the modern day. A commonly known issue is its relationship with heightening stress, but there is far more than anxiety lurking under the hood of noise pollution. Physical effects include respiratory agitation, high blood pressure, gastritis, colitis and even heart attacks. Noise puts stress and tension on the body. The non‐auditory health effects of noise include muscle reactions, heart palpitations, dilation of pupils, secretion of adrenalin and thyroid hormones, constriction of blood vessels, and movements of stomach and intestines. Studies show that boom car noise can cause kidney and heart failure. In addition, noise damages mental health. Noise can make people anxious, angry, dissatisfied, and exhausted. Studies show that noise increases aggressive behavior and worsens depression. Noise is a major reason for sleep loss, which can lead to chronic fatigue. Communities deteriorate when there is excessive noise. The same is true in Schenectady. If noise problems are not addressed, the level of crime is likely to increase. Also, noise violators are practically advertising the fact that they pursue lawlessness. Excessive noise has always been illegal – it’s just the police have not had the resources to enforce against it before, and automated enforcement hasn’t been there until the last couple of years. 6 Ever had a pleasant stroll interrupted by a loud motorcyclist revving their engine? As annoying as this may be, it’s usually a momentary blip you can soon forget about. But for many in Schenectady excessive noise is something that is present day in, day out. For our health and quality of life, we must determine the extent of the problem to deal with the problem. We can use our Smart City technology to assist. An array of three‐directional mics can be used to pinpoint the origin of loud noise sources or track moving ones. The sensors combine the microphones with a small low‐power computer, and a 360‐degree camera. Once a second, sound picked up by the microphone is sent to the computer, which analyzes the volume, frequency distribution, and sometimes the direction of origin, before transmitting these measurements to a central server. Other options include noise cameras which integrate light detection and ranging (lidar) technology, instead of relying on microphones. Using radar or lidar lasers to measure noise is more accurate than microphones – the technology can be implemented using existing solutions like speed cameras. Additionally, in areas without this Smart City technology in place, we can use low‐power wide area radio transceivers to enable data transmission between the nodes and network server. The LoRa‐based sensors are battery operated for ease of deployment, low‐power to limit network maintenance, robust for continuous operation in extreme weather conditions, and possess a limited amount of data processing. We can combine the data that data that is obtained from all our sensors and use analytic algorithms autonomously detect and classify acoustic events. This can create an accurate visualization of where a sound is coming from, how loud it is, at what point that volume drops off, and even more. By utilizing such technology, we will be able to pinpoint the source of a particular noise, be it a construction site or an obnoxious party. Machine learning can distinguish between noise sources such as construction, traffic, gunshots, and music. For example, let’s say that every day from precisely 5:00 – 5:30 one intersection becomes a significant noise pollution problem to inhabitants that live close by. We can identify using the acoustic sensors that this is specifically the sounds of traffic coming from a certain direction and that this intersection simply can’t accommodate the rush of people returning home from a day at work. A short‐term solution could be simply to use this information to change the controlling of the traffic lights; giving way to the lanes that are most noisy due to heavy traffic stopping and accelerating constantly, optimizing the best traffic flow and lowest noise load. Longer‐term, intersections could be redesigned completely. 7 Additionally, information from acoustic sensors running 24/7 allows us to create more transparent communication with citizens, reporting on noise levels live in a similar manner to how some cites do with air quality Combining networked surveillance cameras with acoustic sensors brings a host of additional benefits. Two senses together – sight and sound – clearly building a richer and more accurate view of a situation. For instance, data from the acoustic sensor could automatically and accurately direct video cameras towards specific sources of noise, allowing for visual verification of an issue, and far better response time to an escalating situation. A sudden increase in noise – for example raised voices or car horns – could provide early warning of an incident before it has time to spiral, or the shattering of glass could alert the camera to a potentially robbery or vandalism. Furthermore, the additional visual data captured by video surveillance cameras over longer periods can provide additional insights into specific sources of noise pollution. We can then map this data into a dynamic noise mapping (GIS) to perform an environmental noise assessment and develop a soundscape approach. While these steps by themselves will not solve the noise problem we have in Schenectady, it is a necessary action to start solving the problem. 8 Evaluation/Analysis: The first step would be enforcement using the technology with LPR’s to give tickets to cars and motorcycles violating the noise ordinance. This would require ‘Home Rule’ legislation from the state. Recommendation: Obtain a cost estimate to be presented to Council in 4 weeks for further discussion so budgetary moves can be considered to start solving this problem. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 9  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Government Operations DATE: 10/03/2022 TO: City Council FROM: Council President Porterfield SUBJECT: Implicit Bias Training Background Information: Follow-up discussion from March 21, 2022 in response to recent events have occurred which may hinder the City Council’s ability to act on legislation. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: Look for a provider to deliver implicit bias training. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____ 10  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Administrative Efficiency DATE: Sept 29, 2022 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: John Polimeni SUBJECT: Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month Background Information: October is Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month. This would be presented at the Sons of Italy celebration on October 15. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: Pass a ceremonial resolution to recognize the contribution of Italian- Americans to society. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 11 Whereas, every October Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month is an appropriate time to recognize the enormous contributions the Italian and Italian-American people have made to this city, country and the world throughout our history, including generals, admirals, doctors, philosophers, statesmen, musicians, athletes, and Nobel laureates; Whereas Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month is held to salute the Italian and Italian- American community and to exhibit appreciation for their culture and their heritage that have immeasurably enriched the lives of the people of this city, Nation and the world; Whereas the strength and success of Schenectady and the United States, the vitality of our communities, and the effectiveness of our American society depend, in great measure, upon the distinctive and sterling qualities demonstrated by people of diverse races, heritages, and ethnicities, exemplified by members of the Italian and Italian-American community, who share with us their rich and unique heritage; and Whereas, many outstanding men and women of Italian descent have enriched our Nation’s own history, whether defending freedom on the front lines of battle or participating in the daily workings of our democracy, Italian-Americans have clearly demonstrated their love of freedom and self-government and their profound respect for the rights and dignity of every individual. Their patriotism -- coupled with their deep faith and devotion to family life -- has truly strengthened the fabric of our society; and Whereas, Italian-Americans make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States; and Whereas, The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is the largest and oldest organization for Italian heritage in North America, encouraging the maintenance of Italian culture and language, as well as the assimilation into American social and political life; sponsoring a wide variety of cultural, educational and charitable programs in furtherance of its mission, as well as countless Italian heritage events; and Whereas, The Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge received its charter on March 28, 1915 and continues to be a true asset to the community, generously serving the City of Schenectady, Schenectady County, and beyond; and Whereas, many men and women of Italian descent settled in the City of Schenectady and the City continues to be home to a proud and vibrant Italian-American community that has enriched our City and left an enduring mark that continues to this day; Now therefore be it, Resolved, that the Mayor, Gary R. McCarthy, and City Council do hereby pause in their deliberations to call on all Americans to remember and learn more about the enormous contributions Italian-Americans have made to the City of Schenectady, New York State, and the United States of America and observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. 12  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: October 3, 2022 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Carmel Patrick SUBJECT: CR –World Polio Day Background Information: Rotary Clubs all over the world have a common goal to wipe out Polio internationally and will recognize World Polio Day on October 24, 2022. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 13  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: October 3, 2022 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Doreen Ditoro, Carmel Patrick, John Polimeni SUBJECT: “It Starts With Me” Anti-Litter Action Plan Background Information: Quality of life for Schenectady’s residents will be enhanced if we reduce its littering problem. To that end, the goal of the Schenectady Anti-litter Action Plan is to prevent littering by implementing a plan that, over time, will change people’s behavior. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: Further discussion of anti-litter action plan LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 14  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 10/03/22 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 818 Congress Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 15  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 10/03/22 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 1534 Third Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 16  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 10/03/22 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 1537 Devine Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 17