City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Tuesday, January 17, 2023 5:30 p.m. Room 110 The Council President reserves the right to add or delete any agenda item prior to Committee Meeting. Public Safety 1 NYS DCJS Delinquency Prevention Grant Eric Clifford 2 Presentation – School Bus Stop Arm Camera Safety Program Marion Porterfield Finance Reminder – HOME-ARP Allocation Plan for the HOME Consortium John Mootooveren 1 (PH was held on 01-09-23) Government Operations 1 CPH – Regarding the Frequency of Collection of ‘White Goods’ Paul Lafond Authorize the Mayor, or his designee, to Enter Into any Agreement with the New York State Gary McCarthy 2 Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), to Accept $50,000 in Federal Funding under the FY2020 Cyber Security Grant Program Reminder – Amending Chapter 183, Article II of the City Code Regarding Business Certificate Damonni Farley 3 of Use (PH was held on 01-09-23) 4 Discussion – Clean State Act Follow-up Carl Williams City Development & Planning Request for Authorization to Purchase “Sodium Hypochlorite 2023” for the Wastewater Paul Lafond 1 Treatment Plant Discussion – Revere Avenue Paper Street Development Feasibility Study to be Performed by Chris Wallin 2 CT Male Associates Reminder – Applying “OH” Overlay Historic District Zoning to 308 State Street Marion Porterfield 3 (PH was held on 01-09-23) Reminder – Amendments to the Zoning Code Regarding Banquet Facilities and Private Clubs or Marion Porterfield 4 Lodges (PH was held on 01-09-23) 5 Sale of a Vacant Lot on Avenue A (30.76-2-16) Maurice Brown, III 6 Sale of 1025 Congress Street, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III Claims 1 State Farm a/s/o Yvonne Strain v. City of Schenectady Andrew Koldin 2 American State CO a/s/o Jeffrey Briere v. City of Schenectady Andrew Koldin 3 Niagara Mohawk Power a/s/o National Grid v. City of Schenectady Andrew Koldin Tuesday, January 17, 2023  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Public Safety DATE: January 11, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Chief Eric S. Clifford SUBJECT: NYS DCJS Delinquency Prevention Grant TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: January 17, 2023 Background Information: The NYS DCJS Delinquency Prevention Grant provides funding through federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention funding to the Schenectady Police Department for the purpose of supporting the development of a pilot program for runaway and homeless youth and youth of color, developing a framework on alternatives to arrest policies and practices, and build trust among communities. Funding has been allocated in the amount of $514,064 for the City of Schenectady Police Department, who will be working in collaboration with Schenectady Connects as the community partner. These funds are to be used for the total program costs incurred that may include Schenectady Police personnel, Schenectady Connects personnel and an established programming budget. There is no match requirement for this grant. This agreement shall be effective from January 11th, 2023 and does not include a timeline. Recommendation/Action The Police Department recommends acceptance of this NYS DCJS Delinquency Prevention Grant award. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Chief Eric S. Clifford 2 3  2023 Alternatives to Arrest Employment Program Proposal Draft 10/31/2022 estimated # youth 10 Alternatives to Arrest Employment Program Participant Wages & Fringe Benefits 10 youth x $13.20/hour - year round $63,066 FICA - 7.65% wage total $4,825 TOTAL $67,891 Staff Salaries & Fringe Benefits 1 Sr. Employment & Training Counselor $8,000 1 Employment & Training Client Services Specialist $7,000 TOTAL $15,000 Police Over Time Dollars Police Over Time Dollars $15,000 TOTAL $15,000 Program Expenses Postage $300 Staff Mileage -$0.625 per mile $2,069 Cell Phone/MIFI $1,440 Miscellaneous Expenses (supportive services, incentives, transportation, etc) $7,000 Office supplies $1,000 Independent Evaluation ($10 per youth) $100 TOTAL $11,909 Admin/Indirect Expenses Payroll Services, Worksite Development, Training, Program Oversight $12,200 TOTAL $12,200 PROGRAM TOTAL $122,000 4  Department of Criminal Justice Services ‐ Schenectady Police Department Alternatives to Arrest Employment Program Schenectady County Connects would like to propose a partnership with the Schenectady Police Department to support the Alternatives to Arrest program by providing work experience opportunities to youth. Schenectady County Connects will work with youth ages 14‐17 who are referred by the Schenectady Police Department who agree to engage in restorative justice, skill building, and work experience as an alternative program to address arrestable behaviors. Once a referral is initiated by the Schenectady Police Department and the youth begins to engage in trust building activities with the Department, Schenectady County Connects staff will follow an overall program outline but also individually design curriculum to meet each youths’ specified needs. By engaging youth in structured employment opportunities, youth will have less unstructured time to spend in negative or delinquent activities, will develop pro‐social community ties, and will increase skills including consequential thinking, social competencies and interpersonal relationships, problem‐solving, impulse control, and goal setting.  Assessment and Documentation Collection – staff will meet with youth to assess strengths, experience, barriers, and interests and will assist the youth in completing the documentation required to be put on payroll during their work experience  Career Exploration – youth will work with a counselor to assess their interests and aptitudes and will determine potential career pathways in, in‐demand industries with sustainable employment that will lead to self‐sufficiency  Metrix Learning Courses – youth will learn the foundational skills of employment through evidence‐based coursework on topics including communication, time management, goal setting, and more; this coursework will also serve to teach consistency and accountability  Work Experience – youth will attend an in‐person interview to determine an appropriate worksite assignment and will engage in a part‐time work experience with the support of a Job Coach to help navigate the world‐of‐work  Transition Planning – youth will work with their Job Coach to develop a transition plan to ensure continued engagement within the community – this may include extracurriculars, employment, volunteering, and more to support continued investment and structured use of time Employment and training professionals will assist youth in every step of the program to serve as mentors and positive role models throughout the process. Staff will build rapport with the youth to become trusted adults with the ability to provide individualized, holistic services to meet each youths’ needs. The fact that Schenectady County Connects is open to the public allows youth to maintain that trusted relationship throughout their workforce journey – beginning with an opportunity to avoid arrest and extending throughout their career pathway as a continued employment and training support. Schenectady County Connects understands the importance of not operating in a silo and that the only way to be successful in the world of work is to have access to our many community partners that provide the services we do not. We work closely with several Schenectady County Community Services who provide connections and case coordination for mental health services – youth are able to be connected to casework, social work, and counseling as needed. Schenectady City School District is another major partner – they have contracted with Schenectady County Connects to provide in‐house employment and training services, identifying youth who may be disconnected or in need of support 5 and referring during study halls, lunch breaks, or after hours. In addition to these partnerships, Schenectady County Connects partners with local housing coalitions, transportation resources, childcare agencies and more to ensure youth’s basic needs are met prior to engaging in employment. As part of the work experience, Schenectady County Connects will be responsible (from both a fiscal and liability standpoint) for the youths’ employment from payroll to program oversight and worksites have access to an on‐call phone number for any workplace emergencies. Schenectady County Connects’ youth program staff have extensive experience in positive youth development programming and engagement. Program oversight will be provided by a DCJS certified Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) who will case conference and support the frontline staff with any social‐emotional or justice‐involved career development needs. Outcomes will be measured and tracked in line with DCJS requirements and Schenectady County Connects will also use the Hello Insight Career Readiness Assessment to measure social‐emotional growth of youth in the program. Ultimately, the Alternatives to Arrest Employment Program would directly impact employment competencies, references for youth, and providing structured recreational activities that support youths’ interests, opening the doors to allow youth to discover challenging and exciting pathways to success. 6  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: January 17, 2023 TO: City Council Members FROM: Council President Marion Porterfield SUBJECT: Presentation on School Bus Arm Safety Program Background Information: Every day, drivers illegally pass stopped school buses, needlessly putting children at risk. According to data from the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), there are an estimated 17 million stop-arm violations each year in the United States. To tackle this issue, school districts are using stop-arm cameras to enforce school bus stopping laws and change driver behavior for good. Despite their safety benefits, there are a number of misconceptions surrounding school bus cameras and stop-arm enforcement programs. Presentation was made to the Schenectady City School Board in December. Evaluation/Analysis: Implementation would be by the Schenectady City School District but a local law must be passed by the City Council. See attached draft local law information. Recommendation: City council consider passing a local law to implement this program. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____LAW DEPARTMENT_________ 7 City of Schenectady School Bus Stop Arm Demonstration Program Code of Law (INSERT SECTION) Definitions: SCHOOL BUS PHOTO VIOLATION MONITORING SYSTEM A device that is capable of operating independently of an enforcement officer which is installed to work in conjunction with a school bus stop-arm and which automatically produces two or more photographs, two or more microphotographs, a videotape or other recorded images of a vehicle at the time it is used or operated in violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. Code of Law § 265-__ Program established. A. There is hereby established, pursuant to § 1174-a of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, a demonstration program imposing monetary liability on owners of vehicles for failure of the operators thereof to comply with § 1174 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law when meeting a school bus marked and equipped as provided in Subdivisions 20 and 21-c of § 375 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law in the City of Schenectady. B. To carry out the demonstration program, the City is authorized to enter into an agreement with the City of Schenectady school district for the installation, maintenance, and use of school bus photo violation monitoring systems as well as proper handling and custody of data received by the school bus cameras, subject to the provisions of § 1174-a of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. Once the school district has entered into an agreement with the City, cameras shall be installed on school buses owned or operated by that school district or privately owned and operated for compensation under a contract with such school district. C. Cost of program and reports relating thereto. (1) The total cost to the school district of the installation, maintenance and use of school bus photo violation monitoring systems pursuant to an agreement authorized by this local law shall be borne entirely by the City. (2) The school district shall provide any report required of the district, pursuant to § 1174-a of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, to the State or any official thereof. 8 (3) To the extent that the City shall be required to issue any report to the state or any official thereof as a result of the adoption of this article and/or § 1174-a of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, the City shall cause the same to be prepared pursuant to this article or applicable state law. D. Pursuant to § 1174-a (a)(3)(i) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, any school district participating in the demonstration program shall be prohibited from accessing any photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, other recorded images and data from school bus photo violation monitoring systems but shall provide, pursuant to the agreement with the City, as provided in this article, for the proper handling and custody of such photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, other recorded images and data produced by such systems, and for the forwarding of such photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, other recorded images and data to the City for the purpose of determining whether a motor vehicle was operated in violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and imposing monetary liability on the owner of such motor vehicle therefor. E. The agreement between the City and the school district shall provide that photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, other recorded images and data produced by school bus photo violation monitoring systems shall be destroyed (a) 90 days after the date of the alleged imposition of liability if a notice of liability is not issued for such alleged imposition of liability pursuant to this article or (b) upon final disposition of a notice of liability issued pursuant to this article. F. The City shall adopt and enforce measures to protect the privacy of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists whose identity and identifying information may be captured by a school bus photo monitoring device. Such measures shall include: (1) Utilization of necessary technologies to ensure, to the extent practicable, that photographs produced by such school photo violation monitoring systems shall not include images that identify the driver, the passengers, the contents of the vehicle, pedestrians and cyclists; provided, however, that no notice of liability issued pursuant to this section shall be dismissed solely because a photograph or photographs allow for the identification of the contents of a vehicle, provided that the City has made a reasonable effort to comply with the provisions of this subsection; (2) A prohibition of the use or dissemination of vehicles' license plate information and other information and images captured by school bus photo violation monitoring systems except: (a) as 9 required to establish liability under this section or collect payment of penalties; (b) as required by court order; or (c) as otherwise required by law; (3) Oversight procedures to ensure compliance with the privacy protection measures required herein. G. The City shall also undertake the installation of signage in conformance with standards established in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Such signage shall be installed at each roadway entrance of the jurisdictional boundaries of the City giving notice that school bus photo violation monitoring systems are used to enforce restrictions on vehicles violating § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "roadway" shall not include state expressway routes or state interstate routes but shall include controlled- access highway exit ramps that enter the boundaries of the City. § 265-_ Penalties for offenses. An owner liable for a violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law pursuant to this article shall be liable for monetary penalties in accordance with the following schedule of fines and penalties: A. $250 for a first violation; B. $275 for a second violation committed within 18 months of the first violation; C. $300 for a third violation or subsequent violation all of which were committed within 18 months from the first violation; and D. An additional penalty of $25 for each violation for the failure to respond to a notice of liability within the prescribed time period. E. An imposition of liability under this article shall not be deemed a conviction and shall not be made part of the operating record of the person upon whom such liability is imposed nor shall it be used for insurance purposes in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage. F. All fines and penalties collected pursuant to this article shall be deposited with the City of Schenectady Finance Department. 10 § 265-_ Notice of liability. A. A notice of liability shall be sent as provided by state law by first-class mail to each person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. Personal delivery on the owner shall not be required. A manual or automatic record of mailing prepared in the ordinary course of business shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. To the extent that state law does not preclude the City from causing such mailing to be made, the City shall undertake or cause to be undertaken such mailing. B. A notice of liability shall contain the name and address of the person alleged to be liable as an owner for a violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, the registration number of the vehicle involved in such violation, the location where such violation took place, the date and time of such violation and the identification number of the camera which recorded the violation or other document locator number. C. (i) A notice of liability shall contain information advising the person charged of the manner and the time in which he or she may contest the liability alleged in the notice. Such notice of liability shall also contain a warning to advise the persons charged that failure to contest in the manner and time provided shall be deemed an admission of liability and that a default judgment may be entered thereon. (ii) The notice of liability may contain such other information as the entity causing such notice of liability to be mailed deems appropriate to communicate the law, the adjudicatory process if the addressee of the notice wishes to contest the notice of liability. § 265-_Owner liability. A. The owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a penalty imposed pursuant to this article if such vehicle was used or operated with the permission of the owner, express or implied, in violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and such violation is evidenced by information obtained from a school bus photo violation monitoring system; provided, however, that no owner of a vehicle shall be liable for a penalty imposed pursuant to this article where the operator of such vehicle has been convicted of the underlying violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. For purpose of (i) this section; and (ii) this article, there shall be a presumption that such vehicle was used and operated with the consent of the owner at the time it was used and operated in violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. 11 B. If the owner receives a notice of liability pursuant to this article for any time period during which the vehicle was reported to the police as having been stolen, it shall be a valid defense to an allegation of liability for a violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law pursuant to this article that the vehicle had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time the violation occurred and had not been recovered by such time. For purposes of asserting the defense provided by this subsection, it shall be sufficient that a certified copy of the police report on the stolen vehicle be sent or delivered to a court of competent jurisdiction or parking violations bureau having jurisdiction where any contested notice of liability would otherwise be determined. C. An owner who is a lessor of a vehicle to which a notice of liability was issued pursuant to this article shall not be liable for the violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, provided that he or she complies with the provisions of § 1174-a of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and otherwise sends to the Court of competent jurisdiction, or other adjudicatory bureau or agency of competent jurisdiction, a copy of the rental, lease or other such contract document covering such vehicle on the date of the violation, with the name and address of the lessee clearly legible, within 37 days after receiving notice from the agency or entity which caused such notice of liability to be issued, together with the information contained in the original notice of liability. Failure to send such information within thirty-seven-day time period shall render the owner liable for the penalty prescribed by this article. Where the lessor complies with the provisions of this subsection, the lessee of such vehicle for purposes of this section, shall be deemed to be the owner of such vehicle on the date of such violation for the purposes of this section, shall be subject to liability for the violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law pursuant to this article and shall be sent a notice of liability pursuant to § 275-6 of this article. D. A certificate, sworn to or affirmed by a technician employed by the City, or a facsimile thereof, upon inspection of photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, other recorded images produced by a school bus photo violation monitoring system, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein. Any photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, other recorded images evidencing such a violation shall be available for inspection in any proceeding to adjudicate the liability for such violation. E. It shall be a defense to any prosecution for or allegation of a violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law pursuant to this article that such school bus stop-arms were malfunctioning at the time of the alleged violation. 12 § 265-_ Adjudication of liability. Liability pursuant to the demonstration program established hereunder shall be imposed upon owners by the Court of competent jurisdiction in the City of Schenectady or in another manner pursuant to the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. § 265-_ Action for indemnification. If the owner held liable for a violation of Subdivision (a) of § 1174 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law pursuant to this article was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the violation, the owner may maintain an action for indemnification against the operator. § 265-_ Reporting requirements. A. The City shall develop and cause to be submitted an annual report on the results of the use of a school bus photo violation monitoring system to the Governor, the temporary president of the Senate and the speaker of the Assembly on or before June 1 of each year in which the demonstration program is operable. Such report shall include any information required by § 1174-a(m) of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to be included as a result of the enactment of this article. B. Pursuant to the requirements of § 1174-a of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, courts, bureaus, and agencies conducting adjudications as a result of this article shall report at least annually to the City on the quality of the adjudication process and its results including the total number of hearings scheduled, rescheduled, and held; the total number of persons scheduled for such hearings; the total number of cases where fines were paid on or before the hearing date; and the total number of default judgments entered. § 265-_ Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this article or the application thereof to any person, individual, corporation, firm, partnership, entity, or circumstance shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part of this article, or in its application to the person, individual, corporation, firm, partnership, entity, or circumstance directly involved in the controversy in which such order or judgment shall be rendered. § 265-_ When effective. This article shall take effect immediately upon full compliance with all the requisite statutes and laws applicable to its adoption and promulgation. 13  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 From: John Mootooveren Subject Reminder - HOME-ARP Allocation Plan for the HOME Consortium (PH was held on 01-09-23) Background Info: Public hearing was held on January 9, 2023. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, January 13, 2023 14  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: January 17, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Paul LaFond, Commissioner of General Services SUBJECT: Calling for a Public Hearing regarding the frequency of Collection of ‘White Goods’ Background Information: The City of Schenectady Code of Ordinances states the following: § 161-21 Public collection and disposal of solid waste. A. The Department shall collect and dispose of all residential solid waste (including institutional, mixed residential and multiple residential users electing to receive and which qualify for City solid waste collection service) originating in the City, and, as further limited by this article, all solid waste from such commercial uses as may elect and qualify to receive City solid waste collection services. Such solid waste shall be stored and prepared for collection by property owners and occupants in accordance with the provisions of this article. C. The Commissioner may promulgate regulations covering the items of collection of solid waste and the fees charged therefor, and such other matters pertaining to the public collection and disposal of solid waste as he/she may deem necessary, provided that such regulations are not contrary to the provisions hereof. D. The City shall collect residential solid waste originating in the City as defined by this chapter once each week, All other collections will be made at a frequency determined by the Commissioner to be necessary consistent with the public health. Definitions: SOLID WASTE Materials or substances which are discharged or rejected as being spent, useless, worthless or in excess by the owner at the time of such discard or rejection and shall include garbage, yard waste, recyclable rubbish, white goods, large household furnishings and nonrecyclable rubbish generated by any person. The term shall not include sewage, sludge or liquid-diluted material 15 WHITE GOODS Large and/or bulky articles used in the home and which equip it for living, including but not limited to refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves and hot-water heaters ordinarily operated by gas, wood or electric current. Evaluation/Analysis: To change the frequency of collection of ‘White Goods” from weekly to once a month on the third solid waste pickup day for each district. Recommendation: To call for a Public Hearing to be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 7:00 pm with the regularly scheduled City Council meeting for the purpose of hearing comments on the proposed changes to the City of Schenectady Code of Ordinances regarding collection of ‘White Goods’. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 16  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: FINANCE DATE: 1/16/2023 TO: City Council FROM: Bawan Karn, Office of Information Technology /Utilities SUBJECT: Authorize the Mayor, or his designee, to enter into any agreement with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), to accept $50,000 in Federal funding under the FY2020 Cyber Security Grant Program. TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF: 1/23/2023 Background Information: The City of Schenectady completed an application for funding to continue improvements to our local area network in order to support our goal of cyber security preparedness. Securing our network against malicious attacks needs to be our absolute number one priority. We need to continue to do this through obtaining the lasted equipment, training, and education of our employees. The City was a recipient of a similar grant in FY2018 which was extremely helpful by allowing us to harden our network through multiple processes including a cybersecurity audit. Evaluation/Analysis: The City was awarded $50,000 in Federal Funding to be used to obtain consulting services for cyber awareness training, security exercises and to purchase software that will help monitor our network for vulnerabilities, incident management software as required to track incidents and to obtain helpdesk software that will allow tracking of our IT operations and issues. There are no local matching funds required for this grant. Recommendation: We respectfully recommend that the City Council authorize the Mayor, or his designee, to enter into any agreement with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), to accept $50,000 in Federal funding under the FY2020 Cyber Security Grant Program. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: Utilities Department 17 September 29, 2022 The Honorable Gary McCarthy Mayor, City of Schenectady 105 Jay Street City Hall, Room Schenectady, NY 12305 Dear Mayor McCarthy: I am pleased to announce that the City of Schenectady has been awarded $50,000 in federal funding under the FY2020 Cyber Security Grant Program. Funding for this initiative is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) and is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). The performance period for this award is October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023. As outlined in your application, this funding is provided to enhance and sustain your jurisdiction’s cyber security posture as well as ensure that your information systems are secured and protected from cyber incidents through equipment, training, exercise, and planning projects. Additionally, all capabilities developed through federal FY2020 SHSP funding are required to be deployable regionally and nationally per the federal guidelines. All funding through this grant program is subject to both New York State and federal guidelines and regulations. In order to ensure these funds are made available as quickly as possible, a representative from DHSES’ Grants Program Administration Unit will be reaching out to your grant point of contact. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Eric Abramson, Director of Grants Program Administration at (518) 402-2123. Congratulations on your award and I look forward to working with you to administer this program. Sincerely, Jackie Bray Commissioner 18  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Government Operations Committee Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 From: Damonni Farley Subject Reminder - Amending Chapter 183, Article II of the City Code Regarding Business Certificate of Use (PH was held on 01-09-23) Background Info: Public Hearing was held on January 9, 2023. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, January 13, 2023 19  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: January 17, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Councilman Carl Williams SUBJECT: Clean Slate – Discussion Background Information: New Yorkers with conviction records often struggle to become gainfully employed and find adequate. With more than 400,000 New Yorkers arrested on criminal charges each year, the exclusion of people with conviction records from employment opportunities via background checks and other barriers hurts productivity and deprives the workforce of crucial talent. Evaluation/Analysis: The ACLU estimates that, nationally, excluding individuals with conviction histories from the workforce costs the economy between $78 billion and $87 billion in lost domestic product. Clean Slate seeks to empower economic revitalization by removing barriers that block pathways forward for 400,000 New Yorkers arrested on criminal charges each year. Governor Hochul will push to pass the Clean Slate Act, criminal justice reform legislation that would allow for certain felony records to be sealed after seven years and certain misdemeanor records be sealed after three years, following the completion of a sentence. To be eligible for records sealing, an individual would have to have completed their prison sentence and community supervision; not have been convicted of a sex crime; and not since have acquired subsequent convictions in New York State or have pending charges during the waiting period. Reasonable exceptions will be made for appropriate categories of employment. 20 The NYS Business Council supports for the Clean Slate Act. The Business Council’s Executive Vice President, Paul Zuber, spoke at a rally at the New York State Capitol, calling for the legislation to be passed. The Business Council believes the bill is about doing the right thing, creating second -chance opportunities for individuals ready to reenter the workforce, and helping the economy. The common-sense legislation allows many people in historically marginalized communities to participate in the economic growth that is currently being stalled because businesses cannot hire enough people. Recommendation: Schenectady City Council pass a resolution declaring support for New York State Clean Slate Act. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY: LAW DEPARTMENT 21 To: Interested Parties From: Global Strategy Group Date: June 4th, 2021 Re: New York Voters Support Clean Slate Bill for Those that Meet Proposed Criteria Global Strategy Group conducted a live telephone survey of 800 registered voters in New York State from May 25th to June 1st, 2021. The survey, conducted on behalf of Clean Slate NY, finds that New York voters overwhelmingly feel it is important to give people with criminal records a fair chance and support the Clean Slate Bill by significant margins, with support intensifying as voters learn more about the proposal. Key findings from the research are outlined below. Key Findings: • A strong majority of New York voters supports the Clean Slate Bill. By a 26-point margin, registered voters in New York State say they would support a Clean Slate Bill for those that meet the proposed criteria, driven by strong support in New York City (69% support, +49 net support) and near-majority support Upstate (46%, +8) and in the New York City suburbs (48%, +11). Statewide, self-identified Democrats (74% support/15% oppose) and independents (44% support/36% oppose) support the bill by significant margins, and one in three self-identified Republicans (32% support/53% oppose) supports the Clean Slate Bill. It also enjoys net support among African American (+73), Hispanic (+40), Asian (+15), and white (+13) voters in the state. Question wording: Now I’d like to read you some information about a bill being discussed by state government in Albany called the “Clean Slate” bill…The "Clean Slate" bill would automatically seal a person's old conviction record if the person has served their sentence, not been convicted of another offense, goes through a waiting period, and meets additional criteria. Do you support or oppose this “Clean Slate” bill? Support Not sure Oppose Overall 56 14 30 Upstate 46 16 38 Suburbs 48 15 37 New York City 69 11 20 • Support rises dramatically as voters better understand the Clean Slate Bill. When voters hear more about the specific requirements for eligibility under the Clean Slate bill, support for the bill increases and opposition decreases, with two thirds of voters supporting the bill (66% support / 27% oppose). Support increases across the state, rising to majority support Upstate (60%, +26) and in the suburbs (59%, +24). Hearing about the bill’s requirements also results in net support among self-identified Republicans in the state (48% support/45% oppose) and increases support among white voters (to 61%/32%). Question wording: Now I am going to read you the specific requirements that allow a person to be eligible to have their conviction record automatically sealed: - The person must not be on parole, probation, or have any new or pending criminal charges against them; - There are waiting periods, that go up in years depending on the type of offense committed; - People who are on the sex offender register are not eligible. Now that you've heard this information, do you support or oppose the "Clean Slate" bill to seal the conviction record of only those people who meet the requirements that were just read? 22 • Communicating about the benefits of the Clean Slate Bill can further strengthen support. After voters hear a single positive message in support of the bill, support increases further, to 71% support/25% oppose statewide, with just 3% of voters remaining undecided as to whether they support or oppose the bill. Question wording: Next, I’d like to read you a bit more about the “Clean Slate” bill… New Yorkers with conviction records face barriers to employment and housing. By sealing old conviction records, the Clean Slate bill would enable people to obtain employment, find housing, provide for their families, and contribute more to their communities. Support Not sure Oppose Initial 56 14 30 Following Specific Requirements 66 7 27 Following Positive Message 71 3 25 • Bipartisan majorities of New York Voters prefer a “smart” approach to formerly incarcerated individuals. When asked about their preferred approach to re-entering society, self-identified Democrats, independents, and Republicans all prefer being “smart” about those who have served their time as opposed to being “tough” on them by two-to-one margins or more. Question wording: Which approach do you prefer when it comes to dealing with people who have served their time in prison and are re-entering society? - Being smart about those who have served their time – that decreasing barriers people face so they can reenter society, find a job, and find housing is best way to reduce and prevent future crime - Being tough on those who have served their time – that punishment, tough laws, and exposing people's criminal histories is the best way to reduce and prevent future crime Being smart Not sure Being tough Overall 74 11 15 Democrats 85 6 9 Independents 66 19 15 Republicans 61 13 26 • New Yorkers feel that a Clean Slate Bill will benefit people in their communities. Across the state, people think the bill will have a positive impact on their communities, including majorities of voters in New York City (69% positive impact/10% negative impact), Upstate (54%/13%), and the suburbs (51%/14%) who believe this to be the case. Statewide, voters also believe the bill will be particularly beneficial to Black (71% positive impact/10% negative impact) and Hispanic (69%/9%) New Yorkers. • Universally, New Yorkers feel it is important to give those with criminal records a fair chance. Overwhelmingly, voters see value in the aims behind the Clean Slate Bill: nine in ten voters (91%) feel it is important to “give those with criminal records a fair chance to get a job, provide for their families, and become productive members of society,” including two thirds of voters (68%) who feel it is very important. ABOUT THIS POLL: Global Strategy Group conducted a telephone survey of 800 registered voters in New York State from May 25th to June 1st, 2021. The survey had a margin of error of +/-3.5%. Care has been taken to ensure the geographic, political, and demographic divisions of the population of registered voters are properly represented. 23 24 25 26  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject Applying "OH" Overlay Historic District Zoning to 308 State Street (PH was held on 01-09-23) Background Info: Public hearing was held on January 9, 2023. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, January 13, 2023 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject Applying "OH" Overlay Historic District Zoning to 308 State Street (PH was held on 01-09-23) Background Info: Public hearing was held on January 9, 2023. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, January 13, 2023 36  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject Reminder - Amendments to the Zoning Code Regarding Banquet Facilities and Private Clubs or Lodges (PH was held on 01-09-23) Background Info: Public hearing was held on January 9, 2023. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, January 13, 2023 37  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 01/12/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, Avenue A (3.76-2-16) Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Law 38  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 01/12/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 1025 Congress Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Law 39  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Claims Committee Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 From: Andrew Koldin Subject State Farm a/s/o Yvonne Strain v. City of Schenectady Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, January 13, 2023 40  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Claims Committee Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 From: Andrew Koldin Subject American State CO a/s/o Jeffrey Briere v. City of Schenectady Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, January 13, 2023 41  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Claims Committee Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 From: Andrew Koldin Subject Niagara Mohaw Power a/s/o National Grid vs. City of Schenectady Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, January 13, 2023 42