City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, May 15, 2023 5:30 p.m. Room 110 The Council President reserves the right to add or delete any agenda item prior to Committee Meeting. Finance Accept the NYSDOT CHIPs, EWR, PaveNY, State Touring Route, and Pave Our Potholes Chris Wallin 1 Funding 2 Accept the SAM Grant for Woodlawn Preserve Chris Wallin 3 Accept the SAM Grant for CP Greenhouse Chris Wallin Authorization to Enter a Contract with Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) for Kristin Diotte 4 Rental Assistance Utilizing CDBG-CV Authorization to Enter a Contract with Schenectady County Job Training Agency (SJTA) for Kristin Diotte 5 Summer Youth Employment as Part of the Tree Planting Collaborative Kristin Diotte / 6 Follow-up: ARPA Contracts Anthony Ferrari 7 Annual Permit Fee Waivers for Exterior Building Repair Permits John Mootooveren City Development & Planning Reminder – The Determination of the Environmental Significance of Rezoning Parcels Between Marion Porterfield 1 Hamilton, Schenectady, Strong Streets, and Parts of Summit Avenue and Mumford Street from “R-1” Single-Family District to “R-2” Two-Family District (PH on 05-22-2023) Reminder –Rezoning of Parcels Between Hamilton, Schenectady, Strong Streets, and Parts of Marion Porterfield 2 Summit Avenue and Mumford Street from “R-1” Single-Family District to “R-2” Two-Family District (PH on 05-22-2023) 3 Civilian Police Review Board (CPRB) Appointment Gary McCarthy 4 CR – Caribbean Nationals Heritage Month John Mootooveren 5 CR – Recognizing Pastor Felicia Collins John Polimeni 6 CR – Recognizing Pride Month 2023 Marion Porterfield 7 Sale of 22 Mynderse Street, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III 8 Sale of 22 ½ Catherine Street, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III 9 Sale of 910 State Street, Vacant Lot Maurice Brown, III Government Operations 1 Amend Collective Bargaining Agreement with CSEA Andrew Koldin Monday, May 15, 2023 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development + Planning DATE: 05-11-2023 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Kristin Diotte, Director of Development SUBJECT: Authorization to Enter a Contract with Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) for Rental Assistance utilizing CDBG-CV funds. Background Information: In response to the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development initially awarded the City of Schenectady Community Development Block Grant Funding (CDBG-CV). Budgeted in this allocation was the utilization of funds for Neighborhood Stabilization needs, including rental assistance. Evaluation/Analysis: This funding will be used for rental subsidies modeled after the successful ESG-CV grants the city has previously funded. This would include rental arrears for those at risk of homelessness and security deposits and rent for those moving out of homelessness. All households will also receive tenant rights and responsibilities education as well as landlord/tenant mediation to increase housing skills and stability. SCAP is Schenectady’s designated Community Action Agency (CAA). Core strengths include service as a comprehensive Resource Center and leadership of Schenectady’s Community Resource Network located in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood. All components, including program staff and partnerships, are in place to implement the activities proposed. Recommendation: To authorize The Mayor enter into contract with Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) for not-to-exceed amount of $200,000 to be used for the rental assistance program. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_________Law____________ 9 SCAP is Schenectady’s designated Community Action Agency (CAA). Core strengths include service as a comprehensive Resource Center and leadership of Schenectady’s Community Resource Network located in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood. All components, including program staff and partnerships, are in place to implement the activities proposed. Community Needs: The need for housing subsidies in Schenectady is great. In the past 5 years, there have been an average of 2,858 evictions filed in City Court annually, with an average of 917 evictions executed each year. Low‐ income tenants often lack an understanding of their rights and responsibilities, and landlords are not equipped to provide the support needed to assist them to maintain their housing. According to the Point in Time (PIT) count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night in January in Schenectady County, for the past five years an average of 351 people were either in an emergency shelter, a transitional housing situation or unsheltered. Over the last three years, Schenectady residents have had consistent access to rental assistance through various funding sources including NYS ERAP. Almost all of these funding services have ended leaving residents and landlords in great need of assistance. Providing housing subsidies will provide direct assistance for a large number of Schenectady’s residents facing poverty and who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It addresses the immediate economic and social needs of households and contributes to stability through connection to ongoing supports as residents work towards self‐reliance. It contributes to neighborhood stabilization/revitalization and will promote stable permanent housing on a community‐wide basis. Budget: The budget is $200,000; 100% of the funding will go towards rent. The funds are expected to serve 52 households with an average grant amount of $3,900. All payments will be made directly to the landlord. Maxine Brisport, President Debra L. Schimpf, Chief Executive Officer 913 Albany Street, Schenectady, NY 12307  Phone 518-374-9181  Fax 518-688-0571 www.scapny.org 10 NY 12304  Phone 518-377-8539  Fax 518-377-8553 Early Childhood Education: 100 Bigelow Avenue, Schenectady,  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: May 11, 2023 TO: City Council FROM: Kristin Diotte, Director of Development SUBJECT: Authorization to enter a contract with Schenectady County Job Training Agency (SJTA) for Youth Employment as part of the Tree Planting Collaborative. Background Information: In 2022 the City of Schenectady completed the Community Forestry Management Plan. Included in this plan was the goal of planting 200 new trees every year. In 2021 and 2022 the City of Schenectady partnered with SJTA, Community Fathers and ReTree Schenectady to employ Schenectady youth to plant over 150 trees in the Hamilton Hill and Mt. Pleasant Neighborhoods. In 2023, the City of Schenectady is looking to continue the program and employ 6-12 youth through SJTA for this effort. Evaluation/Analysis: Along with supporting the Community Forestry Management Plan, this initiative also supports streetscape improvement and the youth employment goals of the City of Schenectady’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The success of the past couple of years demonstrates the ability of the program to work and assist the City of Schenectady in supporting its goals. Recommendation: The City Council authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract with Schenectady County Job Training Agency (SJTA) for $30,000 utilizing CDBG funding for youth employment as part of the tree planting collaborative. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _______Law Department________ 11 City of Schenectady + SJTA | Tree Program 2023 Youth Wages and Fringes (12 youth x $14.20/hour x 1.0765 FICA) July 3,2023 ‐ Aug. 11, 2023 (20 hours x 6 weeks) $22,013 Total: $22,013 Staffing and Program Administration Job Coach, 50% time ($21.26/hour x 17.5 hours x 8 weeks x 1.0765 FICA) $3,204 Job Coach Mileage, 50% of program ($0.655 per mile x 150 mile average) $49 Job Coach Cell Phone, 50% of program $95 contract program admin. (payroll/fiscal, eligibility/interviews, data entry/record keeping, oversight) $2,700 Total: $6,048 Program Costs Transportation ($65 CDTA pass) $780 Hello Insight Algorhythm Program Assessment ($10) $120 Youth Incentives ($25 gift cards for positive performance x 12 youth) $300 Postage ($0.58 x 8 mailings x 12 youth) $56 Miscellaneous (Supportive Services i.e. work clothes) $600 Supplies (office/Job Coach supplies, PPE/COVID safety supplies) $83 Total: $1,939 Total Cost of Proposed Program: $30,000 Draft: 4/27/2023 12  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Monday, May 15, 2023 From: Kristin Diotte / Anthony Ferra Subject Follow-Up - ARPA Contracts Background Info: This is a fullow-up discussion from December 5, 2022. This discussion is to get an update on time-line on letters of commitments, contracts that were fully funded and those that have contingincies and what the contingincies are, and release of funds. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, May 12, 2023 13  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Monday, May 15, 2023 From: John Mootooveren Subject Annual Permit Fee Waivers for Exterior Building Repair Permits Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, May 12, 2023 14 Permit Fee Waiver: Waiver of (Application Fee) for projects that qualify from the following criteria: The scope of the work for the permit is for essential repairs and improvements, such as roof repair / replacement, siding repair/ replacement, porch repair/ replacement, windows replacement, garage, fencing or any exterior repairs / replacement to an existing owner occupied and rental property up to 4 units. If a building project has multiple permits, the maximum permits value of $35,000 will apply to the combined total of all permits and not to each individual permit. 2023 $56 Application Fee for Exterior Permits $100 for Roof Permit Permit Fee Waiver Period: Beginning June 1, 2023 until August 31, 2023  Residential Properties (1 to 4 Units)  For this program, building permits must be pulled within the pilot period of June 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023.  In order to close a building permit all works, required documents and inspections are to be completed within 12 months.  If after 12 months the permit remains incomplete, a building permit renewal is required with full permit fees.  Property taxes must be current, verification of tax payments must be done by code enforcement office. 15  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, May 15, 2023 From: Subject Reminder - The Determination of the Environmental Significance of Rezoning Parcels between Hamilton, Schenectady, Strong Streets, and Parts of Summit Avenue and Mumford Street from "R- 1" Single-Family District to "R-2" Two-Family District (PH on 05-22-23) Background Info: he Determination of the Environmental Significance of Rezoning Parcels between Hamilton, Schenectady, Strong Streets, and Parts of Summit Avenue and Mumford Street from "R-1" Single-Family District to "R-2" Two-Family District (PH on 05-22-23) Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, May 12, 2023 16  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, May 15, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject Reminder - Rezoning Parcels between Hamilton Street, Schenectady Street, Strong Street, and Parts of Summit Avenue and Mumford Street from "R-1" Single-Family District to "R-2" Two-Family District (PH on 05-22-23) Background Info: Rezoning Parcels between Hamilton Street, Schenectady Street, Strong Street, and Parts of Summit Avenue and Mumford Street from "R-1" Single-Family District to "R-2" Two-Family District (PH on 05-22-23) Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, May 12, 2023 17  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Public Safety DATE: May 12, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Gary R. McCarthy SUBJECT: Appointment of Aniel McGough for the CPRB Background Information: Rose Harrell is stepping down as a member of the CPRB leaving the Mayor’s Office seat vacant. Aniel McGough is being appointed. Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: Confirm the appointment for Aniel McGough LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Gary R McCarthy _________________ 18 19 20 21  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, May 15, 2023 From: John Mootooveren Subject CR - Carribbean Nationals Heritage Month Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, May 12, 2023 22  City of Schenectady, New York A Resolution Recognizing National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2023. WHEREAS, Americans have been united with our Caribbean neighbors not just by friendship and economic cooperation, but also by our common values. From a region of extraordinary beauty, generations of immigrants have brought their enormous talents and vibrant culture to the United States; and WHEREAS, their contributions have enriched our City and strengthened the deep bonds between our peoples. This year, we celebrate the Caribbean American Heritage whose legacies are woven into the fabric of our City and Nation, and we reaffirm our belief that throughout the Caribbean region, we all share a stake in one another's success; and WHEREAS, throughout the Caribbean, courageous peoples have thrown off the yoke of colonial rule, seizing the right to chart their own destinies, and they have overcome the stains of slavery to widen the circle of opportunity for all; and WHEREAS, today, more than four million Caribbean Americans live in the United States and continue to contribute to a vibrant culture that enriches our City and Nation. WHEREAS, Caribbean-American Heritage is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the history, culture, and essential role of Caribbean Americans in Schenectady and across the country; and WHEREAS, during Caribbean-American Heritage celebration, we honor the courage and perseverance of the Caribbean-American community, and we rededicate ourselves to building opportunity and protecting human rights for all our citizens; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT, RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Gary R McCarthy, and City Council, do hereby pause in their deliberation to recognize June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month and call on all Caribbean Americans to celebrate the history and culture with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 23  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Administrative Efficiency DATE: May 11, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: John Polimeni SUBJECT: Ceremonial Resolution for Pastor Felicia Collins Background Information: Pastor Collins of Bethel AME Church has been called to lead another church after years of service. This resolution will acknowledge Pastor Collins for her work at Bethel AME and to Schenectady Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY_____________________ 24  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, May 15, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject CR - Recognizing Pride Month 2023 Background Info: June is Pride Month and Schenectady Pride will be holding an event on June 3, 2023. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Present a ceremonial resolution at their event. Friday, May 12, 2023 25  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/15/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 22 Mynderse Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 26  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/15/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 22 ½ Catherine Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 27  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 05/15/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of Vacant lot, 910 State Street Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 28