City Council Committees

SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGENDA for Monday, June 5, 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 1 Presentation – 2022 Audit Acceptance Anthony Ferrari Kristin Diotte / 2 Follow-up: ARPA Contracts Anthony Ferrari City Development & Planning 1 CR – Flag Day Resolution (June 14, 2023) Carmel Patrick 2 CR – Recognizing the Celebration of Juneteenth Marion Porterfield 3 CR – Recognizing Sergeant Robert Becker Marion Porterfield SEQR Determination – Hamilton Hill Rezoning to R-2 Two-Family Residential Kristin Diotte 4 (PH was on 05-22-2023) Rezoning Ordinance – Hamilton Hill Rezoning to R-2 Two-Family Residential Kristin Diotte 5 (PH was on 05-22-2023) 6 2023-2024 HUD Continuum of Care – Capital District YMCA Kristin Diotte 7 Demolition of 715 Rankin Avenue Kristin Diotte 8 Sale of 715 Rankin Avenue – Habitat for Humanities Kristin Diotte 9 Sale of 1012 Eastern Avenue Maurice Brown, III Authorize the Issuance of Revocable Permit No. 675 to 101 State St. Partners, LLC for Two Chris Wallin 10 Signs that will Overhang the City’s Right-of-Way at 101 State Street Authorize the Mayor of his Designee to Enter a Grant Agreement with Metroplex Development Chris Wallin 11 Authority “Metroplex” for the “North Center Street Reconstruction” in the Total Amount of $114,500.00 ABAC – for the “2023 Schenectady CHIPs Paving Program – Base Bid and Add Alternate1” to Chris Wallin 12 Callanan Industries, Inc. in the Amount of $4,465,591.33 ABAC – for the “North College Street Rehabilitation” to New Castle Paving in the Amount of Chris Wallin 13 $412,261.79 ABAC – for the “Central Park ‘A’ Diamond Lighting” to Stilsing Electric, Inc. in the Amount of Chris Wallin 14 $716,200.00 ABAC – for the “Michigan Avenue Baseball Field Wall” to James H. Maloy, Inc. in the Amount Chris Wallin 15 of the Amount of $83,950.00 16 Discussion – Waiver of Apprenticeship Requirement for the Golf Irrigation Installation Contract Chris Wallin 17 Sale of 2315 Van Vranken Avenue Maurice Brown, III Claims 1 Krystal Paniccia vs. City of Schenectady Andrew Koldin Friday, June 02, 2023 1  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Finance Committee Date: Monday, June 05, 2023 From: Kristin Diotte / Anthony Ferra Subject Follow-up: ARPA Contracts Background Info: This is a follow-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 contingencies and what the contingencies are, and release of funds. Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, June 02, 2023 2  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Finance DATE: May 25, 2023 TO: City Council FROM: Anthony Ferrari Presentation to be done by: John Tafilowski June 5, 2023 SUBJECT: 2022 Audit Acceptance TO BE PLACED ON COUNCIL AGENDA OF JUNE 21, 2023 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, 2022. 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________ 3  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, June 05, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject CR - Recognizing the Celebration of Juneteenth Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, June 02, 2023 4  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: City Development & Planning Committee Date: Monday, June 05, 2023 From: Marion Porterfield Subject CR - Recognizing Sergeant Robert Becker Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, June 02, 2023 5 6 7  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: Health and Recreation DATE: June 5, 2023 TO: COUNCILMEMBERS FROM: Carmel Patrick SUBJECT: Flag Day Resolution (June 14, 2023) Background Information: Recommend that the City Council present a resolution commemorating June 14, Flag Day. Evaluation/Analysis: On June 14, the nation recognizes Flag Day and celebrates the history and symbolism of the flag of the United States of America. Recommendation: That City Council pass a resolution honoring Flag Day LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____________________ 8  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 6/1/2023 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Kristin Diotte SUBJECT: SEQR Determination – Hamilton Hill Rezoning to R-2 Two-Family Residential Background Information: The Department of Development is requesting the rezone of the Hamilton Hill “R-1” Single-Family Residential District to the “R-2” Two-Family Residential District. The area encompasses the land between Hamilton Street, Schenectady Street, Strong Street, and part of Summit Ave and Mumford Street. Evaluation/Analysis: This area is currently zoned as “R-1” Single-Family Residential; district, this contrasts with what is physically there currently as a large portion of the area is populated by two-family homes. The area surrounding this zone is almost entirely a “R-2” Two-Family Residential District. Of the existing 125 structures in this zone, currently 61 are Two-Family properties and only 54 are Single-Family properties. This would mean that most of the structures that are currently within the zone are out of compliance. By changing this zone to “R-2” Two-Family Residential District, it would reflect the reality of the area in which there are a majority of Two-Family properties. With the zoning the way it is currently, only 55 structures are compliant with the code, only 44% of what is currently there. The change would bring the structures in compliance up to 116, which is 92.8% of what is currently there. In addition, it would allow for more variety of structure improvements on the current 47 vacant parcels in the zone. Recommendation: City Council to adopt a SEQR Negative Declaration – Determination of Non-Significance. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____Law Dept._____ 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  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 6/1/2023 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Kristin Diotte SUBJECT: Rezoning Ordinance – Hamilton Hill Rezoning to R-2 Two Family Residential Background Information: The Department of Development is requesting the rezone of the Hamilton Hill “R-1” Single-Family Residential District to the “R-2” Two-Family Residential District. The area encompasses the land between Hamilton Street, Schenectady Street, Strong Street, and part of Summit Ave and Mumford Street. Evaluation/Analysis: This area is currently zoned as “R-1” Single-Family Residential; district, this contrasts with what is physically there currently as a large portion of the area is populated by two-family homes. The area surrounding this zone is almost entirely a “R-2” Two-Family Residential District. Of the existing 125 structures in this zone, currently 61 are Two-Family properties and only 54 are Single-Family properties. This would mean that most of the structures that are currently within the zone are out of compliance. By changing this zone to “R-2” Two-Family Residential District, it would reflect the reality of the area in which there are a majority of Two-Family properties. With the zoning the way it is currently, only 55 structures are compliant with the code, only 44% of what is currently there. The change would bring the structures in compliance up to 116, which is 92.8% of what is currently there. In addition, it would allow for more variety of structure improvements on the current 47 vacant parcels in the zone. Recommendation: City Council to pass an ordinance changing the zoning district of 27 (+/-) acres from the R-1 Single- Family Residential District to R-2 Two Family Residential District. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _____Law Dept._____ 35  City of Schenectady NEW YORK CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Room 206, City Hall, Jay Street Schenectady, NY 12305-1938 TO: Council President Marion Portfield Mayor Gary McCarthy Kristin Diotte, Director of Development FROM: Mary Moore Wallinger, Chair, City Planning Commission Christine Primiano, Principal Planner SUBJECT: Rezoning of parcels on Summit Avenue, Strong, Mumford, Schenectady, Paige, and Hamilton Streets from “R-1” Single Family Residential to “R-2” Two Family Residential DATE: May 31, 2023 The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on May 17, 2023 to consider the request from the Department of Development for a recommendation to the City Council to change the zoning of the lands at 556 through 571 Summit Avenue, 730 through 768 Strong Street, 403 through 564 Mumford Street, 634 through 644 Hamilton Street, 404 through 554 Paige Street, and 408 through 546 Schenectady Street, from “R-1” Single Family Residential to “R-2” Two Family Residential. Kristin Diotte presented the existing conditions of the proposed rezoning area and explained that a majority of the parcels are not used as single family residences, that many are two family homes, some owned by the City of Schenectady. The discrepancy in the zoning classification has lead to disinvestment in the neighborhood and is not consistent with the adjacent “R-2” Two Family Residential zoning district. Planning Commission members asked if there is a negative consequence for property owners if the zoning is changed to Two-Family. No negative impacts have been identified by Planning staff. The Planning Commission asked what uses, other than single 36 family and two-family residences, are permitted. Pursuant to Schedule A of Chapter 264 Zoning: community centers, nonprofit cultural facilities, nonprofit institutions of an educational, religious, or philanthropic nature, and religious institutions are all possible uses if granted a Special Use Permit by the Planning Commission. Recommendation: Motion by Commissioner Nadler, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to recommend to the City Council that the zoning be changed from “R-1” Single Family Residential to “R- 2” Two-Family Residential. Motion carried unanimously. 37  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATIVE REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: DATE: June 1, 2023 TO: City Council FROM: Kristin Diotte, Director of Development SUBJECT: 2023-2024 HUD Continuum of Care – Capital District YMCA Background Information: Requesting acceptance of the continuous annual 2023-2024 from HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) for recipient Development at Broadway, LLC, a corporation referred to as Capital District YMCA, 845 Broadway, Schenectady, NY 12305. For rental and administrative cost to address homelessness in the City of Schenectady. Evaluation/Analysis: The City of Schenectady and the Capital District YMCA agree to work together to provide permanent housing in connection with supportive services to homeless people with disabilities and their families. HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) submits funds $80,160.00 (10 bed units-monthly) to support rental costs and includes administrative cost of fifty percent of $4,141.00 ($2,070.50 each to the City of Schenectady and YMCA) administrative services. Recommendation: City Council approve the annual HUD CoC contract for the YMCA allocation and authorize the Mayor or his designee to enter a contract with YMCA for this purpose. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY _______Law Department________ 38  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 06/05/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Demolition of 715 Rankin Avenue Background Information: 715 Rankin Avenue (49.28-2-38.1) is a .84-acre parcel with a blighted warehouse that is non-conforming with the R1 Single Family residential neighborhood. This property has been listed for sale since 2021 but we have received no viable offers. It has been vacant for many years. Working with the City of Schenectady as part of a larger demolition package of distressed properties, the Land Reutilization Corporation of the Capital District (“Land Bank”) will be funding and overseeing the demolition of the property so that Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, Inc. (“Habitat”) can subdivide the lot and build three new single family residential homes. The Land Bank anticipates awarding the demolition project later this month with an estimated cost of $150,000 based on bids received. The funding for the demolition is from the Land Bank’s recent New York State Land Bank Initiative grant award. We recommend that the property be sold for $3,000 to Habitat reflecting that the property will be subdivided into three lots. Sale of this property relives the City of a liability of at least $150,000 (cost to abate asbestos and demo), it helps the surrounding neighborhood by eliminating blight and it provides affordable home ownership opportunities to three more families due to the partnership with Habitat. Habitat, the City and Land Bank will continue to work with adjacent property owners to communicate about the progress of the project and potentially subdivide pieces of the lot that are not needed to build the three new homes if this would improve neighboring parcels and further add value to the overall neighborhood. 39 Evaluation/Analysis: Demolition of this property adds value to surrounding homes, eliminates blight, improves the neighborhood and the environment, while preparing the City for the proposed development of Home Ownership Opportunities through Habitat. Recommendation: City of Schenectady to authorize amendment to the existing Cooperation Agreement between the City and Land Bank to include 715 Rankin Avenue. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 40  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 06/05/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 715 Rankin Avenue Background Information: 715 Rankin Avenue (49.28-2-38.1) is a .84-acre parcel with a blighted warehouse that is non-conforming with the R1 Single Family residential neighborhood. This property has been listed for sale since 2021 but we have received no viable offers. It has been vacant for many years. Working with the City of Schenectady as part of a larger demolition package of distressed properties, the Land Reutilization Corporation of the Capital District (“Land Bank”) will be funding and overseeing the demolition of the property so that Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, Inc. (“Habitat”) can subdivide the lot and build three new single family residential homes. The Land Bank anticipates awarding the demolition project later this month with an estimated cost of $150,000 based on bids received. The funding for the demolition is from the Land Bank’s recent New York State Land Bank Initiative grant award. We recommend that the property be sold for $3,000 to Habitat reflecting that the property will be subdivided into three lots. Sale of this property relives the City of a liability of at least $150,000 (cost to abate asbestos and demo), it helps the surrounding neighborhood by eliminating blight and it provides affordable home ownership opportunities to three more families due to the partnership with Habitat. Habitat, the City and Land Bank will continue to work with adjacent property owners to communicate about the progress of the project and potentially subdivide pieces of the lot that are not needed to build the three new homes if this would improve neighboring parcels and further add value to the overall neighborhood. 41 Evaluation/Analysis: Sale of this property adds value to surrounding homes, eliminates blight, improves the neighborhood and the environment, and saves the City money. Recommendation: City Council to authorize the sale of 715 Rankin Ave to Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $3,000.00. LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 42 43 44  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 06/05/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 1012 Eastern Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91  CITY OF SCHENECTADY LEGISLATION REQUEST FORM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT: City Development & Planning DATE: 06/05/23 TO: COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: Development SUBJECT: Sale of 2315 Van Vranken Avenue Background Information: Evaluation/Analysis: Recommendation: LEGISLATION WILL BE PREPARED BY Development 92  SCHENECTADY CITY COUNCIL Legislative Request Form Committee: Claims Committee Date: Monday, June 05, 2023 From: Andrew Koldin Subject Krystal Paniccia vs. City of Schenectady Background Info: Evaluation/Analysis Recommendation Friday, June 02, 2023 93